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DBSIONBD FOR THE BKNKFIT OF FAMILIES, BIBLE CLASSES, AND SUNDAY SCHOOLS. BY THE REV. AMOS BINNEY, OP THE NEW EKOLANO CONFERENCB. J>Ji^iJ^^ *^ ^^^ '" '"''** ^^ ^® Scriptures of truth.-. Search the Scrii>ture3.--JoHN v. 89. TORONTO: WXSLKYAN METHODIST CONFEBBNCB BOOK-BOOM, KING STAEET BAST. FRINTED AT THE WESLEYAN CONFERENCE OFFICE, KINO STREET EAST. PREFACE. This little volume is of humble pretensions. It avm^ to lay the foundations of a firm belief m the Christian religion, and in particular to furnish young people with the chief grounds of then- faith. Compendiums of infidelity and false doctrine are circulating through every class of commu- nity especially among our youth, and thousands are thereby being drawn into fatal snares. buch nostile attempts should be met with pub- hcations calculated to fortify the youthful mind, by concise and plain statements of the principai arguments in favour of Christianity Many excellent treatises of this kind have already been published ; yet it is obvious there IS something wanting on this subject that is ^ ^^II cheaper, and in a more familiar form. With this view, the author's chief object has been to collect together, and compress in a nar- row^compa^s, the most forcible arguments which are to be found in our best writers, with such additional remarks of his own as might be found necessary. ° To these writers this little work is, therefore, much indebted ; and its author would here once for all, tender to each of them his frank acknowledgments. The work is designed principallv for the in- struction of youth ; yet, considered as a kind of recapitulation of the evidences, doctrines, and iv 1>REPACE. Ill ll-if lit duties of Christianity, it may be found of some use to persons of a more mature age. With this view, the matter is thrown into short, clear, and distinct sentences; an arrange- ment most convenient for the instruction of youth, best calculated to assist their memories, to make strong and durable impressions on their understandings, and to render the important truths of religion most easy to be comprehended and retained in their minds. The great truths of religion are clearly and concisely stated, and properly arranged, so that their mutual connection and dependence may be readily seen, and, what is of more conse- quence, they are supported at every step by quotations from the unerring word of God. To render the work still more entertaining and useful, the questions in the margin are very abundant; so that no important truth can well escape the attention and recollection of the student. Finally, to induce, if possible, a greater relish for the Holy Scriptures in the youthful mind, several important statements, anecdotes, and other remarks are introduced, in the form of an appendix, to which special attention is invited. In preparing this little volume, the divine assistance has been asked : in sending it abroad, the divine blessing is now implored. May the Spirit of inspiration accept this fee- ble eiibrt to manifest his glory and promote his cause. A THEOLOGICAL COMPEND. emones. EVIDENCES OF CHRISTIANITY. PRELIMINARY REMARKS. Scripture is a word which, in its primary seme, signifies writinsr ; any thing written. Bible is a word which signifies a book . "The Scriptures and the Bible are so callejnby wa^ ol gminence, o r distinction, because of all other ^wff ^luF^? ^^^^^^^^^ ^^^ ^^ most important: TEi Bible consists of go parts, oafled the Old and the New Testa ments: that is, covenants, or , ao*'S it contain the truth? Is division-thc most judicrfuV? " Wh^'is'said of S^ciSers?" "^ THEOLOGICAL COMPEND. I canon. .. ^)^^^h8criptiom annexed to the epistles of *1»® ,?' e^' Testament are no part of inspiration ^% ^r '' '^'I'M-kBome grossly ignorant or wlcKrj)crson_^J<£^ nology and history . " ->»^...w..^ ^l^lie orAography of the New Testament sometimes diflers from tl at of the Old. This IS owing to the circumstance that the latter waa fe2f;-y^-^^,^«q.j£.the^ggW^, and tTTTSi^s^n;? tne (jrr eek. "*^ '"- —-.^--v "" *riie"^pparent imprecations found in 1 Cor Mi- 22, and 2 Tim, iv. 14, and in manv^nfT^C parts orSmpture, especialTy the Psalms, are so agcording to the jrebre A!^ ''t mS ' W ^^^^^**^^ Ihe imperfechone related of certain eminent fecripture characters, such aa Noah 's intoxica- *f9Ji; f-braham's^dis8imuIation^*3^fs"Tymg^ Aaron siaoTatiy, ^avidVadulter^^TwAll; ^lonion« idoh.try and lewdnesvarT'll^S^ slated as facts of history: Tliey are recorded, not for our miitation, but for admonitio n. The 8 , THEOLOGICAL COMPEND. record proves the disinterestedness and impar- tiahty of the writers. ^ Thedesteu(^on of the Egyptians, Canaan- ites, (fee, wg mstoncal facts, recorded to show ^■^;^TE6ajteEor»i^ tm are ^ "" The ^parent tTwfe^ooiea of the BiUe disap - a f when ve consider the chang ft i^ i^^ DtTaSgnag«. "WHiJ^ "^^^SdiriS. mod«rtjeerenonn^ ^'^^^S'^^-m^r.^ have their diffi- ♦^ *i; ^iffip^ties are generaHflnpropSrtion ^^fe^-aSte^^ astheciUms, of stantly ohanginffr Q 4-^SSla«fikflL^%^orifii^ language of the ^^^'^^^JSSJ^JSSiyLJ^ as ibiie cus- ^^jpm..^'^^ were the scen^ historical circumstaneea are an important help to the correct understanding of the sacred THEOLOGICAL COMPEND. 9 I I writers. By these we mean the ordp.v^ \hf. ({ .(.^.^^ The consideration of the scope or design of any author will especially facilitate the study of the Bible. The scope of an author is either general or special ; that is, it either refers^tgjih^. fiftjas© ^9^oL*ojBarticulg*.^ctiona^ This general or special scope is sometimes mentioned by the writer. Thus Solomon, trov. 1. 1-6 ; St. John, chap. xx. 31 ; and St. Paul, of the Bible collectively, 2 Tim. iii, 16, 17. Another important assistance is the conside- ration of the context, or th^ compar SlSLM Kggedmg and sub seauenflSarts of a discouTae. J he context may comprise either one verse> a few verses, entire periods or sections, entire chapters, or whole books. The comparison o{ parallel passages is an- other great help for interpreting Scripture. By these are meant those passag es which bea r some de CTee of resemblance in ^ntiment. laSguagfij" Whenever a doctrine is manifest, either from the whole tenor of Scripture or from its scope, i t must not be weake ned or set aside by a few passages. "~~ — —— -».,s.«^— — W what hevfiHi are they? What is mea»t by the scope of aa IT " , "■ •- -•"-"■•"5- "' "^2" iiuyuiiaiii,: is ino scope ever mentioned by the author? Give some instances. What is said of the context? Wliat of parallel passages? When a doctrine i> uuwlfeat from tUe whoie teucu: of ticripture? 10 THEOLOGICAL COMPEND. teS ^&~--~-45«8 the testimony of sanrpri wri+^w. -.» *i^r z:i'^n^: "?a?nen wnievs ? What crim^M »n;;v:.i"";:j;"'i„v-" What THEOLOGICAL COMPEilD. 17 waa guilty of prostitution and drunkenness, ad- vocated, and finally practised self-murder Such was the moral condition of the ancient heathen ; from which we argue the necessity of something superior to the religion of nature 6 The moral condition of modern heathen is farther proof of this necessity. The inhabi- tants of Ceylon worship devils. The Hindoos acknowledge one supreme Be- ing, but never worship him. Their writings encourage self-murder, human sacrifices, and the burning of widows, to an alarming extent. The Chinese burn gold paper before their Idols, supposing it will become money in an- other world, and help the departed spirits of the poor to pay their way to heaven. The iiihabitants of Bengal acknowledge three hundred and thirty millions of gods, among which are the monkey, the serpent, logs of wood &c. &c. They believe that when a man dies he will rise again in the form of a cat, dog worm, &c. ' *' The inhabitants of India worship no God prav^ous to their reception of Christianity. Theu- impurity surpasses description. In slander and deception they are adepts. Their females are despised as soon as bom : among some tribes immediately put to death. They are never allowed an education, or cul- 2 18 THEOLOGICAL COMPEND tivation of any kind. When the husband dies The New-Zealanders glory in war. They kill and eat their prisoners, and consider the Su- preme Being as a great invisible man-eater. s^wVT^ K^^ they suspend themselves in the air by large hooks, thrust through their backs Others cast themselves from a stage upon open knives inserted in packs of cotton ^ Now It is the Bible alone which makes us to differ from a 1 these nations. Without it we should soon be like them-ignorant, aupersti! tious, impure, and cruel. ^ We prove this from the characters of those among us who have, as far as possible, extri- ^ted themselves from the influence of the JBible. See lives of Herbert, Hobbes, Boling- broice, Hume, Rousseau, and Paine. GENUINENEaS AND AUTHENTICITY. protsCdtutht" " "^ *'^^ ^ ™^^- ^^ '^ ^Jlt V^ '^^'^f demonstration that the Bible If not by those whose names it bears, it is diffi- cult to know who did write it. Wicked men would not be likely to produce Bibl^r C^^R^^lJ^^i,^^ Of the existence of t.e TIIEOTOGICAL COMPEND. 19 a hook like the Bihle, which continually con- demns them. Good men could not he guilty of imposing their own works on the world as the work of God. The records of the church uniformly declare that the prophets and apostles wrote the Scrip- tures. And the Christian church has the same evidence of the existence of her fathers that we have of the existence of our ancestors. An authentic hook is one in which matters of fact are related as they really happened. The sacred writers repeatedly assert that they wrote by inspiration from God. To prove the truth of their assertion, they pointed to their mii^acles, which were publicly wrought, and universally acknowledged, at the time, as real. For this they also suffered every thing, even death itself. This they would not have done to support what they knew to be false. THE EVIDENCES OF CHRISTIANITY. These are usually considered of two classes, external, or historical, and internal. To these some have added a third class, called experimental. Good men ? How do yon prove that the Scriptures were written by the prophets and apostles? Wliat evidence has the Christian church of the existence of her fathers? What is an authentic book? Dotlie sacred writers assert their inspiration? How did they r.tt^st the truth of their assertions? What farther evidence did they give ? Of how many classes are the evidences of Christianity ? What are they called t m THEOLOGICAL C'OJIPEND. 1 1 Christianity was introduced mnona men TOwer very remarkable ciccumstances. Mira- «■§ were performed, mJ future eventw foretold in Attestation of its divine origivn. These con- stitute tht) historical evidence. When we examine the book itself, its truths Its doctrines, its spirit, we find it exactly such in its nature and tendency as we should expect a message from Jehovah to us wou'd be. This IS called the internal evidence. And when we look at the effects which the ±fible produces, wherever it is faithfully re- ceived, we find it answers the purposes for elScf ^^^ '^''** '^^'^ '" *^^ expeHniental These three kinds of evidence are entirely distinct m their nature, and may be illustrated as follows : You have a substance which you suppose is phosphorus, because, in the first place, a boy m whom you place confidence, brought it for you from the chemist's, who said it was phosphorus. This is the historical evidence. In the second place you examine, and it looks like phosphorus; its colour, consistence, and torm, all agree. This is the internal evidence In the third place you try. It burns with a most bright and vivid flame, &c. This is the experimental evidence. What constitutes the historical fivM^nPo? T«f««j.-.io t,_ Kl^t-^i'' ^^'^ *^^ *i'^^^ ^^""^^ distinct" inTheir nature"? '' What lKS'-!iSu.nt£"^ '''' ^^*«™^ evidence of tho^m^Sl* THEOLOG'^AL COMPEND. 21 Tliis last is the best of the three. No mailer wliat grounds of doubt and hesitation there may- be in regard to the first and second kinds of evidence, if the article prove its properties on trial. If any one should say to you, " I suspect your messenger's honesty : he may have brought something else;' or, "This does not look exactly like phosphorus ; it is too dark, or too hard j" your reply would be, " Sir, there can be no doubt : see how it bums ! " EXTERNAL OR HISTORICAL EVIDENCE. I. Miracles. A miracle is an event varying from the established course of nature ; wrought by the interposition of God himself, in attesta- tion of some divine truth, or of the authority of some divine messenger or teacher. It is generally ac3ompanied with a previous notice that it is performed according to the purpose and power of God. He who has power to establish the laws of nature, can, by the same power, suspend them at pleasure. Common events are called natural. Uncommon events are called miracles. It appears reasonable that a revelation from Deity should be supported by miracles. They are his seal, by which he proves his communica- tions divine. .'^h''ftll ig thp. hflK+. ? TTow TTinnv kiP'lo oro th'*''" 'i' ovfoimol /uri, dence ? What is a miracle? Wliy should a divine revelation be supjHjrted by miracles? Can the miracles of the Bible be supported ? ■«1 22 THEOLOGICAL COMPEND.- The miracles recorded in the Bible are mat- ters of fact, capable of being proved by proper evidence, as any other historical facts are. 1. " These things were not done in a corner^' mi puUicly, sometimes before thousands of wit- nesses. Instance the plagues of Egypt, and the destruction of Pharaoh's host, in the Old Testa- ment j the conversion of water into wine, and the feeding of more than five thousand, in the New Testament. 2. They were never disputed by those among whom they were performed, who were surely the best judges : not so stupid as not to know when the dumb spake, the blind saw, and the dead were raised. 3. Their number was very great. The gospel history is full of them. Forty of Christ's mira- cles are narrated at large ; and St. John informs us that he performed a great many of which there is no record. 4. Their vanety is great. They were per- formed in behalf of the blind, deaf, dumb, maimed, sick, insane, dead, and through a series of years, so that they might be examined and re-examined, as many of them actually were. 5. They were performed by persons known to be poor, unlearned, of low condition, and destitute of great friends and powerful patrons. Were ^y^.Zl}^v^ P'i^l'^^r, P^y*"'*^ ^ What instances are given ? Sr' dl^JsV^'wlf •*^'' ^n ^''' ^'"^ ^^'" ^^I'^l^l «»'"> pro- per judges? What IS said of the number ? Variety' Of those by whom they wore performed? v"iiti,y. wi tnose THEOLOGICAL COMPEND. 23 6. Thoy were declared beforehand, wrought, and appealed to ; and that in the presence of the great and the noble of a learned age, who, con- sequently, were not easily deluded. As, therefore, miracles, being very extraordi- nary events, require more than ordinary proof, so those of the Bible have this very strong and extra evidence. MIRACLES IN THE OLD TESTAMENT, The following are the principal miracles re- corded in the old Testament : — Translation of Enoch, Gen. v. 24. General deluge, or flood, Gen vii. Confusion of language. Gen, xi. 6-9. Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, Genesis xix. 24-26. Burning bush, Exod. iii. 2. Moses' rod changed, Exod. iv. 3, 4. Moses' hand made leprous, Exod. iv. 6, 7. Aaron's rod changed, Exod. vii. 10-12. The plagues inflicted on the Egyptians by Moses and Aaron : 1. "Water turned into blood, 2. Frogs, , ^ ^ , 3. Lice, ' ^''^"^ Exodus 4. Flies, 6. Murrain, 6. Biles and blains, Were they declared beforehand? Why do mirae.les reouiro ex* traordiuary proof? Have they this proof? How many miracles are found in the Old Testament? Repeat tliem in order, giving the text vu. 19, ix. 12, to 24 THEOLOGICAL COMPEND. From Exodns ix. 13 to xii. 30. 7. Hail, 8. Locusts, 9. Darkness, 10. Slaying of the first-born, y Pillars of clouds and fire, Exod. xiii. 21, 22 Deliverance at the Ked Sea, Exod. xiv. 21-29 Waters made sweet, Exod. xv. 23-25 Quails and manna, Exod. xvi. i3-24 Rock produces water, Exod. xvii 6 ' Quails given in wrath. Num. xi. 31* Destruction of Korah, Num. xvi. 31-33, 35. Budding of Aaron's rod, Num.' xvii. 8. ^alaam s ass speaks. Num. xxii. 28 Jordan crossed, Josh. iii. 16, 17. Walls of Jericho fall. Josh. vi. 20. Sun stands still, Josh x. 12-14 Gideon*s fleece, Judges vi. 36-40 Samuel causes rain, 1 Sam. xii. 16, &a bamuel raised, 1 Sam. xxviii. 7-14 Elijah f^ hy ravens, 1 Kings xvii. 6. Meal and oil multiplied, 1 Kings xvii. 8-16. Widow s son raised, 1 Kings xvii. 22. Fire called from heaven, 2 Kings i. 10, &c. Jordan divided, 2 Kings ii. 8. Mijah s translation, 2 Kings ii 11 Elisha divides Jordan, 2 Kings *ii. 14. Water at Jericho healed, 2 Kings ii. 21, 22 Children destroyed by bears, 2 Kings ii. 24* bhunammite's son raised, 2 Kings iv. 32-37 Provision multiplied, 2 Kings iv. 42-44. Jliiisha heals Naaman, 2 Kings v. 14. THEOLOGICAL COMPEND. $5 Naaman^s leprosy transferred, 2 Kings v. 27. Iron made to swim, 2 Kings vi. 6. Syrians struck blind, 2 Kings vi. 15-17. Dead man revived, 2 Kings xiii. 21. Sun goes backward, 2 Kings xx. 6-11. Three Hebrews preserved, Dan. iii. 19-26 Daniel preserved, Dan. vi. 16-24. Jonah delivered, Jonah ii. 10. MIRACLES IN THE NEW TESTAMENT. The following are the principal miracles re- corded in the New Testament : — Water turned into wine, John ii. 1-11. Son of a nobleman healed, John iv. 46-54. Demon cast out, Luke iv. 33-36. , Another, Matt. ix. 32; Mark iii. 11 ; Luke xi.l4. Peter's wife's mother healed. Matt. viii. ; Mark i. Multitudes healed, Matt. viii. ; Mark i. All manner of diseases, Matt. iv. 23, 24; Mark v. Leper healed. Matt. viii. 2, 24-26; Mark i. 40-42. Paralytic healed, Matt. ix. 1-8 ; Luke v. 24-26. Impotant man healed, John v. 1-9. Withered hand. Matt. xii. 13; Luke vi.^ 6-10. Many healed, Luke vi. 17-19. Centurion's servant. Matt. viii. 5-13 ; Lukevii. Widow's son raised, Luke vii 11-15. Tempest stilled, Matt. viii. 23 ; Mark iv. 37-39 Legion cast out. Matt. viii. 29; Luke viii. 30-35. Bloody issue cured, Matt. ix. 20-25 ; Mark v. OR Q4. How many in the New Testament? Repeat them in order, giving tlic text. \ 26 THEOLOGICAL COMPEND. Jairus's daughter, Matt. ix. 23-25, Luke viu 51-56. Blind men cured, Matt. ix. 29, 30. Power given to heal, Matt. x. 1 ; Mark iii, 15 Many sick healed, Matt, xiv. 34 ; Mark vi. 56 Five thousand fed, Matt, xiv. 15-21 ; John vl 5-14. Syrophenician's daughter, Matt xv. 22-28 • Mark vii. 24-30. ' Deaf and dumb healed, Mark vii. 32-35. Multitudes healed, Matt, xv. 30 ; Mark vii 37 Four thousand fed, Matt. xv. 32-39; Mark viii' Transfiguration, Matt. xvii. 1-8 ; Mark ix 2-8* Demoniac cured. Matt. 17, 14-18. Fish brings money. Matt. xvii. 27. Blind man cured, John ix. Infirm woman cured, Luke xiii. 10-13. Dropsy removed, Luke xiv. 1-4. Ten lepers cured, Luke xvii. 11-19, Lazarus raised, John xi. 4 3-46. Bartimeus cured. Matt xx. 30-34. Many lame and blind healed, Matt. xxi. 14. Fig-tree destroyed. Matt xxi. 19. Malchus' ear healed, Luke xxii. 51. Draught of fishes, Luke v. 4-9 ; John xxi. 6. Apostles speak in other tongues. Acts ii. 4. Peter cures a lame man. Acts iii. 1-11. Ananias and Sapphira, Acts v. 1-11. Prison doors opened, Acts v. 19. Saul's conversion, Acts ix. 1-18. Peter's deliverance. Acts xii. 4-1 1. Paul heals a cripple, Acts xiv. 8-10, X THEOLOGICAL COMPEND. 27 Prison doors opened, Acts xvi. 26. Several miracles by Paul, Acts xix. 11, 12. BESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST. The most remarkable of all miracles is the resurrecoion of Jesus Christ from the dead. It therefore is entitled to a distinct examination. The following facts in the case are acknow- ledged by friends and foes : — 1. Jesus Christ f equently predicted the cir- cumstances of his death. 2. He actually died. 3. Was buried. 4. Was missing from the tomb. Now there are but three conceivable ways by which the body could be removed from the sepulchre. By his enemies, by his friends^ or by himself, as he had predicted. If by his enemies, their motive must have been to produce the body, and thereby confront the apostles, and convince them of fraud in their Master. But the body was not produced by them. If by his friends, we cannot tell for what purpose. The dead body could not prove to them or others that he was risen ; but, on the contrary, be a standing and visible proof against them. It is true his enemies reported that his friends had stole him away. Matt, xxviii. 1, 12-15. Bat What is the most remarkable of all miracles? What facts are acknowledged by friends and foes ? lu how many ways could the body be removed? If by his enemies, what could be their motive? Was this effected? If by his friends, what absurdity. What did his enemies repOi-t? Where is this recorded? i 1^ t II 28 THEOLOGICAL COMPEND. when their report is examined it will appear ici I se. 1. So manifestly improbable is the report that Matthew, though he faithfully records the whole, does not offer a syllable to refute it. 2. The disciples were few in number, and destitute of Tiatural courage. They were generally dismayed and terrified at t.(. :> "ate of their Master. H^ace, when he was apprehended, they all forsook him and- fled. Peter followed him afar off; and when accused of being a disciple, de- nied It three times with vehemence and oaths. Not one attended him in the judgment hall. And when he was crucified, the only persons that ventured to stand near his cross were his mother, with two or three other women, and St. John. ' It is not therefore probable that they would be found at such a work, especially at such a season ; for, 3. It was the occasion of the great festival, \\iQpassoyery when Jerusulem was full of peo- ple. It is also said to have been a time of the lull moon. 4. It is not probable that all the guard would fall asleep at once, especially as they were in the open air. swTrattniln/'^*^ ^' their Masteraff^^ttemf'Se^th?^^^^^^ the spir. f w ^?f °n I""'^'^'' *J'« '■*^P«'^ favourable ? What was the season ? Would all the guai-d be likely to sleep at once ? THEOLOGICAL COMPEND. 29 6. If they were all asleep, they could not depose to any thing that passed mean time. Sleeping witnesses! They could not know that it was stolen ; or, if it was, bij whom. 6. It was certain death to Roman soldiers to be found sleeping upon guard. Hence, if they had been asleep, they would not have volunta- rily confessed it. 7. If the report of these soldiers had been believed, the rulers would have punished them. This they never did. 8. If the soldiers had believed their own Btory, they ever after would have reproached the disciples with it. This they were never known to do. If, therefore, the body could be removed in no other way, it must have been by his own power, as he had previously foretold. The more direct evidence of this great mira- cle is contained in the following particulars : 1. There were eleven distinct appearances of Christ after his burial. These were at- dif- ferent hours of the day, at different places, and, on one occasion, to above five hundred persons. 2. He did not appear to them silently, but talked and ate with them, showed his hands and feet, made them handle him, &c. ; held Is it proper to admit sleeping witnesses? What law would serve to keep th i awake? Uohh, it atipfrir thnt th-" STiIrrs ^hem- solves believed this report? That tliu soldiers believed it? What then is the only alternative? Is there any evidence of this great miracle that is more direct? Relate the lirst particular. Second. \ ■ 30 THEOLOGICAL COMPEND. several long conversations with tliem, and at last ascended up to heaven in their sight. 3. The witnesses, being a class of unlearned and despised men, were unequal to the task of imjjositimb. 4. They were by no means credulous, but slow- to believe in the resurrection of their Master. 5. There is a most remarkable change in Uje disposition and conduct of the disciples ; from being the most timid of men, they suddenly be- came courageous and undaunted. They boldly preach that very Jesus whom but a short time before, they had deserted in the greatest distress, and that, too, in the syna- gogues of Jerusalem, where he was crucified only three days before. And, althogh his crucifixion was fresh before their eyes, and they had reason to expect a similar fate, they still avow his resurrection. 6. The Lord's supper was instituted as a per- petual memorial of his death, and the festival of the Lord's day to commemorate his resurrection. ^ These memorials -were instituted at the very time when the circumstances to which they re- late took place, and have been observed in the Christian world ever since. The resurrection of our Lord is thus estab- lished, and is proof sufiicient of his divine mission. Third particular. Fourth. Fifth. How do you prove this change m the disciples? \\hat of the Lord's supper and Lord's been abandoned? '"""*' ^^'"'^ instituted? Have they never a 1 X CO THEOLOGICAL COMPEND. 31 ^ The Saviour often appealed to his resurrec- tion as the grand proof of his being sent from heaven ; and his disciples constantly referred to it as the foundation of their faith. Finally, this great event contains in itself the evidence both of miracle and ])rophecy. The prophecies herein completed are recorded in Psalm xvi. 10 ; John ii. 19, 22. HISTORICAL EVIDENCE, CONTINUED. II. Prophecy is a miracle of knowledge, a declaration of something future, beyond the power of human sagacity to calculate. The prophecies of the Bible form a regular system, and may be classified as follows namely : — ' 1. Prophecies relating to the Jewish nation. 2. Those which relate to other nations and empires. 3. Those which relate to the Messiah. 4. Those delivered by Jesus Christ and his apostles. I. Prophecies relating to the Jewish nation. 1. Concerning the posterity/ of Abraham Frophecy: Gen. xii. 1-3; xiii. 16; xv. 5- xvu. 2, 4-6; xxii. 17; xxviii. 14; xxxii. 12 • XXXV. 11 ; xlvi. 3. w?if „*^^ ^^fTl ^l^"^ ^'PP^^^ to his resurrection? Why? What account did his disciples mal^e of it ? What does thin aSt Wh^TTa^'^'"" '*^''"^ V>''\ prophecies are herein coinpTetiTd? t)ror.hSv9 *ht second kind of external evidence? What is prophecy? How may the prophecies be classified? Repeat some concerningthe posterity of Abraham. repeat some 32 THEOLOGICAL COMPEND. Fuljlltnent, as respects the Jews alone • Exod "": ll}Vl ^^"'- ''''^'^ ^^'> ^^^"<^- i- 10; >[eb.* VI. 12-15. In less than five hundred years after the first of these predicstions the number of the Israel- its alone amounted to six hundred thousand men, besides women and children. 2. Concei-ning Ishmael. Compare Gen. xvi 10-12; xvii. 20; xxv. 12-18. From him de- scended the various tribes of Arabs, whose nuin- oers and manner of living have ever since been a verijication of the texts. 3. Concerning the Jews. Dent, xxviii. Fulfilment, in three particulars : (1) Their subjection, by Shishak, king of Egypt ; Chalmanezer, king of Assyria ; Nebu- chadnezzar, and several others. (2) Their famines six hundred years after Moses, among the Israelites. Again, nine hun- dred years after, among the Jews. And, finally fifteen hundred years after. (3) Their reduction, witnessed by all nations where they have been dispersed. Yet they continue a separate people, and have become " a by-word among all nations." 4. Josiah is announced by name, three hundred sixty-one years before the event. 1 Kings xiii. 2. Fulfilment, 2 Kings xxiii. 15-20. 5. The present state of the people of Israel foretold by Hosea, ix. 17. ^Jl'^^^'^^FiS'n^i-o ;MaI.iv.2;I,a.liu. iv. 11, 12. ^'^'^' ^«*« X. 43; xiii. 38, 39; 14. lyortarweoffaithinhim. ■Prophecy ::Psa. a, 12 owncmtoftheBoly Spirit: Lutexxiv 49 FulJUmeva : Acts u. ^• M.«.T2";?tsst2irsr2: complishment. ^™''^® ^tnesses of their ac- X. THECitOGICAL COMPEND. 37 _ EXTERKAL EVIMNCE, COlfTITOED. this express purpose ™ consecrated to Besides the copies in use A»f«. « • carefully keot in tl.! v.' ;™ c°P'«' '"ere Which /oSr :^ rs.°' '"« *^"»p'«- <» -u«:n~S^es7"Tr r"^ "'«' «-* tar would con^^ulie S^.'"'^""'- "^ " l^*- fom the Christ^a^ em T^T, ^'"'f'^ ^^ ^ al» verbis t^'""''''' »"» ^-*»»*. i« that of theTC *^^ «»»ntially v-ith The manuscripts ? WhenanH Tk" ^^** »a said of extra cooipTf translated intS Greek f^'W. iH';!^^!*'^^ 9'd TestameSS a«=yucome of this ? What"is'sai,f'nf +V'"q'™*^'^ «**"edr What 38 Tlxen THEOLOGICAL COJWElfD. Testament lSt\of i'Tf ."^ *^^ ^^^ and by other wSte^ TthH !* t^ ^ *''^-^''*-' The primitive n V ^^^ "entm-ks. different'^^t; 5.h2:';^2 T" '"'^''^'^ -'<> each other from Sil ' ''\'""''^' Prevent text. "■"''"g *ny alteration in the Sadducees, an? h1T,^„ '**T?. ^'''^ E^«ne% tian sects in all Z7 ' *"'' ^'^'"^''* <^^^ Baftiror'a^Mi^^^ or a the Bible in the lea^tV^ ■.^°'**™"' *» alter being detectedtd ^p'o^ed"' '" ""'' ^"'">»* disSCdlnttio^Ta^^r* -- -'y of these manulc^rrstirf ^^r". ^^'"'^ tia% agree with each other ' ^""^ *'''*"- predird'^arse'^hri* 7^' <''"'*""-' - -- epistles e;ery:-h^t t'Jtd 'T':' ""<• ^»'- of short existence "™''®''- -Ihese were all promifd rmlttli^t '^"f'. ^'""•"-' -''-h sunt into oblivion tife m'7 *""''"■*• "'ave "' *'" Bible has survived even THEOIOGICAL COMPEND. 39 l^T opposition such as no other book ever against th^ Bible in™r''**^^ ^"^ ^P^^-l .umve the diJltionif wo^wT™" ■"" "'" INTERNAL EVIDENCE. ten^of SbSr Lf"'.'" *-* -- It was written by at least fifty different .«»„ rd-tar^'-A-d'^it^^"^^^^^^ years. And yet an entii^e harmony of In what docs the inten.U Slln"."!!^' ?^i«^l^mn had? Biiuuxd v,-c exaiuiiu, such evid.-i.pT?"' wi" V'^'^f '"'° eousiat? How tlonceof tlHs kind? WhS is S of I '^'V^^^^''* '« ^^e first evi: 40 THEOLOGICAL COMPEND. sentiment pervades the whole. How unlike all other writings in this respect I 2. The simplicity of its whole design. It has Tthr^i' ^^^r^^' "^>^*' ^^^ thf begiinfn^ wh^ wr*^"^ ""^l'^ ^ ^^^ '"«''« remarkable J^^^'^^J^^^^^^r the great number of writers tTeVt>te"*'"" ''*""^ *^^ P^^-^« -™^^" In one of the very first chapters of the Bible fromX^^."^ *^' ^T'""' ^ f«^*«W. And fnlll fl ^^ ^^""^^ ^'^^^ marks out and £ Christ '^ succession which conducte At the time the Israelites were in Effypt manv whose history is far more important, in every respect but one, than is the history of t^e JewT anJtrP^'^' *^' >P*^^"«' *^« Asryrials"; and the Persians. The sacred history neglects S^yofCV^'^'r ^*^"^^^^ atteUnta Dody of Egyptian slaves ; and why ? Because among these slaves there is the aLstor72 coming Messiah. •' And it is remarkable how large a number of the m,'J^ ^^^ ^'^^'^ correspond? Anoth "•' Wl at S^iff"7'*'""' ^"^^t'-'^t^ these two doctrines? Hovv doerthe THEOLOGICAL COMPEND. 43 i» i To illustrate: Suppose a dreadful plague should break out in the city of New York, and spread throughout the United States, carrying consternation and death into thousands of families. ^ After raging for several months, intelligence IS brought from China of a certain plant that has there been found, and proved to be a reme- dy for this disease. Our Government concludes to send a ship for a supply of the article : and our citizens every- where are waiting with anxiety the ship's re- turn ; at length she arrives, and the article is in full circulation. Now, the question is, what will interest our people most ? Will it be an examination of the evidence there may he that ths ship has actually been to China, or that her lading consists of the identical article for which she was sent ? Will they not be more anxious to know whether this medicine will cure ? Suppose an individual interested in the con- tinuance of the disease should pronounce it all an imposition. "Stop," he might say, "how do you know that this is a real remedy ? That nhip never came from China. The officers and crew have united in a deception. Examine her papers, and you will find it a delusion." Now, Avould the mass be influenced by such o]>jeciioiis •? Ino. Their reply would be," " We leave all this with the few official agents by What illustration is given? a THEOLOGICAL COMPEND. Whom the ship has been employed. At present wehave no time to inquire into these matters. Ihis medicme has cured thousands. It is now cunng thousands more, Nay, we were sick, and tthas cured us. Our neighbours and friends are dying, and there is nothing else to try." Llr ;v, ',.*^^'''^^- We have rea^n to believe the medicine will cure. This would be the substance of their reply, and they who wou^d be saved from sin should do the slml .nJ T^'Z "^^ "P^"' *^® ^^'•^d ^^'I«»ne we find some direction, which, if proi.>erly observed, I^iZ^" ""' r^ ."*^^"«' glod nd^hbours good fnends, and good men. Wherever it has been received, and obeyed the most beneficial effects have followed ^ ' -bvery nation of every age through which it has descended to us, has been blessed byT * , -The brightest spots upon the globe, in every view, intellectual, social, civil, moral and^^ gious, have ever been those where the Bible has been most honoured and obeyed. Wherever Christian missionaries have gone the most barbarous nations have become fivil! ized and saved. The ancient inhabitants of Germany, Hun gary, Denmark, Sweden, Britain, and^IrelaS be^s"a$S?' W^Vt'liLfSrS^^^^ '"'r'^'Z' P^^^^'i. '^ ^e would i { c a el t] oi d tl THEOLOGICAL COMPEND. 45 . as also those of North and South America, the East and Weat Indies, Greenland, South and West Africa, c J. ctrG * All things which are seen began to exist. JNow, they either created themselves, came into existence by mere chance, or were created bv some other being. "^ But self-creation is a contradiction, for it sup- poses that a being can act before it exists, or that an effect is the cause of itself. h ^1 I 48 THEOLOGICAL COMPEND. i^ not effected at all '^*^ ""' """^S; 'J"*' been i^STby :SCth '%""?"''• """* '"'- nnive^, pr^rbergTo^ "' '"^ ^^'"'' designer iWt^^tnri * i*"'?"''''; *»d the tL- 'J ^°"- •• 20 ; Heb. iii. 4. ' ^ ^v. 13, 29 ; xviu 9-1 i • xx 18 20"^ *' ^2 J «d"S riicaUe'^^if rl".*'"' «^ Being other beiS^tl't^n""^^"'?. T"' *» T^ name, however, ia given to the Author •" ^-^ ='o"i'Tr is it applicable ten7w kT.""^; r-^ ri ."•- ^-«*^s- Of Providing-' ^?^"* Uuu=;suxiyr i« it applicable to othfi^bd^^j THEOLOGICAL COMPEND. 4() of our existence by way of eminence, ainl U only IS entitled to the name, Deut vi 4 • 1 Cor. viii. 4-6. ' ' The most appropriate name of God, however. IS Jehovah which is not an accidental term, but a rmme of re^,elation, adopted by God himself, to express the mystry of his nature. Ex. vi. 3 Psa. Ixxxni. 18; Isa. xxvi. 4. ' This name denotes the eternal existence of Ixod. And the ancient Hebrews had it in such reverence that they did not pronounce it. Rev 1. o; IV. 8; xi. 17. . ^^\ Z^:""- ^""^'7^ "' ^^^ existence of God are called Theists while those who deny this doc- trine are called Atheists. Atheism is a credulity of the greatest kind' equally degrading to the understanding and to xxl U%, "'"' ^ ^ "• ^ ^ ^"""" ' > ^^ ATTRIBUTES OF GOD. The attributes of God are the several ouali- ties, or perfections of the divine nature ; ol, in other words, the different parts of his character. These are called attributes, because God at- tributes them t. himself. They are sometimes ^r&Zr'il^^JI^ .^-l^i'^^-J^oyah; W.at Wlmt arc the attribu-us of Gcd? Why so caUed? I n 1.1 < »1 ' n 50 THEOLOGICAL COMPEND. called perfections, being the seveml representa tions of that one perfection, v^hich is ZsT These attributes, or perfections of God are divided into two c Ws, ru^tural and rZral The natural attributes are those qualitip« The moral attributes are those which ffivp As to the nature or substance of the Deitv P /Jif •^- ''• ; ^P*"- i^- « ; 1 Cor. via 4 ' plurality of gods, is a most dangerous error It^prevaiis genenjly in luost parts^of th^ ^ j!i « T ^' 1^; l'^- 15; Ixiii. 16: Mai -^6,Wsi. 17;Rev.i.4;Ro..i1^; xsa. cxxnx. 7-12; Jer. xxiu. 23, 24; Eph. Deitv? HiB nnu"* ™-SJ?".™*l What is saJd of the naf.iir« «# ,. — _^.„^, x„.,.^;;mmr J!;t«,mtjrf OmnipreaenceT " THEOLOGICAL COMPEND. 51 are \m^i\ ""^^^ ^® ^^^^ ^^^ *« '^otr said a child to an mfidel, "and I will tell you where 4. Omniscience: Psa. xi. 4; xxxiii. 13 14 • cxxxix. 1 ; cxlvii. 5 ; Job xxxvii. 16 : xxi. 22 • xxym. 24; 2 Chron. xvi. 9; Isa. xl. 13-28; xlu. 9 ; Prov. xv. 3 ; Dan. ii. 22 ; John xxi. 17 1 John m. 20. * This attribute is supposed to include what b^ been called the foreknowledge of God This term, however, is absurd ; sis it can b^ applicable only to hvman knowledge. Whatever Jehovah knows he knows as it is and not as it will be; for whatever is past or future with us, must be present with him The mere knowledge ot God influences no- thmg, nor changes the nature of things in any wise ; for the plain rea^son, that it is knowledge and not mjlvsnce. Some actions are necessary, and others are free; as such they are known of God. Had any thing been otherwise than it is, the know- ledge of it would have been otherwise. Man is ignorant of what is going on at a dis- tance, but God knows, for he is there. Man knows not the time of his death, because it is luture; but God knows, because that time with him is present. _ Omniscience? Poreknowledffe ? Is fl.!a « «r«»,«.. ♦„-„ . •«., , is said of tiie divine knowledge"? Has IlTs'knowii'dL'P anv^il.fl," " on our actions? What of necessi^ and free actio^^^ between divine and limnan knowledge ? ^ i>iileicnce \ 52 THEOLOGICAL COMPEND. tier. xxvu. 5; Jga. xxvi. 4 : ]xvi 1 9 • r» "£'■}■ !"'"'■"«■-'"■''= Ihis attribute is represented in a varietv of ways, for the twofold purpose of awing and controlling the wicked, and of aflbrdiSn J^h and consolation to the righteous s'«ngtli b. Immutability. This attribute is indicated m his august and awlul title, " / aJ'Z^. t"re mJ iiV « r "" ^T°"' P«'*«»f Sorip- His immutability is also infen-ed from the general order of nature : the revolution S tl heavenly bodies ; the suocLTon ^Ltons the laws of animal and vegetable producZn '■ Ihis attribute is not to be so infAr.r.v^+ a to signify that his o;««.il admi^of r^ngr or cont^nety, under any circumstances wS evCT. Exod. xxxii. 14 ; Ezek. xviii. 20-30 L God b„tlf "'' r *'!" P™"^^' •«" of change m (jod, but of unchanging principles. ^ Hismimutability qualifies him as the Supreme Ruler of all, as all things in the kingjomsof nature and grace are governed hj fiSZ^ THEOLOGICAL COMPEND. 03 Were it otherwise, there would' be no security lor any thing. "^ This attribute in God is the grand source of terror to the impenitent, and of encouragement to such as are of contrite hearts. 1. The wisdom of God. This stands first among his moral attributes. It is partly natural and partly moral, being a compound of know- ledge and benevolence. This perfection is proved from the works of creation, providence, and redemption, and from express declarations of Scripture. Psa. civ 24 • Prov. iii. 19; viii. 14; Jer. x. 12; Dan. ii. 20,- Roni. XI. 33; 1 Cor. iii. 19; Col. ii. 3 ; Rev. V. 12. 2. Goodn This perfection of God is proved trom the v of creation, providence, and re- demption, and also from the Scriptures. Psa cxix. 68; xxxiii. 5; xxxiv. 8, 10; c. 5; cxlv. 7; Ixxxiv. 11; cvii. 8; Exod. xxxiv. 6, 7- Matt. xix. 17; vii. 11 ; Rom. viii. 28; James 3. Holiness, or his perfect absolute purity and rectitude of nature. The evidence of this IS found m his uniform treatment of all moral beings, and also in his word. Exod. xv. 11 • Lev xi. 44; Josh. xxiv. 19; Psa. xxii. 3,' CXI. 9; cxlv. 17; Job xxxiv. 10; Heb. i. 12; James i. 13 ; Rev. xv. 4. 4. t'listice, or his disposition to render unto » 64 THEOLOGICAL COMPEND. R ,V *^':^'' '• ^ ^ ^ev. XV. 3. 0. .^ercy denotes his disposition to nitv th^ miserable: and esueriBllv +/<• • ^P"^ '^^^ have done' him X? ^Tt^/r^'^",*^«« ^^« gift of his ^n f kT^' • • ^ ^""^^^ ^'•°°» *te Sice and ft Q ^.P'"^'^''^^ ^^ *^« Cleans of o^5;ciii8;wrrc!^^^8ts^^^ 22; Jonah IV. 2; Micha vii 18- vJh- ?' James V. 11. "» vii. lo ^ n^pj,. ^ 4. 6. rm^A, or perfect veracity. His faithfnl ne.s m accomplishing his prediction "in ul^^^^^^ •ng his promises, and in exc^nH^„ v.- ^il enings, is evident of thTs SS I • "1"" 5 ; cxlvi. 6 : JSTum irii,i tq rf./ ^P^i* ^^ ^ ^' i^o^;lT^""^^"^^":'3THe.^kt;: Ti *l, m. ''^^ TRINITY. knfX!^''"*"^^'^8™ "**'»»« of antiquity ao- this? -^ ""'' iTimty? Uhat is no mean evidence of THEOLOGICAL COMPEND. 55 Almost the whole Christian world agree here, however they may differ in other points—the Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Methodists, Bap- tists, Lutherans, Independents, Congregation- alists, Moravians, Waldenses, and many other smaller sects, together with the extensive churches of Greece and Rome. The chief, if not the only, objection brought against this doctrine is, that it is absurd and contradictory. But it is not so, any more than the doctrine is which teaches His eternal ex- istence. It is indeed a mystery, and must necessarily remain such to us. Its incomprehensibility, however, proves nothing but that we are finite beings, and not God. The doctrine involves no absurdity or contra- diction ; for, independent of the Scriptures, it has reason and analogy on its side. Take, for instance, the sun in the firmament, and you will find that is three in one. There is the round orb, the light, and the heat. Each of these we call the sun. When you say the sun is almost nine hun- dred thousand miles in diameter, you speak of the round orb ; when you say that the sun is bright, you mean the liglit ; when you say the sun is warm, you mean the heat. The orb is the sun, the light is iihe sun, and How do Christiatts agree here? The chief objection? Is this doctrine a niyatery ? What doo8 it prore ? Haa it any analogy? \ Repeat a few of these. ' «"~"8j' 56 THEOLOmcAL COMPEKIX tbnal mind, and a^^^anf J:'^.^,""^'' f" the same name, man " **''' ""y -i^'" whi: 7e "r ICT^^^ T "-> h^ mean his mind ST '^ '* '*'»™«d, we - .Oead, ^mln ^^^^ la^/.n'^ ^''"^' call the man. Thev «r^ oil ^^ ^^ *^®^® ^e ^.and,.&--rrn^-r n^mory and thp it! ^ ?• ^® J^i^graent, the -obi' wtch*;e"XS^ *C V'*-- each is distinp+ ■ fKo • • .' ^^^ office of the mem'^t't^t S^t^ r^l '''-' eompares and decides N^i u ■*" J"''gn'ent yetjhe«, ar« n„Uh^ mSs bf' """'^ T--^' Farther proof of the TrS t toX T'"', ■ a remarkable peculiarity^ fteol'""^ '" guage, which p^uUarity hS m^ i^^'^T, ^' «ny other lan^age ^ ''' P""*"**' » DeuJ''i:Zori!irfCl'^''' i?'?"''«- of • this Vorf is p S is^^^*^ "s AVoAi„». That J^ned With o&:rShet,r tl^i- ^l...xanacrpx;oof? What of the woi-d eIoIuiuv """"■^■^* i \ THEOLOGICAL COMPEND. 57 The first instance occurs in the very first sen- ^Dce of the Bible, and in at lea^t two thousand nve hundred other phices. This peculiarity of idiom is supposed to have originated m a design to intimate a plurality in the natum of Deity ; a.nd thus excite and pre- pare the niinds of men for the full declaration of this mystery which God intended to make JNo other reason of this peculiarity can be given ; and, although it is not relied on as suffi- cient proof, but, as the c^octrine appears else- wliere, it is at least an important auxiliary. The inner part of the Jewish sanctuary was called the hol^ 0/ holies ; that is, the holy place ot the//o^v^ Ones; and the number of these is indicated and limited to three, in the celebrated A-ision of Isaiah, chap. i. 1_8. The scene of that vision is the holy place of the temple, the very abode of the Holy Ones here celebrated by the seraphs, who cried one to Wfo^h^"'' "Holy, holy, holy is.the This distinct triune of adoration is answered by a voice from the Lord, responding in the same language of plurality : " Whom shall I send, and who shall go for tis ?" llie three persons in the Godhead, though distinct, are not separate. This is the case with the Godhead both dLiS i s^SL^ ^'''"'"' ''^ 68 the body and THEOLOGICAL COMPEND. man and the Spirit p^ro'ce^d lol Zi'tt" ^"t they are all of Z «.„.« du"" *^**«'' ^^^ bu^dT Stf ^'el!^! «^"P'"-.. - »*i- tiuction. *^ P"'""''"' ^i^out dis- 25 ;• l^S^fTo: '''" "^"'- ^« ' •^°'- ^ 24, 4. Ommpotenee. Jer. xxvii. 4, 5 ; Rev. i 8 5. Hwrf«™. Dan. it 20 ; Col. iL 3 Epli 17 6 eoodne»>. I Chron. xvi 34 • Acta x%8 • Psalm oxliii. lo. ' ""* ^- ■'° i J^^Greation. Gea i 1-27 ; John i 3 ; Job 2 C„/i^ f '^*- "^^ ^'^ 25; Col. iii 4; 2le/ritlT."- 2'f*»-«*-l«;lPetill; 10. /)iWiie /aw;. Rom. vE 22; viii 2. each? Omnipr"-"".-- - . -"'"*'' texts attribute ctn»„;*.. A THEOLOGICAL COMPEND. 69 11. Teaching. Matt. is. 38; x. 5; Acts xiii. 2. 12. Sanctijication. Jude 1; Heb. ii. 10 11 Rom. XV. 16. * ' 13. Remrrection. John v. 21 ; John vi. 63. In a word, all divine operations are attributed to the same adorable Trinity. See 1 Cor. xii 6 • Col. iii. 11 ; 1 Cor. xii. 11. ' ' The word trinity doe« not occur in the Scriptures any more than the words omnipre- sence, ubiquity, &c. The doctrines, however, which these terms express are none the less Scriptual on this account. In theology, the five books of Moses are called the Pentateuch, and the ten command- ments the Decalogue. These books and laws are no less real, because the terms by which they are known are not Scriptural. The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch, A. D. 42 or 43. But they were cer- tainly as rea^CA/ts^mw* long before this name was given them as they were afterward. JESUS CHRIST. Although the scriptures which treat of the character of Jesus Christ have not the form of a regular system, yet, when collected, they >.,1T!^".1' .!^,°„^?fi°*«on?^^ Resurrection? Are not aU attri- i^tVlu" ^-^"-f f ■L'uts uiu wora tnmty ot-cur in the Bible? Is It then proper to use the term ? Illustrate. ScrijrurlsT*^^ character of Jesus Christ presented In the 60 THEOLOGICAL COMPEND. i I «'g proposition '^"'""''"' ""<' '""-^^poud- this class: The so,? / *''*' V'^^'^S^s of •nade flesh John iu "f"' /ig'-ty times; iV /I. ,.,"' ''°"" 1- i4 made of womfin Pal iv^- 4 i likeness of man, Phil ii 7 r Z^{ , ^''^• Isa. ix. 6 ; vii. I4 • M- tt ix" Ik ' ^'^^ ''''''°' vH Isa. .i. 1, and~iU ;.f ^C 1 "'^ rows. Tsn li"ii Q. u "^^I'lJtJis, man of sor- Matt: ^2 tempted 'iTT' ^'l'' •^- 2' '''-'«<'. 44; grew, Luke ii de o/ speaking of himself Nor is this without analog/ aa to our- selves; for instance: When you say, 1 am sick, t u «peak of your body; and when you say, J am h:,ppy, you speak of your soul, ..» <-„_ 4.IY5o „Hi fliniself with a double inod«? !« «"»•' Chrisl?' """*' '""■^^ '■* "*« •'"■"r ™en tiall into conceruTn^ amtwoSutedr* '''P''*'"^ *^^' «^^>' «»»°«t? How are th« 64 THEOLOaiCAL COMPEND. 3. It is a mere creature. In confutation of the first two errors, m,. attention is arresf^rl h^r n • errors, our tially divine ' t'-erefoi-e essen- L^Z'entX c«]iV «..««"• ix. 14; ii. 10. cxxxix. 7, ommsc■^€>^<, 1 Cor. To him is ascribed taisdom, Enh i 1 7 ... ^ tead tM. evidence faH^^ Je'^X:: ANQELS. These are spiritual intelligences the fi...t • rank among created beings. Peonie of .,n ! '" x^at^ons, and religions, LebdTe'ved fn tg ! THEOLOOICAI, COUPEND. gg existence which ciroumstenoe is no mean arm. ment m favour of the doctrine whicTteX en^*"' i?L°L'!f '"'',.'^/"8g««*» «'«*' exist ence. As in the works of creation we deaoenrf from the hodi, of man to lifeless, JoraSd -?"*.*''« Bible gives us the fullest assurance tt^ir^"^'""""^ «■- » ''-<^^- ^^i^!l\l"" ^"'^ ^'^ "'''.'^ ''y ^rfo-^ name. ; dpinhi, because immaterial and invisible. Angels, hec&xim agents or messengers of God led^ "*' "^"^ °^ *•'«'' «^*«"^ve W. ^Mm because of their holy zeal and love Walci^a, because of their vigUance aad car^ tuifsTiTrir^^o^^^^'-p'-'^'' - of fSlX^*^' "^"^ *''*' '^ «>« i^P"^ nro»^, dominiam,prirmpalitie,, and power, b^ause of the exalted dignity of the^S' Sr^Z '**""'*'• *"" ''""^-' «^' As to the number of angels, the Scrintures represent it a« very great. Heb. xii. 22rP^! 6 66 THEOIOGICAL COMPESB. kviu.l7;Dan.vu.lO;Matt. ^Kvi. 53 ; that . more than a seventy thousand, xnese exnrm, «on8 represent no exact number, buHrTS indefinitely for a very lai^e number 1, t^?^/? represented as being emnloved Jn behalf of the righteous. Psa. x Jv Txci n Matt, XYUi. 10; Luke xv. 10; Heb. i U ' Exod.^xu.^29, 2 Kmgs xu. 35 ; Acts xii. 23] i6'rcl!v^l:"Ye't^°'--^-^o^««''- coufiTtCtrtr^r^^-i^^ exf."&^ri^:.2^^--- system. Job xxxviii. 4-7. ®®^*^ «T.J^^ «^f Is were constituted probationers- and the rule of their conduct wa/probablv Jhi same m substence as that given JmaniA Ik mnoeency. Ps. ciu. 20; Matt, vi 10 ' nrlT ''^*'^^ *^^^ rectitude during their probationary state, and are now confirmed in holiness and happiness, 1 Tim. v. 21 ""^ Others, through envy, unbelief, or pride re- belled against God, and ruined theSliv^. \ THEOlOOtCAL COMPENO. ^7 Judf e"- ''• '^'"' "'^ "»^ » "tter despair. DfiVILS, TK« . , something is meant, fir^t estate by rebeBio„Cir.t G^d "" *""■ vjif 2^30° ""n r'"""*"* ""-y <'«^ls. Luke o1l!Lf4--p2Si%K ,X*'>-^n the belief ^£°\WTiat of these e ™ara ? fc/ ^''ll ^^" '"''Ject thi» Bcnpture? What particulars of this f ^''^ testimony of 68 THEOLOGICAL COMPEND. 5. Has his angels. Matt. xxv. 41. 6. He is accountable. Matt. viii. 29 ; xxv. 41 ; see also Luke x. 17, 18. As to their ru\mes, they are usually called devils; the head or chief of whom is distin- guished by other titles, such as Abaddon, in the Hebrew, and Apollyon, in the Greek, Rev. ix, 11. See »lso Job ii, 6 ; Matt. xii. 24 ; Eph. ii. 2 j vi. 12 ; John xii. 31 ; 2 Cor. iv. 4 ; Isa. xiv. 9-11; Rev, xii. 9; 2 Cor. vi. 15; Isa. xxvii. 1 ; John viii. 44 ; Matt, xviii. 34. All that is said of their numbers represents them as very great. Eph. vi. 12; Mark v. 9. Their names denote their nature, and their employment corresponds. Rev. xx. 2, 3; Matt. iv. 1 ; xiii. 38, 39 ; Luke viii. 12 ; xxii. 31 ; John xiii. 27 ; >cts v. 3 ; 2 Cor.iv. 4; Eph. ii. 2; 1 Tim. iv. 1 ; 1 Jolin iii. 8 ; Rev. xii. 9. They will be restrained during the millen- nium, but afterward, for a short time, released, and then finally punished. Rev. xx. 2, 3, 8, 10 ; Matt. xxv. 41. There mj the same reason for believing in their existence as there is for believing in the existence of holy angels, namely, that God has revealed it. The same principle of interpretation would lead to the denial of the existence of any invi- Thelr names? Numbers? What do their names denote? Will they ever be restrained? What reason for believinff their existence y What would the principle of interpretation k«d to that denies their existence? " " THEOLOGICAL COMPEND. 69 '• sible being, not excepting that of Christ and of God. • The denial of their existence tends to inti- dehty— to the rejection of the main truths of the gospel, viz., the fall of man, the atonement, the general judgment, and final retribution. We should hate their character, resist their devices, and flee their unholy example. 2 Cor ^ XI. 2, 3, 14, 15 ; Eph. iv. 26, 27 ; vi. 11, 12, 16 '; James iv. 7 ; 1 Pet. v. 8, 9. The worship of devils, in some form, is estab- hsbed throughout a great part of the heathen world. In modem times it is systematized in Ceylon Burmah, and many parts of the East Indies, and even an order of devil priests exists. In Persia, the person of the devil is regarded as sacred by the Yezides. MAW J a compound being, having a body and a soul. I he body is formed of the dust of the earth with the senses of feeling, tasting, smelling! hearing, and seeing. The soul is rational, of a pure spiritual nature, having understanding, af- fections, and will. Gen. ii. 7 ; Eccl. xii. 7 The body is mortal, and of short continuance • but the soul is immortal, and endless in its du- ration. Heb. ix. 27 ; Eccl. ix. 5 ; xii. 7 ; Gen. How are we to t.roftt. tVioTn » xuu^t : jj .* ..... in Ceylon, &c. "' " "^ "* worshipping uieiu ? What of man r Body? Soul? i 71 70 THEOLOGICAL COMPEND. -i^an. xii. d ; jtiev. xx. 10 ani^T!! """^' "'P''¥'*' ■''*'->«gent, and fi=ee; U«l h.., C.-eator, Preserver, and Benefactor ^ Ihe rule given for Ms obedience in thi. iate therX"w" ""'' " "^"'^'y denominated to 3hi '!T. '" '?'"'*"*i '"' P«'*«'*- It ^''tends words, and actioi... ,>f ,-j,en ; art! can never be ^ndoned alW, o. r.po.ied. Psa.cxTx. 96^ coi^!! ^^^ ^T ^^'■'' ^'"^^^^^ «" *^'^ l^^arts and consciences oi men ; so that, by a proper use of their rational and roorul faculties, trfmight It was afterward briefly comprised in the ten co^Pmandments, as written by the finger of God oTM^Vlf ^- ^^*T' -^ ^^elivereft^M^^s on Moant Sinai. Exod. xxxi. 18 ; xxxiv. 27-29 Ihe summary of these commandments is Matt. xxii. 37-40 ; Rom. xiii. 10. In order to give force and efficacy to this .una if «~,i. _. ...x" - M!'' oDcaicnce i What of t).iu iour9 —'■ ..3. ...„.,,,,,,,, J,, Ana ward? WUatisitssumuIiiry? »W1 \ ►; THEOLOGICAL COMPEND. 71 et^'ni*] T^ ^^^^^^Plished With the sanction of misery to the disobedient, Rom, vi 23 • Matt. XXV. 46 ; Lev. xviii. 5. ' ^ FALL OP MAN— ORIGIN OF SIN, scriDturpf T ^"^^ fot occur in the canonical ^rnK kf : /* ? * theological tei-m, and was probably taken from the book of Wisdom xT It denotes the loss of those perfections and that and the participation of that character which constitutes a sinner. Ecc. vii. 29 ; Gen. iii. 6 7 BinTTl """"'a «°^^*i«^«« o«"ed indwell ng sin or native depravity, is that whereby ouf tTL!lTl,T '' rr?"^^ ^°^ renderj con- trary to the law of Gods. Rom vii forbidTn^f T u ^' ^^^'^ ^^ i^ mating the forbidden fnut, because it wai, that which, by the divme constitution, decided the moral cb/ racter, or wa. the occasion of the depm^J^^^^ his posterity. Rom. v. 12 19 ^^P'^^^y «* The sins of Adam and of his posterity how- ever, are perfectly distinct, as much T^, thJr inS"aiK4"Sdtgr? '' ^^^''^^^"^ W^-* «1- -- given to Is the tenn fail of man in ♦>,« uj^-i.-o ^.. . . pTGDaDiv Ukenf Whit <\naa i*^ a'Z. T'o"""^^ rroia wnat waa it Wdo'e8its?iify?'*Are1L 8iiro?L^^^ is original sin? distinct? *"** °^ •^'^ani and his posterity '■'■■ ' -^ Jit 72 v THEOLOGICAL COMPEND. volitions. This is Of necessity, as moral ac tions are not transferable. Ez^k. J^l2-l - ir . £ ^rSvt^tf"' ■""™'" " ''»- -VtttfJ. .SJSU'S^^ I THEOLOGICAL COMPEND. 73 Tlie e^yJs of redemption are the delivery of man from the curse of the law, sin, death, and hell. Gal. lii. 13; Psa. cxxx. 8; Job xix. 25, 26. By the atonement is meant the satisfaction offered to divine- justice by Jesus Christ, who underwent, by his suffering and death, the pe- nalty due to our sins. The Hebrew word signifies covering, and in- timates that our offences are, by a proper atone- ment, covered from the avenging justice of God. The passages that follow plainly and dis- tmctly set forth this doctrine. 1 Cor xv 3 • Eph. i. 7 ; 1 John ii. 2 ; iv. 10 ; Matt. xx. 28 1 John vi. 51; Lukexxii. 19; Isa. liii. ; Rom. in. 25 ; v. 18-21 ; Heb. ii. 10, 14; ix. 22. The atonement is necessary, that God might show bis hatred to sin, and love to holiness, and that he might be honourable and just, and still be merciful. Rom. iii. 25, 26. If the atonement had not been necessary, neither the Father nor the Son would have con- awited to the death of the latter to effect it. Matt. XXVI. 39 ; HeK ii. 10 ; see also Luke xvii. 11 ; Heb. ix. 22 ; Rev. vii. U; v. 9. Repentance can make no atonement for sin. It cannot change its nature, or annihilate it, or repair the injury it has done. .,T^fx^il'._^^*J« *h« .•itonement? What fe the stsmifleatlon Wis the atonement necessary? How does La appear? Wh^t eflfegt has repentauce on our sins 1 "vi'ciu t n an, 74 THEOLOGICAL COMPEND. Presonf and future obedience cannot atone for past sm, any more thai, past obedience caT !tone for present and future f-^ ® in ittl^ffi;;'^"'^''* '' '^"'''^ ^ ^^«* ^«' it extends m Its sufficiency t,; ^/J c;^ sins of all manUrul Ihis appears i. m the chamcter of Christ • a LTdrth"''"'r''JP^*^- «^-^ his Burring and death are of infinite value and efficfl/.v To conclude otherwise would be d. > .^^;^ Ja glorious character of the divine Redeemer inviutic' ^'f ^^' r^'^"'^* ^'•^"^ *^« commands, invitatic . ., and exhortations of Scrinturfi anA Maik XVI. 15, 6; Acts xvii. 30 ; Isa. xlv. 22: Ti ^ ^ ^- "^^ ^^^ ^«*« ii. 21 ; 1 Tim ii 1 The Raptures teach this doctri le by expr'esa declarations. 1 John ii. 2 ; Heb. ii. / TxTm ". 6 ; 2 Cor. v. 14, 15 ; John i. 29. ' vers Christ only is qualified to make atonement He, being both divine and human, has powTto lay down his lil. and take it again. ^ jTb ^ rJ^r^"^,-^ ^ fa ill 1 O WoHdly, or legal repentance f Give the evfaenceg of aaTliw r«. peotance In their oider. What motived ''""*°*^^* '^^ ^''^^ ^ 80 THEOLOGICAL COMPEND. 3*; Rom. ii. 4; vi 21 r T^ •••' ^ro^- ^v. "used solely on thn !^"^v° "^ P"""™ « pro- J^nese are the leaflin^ ui • ;Ti«i justification. ^^f^W^-xg^ ooncomitant tioned in Scripture th^v ;!. ? "'*^' «~ "sn- other. TluaXigfc ™ ?' ^^'^ ^^^'^ l™^;(S!7v1^''^"^«nTKo^^^ f-tt&.;r fe'^ *- blessings are not to be separated •^'^*'^^*^««' Jet they •eparatcd J '*''' ''^ regeneraUou and adiptioLT IS^S^TL THEOLOGICAL COMPEND. 81 .J^'^^J'^'T ^* *^^ ^^® *^^«' ^^^ they all enter into the experience of the same person so that no man is justified without beine regen- erated and adopted, and no man is regenerated and adopted who is not justified. Regeneration is that work of the Holy Spirit hv which we experience a change of heart : the re- covery upon the heart of the moral image of God. Ihisin the Scripture is variously expressed John 111. 7; 2 Cor. v. 17; Enh. ii ll^ iv 22-24; Gal. iv. 19; 2 Pet.' i./ ' '^• That there can be no salvation independent of regeneration will appear, when we consider? 1. Uod IS holy, and cannot look upon unholy beings with approbation or delight. 2. Heaven is a holy place, and none but holy beings are capacitated for either its employments or enjoyments. ^ ^ 3. The Scriptures declare that none but the regenemte c^n possibly be saved. John iii. 3, 7 ; Rom. vni. 7, 8 ; Gal.vi. 15; 1 Cor. ii. i-i'i ; Heb. xii. 14. Adoption is an act by wJiich one takes another into his latnily, owns him for his son, and ai> pomts hnn his heir. ^ In a theological sense, it is tliat act of God's Iree grace by which, upon our being justified by faith m Christ, ve are received into the faimlv ot God, and entitled to the inheritance of heaven. What wore nonfiomin-T fimmV \n.^i. j_ -^ ,. . _ ff I 1 82 THEOLOGICAL COMPEND. THE WITNESS OP THE SPIRIT. r^'^ is a consequence of this new relation to rn^/ Ti M *^^ """"^y foundation of all the c^m/ort the Christian derives from his renewed nf ^i'w rl" ^. '^°'''*' ^ *^^ ^^^^^^ testimony of the Holy Spirit to the sonship of believers : from which flows a comfortable persuasion o^ conviction of our acceptance with God This do^rine is more especially and expressly taught m Rom. viii. 15, 16 ; Gal. iv. 4-6 ^ Ihis h^ generally been termed the doctrine of assurance, though the phrases, the Spirit of ^option, or witness of the Spirit, are to be pre- ferred for the following reasons. 1. There is a current and generally under- 2. The term assurance seems to imply the absence of all doubt, and shuts out all the lower degrees of persuasion in Christian experience- whereas the testimony of the Spirit has its de- grees of clearness, and our faith may not at all times be equally strong. This testimony of the Spirit is twofold. ^ 1. A direct testimony to, or inward impres- sion on the soul, that we are the children of God. Rom. via 15, 16 ; Gal. iv. 6. called ? What temf «J?T beTiJfer?2d ? t ^Z"^^ ?1«" susccDtlblo of ehu-"' wi,„r-..!;- K^^^^'!^^ ._". this_(loctrliie tlie aireet testimony signify? ^""'^ " "'^'^'" "" ""*"^ ' ""**^ ^°^ THEOLOGICAL COMPEND. 2. The fruits of the Spirit, 83 e X. uita oi rne spirit, namejv iovp ^nv SANCTIFICATION. P^lTi'/'f 1?'*T^ '' variously expressed. It is ftUness of ItfTT.'l' "'^'^ '^ witness, the luiness of the Sp,nt, full assurance, perfection hohne.^, sanctification. Hence we neS be tena Clous of no one particular phrase to exprelT" What IS meant by these expressions is, that niatunty m grace and participation of the divine and'llilwt ^^t'^^" ^^ ^^«- *he hea^ and hll It with perfect love to God and man. fXi^^toSir^-^^-^-^-^--^^ Bcu^ftv tvf*'T.^^>^ '^^ «^^«"« involved in ob- scurity, though it has been the subject of mucfc conWrsy and skepticism in L ChnSn The attainableness of this state, however is not a^ ZTn'""' T'^' '' ^^^«*^ among ChriiL wIm ^ when we are authorized to expect it While some admit the doctrine of pur^y ^S^J''^f\SS^r^T^!^ this blessing. what do these expresH7ons'deSv"'V«Thi?i'r'*^''** *" *•"" "*^'«? cation? istWs doctriue oSe¥ w./A'^/^.t'"'"^ '''"' justifl- among Christians ooucure? Wlmt is the point ofdebat e 84 THEOLOGICAL COMPEND. ! I h or some other intermediate institution, others contend that this blessing is attainable and in- dispensable in the present life. The latter position may be maintained by the following classification of Scripture texts : 1. Those which express the will of God. Eph. To ^ m/ ^^**- vi- 10; 1 John ii. 17; Col. iv. 4 rJ ^^- ^ > ^' l^"!'"' ■ ^om. xii. 1, 2. 2. Those which express his commands. Matt, y. 48 ; Luke i. 74, 76 ; Deut. vi. 5 ; Lev. xi. 44 ; XX. 7 ; Josh. vii. 13 ; Psa. iv. 4 ; John v. 14; Isa. 1. 16; lu. 11 ; Rom. xii. 1, 2 ; 1 Cor. '^\a \^ ^.T. ''"• ^ ' ^P^- V. 17, 18; 1 Thess. V 16-18; Heb. vi. 1.; xii. 1, 14. 1 Q^ o J^^T® ^^^^^ express his promisee. Isa. i. 18, 25 ; Jer. xxxii. 8; Ezek. xxxvi. 25; Psa. Ixxiu 1 ; cxix. 165; Titus ii. 14; 1 John i. 9 ; IV. 14-18. ' • 4. Those in which the blessing is prayed for. Matt. vi. 10; Hos. xiv. 2; Psa. li. 2, 7, 10; John xvii. 17 ; 1 Thess. v. 23. 6. Those which record examples. Gen. vi. 9 • 1 o o'; ^ i. ^"^® ^' ^ ' ^^'^' "i- 15 ; Eph. iv. 1 "^^ '\.^^' «^i^- 1» 3 ; xxxvii. 37 ; Matt. v. 8 ; lo-20; Rev. vu. 14. But if there were no examples, ancient or modern, it is nevertheless the duty and privilege ot us all, being clearly revealed and divinely enjoined. See Heb. xii. 14. THEOLOGICAL COMPEND. 85 Errors of judgment, infirmities of body, fears occasioned by surprise and strong temptations, are by no means inconsistent with perfect love. There is no such state of Christian maturity m this life as will not admit of any advance- ment, or from which there can be no departure. The following texts of Scripture are often brought forward to confute this doctrine : 1 John 1. 8, 10 ; Eccl. vii. 20. But a little attention to the origirml will show, that the doctrine of the first passage is, that all have sinned ; while that of the second is, that none are infallible, but all are liable to sin. See Dr. Clarke. PERSEVERANCE. It is the birthright of every child of God not only to be cleansed from all sin in this life, but to keep himself unspotted from the world, and so to live as never more to offend his Maker. Yet the best of believers may certainly so far apostatize as finally to perish. This is evi- dent from the following histories, namely : 1. Of certain angels. Compare Job iv. 18 • Jude vi. ; 2 Pet. ii. 4. ' 2. Of Adam. Compare Gen. i. 27, 31 : iii 6-10, 24 ; Eccl. vii. 29. , , xxi. 3. Of the Jews. Compare 1 Cor. x. 4. Of Saul. Compare 1 Sam. x. 9; xxxi. 4, 5 ; nf^l!!i>:Tf"a? '^V"*^^!"* * ^'^'"^ Objection? What is said farther of this state of jcracu? What texts nr^ «un,.«u.,i f« ..„„«■. ":.lu5 uvuuuuu vvJiatissaiaofthelirst? Swozid'? "«t tuc torDSiti/!T"w&f-T''T''"^l" '* V''^^'^'^^ for Christians to apostatize / What hiatoncal proof from Scripture ? 86 THEOLOGICAL COMPEND. 6. Of Judas. Compare Matt. x. ; xxvii. 4. 5 The numerous commands and exhortations to persevei-ance, and the many warnings a^aLat S^ 2T jf" ^r^^ this'doS:* Jizek. Ill 20; John xv. 2; Rom. xi. 20-22- DEATH. This is the extinction of animal life «nfl ih^ Rom V 12 ^^'''*'.'?? iT^tr^at cause is dn. We find on record two exceptions to this ee- neral calamity. These were removed from the earth by translation. 2 Kings ii. 1 1 • Heb ri 5 Death terminates our probationaVy sUte nute Td l„ t '/" distinctions between high and low nch and poor, bond and free. Eccl IX. 10; Luke xii. 20; Psa. xlix. 16, 17- 1 Tim v.. 7; Eecl. iii. 20 ; Rev. xxii. 11 ' "' ri^ht to^t^^v ''''""'' 'u-''"'" ^'^' "° "a" h^ a another r ^"'^ ''?.""'" '*' <»• tl'e «fe of ?7 M ;. ^"- '"^ ® ; Matt, xxv-i. 62 ; Deut v 17; Matt. XIX. 18; 1 John iii. 15; E^v. Tl I What conunands, &c., prove it? wuat 18 deathV ita ,.<>.. o^« iin-.x _ _.. . a«thdor Have-weWri^hUohSirfS'irJt?''*^* ''°** THEOLOGICAL COMPEND. 87 fcjatan is said to have the power of death. ±leb. 11. U. This, however, he has by permis- sion only, and that tj a iiiated extent. As the time of oir death is left uncertain and as this event is followed by a future state of happiness or misery, as our deserts may be. It IS highly important that we be duly prepared. Matt xxiv. 44; 1 Tim. vi. 19; Matt. xxv. ol -oo. Whatever preparation is necessary for judg- ment and heaven constitutes a preparation for death. Luke xiu: 3 ; Mark xvi. 16 : John iii, 3 • Prov. xiv. 32. , ^o, FUTURE STATE. A term made use of in relation to the exist- ence of the soul after death. . That the soul is immortal may be argued from its vast capacities, boundless desires, great improvements, dread of annihilation, the con- sent of all nations and tribes of mankind, and the unequal distribution of divine justice. That there is a future state is clearly proved from the Bible. Psa. xvi. 9, 11 ; Eccl. iii. 21 ; xii. 7 ; Dan. xii. 2, 13 ; Job xix. 23-27 ; Matt, xvm. 10 ; xvii. 3 ; xxii. 32 ; xxv. 46 : Luke ?r- .\^~l^A ^^^^'^ ^- 24 ; X. 28 ; Rom. viii. 10, 11; 2 Cor. v. 1-4; Phil. i. 21 ; 1 Thess. IV. 14^-18; v. 10; 2 Tim. i. 10. .-.J'l**^!^™**"* ^y ^^t^^'s power' How shaU we prenare for pWtat^.8 meant by a future state? Is the soul immortal? 88 i TREOLOQlCAh COMPEND. f),5^^*r^*^ inwiiichthe soul exists between wl ***^*^«<^*«^e state. ^ MBUBBECTION. By the resurrection is meant the raisfna t^ ".pUble, ana the reumting of them t^Xi Itmust be the nme body, else the term resur- rectum aahsurd. For God to iriye ™a Z^ b^y would be a new creation. Cl Cor xv There aiv , vaw?ples which indicate a resur rectaon in m«e.t.., vegetables, andl^es w" probability of man's resurrection ^ r«« «.?'^^® explicitly declai.es » general resurrection. Job. xix. 25-27 • Isa %»v? i o Psa. xvi. 9-11. no« ^,: i' isa._xxvi. 19; ; xxii. 2a-33; diSif thJ^soul?™^'**^ ^*^*«^ Wl^t then wm be the con- AVnat is the resnrrefttion » w.-ii ti... , . ., ... THEOLOGICAL COMPEND. f John V. 28, 29 Acts xxiv. 15; 1 Cor xv K 'l2 ^^^' "'' ^'^' ^^ ' ^ ^^'^'*' '''• ^^"^^ ^ ^®'^- This docti ? ne is corroborated by the translation of Enoch and Elijah; a drcunistance equivalent to a resurrection. Hob. xi. 5 ; 2 Kings ii. 6. ThCT-'^ is further proof of this doctrine in the following historical texts. Matt, xxvii. 52 53 • John xi. 43, 44 ; Luke viii. 54. ' Finally, Christ arose as a public m the representative and forerunner of all tL unts His re.svirrection was a pledge and assiuance of theirs. Matt, xxviii. 6 ; 1 Cor. xv. 12-23. The necessity of the resurrection may be argued as f' ows : 1. The present body is unsuited to the future state. 1 Cor. xv. 50. 2. As the body, in the transaction of deeds to be adjudged, is united to the soul, the former must be raised in order to be a partaker in the luture awards. 3. By the resurrection, or change of the body and its reunion with the soul, the wisdom' goodness, and power of God will be illustriously manifested. ^ The doctrine of the resurrection is peculiar to Ohnstianity, and is vastly iniportaiit, as the whole gospel stands or falls with the truth of It, especially that of Christ. 1 V r. xv. 12-23. ^'ST?SSSciSJnStSJ?^'p^^^ ^i/^L^S^ MICROCOPY RESOLUTION TEST CHART (ANSI and iSO TEST CHART No. 2) 16.3 Uuu 3.2 3.6 2.5 2.2 1.8 ^ /APPLIED IfVMGE I nc 1653 East Main Street Rochester, New York 1460P (716) 482 - 0300 - Phone (716) 288-5989 -Fax USA 90 THEOLOGICAL COMPEND, V GENERAL JUDGMENT. By this is meant that important period which IS to terminate the present state of existence, and m which there is to be a general trial of angels and men, holy and unholy The m-idences of such a day are many • «H '-w •'^'''*T f ^^^ ^«^"i^«« it' as this attribute is not clearly and fully displayed in the present life E-raix. is/psa. ciH. 10; Eccl. viii. 14 ; 2 Thess. i, 5-11. 2. The dictates of conscience and reason si^gest^this, Rom. ii. 15 ; Dan. v. 5, 6 ; Acts 3 The resurrection of Christ is certain proof ot It. Acts xviL 31 ; Rom. xiv. 9 4 Those texts which limit the judgment to afuture and definite time. Acts xvii. 31 ; Eccl. 1 A^ fj; ^* ^ ^°^ ii. 6, 6 ; xiv. 10 : 2 Cor 7' 10 ; 1 Cor. iii 13, 14 ; Matt, xa 36 1 Pet «ffi J .f rt ^^'^ *^^« judgment to a period alter death and the resurrection. Heb ix 27 • Acts X. 42; John v. 28, 29; 2 Tim*, iv. l\ Kev. XX. 12, 13. ' 6. Those which speak of former generations ?'2'T/'mI!'^ ^f«^ *^^ judgment. Rom. ii 7. Those which speak of the a^companyimr circumstances by which the period may b! InThlSofdS!*"' ^^ *^' general judgment? Give tHe evideaces THEOLOGICAL COMPEND. 91 certainly kno^^. Matt. xxv. 31, 32 ; 1 Thess. i. 2 ; 2 Thess. i. 7-9 ; 2 Pet. iii. 7-10 All who have received the Scriptures will be judged by them, while the heathen will be judged by the light of nature. Rom. ii. 12-16. The judgment day should be viewed as the most sublime, solemn, and interesting of all pe- riods. Then time will close, and eternity com- mence ; the material world will be dissolved, and the assembled universe receive an irrevo- cable sentence from their righteous Judge. This doctrine should, thorefore, excite man- kind to universal holiness of heart and life. 2 Pet. iii. 11, 12. FUTURE HAPPINESS. The Bible explicitly teaches that there is a state of future and endless happiness for the rigliteous. Dan. xii. 2; Psa. xvi. 11; Matt. xxv. 34, 46; 1 Thess. iv. 17; Rev. ii. 10; iii. 21 ; xiv. 13; vii. 15, 17; xxii. 1-5; v. 9-13; 1 John iii. 2 ; Heb. xi. 35 ; Luke xiv. 13, 14. Since, therefore, death is a gain to the right- eous, instead of sorrowing on their account we should endeavour to copy their example. Phil, i. 21 ; Num. xxiii. 10. *v^^***,^'"o^tr**'® difference in the judgment of Christians and the heathen? How should this day be viewed? How ohmM if. 6Aoit6 iisY Does the Bible ^ach future happiness? How should the death of the righteous affect us ? 92 \ ^THEOLOGICAL COMPEND. FUTURE MISERY. mi^f f^^^^f ce« that there is a future state of misery for those of mankind who die impenitent are many ; as, f ^ *«' 1. The peculiar descriptions given of the rth.^v'^*fr'^ the wicked are n?t applicable to their sufferings m this life. Romanl i. 18 ; XXV. 30; Rev. xx. 15;xxi. 8. ; I^^- P^^ishnient of the wicked is so con- pott of'^J*' *'' ''PP^'^^" ^' *^^ righteous Tn point of time as proves it to be in a future state. ^m'^Too'^T^' ""^ ^}-'''' ™- 11' 12; Luke xiii. 28-o0; 1 Thess. iv. 16, 17; 2 Thess. i. 7-10. 6. ihis punishment is so connected with the punishment of the devils, as to prove it to be in a tuture state. Matt. xxv. 41. 4. The Scriptures associate with this punish- ment the Idea of locality in a manner thTfor- bids the supposition that it is endured in ihis %\a t '*• 1^'. ^"^^ ^^i- 23; Mark ix. 43 44; Rev. xx. 10; 2 Pet. ii.- 4. ^ 6. The Scriptures teach that men will possess ma future state, the same moral characters with 7tt '^7 ^^^*!^i^:;, Pr«^- xiv. 32 ; John v. ^^' 29; Ezek. xviii. 24-26; Rev. xxii. 10-12 • r 1 .'*® f ® ^^^^ «^"« ^hi«h cannot bd punished m this life ; as in cases of blasphemy, lying, theft, adultery, drunkenness, and murder where the criminal dies suddenW in the vei-^ act of transgression. *" - '•^v What are the evideuccs of luture misery as given in detHil ? ' V THEOLOGICAL COMPEND. 93 7. There is j^roof of this doctrine in the great solicitude manifested by Moses and the pro- phets, by Jesus Christ and his apostles, for the salvation of the souls of men. Ezek. xviii. 20-23 ; Jer. viii. 21, 22 ; ix. 1 ; Luke xiii. 24-30, 34 ; Acts xx, 31 j 2 Cor. v. 10, 11 ; and many other places. 8. The concern which this solicitude pro- duced in many for their future salvation is evi- dence that ihis doctrine '.vas heard and believed. Acts xvi. 30 ; ii. 37 ; Zeeh. xii. 10 ; 1 Sam. xii. 18-25 ; and many other places. 9. The opposition which these teacheis re- ceived from the impenitent is evidence that this doctrine was taught. Isa. xxx. 8-12; Matt, xxi. 33 ; &c., and their parallels. 10. The punishment of the wicked is repre- sented Fs longer in duration than man's eudre earthly existence. When man's earthly existence is s})oken of, the most impressive terms are employed to de- note its brevity. 1 Pet. i. 24 ; James iv. 14; ,Psa. ciii. 15, 1 6 ; Job vii. 6 ; viii. 9 ; xiv. 1, 2. But when his punishment is mentioned, the strongest terms are employed to express its dura- tion. Y.^^. xxiv. 41, 46; 2 Thess. i. 9 : Kev. XX. 10. 11. The same terms are employed to repre- sent the duration of the punislnnent of the happiness of the righteous, and also the dura- tion of the Deity. 94 THEOLOGICAL COMPEND. Compare Gen. xxi. 33 ; Dent, xxxiii. 27 : Isa IX. 6 ; Psa. xc. 2 ; 1 John v. 20. And Tsa. xlv. 17; Dan. vii. 18; xii 2 3- Bom. ii. 7 ; vi. 22, 23 ; Luke xviii. 30 ; Matt' XIX. 29 ; XXV. 46 ; 2 Cor. iv. 17. With Matt. XXV. 46 ; xviii. 8 ; 2 Thess. i 9 • Dan. xii. 2; Isa. xxxiv. 10; xxxiii. 14; 1 Chron' xxviii. 9 ; Psa. xlix. 8 ; Mark iii. 29 ; Jude 7 • Rev. xiv. 11. ' These terms are sometimes applied to those things which will certainly have an end. Gen svii. 8; xlix. 26; Exod. xl. 15. When thus applied, their true literal import must be deter- mined by parallel texts. 12. The punishment of the wicked is repre- sented by terms the most terrific and affecting. It is called " death," " worm that never dieth," ** bottomless pit," " darkness," " mist of dark- ness," " blackness of darkness for ever," " lake of fire and brimstone," "fire that never shall be quenched," " vengeance of eternal fire," " fur- nace of fire," « fire prepared for the devil and lis angels." Though these expressions are metaphorical, yet they are designed to convey the idea of the greatest and most dreadful torments. No argument can be drawn from the mercy of God against endless punishment, but will in principle, bear with equal force against limited punishment ; yea, against all kinds and degrees of Suffering. Is not this doctrine inconsistent with divine mercy? THEOLOGICAL COMPEND. 95 Punishment is inflicted on the scale of general good, and is, hence, a display of the mercy of our universal Parent. Psa. Ixii. 12 ; cxxxvi. 10, 15 17, 18; 1 Cor. x. 5-11; Jude7; 2 Pet. It is contended by some that the punishment ot sm consists, for the most part, in remorse of conscience, and that every sinner suffers this m proportion to his guilt, and at the time of transgression. This doctrine cannot be true : 1. Because conscience in every individual is not the same. It rewards some for doing wrong, while it condemns others for doing right. ^ 2. Because progress in sin is attended with increasing insensibility, while the first devia- tion from duty is attended with a keen sense of pilt; on the second offence the conscience feels less, and so on until she is lulled to sleep. 1 Tim. IV. 2; Eph. iv. 19. 3. Because, hence, a very good man feels more distress for having indulged a vain thought offence ''^''^ ^i^^ed man does upon the greatest If there is no punishment beyond this life, and all who die become immediately happy, then it might be inferred, from his administration, that i^od IS the friend of sin, and the enemy of holi- ness. of^kT coniiS''inSo)^f 'f ^''^''^t ^oes not the punishment Second? ThSd?TJ+h'^- "^ conscie-ace ? Give some proof, oecona r Third ? If there is no future punishment, what may we HI 96 THEOLOGICAL COMPEND. For while the old world, in their abomina- tions, are taken to Iieaven, rigliteous Noah is doomed to endure this world of suffering. The same reasoning would apply to Lot and the inhabitants of Sodom ; to Pharoah and his hosts ; Korah and his company ; Judas, and the rest of the apostles; Ananias and Sapphira ; and many similar instances in the present day. Finally, it is the harmony of the divine per- fections that men are to admire, and not the attribute of his niercy to the exclusion of the others. if he were a God all vengeance, he would be a God unkind; so if he were a God all mercy, he would be a God unjust. His greatness and his goodness continually illustrate each other. «r?^^,'^*^^,^*^''^ appear? How would the same reasonins apply? What should we admire ? What furUier of the di viue character ? THEOLOGICAL COMPEND. 97 MORALS OF CHRISTIANITY. THE MORAL LAW. It is that declaration of the divine will which relates to the duties we owe to our Maker, and to one another. ^ So far as this is discoverable by natural linht it IS called tJie law of nature, and is obli^atoi-y upon all mankind. Rom. i. 20; ii. U, 15. . It was most solemnly proclaimed, by God himself, at Mount Sinai, for the purpose of con- firming the original law of nature. Exod. xx. This law is greatly amplified throughout the Old Testament, and, though not formally re- enacted by Jesus Christ, it is nevertheless as clearly revealed in the New. This law is exceedingly comprehensive, and of perpetual obligation. "This is the sum of every part, To love our God witli all our heart ; Ihat we should love our neighbour too. And what we wish from himr should do! •TKs short and sweet, 'tis good and plain. Easy to learn, and to retain : May grace divine our souls renew. And twrn be sweet to practice too." r.^'±£}}'l.J^2l''\ l^Y-^- '^r'' '^ " ^^le'i the law of nntnr-* k'. 98 THEOLOGICAL COMPEN0. DUTIES WE OWE TO GOD. These, in Scripture, are summed up in tliG word, ^'godliness" which signifies riglit wor- ship, or devotion ; or the whole of practica. religion. 1 Tim. iv. 7, 8. These duties are both internal and external that is, those which relate to our inward princi- ples and disposition, and those which relate to our outward actions, whether public or private. 1. The first and chief of the internal class is, submission to God. Matt. vi. 10 ; James iv. 7 Neh. ix. 33 ; 1 Pet. v. 7 ; Isa. xlv. 9. 2. Love to God. Deut. vi. 5 ; Josh. xxii. 5 Psalrn xxxi. 23 ; Eph. i. 4 ; Jude 21. 3. Trust in God. Psti. iv. 5; xxxvii. 3 ; Iv. 22 ; Ixii. 8; Prov. iii. 5 ; xvi. 3 ; xxix. 25. 4. Fear of God. Psa. Ixxvi. 7; Ixxxix. 7; xcvi. 4, 9; xxxiii. 8; Prov. xxiii. 17; Matt.x. 28. The external duties which we owe to God will include every branch of what are called the means of grace. These are : a preached gospel, the reading of the Scriptures, the sacraments, religious con- versation, self-examination, religious education, psalmody, and prayer. Eph. iv. 11, 12; Acts xvii. 11 ; Matt, xxviii. 19 ; 1 Cor. xi. 'l^ ; Mai. iii. 16 ; 2 Cor. xiii. 5 ; Deut. vi. 6, 7 ; Col. iii. 16;lTim. ii. 8. How are our duties to God exnrfissodV Whnf »vo +haai»» What is the first of the interual class ?' Second ? " TlUrd ? Fourth? What are the external ? • "" ."f* • TllEOLOaiCAL C'OMPEND. oa These means of grace are all indispensable - but the most important of the wliole is praZ ' to God for things agreeable to his will. eS.Jo ^""^l'^^'•*i«^^^^"• l>i-Hnches, namely: tjaculatoiy, private, social, and public prayer iJ-r^ir T'"r^ "f ^^^^^« «everal%Jrticu. 8u nlicntTon' ^^'71^^^'*'^'^."^^''^-^^^"^'' confession, 8iii)])iication, and intercession. The importance of this duty is manifest from Axxvi. 6( ; Matt. vii. 7-11 • T>h{\ iSr « . t -ir 1 « . T -1 ^ x nil. IV. b : Jamea 1. Ejmulatoryxartly uijon pre- cept. Acts XV. 21 ; xviii. 4 ; Col. iii. 16 : Psa. xcix. 9 j c. 4 ; ] Tim. ii. 8 ; Heb. x. 25. By a proper maintenai ce of public worship all manner of evil is countt -acted, and all man- ner of good is promoted. 1 Tim. iv. 8 ; vi. 6. God has made it cur duty to support, by our contributions, the preaching of the g(.spel. Matt. f. ^' J,^,' 1 ^«^- i^- 11» 13, 14 ; 2 Cor. viii. 13, 14; Gal. VI. 6; 1 Tim. v. 8. DUTIES TO OUR NEIGHBOURS. By the beautiful parable of the good Samari- tan we are taught that the term neighbour com- prdiends every child of man. Luke x. 29, &c. This relation is independent of nation, vicinitv of residence, configuration, complexion, lan- guage, ])olitics, or religion. ^ While the relation continues the duty con- tinues, and no conceivable circumstance short of death itself can dissolve it. tio^u":* ll^:"'^]"^.':^ i" the duty of public prayer? TVHiat founda- isSofjKiSn?^ ^'"" ^""' ^'"'^^•^^" '^'^'^ ^'^ What I 102 X THEOLOGICAL COMPEND. ^ The whole of our duty toward our neighbour IS summed up in what has been very properly called the " royal law," or our Saviour's " golden rule." Matt. vii. 12. The obvious import of this rule is, being guided by justice and mercy, do unto others as you would have others do to you were your circumstances and theirs reversed. ' This law is therefore " exceedingly broad;' whether It be considered negatively or positively. 1. This law of universal love forbids the indul- gence of a^y unholy temper or disposition to- ward our neighbour ; such as Hatred, Lev. xix. 17; 1 John iii. U, 15 ; iv. 20 j Matt. V. 44. Envy, Prov. xxiv. 1 : Psa xxxvii 1 ; Rom. xiii. 13 ; 1 Pet. ii. 1, 2. Mahce, A ^^''- "i.^,' ^^'^^ 2^ > ^P^- i^'- 31 ; Col. iii. 8 : Anger, J^od. vii. 9 ; Matt. v. 22 ; Eph. iv. 31 : Col. 111. 8. Wrath, Rom. xii. 19; Eph. iv. ^b, 6\; James i. 19. Revenge, Lev. xLx. 18- Prov. xxiv. 29; Zech. vii I'O; Rom. xii. 19.' toveieousness, Exod. xx. 17; Luke xii 15- Eph. V. 3 ; Col. iii. 5. 2. It prohibits the transaction of all sinful conduct toward our neighbour ; such as Murder; Exod. xx. 13 ; Matt. v. 21, 22 ; xix. 18. Lying BXid false witness. Lev. xix. 11- Eph iv. 25; Col. iii. 9; Exod. xx. 16; Mah m. 5. Theft, Exod. xx. 15 ; Matt. xix. 18 ; ? What farther is said? What ia tv <="'« "f «•'- - - V IV. THEOLOGICAL COMPEND. 103 Lev. XIX. H ; Eph.. iv. 28. Strife and conten- tw7^, Gon. xiii. 6 ; Prov. xx. 3 ; xv. 8 ; Rom. 11. 8 ; xiii 13 ; Col. iii. 13 ; Titus iii. 9. Adul- /ey-y, Exod. XX. U; Job xxxi, 1 ; M&tt. v. 27, w I •• 1 "' ^^' ^'^^f^c^^^^nf, Rom. xiv. 13; o 'i 1 ' P®""- "• ^^' ^^oeption, Psa. cxx. AS ; Zech. viii. 16, 17. Evil speaking and re- mhng, Exod. xx. 16; xxi. 17; James iv. 11 ; -b^ph. IV. 31 ; Acts xxiii. 5 ; 1 Cor. iv. 12. Op- presszon Isa. i. 1 7 ; Iviii. 6 ; Mai. iii. 5 ; Amos IV. 1 ; Zech. vii 10. Retaliation, Lev. xix. 18 ; .1 Ihess. V. 15 ; Luke vi 27, 29. 3. It enjoins the cultivation of all holy tem- pers and dispositions towards our - <^ighbours • such as i Love Lev. xix. 18, 34; Matt. v. 44; John xui 34; Ecu xii. 9; xiii. 8; GaL v. 13, 14; Heb x. 24; xiii. 1 ; 1 Pet. iii. 8; ii. 17- 1 John iii. 18. Chmity, 1 Cor. xiii. 1, 8 ; CoL m. 14; 1 Tim. i, 5. Peace, James iii. 17: • J;'"'?;^ ' ^'^' ^' ^^' Forgiveness, Luke VI. 37 ; Matt, xviii. 21, 22 ; Eph. iv. 32; Col. iiL U, Id. Forbearance, Matt. vii. 1 ; 1 Cor IV. 5 ; Rom. xiv. ; xv. 1, 7. 4. It requires the practice of all good deeds toward our neighbours ; such as Good example, Matt. v. 16 ; Col. iv. 5 ; Neb ""••^l^ ^/m*'"'* ^^' Honour, Eoni. xii. 10; o'2:!\.^^i^- "• ? ^ 1. !*«*• "• 17. Gratitud:, 2 Sam= ix. 7 irxcrv-tf, iuiuau VI. 5 ; uan. 'Is ji Wliat does it require us to practice? \ 104 THEOLOGICAL COMPEND. IV. 27 ; Luke vi. 36 ; Col. iii. 12. Compassion and pity, Zech. vii. 9; Luke x. 30, 37; 1 Pet. iii. 8; 1 John iii. 17. Friendliness and kindness, Prov. xviii. 24; John xv. 13; Eom. xii. 10 ; Eph. iv. 32 ; 2 Pet. i. 7. Unity, Rom. XV. 5; 2 Cor. xiii. 11 ; J Cor. 1. 10; Psa. cxxxiii. 1. 5. It especially designates our deportment toward certain particular classes of our neigh- bours ; such as Rulers, both of state and church, Heb. xiii. 7 ; 1 Thess. V. il2, 13. Masters and servants, Eph! vi. 5, 9. Parents and children, Eph. vi. 1, 4. Hushamds and vnves, Eph. v. 22, 25. Aged, Lev. xix. 32. Widows and fatherless, Exod! xxii. 21. Si^k, James i. 27 ; v. 14. Oppressed, Isa. i. 17; Heb. xiii. 3. Stra/ngers, Lev. xix. 33, 34 ; Heb. xiii 2. Enemies, Matt. v. 44 • Rom. xU. 20. Wicked, Lev. xix. 17; 1 Sam.' xu. 23. Heathen, Mark xvi. 15 ; Matt. ix. 38. What does it especially designate ? V THEOLOGICA! OMPEND. 105 INSTITUTIONS OF CHRISTIANITY. THE SABBATH. This word, in the Hebrew langnage, signifies rest. ^ It is an institution of divine appointment, and is of two-fold purpose, namely, rest from se- cular pursuits, and devotement to holy service E^- XX. 8, 11 ; Lev. xxiii. 3 ; Acts xv. 21. The time of its appointment was at the close of the creation. Gen. ii. 3. Its sanctity was very distinctly marked in the history of the manna. Exod. xvi. 22-31. It was finally made a part of that great epi- tome of religious and moral duty called the law from Sinai. Exod. xx. Its observance ,throughout the prophetic age is connected with the highest of promises, and Its violation with the severest maledictions. Isa. Ivi. 1-7 : Ezek. xx. 12-24. That this institution is still in force among all men is evident from the fact, that the fourth commandment, which contains it> has never been repealed. It is farther evident from the example of the apostles and early Christians. 1 Cor. xi 20- xiv. 23-40. ' The original law respecting the Sabbath re~ AM^iZiih^ sigmflcation of Sabbath? Is it an institution of *vme origin? Ot wbat puiyose is it? Wiien v/as it appointed? r^ AT, L"l- «"■"-■• '■"■ '""""a: iu Lite i;ivv iroiii canaiT WW r"£'''*'^.''^fj ^' ** '*'■" *^ f^'-^^? How does it appear? What evidence in the example of the apostles? In the oi4iuai law respecting the Sabbath, what ia ieft • innl v o"gmai 106 THEOLOGICAL COMPEND« \ qiured nothing more than the observance of a seventh .portion of our time for holy purposes. We are nowliere tohl what time of tlie day the feabbath shall commence, for the obvious reason that the same day does not commence at the same time in all parts of the earth. Under such circumstances, it is certainly safe and expedient for us to conform our reckoning ol days to that which prevails in the country where we live. "^ *i,^^T ^^^'^^^ Sabbath continued in force until the Mosaic dispensation was abolished, and the thing typified by it took place. This was at tJie resurrection of Jesus Christ from tU dead. The time of the Sabbath was then changed from the seventh to the first day of the week. ^ Although there is no express command for this change recorded in the New Testament, yet It was evidently of divine appointment. For immediately after the resurrection of Christ, the apostles and primitive Christians observed the first day of the week, and that ' without opposition or controversy. Mark ii 28 • John XX 1, 19, 26 ; Acts xx. 7 ; x Cor xvi. 2 \ Kev. L 10. • ' Is the time of day for it8 commencement expresslv taiiVJiat does It represent? Of what is it a sign ? !l Ii f 110 THEOLOGICAL COMPEND. the symbol of it. It is also a seal of the cove- nant of grace, both on the paii; of God and of him who is baptized. Tliis ordinance is to be administered by such and only such, as have been properly baptized and mducted into the ministerial office. Such are to administer the ordinance in their official capacity. ^ As to the subjects of baptism, infants, and all behevmg adults who have not been baptized before, are considered i)roper candidates. That aduUs must believe in order to baptism is evident frohi the fact, that the Scriptures re- quire faith in such, and that such as did believe were baptized. Acts ii. 41 : viii. 12, 36 37 • xvi. 31, 33. > ^,o, , When the Scriptures speak of faith as neces- sary to baptism, or salvation, they refer solely to adults, or those who are capable of believin<^ Mark xvi. 16. ** That these scriptures cannot refer to infanta is evident from the fact, that the same thing, namely, a want of true faith, which disqualifies for baptism, excludes also from salvation.* Mark xvi. 16 ; John iii. 18, 36, That infants are proper subjects of baptism is evident, because, 1. The Christian church is a continuation of the Jewish church, and the covenant remains By whom IS it to be administered? Who are the subjects of baptism? Why must adults b«lievfi in nrrlor tn \yu-nH.rryo^^^t Jii:;.StSiptS*'"'^''*' '^'^' iw is ii& bapii«m THEOLOGICAL COMPEND. Ill the same, though the seal or token of it is altered. Heb. viii. 12. 2. The token of the covenant in the former church was circumcision. This was, by divine command, administered to infants, and thereby they were constituted members of the visible church. Gen. xvii. ; Gal. iii. 14, 17. _ 3. Baptism is now substituted in the place of circumcision ; and as the right of infants to church membership was never taken away, it is argued that they should still receive the token of the covenant. 4. That infants are to be received into the church, and as such baptized, is also inferred from the following scriptures : Isa. xliv. 3 ; ?i^\*-^if 13-15; Luke ix. 47, 48; Acts ii. oo, dy ; 1 Uor. vii. 14. 5. Another argument for infant baptism is derived from the conduct and declaration of Christ. Luke xviii. 15-1 7. If they belong to his kingdom they should not be refused the sign. 6. The practice of the apostles is farther evi- dence. Look at the history of their baptisms. Ihe households of the jailer, Lydia, and Ste- phanas, were baptized, and in all probability some of these were children. They have not recorded a single instance in which they baptized the descendants of Christian parents in adult years ; from which we infer their baptism in infancy. 7. All ancient writers of distinction refer its Second proof ? Thiia? Fourth? Fifth? Sixth? Seveuth? I! 1 1 112 THEOLOGICAL COMPEND. origin, as a matter of certainty, to the usa^e of the apostles. It was not even denied by any for 1100 years after Christ. 8. Only 150 years after the death of St. John a council of sixty-six bishops unanimously de^ cided that "the baptism of infants was not to be delayed to the eighth day after the birth, as circumcision had been; but might be given them at any time before." The question they decided was, not whether infants should he hap- tized, but whether they should be baptized 6e/o/vj they were eight days old. ■iTT^;/^ ^^^ twelfth century a certain sect of the Waldenses would not baptize infants, because they thought that all infants were damned : and hence It would be wrong to give to them the seal of the covenant, to which they had no right Indeed, there is every evidence that infant baptism was never denied until the doctrine of unconditional election found its way into the church. 10. It is true there is no positive command tor infant baptism, nor is there any against it. Noris there any for keeping holy the first day of the week, or for family devotion, or for fe- males to come to the Lord's supper. The rea- sons are obvious; there was no controversy in either case that called for it. }}' ^7 ^^llifying infant baptism all baptism is nullified, as there is no proof of a regular suc- cession of adult baptisms from the days of Eighth? Ninth? Tenth? Eleventh? THEOLOGICAL COMPEND. 113 Christ, that is, the baptism of adults by persona who had b..n baptizejl themselves .dJ'^Z 1^. Jt will do children as much good to ban- tize them under the gospel as it did to circum- cise them under the law. It will do them ^ bXTht,^^'^P*^^*^--^*^-ad.ltsS 1-n i^' .^" y^"" tiedicate their children to God m baptism take upon them the special obligation of trainmg them to the service of God bv teaoh SleTA^" *'^ doctrines and dutieToft^^^^ Bible, and by praying with and for them As to the mode of baptism, nothing particular IS specified m the Scriptures ^-rucuiar that sprinkling is the proper mode ; r tom or of the influences of the Holy Ghost iinon It ^th ?"* ''■" '^''^ baptis,^ Ac Ji 5 it IS therefore reasonable that we look for a reseManeeu, the mode. But the mode of sni" ' ntual baptism is uniformly by ipnnklZl L ^W Isa. liii. 15; Beek^xxvTl37Z;iS 2 Thf tile' '/ '^- '- ''■>^'^^' ^^^- «-■ A Ihe mode of immersion is unfavourable to universal practice, while the other Ses oaa be performed in any place, at any w' Twfilffh V Ti.;v4-.^„»,+i> n TIT, of baptism? WhaVinollc seeu^s 'S^!roC1""/^ ^themodo aitTJiuents in their order ^ * '^^ ^ ^'^<^ t''^* severa 8 1 1 lU •mTOLoarcAh compend. aiMl to any pt*rson : in the dvmri waste, or in the city full ; by the side of Jordan, a* the house of CoineliuB, in Philippi's prison, by the peni- tint's cTom, or on the bed of sickness and ^Vj ■ TIIEOfOGICAL COMPEND. 116 With urn in baptism," it signifio^, as Chrht was buried and rose again to a heawi.ly life, so we by baptism, signify that we are sepaiated from Bin, that we may live a new life of luith and Jove. It signifies the same as " planted together m the hkeness of his death," and "crucified with him." See Rom. vi. 4-6. 9. Final: V, Christ and his apostles have left the mode of baptism undefined, as they have also the mode of receiving the Lord's supper : or the obvious reason, that there can be no im- portance m the mere mode. 10. The baptism of Christ is no example for Jis, as his was not gospel baptism ; not being baptism in the name of the Trinity, as that would be m his own name, with those of the Father a^d the Holy Ghost, nor unto repent- ance, having no sin to repent of. He was baptized as a priest ; hence he was not baptized till he was thirty years of age, which, among the Jews, was the time of life to be mducted into that office. THE lord's supper Is that holy ordinance in which the sufferings and death of Christ are commemorated, insti- ntbf ^ ^ .^\'f ^^"^f^^' ^^ *^^* memorable night m which he was betrayed. The elements used in this' institution are < iSstt ;vi,r.?T!!!;^ ^fJ«!^?„Why? Is the baptism of 116 THEOLOGICAL COMPEND. bread and wine, which are designed to represent the broken body and shed blood of Jesus Christ in behalf sinful man. 1 Cor. xi. 23-29 The doctrine of transubstantiation, or that the bread and wine are literally converted into the body and blood of Christ, is one of the gross absurdities of the Romish Church It supposes that Christ partook of his ov'n body and blood, and that the identical human body of the cmcified is present on all sacra- mental occasions. The special design of this institution is, to preserve a gWul and affectionate remembrance of the blessed Saviour. It is a memorial of his death and it expresses the guilt and wretched- ness of man, and the gi-ace of God in his salvation. Ihe obligations to observe this institution are gratitude, personal benefit, the honour and com- mand of Christ, and the practice of the apostles and primitive Christians. Psa. cxvi. 12, 13 • Matt. x. 32-33 ; Luke xxii. 19, 20; 1 Cor. xi. 26.' This sacrament should be administered bv the regularly constituted ministers of the gospel who are to perform it in their official capacity. ' This ordinance is designed only for visible Christians, m regular church standing, of what- ever denomination. That we may worthily partake, of this m^- iB^itJl^^%lTr''^l ^^'■^^ ^« transubstantiation? What IS saiu 01 It.'' what (loos it smmoa,.? wi,..f <.. iu.. __„.., ■.."'' wlioni IS It to be aaiumisterod? Vox what is it desiguoa? THEOLOGICAL COMPEND. 117 to per, it is proper there should be suitable medi- tations, not only before, but at, and after par- aking of It 1 Cor. x. 21 ; y. 7, 8 ; xi. 28, 29 ; 2 Cor. xui. 5; Matt. v. 16. ' Such as partake of this supper with unworthy views of the character and offices of Christ, or with wrong feelings respecting sin, and the na- ture and importance of this duty, are said to eat and drmk unworthily." 1 Cor. xi. 29. Ihe time of the day for celebrating this ordi- nance IS not material. nf ^^ir'^'i^i «f *he body in receiving it is, of Itself, indifferent. The Scriptures lay no stress on these points. Our convenience must aetermme. CHURCH GOVERNMENT AND DISCIPLINE. By the government and discipline of the church are meant the form and order by which Its spiritual concerns are managed. The exact form of ecclesiastical government and discipline m all particulars, and for all oc- casions, IS to be determined by Christians from the general niles and principles established in the word of God, and from considerations of ex- pedienoy. Any particular form of ecclesiastical govem- anI|;?S^;l«5^^a;;i^.^rfl'i'^^ ~ «- Of day. How aJo w^rd^'tSn;!;;;^^^^^^^ 'UKUhsciplino of the cl.urc-,h f meat and ai^l^f^^^ ^H^^^^^f -' govoru- 118 THEOLOGICAL COMPEND. \ ment, agreed on by the governors of the church, consonant to the general rules of Scripture, may be considered as Scriptural. Hence, though one form of government be agreeable to the word, it does not follow that another is not, or, because one is lawful, another IS unlawful. In all cases that form of government is to be settled which is best calculated to promote the welfare of the church in its present state. ^ The proper officers of the church are called, m the Scriptures, by different names ; probably for the purjiose of representing the various and important duties of their office. They are called bishops, from the oversight they are to take ; pastors, from the spiritual food they are to administer ; ministers, from the ser- vice they are to render ; watchmen, from the vigilance they are to exercise ; elders, from the grave and prudent example they are to set: teachers, from the instructions they are to give • ambassadors, from the treaty of reconciliation and peace they are sent to effect. I Tim. iii. 1 • Jer ui. 15 ; 1 Cor. iv. 1 ; Ezek. iii. 17 ; 1 Pet. V. 1 ': Eph. iv. 11; 2 Cor. V. 20. These officers are to be invested with their office by ordination, or by prayer and imposi- tion of hands, from regular ministers of the Gospel. 1 Tim. iv. 14 ; Acts xiii. 2, 3. If one fonn is lawful Anoa if n-^..r +1,, What toiin Of government is to be settled in all cases? What are the offlcera of the church called? Why so ?^ Define the different terms ? How are these officers to be invested ? V THEOLOGICAL COMPEND. 119 The officers of the church can, from among themselves, constitute an officer, who, as n, Cowper, and a greS many more. ® Among the statesmen there are Hyde, Bacon. Sorcers, Harrington, Barrington, King, Lyttle^ ton, and hundreds more. Among the moralists there are Sted, Addi- son Hawkesworth, Johnson, and many others. Among the physicians there are Boerhaave. €heyne, Pringle, Hartley, Haller, Mead, and scores of others. . Among the lawyers there are Hale, Forbes. Blackstoae, Pratt, they kept It under the straw of their bed A certain man and his wife, having become itht^o ".t"^'^ "^' 'r» P^^^' -^ d-titute o? of tL?pl. 77\^"|v«he would bring a handful haste and read as much as he could from the Bible while the blaze lasted. AA^f'^""' ^^'^^f ^^"^'^^ ^« « P"«oner in a dark dungeon, when the light was brought that he might see to eat, would pull out his Bible and read, saying that he could find his mouth m the dark, but he could not read without light. Some have been ready to part with all rather than with the Scriptures. We read of one whi gave a load of hay for only a leaf of one of th« upiaucs. ih^ famous Boyle, speaking of the APPENDIX. 125 Scni)tnres, said, " I prefer a sprig of the tree of life to a whole wood of bay." Judge Hale, that ornament of his profession and country, said, " If I do not honour God's word by reading a portion of it every morning, things go not well with me all the rest of the day " Robert, king of Sicily, said, " The holy books are dearer to me than my kingdom ; and were I under any necessity of quitting one, it should be my diadem." A certain French nobleman used to read three chapters a day with his head uncovered, and on his bended knees. Young women in service have been known to walk thirty miles with the only bare hope of obtaining a copy of the Bible, and returned so overcome with joy at their success as to burst into tears of thankfulness. Said a poor man, as he entered a bookseller's shop one Saturday night, "I am come to ask what may seem very unreasonable ; I am very poor, I cannot buy a Bible, nor can I leave the value of one; will you trust my honesty, and lend me the use of one until Monday morning ? I will return it faithfully." The bookseller con- sented, and at the appointed time it was re- turned, with many expressions of gratitude. He afterward came regularly for it, arid as regu- larly returned. A person who heard of tb^ oh- cumstance, desired the bookseller to give him a Bible and place it to his account. When he J 126 APPENDIX. rcturneclto ask the usual indulgence, and found that he had a Bible of his own, the poor n^an wa^ m a transport of joy, imploring n^y blessings upon the head of his unknown benY factor and declaring it was a treasure he never expected to possess. In 1272 the pay of a labouring man was three ha fpence per day. In 1 274 the price of a Bible pounds ! That precious volume, which may now «^Lt w'""" ' ^^ '""'* labourers, for less than a single day s pay, would then have cost them more than t|iirteen years' labour to procure Christians ! How great must be their guilt if they neglect them ! ^ ^ Will it be asked, « What advantage hath the Christian over the heathen?" We reply Much, every way; chiefly because unto him IS committed the oracles of God." The venerable Asbury, when worn down b- incessant labours infirmides, and age, and being ' able to preach but seldom, loaded down hi! carriage with Bibles and Testaments, and ^ andT .^/t'^"*'^ *^^^ ^"^^^g *^« ne'cessitou^ and destitute poor. " JSTow," said he, " what- ever I have been doing before, now / know I am sowing good seed." Yes; the Bible is ^-ooc^-it is wrt/good— it is all good-it is good for all-it is good at a?^ SIT/WS ~ I • INDEX. ^y PAGB Preliminary Remarks 5 Translations of the Bible n Divine Revelation 12 Mode of Divine Revelation 14 Necessity of Divine Revelation 15 G enuineness and Authenticity of the Bible 18 Evidences of Christianity 19 External and Historical Evidence 21,31 37 Mij-acles in the Old Testament ' 23 Miracles in the New Testament 26 Resurrection of Jesus Christ 27 Internal Evidence 39 Experimental 42 Doctrines of Christianity .' 47 Existence of God ., 47 Attributes of God 49 The Trinity i^"^"!!!!!"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"!!!! 54 Jesus Christ gg The Holy Ghost /"/......................., 63 Angels ■■■■■■' g^ Devils giy ?f»^ 3Z'."*'Z'Z €9 Fall of Man and Origin of Sin 71 •*■" •■•jj'uiij'ii aixij. -a-s/uiiumenu no' Benefits of Atonement nQ 19ft " ^ ^'^° ' INDEX. Justification .... ^^Zl yg Regeneration and Adoption ' g<) Witness of the Spirit Sonctirication Perseverance -.' Death zzzzzzz:. 11 Future State «- Resurrection „<. GeneralJudgment * g^ Future Happiness oi Future Misery 02 Morals of Christianity !!!!!!!!!!!.! 97 Moral Law .\ g- Duties we owe to God gg Duties we owe to our Neighbours iqI Institutions of Christianity.... ine The Sabbath J"" The Church 107 baptism !"!!!."........... 109 The Lord's Supper...-. jjg Church Government and Discipline 117 Appendix 122 PACJE .. 76 .. 80 . 82 . 83 . 85 . 86 . 87 . 88 . 90 91 92 97 97 98 101 105 105 107 109 115 117 122