The work of the Holy Spirit - pagina 239

:

:

;

THE GOVERNMENT OF THE CHURCH

199

He be present. Hence in the opening of consistory, there is first a petition for the Holy Spirit's presence and leadership; secondly, the confession that the members can do nothing without His presence and thirdly, a pleading of the promises to office-bearers. The prayer reads " Since we are at present assembled in Thy Holy Name, after the example of the apostolic churches, to consult, as our office requires, about those things which may come before us, for the welfare and edification of Thy churches, for which we acknowledge ourselves unfit and incapable, as we are by nature unable of ourselves to think any good, much less to put it into practise, therefore we beseech Thee, O Faithful God and Father, that Thou wilt be pleased to be present with Thy Spirit according to Thy promise, in the midst of our present assembly, to guide us in all truth." In the prayer at the close of the consistory there follows the express giving of thanks that the Holy Spirit was present in the meeting " Moreover, we thank Thee that Thou now hast been present with Thy Holy Spirit in the midst of our assembly, directing our determinations according to Thy will, uniting our hearts in mutual peace and concord. We beseech Thee, O faithful God and Father, plete.

It

can not be held except

liturgical prayer at the

:

—

Thou wilt graciously be pleased to bless our intended labor and effectually to execute Thy begun work always gathering unto Thyself a true church and preserving the same in the pure doctrine and in the right use of Thy holy sacraments, and in a diligent exerthat

;

cise of discipline."

Hence church government signifies First, that King Jesus institutes the

offices

and appoints the

in-

cumbents. Secondly, that the churches submit themselves unconditionally to the

fundamental law of His Word.

Thirdly, that the Holy Spirit

come

assembly to direct the That the Holy Spirit personally may stand behind the president to preside in every meeting." And this saying is so rich in meaning that we would seriously ask, whether it is not yet plain that a mere change of officers deliberations; as Walaeus expressed

in the

it:

"

avails not, so long as the organization itself is not agreeable to the

Word of God.

The question is not whether better 7nen come

but whether the Holy Spirit preside in the assembly not do except the

Word

of

God be

;

in

power,

which He can

the only rule and authority.

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