Liberty of Conscience.

 The original version of the Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter 22, deals with "Liberty of Conscience." This chapter addresses the rights of individuals in matters of religious belief and practice, emphasizing that no one should be forced to practice or believe something against their conscience.

Here is a summary of the main points in Chapter 22 of the Westminster Confession:

  1. Religious Worship and the Sabbath: The confession acknowledges the importance of religious worship, stating that individuals are required to worship God according to His commands. It underscores the need for observing the Sabbath and keeping it holy.

  2. Liberty of Conscience: It emphasizes that people are to be free from coercion in matters of faith. While the civil magistrate (government) may regulate public worship and actions that could disturb public peace, it is wrong for the government to infringe upon an individual's freedom of conscience regarding religion.

  3. No Forced Worship: The Confession condemns any attempts to force people into a particular form of worship, asserting that faith is a matter between the individual and God, not to be dictated by external authority.

  4. Christian Liberty and the Magistrate: The Confession also addresses the role of civil authorities in matters of faith, indicating that while the magistrate can protect public worship and suppress heresy, they have no right to interfere with personal conscience regarding religious matters.

This chapter reflects the Westminster divines' commitment to the principle that conscience is ultimately subject to God and cannot be coerced by human authorities.

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