Sermons on the Principal Events and Truths of Redemption. to Which Are Annexed, an Address and Dissertation on the State of the Departed and the Descent of Christ Into Hell (Volume 2) (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1824. Excerpt: ... APPENDIX. on THE STATE OF DEPARTED SPIRITS, AND THE DESCENT OF CHRIST INTO HELL. The Author of the preceding Address having been naturally led, in the consideration of the inquiry concerning the condition of the soul after its departure from the body, to introduce the doctrine of a separate state between death and the resurrection, it seems proper more fully to explain and establish the sentiments advanced on this subject. He has reason to believe that the doctrine is not generally understood; and that therefore it is regarded by many as a doctrine of little importance and of curious speculation only; and by others as a dangerous novelty, nearly allied to the tenets concerning purgatory held by the Church of Rome. It shall therefore be its object to shew, I. That it is a doctrine of the Church of England, and of the Protestant Episcopal Church. II. That it may be traced to the Apostolic age. And III. That it is clearly revealed in the Sacred writings. The doctrine is--That the souls of men do not go immediately to Heaven the place of final bliss, nor to Hell the place of final torment, but remain in a state of enjoyment or misery in the place of the departed until the resurrection at the last day; when, their bodies being united to their souls, they are advanced to complete felicity or woe in Heaven or Hell +. I. This is a doctrine of the Church of England, and of the Protestant Episcopal Church. In the rubric before the Apostles' Creed, in the American Liturgy, it is stated that the words "He went into the place of departed Spirits," are considered as words of the same meaning with " He descended into Hell." In the prayer for Christ's Church militant in the communion service, we are taught to beseech God that "we with all those who have departed this li...