CONTENTS.

COMMENTARY ON THE CONFESSION OF FAITH.

 

 

CHAPTER I. — THE HOLY SCRIPTURE.

 

SECTION I teaches—(1.) The light of nature sufficient to leave men without excuse. (2.) Not sufficient to enable any to attain salvation. (3.) Hence God has at differ­ent times made a supernatural revelation of himself to some favoured portion of the race. (4.) This revelation, having been committed to writing, is exclusively embraced in the Holy Scriptures.

SECTIONS II AND III. teach—(1.) That these Holy Scriptures include the Old and the New Testaments and all the particular books named. (2.) The books called "Apocrypha" form no part of the Sacred Canon. (3) All the canonical books were divinely inspired, and hence are an infallible and authoritative rule of faith and practice.

SECTIONS IV. AND V. teach—(l.) The authority of Scripture rests not on the Church, but immediately upon God. (2.) Their internal characteristics, prove the Scriptures to be divine. (3.) Their highest evidence is the direct work of the Spirit on the heart.

SECTION VI teaches—(l.) The Scriptures are a complete rule of faith and practice. (2.) Nothing in the present dispensation is to be added to them or to take their place. (3.) Yet the spiritual illumination of each person by the Holy Ghost is necessary. (4.) Men are left to apply the principles revealed to practical details according to the leadings of Providence.

SECTION VII affirms that the Scriptures are PERSPICUOUS.

SECTION VIII teaches—(1.) That the absolute rule of faith Is the Scripture in the original tongues. (2.) That we possess an essentially pure and reliable text. (3.) That they ought to be translated into the languages of all people.

SECTIONS IX. AND X. teach—(1.) The only infallible rule for the interpretation of Scripture is Scripture itself. (2.) The Scriptures are the supreme judge in all con­troversies respecting religion

 

CHAPTER II. —OF GOD AND OF THE HOLY TRINITY.

 

SECTIONS I AND II. teach—(1~) There is but one living and true God (2.) This God is a free personal Spirit, without bodily parts or passions. (3) He possesses all abso­lute perfections in himself. (4.) He possesses all relative perfections with respect to his creatures. (5.) He Is the self-existent and absolutely independent Supporter, Proprietor, and Disposer of all his creatures.

SECTION III. teaches—(1.) That Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are each equally that one God, and possess in common all the divine perfections.  (2.) That they are three distinct persons although one substance. (3.) That they are distinguished from one another by certain personal properties and modes of operation and of mani­festation—as follows, etc.

 

 

 

CHAPTER III.—OF GOD'S ETERNAL DECREE.

 

SECTIONS 1. AND II. teach-(1.) God has from eternity followed an unchangeable plan in all his works. (2.) This plan comprehends all things and events whatsoever that come to pass. (3.) This plan, as a whole, and in all its parts, is an absolutely sovereign purpose. (4.) This purpose is in reference to all its objects certainly effi­cacious. (5.) It is in all its parts consistent with his own perfections. (6.) it is in all things perfectly consistent with the nature of the creatures severally affected by it.

SECTIONs IlL, IV., AND V. affirm-(1.) That God's eternal purpose determines what individuals shall be effectually called through faith unto salvation, and that the rest shall be condemned for their sl~ (2.) This determination is uxehangeabie. (&) It is not conditioned upon foreseen faith or obedience, but is sovereignly d~ termined by the wise counsel of his own wilL (4.) The ultimate end of his election is the praise of his glorious grace.

SECTION VI. affirms-(1.) That God's all-comprehensive purpose determines all the means and conditions as well as all the ends he has chosen to effect, and that in the logical order the end takes precedence of the means. (2.) That in the matter of human redemption the "end" is the salvation of the elec~the "means', are redemption by Christ, regen~ration, sanctification, etc.  (3.) That hence the "means" are only intended to be applied to those for whom the "end" Is In­tended; i. 6., none but the elect are redeemed by Christ, effectually called, etc., etc.

SECTION VIL affirms-(l.) That the sovereign destination of some to grace involves the sovereign determination to withhold ~ace from the non-elect. (2.) That God treats the non-elect upon principles of strict justice, and condemns them for their sins.

SECTION VIII. teaches that this doctrine is a great inystery, and should be handled

                   with special care                   63

 

 

CHAPTER IY.-OF CREATION9

 

SxCTION L teache~(1.) Neither the elementary substance nor the form of the universe nor of any of its parts is self-existent or eternal,  (~) The Triune God originally created the elementary substances of the universe out of nothing, and arranged all the forms they assume; and recons~ructed this Earth into its present condition in the space of six days. (3.) When finished, all God's works were very good, each after its kin~ (4.) The final end of God in his creation was tile manifestation of his own glory.

SECTION IL teaches-(l.) Man was created immediately by God, and last of all the creatures. (2.) The whole human family has descended from one pair. (3.) God originally created man in his own image-(~) a personal spiri~(b) an intemgent, righteous, and holy spirit, with dominion over the creatures. (4.) God furnished Adam with a moral nature In a perfect state, ~nd a positive revelation of his will. (5.) But while capable of obedience, Adam was left, under a special test, capable

     offalling           '       so

                                        CHAPTER V.~OF PROVIDENC~.

 

SECTION 1. teaches- -(1.) God continues to uphold all his creatures in being, and in the possession and exercise of the qualities and active powers with which he endowed them.  (2.) God directs all the actions of his creatures according to their respective properties and relations. (3.) This providential control extends to all his crea­tures and all their actions. (4.) It is the consistent execution in time of his eternal purpose. (5.) Its final end is the manifestation of his O*n glory.

SECTIONs II. AND IlL teach-(l.) God's providential control over every being and event is certainly efficacious. (2.) As to manner, it is in every case certainly con­sistent with the nature of the agent subject to it. (&) God ordinarily effects Ms purposes through the agency of second causes. (4.) At times, however, immediately by the direct energy of his power.

SECTION IV. teaches-(1.) God not ouly permits sinful acts, but he directs and controls them. (2.) Yet the sinfulness of these actions is only from the sinning agent, and God in no case is either the author or approver of sin.

SECTIONs V., VL, AND VII. teach-(l.) The general providence of God comprehends several distinct systems. (2.) These are subordinated to each other in a certaln order-the general to the special, the physical to the moral, and the moral to the spiritual. (3.) The relation of providence to the gracious influences of the Spirit, and of "common" to "efficacious" graee. (4.) The discipline of God's people. (5.) The judicial abandonment of the reprobate                         91

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I

XX                        CONTENTS.

 

 

CHAPTER VI.-OF THE FALL OF MAN, OF SIN, AND OF THE

PUNISHMENT THEREOF.

 

SE~TIoN I. teaches-(1.) Our first parents being created holy, and endowed with su~­cient knowledge, sinned. (2.) Their sin was eating the forbidden fruit. (3.) They were seduced thereto by Satan. (4.) This sin was, by way of permission, embraccd in the divine plan. (5.) God designed to order it to his qwn glory. The two~1d mystery inyolved in the origin of sin stated and cQnsidered.

SECTION II. teaches-(l.) By this sin they were immediately cut off from communion with God. (2.) And ccnsequently lost all original righteousness. (3.) And became dead in sin and wholly defiled. (4.) This moral corruption e4ends to all faculties and parts of soul and body.

SECTIONS IlL AND IV. teach-(1.) Adam was both the natural and federal head of all mankind. (2.) The penal consequences of his sin are at birth actually inflicted upon all £  lescendants. (3.) Hence they all inherit his moral corruption. (4.) This innate ~epravity is total, involving disinclination and inability for all good, and Inclination to all eviL (5.) From tbis inward state all actual trans­gressions proceed.

~ECTION5 V. AND VL teach-(1.) Innate moral corruption remains in the regenerate as long as they live. (2.) In them it is pardoned for Christ's sake. (3.) It is grad­ually brought into subjection by the Holy Ghost.  (4.) All that remains of it is intrinsically of the nature of sin. (5.) Original sin (i.e., a corrupt habit of soul) is as much a violation of God's law as actual transgression. (6.) All sin, whether

     original or actual, deserves punishment  (7.) All sin is death, unless grace pre­

     ~ent      105

 

 

CHAPTER VII.-O~ ~OD?S COVENANT WITH MAN,

 

S'tCT~Ns L AND II. teach-(1.) Every creature is under an essential and unlimited debt to its Creator. (2.) But the fruition of the Creator by the creature is a mat­ter of sovereign grace. (3.) God has been graciously pleased to offer men and angels a reward upon condition they render an obedience to which they are previously bound. (4.) In this covenant Adam is the representative of his descendants. (5.) The promise of this covenant was life-the condition, perfect obedience.

SECTIONS IlL AND IV.-The Ar~lYnian and Calvinistic views of the Coyenant of Grace contrasted. The Calvinistic view stated and supported with proof.

SECTIONS V. AND VI.-(1.) This covenant, although variously administered, Is one.

     (~) Its manner of administration under the Old Testament stated (3.) Its manner

     of administration under the ~ ew Testament stated         120

 

 

CHAPTER VIII.-OF CHRIST THE MEDIATOR.

 

SECTION 1. teaches-(i. The covenanted Head of the Church is the God-man. (2.) His mediatorial office embraces the three functions of prophet, priest, and king. (3.) As Mediator, Christ is Head of his Church, Heir of all things, and Judge of the world.

SECTION II. teaches-(i.) Christ was true man. (2.) He was absolutely sinless. (3.) He was very God, the second person of the Trinity.  (4.) The God-man was one single person.  (5.) This single personality was that of the Eternal Son of the Father. (6.) The two natures in him continue distinct.

SECTIONS IlL AND IV teaeh-(1.) The human nature of Christ was greatly exalted by the incarnation. (2.) Christ performs all mediatorial actions as God~man. (3.) He acts in virtue of his appointment by the Father. (4.) He assumed it voluntarily. (5.) He acts as Mediator in his estate of exaltation, and (6.) In his estate of humi­liatio~

SECTIONS V. AND VI. teach -(1.) Christ satisfied for his people (a) by his obedience, (')) by his suff~rings. (2.) He fNlly satisfied for them in strict justice. (3.) He secured for them (a) remission of sins, (6) an everlasting inheritance. (4.) The benefits of this redemption are applied to his people by the Holy Ghost.

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                        CONTENTb.                        Xxi

 

SECTION VIL teaches-(L) The properties of each nature of Christ are ex~clsed in all his actions as Mediator. (2,) The person is indifferently designated in the style of either nature, an4 the properties of either ~ature ~e indifferently predicated of the person.

SECTION VIII teaches-(1,.) Christ as mediatorial King applies his redemption to those for whom he purchased it. (2.) lie applies it by (aY intercession, (b) revelation, (c) effectual calling, (d) providences. (3.) He certainly applies ~t to "all those for

     whom he hath purchased it"  133

 

 

CHAPTER I~.-OF FREE WILL.

 

SECTION 1 te~es ~hat man is endowed with a rational and moral power ~ self~eter­mination.

SECTIONS IL, III., IV., AND V. teach the yeculiar conditions of human liberty. (1.) In the estate of original innocence. (~) In the present estate of sin.  (3.) In the ~tate of imperfectly sanctified saints on earth. (4.) In the estate of glory.... 159

 

 

CHAPTER X.-OF EFFECTUAL CALLING.

 

S~CTIoNs I. AND IL teach-(1.) That there is an internal as well as an external call necessary to save men. (2.) Its subjects are the elect only. (3.) The Holy Ghost is sole agent, who effects it by the instrumentality of the truth.  (4.) It con­sists in au effectual act of divine power. (5.) It effects a radical change in the moral condition of the, whole man.

S~CTIoN IlL teaches ~hat infants and others incapable of ~owlng the trut~ ~re re­generated by the Spirit without it.

SECTION IV. teaches-(1.) The non-elect will perish certainly, but only because they freely reject Christ. (2.) Men can be saved only by Christ. (3.) In the case of sane adults, the knowledge of Christ and his work is necessary                168

 

 

CHAPTER XI.-OF JUSTIFICATION.

 

SEOTIONS I. AND II. teach-(1.) All those and only those effectually called are justified. (2.) Justification is a judicial act of God, and is a declaration that the person justi­fied is righteous in the eye of law. (3.) It proceeds upon the imputation of Christ's righteousness. (4.) This imputation is conditioned on faith. (5.) This faith is the gift of Go~ (6.) Faith alo~e, but not faith which is alone, justifies.

SECTION IlL teaches-(1.) That justification proceeds upon the' full legal satisfaction rendered by Christ. (2.) It is nevertheless a stupendous exercise of free grace.

SECTION IV. teaches that the elect are never justified until they believe in Christ.

SEcrIONS V. AND VL teach-(1.) That justified men, although they may temporarily fall under God's displeasure because of sin, will never be finally abandoned. (2.) The Old Testament believers were justified upon the same principles as modern

      believers      179

 

 

CHAPTER XII.-OF ADOPTIOM.

TIlE relation of regeneration, faith, justification, sanctification, and adoption                  The

   elements sad co~sequences of adoption 191

 

 

CHAPTER XIII.~OF SANCTIFICATION.

 

Tuis chapter teaches (1.) The gracious principle implanted in regeneration is gradually developed in sanctification. (2.) Sanctification is both negative an~ positive. (3.) It involves the entire man. (4.) It is never perfect in this life. (5.) ~cvertheless,

     through grace it shall never fail    194

p

XXii                        CONTENTS.

                        CHAPTER XIV.~OF SAVING FAITH.

 

SAVING faith define& SECTION I. teaches-(1.) That saving faith is the work of the Holy Ghost (2.) by means of the Word, (3.) and strengthene4 by~the use of the sacr~ ments and prayer.

SECTION IL teaches-(1.) Saving faith rests upon the truth Qf God speaking In the Wor~ (2.) It embraces all the contents of the Wor4. (~) It is a complex state of mind varying with its objects. (4.) The specific

      eludes (a) assent, (b) trust,      act of faith which justifies in-

SECTION III. teaches-(1.) True faith varies in different persons In degree, and in the same person at different times. (2.) It is asss,iled an4 often enfeebled, but always gains the victory. (3.) In time it grows up to the 'x4eas~re, of full assurance . 202

 

 

 

CHAPTER XV.-OF REPENTANCE ~NTO LIFE,

 

SEcTIONs I. AND II. teach-(1.) True repentance rests on (a) sense of guilt and pollu­tion, (b) apprehension of mercy in Christ. (2.) It consists In (a) hatred of sin, (b) turning unto God, (c) an en4eavour after new obedience. (&) It is both a duty and a grace. (4.) It should be falthfully preached.

SECTIONS III., IV., AND V. teach-(1.) There Is no merit In repentance.  (2.) The greatest sin when repented of will be forgiyen. (3.) We should repent of the sin­fulness of our nature, and of every sinful act in particular.

SECTION VI. teaches~(1.) That every man should make private confession of sin to Go~ (2.) Should confess injuries to the person injured, and public offences to the Church. (3.) Christians should forgive all repentant offen4ers            210

 

 

 

CHAPTER XVI,-OF GOOD WORKS,

 

SECTIONS I. AND II. teach-. (1.) Every work in order to be good (a) must be com­manded; (b) must spring from a good motive. (2. The effects of good works are various, and as follow.

SECTION III. teache~(1.) The ability to produce good works is wholly from Go~ (2.) Continuous sanctifying as well as regenerative grace is nee4e4. (~) Xeverthe­less we must exert ourselves and use means thereto

SECTIONS IV., V., AND VI. teach-(1.) Wori~ ~f "supererogation" are Impossible. (2.) The best works of believers are imperfect. (8.) They are nevertheless accepted through Christ, and rewarded for his sake.

SECTION VII. teaches- (1.) Works of unregenerate men may be good relatively to their fellows. (2.) But relatively to God they are all irreligious and unaccept­

      able      220

 

 

CHAPTER XVII.-OF THE PERSEVERANCE OF THE SAINTS.

 

THIS Chapter t9aches-(l.) The true believer can never finally fall away.  (2.) The ground of this certain perseverance is not in the believer, but in the purpose, promise, and grace of God.  (3.) The true believer may, however, fall tempo­radly: the occasions and effects of which falls are as follow               232

 

 

 

CHAPTER XVIII.-OF ASSURANCE O~ GRACE AND SALVATION.

 

SECTIONS 1. AND II. teach-(1.) There Is a false assurance which disappoints. (2.) There is a true assurance amounting to an infallible certainty.  (3.) It rests (a) upon the divine truth of the promises, (')) upon the inward evidence of grace, (c) upon the witness of the Spirit.

                        CONTENTS.                        XXIII

 

SECTIONS IlL AND IV. teach-(1.) This assurance Is not of the essence of fslth. (2.) It is attainable, and should be sought as a great advantage.  (3.) May be lost in divers ways. (4.) The true believer Is never allowed finally to fall into despair, and

      assurance once lost may be revived  238

 

 

CHA~TER kIX.-OF THE LAW OF GOD.

 

SECTIONS I. AND IL teach- (1.) Man was created a moral agent, subject to a moral law of absolute perfection. (2.) God put Adam; th~ natural head Of the human race, under trial of obedience for a special probationary period. (3.) This law, since the fall, is not the condition of salvation, but continues the standard of life and char­acter. (4.) It is summarily comprehended in the Ten Commandments.

SECTIONS IlL, IV., AND V. teach-(l.) God gave the Jews also a ceremonial law. (2.) Also a system of judicial laws. (3.) Both these have ceas'ed to be in force in ~e C~ristian dispensation. (4.) On the other hand, the moral law continues in unabated force.

SECTIONs VL ANb VII. teach-(l.) Since the fall, no m~n cab be saved by the law. (2.) Believers are not under the law as a condition of sal~ation.  (3.) Neverthe­less the law is bf manifold uses under the gos~el, as follows               248

 

 

 

CHAPTER Xk.-OF OHRISTIAN LIBERTY AND LIBERTY OF CONSCrENCE.

 

SECTION 1. teaches-(l.) Christian liberty is common to all believers in all ages, and includes (a) deliverance from the guilt of sin, (b) and from the bondage of corrup­tion, (c) peace with God, (d) deliverance from the bondage of Satan, (e) and of afflictions and death, (f,) and of the grave. (2.) This liberty is greater under the new than under the old dispensation.

SECTIONS II., III., AND IV. teach-(1.) God alone Is Lord of the conscience. (2.) His will is revealed only in Scripture. (3.) Hence either to require or to yield belief to the doctrines of men is treason to God. (4.) Christian liberty has, however, its due e~d and ijimits.  (5.) God has established both Church and State, and requires obedience to each. (6.) The Church has a divine right of exercising government and discipline                                                          260

 

 

 

CHAPTER XXI.-OF RELIGIOUS WORSHIP A~D ~HE SABBATH-DAY.

 

SECTIONS L AND IL teach~(l.) The obligation of worship is a dictate of nature. (2.) Scripture prescribes how we shOuld worship God, and all man - prescribed methods are sinfuL (3.) The~ Father, S-on, and Holy Gho~t the only proper object of worship, and all worship must be offered through Christ. (4.) Worship of saints and angels unlawful.

SECTIONS IlL AND IV. teach-(i.) ~rayer is a ~rinc'ipal part of worship. (2.) It should be offered for all men. (3.) The conditions of acceptable prayer as follow. (4.) The object of prayer as follows.

SECTIONS V. AND VI. teach of public, family, and private worship, etc.

SECTIONS VII. AND VIIL teach of the law of the Sabbath and the proper method of

     Its observance 270

 

 

 

CHAPTER XXII.-OF LAWFUL OATHS AND VOWS.

 

SF£TIONS L, IL, IlL, AND IV. teach-(l.) The nature of a la~ul oath. (2.) The only Name in which it is lawful to swear. (3.) The propriety of taking oaths upon lawful occasions. (4.) The sense in which an oath is to be interpreted  (5.) The extent and grounds of its obligation.

SECTIONS V., VL, AND VIL teach of the nature and obligations of a vow   286

XXIV                       CONTENTS.

                 CHAPTER XXIII.-OF TH~ CIVIL MAGISTRATE.

 

SECTIONS 1. AND II. teach-(1.) Civil government originates, not with the peopi~ but with God: this provel (2.) The proximate ~nd, the good of the community: the ultimate end, the glory of Go~ (g.) C~hristian magistrates should promote piety, etc. (4.) It is lawful for Christians to be magistrates. (5.) Justifiable war is lawful.

SECTIONS III. AND IV. teach, in opposition to Romish and Erastian error, that the State and the Church are not to interfere with one another              293

 

 

 

 

OHAPTER XXIV.-OF MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE.

 

SECTIONS L, IL, AND IlL teach-(1.) Marriage Is a divine institutioij, and a religious as well as a civil contract. (2.) The ends of the institution are as follow. (3.) Law­ful only between one woman and one man at a time. (4.) Marriage lawful for all men, and good. (5.) Persons of different religions should not intermarry.

SECTIONS IV., V., AND VI. teach the divine law-(1.) As to INCEsT.  (2.) As to

      DIVORCE      301

 

 

 

 

CHAPTER XXV.-OF THE CHURCH.

 

SECTIONS 1., IL, AND IlL teach - (1.) The scriptural doctrine as to th~ invisible catholic Church. (2.) As to the visible catholic Church. (3.) That this catholic visible Church is endowed with the means of grace. (4.) That out of it Is no ordinary possibility of salvation.

SECTIONS IV., V., AND VL teach-(1.) That the visible catholic Church vavies in purity

      and visibility at different times and places. (2.) That it can never fail     (3.) That

      Christ is the only Head of the Church 310

 

 

 

 

CHAPTER XXVI.-OF COMMUNION OF SAINTS.

 

Tills chapter teaches~(1.) Of the union of Christ and his people. (2.) Of his conse­

      quent fellowship with them.  (3.) Of their 31nion with one another       (4.) Their

      consequent fellowship. (5.) Their mutual duties         321

 

 

 

 

CHAPTER XXVII.-OF THE SACRAMENTS.

 

SECTIONS L AND IL teach-(1.) A sacrament is an ordinance instituted by Christ. (2.) It consists of (a) a visible sign; (b) an inward, spiritual grace, signified by it. (3.) The nature and consequents of the sacramental union between the sign and the grace.  (4.) The sacraments are designed "to represent, seal, and apply" the benefits of Christ to believers. (5.) And to be badges of our profession.

SECTION III. teaches-(1.) That the virtue of the sacrament is not inherent. (2.) That It does not depend updn the piety or "intention" of the administrator. (3.) But upon (a) the divine appointment, (b) the sovereign grace of the Holy Ghost.

SECTION IV. teaches that there are only two sacraments.

SE&~TIoN V. teaches that the sacrai~ents of the old and the new dispensations are su~

      stantially the same     327

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                        CONTENTS.                        XXV

 

 

CHAPTER XXVIII.-OF BAPTISM

 

SEcTIONS I., IL, AND III. teach-(1.) Baptism is a New Testament sacrament. (2~) I~ is a washing with water in the name of the Trinity. (3.) Its design is to signify and seal our ingrafting into Christ and our engagement to be his.

SECTION IV. teaches that not only professors of religion, "but also the infants' of one or both believing parents, are to be baptized."

SECTIONS V., VL, AND VII. teach-(l.) Baptism is not essential to salvation. (2.') Its observanqe, however, a duty. (3.) Its efficacy is not tied down t6 the moment of appllcation. (4.) To be administered but once                         33~

 

 

 

CHAPTER XXIX.-OF THE LORD'S SUPPER.

 

SEcTION L tesches-(l.) Of the time and the person by whom this 'ordinance was insti­tuted. (~) Of its perpetual obligation. (3.) Of its design and effect.

SECTIONS IL, IlL, IV., V., AND VI. teach the true doctrine in opposition to the follow mg errors: (1. Transubstantiation. (2.) Sacrifice of the mass. (3.) The elevation and worship of the elements. (4.) Denying the cup to the laity. (5.) Private coni­munion.

SEcTIONs VIL AND VIII. teach-(l.) The relation between the bread and wine and the flesh and blood of Christ only moral. (2.) Christ's body is present only virtually. (3.) Believers feed on him only through faith, (4.) Precisely as they do at othet

                        times                        355

 

 

 

ChAPTER XXX.-OF CHURCH CENSURES.

 

SECTION L teaches-(l.) Christ has appointed a government for the Church, (2.) which is distinct from that of the State.

SECTIONS II., III., AND IV. teach-(1.) As to the nature and extent of church power.

                        (2.) As to the ends of discipline'                        (3.) As to the methods through which it should

                        be administered                        36b'

 

 

 

CHAPTER XXXI.-OF SYNODS AND OOUNCILS.~

 

SECTION L teaches of synods and ceuncils, and the tight of church officers to call them. S~TIONs II., IlL, AND IV. teach-(1.) The classes of subjects falling under the juris­diction of synods and councils. (2.) The grounds of their binding power. (3.) The extent to which submission to their decisions is a duty                 373

 

 

 

CHAPTER XXXII.—OF THE STATE OF MEN AFTER DEATH, AND OF THE RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD.

 

SECTION I. teaches—(l.) Man consists of soul and body. (2.) In death the body de­composes, and the soul of the believer (a) is at once made perfect, (b) continues conscious and happy, (c) is with Christ.  (d) The souls of the wicked are in con­scious misery with the devil (e) These conditions are irreversible. (f) Romish doctrine as to purgatory, etc., disproved.

SECTIONS II. AND III. teach—(l.) There is to be a simultaneous resurrection of the just and of the unjust.  (2.) Those then living are to be changed.  (3.) The identical bodies laid in the grave to be raised. (4.) The "animal" bodies of the saints to be made "spiritual." (5.) The bodies of the unjust to be raised to dishonour.

 

 

CHAPTER XXXIII.-OF THE LAST JUDGMENT

 

SECTIONS. I AND II teach—(1.) God has appointed a day of general judgment. (2.) He has committed the judgment to the Mediator. (3.) The persons to be judged in­clude angels and the whole human race. (4.) It is to reach to thoughts and feel­ings as well as to words and deeds. (5.) It will vindicate the justice and display the grace of God. (6.) The righteous are to be exalted to eternal honour and felicity. (7.) The ungodly are to be remanded to conscious misery and dishonour for all eternity.

SECTION III. teaches—(l.) Of the certainty of the fact, but (2.) of the uncertainty of the time of the judgment, and of the designed effect of this uncertainty