The Book of Confessions - The Presbyterian Leader

CHAPTER XXVIII - Of the Possessions of the Church
THE POSSESSIONS OF THE CHURCH AND THEIR PROPER USE. The Church of
Christ possesses riches through the munificence of princes and the liberality of the faithful who
have given their means to the Church. For the Church has need of such resources and from
ancient time has had resources for the maintenance of things necessary for the Church. Now the
true use of the Church's wealth was, and is now, to maintain teaching in schools and in religious
meetings, along with all the worship, rites, and buildings of the Church; finally, to maintain
teachers, scholars, and ministers, with other necessary things, and especially for the succor and
relief of the poor. MANAGEMENT. Moreover, God-fearing and wise men, noted for the
management of domestic affairs, should be chosen to administer properly the Church's
possessions.
THE MISUSE OF THE CHURCH'S POSSESSIONS. But if through misfortune or
through the audacity, ignorance or avarice of some persons the Church's wealth is abused, it is to
be restored to a sacred use by godly and wise men. For neither is an abuse, which is the greatest
sacrilege, to be winked at. Therefore, we teach that schools and institutions which have been
corrupted in doctrine, worship and morals must be reformed, and that the relief of the poor must
be arranged dutifully, wisely, and in good faith.
CHAPTER XXIX - Of Celibacy, Marriage and the Management of Domestic Affairs
SINGLE PEOPLE. Those who have the gift of celibacy from heaven, so that from the
heart or with their whole soul are pure and continent and are not aflame with passion, let them
serve the Lord in that calling, as long as they feel endued with that divine gift; and let them not lift
up themselves above others, but let them serve the Lord continuously in simplicity and humility (I
Cor. 7:7 ff.). For such are more apt to attend to divine things than those who are distracted with
the private affairs of a family. But if, again, the gift be taken away, and they feel a continual
burning, let them call to mind the words of the apostle: "It is better to marry than to be aflame" (I
Cor. 7:9).
MARRIAGE. For marriage (which is the medicine of incontinency, and continency itself)
was instituted by the Lord God himself, who blessed it most bountifully, and willed man and
woman to cleave one to the other inseparably, and to live together in complete love and concord
(Matt. 19:4 ff). Whereupon we know that the apostle said: "Let marriage be held in honor among
all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled" (Heb. 13:4). And again: "If a girl marries, she does not
sin" (I Cor. 7:28).THE SECTS. We therefore condemn polygamy, and those who condemn
second marriages.
HOW MARRIAGES ARE TO BE CONTRACTED. We teach that marriages are to be
lawfully contracted in the fear of the Lord, and not against the laws which forbid certain degrees
of consanguinity, lest the marriages should be incestuous. Let marriages be made with consent of
the parents, or of those who take the place of parents, and above all for that purpose for which
Copyright © 1996 by the Office of the General Assembly, Presbyterian Church (USA)