# First London Baptist Confession of Faith (second edition)

*The second impression, corrected and enlarged, 1646*

symbolics.dev/flcf1646 · public domain (CC0 1.0)

## An Appendix, to a Confession of Faith, or A more full Declaration of the Faith and Judgement of Baptized Beleevers

## A more full Declaration of the Faith and Judgement of *Baptized Beleevers:*

*BE ready alwayes,* saith the Apostle *Peter, to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you, with meeknesse and fear,* 1 Pet. 3.15. It is therefore our duty in meeknesse and love to give an answer to those godly persons, which desire to be fully informed of our judgement concerning Religion and the wayes of our God: To those therefore that have expressed a desire to be so informed, I thus answer.

In a book lately reprinted, entituled, *A Confession of faith of seven Congregations or Churches of Christ in London,* &c. is a plain and sincere expression of our judgement in the things therein spoken of, in 52 Articles: And if our judgement touching some particulars, wherein we seem, or are supposed, to dissent from some others, do not appear cleerly enough in that confession, I hope the same shall somewhat more cleerly appear in this ensuing Appendix.

1\. We beleeve that the punishment due to *Adam* for his first rebellion, and due to all men for their sin in *Adam,* and for al their sins against the Law, was not a lying of the whole person of man in the dust, or grave, eternally without life or sense; for then the punishment of man that sinned, should not have differed from the punishment of the brute beast that sinned not. But the punishment due to man, as aforesaid, was *indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish;* and that eternall: And consequently the Redemption which we have by Christ from the curse of the Law, is a Redemption from eternal misery and torment: this we learn from these places of Scripture compared together; *Rom.* 2.8, 9. *Jude* 7. *Gal.* 3.13. *Hebr.* 9.12.

2\. We beleeve that the eternity of the punishment of the vessels of wrath, is an absolute eternity, knowing no end; as wel as the eternity of the life of the Saints: *Mat.* 25.46. This we maintain against those that affirm *that all men shal be saved at the last.*

3\. Although all the power of the creature to act be from the Creator, and there is a providence of God always extended to every creature, and to every action of the creature; yet wee judge that the sinful corruption of the creature, and the sinfulness of the creature’s action, is from the creature, and not from God: and that it is a great sin to say that God is the author of sin: *Eccles.* 7.29. *Habak.* 1.13. *Iames* 1.13, 14, 15. 1 *Cor.* 14.33. 1 *Ioh.* 2.16. As touching that place which is here objected against us, *viz: Amos* 3.6. *Shal there be evil in a City, &c.* We conceive that it is either to be rendred according to the last Translation in the margin; *Shal there be evil in a City, and shal not the Lord do somewhat?* or else that it is to be understood only of the evil of punishment, and not of the evil of sin.

4\. We teach that they only do, or can beleeve in Jesus Christ, to whom it is given to beleeve in him by a special, gracious, and powerful work of his Spirit: and that this is (and shal be) given to the Elect in the time appointed of God for their effectual calling; and to none but the Elect: *Ioh.* 6 64, 65. *Philip.* 1.29. *Ierem.* 31.33, 34. *Ezek.* 36.26. *Rom.* 8.29, 30. *Ioh.* 10.26. This we hold against those that do maintain a freewil and sufficient ability in all men to beleeve; and do deny Election.

5\. We affirm, that as Jesus Christ never intended to give remission of sins and eternal life unto any but his sheep; (*Ioh.* 10.15. *Ioh.* 17.2. *Ephes.* 5.25, 26, 27. *Revel.* 5.9.) so these sheep only have their sins washed away in the blood of Christ: The vessels of wrath, as they are none of Christs sheep, nor ever do beleeve in him, so they have not the blood of Christ sprinkled upon them, neither are partakers of him: and therefore have all their sins remaining upon them, and are not saved by Christ from any of them under any consideration whatsoever; but must lie under the intolerable burthen of them eternally. The truth of this appears unto us by the light of these Scriptures compared together, *Hebr.* 12.24. 1 *Pet.* 1, 2. *Hebr.* 3.14. *Math.* 7.23. *Eph.* 5.6. 1 *Tim.* 1.9. *Ioh.* 8.24.

6\. Though some of our opposers do affirm, that by this doctrine we leave no Gospel to be preached to sinners for their conversion; yet through the goodness of God we know and preach to sinners this precious Gospel; *God so loved the world,* (that is, hath been so loving to mankind) *that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever beleeveth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life;* Joh. 3.16. and this faithful saying, worthy of all acceptation, *That Iesus Christ came into the world to save sinners,* 1 Tim. 1.15. *viz.* all those sinners (how vile and grievous soever) not only which already do, but also which hereafter shall beleeve on him to life everlasting, 1 *Tim.* 1.16. and that *to Christ all the Prophets give witnesse, that through his name, whosoever beleeveth in him, shal receive remission of sins. Acts* 10.43. And this is called *The Word of the Gospel;* Acts 15.7. This is the Gospel which Christ and his Apostles preached, which we have received, and by which we have been converted unto Christ. And we desire to mind what *Paul* saith in *Galat.* 1.9. *If any man preach any other Gospel unto you then that ye have received, let him be anathema.*

7\. Though we confesse that no man doth attain unto faith by his own good wil; *Ioh.* 1.13. yet we judge and know that the Spirit of God doth not compel a man to beleeve against his will, but doth powerfully and sweetly create in a man a new heart, and so make him to beleeve and obey willingly, *Ezek.* 36.26. *Psal.* 110.3. God thus working in us both to wil and to do, of his good pleasure; *Philip.* 2.13.

8\. Though all our workings for life be in vain, irregular, and not accepted of God, (Jesus Christ being our life, who is freely given to us of God,) yet we beleeve and know that being made partakers of Jesus Christ, we do, and shal, and must, through him, and walking in him, bring forth the fruit of good works, serving God (in true obedience, and love, and thankfulness unto him) in holiness and righteousness, being *his workmanship, created in Christ Iesus unto good works, which he hath before ordained that we should walk in them; Ephes.* 2.10. *Luke* 1.74, 75.

9\. Though we that beleeve in Christ, be not under the law, but under grace; *Rom.* 6.14. yet we know that we are not lawless, or left to live without a rule; *not without law to God, but under law to Christ,* 1 *Cor.* 9.21. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is a law, or commanding rule unto us; whereby, and in obedience whereunto, we are taught to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world; *Titus* 2.11, 12. the directions of Christ in his Evangelical word guiding us unto, and in this sober, righteous, and godly walking, 1 *Tim.* 1.10, 11.

10\. Though we be not now sent to the Law as it was in the hand of *Moses,* to be commanded thereby, yet Christ in his Gospel teacheth and commandeth us to walk in the same way of righteousness and holyness that God by *Moses* did command the Israelites to walk in, all the Commandments of the second Table being stil delivered unto us by Christ, and all the Commandements of the first Table also (as touching the life and spirit of them) in this epitome or brief sum, *Thou shal love the Lord thy God with all thine heart,* &c. *Math.* 22.37, 38, 39, 40. *Rom.* 13.8, 9, 10.

11\. Though no sin be imputed to those that beleeve in Christ, nor any sinn do totally or fully reign over them, or in them; yet in them *the flesh lusteth against the spirit; Galat.* 5.17. and *in many things they all offend; Iames* 3.2. where the Apostle speaks of offences that one beleever may take notice of in another. Thus *there is not a just man upon earth, that doth good, and sinneth not,* Eccles. 7.20. and *if we say that we have no sin, we deceive our selves, and the truth is not in us,* 1 *Ioh.* 1.8.

12\. Though there be no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus, yet are they taught, and that effectually, to be ashamed of their sins *Rom.* 6.21. and to be sorry for them after a godly sort, 2 *Cor.* 7.9, 10, 11. yea to loath themselves for them; *Ezek.* 36.31. Because that sin is an evil and a filthy thing, and in its own nature tends to the provoking and dishonoring of God, being disobedience against God, and a thing which the most holy *GOD* declares himself to loath and abhor; so that nothing but the blood of Christ could purge us from our sins, and reconcile us to *God,* whom by sin we had offended. Therefore the Saints both are, and must be grieved, and must iudge themselves, because they have sinned against their holy and glorious *God,* and merciful and loving Father, 1 *Cor.* 11.31.

13\. Though nothing be hid from *God,* and *God* imputeth not iniquity to any beleever, yet ought we to confess our sins unto *God,* and to beseech him to deal with us according to his own promise; *viz.* to be stil gracious and merciful unto us though wee have sinned against him, not being wroth with us, nor rebuking us, nor ceasing to do good unto us because we have sinned, *Isa.* 54.9. *Hebr.* 8.12. *Dan.* 9.18, 19, 20. *Psal.* 32.5. *Psal.* 25.7. *Ezek.* 36.37. *Iames* 5.15. Thus according to Christs direction, we pray unto *God* to forgive us our sins; *Luke* 11.4. yet stil we are to look upon God as our Father; *Luke* 11.2. and consequently upon our selves as his children; and so not short of justification, or under wrath, but washed in Christs blood from all our sins. In such confession and petitions we shew obedience to *God,* and do also exercise faith towards *God,* and repentance, or godly sorrow for sin by which we see and confess that we for our parts have deserved wrath.

14\. Though they which are once really engraffed into Christ, shal certainly *be kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation;* 1 *Pet.* 1.5. yet ought they *to beware, lest being led away with the error of the wicked, they fal from their own stedfastnesse;* 2 *Pet.* 3.17. They ought therefore to seek continual support from *God.* Yea they ought to seek at *Gods* hand (in prayer, and in the right use and study of his Word, and in the right use of his Ordinances) not only continuance, but also growth in grace; 2 *Pet.* 3.18. First, because this is *Gods* Command. Secondly, because *God* who wil establish them, wil do it in this way; *viz:* giving them grace to be obedient to this his Command, and blessing them in this obedience.

15\. As we mind that our whole salvation is given unto us of the Father by Jesus Christ, and for his sake; so we likewise mind, that the Fathers giving Jesus Christ for us, and to us, and so saving us in him, and for his sake, is the acting and manifesting of that free love of his towards us, which was in himself from all eternity, *Iohn* 17.23. *Ephes.* 1.4, 5.

16\. Although a true beleever, whether baptized, or unbaptized, be in the state of salvation, and shal certainly be saved: yet in obedience to the Command of *Christ* every beleever ought to desire Baptism, and to yeeld himself to be baptized according to the rule of *Christ* in his Word: And where this obedience is in faith performed, there *Christ* makes this his Ordinance a meane of unspeakable benefit to the beleeving soul, *Acts* 2.38. *Acts* 22.16. *Rom.* 6.3, 4. 1 *Pet.* 3.21. And a true beleever that here sees the command of *Christ* lying upon him, cannot allow himself in disobedience thereunto, *Acts* 24.16.

17\. Beleevers baptized ought to agree and joyn together in a constant profession of the same doctrine of the Gospel, and in professed obedience thereunto, and also in fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers, *Acts.* 2.42. And a company of baptized beleevers so agreeing and joyning together, are a Church or Congregation of Christ, *Acts* 2.47.

18\. As the preaching of the Gospel, both for the conversion of sinners, and the edifying of those that are converted; so also the right use of Baptisme, and of the Lords Supper, ought to be till the end of the world, *Matt.* 28.19.20. 1 *Cor.* 11.26.

19\. A disciple gifted and enabled by the spirit of Christ to preach the Gospel, and stirred up to this service by the same spirit, bringing home to his soule the command of Christ in his word for the doing of this worke, is a man authorised and sent by Christ to preach the Gospel, see *Luke* 19.12. &c. *Mark.* 16.15. and *Matt.* 28.19. compared with *Acts* 8.4. *Philip.* 1.14.3. *Ioh.* 7. And those gifted disciples which thus preach Jesus Christ who came in the flesh, are to be looked upon as men sent and given of the Lord, 1 *Ioh.* 4.2. *Rom.* 10.15. *Ephes.* 4.11, 12, 13. And they which are converted from unbeliefe and false-worship, and so brought into Church-fellowship by such Preachers according to the will of *Christ,* are a seale of their ministry, 1 *Cor.* 9.2. And such preachers of the Gospel may not only lawfully administer Baptisme unto beleevers, and guide the action of a Church in the use of the Supper, (*Matth.* 28.19. *Acts* 8.5–12. 1 *Cor.* 10.16.) but may also call upon the Churches, and advise them to choose fit men for officers, and may settle such officers so chosen by a Church, in the places or offices to which they are chosen, by imposition of hands and prayer, *Act.* 6.3–6. *Acts* 14.23. *Titus* 1.5.

20\. Though a beleevers right to the use of the Lords Supper doe immediatly flow from Jesus Christ apprehended and received by faith; yet in as much as all things ought to be done not onely decently, but also in order; 1 *Cor.* 14.40. and the word holds forth this order, that disciples should be baptized, *Matth.* 28.9, *Acts* 2.38. and then be taught to observe all things (that is to say, all other things) that Christ commanded the Apostles, *Matth.* 28.20. and accordingly the Apostles first baptized disciples, and then admitted them to the use of the Supper; *Acts* 2.41.42. we therefore doe not admit any to the use of the Supper, nor communicate with any in the use of this ordinance, but disciples baptized, lest we should have fellowship with them in their doing contrary to order.

21\. Although we know that in some things we are yet very dark, and in all things as yet we know but in part, and doe therefore waite upon God for further light; yet we beleeve that we ought in our practise to obey, and serve, and glorifie God in the use of that light which he hath given us; and not neglect the good using of that light which God hath already given us, under pretence of waiting for more, 1 *Cor.* 13.9. *Acts* 18.25.

22\. As *Christ* doth not teach, nor allow that we should be without natural affection, or unsociable; (see *Rom.* 1.31.) so our being made partakers of *Christ,* doth not discharge us from the duties of our relations. Beleeving servants must perform the duties of servants towards their masters though unbeleeving; 1 *Tim.* 6.1. So beleeving children must perform the duties of children towards their parents; *Coloss.* 3.20. beleeving wives, the duties of wives towards their husbands; 1 *Pet.* 3.1. and beleeving subjects must be subject to principalities and powers, and obey Magistrates, *Rom.* 13.1, &c. *Titus* 3.1. 1 *Pet.* 2.13, 14, 15. But stil they must remember that their fear toward *God* must not be taught by the precept of men; *Isaiah* 29.13. that they ought to obey *God* rather then men, *Acts* 5.29. and that the submission that must be given to men, must be given to them for the Lords sake, 1 *Pet.* 2, 14.

Thus I conclude with the Apostles words (in 2 *Tim.* 2.7.) a little varyed, but not misapplyed; *Consider what we teach: and the Lord give you understanding in all things.*

FINIS.

## 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[^1] Book lately presented unto you, in whose Dedicatory Epistle there are many hainous accusations unjustly and falsly 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 wee unfainedly declare, what in our hearts wee judge, and what wee teach, and according to this Rule wee desire and endevour, 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 shal provoke you to lift up a hand against us, wee desire you may seriously consider *Gamaliels* counsel in *Acts* 5. We take no thought for our selves, for the Lord our God is al-sufficient; but wee desire and pray that you may doe nothing 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 wil of God, may for the same be famous unto all generations, and the memoriall of your names may be pretious among the Saints till the coming of King Iesus.

[^1]: Doctor Featleys Book dedicated to the Parliament.

## To the judicious and impartiall Reader

Courteovs READER;

IT is no wonder if it seeme strange to thee, that wee should publish a confession of our faith, who are frequently termed to be *Heretiques* and *Schismatiques,* and what not, though unjustly; neither is it any discouragement unto us, though *this sect* (as they call the *Anabaptists) is*[^1] *every where spoken against,* and in that we are charged (for Christs Name sake) with the same things our Lord Jesus Christ, and his Apostles were accused of; it’s a mercy, an honour, and a comfort unto us, when we remember what our Lord hath said unto us, *Blessed are ye when*[^2] *men shall revile you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evill falsly, for my sake; Rejoyce and be exceeding glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so persecuted they the Prophets that were before you. The Disciple is not above his Master, nor the servant above his Lord; it’s 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*[^3] *Belzebub, how much more shall they call them of his houshold? If the world hate you, yee know that it hated me before it hated you: if yee were of the world, the world would love her owne, but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therfore the world hateth you. The servant is not greater then the Lord; if*[^4] *they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you, &c. All these things will they doe unto you for my Names sake, because they know not him that sent me; Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution; but rejoyce in as much as yee are partakers of Christs sufferings, that when his glory shall be revealed, yee may be clad also with exceeding joy.*

Our Lord Jesus was accused to be *a sedtious and mutinous fellow:*[^5] *Paul* was called *a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition,* and *a ring-leader*[^6] *of the sect of the Nazarens;* Saying, *Away with such a fellow,*[^7] *for it is not fit he should live;* Saying, *This fellow perswadeth 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 Caesar;*[^8] and that he and his Disciples *did teach novelties, and brake the traditions of the Elders.* Christ was accused *to have a Devill, and to*[^9] *be mad,* saying to the people, *Why doe yee heare him? Paul* was esteemed *to be mad:* also they said, *What will this babler say?* And that he taught *new doctrine:* and Christ was accused *to speake blasphemy, and they all condemned him to be guilty of death.* So some are offended at us for meeting in houses to preach, and would have us punished for it; notwithstanding, it was Christ and his Apostles practice to doe so, whose example we are to follow. *Christ taught upon a mountaine, and in a ship.*[^10] *Paul* preached from house to house; also *the Church met together in an upper roome, where* Peter *preached; and* Paul *preached, and converted* Lydia *by the River side; the Disciples met together in the night in an upper roome;* Paul *preached two yeares in an hired house, and received all that came unto him.* If he had lived in these dayes and done so, it’s to be feared some would have petitioned against him: So some accuse us to be disturbers of the peace of the Common-wealth; yet all that know us can testifie for us, that wee meet together and depart in a peaceable manner: And from *Acts* 17. 5, 6, 7. it will appeare, what persons they were that disturbed the publick peace, it’s fit such persons should be taken notice of and accordingly punished.

So we are blamed, because we frequent not their Temples; *we dare not*[^11] *trust in lying words, saying, The Temple of the Lord, the Temple of*[^12] *the Lord are these;* we know *the most High dwelleth not in Temples made with hands;* and *that wee are the Temple of the living God; and that our bodies are the Temples of the holy Ghost;* and that Christs Church is not built with dead stones. And because there are but a few of us, some conceive we are in an error, and that the least number should yeeld to the greater; then it seemes, if the number of the Papists or Atheists[^13] exceed the number of the Protestants, they must forsake their Religion. *God in times past suffered all Nations to walke in their own wayes;* there was but one true Prophet *to* 400 *false.* After three yeares preaching and working miracles by Christ, there was but a small number. Christ cals his,[^14] *a little flocke:* the Scripture declares the greatest number *followed after the beast.* Also those that preach amongst us, are esteemed as the Apostles were, to be *unlearned and ignorant men.* Apollo *was instructed more perfectly in the way of God by Aquila,* a tradesman, *and Priscilla his*[^15] *wife:* but the Scripture saith; *As every man hath received the gift,*[^16] *even so minister the same one to another, as good Stewards of the manifold grace of God.* Also some say of us, that wee be of severall sects, and[^17] that wee cannot agree among our selves. *Pilate* and *Herod* agreed together *to crucifie Christ;* wee dare not agree as the *Jewes* did *that if any did confesse that Jesus was the Christ, he should be put out of the Synagogue.* The union Christ prayed for, we desire, and for such an agreement as[^18] agreeth not with the truth, we may not agree unto, therefore we desire it not; yet the *Paedobaptists* differ more among themselves then we doe, and if this[^19] their reason have any strength in it, it is against themselves: the severall sects of *Paedobaptists,* be *Papists, Arrians, Nestorians, Pelagians, Donatists, Eutychians, Grecians, Lutherans, Arminians, Episcopans, Nicolaites, Calvinists, Zuinglians, Hussites,* and above twenty other severall 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[^20] them to follow the counsell of Christ.

As the Watchmen dealt with the Spouse of Christ, in her seeking her beloved,[^21] so they deale with us, they finding us out of that common and broad way themselves walke in, they smite us, and take away our vaile, and vaile us with reproaches, and odious names; to incense all, both good and bad, against us, that wee may appeare vile in the eyes and hearts of all that behold us, or shall heare of us, which they indeavour to doe, both in Pulpit and print,[^22] not fearing to charge us, with holding free-will, falling from grace, denying election, originall sin, childrens salvation, the old Testament, and mens proprietie in their estates, and censuring all to be damned that are not of our judgement and practice; all which wee disclaime, because they are untrue. And as for the other things, whereof wee are accused, wee referre those who desire further satisfaction to the answers of them[^23]: yet by reason of the many accusations that are cast upon us, although they cannot prove the things whereof we are accused, yet the generalitie of the people are incensed against us, and are incouraged, and set on by such, to seek out the place of our meetings, which are the more private, not because they are private, but because wee have not any more publicke places; but if any shall please to procure us more larger places to meet in, wee are willing to imbrace them with thankfulnesse and joy, although no man should speak for us to those in authoritie, from whom one word were enough to protect us, from the violence we should be subject unto; but as it was then, *Acts* 17. 5, 6, 7. so it is now; yet must[^24] wee beare all the blame; but our God will in his time cleare 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 onely, we would have held our peace, and committed our cause to God; but considering it is the truth that we professe 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 our selves, and the truth we profess, from such unjust aspersions, that it may be at liberty, though we be in bonds, wee have published a briefe 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 wee here declare, that it may appeare to the consciences of them that feare God, what wrong we suffer from some who have ability to cast mists,[^25] and dark clouds, which overshadow the glory of the truth, and them that professe it. 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 doe well in so doing. But God will by his truth shew their error, and exalt Jesus Christ the chiefe corner-stone, which the builders so much reject. And lest this should be thought to be the judgement 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 behalfe of the whole. And although wee bee distinct in our meetings, for conveniency; yet are we one in faith, fellowship, and communion, holding Jesus Christ for our Head & Law-giver, under whose Rule and government we desire to walke, 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 Masters joy. Vntill which time we desire to spend these few dayes we have here to remain, to the glory of God, the honour of the Gospel, the Saints comfort, and our Countries good, to our own account at the great day when Christ shall come in flaming fire, taking vengeance on[^26] them that know not God, and that obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Subscribed by us in the behalfe of seven Congregations or Churches of Christ in London. As also by a French Congregation of the same judgement.

- Thomas Gunne. John Mabbit.
- Thomas Munden. George Tipping.
- John Spilsbery, Samuel Richardson
- William Kiffen. Thomas Patient.
- Paul Hobson. Thomas Goare.
- Hanserd Knollys. Thomas Holms.
- Benjamin Cockes. Thomas Kilikop.
- Denis le Barbier. Christophle Duret.

[^1]: Acts 28. 22.
[^2]: Mat 5. 11, 12.
[^3]: Mat. 10. 24, 25
[^4]: Joh. 15. 18, 19, 20, 21. See Acts 21. 28. 30, 31. & 14. 22. 2 Tim. 3. 12. 1 Pet. 4. 13.
[^5]: Luk. 23. 25.
[^6]: Acts 24. 1. 5. 6
[^7]: Acts 18. 13.
[^8]: Luk. 23. 2. 14. Mat. 15. 1. to 9
[^9]: Joh. 10. 20. Act. 26. 24, 25 Act. 17. 18, 19. Mark. 14. 64.
[^10]: Mat. 5. 1. 2. & 13. 2. Acts 20. 20. Act. 1. 13. 15, 16 & 2. 2. Act. 16. 13, 14. Act. 20. 7, 8, 9. Act. 28. 30, 31.
[^11]: Acts 7. 48.
[^12]: Act. 17. 24, 25. 1 Cor. 3. 16. 1 Cor. 6. 3. 19. 1 Pet. 2. 4, 5. Joh. 4. 20. &c.
[^13]: Acts 14. 16. Exod. 23. 2. 1 King. 22. 6, 7, &c.
[^14]: Acts 1. 14, 15. Luk. 12. 32. Mat. 7. 13, 14. Rev. 13. 7. 16. 17.
[^15]: Acts 4. 13. Acts 18. 1, 2, 3. 26
[^16]: 1 Pet. 4. 10, 11. See 1 Cor. 14. 3. 26. 31.
[^17]: Luke 23. 12. Ioh. 9. 22. See 1 Cor. 1. 10, 11.
[^18]: Iohn 17. 21.
[^19]: Eph. 4. 3. to 17.
[^20]: Mat. 7. 3, 4, 5.
[^21]: Song 3. 2. 5. with 5, 6, 7.
[^22]: Acts 16. 19.
[^23]: In a small Treatise, intituled, Briefe Considerations on Dr Featly his Book, intituled, The dipper dipt, by Samuel Richardson.
[^24]: Act 17. 5, 6, 7.
[^25]: Jude 14. 15.
[^26]: 2 Thess. 1. 8.

## The Conclusion

Thus we desire to give unto Christ that which is his, and unto all lawfull Authority that which is their due, and to owe nothing to any man but love, to live quietly and peaceably, as it becommeth Saints, endeavouring in all things to keep a good conscience, and to doe unto every man (of what judgement soever) as we would they should doe unto us, that as our practice is, so it may prove us to be a conscionable, quiet, and harmlesse people, (no wayes dangerous or troublesome to humane Society) and to labour 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 then to receive. Also we confesse that we know but in part, and that we are ignorant of many things which we desire and seek to know: and if any shall doe us that friendly part to shew us from the word of God that wee see not, we shall have cause to be thankfull to God and them. But if any man shall impose upon us any thing that we see not to be commanded by our 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 then to doe any thing against the least tittle of the truth of God, or against the light of our own consciences. And if any shal call what we have said Heresie, then do we with the Apostle acknowledge, that after the way they call heresie, worship we the God of our Fathers, disclaiming all Heresies (rightly so called) because they are against Christ, & to be stedfast and immoveable, alwayes abounding in obedience to Christ, as knowing our labour shall not be in vain in the Lord.

*PSAL.* 74. 21, 22.

> Arise, O God, plead thine own cause; Remember how the foolish man blasphemeth thee daily.
>
> O let not the oppressed returne ashamed, but let the poore and needy praise thy Name.

Come Lord Jesus, come quickly.

FINIS.

## 1. Article 1

**1.1** The Lord our God is but one God, whose [1 Corinthians 8:6; Isaiah 44:6; 46:9] subsistence is in himselfe; whose essence cannot be comprehended by any but himselfe; who only hath immortalitie, [Exodus 3:14] dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; who is in himselfe most [1 Timothy 6:16] holy, every way [Isaiah 43:15] infinite, in [Psalm 147:5] greatnesse, [Deuteronomy 32:3] wisdome, [Job 36:5] power, love; [Jeremiah 10:12] mercifull and gracious, long-suffering and abundant in goodnesse and truth, who giveth [Exodus 34:6–7] being, moving, and preservation to all creatures. [Acts 17:28; Romans 11:36]

## 2. Article 2

**2.1** In this divine and infinite being, there is the Father, the [1 Corinthians 1:3] Word, and the [John 1:1] holy Spirit, each having the whole divine [John 15:26] essence, yet the essence undivided; all infinite without any beginning, therefore but [Exodus 3:14] one God, who is not to be divided in nature, and being, but distinguished by severall peculiar relative properties. [1 Corinthians 8:6]

## 3. Article 3

**3.1** God hath decreed in himselfe before the world was concerning all things, [Isaiah 46:10; Ephesians 1:11; Romans 11:33] whether necessary, [Psalm 115:3; 135:6] accidentall or voluntary, with all the circumstances of them, to worke, dispose, and bring about all things according to the counsell of his own will, to his glory: (yet without being the Author of sin, or having fellowship with any therein) in which appeares his wisdome in disposing all things, unchangeablenesse, power, and faithfulnesse in accomplishing his decree: and God hath before the foundation of the world, foreordained some men to eternall 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. [Psalm 33:15; 1 Samuel 10:9, 26; Proverbs 21:6; Exodus 21:13; Proverbs 16:33; Psalm 144; Isaiah 45:7; Jeremiah 14:22; Matthew 6:28, 30; Colossians 1:16–17; Numbers 23:19–20; Romans 3:4; Jeremiah 10:10; Ephesians 1:4–5; Jude 4, 6; Proverbs 16:4]

## 4. Article 4

**4.1** In the beginning God made all things very good; created man after his own [Genesis 1:1; Colossians 1:16; Isaiah 45:12] image, filled with all meet perfection of nature, and free from all sin; but [1 Corinthians 15:45–46] long he abode not in this honour, Satan using the subtilty of the [Ecclesiastes 7:29] Serpent to seduce first Eve, then by her seducing Adam; who without any compulsion, in eating the forbidden fruit, [Genesis 3:1, 4–5; 2 Corinthians 11:3] transgressed the command of God, and fell, whereby [1 Timothy 2:14] 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 [Galatians 3:22] death, and other miseries in this world, and for ever, unlesse the Lord Jesus Christ set them free. [Romans 5:12, 18–19; 6:22; Ephesians 2:3]

## 5. Article 5

**5.1** God in his infinite power and wisdome, doth [Job 38:11] dispose all things to the end for which they were created, that neither good nor evill befals any by chance, or without his [Isaiah 46:10–11; Ecclesiastes 3:14] providence; And that whatsoever befals the Elect, is by his appointment, for his glory, and their [Matthew 10:29–30; Exodus 21:13; Proverbs 16:33] good. [Romans 8:28]

## 6. Article 6

**6.1** All the Elect being loved of God with an everlasting love, are [Jeremiah 31:2] redeemed, quickned, and saved, not by themselves, nor their owne workes, lest any man should boast, but onely and wholly by God, of his free [Ephesians 1:3, 7; 2:4, 9; 1 Thessalonians 5:9] grace and mercy through Jesus Christ, who is made unto us by God, [Acts 13:38; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Jeremiah 9:23–24] wisdome, righteousnesse, sanctification, and redemption, and all in all, that he that rejoyceth, might rejoyce in the Lord. [1 Corinthians 1:30–31; Jeremiah 23:6]

## 7. Article 7

**7.1** And this is life eternall, that we might know him the onely true God, and Jesus Christ whom hee hath sent. And [John 17:3; Hebrews 5:9] on the contrary, the Lord will render vengeance in flaming fire, to them that know not God, and obey not the Gospell of Jesus Christ. [1 Thessalonians 1:8; John 6:36]

## 8. Article 8

**8.1** The rule of this knowledge, faith, and obedience, concerning the worship of God, in which is contained the whole duty of man, is (not mens lawes, or unwritten traditions, but) onely the word of God contained in the holy [Colossians 2:23; Matthew 15:9, 6] Scriptures, in which is plainly recorded whatsoever is needfull for us to know, beleeve, and practise, which are the onely rule of holinesse and obedience for all Saints, at all times, in all places to bee observed. [John 5:39; 2 Timothy 3:15–17; Isaiah 8:20; Galatians 1:8–9; Acts 3:22–23]

## 9. Article 9

**9.1** The Lord Jesus Christ, of whom Moses and the Prophets wrote, the Apostles preached, hee is the [Genesis 3:15; 22:18; 49:10; Daniel 7:13; 9:24–26] Son of God, the brightnesse of his glory, &c. by whom hee made the world, who upholdeth and governeth all things that he hath made; who also when the [Proverbs 8:23; John 1:1–3; Hebrews 1:8] fulnesse of time was come, was made of a woman, of the Tribe of Judah, of the seed of Abraham and David; to wit, of the virgin Mary, the holy Spirit coming down upon her, the power of the most High over-shadowing her, and he was also tempted as we are, yet without sin. [Galatians 4:4; Hebrews 7:14; Revelation 5:5; Genesis 49:9–10; Romans 1:3; 9:10; Matthew 1:16; Luke 3:23, 26; Hebrews 2:16; Isaiah 53:3–5; Hebrews 4:15]

## 10. Article 10

**10.1** Jesus Christ is made the Mediator of the new and everlasting Covenant of grace between God and Man, ever to be [1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 9:15; John 14:6] perfectly and fully the Prophet, Priest, and King of the Church of God for evermore. [Isaiah 9:6–7]

## 11. Article 11

**11.1** Unto this office he was appointed by God from everlasting, and in respect of his manhood, from the womb called, separated, and [Proverbs 8:23; Isaiah 42:6; 49:1, 5] anointed most fully and abundantly with all gifts necessary, God having without measure powred out his Spirit upon him. [Isaiah 11:2–5; 61:1–2; Luke 4:17, 22; John 1:14, 16; 3:34]

## 12. Article 12

**12.1** Concerning his Mediatorship, the Scripture holds forth Christs call to his office: For none takes this honour upon him, but he that is called of God as was Aaron, it being an action of God, whereby a speciall promise being made, he ordains his Son to this office; which promise is, that Christ should be made a sacrifice for sinne, that he should see his [Hebrews 5:4–6] seed, and prolong his dayes, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand, [Isaiah 53:10–11] all of meer free and absolute grace towards Gods elect, and without any condition foreseene in them to procure it. [John 3:16; Romans 8:32]

## 13. Article 13

**13.1** This office to bee Mediator, that is, to bee Prophet, Priest, and King of the Church of God, is so proper to Christ, that neither in whole, or any part thereof, it cannot be transferred from him to any other. [1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 7:24; Daniel 7:14; Acts 4:12; Luke 1:33; John 14:6]

## 14. Article 14

**14.1** This office to which Christ is called, is threefold, as a Prophet, [Deuteronomy 8:15; Acts 3:22–23] Priest, and [Hebrews 3:1; 4:14–15] King: this number and order of offices is necessary; for in respect of our [Psalm 2:6] ignorance, we stand in need of his Propheticall office. And in respect of our great [2 Corinthians 5:20; Acts 26:18] alienation from God, wee need his Priestly office to reconcile us: and in respect of our aversnesse and utter inability to return to God, wee need his Kingly office, to [Colossians 1:21] convince, [John 16:8] subdue, [Psalm 110:3] draw, [Song of Solomon 1:3; John 6:44] uphold and [Philippians 4:13] preserve us to his heavenly Kingdome. [2 Timothy 4:18]

## 15. Article 15

**15.1** Concerning the prophesie of Christ, it is that whereby hee hath revealed the will of God, whatsoever is needfull for his servants to know and [John 1:18; 12:49–50; 15; 17:8; Deuteronomy 18:15] obey; and therefore he is called not onely a Prophet and Doctor, and the [Matthew 23:10] Apostle of our profession, and the [Hebrews 3:1] Angel of the covenant, but also the very [Malachi 3:1] wisdome of God, in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdome and knowledge, who for ever continueth revealing the same truth of the Gospel to his people. [1 Corinthians 1:24; Colossians 2:3]

## 16. Article 16

**16.1** That hee might bee a Prophet every way compleat, it was necessary hee should bee God, and also that hee should be man: for unlesse he had been God, he could never have perfectly understood the will of God; and unlesse he had been man, hee could not sutably have unfolded it in his own person to men. [John 1:18; Acts 3:22; Deuteronomy 18:15; Hebrews 1:1]

## 17. Article 17

**17.1** Concerning his Priesthood, Christ having sanctified himselfe, hath appeared once to put away sinne by that one offering of himselfe a sacrifice for sinne, by which he hath fully finished and suffered all things God required for the salvation of his elect, and removed all Rites and Shadowes, &c. And is now entred within the vaile into the Holy of Holies, which is the presence of God. Also, he makes his people a spirituall House, an holy Priesthood, to offer up spirituall Sacrifice acceptable to God through him. Neither doth the Father accept, or Christ offer to the Father any other worship or worshippers. [John 17:19; Hebrews 5:7–9; 10:12; Romans 5:19; Ephesians 5:2; Colossians 1:20; Ephesians 2:14–16; Romans 8:34; Hebrews 9:24; 8:1; 1 Peter 2:5; John 4:23–24]

## 18. Article 18

**18.1** This Priesthood was not legall or temporary, but according to the order of Melchisedec, and is stable and perfect, not for a [Hebrews 7:17] time, but for ever, which is suteable to Jesus Christ, as to him that ever liveth: Christ was the Priest, Sacrifice and Altar: hee was a Priest according to both natures; he was a Sacrifice according to his humane nature; whence in [Hebrews 7:16, 18–21, 24–25] Scripture it is attributed to his body, to his [Hebrews 5:6] bloud: yet the effectualnesse of this Sacrifice did depend upon his divine nature, therefore it is called the bloud of God. Hee was the Altar according to his [Hebrews 10:10; 1 Peter 1:18–19; Colossians 1:20, 22] divine nature, it belonging to the [Hebrews 9:13; Acts 20:28] Altar to sanctifie that which is offered upon it, and so it ought to be of greater dignity then the Sacrifice it selfe. [Hebrews 9:14; 13:10, 12, 15; Matthew 23:17; John 17:19]

## 19. Article 19

**19.1** Concerning his Kingly office, Christ being risen from the dead, and ascended into heaven, and having all power in heaven and earth, he doth spiritually governe his Church, and doth exercise his power over all Angels and men, good and bad, to the preservation and salvation of the elect, and to the over-ruling and destruction of his enemies. By this Kingly power he applieth the benefits, virtue, and fruits of his Prophesie and Priesthood to his elect, subduing their sinnes, preserving and strengthening them in all their conflicts against Satan, the World, and the Flesh, keeping their hearts in faith and filiall feare by his spirit: by this his mighty power he ruleth the vessels of wrath, using, limiting and restraining them as it seems good to his infinite wisdome. [1 Corinthians 15:4; 1 Peter 3:21–22; Matthew 28:18–20; Luke 24:51; Acts 1:1; 5:30–31; John 19:36; Romans 14:9; John 5:26–27; Romans 5:6–8; 14:17; Galatians 5:22–23; Mark 1:27; Hebrews 1:14; John 16:15; Job 1:8; Romans 1:21, 27, 18; Ephesians 4:17–18; 2 Peter 2]

## 20. Article 20

**20.1** This his Kingly power shall be more fully manifested when he shall come in glory to reign among his Saints, when he shall put down all rule and authority under his feet, that the glory of the Father may be perfectly manifested in his Sonne, and the glory of the Father and the Son in all his members. [1 Corinthians 15:24, 28; Hebrews 9:28; 2 Thessalonians 1:9–10; 1 Thessalonians 4:15–17; John 17:21, 26]

## 21. Article 21

**21.1** Jesus Christ by his death did purchase salvation for the Elect that God gave unto him: These onely have interest in him, and fellowship with him, for whom he makes intercession to his Father in the behalfe of, and to them alone doth God by his Spirit apply this redemption unto, as also the free gift of eternall life is given to them, and none else. [Ephesians 1:14; Hebrews 5:9; Matthew 1:21; John 17:6; Hebrews 7:25; 1 Corinthians 2:12; Romans 8:29–30; 1 John 5:12; John 15:13; 3:16]

## 22. Article 22

**22.1** Faith is the gift of God, wrought in the hearts of the Elect by the Spirit of God; by which faith they come to know and believe the truth of the [Ephesians 2:8; John 6:29; 4:10; Philippians 1:29; Galatians 5:22] Scriptures, and the excellency of them above all other writings, and all 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 of the power and fulnesse of the Spirit in its workings and operations, and so are inabled to cast their soules upon this truth thus believed. [John 17:17; Hebrews 4:11–12; John 6:63]

## 23. Article 23

**23.1** All those that have this precious faith wrought in them by the Spirit, can never finally nor totally fall away, seeing the gifts of God are without repentance; so that he still begets and nourisheth in them faith, repentance, love, joy, hope, and all the graces of the Spirit unto immortalitie; And though many stormes and flouds arise, and beat against them, yet they shall never be able to take them off that foundation and rock, which by faith they are fastned upon; notwithstanding, through unbelief, and the temptations of Satan, the sensible sight of this light and love, be clouded and overwhelmed for a time; yet God is still the same, and they shall be sure to be kept by the power of God unto salvation, where they shall enjoy their purchased possession, they being ingraven upon the palmes of his hands, and their names having been written in the booke of life from all eternitie. [Matthew 7:24–25; John 13:10; 10:28–29; 1 Peter 1:4–6; Isaiah 49:13–16]

## 24. Article 24

**24.1** Faith is ordinarily begotten by the preaching of the Gospel, or word of Christ, without respect to [Romans 10:17; 1 Corinthians 1:28] any power or agency in the creature; but it being wholly [Romans 9:16] passive, and dead in trespasses and sins, doth believe and is converted by no lesse [Ezekiel 16:16; Romans 3:12] power then that which raised Christ from the dead. [Romans 1:16; Ephesians 1:19; Colossians 2:12]

## 25. Article 25

**25.1** The preaching of the Gospel to the conversion of sinners, is absolutely free; no way requiring as absolutely necessary, any qualifications, preparations, or terrors of the Law, or preceding ministery of the Law; but onely and alone the naked soule, a [John 3:14–15; 1:12; Isaiah 55:1; John 7:37] sinner and ungodly to receive Christ crucified, dead, and buried, and risen againe, who is made a Prince and a Saviour for such sinners as through the Gospel shall be brought to beleeve on him. [1 Timothy 1:15; Romans 4:5; 5:8; Acts 5:30–31; 2:36; 1 Corinthians 1:22, 24]

## 26. Article 26

**26.1** The same power that converts to faith in Christ, carrieth on the soule through all duties, temptations, conflicts, sufferings; and whatsoever a believer is, he is by [1 Peter 1:5; 2 Corinthians 12:9] grace, and is carried on in all obedience and temptations by the same. [1 Corinthians 15:10; Philippians 2:12–13; John 15:5; Galatians 2:19–20]

## 27. Article 27

**27.1** All believers are by Christ, united to God; by which union, God is one with them, and they are one with him; and that all believers are the [1 Thessalonians 1:1; John 17:21; 20:17; Hebrews 2:11; 1 John 4:16] Sons of God, and joynt heires with Christ, to whom belong all the promises of this life, and that which is to come. [Galatians 2:19–20]

## 28. Article 28

**28.1** Those that have union with Christ, are justified from all their sins by the bloud of Christ; which justification is a gracious and full acquittance of a guilty sinner from all sinne, by God, through the satisfaction that Christ hath made by his death for all their sinnes. And this applied (in the manifestation of it) through faith. [1 John 1:7; Hebrews 10:14; 9:26; 2 Corinthians 5:19; Romans 3:23; Acts 13:38–39; Romans 5:1; 3:25, 30]

## 29. Article 29

**29.1** All beleevers are a holy and sanctified people, and that sanctification is a spiritual grace of the [1 Corinthians 11; 1 Peter 2:9] new covenant, and an effect of the [Ephesians 1:4] love of God manifested in the soul, whereby the beleever presseth after a heavenly and Evangelicall obedience to all the commands which Christ as Head and King in his new covenant hath prescribed to them. [1 John 4:16; Matthew 28:20]

## 30. Article 30

**30.1** All beleevers through the knowledge of that justification of life given by the Father, and brought forth by the bloud of Christ, have as their great priviledge of that new [2 Corinthians 5:19; Romans 5:9–10] covenant, peace with God, and reconciliation, whereby they that were afarre off are made nigh by [Isaiah 54:10; 26:12] that bloud, and have [Ephesians 2:13–14] peace passing all understanding; yea, joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by [Ephesians 4:7] whom we have received the atonement. [Romans 5:10–11]

## 31. Article 31

**31.1** All beleevers in the time of this life, are in a continuall warfare and combate against sin, selfe, the world, and the Devil; and are liable to all manner of afflictions, [Romans 7:23–24; Ephesians 6:10–13] tribulations, and persecutions, being [Hebrews 2:9–10; 2 Timothy 3:12] predestinated and appointed thereunto, and whatsoever the Saints possesse or enjoy of God spiritually, is by faith; and outward and temporall things are lawfully enjoyed by a civill right by them who have [Romans 8:29; 1 Thessalonians 3:3; Galatians 2:19–20; 2 Corinthians 5:7] no faith. [Deuteronomy 2:5]

## 32. Article 32

**32.1** The onely strength by which the Saints are enabled to encounter with all oppositions and trials, is [John 16:33] onely by Jesus Christ, who is the Captain of their salvation, being made perfect through [John 15:5; Philippians 4:11] sufferings, who hath engaged his faithfulnesse and strength to assist them in all their afflictions, and to uphold them in all their temptations, and to preserve them by his power to his everlasting Kingdome. [Hebrews 2:9–10; 2 Timothy 4:18]

## 33. Article 33

**33.1** Jesus Christ hath here on earth a spiritual kingdom, which is his Church, whom he hath purchased and redeemed to himselfe as a peculiar inheritance; which Church is a company of visible Saints, [Matthew 11:11; 2 Thessalonians 1:5; 1 Corinthians 1:2; Ephesians 1:1] called and separated from the world by the Word and [Romans 1:7; Acts 19:8–9; 26:18; 2 Corinthians 6:17; Revelation 18:4] Spirit of God, to the visible profession of the faith of the Gospel, [Acts 2:37; 10:37] being baptized into that faith, and joyned to the Lord, and each to other, by mutuall agreement in the [Romans 10:10; Matthew 18:19–20; Acts 2:42] practical enjoyment of the ordinances commanded by Christ their Head and King. [Acts 9:26; 1 Peter 2:5]

## 34. Article 34

**34.1** To this Church he hath made his promises, and given the signes of his covenant, [Matthew 28:18–20] presence, acceptation, love, [1 Corinthians 11:24; 3:21; 2 Corinthians 6:18; Romans 9:4–5] blessing, and [Psalm 133:3] protection. Here are the fountains and springs of his heavenly graces [Romans 3:7, 10] flowing forth to refresh and strengthen them, [Ezekiel 47:2]

## 35. Article 35

**35.1** And all his servants of all estates (are to acknowledge him to be their Prophet, Priest, and King;) and called thither to be enrolled among his houshold servants, to present their bodies and soules, and to bring their gifts God hath given them, to bee under his heavenly conduct and government, to lead their lives in this walled Sheepfold, and watered [Acts 2:41, 47; Isaiah 4:3; 1 Corinthians 12:6–7, 12, 18; Ezekiel 20:40, 37] Garden, to have communion here with his Saints, that they may be assured that they are made meet to bee partakers of their [Song of Solomon 4:12; Ephesians 2:19; Romans 12:4–6; Colossians 1:12; 2:5–6, 19] inheritance in the Kingdome of God; and to supply each others wants, inward and outward; (and although each person hath a [Acts 20:32] propriety in his own estate, yet they are to supply each others wants, according as their [Acts 5:4] necessities shall require, that the name of Jesus [Acts 2:44–45; 4:34–35] Christ may not be blasphemed through the necessity of any in the Church) and also being come, they are here by himselfe to be bestowed in their severall order, due place, peculiar use, being fitly compact and knit together [Luke 14:26; 1 Timothy 6:1] according to the effectuall working of every part, to the edifying of it selfe in love. [Ephesians 4:16]

## 36. Article 36

**36.1** Being thus Joyned, every Church hath power given them from Christ, for their wel-being to chuse among themselves meet persons for [Acts 1:23, 26; 6:3; 15:22, 25] Elders and Deacons, being qualified according to the Word, [Romans 12:7–8] as those which Christ hath appointed in his Testament, for the feeding, governing, serving, and building up of his Church, and that none have any power to [1 Timothy 3:2, 6–8; 1 Corinthians 12:8, 28; Hebrews 13:7, 17; 1 Peter 5:1–3] impose on them either these or any other. [1 Peter 4:15]

## 37. Article 37

**37.1** That the Ministers lawfully called, as aforesaid, ought to continue in their calling and place, according to Gods ordinance, and carefully to feed the flock of God committed to them, not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind. [Hebrews 5:4; John 10:3–4; Acts 20:28–29; Romans 12:7–8; Hebrews 13:7, 17; 1 Peter 5:1–3]

## 38. Article 38

**38.1** The Ministers of Christ ought to have whatsoever they shall need, supplied freely by the Church, that according to Christs ordinance they that preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel by the law of Christ. [1 Corinthians 9:7, 14; Galatians 6:8; Philippians 4:15–16; 2 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Timothy 1:9; Psalm 110:3]

## 39. Article 39

**39.1** Baptisme is an ordinance of the new Testament, given by Christ, to be dispensed upon persons professing faith, or that are made Disciples; who upon profession of faith, ought to be baptized, and after to partake of the Lords supper. [Matthew 28:18–19; John 4:1; Mark 16:15–16; Acts 2:37–38; 8:36–38; 18:8]

## 40. Article 40

**40.1** That the way and manner of the dispensing this ordinance, is dipping or plunging the body under water; it being a signe, must answer the things signified, which is, that interest the Saints have in the [Matthew 3:6, 16; Mark 1:5, 9; John 3:23; Acts 8:38; Revelation 1:5; 7:14; Hebrews 10:22] death, burial, and resurrection of Christ: And that as certainly as the body is buried under water, and risen again, so certainly shall the bodies of the Saints bee raised by the power of Christ, in the day of the resurrection, to reigne with Christ. [Romans 6:3–6; 1 Corinthians 15:28–29]

## 41. Article 41

**41.1** The person designed by Christ to dispence Baptisme, the Scripture holds forth to bee a Disciple; it being no where tied to a particular Church-officer, or person extraordinarily sent, the Commission injoyning the administration, being given to them as considered Disciples, being men able to preach the Gospel. [Isaiah 8:16; Ephesians 3:7; Matthew 28:19; John 4:2; Acts 20:7; 11:10; 1 Corinthians 11:24; 10:16–17]

## 42. Article 42

**42.1** Christ hath likewise given power to his Church to receive in, and cast out, any member that deserves it; and this power is given to every Congregation, and not to one particular person, either member or officer, but in relation to the whole body, in reference to their faith and fellowship. [Romans 16:2; Matthew 18:17; 1 Corinthians 5:4, 11, 13; 12:6; 2 Corinthians 2:6–7]

## 43. Article 43

**43.1** And every particular member of each Church, how excellent, great, or learned soever, is subject to this censure and judgement; & that the Church ought not without great care and tendernesse, and due advice, but by the rule of faith to proceed against her members. [Matthew 18:16–18; Acts 11:2–3; 1 Timothy 5:19–21; Colossians 4:17; Acts 15:1–3]

## 44. Article 44

**44.1** Christ for the keeping of this Church in holy and orderly communion, placeth some speciall men over the Church, who by their office, are to governe, oversee, visite, watch; So likewise for the better keeping thereof, in all places by the members, he hath given authoritie, and laid dutie upon all to watch over one another. [Acts 20:27–28; Hebrews 13:17, 24; Matthew 24:45; 1 Thessalonians 5:2, 14; Jude 3, 20; Hebrews 10:34–35; 12:15]

## 45. Article 45

**45.1** Also such to whom God hath given gifts in the Church, may and ought to Prophecie, according to the proportion of faith, & so to teach publickly the Word of God, for the edification, exhortation, and comfort of the Church. [1 Corinthians 14:3; Romans 12:6; 1 Peter 4:10–11; 1 Corinthians 12:7; 1 Thessalonians 5:19–21]

## 46. Article 46

**46.1** Thus being rightly gathered, and continuing in the obedience of the Gospel of Christ, none are to separate for faults and corruptions (for as long as the Church consists of men subject to failings, there will be difference in the true constituted Church) untill they have in due order, and tendernesse, sought redresse thereof. [Revelation 2–3; Acts 15:12; 1 Corinthians 1:10; Hebrews 10:25; Jude 19; Revelation 2:20–22; Acts 15:1–2; Romans 14:1; 15:1–3]

## 47. Article 47

**47.1** And although the particular Congregations be distinct and severall bodies, every one as a compact and knit [1 Corinthians 4:17; 14:33, 36; 16:1] Citie within it selfe; yet are they all to walke by [Psalm 122:3; Ephesians 2:12, 19; Revelation 21] one rule of truth; So also they (by all meanes convenient) are to have the counsell and helpe [1 Timothy 3:15; 6:13–14; 1 Corinthians 4:17] one of another, if necessitie require it, as members of one body, in the common faith, under Christ their head. [Acts 15:2–3; Song of Solomon 8:8–9; 2 Corinthians 8:1, 4, 13–14]

## 48. Article 48

**48.1** A civill Magistracy is an Ordinance of God, set up by him for the punishment of evill doers, and for the praise of them that doe well; and that in all lawfull things, commanded by them, subjection ought to be given by us in the Lord, not onely for wrath, but for conscience sake; and that we are to make supplications and prayers for Kings, and all that are in authoritie, that under them we may live a quiet and peaceable life, in all godlinesse and honesty. [Romans 13:1–4; 1 Peter 2:13–14; 1 Timothy 2:1–3]

## 49. Article 49

**49.1** But in case we finde not the Magistrate to favour us herein; yet wee dare not suspend our practice, because we believe we ought to goe on in obedience to Christ, in professing the faith which was once deliver’d to the Saints, which faith is declared in the holy Scriptures, and this our confession of faith a part of them, and that wee are to witnesse to the truth of the old and new Testament unto the death, if necessitie require, in the midst of all tryals and afflictions, as his Saints of old have done; not accounting our goods, lands, wives, children, fathers, mothers, brethren, sisters; yea, and our owne lives deare unto us, so wee may finish our course with joy, remembring alwayes, that we ought to [Acts 2:40–41; 4:19; 5:28–29, 41; 20:23; 1 Thessalonians 3:3; Philippians 1:28–29; Daniel 3:16–17; 6:7, 10, 22–23] obey God rather then men, who will when we have finished our course, and kept the faith, give us [1 Timothy 6:13–15; Romans 12:1, 8; 1 Corinthians 14:37] the Crowne of righteousnesse; to [Revelation 2:20] whom wee must give an account of all our actions, and no man being able to discharge us of the same. [2 Timothy 4:6–8; Romans 14:10, 12; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Psalm 49:7; 50:22]

## 50. Article 50

**50.1** It is lawfull for a Christian to be a Magistrate or Civill Officer; and also it is lawfull to take an Oath, so it be in truth, and in judgement, and in righteousnesse, for confirmation of truth, and ending of all strife; and that by rash and vaine Oaths the Lord is provoked, and this Land mournes. [Acts 8:38; 10:1–2, 35, 44; Romans 16:23; Deuteronomy 6:13; Romans 1:9; 2 Corinthians 10:11; Jeremiah 4:2; Hebrews 6:16]

## 51. Article 51

**51.1** Wee are to give unto all men, whatsoever is their due, as their place, age, estate requires; and that we defraud no man of any thing, but to doe unto all men, as we would they should doe unto us. [1 Thessalonians 4:6; Romans 13:5–7; Matthew 22:21; Titus 3; 1 Peter 2:15, 17; 5:5; Ephesians 5:21, 23; 6:1, 9; Titus 3:1–3]

## 52. Article 52

**52.1** There shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust, and every one shall give an account of himselfe to God, that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. [Acts 24:15; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 14:12]