Sacramento daily record-union., 1889-09-01

Proper Preface for Trinity Sunday. Our
own Prayer-Book. in common with the
English, speaks here of the Three Persons
In the adorable Trinity as without any
difference or inequality That this is not
the teaching of Holy Scripture OF of the
Nlcene and Athanasian Creeds needs no
argument. There is 'diference,' though
no inequality and it is specially impor-
tant, in view of that better and more reyer
ent Unitarianism.which continues to abide
by the words of Holy Scripture, that this
difference should be emphasized, above all
things not denied. The doc
trine of the Sons subordination as taught
by all the Catholic fathers (see Bishop
Bull, Def. Mic. iv. >, II; Liddon's B. Lee,
p. Ivy; Newman's Arlans, p. 170,) and as
stated In the Nicene Greed, though uufor-
tunately obscured in our version, is the
key of knowledge for unlocking such an
parent difficulties of Holy Scripture. 1t
ought certainly, therefore, not TO be taken
away or even put in the background,
with the mistaken idea that We can thereby
the better defend the central truth of the
Homoousion. 1t is very singular that the
original OF the preface in the Sarum Mis-
sal, as in the Sacramentary of Gelasius, is
Sine d!TereatiG diScretioniS. Does it not
seem, then, as if the corresponding phrase
In our Prayer-Book was really only a
clerical or printers error for without anv
difference or inequality which is not only
the correct, almost literal, translation, but
represents also the true doctrine rs taught
by the Church elsewhere ? In view of the
nearness Of the General Convention and
the opportunity afforded in the report on
Prayer-Book revision to consider this uues-
tion, trust you will give this letter an
early place in your columns"
The Rev. Joseph X. Wight of New
Hamburg, writes to the Evangelist what
that journal calls well-considered letter
on the proposed revision of the Presbyte-
rlan Confession of Faith. MIR. Wight
thinks revision to be a necessity. "The
reasons for 1t are first, to make the confess
sion more scriptural. The purpose and
intent of its authors was to make it so,
and in many respects it is admirably and
eminently scriptural. But the pivotal
center of the confession is Gods eternal
decree of election, while the pivotal cen
ter of the Bible is Gods eternal plan of
mercy. The distinction may seem slight.
In many cases they run parallel, so much
so, that we accept the one for the other.
But there is, and will be, friction, until we
move our base slightly nearer to the true
Biblical center. Second, we need this ad-
juStment to make our confession more
truly confession for our whole church. If
there is anything which the Presbyterian
Church responds heartily to, it is Thus
saith the Lord The Bible as the rule of
faith is our sheet anchor, more than any
expression of its meaning which man can
possibly make. If we try to come more
into line and harmony with this funda-
mental principle, it is an indication of
good, rather than any swerving from
the stability of our doctrine or politv.
And here is the grand, unifying
center, not for ourselves only, but for
the whole Church of God The inspired
rather than the historic is the platform on
which alone we can meet. To many, even
OF those who are in favor of revision, |
may seem to have said enough. To sug-
gest anything more than that which seems
absolutely essential and necessary nav
seem like spelling good GAUGE. But
have often felt a strong desire for brief
clear and evangelical statement of our doc
trine and polity-Something which could
not be bought for a few pence and circu-
lated freely. To be sure, there is the
Shorter Catechism, which can be put to
this service, but often Declarative State
ment would be better. 1t would be great
good from this discussion if we could get
clearer idea of what confession is for. If
1t be to tie up to stringent ORTHODOXY, then
1t might take one form but if it be for
practical use in giving clear idea of what
we wish others to believe, it would take
quite different form. Something of this
latter kind weshould like to see attempted.
Besides It's uses in the general way of cir
culation, it should be put in the hands of
all our church members. 1t would be an
especial help to the eldership, and it is
hoped would be so drawn up as to meet
with their hearty approval; and if any
should prefer it, it might be an optional
confession for the ministry also"