The Independent or Congregational theory includes two principles; first, that the governing and executive power in the Church is in the brotherhood; and secondly, that the Church organization is complete in each worshipping assembly, which is independent of every other. Charles Hodge Read Quote
The right of the people to a substantive part in the government of the Church is recognized and sanctioned by the apostles in almost every conceivable way. Charles Hodge Read Quote
Romanists tell us that the Pope is the vicar of Christ; that he is his successor as the universal head and ruler of the Church on earth. If this is so, he must be a Christ. Charles Hodge Read Quote
The Church is everywhere represented as one. It is one body, one family, one fold, one kingdom. It is one because pervaded by one Spirit. We are all baptized into one Spirit so as to become, says the apostle, on body. Charles Hodge Read Quote
There can, therefore, be no doubt that Presbyterians do carry out the principle that Church power vests in the Church itself, and that the people have a right to a substantive part in its discipline and government. Charles Hodge Read Quote
If all Church power vests in the clergy, then the people are practically bound to passive obedience in all matters of faith and practice; for all right of private judgment is then denied. Charles Hodge Read Quote
As the Church is the aggregate of believers, there is an intimate analogy between the experience of the individual believer, and of the Church as a whole. Charles Hodge Read Quote
