nces of the divine disposition towards us,
tendered for the purpose of exciting and confirming the faith of those
who use them. Hence the sacraments ought to be received with faith in
the promises which are exhibited and proposed by them.

They therefore condemn the opinion of those who maintain, that the
sacraments produce justification in their recipients as a matter of
course, [Note 3] who do not teach that faith is necessary, in the
reception of the sacraments, to the remission of sins.

ARTICLE XIV. - OF CHURCH ORDERS, (OR THE MINISTRY.)

Concerning church orders they teach, that no person ought publicly to
teach "or preach," [Note 4] in the church, or to administer the
sacraments, without a regular call.

ARTICLE XV. - OF RELIGIOUS CEREMONIES.

Concerning ecclesiastical ceremonies they teach, that those ceremonies
ought to be observed, which can be attended to without sin, and which
promote peace and good order in the church, such as certain holy-days,
festivals, &c. Concerning matters of this kind, however, men are
cautioned, lest their consciences be burdened, as though such
observances were necessary to salvation. They are also admonished that
human traditionary observances, instituted with a view to appease God,
and to merit his favor, and make satisfaction for sins, are contrary to
the gospel and the doctrine of faith "in Christ." [Note 5] Wherefore
vows and traditionary observances concerning meats, days, &c.,
instituted to merit grace and make satisfaction for sins, are useless,
and contrary to the gospel.

ARTICLE XVI. - OF POLITICAL AFFAIRS.

In regard to political affairs our churches teach that legitimate
political enactments are good works of God; that it is lawful for
Christians to hold civil offices, to pronounce judgment, and decide
cases according to existing laws; to inflict just punishment, wage just
wars, and serve in them; to make lawful contracts; hold property; to
make oath when required by the magistrate, to marry, and to be married.

Hence Christians ought necessarily to yield obedience to their civil
officers and laws; unless they should command something sinful; in
which case it is a duty to obey God rather than man. Acts v. 29.

ARTICLE XVII. - OF CHRIST'S RETURN TO JUDGMENT.

Our churches also teach, that at the end of the world, Christ will
appear for judgment; that he will raise all the dead; that he will
bestow upon the pious and elect eternal life and endless joys, but wi