Other controversies originated-Conversion of Me- lancthon-Dawn of the reformation in Switzerland- Zuinglius-Bull issued against Luther-He with- draws from the Romish Church-Diet of Worms-- Decline of the Roman religion-Means employed for its propagation, &c.-The Lutheran church-Divis- ions caused-The Pietists--Doctrines of the Luther- an church-Government, &c --The Reformed church COMPENDIUM OF CHURCH HISTORY. CHAPTER I. Birth of Christ-The Object for which he came-His appearance announced by John the Baptist-His Coming-Twelve Apostles chosen-The teachings, &c., of Christ-The success which attended him in his Ministry-His Death. CHRIST, our Savior, was born at Bethlehem, in Judea, A. M. 4000, or, as some say, in the 26th year of the reign of Augustus Cæsar.* The names of his parents were Joseph and Mary-his father, Joseph, being of the house of David.' When an infant, to save his life, he was carried into Egypt by his parents, where they abode for some time, and then returned back to Nazareth, a small town in Lower Gallilee.† Here the Savior dwelt until he was thirty years of age, when he commenced his labors of love, and the work of his Father. Christ came into the world to save it from sin-to introduce a new dispensation; and to bring to light life, and a never-ending existence for man beyond the grave. About two years before his actual coming took place, John, the forerunner,‡ appeared, who had been spoken of by the prophet, as The voice * Calmet. Matt. 1st and 2nd Chapters. A forerunner, was, anciently, a herald or crier, sent before armies to proclaim their coming, and to command roads to be made, &c., &c. 'As applied to John, it means, that he was sent to remove obstructions, and to prepare the people for the coming of the Messiah.' BARNES. of one crying in the wilderness; prepare ye the way of the Lord, and make his paths straight.' When the proper time had arrived, Christ appeared on the banks of the Jordan, where he was baptized by John. This was not because he was a sinner, but, that be might be 'legally and solemnly consecrated High Priest.' After this rite had been performedafter having been baptized, he chose twelve men to be his followers. These men were called apostles. And he chose them as witnesses of his works and teachings, and when he should leave this world, to be the preachers of his gospel. From the time the Savior entered upon the duties of his mission, until he offered up his life to redeem mankind from sin, he was continually going about doing good. He instructed his disciples concerning the nature of his kingdom; he proclaimed to them and the people, the truths of his gospel; he healed the sick, comforted the mourning, and set the many captives of sin and error free. The teachings of the Savior were of the greatest importance to the world, and plainly showed him to have been taught of God. They were concerning the nature and character of God-his own character as Messiah and Savior-the object for which he came into the world, and the accomplishment of this object-concerning 'repentance, and faith, and love, and obedience, and rewards and punishments-the resurrection of mankind from the dead, and their final holiness and happiness in heaven. These are some of the principal doctrines which he taught, and which the apostles faithfully preached in all the world.' In addition to his teachings was the working of miracles.* These were full proof of his benevolence *A miracle is an effect produced by divine power, above, or opposed to, what are regular effects of the laws of nature. It is not a violation of the laws of nature, but is a suspension of their usual operation, of heart-of his great love for the children of men, and of the divinity of his mission; plainly showing that he was sent of God They were performed at all times, and in all places-in open day, and when surrounded by thousands, in the most public manner; so that no deception could have been used. They were wrought in the presence of his most bitter enemies, as well as in the presence of his friends-on Jew and Gentile-the rich and the poor. And 'they evinced a power which could come only from God, and bespoke a benevolence which could be nothing short of divine.'* It But, notwithstanding Christ labored and toiled continually for the good of man-notwithstanding his benevolent acts, and deeds of mercy, the world turned away from him, and made him what he was, "a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.' By the Jews, the once chosen and peculiar people of God, he was rejected, and at last put to death upon the cross. was thought by them, that the Messiah, for whom they were looking, would come as an earthly prince or king, in power and majesty, and reign on the throne of David, finally restoring them to their former greatness. The Savior was poor in this world's wealth—he was attended by only a few humble fishermen, and hence his pretensions to be the promised Messiah, were reviled and treated with scorn. And, with the doctrines he taught, they were not suited. They supposed themselves the especial favorites of heaven; but Christ told them plainly that they were not, and that nothing but a complete reformation could save them from the ruin which was at hand. And they were angry with him, and set about planning his destruction. This, they finally for some important purpose. thew, iv: 24. * Goodrich. BARNES' notes on Mat |