Greek New Testament of Tischendorf, which, though rejected by theologians, is now generally received as the ascertained text of the Scriptures of the New Covenant. But in addition to the errors which arise from the corrupt text from which it is made, and which are pointed out in an appendix, our Authorised Version is leavened also by the false manner in which certain words are rendered, with a view to accommodate the Holy Scriptures to the dogmatic tenets of the translators; in all which cases, however, I have deviated from it in the citations which I have made, having followed, as a rule, the best French translation of the New Testament extant.* The errors arising from a corrupt text and an incorrect translation being carefully eliminated, the task of expounding the doctrine of our Lord is comparatively easy; for when the believer reads the Holy Scriptures in their integrity, he finds that the Word of God is no longer a sealed book, but a lamp unto his feet and a light to his path, to guide him in his testimony as a faithful disciple of the Lord Jesus. I have, therefore, collected and arranged the most important texts of the Holy Scriptures according to the doctrines to which they respectively refer, and which they serve to elucidate, in order thereby to guide the believer in his search after the faith which the Apostles delivered to the *Le Nouveau Testament de Notre Seigneur Jésus Christ, traduit par une Société de Ministres de la Parole de Dieu. Sur le texte grec reçu; avec les principales variantes et un choix de références. Quatrième édition. Lausanne. Georges Bridel, Editeur. 1875.' saints when they were spiritually and visibly united together in one Assembly under their Lord and Saviour, the Christ Jesus. Now a work that is written with this view is sure to be distasteful to those who studiously ignore the critical text of the Apostolic writings, and who still adhere to our spurious version of the New Testament, every line of which they tell us is inspired by God. I am well aware, therefore, that I shall be blamed for my endeavour to enlighten my brethren on this point, because it will have the effect of bringing into discredit the New Testament which theologians give us as the Word of our Lord; but all those who love the truth, rather than the traditions of men, will, I trust, appreciate this brief exposition of the faith of the apostles, by following which they will be found without blame in the day of the Lord Jesus. Such is the design of this Manual, in compiling which I have relied solely on the Word of God for help and guidance in my testimony as a witness to the truth, having worked out patiently and alone the exposition of the Christian Faith, seeking only the Lord's glory and the edification of my brethren, uninfluenced by the opinions of any sect or party. In its conception, and in the manner in which it is executed, this essay has, therefore, at least the merit of originality, as I could not, for obvious reasons, avail myself of the labours of previous commentators; and now, hoping that it may prove a blessing to the faith ful who are seeking the truth, I leave the issue in the hands of the Lord, who is able to subdue all things to himself, and who has graciously promised to remain with his brethren by means of his Word till the end of the world. In conclusion, I have to observe that all the parallel and corroborative passages are not cited in this work, but only such as are deemed sufficient for the purpose; and further, that the words in brackets, [ ], are not required by the Greek idiom, being added in order to complete the sense of the text. CONTENTS. There is but one God, Jehovah, the God of Israel-The God PAGE JESUS THE CHRIST, THE SON OF GOD. I. As the just and holy Man.-II. As the Prophet.—III. As I. The souls of the elect of God are saved from death by grace, by means of the propitiatory sacrifice of Jesus Christ.-II. Which was typified by the sacrifices offered THE CONVERSION OF THE ELECT OF GOD BY FAITH IN I. The saints are converted for life by regeneration and by hearing the good news that Jesus Christ has died to save sinners.-II. The conversion of the faithful rem- nant of the house of Israel from the covenant of Moses to the covenant of grace.-III. The conversion of the THE JUSTIFICATION OF THE ELECT OF GOD BY FAITH IN THE SACRIFICE OF HIS SON JESUS CHRIST. I. The elect of God are justified for life by faith in Jesus Christ.-II. A comparison between the law of Moses |