Robert Rainy
Robert Rainy
Robert Rainy, was a Scottish Presbyterian divine. Rainy Hall in New College, Edinburghis named after him...
NationalityScottish
ProfessionClergyman
Date of Birth1 January 1826
careful celibacy christian fasting great higher life manners marriages martyrdom second separation standard value
For the standard of Christian life was to be strained to a higher pitch; more fasting was required, and more careful separation from the manners and enjoyments of the world; celibacy and martyrdom had great value set upon them, and second marriages were prohibited.
among awakening case connection course forming nations professing territory various
Of course the case of the Christian Church planted among the nations must differ, in various ways, from that of any sect forming in connection with religious awakening in a territory of professing Christianity.
advent claims embody frequent impressive religion revelation
The advent of a new religion, making serious and impressive claims to embody a new revelation from on high, is not a frequent occurrence.
doctrine hierarchy holy meanwhile provided
Meanwhile the Church more and more provided for the doctrine of the Holy Spirit, by practically chaining His influence to the hierarchy and the sacraments.
christians devoted neither people professed
And in times and places where there was not much persecution, people could become and continue Christians who neither were nor professed to be very devoted persons.
applied certain forgiveness novelty principle receive testimony various
The principle that certain sins should not receive the Church's testimony of forgiveness was probably no novelty at all, but had been applied in various churches; perhaps, however, with no strict consistency.
actions arise christians good life modes profession reconcile social tendency
A tendency could not but arise to reconcile with Christian profession a good many modes of life, enjoyments, occupations, social actions and customs, from which the first Christians had recoiled.
earlier employ gifts less pastor presidency
The earlier practice of the Church had been more or less to employ in worship under the presidency of the pastor or pastors, the gifts of the congregation.