J - COMMISSION ON CLERICAL SUBSCRIPTION

Summary

1. It should be laid down as a guiding principle in our discussions, that a definite standard of doctrine and an honest subscription to that standard form the safeguard of the liberties of the Church. The standard and the subscriptions taken together, form the fundamental compact between the five parties which compose a National Church—namely the Civil Authorities, the Bishops, the Patrons of Livings, the Incumbents, and the Congregations. This fundamental compact restrains within constitutional limits, the autocratical power of each party, and guarantees to each free action within those limits.

2. For instance, it is in virtue of this fundamental compact, that a patron, having no connection with a congregation, yet appoints its minister—who, once appointed, is fixed in a freehold for life, as the sole responsible minister of that congregation. Would the laity of a Church submit to such a system of patronage if the patrons were not restricted in their choice of incumbents to a class of men bound by honest subscription to a definite or approved standard of doctrine?

3. So also this fundamental compact secures the independence of the patrons, the parish ministers and the congregations against the arbitary power of ecclesiastical superiors. Do away with subscription, and a bishop would be at liberty to impose a private code of doctrine upon his diocese.