Page:Darby - Christianity Not Christendom.djvu/27

 of where Christians had got to. It is relied on for justifying the present state of the church; prelacy it does not justify, it has no trace of such a thing, or of any individual episcopacy, but it does picture the general state, in its germinal principles: but it does not speak of a full redemption and peace; not a word of what Paul teaches of our standing as Christians, nothings nor of the presence of the Holy Ghost; the clergy, and offerings at an appointed place, he insists on, quoting Judaism and the order of an army as a pattern and authority.

Further, Paul’s doctrine as to the Holy Ghost and ministry are so completely ignored as to place these points on ground which obliterates and denies all. Paul’s teaching (xlii.): he says, “The apostles brought us the good news of the gospel from the Lord Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ from God.” Now this ignores the Holy Ghostand the whole of that form of Christianity which resulted from Christ’s exaltation. The blessed Lord says, “I have many things to say to you, but ye cannot bear them now, but when he the Spirit of truth is come he will guide you into all truth.” This Clement wholly ignores. But Paul flatly contradicts Clement’s statement: I neither received it—speaking of the gospel he preached—of man, neither was I taught it, but by. the revelation of Jesus Christ; and this in Galatians i. 2, when he is carefully setting aside any connection with a derivation of office or truth from the apostles. He was sent forth from Antioch, it is expressly said, by the Holy Ghost, and this is so true, that he does not recognize the apostles as sent forth by Christ on earth, but only as gifts from Christ when ascended. (Eph. iv. 10, 11.). “He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things, and he gave some, apostles,”