The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1882-07-19
A Condensed Creed.

There has been wide spread senti-
ment that the Westminster Confession
is not what is wanted for PRESBYTERIAN
Churches in heather lands 1t is too
long and too abstract. 1t has too many
historical references to Romanism and
other errors. A brief and comprehen-
sive statement of the reformed theology.
as taught in the Bible, is what is needed
and best suited to the purpose. What is
wanted is clear statement of the books
inspiration, and authority of the Bible
the unity, perfection, persons, and pur-
poses of the Godhead, and of his power
and grace in redemption and salvation :;
and as to sin, the means of grace, the
Church, the sacraments, the resurrection
and judgment
The United Presbyterian Church OF
Scotland has, by its Missionary Commit
tee, prepared such creed. It has been
approved by the Missionary Committee
of the Free Church, also; and it will in
all probability, be approved by the Free
Assembly, and so all Presbyterian
Churches in the mission field, including
our own, may have the same symbols if
they so desire
We heartily approve of this movement,
and we hasten to give the abridged creed
to our readers. 1t is as follows:
[. The Scriptures of the Old and New Tesla
ments are the Word of God and the only infalli
BILE rule of faith and duty
Ii. There IS but one Coda spirit, selfex
istent omnipresent, yet distinct from all other
spirits and from all material things infinite
eternal, and Interchangeable in his being, wisdom
power, holiness, Justice, goodness, and truth /:
and he alone is to be worshipped
Ill. In the GOdhead there are three persons
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost and
these three one God, the same in substance
equal in power, and glory.
~. All things visible and invisible were
created by God 5y the 3pord Of his Dol0er, and
are 30 preserved and governed by him that.
while ne is in no way the author of sin, all
things serve the fulhllment of his mise and goo9
and holy purposes
V. God created man, male, and female, after
his own image, in knowledge. righteousness
and holiness, with dominion over the creatures
All men have the same origin. and so are of one
blood and are brethren.
vi Our first parents being free to choose
between good and evil and being tempted of
Satan, slnned against God and all mankind
descending from Adam by ordinary generation
slqned in him, and offending in manifold WAYS
against the good and boly law of God Justly
deserve MS wrath and punishment IN this pre-
sent life and in that which is to come.
VII. To save men from the guilt, corruption.
and penalty Of sin, God in his infinite love sent
into the world mis- only begotten Son the Lord
Jesus Christ, in whom alone God has become
lncarnate and through whom alone men can be-
saved. He was conceived by the power Of the
Holy Ghost, and born of the Virgin Mary, yet
without sin. HI was true God and true man
For sinful men he perfectly obeyed the law of
God and offered himself true and perfect sac
rifce to satisfy divine justice and reconcile men
to God. He died on the cross, was buried and
rose again from the dead on the third day He
| assembled to the right hand of God, where he
maketh intercession for the people and from
whence he shall come again to raise the dead
and Judge the world
VIII The Holy Ghost who proceeds from
the Father and tn Son makes men partakers
Of salvation enlightening their minds by the
truth Of the Word Of God convincing them of
their sin, persuading and enabling them to re
ceive Christ Jesus az ne is offered to them in the
gospel and working in them all the fruits OF
| righteousness.
TX. God, having given his Son to be The
Saviour Of The world and sent his Holy Spirit
| to apply the purchased redemption. commands
all men everywhere to repent Of their sins. to
believe in the Lord Jesus Christ az their Saviour