CONTENTS . 7 PAGE ^ XIX. Of Moderators . 389 XX. Of Clerks . 390 XXI. Of Vacant Congregations . 390 XXII. Of Commissioners to the General Assembly . . . 392 XXIII. Of the Organizations of the Church . 393 XXIV. Of Amendments . 394 XXV. Of the Board of Deacons . 396 XXVI. Of Executive Commissions . 396 V. THE BOOK OF DISCIPLINE . 405 I. Of Discipline : its Nature, Ends, and Subjects . . 405 II. Of the Parties in Cases of Process . 406 III. Of Charges and Specifications . 408 IV. Of Process: General Rules Pertaining to All Cases 408 V. Special Rules Pertaining to Cases before Sessions 412 VI. General Rules Pertaining to the Trial of a Minister, Elder, or Deacon . 413 VII. Of Cases without Process . 415 VIII. Of Evidence . 418 IX. Of the Ways in which a Cause may be Carried from a Lower to a Higher Judicatory . 420 I. Of General Review and Control . 421 II. Of References . 422 III. Of Complaints . 423 IV. Of Appeals . 425 X. Of Dissents and Protests . 427 XL Of Jurisdiction in Cases of Dismission . 429 XII. Of Removals, and Limitations of Time . . . . 430 XIII. Concerning Judicial Cases . 431 I. Concerning Judicial Cases in Presbyteries and Synods . 431 II. Concerning Judicial CasesintheGeneral Assembly 432 III. Concerning Non-Judicial or Administrative Cases and References . 434 XIV. Of Differences between Judicatories . 435 VI. THE DIRECTORY FOR THE WORSHIP OF GOD . 439 I. Of the Santification of the Lord’s Day . 439 II. Of the Assembling of the Congregation and their Behavior During Divine Service . 440 8 CONTENTS PAGE III. Of the Public Reading of the Holy Scriptures . . . 441 IV. Of the Singing of Psalms . 441 V. Of Public Prayer . 442 VI. Of the Worship of God by Offerings . 444 VII. Of the Preaching of the Word . 445 VIII. Of the Administration of Baptism . 446 IX. Of the Administration of the Lord’s Supper .... 449 X. Ofthe Admission to Full Communion of Persons Bap¬ tized in Infancy . 452 XI. Of the Mode of Inflicting and Removing Censures . 453 XII. Of the Solemnization of Marriage . 456 XIII. Of the Visitation of the Sick . 459 XIV. Of the Burial of the Dead . 460 XV. Of Fasting, and of the Observation of the Days of Thanksgiving . 461 XVI. The Directory for Secret and Family Worship . . 462 VII. CONSTITUTIONAL RULES . 465 1. Local Evangelists . 465 2. Trials for Licensure . . . . 466 3. Candidates for the Ministry . 466 4. Committee on Vacancy and Supply . 467 VIII. APPENDIX . 473 A. Acts of the General Assembly . 473 I. Adjustments Connected with Reunion . 473 IL Amendments to the Constitution . 475 III. Assembly Funds. . . 476 IV. Theological Seminaries . 479 V. Foreign Ministers . 481 VI. Ministers of Other Denominations in the U. S. A. . 486 VII. Presbyteries and Synods . 488 VIII. Sessions and Churches . 490 IX. Boards of the Church . 494 X. The Reunion of 1906 . 495 \ B. General Rules for Judicatories . 497 IX. INDEX 505 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. Adopted, 1729; Amended, 1788-1903. CHAPTER I. OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURE. I. Although the light of nature, and the works of creation and providence, do so far manifest the goodness, wisdom, and power of God, as to leave men inexcusable;I. 11 yet they are not sufficient to give that knowledge of God and of his will, which is necessary unto salvation ;& there¬ fore it pleased the Lord, at sundry times, and in divers I. a Psa. xix. 1-4. The heavens declare the glory of God ; and the firmament showeth his handy-work. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night showeth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. Their line is gone oul. through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun. Rom. i. 32. Who, know¬ ing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. Rom. ii. l. Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man. whosoever thou art that judgest : for wherein thou judgest another thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. Rom. i. 19, 20. Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead ; so that they are without excuse. See Rom. ii. 14, 15. *1 Cor. i. 21. For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wis¬ dom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that belieye. 1 Cor. ii. 13, 14. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth ; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God : for they are foolishness unto him ; neither can he know them, be¬ cause they are spiritually discerned. 10 CONFESSION OF FAITH . [chap. I. manners, to reveal himself, and to declare that his will unto his Church ; c and afterwards, for the better preserv¬ ing and propagating of the truth, and for the more sure es¬ tablishment and comfort of the Church against the corrup¬ tion of the flesh, and the malice of Satan and of the world, to commit the same wholly unto writing: d which maketh the Holy Scripture to' be most necessary ; e those former ways of God’s revealing his will unto his people being now ceased./ II. Under the name of Holy Scripture, or the Word of God written, are now contained all the books of the Old and New Testament, which are these : OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. Deuteronomy. I. Samuel. II. Samuel I. Kings. II. Kings. Genesis. Exodus. Leviticus Numbers. Joshua. Judges. Ruth. eHeb. i. 1, 2. God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son. u Luke C 3, 4. It seemed good to me also, having had perfect under¬ standing of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, That thou miglitest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed. Rom. xv. 4. For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. Matt. iv. 4, 7, 10. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.— Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.— Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan : for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Isa. viii. 20. To the law and to the testimony : if they speak not according to his word, it is because there is no light in them. *2 Tim. iii. 15. And that from a child thou hast known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 2 Pet. i. 19. We have also a more sure word of prophecy ; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the daystar arise in your hearts. /Heb. i. 1, 2. God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets. Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds. sect, hi.] CONFESSION OF FAITH. 11 I. Chronicles. II. Chronicles. Ezra. Nehemiah. Esther. Job. Psalms. Proverbs. Ecclesiastes. The Song of Songs. Isaiah. Jeremiah. Lamentations. Ezekiel. Daniel Hosea. Joel. Amos. Obadiah. Jonah. Micah. Nahum. Habakkuk. Zephaniah. Haggai. Zeehariah. Malachi. OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. The Gospels accord¬ ing to Matthew. Mark. Luke. John The Acts of the Apostles. Paul’s Epistles to the Romans. Corinthians, I. Corinthians, II. Galatians. Ephesians. Philippians. Colossians. Thessalonians, I. Thessalonians, II. To Timothy, I. To Timothy, II. To Titus. To Philemon. The Epistle to the Hebrews. The Epistle of James. The first and second Epistles of Peter. The first, second and third Epistles o i John. The Epistle of Jude. The Revelation. All which are given by inspiration of God, to be the rule of faith and life. 9 III. The books commonly called Apocrypha, not being of divine inspiration, are no part of the canon of the Scripture ; and therefore are of no authority in the Church of God, nor to be any otherwise approved, or made use of, than other human writings. h II. i'Eph. ii. 20. And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone. Rev. xxii. 18, 19. For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book. And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. 2 Tim. iii. 10. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for in¬ struction in righteousness. Matt. xi. 27. Neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him. III. "Luke xxiv. 27, 44. And beginning at Moses and all the proph¬ ets, he expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things con¬ cerning himself.— And he said unto them, These are the words which 12 CONFESSION OF FAITH. [chap. I. IV. The authority of the Holy Scripture, for which it ought to be believed and obeyed, dependeth not upon the testimony of any man or church, but wholly upon God, (who is truth itself,) the author thereof; and therefore it is to be received, because it is the Word of God.* V. We may be moved and induced by the testimony of the Church to an high and reverent esteem of the H0I3 Scripture ; k and the heavenliness of the matter, the ef ficacy of the doctrine, the majesty of the style, the con¬ sent of all the parts, the scope of the whole, (which is to give all glory to God,) the full discovery it makes of the only way of man’s salvation, the many other incompar¬ able excellencies, and the entire perfection thereof, are arguments whereby it doth abundantly evidence itself to be the Word of God; yet, notwithstanding, our full per¬ suasion and assurance of the infallible truth, and divine authority thereof, is from the inward work of the Holy Spirit, bearing witness by and with the Word in our hearts. 1 * * IV. V. 1 spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fultilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Rom. iii. 2. Much everyway, chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God. 2 Pet. i. 21. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man : but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. IV. *2 Tim. iii. 16. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. 1 John v. 9. If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater : for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. 1 Thess. ii. 13. For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but, as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. V. * 1 Tim. iii. 15. But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. *1 John ii. 20, 27. But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.— But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you : but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. John xvi . 13, 14. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he .will guide sect, vi.] CONFESSION OF FAITH . 13 VI. The whole counsel of God, concerning all things necessary for his own glory, man’s salvation, faith, and life, is either expressly set down in Scripture, or by good and necessary consequence may be deduced from Script¬ ure: unto which nothing at any time is to be added, whether by new revelations of the Spirit or traditions of men.m Nevertheless we acknowledge the inward illu¬ mination of the Spirit of God to be necessary for the sav¬ ing understanding of such things as are revealed in the Word;71 and there are some circumstances concerning the worship of God and government of the Church, com¬ mon to human actions and societies, which are to be or¬ dered by the light of nature and Christian prudence, you into all truth : for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak ; and he will show you things to come. He shall glorify me : for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you. 1 Cor. ii. 10-12. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now vre have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God ; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. VI. m 2 Tim. iii. 15-17. And that from a child thou hast known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by in¬ spiration of God. and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correc¬ tion. for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God maybe perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. Gal. i. 8. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be ac¬ cursed. 2 Thess. ii. 2. That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. "John vi. 45. It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, eometh unto me. 1 Cor. ii. 0, 10, 12. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.— Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God: that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 14 CONFESSION OF FAITH. [chap. I. according to the general rules of the Word, which are always to be observed. 0 VII. All things in Scripture are not alike plain in themselves, nor alike clear unto all ; P yet those things which are necessary to be known, believed, and observed, for salvation, arc so clearly propounded and opened in some place of Scripture or other, that not only the learned, but the unlearned, in a due use of the ordinary means, may attain unto a sufficient understanding of them. Q VIII. The Old Testament in Hebrew, (which was the native language of the people of God of old,) and the New Testament in Greek, (which at the time of the writ¬ ing of it was most generally known to the nations,) being immediately inspired by God, and by his singular care and providence kept pure in all ages, are therefore authentical ;r so as in all controversies of religion the Church is finally to appeal unto them. s But because these original tongues are not known to all the people of God who have right unto and interest in the Script- 31 Cor. xi. 13, 14. Judge In yourselves: Is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered? Roth not even nature itself teach you, that if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him ? 1 Cor. xiv. 26, 40. How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.— Let all things be done decently and in order. VII. r'2 Pet. iii. 16. As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other Scriptures, unto their own destruction. 9 Psa. cxix. 105, 130. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. — The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. See Acts xvii. 11. VIII. r Matt. v. 18. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till ad be fulfilled. 'Isa. viii. 20. To the law and to the testimony : if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. Acts xv. 15. And to this agree the words of the prophets. John v. 46. For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me : for he wrote of me. SECT. X.] CONFESSION OF FAITH. 15 ures, and are commanded, in the fear of God, to read and search them,* therefore they are to be translated into the vulgar language of every nation unto which they come, u that the Word of God dwelling plentifully in all, they may worship him in an acceptable manner, w and, through patience and comfort of the Scriptures, may have hope. x IX. The infallible rule of interpretation of Scripture is the Scripture itself ; and therefore, when there is a ques¬ tion about the true and full sense of any scripture, (which is not manifold, but one,) it may be searched and known by other places that speak more clearly. V X. The Supreme Judge, by whom all controversies of <2 Tim. iii. 14, 15. But contimie thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. Acts xvii. 11. These were more noble than those in Thessalonioa, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so. u 1 Cor. xiv. 6, 9, 11, 12, 24, 27, 28. Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except 1 shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?— So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken ? for ye shall speak into the air.— Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and be that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me. Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.— But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all. — If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course ; and let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God. “'Col. iii. 16. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wis¬ dom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. *Rom. xv. 4. For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scripture might have hope. IX. v Acts xv. 15. And to this agree the words of the prophets : as it is written. John v. 46. For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me : for he wrote of me. See 2 Pet. i. 20, 21. 16 CONFESSION OF FA ITH. [chap. ii. religion are to be determined, and all decrees of councils, opinions of ancient writers, doctrines of men, and private spirits, are to be examined, and in whose sentence we are to rest, can be no other but the Holy Spirit speaking in the Scripture. s CHAPTER IT. OF GOD, AND OF THE HOLY TRINITY. 1. There is but one onlya living and true God,* 1 * * * * & who is infinite in being and perfection,0 a most pure spirit, d invisible,0 without body, parts,/ or pas- X. * Matt. xxii. ‘29, 31. Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God.— But as touch¬ ing the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God ? Acts xxviii. 25. And when they agree 1 not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers. Gal. i. 10. For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. See 1 John iv. 1-6. I. “ Dent. vi. 4. Hear, O Israel : The Lord our God is one Lord. 1 Cor. viii. 4. 6. As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is noth¬ ing in the world, and that there is none other God but one. — But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him ; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. 61 Thess. i. 9. Ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God. Jer. x. 10. But the Lord is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting King. e Job xi. 7-9. Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection? It is as high as heaven; what canst thou do? deeper than hell ; what canst thou know? The measure thereof is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea. Job xxvi. 14. Lo, these are parts of his ways : but how little a portion is heard of him ? but the thunder of his power who can understand ? dJohn iv. 24. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. « 1 Tim. i. 17. Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. f Deut. iv. 15, 16. Take ye therefore good heed unto yourselves ; for ye saw no manner of similitude on the day that the Lord spake unto you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire; Lest ye corrupt yourselves, and make you a graven image, the similitude of any figure, the like- SECT. I.] CONFESSION OF FAITH. 17 sions,? immutable,* immense,1 eternal,* incomprehensible/ almighty ,m most wise,” most holy,0 most free,P most abso¬ lute,? working all things according to the counsel of his own immutable and most righteous will/ for his own glory ;8 ness of male or female. Luke xxiv. 39. Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. See John iv. 24. o Acts xiv. 11, 15. And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.— And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein. h James i. 17. The Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Mai. iii. 6. For I am the Lord, I change not. *1 Kings viii. 27. But will God indeed dwell on the earth ? Behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee ; how much less this house that I have builded? Jer. xxiii. 23, 24. Am I a God at hand, saith the Lord, and not a God afar off? Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him ? saith the Lord. Do not I fill heaven and eartlx? saith the Lord. *Psa. xc. 2. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou haast formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to ever¬ lasting, thou art God. 1 Tim. i. 17. Now unto the King eternal, im¬ mortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Psa. cxlv. 3. His greatness is unsearchable. mGen. xvii. 1. I am the Almighty God ; walk before me, and be thou perfect. See Rev. iv. 8. n Rom. xvi. 27. To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen. °Isa. vi. 3. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts : the whole earth is full of his glory. See Rev. iv. 8. p Psa. cxv. 3. But our God is in the heavens : he hath done what¬ soever he hath pleased. i Ex. iii. 14. And God said unto Moses, I am that i am: and he 3aid, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I am hath sent me unto you. rEph. i. 11. In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will. 8Prov. xvi. 4. The Lord hath made all things for,himself : yea, even the wicked for the day of evil. Rom. xi. 36. For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen. Rev. iv. 11. Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power : for thou hast created all things. »nd for thy pleasure they are, and were created. 2 18 CONFESSION OF FAITH. [chap. ii. most loving/ gracious, merciful, long-suffering, abundant in goodness and truth, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin ;u the rewarder of them that diligently seek him and withal most just and terrible in his judgments, x hating all sin,?/ and who will by no means clear the guilty.2 II. God hath all life,a glory, & goodness,0 blessedness, d in and of himself ; and is alone in and unto himself all-sufficient, not standing in need of any creatures which he hath made,6 4 1 John iv. 8. He that loveth not, knoweth not God; for God is love. John iii. 16. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life. uEx. xxxiv. 6, 7. And the Lord passed by before him, and pro¬ claimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, long- suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and tha* * will by no means clear the guilty. w Heb. xi. 6. For he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. *Neh. ix. 32, 33. Now therefore, our God, the great, the mighty and the terrible God, who keepest covenant and mercy, let not all the trouble seem little before thee, that hath come upon us, on out kings, on our princes, and on our priests, and on our prophets, and on our fathers, and on all thy people, since the time of the kings of Assyria unto this day. Howbeit thou art just in all that is brought upon us ; for thou hast done right, but Ave have done wickedly. See Heb. x. 28-31. ^Psa. v. 5, 6. The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity. Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: the Lord will abhor the bloody and deceitful man. * Nahum i. 2, 3. God is jealous, and the Lord revengeth ; the Lord revengeth, and is furious ; the Lord will take vengeance on his ad¬ versaries, and he reserveth wrath for his enemies. The Lord is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked. See Ex. xxxiv. 7. II. “John v. 26. For as the Father hath life in himself, so hath be given to the Son to have life in himself. *Acts vii. 2. And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dAvelt in Charran. * Psa. cxix. 68. Thou art good, and doest good : teach me thy statutes. d 1 Tim. vi. 15. Which in his times he shall shoAv, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords. Rom. ix. 5. Who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen. « Acts xvii. 24, 25. God that made the world, and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwclleth not in temples SECT. II.] CONFESSION OF FAITH. 19 nor deriving any glory from them,/ but only mani¬ festing his own glory in, by, unto, and upon them : he is the alone fountain of all being, of whom, through whom, and to whom, are all things ; o and hath most sovereign dominion over them, to do by them, for them, and upon them, whatsoever himself pleaseth/7 In his sight all things are open and manifest;1’ his knowledge is intinitej infallible, and independent upon the creature,* * so as noth* ing is to him contingent or uncertain/ He is most holy in all his counsels, in all his works, and in all his com¬ mands.™ To him is due from angels and men, and every other creature, whatsoever worship, service, or obedience, he is pleased to require of them.71 made with hands ; Neither is worshiped with men’s hands, as though he needed anything, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things. /Psa. 1. 12. If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fullness thereof. See Isa. xl. 12-17. s’ Rom xi. 36. For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things : to whom be glory for ever. Amen. *Rev. iv. 11. Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory, and honor, and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are, and were created. Dan. iv. 25, 35. The Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.— And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth : and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou? See 1 Tim. vi. 15. *Heb. iv. 13. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. *Rom. xi. 33, 34. O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord’: or who hath been his counselor? Ps. cxlvii. 5. Great is our Lord and of great power: his understanding is infinite. 1 Acts. xv. 18. Known unto God are all his works from the begin rung of the world. Prov. xv. 3. The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. m Psa. cxlv. 17. The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works. Rom. vii. 12. Wherefore the law is holy, and the com¬ mandment holy, and just, and good. nRev. v. 12-14. Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing. And every creature which is in 20 CONFESSION OF FAITH. [chap. iii. III. In the unity of the Godhead there be three person? of one substance, power, and eternity; God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost.0 The Father is of none, neither begotten nor proceeding ; the Son is eter¬ nally begotten of the Father ;P the Holy Ghost eternally proceeding from the Father and the Son.Eph. ii. 3. Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind ; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 9 Gal. iii. 10. For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse : for it is written, Cursed is every one that con- tinueth not in all things which' are written in the book of the law to do them. 38 CONFESSION OF FAITH. [chap. vii. death, r with all miseries spiritual, s temporal,* 1 II. and eternal. w CHAPTER VII. OF GOD'S COVENANT WITH MAN. I. The distance between God and the creature is so great, that although reasonable creatures do owe obedience unto him as their Creator, yet they could never have any frui¬ tion of him, as their blessedness and reward, but by some voluntary condescension on God’s part, which he hath been pleased to express by way of covenant.*1 II. The first covenant made with man was a covenant of works, b wherein life was promised to Adam, and in him r Rom. vi. 23. For the wages of sin is death. •Eph. iv. 18. Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart. t Lam. iii. 39. Wherefore doth a living man complain, a man for the punishment of his sins? u Matt. xxv. 41. Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels. 2 Thess. i. 9. Who shall be punished with everlast¬ ing destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power. I. ° Job ix. 32, 33. For he is not a man, as I am, that I should answer him, and we should come together in judgment. Neither is there any daysman betwixt us, that might lay his hand upon us both. Psa. cxiii. 5, 6. Who is like unto the Lord our God, who dwelleth on high, Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth ! Acts xvii. 24, 25. God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands ; Neither is worshiped with men’s bands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things. Luke xvii. 10. So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants : we have done that which was our duty to do. See Job xxxv. 7, 8. II. 6 Gal. iii. 12. And the law is not of faith : but, The man that 4oeth them shall live in them. See Gen. ii. 16, 17. sect, hi.] CONFESSION OF FAITH. 39 to his posterity, c upon condition of perfect and personal obedience.^ III. Man, by his fall, having made himself incapable of life by that covenant, the Lord was pleased to make a second, e commonly called the covenant of grace : wherein he freely offereth unto sinners life and salvation by Jesus Christ, requiring of them faith in him, that they may be saved ;/ and promising to give unto all those that are «Rom. x. 5. For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them. Rom. v. 12-14. Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin ; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned : For until the law sin was in the world : but sin is not im¬ puted when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. dGen. ii. 17. But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it : for in the day that thou eatest thereof, thou shalt surely die. Gal. iii. 10. For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, Cursed is every one that lontinueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. III. «Gal. iii. 21.— For if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. Rom. viii. 3. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh. Rom. iii. 20, 21. There¬ fore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight : for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the right¬ eousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets. Isa. xlii. 6. I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles. Gen. iii. 15. And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed ; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. /Matt, xxviii. 18-20. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. John iii. 10. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoso¬ ever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Rom. i. 16, 17. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ : for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth ; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness 40 CONFESSION OF FAITH. [chap, yii, ordained unto life, liis Holy Spirit, to make them willing and able to believe. ^ IV. This covenant of grace is frequently set forth in the Scripture by the name of a testament, in reference to the death of Jesus Christ, the testator, and to the ever¬ lasting inheritance, with all things belonging to it, there¬ in bequeathed./* V. This covenant was differently administered in thf time of the law, and in the time of the gospel A under of God revealed from faith to faith : as it is written, The just shall live by faith. Rom. x. 6-9. But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) But what saith it ? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart : that is, the word of faith, which we preach ; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. o Acts xiii. 48. And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord : and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed. Ezek. xxxvi. 26, 27. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you, and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments and do them. John vi. 87, 44, 45. All that the Father giveth me shall come to me ; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.— No man can come to me, except the Father, which hath sent me, draw him ; and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me. Luke xi. 13. If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children ; how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him ? Gal. iii. 14. That the blessing of Abraham might Home on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. IV. * Heb. ix. 15-17. And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death for the redemption of the transgressions that wei’e under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testa¬ tor. For a testament is of force after men are dead ; otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth. V. * 2 Cor. iii. 6-9. Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. But if the ministration of death, SECT. V.] CONFESSION OF FAITH. 41 the law it was administered by promises, prophecies, sac¬ rifices, circumcision, the paschal lamb, and other types and ordinances delivered to the people of the Jews, all fore-signifying Christ to come, * * which were for that time sufficient and efficacious, through the operation of the Spirit, to instruct and build up the elect in faith in the promised Messiah, 1 by whom they had full remission of sins, and eternal salvation ; and is called the Old Testa¬ ment. m written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not steadfastly benold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance ; which glory was to be done away ; How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious? For if the minis¬ tration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. *See Heb. viii. ix. x. Rom. iv. 11. And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised ; that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised ; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also. Col. ii. 11, 12. In whom also ye are cir¬ cumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ : Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. 1 Cor. v. 7. Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacri¬ ficed for us. 1 1 Cor. x. 1-4. Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink ; for they drank of that spirit¬ ual Rock that followed them : and that Rock was Christ. Heb. xi. 13. These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having 3een them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. John viii. 56. Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day : and he saw it, and was glad. mGal. iii. 7-9, 14. Know ye, therefore, that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.— That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. 42 CONFESSION OF FAITH. [chap. vii. VI. Under the gospel, when Christ the substance71 was exhibited, the ordinances in which this covenant is dis¬ pensed are the preaching of the Word, and the admin¬ istration of the Sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper;0 which, though fewer in number, and admin¬ istered with more simplicity and less outward glory, yet in them it is held forth in more fullness, evidence, and spiritual efficacy ,p to all nations, both Jews and Gentiles VI. « Col. ii. 17. Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. • Matt, xxviii. 19, 20. Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptiz¬ ing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever 1 have com¬ manded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. 1 Cor. xi. 23-25. For I have received of the Lord, that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus, the same night in which he was betrayed, took bread : And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat; this is my body, which is broken for you : this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood : this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. p Heb. xii. 22-24. But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumer¬ able company of angels, To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, And to Jesus the me¬ diator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. 2 Cor. iii. 9-11. For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the minis¬ tration of righteousness exceed in glory. For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth. For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious. See Jer. xxxi. 33, 34. « Luke ii. 32. A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. Acts x. 34, 35. Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons : But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. Eph. ii. 15-13. Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances ; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace ; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God. SECT. I.] CONFESSION OF FAITH. 43 and is called the New Testament/ There are not, there¬ fore, two covenants of grace differing in substance, but one and the same under various dispensations/ CHAPTER VIII. OF CHRIST THE MEDIATOR. I. It pleased God, in his eternal purpose, to choose and ordain the Lord Jesus, his only begotten Son, to be the Mediator between God and man ; a the rLuke xxii. 20. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you. * Gal. iii. 14, 10. That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. — Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many ; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. Acts xv. 11. But we believe, that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they. Rom. iii. 21, 22, 30. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets ; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe ; for there is no difference.— See- ing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. Rom. iv. 10, 17, 23, 24. Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed ; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham ; who is the father of us all, (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. — Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him ; But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead. Heb. i. 1, 2. God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son. I. ° Isa. xlii. 1. Behold my servant, whom I uphold ; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth ; I have put my Spirit upon him ; he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. 1 Pet. i. 19, 20.— But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot : Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you. 1 Tim. ii. 5. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. John iii. 16. For God so -loved the world, that he gave his 44 CONFESSION OF FAITH. [chap. viii. prophet, b priest,0 and king ; d the head and Saviour of his Church ;e the heir of all things,/ and judge of the world ; 9 unto whom he did, from all eternity, give a people to be his seed,* * and to be by him only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not per- teh, but have everlasting life. *Deut. xviii. 15. The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me ; unto him ye shall hearken. Acts iii. 20-22. And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you : Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A Prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me ; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. c Heb. v. 5, 6. So also Christ glorified not himself to be made a high priest ; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to-day have I be¬ gotten thee. As he saith also in another place. Thou art a priest for ever, after the order of Melchisedec. ^Psa. ii. 6. Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. Isa. ix. 6, 7. For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given : and the government shall be upon his shoulder : and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. Luke i. 33. And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. « Eph. v. 23. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church : and he is the Saviour of the body. /Heb. i. 2. Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things. ?Acts xvii. 31. Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained ; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. 2 Cor. v. 10. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ : that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. A John xvii. 6. I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world : thine they were, and thou gavest thorn me ; and they have kept thy word. Psa. xxii. 30. A seed shall serve him ; it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation. Isa. liii. 10. WThen thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. Eph. i. 4. According as he hath chosen us in SECT1. II.] CONFESSION OF FAITH. 45 in time redeemed, called, justified, sanctified, and glori¬ fied.* * II. The Son of God, the second person in the Trinity, being very and eternal God, of one substance, and equal with the Father, did, when the fullness of time was come take upon him man’s nature, k with all the essential prop¬ erties and common infirmities thereof, yet without sin:* being conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost, in the womb of the Virgin Mary, of her substance. m So that him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love. » 1 Tim. ii. 5, 6. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus ; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. Isa. lv. 4, 5. Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people. Be¬ hold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee, because of the Lord thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel ; for he hath glorified thee. 1 Cor. i. 30. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wis¬ dom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption. Rom. viii. 30. Moreover, whom he did predestinate, them he also called : and whom he called, them he also justified : and whom he justified, them he also glorified. II. * John i. 1, 14. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.— And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. 1 John v. 20. And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true; and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. Phil. ii. 6. Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God. Gal. iv. 4. But when the full¬ ness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law. *Heb. ii. 14, 17. Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same ; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.— Wherefore in all things it behooved him to be made like unto his brethren. Heb. iv. 15. For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities ; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. m Luke i. 27, 31, 35. To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David ; and the virgin’s name was Mary.— And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.— And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of 46 CONFESSION OF FAITH, [chap. vik. two whole, perfect, and distinct natures, the Godhead and the manhood, were inseparably joined together in one person, without conversion, composition, or confusion.” Which person is very God and very man, yet one Christ, the only Mediator between God and man.0 III. The Lord Jesus, in his human nature thus united to the divine, was sanctified and anointed with the Holy Spirit above measure ;P having in him all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge; <7 in whom it pleased the Father that all fullness should dwell :r to the end that being holy, harmless, undefiled, and full of grace and truth,* he might be thoroughly furnished to execute the office of a Mediator and Surety. 1 Which office he took not unto himself, but the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. See Gal. iv. 4. n See Luke i. 35. Matt. xvi. 16. And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. Col. ii. 9. For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. Rom. ix. 5. Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen. ° Rom. i. 3, 4. Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh ; And declared to be the Son of God with poAver, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. 1 Tim. ii. 5. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ .Jesus. III. p Psa. xlv. 7. God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. John iii. 34. For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God : for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. Heb. i. 8, 9. But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever : a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Thou hast loAred righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of glad¬ ness above thy fellows. 9 Col. ii. 3. In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowl¬ edge. rCol. i. 19. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fullness dwell. • Heb. vii. 26. For such a high priest became us, who is holy, harm¬ less, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens. John i. 14. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. ‘Acts x. 38. Hoav God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: Avho Avent about doing good, and healing all SECT. IY.J CONFESSION OF FAITH. 47 was thereunto called by his Father \u who put all power and judgment into his hand, and gave him commandment to execute the same.’" IV. This office the Lord Jesus did most willingly under¬ take : * * * iv. v. * * * * x which, that he might discharge, he was made under the law ,v and did perfectly fulfill it ; s endured most griev¬ ous torments immediately in his soul,® and most painful sufferings in his body ; b was crucified, and died ; c was that were oppressed of the devil ; for God was with him. Heb. xii 24. And to Jesus, the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketli better things than that of Abel. Heb. vii. 22. By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. u Keb. v. 4, 5. And no man taketh this honor unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. So also Christ glorified not him¬ self to be made a high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. «’ John v. 22, 27. For the Father judgeth no man, but hath com¬ mitted all judgment unto the Son.— And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. Matt, xxviii. 18. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. IV. *Psa. xl. 7, 8. Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me, I delight to do thy will, O my God : yea, thy law is within my heart. Heb. x. 5, 7. Wherefore, when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me. — Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me) to do thy will, O God. John iv. 34. Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. Phil. ii. 8. And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. v Gal. iv. 4. But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law. *Matt. iii. 15. Thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness. Matt. v. 17.— I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. « Matt. xxvi. 37, 38. And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy. Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death. Luke xxii. 44. And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly1 and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. Matt, xxvii. 46. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? ft See Matt. xxvi. and xxvii. « Phil. ii. 8. And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled him¬ self. and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 48 CONFESSION OF FAITH. [chap, viii. buried, and remained under the power of death, yet saw no corruption. d On the third day he arose from the dead,5 with the same body in which he suffered ;/ with which also he ascended into heaven, and there sitteth at the right hand of his Father, S' making intercession ;h and shall return to judge men and angels, at the end of the world.1’ ^Matt. xxvii. 60. And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock : and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed. Acts ii. 24, 27. Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death : because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.— Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Acts xiii. 37. But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption. • 1 Cor. xv. 4. That he was buried, and that he rose again the third day, according to the Scriptures. /John xx. 25, 27. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. — Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands ; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side ; and be not faithless, but believing. s’ Luke xxiv. 50, 51. And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. 1 Pet. iii. 22. Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God ; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him. Rom. viii. 34. Who is he that eondemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. '•Rom. viii. 34. Who is even at the right hand of God. who also maketh intercession for us. Heb. vii. 25. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. ‘Rom. xiv. 10. For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. Acts i. 11. Which also said. Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. See Acts x. 42. John v. 28, 29. Marvel not at this : for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall heai his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life ; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrec¬ tion of damnation. Matt. xiii. 40-42. As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire ; so shall it be in the end of this world. The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity ; And shall cast tnem into a furnace of fire : there shall be sect, vi.] CONFESSION OF FAITH. 49 Y. The Lord Jesus, by his perfect obedience and sacri¬ fice of himself, which he through the eternal Spirit once offered up unto God, hath fully satisfied the justice of his Father ; k and purchased not only reconciliation, but an everlasting inheritance in the kingdom of heaven, for all those whom the Father hath given unto him. 1 VI. Although the work of redemption was not actually wrought by Christ till after his incarnation, yet the virtue, efficacy, and benefits thereof, were communicated unto the elect, in all ages successively from the beginning of the world, in and by those promises, types, and sacrifices, wherein he was revealed and signified to be the seed of the woman which should bruise the serpent’s head, and the wailing and gnashing of teeth. Jude 6. And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. See 2 Pet. ii. 4 V. *Rom. v. 19. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made right¬ eous. Rom. iii. 25, 26. Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remis¬ sion of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God ; To declare, Isay, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Heb. x. 14. For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. See Eph. v. 2. JEph. i. 11, 14. In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will.— Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. Col. i. 20. And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. 2 Cor. v. 18, 20. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of recon¬ ciliation.— Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us : we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. John xvii. 2. As thou hast given him power over all flesh that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. Heb. ix. 12, 15. Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for ms.— And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which ar* called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. 4 50 CONFESSION OF FAITH. [chaf. viii. Lamb slain from the beginning of the world, being yester¬ day and to-day the same, and for ever. m VII. Christ, in the work of mediation, acteth accord¬ ing to both natures; by each nature doing that which is proper to itself: n yet by reason of the unity of the person, that which is proper to one nature, is sometimes in Script¬ ure, attributed to the person denominated by the other nature. 0 VIII. To all those for whom Christ hath purchased re¬ demption, he doth certainly and effectually apply and communicate the same;P making intercession for them, <7 VI. m Gal. iv. 4, 5. But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made, of a woman, made under the law, Tc redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. Gen. iii. 15. And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed ; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. Heb. xiii. 8. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. VII. n John x. 17, 18. Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father. 1 Pet. iii. 18. For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit. Heb. ix. 14. How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? 0 Acts xx. 28. Feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. John iii. 13. And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man, which is in heaven. VIII. p John vi. 37, 39. All that the Father giveth me shall come to me ; and him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out.— And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. John x. 15, 16, 27, 28. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father : and I lay dowrn my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold : them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shep¬ herd.— My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me : And I give unto them eternal life ; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. ? 1 John ii. 1. If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. Rom. viii. 34. It is Christ that died, yea SECT. I.] CONFESSION OF FAITH. 51 and revealing unto them, in and by the Word, the myste¬ ries of salvation ; r effectually persuading them by his Spirit to believe and obey; and governing their hearts by his Word and Spirit; s overcoming all their enemies by his al¬ mighty power and wisdom, in such manner and ways as are most consonant to his wonderful and unsearchable dispensation.* CHAPTER IX. OF FREE WILL. I. God hath endued the will of man with that natural liberty, that it is neither forced, nor, by any absolute necessity of nature, determined to good or evil.a rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. r John xv. 15. For all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. Eph. i. 9. Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself. John xvii. 6. I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world : thine they were, and thou gavest them me ; and they have kept thy word. « 2 Cor. iv. 13. We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken ; we also believe, and therefore speak. Rom. viii. 9, 14. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now, if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.— For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. Rom. xv. 18, 19. For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed, Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God ; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. John xvii. 17. Sanctify them through thy truth : thy word is truth. 4 Psa. cx. 1. The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. 1 Cor. xv. 25, 25. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. Col. ii. 15. And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it. Luke x. 19. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy ; and nothing shall by any means hurt you. I. “James i. 14. But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away 52 CONFESSION OF FAITH. [chap. ix. II. Man, in his state of innocency, had freedom and power to will and to do that which is good and well-pleas¬ ing to God ; b blit yet mutably, so that he might fall from it. c III. Man, by his fall into a state of sin, hath wholly lost all ability of will to any spiritual good accompanying salvation ; d so as a natural man, being altogether averse from that good, e and dead in sin, / is not able, by his own of his own lust, and enticed. Deut. xxx. 19. I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing : therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live. John v. 40. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. Matt. xvii. 12. But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them. Acts vii. 51. Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost : as your fathers did, so do ye. James iv. 7. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Re¬ sist the devil, and he wTill flee from you. II. b Eccl. vii. 29. Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright ; but they have sought out many inventions. Gen. i. 26. And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. Col. iii. 10. And have put on the newr man, which is renewed in knowdedge after the image of him that created him. fGen. ii. 16, 17. And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat : But of the tree of the knowdedge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it; for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. Gen. iii. 6. And when the w'oman sawr that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband wdth her; and he did eat. III. d Rom. v. 6. For when wre wrere yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. Rom. viii. 7, 8. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God ; for it is not subject to the lawT of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. John xv. 5. For without me ye can do nothing. «Rom. iii. 9, 10, 12, 23. What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise for wre have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin ; As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one.— They are all gone out of the wray, they are together become unprofitable ; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.— For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. /Eph. ii. 1, 5. And you hath he quickened, who were dead in tres¬ passes and sins.— Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved). Col. ii. 13. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, sect, iv.] CONFESSION OF FAITH 53 strength, to convert himself, or to prepare himself there¬ unto. 9 IV. When God converts a sinner, and translates him into the state of grace, he freeth him from his natural bondage under sin, h and, by his grace alone, enables him freely to will and to do that which is spiritually good ; * * yet so as that, by reason of his remaining corruption, he doth not perfectly, nor only, will that which is good, but doth also will that which is evil. k hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all tres¬ passes. a John vi. 44, 65. No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him. — And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. 1 Cor. ii. 14. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of Cod : for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. Tit. iii. 3-5, For we ourselves also were sometime foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hate' ful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteous ness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, b> the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost. Set Eph. ii. 2-5.. IV. h Col. i. 13. Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness and hath translated tis into the kingdom of his dear Son. John viii 34, 36. Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whoso¬ ever eommitteth sin is the servant of sin. — If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. * Phil. ii. 13. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Rom. vi. 18, 22. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. — But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. *Gal. v. 17. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh : and these are contrary the one to the other ; so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. Rom. vii. 15, 21-23. For that which I do, I allow not: for what I would, that do I not ; but what I hate, that do I.— I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. For I delight in the law of God alter the inward man : But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 1 John i. 8, 10. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. 54 CONFESSION OF FAITH. [chap. x. V. The will of man is made perfectly and immutably free to good alone, in the state of glory only.* v CHAPTER X. OF EFFECTUAL CALLING. I. All those whom God hath predestinated unto life, and those only, he is pleased, in his appointed and accept¬ ed time, effectually to call,0 by his Word and Spirit, b out V. * Eph. iv. 13. Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto tha measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. Jude 24. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy. 1 John iii. 2. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be : but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him ; for we shall see him as he is. I. “John xv. 10. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain ; that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. Acts xiii. 48. And when the Gen¬ tiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed. Rom. viii. 28, 30. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.— Moreover, whom he did predestinate, them he also called ; and whom he called, them he also justified ; and whom he justified, them he also glorified. Rom. xi. 7. What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for ; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded. Eph. i. 5, 10. Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the guod pleasure of his will.— That in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth ; even in him. 1 Thess. v. o. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salva¬ tion by our Lord Jesus Christ. 6 2 Thess. ii. 13, 14. God hath from the beginning chosen you to sal¬ vation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth : Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Cor. iii. 3, 6. Forasmuch as ye are mani¬ festly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God ; not in tables of stone, but in fleshly tables of the heart.— Who also hath made us able min- SECT. I.] CONFESSION OF FAITH. 55 of that state of sin and death, in which they are by nature, to grace and salvation by Jesus Christ;0 enlightening their minds spiritually and savingly, to understand the things of God ; d taking away their heart of stone, and giving unto them an heart of flesh ; e renewing their wills, and by his almighty power determining them to that which is good; / and effectually drawing them to Jesu» inters of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: foi the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. James i. 18. Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. 1 Cor. ii. 12. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God ; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. cRom. viii. 2. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 2 Tim. i. 9, 10. Who hath saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began ; But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abol¬ ished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. See Eph. ii. 1-10. d Acts xxvi. 18. To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. 1 Cor. ii. 10, 12. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit : for thp Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. —Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God ; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Eph. i. 17, 18. That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him : The eyes of your understanding being enlightened ; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inherit' ance in the saints. 2 Cor. iv. 6. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. e Ezek. xxxvi. 26. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you : and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh. /Ezek. xi. 19. And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you. Deut. xxx. 6. And the Lord thy God will circum¬ cise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live. See Ezek. xxxvi. 27. John iii. 5. Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he can- aoc enter into the kingdom of God. Gal. vi. 15. For in Christ Jesus 56 CONFESSION OF FAITH. [chap, x- Christy yet so as they come most freely, being made willing by his graced II. This effectual call is of God’s free and special grace alone, not from any thing at all foreseen in man/ who is altogether passive therein, until, being quickened and renewed by the Holy Spirit,* * he is thereby enabled to answer this call, and to embrace the grace offered and conveyed in it.z neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. Tit. iii. 5. Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost. 1 Pet. i. 23. Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. 9 John vi. 44, 45. No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him.— Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me. h Psa. cx. 3. Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning : thou hast the dew of thy youth. John vi. 37. All that the Father giveth me shall come to me ; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. Matt. xi. 28. Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Rev. xxii. 17. And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. II. *2 Tim. i. 9. Who hath saved us, and called us with a holy call- ing, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began. Tit. iii. 4, 5. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of re¬ generation, and renewing of the Holy Ghost. Rom. ix. 11. For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth. *1 Cor. ii. 14. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God : for they are foolishness unto him : neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. Rom. viii. 7-9. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God : for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. Eph. ii. 5. Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ ; (by grace ye are saved.) i John vi. 37. All that the Father giveth me shall come to me ; and sect, iv.] CONFESSION OF FAITH. 57 III. *Elect infants, dying in infancy, are regenerated and saved by Christ through the Spirit, m who worketh when, and, where, and how he pleaseth.71 So also are all other elect persons, who are incapable of being outwardly called by the ministry of the Word.0 IV. Others, not elected, although they may be called by the ministry of the Word,P and may have some common him that cometh to me I will in no wise east out. Ezek. xxxvi. 27. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. John v. 25. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God : and they that hear shall live. III. m Gen. xvii. 7. And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations, for an everlast¬ ing covenant, to be a God unto thee and to thy seed after thee. Psa. cv. 8-10. He hath remembered his covenant for ever, the word which he commanded to a thousand generations. Which covenant he made with Abraham, and his oath unto Isaac ; And confirmed the same unto Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant. Ezek. xvi. 20, 21. Moreover thou hast taken thy sons and thy daughters, whom thou hast borne unto me, and these hast thou sacrificed unto them to be devoured. Is this of thy whoredoms a small matter, That thou hast slain my children, and delivered them to cause them to pass through the fire for them ? Luke xviii. 15, 16. And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them : but when his dis¬ ciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not : for of such is the kingdom of God. Acts ii. 39. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. Gal. iii. 29. And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. See Acts xvi. 15, 31-33; 1 Cor. i. 16; John iii. 6. "John iii. 8. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth : so is every one that is born of the Spirit. "John xvi. 7, 8. For if I go not away, the Comforter will not come tanto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when ] e is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment. 1 John v. 12. He that hath the Son hath life ; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. Acts iv. 12. Neither is there salvation in any other : for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. IV. p Matt. xiii. 14, 15. And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not under¬ stand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and * See Declaratory Statement, p. 138 b. 58 CONFESSION OF FAITH. [chai x. operations of the Spirit, » we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. James iv. 12. There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy ; who art thou that judgest another? *Acts iv. 19. But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. Acts v. 29. Then Peter and the other apos¬ tles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. Matt, xxviii. 8-10. And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy ; and did run to bring his disciples word. And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, say¬ ing, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and wor¬ shipped him. Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid : go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me. See 1 Cor. vii. 23 ; 2 Cor. i. 24 ; Matt. xv. 9. m Col. ii. 20, 22, 23. Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,— (Which all are to perish with the using ;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? Which things have in- sect, hi.] CONFESSION OF FAITH. 95 requiring of an implicit faith, and an absolute and blind obedience, is to destroy liberty of conscience, and reason also.TO III. They who, upon pretence of Christian liberty, do practice any sin, or cherish any lust, do thereby destroy the end of Christian liberty ; which is, that, being deliv¬ ered out of the hands of our enemies, we might serve the Lord without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.0 deed a show of wisdom in will-worship, and humility, and neglect¬ ing of the body ; not in any honor to the satisfying of the flesh. Gal. i. 10. For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men ? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. Gal. ii. 4, 5. And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage. To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour ; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you. Gal. iv. 9, 10. But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. Gal. v. 1. Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. n Rom. xiv. 23. And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith : for whatsoever is not of faith is sin. Isa. viii. 20. To the law and to the testimony : if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. Acts xvii. 11. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so. John iv. 22. Ye worship ye know not what : we know what we worship ; for salvation is of the Jews. Jer. viii. 9. The wise men are ashamed, they are dismayed and taken: lo, they have rejected the word of the Lord; and what wis¬ dom is in them? 1 Pet. iii. 15. But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts : and he ready always to give an answer to every man that ask- eth you a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear. III. “Luke i. 74, 75. That he would grant unto us, that Ave, being delivered out of the hand of our enemies, might serve him without fear, In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life. Rom. vi. 15. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. Gal. v. 13. For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty ; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. 1 Pet. ii. 16. As free, and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. 2 Pet. iii. 15. And account that the longsuf- fering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul als« 96 CONFESSION OF FAITH. [chaf. xx. IV. And because the powers which God hath ordained, and the liberty which Christ hath purchased, are not in¬ tended by God to destroy, but mutually to uphold and preserve one another ; they who, upon pretence of Chris¬ tian liberty, shall oppose any lawful power, or the lawful exercise of it, whether it be civil or ecclesiastical, resist the ordinance of God.P And for their publishing of such opinions, or maintaining of such practices, as are contrary to the light of nature ; or to the known principles of Chris¬ tianity, whether concerning faith, worship, or conversa¬ tion ; or to the power of godliness : or such erroneous opinions or practices, as either, in their owrn nature, or, in the manner of publishing or maintaining them, are de¬ structive to the external peace and order which Christ hath established in the Church : they may lawfully be called to account, and proceeded against by the censures of the Church. Q according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you. See 2 Pet. ii. 19; John viii. 34. IV. p 1 Pet. ii. 13, 14, 16. Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake : whether it be to the king, as supreme ; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punish¬ ment of evil doers, and for the praise of them that do well. — As free, and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the ser¬ vants of God. Heb. xiii. 17. Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves : for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy and not with grief : for that is unprofitable for you. See Rom. xiii. 1-8. « Matt, xviii. 15-17. Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone : if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church : but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as a heathen man and a publi¬ can. 2 Thess. iii. 14. And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Tit. iii. 10. A man that is a heretic, after the first and second admonition, reject. 1 Cor. v. 11-13. But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner ; with such a one no not to eat. For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put SECT. I.] CONFESSION OF FAITH. 97 CHAPTER XXL OF RELIGIOUS WORSHIP AND THE SABBATH-DAY. I. The light of nature slioweth that there is a God, who hath lordship and sovereignty over all ; is good, and doeth good unto all ; and is therefore to be feared, loved, praised, called upon, trusted in, and served with all the heart, and with all the soul, and with all the might. a But the ac¬ ceptable way of worshiping the true God is instituted by himself, and so limited by his own revealed will, that he may not be worshiped according to the imaginations and devices of men, or the suggestions of Satan, under any visible representation, or any other way not prescribed in