As to Episcopacy, I think with Bishop Hall, that it is necessary for the
_well_ or _better_ being of a Church, but not essentially necessary to
its very being itself; and as to High Church principles, or Puseyism, or
Tractarian notions, I go not a single step. I regard them as quite
subversive of the doctrine of Christ; there is not one single point, by
which they are distinguished but, if honestly carried out, must lead to
Romanism. Admit, for example, that in ordination there is conveyed
through the bishop, of necessity, and independent of the state of mind of
the candidate, any grace or virtue or qualification for the spiritually
and graciously discharging the duties of the ministerial office, which is
not conveyed by Presbyterian or Methodistical ordination, and you
arrogate for our Church what neither Scripture on the one hand, nor daily
observation on the other, will substantiate. They may authorize and
commission those who appear to them already qualified, but it is the
Divine Spirit alone, which can fit and qualify with all the gifts and
graces necessary for a due discharge of their important function.