The Apostles' creed: considered in relation to the wants of the religious sense, and certain errors of the present day

Front matter

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Preface

To the members of my congregation, at whose request this Work is published, I aiFectionately commend it.

You will find in it the substance of what, in various ways, both private and public, I have endeavoured to expound to you by word of mouth. And I have been the less reluctant to give to the sentiments which it contains the more permanent form which they now assume, because I hope (as I also pray) that they may supply to others, what you profess to have found in them for yourselves, a thread, however slender, to guide the earnest Christian through that tangled labyrinth of multiform error, in which so many minds are now in danger of being lost. Such Works as those of Pearson and Barrow, on the Creed, are storehouses for all time. I offer these pages as a hand-book for the present times.

For it has been my object to treat the several Articles of the Christian Faith, First, with reference to the practical needs and experiences of the religious sense ; exhibiting their bearing and importance in relation to the grand essential work of the spiritual life. And, Secondly, with reference to the manifold exaggerations and perversions to which a zeal for an ecclesiastical Formalism

IV PREFACE.

on the one hand, and a disorganizing Spirituahsm on the other, expose us. Hence the extent at which I have dwelt on the topics of the Holy Catholic Church, and the Communion of Saints ; and generally on the entire Avork of the Holy Ghost, as the Vicegerent of Christ, " by whom the whole body of the Church is governed and sanctified." While other fundamental points, such as the Personality of God — the Deity of Christ — the evidence for His Resurrection — the assurance of our own continued being and blessedness after death — and the nature and grounds of that belief to which the Articles of our Creed are entitled, have received an attention proportioned to my deep conviction of their momentousness.

The occasion, then, and object of the Work, determine the point of view from which it is to be judged of. They will account for its not pretending, in any case, to a frill theological treatment of the various topics which it touches. They will explain why on some it is meagre, — on others diffuse — in all, popular and practical. Everything has been subordinated to what appeared to me most demanded by the circumstances of our age, and the necessities of a reflecting mind. May it be sanctified to the ends for which it has been written! May you, dear friends, and many a reader besides, find in it food for thought, and nourishment for piety, unto eternal life!

Part I. God The Father

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Chap. I. — God the Ground of all Existence. . . 3 The Knowledge of God's truth, is the one thing needful for us

This knowledge is to be obtained only from the inspired Word. 3

And that upon our personal judgment and responsibility. . 4 The essential points of it are summed up in The Apostles' Creed : . . . . . . .5

Whose articles afford answers to our most pressing questions, as limited — sinful — feeble beings. . . . .7

As LIMITED beings we have revealed to us :

1. In the midst of Multiplicity, a One. . . .9

2. ,, ,, Appearance, a Real One. . . .11

3. „ „ Change, a Permanent One. . . .12

4. „ „ Effects, a Causative One. . . .15 Which One, real, permanent, and all-causative Being stands in

close relation to us. . . . . .16

And therefore is to be contemplated with reverence — and with trust. . . . . . , .16

Chap. II. — God the Original of all Intelligence, . .19

Our only right conception of God is that formed from analogy with the iV/??z(Z of man. . . . . .19

Such a conception is,

1. Reasonable. Commended to us by tlie condderation of our oion nature. . . . . . . .20

Which obliges us to suppose Him who is the Ground of our Intelligent, and Moral, Being, to be Himself Intellective and Holy. . 22

2. Scriptural. Authenticated by the declarations of Holy Writ, . . . . . . . .23

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3. Necessary. 1. For our preservation from the deadliest errors concerning God : — those of Atheism — Fatalism — Pantheism. . . . . , . .27

2. For the nourishment of right dispositions towards God : — those of Reverence — Communion — Suhmissiveness. . . . . . . . .35

Chap. III. — God the Author op all Good. . . .39

God as " Our Father " exercises All-heneficent Love — ^All-providing Wisdom — All-Controlling Care. . . .40

For, this term " Father," in Scripture, expresses the relation of a parent to his child — a householder to his family— a sovereign to his people. . . . . . .48

And calls therefore, in return, for our love — gratitude — affiance. . 51

Chap. IV. — God the Lord of all Power

Our conception of Might is twofold ; and God is " Almighty" in both respects . . . . . . bQ

1. As -Force, hy his divine Life. . . . .56

2. As Influence, by his divine Will. . . . .58 And as such related to — and to be adored by— us. . . 60 What a caution this suggests to the rebellious ! — and an encouragement io the subm\&&\yQ\ . . . . .63

Chap. V. — God the Creator of all Worlds

It is by Faith that we regard God as the " Maker of heaven

AND EARTH." . . . . . . Q6

And this assures us that all things were made by him— out of nothing— by the simple energy of the Divine will. . . 66

Whence learn — The insignificance of all created things—the Worth of the Creator's favour— The blessedness of the New Creation. . 72

Chap. I — The Office of Christ. . . , .79

The title " Jesus" expresses the Office of Christ as the Saviour — the Saviour whom God has appointed — the Saviour, himself divine. . . . . . . .SO

In which character he affords his people Deliverance from evil — Protection, through their pilgrimage — Introduction to their promised rest. . .... 85

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Chap. IL The Dignity op Christ. . • . . 90

1. The leading Idea indicated by the title "Christ" is that of God's King — the Sovereign of the world. . . .90

2. This title is assigned to Jesus as the reality of that idea. . 93

This he was foretold' to be, by the prophets— showed himself to be, in his life— was declared to be, by his resurrection— proved himself to be, by his providential visitations from heaven— and will fully manifest himself to be, when he shall come again. . 93

Chap. III. The Nature op Christ. . . . .108

1. The meaning of the title "God's only Son" in the mind of those % whom it was used. . • • • .109

They employed it to distinguish him, from all human beings— all superhuman beings — all conceivable forms of created being — as equal in nature to God himself. . . . .110

2. Its meaning in the mind of those to whom it was used. . 114

How necessary this truth, to assure us of God's love to us — of our acceptance with God — of our triumph over sin. . .117

Chap. IV. — The Authority of Christ. . . . .121

Christ is " Our Lord." 1. As the Teacher of his people. — 2. As their Ruler. — 3. As their Protector. . . .122

Chap. V. — The Incarnation of Christ. . . . .135

1. The Fact commemorated in the words '' Who was conceived

BY the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary." . 135

It is God becoming man ! . . . . . ] 35

And that in accordance with the inspired predictions concerning the Christ — the place, and the manner, of his birth. , .136

2. The Reasons intimated for this fact. . . . .139

1. In order to the re-union of the Father with his outcast children. . 139

2. In order to their restoration to the Father. . . 143

3. In order to their being sustained in union with the Father. . 145

Chap . VI. — The Death of Christ. .... 149

1. Its Historical Certainty. . . . . .150

As to time — manner— circumstance. . . . .151

2. Its doctrinal meaning. . , . . .154

It was a sacrifice for sin — effectual to our reconciliation — acceptance — confidence, before God. . . . .155

Chap. VII. — The Resurrection of Christ. . . .161

Sect. I. The Certainty op the Resurrection. . .162

1. The Apostles had the fullest opportunity for knowing the truth concerning this event. . . . . . .164

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2. There was every thing in their character to assure us that they would state that truth. . . . . .16.5

Its simplicity — straightforwardness— vehemence. . . 166

3. All circumstances conspired to prevent their being mistaken as

to that truth. . . . . . . .168

For their evidence is not that of credulous expectants — and it is corroborated by that of their adversaries— and of the general body of disciples. . . . . . .168

4. There are striking collateral incidents which show that such an event must have occurred. . . . . .171

These are, the manifest change of demeanour in the enemies of Jesus — in the general multitude of the Jews — and in the friends of Jesus. . . . . . .172

Sect. II. The Significancy op the Resurrection. . . 178

1. The Sj)iritual Idea of which it is the Sjonbol, is that of our Transference from a state of alienation to one of acceptance with God. . . . . . . . .179

2. Its Moral Bearing affects our faith — our energy — our patience. . 185

Chap. VIII. — The Exaltation op Christ. . . . 191 1, The Fact of this Exaltation. . . . .191

It was predicted by Jesus— was testified by his followers— was confirmed by subsequent circumstances. . . . 191

2. The Doctrine of this Exaltation. . . . .194

Christ's whole Interposition is illustrated by the figure of priestly Mediation. . . . . . .194

This Mediation comprises three functions : The offering of a sacrifice — the presenting the blood of the victim before God — the returning to bless the worshipper in the name of the Lord. . 194

Christ's Intercession is the fulfilment of the Second of these functions, in which character he is all-gracious towards our infirmities — all-sufficient for our constantly recurring needs — all-powerful to afford us patronage and help. . . . .195

Chap. IX. — The Second Coming op Christ. . . . 206

The Church is waiting for the final developement of God's scheme of salvation. . . . . . .206

1. The Certainty of Christ's return to complete this developement : " He shall come." .... 207

Prophetic truth is as sure to us, as historical ; resting on the same divine testimony. ..... 207

The second coming of Christ is assured to us by his Apostles — by himself— by the angels, upon his ascension. . . . 207

AND THE DEAD.

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PAGE t's return. " To

JUDGE THE

QUICK

. 210

For Judgment pertains to him as the Christ, the King. . 210

He will come again, to vindicate his royal authority — to punish all ■who resist that authority — to recompense all who have submitted to that authority — to establish that authority over all the earth. 212

Chap. I. — The Nature op the Holy Ghost. . . . 221

Religious truth requires for its right apprehension, religious experience. ....... 221

Our experience of Corruption and Infirmity prepares us for ,

the Doctrine of God the Holy Ghost. . . . 222

The Nature of the Holy Ghost is sufficiently intimated by his Titles. . . . . . . .222

1 . As " the Holy Ghost " he is declared to be similar to our own spirit. ....... 222

Invisible — but yet substantial — the subject of personal acts — and distinguished from those in, or through, or by, or towards whom he exercises those acts. ..... 223

2. As " the Holy Ghost," he is declared to be Divine. . . 226

And there are ascribed to Him divine works — qualities — acts. . 226

This subject, conjoined with what is ascribed equally to the Son, brings us to the Idea of the Trinity in Unity. . . 228

This Doctrine is distinctly revealed in Scripture ; though it cannot

be clearly understood by us. . . . . 228

But the God whom it declares to us is intimately connected with ourselves and our well being. .... 230

Chap. II. — The Office of the Holy Ghost. . . . 233

This Office has reference to the Church — or body of the followers of Christ. . . . . . ,233

1. It consists in tJie suppl?/ing to them the presence oftMir Lord. . 233

For the Holy Ghost was promised to be to the disciples invisibly, all

that Jesus had been to them visibly. . . . 234

Whence he is called The Spirit of Christ. . . .235

And supplies the presence both of Christ, and of the Father. . 236

See hence the essential Unity of the Godhead. . . 236

2. And this bi/ a real indwelling in their souls. . . . 237

1. This is a fa.ct, not, indeed, perceptible by the senses. . . 237

For the Spirit, by his very name and nature, is super-sensuous . 237

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2. But yet which commends itself to our Reason. . . 238 For this presence of the Spirit cannot but be inferred from its

effects : for those effects spring not from ourselves — nor can they be produced in us by our fellow Christians — and must therefore be traced up to the inworking of the Holy Ghost. . .238

3. And is assured to our faith by revelation. . . . 244 Which speaks of it as the special gift of Christ — actually possessed

by his people — knowable by their inward consciousness — and manifest to outward observation. . . . 244

How important then to ask, Have I this Spirit ? . .247

For it is promised, not to a body of men, but a class of minds. 248

Chap. III. — The Work op the Holy Ghost

The Church, the Sphere op the Spirit's Operation. 250 The Church is the aggregate of Christ's followers. . . 250

Through which the Holy Ghost communicates the presence and grace of Christ. . . . . . .251

1. Jesus designed that his disciples should constitute a distinct, organized community. . , . . .253

For he came, not as a Teacher only, but a Ruler. . .253

And therefore ordained that his followers should be publicly consecrated to his service — be manifestly distinguished from the world around them — and act in concert as an organized body. . 254

Whence he appointed for them Rulers— who should, however, have no authority but as they acted according to his will. . 256

Promised them historical permanency — and constituted solemn ordinances of admission into, and continuance in, their fellowship. 257

How important then, is social religion ! . . . 258

2. Such a community was accordingly formed by the Apostles, in Jerusalem. ....... 259

A community, definite and organic ;— with sacramental distinctions ; — cherishing the inspirations — exhibiting the graces — submitting to the authority— and diffusing abroad the life, of the Spirit of God who dwelt within it. . . .261

How similar the principles of the English Church. . . 266

Chap. IV. — The Church, Catholic. .... 268

3. As the Gospel spread throughout Judea, and into other lands, other communities were formed on the same principles, and for

the same ends. . . . . . .268

The personal followers of Jesus formed A Church. . . 269

But soon they spread abroad, and founded other Churches. . 270

Which churches were co-ordinate with the first Church at Jerusalem. . . . . . .274

How false therefore the claims of the Church of Rome to jurisdiction over other Communities. .... 274

4. And it is the aggregate, or Sum of such particular communi-

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ties, contemplated abstractedly, as an ideal whole, under the presidency of Jesus as its Head, which is called in Scripture The Church ; and in the Apostles' Creed " The Catholic," or universal, " Church." ..... 277

This is the sense in which the phrase " The Church " is used in Scripture — and in which its catholicity is defined by ancient writers ... ... 278

Chap. V. — The Church, holy. ..... 282

5. The end for which our Lord designed the formation of these several religious communities, which, taken together as an ideal whole, are called " The Church," is the more effectual communication of Himself, by His Spirit, to all the members of the same ; with reference to which end, and the relation into which the Church is brought to Christ in order to that end, it is called " the Holy Catholic Church," .... 283

Sect. I. — The Church holy, by Relation to Christ. . . 284

This relative holiness is represented by St. Paul under the figure of the conjugal relation. ..... 285

1. Christ has purchased to himself the Church. — 2. He purifies it by his word. — 3. He presents it to himself accepted through his righteousness. . . . . . . .286

Contemplate this relation of the Christian to his Lord, with adoring gratitude— jealous care — earnest fidelity. . . . 292

Sect. II. — The Church holy, by Assimilation to Christ. . 296 Ideas are never fully realized in fact. .... 296 But the relative holiness of the Church forms the standard of approximation, for the personal holiness of its members. . 297

The ultimate end for which the Church has been constituted, is the producing in its members the presence and life of Christ. . 298

This is furthered by the instructions of his ministers— the fellowship of his people — the infusion of his Spirit. . . 299

Chap, VI, — Christian Charity. . . . . .313

The Work of the Holy Ghost in the Church consists in the production and nourishment of the three Christian graces, Charity — Faith — and Hope. . . . . .313

Christian Charity respects our relation to our fellow-Christians in " THE Communion of Saints." .... 316

This Charity comprises Christian Sympathy — Fellowship — and Beneficence, . . . . . .318

Sect, I, — Christian Sympathy. . . . , .318

This comprises unity of Sentiment — of Feeling — and of Purpose. 319

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Sect. II. — Christian Fellowship. .... 325 This results from looking on Christ's people as " holy," and therefore holding communion with them, for His sake. . . 325 1. Scripture example calls to this. .... 326

For it shows us that the first churches were mixed bodies — and gives no instance of separation from a church because of its alleged impurity, or want of discipline. .... 326

'2, Ecclesiastical practice was ever conformed to this. . . 333

3. Christiati principle and feeling demand this. . . . 333

For these prompt to fellowship with the unconverted, on account of their consecration to Christ— and in order to bring them into likeness to Christ. ..... 334

Sect. III. — Christian Beneficence. .... 338

The Beneficence of the primitive Christians has been misunderstood. ....... 339

It was not community of goods, but communication of all needful aid. . . . . . . .340

How essential the principle of such beneficence ! „ . 346

Sect. IV". — Christian Charity a work of the Holy Ghost.

1. It is no mere natural disposition ; — either of good-heartedness — good-fellowship — affection — friendship — but the divinely infused temper of Christ himself. . . . .350

2. It must be fostered in us hy sedulous culture : by cherishing a sacred reverence — patient forbearance — cordial confidence — towards our fellow-Christians. ..... 356

Chap. VII.— Christian Faith. . . . . .363

Christian Faith respects our relation to God through the " Forgiveness OF Sins." ..... 364

1. The Christian stands before God as relieved from condemnation. 365

2. Such a relation to the Father, he owes to that purification by the Son, of which his baptism is the symbol. . . . 375

3. And a practical sense of this relation is a work of the Holy Ghost ; — illuminating the mind to perceive the glory of Christ — reconciling the heart to appropriate the work of Christ — and subduing the will into union with Christ. .... 376

Chap. VIII.— Christian Hope. . . . . .381 Christian Hope respects our relation to the world to come, and

" THE resurrection OF THE BODY AND THE LIFE EVER- LASTING." ....... 382

Sect. I. — The Permanency of the Soul, probable. . . 383

This truth resi^ects onv personal continuance in being, . .383

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Which is assured to us by the anticipations of our human instinct — the conclusions of our intellect — the demands of our moral sense — the convictions of our religious belief. . . 383

Sect. II. — The Permanency of the Soul, certain. . . 396

1. Death produces no interruption of what we at present enjoy ; — either of life — consciousness — or social sympathy. . .396

2. It affords the introduction to what we at present are wanting in. 408

Immunity from trial — Deliverance from sin — Complete enjoyment of the presence of our Lord. .... 408

How essential is Christian experience to the very understanding — and still more the lively Hope — of the future blessedness. . 412

Sect. III. — The Resurrection of the Body. . . .414

This truth respects om future relation to the world of which we form apart. ...... 414

i. What is my body ? — What my relation to it ? — What the purpose for which it is given me ? . . . .415

2. Why win this body be restored to me ? In order to the restoration of our relation to this world, at Christ's second coming, . 418

For this is the time of the manifestation of his saints — of their renewed connexion with this lower world — and of their reception of such bodies as shall fit them for this connexion. . .419

The blessedness of departed saints is, therefore, though complete, yet not completed — though perfect, not final. . . 422

Sect. IV. — The Life everlasting. .... 424 This truth respects our relation to tlie final foHunes of the world. 425 For, " the Life everlasting" is the age of the setting up the kingdom of heaven, at the revelation of Christ. . .425 And it comprises — the final perfecting— splendour — and permanence, of aU things. ..... 429

Chap. I. — Belief, an intelligent Conviction of Truth

The very title of our Confession of Faith, " the Creed," calls on us to consider the nature of tliat belief vflaich. we therein profess. . . . . . . .437

It includes, First, an intelligent conviction of truth. . .438

Our convictions rest on two grounds : direct Perception — and indirect Conclusion, ..... 438

Of this latter there is 1 . A Faith in the deductions of Reason ; on which rest the truths of the first division of our Creed. .... 440

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2. In the depositions of Testimony ; on which rest the Facts of the Second Division. . . . • , • 441

3. In the Assertions of Authority, on which rest the doctrines of the Third Division. . . . . . .445

How personal— and how practical, a thing is Faith ! . . 447

Chap. II. — Belief, an hearty Affection for Truth. . . 451

We are accountable for our belief, because Faith includes in it the affections of the heart. ..... 452

On the state of the heart depend our attention to truth — understanding of truth — appreciation of truth. . . . 452

Chap. III. — Belief, a practical Submission to Truth. . 459

As the Relation to God into which the disclosures of the Creed bring us, so are the Duties which we owe to him. . . 459

The Belief of God as our Father demands that we imitate him —

hold communion with him — exercise a filial zeal for him. , 461

That of God as our Redeemer involves a hearty closing with his

grace— an adoring gratitude — a dutiful devotedness. . 463

That of God as our Sanctifier requires that we count religion a spiritual work — confide in the Spirit as able to produce it in us— and diligently cherish his inspirations. . . . 466

Page 165, last line, ybr and, readoxij.

209, line four from bottom,/br thirty, read forty.

THE APOSTLES' CREED.

Part I. God The Father

Credo ut intelligam. — Anselm.

Une des principales sources de la corruption des hommes, c'est qu'ils ne se forment point d'assez nobles ideas de la Divinite. L'idee de la morale que Ton suit, et I'idee du Dieu qu'on adore, sont deux choses etroitement jointes ensemble. — S a urin .

Religion does not demand new affections, but only claims the direction of those you already have, those affections you daily feel. — We only represent to you the higher, the adequate objects of those A^ery faculties and affections. — Almighty God is the natural object of the several affections, love, reverence, fear, desire of approbation. For though he is simply One, yet we cannot but consider him in partial and different views. He is himself One uniform Being, and for ever the same, without variableness or shadow of turning ; but his infinite Greatness, his Goodness, his Wisdom, are different objects to our mind. Hence must arise various movements of mind, different kinds of affections. And this variety is just and reasonable in such creatures as we are, though it respects a Being simply One, Good, and Perfect.

Bishop Butler.

PART I.

GOD THE FATHER.

Chapter I. God, The Ground Of All Existence

There are but two things, in the judgment of St. Chrysostorn, which deserve to be the subject of the Christian's unconditional prayer. For other blessings he may ask, indeed, with copious outpouring of his heart before the throne of grace ; though always with the limitation, ^' as they may be most expedient for me." But the sum of all that he can pray for with unhesitating faith, as at the same time indispensable, and sufficient, is comprised in those two final petitions which wind up our Liturgy, " in this world knowledge of Thy truth ; and in the world to come life everlasting."

Knowledge of God's Truth, then, forms the one thingneedful for us in this present world. And this because it is the only method and path of transit to the glory of the world to come. For thus says our blessed Lord : " This is life eternal to know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou has sent." And consequently this he goes on to intreat for his disciples : '' Sanctify them tJirough thy truth ! Thy word is truth !"

Now it is just as being the depository of this Truth, that the Bible is of such infinite worth to us ; — that it is called The Word of God. In those historical records which are

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4 GODj THE GROUND OF ALL EXISTENCE.

collected in that sacred book, we have preserved to us all that we can possibly know concerning the Truth of God. What he has breathed forth through his prophets — what he has embodied in the manifestation of his Son — what he has proclaimed throughout the world by his Apostles — this forms the whole of what the Christian can safely put his trust in, and resign his judgment to, as the infallible expression of the mind of God. No other declaration of doctrine or of duty can bind the conscience, because of no other can we positively affirm. Thus saith the Lord ! The opinions of holy men, the practices of early Christians, may be more or less in accordance with this primitive — this only primitive — record ; they may more or less develope the ideas of truth and holiness which in the word of God have been revealed ; but it is only just so far as, in our judgment, they do accord with that primitive record, only just so far as, to our honest conviction, they do develope the ideas of the Word of God, that they can regulate our faith or duty. They may afford us help for the understanding of Scripture ; they may show us the gradual expansion of the seeds of things embosomed in Scripture ; they may exhibit the more settled form of the Institutions shadowed out in Scripture ; but they can have for us no independent authority, they can claim from us no sepai'ate homage. No one, indeed, will undervalue the testimony of contemporary witnesses to the authenticity of a deed. No one would neglect the information which they may be able, from extrinsic sources, to furnish concerning the mind and purpose of the Author of that Deed. But still, the mere opinion of those witnesses what Judge will suffer to be put in as evidence ? And the decision of the cause must always turn at last upon the wording of the deed itself, so far as, on the best consideration of all the probabilities of the evidence, it shall commeLd its meaning to the deliberate

GOD, THE GROUND OF ALL EXISTENCE. O

judgment of the Court. But with the Christian, who must account to God, in person^ and on his sole responsibility, for his beliefs, as for his acts — this court must be set up within the sanctuary of his own heart, this judgment must be pronounced by his own conscience, with no concession of appeal but to the supreme tribunal of the Lord of all. " Holy Scripture," says our Sixth Article, " containeth all things necessary to salvation : so that whatsoever is not read therein, nor may be proved thereby, is not to be required of any man, that it should be believed as an article of the Faith, or be thought requisite or necessary to salvation."