Hierarchy

,—an ecclesiastical establishment, whose principles are pomp, splendour, and revenue. Jesus Christ, the Founder of our religion, on the contrary, preached poverty, humility, equality. Christian Bishops delight and revel in wealth and palaces, yet, departing so wide from its maxims, they are insolent enough to uphold the excellence and orthodoxy of the Christian system. An invention of priestcraft, which, united with statecraft, helps to dazzle and enslave the unhappy, deluded people.