The Book of Confessions - The Presbyterian Leader

long before us by those, as I suppose, who did not simply keep to what had been delivered to
them from the beginning, but afterwards fell into another custom either through negligence or
ignorance" (Fragm. 3, ed. Stieren, I. 824 f.). Moreover, Socrates, the historian says: "Because no
ancient text is found concerning this matter, I think the apostles left this to every man's own
judgment, that every one might do what is good without fear or constraint" (Hist. ecclesiast.
V.22, 40).
CHOICE OF FOOD. Now concerning the choice of foods, we think that in fasting all
things should be denied to the flesh whereby the flesh is made more insolent, and by which it is
greatly pleased, and by which it is inflamed with desire whether by fish or meat or spices or
delicacies and excellent wines. Moreover, we know that all the creatures of God were made for
the use of service of men. All things which God made are good, and without distinction are to be
used in the fear of God and with proper moderation (Gen. 2:15 f.). For the apostle says: "To the
pure all things are pure" (Titus 1:15), and also: "Eat whatever is sold in the meat market without
raising any question on the ground of conscience" (I Cor. 10:25). The same apostle calls the
doctrine of those who teach to abstain from meats "the doctrine of demons"; for "God created
foods to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know this truth that everything
created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving" (I Tim.
4:1 ff.). The same apostle, in the epistle to the Colossians, reproves those who want to acquire a
reputation for holiness by excessive abstinence (Col. 2:18 ff.).
SECTS. Therefore we entirely disapprove of the Tatians and the Encratites, and all the
disciples of Eustathius, against whom the Gangrian Synod was called.
CHAPTER XXV - Of Catechizing and of Comforting and Visiting the Sick
YOUTH TO BE INSTRUCTED IN GODLINESS. The Lord enjoined his ancient people
to exercise the greatest care that young people, even from infancy, be properly instructed.
Moreover, he expressly commanded in his law that they should teach them, and that the mysteries
of the sacraments should be explained. Now since it is well known from the writings of the
Evangelists and apostles that God has no less concern for the youth of his new people, when he
openly testifies and says: "Let the children come to me; for to such belongs the kingdom of
heaven" (Mark 10:14), the pastors of the churches act most wisely when they early and carefully
catechize the youth, laying the first grounds of faith, and faithfully teaching the rudiments of our
religion by expounding the Ten Commandments, the Apostles' Creed, the Lord's Prayer, and the
doctrine of the sacraments, with other such principles and chief heads of our religion. Here let the
Church show her faith and diligence in bringing the children to be catechized, desirous and glad to
have her children well instructed.
THE VISITATION OF THE SICK. Since men are never exposed to more grievous
temptations than when they are harassed by infirmities, are sick and are weakened by diseases of
both soul and body, surely it is never more fitting for pastors of churches to watch more carefully
for the welfare of their flocks than in such diseases and infirmities. Therefore let them visit the
sick soon, and let them be called in good time by the sick, if the circumstance itself would have
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