Doc. of Faith (Dick) n. 70

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70. I have sometimes heard the goats and the sheep disputing upon this point, Whether they who have confirmed themselves in faith separated from charity, have any truth; and as they said that they had much truth, the matter was examined. They were then questioned whether they knew what love is, what charity is, and what good is; and because these were what they had separated, they could not but answer that they did not know. They were asked, What is sin? What is repentance? and What is the remission of sins? As they answered, that they who are justified by faith have their sins remitted so that these no longer appear, they were told that this is not the truth.

Being asked, What is regeneration? they replied, that it is either baptism, or the remission of sins through faith; but they were told that this is not the truth. When they were asked, What is the spiritual man? they replied, "He is one who is justified by the faith which we profess;" and they were again told that this is not the truth. They were further questioned about redemption, about the union of the Lord and the Father, and about the unity of God; and they gave answers which were not truths. Many other subjects were also mentioned; and after the questions and answers a conclusion was reached. It was, that they who have confirmed themselves in faith separated from charity have not any truth.


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