Chapter I. The Constitution Of The Church. Or Church Polity.

I. Definition of the Church. A. The church, like the family and the state, is an institution of divine appointment. B. The church, unlike the family and the state, is a voluntary society. II. Organization of the Church. 1. The fact of organization. 2. The nature of this organization. 3. The genesis of this organization. III. Government of the Church. 1. Nature of this government in general. A. Proof that the government of the church is democratic or congregational. B. Erroneous views as to church government refuted by the foregoing passages. 2. Officers of the Church. A. The number of offices in the church is two:—first, the office of bishop, presbyter, or pastor; and, secondly, the office of deacon. B. The duties belonging to these offices. C. Ordination of officers. (a) What is ordination? (b) Who are to ordain? 3. Discipline of the Church. IV. Relation of Local Churches to one another. 1. The general nature of this relation is that of fellowship between equals. 2. This fellowship involves the duty of special consultation with regard to matters affecting the common interest. 3. This fellowship may be broken by manifest departures from the faith or practice of the Scriptures, on the part of any church.