Digital Logos Edition
Delivered in 1855 before the Presbyterian Historical Society in Philadelphia, What Is Presbyterianism? is an informative discourse on the polity of the Presbyterian Church. Hodge regards Presbyterianism as not “a skillful product of human wisdom; but as a divine institution, founded on the word of God, and as the genuine product of the inward life of the Church.”
“Ruling elders are declared to be the representatives of the people” (Page 16)
“presbyters who minister in word and doctrine are the highest permanent officers of the Church” (Page 36)
“each individual Christian congregation is independent” (Page 6)
“presbyters, who minister in word and doctrine, are the highest government officers of the Church” (Page 6)
“Presbyterianism does not dissolve the bands of authority, and resolve the Church into a mob.” (Page 12)