Perhaps it may be thought needless to dwell longer on this objection to the doctrine of the proper Ministry of the Church. The other objections, however, which are commonly urged, are of so similar a character as to be partly answered already, by what has been said. It may be useful, nevertheless, to bestow a few more remarks on them. Some who scarcely like to object to the Doctrine of the Ministry in open terms, are given to speak of the “SUCCESSION” as a “carnal” doctrine, though without clearly showing us any other doctrine to supply its place. It would be well for those who lightly adopt such language, if they would weigh its _meaning_, before they make such use of it. If by calling the Succession a “carnal” doctrine, they mean that the doctrine is very different from, and perhaps inconsistent with all that _they_ take to be “spiritual,” there is nothing very fearful in the charge. Only it is scarcely consistent with Christian humility to adopt from Scripture a term of opprobrium, in order to make of it a private use of our own. Such objectors may be reminded that there were some in the Church of Corinth, who took themselves to be “spiritual” enough to dispute the APOSTLE’S directions in some Church matters. And St. Paul replied simply by asserting his Ministerial authority, however “carnal” that might be thought. His words are, “If any think himself to be a prophet, or _spiritual_, let him acknowledge that the things that I write are the commandments of the LORD.” (1 Cor. xiv. 37.) At all events the charge of “carnality” ought to be a little explained, that we may know what meaning to affix to it. In what sense, for instance, the “Doctrine of laying on of hands,” can be called carnal, and not also the doctrine of “Baptism by water?”