The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1884-03-16

IN the work Of rsdsmptioa that they were written b.
men under the special guidance Of the holy Spirit
they s able to make wiss unto salvation and that they
constitute the authoritative standard By which religious
teaching and human conduct are to b regulated and
Judged"
It Is not probable that even the Rev. HEBEIl
NEWTON Of tho Episcopal Church VI tho Rev
DIR. CURRY Of the Methodist Church would
object to that, though they have got over
their old veneration for the Scriptures.
Under such statement, too. ordination and
installation councils of the Congregational
lists will be able to effect compromises with
candidates OF the same advanced school Of
theology. The men under examination are
likely to readily acknowledge that tho Scrip
lures are "ablo to mike wise unto salvation"
that they constitute IN authoritative
standard" and that their authors. or ut least
some OF them. wrote under the guidance Of
the Holy Spirit, Us they do themselves.
But compare this Statement Of Doctrine
concerning the Bible with that contained in
the Shorter Catechsm OF the Westminster
Assembly. In which all children OF pious Con-
grcgatlOnalists used to be instructed:
1.-THE wori OF Ton. which ia contained In the Scrip.
lures Of the Old and New Testament 10 the only rule
direct us how We may glorify and enjoy Him.
"The scriptures principally teach what IL to be-
leve concerning Con. and what duty Gop requires Of
man.
1.-THE spirit. Of 0op maketh the reading but especially
the preaching, of tho word enectuA means OF con-
vincng aud converting sinners and OF building them up
in holiness aud comfort through faith unto salvation.
That the word may become eaecual to salvation, we
must attend thereuno with diligence preparation. and
PRAYER; receive with faith aud love- lay It up In
hearts. and practise II in our lives"
,,,ill IN cnop %bot ,,o,,, a No.,
ent in tone. Calling the Scriptures the rec
ord Of GoDs revelation Of Himself In the
work Of redemption" and saying that they
constitute the authoritative standard by
which religious teaching and human conduct
are to be regulated and judged" is very un-
like teaching that they are "the only rule to
direct us how We may glorify and enjoy
Him." aud that we must receive tho word
with faith and love, lay it up in our hearts,
and practise 1t In our lives" The new State
mont Of Doctrine concerning the Scriptures
Is equivocal in comparison with that OF JOHN
ROBINSON, the futhcr OF Congregationalism.
who declared that "the Scriptures are not
only authentique in themselves, rs having
the spirit OF COP for tho authour both OF
matter, and manner. and writing; but do
their mouthes. binding both to credence and
obedience oil whomsoever, unto whom they
come, by what means soever."
As q whole. the Statement OF Doctrine
lacks positiveness and candor in comparison
with the Westminster Catechism, which, with
slight variations, has hitherto been the con-
fession Of faith of Congregationalism. But
we refer to the difference in tho treatment OF
the Scriptures only because the changes OF
opinion regarding revelation and inspiration
are the most significant which have occurred
among Protestant theologians during the
period Of religious revolution through which
we are passing.
Can 1t be that they are coming into agree
ment with DIR. CURRY that the Bible, as the
perfect, all-sufficient. and Interchangeable
word Of GOD. has got to go?