CONTENTS. Page The society of Friends believe that Jesus Christ, the Messiah spoken of by the prophets, is the SON OF GOD. That he is the only media- tor between God and man. In the necessity of obedience to his doctrines according to the Scriptures. That the Scriptures were written under the direction of his spirit, and can only be understood by those who live in obedience to the same. That man is a free agent, and that DIVINE REVELATION, THE GROUND AND PRINCIPLE FROM WHICH THE KNOW- LEDGE OF GOD IS TO BE OBTAINED. THOSE WHO COME TO FIND THIS PRIN- Scriptures not the WORD OF GOD.-The WORD OF GOD, as described by the evangelist, has uni- A divine gift.-No human talents can qualify for the ministry, without this gift.-Bestowed of them.-Ministers not to be paid for their labours, or preach by contract. OF DIVINE WORSHIP. Indispensable duty publicly to assemble to worship the Living God.-Qualification to worship to be waited for.-No well-founded objection can be raised against silent meetings.— Scripture instances of waiting upon God.Friends not alone in their belief that worship is a spiritual act, performed in silence. OF PRAYER AND SPIRITUAL SINGING TO Prayer should not be neglected.-Scarcely an act less understood, and none more abused than prayer. Christ the only proper instructor.-He instructed the disciples. The first sentence of the compendium he taught, requires & preparation. The pharisees and their prayers condemned. True, prayer is an entrance into, and concurrence with, the Divine Mind.--Singing of hymns and spiritual songs not of necessity vocal.-Singing that is acceptable to the Al mighty, must proceed from that which is purein the heart, even from the Divine Life.-The use of instruments of music, or artificial singing in the worship of God, not warranted in the New Testament. OF THE DOCTRINE OF FAITH It is a living principle, which no human means can beget in us.-By it the elders obtained a good report—Until we have come to this living principle, the soul remains subject to the fallen nature, and cannot serve God acceptably, or be united to him.-Wheresoever this living faith is, there will be works corresponding with it. Page 18 29 43 OF SANCTIFICATION AND JUSTIFICATION 47 Entire justification must be because of entire sanctification. Friends believe perfection is enjoined. It is considered under the figure of the vine.-The apostle alludes to some in his day that had at- The Saviour of men has taught this doctrine.- This doctrine is connected with the immortality One day in seven set apart for divine worship. The Jews were strictly enjoined to observe the Sabbath.-New and important views excited by the Messiah about the observance of days.— No particular holiness attached to one day more than another.-Friends cannot join with others Friends do not believe it is enjoined upon Christians by the Scriptures.-Consequences if admitted to be necessary to salvation.-No evi- dence that any after John the Baptist were com- The communion of Christ not an outward partaking of bread and wine, but an union of spirit with God.-Inward and spiritual bread 76 Swearing unreasonable in itself and contrary to the command of Christ-The apostles gave A main pillar in the gospel is the spirit of non-resistance.-The Saviour of the world not only taught it, but confirmed it by his example. Some in most countries redeemed from the spirit of war.-Friends particularly addressed upon this subject.-Civil governments all make pro- The primitive believers in Christ adopted a form of government. They did not agree upon all the orders and rules at once.-Gospel order in case of offenders in the church. When a separation takes place, no human power can Page TREATISE, &c. THE CHRISTIAN'S BELIEF. THE society of Friends believe that the Messiah spoken of by the prophets, and expected by the Jews, did, in the fulness of time, appear; that Jesus Christ, the son of God, born of the virgin Mary, was and is this promised Messiah; the same concerning whom the four evangelists have given testimony, and who was crucified without the gates of Jerusalem, under the sentence of Pontius Pilate; and that he rose again, agreeably to the Scriptures. That he died for, and in consequence of the sins of mankind; that in his death was an offering for the sins of the whole world; and that he is the only mediator between God and man. They also believe in A |