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130 Creation
CREATION In its primary import, signifies the bringing into being something which did not before exist. The term is therefore most generally applied to the original production of the materials whereof the visible world is composed. It is also used in a secondary or subordinate sense to denote those subsequent operations of the Deity upon the matter so produced, by which the whole system of Nature, and all the primitive genera of things, receive their form, qualities, and laws. There is no subject concerning which learned men have differed in their conjectures more than in this of creation. "It is certain," as a good writer observes, "that none of the ancient philosophers had the smallest idea of its being possible to produce a substance out…
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129 Amen
AMEN A Hebrew word, which, when prefixed to an assertion, signifies assuredly, certainly, or emphatically, so it is; but when it concludes a prayer, so be it, or so let it be, is its manifest import. In the former case, it is assertive, or assures of a truth or a fact; and is an asseveration, and is properly translated verily, John iii. 3. In the latter case, it is petitionary, and, as it were, epitomises all the requests with which it stands connected, Numb. 5:25. Rev. 22:20. This emphatical term was not used among the Hebrews by detached individuals only, but on certain occasions, by an assembly at large, Deut. 27:14, 20. It was adopted also, in the public worship of the primitive churches, as…
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128 Toleration Act
TOLERATION ACT An act for exempting their Majesties' Protestant Subjects, dissenting from the Church of England, from the Penalties of certain Laws. The preamble states, "That forasmuch as some ease to scrupulous consciences, in the exercise of religion, may be an effectual means to unite their Majesties' Protestant Subjects in interest and affection," it enacts as follows: viz. Sect. II. That neither the statute made in the 23d of Elizabeth, intituled. An act to retain the Queen's Majesty's Subjects in their due obedience; "nor the statute made in the 20th year of the said Queen, "for the more speedy and due execution of certain branches of the former act;" nor that clause of a statute made in the 1st year of the said Queen, intituled…
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127 Five Points
FIVE POINTS Are the five doctrines controverted between the Arminians and Calvinists.
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126 Westminster Assembly
WESTMINSTER ASSEMBLY A name given to the synod of divines called by parliament in the reign of Charles I. for the purpose of settling the government, liturgy, and doctrine of the church of England. They were confined in their debates to such things as the parliament proposed. Some counties had two members, and some but one. And because they would seem impartial, and give each party the liberty to speak, they chose many of the most learned episcopal divines; but few of them came, because it was not a legal convocation, the king having declared against it. The divines were men of emiment learning and godliness, ministerial abilities, and fidelity. Many lords and commons were joined with them, to see that they did not go…
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125 Savoy Confession
SAVOY CONFESSION Of FAITH, a declaration of the faith and order of the Independents, agreed upon by their elders and messengers in their meeting at the Savoy in the year 1658. This was re-printed in the year 1729. SAVOY CONFERENCE A conference held at the Savoy, 1661, between the episcopal divines and the Presbyterians, in order to review the book of Common Prayer; but which was carried on the side of the Episcopalians.
