There can be no thraldom on earth like the thraldom of being dependent on a fellow-creature—whether called a priest or a minister—for the spiritual blessings necessary for the salvation of the soul. To be in any measure at the mercy of a fellow-sinner for the bestowment of pardon and absolution from sin, of grace and peace,—to be at the mercy of a man like ourselves for dealing with God on our behalf, and obtaining from God priestly blessings,—this is wholly at variance with that liberty wherewith Christ has made His people free. The spiritual freedom of the believer cannot consist with subjection to or dependence on a man for the bestowment of those blessings which are essential to our peace here and our welfare hereafter. That freedom consists in immediate subjection to Christ, and direct dependence on Him for the grace and the blessing we require; for His service alone is liberty, and dependence on Him alone is freedom.

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