Encyclopedic Dictionary of Bible and Theology

Presbytis (presbytress). This word, in the various forms , presbytera, presbyterissa, is of frequent occurrence in ancient writers, and denotes either the wife of a presbyter or a deaconess in the Church. Sometimes it denotes the matron of a cloister, and an abbess. SEE DEACONESS. Fuente: Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

PRESBYTERY REFORMED The reformed presbytery in Scotland trace their origin as far back as the reformation, and consider themselves, as the only pure Presbyterians since the revolution. They profess to adhere to the solemn league and covenant agreed to by the nation before the restoration, in which they abjure popery and prelacy, and resolve to … Continue reading “PRESBYTERY REFORMED”

presbytery In the early Church, the senate of the bishop who assisted in the rule of the diocese; see presbyter That section of the Church which is set aside for the exclusive use of the clergy. It is separated from the rest of the church by means of a railing, and is also elevated above … Continue reading “Presbytery”

Presbyterium (1.) A name sometimes given to the bema, or inner portion of an ancient church, because it was the place in which the presbyters sat and discharged their functions. SEE CHANCEL. (2.) The name also of the senate formed by the presbyters and deacons of the episcopal residence, with whom the bishop deliberated about … Continue reading “Presbyterium”

PRESBYTERIANS ENGLISH The appellation Presbyterian in England is appropriated to a body of dissenters, who have not any attachment to the Scotch mode of church government any more than to episcopacy among us; and therefore the term Presbyterian is here improperly applied. How this misapplication came to pass cannot be easily determined; but it has … Continue reading “PRESBYTERIANS ENGLISH”

PRESBYTERIANS The title Presbyterian comes from the Greek word which signifies senior or elder, intimating that the government of the church in the New Testament was by presbyteries, that is, by association by presbyteries, that is, by association of ministers and ruling elders, possessed all of equal powers, without any superiority among them, either in … Continue reading “Presbyterians”

Presbyterianism A system of Church government originating with John Calvin . Its basic theory is the parity of all clergymen, holding that the “elder” (presbyteros) and “bishop” (episcopos) are the same. It does not admit, however, of congregational independence, but provides a definite gradation of government. The session governs the congregation; the presbytery, the synod, … Continue reading “Presbyterianism”

Presbyterian Churches The different bodies into which the Presbyterians are divided will here be treated as nearly in the historical relation which they sustain towards each other as it is possible to place them. We begin with the Presbyterians of Scotland, because they are, among all English-speaking nations, the only ones directly allied with the … Continue reading “Presbyterian Churches”

Presbyterian Church USA The first Presbyterian churches in America were established in Virginia, New England, Maryland, and Delaware as early as 1611 , one of the first leaders being Reverend Richard Denton. They were distinctly Calvinistic in doctrine; the Westminster Confession of Faith and the Larger Catechism and Shorter Catechism, adopted in 1729 , were … Continue reading “Presbyterian Church USA”

Presbyterian Church in the United States of Americ The first Presbyterian churches in America were established in Virginia, New England, Maryland, and Delaware as early as 1611 , one of the first leaders being Reverend Richard Denton. They were distinctly Calvinistic in doctrine; the Westminster Confession of Faith and the Larger Catechism and Shorter Catechism, … Continue reading “Presbyterian Church in the United States of Americ”