"CONFESSION OF FAITH." Auckland, October 20.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 414, 26 October 1889, Page 4

"CONFESSION OF FAITH." Auckland, October 20.

Last Sunday evening the Ilev. 11. Somnier ville delivered a lecture in St. Peter's Presbyterian Church, Surrey Hills, on the "Confession of Faith," its origin and history. The discour&e was based on Romans 80. Iv : " There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Chrjst Jesus, who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit." Ho said it was not necessary to discuss the decrees in this lecture. Every man when he joined the church knew the rules, and he was bound by them. Creeds set forth Christian doctrine in Bible teaching. There were not many creeds before the Reformation. The Apostles' Creed at the close of the 2nd century was generally accepted. TheNiceneandAthanasian creeds excited considerable discussion and were important symbols. The Roman Catholic creed was to be found in the proceedings of the Council of Trent. The Lutheran and Dutch churches had each their confession, as had also the Greek Church, while the Church of England bad her Thirty-nine Articles. The Westminster Confession of Faith was prepared by a committee appointed by the Long Parliament. It was composed of the most eminent men, and consisted of Presbyterians, Episcopalians, and Congregationaliats, with Dr. Twisse as chairman. The Confession was prepared for the three kingdoms, and there was considerable diversity of opinion. It was again and again revised, and eventually submitted to Parliament. It was then re! committed for the purpose of adding proofs! At present some of its statements are not so rigidly held as they once were -— for example, that relating to the salvation of infants. A declaratory statement issued by the United Presbyterian Church of Scotland fairly represented the opinions of Presbyterians with regard to disputed points. Predestination was a doctrine to be held, with prudence and care. Undoubtedly the impress of old times was on the Confession. But men go beyond tho standards to the Word itself. "\Ve are taught though we are*itiners there is a way of- salvation. Believe and live was the conditiqn, while, to 'those who accept the oder of salvation there was tho assurance of that peace which ,passeth all understanding and an oteruity of precious reward, J