Consider if you will the history of the Christian church in
the early stages of the development of the New World, specifically the
settlement of Virginia. It was the 1700’s. England colonized this portion of
America, importing its religion of which the Church of England was preeminent. The legal structure for the official Church of
England was set up in 1660, with parishes being set up and one doctrinal
standard established as set by the bishops of England. If you were not properly
ordained and commissioned by the Church of England you could very well lose
your livelihood. Here’s how the Virginian officials put it: “If any other
person pretending himself a minister shall, contrary to this Act, presume to
teach or preach publicly or privately, the Governor & Council are hereby
desired and impowered (sic) to suspend & silence the person so offending.”[1]
Talk about keeping it together!
