(Reproduced from Jone's Church History)
1. We believe and firmly maintain all that is contained in the twelve articles of the symbol, commonly called the apostles' creed, and we regard as heretical whatever is inconsistent with the said twelve articles.
2. We believe that there is one God - the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
3. We acknowledge for sacred canonical scriptures the books of the Holy Bible. (Here follows the title of each, exactly conformable to our received canon, but which it is deemed, on that account, quite unnecessary to particularize.)
4. The books above-mentioned teach us: That there is one GOD, almighty, unbounded in wisdom, and infinite in goodness, and who, in His goodness, has made all things. For He created Adam after His own image and likeness. But through the enmity of the Devil, and his own disobedience, Adam fell, sin entered into the world, and we became transgressors in and by Adam.
5. That Christ had been promised to the fathers who received the law, to the end that, knowing their sin by the law, and their unrighteousness and insufficiency, they might desire the coming of Christ to make satisfaction for their sins, and to accomplish the law by Himself.
6. That at the time appointed of the Father, Christ was born - a time when iniquity everywhere abounded, to make it manifest that it was not for the sake of any good in ourselves, for all were sinners, but that He, who is true, might display His grace and mercy towards us.
7. That Christ is our life, and truth, and peace, and righteousness - our shepherd and advocate, our sacrifice and priest, who died for the salvation of all who should believe, and rose again for their justification.
8. And we also firmly believe, that there is no other mediator, or advocate with God the Father, but Jesus Christ. And as to the Virgin Mary, she was holy, humble, and full of grace; and this we also believe concerning all other saints, namely, that they are waiting in heaven for the resurrection of their bodies at the day of judgment.
9. We also believe, that, after this life, there are but two places - one for those that are saved, the other for the damned, which [two] we call paradise and hell, wholly denying that imaginary purgatory of Antichrist, invented in opposition to the truth.
10. Moreover, we have ever regarded all the inventions of men [in the affairs of religion] as an unspeakable abomination before God; such as the festival days and vigils of saints, and what is called holy-water, the abstaining from flesh on certain days, and such like things, but above all, the masses.
11. We hold in abhorrence all human inventions, as proceeding from Antichrist, which produce distress (Alluding probably to the voluntary penances and mortification imposed by the Catholics on themselves), and are prejudicial to the liberty of the mind.
12 We consider the Sacraments as signs of holy things, or as the visible emblems of invisible blessings. We regard it as proper and even necessary that believers use these symbols or visible forms when it can be done. Notwithstanding which, we maintain that believers may be saved without these signs, when they have neither place nor opportunity of observing them.
13. We acknowledge no sacraments [as of divine appointment] but baptism and the Lord's supper.
14. We honour the secular powers, with subjection, obedience, promptitude, and payment.
1. We believe that there is but one God, who is a Spirit - the Creator of all things - the Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in us all; who is to be worshipped in spirit and in truth - upon whom we are continually dependent, and to whom we ascribe praise for our life, food, raiment, health, sickness, prosperity, and adversity. We love him as the source of all goodness; and reverence him as that sublime being, who searches the reins and trieth the hearts of the children of men.
2. We believe that Jesus Christ is the Son and image of the Father - that in Him all the fullness of the Godhead dwells, and that by Him alone we know the Father. He is our Mediator and advocate; nor is there any other name given under heaven by which we can be saved. In His name alone we call upon the Father, using no other prayers than those contained in the Holy Scriptures, or such as are in substance agreeable thereunto.
3. We believe in the Holy Spirit as the Comforter, proceeding from the Father, and from the Son; by whose inspiration we are taught to pray; being by Him renewed in the spirit of our minds; who creates us anew unto good works, and from whom we receive the knowledge of the truth.
4. We believe that there is one holy church, comprising the whole assembly of the elect and faithful, that have existed from the beginning of the world, or that shall be to the end thereof. Of this church the Lord Jesus Christ is the head - it is governed by His word and guided by the Holy Spirit. In the church it behooves all Christians to have fellowship. For her He [Christ] prays incessantly, and His prayer for it is most acceptable to God, without which indeed their could be no salvation.
5. We hold that the ministers of the church ought to be unblameable both in life and doctrine; and if found otherwise, that they ought to be deposed from their office, and others substituted in their stead; and that no person ought to presume to take that honour unto himself but he who is called of God as was Aaron - that the duties of such are to feed the flock of God, not for filthy lucre's sake, or as having dominion over God's heritage, but as being examples to the flock, in word, in conversation, in charity, in faith, and in chastity.
6. We acknowledge, that kings, princes, and governors, are the appointed and established ministers of God, whom we are bound to obey [in all lawful and civil concerns]. For they bear the sword for the defence of the innocent, and the punishment of evil doers; for which reason we are bound to honour and pay them tribute. From this power and authority, no man can exempt himself as is manifest from the example of the Lord Jesus Christ, who voluntarily paid tribute, not taking upon himself any jurisdiction of temporal power.
7. We believe that in the ordinance of baptism the water is the visible and external sign, which represents to as that which, by virtue of God's invisible operation, is within us - namely, the renovation of our minds, and the mortification of our members through [the faith of] Jesus Christ. And by this ordinance we are received into the holy congregation of God's people, previously professing and declaring our faith and change of life.
8. We hold that the Lord's supper is a commemoration of, and thanksgiving for, the benefits which we have received by His sufferings and death - and that it is to be received in faith and love - examining ourselves, that so we may eat of that bread and drink of that cup, as it is written in the Holy Scriptures.
9. We maintain that marriage was instituted of God. That it is holy and honourable, and ought to be forbidded to none, provided there be no obstacle from the divine word.
10. We contend, that all those in whom the fear of God dwells, will thereby be led to please him, and to abound in the good works [of the gospel] which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them - which are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, sobriety, and the other good works enforced in the Holy Scriptures.
11. On the other hand, we confess that we consider it to be our duty to beware of false teachers, whose object is to divert the minds of men from the true worship of God, and to lead them to place their confidence in the creature, as well as to depart from the good works of the gospel, and to regard the inventions of men.
12. We take the Old and the New Testament for the rule of our life, and we agree with the general confession of faith contained in [what is usually termed] the apostles' creed.
A CONFESSION OF FAITH of seven congregations or churches of Christ in London, which are commonly, but unjustly, called Anabaptists; published for the vindication of the truth and information of the ignorant; likewise for the taking off those aspersions which are frequently, both in pulpit and print, unjustly cast upon them. Printed in
But this I confesse unto thee, that after the way which they call heresie so worship I the God of my Fathers, beleeving all things that are written in the Law and the Prophets, and have hope towards God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead both of the just and unjust. - Acts xxiv. 14, 15.
For we cannot but speak the things that we have seen and heard. - Acts iv. 20.
If I have spoken evill, bear witnesse of the evill; but if well, why smitest thou me? - John xviii. 23.
Blessed are yee when men revile you, and say all manner of evil against you falsly for my sake. Rejoice, etc. - Matth. v.11, 12. & xix. 29.
Article I.
That God as He is in Himself, cannot be comprehended of any but himself, 1 dwelling in that inaccessible light, that no eye can attain unto, whom never man saw, nor can see; that there is but 2 one God, one Christ, one Spirit, one Faith, one Baptism; 3 one rule of holiness and obedience for all Saints, at all times, in all places to be observed. 1) 1 Tim. 6:16 2) 1 Tim. 2:5; Eph. 4:4-6; 1 Cor. 12: 4-6,13; John 14 3) 1 Tim. 6:3,13,14; Gal. 1:8-9; 2 Tim. 3:15
Article II.
That God is 1 of Himself, that is, neither from another, nor of another, nor by another, nor for another: 2 But is a Spirit, who as his being is of Himself, so He gives 3 being, moving, and preservation to all other things, being in Himself eternal, most holy, every way infinite in 4 greatness, wisdom, power, justice, goodness, truth, etc. In this Godhead, there is the Father, the Son, and the Spirit; being every on of them one and the same God; and therefore not divided, but distinguished one from another by their several properties; the 5 Father being from Himself, the 6 Son of the Father from everlasting, the 7 Holy Spirit proceeding from the Father and the Son.
1) Isa. 43:11; 46:9 2) John 4:24 3) Exod. 3:14 4) Rom. 11:36; Acts 17:28 5) 1 Cor. 8:6
6) Prov. 8:22-23 7) John 15:16; Gal. 4:6
Article III.
That God has 1 decreed in Himself from everlasting touching all things, effectually to work and dispose them 2 according to the counsel of His own will, to the glory of His name; in which decree appears His wisdom, constancy, truth, and faithfulness; 3 Wisdom is that whereby He contrives all things; 4 Constancy is that whereby the decree of God remains always immutable; 5 Truth is that whereby He declares that alone which He has decreed, and though His sayings may seem to sound sometimes another thing, yet the sense of them does always agree with the decree; 6 Faithfulness is that whereby He effects that He has decreed, as He has decreed. And touching His creature man, 7 God had in Christ before the foundation of the world, according to the good pleasure of His will, foreordained some men to eternal life through Jesus Christ, to the praise and glory of His grace, 8 leaving the rest in their sin to their just condemnation, to the praise of His justice.
1) Isa. 46:10 2) Eph. 1:11 3) Col. 2:3 4) Num. 23:19-20 5) Jer. 10:10;
6) Isa. 44:10 7) Eph. 1:3-7; 2 Tim. 1:9; Acts 13:48; Rom. 8:29-30 8) Jude 4,6; Rom. 9:11-13; Prov. 16:4
Article IV.
1 In the beginning God made all things very good, created man after His own 2 image and likeness, filling him with all perfection of all natural excellency and uprightness, free from all sin. 3 But long he abode not in this honor, but by the 4 subtlety of the Serpent, which Satan used as his instrument, himself with his angels having sinned before and not 5 kept their first estate, but left their own habitation; first 6 Eve, then Adam being seduced did wittingly and willingly fall into disobedience and transgression of the Commandment of their great Creator, for the which death came upon all, and reigned over all, so that all since the Fall are conceived in sin, and brought forth in iniquity, and so by nature children of wrath, and servants of sin, subjects of 7 death, and all other calamities due to sin in this world and for ever, being considered in the state of nature, without relation to Christ.
1) Gen. 1; Col. 1:16; Heb. 11:3; Isa. 45:12 2) Gen. 1:26; 1 Cor. 15:45-46; Ecc. 7:31 3) Psa. 49:20
4) Gen. 3:1, 4, 5; 2 Cor. 11:3 5) 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6; John 8:44 6) Gen. 3:1, 2, 6; 1 Tim. 2:14; Ecc. 7:31; Gal. 3:32 7) Rom. 5:12, 18, 19; 6:23; Eph. 2:3
Article V.
All mankind being thus fallen, and become altogether dead in sins and trespasses, and subject to the eternal wrath of the great God by transgression; yet the elect, which God has 1 loved with an everlasting love, are 2 redeemed, quickened, and saved, not by themselves, neither by their own works, lest any man should boast himself, but wholly and only by God of 3 His free grace and mercy through Jesus Christ, who of God is made unto us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption, that as it is written he that rejoices, let him rejoice in the Lord.
1) Jer. 31:2 2) Gen 3:15; Eph. 1:3, 7; 2:4, 9; 1 Thes. 5:9; Acts 13:38 3) 1 Cor.5:21; Jer. 9:23, 24
Article VI.
1 This therefore is life eternal, to know the only true God, and whom He has sent Jesus Christ. 2 And on the contrary, the Lord will render vengeance in flaming fire to them that know not God, and obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1) John 17:3; Heb. 5:9; Jer. 23:5, 6 2) 2 Thes. 1:8; John 3:36
Article VII.
The rule of this knowledge, faith, and obedience, concerning the worship and service of God, and all other Christian duties, is not mans inventions, opinions, devices, laws, constitutions, or traditions unwritten whatsoever, but only the word of God contained in the Canonical Scriptures.
John 5:39; 2 Tim. 3:15-17; Col. 21:18, 23; Mat. 15:9
Article VIII.
In this written Word God has plainly revealed whatsoever He has thought needful for us to know, believe, and acknowledge, touching the nature and office of Christ, in whom all the promises are Yea and Amen to the praise of God. Acts 3:22, 23; Heb. 1:1, 2; 2 Tim 3:15-17; 2 Cor. 1:20
Article IX.
Touching the Lord Jesus, of whom 1 Moses and the Prophets wrote, and whom the Apostles preached, is the 2 Son of God the Father, the brightness of His glory, the ingrave form of His being, God with Him and with His Holy Spirit, by whom He made the world, by whom He upholds and governs all the works He has made, who also 3 when the fullness of time was come was, was made man of a 4 woman, of the Tribe of 5 Judah, of the seed of Abraham and David, to wit, of Mary that blessed Virgin, by the Holy Spirit coming upon her, and the power of the most High overshadowing her, and was also in 6 all things like unto us, sin only excepted. 1) Gen. 3:15; 22:18; 49:10; Dan. 7:13; 9:24-26 2) Prov. 8:23; John 1:1-3; Col. 1:1, 15-17 3) Gal. 4:4 4) Heb. 7:14; Rev. 5:5 with Gen. 49:9-10 5) Rom. 1:3; 9:5; Mat. 1:16; Luke 3:23, 26; Heb. 2:16 6) Isa.53:3-5; Phil. 2:8
Article X.
Touching His office, 1 Jesus Christ only is made the Mediator of the New Covenant, even the everlasting covenant of grace between God and man, to 2 be perfectly and fully the Prophet, Priest and King of the Church of God for evermore.
1) 2 Tim. 2:15; Heb. 9:15; John 14:6 2) Heb. 1:2; 3:1, 2; 7:24; Acts 5:31
Article XI.
Unto this office He was fore-ordained from everlasting, by the 1 authority of the Father, and in respect of His manhood, from the womb called and separated, and 2 anointed also most fully and abundantly with all gifts necessary, God having without measure poured the Spirit upon Him.
1) Prov. 8:23; Isa. 42:6; 49:1,5 2) Isa. 11:2-5; 61:1-3 with Luke 4:17, 22; John1:14,16; 3:34
Article XII.
In this call the Scripture hold forth two special things considerable; first, the call to the office; secondly the office its self. First, that 1 none takes this honor but he that is called of God, as was Aaron, so also Christ, it being an action especially of God the Father, whereby a special covenant being made, He ordains His Son to this office: which Covenant is, that 2 Christ should be made a sacrifice for sin, that He shall see His seed, and prolong His days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in His hand; which calling therefore contains in it self 3 choosing, 4 for-ordaining, 5 sending. choosing respects the end, foreordaining the means, sending the execution it self, 6 all of mere grace, without any condition fore-seen wither in men, on in Christ Himself. 1) Heb. 5:4-6 2) Isa. 53:10
3) Isa. 42:13 4)1 Peter 1:20 5) John 3:17; 9:27; 10:36 6) John 8:32
Article XIII.
So that this office to be Mediator, that is, to be Prophet, Priest, and King of the Church of God, is so proper to Christ, as neither in the whole, not in any part thereof, it can be transferred from Him to any other. 1 Tim. 2:15; Heb. 7:24; Dan. 5:14; Acts 4:12; Luke 1:23; John 14:6
Article XIV.
This office it self to which Christ was called, is three fold, of 1 a Prophet, of 2 Priest, and of 3 King: this number and order of offices is showed; first by mens necessities grievously laboring 4 under ignorance, by reason whereof they stand in infinite necessity of the Prophetical office of Christ to relieve them. Secondly, 5 alienation from God, wherein they stand in need of the Priestly office to reconcile them. Thirdly, our 6 utter disability to return to Him, by which they stand in need of the power of Christ in His Kingly office to assist and govern them. 1) Deut. 18:15 with Acts 3:22-23
2) Psal. 110:3; Heb. 3:1; 4:14-15; 5:6 3) Psal. 2:6 4) Acts 26:18; Col. 1:3 5) Col. 1:21; Eph. 2:12
6) Song of Sol. 1:3; John 6:44
Article XV.
Touching the Prophesy of Christ, it is that whereby He has 1 perfectly revealed the whole will of God out of the bosom of the Father, that is needful for His servants to know, believe, and obey; and therefore is called not only a Prophet and a 2 Doctor, and the 3 Apostle of our profession, and the 4 Angel of the Covenant; but also the very 5 wisdom of God, and the 6 treasures of wisdom and understanding. 1) John 1:18; 12:49-50; 15; 17:8; Deut. 18:15 2) Mat. 23:10 3) Heb. 3:1
4) Mal. 3:1 5) 1 Cor. 1:24 6) Col. 2:3
Article XVI.
That He might be such a Prophet as thereby to every way complete, it was necessary that He should be 1 God, and withall also that He should be man; for unless He had been God, He could have never perfectly understood the will of God, 2 neither had He have been able to reveal it throughout all ages; and unless He had been man, He could not fitly have unfolded it in His 3 own person to man.
1) John 1:18; 3:13 2) 1 Cor. 2:11, 16 3) Acts 3:22 with Deut. 18:15; Heb. 1:1
Article XVII.
Touching His Priesthood, Christ 1 being consecrated, has appeared once to put away sin by the offering and sacrifice of Himself, and to this end has fully performed and suffered all those things by which God, through the blood of that His Cross in an acceptable sacrifice, might reconcile His elect only; 2 and having broken down the partition wall, and therewith finished and removed all the rites, shadows, and ceremonies, is now entered within the vail, into the Holy of Holiest, that is, to the very Heavens, and presence of God, where He for ever lives and sits at the right hand of Majesty, appearing before the face of His Father to make intercession for such as come to the Throne of Grace by that new and living way; and not that only, but 3 makes His people a spiritual House, an holy Priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifice acceptable to God through Him; neither does the Father accept, or Christ offer to the Father any other worship or worshipers.
1) John 17:19; Heb. 5:7-9; 9:26; Rom. 5:19; Eph. 5:12; Col. 1:20 2) Eph. 2:14-16; Rom. 8:34
3) 1 Peter 2:5; John 4:23, 24
Article XVIII.
This Priesthood was not legal, or temporary, but according to the order 1 of Melchisecdec; 2 not by a carnal commandment, but by the power of endless life; 3 not by an order that is weak and lame, but stable and perfect, not for a 4 time, but for ever, admitting no successor, but perpetual and proper to Christ, and of Him that ever lives. Christ Himself was the Priest, Sacrifice and Alter: He was 5 Priest, according to both natures, He was a sacrifice most properly according to His human nature: 6 where in Scripture it is wont to be attributed to His body, to His blood; yet the chief force whereby this sacrifice was made effectual, did depend upon His 7 divine nature, namely, that the Son of God did offer Himself for us: He was the alter properly according to His divine nature, it belonging to the 8 Alter to sacrifice that which is offered upon it, and so it ought to be of greater dignity then the Sacrifice itself. 1) Heb. 7:17 2) Heb. 7:16 3) Heb. 7:18-21 4) Heb. 7:24-25 5) Heb. 5:6
6) Heb. 10:10; 1 Peter 1:18-19; Col. 1:20-21; Isa. 53: 10; Mat. 20:28 7) Acts 20:28; Rom. 8:3
8) Heb. 9:14; 13:10, 12, 15; Mat. 23:17; John 17:19
Article XIX.
Touching His Kingdom, 1 Christ being risen from the dead, ascended into Heaven, sat on the right hand of God the Father, having all power in Heaven and earth, given unto Him, He does spiritually govern His Church, exercising His power 2 over all angels and men, good and bad, to the preservation and salvation of the elect, to the over-ruling and destruction of His enemies, which are reprobates, 3 communicating and applying the benefits, virtue, and fruit of His Prophecy and Priesthood to His elect, namely, to the subduing and taking away of their sins, to their justification and adoption of Sons, regeneration, sanctification, preservation and strengthening in all their conflicts against Satan, the World, the Flesh, and the temptations of them, continually dwelling in, governing and keeping their hearts in faith and filial fear by His Spirit, which having 4 given it, He never takes it away from them, but by it still begets and nourishes in them faith, repentance, love, joy, hope, and all heavenly light in the soul unto immortality, notwithstanding through our own unbelief, and the temptations of Satan, the sensible sight of this light and love be clouded and overwhelmed for the time. 5 And on the contrary, ruling in the world over His enemies, Satan, and all the vessels of wrath, limiting, using, restraining them by His mighty power, as seems good in His divine wisdom and justice to the execution of His determinate counsel, delivering them up to a reprobate mind, to be kept through their own deserts, in darkness and sensuality unto judgment.
1) 1 Cor. 15:4; 1 Peter 3:21-22; Mat. 28:18-20; Luke 24:51; Acts 1:11; 5:30-31; John 19:36; Rom. 14:17 2) Mark 1:27; Heb. 1:14; John 16:7,15 3) John 5:26-27; Rom. 5:5-7; 14:17; Gal. 5:22,23; John 1:4,13 4) John 13:1; 10:28-29; 14:16-17; Rom. 11:29; Psal. 51:10-11; Job 33:29-30; 2 Cor. 12:7, 9 5) Job 1, 2; Rom. 1:21; 2:4-6; 9:17-18; 2 Peter 2
Article XX.
This Kingdom shall be then fully perfected when He shall the second time come in glory to reign among His saints, and to be admired of all them which do believe, when He shall put down all rule and authority under His feet, that the glory of the Father my be full and perfectly manifested in His Son, and the glory of the Father and the Son in all His members.
1 Cor. 15:24,28; Heb. 9:28; 2 Thes. 1:9, 10; 1 Thes. 4:15-17; John 17:21,26
Article XXI.
That Christ Jesus by His death did bring fourth salvation and reconciliation only for the 1 elect, which were those which 2 God the Father gave Him; and that the Gospel which is to be preached to all men as the ground of faith, is, that 3 Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the ever blessed God, filled with the perfection of all heavenly and spiritual excellencies, and that salvation is only and alone to be had through the believing in His name. 1) John 15:13; Rom. 8:32-34; 5:11; 3:25
2) Job 17:2 with 6:37 3) Mat. 16:16; Luke 2:26; John 6:9; 7:3; 20:31; 1 John 5:11
Article XXII.
That faith is the 1 gift of God wrought in the hearts of the elect by the Spirit of God, whereby they come to see, know, and believe the truth of the 2 Scriptures, and not only so, but the excellency of them above all other writing and things in the world, as they hold forth the glory of God in His attributes, the excellency of Christ in His nature and offices, and the power of the fullness of the Spirit in His workings and operations; and thereupon are enabled to cast the weight of their souls upon this truth thus believed. 1) Eph. 2:8; John 6:29; 4:10; Phil. 1:29; Gal. 5:22
2) John 17:17; Heb. 4:11-12; John 6:63
Article XXIII.
Those that have this precious faith wrought in them by the Spirit, can never finally nor totally fall away; and though many storms and floods do arise and beat against them, yet they shall never be able to take them off that foundation and rock which by faith they are fastened upon, but shall be kept by the power of God to salvation, where they shall enjoy their purchased possession, they being formerly engraven upon the palms of God's hands. Mat. 7:24, 25; John 13:1; 1 Peter 1:4-6; Isa. 49:13-16
Article XXIV.
That faith is ordinarily 1 begot by the preaching of the Gospel, or word of Christ, without respect to 2 any power or capacity in the creature, but it is wholly 3 passive, being dead in sins and trespasses, does believe, and is converted by no less power, 4 then that which raised Christ from the dead.
1) Rom. 10:17; 1 Cor. 1:21 2) Rom. 9:16 3) Rom. 2:1, 2; Ezek. 16:6; Rom 3:12
4) Rom. 1:16; Eph. 1:19; Col 2:12
Article XXV.
That the tenders of the Gospel to the conversion of sinners, 1 is absolutely free, no way requiring, as absolutely necessary, any qualifications, preparations, terrors of the Law, or preceding ministry of the Law, but only and alone the naked soul, as a 2 sinner and ungodly to receive Christ, as Christ, as crucified, dead, and buried, and risen again, being made 3 a Prince and a Savior for such sinners.
1) John 3:14, 15; 1:12; Isa. 55:1; John 7:37 2) 1 Tim. 1:15; Rom. 4:5; 5:8
3) Acts 5:30-31; 2:36; 1 Cor. 1:22-24
Article XXVI.
That the same power that converts to faith in Christ, the same power carries on the 1 soul still through all duties, temptations, conflicts, sufferings, and continually what ever a Christian is, he is by 2 grace, and by a constant renewed 3 operation from God, without which he cannot perform any duty to God, or undergo any temptations from Satan, the world, or men.
1) 1 Peter 1:5; 2 Cor. 12:9 2) 1 Cor. 15:10 3) Phil. 2:12, 13; John 15:5; Gal. 2:19-20
Article XXVII.
That God the Father, and Son, and Spirit, is one with 1 all believers, in their 2 fullness, in 3 relations, 4 as head and members, 5 as house and inhabitants, as 6 husband and wife, one with Him, as 7 light and love, and one with Him in His inheritance, and in all His 8 glory; and that all believers by virtue of this union and oneness with God, are the adopted sons of God, and heirs of Christ, co-heirs and joint heirs with Him of the inheritance of all the promises of this life, and that which is to come.
1) 1 Thes. 1:1; John 14:10, 20; 17:21 2) Col. 2:9, 10; 1:19; John 1:17 3) John 20:17; Heb. 2:11
4) Col. 1:18; Eph. 5:30 5) Eph. 2:22; 1Cor. 3:16-17 6) Isa. 16:5; 2 Cor. 11:3 7) Gal. 3:26
8) John 17:24
Article XXVIII.
That those which have union with Christ, are justified from all their sins, past, 1 present, and to come, by the blood of Christ; which justification we conceive to be a gracious and free 2 acquittance of a guilty, sinful creature, from all sin by God, through the satisfaction that Christ has made by His death; and this applied in the manifestation of it through faith.
1) John 1:7; Heb 10:14; 9:26; 2 Cor. 5:19; Rom. 3:23 2) Acts 13:38, 39; Rom. 5:1; 3:25, 30
Article XXIX.
That all believers are a holy and 1 sanctified people, and that sanctification is a spiritual grace of the 2 New Covenant, and effect of the 3 love of God, manifested to the soul, whereby the believer is in 4 truth and reality separated, both in soul and body, from all sin and dead works, through the 5 blood of the everlasting Covenant, whereby he also presents after a heavenly and evangelical perfection, in obedience to all the commands, 6 which Christ as Head and King in this New Covenant has prescribed to him. 1) 1 Cor. 1:1; 1 Peter 2:9 2) Eph. 1:4 3) 1 John 4:16 4) Eph. 4:24
5) Phil. 3:15 6) Mat. 28:20
Article XXX.
All believers through the knowledge of 1 that justification of life given by the Father, and brought forth by the blood of Christ, have this as their great privilege of that New 2 Covenant, peace with God, and reconciliation, whereby they that were afar off, were brought nigh by 3 that blood, and have (as the Scripture speaks) peace 4 passing all understanding, yes, joy in God, through our Lord Jesus Christ, by 5 whom we have received the Atonement.
1) 2 Cor. 5:19 2) Isa. 54:10; 26:12 3) Eph. 2:13-14 4) Phil. 4:7 5) Rom. 5:10-11
Article XXXI.
That all believers in the time of this life, are in a continual warfare, combat, and opposition against sin, self, the world, and the Devil, and liable to all manner of afflictions, tribulations, and persecutions, and so shall continue until Christ comes in His Kingdom, being predestined and appointed there unto; and whatsoever the saints, any of them do possess or enjoy of God in this life, is only by faith. Eph. 6:10-13; 2 Cor. 10:3; Rev. 2:9, 10
Article XXXII.
That the only strength by which the saints are enabled to encounter with all opposition, and to overcome all afflictions, temptations, persecutions, and trails, is only by Jesus Christ, who is the Captain of their salvation, being made perfect through sufferings, who has engaged His strength to assist them in all their afflictions, and to uphold them under all their temptations, and to preserve them by His power to His everlasting Kingdom. John 16:33; Heb. 2:9, 10; John 15:5
Article XXXIII.
That Christ has here on earth a spiritual Kingdom, which is the Church, which He has purchased and redeemed to Himself, as a particular inheritance: which Church, as it is visible to us, is a company of visible 1 saints, 2 called and separated from the world, by the Word and the 3 Spirit of God, to the visible profession of the faith of the Gospel, being baptized into the faith, and joined to the Lord, and each other, by mutual agreement, in the practical enjoyment of the 4 ordinances, commanded by Christ their head and King. 1) 1 Cor. 1:1; Eph. 1:1 2) Rom. 1:1; Acts 26:18; 1 Thes. 1:9; 2 Cor. 6:17; Rev. 18:18 3) Acts 2:37 with Acts 10:37 4) Rom. 10:10; Acts 2:42; 20:21; Mat. 18:19, 20; 1 Peter 2:5
Article XXXIV.
To this Church He has 1 made His promises, and given the signs of His Covenant, presence, love, blessing, and protection: here are the fountains and springs of His heavenly grace continually flowing forth; 2 thither ought all men to come, of all estates, that acknowledge Him to be their Prophet, Priest, and King, to be enrolled amongst His household servants, to under His heavenly conduct and government, to lead their lives in His walled sheepfold, and watered garden, to have communion here with the saints, that they may be made to be partakers of their inheritance in the Kingdom of God.
1) Mat. 28:18-20; 2 Cor. 6:18 2) Isa. 8:16; 1 Tim. 3:15; 4:16; 6:3, 5; Acts 2:41,47; Song of Sol. 4:12; Gal. 6:10; Eph. 2:19
Article XXXV.
And all His servants are called thither, to present their bodies and souls, and to bring their gifts God has given them; so being come, they are here by Himself bestowed in their several order, peculiar place, due use, being fitly compact and knit together, according to the effectual working of every part, to the edification of itself in love.
1 Cor. 12:6, 7, 12, 18; Rom. 12:4-6; 1 Peter 4:10;Eph. 4:16; Col. 2:5, 6, 19; 1 Cor. 12:12ff
Article XXXVI.
That being thus joined, every Church has 1 power given them from Christ for their better well-being, to choose to themselves fitting persons into the office of 2 Pastors, Teachers, Elders, Deacons, being qualified according to the Word, as those which Christ has appointed in His Testament, for the feeding, governing, serving, and building up of His Church, and that none other have to power to impose them, either these or any other. 1) Acts 1:2; 6:3; 15:22, 25; 1 Cor. 16:3
2) Rom. 12:7, 8; 16:1; 1 Cor. 12:8, 28; 1 Tim. 3 chapt.; Heb. 13:7; 1 Peter 5:1-3
Article XXXVII.
That the Ministers aforesaid, lawfully called by the Church, where they are to administer, ought to continue is their calling, according to God's ordinance, and carefully to feed the flock of Christ committed to them, nor for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind.
Heb. 5:4; Acts 4:23; 1 Tim. 4:14; John 10:3, 4; Acts 20:28; Rom. 12:7, 8; Heb. 13:7, 17
Article XXXVIII.
That the due maintenance of the officers aforesaid, should be the free and voluntary communication of the Church, that according to Christ's ordinance, they that preach the Gospel, should live on the Gospel and not by constraint to be compelled from the people by a forced law.
1 Cor. 9:7,14; Gal. 6:6; 1 Thes. 5:13; 1 Tim. 5:17-18; Phil. 4:15-16
Article XXXIX.
That Baptism is an ordinance of the New Testament, given by Christ, to be dispensed only upon persons professing faith, or that are Disciples, or taught, who upon a profession of faith, ought to be baptized (Added later: "...and after to partake of the Lord's Supper.") Acts 2:37, 38; 8:36-38; 18:8
Article XL.
The way and manner of the 1 dispensing of this ordinance the Scripture holds out to be dipping or plunging the whole body under water: it being a sign, must answer the thing signified, which are these: first, the 2 washing the whole soul in the blood of Christ; secondly, that interest the saints have in 3 death, burial, and resurrection (of Christ) ; thirdly, together with a 4 confirmation of out faith, that as certainly as the body is buried under water, and rises again, so certainly shall the bodies of the saints by raised by the power of Christ, in the day of the resurrection, to reign with Christ.
1) Mat. 3:16; John 3:23; Acts 8:38 2) Rev. 1:5; 7:14; Heb. 10:22 3) Rom. 6:3-5 4) 1 Cor. 15:28, 29
Article XLI.
The persons designed by Christ, to dispense this ordinance, the Scriptures hold forth to a preaching Disciple, it being no where tied to a particular church, officer, or person extraordinarily sent, the commission enjoining the administration, being given to them under no other consideration, but as considered Disciples. Isa. 8:16; Mat. 28:16-19; John 4:1-2; Acts 20:7; Mat. 26:26
Article XLII.
Christ has likewise given power to His whole church to receive in and cast out, by way of Excommunication, any member; and this power is given to every particular congregation, and not one particular person, either member or officer, but the whole. Acts 2:47; Rom. 16:2; Mat. 18:17; 1 Cor. 5:4; 2 Cor. 2:6-8
Article XLIII.
And every particular member of each Church how excellent, great, or learned soever, ought to be subject to this censor and judgment of Christ; and the church ought with great care and tenderness, with due advise to proceed against her members. Mat. 18:16-18; Acts 11:2. 3; 1 Tim. 5:19-21
Article XLIV.
And as Christ for the 1 keeping of this church in holy and orderly communion, places some special men over the church, who by their office are to govern, oversee, visit, watch; so likewise for the better keeping thereof in all places, by the members, He has given 2 authority, and laid duty upon all, to watch over one another. 1) Acts. 20:27, 28; Heb. 13:17, 24; Mat. 24:25; 1 Thes. 5:14
2) Mark 13:34, 37; Gal. 6:1; 1 Thes. 5:11; Jude 3, 20; Heb. 10:34-35; 12:15.
Article XLV.
That also such to whom God has given gifts, being tried in the church, may and ought by the appointment of the congregation, to prophesy, according to the proportion of faith, and so teach publicly the Word of God, for the edification, exhortation, and comfort of the Church.
1 Cor. 14 chapter; Rom. 12:6; 1 Peter 4:10-11; 1 Cor. 12:7; 1 Thes. 5:17-19
Article XLVI.
Thus being rightly gathered, established, and still proceeding in Christian communion, and obedience of the Gospel of Christ, none ought to separate for faults and corruptions, which may, and as long as the church consists of men subject to failings, will fall out and arise amongst them, even in true constituted churches, until they have in due order sought redress thereof. Rev. 2, 3 chapters; Acts 15:12; 1 Cor. 1:10; Eph. 2:16; 3:15-16; Heb. 10:25; Jude 15; Mat. 18:17; 1 Cor. 5:4, 5
Article XLVII.
And although the particular congregation be distinct and several bodies, every one a compact and knit city in itself; yet are they all to walk by one and the same Rule, and by all means convenient to have the counsel and help one of another in all needful affairs of the church, as members of one body in the common faith under Christ their only Head.
1 Cor. 4:17; 14:33, 36; 16:1; Mat. 28:20; 1 Tim.3:15; 6:13-14; Rev. 22:18-19; Col. 2:6, 19; 4:16
Article XLVIII.
That a civil magistrate is an ordinance of God set up by God for the punishment of evil doers, and for the praise of them that do well; and that all lawful things commanded by them, subjection ought to be given by us in the Lord: and that we are to make supplication and prayer for Kings, and all that are in authority, that under them we may live a peaceable and quiet life in all godliness and honesty.
Rom. 13:1-4; 1 Peter 2:13, 14; 1 Tim. 2:2
Article XLIX.
The supreme Magistrate of this Kingdom we believe to be the King and Parliament freely chosen by the Kingdom, and that in all those civil laws which have been acted by them, or for the present is or shall by ordained, we are bound to yield subjection and obedience unto in the Lord, as conceiving our selves bound to defend both the persons of those chosen, and all civil laws made by them, with our persons, liberties, and estates, with all that is called ours, although we should suffer never so much from them in not actively submitting to some ecclesiastical laws, which might be conceived by them to be their duties to establish which we for the present could not see, nor our consciences could submit unto; yet are we bound to yield our persons to their pleasures.
Article L.
And if God should provide such a mercy for us, as to incline the magistrates hearts so far to tender our consciences, as that we might be protected by them from wrong, injury, oppression and molestation, which long we formerly have groaned under by the tyranny and oppression of the Prelatical Hierarchy, which God through mercy has made this present King and Parliament wonderful honorable; as an instrument is His hand, to throw down; and we thereby have had some breathing time, we shall, we hope, look at it as a mercy beyond our expectation, and conceive ourselves further engaged for ever to bless God for it. 1 Tim. 1:2-4; Psal. 126:1; Acts 9:31
Article LI.
But if God with hold the magistrates allowance and furtherance herein; 1 yet we must not withstanding proceed together in Christian communion, not daring to give place to suspend our practice, but to walk in obedience to Christ in the profession and holding forth this faith before mentioned, even in the midst of all trails and afflictions, not accounting out goods, lands, wives, husbands, children, fathers, mothers, brethren, sisters, yea, and our own lives dear unto us, so we may finish our course with joy: remembering always we ought to 2 obey God rather then men, and grounding upon the commandment, commission, and promise of our Lord and Master Jesus Christ, who as He has power in heaven and earth, so also has promised, if we keep His commandments which He has given us, to be with us to the end of the world: and when we have finished our course, and kept the faith, to give us the crown of righteousness, which is laid up for all that love His appearing, and to whom we must give an account of all our actions, no man being able to discharge us of the same.
1) Acts 2:40,41; 4:19; 5:28,29,41; 20:23; 1 Thes. 3:3; Phil. 1:27-29; Dan. 3:16,17; 6:7, 10, 22, 23.
2) Matth. 28:18-20; 1 Tim. 6:13-15; Rom. 12:1.8; 1 Cor. 14:37; 2 Tim. 4:7,8; Rev. 2:10; Gal 2:4,5
Article LII.
And likewise unto all men is to be given whatsoever is their due; tributes, customs, and all such lawful duties, ought willingly to be by us paid and performed, our lands, goods, and bodies, to submit to the magistrate in the Lord, and the magistrate every way to be acknowledged, reverenced, and obeyed, according to godliness; not because of wrath only but for conscience sake. And finally, all men so to be esteemed and regarded, as is due and appropriate for their place, age, estate, and condition. Rom. 13:5-7; Mat. 22:21; Titus 3; 1 Peter 3:13; 5:5; Eph. 5:21, 22; 6:1, 9
Article LII [sic].
And thus we desire to give God that which is God's, and unto Ceasor that which is Ceasor's, and unto all men that which belongs unto them, endeavoring ourselves to have always a clear conscience void of offense towards God, and towards man. And if they take this that we have said, to be heresy, then do we with the Apostle freely confess, that after the way which they call heresy, worship we the God of our Fathers, believing all things which are written in the Law and in the Prophets and Apostles, desiring from our souls to disclaim all heresies and opinions which are not after Christ, and to be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, as knowing our labor shall not be in vain in the Lord. Mat. 22:21; Acts 24:14-16; John 5:28; 2 Cor. 4:17; 1 Tim. 6:3-5; 1 Cor. 15:58, 59
Conclusion
Thus we desire to give unto Christ that which is His, and unto all lawful Authority that which is their due, and to owe nothing to any many but love, to live quietly and peaceably, at is becometh saints, endeavoring in all things to keep a good conscience, and to do unto every man (of what judgment soever) as we would they should do unto us, that as our practice is, so it may prove us to a conscionable, quiet, and harmless people, (no ways dangerous or troublesome to human Society) and to labor and work with our hands, that we may not be chargeable to any, but to give to him that needeth both friends and enemies, accounting it more excellent to give than to receive. Also we confess that we know but in part, and that we are ignorant of many things which we desire and seek to know: and if any do show us that friendly part to show us from the Word of God that we see not, we shall have cause to be thankful to God and them. But if any man shall impose upon us anything that we see not to be commanded by out Lord Jesus Christ, we should in His strength, rather embrace all reproaches and tortures of men, to be stript of all outward comforts, and if it were possible, to die a thousand deaths, rather than to do anything against the least tittle of the truth of God, or against the light of our own consciences. And if any shall call what we have said heresy, then do we with the Apostle acknowledge, that after the way they call heresy, worship we the God of our Fathers, disclaiming all heresy (rightly so called) because they are against Christ, and to be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in obedience to Christ, as knowing our labor shall not be in vain in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:24
Not that we have dominion over your faith,but
are helpers of your joy: for by faith we stand.
Psalm 74:21, 22
Arise, O God, plead mine own cause. Remember how the foolish man blasphemeth Thee daily. O let not the oppressed return ashamed, but let the poor and needy praise Thy name.
Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly.
FINIS
A CONFESSION OF FAITH OF SEVEN CONGREGATIONS OR CHURCHES OF CHRIST IN LONDON, WHICH ARE COMMONLY (BUT UNJUSTLY) CALLED ANABAPTISTS. PUBLISHED FOR THE VINDICATION OF THE TRUTH, AND INFORMATION OF THE IGNORANT; LIKE WISE FOR THE TAKING OFF OF THOSE ASPERSIONS WHICH ARE FREQUENTLY BOTH IN PULPIT AND PRINT UNJUSTLY CAST UPON THEM.
But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my Fathers, believing all things that are written in the Law and the Prophets, and have hope towards God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of (the) dead both of the just and the unjust. Acts 24: 14,15. For we cannot but speak the things that we have seen and heard. Acts 4: 20.
If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil; but if well, why smitest thou me? John 18: 23.
TO THE RIGHT HONORABLE THE LORDS, KNIGHTS, CITIZENS AND BURGESSES IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED.
Right Honorable and most Noble Patriots,
In as much as there hath been a Book (Doctor Featley's Book dedicated to the Parliament.) lately presented unto you, in whose Dedicatory Epistle there are many heinous accusations unjustly and falsely laid against us, we conceived it necessary to make some declaration of our innocency, and (to that end) humbly to present unto your view this our Confession of Faith. Here we unfainedly declare, what in our hearts we judge, and what we teach, and according to this Rule we desire and endeavour, through the grace of God, to lead our lives. This Confession of our Faith we send forth to speak the truth for us, and so to make our innocency to appeare; desiring that the same light may guide others also to the same way of truth and of obedience both to God and to the Magistrate, who is the Minister of God to us for good. We hope your Honours will permit us to speak with modesty in our just defence. And when any shall provoke you to lift up a hand against us, we desire you may seriously consider Gamaliel's counsel in Acts 5. We take no thought for ourselves, for the Lord our God is all-sufficient; but we desire and pray that you may do no thing against Christ, neither in His members, nor in His ordinances, that there may be no wrath upon you from the Lord, but that you knowing the innocent, and protecting them according to the will of God, may for the same be famous unto all generations, and the memorial of your names may be precious among the Saints till the coming of King Jesus.
(PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION)
To the judicious and impartial Reader. COURTEOUS READER:
It is no wonder if it seem strange to thee, that we should publish a confession of our faith, who are frequently termed to be heretics and schismatics, and what not, though unjustly; neither is it any discouragement unto us, though this sect (as they call the Anabaptists) is everywhere spoken against, Acts xxviii. 22; and in that we are charged (for Christ's name sake) with the same things our Lord Jesus Christ and His apostles were accused of. It is a mercy, an honor, and a comfort unto us, rejoice and be exceeding glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so persecuted they the prophets that were before you. Matt. v. 11,12. The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his Lord; it is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his Lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household? Matt. x. 24,25. If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you: if ye were of the world, the world would love her own, but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore, the world hateth you. The servant is not greater than the Lord: if they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you, & c. All these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me; yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings, that when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. John xv. 18, 19, 20, 21; see Acts xxi. 28, 30, 31; and xiv. 22; 2 Tim. iii. 12; I Pet. iv. 13.
Our Lord Jesus was accused to be a seditious and mutinous fellow; Luke xxiii. 25. Paul was called a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition, and a ringleader of the sect of Nazarenes, Acts xxiv. 1,5,6,8; xviii. 13; saying, Away with such a fellow, for it is not fit he should live; saying, This fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law. And our Lord Jesus Christ was accused of perverting the people, and forbidding to give tribute to Ceaser; and that He and His disciples did teach novelties, and brake the traditions of the elders. Luke xxiii. 2,14; Matt. xv. 1-9. Christ was accused to have a devil, and to be mad; saying to the people, Why do ye hear him? John x. 20. Paul was esteemed to be mad: also they said, What will this babler say and that he taught a new doctrine, Acts xxvi. 24, 25; xvii.18,19. And Christ was accused to speak blasphemy, and they all condemned him to be guilty of death, Mark xiv. 64. So some are offended at us for meeting in houses to preach, and would have us punished for it; notwithstanding, it was Christ's and His apostles' practice to do so, whose example we are to follow. Christ taught upon a mountain, and in a ship. Paul preached from house to house. Also the church met together in an upper room, where Peter preached; and Paul preached, and converted Lydia by the river side; the disciples met together in the night in an upper room; Paul preached two years in an hired house, and received all that came unto him. Matt. v. 1,2; and xiii. 2; Acts xx.20; i.13,15,16; ii.2; xvi. 13, 14; xx. 7,8,9; xxviii. 30,31. If he had lived in these days and done so, it is to be feared some would have petitioned against him. So some accuse us to be disturbers of the peace of the commonwealth; yet all that know us can testify for us, that we meet together and depart in a peaceable manner. And from Acts xvii. 5,6,7, it will appear, what person they were that disturbed the public peace; it is fit such persons should be taken notice of and accordingly punished.
So we are blamed, because we frequent not their temples. We dare not trust in lying words, saying, The temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord, are these. We know the Most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; and that we are the temple of the living God; and that our bodies are the temples of the Holy Ghost; and that Christ's church is not built with dead stones. Acts vii. 48; xvii.24,25; I Cor. iii. 16; vi. 3, 19; I Pet. ii. 4,5; John iv.20, &c. And because there are but a few of us, some conceive we are in an error, and that the least number should yield to the greater; then it seems, if the number of the papists or atheists exceed the number of the protestants, they must forsake their religion. God in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways; and there was but one true prophet to four hundred false. Acts xiv. 16; Exod. xxiii.2; King xxii. 6,7, &c. After three years' preaching and working miracles by Christ, there was but a small number. Christ calls His, a little flock: the scripture declares the greatest number followed after the beast. Acts i. 14, 15; Luke xii. 32; Matt. vii. 13, 14; Rev. xiii. 7, 16, 17. Also those that preach amongst us are esteemed, as the apostles were, to be unlearned and ignorant men. Apollos was instructed more perfectly in the way of God by Aquila, a tradesman, and Priscilla his wife; Acts iv. 13; xviii. 1 ,2, 3, 26. But the scripture saith; As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. I Pet. iv.10, 11; see I Cor. xiv. 3, 26, 31. Also some say of us, that we be of several sects, and that we cannot agree among ourselves. Pilate and Herod agreed together to crucify Christ; we dare not agree as the Jews did, that if any did confess that Jesus was the Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue. Luke xxiii. 12; John ix. 22; see I Cor. i.10,11. The union Christ prayed for, we desire: for such an agreement as agreeth not with the truth, we may not agree unto; therefore we desire it not. John xvii. 21; Eph. iv.3-17. Yet the paedobaptists differ more among themselves than we do, and if this their reason have any strength in it, it is against themselves: the several sects of paedobaptists be papists, Arians, Nestorians, Pelagians, Donatists, Eutychians, Grecians, Lutherans, Arminians, Episcopalians, Nicolaites, Calvinists, Zuinglians, Hussites, and above twenty other several sects, which are all baptizers of infants: and notwithstanding, for other points, are all asunder, and have all rent one from another; therefore we send them to follow the counsel of Christ. Matt. vii. 3, 4, 5.
As the watchman dealt with the spouse of Christ, in her seeking her beloved, so they deal with us. Song iii. 2, 5; v.7. They finding us out of that common and broad way themselves walk in, they smite us, and take away our veil, and veil us with reproaches and odious names: to incense all, both good and bad, against us, that we may appear vile in the eyes and ears of all that behold us, or shall hear of us, Acts xvi. 19. Which they endeavor to do, both in pulpit and print, not fearing to charge us with holding free-will, falling from grace, denying election, original sin, children's salvation, the Old Testament, and men's property in their estates, and censuring all to be damned that are not of our judgment and practice; all which we disclaim, because they are untrue. And as for the other things where of we areaccused, we refer those who desire further satisfaction to the answers of them. (In a small treatise, entitled, Briefe Considerations on Dr. Featley's Book, entitled, The Dipper Dipt, by Samuel Richardson. ( 4 to. London, 1645.) Yet by reason of the many accusations that are cast upon us, although they cannot prove the things where of we are accused, yet the generality of the people are incensed against us, and are encouraged, and set on by such, to seek out the peace of our meetings, which are the more private, not because they are private, but because we have not any more public places; but if any shall please to procure us more larger places to meet in, we are willing to embrace them with thankfulness and joy, although no man should speak for us to those in authority, from whom one word were enough to protect us from the violence we should be subject unto. But as it was then, Acts xvii. 5,6.7, so it is now; yet must we bear all the blame. But our God will in His time clear our innocency, although now many stand looking upon us as a people (holding such things) not worthy to live, and are in danger by the rude multitude gathering together to stone us. And had it been against our persons only, we would have held our peace, and committed our cause to God; but considering it is the truth that we profess that suffers, we may not, nor dare not be neuters in matters of so high a nature, but come in and speak to the help of the Lord against the mighty.
Therefore, to free ourselves and the truth we profess from such unjust aspersions, that it may be at liberty, though we be in bonds, we have published a brief confession of our faith (which we conceive most void of contention in these sad and troublesome times). The thoughts of our hearts as in the presence of God we here declare, that it may appear to the consciences of them that fear God, what wrong we suffer from some who have ability to cast mists, and dark clouds, which overshadow the glory of the truth, and them that profess it. Jude, 14, 15. And although they acknowledge with us that the truth is not fully discovered, yet they will tie all future discovery to a former light, and conceive they do well in so doing. But God will by His truth show their error, and exalt Jesus Christ, the chief cornerstone, which the builders so much reject. And lest this should be thought to be the judgment of some particular persons, this is done by the consent and appointment of seven congregations or churches in London, with the names of some of each of them subscribed in the behalf of the whole. And although we be distinct in our meetings, for convenience; yet are we one in faith, fellowship, and communion, holding Jesus Christ for our head and lawgiver, under whose rule and government we desire to walk, and to follow the Lamb wheresoever he goeth, that when our Lord and King shall call us to account, we may be found ready and worthy to be received into our Master's joy. Until which time we desire to spend these few days we have here to remain, to the glory of God, the honor of the gospel, the saints' comfort, and our country's good, to our own account at the great day when Christ shall come in flaming fire, taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thess. i. 8.
Subscribed by us in the behalf of seven congregations or churches of Christ in London. And also by a French congregation of the same judgment.
THOMAS GUNNE, THOMAS MUNDEN, BENJAMIN COCKES, DENIS LE BARBIER,
JOHN MABBIT, GEORGE TIPPING, THOMAS KILIKOP, CHRISTOPH LE DURET.
JOHN SPILSBERY, WILLIAM KIFFEN, PAUL HOBSON, HANSERD KNOLLYS,
SAMUEL RICHARDSON, THOMAS PATIENT, THOMAS GOARE, THOMAS HOLMS,
Article 1.
The Lord our God is but one God, whose subsistence is in Himself; Whose essence cannot be comprehended by any but Himself; Who only hath immortality dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; Who is in Himself most holy, every way infinite, in greatness, wisdom, power, love; merciful and gracious, long-suffering and abundant in goodness and truth, Who giveth being, moving, and preservation to all creatures. I Cor. 12:6; Isa. 44:6, chap. 46:9.Exod. 3:14. I Tim. 6:16. Isa. 43:15. Psal. 147:5. Deut.32: 3. Job 36:5. Jer. 10: 12. Exod. 34: 6,7.Acts 17: 28. Rom. 11:36.
Article 2.
In this divine and infinite Being, there is the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit, each having the whole divine essence, yet the essence undivided; all infinite, without any beginning, therefore but one God, Who is not to be divided in nature and being, but distinguished by several peculiar relative properties. I Cor. 1:3. John 1:1. Chap. 15:26. Exod. 3:14. I Cor. 8:6.
Article 3.
God hath decreed in Himself before the world was, concerning all things, whether necessary, accidental, or voluntary, with all the circumstances of them, to work, dispose, and bring about all things according to the counsel of His own will, to His glory: (yet without being the author of sin, or having fellowship with any therein) in which appears His wisdom in disposing all things, unchangeableness, power and faithfulness in accomplishing His decree: and God hath before the foundation of the world foreordained some men to eternal life, through Jesus Christ, to the praise and glory of His grace; leaving the rest in their sin to their just condemnation, to the praise of His justice. Isa. 46.10; Ephes. 1:11; Rom. 11.33. Psa.115:3; and 135:6. Psa. 33:15; I Sam. 10: 9,26; Prov.21:1; Exod. 21:13; Pro. 16:33. Psa. 144; Isa. 45:7; Jer.14:22; Matt. 6:28-30; Col. 1:16,17; Num. 23:19, 10; Rom. 3:4; Jer. 10:10; Eph. 1:4,5; Jude 4,6; Pro. 16:4.
Article 4.
In the beginning God made all things very good; created man after His own image, filled with all meet perfection of nature, and free from all sin; but long he abode not in this honor, Satan using the subtilty of the serpent to seduce first Eve, then by her seducing Adam; who without any compulsion, in eating the forbidden fruit transgressed the command of God, and fell, whereby death came upon all his posterity, who now are conceived in sin, and by nature the children of wrath, the servants of sin, the subjects of death, and other miseries in this world, and for ever, unless the Lord Jesus Christ set them free. Gen. 1:1; Col. 1:16; Isa. 45:12. I Cor. 15:45,46. (d) Eccles. 7: 29; Gen. 3:1,4,5. 2 Cor. 11:3. ITim. 2:14; Gal. 3:22. Rom. 5:12,18,19; chap. 6:2; Eph. 2:3.
Article 5.
God in His infinite power, and wisdom, doth dispose all things to the end for which they were created, that neither good nor evil befalls any by chance, or without His providence; and that whatsoever befalls the elect, is by His appointment, for His glory, and their good. Job 37:10-13. Isa. 56:10,11; Eccles. 3:14. Matt. 10:29-32; Exod. 21:13; Prov. 16:33. Rom. 8:28.
Article 6.
All the elect being loved of God with an everlasting love, are redeemed, quickened, and saved, not by themselves, nor their own works, lest any man should boast, but only and wholly by God, of His free grace and mercy through Jesus Christ, who is made unto us by God, wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption, and all in all,