Meaning: This quote by Charles Hodge, a prominent 19th-century American theologian, addresses the role of the Reformers in freeing the Church from the control of prelates. It emphasizes that the Reformers, as instruments in the hands of God, did not intend to create chaos and lawlessness within the Church. Instead, they sought to liberate the Church from the oppressive authority of prelates while also advocating for a structured and orderly community of believers.

The term "Reformers" refers to the individuals who played a pivotal role in the Protestant Reformation, a 16th-century movement that sought to challenge and reform the practices and doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church. Figures such as Martin Luther, John Calvin, and Huldrych Zwingli are among the most well-known Reformers who advocated for significant changes within the Church.

Hodge's assertion that the Reformers were "instruments in the hands of God" reflects the belief that their actions were guided by divine providence. From his theological perspective, the Reformers were not acting solely on their own accord but were carrying out a larger divine plan to bring about necessary changes within the Church.

The quote also highlights the specific goal of the Reformers, which was to deliver the Church from "bondage to prelates." In this context, "prelates" refers to the high-ranking ecclesiastical authorities within the Catholic Church, such as bishops and archbishops, who held significant power and influence over the Church and its members. The Reformers sought to challenge the unchecked authority of these prelates and promote a more egalitarian and accountable structure within the Church.

Furthermore, Hodge emphasizes that the Reformers did not seek to create a "tumultuous multitude" within the Church. This suggests that their intention was not to incite anarchy or disorder but rather to establish a sense of order and coherence within the newly reformed Church. The Reformers aimed to create a community of believers who adhered to a common set of principles and doctrines, albeit freed from the oppressive control of prelates.

The quote also addresses the balance between freedom and responsibility within the context of religious belief and practice. Hodge asserts that the Reformers did not advocate for an unrestricted individualism where every person was "free to believe, and free to do what he pleased." Instead, they sought to create a framework of freedom within the Church that was rooted in a shared commitment to specific theological principles and moral guidelines.

In summary, Charles Hodge's quote captures the nuanced approach of the Reformers in challenging the authority of prelates while simultaneously emphasizing the need for order and structure within the reformed Church. It underscores the theological and social complexities of the Protestant Reformation and the broader implications of the Reformers' actions in shaping the trajectory of Christianity.