Contents

« Prev The Westminster Confession of Faith, A.D. 1647.… Next »

THE WESTMINSTER CONFESSION OF FAITH. A.D. 1647.

Confessio Fidei Westmonasteriensis.

[The English text is taken from the second edition which appeared under the title, 'The Humble | Advice | of the | Assembly | of | Divines, | now by Authority of Parliament | sitting at Westminster, | concerning | a Confession of Faith: | with the Quotations and Texts of | Scripture annexed. Presented by them lately to both Houses of Parliament. | Printed at London; | and | reprinted at Edinburgh by Evan Tyler, Printer to | the Kings most Excellent Majestie. 1647.' The spelling and punctuation are conformed to modern usage.

The changes of the American revision, which occur chiefly in Ch. XXIII., relating to the Civil Magistrate, and in Ch. XXXI., relating to Synods and Councils, are inserted in their proper places, and marked by italics. Minor changes are indicated in footnotes.

The Latin translation of the Westminster Confession and Catechisms by G. D. (see Preface) appeared first at Cambridge, 1656 (also 1659); at Edinburgh, 1694, etc.; and at Glasgow, 1660), under the title, 'Confessio Fidei | in Conventu theologorum authoritate | Parliamenti Anglicani indicto | Elaborata; | eidem Parliamento postmodum | Exhibita; | Quin et ab eodem, deindeque ab Ecclesia Scoticana | Cognita et Approbata; | und cum | Catechismo | duplici, Majori, Minorique; | E Sermone Anglicano summa cum fide | in Litinum versa. Cantabrigiæ: excudebat Johannes Field, celeberrimæ Academiæ typographus.']

Confession of Faith. Confessio Fidei.
Chapter I. Cap. I.
Of the Holy Scripture. De Scriptura Sacrosancta.
I. Although the light of nature, and the works of creation and providence, do so far manifest the goodness, wisdom, and power of God, as to leave men inexcusable;846846Rom. ii. 14, 15; i. 19, 20; Psa. xix. 1–3; Rom. i. 32; ii. 1. yet are they not sufficient to give that knowledge of God, and of his will, which is necessary unto salvation;8478471 Cor. i. 21; ii. 13, 14. therefore it pleased the Lord, at sundry times, and in divers manners, to reveal himself, and to declare that his will unto his Church;848848Hebrews 1:1. and afterwards, for the better preserving and propagating of the truth, and for the more sure establishment and comfort of the Church against the corruption of the flesh, and the malice I. Quanquam naturæ lumen, operaque Dei cum Creationis tum Providentiæ, bonitatem ejus, sapientiam, potentiamque eo usque manifestant, ut homines vel inde reddantur inexcusabiles:849849Rom. ii. 14, 15; i. 19, 20; Psa. xix. 1–3; Rom. i. 32; ii. 1. eam tamen Dei, voluntatisque divinæ cognitionem, quæ porro est ad salutem necessaria, nequeunt nobis ingenerare.8508501 Cor. i. 21; ii. 13, 14. Quocirca Domino complacitum est, variis quidem modis vicibusque Ecclesiæ suæ semetipsum revelare, suamque hanc voluntatem patefacere;851851Hebrews 1:1. sed et eandem omnem postea literis consignare, quo et veritati suæ tam conservandæ quam propagandæ melius consuleret, nec Ecclesia sua contra carnis corruptelam, contra malitiam mundi
601
of Satan and of the world, to commit the same wholly unto writing;852852Prov. xxii. 19–21; Luke i. 3, 4; Rom. xv. 4; Matt. iv. 4, 7, 10; Isa. viii. 19, 20. which maketh the holy Scripture to be most necessary;8538532 Tim. iii. 15; 2 Pet. i. 19. those former ways of God's revealing his will unto his people being now ceased.854854Heb. i. 1, 2. Satanæque, præsidio foret ac solatio destituta.855855Prov. xxii. 19–21; Luke i. 3, 4; Rom. xv. 4; Matt. iv. 4, 7, 10; Isa. viii. 19, 20. Unde factum est, ut, postquam pristini illi modi, quibus olim populo suo Deus voluntatem suam revelabat, jam desiverint,8568562 Tim. iii. 15; 2 Pet. i. 19. Scriptura Sacra sit maxime necessaria.857857Heb. i. 1, 2.
II. Under the name of holy Scripture, or the Word of God written, are now contained all the Books of the Old and New Testament, which are these: II. Sacræ Scripturæ, nomine, seu Verbi Dei scripti continentur hodie omnes illi libri tam Veteris quam Novi Instrumenti,858858[So the Cambridge eds. of 1656 and 1659. The Edinb. ed. reads Testamenti.] nempe quorum inferius subsequuntur nomina.
Of the Old Testament. Veteris Testamenti.
Genesis. Ecclesiastes. Genesis. Ecclesiastes.
Exodus. The Song of Songs. Exodus. Canticum Canticorum.
Leviticus. Isaiah. Leviticus. Isaias.
Numbers. Jeremiah. Numeri. Jeremias.
Deuteronomy. Lamentations. Deuteronomium. Lamentationes.
Joshua. Ezekiel. Josua. Ezechiel.
Judges. Daniel. Judices. Daniel.
Ruth. Hosea. Ruth. Hosea.
I. Samuel. Joel. Samuelis 1. Joel.
II. Samuel. Amos. Samuelis 2. Amos.
I. Kings. Obadiah. Regum 1. Obadias.
II. Kings. Jonah. Regum 2. Jonas.
I. Chronicles. Micah. Chronicorum 1. Micheas.
II. Chronicles. Nahum. Chronicorum 2. Nahum.
Ezra. Habakkuk. Ezra. Habucuc.
Nehemiah. Zephaniah. Nehemias. Zephanias.
Esther. Haggai. Esther. Haggæus.
Job. Zechariah. Job. Zacharias.
Psalms. Malachi. Psalmi. Malachias.
Proverbs.   Proverbia.  
Of the New Testament. Novi autem.
The Gospels according to Evangelium secundem
Matthew, Luke, Matthæum, Lucam,
Mark, John. Marcum, Johannem.
602
The Acts of the To Timothy II. Acta apostolorum.  
Apostles. To Titus.   Titum.
Paul's Epistles to the To Philemon. Pauli espistolæ ad Philemonem.
Romans. The Epistle to the Romanos. Epist. ad Hebræos.
Corinthians I. Hebrews. Corinthios I. II.  
Corinthians II. The Epistle of James.   Jacobi Epistola.
Galatians. The First and Second Galatas. Petri Epist. I. II.
Ephesians. Epistles of Peter. Ephesios.  
Philippians. The First, Second, and Philippenses. Johan. Epist. I. II.
Colossians. Third Epistles of Collossenses. III.
Thessalonians I. John. Thessalonicens I. II.  
Thessalonians II. The Epistle of Jude.   Judæ Epistola.
To Timothy I. The Revelation. Timotheum I. II. Apocalypsis.
All which are given by inspiration of God, to be the rule of faith and life.859859Luke xvi. 29, 31; Eph. ii. 20; Rev. xxii. 18, 19; 2 Tim. iii. 16. Qui omnes divina inspiratione dati sunt in Fidei vitæque regulam.860860Luke xvi. 29, 31; Eph. ii. 20; Rev. xxii. 18, 19; 2 Tim. iii. 16.
III. The books commonly called Apocrypha, not being of divine inspiration, are no part of the Canon of the Scripture; and therefore are of no authority in the Church of God, nor to be any otherwise approved, or made use of, than other human writings.861861Luke xxiv. 27, 44; Rom. iii. 2; 2 Pet. i. 21. III. Libri Apocryphi, vulgo dicti, quum non fuerint divinitus inspirati, Canonem Scripturæ nullatenus constituunt; proindeque nullam aliam authoritatem obtinere debent in Ecclesia Dei, nec aliter quam alia humana scripta, sunt aut approbandi aut adhibendi.862862Luke xxiv. 27, 44; Rom. iii. 2; 2 Pet. i. 21.
IV. The authority of the holy Scripture, for which it ought to be believed and obeyed, dependeth not upon the testimony of any man or church, but wholly upon God (who is truth itself), the Author thereof; and therefore it is to be received, because it is the Word of God.8638632 Pet. i. 19, 21; 2 Tim. iii. 16; 1 John v. 9; 1 Thess. ii. 13. IV. Authoritas Scripturæ sacræ propter quam ei debetur fides et observantia, non ab ullius aut hominis aut Ecclesiæ pendet testimonio, sed a solo ejus authore Deo, qui est ipsa veritas: eoque est a nobis recipienda, quoniam est Verbum Dei.8648642 Pet. i. 19, 21; 2 Tim. iii. 16; 1 John v. 9; 1 Thess. ii. 13.
V. We may be moved and induced by the testimony of the V. Testimonium Ecclesiæ efficere quidem potest ut de Scriptura sacra
603
Church to an high and reverent esteem of865865[Am. ed. for.] the holy Scripture;8668661 Tim. iii. 15. and the heavenliness of the matter, the efficacy of the doctrine, the majesty of the style, the consent of all the parts, the scope of the whole (which is to give all glory to God), the full discovery it makes of the only way of man's salvation, the many other incomparable excellencies, and the entire perfection thereof, are arguments whereby it doth abundantly evidence itself to be the Word of God; yet, notwithstanding, our full persuasion and assurance of the infallible truth, and divine authority thereof, is from the inward work of the Holy Spirit, bearing witness by and with the Word in our hearts.8678671 John ii. 20, 27; John xvi. 13, 14; 1 Cor. ii. 10–12; Isa. lix. 21. quam honorifice sentiamus;8688681 Tim. iii. 15. materies insuper ejus cœlestis, doctrinæ vis et efficacia, styli majestas, partium omnium consensus, totiusque scopus (ut Deo nempe omnis gloria tribuatur), plena denique quam exhibet unicæ ad salutem viæ commonstratio, præter alias ejus virtutes incomparabiles, et perfectionem summam, argumenta sunt quibus abunde se Verbum Dei et luculenter probat; nihilominus tamen plena persuasio et certitudo de ejus tam infallibili veritate, quam authoritate divina non aliunde nascitur quam ab interna operatione Spiritus Sancti, per verbum et cum verbo ipso in cordibus nostris testificantis.8698691 John ii. 20, 27; John xvi. 13, 14; 1 Cor. ii. 10–12; Isa. lix. 21.
VI. The whole counsel of God, concerning all things necessary for his own glory, man's salvation, faith, and life, is either expressly set down in Scripture, or by good and necessary consequence may be deduced from Scripture: unto which nothing at any time is to be added, whether by new revelations of the Spirit, or traditions of men.8708702 Tim. iii. 15–17; Gal. i. 8, 9; 2 Thess. ii. 2. Nevertheless we acknowledge the inward illumination of the Spirit of God to be necessary for the saving VI. Consilium Dei universum de omnibus quæ ad suam ipsius gloriam, quæque ad hominum salutem, fidem, vitamque sunt necessaria, aut expresse in Scriptura continetur, aut consequentia bona et necessaria derivari potest a Scriptura; cui nihil deinceps addendum est, seu novis a spiritu revelationibus, sive traditionibus hominum.8718712 Tim. iii. 15–17; Gal. i. 8, 9; 2 Thess. ii. 2. Internam nihilominus illuminationem Spiritus Dei ad salutarem eorum perceptionem, quæ in Verbo Dei
604
understanding of such things as are revealed in the Word;872872John vi. 45; 1 Cor. ii. 9, 10, 12. and that there are some circumstances concerning the worship of God, and government of the Church, common to human actions and societies, which are to be ordered by the light of nature and Christian prudence, according to the general rules of the Word, which are always to be observed.8738731 Cor. xi. 13, 14; xiv. 26, 40. revelantur, agnoscimus esse necessariam:874874John vi. 45; 1 Cor. ii. 9, 10, 12. quin etiam nonnullas esse circumstantias cultum Dei spectantes et Ecclesiæ regimen, iis cum humanis actionibus et societatibus communes, quæ naturali lumine ac prudentia Christiana secundum generales verbi regulas (perpetuo quidem illas observandas) sunt regulandæ.8758751 Cor. xi. 13, 14; xiv. 26, 40.
VII. All things in Scripture are not alike plain in themselves, nor alike clear unto all;8768762 Pet. iii. 16. yet those things which are necessary to be known, believed, and observed, for salvation, are so clearly propounded and opened in some place of Scripture or other, that not only the learned, but the unlearned, in a due use of the ordinary means, may attain unto a sufficient understanding of them.877877Psa. cxix. 105, 130. VII. Quæ in Scriptura continentur non sunt omnia æque aut in se perspicua, aut omnibus hominibus evidentia,8788782 Pet. iii. 16. ea tamen omnia quæ ad salutem necessaria sunt cognitu, creditu, observatu, adeo perspicue, alicubi saltem in Scriptura, proponuntur et explicantur, ut eorum non docti solum, verum indocti etiam ordinariorum debito usu mediorum, sufficientem assequi possint intelligentiam.879879Psa. cxix. 105, 130.
VIII. The Old Testament in Hebrew (which was the native language of the people of God of old), and the New Testament in Greek (which at the time of the writing of it was most generally known to the nations), being immediately inspired by God, and by his singular care and providence kept pure in all ages, are therefore authentical;880880Matt. v. 18. so as in all controversies VIII. Instrumentum Vetus Hebræa lingua (antiqua Dei populo nempe vernacula) Novum autem Græca (ut quæ apud Gentes maxime omnium tunc temporis, quum scriberetur illud, obtinuerat), immediate a Deo inspirata, ejusque cura et Providentia singulari per omnia huc usque secula pura et intaminata custodita, ea propter sunt authentica.881881Matt. v. 18. Adeo sane ut ad
605
of religion the Church is finally to appeal unto them.882882Isa. viii. 20; Acts xv. 15; John v. 39, 46. But because these original tongues are not known to all the people of God who have right unto, and interest in the Scriptures, and are commanded, in the fear of God, to read and search them,883883John v. 39. therefore they are to be translated into the vulgar language of every nation unto which they come,8848841 Cor. xiv. 6, 9,11, 12, 24, 27, 28. that the Word of God dwelling plentifully in all, they may worship him in an acceptable manner,885885Col. iii. 16. and, through patience and comfort of the Scriptures, may have hope.886886Rom. xv. 4. illa ultimo in omnibus de religione controversiis Ecclesia debeat appellare.887887Isa. viii. 20; Acts xv. 15; John v. 39, 46. Quoniam autem Originales istæ linguæ non sunt toti Dei populo intellectæ (Quorum tamen et jus est ut scripturas habeant, et interest plurimum, quique eas in timore Dei legere jubentur et perscrutari)888888John v. 39. proinde sunt in vulgarem cujusque Gentis, ad quam pervenerint linguam transferendæ,8898891 Cor. xiv. 6, 9,11, 12, 24, 27, 28. ut omnes, verbo Dei opulenter in ipsis habitante, Deum grato acceptoque modo colant,890890Col. iii. 16. et per patientiam ac consolationem Scripturarum spem habeant.891891Rom. xv.4.
IX. The infallible rule of interpretation of Scripture is the Scripture itself; and therefore, when there is a question about the true and full sense of any Scripture (which is not manifold, but one), it must892892[Am. ed. may.] be searched and known by other places that speak more clearly.8938932 Pet. i. 20, 21; Acts xv. 15; [Am. John v. 46.] IX. Infallibilis Scripturam interpretandi regula est Scriptura ipsa. Quoties igitur cunque oritur quæstio de. vero plenoque Scripturæ cujusvis sensu (unicus ille est non multiplex), ex aliis locis, qui apertius loquuntur, est indagandus et cognoscendus.8948942 Pet. i. 20, 21; Acts xv. 15; [Am. John v. 46.]
X. The Supreme Judge, by which all controversies of religion are to be determined, and all decrees of councils, opinions of ancient writers, doctrines of men, and private spirits, are to be examined, and in whose sentence we are to rest, can X. Supremus judex, a quo omnes de religione controversiæ sunt determinandæ, omnia Conciliorum decreta, opiniones Scriptorum Veterum, doctrinæ denique hominum, et privati quicunque Spiritus sunt examinandi, cujusque sententia tenemur
606
be no other but the Holy Spirit speaking in the Scripture.895895Matt. xxii. 29, 31; Eph. ii. 20; Acts xxviii. 25. nemur acquiescere, nullus alius esse potest, præter Spiritum Sanctum in Scriptura pronunciantem.896896Matt. xxii. 29, 31; Eph. ii. 20; Acts xxviii. 25.
Chapter II. Cap. II.
Of God, and of the Holy Trinity. De Deo et Sacro-sancta Trinitate.
I. There is but one only897897Deut. vi. 4; 1 Cor. viii. 4, 6. living and true God,8988981 Thess. i. 9; Jer. x. 10. who is infinite in being and perfection,899899Job xi. 7, 8, 9; xxvi. 14. a most pure spirit,900900John iv. 24. invisible,9019011 Tim. i. 17. without body, parts,902902Deut. iv. 15, 16; John iv. 24; Luke xxiv. 39. or passions,903903Acts xiv. 11, 15. immutable,904904James i. 17; Mal. iii. 6. immense,9059051 Kings viii. 27; Jer. xxiii. 23, 24. eternal,906906Psa. xc. 2; 1 Tim. i. 17. incomprehensible,907907Psa. cxlv. 3. almighty,908908Gen. xvii. 1; Rev. iv. 8. most wise,909909Rom. xvi. 27. most holy,910910Isa. vi. 3; Rev. iv. 8. most free,911911Psa. cxv. 3. most absolute,912912Exod. iii. 14. working all things according to the counsel of his own immutable and most righteous will,913913Eph. i. 11. for his own glory;914914Prov. xvi. 4; Rom. xi. 36; [Am. ed. Rev. iv. 11] . most loving,9159151 John iv. 8, 16. gracious, merciful, longsuffering, abundant in goodness and truth, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin;916916Exod. xxxiv. 6, 7. the rewarder of them that diligently seek him;917917Heb. xi. 6. and withal most just and terrible in his judgments;918918Neh. ix. 32, 33. I. Unus est unicusque,919919Deut. vi. 4; 1 Cor. viii. 4, 6. vivens ille et verus Deus:9209201 Thess. i. 9; Jer. x. 10. qui idem est essentia et perfectione infinitus,921921Job xi. 7, 8, 9; xxvi. 14. Spiritus purissimus,922922John iv. 24. invisibilis,9239231 Tim. i. 17. sine corpore, sine partibus,924924Deut. iv. 15, 16; John iv. 24; Luke xxiv. 39. sine passionibus,925925Acts xiv. 11, 15. immutabilis,926926James i. 17; Mal. iii. 6. immensus,9279271 Kings viii. 27; Jer. xxiii. 23, 24. æternus,928928Psa. xc. 2; 1 Tim. i. 17. incomprehensibilis,929929Psa. cxlv. 3. omnipotens,930930Gen. xvii. 1; Rev. iv. 8. summe sapiens,931931Rom. xvi. 27. summe sanctus,932932Isa. vi. 3; Rev. iv. 8. liberrimus,933933Psa. cxv. 3. maxime absolutus;934934Exod. iii. 14. operans omnia secundum consilium immutabilis suæ ac justissimæ voluntatis,935935Eph. i. 11. ad suam ipsius gloriam;936936Prov. xvi. 4; Rom. xi. 36; [Am. ed. Rev. iv. 11]. idemque summa benignitate,9379371 John iv. 8, 16. gratia, misericordia, et longanimitate; bonitate abundans et veritate; condonans iniquitatem, transgressionem et peccatum;938938Exod. xxxiv. 6, 7. studiose quærentium ipsum remunerator;939939Heb. xi. 6. sed et in judiciis suis justissimus idem ac tremendus maxime;940940Neh. ix. 32, 33.
607
hating all sin,941941Psa. v. 5, 6. and who will by no means clear the guilty. .942942Nahum i. 2, 3; Exod. xxxiv. 7. peccatum omne perosus,943943Psa. v. 5, 6. et qui sontem nullo unquam absolvet modo.944944Nahum i. 2, 3; Exod. xxxiv. 7.
II. God hath all life,945945John v. 26. glory,946946Acts vii. 2. goodness,947947Psa. cxix. 68. blessedness,9489481 Tim. vi. 15; Rom. ix. 5. in and of himself; and is alone in and unto himself allsufficient, not standing in need of any creatures which he hath made,949949Acts xvii. 24, 25. nor deriving any glory from them,950950Job xxii. 2, 23. but only manifesting his own glory in, by, unto, and upon them: he is the alone foundation of all being, of whom, through whom, and to whom are all things;951951Rom. xi. 36. and hath most sovereign dominion over them, to do by them, for them, or upon them whatsoever himself pleaseth.952952Rev. iv. 11; 1 Tim. vi. 15; Dan. iv. 25, 35. In his sight all things are open and manifest;953953Heb. iv. 13. his knowledge is infinite, infallible, and independent upon the creature;954954Rom. xi. 33, 34; Psa. cxlvii. 5. so as nothing is to him contingent or uncertain.955955Acts 15:18; Ezeck. xi. 5. He is most holy in all his counsels, in all his works, and in all his commands.956956Psa. cxlv. 17; Rom. vii. 12. To him is due from angels and men, and every other creature, whatsoever worship, service, or obedience, he is pleased to require of them.957957Rev. v. 12–14. II. Omnem vitam,958958John v. 26. omnem gloriam,959959Acts vii. 2. bonitatem,960960Psa. cxix. 68. beatitudinemque9619611 Tim. vi. 15; Rom. ix. 5. omnem in sese habet et a seipso Deus; qui solus in se sibique est ad omnia sufficiens; creaturarum, quas ipse condidit, nullius egens,962962Acts xvii. 24, 25. nec gloriam ab eis derivans ullam,963963Job xxii. 2, 23. verum in iis, per eas, iis ipsis, ac super eas propriam ipsius gloriam tantummodo manifestans. Is omnis entitatis fans est unicus, a quo, per quem et ad quem omnia;964964Rom. xi. 36. summumque in ea dominium habet, ac per illa, pro illis, in illa pro suo arbitrio quidlibet agendi potestatem.965965Rev. iv. 11; 1 Tim. vi. 15; Dan. iv. 25, 35. In conspectu ejus aperta sunt omnia ac manifesta;966966Heb. iv. 13. scientia ejus infinita est, infallibilis, atque a creatura independens,967967Rom. xi. 33, 34; Psa. cxlvii. 5. adeo ut illi contingens incertumve nihil sit;968968Acts 15:18; Ezeck. xi. 5. in omnibus ejus consiliis, operibus et mandatis est sanctissimus.969969Psa. cxlv. 17; Rom. vii. 12. Quicquid cultus, quicquid officii, quicquid obsequii ab Angelis illi, ab hominibus, aut a quavis creatura exigere placet, id illi omne jure optimo debetur.970970Rev. v. 12–14.
III. In the unity of the Godhead III. In Deitatis unitate personæ
608
head there be three persons, of one substance, power, and eternity: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost.9719711 John v. 7; Matt. iii. 16, 17; xxviii. 19; 2 Cor. xiii. 14. The Father is of none, neither begotten nor proceeding; the Son is eternally begotten of the Father;972972John i. 14, 18. the Holy Ghost eternally proceeding from the Father and the Son.973973John xv. 26; Gal. iv. 6. tres sunt unius ejusdemque essentiæ, potential ac æternitatis; Deus Pater, Deus Filius, ac Deus Spiritus Sanctus.9749741 John v. 7; Matt. iii. 16, 17; xxviii. 19; 2 Cor. xiii. 14. Pater quidem a nullo est, nec genitus nempe nec procedens: Filius autem a Patre est æterne genitus:975975John i. 14, 18. Spiritus autem Sanctus æterne procedens a Patre Filioque.976976John xv. 26; Gal. iv. 6.
Chapter III. Cap. III.
Of God's Eternal Decree.977977[Am. ed. decrees.] De æterno Dei Decreto.
I. God from all eternity did, by the most wise and holy counsel of his own will, freely and unchangeably ordain whatsoever comes to pass;978978Eph. i. 11; Rom. xi. 33; Heb. vi. 17; Rom. ix. 15,18. yet so as thereby neither is God the author of sin,979979James i. 13,17; 1 John i. 5; [Am. ed. Eccl. vii. 29]. nor is violence offered to the will of the creatures, nor is the liberty or contingency of second causes taken away, but rather established.980980Acts ii. 23; Matt. xvii. 12; Acts iv. 27, 28; John xix. 11; Prov. xvi. 33. I. Deus, e sapientissimo sanctissimoque consilio voluntatis suæ, libere ac immutabiliter, quicquid unquam evenit, ab omni æterno ordinavit;981981Eph. i. 11; Rom. xi. 33; Heb. vi. 17; Rom. ix. 15,18. ita tamen, id inde nec author peccati evadat Deus,982982James i. 13,17; 1 John i. 5; [Am. ed. Eccl. vii. 29]. nec voluntati creaturarum sit vis illata, neque libertas aut contingentia causarum secundarum ablata sit, verum potius stabilita.983983Acts ii. 23; Matt. xvii. 12; Acts iv. 27, 28; John xix. 11; Prov. xvi. 33.
II. Although God knows whatsoever may or can come to pass upon all supposed conditions,984984Acts xv. 18; 1 Sam. xxiii. 11, 12; Matt. xi. 21, 23. yet hath he not decreed any thing because he foresaw it as future, or as that which would come to pass upon such conditions.985985Rom. ix. 11,13,16,18. II. Quamvis omnia cognoscat Deus, quæ suppositis quibusvis conditionibus sunt eventu possibilia;986986Acts xv. 18; 1 Sam. xxiii. 11, 12; Matt. xi. 21, 23. non tamen ideo quicquam decrevit quoniam illud præviderat aut futurum, aut positis talibus conditionibus eventurum.987987Rom. ix. 11,13,16,18.
III. By the decree of God, for the manifestation of his glory, III. Deus, quo gloriam suam manifestaret, nonnullos hominum
609
some men and angels9889881 Tim. v. 21; Matt. xxv. 41. are predestinated unto everlasting life, and others foreordained to everlasting death.989989Rom. ix. 22, 23; Eph. i. 5, 6; Prov. xvi. 4. ac Angelorum9909901 Tim. v. 21; Matt. xxv. 41. decreto suo ad æternam vitam prædestinavit, alios autem ad mortem æternam præordinavit.991991Rom. ix. 22, 23; Eph. i. 5, 6; Prov. xvi. 4.
IV. These angels and men, thus predestinated and foreordained, are particularly and unchangeably designed; and their number is so certain and definite that it can not be either increased or diminished.9929922 Tim. ii. 19; John xiii. 18. IV. prædestinati illi et præordinati homines Angelique, particulariter sunt ac immutabiliter designati, certusque illorum est ac definitus numerus, adeo ut nec augeri possit nec imminui.9939932 Tim. ii. 19; John xiii. 18.
V. Those of mankind that are predestinated unto life, God, before the foundation of the world was laid, according to his eternal and immutable purpose, and the secret counsel and good pleasure of his will, hath chosen in Christ, unto everlasting glory,994994Eph. i. 4, 9, 11; Rom. viii. 30; 2 Tim. i. 9; 1 Thess. v. 9. out of his mere free grace and love, without any foresight of faith or good works, or perseverance in either of them, or any other thing in the creature, as conditions, or causes moving him thereunto;995995Rom. ix. 11, 13, 16; Eph. i, 4, 9. and all to the praise of his glorious grace.996996Eph. i. 6, 12. V. Qui ex humano genere sunt ad vitam prædestinati, illos Deus ante jacta mundi fundamenta, secundum æternum suum ac immutabile propositum, secretumque voluntatis suæ consilium et beneplacitum, elegit in Christo ad æternam gloriam,997997Eph. i. 4, 9, 11; Rom. viii. 30; 2 Tim. i. 9; 1 Thess. v. 9. idque ex amore suo et gratia mere gratuita; nec fide, nec bonis operibus, nec in his illave perseverantia, sed neque ulla alia re in creatura, prævisis, ipsum tanquam causis aut conditionibus ad id moventibus;998998Rom. ix. 11, 13, 16; Eph. i, 4, 9. quo totum nempe in laudem cederet gloriosæ suæ gratiæ.999999Eph. i. 6, 12.
VI. As God hath appointed the elect unto glory, so hath he, by the eternal and most free purpose of his will, foreordained all the means thereunto.100010001 Pet. i. 2; Eph. i. 4, 5; ii. 10; 2 Thess. ii. 13. Wherefore they who are elected, being fallen in VI. Quemadmodum autem Deus electos ad gloriam destinavit, sic omnia etiam quibus illam consequantur media præordinavit, voluntatis suæ proposito æterno simul et liberrimo.100110011 Pet. i. 2; Eph. i. 4, 5; ii. 10; 2 Thess. ii. 13. Quapropter electi, postquam
610
Adam, are redeemed by Christ,100210021 Thess. v. 9, 10; Tit. ii. 14. are effectually called unto faith in Christ by his Spirit working in due season; are justified, adopted, sanctified,10031003Rom. viii. 30; Eph. i. 5; 2 Thess. ii. 13. and kept by his power through faith unto salvation.100410041 Pet. i. 5. Neither are any other redeemed by Christ, effectually called, justified, adopted, sanctified, and saved, but the elect only.10051005John xvii. 9; Rom. viii. 28 to the end; John vi. 64, 65; viii. 47; x. 26; 1 John ii. 19. lapsi essent in Adamo, a Christo sunt redempti;100610061 Thess. v. 9, 10; Tit. ii. 14. per Spiritum ejus opportuno tempore operantem, ad fidem in Christum vocantur efficaciter; justificantur, sanctificantur,10071007Rom. viii. 30; Eph. i. 5; 2 Thess. ii. 13. et potentia ipsius per fidem custodiuntur ad salutem.100810081 Pet. i. 5. Nec alii quivis a Christo redimuntur, vocantur efficaciter justificantur, adoptantur, sanctificantur et salvantur, præter electos solos.10091009John xvii. 9; Rom. viii. 28 to the end; John vi. 64, 65; viii. 47; x. 26; 1 John ii. 19.

VII. The rest of mankind God was pleased, according to the unsearchable counsel of his own will, whereby he extendeth or withholdeth mercy as he pleaseth, for the glory of his sovereign power over his creatures, to pass by, and to ordain them to dishonor and wrath for their sin, to the praise of his glorious justice.10101010Matt. xi. 25, 26; Rom. ix. 17, 18, 21, 22; 2 Tim. ii. 19, 20; Jude 4; 1 Pet. ii. 8.

VII. Reliquos humani generis Deo placuit secundum consilium voluntatis suæ inscrutabile {quo misericordiam pro libitu exhibet abstinetve) in gloriam supremæ suæ in creaturas potestatis, præterire; eosque ordinare ad ignominiam et iram pro peccatis suis, ad laudem justitiæ suæ gloriosæ.10111011Matt. xi. 25, 26; Rom. ix. 17, 18, 21, 22; 2 Tim. ii. 19, 20; Jude 4; 1 Pet. ii. 8.

VIII. The doctrine of this high mystery of predestination is to be handled with special prudence and care,10121012Rom. ix. 20; xi. 33; Deut. xxix. 29. that men attending the will of God revealed in his Word, and yielding obedience thereunto, may, from the certainty of their effectual vocation, be assured of their eternal election.101310132 Pet. i. 10. So shall this doctrine afford matter of praise, reverence, and admiration of God;10141014Eph. i. 6; Rom. xi. 33. and of humility, diligence, and abundant consolation

VIII. Doctrina de sublimi hoc prædestinationis mysterio non sine summa cura et prudentia tractari debet,10151015Rom. ix. 20; xi. 33; Deut. xxix. 29. quo nimirum homines, dum voluntati Dei in verbo ejus revelatæ advertant animos, eique debitam exhibeant obedientiam, de efficaci sua vocatione certiores facti, ad æternæ suæ electionis assurgere possint certitudinem.101610162 Pet. i. 10. Ita demum suppeditabit hæc doctrina laudandi, reverendi, admirandique Deum argumentum,10171017Eph. i. 6; Rom. xi. 33. quin etiam humilitatis,

611
to all that sincerely obey the gospel.10181018Rom. xi. 5, 6, 20; 2 Pet. i. 10; Rom. viii. 33; Luke x. 20. diligentiæ et consolationis copiosæ omnibus sincere obedientibus evangelio.10191019Rom. xi. 5, 6, 20; 2 Pet. i. 10; Rom. viii. 33; Luke x. 20.
Chapter IV. Cap. IV.
Of Creation. De Creatione.
I. It pleased God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,10201020Heb. i. 2; John i. 2, 3; Gen. i. 2; Job xxvi. 13; xxxiii. 4. for the manifestation of the glory of his eternal power, wisdom, and goodness,10211021Rom. i. 20; Jer. x. 12; Psa. civ. 24; xxxiii. 5, 6. in the beginning, to create or make of nothing the world, and all things therein, whether visible or invisible, in the space of six days, and all very good.10221022Gen. ch. i.; Heb. xi. 3; Col. i. 16; Acts xvii. 24. I. Deo, Patri, Filio et Spiritui sancto, complacitum est,10231023Heb. i. 2; John i. 2, 3; Gen. i. 2; Job xxvi. 13; xxxiii. 4. quo æternæ suæ cum potentiæ tum sapientiæ bonitatisque gloriam manifestaret,10241024Rom. i. 20; Jer. x. 12; Psa. civ. 24; xxxiii. 5, 6. mundum hunc, et quæ in eo continentur universa tam visibilla quam invisibilia, in principio intra sex dierum spatium creare, seu ex nihilo condere, atque omnia quidem bona valde.10251025Gen. ch. i.; Heb. xi. 3; Col. i. 16; Acts xvii. 24.
II. After God had made all other creatures, he created man, male and female,10261026Gen. i. 27. with reasonable and immortal souls,10271027Gen. ii. 7; Eccles. xii. 7; Luke xxiii. 43; Matt. x. 28. endued with knowledge, righteousness, and true holiness, after his own image,10281028Gen. i. 26; Col. iii. 10; Eph. iv. 24. having the law of God written in their hearts,10291029Rom. ii. 14, 15. and power to fulfill it;10301030Eccles. vii. 29. and yet under a possibility of transgressing, being left to the liberty of their own will, which was subject unto change.10311031Gen. iii. 6; Eccles. vii. 29. Beside this law written in their hearts, they received a command not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good II. Postquam omnes alias creaturas condidisset Deus, creavit hominem marem et fœminam,10321032Gen. i. 27. animabus inditis rationalibus ac immortalibus,10331033Gen. ii. 7; Eccles. xii. 7; Luke xxiii. 43; Matt. x. 28. imbutos cognitione, justitia, veraque sanctitate, ad suam ipsius imaginem,10341034Gen. i. 26; Col. iii. 10; Eph. iv. 24. habentes in cordibus suis inscriptam Divinam legem,10351035Rom. ii. 14, 15. simul et eandem implendi vires;10361036Eccles. vii. 29. non tamen sine quadam violandi possibilitate; libertati siquidem permissi erant voluntatis suæ haud immutabilis.10371037Gen. iii. 6; Eccles. vii. 29. Præter autem hanc in cordibus eorum inscriptam legem de non comedendo ex arbore scientiæ boni malique
612
and evil; which while they kept they were happy in their communion with God,10381038Gen. ii. 27; iii. 8–11, 23. and had dominion over the creatures.10391039Gen. i. 26, 28; [Am. ed. Psa. viii. 6–8]. mandatum insuper acceperunt; quod certe quam diu observabant, communione Dei beati erant,10401040Gen. ii. 27; iii. 8–11, 23. dominiumque habebant in creaturas.10411041Gen. i. 26, 28; [Am. ed. Psa. viii. 6–8].
Chapter V. Cap. V.
Of Providence. De Providentia.
God, the great Creator of all things, doth uphold,10421042Heb. i. 3. direct, dispose, and govern all creatures, actions, and things,10431043Dan. iv. 34, 35; Psa. cxxxv. 6; Acts xvii. 25, 26, 28; Job, chaps. xxxviii. xxxix. xl. xli. from the greatest even to the least,10441044Matt. x. 29–31; [Am. ed. Matt. vi. 26, 30]. by his most wise and holy providence,10451045Prov. xv. 3; [Am. ed. 2 Chron. xvi. 9]; Psa. civ. 24; cxlv. 17. according to his infallible foreknowledge10461046Acts xv. 18; Psa. xciv. 8–11. and the free and immutable counsel of his own will,10471047Eph. i. 11; Psa. xxxiii. 10, 11. to the praise of the glory of his wisdom, power, justice, goodness, and mercy.10481048Isa. lxiii. 14; Eph. iii. 10; Rom. ix. 17; Gen. xlv. 7; Psa. cxlv. 7. I. Magnus ille rerum omnium creator Deus sapientissima sua et sanctissima simul providentia10491049Heb. i. 3. creaturas, actiones, resque10501050Dan. iv. 34, 35; Psa. cxxxv. 6; Acts xvii. 25, 26, 28; Job, chaps. xxxviii. xxxix. xl. xli. a maximis usque ad minimas10511051Matt. x. 29–31; [Am. ed. Matt. vi. 26, 30]. universas sustentat,10521052Prov. xv. 3; [Am. ed. 2 Chron. xvi. 9]; Psa. civ. 24; cxlv. 17. dirigit, ordinat, gubernatque secundum infallibilem suam præscientiam,10531053Acts xv. 18; Psa. xciv. 8–11. et voluntatis suæ consilium liberum ac immutabile,10541054Eph. i. 11; Psa. xxxiii. 10, 11. ad laudem gloriæ sapientiæ suæ, potentiæ, justitiæ, bonitatis, ac misericordiæ.10551055Isa. lxiii. 14; Eph. iii. 10; Rom. ix. 17; Gen. xlv. 7; Psa. cxlv. 7.
II. Although in relation to the foreknowledge and decree of God, the first cause, all things come to pass immutably and infallibly,10561056Acts ii. 23. yet by the same providence he ordereth them to fall out, according to the nature of second causes, either necessarily, freely, or contingently.10571057Gen. viii. 22; Jer. xxxi. 35; Exod. xxi. 13; Deut. xix. 5; 1 Kings xxii. 28, 34; Isa. x. 6, 7. II. Quamvis respectu præscientiæ ac decreti Dei (causæ primæ) omnia immutabiliter atque infallibiliter eveniant,10581058Acts ii. 23. per eandem tamen ille providentiam eadem ordinat evenire necessario, libere, aut contingenter, pro natura causarum secundarum.10591059Gen. viii. 22; Jer. xxxi. 35; Exod. xxi. 13; Deut. xix. 5; 1 Kings xxii. 28, 34; Isa. x. 6, 7.
III. God, in his ordinary providence, maketh use of means,10601060Acts xxvii. 31, 44; Isa. lv. 10, 11; Hos. ii. 21, 22. yet is free to work without,10611061Hos. i. 7; Matt. iv. 4; Job xxxiv. 10. III. Deus in providentia sua ordinaria mediis utitur,10621062Acts xxvii. 31, 44; Isa. lv. 10, 11; Hos. ii. 21, 22. iis tamen non astringitur, quo minus absque eis,10631063Hos. i. 7; Matt. iv. 4; Job xxxiv. 10.
613
above,10641064Rom. iv. 19–21. and against them, at his pleasure.106510652 Kings vi. 6; Dan. iii. 27. supra10661066Rom. iv. 19–21. aut etiam contra ea pro arbitrio suo operetur.106710672 Kings vi. 6; Dan. iii. 27.
IV. The almighty power, unsearchable wisdom, and infinite goodness of God so far manifest themselves in his providence that it extendeth itself even to the first fall, and all other sins of angels and men,10681068Rom. xi. 32–34; 2 Sam. xxiv. 1; 1 Chron. xxi. 1; 1 Kings xxii. 22, 23; 1 Chron. x. 4, 13, 14; 2 Sam. xvi. 10; Acts ii. 23; iv. 27, 28. and that not by a bare permission,10691069Acts xiv. 16. but such as hath joined with it a most wise and powerful bounding,10701070Psa. lxxvi. 10; 2 Kings xix. 28. and otherwise ordering and governing of them, in a manifold dispensation, to his own holy ends;10711071Gen. l. 20; Isa. x. 6, 7, 12. yet so as the sinfulness thereof proceedeth only from the creature, and not from God; who, being most holy and righteous, neither is nor can be the author or approver of sin.107210721 James i. 13, 14, 17; 1 John. ii. 16; Psa. l. 21. IV. Omnipotentem Dei potentiam, sapientiam inscrutabilem, bonitatemque infinitam providentia ejus eo usque manifestat, ut vel ad primum lapsum, omniaque reliqua peccata, seu hominum sint sive angelorum, se extendat;10731073Rom. xi. 32–34; 2 Sam. xxiv. 1; 1 Chron. xxi. 1; 1 Kings xxii. 22, 23; 1 Chron. x. 4, 13, 14; 2 Sam. xvi. 10; Acts ii. 23; iv. 27, 28. neque id quidem permissione nuda,10741074Acts xiv. 16. verum cui conjuncta est sapientissima potentissimaque eorum limitatio,10751075Psa. lxxvi. 10; 2 Kings xix. 28. ac aliusmodi ad sanctos sibi propositos fines dispensatione multiplici ordinatio et gubernatio;10761076Gen. l. 20; Isa. x. 6, 7, 12. ita tamen ut omnis eorum vitiositas a sola proveniat creatura, a Deo neutiquam, qui sanctissimus quum sit justissimusque neque est, nec esse quidem potest peccati autor aut approbator.107710771 James i. 13, 14, 17; 1 John. ii. 16; Psa. l. 21.
V. The most wise, righteous, and gracious God doth oftentimes leave for a season his own children to manifold temptations and the corruption of their own hearts, to chastise them for their former sins, or to discover unto them the hidden strength of corruption and deceitfulness of their hearts, that they may be humbled;107810782 Chron. xxxii. 25, 26, 31; 2 Sam. xxiv. 1. and to raise them to a more close and constant V. Sapientissimus, justissimus, et gratiosissimus idem Deus, sæpenumero filios suos tentationibus multifariis, suorumque cordium corruptioni ad tempus permittit; quo ob admissa prius peccata castiget eos, vel corruptionis iis detegat vim occultam, cordiumque suorum fraudulentiam ut humilientur;107910792 Chron. xxxii. 25, 26, 31; 2 Sam. xxiv. 1. quoque eos excitet ad strictam magis et constantem a seipso proferendis suppetiis
614
dependence for their support unto10801080[Am. ed. upon.] himself, and to make them more watchful against all future occasions of sin, and for sundry other just and holy ends.108110812 Cor. xii. 7–9; Psa. lxxiii. throughout; lxxvii. 1–10, 12; Mark xiv. 66 to the end; John xxi. 15–17. dependentiam; Quo denique adversus onmes occasiones peccati de futuro reddat cautiores. Sed et ob alios etiam varios fines, justos sanctosque sibi propositos.108210822 Cor. xii. 7–9; Psa. lxxiii. throughout; lxxvii. 1–10, 12; Mark xiv. 66 to the end; John xxi. 15–17.
VI. As for those wicked and ungodly men whom God, as a righteous judge, for former sins, doth blind and harden,10831083Rom. i. 24, 26, 28; xi. 7, 8. from them he not only withholdeth his grace, whereby they might have been enlightened in their understandings and wrought upon in their hearts,10841084Deut. xxix. 4. but sometimes also withdraweth the gifts which they had,10851085Matt. xiii. 12; xxv. 29. and exposeth them to such objects as their corruption makes occasion of sin;10861086Deut. ii. 30; 2 Kings viii. 12, 13. and withal, gives them over to their own lusts, the temptations of the world, and the power of Satan;10871087Psa. lxxxi. 11, 12; 2 Thess. ii. 10–12. whereby it comes to pass that they harden themselves, even under those means which God useth for the softening of others.10881088Exod. vii. 3; viii. 15, 32; 2 Cor. ii. 15, 16; Isa. viii. 14; 1 Pet. ii. 7, 8; Isa. vi. 9, 10; Acts xxviii. 26, 27. VI. Quod scelestos illos spectat impiosque homines, quos Deus, ut justus judex, ob peccata præcedentia excæcat induratque;10891089Rom. i. 24, 26, 28; xi. 7, 8. eis ille non solum gratiam suam non impertit, qua ipsis cum illuminari intellectus, tum affici corda potuissent;10901090Deut. xxix. 4. sed interdum subtrahit eis quibus imbuti erant dona,10911091Matt. xiii. 12; xxv. 29. et ipsos exponit illiusmodi objectis, unde corruptio eorum arripit sibi peccandi occasiones;10921092Deut. ii. 30; 2 Kings viii. 12, 13. simulque tradit eos suis ipsorum concupiscentiis et tentationibus mundi, et potestati Satanæ;10931093Psa. lxxxi. 11, 12; 2 Thess. ii. 10–12. ex quo fit ut seipsos ipsi indurent, et quidem sub iisdem mediis quibus utitur Deus ad alios emolliendos.10941094Exod. vii. 3; viii. 15, 32; 2 Cor. ii. 15, 16; Isa. viii. 14; 1 Pet. ii. 7, 8; Isa. vi. 9, 10; Acts xxviii. 26, 27.
VII. As the providence of God doth, in general, reach to all creatures, so, after a most special manner, it taketh care of his Church, and disposeth all things to the good thereof.109510951 Tim. iv. 10; Amos ix. 8, 9; Rom. viii 28; Isa. xliii. 3–5,14. VII. Providentia Dei sicut ad omnes creaturas universali modo se extendit; ita modo plane peculiari Ecclesiæ suæ curam gerit, ac in ejus bonum disponit universa.109610961 Tim. iv. 10; Amos ix. 8, 9; Rom. viii 28; Isa. xliii. 3–5,14.
615
Chapter VI. Cap. VI.
Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment thereof. De hominis lapsu, de peccato ejusque pœna.
I. Our first parents, being seduced by the subtilty and temptation of Satan, sinned in eating the forbidden fruit.10971097Gen. iii. 13; 2 Cor. xi. 3. This their sin God was pleased, according to his wise and holy counsel, to permit, having purposed to order it to his own glory.10981098Rom. xi. 32. I. Primi parentes, Satanæ subtilitate ac tentatione seducti, fructus vetiti esu peccaverunt.10991099Gen. iii. 13; 2 Cor. xi. 3. Hoc eorum peccatum secundum sapiens suum sanctumque consilium Deo placuit permittere, non sine proposito illud ad suam ipsius gloriam ordinandi.11001100Rom. xi. 32.
II. By this sin they fell from their original righteousness and communion with God,11011101Gen. iii. 6–8; Eccles. vii. 29; Rom. iii. 23. and so became dead in sin,11021102Gen. ii. 17; Eph. ii. 1; [Am. ed. Rom. v. 12]. and wholly defiled in all the faculties and parts of soul and body.11031103Tit. i. 15; Gen. vi. 5; Jer. xvii. 9; Rom. iii. 10–19. II. Hoc illi peccato, justitia sua originali et communione cum Deo exciderunt;11041104Gen. iii. 6–8; Eccles. vii. 29; Rom. iii. 23. itaque facti sunt in peccato mortui,11051105Gen. ii. 17; Eph. ii. 1; [Am. ed. Rom. v. 12]. atque in omnibus facultatibus ac partibus animæ corporisque penitus contaminati.11061106Tit. i. 15; Gen. vi. 5; Jer. xvii. 9; Rom. iii. 10–19.
III. They being the root of all mankind,11071107Gen. i. 27, 28; ii. 16, 17; Acts xvii. 26; Rom. v. 12, 15–19; 1 Cor. xv. 21, 22, 45, 49. the guilt of this sin was imputed, and the same death in sin and corrupted nature conveyed to all their posterity descending from them by ordinary generation.11081108Psa. li. 5; Gen. v. 3; Job xiv. 4; xv. 14. III. Quumque illi fuerint radix totius humani11091109Gen. i. 27, 28; ii. 16, 17; Acts xvii. 26; Rom. v. 12, 15–19; 1 Cor. xv. 21, 22, 45, 49. generis, hujusce peccati reatus fuit imputatus, eademque in peccato mors ac natura corrupta propagata, omnibus illorum posteris, quotquot ab iis ordinaria quidem generatione procreantur.11101110Psa. li. 5; Gen. v. 3; Job xiv. 4; xv. 14.
IV. From this original corruption, whereby we are utterly indisposed, disabled, and made opposite to all good,11111111Rom. v. 6; vii. 18; viii. 7; Col. i. 21; [Am. ed. John iii. 6]. and wholly inclined to all evil,11121112Gen. vi. 5; viii. 21; Rom. iii. 10–12. do proceed all actual transgressions.11131113James i. 14, 15; Eph. ii. 2, 3; Matt. xv. 19. IV. Ab hac originali labe (qua ad omne bonum facti sumus inhabiles prorsus ac impotentes, eique plane oppositi,11141114Rom. v. 6; vii. 18; viii. 7; Col. i. 21; [Am. ed. John iii. 6]. ad malum autem omne proclives penitus)11151115Gen. vi. 5; viii. 21; Rom. iii. 10–12. proveniunt omnia peccata actualia.11161116James i. 14, 15; Eph. ii. 2, 3; Matt. xv. 19.
V. This corruption of nature, V. Hæc naturæ corruptio durante
616
during this life, doth remain in those that are regenerated;111711171 John i. 8, 10; Rom. vii. 14, 17, 18, 23; James iii. 2; Prov. xx. 9; Eccles. vii. 20. and although it be through Christ pardoned and mortified, yet both itself and all the motions thereof are truly and properly sin.11181118Rom. vii. 5, 7, 8, 25; Gal. v. 17. hac vita manet etiam in regenitis;111911191 John i. 8, 10; Rom. vii. 14, 17, 18, 23; James iii. 2; Prov. xx. 9; Eccles. vii. 20. et quamvis per Christum et condonata sit et mortificata; nihilo minus tam ipsa, quam ejus motus universi vere sunt ac proprie peccata.11201120Rom. vii. 5, 7, 8, 25; Gal. v. 17.
VI. Every sin, both original and actual, being a transgression of the righteous law of God, and contrary thereunto,112111211 John iii. 4. doth, in its own nature, bring guilt upon the sinner,11221122Rom. ii. 15; iii. 9, 19. whereby he is bound over to the wrath of God11231123Eph. ii. 3. and curse of the law,11241124Gal. iii. 10. and so made subject to death,11251125Rom. vi. 23. with all miseries spiritual,11261126Eph. iv. 18. temporal,11271127Rom. viii. 20; Lam. iii. 39. and eternal.11281128Matt. xxv. 41; 2 Thess. i. 9. VI. Peccatum omne cum originale tum actuale, quum justæ Dei legis transgressio sit eique contraria,112911291 John iii. 4. peccatori suapte natura reatum infert,11301130Rom. ii. 15; iii. 9, 19. quo ad iram Dei,11311131Eph. ii. 3. ac maledictionem legis11321132Gal. iii. 10. subeundam obligatur, adeoque redditur obnoxius morti11331133Rom. vi. 23. simul et miseriis omnibus spiritualibus,11341134Eph. iv. 18. temporalibus,11351135Rom. viii. 20; Lam. iii. 39. ac æternis.1136113610 Matt. xxv. 41; 2 Thess. i. 9.
Chapter VII. Cap. VII.
Of God's Covenant with Man. De fœdere Dei cum nomine.
I. The distance between God and the creature is so great that although reasonable creatures do owe obedience unto him as their Creator, yet they could never have any fruition of him as their blessedness and reward but by some voluntary condescension on God's part, which he hath been pleased to express by way of covenant.11371137Isa. xl. 13–17; Job ix. 32, 33; 1 Sam. ii. 25; Psa. c. 2, 3; cxiii. 5, 6; Job xxii. 2, 3; xxxv. 7, 8; Luke xvii. 10; Acts xvii. 24, 25. I. Tanta est inter deum et creaturam distantia, ut licet creaturæ rationales obedientiam illi ut creatori suo debeant, nullam tamen fruitionem ejus tanquam suæ beatitudinis ac præmii habere unquam potuissent, ni voluntaria fuisset aliqua ex parte Dei condescentio; quam ipsi exprimere placuit icto fœdere.11381138Isa. xl. 13–17; Job ix. 32, 33; 1 Sam. ii. 25; Psa. c. 2, 3; cxiii. 5, 6; Job xxii. 2, 3; xxxv. 7, 8; Luke xvii. 10; Acts xvii. 24, 25.
II. The first covenant made with II. Primum fœdus cum hominibus
617
man was a covenant of works,11391139Gal. iii. 12; [Am. ed. Hos. vi. 7; Gen. ii. 16, 17]. wherein life was promised to Adam, and in him to his posterity,11401140Rom. v. 12–20; x. 5. upon condition of perfect and personal obedience.11411141Gen. ii. 17; Gal. iii. 10. initum erat fœdus operum,11421142Gal. iii. 12; [Am. ed. Hos. vi. 7; Gen. ii. 16, 17]. quo vita Adamo promissa erat, ejusque in eo posteris,11431143Rom. v. 12–20; x. 5. sub conditione obedientiæ perfectæ ac personalis.11441144Gen. ii. 17; Gal. iii. 10.
III. Man by his fall having made himself incapable of life by that covenant, the Lord was pleased to make a second,11451145Gal. iii. 21; Rom. iii. 20, 21; viii. 3; Gen. iii. 15; Isa. xlii. 6. commonly called the covenant of grace: wherein he freely offered unto sinners life and salvation by Jesus Christ, requiring of them faith in him that they may be saved,114611465 Mark xvi. 15, 16; John iii. 16; Rom. x. 6, 9; Gal. iii. 11. and promising to give unto all those that are ordained unto life his Holy Spirit, to make them willing and able to believe.11471147Ezek. xxxvi. 26, 27; John vi. 44, 45; [Am. ed. v. 37]. III. Quum autem homo lapsu suo omnem sibi præstruxisset ad vitam aditum per illud fœdus, complacuit Domino secundum inire,11481148Gal. iii. 21; Rom. iii. 20, 21; viii. 3; Gen. iii. 15; Isa. xlii. 6. quod vulgo dicimus Fœdus Gratiæ; in quo peccatoribus offert gratuito vitam ac salutem per Jesum Christum, fidem in illum ab iis requirens ut salventur;114911495 Mark xvi. 15, 16; John iii. 16; Rom. x. 6, 9; Gal. iii. 11. promittensque omnibus qui ad vitam ordinantur se spiritum suum sanctum daturum, qui in illis operetur credendi cum voluntatem tum potentiam.11501150Ezek. xxxvi. 26, 27; John vi. 44, 45; [Am. ed. v. 37].
IV. This covenant of grace is frequently set forth in the Scripture by the name of a testament, in reference to the death of Jesus Christ the testator, and to the everlasting inheritance, with all things belonging to it, therein bequeathed.11511151Heb. ix. 15–17; vii. 22; Luke xxii. 20; 1 Cor. xi. 25. IV. Hoc fœdus Gratiæ in Scriptura sæpe nomine Testamenti indigitatur, respectu nimirum mortis Testatoris Jesu Christi, æternæque illius hæreditatis, quam is una cum omnibus eam spectantibus inibi legabat.11521152Heb. ix. 15–17; vii. 22; Luke xxii. 20; 1 Cor. xi. 25.
V. This covenant was differently administered in the time of the law and in the time of the gospel:115311532 Cor. iii. 6–9. under the law it was administered by promises, prophecies, V. Hoc fœdus sub Lege atque sub Evangelio administratum est modo alio atque alio.115411542 Cor. iii. 6–9. Sub Lege quidem per promissiones, prophetias et sacrificia, per circumcisionem, agnum
618
sacrifices, circumcision, the paschal lamb, and other types and ordinances delivered to the people of the Jews, all fore-signifying Christ to come,11551155Heb., chaps. viii. ix. x.; Rom. iv. 11; Col. ii. 11,12; 1 Cor. v. 7; [Am. ed. Col. ii. 17]. which were for that time sufficient and efficacious, through the operation of the Spirit, to instruct and build up the elect in faith in the promised Messiah,115611561 Cor. x. 1–4; Heb. xi. 13; John viii. 56. by whom they had full remission of sins and eternal salvation; and is called the Old Testament.11571157;Gal. iii. 7–9, 14. pascalem, aliosque typos ac instituta populo Judaico tradita, quæ omnia Venturum Christum præsignificabant;11581158Heb., chaps. viii. ix. x.; Rom. iv. 11; Col. ii. 11,12; 1 Cor. v. 7; [Am. ed. Col. ii. 17]. erantque pro ratione illorum temporum sufficientia, et per operationem spiritus efficacia ad electos instruendum ac ædificandum in fide in promissum Messiam,115911591 Cor. x. 1–4; Heb. xi. 13; John viii. 56. per quem plenum peccatorum remissionem et salutem æternam sunt consecuti; diciturque Vetus Testamentum.11601160;Gal. iii. 7–9, 14.
VI. Under the gospel, when Christ the substance11611161Gal. ii. 17; [Am. ed. Col. ii. 17]. was exhibited, the ordinances in which this covenant is dispensed are the preaching of the word and the administration of the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord's Supper;11621162Matt. xxviii. 19, 20; 1 Cor. xi. 23–25; [Am. ed. 2 Cor. iii. 7–11]. which, though fewer in number, and administered with more simplicity aud less outward glory, yet in them it is held forth in more fullness, evidence, and spiritual efficacy,11631163Heb. xii. 22–28; Jer. xxxi. 33, 34. to all nations, both Jews and Gentiles;11641164Matt. xxviii. 19; Eph. ii. 15–19. and is called the New Testament.11651165Luke xxii. 20; [Am. ed. Heb. viii. 7–9]. There are not, therefore, two covenants of grace differing in substance, but one and the same under various dispensations.11661166Gal. iii. 14, 16; Acts xv. 11; Rom. iii. 21–23, 30; Psa. xxxii. 1; Rom. iv. 3, 6, 16, 17, 23, 24; Heb. xiii. 8. VI. Sub evangelio autem, exhibito jam Christo, substantia11671167Gal. ii. 17; [Am. ed. Col. ii. 17]. scilicet ac antitypo, præscriptæ rationes in quibus hoc fœdus dispensatur, sunt prædicatio verbi, et administratio sacramentorum, baptismi nempe ac cœnæ Dominicæ;11681168Matt. xxviii. 19, 20; 1 Cor. xi. 23–25; [Am. ed. 2 Cor. iii. 7–11]. in quibus quidem utut numero paucioribus, iisque simplicius ac minore cum externa gloria administratis, cum majore tamen plenitudine, evidentia, et efficacia spirituali11691169Heb. xii. 22–28; Jer. xxxi. 33, 34. populis cunctis tam Judæis quam Gentibus11701170Matt. xxviii. 19; Eph. ii. 15–19. exhibetur; Diciturque Novum Testamentum.11711171Luke xxii. 20; [Am. ed. Heb. viii. 7–9]. Non sunt ergo duo fœdera gratiæ, re atque natura discrepantia; sed unum idemque, licet non uno modo dispensatum.11721172Gal. iii. 14, 16; Acts xv. 11; Rom. iii. 21–23, 30; Psa. xxxii. 1; Rom. iv. 3, 6, 16, 17, 23, 24; Heb. xiii. 8..
619
Chapter VIII. Cap. VIII.
Of Christ the Mediator. De Christo Mediatore.
I. It pleased God, in his eternal purpose, to choose and ordain the Lord Jesus, his only-begotten Son, to be the Mediator between God and man,11731173Isa. xlii. 1; 1 Pet. i. 19, 20; John iii. 16; 2 Tim. ii. 5. the Prophet,11741174Acts iii. 22; [Am. ed. Deut. xviii. 15]. Priest,11751175Heb. v. 5, 6. and King;11761176Psa. ii. 6; Luke i. 33. the Head and Saviour of his Church,11771177Eph. v. 23. the Heir of all things,11781178Heb. i. 2. and Judge of the world;11791179Acts xvii. 31. whom he did, from all eternity, give a people to be his seed,11801180John xvii. 6; Psa. xxii. 30; Isa. liii. 10. and to be by him in time redeemed, called, justified, sanctified, and glorified.118111811 Tim. ii. 6; Isa. lv. 4, 5; 1 Cor. i. 30. I. Complacitum est Deo Filium ejus unigenitum Dominum Jesum in æterno suo proposito eligere atque ordinare ut Mediator esset inter Deum et hominem,11821182Isa. xlii. 1; 1 Pet. i. 19, 20; John iii. 16; 2 Tim. ii. 5. Propheta,11831183Acts iii. 22; [Am. ed. Deut. xviii. 15]. Sacerdos,11841184Heb. v. 5, 6. et Rex,11851185Psa. ii. 6; Luke i. 33. caput idem et salvator Ecclesiæ suæ;11861186Eph. v. 23. rerum omnium hæres,11871187Heb. i. 2. Mundique Judex;11881188Acts xvii. 31. cui ab æterno populum dedit futurum illi in semen,11891189John xvii. 6; Psa. xxii. 30; Isa. liii. 10. ac per illum stato tempore redimendum, vocandum, justificandum, sanctificandum ac glorificandum.119011901 Tim. ii. 6; Isa. lv. 4, 5; 1 Cor. i. 30.
II. The Son of God, the second person in the Trinity, being very and eternal God, of one substance, and equal with the Father did, when the fullness of time was come, fake upon him man's nature,11911191John i. 1, 14; 1 John v. 20; Phil. ii. 6; Gal. iv. 4. with all the essential properties and common infirmities thereof, yet without sin:11921192Heb. ii. 14, 16, 17; iv. 15. being conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost in the womb of the Virgin Mary, of her substance.11931193Luke i. 27, 31, 35; Gal. iv. 4. So that two whole, perfect, and distinct natures, the Godhead and the manhood, were inseparably joined together II. Filius Dei persona secunda in Trinitate, verus nempe idem æternusque Deus, substantiæ cum Patre unius ejusdemque, eique coæqualis, cum advenerat temporis plenitudo, assumpsit naturam humanam,11941194John i. 1, 14; 1 John v. 20; Phil. ii. 6; Gal. iv. 4. una cum omnibus ejus proprietatibus essentialibus, communibusque infirmitatibus, immunem tamen a peccato,11951195Heb. ii. 14, 16, 17; iv. 15. conceptus scilicet in utero eque substantia Mariæ Virginis,11961196Luke i. 27, 31, 35; Gal. iv. 4. virtute Spiritus Sancti. Adeo sane ut naturæ duæ, integræ, perfectæ, distinctæque Deitas ac humanitas in una eademque
620
in one person, without conversion, composition, or confusion.11971197Luke i. 35; Col. ii. 9; Rom. ix. 5; 1 Pet. iii. 18; 1 Tim. iii. 16. Which person is very God and very man, yet one Christ, the only mediator between God and man.11981198Rom. i. 3, 4; 1 Tim. ii. 5. persona indissolubili nexu conjunctæ fuerint, sine conversione, compositione, aut confusione.11991199Luke i. 35; Col. ii. 9; Rom. ix. 5; 1 Pet. iii. 18; 1 Tim. iii. 16. Quæ quidem persona vere Deus est ac vere homo, unus tamen Christus, unicus inter Deum et hominem Mediator.12001200Rom. i. 3, 4; 1 Tim. ii. 5.
III. The Lord Jesus, in his human nature thus united to the divine, was sanctified and anointed with the Holy Spirit above measure;12011201Psa. xlv. 7; John iii. 34. having in him all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge,12021202Col. ii. 3. in whom it pleased the Father that all fullness should dwell;12031203Col. i. 19. to the end that, being holy, harmless, undefiled, and full of grace and truth,12041204Heb. vii. 26; John i. 14. he might be thoroughly furnished to execute the office of a mediator and surety.12051205Acts x. 38; Heb. xii. 24; vii. 22. Which office he took not unto himself, but was thereunto called by his Father,12061206Heb. v. 4, 5. who put all power and judgment into his hand, and gave him commandment to execute the same.12071207John v. 22, 27; Matt. xxviii. 18; Acts ii. 36. III. Dominus Jesus in humana sua natura divinæ hunc modum conjuncta sanctificatus est, ac Spiritu sancto supra mensuram unctus,12081208Psa. xlv. 7; John iii. 34. in se habens omnes sapientiæ notitiæqum thesauros;12091209Col. ii. 3. in quo Patri visum est ut omnis plenitudo inhabitaret,12101210Col. i. 19. atque eo quidem fine ut sanctus, innocuus, intaminatus, plenusque gratiæ ac veritatis existens,12111211Heb. vii. 26; John i. 14. ad Mediatoris Vadisque munus exequendum perfecte esset instructus.12121212Acts x. 38; Heb. xii. 24; vii. 22. Quod ille officium non arripuit sibi, verum a Patre erat ad id vocatus,12131213Heb. v. 4, 5. qui omnem ei potestatem ac judicium in manus dedit, und cum mandato exercendi.12141214John v. 22, 27; Matt. xxviii. 18; Acts ii. 36.
IV. This office the Lord Jesus did most willingly undertake,12151215Psa. xl. 7, 8; Heb. x. 5–10; John x. 18; Phil. ii. 8. which, that he might discharge, he was made under the law,12161216Gal. iv. 4. and did perfectly fulfill it;12171217Matt. iii. 15; v. 17. endured most grievous torments immediately in his soul,12181218Matt. xxvi. 37, 38; Luke xxii. 44; Matt. xxvii. 46. IV. Hoc munus promtissima voluntate in se suscepit Dominus Jesus,12191219Psa. xl. 7, 8; Heb. x. 5–10; John x. 18; Phil. ii. 8. quod ut expleret factus est sub Lege,12201220Gal. iv. 4. eam perfecte implevit,12211221Matt. iii. 15; v. 17. immediate in anima,12221222Matt. xxvi. 37, 38; Luke xxii. 44; Matt. xxvii. 46. sua gravissimos subiit cruciatus, in corpore12231223Matt., chaps. xxvi. xxvii.
621
and most painful sufferings in his body;12241224Matt., chaps. xxvi. xxvii. was crucified, and died;12261226Phil. ii. 8. was buried, and remained under the power of death, yet saw no corruption.12271227Acts ii. 23, 24, 27; xiii. 37; Rom. vi. 9. On the third day he arose from the dead,122812281 Cor. xv. 3, 4. with the same body in which he suffered;12291229John xx. 25, 27. with which also he ascended into heaven, and there sitteth at the right hand of his Father,12301230Mark xvi. 19. making intercession;12311231Rom. viii. 34; Heb. ix. 24; vii. 25. and shall return to judge men and angels at the end of the world.12321232Rom. xiv. 9, 10; Acts i. 11; x. 42; Matt. xiii. 40–42; Jude 6; 2 Pet. ii. 4. vero perpessiones quam maxime dolorificas; crucifixus est, ac mortuus;12331233Phil. ii. 8. sepultus est, mansitque sub mortis potestate; nec tamen ullam vidit corruptionem.12341234Acts ii. 23, 24, 27; xiii. 37; Rom. vi. 9. Tertio die surrexit a mortuis,123512351 Cor. xv. 3, 4. cum eodem in quo passus fuerat corpore,12361236John xx. 25, 27. cum quo etiam ascendit in cœlum, ibique sedens ad dextram Patris12371237Mark xvi. 19. intercedit,12381238Rom. viii. 34; Heb. ix. 24; vii. 25. rediturus inde in consummatione mundi, ad homines angelosque judicandum.12391239Rom. xiv. 9, 10; Acts i. 11; x. 42; Matt. xiii. 40–42; Jude 6; 2 Pet. ii. 4.
V. The Lord Jesus, by his perfect obedience and sacrifice of himself, which he through the eternal Spirit once offered up unto God, hath fully satisfied the justice of his Father,12401240Rom. v. 19; Heb. ix. 14, 16; x. 14; Eph. v. 2; Rom. iii. 25, 26. and purchased not only reconciliation, but an everlasting inheritance in the kingdom of heaven, for all those whom the Father hath given unto him.12411241Dan. ix. 24, 26; Col. i. 19, 20; Eph. i. 11, 14; John xvii. 2; Heb. ix. 12, 15. V. Dominus Jesus obedientia sua perfecta, suique ipsius sacrificio; quod per æternum Spiritum Deo semel obtulit, justitiæ Patris plene satisfecit,12421242Rom. v. 19; Heb. ix. 14, 16; x. 14; Eph. v. 2; Rom. iii. 25, 26. ac omnibus ei a Patre datis non modo reconciliationem; verum etiam æternam hæreditatem in regno cœlorum acquisivit.12431243Dan. ix. 24, 26; Col. i. 19, 20; Eph. i. 11, 14; John xvii. 2; Heb. ix. 12, 15.
VI. Although the work of redemption was not actually wrought by Christ till after his incarnation, yet the virtue, efficacy, and benefits thereof were communicated unto the elect, in all ages successively from the beginning of the world, in and by those promises, types, VI. Quamvis redemptionis opus non nisi post incarnationem ejus, a Christo quidem actu effectum fuerit, vis tamen ejus, efficacia, et beneficia per omnia iam inde a mundi primordiis elapsa secula electis sunt communicata, in et per promissiones illas, typos, et sacrifica,
622
and sacrifices, wherein he was revealed, and signified to be the seed of the woman which should bruise the serpent's head, and the lamb slain from the beginning of the world, being yesterday and today the same and forever.12441244Gal. iv. 4, 5; Gen. iii. 15; Rev. xiii. 8; Heb. xiii. 8. quibus revelatum erat et significatum hunc esse semen illud mulieris, quod contriturum erat serpentis caput, agnumque illum mactatum ab initio mundi; ut qui heri ac hodie idem est et in sempiternum.12451245Gal. iv. 4, 5; Gen. iii. 15; Rev. xiii. 8; Heb. xiii. 8.
VII. Christ, in the work of mediation, acteth according to both natures; by each nature doing that which is proper to itself;12461246Heb. ix. 14; 1 Pet. iii. 18. yet, by reason of the unity of the person, that which is proper to one nature is sometimes, in Scripture, attributed to the person denominated by the other nature.12471247Acts xx. 28; John iii. 13; 1 John iii. 16. VII. Christus in opere Mediatorio agit secundum utramque naturam, id agens per utramvis, quod eidem proprium est,12481248Heb. ix. 14; 1 Pet. iii. 18. nonnunquam tamen fit propter personæ unitatem ut quod uni naturæ proprium est, personæ ab altera natura denominatæ in Scriptura tribuatur.12491249Acts xx. 28; John iii. 13; 1 John iii. 16.
VIII. To all those for whom Christ hath purchased redemption he doth certainly and effectually apply and communicate the same;12501250John vi. 37, 39; x. 15, 16. making intercession for them,125112511 John ii. 1, 2; Rom. viii. 34. and revealing unto them, in and by the Word, the mysteries of salvation;12521252John xv. 13, 15; Eph. i. 7–9; John xvii. 6. effectually persuading them by his Spirit to believe and obey; and governing their hearts by his Word and Spirit;12531253John xiv. 16; Heb. xii. 2; 2 Cor. iv. 13; Rom. viii. 9, 14; xv. 18, 19; John xvii. 17. overcoming all their enemies by his almighty power and wisdom, in such manner and ways as are most consonant to his wonderful and unsearchable dispensation.12541254Psa. cx. 1; 1 Cor. xv. 25, 26; Mal. iv. 2, 3; Col. ii. 15. VIII. Pro quibus Christus redemptionem acquisivit, iis omnibus certo quidem ac efficaciter eam applicat impertitque,12551255John vi. 37, 39; x. 15, 16. pro eis intercedens,125612561 John ii. 1, 2; Rom. viii. 34. eisque in verbo et per verbum revelans mysterium salutis,12571257John xv. 13, 15; Eph. i. 7–9; John xvii. 6. per Spiritum suum eis ut credere velint ac obedire persuadens efficaciter,12581258John xiv. 16; Heb. xii. 2; 2 Cor. iv. 13; Rom. viii. 9, 14; xv. 18, 19; John xvii. 17. eorumque gubernans corda verbo suo spirituque; sed et vi sua omnipotenti, ac sapientia debellans omnes eorum hostes, iis autem modis mediisque quæ admirabili et inscrutabili ejus dispensationi sunt maxime consentanea.12591259Psa. cx. 1; 1 Cor. xv. 25, 26; Mal. iv. 2, 3; Col. ii. 15.
623
Chapter IX. Cap. IX.
Of Free-will. De libero arbitrio.
I. God hath endued the will of man with that natural liberty, that 12601260[Am. ed. inserts it.]is neither forced nor by any absolute necessity of nature determined to good or evil.12611261Matt. xvii. 12; James i. 14; Deut. xxx. 19; [Am. ed. John v. 40]. I. Eam humanæ voluntati naturalem Deus indidit libertatem, ut nec cogatur unquam, neque absoluta ulla naturæ necessitate ad bonum aut malum determinetur.12621262Matt. xvii. 12; James i. 14; Deut. xxx. 19; [Am. ed. John v. 40].
II. Man, in his state of innocency, had freedom and power to will and to do that which is good and well-pleasing to God, but yet mutably, so that he might fall from it.12631263Gen. ii. 16, 17; iii. 6. II. Homo in statu innocentiæ libertatem habuit ac potentiam, quod bonum erat Deoque gratum volendi agendique;12641264Eccles. vii. 29; Gen. i. 26. mutabiliter tamen, ita ut illa potuerit excidere.12651265Gen. ii. 16, 17; iii. 6.
III. Man, by his fall into a state of sin, hath wholly lost all ability of will to any spiritual good accompanying salvation;12661266Rom. v. 6; viii. 7; John xv. 5. so as a natural man, being altogether averse from that good,12671267Rom. iii. 10, 12. and dead in sin,12681268Eph. ii. 1, 5; Col. ii. 13. is not able, by his own strength, to convert himself, or to prepare himself thereunto.12691269John vi. 44, 65; 1 Cor. ii. 14; Eph. ii. 2–5; Titus iii. 3–5. III. Homo per lapsum suum in statum peccati, potentiam omnem quam habuerat voluntas ejus ad bonum aliquod spirituals et saluti contiguum amisit penitus;12701270Rom. v. 6; viii. 7; John xv. 5. adeo sane ut naturalis homo, utpote ab ejusmodi bono abhorrens prorsus,12711271Rom. iii. 10, 12. ac in peccato mortuus,12721272Eph. ii. 1, 5; Col. ii. 13. non possit unquam suis ipsius viribus convertere semet, sed ne quidem ad conversionem se vel præparare.12731273John vi. 44, 65; 1 Cor. ii. 14; Eph. ii. 2–5; Titus iii. 3–5.
IV. When God converts a sinner, and translates him into the state of grace, he freeth him from his natural bondage under sin,12741274Col. i. 13; John viii. 34, 36. and by his grace alone enables him freely to will and to do that which is spiritually good;12751275Phil. ii. 13; Rom. vi. 18, 22. yet so IV. Quandocunque Deus convertit ac in statum gratiæ transfert peccatorem, eundem eximit naturali sua sub peccato servitute,12761276Col. i. 13; John viii. 34, 36. solaque gratia sua potentem reddit ad spirituale bonum volendum præstandumque;12771277Phil. ii. 13; Rom. vi. 18, 22. ita tamen ut propter
624
as that, by reason of his remaining corruption, he doth not perfectly, nor only, will that which is good, but doth also will that which is evil.12781278Gal. v. 17; Rom. vii. 15, 18, 19, 21, 23. manentem adhuc in eo corruptionem, bonum nec perfecte velit; neque id tantummodo, verum etiam quandoque malum.12791279Gal. v. 17; Rom. vii. 15, 18, 19, 21, 23.
V. The will of man is made perfectly and immutably free to good alone, in the state of glory only.12801280Eph. iv. 13; Heb. xii. 23; 1 John iii. 2; Jude 24. V. Voluntas humana perfecte ac immutabiliter libera ad bonum solum redditur non nisi in statu gloriæ.12811281Eph. iv. 13; Heb. xii. 23; 1 John iii. 2; Jude 24.
Chapter X. Cap. X.
Of Effectual Calling. De vocatione efficaci.
I. All those whom God hath predestinated unto life, and those only, he is pleased, in his appointed and accepted time, effectually to call,12821282Rom. viii. 30; xi. 7; Eph. i. 10, 11. by his Word and Spirit,128312832 Thess. ii. 13, 14; 2 Cor. iii. 3, 6. out of that state of sin and death, in which they are by nature, to grace and salvation by Jesus Christ;12841284Rom. viii. 2; Eph. ii. 1–5; 2 Tim. i. 9, 10. enlightening their minds, spiritually and savingly, to understand the things of God;12851285Acts xxvi. 18; 1 Cor. ii. 10, 12; Eph. i. 17, 18. taking away their heart of stone, and giving unto them an heart of flesh;12861286Ezek. xxxvi. 26. renewing their wills, and by his almighty power determining them to that which is good,12871287Ezek. xi. 19; Phil. ii. 13; Deut. xxx. 6; Ezek. xxxvi. 27. and effectually drawing them to Jesus Christ;12881288Eph. i. 19; John vi. 44, 45. yet so as they come most freely, being made willing by his grace.12891289Cant. i. 4; Psa. cx. 3; John vi. 37; Rom. vi. 16–18. I. Deus quos ad vitam prædestinavit omnes, eosque solos dignatur per verbum suum et spiritum12901290Rom. viii. 30; xi. 7; Eph. i. 10, 11. constituto suo acceptoque tempore vocare efficaciter129112912 Thess. ii. 13, 14; 2 Cor. iii. 3, 6. e statu illo peccati et mortis in quo sunt natura constituti, ad gratiam ac salutem per Jesum Christum;12921292Rom. viii. 2; Eph. ii. 1–5; 2 Tim. i. 9, 10. idque mentes eorum illuminando, ut modo spirituali et salutari quæ Dei sunt intelligant;12931293Acts xxvi. 18; 1 Cor. ii. 10, 12; Eph. i. 17, 18. tollendo eorum cor lapideum, donandoque eis cor carneum;12941294Ezek. xxxvi. 26. voluntates eorum renovando ac pro potentia sua omnipotente ad bonum determinando,12951295Ezek. xi. 19; Phil. ii. 13; Deut. xxx. 6; Ezek. xxxvi. 27. et ad Jesum Christum trahendo efficaciter;12961296Eph. i. 19; John vi. 44, 45. ita tamen ut illi nihilominus liberrime veniant, volentes nempe facti per illius gratiam.12971297Cant. i. 4; Psa. cx. 3; John vi. 37; Rom. vi. 16–18.
II. This effectual call is of God's II. Efficax hæc vocatio est a sola
625
free and special grace alone, not from any thing at all foreseen in man;129812982 Tim. i. 9; Titus iii. 4, 5; Eph. ii. 4, 5, 8, 9; Rom. ix. 11. who is altogether passive therein, until, being quickened and renewed by the Holy Spirit,129912991 Cor. ii. 14; Rom. viii. 7; Eph. ii. 5. he is thereby enabled to answer this call, and to embrace the grace offered and conveyed in it.13001300John vi. 37; Ezek. xxxvi. 27; John v. 25. Dei gratia:, gratuita illa et speciali; a nulla autem re in homine prævisa;130113012 Tim. i. 9; Titus iii. 4, 5; Eph. ii. 4, 5, 8, 9; Rom. ix. 11. qui in hoc negotio se habet omnino passive, donec per spiritum sanctum vivificatus ac renovatus,130213021 Cor. ii. 14; Rom. viii. 7; Eph. ii. 5. potis inde factus sit vocationi huic respondere, gratiamque inibi oblatam et exhibitam amplexari.13031303John vi. 37; Ezek. xxxvi. 27; John v. 25.
III. Elect infants, dying in infancy, are regenerated and saved by Christ through the Spirit,13041304Luke xviii. 15, 16 and Acts ii. 38, 39, and John iii. 3, 5, and 1 John v. 12, and Rom. viii. 9, compared. who worketh when, and where, and how he pleaseth.13051305John iii. 8. So also are all other elect persons, who are incapable of being outwardly called by the ministry of the Word.130613061 John v. 12; Acts iv. 12. III. Electi infantes in infantia sua morientes regenerantur salvanturque a Christo per spiritum13071307Luke xviii. 15, 16 and Acts ii. 38, 39, and John iii. 3, 5, and 1 John v. 12, and Rom. viii. 9, compared. {qui quando et ubi, et quo sibi placuerit modo operator);13081308John iii. 8. sicut et reliqui electi omnes, quotquot externæ vocationis per ministerium verbi sunt incapaces.130913091 John v. 12; Acts iv. 12.
IV. Others, not elected, although they may be called by the ministry of the Word,13101310Matt. xxii. 14. and may have some common operations of the Spirit,13111311Matt. vii. 22; xiii. 20, 21; Heb. vi. 4, 5. yet they never truly come unto13121312[Am. ed. to.] Christ, and therefore can not be saved:13131313John vi. 64–66; viii. 24. much less can men, not professing the Christian religion, be saved in any other way whatsoever, be they never so diligent to frame their lives according to the light of nature and the law of that religion they do profess;13141314Acts iv. 12; John xiv. 6; Eph. ii. 12; John iv. 22; xvii. 3. and to assert and maintain that they may is IV. Alii autem, qui non electi sunt, ut ut verbi ministerio vocari possint,13151315Matt. xxii. 14. communesque nonnullas operationes Spiritus experiri,13161316Matt. vii. 22; xiii. 20, 21; Heb. vi. 4, 5. nunquam tamen vere ad Christum accedunt, proindeque nec salvari possunt.13171317John vi. 64–66; viii. 24. Multo quidem minus poterunt illi, quotquot religionem Christianam non profitentur (summam licet operam navaverint moribus suis ad naturæ lumen, istiusque quam profitentur religionis legem componendis), extra hanc unicam viam salutem unquam obtinere.13181318Acts iv. 12; John xiv. 6; Eph. ii. 12; John iv. 22; xvii. 3. Atque huic quidem contrarium
626
very pernicious, and to be detested.131913192 John 9–11; 1 Cor. xvi. 22; Gal. i. 6–8. statuere ac defendere, perniciosum admodum est ac detestandum.132013202 John 9–11; 1 Cor. xvi. 22; Gal. i. 6–8.
Chapter XI. Cap. XI.
Of Justification. De Justificatione.
I. Those whom God effectually calleth he also freely justifieth;13211321Rom. viii. 30; iii. 24. not by infusing righteousness into them, but by pardoning their sins, and by accounting and accepting their persons as righteous: not for any thing wrought in them, or done by them, but for Christ's sake alone; nor13221322[Am. ed. not.] by imputing faith itself, the act of believing, or any other evangelical obedience to them, as their righteousness; but by imputing the obedience and satisfaction of Christ unto them,13231323Rom. iv. 5–8; 2 Cor. v. 19, 21; Rom. iii. 22, 24, 25, 27, 28; Titus iii. 5, 7; Eph. i. 7; Jer. xxiii. 6; 1 Cor. i. 30, 31; Rom. v. 17–19. they receiving and resting on him and his righteousness by faith; which faith they have not of themselves, it is the gift of God.13241324Acts x. 44; Gal. ii. 16; Phil. iii. 9; Acts xiii. 38, 39; Eph. ii. 7, 8. I. Quos Deus vocat efficaciter, eosdem etiam gratis justificat,13251325Rom. viii. 30; iii. 24. non quidem justitiam iis infundendo, sed eorum peccata condonando, personasque pro justis reputando atque acceptando; neque id certe propter quicquam aut in iis productum, aut ab iis præstitum, verum Christi solius ergo; eisque ad justitiam non fidem ipsam, non credendi actum, aut aliam quamcunque obedientiam evangelicam, verum obedientiam ac satisfactionem Christi imputando,13261326Rom. iv. 5–8; 2 Cor. v. 19, 21; Rom. iii. 22, 24, 25, 27, 28; Titus iii. 5, 7; Eph. i. 7; Jer. xxiii. 6; 1 Cor. i. 30, 31; Rom. v. 17–19. eum nempe recipientibus, eique ac justitiæ ejus per fidem innitentibus; quam illi fidem ex dono Dei, non a seipsis, habent.13271327Acts x. 44; Gal. ii. 16; Phil. iii. 9; Acts xiii. 38, 39; Eph. ii. 7, 8.
II. Faith, thus receiving and resting on Christ and his righteousness, is the alone instrument of justification;13281328John i. 12; Rom. iii. 28; v. 1. yet is it not alone in the person justified, but is ever accompanied with all other saving graces, and is no dead faith, but worketh by love.13291329James ii. 17, 22, 26; Gal. v. 6. II. Fides hoc modo Christum recipiens, eique innitens ac justitiæ ejus, est justificationis unicum instrumentum;13301330John i. 12; Rom. iii. 28; v. 1. in homine tamen justificato hæc non est solitaria, verum gratiis aliis omnibus salutaribus semper comitata; neque est hæc fides mortua, sed quæ per charitatem operatur.13311331James ii. 17, 22, 26; Gal. v. 6.
III. Christ, by his obedience and III. Qui hunc in modum justificantur,
627
death, did fully discharge the debt of all those that are thus justified, and did make a proper, real, and full satisfaction to his Father's justice in their behalf.13321332Rom. v. 8–10, 19; 1 Tim. ii. 5, 6; Heb. x. 10, 14; Dan. ix. 24, 26; Isa. liii. 4–6, 10–12. Yet inasmuch as he was given by the Father for them,13331333Rom. viii. 32. and his obedience and satisfaction accepted in their stead,133413342 Cor. v. 21; Matt. iii. 17; Eph. v. 2. and both freely, not for any thing in them, their justification is only of free grace;13351335Rom. iii. 24; Eph. i. 7. that both the exact justice and rich grace of God might be glorified in the justification of sinners.13361336Rom. iii. 26; Eph. ii. 7. eorum omnium debita Christus per obedientiam suam mortemque prorsus dissolvit; eorumque vice justitiæ Patris sui realem, plenum, et proprie dictam satisfactionem præstitit.13371337Rom. v. 8–10, 19; 1 Tim. ii. 5, 6; Heb. x. 10, 14; Dan. ix. 24, 26; Isa. liii. 4–6, 10–12. Quum tamen non propter in iis quicquam, verum gratuito Pater cum Christum ipsum pro eis dederit,13381338Rom. viii. 32. tum obedientiam ejus ac satisfactionem tanquam eorum loco constituti133913392 Cor. v. 21; Matt. iii. 17; Eph. v. 2. acceptaverit; omnino a gratia gratuita est eorum justificatio;13401340Rom. iii. 24; Eph. i. 7. Quo nimirum Dei tum accurata justitia tum locuples gratia glorificata foret in justificatione peccatorum.13411341Rom. iii. 26; Eph. ii. 7.
IV. God did, from all eternity, decree to justify all the elect,13421342Gal. iii. 8; 1 Pet. i. 2, 19, 20; Rom. viii. 30. and Christ did, in the fullness of time, die for their sins, and rise again for their justification:13431343Gal. iv. 4; 1 Tim. ii. 6; Rom. iv. 25. nevertheless, they are not justified until the Holy Spirit doth, in due time, actually apply Christ unto them.13441344Col. i. 21, 22; Gal. ii. 16; Titus iii. 4–7. IV. Ab æterno decrevit Deus electos omnes justificare,13451345Gal. iii. 8; 1 Pet. i. 2, 19, 20; Rom. viii. 30. Christusque in temporis plenitudine mortuus est pro eorum peccatis, et in justificationem eorum resurrexit:13461346Gal. iv. 4; 1 Tim. ii. 6; Rom. iv. 25. nihilo minus tamen justificati prius non sunt, quam Christum eis in tempore suo opportuno Spiritus Sanctus actu applicuerit.13471347Col. i. 21, 22; Gal. ii. 16; Titus iii. 4–7.
V. God doth continue to forgive the sins of those that are justified;13481348Matt. vi. 12; 1 John i. 7, 9; ii. 1, 2. and although they can never fall from the state of justification,13491349Luke xxii. 32; John x. 28; Heb. x. 14. yet they may by their sins fall under God's fatherly displeasure, and not have the light of his countenance restored unto them, until they humble themselves, V. Perseverat Deus eorum peccata condonare quos semel justificavit,13501350Matt. vi. 12; 1 John i. 7, 9; ii. 1, 2. quin et etiamsi excidere statu justificationis nunquam possint;13511351Luke xxii. 32; John x. 28; Heb. x. 14. fieri tamen potest ut iræ Dei, paternæ quidem illi, per peccata sua se exponant, nec lumen paterni vultus prius sibi habeant restitutum, quam semet ipsos humiliaverint,
628
confess their sins, beg pardon, and renew their faith and repentance.13521352Psa. lxxxix. 31–33; li. 7–12; xxxii. 5; Matt. xxvi. 75; 1 Cor. xi. 30, 32; Luke i. 20. peccata agnoverint, imploraverint veniam, fidem denique et pœnitentiam suam renovaverint.13531353Psa. lxxxix. 31–33; li. 7–12; xxxii. 5; Matt. xxvi. 75; 1 Cor. xi. 30, 32; Luke i. 20.
VI. The justification of believers under the Old Testament was, in all these respects, one and the same with the justification of believers under the New Testament.13541354Gal. iii. 9, 13, 14; Rom. iv. 22–24; Heb.xiii. 8. VI. Justificatio fidelium sub Vetere ac Novo13551355Gal. iii. 9, 13, 14; Rom. iv. 22–24; Heb.xiii. 8. Testamento quoad isthæc omnia est una eademque.13561356Gal. iii. 9, 13, 14; Rom. iv. 22–24; Heb.xiii. 8.
Chapter XII. Cap. XII.
Of Adoption. De Adoptione.
All those that are justified God vouchsafeth, in and for his only Son Jesus Christ, to make partakers of the grace of adoption;13571357Eph. i. 5; Gal. iv. 4, 5. by which they are taken into the number, and enjoy the liberties and privileges of the children of God;13581358Rom. viii. 17; John i. 12. have his name put upon them;13591359Jer. xiv. 9; 2 Cor. vi. 18; Rev. iii. 12. receive the Spirit of adoption;13601360Rom. viii. 15. have access to the throne of grace with boldness;13611361Eph. iii. 12; Rom. v. 2. are enabled to cry, Abba, Father;13621362Gal. iv. 6. are pitied,13631363Psa. ciii. 13. protected,13641364Prov. xiv. 26. provided for,13651365Matt. vi. 30, 32; 1 Pet. v. 7. and chastened by him as by a father;13661366Heb. xii. 6. yet never cast off,13671367Lam. iii. 31. but sealed to the day of redemption,13681368Eph. iv. 30. and inherit the promises,13691369Heb. vi. 12. as heirs of everlasting salvation.13701370l Pet. i. 3, 4; Heb. i. 14. Deus justificatos omnes dignatur in filio suo unigenito Jesu Christo, et propter eundem participes facere gratiæ Adoptionis;13711371Eph. i. 5; Gal. iv. 4, 5. per quam in numerum filiorum Dei assumuntur, taliumque immunitatibus ac privilegiis potiuntur,13721372Rom. viii. 17; John i. 12. impositum sibi habent nomen Dei,13731373Jer. xiv. 9; 2 Cor. vi. 18; Rev. iii. 12. Spiritum adoptionis accipiunt,13741374Rom. viii. 15. aditum habent ad thronum gratiæ cum confidentia,13751375Eph. iii. 12; Rom. v. 2. potestatem consequuntur clamandi Abba Pater,13761376Gal. iv. 6. commiserationem,13771377Psa. ciii. 13. tutelam,13781378Prov. xiv. 26. et providentiam13791379Matt. vi. 30, 32; 1 Pet. v. 7. sortiuntur; quin et castigationem Dei paternam experiuntur;13801380Heb. xii. 6. nunquam tamen abdicantur,13811381Lam. iii. 31. verum in diem redemptionis consignati13821382Eph. iv. 30. promissiones obtinent hæreditario jure,13831383Heb. vi. 12. ut qui hæredes sunt æternæ salutis.13841384l Pet. i. 3, 4; Heb. i. 14.
629
Chapter XIII. Cap. XIII.
Of Sanctification. De Sanctificatione.
I. They who are effectually called and regenerated, having a new heart and a new spirit created in them, are further sanctified, really and personally, through the virtue of Christ's death and resurrection,138513851 Cor. vi. 11; Acts xx. 32; Phil. iii. 10; Rom. vi. 5, 6. by his Word and Spirit dwelling in them;13861386John xvii. 17; Eph. v. 26; 2 Thess. ii. 13. the dominion of the whole body of sin is destroyed,13871387Rom. vi. 6, 14. and the several lusts thereof are more and more weakened and mortified,13881388Gal. v. 24; Rom. viii. 13.and they more and more quickened and strengthened, in all saving graces,13891389Col. i. 11; Eph. iii. 16–19. to the practice of true holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.139013902 Cor. vii. 1; Heb. xii. 14. I. Quotquot efficaciter vocantur, ac regenerantur, cor novum habentes novumque spiritum in se creatum, sunt virtute mortis et resurrectionis Christi139113911 Cor. vi. 11; Acts xx. 32; Phil. iii. 10; Rom. vi. 5, 6. per verbum ejus spiritumque in eis inhabitantem13921392John xvii. 17; Eph. v. 26; 2 Thess. ii. 13. ulterius sandificati, realiter quidem ac personaliter: totius corporis peccati dominium in eos destruitur,13931393Rom. vi. 6, 14. ejusque variæ libidines debilitantur indies magis magisque ac mortificantur;13941394Gal. v. 24; Rom. viii. 13. illi interim magis magisque in omni gratia salutari vivificantur et corroborantur indies,13951395Col. i. 11; Eph. iii. 16–19. ad praxim veræ sanctimoniæ, qua quidem destitutus nemo unquam videbit Dominum.139613962 Cor. vii. 1; Heb. xii. 14.
II. This sanctification is throughout in the whole man,139713971 Thess. v. 23. yet imperfect in this life; there abideth still some remnants of corruption in every part,139813981 John i. 10; Rom. vii. 18, 23; Phil. iii. 12. whence ariseth a continual and irreconcilable war, the flesh lusting against the spirit, and the spirit against the flesh.13991399Gal. v. 17; 1 Pet. ii. 11. II. Universalis est hæc et per totum hominem diffusa sanctificatio,140014001 Thess. v. 23. verum in hac vita est imperfecta nonnullis corruptionis reliquiis adhuc in omni parte remanentibus,140114011 John i. 10; Rom. vii. 18, 23; Phil. iii. 12. unde bellum exoritur perpetuum et implacabile; hinc carne adversus spiritum, illinc spiritu adversus carnem concupiscente.14021402Gal. v. 17; 1 Pet. ii. 11.
III. In which war, although the remaining corruption for a time may much prevail,14031403Rom. vii. 23. yet, through the continual supply of strength from the sanctifying Spirit of III. In quo quidem bello licet corruptio residua possit aliquandiu prævalere plurimum,14041404Rom. vii. 23. pars tamen regenita, sanctificante Christi spiritu perpetuas ferente suppetias,
630
Christ, the regenerate part doth overcome;14051405Rom. vi. 14; 1 John v. 4; Eph. iv. 15, 16. and so the saints grow in grace,140614062 Pet. iii. 18; 2 Cor. iii. 18. perfecting holiness in the fear of God.140714072 Cor. vii. 1. evadit victrix);14081408Rom. vi. 14; 1 John v. 4; Eph. iv. 15, 16. adeoque sancti in gratia crescunt,140914092 Pet. iii. 18; 2 Cor. iii. 18. sanctitatem in timore Domini perficientes.141014102 Cor. vii. 1.
Chapter XIV. Cap. XIV.
Of Saving Faith. De Fide salvifica.
I. The grace of faith, whereby the elect are enabled to believe to the saving of their souls,14111411Heb. x. 39. is the work of the Spirit of Christ in their hearts,141214122 Cor. iv. 13; Eph. i. 17–19; ii. 8. and is ordinarily wrought by the ministry of the Word;14131413Rom. x. 14, 17. by which also, and by the administration of the sacraments and prayer, it is increased and strengthened.141414141 Pet. ii. 2; Acts xx. 32; Rom. iv. 11; Luke xvii. 5; Rom. i. 16, 17. I. Gratia Fidei, qua electi credere valent ad animarum suarum salutem,14151415Heb. x. 39. Spiritus Christi opus est in eorum cordibus operantis,141614162 Cor. iv. 13; Eph. i. 17–19; ii. 8. effectum plerumque verbi Dei ministerio,14171417Rom. x. 14, 17. quo eodem etiam, ut et administratione Sacramentorum atque oratione robur ei accedit ac incrementum.141814181 Pet. ii. 2; Acts xx. 32; Rom. iv. 11; Luke xvii. 5; Rom. i. 16, 17.
II. By this faith a Christian believeth to be true whatsoever is revealed in the Word, for the authority of God himself speaking therein;14191419John iv. 42; 1 Thess. ii. 13; 1 John v. 10; Acts xxiv. 14. and acteth differently upon that which each particular passage thereof containeth; yielding obedience to the commands,14201420Rom. xvi. 26. trembling at the threatenings,14211421Isa. lxvi. 2. and embracing the promises of God for this life and that which is to come.14221422Heb. xi. 13; 1 Tim. iv. 8. But the principal acts of saving faith are accepting, receiving, and resting upon Christ alone II. Hac Fide credit Christianus verum esse quicquid in verbo revelatur, propter authoritatem ipsius inibi loquentis Dei;14231423John iv. 42; 1 Thess. ii. 13; 1 John v. 10; Acts xxiv. 14. et varie quidem in illud agit tum obsequendo mandatis,14241424Rom. xvi. 26. tum ad minas contremiscens,14251425Isa. lxvi. 2. tum etiam promissa Dei, seu præsentem hanc vitam seu futuram spectent, amplexando,14261426Heb. xi. 13; 1 Tim. iv. 8. pro varia nempe ratione illarum rerum, quæ in singulis verbi partibus continentur. Verum fidei salvificæ actus illi sunt præcipui, Christi acceptatio et receptio, in eumque solum
631
for justification, sanctification, and eternal life, by virtue of the covenant of grace.14271427John i. 12; Acts xvi. 31; Gal. ii. 20; Acts xv. 11. recumbentia pro justificatione, sanctificatione, ipsaque adeo vita æterna, virtute fœderis gratiæ consequendis.14281428John i. 12; Acts xvi. 31; Gal. ii. 20; Acts xv. 11.
III. This faith is different in degrees, weak or strong;14291429Heb. v. 13, 14; Rom. iv. 19, 20; Matt. vi. 30; viii. 10. may be often and many ways assailed and weakened, but gets the victory;14301430Luke xxii. 31, 32; Eph. vi. 16; 1 John v. 4, 5. growing up in many to the attainment of a full assurance through Christ,14311431Heb. vi. 11, 12; x. 22; Col. ii. 2. who is both the author and finisher of our faith.14321432Heb. xii. 2. III. Fides hæc pro diversis ejus gradibus debilior est aut fortior;14331433Heb. v. 13, 14; Rom. iv. 19, 20; Matt. vi. 30; viii. 10. impugnari quidem sæpenumero multisque modis ac debilitari potest, non ita tamen quin victrix evadat;14341434Luke xxii. 31, 32; Eph. vi. 16; 1 John v. 4, 5. et quidem in multis ad plenum usque certitudinem per Christum adolescit,14351435Heb. vi. 11, 12; x. 22; Col. ii. 2. qui fidei nostræ idem author est et consummator.14361436Heb. xii. 2.
Chapter XV. Cap. XV.
Of Repentance unto Life. De resipiscentia ad vitam.
I. Repentance unto life is an evangelical grace,14371437Zech. xii. 10; Acts xi. 18. the doctrine whereof is to be preached by every minister of the gospel, as well as that of faith in Christ.14381438Luke xxiv. 47; Mark i. 15; Acts xx. 21. I. Resipiscentia ad vitam est gratia Evangelica,14391439Zech. xii. 10; Acts xi. 18. cuius quidem doctrina pariter ac illa de fide in Christum est a singulis ministris Evangelii prædicanda.
II. By it a sinner, out of the sight and sense, not only of the danger, but also of the filthiness and odiousness of his sins, as contrary to the holy nature and righteous law of God, and upon the apprehension of his mercy in Christ to such as are penitent, so grieves for and hates his sins as to turn from them all unto God,14401440Ezek. xviii. 30, 31; xxxvi. 31; Isa. xxx. 22; Psa. li. 4; Jer. xxxi. 18, 19; Joel ii. 12, 13; Amos v. 15; Psa. cxix. 128; 2 Cor. vii. 11. purposing and endeavoring II. Per eam peccator ex inspectu sensuque non solum periculi verum etiam turpitudinis, ac naturæ peccatorum suorum prorsus abominandæ.14411441Luke xxiv. 47; Mark i. 15; Acts xx. 21. utpote sanctæ Dei naturæ, justæque legi adversantium, atque e perspecta ejus erga pœnitentes in Christo misericordia, ita peccata sua deflet ac detestatur, ut ab eis omnibus ad Deum convertatur14421442Ezek. xviii. 30, 31; xxxvi. 31; Isa. xxx. 22; Psa. li. 4; Jer. xxxi. 18, 19; Joel ii. 12, 13; Amos v. 15; Psa. cxix. 128; 2 Cor. vii. 11. cum proposito conatuque in cunctis mandatorum
632
to walk with him in all the ways of his commandments.14431443Psa. cxix. 6, 59, 106; Luke i. 6; 2 Kings xxiii. 25. ejus viis cum eodem ambulandi.14441444Psa. cxix. 6, 59, 106; Luke i. 6; 2 Kings xxiii. 25.
III. Although repentance be not to be rested in as any satisfaction for sin, or any cause of the pardon thereof,14451445Ezek. xxxvi. 31, 32; xvi. 61–63. which is the act of God's free grace in Christ;14461446Hos. xiv. 2, 4; Rom. iii. 24; Eph. i. 7. yet is it of such necessity to all sinners that none may expect pardon without it.14471447Luke xiii. 3, 5; Acts xvii. 30, 31. III. Etsi resipiscentiæ nobis fidendum non sit, ac si ea esset ulla aut pro peccatis satisfactio, aut causa remissionis peccatorum14481448Ezek. xxxvi. 31, 32; xvi. 61–63. (qui gratiæ Dei in Christo gratuitæ actus est),14491449Hos. xiv. 2, 4; Rom. iii. 24; Eph. i. 7. est nihilominus cunctis peccatoribus usque adeo necessaria, ut sine ea nulla cuivis unquam remissio sit expectanda.14501450Luke xiii. 3, 5; Acts xvii. 30, 31.
IV. As there is no sin so small but it deserves damnation,14511451Rom. vi. 23; v. 12; Matt. xii. 36. so there is no sin so great that it can bring damnation upon those who truly repent.14521452Isa. lv. 7; Rom. viii. 1; Isa. i. 16, 18. IV. Quemadmodum nullum est peccatum adeo exiguum ut damnationem non mereatur,14531453Rom. vi. 23; v. 12; Matt. xii. 36. ita neque magnum adeo peccatum ullum est, ut damnationem inferre possit vere pœnitentibus.14541454Isa. lv. 7; Rom. viii. 1; Isa. i. 16, 18.
V. Men ought not to content themselves with a general repentance, but it is every man's duty to endeavor to repent of his particular sins particularly.14551455Psa. xix. 13; Luke xix. 8; 1 Tim. i. 13, 15. V. In resipiscentia generali acquiescendum non est, verum ad id contendere tenetur quisque, ut singulorum suorum peccatorum quam particularem agat pœnitentiam.14561456Psa. xix. 13; Luke xix. 8; 1 Tim. i. 13, 15.
VI. As every man is bound to make private confession of his sins to God, praying for the pardon thereof,14571457Psa. li. 4, 5, 7, 9, 14; xxxii. 5, 6. upon which, and the forsaking of them, he shall find mercy;14581458Prov. xxviii. 13; 1 John i. 9. so he that scandalizeth his brother, or the Church of Christ, ought to be willing, by a private or public confession and sorrow for his sin, to declare his repentance VI. Quemadmodum autem tenetur quivis peccata sua Deo privatim confiteri, et pro remissione illorum precibus contendere:14591459Psa. li. 4, 5, 7, 9, 14; xxxii. 5, 6. (quod si præstiterit et peccata simul dereliquerit, misericordiam consequetur)14601460Prov. xxviii. 13; 1 John i. 9. ita qui fratri suo, aut Ecclesiæ Christi, scandalo fuerit, promptus et paratus esse debet qua confessione sive privata, sive etiam publica, qua de peccatis
633
to those that are offended,14611461James v. 16; Luke xvii. 3, 4; Josh. vii. 19; Psa. li. throughout. who are thereupon to be reconciled to him, and in love to receive him.146214622 Cor. ii. 8; [Amer. ed. Gal. vi. 1, 2]. suis dolore, resipiscentiam suam eis quibus offendiculo fuerit declarare,14631463James v. 16; Luke xvii. 3, 4; Josh. vii. 19; Psa. li. throughout. quo præstito illi redire cum eo in gratiam debent, eumque denuo cum charitate recipere.146414642 Cor. ii. 8; [Amer. ed. Gal. vi. 1, 2].
Chapter XVI. Cap. XVI.
Of Good Works. De bonis operibus.
I. Good works are only such as God hath commanded in his holy Word,14651465Micah vi. 8; Rom. xii. 2; Heb. xiii. 21. and not such as, without the warrant thereof, are devised by men out of blind zeal, or upon any pretense of good intention.14661466Matt. xv. 9; Isa. xxix. 13; 1 Pet. i. 18; Rom. x. 2; John xvi. 2; 1 Sam. xv. 21–23. I. Bona opera ea tantum sunt quæ in verbo suo sancto præcepit Deus;14671467Micah vi. 8; Rom. xii. 2; Heb. xiii. 21. minime autem ea quæ absque ulla illius authoritate, sunt ab hominibus excogitata, sive e cæco zelo id factum fuerit, seu bonæ intentionis prætextu quoviscunque.14681468Matt. xv. 9; Isa. xxix. 13; 1 Pet. i. 18; Rom. x. 2; John xvi. 2; 1 Sam. xv. 21–23.
II. These good works, done in obedience to God's commandments, are the fruits and evidences of a true and lively faith;14691469James ii. 18, 22. and by them believers manifest their thankfulness,14701470Psa. cxvi. 12, 13; 1 Pet. ii. 9. strengthen their assurance,147114711 John ii. 3, 5; 2 Pet i. 5–10. edify their brethren,147214722 Cor. ix. 2; Matt. v. 16. adorn the profession of the gospel,14731473Tit. ii. 5, 9–12; 1 Tim. vi. 1. stop the mouths of the adversaries,147414741 Pet. ii. 15. and glorify God,147514751 Pet. ii. 12; Phil. i. 11; John xv. 8. whose workmanship they are, created in Christ Jesus thereunto,14761476Eph. ii. 10. that, having their fruit unto holiness, they may have the end, eternal life.14771477Rom. vi. 22. II. Bona hæc opera e conscientia mandatorum Dei præstita vivæ veræque fidei fructus sunt ac evidentiæ;14781478James ii. 18, 22. per hæc fideles gratitudinem suam manifestant,14791479Psa. cxvi. 12, 13; 1 Pet. ii. 9. de salute certitudinem suam augent,148014801 John ii. 3, 5; 2 Pet i. 5–10. fratres suos ædificant,148114812 Cor. ix. 2; Matt. v. 16. Evangelii professionem ornant,14821482Tit. ii. 5, 9–12; 1 Tim. vi. 1. obturant ora adversantibus,148314831 Pet. ii. 15. ac Deum denique glorificant,148414841 Pet. ii. 12; Phil. i. 11; John xv. 8. cuius opificium sunt in Jesu Christo ad hæc creati,14851485Eph. ii. 10. quo fructum habentes ad sanctimoniam, finem consequantur æternam vitam.14861486Rom. vi. 22.
III. Their ability to do good III. Quod bonis operibus idonei
634
works is not at all of themselves, but wholly from the Spirit of Christ.14871487John xv. 4–6; Ezek. xxxvi. 26, 27. And that they may be enabled thereunto, besides the graces they have already received, there is required an actual influence of the same Holy Spirit to work in them to will and to do of his good pleasure;14881488Phil. ii. 13; iv. 13; 2 Cor. iii. 5. yet are they not hereupon to grow negligent, as if they were not bound to perform any duty unless upon a special motion of the Spirit; but they ought to be diligent in stirring up the grace of God that is in them.14891489Phil. ii. 12; Heb. vi. 11, 12; 2 Pet. i. 3, 5, 10, 11; Isa. lxiv. 7; 2 Tim. i. 6; Acts xxvi. 6, 7; Jude 20, 21. sint præstandis omnino id a spiritu Christi est, nullatenus autem e seipsis.14901490John xv. 4–6; Ezek. xxxvi. 26, 27. Et quo eis præstandis pares fiant, prater habitus gratiæ iam infusos, ejusdem Spiritus sancti actualis porro requiritur influentia, qua nempe in iis operetur tum velle tum etiam efficere pro suo ipsius beneplacito:14911491Phil. ii. 13; iv. 13; 2 Cor. iii. 5. sed neque tamen iis proinde socordiæ sese licet permittere; ac si nisi specialiter eos excitante Spiritu ad nulla pietatis officia præstanda tenerentur; verum sedulam debent navare operam sustitandæ illi quæ in iis est divinæ gratiæ.14921492Phil. ii. 12; Heb. vi. 11, 12; 2 Pet. i. 3, 5, 10, 11; Isa. lxiv. 7; 2 Tim. i. 6; Acts xxvi. 6, 7; Jude 20, 21.
IV. They who in their obedience attain to the greatest height which is possible in this life, are so far from being able to supererogate and to do more than God requires, as14931493[Amer. ed. omits as.] that they fall short of much which in duty they are bound to do.14941494Luke xvii. 10; Neh. xiii. 22; Job ix. 2, 3; Gal. v. 17. IV. Qui gradum obedientiæ summum quidem in hac vita possibilem assequuntur, tantum abest ut supererogare quicquam possint ac plus præstare quam quod Deus requisiverit, ut multum sane subsidant infra illud, quod ex officio præstare obligantur.14951495Luke xvii. 10; Neh. xiii. 22; Job ix. 2, 3; Gal. v. 17.
V. We can not, by our best works, merit pardon of sin, or eternal life at the hand of God, by reason of the great disproportion that is between them and the glory to come, and the infinite distance that is between us and God, whom by them we can neither profit nor satisfy V. Peccatorum veniam, aut vitam æternam de Deo mereri non valemus, ne optimis quidem operibus nostris; cum propter summam illam inter ea et futuram gloriam disparitatem; tum etiam propter infinitam distantiam quæ inter nos ac Deum intercedit; cui nos per illa nec prodesse
635
for the debt of our former sins;14961496Rom. iii. 20; iv. 2, 4, 6; Eph. ii. 8, 9; Titus iii. 5–7; Rom. viii. 18; Psa. xvi. 2; Job xxii. 2, 3; xxxv. 7, 8. but when we have done all we can, we have done but our duty, and are unprofitable servants;14971497Luke xvii. 10. and because, as they are good, they proceed from his Spirit;14981498Gal. v. 22, 23. and as they are wrought by us, they are defiled and mixed with so much weakness and imperfection that they can not endure the severity of God's judgment.14991499Isa. lxiv. 6; Gal. v. 17; Rom. vii. 15, 18; Psa. cxliii. 2; cxxx. 3. quicquam possumus, neque pro antecedentium peccatorum nostrorum debito satisfacere;15001500Rom. iii. 20; iv. 2, 4, 6; Eph. ii. 8, 9; Titus iii. 5–7; Rom. viii. 18; Psa. xvi. 2; Job xxii. 2, 3; xxxv. 7, 8. verum cum quantum possumus fecerimus, non nisi quod debemus præstiterimus, ac servi inutiles futuri sumus;15011501Luke xvii. 10. tum denique quoniam a spiritu Dei in quantum bona sunt proficiscuntur,15021502Gal. v. 22, 23. ita vero sunt coinquinata, tantumque imperfectionis ac infirmitas admistum habent, prout a nobis efficiuntur, ut strictum Dei judicium non sint ferendo.15031503Isa. lxiv. 6; Gal. v. 17; Rom. vii. 15, 18; Psa. cxliii. 2; cxxx. 3.
VI. Yet notwithstanding, the persons of believers being accepted through Christ, their good works also are accepted in him,15041504Eph. i. 6; 1 Pet. ii. 5; Exod. xxviii. 38; Gen. iv. 4 with Heb. xi. 4. not as though they were in this life wholly unblamable and unreprovable in God's sight;15051505Job ix. 20; Psa. cxliii. 2. but that he, looking upon them in his Son, is pleased to accept and reward that which is sincere, although accompanied with many weaknesses and imperfections.15061506Heb. xiii. 20, 21; 2 Cor. viii. 12; Heb. vi. 10; Matt. xxv. 21, 23. VI. Nihilominus tamen acceptis in gratiam per Christum fidelium personis, eorum etiam opera bona per eundem accepta sunt;15071507Eph. i. 6; 1 Pet. ii. 5; Exod. xxviii. 38; Gen. iv. 4 with Heb. xi. 4. non quod in hac vita sint omnis culpæ prorsus immunia, quæque in conspectu Dei nullam reprehensionem mereantur;15081508Job ix. 20; Psa. cxliii. 2. verum quod illa respiciens in filio suo Deus, quod sincerum est, utcunque multis infirmitatibus ac imperfectionibus involutum, acceptare dignetur ac remunerari.15091509Heb. xiii. 20, 21; 2 Cor. viii. 12; Heb. vi. 10; Matt. xxv. 21, 23.
VII. Works done by unregenerate men, although for the matter of them they may be things which God commands, and of good use both to themselves and others;151015102 Kings x. 30, 31; 1 Kings xxi. 27, 29; Phil. i. 15, 16, 18. VII. Opera nondum regenitorum, licet, quoad materiam præcepto divino conformia esse possint, sibique ipsis et aliis item utilia;151115112 Kings x. 30, 31; 1 Kings xxi. 27, 29; Phil. i. 15, 16, 18. cum tamen neque a corde profluant per fidem
636
yet because they proceed not from a heart purified by faith,15121512Gen. iv. 3–5 with Heb. xi. 4, 6. nor are done in a right manner, according to the Word,151315131 Cor. xiii. 3; Isa. i. 12. nor to a right end, the glory of God;15141514Matt. vi. 2, 5, 16. they are therefore sinful, and can not please God, or make a man meet to receive grace from God.15151515Hag. ii. 14; Titus i. 15; Amos v. 21, 22; Hos. i. 4; Rom. ix. 16; Titus iii. 5. And yet their neglect of them is more sinful and displeasing unto God.15161516Psa. xiv. 4; xxxvi. 3; Job xxi. 14, 15; Matt. xxv. 41–45; xxiii. 23. depurato,15171517Gen. iv. 3–5 with Heb. xi. 4, 6. nec secundum verbum eo quo par est præstentur modo,151815181 Cor. xiii. 3; Isa. i. 12. sed neque ad finem debitum, Dei nempe gloriam, destinentur;15191519Matt. vi. 2, 5, 16. sunt proinde peccata, nec Deo grata esse possunt, nec reddere quenquam valent idoneum ad gratiam a Deo recipiendum.15201520Hag. ii. 14; Titus i. 15; Amos v. 21, 22; Hos. i. 4; Rom. ix. 16; Titus iii. 5. Ejusmodi tamen operum neglectu, gravius quidem illi peccant Deumque offendunt vehementius.15211521Psa. xiv. 4; xxxvi. 3; Job xxi. 14, 15; Matt. xxv. 41–45; xxiii. 23.
Chapter XVII. Cap. XVII.
Of the Perseverance of the Saints. De perseverantia Sanctorum.
I. They whom God hath accepted in his Beloved, effectually called and sanctified by his Spirit, can neither totally nor finally fall away from the state of grace; but shall certainly persevere therein to the end, and be eternally saved.15221522Phil. i. 6; 2 Pet. i. 10; John x. 28, 29; 1 John iii. 9; 1 Pet. i. 5, 9; [Am. ed. Job xvii. 9]. I. Quotquot Deus in dilecto suo acceptavit, vocavit efficaciter ac per Spiritum suum sanctificavit, non possunt illi statu gratiæ aut finaliter excidere aut totaliter; verum in eo ad finem usque certo perseverabunt, ac salutem æternam consequentur.15231523Phil. i. 6; 2 Pet. i. 10; John x. 28, 29; 1 John iii. 9; 1 Pet. i. 5, 9; [Am. ed. Job xvii. 9].
II. This perseverance of the saints depends, not upon their own freewill, but upon the immutability of the decree of election, flowing from the free and unchangeable love of God the Father;152415242 Tim. ii. 18, 19; Jer. xxxi. 3. upon the efficacy of the merit and intercession of Jesus Christ;15251525Heb. x. 10, 14; xiii. 20, 21; ix. 12–15; Rom. viii. 33, to the end; John xvii. 11, 24; Luke xxii. 32; Heb. vii. 25. the abiding II. hæc autem sanctorum perseverantia, non pendet a libero ipsorum arbitrio, verum a decreti electionis immutabilitate (quod ex amore Dei Patris fluxit, gratuito illo ac immutabili),152615262 Tim. ii. 18, 19; Jer. xxxi. 3. a meriti Jesu Christi ac intercessionis efficacia,15271527Heb. x. 10, 14; xiii. 20, 21; ix. 12–15; Rom. viii. 33, to the end; John xvii. 11, 24; Luke xxii. 32; Heb. vii. 25. a Spiritus et seminis Dei in iis permansione;15281528John xiv. 16, 17; 1 John ii. 27; iii. 9
637
of the Spirit and of the seed of God within them;15291529John xiv. 16, 17; 1 John ii. 27; iii. 9. and the nature of the covenant of grace:15301530Jer. xxxii. 40; [Am. ed. Heb. viii. 10–12]. from all which ariseth also the certainty and infallibility thereof.15311531John x. 28; 2 Thess. iii. 3; 1 John ii. 19; [Am. ed. 1 Thess. v. 23, 24]. a natura denique fœderis gratiæ;15321532Jer. xxxii. 40; [Am. ed. Heb. viii. 10–12]. e quibus omnibus etiam emergit certitudo ejusdem et infallibilitas.15331533John x. 28; 2 Thess. iii. 3; 1 John ii. 19; [Am. ed. 1 Thess. v. 23, 24].
III. Nevertheless they may, through the temptations of Satan and of the world, the prevalency of corruption remaining in them, and the neglect of the means of their preservation, fall into grievous sins;15341534Matt. xxvi. 70, 72, 74. and for a time continue therein:15351535Psa. li. title and verse 14; [Am. ed. 2 Sam. xii. 9, 13]. whereby they incur God's displeasure,15361536Isa. lxiv. 5, 7, 9; 2 Sam. xi. 27. and grieve his Holy Spirit;15371537Eph. iv. 30. come to be deprived of some measure of their graces and comforts;15381538Psa. li. 8, 10, 12; Rev. ii. 4; Cant. v. 2, 3, 4, 6. have their hearts hardened,15391539Isa. xxxvi. 17; Mark vi. 52; xvi. 14; [Am. ed. Psa. xcv. 8]. and their consciences wounded;15401540Psa. xxxii. 3, 4; li. 8. hurt and scandalize others,154115412 Sam. xii. 14. and bring temporal judgments upon themselves.15421542Psa. lxxxix. 31, 32; 1 Cor. xi. 32. III. Nihilo tamen minus fieri potest ut iidem illi, qua Satanæ mundique tentatione, qua manentis adhuc in iis corruptionis prævalentia, et neglectu mediorum conservationis suæ, in peccata gravia incidant,15431543Matt. xxvi. 70, 72, 74. in eisque ad tempus commorentur;15441544Psa. li. title and verse 14; [Am. ed. 2 Sam. xii. 9, 13]. unde iram Dei sibi ipsis contrahunt,15451545Isa. lxiv. 5, 7, 9; 2 Sam. xi. 27.; ejusque Spiritum Sanctum contristant,15461546Eph. iv. 30. gratias suas et consolationes quadantenus et quoad gradus nonnullos amittunt,15471547Psa. li. 8, 10, 12; Rev. ii. 4; Cant. v. 2, 3, 4, 6. corda sibi habent indurata,15481548Isa. xxxvi. 17; Mark vi. 52; xvi. 14; [Am. ed. Psa. xcv. 8]. et vulneratas conscientias;15491549Psa. xxxii. 3, 4; li. 8. aliis nocumento sunt et offendiculo,155015502 Sam. xii. 14. sibimet ipsis denique accersunt judicia Dei temporalia.15511551Psa. lxxxix. 31, 32; 1 Cor. xi. 32.
Chapter XVIII. Cap. XVIII.
Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation. De certitudine gratiæ et salutis.
I. Although hypocrites and other unregenerate men may vainly deceive themselves with false hopes and carnal presumptions of being in the favor of God and estate of salvation,15521552Job viii. 13, 14; Micah iii. 11; Deut. xxix. 19; John viii. 41. which hope of theirs I. Quamvis fieri potest ut hypocritæ aliique homines non regeniti spe vana falsisque (pro corruptæ naturæ more) opinionibus præsumptis, se decipiant, favorem Dei, statumque salutis sibi falso arrogantes;15531553Job viii. 13, 14; Micah iii. 11; Deut. xxix. 19; John viii. 41. quæ illorum
638
shall perish:15541554Matt. vii. 22, 23; [Am. ed. Job viii. 13]. yet such as truly believe in the Lord Jesus, and love him in sincerity, endeavoring to walk in all good conscience before him, may in this life be certainly assured that they are in a state of grace,155515551 John ii. 3; iii. 14, 18, 19, 21, 24; v. 13. and may rejoice in the hope of the glory of God, which hope shall never make them ashamed.15561556Rom. v. 2, 5. spes peribit:15571557Matt. vii. 22, 23; [Am. ed. Job viii. 13]. qui tamen in Dominum Jesum vere credunt, eumque sincere diligunt, studentes coram ipso in omni bona conscientia ambulare; evadere possunt in hac vita certi se in statu gratiæ esse constitutos;155815581 John ii. 3; iii. 14, 18, 19, 21, 24; v. 13. quin etiam lætari possunt spe gloriæ Dei, quæ quidem spes nunquam eos pudefaciet.15591559Rom. v. 2, 5.
II. This certainty is not a bare conjectural and probable persuasion, grounded upon a fallible hope;15601560Heb. vi. 11, 19. but an infallible assurance of faith, founded upon the divine truth of the promises of salvation,15611561Heb. vi. 17, 18. the inward evidence of those graces unto which these promises are made,156215622 Pet. i. 4, 5, 10, 11; 1 John ii. 3; iii. 14; 2 Cor. i. 12. the testimony of the Spirit of adoption witnessing with our spirits that we are the children of God:15631563Rom. viii. 15, 16. which Spirit is the earnest of our inheritance, whereby we are sealed to the day of redemption.15641564Eph. i. 13, 14; iv. 30; 2 Cor. i. 21, 22. II. Hæc certitudo non est persuasio mere conjecturalis et probabilis, innixa spe fallaci;15651565Heb. vi. 11, 19. verum infallibilis quædam fidei certitudo, fundamentum habens divinam promissionum salutis veritatem;15661566Heb. vi. 17, 18. gratiarum, quibus promissiones illæ fiunt internam evidentiam;156715672 Pet. i. 4, 5, 10, 11; 1 John ii. 3; iii. 14; 2 Cor. i. 12. testimonium denique spiritus adoptionis una cum spiritibus nostris testificantis nos esse filios Dei;15681568Rom. viii. 15, 16. qui quidem spiritus arrhabo est hæreditatis nostræ, quo in diem redemtionis sigillamur.15691569Eph. i. 13, 14; iv. 30; 2 Cor. i. 21, 22.
III. This infallible assurance doth not so belong to the essence of faith, but that a true believer may wait long, and conflict with many difficulties before he be partaker of it:157015701 John v. 13; Isa. l. 10; Mark ix. 24; Psa. lxxxviii. throughout; lxxvii. to ver. 12. yet, being enabled by the Spirit to know the things which are freely given him of God, he III. Hæc certitudo infallibilis, non ita spectat essentiam fidei, quin vere fidelis expectare quandoque diutius, et cum variis difficultatibus confligere prius possit, quam illius compos fiat,157115711 John v. 13; Isa. l. 10; Mark ix. 24; Psa. lxxxviii. throughout; lxxvii. to ver. 12. verum poterit idem ordinariorum usu debito mediorum, absque revelatione ulla extraordinaria
639
may, without extraordinary revelation, in the right use of ordinary means, attain thereunto.157215721 Cor. ii. 12; 1 John iv. 13; Heb. vi. 11, 12; Eph. iii. 17–19. And therefore it is the duty of every one to give all diligence to make his calling and election sure;157315732 Pet. i. 10. that thereby his heart may be enlarged in peace and joy in the Holy Ghost, in love and thankfulness to God, and in strength and cheerfulness in the duties of obedience, the proper fruits of this assurance:15741574Rom. v. 1, 2, 5; Rom. xiv. 17; xv. 13; Eph. i. 3, 4; Psa. iv. 6, 7; cxix. 32. so far is it from inclining men to looseness.157515751 John ii. 1, 2; Rom. vi. 1, 2; Titus ii. 11, 12, 14; 2 Cor. vii. 1; Rom. viii. 1, 12; 1 John iii. 2, 3; Psa. cxxx. 4; 1 John i. 6, 7. eam adipisci,157615761 Cor. ii. 12; 1 John iv. 13; Heb. vi. 11, 12; Eph. iii. 17–19. spiritu nempe quæ Deus illi gratuito donaverit cognoscendi facultatem subministrante. Proindeque tenetur quisque, quo vocationem suam sibi et electionem certmn faciat, omnem adhibere diligentiam,157715772 Pet. i. 10. unde cor suum habeat pace et gaudio in spiritu sancto, in Deum amore et gratitudine, in actibus observantiæ robore et alacritate dilatatum; qui certitudinus huius fructus proprii sunt ac genuini.15781578Rom. v. 1, 2, 5; Rom. xiv. 17; xv. 13; Eph. i. 3, 4; Psa. iv. 6, 7; cxix. 32. Tantum abest ut homines inde ad omnem nequitiam discingantur.157915791 John ii. 1, 2; Rom. vi. 1, 2; Titus ii. 11, 12, 14; 2 Cor. vii. 1; Rom. viii. 1, 12; 1 John iii. 2, 3; Psa. cxxx. 4; 1 John i. 6, 7.
IV. True believers may have the assurance of their salvation divers ways shaken, diminished, and intermitted; as, by negligence in preserving of it; by falling into some special sin, which woundeth, the conscience, and grieveth the Spirit; by some sudden or vehement temptation; by God's withdrawing the light of his countenance, and suffering even such as fear him to walk in darkness and to have no light:15801580Cant. v. 2, 3, 6; Psa. li. 8, 12, 14; Eph. iv. 30, 31; Psa. lxxvii. 1–10; Matt. xxvi. 69–72; Psa. xxxi. 22; lxxxviii. throughout; Isa. l. 10. yet are they never utterly destitute of that seed of God, and life of faith, that love of Christ and the brethren, that sincerity of heart and conscience of duty, out IV. Certitudo salutis vere fidelibus multifariam concuti potest et imminui imo et quandoque interrumpi; conservandi scilicet eam incuria; lapsu in peccatum aliquod insigne, quod conscientiam vulnerat, spiritumque contristat; tentatione aliqua vehementi ac subitanea; uti etiam Deo vultus sui lumen subducente, ac permittente ut vel illi qui ipsum timent in tenebris ambulent omni prorsus lumine viduati:15811581Cant. v. 2, 3, 6; Psa. li. 8, 12, 14; Eph. iv. 30, 31; Psa. lxxvii. 1–10; Matt. xxvi. 69–72; Psa. xxxi. 22; lxxxviii. throughout; Isa. l. 10. nunquam tamen destituuntur penitus illo Dei semine vitaque fidei. Christi illa fratrumque dilectione, ea sinceritate cordis et pietatis officia præstandi conscientia; unde per
640
of which, by the operation of the Spirit, this assurance may in due time be revived,158215821 John iii. 9; Luke xxii. 32; Job xiii. 15; Psa. lxxiii. 15; li. 8, 12; Isa. 1. 10. and by the which, in the mean time, they are supported from utter despair.15831583Micah vii. 7–9; Jer. lii. 40; Isa. liv. 7–10; Psa. xxii. 1; lxxxviii. throughout. operationem spiritus eadem illa certitudo tempestive possit reviviscere:158415841 John iii. 9; Luke xxii. 32; Job xiii. 15; Psa. lxxiii. 15; li. 8, 12; Isa. 1. 10. quibusque interim ne prorsus in desperationem ruant suffulciuntur.15851585Micah vii. 7–9; Jer. lii. 40; Isa. liv. 7–10; Psa. xxii. 1; lxxxviii. throughout.
Chapter XIX. Cap. XIX.
Of the Law of God. De Lege Dei.
I. God gave to Adam a law, as a covenant of works, by which he bound him and all his posterity to personal, entire, exact, and perpetual obedience; promised life upon the fulfilling, and threatened death upon the breach of it; and endued him with power and ability to keep it.15861586Gen. i. 26, 27, with Gen. ii. 17; Rom. ii. 14, 15; x. 5; v. 12, 19; Gal. iii. 10, 12; Eccles. vii. 29; Job xxviii. 28. I. Deus Adamo legem dedit ut fœdus operum, quo cum illum ipsum tum posteros ejus omnes, ad obedientiam personalem, integram, exquisitam simul et perpetuam obligavit, pollicitus vitam si observarent, violatoribus autem mortem interminatus; eundemque potentia et viribus imbuit, quibus par esset illam observando.15871587Gen. i. 26, 27, with Gen. ii. 17; Rom. ii. 14, 15; x. 5; v. 12, 19; Gal. iii. 10, 12; Eccles. vii. 29; Job xxviii. 28.
II. This law, after his fall, continued to be a perfect rule of righteousness; and, as such, was delivered by God upon mount Sinai in ten commandments, and written in two tables;15881588James i. 25; ii. 8, 10–12; Rom. xiii. 8, 9; Deut. v. 32; x. 4; Exod. xxxiv. 1; [Am. ed. Rom. iii. 19]. the first four commandments containing our duty towards God, and the other six our duty to man.15891589Matt. xxii. 37–40; [Am. ed. Exod. xx. 3–18]. II. Lex ista post lapsum non desiit esse justitiæ regula perfectissima; quo etiam nomine a Deo est in monte Sinai tradita, tabulis duabus descripta, decem præceptis comprehensa;15901590James i. 25; ii. 8, 10–12; Rom. xiii. 8, 9; Deut. v. 32; x. 4; Exod. xxxiv. 1; [Am. ed. Rom. iii. 19]. quorum quatuor prima officium nostrum erga Deum, sex autem reliqua nostrum erga homines officium complectuntur.15911591Matt. xxii. 37–40; [Am. ed. Exod. xx. 3–18].
III. Beside this law, commonly called moral, God was pleased to give to the people of Israel, as a Church under age, ceremonial laws, containing several typical ordinances, III. Præter autem hanc legem, quæ moralis vulgo audit, visum est Deo ut populo Israelitico tanquam Ecclesiæ minorenni leges daret ceremoniales instituta typica multifaria
641
partly of worship, prefiguring Christ, his graces, actions, sufferings, and benefits;15921592Heb. ix.; x. 1; Gal. iv. 1–3; Col. ii. 17. and partly holding forth divers instructions of moral duties.159315931 Cor. v. 7; 2 Cor. vi. 17; Jude 23. All which ceremonial laws are now abrogated under the New Testament.15941594Col. ii. 14, 16, 17; Dan. ix. 27; Eph. ii. 15, 16. continentes; partim de cultu, Christi gratias, actiones, perpessiones ac beneficia præfigurantia;15951595Heb. ix.; x. 1; Gal. iv. 1–3; Col. ii. 17. partim autem de moralibus officiis institutiones varias exhibentia.159615961 Cor. v. 7; 2 Cor. vi. 17; Jude 23. Quæ leges ceremoniales omnes hodie sub novo instrumento sunt abrogatæ.15971597Col. ii. 14, 16, 17; Dan. ix. 27; Eph. ii. 15, 16.
IV. To them also, as a body politic, he gave sundry judicial laws, which expired together with the state of that people, not obliging any other, now, further than the general equity thereof may require.15981598Exod. xxi.; xxii. 1–29; Gen. xlix. 10, with 1 Pet. ii. 13, 14; Matt. v. 17, with vers. 38, 39; 1 Cor. ix. 8–10. IV. Iisdem etiam tanquam corpori politico leges multas dedit judiciales, quæ una cum istius populi politeia expirarunt, nullos hodie alios obligantes supra quod generalis et communis earum æquitas postularit.15991599Exod. xxi.; xxii. 1–29; Gen. xlix. 10, with 1 Pet. ii. 13, 14; Matt. v. 17, with vers. 38, 39; 1 Cor. ix. 8–10.
V. The moral law doth forever bind all, as well justified persons as others, to the obedience thereof;16001600Rom. xiii. 8–10; Eph. vi. 2; 1 John ii. 3, 4, 7, 8; [Am. ed. Rom. iii. 31, and vi. 15]. and that not only in regard of the matter contained in it, but also in respect of the authority of God the Creator who gave it.16011601James ii. 10, 11. Neither doth Christ in the gospel any way dissolve, but much strengthen, this obligation.16021602Matt. v. 17–19; James ii. 8; Rom. iii. 31. V. Lex moralis omnes tam justificatos quam alios quosvis perpetuo ligat ad obedientiam illi exhibendam;16031603Rom. xiii. 8–10; Eph. vi. 2; 1 John ii. 3, 4, 7, 8; [Am. ed. Rom. iii. 31, and vi. 15]. neque id quidem solummodo vi materiæ quæ in illa continetur, verum etiam virtute authoritatis eandem constituentis creatoris Dei;16041604James ii. 10, 11. neque sane hoc ejus vinculum in evangelio ulla ratione dissolvit Christus, verum idem plurimum confirmavit.16051605Matt. v. 17–19; James ii. 8; Rom. iii. 31.
VI. Although true believers be not under the law as a covenant of works, to be thereby justified or condemned;16061606Rom. vi. 14; Gal. ii. 16; iii. 13; iv. 4, 5; Acts xiii. 39; Rom. viii. 1. yet is it of great use to them, as well as to others; in that, as a rule of life, informing them of the will of God and their VI. Quamvis vere fideles non sint sub lege tanquam sub operum fœdere, unde aut justificari possint aut condemnari:16071607Rom. vi. 14; Gal. ii. 16; iii. 13; iv. 4, 5; Acts xiii. 39; Rom. viii. 1. est tamen ea illis non minus quam aliis vehementer utilis, ut quæ quum sit vitæ norma, illos voluntatem divinam suumque officium
642
duty, it directs and binds them to walk accordingly;16081608Rom. vii. 12, 22, 25; Psa. cxix. 4–6; 1 Cor. vii. 19; Gal. v. 14, 16, 18–23. discovering also the sinful pollutions of their nature, hearts, and lives;16091609Rom. vii. 7; iii. 20. so as, examining themselves thereby, they may come to further conviction of, humiliation for, and hatred against sin;16101610James i. 23–25; Rom. vii. 9, 14, 24. together with a clearer sight of the need they have of Christ, and the perfection of his obedience.16111611Gal. iii. 24; Rom. vii. 24, 25; viii. 3, 4. It is likewise of use to the regenerate, to restrain their corruptions, in that it forbids sin;16121612James ii. 11; Psa. cxix. 101, 104, 128. and the threatenings of it serve to show what even their sins deserve, and what afflictions in this life they may expect for them, although freed from the curse thereof threatened in the law.16131613Ezra ix. 13, 14; Psa. lxxxix. 30–34. The promises of it, in like manner, show them God's approbation of obedience, and what blessings they may expect upon the performance thereof;16141614Lev. xxvi. 1, 10, 14, with 2 Cor. vi. 16, Eph. vi. 2, 3; Psa. xxxvii. 11 with Matt. v. 5; Psa. xix. 11. although not as due to them by the law as a covenant of words:16151615Gal. ii. 16; Luke xvii. 10. so as a man's doing good, and refraining from evil, because the law encourageth to the one, and deterreth from the other, is no evidence of his being under the law, and not under grace.16161616Rom. vi. 12, 14; 1 Pet. iii. 8–12 with Psa.xxxiv. 12–16; Heb. xii. 28, 29. edocendo dirigit simul et obligat ad consentanee ambulandum;16171617Rom. vii. 12, 22, 25; Psa. cxix. 4–6; 1 Cor. vii. 19; Gal. v. 14, 16, 18–23. ipsisque patere facit naturæ, cordis, vitæque suæ nefaria inquinamenta:16181618Rom. vii. 7; iii. 20. adeo ut ad illam semet exigentes, cum peccati ulterius convinci, pro eodem humiliari, ac ejusdem odio inflammari possint;16191619James i. 23–25; Rom. vii. 9, 14, 24. tum vero etiam ut perspicere possint evidentius quam plane necessarius eis Christus, quamque perfecta sit ejusdem obedientia.16201620Gal. iii. 24; Rom. vii. 24, 25; viii. 3, 4. Verum ulterius etiam regenitis ea utilis esse possit, in quantum nempe corruptiones eorum peccata prohibendo coërcet,16211621James ii. 11; Psa. cxix. 101, 104, 128. graviter autem interminando indicat tum quid vel eorum peccata commeruerint, tum etiam quas ea propter in hac vita afflictiones expectare possint, utcunque ab earum maledictione, quam lex minatur, liberentur.16221622Ezra ix. 13, 14; Psa. lxxxix. 30–34. Quinetiam promissiones ejus demonstrant iis obedientia Deo quam accepta sit et approbata; quasque illa præstita benedictiones16231623Lev. xxvi. 1, 10, 14, with 2 Cor. vi. 16, Eph. vi. 2, 3; Psa. xxxvii. 11 with Matt. v. 5; Psa. xix. 11. (licet non tanquam lege debitas ex operum fœdere)16241624Gal. ii. 16; Luke xvii. 10. possint illi expectare. Adeo ut quod quis bonum præstet invitante lege, a malo autem abhorreat lege deterritus, nullo prorsus argumento sit, eum sub lege esse, non vero sub gratia constitutum.16251625Rom. vi. 12, 14; 1 Pet. iii. 8–12 with Psa.xxxiv. 12–16; Heb. xii. 28, 29.
643
VII. Neither are the forementioned uses of the law contrary to the grace of the gospel, but do sweetly comply with it:16261626Gal. iii. 21; [Am. ed. Titus ii. 11–14]. the Spirit of Christ subduing and enabling the will of man to do that freely and cheerfully which the will of God, revealed in the law, requireth to be done.16271627Ezek. xxxvi. 27; Heb. viii. 10 with Jer. xxxi. 33. VII. Neque interim Legis usus isti iam memorati, Evangelii gratiæ adversantur, sed cum eadem conspirant suaviter,16281628Gal. iii. 21; [Am. ed. Titus ii. 11–14]. voluntatem humanam ita subjugante ac imbuente Christi Spiritu, ut idem illud præstare valeat spontanee ac alacriter, quod ab illa exigit voluntas Dei in lege sua revelata.16291629Ezek. xxxvi. 27; Heb. viii. 10 with Jer. xxxi. 33.
Chapter XX. Cap. XX.
Of Christian Liberty, and Liberty of Conscience. De Libertate Christiana deque Libertate Conscientiæ.
I. The liberty which Christ hath purchased for believers under the gospel consists in their freedom from the guilt of sin, the condemning wrath of God, the curse of the moral law;16301630Titus ii. 14; 1 Thess. i. 10; Gal. iii. 13. and in their being delivered from this present evil world, bondage to Satan, and dominion of sin,16311631Gal. i. 4; Col. i. 13; Acts xxvi. 18; Rom. vi. 14. from the evil of afflictions, the sting of death, the victory of the grave, and everlasting damnation;16321632Rom. viii. 28; Psa. cxix. 71; 1 Cor. xv. 54–57; Rom. viii. 1. as also in their free access to God,16331633Rom. v. 1, 2. and their yielding obedience unto him, not out of slavish fear, but a childlike love and16341634[Am. ed. inserts a after and.] willing mind.16351635Rom. viii. 14, 15; 1 John iv. 18. All which were common also to believers under the law;16361636Gal. iii. 9, 14. but under the New Testament the liberty of Christians is further enlarged in I. Libertas quam Christus acquisivit fidelibus sub Evangelio in eo sita est, quod a reatu peccati, ab ira Dei condemnante, a legis Moralis maledictione immunes fiant,16371637Titus ii. 14; 1 Thess. i. 10; Gal. iii. 13. quod a præsenti malo seculo, a dura Satanæ servitute, dominioque peccati:16381638Gal. i. 4; Col. i. 13; Acts xxvi. 18; Rom. vi. 14. ab afflictionum malo, ab aculeo mortis, a sepulchri victoria ab æterna denique damnation16391639Rom. viii. 28; Psa. cxix. 71; 1 Cor. xv. 54–57; Rom. viii. 1. liberentur; Quodque libere eis liceat ad Deum accedere:16401640Rom. v. 1, 2. eique non e metu servile, verum e filiali dilectione, promtoque animo præbere valeant obedientiam.16411641Rom. viii. 14, 15; 1 John iv. 18. Atque hæc quidem omnia cum fidelibus sub lege habent communia.16421642Gal. iii. 9, 14. Verum sub Novo Testamento ulterius adhuc se extendit libertas Christiana; in quantum
644
their freedom from the yoke of the ceremonial law, to which the Jewish Church was subjected;16431643Gal. iv. 1–3, 6, 7; v. 1; Acts xv. 10, 11. and in greater boldness of access to the throne of grace,16441644Heb. iv. 14, 16; x. 19–22. and in fuller communications of the free Spirit of God, than believers under the law did ordinarily partake of.16451645John vii. 38, 39; 2 Cor. iii. 13, 17, 18. nempe Legis ceremonialis jugo, cui subjecta erat Ecclesia Judaica, eximuntur;16461646Gal. iv. 1–3, 6, 7; v. 1; Acts xv. 10, 11. majoremque confidentiam ad thronum gratiæ accedendi,16471647Heb. iv. 14, 16; x. 19–22. sed et effusiorem gratuiti Spiritus Dei communicationem sunt consecuti, quam ordinarie sub Lege fideles participarunt.16481648John vii. 38, 39; 2 Cor. iii. 13, 17, 18.
II. God alone is Lord of the conscience,16491649James iv. 12; Rom. xiv. 4. and hath left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men which are in any thing contrary to his Word, or beside it in matters of faith or worship.16501650Acts iv. 19; v. 29; 1 Cor. vii. 23; Matt. xxiii. 8–10; 2 Cor. i. 24; Matt. xv. 9. So that to believe such doctrines, or to obey such commands16511651[Am. ed. commandments.] out of conscience, is to betray true liberty of conscience;16521652Col. ii. 20–23; Gal. i. 10; v. 1; ii. 4, 5; Psa. v. l. and the requiring of16531653[Am. ed. omits of.] an implicit faith, and an absolute and blind obedience, is to destroy liberty of conscience, and reason also.16541654Rom. x. 17; xiv. 23; Isa. viii. 20; Acts xvii. 11; John iv. 22; Hos. v. 11; Rev. xiii. 12, 16, 17; Jer. viii. 9. II. Deus solus Dominus est conscientiæ,16551655James iv. 12; Rom. xiv. 4. quam certe exemit doctrinis et mandatis hominum, ubi aut verbo ejus adversantur, aut in rebus fidei et cultus quicquam ei superaddunt.16561656Acts iv. 19; v. 29; 1 Cor. vii. 23; Matt. xxiii. 8–10; 2 Cor. i. 24; Matt. xv. 9. Unde qui ejusmodi aut doctrinas credunt, aut mandatis obtemperant, quasi ad id ex conscientia teneantur, veram ii conscientiæ libertatem produnt.16571657Col. ii. 20–23; Gal. i. 10; v. 1; ii. 4, 5; Psa. v. l. Qui autem vel fidem implicitam, vel obedientiam absolutam cæcamque exigunt, næ illi id agunt, ut cum conscientiæ, tum rationis etiam destruant libertatem.16581658Rom. x. 17; xiv. 23; Isa. viii. 20; Acts xvii. 11; John iv. 22; Hos. v. 11; Rev. xiii. 12, 16, 17; Jer. viii. 9.
III. They who, upon pretense of Christian liberty, do practice any sin, or cherish any lust, do thereby destroy the end of Christian liberty; which is, that, being delivered out of the hands of our enemies, we might serve the Lord without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.16591659Gal. v. 13; 1 Pet. ii. 16; 2 Pet. ii. 19; John viii. 34; Luke i. 74, 75. III. Qui sub prætextu Christianæ libertatis, cuivis aut cupiditati indulgent aut peccato assuescunt, eo ipso libertatis Christianæ finem corrumpunt; nempe ut e manibus inimicorum nostrorum liberati, Domino in sanctimonia et justitia coram ipso omnibus diebus vitæ nostræ absque metu serviamus.16601660Gal. v. 13; 1 Pet. ii. 16; 2 Pet. ii. 19; John viii. 34; Luke i. 74, 75.
645
IV. And because the power16611661[Am. ed. powers.] which God hath ordained, and the liberty which Christ hath purchased, are not intended by God to destroy, but mutually to uphold and preserve one another; they who, upon pretense of Christian liberty, shall oppose any lawful power, or the lawful exercise of it, whether it be civil or ecclesiastical, resist the ordinance of God.16621662Matt. xii. 25; 1 Pet. ii. 13, 14, 16; Rom. xiii. 1–8; Heb. xiii. 17. And for their publishing of such opinions, or maintaining of such practices, as are contrary to the light of nature, or to the known principles of Christianity, whether concerning faith, worship, or conversation; or to the power of godliness; or such erroneous opinions or practices, as, either in their own nature, or in the manner of publishing or maintaining them, are destructive to the external peace and order which Christ hath established in the Church; they may lawfully be called to account, and proceeded against by the censures of the Church,16631663Rom. i. 32 with 1 Cor. v. 1, 5, 11, 13; 2 John v. 10, 11; and 2 Thess. iii. 14, and 1 Tim. vi. 3–5, and Titus i. 10, 11, 13 and iii. 10, with Matt. xviii. 15–17; 1 Tim. i. 19, 20; Rev. ii. 2, 14, 15, 20; iii. 9. and by the power of the Civil Magistrate.16641664Deut. xiii. 6–12; Rom. xiii. 3, 4, with 2 John v. 10, 11; Ezra vii. 23–28; Rev. xvii. 12, 16, 17; Neh. xiii. 15, 17, 21, 22, 25, 30; 2 Kings xxiii. 5, 6, 9, 20, 21; 2 Chron. xxxiv. 33; xv. 12, 13, 16; Dan. iii. 29; 1 Tim. ii. 2; Isa. xlix. 23; Zech. xiii. 2, 3.16651665[Am. ed. omits and by the power of the Civil Magistrate, also the prooftexts.] IV. Quoniam vero potestates quas Deus ordinavit, et libertas quam acquisivit Christus non in eum finem a Deo destinatæ sunt ut se mutuo perimant, verum ut se sustentent ac conservent invicem; Qui itaque sub libertatis Christianæ prætextu potestati cuivis legitimæ (civilis sit sive Ecclesiastica) aut legitimo ejusdem exercitio contraiverint, ordinationi divinæ resistere censendi sunt,16661666Matt. xii. 25; 1 Pet. ii. 13, 14, 16; Rom. xiii. 1–8; Heb. xiii. 17. Quique vel ejusmodi opiniones publicaverint, praxesve defenderint, quæ lumini naturæ, aut religionis Christianæ de fide, de cultu, aut moribus principiis notis, aut pietatis denique vi ac efficaciæ adversantur; vel ejusmodi opiniones praxesve erroneas, quæ aut sua natura aut publicationis defensionisve modo, externæ paci ac eutaxiæ, quas in Ecclesia sua stabilivit Christus, perniciem minitantur; omnino licitum est tum ab iis facti rationem reposcere, tum in eos qua censuris Ecclesiasticis,16671667Rom. i. 32 with 1 Cor. v. 1, 5, 11, 13; 2 John v. 10, 11; and 2 Thess. iii. 14, and 1 Tim. vi. 3–5, and Titus i. 10, 11, 13 and iii. 10, with Matt. xviii. 15–17; 1 Tim. i. 19, 20; Rev. ii. 2, 14, 15, 20; iii. 9. qua civilis magistratus potestate animadvertere.16681668Deut. xiii. 6–12; Rom. xiii. 3, 4, with 2 John v. 10, 11; Ezra vii. 23–28; Rev. xvii. 12, 16, 17; Neh. xiii. 15, 17, 21, 22, 25, 30; 2 Kings xxiii. 5, 6, 9, 20, 21; 2 Chron. xxxiv. 33; xv. 12, 13, 16; Dan. iii. 29; 1 Tim. ii. 2; Isa. xlix. 23; Zech. xiii. 2, 3.
646
Chapter XXI. Cap. XXI.
Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath-day. De cultu religioso et de Sabbato.
I. The light of nature showeth that there is a God, who hath lordship and sovereignty over all; is good, and doeth good unto all; and is therefore to be feared, loved, praised, called upon, trusted in, and served with all the heart, and with all the soul, and with all the might.16691669Rom. i. 20; Acts xvii. 24; Psa. cxix. 68; Jer. x. 7; Psa. xxxi. 23; xviii. 3; Rom. x. 12; Psa. lxii. 8; Josh. xxiv. 14; Mark xii. 33. But the acceptable way of worshiping the true God is instituted by himself, and so limited to16701670[Am. ed. by.] his own revealed will, that he may not be worshiped according to the imaginations and devices of men, or the suggestions of Satan, under any visible representations16711671[Am. ed. representation.] or any other way not prescribed in the Holy Scripture.16721672Deut. xii. 32; Matt. xv. 9; Acts xvii. 25; Matt. iv. 9, 10; Deut. iv. 15–20; Exod. xx. 4–6; Col. ii. 23. I. Constat quidem naturæ lumine esse Deum qui in universa Primatum obtinet ac absolutum Dominium, eundemque bonum esse ac omnibus beneficum, proindeque toto corde, tota anima, totisque viribus timendum esse et diligendum, laudandum ac invocandum, eique fidendum esse ac serviendum.16731673Rom. i. 20; Acts xvii. 24; Psa. cxix. 68; Jer. x. 7; Psa. xxxi. 23; xviii. 3; Rom. x. 12; Psa. lxii. 8; Josh. xxiv. 14; Mark xii. 33. At rationem verum Deum colendi acceptabilem ipse instituit, itaque voluntate sua revelata definivit, ut coli non debeat secundum imaginationes ac inventa hominum, aut suggestiones Satanæ, sub specie quavis visibili, aut alia via quaviscunque quam scriptura sacra non præscripsit.16741674Deut. xii. 32; Matt. xv. 9; Acts xvii. 25; Matt. iv. 9, 10; Deut. iv. 15–20; Exod. xx. 4–6; Col. ii. 23.
II. Religious worship is to be given to God, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; and to him alone:16751675Matt. iv. 10 with John v. 23 and 2 Cor. xiii. 14; [Am. ed. Rev. v. 11–13]. not to angels, saints, or any other creature:16761676Col. ii. 18; Rev. xix. 10; Rom. i. 25. and since the fall, not without a Mediator; nor in the mediation of any other but of Christ alone.16771677John xiv. 6; 1 Tim. ii. 5; Eph. ii. 18; Col. iii. 17. II. Cultus religiosus Deo Patri Filio et Spiritui sancto, eique soli est exhibendus,16781678Matt. iv. 10 with John v. 23 and 2 Cor. xiii. 14; [Am. ed. Rev. v. 11–13]. non angelis, non sanctis, neque alii cuivis creaturæ,16791679Col. ii. 18; Rev. xix. 10; Rom. i. 25. nec ipsi Deo quidem post lapsum citra Mediatorem, aut quidem per Mediatorem alium quam Jesum Christum.16801680John xiv. 6; 1 Tim. ii. 5; Eph. ii. 18; Col. iii. 17.
III. Prayer with thanksgiving, being one special part of religious worship,16811681Phil. iv. 6. is by God required of all III. Supplicationem cum gratiarum actione, quæ est inter partes præcipuas divini cultus,16821682Phil. iv. 6. Deus fieri
647
men;16831683Psa. lxv. 2. and that it may be accepted, it is to be made in the name of the Son,16841684John xiv. 13, 14; 1 Pet. ii. 5. by the help of his Spirit,16851685Rom. viii. 26. according to his will,168616861 John v. 14. with understanding, reverence, humility, fervency, faith, love, and perseverance;16871687Psa. xlvii. 7; Eccles. v. 1, 2; Heb. xii. 28; Gen. xviii. 27; James v. 16; i. 6, 7; Mark xi. 24; Matt. vi. 12, 14, 15; Col. iv. 2; Eph. vi. 18. and, if vocal, in a known tongue.168816881 Cor. xiv. 14. iubet ab hominibus universis;16891689Psa. lxv. 2. quæ, quo Deo grata sit et accepta, est in nomine Filii,16901690John xiv. 13, 14; 1 Pet. ii. 5. subsidio spiritus ejus,16911691Rom. viii. 26. et secundum ipsius voluntatem,169216921 John v. 14. cum intellectu, reverentia, humilitate, fervore, fide, amore, ac perseverantia offerenda;16931693Psa. xlvii. 7; Eccles. v. 1, 2; Heb. xii. 28; Gen. xviii. 27; James v. 16; i. 6, 7; Mark xi. 24; Matt. vi. 12, 14, 15; Col. iv. 2; Eph. vi. 18. et quidem, si vocalis sit, in lingua nota est efferenda.169416941 Cor. xiv. 14.
IV. Prayer is to be made for things lawful,169516951 John v. 14. and for all sorts of men living, or that shall live hereafter;169616961 Tim. ii. 1, 2; John xvii. 20; 2 Sam. vii. 29; Ruth iv. 12. but not for the dead,169716972 Sam. xii. 21–23 with Luke xvi. 25, 26; Rev. xiv. 13. nor for those of whom it may be known that they have sinned the sin unto death.169816981 John v. 16. IV. Preces pro rebus non nisi licitis sunt faciendæ,169916991 John v. 14. pro hominibus autem cuiuscunque generis, vivis scilicet, aut etiam victuris aliquando;170017001 Tim. ii. 1, 2; John xvii. 20; 2 Sam. vii. 29; Ruth iv. 12. pro mortuis autem neutiquam;170117012 Sam. xii. 21–23 with Luke xvi. 25, 26; Rev. xiv. 13. sed neque pro iis, de quibus constare possit eos peccatum ad mortem perpetrasse.170217021 John v. 16.
V. The reading of the Scriptures with godly fear;17031703Acts xv. 21; Rev. i. 3. the sound preaching;170417042 Tim. iv. 2. and conscionable hearing of the Word, in obedience unto God with understanding, faith, and reverence;17051705James i. 22; Acts x. 33; Matt. xiii. 19; Heb. iv. 2; Isa. lxvi. 2. singing of psalms with grace in the heart;17061706Col. iii. 16; Eph. v. 19; James v. 13. as, also, the dne administration and worthy receiving of the sacraments instituted by Christ; are all parts of the ordinary religious worship of God:17071707Matt. xxviii. 19; 1 Cor. xi. 23–29; Acts ii. 42. besides religious oaths,17081708Deut. vi. 13 with Neh. x. 29. vows,17091709Isa. xix. 21 with Eccles. v. 4, 5; [Am. ed. Acts xviii. 18.—Am. ed. reads and vows]. solemn V. Scripturarum lectio cum timore pio;17101710Acts xv. 21; Rev. i. 3. verbi prædicatio solida,171117112 Tim. iv. 2. ejusdemque auditio religiosa ex obedientia erga Deum, cum intellectu, fide et reverentia;17121712James i. 22; Acts x. 33; Matt. xiii. 19; Heb. iv. 2; Isa. lxvi. 2. Psalmorum cum gratia in corde cantatio,17131713Col. iii. 16; Eph. v. 19; James v. 13. prout etiam Sacramentorum, quæ Christus instituit, debita administratio, et participatio digna, sunt divini cultus reiigiosi partes, et quidem ordinarii.17141714Matt. xxviii. 19; 1 Cor. xi. 23–29; Acts ii. 42. Religiosa insuper juramenta,17151715Deut. vi. 13 with Neh. x. 29. votaque;17161716Isa. xix. 21 with Eccles. v. 4, 5; [Am. ed. Acts xviii. 18.—Am. ed. reads and vows]. solennia jejunia,17171717Joel ii. 12; Esth. iv. 16; Matt. ix. 15; 1 Cor. vii. 5.
648
fastings,17181718Joel ii. 12; Esth. iv. 16; Matt. ix. 15; 1 Cor. vii. 5. and thanksgivings upon several17191719[Amer. ed. has special] occasions;17201720Psalm cvii. throughout; Esth. ix. 22. which are, in their several times and seasons, to be used in an holy and religious manner.17211721Heb. xii. 28. solennesque gratiarum actiones, pro varietate eventuum17221722Psalm cvii. throughout; Esth. ix. 22.; suo quæque tempore ac opportunitate sancte quidem ac religiose sunt adhibenda.17231723Heb. xii. 28.
VI. Neither prayer, nor any other part of religious worship, is now, under the gospel, either tied unto, or made more acceptable by any place in which it is performed, or towards which it is directed:17241724John iv. 21. but God is to be worshiped every where17251725Mal. i. 11; 1 Tim. ii. 8. in spirit and17261726[Am. ed. inserts in.] truth;17271727John iv. 23, 24. as in private families17281728Jer. x. 25; Deut. vi. 6, 7; Job i. 5; 2 Sam. vi. 18, 20; 1 Pet. iii. 7; Acts x. 2. daily,17291729Matt. vi. 11; [Am. ed. Josh. xxiv. 15]. and in secret each one by himself,17301730Matt. vi. 6; Eph. vi. 18. so more solemnly in the public assemblies, which are not carelessly or willfully to be neglected or forsaken, when God, by his Word or providence, calleth thereunto.17311731Isa. lvi. 7; Heb. x. 25; Prov. i. 20, 21, 24; viii. 34; Acts xiii. 42; Luke iv. 16; Acts ii. 42. VI. Hodie sub evangelio neque preces, nec ulla pars alia religiosi cultus ita cuivis alligatur loco in quo præstetur aut versus quem dirigatur,17321732John iv. 21. ut inde gratior evadat et acceptior; verum ubique Deus colendus est17331733Mal. i. 11; 1 Tim. ii. 8. in spiritu ac veritate;17341734John iv. 23, 24. quotidie17351735Jer. x. 25; Deut. vi. 6, 7; Job i. 5; 2 Sam. vi. 18, 20; 1 Pet. iii. 7; Acts x. 2. quidem inter privatos parietes a quavis familia,17361736Matt. vi. 11; [Am. ed. Josh. xxiv. 15]. ut etiam a quolibet seorsim in secreto;17371737Matt. vi. 6; Eph. vi. 18. at solenniter magis in conventibus publicis, qui certe quoties eo nos Deus vocat, seu verbo suo seu providentia, non sunt vel ex incuria vel obstinatione animi aut negligendi aut deserendi.17381738Isa. lvi. 7; Heb. x. 25; Prov. i. 20, 21, 24; viii. 34; Acts xiii. 42; Luke iv. 16; Acts ii. 42.
VII. As it is of the law of nature, that, in general, a due proportion of time be set apart for the worship of God; so, in his Word, by a positive, moral, and perpetual commandment, binding all men in all ages, he hath particularly appointed one day in seven for a Sabbath, to be kept holy unto him:17391739Exod. xx. 8, 10, 11; Isa. lvi. 2, 4, 6, 7; [Am. ed. Isa. lvi. 6]. which, from the VII. Quemadmodum est de lege naturæ ut indefinite portio quædam temporis idonea divino cultui celebrando sejuncta sit ac assignata; ita in verbo suo Deus (præcepto morali, positivo ac perpetuo, homines omnes cujuscunque fuerint seculi obligante) speciatim e septenis quibusque diebus diem unum in Sabbatum designavit, sancte sibi observandum.17401740Exod. xx. 8, 10, 11; Isa. lvi. 2, 4, 6, 7; [Am. ed. Isa. lvi. 6]. Quod
649
beginning of the world to the resurrection of Christ, was the last day of the week; and, from the resurrection of Christ, was changed into the first day of the week,17411741Gen. ii. 2, 3; 1 Cor. xvi. 1, 2; Acts xx. 7. which in Scripture is called the Lord's day,17421742Rev. i. 10. and is to be continued to the end of the world, as the Christian Sabbath.17431743Exod. xx. 8, 10, with Matt. v. 17, 18. quidem ab orbe condito ad resurrectionem usque Christi dies ultimus erat in septimana; deinde autem a Christi resurrectione in septimanæ diem primum transferebatur;17441744Gen. ii. 2, 3; 1 Cor. xvi. 1, 2; Acts xx. 7. qui quidem in Scriptura Dies Dominicus17451745Rev. i. 10. nuncupatur, estque perpetuo ad finem mundi tanquam Sabbatum Christianum celebrandus.17461746Exod. xx. 8, 10, with Matt. v. 17, 18.
VIII. This Sabbath is then kept holy unto the Lord, when men, after a due preparing of their hearts, and ordering of their common affairs beforehand, do not only observe an holy rest all the day from their own works, words, and thoughts, about their worldly employments and recreations;17471747Exod. xx. 8; xvi. 23, 25, 26, 29, 30; xxxi. 15–17; Isa. lviii. 13; Neh. xiii. 15–22. but also are taken up the whole time in the public and private exercises of his worship, and in the duties of necessity and mercy.17481748Isa. lviii. 13; Matt. xii. 1–13. VIII. Tunc autem hoc Sabbatum Deo sancte celebratur, quum post corda rite præparata, et compositas suas res mundanas, homines non solum a suis ipsorum operibus, dictis, cogitatis; (quæ circa illas exerceri solent) a recreationibus etiam ludicris quietem sanctam toto observant die;17491749Exod. xx. 8; xvi. 23, 25, 26, 29, 30; xxxi. 15–17; Isa. lviii. 13; Neh. xiii. 15–22. verum etiam in exercitiis divini cultus publicis privatisque, ac in officiis necessitatis et misericordiæ toto illo tempore occupantur.17501750Isa. lviii. 13; Matt. xii. 1–13.
Chapter XXII. Cap. XXII.
Of Lawful Oaths and Vows. De Juramentis, votisque licitis.
I. A lawful oath is a part of religious worship,17511751Deut. x. 20. wherein, upon just occasion, the person swearing solemnly calleth God to witness what he asserteth or promiseth; and to judge him according to the truth or falsehood of what he sweareth.17521752Exod. xx. 7; Lev. xix. 12; 2 Cor. i. 23; 2 Chron. vi. 22, 23. I. Juramentum licitum est pars cultus religiosi,17531753Deut. x. 20. qua (occasione justa oblata) qui jurat, Deum, de eo quod asserit aut promittit, solenni modo testatur; eundemque appellat se secundum illius quod jurat veritatem aut falsitatem judicaturum.17541754Exod. xx. 7; Lev. xix. 12; 2 Cor. i. 23; 2 Chron. vi. 22, 23.
II. The name of God only is that II. Per solum Dei nomen jurare
650
by which, men ought to swear, and therein it is to be used with all holy fear and reverence;17551755Deut. vi. 13. therefore to swear vainly or rashly by that glorious and dreadful name, or to swear at all by any other thing, is sinful, and to be abhorred.17561756Exod. xx. 7; Jer. v. 7; Matt. v. 34, 37; James v. 12. Yet as, in matters of weight and moment, an oath is warranted by the Word of God, under the New Testament, as well as under the Old,17571757Heb. vi. 16; 2 Cor. i. 23; Isa. lxv. 16. so a lawful oath, being imposed by lawful authority, in such matters ought to be taken.175817581 Kings viii. 31; Neh. xiii. 25; Ezra x. 25. debent homines, quod quidem cum omni timore sancto ac reverentia est inibi usurpandum.17591759Deut. vi. 13. Proindeque per nomen illud gloriosum ac tremendum jurare leviter, aut temere, vel etiam omnino jurare per rem aliam quamviscunque, sceleratum est et quam maxime perhorrescendum.17601760Exod. xx. 7; Jer. v. 7; Matt. v. 34, 37; James v. 12. Veruntamen sicut in rebus majoris ponderis et momenti secundum verbum Dei licitum est jusjurandum non minus quidem sub Novo quam sub Vetere Testamento:17611761Heb. vi. 16; 2 Cor. i. 23; Isa. lxv. 16. ita sane jusjurandum licitum, authoritate legitima si exigatur, non est in rebus ejusmodi declinandum.176217621 Kings viii. 31; Neh. xiii. 25; Ezra x. 25.
III. Whosoever taketh an oath ought duly to consider the weightiness of so solemn an act, and therein to avouch nothing but what he is fully persuaded is the truth.17631763Exod. xx. 7; Jer. iv. 2. Neither may any man bind himself by oath to any thing but what is good and just, and what he believeth so to be, and what he is able and resolved to perform.17641764Gen. xxiv. 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9. Yet it is a sin to refuse an oath touching any thing that is good and just, being imposed by lawful authority.17651765Numb. v. 19, 21; Neh. v. 12; Exod. xxii. 7–11. III. Quicunque juramentum præstat eum pondus actionis tam solennis rite secum perpendere oportet, atque juratum de nullo asseverare quod verum esse non habeat sibi persuasissimum.17661766Exod. xx. 7; Jer. iv. 2. Neque licet cuivis ad agendum quicquam obstringere semet jurejurando, nisi quod revera bonum justumque est, quod ille ejusmodi esse credit, quodque ipse præstare potest statuitque.17671767Gen. xxiv. 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9. Veruntamen de re bona justaque jusjurandum, legitima authoritate si exigatur, peccat ille qui detrectat.17681768Numb. v. 19, 21; Neh. v. 12; Exod. xxii. 7–11.
IV. An oath is to be taken in the plain and common sense of IV. Juramentum præstandum est sensu verborum vulgari quidem ac
651
the words, without equivocation or mental reservation.17691769Jer. iv. 2; Psa. xxiv. 4. It can not oblige to sin; but in any thing not sinful, being taken, it binds to performance, although to a man's own hurt:177017701 Sam. xxv. 22, 32–34; Psa. xv. 4. nor is it to be violated, although made to heretics or infidels.17711771Ezek. xvii. 16, 18, 19; Josh. ix. 18, 19, with 2 Sam. xxi. 1. manifesto, sine æquivocatione aut reservatione mentali quaviscunque.17721772Jer. iv. 2; Psa. xxiv. 4. Ad peccandum quenquam obligare nequit, verum in re qualibet cui abest peccatum, qui semel illud præstitit, adimplere tenetur, vel etiam cum damno suo;177317731 Sam. xxv. 22, 32–34; Psa. xv. 4. neque sane licet, quamvis hæreticis datum aut infidelibus, violare.17741774Ezek. xvii. 16, 18, 19; Josh. ix. 18, 19, with 2 Sam. xxi. 1.
V. A vow is of the like nature with a promissory oath, and ought to be made with the like religious care, and to be performed with the like faithfulness.17751775Isa. xix. 21; Eccles. v. 4–6; Psa. lxi. 8; lxvi. 13, 14. V. Votum, naturæ consimilis est cum juramento promissorio, parique debet tum religione nuncupari tum fide persolvi.17761776Isa. xix. 21; Eccles. v. 4–6; Psa. lxi. 8; lxvi. 13, 14.
VI. It is not to be made to any creature, but to God alone:17771777Psa. lxxvi. 11; Jer. xliv. 25, 26. and that it may be accepted, it is to be made voluntarily, out of faith and conscience of duty, in way of thankfulness for mercy received, or for the17781778[Am. ed. omits the.] obtaining of what we want; whereby we more strictly bind ourselves to necessary duties, or to other things, so far and so long as they may fitly conduce thereunto.17791779Deut. xxiii. 21, 23; Psa. 1. 14; Gen. xxviii. 20–22; 1 Sam. i. 11; Psa. lxvi. 13, 14; cxxxii. 2—5. VI. Non est ulli creaturæ, sed Deo soli nuncupandum,17801780Psa. lxxvi. 11; Jer. xliv. 25, 26. et quo gratum illi esse possit acceptumque, est quidem lubenter, e fide, officiique nostri conscientia suscipiendum, vel gratitudinis nostræ ob accepta beneficia testandæ causa, vel boni alicujus, quo indigemus, consequendi; per hoc autem nosmet ad officia necessaria arctius obligamus; vel etiam ad res alias quatenus quidem et quamdiu istis subserviunt.17811781Deut. xxiii. 21, 23; Psa. 1. 14; Gen. xxviii. 20–22; 1 Sam. i. 11; Psa. lxvi. 13, 14; cxxxii. 2—5.
VII. No man may vow to do any thing forbidden in the Word of God, or what would hinder any duty therein commanded, or which is not in his own power, and for the performance whereof he hath no promise VII. Nemini quicquam vovere licet se acturum, quod aut verbo Dei prohibetur; aut officium aliquod inibi præceptum impediret, quodve non est in voventis potestate, et cui præstando vires illi Deus non est pollicitus.17821782Acts xxiii. 12, 14; Mark vi. 26; Numb. xxx. 5, 8, 12, 13.
652
or ability from God.17831783Acts xxiii. 12, 14; Mark vi. 26; Numb. xxx. 5, 8, 12, 13. In which respect,17841784[Am. ed. has respects.] popish monastical vows of perpetual single life, professed poverty, and regular obedience, are so far from being degrees of higher perfection, that they are superstitions and sinful snares, in which no Christian may entangle himself.17851785Matt. xix. 11, 12; 1 Cor. vii. 2, 9; Eph. iv. 28; 1 Pet. iv. 2; 1 Cor. vii. 23. Unde Pontificiorum illa de perpetuo cœlibatu, de paupertate, deque obedientia regulari vota Monastica, tantum abest ut perfectionis gradus sint sublimiores, ut superstitionis plane sint ac peccati laquei, quibus nulli unquam Christiano semetipsum licet implicare.17861786Matt. xix. 11, 12; 1 Cor. vii. 2, 9; Eph. iv. 28; 1 Pet. iv. 2; 1 Cor. vii. 23.
Chapter XXIII. Cap. XXIII.
Of the Civil Magistrate. De Magistratu Civili.
I. God, the Supreme Lord and King of all the world, hath ordained civil magistrates to be under him, over the people, for his own glory and the public good, and to this end hath armed them with the power of the sword, for the defense and encouragement of them that are good, and for the punishment of evil-doers.17871787Rom. xiii. 1–4; 1 Pet. ii. 13, 14. I. Supremus totius Mundi Rex ac Dominus Deus, Magistratus Civiles ordinavit qui vices ejus gerant supra populum ad suam ipsius gloriam, ac bonum publicum; in quem finem eosdem armavit potestate gladii, propter bonorum quidem animationem ac tutamen, animadversionem autem in maleficos.17881788Rom. xiii. 1–4; 1 Pet. ii. 13, 14.
II. It is lawful for Christians to accept and execute the office of a magistrate when called thereunto;17891789Prov. viii. 15, 16; Rom. xiii. 1, 2, 4. in the managing whereof, as they ought especially to maintain piety, justice, and peace, according to the wholesome laws of each commonwealth,17901790Psa. ii. 10–12; 1 Tim. ii. 2; Psa. lxxxii. 3, 4; 2 Sam. xxiii. 3; 1 Pet. ii. 13. so, for that end, they may lawfully, now under the New Testament, wage war upon just and necessary occasion.17911791Luke iii. 14; Rom. xiii. 4; Matt. viii. 9, 10; Acts x. 1, 2; Rev. xvii. 14, 16.&17921792[Am. ed. has occasions.] II. Christianis, quoties ad id vocantur, Magistratus munus et suscipere licet et exequi;17931793Prov. viii. 15, 16; Rom. xiii. 1, 2, 4. in quo quidem gerendo, ut pietatem præcipue, justitiam, ac pacem secundum salubres cujusque Reipublicæ leges tueri debent,17941794Psa. ii. 10–12; 1 Tim. ii. 2; Psa. lxxxii. 3, 4; 2 Sam. xxiii. 3; 1 Pet. ii. 13. ita quo illum finem consequantur, licitum est iis vel hodie sub Novo Testamento in causis justis ac necessariis bellum gerere.17951795Luke iii. 14; Rom. xiii. 4; Matt. viii. 9, 10; Acts x. 1, 2; Rev. xvii. 14, 16.
653
III. The civil magistrate may not assume to himself the administration of the Word and Sacraments, or the power of the keys of the kingdom of heaven:179617962 Chron. xxvi. 18 with Matt. xviii. 17 and xvi. 19; 1 Cor. xii. 28, 29; Eph. iv. 11, 12; 1 Cor. iv. 1, 2; Rom. x. 15; Heb. v. 4. yet he hath authority, and it is his duty to take order, that unity and peace be preserved in the Church, that the truth of God be kept pure and entire, that all blasphemies and heresies be suppressed, all corruptions and abuses in worship and discipline prevented or reformed, and all the ordinances of God duly settled, administered, and observed.17971797Isa. xlix. 23; Psa. cxxii. 9; Ezra vii. 23–28; Lev. xxiv. 16; Deut. xiii. 5, 6, 12; 2 Kings xviii. 4; 1 Chron. xiii. 1–9; 2 Kings xxiii. 1–26; 2 Chron. xxxiv. 33; 2 Chron. xv. 12, 13. For the better effecting whereof he hath power to call synods, to be present at them, and to provide that whatsoever is transacted in them be according to the mind of God.179817982 Chron. xix. 8–11; chaps. xxix. and xxx.; Matt. ii. 4, 5. III. Magistratui Civili verbi et sacramentorum administrationem, aut clavium regni cœlorum potestatem assumere sibi non est licitum:179917992 Chron. xxvi. 18 with Matt. xviii. 17 and xvi. 19; 1 Cor. xii. 28, 29; Eph. iv. 11, 12; 1 Cor. iv. 1, 2; Rom. x. 15; Heb. v. 4. nihilo tamen minus et jure potest ille, eique incumbit providere ut Ecclesiæ unitas ac tranquillitas conservetur, ut veritas Dei pura et integra custodiatur, ut supprimantur blasphemiæ omnes, hæresesque, ut in cultu ac disciplina omnes corruptelæ ac abusus aut præcaveantur aut reformentur, omnia denique instituta divina, ut rite statuminentur, administrentur, observentur.18001800Isa. xlix. 23; Psa. cxxii. 9; Ezra vii. 23–28; Lev. xxiv. 16; Deut. xiii. 5, 6, 12; 2 Kings xviii. 4; 1 Chron. xiii. 1–9; 2 Kings xxiii. 1–26; 2 Chron. xxxiv. 33; 2 Chron. xv. 12, 13. Quæ omnia quo melius præstare possit, potestatem habet tum Synodos convocandi, tum ut ipsis intersit, prospiciatque, ut quicquid in iis transigatur sit menti divinæ consentaneum.180118012 Chron. xix. 8–11; chaps. xxix. and xxx.; Matt. ii. 4, 5.

The above section is changed in the American revision, and adapted to the separation of Church and State, as follows:

[III. Civil magistrates may not assume to themselves the administration of the Word and Sacraments (2 Chron. xxvi. 18); or the power of the keys of the kingdom of heaven (Matt. xvi. 19; 1 Cor. iv. 1, 2); or, in the least, interfere in matters of faith (John xviii. 36; Mal. ii. 7; Acts v. 29). Yet as nursing fathers, it is the duty of civil magistrates to protect the Church of our common Lord, without giving the preference to any denomination of Christians above the rest, in such a manner that all ecclesiastical persons whatever 654shall enjoy the full, free, and unquestioned liberty of discharging every part of their sacred functions, without violence or danger (Isa. xlix. 23). And, as Jesus Christ hath appointed a regular government and discipline in his Church, no law of any commonwealth should interfere with, let, or hinder, the due exercise thereof, among the voluntary members of any denomination of Christians, according to their own profession and belief (Psa. cv. 15; Acts xviii. 14–16). It is the duty of civil magistrates to protect the person and good name of all their people, in such an effectual manner as that no person be suffered, either upon pretence of religion or infidelity, to offer any indignity, violence, abuse, or injury to any other person whatsoever: and to take order, that all religious and ecclesiastical assemblies be held without molestation or disturbance (2 Sam. xxiii. 3; 1 Tim. ii. 1; Rom. xiii. 4).]

IV. It is the duty of people18021802[Am. ed. reads of the people.] to pray for magistrates,180318031 Tim. ii. 1, 2. to honor their persons,180418041 Pet. ii. 17. to pay them tribute and other dues,18051805Rom. xiii. 6, 7. to obey their lawful commands, and to be subject to their authority, for conscience' sake.18061806Rom. xiii. 5; Tit. i. 3. Infidelity or difference in religion doth not make void the magistrate's just and legal authority, nor free the people from their due obedience to him:180718071 Pet. ii. 13, 14, 16. from which ecclesiastical persons are not exempted;18081808Rom. xiii. 1; 1 Kings ii. 35; Acts xxv. 9–11; 2 Pet. ii. 1, 10, 11; Jude 8–11. much less hath the Pope any power or jurisdiction over them in their dominions, or over any of their people; and least of all to deprive them of their dominions or lives, if he shall judge them to be IV. Debet populus pro Magistratibus preces fundere,180918091 Tim. ii. 1, 2. personas eorum honore prosequi,181018101 Pet. ii. 17. tributa aliaque eis debita persolvere,18111811Rom. xiii. 6, 7. obtemperare licitis eorum mandatis, ac propter conscientiam subjici illorum authoritati;18121812Rom. xiii. 5; Tit. i. 3. quæ si justa sit ac legitima, non eam illorum infidelitas, non religio diversa cassam reddit, neque populum liberat a debitæ, illis obedientiæ præstatione,181318131 Pet. ii. 13, 14, 16. qua viri quidem Ecclesiastici non eximuntur,18141814Rom. xiii. 1; 1 Kings ii. 35; Acts xxv. 9–11; 2 Pet. ii. 1, 10, 11; Jude 8–11. multo minus in ipsos magistratus, intra ditionem suam, ant ex eorum populo quemvis potestatem ullam habet aut jurisdictionem Papa Romanus, minime vero omnium vita illos aut principatu exuendi, si ipse
655
heretics, or upon any other pretense whatsoever.181518152 Thess. ii. 4; Rev. xiii. 15–17. scilicet eos hæreticos esse judicaverit, vel etiam alio prætextu quoviscunque.181618162 Thess. ii. 4; Rev. xiii. 15–17.
Chapter XXIV. Cap. XXIV.
Of Marriage and Divorce. De Conjugio et Divortio.
I. Marriage is to be between one man and one woman: neither is it lawful for any man to have more than one wife, nor for any woman to have more than one husband at the same time.18171817Gen. ii. 24; Matt. xix. 5, 6; Prov. ii. 17; [Am. ed. 1 Cor. vii. 2; Mark x. 6–9]. I. Conjugium inter unum virum ac fœminam unam contrahi debet; neque viro ulli uxores plures, nec ulli fœminæ ultra unum maritum eodem tempore habere licet.18181818Gen. ii. 24; Matt. xix. 5, 6; Prov. ii. 17; [Am. ed. 1 Cor. vii. 2; Mark x. 6–9].
II. Marriage was ordained for the mutual help of husband and wife;18191819Gen. ii. 18. for the increase of mankind with a legitimate issue, and of the Church with an holy seed;18201820Mal. ii. 15. and for preventing of uncleanness.182118211 Cor. vii. 2, 9. II. Conjugium erat institutum, cum propter mariti uxorisque auxilium mutuum,18221822Gen. ii. 18. tum propter humani generis prole legitima, Ecclesiæqeu sancto semine incrementum,18231823Mal. ii. 15. tum vero etiam ad impudicitiam declinandam.182418241 Cor. vii. 2, 9.
III. It is lawful for all sorts of people to marry who are able with judgment to give their consent.18251825Heb. xiii. 4; 1 Tim. iv. 3; 1 Cor. vii. 36–38; Gen. xxiv. 57, 58. Yet it is the duty of Christians to marry only in the Lord.182618261 Cor. vii. 39. And, therefore, such as profess the true reformed religion should not marry with infidels, Papists, or other idolaters: neither should such as are godly be unequally yoked, by marrying with such as are notoriously wicked in their life, or maintain damnable heresies.18271827Gen. xxxiv. 14; Exod. xxxiv. 16; Deut. vii. 3, 4; 1 Kings xi. 4; Neh. xiii. 25–27; Mal. ii. 11, 12; 2 Cor. vi. 14. III. Matrimonio jungi cuivis hominum generi licitum est, qui consensum suum præbere valent cum judicio;18281828Heb. xiii. 4; 1 Tim. iv. 3; 1 Cor. vii. 36–38; Gen. xxiv. 57, 58. Veruntamen solum in Domino connubia inire debent Christiani;182918291 Cor. vii. 39. proindeque quotquot religionem veram reformatamque profitentur, non debent Infidelibus, Papistis, aut aliis quibuscunque idololatris connubio sociari; neque sane debent qui pii sunt impari jugo copulari, conjugium cum illis contrahendo qui aut improbitate vitæ sunt notabiles, aut damnabiles tuentur hæreses.18301830Gen. xxxiv. 14; Exod. xxxiv. 16; Deut. vii. 3, 4; 1 Kings xi. 4; Neh. xiii. 25–27; Mal. ii. 11, 12; 2 Cor. vi. 14.;
656
IV. Marriage ought not to be within the degrees of consanguinity or affinity forbidden in the Word;18311831Lev. chap. xviii.; 1 Cor. v. 1; Amos ii. 7. nor can such incestuous marriages ever be made lawful by any law of man, or consent of parties, so as those persons may live together, as man and wife.18321832Mark vi. 18; Lev. xviii. 24–28. The man may not marry any of his wife's kindred nearer in blood than he may of his own, nor the woman of her husband's kindred nearer in blood than of her own.18331833Lev. xx. 19–21. IV. Connubia intra consanguinitatis affinitatisque gradus in verbo Dei vetitos iniri non est licitum;18341834Lev. chap. xviii.; 1 Cor. v. 1; Amos ii. 7. neque possunt ejusmodi incesta conjugia quavis aut humana lege, aut consensione partium fieri legitima, adeo ut personis illis ad instar mariti et uxoris liceat unquam cohabitare.18351835Mark vi. 18; Lev. xviii. 24–28. Non licet viro e cognatione uxoris suæ ducere, quam si æque seipsum attingeret sanguine, ducere non liceret; sicuti nec fœminæ licet viro nubere a mariti sui sanguine minus, quam a suo liceret, alieno.18361836Lev. xx. 19–21.
V. Adultery or fornication, committed after a contract, being detected before marriage, giveth just occasion to the innocent party to dissolve that contract.18371837Matt. i. 18–20. In the case of adultery after marriage, it is lawful for the innocent party to sue out a divorce,18381838Matt. v. 31, 32. and after the divorce to marry another, as if the offending party were dead.18391839Matt. xix. 9; Rom. vii. 2, 3. V. Adulterium aut scortatio si admittatur post sponsalia, ac ante conjugium detegatur, personæ innocenti justam præbet occasionem contractum illum dissolvendi;18401840Matt. i. 18–20. quod si adulterium post conjugium admittatur, licebit parti innocenti divortium lege postulare ac obtinere;18411841Matt. v. 31, 32. atque quidem post factum divortium conjugio alteri sociari, perinde acsi mortua esset persona illa quæ conjugii fidem violabat.18421842Matt. xix. 9; Rom. vii. 2, 3.
VI. Although the corruption of man be such as is apt to study arguments, unduly to put asunder those whom God hath joined together in marriage; yet nothing but adultery, or such willful desertion as can no way be remedied by VI. Quamvis ea sit hominis corruptio ut proclivis sit ad excogitandum argumenta, indebite illos quos Deus connubio junxit dissociandi; nihilominus tamen extra adulterium ac desertionem ita obstinatam, ut cui nullo remedio, nec ab Ecclesia nec a
657
the Church or civil magistrate, is cause sufficient of dissolving the bond of marriage;18431843Matt. xix. 8, 9; 1 Cor. vii. 15; Matt. xix. 6. wherein a public and orderly course of proceeding is to be observed; and the persons concerned in it, not left to their own wills and discretion in their own case.18441844Deut. xxiv. 1–4; [Am. ed. Ezra x. 3]. Magistratu civili subveniri possit, sufficiens causa nulla esse potest conjugii vinculum dissolvendi.18451845Matt. xix. 8, 9; 1 Cor. vii. 15; Matt. xix. 6. Atque hac quidem in re procedendi ordo publicus et regularis est observandus, nec personæ illæ, quarum jus agitur, sunt suo arbitrio judiciove in causa propria permittendæ.18461846Deut. xxiv. 1–4; [Am. ed. Ezra x. 3].
Chapter XXV. Cap. XXV.
Of the Church. De Ecclesia.
I. The catholic or universal Church, which is invisible, consists of the whole number of the elect, that have been, are, or shall be gathered into one, under Christ the head thereof; and is the spouse, the body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all.18471847Eph. i. 10, 22, 23; v. 23, 27, 32; Col. i. 18. I. Catholica sive Universalis Ecclesia ea quæ est invisibilis constat e toto electorum numero, quotquot fuerunt, sunt, aut erunt unquam in unum collecti, sub Christo ejusdem Capite; estque sponsa, corpus ac plenitudo ejus qui implet omnia in omnibus.18481848Eph. i. 10, 22, 23; v. 23, 27, 32; Col. i. 18.
II. The visible Church, which is also catholic or universal under the gospel (not confined to one nation as before under the law) consists of all those, throughout the world, that profess the true religion,184918491 Cor. i. 2; xii. 12, 13; Psa. ii. 8; Rev. vii. 9; Rom. xv. 9–12. and of18501850[Am. ed. together with, instead of and of.] their children;185118511 Cor. vii. 14; Acts ii. 39; Ezek. xvi. 20, 21; Rom. xi. 16; Gen. iii. 15; xvii. 7; [Am. ed. Gal. iii. 7, 9, 14; Rom. iv. throughout]. and is the kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ,18521852Matt. xiii. 47; Isa. ix. 7. the house and family of God,18531853Eph. ii. 19; iii. 15; [Am. ed. Prov. xxix. 18]. out of which there is no ordinary possibility of salvation.18541854Acts ii. 47. II. Ecclesia visibilis (quæ etiam sub Evangelio, Catholica est et universalis, non autem unius gentis finibus, ut pridem sub lege, circumscripta) ex iis omnibus constat, undecunque terrarum sint, qui veram religionem profitentur,185518551 Cor. i. 2; xii. 12, 13; Psa. ii. 8; Rev. vii. 9; Rom. xv. 9–12. una cum eorundem liberis;185618561 Cor. vii. 14; Acts ii. 39; Ezek. xvi. 20, 21; Rom. xi. 16; Gen. iii. 15; xvii. 7; [Am. ed. Gal. iii. 7, 9, 14; Rom. iv. throughout]. estque Regnum Domini Jesu Christi,18571857Matt. xiii. 47; Isa. ix. 7. Domus et familla Dei,18581858Eph. ii. 19; iii. 15; [Am. ed. Prov. xxix. 18]. extra quam quidem ordinarie fieri nequit ut quivis salutem consequatur.18591859Acts ii. 47.
658
III. Unto this catholic visible Church Christ hath given the ministry, oracles, and ordinances of God, for the gathering and perfecting of the saints, in this life, to the end of the world: and doth by his own presence and Spirit, according to his promise, make them effectual thereunto.186018601 Cor. xii. 23; Eph. iv. 11–13; Matt. xxviii. 19, 20; Isa. lix. 21. III. Catholicæ huic Ecclesiæ visibili dedit Christus ministrorum ordinem, oracula, ac instituta Dei ad sanctos usque ad finem mundi in hac vita colligendos simul et perficiendos; in quem finem præsentia sua, spirituque secundum ipsius promissionem, eadem reddit efficacia.186118611 Cor. xii. 23; Eph. iv. 11–13; Matt. xxviii. 19, 20; Isa. lix. 21.
IV. This catholic Church hath been sometimes more, sometimes less visible.18621862Rom. xi. 3, 4; Rev. xii. 6, 14; [Am. ed. Acts ix. 31]. And particular churches, which are members thereof, are more or less pure, according as the doctrine of the gospel is taught and embraced, ordinances administered, and public worship performed more or less purely in them.18631863Rev. chaps. ii. and iii.; 1 Cor. v. 6, 7. IV. Ecclesia hæc Catholica extitit quandoque magis quandoque minus visibilis.18641864Rom. xi. 3, 4; Rev. xii. 6, 14; [Am. ed. Acts ix. 31]. Ecclesiæ autem particulares (quæ sunt illius membra) eo magis minusve puræ sunt, qui majori aut minori cum puritate in iis docetur excipiturque Evangelii doctrina, administrantur divina instituta, cultusque publicus celebratur.18651865Rev. chaps. ii. and iii.; 1 Cor. v. 6, 7.
V. The purest churches under heaven are subject both to mixture and error;186618661 Cor. xiii. 12; Rev. chaps. ii. and iii.; Matt. xiii. 24–30, 47. and some have so degenerated as to become no churches of Christ, but synagogues of Satan.18671867Rev. xviii. 2; Rom. xi. 18–22. Nevertheless, there shall be always a Church on earth to worship God according to his will.18681868Matt. xvi. 18; Psa. lxxii. 17; cii. 28; Matt. xxviii. 19, 20. V. Purissimæ omnium quæ in terris sunt Ecclesiæ, cum mixturæ tum etiam errori sunt obnoxiæ,186918691 Cor. xiii. 12; Rev. chaps. ii. and iii.; Matt. xiii. 24–30, 47. eousque autem nonnullæ degenerarunt, ut ex Ecclesiis Christi factæ demum sint ipsius Satanæ Synagogæ;18701870Rev. xviii. 2; Rom. xi. 18–22. nihilominus tamen nunquam deerit in terris Ecclesiæ, quæ Deum colat secundum ipsius voluntatem.18711871Matt. xvi. 18; Psa. lxxii. 17; cii. 28; Matt. xxviii. 19, 20.
VI. There is no other head of the Church but the Lord Jesus Christ:18721872Col. i. 18; Eph. i. 22. nor can the Pope of Rome, in any VI. Ecclesiæ caput extra unum Dominum Jesum Christum nullum est;18731873Col. i. 18; Eph. i. 22. nec ullo sensu caput ejus esse
659
sense be head thereof; but is that Antichrist, that man of sin and son of perdition, that exalteth himself in the Church against Christ, and all that is called God.18741874Matt. xxiii. 8–10; 2 Thess. ii. 3, 4, 8, 9; Rev. xiii. 6. potest Papa Romanus, qui est insignis ille Antichristus, homo ille peccati et perditionis filius; in Ecclesia semet efferens adversus Christum, et supra quicquid dicitur Deus.18751875Matt. xxiii. 8–10; 2 Thess. ii. 3, 4, 8, 9; Rev. xiii. 6.
Chapter XXVI. Cap. XXVI.
Of the Communion of Saints. De Communione Sanctorum.
I. All saints that are united to Jesus Christ their head, by his Spirit and by faith, have fellowship with him in his graces, sufferings, death, resurrection, and glory:187618761 John i. 3; Eph. iii. 16–19; John i. 16; Eph. ii. 5, 6; Phil. iii. 10; Rom. vi. 5, 6; 2 Tim. ii. 12. and being united to one another in love, they have communion in each other's gifts and graces,18771877Eph. iv. 15, 16; 1 Cor. xii. 7; iii. 21–23; Col. ii. 19. and are obliged to the performance of such duties, public and private, as do conduce to their mutual good, both in the inward and outward man.187818781 Thess. v. 11, 14; Rom. i. 11, 12, 14; 1 John iii. 16–18; Gal. vi. 10. I. Sancti omnes, qui capiti suo Jesu Christo per Spiritum ejus ac per fidem uniuntur, gratiarum ejus, perpessionum, mortis, resurrectionis ac gloriæ ejus habent communionem;187918791 John i. 3; Eph. iii. 16–19; John i. 16; Eph. ii. 5, 6; Phil. iii. 10; Rom. vi. 5, 6; 2 Tim. ii. 12. atque inde etiam amore conjuncti sibimet invicem mutuam donorum suorum gratiarumque societatem quandam ineunt,18801880Eph. iv. 15, 16; 1 Cor. xii. 7; iii. 21–23; Col. ii. 19. ac ad ejusmodi officia præstanda publica et privata obligantur, quæ ad mutuum eorum bonum conducant, cum quoad internum tum etiam quoad externum hominem.188118811 Thess. v. 11, 14; Rom. i. 11, 12, 14; 1 John iii. 16–18; Gal. vi. 10.
II. Saints, by profession, are bound to maintain an holy fellowship and communion in the worship of God, and in performing such other spiritual services as tend to their mutual edification;18821882Heb. x. 24, 25; Acts ii. 42, 46; Isa. ii. 3; 1 Cor. xi. 20. as also in relieving each other in outward things, according to their several abilities and necessities. II. Qui sanctos sese profitentur, sanctam illi societatem et communionem inire tenentur et conservare, cum in divino cultu, tum alia officia spiritualia præstando, quæ ad mutuam eorum ædificationem conferre possint;18831883Heb. x. 24, 25; Acts ii. 42, 46; Isa. ii. 3; 1 Cor. xi. 20. Quin etiam porro sublevando se mutuo in rebus externis, pro ratione cujusque vel facultatum
660
Which communion, as God offereth opportunity, is to be extended unto all those who, in every place, call upon the name of the Lord Jesus.18841884Acts ii. 44, 45; 1 John iii. 17; 2 Cor. chaps. viii. and ix.; Acts xi. 29, 30. vel indigentiæ. Quæ quidem communio, prout opportunitatem Deus obtulerit, est ad eos omnes, qui ubivis locorum Domini Jesu nomen invocant, extendenda.18851885Acts ii. 44, 45; 1 John iii. 17; 2 Cor. chaps. viii. and ix.; Acts xi. 29, 30.
III. This communion which the saints have with Christ, doth not make them in anywise partakers of the substance of his Godhead, or to be equal with Christ in any respect: either of which to affirm is impious and blasphemous.18861886Col. i. 18, 19; 1 Cor. viii. 6; Isa. xlii. 8; 1 Tim. vi. 15, 16; Psa. xlv. 7 with Heb. i. 8, 9. Nor doth their communion one with another, as saints, take away or infringe the title or propriety18871887[Am. ed. property.] which each man hath in his goods and possessions.18881888Exod. xx. 15; Eph. iv. 28; Acts v. 4. III. Hæc autem communio qua sancti cum Christo potiuntur, eos substantiæ Deitatis ejus neutiquam reddit participes, nec ullo respectu æquales Christo: Quorum utrumvis affirmare impium est ac blasphemum;18891889Col. i. 18, 19; 1 Cor. viii. 6; Isa. xlii. 8; 1 Tim. vi. 15, 16; Psa. xlv. 7 with Heb. i. 8, 9. neque sane communio illa, quæ iis secum mutuo quatenus sanctis intercedit; cujusquam ad bona et possessiones suas jus privatum vel tollit vel imminuit.18901890Exod. xx. 15; Eph. iv. 28; Acts v. 4.
Chapter XXVII. Cap. XXVII.
Of the Sacraments. De Sacramentis.
I. Sacraments are holy signs and seals of the covenant of grace,18911891Rom. iv. 11; Gen. xvii. 7, 10. immediately instituted by God,18921892Matt. xxviii. 19; 1 Cor. xi. 23. to represent Christ and his benefits, and to confirm our interest in him:189318931 Cor. x. 16; xi. 25, 26; Gal. iii. 27. as also to put a visible difference between those that belong unto the Church and the rest of the world;18941894Rom. xv. 8; Exod. xii. 48; Gen. xxxiv. 14; [Am. ed. 1 Cor. x. 21]. and solemnly to engage them to the service of God in Christ, according to his Word.18951895Rom. vi. 3, 4; 1 Cor. x. 16, 21. I. Sacramenta sunt fœderis gratiæ signa sacra et sigilla,18961896Rom. iv. 11; Gen. xvii. 7, 10. immediate a Deo instituta,18971897Matt. xxviii. 19; 1 Cor. xi. 23. ad Christum ejusque beneficia repræsentandum, ad jus nostrum in illo confirmandum,189818981 Cor. x. 16; xi. 25, 26; Gal. iii. 27. prout etiam ad illos qui Ecclesiam spectant a reliquis illis qui sunt e mundo, visibili discrimine separandum,18991899Rom. xv. 8; Exod. xii. 48; Gen. xxxiv. 14; [Am. ed. 1 Cor. x. 21]. utque ii solenniter devinciantur ad obedientiam et cultum Deo in Christo juxta verbum ejus exhibendum.19001900Rom. vi. 3, 4; 1 Cor. x. 16, 21.
II. There is in every sacrament II. In Sacramento quolibet est inter
661
a spiritual relation or sacramental union, between the sign and the thing signified; whence it comes to pass that the names and the19011901Am. ed. omits the. effects of the one are attributed to the other.19021902Gen. xvii. 10; Matt. xxvi. 27, 28; Tit. iii. 5. signum et rem significatam relatio quædam spiritualis, sive Sacramentalis unio; unde fit ut alterius nomina et effectus alteri quandoque tribuantur.19031903Gen. xvii. 10; Matt. xxvi. 27, 28; Tit. iii. 5.
III. The grace which is exhibited in or by the sacraments, rightly used, is not conferred by any power in them; neither doth the efficacy of a sacrament depend upon the piety or intention of him that doth administer it,19041904Rom. ii. 28, 29; 1 Pet. iii. 21. but upon the work of the Spirit,19051905Matt. iii. 11; 1 Cor. xii. 13. and the word of institution, which contains, together with a precept authorizing the use thereof, a promise of benefit to worthy receivers.19061906Matt. xxvi. 27, 28; xxviii. 19, 20. III. Quæ in Sacramentis sive per ea rite adhibita exhibetur gratia, per vim aliquam iis intrinsecam non confertur, neque ex intentione vel pietate adininistrantis pendent Sacramenti vis ac efficacia;19071907Rom. ii. 28, 29; 1 Pet. iii. 21. verum ex operatione Spiritus,19081908Matt. iii. 11; 1 Cor. xii. 13. ac verbo institutionis, quod complectitur cum præceptum, unde celebrandi Sacramenti potestas fit, tum etiam promissionem de beneficiis digne percipientibus exhibendis.19091909Matt. xxvi. 27, 28; xxviii. 19, 20.
IV. There be only two sacraments ordained by Christ our Lord in the gospel, that is to say, Baptism and the Supper of the Lord: neither of which may be dispensed by any but by a minister of the Word lawfully ordained.19101910Matt. xxviii. 19; 1 Cor. xi. 20, 23; iv. 1; Heb. v. 4. IV. Sacramenta duo tantum sunt a Christo Domino nostro in Evangelio instituta, Baptismus scilicet, et cœna Domini; quorum neutrum de debet nisi a ministro verbi legitime ordinato dispensari.19111911Matt. xxviii. 19; 1 Cor. xi. 20, 23; iv. 1; Heb. v. 4.
V. The sacraments of the Old Testament, in regard of the spiritual things thereby signified and exhibited, were, for substance, the same with those of the New.191219121 Cor. x. 1–4; [Am. ed. 1 Cor. v. 7, 8]. V. Sacramenta Veteris Testamenti si res spirituales per ea significatas exhibitasque respiciamus, quoad substantiam eadem fuere cum his sub Novo.191319131 Cor. x. 1–4; [Am. ed. 1 Cor. v. 7, 8].
Chapter XXVIII. Cap. XXVIII.
Of Baptism. De Baptismo.
I. Baptism is a sacrament of the I. Baptismus est sacramentum
662
New Testament, ordained by Jesus Christ,19141914Matt. xxviii. 19; [Am. ed. Mark xvi. 16]. not only for the solemn admission of the party baptized into the visible Church,191519151 Cor. xii. 13; [Am. ed. Gal. iii. 27, 28]. but also to be unto him a sign and seal of the covenant of grace19161916Rom. iv. 11 with Col. ii. 11, 12., of his ingrafting into Christ,19171917Gal. iii. 27; Rom. vi. 5. of regeneration,19181918Tit. iii. 5. of remission of sins,19191919Mark i. 4; [Am. ed. Acts ii. 38; xxii. 16]. and of his giving up unto God, through Jesus Christ, to walk in newness of life:19201920Rom. vi. 3, 4. which sacrament is, by Christ's own appointment, to be continued in his Church until the end of the world.19211921Matt. xxviii. 19, 20. Novi Testamenti, a Jesu Christo institutum,19221922Matt. xxviii. 19; [Am. ed. Mark xvi. 16]. non solum propter solennem personæ baptizatæ in Ecclesiam visibilem admissionem,192319231 Cor. xii. 13; [Am. ed. Gal. iii. 27, 28]. verum etiam ut signum eidem sit, et sigillum cum fœderis gratiæ,19241924Rom. iv. 11 with Col. ii. 11, 12. tum suæ in Christum insitionis,19251925Gal. iii. 27; Rom. vi. 5. regenerationis,19261926Tit. iii. 5. remissionis peccatorum,19271927Mark i. 4; [Am. ed. Acts ii. 38; xxii. 16]. ac sui ipsius Deo per Christum dedicationis, ad ambulandum in vitæ novitate.19281928Rom. vi. 3, 4. Quod quidem Sacramentum e Christi ipsius mandato est in Ecclesia ejus ad finem usque mundi retinendum.19291929Matt. xxviii. 19, 20.
II. The outward element to be used in this sacrament is water, wherewith the party is to be baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, by a minister of the gospel lawfully called thereunto.19301930Matt. iii. 11; John i. 33; Matt. xxviii. 19, 20; [Am. ed. Acts x. 47; viii. 36, 38]. II. Elementum externum in hoc Sacramento adhibendum est Aqua; qua baptizari debet admittendus, a ministro Evangelii legitime ad hoc vocato, in nomine Patris et filii et Spiritus Sancti.19311931Matt. iii. 11; John i. 33; Matt. xxviii. 19, 20; [Am. ed. Acts x. 47; viii. 36, 38].
III. Dipping of the person into the water is not necessary; but baptism is rightly administered by pouring or sprinkling water upon the person.19321932Heb. ix. 10, 19–22; Acts ii. 41; xvi. 33; Mark vii. 4. III. Baptizandi in aquam immersio necessaria non est; verum baptismus rite administratur aqua superfusa vel etiam inspersa baptizando.19331933Heb. ix. 10, 19–22; Acts ii. 41; xvi. 33; Mark vii. 4.
IV. Not only those that do actually profess faith in and obedience unto Christ,19341934Mark xvi. 15, 16; Acts viii. 37, 38. but also the infants IV. Non illi solum qui fidem in Christum eique se obedientes fore actu quidem profitentur,19351935Mark xvi. 15, 16; Acts viii. 37, 38. verum
663
of one or both believing parents are to be baptized.19361936Gen. xvii. 7, 9, with Gal. iii. 9, 14, and Col. ii. 11, 12, and Acts ii. 38, 39, and Rom. iv. 11, 12; 1 Cor. vii. 14; Matt. xxviii. 19; Mark x. 13–16; Luke xviii. 15; [Am. ed. Acts xvi. 14, 15, 33]. etiam infantes qui a Parente vel altero vel utroque fideli procreantur, sunt baptizandi.19371937Gen. xvii. 7, 9, with Gal. iii. 9, 14, and Col. ii. 11, 12, and Acts ii. 38, 39, and Rom. iv. 11, 12; 1 Cor. vii. 14; Matt. xxviii. 19; Mark x. 13–16; Luke xviii. 15; [Am. ed. Acts xvi. 14, 15, 33].
V. Although it be a great sin to contemn or neglect this ordinance,19381938Luke vii. 30 with Exod. iv. 24–26. yet grace and salvation are not so inseparably annexed unto it, as that no person can be regenerated or saved without it,19391939Rom. iv. 11; Acts x. 2, 4, 22, 31, 45, 47. or that all that are baptized are undoubtedly regenerated.19401940Acts viii. 13, 23. V. Quamvis grave peccatum sit institutum hoc despicatui habere vel negligere;19411941Luke vii. 30 with Exod. iv. 24–26. non tamen ei salus et gratia ita individue annectuntur, ut absque illo nemo unquam regenerari aut salvari possit,19421942Rom. iv. 11; Acts x. 2, 4, 22, 31, 45, 47. aut quasi indubium omnino sit regenerari omnes qui baptizantur.19431943Acts viii. 13, 23.
VI. The efficacy of baptism is not tied to that moment of time wherein it is administered;19441944John iii. 5, 8. yet, notwithstanding, by the right use of this ordinance the grace promised is not only offered, but really exhibited and conferred by the Holy Ghost, to such (whether of age or infants) as that grace belongeth unto, according to the counsel of God's own will, in his appointed time.19451945Gal. iii. 27; Tit. iii. 5; Eph. v. 25, 26; Acts ii. 38, 41. VI. Baptismi efficacia ei temporis momento quo administratur non adstringitur.19461946John iii. 5, 8. Nihilominus tamen, usu debito hujus instituti non offertur solum promissa gratia, verum etiam omnibus (tam infantibus quam adultis) ad quos gratia illa e consilio Divinæ voluntatis pertinet, per Spiritum Sanctum in tempore suo constituto realiter confertur et exhibetur.19471947Gal. iii. 27; Tit. iii. 5; Eph. v. 25, 26; Acts ii. 38, 41.
VII. The sacrament of baptism is but once to be administered to any person.19481948Tit. iii. 5. VII. Sacramentum Baptismi eidem personæ non est nisi semel administrandum.19491949Tit. iii. 5.
Chapter XXIX. Cap. XXIX.
Of the Lord's Supper. De Cœna Domini.
I. Our Lord Jesus, in the night wherein he was betrayed, instituted I. Dominus noster Jesus eadem qua prodebatur nocte instituit corporis
664
the sacrament of his body and blood, called the Lord's Supper, to be observed in his Church, unto the end of the world, for the perpetual remembrance of the sacrifice of himself in his death, the sealing all benefits thereof unto true believers, their spiritual nourishment and growth in him, their further engagement in, and to all duties which they owe unto him; and to be a bond and pledge of their communion with him, and with each other, as members of his mystical body.195019501 Cor. xi. 23–26; x. 16, 17, 21; xii. 13. et sanguinis sui sacramentum, Cœnam Domini quam dicimus, in Ecclesia sua ad finem usque mundi celebrandum, in perpetuam memoriam sacrificii sui ipsius in morte sua oblati, et ad beneficia istius omnia vere fidelibus obsignandum; in eorum item alimentum ac incrementum in Christo spirituale; quoque ad officia cuncta præstanda, prius quidem illi debita, arctiori adhuc nodo tenerentur; ut vinculum denique ac pignus foret communionis illius quæ iis cum Christo et secum ipsis mutuo, tanquam corporis ipsius mystici membris, intercedit.195119511 Cor. xi. 23–26; x. 16, 17, 21; xii. 13.
II. In this sacrament Christ is not offered up to his Father, nor any real sacrifice made at all for remission of sins of the quick or dead,19521952Heb. ix. 22, 25, 26, 28. but only a commemoration of that one offering up of himself, by himself, upon the cross, once for all, and a spiritual oblation of all possible praise unto God for the same;195319531 Cor. xi. 24–26; Matt. xxvi. 26, 27; [Am. ed. Luke xxii. 19, 20]. so that the Popish sacrifice of the mass, as they call it, is most abominably injurious to Christ's one only sacrifice, the alone propitiation for all the sins of the elect.19541954Heb. vii. 23, 24, 27; x. 11, 12, 14, 18. II. In hoc Sacramento non Patri suo offertur Christus, sed neque inibi fit reale aliquod sacrificium ad peccatorum remissionem vivis aut mortuis procurandam;19551955Heb. ix. 22, 25, 26, 28. verum unicæ istius oblationis, qua Christus semet ipsum ipse in cruce, et quidem omnino semel obtulit, commemoratio solum; una cum spirituali propterea laudis omnimodæ Deo redditæ oblatione.195619561 Cor. xi. 24–26; Matt. xxvi. 26, 27; [Am. ed. Luke xxii. 19, 20]. Unde Pontificiorum istud sacrificium Missæ (uti loqui amant) plane detestandum sit oportet, utpote maxime injuriam uni illi unicoque Christi sacrificio, quod quidem unica est pro peccatis electorum universus propitiatio.19571957Heb. vii. 23, 24, 27; x. 11, 12, 14, 18.
665
III. The Lord Jesus hath, in this ordinance, appointed his ministers to declare his word of institution to the people, to pray, and bless the elements of bread and wine, and thereby to set them apart from a common to an holy use; and to take and break the bread, to take the cup, and (they communicating also themselves) to give both to the communicants;19581958Matt. xxvi. 26–28, and Mark xiv. 22–24, and Luke xxii. 19, 20, with 1 Cor. xi. 23–27. but to none who are not then present in the congregation.19591959Acts xx. 7; 1 Cor. xi. 20. III. In hoc suo instituto præcepit Dominus Jesus Ministris suis, verbum institutionis populo declarare, orare, ac elementis pani scilicet ac vino benedicere, eaque hac ratione a communi ad sacrum usum separare, quinetiam panem accipere et frangere; poculum item in manus accipere; atque {communicantibus una ipsis) utrumque communicantibus exhibere,19601960Matt. xxvi. 26–28, and Mark xiv. 22–24, and Luke xxii. 19, 20, with 1 Cor. xi. 23–27. nemini autem a congregatione tunc absenti.19611961Acts xx. 7; 1 Cor. xi. 20.
IV. Private masses, or receiving this sacrament by a priest, or any other, alone;196219621 Cor. x. 6. as likewise the denial of the cup to the people;19631963Mark iv. 23; 1 Cor. xi. 25–29. worshiping the elements, the lifting them up, or carrying them about for adoration, and the reserving them for any pretended religious use, are all contrary to the nature of this sacrament, and to the institution of Christ.19641964Matt. xv. 9. IV. Missæ privatæ, sive perceptio hujusce Sacramenti a solo vel Sacerdote vel alio quovis;196519651 Cor. x. 6. prout etiam poculi a populo detensio,19661966Mark iv. 23; 1 Cor. xi. 25–29. elementorum adoratio, quoque adorentur elevatio aut circumgestatio, ut et prætextu religiosi usus cujuscunque asservatio, sunt quidem omnia tum hujusce Sacramenti naturæ tum Christi institutioni plane contraria.19671967Matt. xv. 9.
V. The outward elements in this sacrament, duly set apart to the uses ordained by Christ, have such relation to him crucified, as that truly, yet sacramentally only, they are sometimes called by the name of the things they represent, to wit, the body and blood of Christ;19681968Matt. xxvi. 26–28. albeit, in substance and nature, they still V. In hoc Sacramento externa elementa ad usus a Christo institutos rite separata, ita ad eum crucifixum referuntur ut rerum quas repræsentat nominibus (corporis nempe ac sanguinis Christi) vere quidem, at Sacramentaliter tantum, sint nuncupata,19691969Matt. xxvi. 26–28. manent siquidem adhuc quoad substantiam et naturam vere solumque
666
remain truly, and only, bread and wine, as they were before.197019701 Cor. xi. 26–28; Matt. xxvi. 29. panis ac vinum nihilo minus quam antea fuerant.197119711 Cor. xi. 26–28; Matt. xxvi. 29.
VI. That doctrine which maintains a change of the substance of bread and wine, into the substance of Christ's body and blood (commonly called transubstantiation) by consecration of a priest, or by any other way, is repugnant, not to Scripture alone, but even to common-sense and reason; overthroweth the nature of the sacrament; and hath been, and is the cause of manifold superstitions, yea, of gross idolatries.19721972Acts iii. 21 with 1 Cor. xi. 24–26; Luke xxiv. 6, 39. VI. Doctrina illa quæ substantiæ panis ac vini in substantiam corporis et sanguinis Christi conversionem (transubstantiatio vulgo dicitur) sive illam per Sacerdotis consecrationem, sive quomodocunque demum fieri statuit, non scripturæ solum, verum etiam communi omnium sensui ac rationi adversatur, sacramenti naturam evertit, superstitionis multifariæ causa extitit atque etiamnum existit, imo vero et crassissimæ idololatriæ.19731973Acts iii. 21 with 1 Cor. xi. 24–26; Luke xxiv. 6, 39.
VII. Worthy receivers, outwardly partaking of the visible elements in this sacrament,197419741 Cor. xi. 28; [Am. ed. 1 Cor. v. 7, 8]. do then also inwardly by faith, really and indeed, yet not carnally and corporally, but spiritually, receive and feed upon Christ crucified, and all benefits of his death: the body and blood of Christ being then not corporally or carnally in, with, or under the bread and wine; yet as really, but spiritually, present to the faith of believers in that ordinance, as the elements themselves are, to their outward senses.197519751 Cor. x. 16; [Am. ed. 1 Cor. x. 3, 4]. VII. Digne communicantes, Elementa in hoc Sacramento visibilia dum participant,197619761 Cor. xi. 28; [Am. ed. 1 Cor. v. 7, 8]. una cum iis interne Christum crucifixum et beneficia mortis ejus universa revera et realiter (modo, non carnali quidem aut corporeo, sed spirituali) per fidem recipiunt eisque vescuntur. Corpus siquidem et sanguis Christi non corporeo aut carnali modo in, cum, vel sub pane ac vino; realiter tamen, ac spiritualiter credentium fidei in hoc instituto, non minus quam externis sensibus elementa ipsa, sunt præsentia.197719771 Cor. x. 16; [Am. ed. 1 Cor. x. 3, 4].
VIII. Although ignorant and wicked men receive the outward elements in this sacrament, yet VIII. Homines improbi et ignari externa licet in hoc sacramento percipere possint elementa, rem tamen
667
they receive not the thing signified thereby; but by their unworthy coming thereunto are guilty of the body andj blood of the Lord, to their own damnation. Wherefore all ignorant and ungodly persons, as they are unfit to enjoy communion with him, so are they unworthy of the Lord's table, and can not, without great sin against Christ, while they remain such, partake of these holy mysteries,197819781 Cor. xi. 27–29; 2 Cor. vi. 14–16; [Am. ed. 1 Cor. x. 21]. or be admitted thereunto.197919791 Cor. v. 6, 7, 13; 2 Thess. iii. 6, 14, 15; Matt. vii. 6. per ea significatam non recipiunt; verum indigne illuc accedendo, rei fiunt corporis ac sanguinis Dominici ad sui ipsorum condemnationem. Quapropter homines impii et ignari prout communioni cum Deo potiundæ nullatenus sunt idonei, ita prorsus indigni sunt qui accedant ad mensam Domini; neque sine gravi in Christum peccato, possunt (quamdiu tales esse non destiterint Sacra hæc mysteria participare;198019801 Cor. xi. 27–29; 2 Cor. vi. 14–16; [Am. ed. 1 Cor. x. 21]. vel ad ea participandum admitti.198119811 Cor. v. 6, 7, 13; 2 Thess. iii. 6, 14, 15; Matt. vii. 6.
Chapter XXX. Cap. XXX.
Of Church Censures. De Censuris Ecclesiasticis.
I. The Lord Jesus, as king and head of his Church, hath therein appointed a government in the hand of Church officers, distinct from the civil magistrate.19821982Isa. ix. 6, 7; 1 Tim. v. 17; 1 Thess. v. 12; Acts xx. 17, 28; Heb. xiii. 7, 17, 24; 1 Cor. xii. 28; Matt. xxviii. 18–20; [Am. ed. Psa. ii. 6–9; John xviii. 36]. I. Dominus Jesus quatenus Rex et caput Ecclesiæ suæ constituit in ea regimen, quod in officiariorum Ecclesiasticorum manu foret, distinctum a civili Magistratu.19831983Isa. ix. 6, 7; 1 Tim. v. 17; 1 Thess. v. 12; Acts xx. 17, 28; Heb. xiii. 7, 17, 24; 1 Cor. xii. 28; Matt. xxviii. 18–20; [Am. ed. Psa. ii. 6–9; John xviii. 36].
II. To these officers the keys of the kingdom of heaven are committed, by virtue whereof they have power respectively to retain and remit sins, to shut that kingdom against the impenitent, both by the Word and censures; and to open it unto penitent sinners, by the ministry of the gospel, and by absolution from censures, as occasion shall require.19841984Matt. xvi. 19; xviii. 17, 18; John xx. 21–23; 2 Cor. ii. 6–8. II. Officiariis hisce claves regni cœlorum sunt commissæ, quarum virtute obtinent potestatem peccata vel retinendi vel remittendi pro varia peccantium conditione; impœnitentibus quidem regnum illud tam per verbum quam per censuras occludendi, peccatoribus vero pœnitentibus tam evangelii ministerio quam absolutione a censuris idem aperiendi, prout occasio postulaverit.19851985Matt. xvi. 19; xviii. 17, 18; John xx. 21–23; 2 Cor. ii. 6–8.
668
III. Church censures are necessary for the reclaiming and gaining of offending brethren; for deterring of others from the19861986[Am. ed. omits the.] like offenses; for purging out of that leaven which might infect the whole lump; for vindicating the honor of Christ, and the holy profession of the gospel; and for preventing the wrath of God, which might justly fall upon the Church, if they should suffer his covenant, and the seals thereof, to be profaned by notorious and obstinate offenders.198719871 Cor. chap. v.; 1 Tim. v. 20; Matt. vii. 6; 1 Tim. i. 20; 1 Cor. xi. 27 to the end, with Jude 23. III. Omnino necessariæ sunt censuræ Ecclesiasticæ, lucrandis fratribus delinquentibus eisque in viam reducendis, reliquis autem a similibus delictis deterrendis, fermento illi malo, ne totam massam inficiat, expurgando; ad honorem Christi et Sanctam Evangelii professionem vindicandum, ut prævertatur denique ira Dei, quæ merito in Ecclesiam accendi posset, si ipsius fœdus, hujusque sigilla ab insigniter ac pertinaciter delinquentibus impune profanari pateretur.198819881 Cor. chap. v.; 1 Tim. v. 20; Matt. vii. 6; 1 Tim. i. 20; 1 Cor. xi. 27 to the end, with Jude 23.
IV. For the better attaining of these ends, the officers of the Church are to proceed by admonition, suspension from the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper for a season, and by excommunication from the Church, according to the nature of the crime and demerit of the person.198919891 Thess. v. 12; 2 Thess. iii. 6, 14, 15; 1 Cor. v. 4, 5, 13; Matt. xviii. 17; Tit. iii. 10. IV. Quo melius autem hosce fines consequantur, procedere debent Ecclesiæ officiarii, admonendo, a Sacramento cœnæ Dominicæ ad tempus aliquod suspendendo, excommunicando denique ab Ecclesia, pro ratione criminis, atque personæ delinquentis merito.199019901 Thess. v. 12; 2 Thess. iii. 6, 14, 15; 1 Cor. v. 4, 5, 13; Matt. xviii. 17; Tit. iii. 10.
Chapter XXXI. Cap. XXXI.
Of Synods and Councils. De Synodis et Conciliis.
I. For the better government and further edification of the Church, there ought to be such assemblies as are commonly called synods or councils.19911991Acts xv. 2, 4, 6. I. Quo melius gubernari, ac ulterius ædificari possit Ecclesia, conventus ejusmodi fieri debent, quales vulgo Synodi et Concilia nuncupantur.19921992Acts xv. 2, 4, 6.
669

The American edition here adds the following:

[And it belongeth to the overseers and other rulers of the particular churches, by virtue of their office, and the power which Christ hath given them for edification, and not for destruction, to appoint such assemblies (Acts xv.); and to convene together in them, as often as they shall judge it expedient for the good of the Church (Acts xv. 22, 23, 25).]

II. As magistrates may lawfully call a synod of ministers and other fit persons to consult and advise with about matters of religion;19931993Isa. xlix. 23; 1 Tim. ii. 1, 2; 2 Chron. xix. 8–11; chaps. xxix., xxx.; Matt. ii. 4, 5; Prov. xi. 14. so, if magistrates be open enemies to the Church, the ministers of Christ, of themselves, by virtue of their office, or they, with other fit persons, upon delegation from their churches, may meet together in such assemblies.19941994Acts xv. 2, 4, 22, 23, 25.&19951995[Am. ed. omits this whole section.] II. Quemadmodum licitum est Magistratibus Synodum Ministrorum aliorumque qui sunt idonei convocare, quibuscum de religionis rebus deliberent ac consultent:19961996Isa. xlix. 23; 1 Tim. ii. 1, 2; 2 Chron. xix. 8–11; chaps. xxix., xxx.; Matt. ii. 4, 5; Prov. xi. 14. Ita si Magistratus fuerint Ecclesiæ hostes aperti, licebit Christi ministris a seipsis virtute officii, eisve cum aliis idoneis, accepta prius ab Ecclesiis suis delegatione, in istiusmodi conventibus congregari.19971997Acts xv. 2, 4, 22, 23, 25.
III. [II.] It belongeth to synods and councils, ministerially, to determine controversies of faith, and cases of conscience; to set down rules and directions for the better ordering of the public worship of God, and government of his Church; to receive complaints in cases of maladministration, and authoritatively to determine the same: which decrees and determinations, if consonant to the Word of God, are to be received with reverence and submission, not only for their agreement with the Word, but also for III. Synodorum et Conciliorum est controversias fidei et conscientiæ casus, ministerialiter quidem, determinare; regulas ac præscripta quo melius publicus Dei cultus ejusque Ecclesiæ regimen ordinentur constituere; Querelas de mala administratione delatas admittere, deque iis authoritative decernere. Quæ quidem decreta et decisiones, modo verbo Dei consenserint, cum reverentia sunt ac summissione excipienda; Non quidem solum quod verbo Dei sint consentanea, verum etiam gratia potestatis ea constituentis, ut quæ
670
the power whereby they are made, as being an ordinance of God, appointed thereunto in his Word.19981998Acts xv. 15, 19, 24, 27–31; xvi. 4; Matt. xviii. 17–20. sit ordinatio Dei id ad in verbo suo designata.19991999Acts xv. 15, 19, 24, 27–31; xvi. 4; Matt. xviii. 17–20.
IV. [III.] All synods or councils since the apostles' times, whether general or particular, may err, and many have erred; therefore they are not to be made the rule of faith or practice, but to be used as a help in both.20002000Eph. ii. 20; Acts xvii. 11; 1 Cor. ii. 5; 2 Cor. i. 24. IV. Synodi omnes sive concilia post Apostolorum tempora, seu generales sive particulares, errori sunt obnoxiæ, quin neque paucæ erraverunt. Proindeque fidei aut praxeos norma constituendæ non sunt, verum in utrisque auxilii loco adhibendæ.20012001Eph. ii. 20; Acts xvii. 11; 1 Cor. ii. 5; 2 Cor. i. 24.
V. [IV.] Synods and councils are to handle or conclude nothing but that which is ecclesiastical: and are not to intermeddle with civil affairs which concern the commonwealth, unless by way of humble petition in cases extraordinary; or by way of advice for satisfaction of conscience, if they be thereunto required by the civil magistrate.20022002Luke xii. 13, 14; John xviii. 36. V. Synodi et Concilia id solum quod Ecclesiam spectat tractare debent et concludere; neque civilibus negotiis, quæ rem publicam spectant ingerere se debent, nisi humiliter supplicando in casibus, si qui acciderint, extraordinariis; aut consulendo, quoties id ab eis postulat Magistratus civilis, nempe quo conscientiæ illius satisfiat.20032003Luke xii. 13, 14; John xviii. 36.
Chapter XXXII. Cap. XXXII.
Of the State of Men20042004[Am. ed. has Man.] after Death, and of the Resurrection of the Dead. De statu hominum post mortem, deque resurrectione mortuorum.
I. The bodies of men, after death, return to dust, and see corruption;20052005Gen. iii. 19; Acts xiii. 36. but their souls (which neither die nor sleep), having an immortal subsistence, immediately return to God who gave them.20062006Luke xxiii. 43; Eccles. xii. 7. The souls of the righteous, being then made perfect in holiness, are received into the highest heavens, where they behold I. Hominum corpora post mortem ad pulverem rediguntur, et corruptionem vident:20072007Gen. iii. 19; Acts xiii. 36. At animæ illorum (quæ quidem nec morientur nec obdormiunt) ut quæ subsistentiam habent immortalem, ad Deum continuo earum datorem revertuntur.20082008Luke xxiii. 43; Eccles. xii. 7. Animæ quidem Justorum iam tum perfecte sanctificatæ, cœlis supremis accipiuntur,
671
the face of God in light and glory, waiting for the full redemption of their bodies:20092009Heb. xii. 23; 2 Cor. v. 1, 6, 8; Phil. i. 23, with Acts iii. 21 and Eph. iv. 10; [Am. ed. 1 John iii. 2]. and the souls of the wicked are cast into hell, where they remain in torments and utter darkness, reserved to the judgment of the great day.20102010Luke xvi. 23, 24; Acts i. 25; Jude 6, 7; 1 Pet. iii. 19. Besides these two places for souls separated from their bodies, the Scripture acknowledgeth none. ubi Dei faciem in lumine ac gloria intuentur, corporum suorum plenum redemtionem expectantes:20112011Heb. xii. 23; 2 Cor. v. 1, 6, 8; Phil. i. 23, with Acts iii. 21 and Eph. iv. 10; [Am. ed. 1 John iii. 2]. Animæ vero improborum conjiciuntur in Gehennam, ubi inter diros cruciatus in tenebris exterioribus conclusæ manent, ad judicium magni illius diei asservatæ.20122012Luke xvi. 23, 24; Acts i. 25; Jude 6, 7; 1 Pet. iii. 19. Locum autem animabus a corpore solutis extra hosce duos Scriptura Sacra non agnoscit ullum.
II. At the last day, such as are found alive shall not die, but be changed;201320131 Thess. iv. 17; 1 Cor. xv. 51, 52. and all the dead shall be raised up with the self-same bodies, and none other, although with different qualities, which shall be united again to their souls forever.20142014Job xix. 26, 27; 1 Cor. xv. 42–44. II. Novissimo illo die, qui comperientur in vivis non morientur quidem sed mutabuntur;201520151 Thess. iv. 17; 1 Cor. xv. 51, 52. qui mortui fuerint resuscitabuntur omnes, ipsissimis iis corporibus quibus viventes aliquando fungebantur, ac non aliis, utut qualitate differentibus; quæ denuo animabus quæque suis æterno conjugio unientur.20162016Job xix. 26, 27; 1 Cor. xv. 42–44.
III. The bodies of the unjust shall, by the power of Christ, be raised to dishonor; the bodies of the just, by his Spirit, unto honor, and be made conformable to his own glorious body.20172017Acts xxiv. 15; John v. 28, 29; 1 Cor. xv. 42; Phil. iii. 21. III. Injustorum corpora ad dedecus per potentiam Christi suscitabuntur; justorum autem corpora per spiritum ejus ad honorem, fientque hæc conformia corpori ipsius glorioso.20182018Acts xxiv. 15; John v. 28, 29; 1 Cor. xv. 42; Phil. iii. 21.
Chapter XXXIII. Cap. XXXIII.
Of the Last Judgment. De ultimo judicio.
I. God hath appointed a day wherein he will judge the world in righteousness by Jesus Christ,20192019Acts xvii. 31. to I. Diem Deus designavit quo mundum in justitia judicabit per Jesum Christum;20202020Acts xvii. 31. cui a Patre data est
672
whom all power and judgment is given of the Father.20212021John v. 22, 27. In which day, not only the apostate angels shall be judged,202220221 Cor. vi. 3; Jude 6; 2 Pet. ii. 4. but likewise all persons, that have lived upon earth, shall appear before the tribunal of Christ, to give an account of their thoughts, words, and deeds; and to receive according to what they have done in the body, whether good or evil.202320232 Cor. v. 10; Eccles. xii. 14; Rom. ii. 16; xiv. 10, 12; Matt. xii. 36, 37. omnis potestas et judicium.20242024John v. 22, 27. Quo quidem die non solum judicabuntur Angeli apostatici,202520251 Cor. vi. 3; Jude 6; 2 Pet. ii. 4. verum etiam omnes homines, quotquot uspiam in orbe terrarum aliquando vixerint, coram Christi tribunali comparebunt, ut cogitationum, dictorum, factorumque suorum rationem reddant, recipiantque simul juxta id quod in corpore quisque fecerit, seu bonum fuerit sive malum.202620262 Cor. v. 10; Eccles. xii. 14; Rom. ii. 16; xiv. 10, 12; Matt. xii. 36, 37.
II. The end of God's appointing this day, is for the manifestation of the glory of his mercy in the eternal salvation of the elect;20272027Rom. ix. 23; Matt. xxv. 21. and of his justice in the damnation of the reprobate, who are wicked and disobedient.20282028Rom. ii. 5, 6; 2 Thess. i. 7, 8; Rom. ix. 22. For then shall the righteous go into everlasting life, and receive that fullness of joy and refreshing which shall come from the presence of the Lord:20292029Matt. xxv. 31–34; Acts iii. 19; 2 Thess. i. 7. but the wicked, who know not God, and obey not the gospel of Jesus Christ, shall be cast into eternal torments, and be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power.20302030Matt. xxv. 41, 46; 2 Thess. i. 9; [Am. ed. Isa. lxvi. 24]. II. Eo autem consilio Diem hum præstituit Deus, quo nempe misericordiæ suæ constaret gloria ex æterna salute electorum, justitiæ autem e damnatione reproborum, qui improbi sunt et contumaces. Tunc enim justi introibunt in vitam æternam, recipientque plenitudinem illam gaudii ac refrigerii, quæ a præsentia Domini ventura sunt: Impii autem, qui Deum ignorant, quique Evangelio Jesu Christi non morem gerunt, in æternos cruciatus detrudentur, æternaque perditione punientur a præsentia Domini et a potentiæ ipsius gloria profligati.20312031Matt. xxv. 41, 46; 2 Thess. i. 9; [Am. ed. Isa. lxvi. 24].
III. As Christ would have us to be certainly persuaded that there shall be a day of judgment, both to deter all men from sin, and for the III. Quemadmodum Christus nobis, futurum esse aliquando diem judicii, esse velit persuasissimum; tum quo omnes a peccato absterreantur,
673
greater consolation of the godly in their adversity:203220322 Pet. iii. 11, 14; 2 Cor. v. 10, 11; 2 Thess. i. 5–7; Luke xxi. 27, 28; Rom. viii. 23–25. so will he have that day unknown to men, that they may shake off all carnal security, and be always watchful, because they know not at what hour the Lord will come; and may be ever prepared to say, Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly.20332033Matt. xxiv. 36, 42–44; Mark xiii. 35–37; Luke xii. 35, 36; Rev. xxii. 20. Amen. tum ob majus piorum solatium in rebus adversis:203420342 Pet. iii. 11, 14; 2 Cor. v. 10, 11; 2 Thess. i. 5–7; Luke xxi. 27, 28; Rom. viii. 23–25. ita sane diem ipsum vult ab hominibus ignorari, quo securitatem omnem carnalem excutiant, et nunquam non sint vigilantes (quum qua hora venturus sit Dominus ignorant) utque semper sint parati ad dicendum Veni Domine Jesu, etiam cito veni.20352035Matt. xxiv. 36, 42–44; Mark xiii. 35–37; Luke xii. 35, 36; Rev. xxii. 20. Amen.
Charles Herle, Prolocutor.
Cornelius Burges, Assessor.
Herbert Palmer, Assessor.
Henry Robroughe, Scriba.
Adoniram Byfield, Scriba.

« Prev The Westminster Confession of Faith, A.D. 1647.… Next »
VIEWNAME is workSection