r;:.r::;r-r / I UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS LIBRARY AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN BOOKSTACKS 9 Return this book on or before the Latest Date stamped below. A charge is made on all overdue books. U. of I. Library 11148-S 1 I , . Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2018 with funding from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Alternates https://archive.org/details/constitutionofpr00pres_0 THE CONSTITUTION OF THE Presbyterian Church IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: BEING ITS STANDARDS SUBORDINATE TO THE WORD OF GOD, VIZ. THE CONFESSION OF FAITH, THE LARGER AND SHORTER CATECHISMS, THE FORM OF GOVERNMENT, THE BOOK OF DISCIPLINE, AND THE DIREC¬ TORY FOR THE WORSHIP OF GOD AS RATIFIED AND ADOPTED BY THE SYNOD OF NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD 1788 AND AS AMENDED IN THE YEARS 1805-1908 TOGETHER WITH THE CONSTITUTIONAL RULES ADOPTED IN 1893-1907, AND ADMINISTRATIVE ACTS OF THE ASSEM¬ BLY OF A GENERAL NATURE PHILADELPHIA PRESBYTERIAN BOARD OF PUBLICATION AND SABBATH-SCHOOL WORK 1910 COPYRIGHT, 1888, BY THE TRUSTEES OF THE PRESBYTERIAN BOARD OF PUBLICATION AND SABBATH-SCHOOL WORK. REVISED EDITION, COPYRIGHT, 1S9G, 1897, 1899, 1902. REVISED MARCH, 1910. f C..T XI5 1 °\ \ o ACTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY. May 29, 1839. Resolved , That the permission heretofore granted by the Assembly to publish the Confession of Faith in contravention of the copyright, be, and the same is hereby revoked. Resolved , That the Presbyterian Board of Publication is hereby directed to take the charge, oversight, and agency of printing and selling the authorized copy of the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America. Resolved , That the standing committees to supervise the pub¬ lication of the Constitution, within the bounds of the several Synods, be, and the same are, hereby abolished. May 31, 1886. Resolved , That the Stated and Permanent Clerks be a commit¬ tee to supervise the publication of any and all editions of the Constitution hereafter issued bv the Board of Publication, and also of the Rules for Judicatories. May 22, 1891. Resolved , That no change of the text of any of the several Standards of Doctrine, Government, Discipline, and Worship, included in the Constitution, shall hereafter be made except after report to the General Assembly, and due constitutional procedure. \ ATTESTATION. The Clerks of the General Assembly, as the Permanent Committee appointed to supervise all editions of the Consti¬ tution, having carefully examined this edition, herewith state that the text has been carefully compared with those of the editions of 1789, 1797,1815, 1821, 1885, and 1888, the edition of 1789 being regarded as the Princeps, and also with the texts of the Amendments as they appear in the Minutes of the General Assembly. In their judgment, this edition con¬ tains what may be regarded as the authoritative text of the Constitutional Standards of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America. The Proof Texts are those ap¬ proved by the Assembly of 1894, and have been carefully edited. The Index has been greatly enlarged, and it is believed will prove a decided help in consulting the work. Wm. H. Roberts, Wm. B. Noble. 3 HISTORICAL SUMMARY. The Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms were adopted, in 1729, by the General Synod of the undivided Presbyterian Church, as the “ confession of their faith,” excepting certain clauses relating to the civil magis¬ trate. In 1788, the General Synod amended the Confession of Faith in Chapters xx., xxiii., and xxxi., made “a small amendment” of the Larger Catechism, and adopted the amended Confession of Faith and the Catechisms, the Form of Government, the Book of Discipline, and the Directory for Worship, “as the standard of our doctrine, government, discipline, and worship.” Amendments of the Confession of Faith, since 1788, have been as follows: In 1886-87, by striking out from Chapter xxiv., Section 4, the clause forbidding marriage with a deceased wife's sister. In 1902-03, by adding Chapters xxxiv. and xxxv., and the Declaratory Statement as to Chapter iii. and Chapter x., Section 3; also by the alteration of Chapter xvi., Section 7, Chapter xxii., Section 3, and Chapter xxv., Section 6. The Book of Discipline was entirely reconstructed in 1884; and amendments and additions were made, 1894-1907. The Form of Government and the Directory for Worship have been amended and added to in various Sections between the years 1805 and 1908. TIiq first Committee to “select and arrange the Proof Texts” was appointed by the General Assembly in 1792, and the proof texts were published in the edition of the Constitution issued in 1797. In 1888, a second Committee was appointed to revise the “Proof Texts,” and to furnish proof texts for the Shorter Catechism. The work was approved by the General Assembly of 1894. The Standards were also adopted as the basis of Reunion, as follows: in 1758 by the Synods of New York and Phila¬ delphia ; in 1869 by the “Old School ” and the “ New School ” Churches; and in 1906 by the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and the Presbyterian Church in the U. S. A. 4 CONTENTS PAGE I CONFESSION OF FAITH. 9 I. Of the Holy Scripture.. . . 9 II. Of God, and of the Holy Trinity. 16 III. Of God’s Eternal Decree. 20 IV. Of Creation . 26 V. Of Providence. 28 VI. Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment thereof. 34 VII. Of God’s Covenant with Man. 38 VIII. Of Christ the Mediator. 43 IX. Of Free Will .. 51 X. Of Effectual Calling .. 54 XI. Of Justification . 59 XII. Of Adoption. 63 XIII. Of Sanctification. 65 XIV. Of Saving Faith. 67 XV. Of Repentance unto Life. 70 XVI. Of Good Works. 73 XVII. Of the Perseverance of the Saints. 79 XVIII. Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation .... 82 XIX. Of the Law of God. 86 XX. Of Christian Liberty, and Liberty of Conscience . 92 XXI. Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day ... 97 XXII. Of Lawful Oaths and Vows.104 XXIII. Of the Civil Magistrate.107 XXIV. Of Marriage and Divorce.Ill XXV. Of the Church.114 XXVI. Of the Communion of Saints. 117 5 6 CONTENTS. PAGE XXVII. Of the Sacraments.119 XXVIII. Of Baptism. 121 XXIX. Of the Lord’s Supper.125 XXX. Of Church Censures.129 XXXI. Of Synods and Councils.131 XXXII. Of the State of Man after Death, and of the Resurrection of the Dead.133 XXXIII. Of the Last Judgment.135 XXXIV. Of the Holy Spirit.138 XXXV. Of the Love of God and Missions ....... 139 Declaratory Statement.140 II. THE LARGER CATECHISM.141 III. THE SHORTER CATECHISM.311 The Ten Commandments.348 The Lord’s Prayer.319 The Creed.350 IV. THE FORM OF GOVERNMENT.351 I. Preliminary Principles.351 II. Of the Church .354 III. Of the Officers of the Church. 355 IV. Of Bishops or Pastors.356 V. Of Ruling Elders.357 VI. Of Deacons.3.>8 VII, Of Ordinances in a Particular Church.358 VIII. Of Church Government, and of Judicatories .... 360 IX Of the Church Session.361 X. Of the Presbytery.364 XI. Of the Synod.367 XII. Of the General Assembly.369 XIII. Of Electing and Ordaining Ruling Elders and Dea- qto cons. 04 ~ XIV. Of Licensing Candidates to Preach the Gospel . . . 374 XV. Of the Election and Ordination of Bishops or Pas¬ tors, and Evangelists ... .378 XVI. Of Translation, or Removing a Minister from One Charge to Another . 384 CONTENTS. 7 PAGE XVII. Of Resigning a Pastoral Charge.387 XVIII. Of Missions.388 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 V. THE BOOK OF DISCIPLINE.397 I. Of Discipline: its Nature, Ends, and Subjects . . . 397 II. Of the Parties in Cases of Process ......... 398 III. Of Charges and Specifications.100 IV. Of Process: General Rules Pertaining to All Cases . 400 V. Special Rules Pertaining to Cases before Sessions . . 404 VI. General Rules Pertaining to the Trial of a Minister, Elder, or Deacon.405 VII. Of Cases without Process.407 VIII. Of Evidence ..409 IX. Of the Ways in which a Cause may be Carried from a Lower to a Higher Judicatory.411 I. Of General Review and Control.412 II. Of References.413 III. Of Complaints.414 IV. Of Appeals.416 X. Of Dissents and Protests.418 XI. Of Jurisdiction in Cases of Dismission.419 XII Of Removals, and Limitations of Time.420 XIII. Concerning Judicial Cases.421 I. Concerning Judicial Cases in Presbyteries and Synods.421 II. Concerning Judicial Cases in the General Assembly. 423 III. Concerning Non-Judicial or Administrative Cases and References.425 XIV. Of Differences between Judicatories.425 VI. THE DIRECTORY FOR THE WORSHIP OF GOD. 427 I. Of the Sanctification of the Lord’s Day.427 II. Of the Assembling of the Congregation and their Behavior during Divine Service.428 8 CONTENTS. PAGE III. Of the Public Reading of the Holy Scriptures . . . 429 IV. Of the Singing of Psalms.429 V. Of Public Prayer.430 VI. Of the Worship of God by Offerings.432 VII. Of the Preaching of the Word. 433 VIII. Of the Administration of Baptism. 434 IX. Of the Administration of the Lord’s Supper ... 437 X. Of the Admission to Full Communion of Persons Bap¬ tized in Infancy.440 XI. Of the Mode of Inflicting and Removing Censures . 441 XII. Of the Solemnization of Marriage. 444 XIII. Of the Visitation of the Sick . 447 XIV. Of the Burial of the Dead.448 XV. Of Fasting, and of the Observation of the Days of Thanksgiving.449 XVI. The Directory for Secret and Family Worship . . . 450 VII. CONSTITUTIONAL RULES.453 1 . Local Evangelists ..453 2. Trials for Licensure.454 3. Candidates for the Ministry.454 VIII. APPENDIX. 455 A. Acts of the General Assembly .457 I. Adjustments Connected with Reunion . . . 457, 479 II. Amendments to the Constitution. 459 III. Assembly Funds.460 IV. Theological Seminaries.463 V. Foreign Ministers.465 VI. Ministers of Other Denominations in theU. S. A. . 470 VII. Presbvteries and Svnods.472 VIII. Sessions and Churches. 474 IX. Boards of the Church.478 B„ General Rules for Judicatories .481 IX. INDEX.489 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 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; a yet they are not sufficient to give that knowledge of God and of his will, which.is necessary unto salvation ; b there¬ fore it pleased the Lord, at sundry times, and in divers I.« 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 out, 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. 1. Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art thatjudgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou thatjudgest 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 believe. 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. 9 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. Genesis. Exodus. Deuteronomy. Joshua. Judges. Ruth. I. Samuel. II. Samuel. I. Kings. II. Kings. Leviticus. Numbers. c 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. d Luke i. 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 mightest 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. «2Tim. iii. J5. 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 bath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds. sect, hi.] CONFESSION OF FAITH. 1 1 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. Zechariah. 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 of 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. ^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. 16. 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. h Luke xxiv. 27, 44. And beginning at Moses and all the proph¬ ets, he expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the tilings 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 Hoi} 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 t n 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 fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Rom. iii. 2. Much every way. 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 Avord of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the Avord of men, but, as it is in truth, the Avord of God, which effectually Avorketh also in you that believe. V. * 1 Tim. iii. 15. But if I tarry long, that thou mayest knoAV how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, Avhich is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. 1 1 John ii. 20, 27. But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye knoAV all things.—But the anointing Avhich 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. IIoAvbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide sect, yi.] CONFESSION OF FAITH. 13 YI. 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;™ 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 v r e 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 may be 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 uhat the day of Christ is at hand. n 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, cometh unto me. 1 Cor. ii. 9, 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.—Nov/ 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, are 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. 9 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 ^s 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- Cor. xi. 13,14. Judge in yourselves: Is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered ? Doth 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. p 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 givetli 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 all 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, w 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 ic 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 continue 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 Thessalonica, 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 I 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 he that speaketh shall he 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 he 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. w 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. y 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 FAITH . [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. * 1 2 * * * CHAPTER II. OF GOD , AND OF THE HOLY TRINITY. I. There is but one only a living and true God, & who is infinite in being and perfection, c a most pure spirit , d invisible, 6 without body, parts,/ or pas- X. 2 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 wrs spoken unto you by God? Acts xxviii. 25. And when they agree! 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. a Deut. 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. & 1 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 ? d John 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. / 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, 2 ’ eternal,incomprehensible/ almighty, m most wise, 71 most holy, 0 most free,P most abso¬ lute, Q working all things according to the counsel of his own immutable and most righteous will/ for his own glory ;* 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. 9 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 earth ? saith the Lord. *Psa. xc. 2. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst 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. m Gen. 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. 0 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. J>Psa. cxv. 3. But our God is in the heavens : he hath done what¬ soever he hath pleased. 9 Ex. iii. 14. And God said unto Moses, I am that i am: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I am hath sent me unto you. r Eph. i. 11. In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according , to the purpose of him who worketh all tilings after the counsel of his own will. 8 Prov. 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, and for thy pleasure they are, and were created. 2 18 CONFESSION OF FAITH . [chap. n. 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 , 1b 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, 0 *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. « Ex. xxxiv. 6, 7. And the Lord passed by before him, and pro¬ claimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, long- sufferiug, and abundant in goodness and truth, Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and thaft 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 t 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 we have done wickedly. See Heb. x. 28-31. I'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 revengetli; 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. a John v. 26. For as the Father hath life in himself, so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself. 6 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 dwelt 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 show, 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, dwelleth 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; 9 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 ; * i his knowledge is infinite, 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. m 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. ?Rom- xi. 36. For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen. h 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. l 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¬ ning 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 w r ays, and holy in all his works. Rom. vii. 12. Wherefore the law is holy, and the com¬ mandment holy, and just, and good. n Rev. 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. tit. III. In the unity of the Godhead there be three persons 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.9 CHAPTER III* OF GOD'S ETERNAL DECREE. I. God from all eternity did by the most wise and holy counsel of his own will, freely and unchangeably ordain whatsoever comes to pass: a yet so as thereby neither is heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshiped him that liveth for ever and ever. III. 0 Matt. iii. 16, 17. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and light¬ ing upon him: And lo, a voice from heaven, saying, This is my be¬ loved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Matt, xxviii. 19. Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. 2 Cor. xiii. 14. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the com¬ munion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. See Eph. ii. 18. v John i. 14, 18. 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.—No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. See Heb. i. 2-6; Col. i. 15-17. 9 John xv. 26. But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me. Gal. iv. 6. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. I. «Isa. xlv. 6, 7. I am the Lord, and there is none else. I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the Loud do all these th inns. Eph. i. 11. In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him * See Declaratory Statement, p. 1385. SECT. II.] CONFESSION OF FAITH. 21 God the author of sin, * * * * * & nor is violence offered to the will of the creatures, nor is the liberty or contingency of second causes taken away, but rather established . c II. Although God knows whatsoever may or can come to pass upon all supposed conditions ; d yet hath he not who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will. Rom. xi, 33. O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of Tod! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! Heb. vi. 17. Wherein God, willing more abundantly to show unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath. 6 Psa. v. 4. For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wicked¬ ness: neither shall evil dwell with thee. Jas. i. 13,14. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 1 John i. 5. This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. c 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. John xix. 11. Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above. Acts ii. 23. Him, being deliv¬ ered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain. Acts iv. 27, 28. For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done. Acts xxvii. 23, 24, 34. For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.—Wherefore I pray you to take some meat; for this is for your health: for there shall not a hair fall from the head of any of you. II. d Acts xv. 18. Known unto God are all his works from the be¬ ginning of the world. Prov. xvi. 33. The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. 1 Sam. xxiii. 11,12. Will the men of Keilah deliver me up into his hand? will Saul come down, as thy servant hath heard ? O Lord God of Israel, I beseech thee, tell thy servant. And the Lord said, He will come down. Then said David, Will the men of Keilah deliver me and my men into the hand of Saul? And the Lord said, They will deliver thee up. Matt, xi. 21, 23. Woe unto thee, Chorazin ! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.—And thou, Capernaum, which art exaUed unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell; for if the mighty works which have been 22 CONFESSION OF FAITH. [chap. in. decreed any thing because lie foresaw it as future, or as that which would come to pass upon such conditions. 6 III. By the decree of God, ior the manifestation of his glory, some men and angels/ are predestinated unto ever¬ lasting life, and others fore-ordained to everlasting death. 0 IV. These angels and men, thus predestinated and fore¬ ordained, are particularly and unchangeably designed: and their number is so certain and definite that it cannot be either increased or diminished.^ done in thee had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. • Rom. ix. 11,13,15,16,18. (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God accord¬ ing to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth ;)— As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.—For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and 1 will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. 'So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that showeth mercy.—Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy , and whom he will he liardenetli. III. /i Tim. v. 21. I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels. Mark viii. 38. When he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels. 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 judg¬ ment of the great day. Matt. xxv. 31, 41. When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory.—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. tfProv. xvi. 4. The Lord hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil. Rom. ix. 22, 23. What if God, willing to show his’ wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels )f mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory? Eph.i. 5, 6. Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. IV. A John x. 14-16, 27, 28. I am the good shepherd, and know my shtrji, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down 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 sect, vi.] CONFESSION OF FAITH. 23 V. Those of mankind that are predestinated unto life, God, before the foundation of the world was laid, accord¬ ing to his eternal and immutable purpose, and the secret counsel and good pleasure of his will, hath chosen in Christ, unto everlasting glory/ out of his mere free grace and love, without any foresight of faith or good works, or perseverance in either of them, or any other thing in the creature, as conditions, or causes moving him thereunto ; k and all to the praise of his glorious grace . 1 VI. As God hath appointed the elect unto glory, so hath he, by the eternal and most free purpose of his will, fore- me : And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. John xiii. 18. I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the Scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me. See John xvii. 2, 6, 9-12; 2 Tim. ii. 19. V. * *Eph. i. 4, 9,11. According as he hath chosen us in him, before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love;—Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure, which he hath purposed in himself.—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. 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. 2 Tim. i. 9. 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. 1 Thess. v. 9. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ. *Rom. ix. 11, 13,15,16. (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 ;)— As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.—For be saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that show- eth mercy. Eph. i. 9. Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself. Eph. ii. 8, 9. For by grace are ye saved through faith ; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. 1 Eph. i. 6, 12. To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.—That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. 24 CONFESSION OF FAITH. [chap, iil ordained all the means thereunto . m Wherefore they who are elected being fallen in Adam, are redeemed by Christ, 71 are effectually called unto faith in Christ oy his Spirit working in due season ; are justified, adopted, sanctified, 0 and kept by his power through faith unto salvation.^ Neither are any other redeemed by Christ, effectually called, justified, adopted, sanctified, and saved, but the alect only. Q VI. m 1 Pet. i. 2. Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. Eph. i. 4. According as he hath chosen us in him be¬ fore the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love. Eph. ii. 10. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. 2 Thess. ii. 13. But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation, through sanctification of the Spirit, and belief of the truth. n 1 Thess. v. 9, 10. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. Tit. ii. 14. Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. 0 Rom. viii. 30. Moreover, whom he did predestinate, them he alro called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. Eph. i. 5. Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will. 2 Thess. ii. 13. But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth. p 1 Pet. i. 5. Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 9John xvii. 9. I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. Rom. viii. 28. 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, etc. [to the end of the chapter.] John vi. G4, 65. But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. And he said, There¬ fore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me except it were given unto him of my Father. See John viii. 47; x. 26. 1 John ii. 19. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us : but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. sect.-viii.] CONFESSION OF FAITH. 25 VII. The rest of mankind, God was pleased, according to the unsearchable counsel of his own will, whereby he extendeth or withholdeth mercy as he pleaseth, for the glory of his sovereign power over his creatures, to pass by, and to ordain them to dishonor and wrath for their sin, to the praise of his glorious justice/ VIII. The doctrine of this high mystery of predestina¬ tion is to be handled with special prudence and care, s that men attending the will of God revealed in his Word, and yielding obedience thereunto, may, from the certainty of their effectual vocation, be assured of their eternal elec- tion.^ So shall this doctrine afford matter of praise, rev¬ erence, and admiration of God ; u and of humility, dili- VII. r Matt. xi. 25, 26. At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight. Rom. ix. 17, 18, 21, 22. For the Scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might show my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. Therefore hath he mercy, etc.—Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honor, and another unto dishonor? What if God, willing to show his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much long-suffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction. 2 Tim. ii. 20. But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honor, and some to dishonor. Jude 4. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old or¬ dained to this condemnation; ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Pet. ii. 8—being disobedient; whereunto also they were appointed. VIII. 8 Rom. ix. 20. Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed#, Why hast thou made me thus? Rom. xi. 33. 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! Deut. xxix. 29. The secret things belong unto the Lord our God : but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law. *2 Pet. i. 10. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall. u Eph. i. 6. To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. 26 CONFESSION OF FAITH. [chap. iv. gence, and abundant consolation, to all that sincerely obey the gospel.™ CHAPTER IV. OF CREATION. I. It pleased God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, a for the manifestation of the glory of his eternal power, wis¬ dom, and goodness, 5 in the beginning, to create, or make of nothing, the world, and all things therein, whether visible or invisible, in the space of six days, and all very good. c w Rom. xi. 5, 6, 20. Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.—Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear. Rom. viii. 33. Who shall lay anything to the charge of God’s elect ? It is God that justifieth. Luke x. 20. Notwithstanding, in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you ; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. I. a Rom. xi. 36. For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen. 1 Cor. viii. 6. But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom arc all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. Heb. i. 2. 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. John i. 2, 3. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. Gen. i. 2. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. b Rom. i. 20. 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. Psa. civ. 24. O Lord, how manifold are thy works! in wis¬ dom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches. Jer. x. 12. He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by his dis¬ cretion. «Gen. i. throughout. Acts xvii. 24. God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwell- eth not in temples made with hands. Col. i. 16. For by him were SECT. II.] CONFESSION OF FAITH. 27 II. After God had made all other creatures, he created man, male and female,^ with reasonable and immortal souls, 6 endued with knowledge, righteousness, and true holiness, after his own image,/ having the law of God written in their hearts,£ and power to fulfil it ; h and yet under a possibility of transgressing, being left to the lib¬ erty of their own will, which was subject unto change/ Besides this law written in their hearts, they received a command not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil; which while they kept they were happy in their all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers : all things were created by him, and for him. Ex. xx. 11. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. Gen. i. 31. God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. See Psa. xxxiii. 5, 6. II. d Gen. i. 27. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. «Gen. ii. 7. And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. Psa. viii. 5. For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honor. Eccl. xii. 7. Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. Matt. x. 28. And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. /Gen. i. 26. And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. ^ Rom. ii. 14, 15. For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Which show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing, or else excusing one another. *Col. iii. 10. And have put on the new man , which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him. Eph. iv. 24. And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in right¬ eousness and true holiness. ‘Gen. iii. 6. And when the woman saw 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 husbandywith her; and he did eat. CONFESSION OF FAITH. [chap. y. communibn with God/ and had dominion over the creat¬ ures.* * CHAPTER V. OF PROVIDENCE. I. God, the great Creator of all things, doth uphold, 0 direct, dispose, and govern all creatures, actions, and things/ from the greatest even to the least/ by his most wise and holy providence/ according to his infallible fore- *Gen. 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. See Gen. iii. *Gen. i. 28. And have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. See Gen. i. 29, 30; Psa. viii. 6-8. I. «Xeh. ix. 6. Thou, even thou, art Lord alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou pre- servest them all; and the host of heaven worshipeth thee. Psa. cxlv. 14-16. The Lord upholdeth all that foil, and raiseth up all those that he bowed down. The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season. Thou openest thine hand, and sat- isfiest the desire of every living thing. 6 Dan. iv. 34, 35. I blessed the Most High, and I praised and honored him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation: And all the in¬ habitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth accord¬ ing 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? Psa. cxxxv. 6. Whatsoever the Lord pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places. See Acts xvii. 25, 26. c Matt. x. 29-31. Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye arc of more value than many sparrows. See Matt. vi. 26, 30. d Prov. xv. 3. The eyes of the Lord arc in every place, beholding the evil and the good. 2 Chron. xvi. 9. For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. See Psa. civ. 24. SECT. II. ] CONFESSION OF FAITH. 29 knowledge, 6 and the free and immutable counsel of his own will,/to the praise of the glory of his wisdom, power, justice, goodness, and mercy .9 II. Although, in relation to the foreknowledge, and de¬ cree of God, the first cause, all things come to pass immu¬ tably and infallibly,^ yet, by the same providence, he or- dereth them to fall out according to the nature of second causes, either necessarily, freely, or contingently/ e Acts xv. 18. Known unto God are all his works from the begin¬ ning of the world. Psa. xciv. 8-11. Understand, ye brutish among the people : and ye fools, when will ye be wise? He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? he that formed the eye, shall he not see? He that chastiseth the heathen, shall not he correct? he that teacheth man knowledge, shall not he know ? The Lord knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity. /Eph. i. 11. Who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will. Psa. xxxiii. 10, 11. The Lord bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect. The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations. a Eph. iii. 10. To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the mani¬ fold wisdom of God. Rom. ix. 17. For the Scripture saith unto Pha¬ raoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might show my power in thee, and that my name might be declared through¬ out all the earth. Gen. xlv.7. And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliver¬ ance. Psa. cxlv. 7. They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness. II. A Jer. xxxii. 19. Thine eyes are open upon all the ways of the sons of men, to give every one according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings. Acts. ii. 23. Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain. f Gen. viii. 22. While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease. Jer. xxxi. 35. Thus saith the Lord, which giveth the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, which divideth the sea when the waves thereof roar; The Lord of hosts is his name. Isa. x. 6, 7. I will send him against a hypocritical nation, and against the people of my wrath will I give him a charge, to take the spoil, and to take the prey, and to tread them down like the mire of the streets. Howbeit he mean- eth not so, neither doth his heart think so; but it is in his heart to destroy and cut off nations not a few. 30 CONFESSION OF FAITH. [chap. v. III. God, in liis ordinary providence, maketh use of means , k yet is free to work without , * 1 above, m and against them, at his pleasure. 71 IV. The almighty power, unsearchable wisdom, and in¬ finite goodness of God, so far manifest themselves in his providence, that it extendeth itself even to the first fall, and all other sins of angels and men, 0 and that not by a III. * Acts xxvii. 24, 31. Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Ckesar: and lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.—Paul said to the centurion, and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved. Isa. lv. 10, 11. For as the rain cometh down, and the snow, from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So Shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth; it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. 1 IIos. i. 7. But I will have mercy upon the house of Judah, and I will save them by the Lord their God, and will not save them by bow, nor by sword, nor by battle, by horses, nor by horsemen. ™Rom. iv. 20, 21. He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded, that what he had promised, he w as able also to per^ form. n Dan. iii. 27. And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king’s counselors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no pow'er, nor was an hair of their heads singed, neither w r ere their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them. See 1 Kings xviii. 17-39. John xi. 43-45. And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with grave- clothes; and his tace was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go. Then many of the Jew's which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him. Rom. i. 4. And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. IV. °Isa. xlv. 7. I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil; I the Lord do all these things. Rom. xi. 32-34. For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all. O the depth of the riches both of the w isdom 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? Acts iv. 27,28. For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, w'ere SECT. V.] CONFESSION OF FAITH. 31 bare permission, but sucli as hath joined .with it a most wise and powerful bounding,! * * * * * * * * 9 and otherwise ordering and governing of them, in a manifold dispensation, to his own holy ends; Q yet so, as the sinfulness thereof proceedeth only from the creature, and not from God ; who being most holy and righteous, neither is, nor can be the author or approver of sin . r V. The most wise, righteous, and gracious God doth oftentimes leave for a season his own children to manifold temptations, and the corruption of their own hearts, to chastise them for their former sins, or to discover unto them the hidden strength of corruption and deceitfulness of their hearts, that they may be humbled ; s and to raise gathered together, For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done. p Psa. lxxvi. 10. Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain. 2 Kings xix. 28. Because thy rage against me and thy tumult is come up into mine ears, there¬ fore I will put my hook in thy nose, and my bridle in thy lips, and I will turn thee back by the way by which thou earnest. Acts xiv. 16. Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways. 9 Gen. 1. 20. But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. Isa. x. 12. Wherefore it shall come to pass, that, when the Lord hath performed his whole work upon mount Zion and on Jerusalem, I will punish the fruit of the stout heart of the king of Assyria, and the glory of his high looks. See vv. 13-15. r l John ii. 16. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. Psa. 1. 21. These things hast thou done, and I kept silence; thou thoughtest that I was altogether such a one as thy¬ self : but I will reprove thee, and set them in order before thine eyes. James i. 17. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variable¬ ness, neither shadow of turning. V. 8 2 Chron. xxxii. 25, 26, 31. But Hezekiah rendered not again according to the benefit done unto him; for his heart was lifted up: therefore there was wrath upon him, and upon Judah and Jerusalem. Notwithstanding, Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of the Lord came not upon them in the days of Hezekiah.—Howbeit, in the business of the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, who sent unto him to inquire of the wonder that was done in the land, God left him, to try him, that he might know all that was in his heart. 2 Sam. xxiv. 1, 25. And again the anger of the Lord was kindled 32 CONFESSION OF FAITH. [chap. v. them to a more close and constant dependence for their support upon himself, and to make them more watchful against all future occasions of sin, and for sundry other just and holy ends.* YI. As for those wicked and ungodly men, whom God as a righteous judge, for former sins, doth blind and harden , u from them he not only withholdeth his grace, whereby they might have been enlightened in their un¬ derstandings, and wrought upon in their hearts; w but against Israel, and he moved David against them to say, Go, number Israel and Judah.—And David built there an altar unto the Lord, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. So the Lord was entreated for the land, and the plague was stayed from Israel. Luke xxii. 31, ?2. And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. t 2 Cor. xii. 7-9. And lest 1 should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. See Psa. lxxiii.; Psa. lxxvii. 1-12; Mark xiv. 66-72; John xxi. 15-19. VI. u Rom. i. 24, 25, 28. Wherefore God also gave them up to un¬ cleanness, through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshiped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.—And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a repro¬ bate mind, to do those things which are not convenient. Rom. xi. 7, 8 . What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded (Accord¬ ing as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day. «-Deut. xxix. 4. Yet the Lord hath not given you an heart to per¬ ceive, and eyes to see, and ears to hear, unto this day. Mark iv. 11, 12. And he said unto them. Unto you it is given to know the mys¬ tery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand: lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them. SECT. VII. J CONFESSION OF FAITH. 33 sometimes also withdraweth the gifts which they had,* * and exposeth them to such objects as their corruption makes occasion of sin; v and withal, gives them over to their own lusts, the temptations of the world, and the power of Satan: 2 whereby it comes to pass that they harden themselves, even under those means which God useth for the softening of others. a VII. As the providence of God doth, in general, reach to all creatures; so, after a most special manner, it taketh *Matt. xiii. 12. But whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. Matt. xxv. 29. For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. See Acts xiii. 10, 11; 2 Cor. xi. 13, 15. v 2 Kings viii. 12, 13. And Hazael said, Why weepeth my lord? And he answered, Because I know the evil that thou wilt do unto the children of Israel: their strongholds wilt thou set on fire, and their young men wilt thou slay with the sword, and wilt dash their chil¬ dren, and rip up their women with child. And Hazael said, But what, is thy servant a dog that he should do this great thing? And Elisha answered, The Lord hath showed me that thou shalt be king over Syria. * Psa. lxxxi. 11,12. But my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me. So I gave them up unto their own hearts’ lust: and they walked in their own counsels. 2 Thess. ii. 10- 12. And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong de¬ lusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. Cor. ii. 11. Lest Satan should get an advantage of us : for we are not ignorant of his devices. 2 Cor. xi. 3. But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. a Ex. viii. xh, 32. But when Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart, and hearkened not unto them; as the Lord had said.—And Pharaoh hardened his heart at this time also, neither would he let the people go. 2 Cor. ii. 15, 16. For we are unto God a sweet savor of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: To the one we are the savor of death unto death; and to the other the savor of life unto life. Isa. viii. 14. And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. See Ex. vii. 3; 1 Pet. ii. 7, 8; Isa. vi. 9, 10; Acts xxviii. 86- 27 34 CONFESSION OF FAITH. [chap, vt care of his Church, and disposeth all things to the good thereof. & CHAPTER VI. OF THE FALL OF MAN , OF SIN , AND OF THE PUNISHMENT THEREOF. I. Our first parents, being seduced by the subtilty and temptation of Satan, sinned in eating the forbidden fruit. a This their sin God was pleased, according to his wise and holy counsel, to permit, having purposed to order it to his own glory.k II. By this sin they fell from their original righteous¬ ness, and communion with God, c and so became dead in r * VII. b Amos ix. 8, 9. Behold, the eyes of the Lord God are upon thv sinful kingdom, and I will destroy it from off the face of the earth . saving that I will not utterly destroy the house of Jacob, saith the Lord. For, lo, I will command, and I will sift the house of Israel among all nations, like as corn is sifted in a sieve, yet shall not the least grain fall upon the earth. Matt. xvi. 18. And I s&v also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Rom. viii. 28. 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. 1 Tim. iv. 10. For therefore we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe. I. a Gen. iii. 13. And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat. 2 Cor. xi. 3. But I fear lest by any means, as the ser¬ pent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 6 Rom. xi. 32. For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all. Rom. v. 20, 21. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound : That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord. II. «Gen. iii. 6-8. And when the woman saw 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 with her; and he did eat. And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. And sect, in.] CONFESSION OF FAITH. 35 sin/* * and wholly defiled in all the faculties and parts of soul and body. 6 III. They being the root of all mankind, the guilt of this sin was imputed,/ and the same death in sin and cor- they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden. Rom. iii. 23. For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. d Gen. 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. Eph. ii. 1-3. And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked accord' ing to the course of this world, according to the prince of the powei of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedi¬ ence : 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. Rom. v. 12. 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. • Gen. vi. 5. And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. Jer. xvii. 9. The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? Tit. i. 15. Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and un¬ believing is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. See Rom. iii. 10-18. III. / Acts xvii. 26. And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation. Gen. 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. Rom. v. 12,15-19. 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.—But not as the offence, so also is the free gift: for if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one ; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ. Therefore, as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. 1 Cor. xv. 21, 22, 45, 49. For since by 36 CONFESSION OF FAITH. [chap. vi. rupted nature conveyed, to all their posterity, descending from them by ordinary generation. 9 IV. From this original corruption, whereby we are ut¬ terly indisposed, disabled, and made opposite to all good , h and wholly inclined to all evil , i do proceed all actual transgressions . k V. This corruption of nature, during this life, doth re¬ main in those that are regenerated : 1 * * IV. V. and alt hough it be man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.—And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.—And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. s Psa. li. 5. Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. Gen. v. 3. And Adam lived an hundred and thirty years, and begat a son in his own likeness, after his image: and called his name Seth. John iii. 6. That which is born of the flesh is flesh. IV. ; *Rom. v. 6. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. Rom. viii. 7. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. Rom. vii. 18. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. Col. i. 21. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled. • Gen. vi. 5. And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. Gen. viii. 21. And the Lord said,... The imagi¬ nation of man’s heart is evil from his youth. Rom. iii. 10-12. As it is w'ritten, There is none righteous, no, not one : There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable ; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. * Jas. i. 14,15. But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin; and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. Eph. ii. 2, 3. The spirit that now worketh in the children of disobe¬ dience : 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. Matt. xv. 19. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. V. 1 Rom. vii. 14, 17,18, 21-23. For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.—Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my sect, vi.] CONFESSION OF FAITH. 37 through Christ pardoned and mortified, yet both itself, and all the motions thereof, are truly and properly sin. m VI. Every sin, both original and actual, being a trans¬ gression of the righteous law of God, and contrary there¬ unto, 71 doth, in its own nature, bring guilt upon the sin¬ ner, 0 whereby he is bound over to the wrath of God, v and curse of the law, Q and so made subject to flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.—I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my mefnbers, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. James iii. 2. For in many things we offend all. 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. Prov. xx. 9. Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin? Eccl. vii. 20. For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not. w Rom. vii. 7, 8, 25. What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead.—So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. 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. VI. n 1 John iii. 4. Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. °Rom. ii. 15. Which show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another. Rom. iii. 9, 19. What then? are we better than they? No, in nowise: for we have be¬ fore proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin.— Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. p 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 , 5 temporal , * 1 II. and eternal.^ 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. 0 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. * 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. a 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 arc 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 hands, as though he needed any tiling, 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. b Gal. iii. 12. And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doetli 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, haying made himself incapable of life by that covenant, the Lord was pleased to make a second, 6 commonly called the covenant of grace: wherein he freely offeretk 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. d Gen. 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 continueth 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. 16. 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, vii 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 the 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. 37, 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 eome on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. IV. h 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 were 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 behold 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 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 seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them , and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. J >hn viii. 56. Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad. ™Gal. 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. vn. VI. Under the gospel, when Christ the substance 71 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 M. 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,? 7 to all nations, both Jews and Gentiles;? VI. n 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 I 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. Plleb. xii. 22-21. 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 he 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 ivas 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. 3-1, 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. 15-19. 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/ CHAPTEE 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 r Luke 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, 16. 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. 16, 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 hii 44 CONFESSION OF FAITH, [chap. vm. prophet , b priest, c and king ; d the head and Saviour of his Church; * * 6 the heir of all things,/ and judge of the world; 9 unto whom he did, from all eterni ty, give a people to be his seed,^ and to be by him only begotten 'Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not per¬ ish, but have everlasting life. 6 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. d 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. o 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. When 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 SECT. n. ] 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. 1 Ileb. 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 Ghosts shall come upon thee, and the power of 46 CONFESSION OF FAITH, [chap. vro. two whole, perfect, and distinct natures, the Godhead and the manhood, were inseparably joined together in one person, without conversion, composition, or confusion. 71 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 ;9 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/ 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. 0 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 power, 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 loved 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. r Col. 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. How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all 47 Sect, iv.] CONFESSION OF FAITH. 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; 2 endured most griev¬ ous torments immediately in his sou l, a and most painful sufferings in his body ; b was cruc ified, 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 speaketh better things than that of Abel. Heb. vii. 22. By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. u Heb. 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. w 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. yGal. iv. 4. But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law. s 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 earnestly • 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. e 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, vm, buried, and remained under the power of death, yet saw no corruption. d On the third day he arose from the dead, 6 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,0 making intercession ; h and shall return to judge men and angels, at the end of the world.* ^Matt. xxvii. GO. And laid it in liis 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. 3 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 condemneth? 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. h 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 h-im 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 hear 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—12. 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 shaif cast inem into a furnace of fire: there shall be sect, vi.] CONFESSION OF FAITH. 49 V. 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. k 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, I say, 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. 1 Eph. 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. 1 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 us— 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. [chap. vnt. 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 ,Q 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? •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 down 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. 9 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. 1 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, 26. 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 FA ITU. [chap. ix. II. Man, in liis state of innocency, had freedom and power to will and to do that which is good and well-pleas¬ ing to God ; b but 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 will 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 new man , which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him. c Gen. 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 knowledge 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 woman saw 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 with her; and he did eat. III. d Rom. v. 6. For when we were 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 law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot X>lease 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 we 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 way, 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, haying forgiven you ail tres¬ passes. 0 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 God : 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, bj the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost. Se^ Eph. ii. 2-5. IV. h Col. i. 13. Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son. John viii. 34, 36. Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whoso¬ ever committeth 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 after 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/ 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, a by his Word and Spirit, b out V. * 1 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 the 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. a John xv. 16. 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 good 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. 0. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salva¬ tion by our Lord Jesus Christ. b 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.j 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 Jesus isters of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for 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. e Rom. 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 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. 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¬ not enter into the kingdom of God. Gal. vi. 15. For in Christ Jesus 56 CONFESSION OF FAITH. [chap. x. Christ,0 yet so as they come most freely, being made willing by his grace.* * 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.* neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. Tit. iii. 5. Not by works of righteousness which >ve 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. s 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 he 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 reeeiveth 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.) * 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, 771 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 cast 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 w r ord 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 he 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. 0 John xvi. 7, 8. For if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when I 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. 1385. 58 CONFESSION OF FAITH. [chap. x. operations of the Spirit, Q yet they never truly come to Christ, and therefore cannot be saved : r much less can men, not professing the Christian religion, be saved in any other way whatsoever, be they never so diligent to frame their lives according to the light of nature, and the law of that religion they do profess; s and to assert and main¬ tain that they may is very pernicious, and to be detested.* * their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. Acts xxviii. 24. And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not. Matt. xxii. 14. For many are called, but few are chosen. 9 Matt. xiii. 20, 21. But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. Matt. vii. 22. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have w'e not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils ? and in thy name done many wonderful works? Heb. vi. 4, 5. For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the w r orld to come. r John vi. f>4-66. But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray 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. From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. John viii. 24. I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins : for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in }our sins. • 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. John xiv. 6. Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me. John xvii. 3. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God. and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. Eph. ii. 12,13. That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the com¬ monwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now, in Christ Jesus, ye who sometime were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. *2 John 10, 11. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed, is partaker of his evil deeds. Gal. i. 8. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach SECT. I.] CONFESSION OF FAITH. 59 CHAPTER XI. OF JUSTIFICATION. I. Those whom God effectually calleth, he also freely justifieth : a not by infusing righteousness into them, but by pardoning their sins, and by accounting and accepting their persons as righteous: not for any thing wrought in them, or done by them, but for Christ’s sake alone: not by imputing faith itself, the act of believing, or any other evangelical obedience to them, as their righteousness; but by imputing the obedience and satisfaction of Christ unto them,& they receiving and resting on him and his right¬ eousness by faith; which faith they have not of them¬ selves, it is the gift of God. c any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 1 Cor. xvi. 22. If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema. I. « Rom. viii. 30. Whom he called, them he also justified. Rom. iii. 24. Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. h Rom. iii. 22, 24, 25, 27, 28. 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.—Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus : Whom God hath set forth to he a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteous¬ ness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God.—Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay ; but by the law of faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. See Rom. iv. 5-8. 2 Cor. v. 19, 21. To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.—For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin ; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. Tit. iii. 5, 7. 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.—That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Eph. i. 7. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace. Jer. xxiii. 6. In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. See 1 Cor. i. 30, 31; Rom. v. 17,19. • John i. 12. But as many as received him, to them gave he power 60 CONFESSION OF FAITH. [chap. xi. II. Faith, thus receiving and resting on Christ and his righteousness, is the alone instrument of justification ; d yet is it not alone in the person justified, but is ever accompa¬ nied with all other saving graces, and is no dead faith, but worketh by love. e III. Christ, by his obedience and death, did fully dis¬ charge the debt of all those that are thus justified, and did make a proper, real, and full satisfaction to his Father’s justice in their behalf./ Yet, inasmuch as he was given to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. John vi. 44, 45. 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. Acts x. 43, 44. To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. See Acts xiii. 38, 39. Phil. i. 29. For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake. Phil. iii. 9. And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the right¬ eousness which is of God by faith. Eph. ii. 8. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. II. d John iii. 16, 18, 36. 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—He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.— He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. Rom. iii. 28. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Rom. v. 1. Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. •Jam. ii. 17, 22, 26. Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.—Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?—For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. (nil. v. 6. For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. III. / Rom. v. 8, 9,18. Rut God commendetli liis love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.—Therefore, us by the offence of one judgment came upon sect. iv. ] CONFESSION OF FAITH. 61 by the Father for them ;9 and his obedience and satisfac¬ tion accepted in their stead ; h and, both, freely, not for any thing in them, their justification is only of free grace ; i * iii. iv. that both the exact justice, and rich grace of God, might be glorified in the justification of sinners.^ IV. God did, from all eternity, decree to justify all the elect ; l and Christ did, in the fullness of time, die for their sins, and rise again for their justification : m nevertheless all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. 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. Heb. x. 10, 14. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all— For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. See Isa. liii. ^Rom. viii. 32. He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? h 2 Cor. v. 21. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. Matt. iii. 17. And, lo, a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Eph. v. 2. And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savor. *Rom. iii. 24. Being justified freely by his grace through the re¬ demption that is in Christ Jesus. Eph. i. 7. In whom we have re¬ demption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace. *Rom. iii. 26. To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Eph. ii. 7. That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us, through Christ Jesus. IV. 1 Gal. iii. 8. 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. 1 Pet. i. 2,19, 20. Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctifi¬ cation of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ.—But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained be¬ fore the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you. See Rom. viii. 30. m 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. 1 Tim. ii. 6. Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. Rom. iv. 25. Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. 1 Pet. i. 21. Who by him do believe in God, that 62 CONFESSION OF FAITH. [chap. xi. they are not justified, until the Holy Spirit doth, in due time, actually apply Christ unto them. 71 V. God doth continue to forgive the sins of those that are justified: 0 and although they can never fall from the state of justification, P yet they may by their sins fall under God’s fatherly displeasure, and not have the light of his countenance restored unto them, until they humble them¬ selves, confess their sins, beg pardon, and renew their faith and repentance.? VI. The justification of believers under the Old Testa- raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. n Col. i. 21, 22. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled, In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblamable and unreprovable in his sight. Tit. iii. 4-7. But after that the kind¬ ness 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 regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. V. 0 Matt. vi. 12. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debt¬ ors. 1 John i. 7, 9. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.—If we confess our sins, he is faith¬ ful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unright¬ eousness. 1 John ii. 1, 2. If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous : And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. p Luke xxii. 32. But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not : and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. John x. 28. And I give unto them eternal life ; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. Heb. x. 14. For by one ottering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. See Proofs under Chapter xvii. «Psa. lxxxix. 31-33. If they break my statutes, and keep not my commandments; Then will I visit their transgression with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes. Nevertheless my loving-kindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail. I’sa. xxxii. 5. I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord ; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Matt. xxvi. 75. And Peter re¬ membered the word of Jesus.—And he went out, and wept bitterly. See Psa. li. and 1 Cor. xi. 30, 32. sect, ij CONFESSION OF FAITH. 63 ment was, in all these respects, one and the same with the justification of believers under the New Testament. 7 * * CHAPTER XII. OF ADOPTION. I. All those that are justified, God vouchsafeth, in and for his only Son Jesus Christ, to make partakers of the grace of adoption : a by which they are taken into the number, and enjoy the liberties and privileges of the children of God; b have his name put upon them ; c re¬ ceive the Spirit of adoption ; d have access to the throne VI. r Gal. iii. 9,13, 14. So then they which he of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.—Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us : for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the pro¬ mise of the Spirit through faith. Rom. iv. 22-24. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. 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. I. a Eph. i. 5. Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will. Gal. iv. 4, 5. God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. *Rom. viii. 17. And if children, then heirs ; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. John i. 12. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. • Jer. xiv. 9. Yet thou, O Lord, art in the midst of us, and we are called by thy name; leave us not. 2 Cor. vi. 18. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. Rev. iii. 12. Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. 4 Rom. viii. 15. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again 64 CONFESSION OF FAITH. [chap. xii. of grace with boldness; 6 are enabled to cry Abba, Fa¬ ther;/are pitied,# protected,^ provided for, * 1 ’ and chastened by him as by a father; k yet never cast off , 1 but sealed to the day of redemption , m and inherit the promises , 71 a s heirs of everlasting salvation . 0 to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry Abba, Father. e Eph. iii. 12. In whom we have boldness and access with confi¬ dence by the faith of him. Heb. iv. 16. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. /Gal. iv. 6. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. ffPsa. ciii. 13. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. *Prov. xiv. 26. In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence.; and his children shall have a place of refuge. *Matt. vi. 30, 32. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith ?—For your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 1 Pet. v. 7. Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. * Ileb. xii. 6. For whom the Lord loveth he chastenetn, and scourg- eth every son whom he receiveth. 1 Lam. iii. 31, 32. For the Lord will not cast off for ever: But though fie cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multi¬ tude of his mercies. ™Eph. iv. 30. And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. n Heb. vi. 12. That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. °1 Pet. i. 3, 4. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you. Heb. i. 14. Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs \f salvation? SECT. I.] CONFESSION OF FAITH. 65 CHAPTER XIII. OF SANCTIFICATION. I. They who are effectually called and regenerated, haying a new heart and a new spirit created in them, are further sanctified, really and personally, through the virtue of Christ’s death and resurrection, a by his Word and Spirit dwelling in them : b the dominion of the whole body of sin is destroyed, c and the several lusts thereof are more and more weakened and mortified; d and they more and more quickened and strengthened, in all saving graces, * * * * * 6 I. «1 Cor. i. 30. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and re¬ demption. Acts xx. 32. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. Phil, iii. 10. That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death. Rom. vi. 5, 6. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrec¬ tion : Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 6 John xvii. 17, 19. Sanctify them through thy truth : thy word is truth.—And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Eph. v. 26. That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word. 2 Thess. ii. 13. But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, bretnren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth. c Rom. vi. 6, 14. Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him , that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.—For sin shall not have dominion over you : for ye are not under the law, but under grace. d Gal. v. 24. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh, with the affections and lusts. Rom. viii. 13. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die : but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. c Col. i. 10,11. That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness. i 66 CONFESSION OF FAITH, [chap. xiii. to the practice of true holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. / II. This sanctification is throughout in the whole man, 9 yet imperfect in this life: there abideth still some rem¬ nants of corruption in every part, h whence ariseth a con¬ tinual and irreconcilable war, the flesh lusting against the spirit, and the spirit against the flesh/* III. In which war, although the remaining corruption for a time may much prevail, k yet, through the continual supply of strength from the sanctifying Spirit of Christ, the regenerate part doth overcome : 1 II. III. and so the saints Eph. iii. 16-19. That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith ; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be tilled with all the fullness of God. f 2 Cor. vii. 1. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit. Col. i. 28. Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom ; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. Col. iv. 12. Always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. Heb. xii. 14. Follow peace with all men , and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. II. o l Thess. v. 23. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. h l John i. 10. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. Phil. iii. 12. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. *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. 1 Pet. ii. 11. Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul. III. * Rom. vii. 23. 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 w’hich is in my members. 1 Rom. vi. 14. For sin shall not have dominion over you : for ye are not under the law but under grace. I John v. 4. For whatsoever is sect, i.] CONFESSION OF FAITH. 67 grow in grace, m perfecting holiness in the fear of God . n CHAPTER XIV. OF SAVING FAITH. I. The grace of faith, whereby the elect are enabled to believe to the saving of their souls , a is the work of the Spirit of Christ in their hearts and is ordinarily wrought by the ministry of the Word : c by which also, and by the born of God, overcometh the world: and this is the victory that over- cometh the world, even our faith. Eph. iv. 15,16. But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. m 2 Pet. iii. 18. But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 2 Cor. iii. 18. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. n 2 Cor. vii. 1. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfect¬ ing holiness in the fear of God. I. a Heb. x. 39. But we are not of them who draw back unto per¬ dition ; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. b 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. Eph. i. 17-20. That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and rev¬ elation 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 inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places. Eph. ii. 8. For by grace are ye saved through faith ; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. See proofs under Chapter xi. c 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 I have com¬ manded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the 68 CONFESSION OF FAITH. [chap. xiv. administration of the Sacraments, and prayer, it is in¬ creased and strengthened. d II. By this faith, a Christian believetli to be true, what' soever is revealed in the Word, for the authority of God himself speaking therein : e and acteth differently, upon that which each particular passage thereof containeth; yielding obedience to the commands,/ trembling at the world. Amen. Rom. x. 14,17. How shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?—So then, faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. 1 Cor. i. 21. For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preach¬ ing to save them that believe. d 1 Pet. ii. 2. As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby. 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 of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. Luke xxii. 19. And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you : this do in remembrance of me. John vi. 54-56. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. Rom. iv. 11. And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the right¬ eousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised : that he might bo the father of all them that believe, though they be not cir¬ cumcised ; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also. Luke xvii. 5. And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith. Luke xxii. 32. But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. See Acts xx. 32. II.‘John iv. 42. And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world. 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. 1 John v. 10. He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. Acts xxiv. 14. Believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets. /Matt. xxii. 37^40. Jesus said unto him, Thou slialt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy sect, hi.] CONFESSION OF FAITH. 69 threatenings,^ and embracing the promises of God for this life, and that which is to corned But the principal acts of saving faith are, accepting, receiving, and resting upon Christ alone for justification, sanctification, and eternal life, by virtue of the covenant of grace.* * III. This faith is different in degrees, weak or strong; k may be often and many ways assailed and weakened, but gets the victory ; 1 growing up in many to the attainment mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. Rom. xvi. 26. But now is made manifest, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, ac¬ cording to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith. 9 Isa. lxvi. 2. To this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word. h Heb. xi. 13. These all died in faith, not having received the prom¬ ises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 1 Tim. iv. 8. But godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. * John i. 12. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. Acts xvi. 31. And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. Gal. ii. 20. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live ; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Acts xv. 11. But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they. *Rom. iv. 19, 20. And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about a hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah’s womb: He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving- glory to God. Matt. vi. 30. Shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Matt. viii. 10. When Jesus heard it, he marveled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. { Kph. vi. 16. Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 1 John v. 4, 5. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world : and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? 70 CONFESSION OF FAITH . [chap. xy. of a full assurance through Christ, m who is both the author and finisher of our faith . 71 CHAPTER XV. OF REPENTANCE UNTO LIFE. I. Repentance unto life is an evangelical grace, a the doctrine whereof is to be preached by every minister of the gospel, as well as that of faith in Christ. 5 II. By it a sinner, out of the sight and sense, not only of the danger, but also of the filthiness and odiousness of his sins, as contrary to the holy nature and righteous law of God, and upon the apprehension of his mercy in Christ to such as are penitent, so grieves for and hates his sins, as to turn from them all unto God, c purposing and en- m Heb. vi. 11, 12. And we desire that every one of you do show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end : That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Heb. x. 22. Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. See proofs under Chapter xviii. "Heb. xii. 2. Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. I. a Acts xi. 18. When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life. See Zech. xii. 10. h Luke xxiv. 47. And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. Mark i. 15. And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand : repent ye, and believe the gospel. Acts xx. 21. Tes¬ tifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. II. c Ezek. xviii. 30, 31. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin. Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel? Ezek. xxxvi. 31. Then shall ye remember your own evil ways, and your doings that were not good, and shall loathe yourselves in your own sight for your iniquities and for your abominations. Psa. li. 4. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done thisc\U in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and sect, in.] CONFESSION OF FAITH. 71 deavoring to walk with him in all the ways of his com¬ mandments.^ III. Although repentance be not to be rested in as any satisfaction for sin, or any cause of the pardon thereof/ which is the act of God’s free grace in Christ;/ yet is it of such necessity to all sinners, that none may expect par- don without it.0 be clear when thou judgest. Jer. xxxi. 18,19. I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself thus: Thou hast chastised me, and I was chastised, as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke: turn thou me, and I shall be turned; for thou art the Lord my God. Surely after that I was turned, I repented; and after that I was instructed, I smote upon my thigh: I was ashamed, yea, even confounded, because I did bear the reproach of my youth. 2 Cor. vii. 11. For behold this self-same thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indig¬ nation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge ! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter. See Joel ii. 12,13; Amos v. 15; Psa. cxix. 128. d Psa. cxix. 6, 59,106. Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.—I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.—I have sworn, and I will per¬ form it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments. Matt. xxi. 28, 29. But what think ye ? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and.said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard. He answered and said, I will not; but afterward he repented, and went. Luke i. 6. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the com¬ mandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. III. «Ezek. xxxvi. 31, 32. Then shall ye remember your own evil ways, and your doings that were not good, and shall loathe yourselves in your own sight for your iniquities and for your abominations. Not for your sakes do I this, saith the Lord God, be it known unto you: be ashamed and confounded for your own ways, O house of Israel. Ezek. xvi. 63. That thou mayest remember, and be con¬ founded, and never open thy mouth any more because of thy shame, when I am pacified toward thee for all that thou hast done, saith the Lord God. f Hos. xiv. 2, 4. Take with you words, and turn to the Lord : say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously : so will we render the calves of our lips.—I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him. Rom. iii. 24. Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Eph. i. 7. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace. 9 Luke xiii. 3,5. I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all 72 CONFESSION OF FAITH. [chap. xv. IV. As there is no sin so small but it deserves damna¬ tion ; h so there is no sin so great, that it can bring damna¬ tion upon those who truly repent.* V. Men ought not to content themselves with a general repentance, but it is every man’s duty to endeavor to re¬ pent of his particular sins, particularly.* VI. As every man is bound to make private confession of his sins to God, praying for the pardon thereof;* upon which, and the forsaking of them, he shall find mercy : m so he that scandalizeth his brother, or the Church of Christ, likewise perish. Acts xvii. 30, 31. And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: 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. IV. h Rom. vi. 23. For the wages of sin is death. Matt. xii. 36. But I say unto you, That every idle -word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. •Isa. lv. 7. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts : and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. Rom. viii. 1. There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Isa. i. 18. Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. V. *Psa. xix. 13. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. Luke xix. 8. And Zaccheus stood, and said unto the Lord, Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. 1 Tim. i. 13,15. Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious : but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.—This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. VI. 1 * * IV. V. VI. Psa. xxxii. 5, 6. I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah. For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found : surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him. See Psa. li. m Prov. xxviii. 13. He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. 1 John i. 9. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins. SECT. II.] CONFESSION OF FAITH. 73 ought to be willing, by a private or public confession and sorrow for his sin, to declare his repentance to those that are offended ; 71 who are thereupon to be reconciled to him, and in love to receive him. 0 CHAPTER X Y I. OF GOOD WORKS . I. Good works are only such as God hath commanded in his holy Word, 0 and not such as, without the warrant thereof, are devised by men out of blind zeal, or upon any pretence of good intention.^ II. These good works, done in obedience to God’s com- n James v. 16. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Luke xvii. 3, 4. Take heed to your¬ selves : If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him. Josh. vii. 19. And Joshua said unto Achan, My son, give I pray thee, glory to the Loud God of Israel, and make confession unto him; and tell me now what thou hast done; hide it not t from me. See Psa. li. °2 Cor. ii. 8. Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him. See Gal. vi. 1, 2. I. « Micah vi. 8. He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? Rom. xii. 2. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God. Heb. xiii. 21. Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. b Matt. xv. 9. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doc¬ trines the commandments of men. Isa. xxix. 13. Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honor me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men. 1 Pet. i. 18. Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers. John xvi. 2. They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever 74 CONFESSION OF FAITH. [chap. xvi. mandments, are the fruits and evidences of a true and lively faith : c and by them believers manifest their thank¬ fulness , 1d strengthen their assurance, 6 edify their brethren/ kilieth you will think that he doeth God service. Rom. x. 2. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. 1 Sam. xv. 22. And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. Deut. x. 12, 13. And now, Israel, what doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, To keep the command¬ ments of the Lord, and his statutes, which I command thee this day for thy good? Col. ii. 16, 17, 20-23. Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of a holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.—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, (Touch not; taste not; handle not; Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doc¬ trines of men ? Which things have indeed a show of wisdom in will- worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honor to the satisfying of the flesh. II. «James ii. 18, 22. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works—Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect ? rfPsa. cxvi. 12,13. What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord. 1 Pet. ii. 9. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. e l John ii. 3, 5. And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.—But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected : hereby know we that we are in him. 2 Pet. i. 5-10. And besides this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; And to knowledge, temperance; and to temperance, patience; and to patience, godli¬ ness; And to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kind¬ ness, charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall. /2 Cor. ix. 2. For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which sect, hi.] CONFESSION OF FAITH. 75 adorn the profession of the gospel stop the mouths of the adversaries,^ and glorify Godj whose workmanship they are, created in Christ Jesus thereunto ; k that, having their fruit unto holiness, they may have the end, eternal life.* * III. Their ability to do good works is not at all of them ¬ selves, but wholly from the Spirit of Christ. w And th at I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many. Matt. v. 16. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. 1 Tim. iv. 12. Let no man despise thy youth ; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. ^Tit. ii. 5, 9-12. To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obe¬ dient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. —Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; Not purloining, but showing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. For the grace of God that bringeth sal¬ vation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungod¬ liness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world. 1 Tim. vi. 1. Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. h 1 Pet. ii. 15. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men. *1 Pet. ii. 12. Having your conversation honest among the Gen¬ tiles : that, whereas they speak against you as evil doers, they may, by your good works which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. Phil. i. 11. Being filled with the fruits of righteous¬ ness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. John xv. 8. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit. *Eph. ii. 10. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. ‘Rom. vi. 22. But now being made free from sin, and become ser¬ vants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlast¬ ing life. III. m John xv. 4-6. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches. He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, lie is cast forth as a branch, and is withered ; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. Luke xi. 18. If ye then, being evil, know howto give good gifts unto your children; how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? See Ezek. xxxvi. 26, 27. 76 CONFESSION OF FAITH. [chap. xvi. they may be enabled thereunto, besides the graces they have already received, there is required an actual influ¬ ence of the same Holy Spirit to work in them to will and to do of his good pleasure : n yet are they not hereupon to grow negligent, as if they were not bound to perform any duty unless upon a special motion of the Spirit; but they ought to be diligent in stirring up the grace of God that is in them. 0 IV. They who, in their obedience, attain to the greatest height which is possible in this life, are so far from being able to supererogate and to do more than God requires, that they fall short of much which in duty they are bound to do.P V. We cannot, by our best works, merit pardon of sin, or eternal life, at the hand of God, by reason of the great disproportion that is between them and the glory to come, and the infinite distance that is between us and God, whom by them we can neither profit, nor satisfy for the debt of our former sins; 9 but, when we have done all we n Phil. ii. 13. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Phil. iv. 13. I can do all things through Christ which strengthened me. 2 Cor. iii. 5. Not that we are suf¬ ficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our suf¬ ficiency is of God. Eph. iii. 16. That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man. 0 Phil. ii. 12. Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. Heb. vi. 11,12. And we desire that every one of you do show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: That ye be not slothful, but fol lowers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Isa. lxiv. 7. And there is none that calleth upon thy name, that stir- reth up himself to take hold of thee: for thou hast hid thy face from us, and hast consumed us, because of our iniquities. See 2 Pet. i. 3, 5, 10, 11; 2 Tim. i. 6 ; Acts xxvi. 6, 7; Jude 20, 21. IV. p 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. 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. V. 9fiom. iii. 20. Therefore by the deeds of the law, there shall no sect, vi.] CONFESSION OF FAITH. 77 can, we have done but our duty, and are unprofitable ser¬ vants : r and because, as they are good, they proceed from his Spirit; s and, as they are wrought by us, they are defiled and mixed with so much weakness and imperfec¬ tion, that they cannot endure the severity of God’s judg¬ ment.^ VI. Yet notwithstanding, the persons of believers being accepted through Christ, their good works also are ac¬ cepted in him, M not as though they were in this life wholly unblamable and unreprovable in God’s sight ; w but that he, looking upon them in his Son, is pleased to accept and reward that which is sincere, although accompanied with many weaknesses and imperfections.* * flesh he justified in his sight; for by the law is the knowledge of sin. Rom. iv. 2, 4, 6. For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.—Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.—Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works. Eph. ii. 8, 9. For by grace are ye saved through faith ; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. See Tit. iii. 5-7; Rom. viii. 18, 22-24. r 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. * Gal. v. 22, 23. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long- suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance. 1 Isa. lxiv. 6. But we are all as an unclean thing , and all our right¬ eousnesses are as filthy rags ; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. Psa. cxliii. 2. And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified. Psa. cxxx. 3. If thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? See Gal. v. 17, and Rom. vii. 15,18. VI. u Eph. i. 6. To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. 1 Pet. ii. 5. Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. “'Psa. cxliii. 2. And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified. *2 Cor. viii. 12. For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. ITeb. vi. 10. For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have showed toward his name, in that ye have min¬ istered to the saints, and do minister. Matt. xxv. 21, 23. His lord said 78 CONFESSION OF FAITH. Ichap. xvi. VII. Works done by unregenerate men, although for the matter of them they may be things which God commands, and in themselves praiseworthy and useful, and although the neglect of such things is sinful and displeasing unto God \ y yet, because they proceed not from a heart purified by faith f nor are done in a right manner, according to His Word; a nor to a right end, the glory of God; 6 they unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. See Heb. xiii. 20, 21. VII. y 2 Kings x. 30,31. And the Lord said unto Jehu, Because thou hast done well in executing that which is right in mine eyes, and hast done unto the house of Ahab according to all that was in mine heart, thy children of the fourtli generation shall sit on the throne of Israel. But Jehu took no heed to walk in the law of the Lord God of Israel with all his heart: for he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam, which made Israel to sin. See 1 Kings xxi. 29. Phil. i. 15, 16, 18. Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds.—What then ? notwithstand¬ ing, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice. * Heb. xi. 4, 6. By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sac¬ rifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts : and by it he being dead yet speaketh.— But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. See Gen. iv. 3-5. “Mark x. 20, 21. And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. 1 Cor. xiii. 3. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor , and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Isa. i. 12. When ye come to appear before me, who hath required this at your hand, to tread my courts? b Matt. vi. 2,5,16. Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues, and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.—And when thou prayest. thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are; for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.—More¬ over when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily 1 say unto you, They have their reward. SECT. I.j CONFESSION OF FAITH. 79 come short of what God requires, and do not make any man meet to receive the grace of God. c CHAPTER XVII. OF THE PERSE VERA NCE OF THE SAINTS. I. They whom God hath accepted in his Beloved, effect¬ ually called and sanctified by his Spirit, can neither totally nor finally fall away from the state of grace ; but shall certainly persevere therein to the end, and be eternally saved. a c Hag. ii. 14. So is this people, and so is this nation before me, saith the Lord ; and so is every work of their hands; and that which they offer there is unclean. Amos v. 21, 22. I hate, I despise your feast days, and I will not smell in your solemn assemblies. Though ye offer me burnt offerings, and your meat offerings, I will not accept them; neither will I regard the peace offerings of your fat beasts. Mark vii. G, 7. He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoreth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. See Hos. i. 4. d Psa. xiv. 4. Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge ? who eat up my people as they eat bread, and call not upon the Lord. Psa. xxxvi. 3. The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit: he hath left off to be wise, and to do good. Matt. xxv. 41-45. 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: For I was a hungered, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee a hun¬ gered, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily 1 say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. Matt, xxiii. 23. Woe unto you, scribes and Phar¬ isees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. I. "Phil. i. G. Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus 80 CONFESSION OF FAITH, [chap, xvii, II. This perseverance of the saints depends, not upon their own free-will, but upon the immutability of the de¬ cree of election, flowing from the free and unchangeable love of God the Father ; b upon the efficacy of the merit and intercession of Jesus Christ ; c the abiding of the Spirit and of the seed of God within them ; d and the Christ. John x. 28, 29. And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. 1 Pet. i. 5, 9. Who are kept by the jjower of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.—Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. See 1 John iii. 9. II. 1 2 Tim. ii. 19. Nevertheless the foundation of God standetli sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nametli the name of Christ depart from iniquity. Jer. xxxi. 3. The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love : therefore with lovingkind¬ ness have I drawn thee. c John xvii. 11, 24. And now’ I am no more in the world, but these are in the w r orld, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.— Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. 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. Luke xxii. 32. But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. Rom. viii. 33, 34, 38, 39. Who shall lay anything to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that con- demneth? 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.—For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor pow ers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to sepa¬ rate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. d John xiv. 16,17. And I w ill pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the . Spirit of truth ; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. 1 John ii. 27. 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. 1 John iii. 9. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sect, hi.] CONFESSION OF FAITH. 81 nature of the covenant of grace : 6 from all which ariseth also the certainty and infallibility thereof./ III. Nevertheless they may, through the temptations of Satan and of the world, the prevalency of corruption re¬ maining in them, and the neglect of the means of their preservation, fall into grievous sins;£ and for a time con¬ tinue therein: h whereby they incur God’s displeasure^ and grieve his Holy Spirit; k come to be deprived of some measure of their graces and comforts ; 1 have their hearts sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. e Jer. xxxii. 40. And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me- See Heb. viii. 10-12. /2 Thess. iii. 3. But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. 1 John ii. 19. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us : but they went out , that they might be made mani¬ fest that they were not all of us. John x. 28. They shall never per¬ ish. See 1 Thess. v. 23, 24. III. ?Psa. li. 14. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteous¬ ness. Matt. xxvi. 70, 72, 74. But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest.—And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man.—Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. '* *2 Sam. xii. 9,13. Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the Lord, to do evil in his sight? Thou hast killed Uriah the Hit- tite with the sword, and hast taken his wife to be thy wife, and hast slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon.—And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the Lord. And Nathan said unto David, The Lord also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die. * Isa. lxiv. 7, 9. For thou hast hid thy face from us, and hast con¬ sumed us, because of our iniquities.—Be not wroth very sore, O Lord, neither remember iniquity for ever: behold, see, we beseech thee, we •ire all thy people. 2 Sam. xi. 27. And when the mourning was past, David sent and fetched her to his house, and she became his wife, and bare him a son. But the thing that David had done displeased the Lord. * Eph. iv. 30. And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. 1 Psa. li. 8,10, 12. Make me to hear joy and gladness ; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.—Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.—Restore unto me the joy 0 82 CONFESSION OF FAITH, [chap, xviii. hardened , m and their consciences wounded ; 71 hurt and scandalize others , 0 and bring temporal judgments upon themselves. P CHAPTER XVIII. OF THE ASSURANCE OF GRACE AND SALVATION. I. Although hypocrites, and other unregenerate men, may vainly deceive themselves with false hopes and car¬ nal presumptions of being in the favor of God and estate of salvation ; a which hope of theirs shall perish; b yet such of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Rev. ii. 4. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. ™Isa. lxiii. 17. O Lord, why hast thou made us to err from thy ways, and hardened our heart from thy fear? Return for thy ser¬ vants’ sake, the tribes of thine inheritance. Mark vi. 52. For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened. n Psa. xxxii. 3, 4. When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long. For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Psa. li. 8. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. ®2Sam. xii. 14. Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die. j'Psa. lxxxix. 31, 32. If they break my statutes, and keep not my commandments; Then will I visit their transgression with the rod. and their iniquity with stripes. 1 Cor. xi. 32. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be con demned with the world. I. ° Deut. xxix. 19. And it come to pass, when he heareth the words of this curse, that he blefcs himself in his heart, saying, I shall have peace, though I walk in the imagination of mine heart, to add drunkenness to thirst. Mieah iii. 11. The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets there- • of divine for money: yet will they lean upon the Lord, and say, Is not the Lord among us? none evil can come upon us. John viii. 41. Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God. 6 Matt. vii. 22, 23. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, SfcCT. ii.] CONFESSION OF FAITH. 83 as truly believe in the Lord Jesus, and love him in sincer¬ ity, endeavoring to walk in all good conscience before him, may in this life be certainly assured that they are in a state of grace/ and may rejoice in the hope of the glory of God ; which hope shall never make them ashamed/ II. This certainty is not a bare conjectural and probable persuasion, grounded upon a fallible hope ; e but an in¬ fallible assurance of faith, founded upon the divine truth of the promises of salvation,/the inward evidence of those graces unto which these promises are made/ the tes- have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you; depart from me, ye that work iniquity. c 1 John ii. 3. And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 1 John v. 13. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God ; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. See 1 John iii. 14,18,19, 21, 24. d Rom. v. 2, 5. By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.— And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. 2 Tim. iv. 7, 8. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day : and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. II. e Heb. vi. 11,19. And we desire that every one of you do show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end.— Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the vail. /Heb. vi. 17,18. Wherein God, willing more abundantly to show unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath : That by two immutable things, in which it was impos¬ sible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us. Pet. i. 4, 5,10, 11. Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises; that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And besides this, giving all diligence, add to your faith, virtue; and to virtue knowledge.—Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure ; for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our 84 CONFESSION OF FAITII . [chap, xviii. timony of the Spirit of adoption witnessing with out spirits that we are the children of God : h which Spirit is the earnest of our inheritance, whereby we are sealed to the day of redemption A III. This infallible assurance doth not so belong to the essence of faith, but that a true believer may wait long, and conflict with many difficulties before he be partaker of it: k yet, being enabled by the Spirit to know the things which are freely given him of God, he may, without ex¬ traordinary revelation, in the right use of ordinary means, attain thereunto.* And therefore it is the duty of every one to give all diligence to make his calling and election sure ; m that thereby his heart may be enlarged in peace Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 1 John iii. 14. We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. See 1 John i. 3; 2 Cor. i. 12. h Rom. viii. 15,16. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God. »Eph. i. 13,14. In whom ye also trusted , after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also, after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the pur¬ chased possession, unto the praise of his glory. Eph. iv. 30. And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. 2 Cor. i. 21, 22. Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God ; Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. III. *1 John v. 13. These things have I written unto you that be¬ lieve on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God See Psa. lxxxviii ; lxxvii. 1-12. l \ 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. 1 John iv. 13. Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. Heb. vi. 11, 12. And we desire that every one of you do show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. See Eph. iii. 17-19. m 2Pet. i. 10. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure; for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall. SECT. IV.] CONFESSION OF FAITH\ 85 and joy in the Holy Ghost, in love and thankfulness to God, and in strength and cheerfulness in the duties of obedience, the proper fruits of this assurance : 11 so far is it from inclining men to looseness. 0 IV. True believers may have the assurance of their sal¬ vation divers ways shaken, diminished, and intermitted: as, by negligence in preserving of it; by falling into some special sin, which woundeth the conscience, and grieveth the Spirit; by some sudden or vehement temptation ; by God’s withdrawing the light of his countenance, and suf¬ fering even such as fear him to walk in darkness and to n Rom. v. 1, 2, 5. Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.—And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. Rom. xiv. 17. For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Rom. xv. 13. Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. Psa. cxix. 32. I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart. See Psa. iv. 6, 7; Eph. i. 3, 4. 0 Rom. vi. 1, 2. What shall we say then ? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound ? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Tit. ii. 11,12, 14. For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, . denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, right¬ eously, and godly, in this present world.—Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. 2 Cor. vii. 1. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Rom. viii. 1, 12. There is therefore now no condemna tion to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.—Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. 1 John iii. 2, 3. 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. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. 1 John i. 6, 7. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth : But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 86 CONFESSION OF FAITH, [chap. xix. have no light :P yet are they never utterly destitute of that seed of God, and life of faith; that love of Christ and the brethren ; that sinceritv of heart and conscience of duty; out of which, by the operation of the Spirit, this assurance may in due time be revived, Q and by the which, in the mean time, they are supported from utter despair/ CHAPTER XIX. OF THE LAW OF GOD. I. God gave to Adam a law, as a covenant of works, by which he bound him and all his posterity to personal, en¬ tire, exact, and perpetual obedience; promised life upon IV. p Psa. li. 8,12,14. Make me to hear joy and gladness ; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.—Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free Spirit.—Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. Eph. iv. 30. And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of re¬ demption. See Psa. lxxvii. 1-10. Psa. xxxi. 22. For I said in my haste, I am cut oft' from before thine eyes: nevertheless thou lieard- est the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee. 91 John iii. 9. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him : and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. Luke xxii. 32. But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not. See Psa. lxxiii. 15. r Micah vii. 7-9. Therefore I will look unto the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me. Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light untome. I will bear the indigna¬ tion of the Lord, because I have sinned against him, until he plead my cause, and execute judgment for me: he will bring me forth to the light, and I shall behold his righteousness. Jer. xxxii. 40. And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do them good: but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me. See Isa. liv. 7-10; 2 Cor. iv. &-10. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken: cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. sect, iii.] CONFESSION OF FAITH. 87 the fulfilling, and threatened death upon the breach of it; and endued him with power and ability to keep it. a II. This law, after his fall, continued to be a perfect rule of righteousness, and, as such, was delivered by God upon mount Sinai in ten commandments, and written in two tables ; b the first four commandments containing our duty towards God, and the other six our duty to man. c III. Beside.3 this law, commonly called moral, God was pleased to give to the people of Israel, as a Church under age, ceremonial laws, containing several typical ordinances, I. a Gen. i. 26. And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. Gen. 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. Eph. iv. 24. And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holi¬ ness. Rom. ii. 14, 15. For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves ; Which show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the meanwhile accusing or else excusing one another. 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. 12,19. 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 as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. See Gal. iii. 10, 12. II. b James i. 25. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein , he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. James ii. 8,10. If ye fulfil the royal law according to the Scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, ye do well.—For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point , he is guilty of all. Rom. iii. 19. Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law. Deut. v. 32. Ye shall observe to do therefore as the Lord your God hath commanded you : ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. Deut. x. 4. And he wrote on the tables, according to the first writing, the ten commandments, which the Lord spake unto you in the mount, out of the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly : and the Lord gave them unto me. See Ex. xxxiv. 1; Rom. viii. 8, 9. «Matt. xxii. 37-40. Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. See Ex. xx. 3-18. 88 CONFESSION OF FAITH. [chap. xix. partly of worship, prefiguring Christ, his graces, actions, sufferings, and benefits ; d and partly holding forth divers instructions of moral duties. 6 All which ceremonial laws are now abrogated under the New Testament./ IV. To them also, as a body politic, he gave sundry judicial laws, which expired together with the state of that people, not obliging any other, now, further than the general equity thereof may require.# V. The moral law doth for ever bind all, as well justi¬ fied persons as others, to the obedience thereof; h and that III. d Heb. x. 1. For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices, which they offered year by year continually, make the comers thereunto perfect. Gal. iv. 1-3. Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; But is under tutors and governors until the time ap¬ pointed of the father. Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world. Col. ii. 27. Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. See Heb. ix. «Ex. xii. 14. And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the Lord throughout your generations : ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever. 1 Cor. v. 7. Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are un¬ leavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us. 2 Cor. vi. 17. Wherefore, come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. /Col. ii. 14, 16,17. Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross.—Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of a holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sab¬ bath days: Which are a shadow of things to come ; but the body is of Christ. Eph. ii. 15, 16. 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. IV. ?See Ex. xxi.; xxii. 1-29. Gen. xlix. 10. The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be. Matt. v. 38, 39. Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil. See 1 Cor. ix. 8-10. V. * 1 John ii. 3, 4, 7. And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. —Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old sect, vi.] CONFESSION OF FAITH. 89 not only in regard of the matter contained in it, but also in respect of the authority of God the Creator who gave itA Neither doth Christ in the gospel any way dissolve, but much strengthen, this obligation. VI. Although true believers be not under the law as a covenant of works, to be thereby justified or condemned ; 1 yet is it of great use to them, as well as to others; in that, as a rule of life, informing them of the will of God and their duty, it directs and binds them to walk accord¬ ingly ; m discovering also the sinful pollutions of their commandment which ye had from the beginning. Rom. iii. 31. Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law. Rom. vi. 15. What then ? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace ? God forbid. * James ii. 8, 10, 11. If ye fulfil the royal law according to the Scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, ye do well.—For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point , he is guilty of all. For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. Rom. iii. 19. Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. k Matt. v. 18,19. 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 all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least com¬ mandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them , the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. Rom. iii. 31. Do we then make void the law through faith ? God forbid : yea, we establish the law. VI. * *Rom. vi. 14. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. Rom. viii. 1. There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus. Gal. iii. 13. Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hang- eth on a tree. See Gal. iv. 4, 5 ; Acts xiii. 39. m Rom. vii. 12, 22, 25. Wherefore the law is holy, and the command¬ ment holy, and just, and good.—For I delight in the law of God after the inward man—I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God ; but with the flesh the law of sin. Psa. cxix. 5. O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes! 1 Cor. vii. 19. Circumcision is nothing, and uncircum¬ cision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God. See Gal. v. 14,18-23. 90 CONFESSION OF FAITH. [chap. xix. nature, hearts, and lives; 71 so as, examining themselves thereby, they may come to further conviction of, humilia¬ tion for, and hatred against sin ; 0 together with a clearer sight of the need they have of Christ, and the perfection of his obedience/ It is likewise of use to the regenerate, to restrain their corruptions, in that it forbids sin; Q and the threatenings of it serve to show w T hat even their sins deserve, and what afflictions in this life they may expect for them, although freed from the curse thereof threatened in the law/ The promises of it, in like manner, show «Rom. vii. 7. What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law : for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. Rom. iii. 20. For by the law is the knowledge of sin. 0 James i. 23, 25. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass.—But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein , he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. Rom. vii. 9, 14, 24. For I was alive without the law once ; but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.—For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.—O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? p Gal. iii. 24. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. Rom. viii. 3, 4. 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, con¬ demned sin in the flesh ; That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Rom. vii. 24, 25. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. «James ii. 11. For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. Psa. cxix. 128. Therefore I es¬ teem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way. r Ezra ix. 13,14. And after all that is come upon us for our evil deeds, and for our great trespass, seeing that thou our God hast pun¬ ished us less than our iniquities deserve , and hast given us such deliv¬ erance as this; Should we again break thy commandments, and join in affinity with the people of these abominations? wouldest not thou be angry with us till thou liadst consumed us, so that there should be no remnant nor escaping? Psa. lxxxix. 30-34. If his children forsake my law, and walk not in my judgments; If they break my statutes, sect. vii. 3 CONFESSION OF FAITH. 91 them God’s approbation of obedience, and what blessings they may expect upon the performance thereof, s although not as due to them by the law as a covenant of works : 1 so as a man’s doing good, and refraining from evil, be¬ cause the law encourageth to the one, and deterreth from the other, is no evidence of his being under the law, and not under grace.™ VII. Neither are the forementioned uses of the law and keep not my commandments; Then will 1 visit their transgres¬ sion with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes. Nevertheless my lovingkindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faith¬ fulness to fail. My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips. 8 Psa. xxxvii. 11. But the meek shall inherit the earth ; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. Psa. xix. 11. More¬ over by them is thy servant warned : and in keeping of them there is great reward. See Lev. xxvi. 1-14; 2 Cor. vi. 16; Eph. vi. 2; Matt, v. 5. *Gal. ii. 16. Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. 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. M Rom. vi. 12,14. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.—For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. Heb. xii. 28, 29. Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire. 1 Pet. iii. 8-12. Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another; love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; know¬ ing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good ; let him seek peace, and ensue it. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. Psa. xxxiv. 12-16. What man is he that desireth life, ana loveth manv days, that he may see good ? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. Depart from evil, and do good, seek peace, and pursue it. The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. The face of the Lord is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. 92 CONFESSION OF FAITH. [chap. xi. contrary to the grace of the gospel, but do sweetly comply with it ; w the Spirit of Christ subduing and enabling the will of man to do that freely and cheerfully, which the will of God, revealed in the law, requireth to be done.* * CHAPTEK XX. OF CHRISTIAN LIBERTY , AND LIBERTY OF CONSCIENCE. 1. The liberty which Christ hath purchased for be¬ lievers under the gospel consists in their freedom from the guilt of sin, the condemning wrath of God, the curse of the moral law, a and in their being delivered from this present evil world, bondage to Satan, and dominion of sin,& from the evil of afflictions, the sting of death, the VII. “'Gal. iii. 21. Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. See Tit. ii. 11-14. * 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. Heb. viii. 10. For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord: I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people. See Jer. xxxi. 33. I. a Tit. ii. 14. Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. 1 Thess. i. 10. And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come. Gal. iii. 13. Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written. Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree. Rom. viii. 1. There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus. 6 Gal. i. 4. Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father. 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. Rom. vi. 14. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. 1 John i. 7. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Josus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. SECT. I.] CONFESSION OF FAITH. 93 victory of the grave, and everlasting damnation ; c as also in their free access to God, d and their yielding obedience unto him, not out of slavish fear, but a child-like love, and a willing mind. 6 All which were common also to believers under the law:/ but under the New Testament, the liberty of Christians is further enlarged in their free¬ dom from the yoke of the ceremonial law, to which the Jewish Church was subjected ; 9 and in greater boldness of access to the throne of grace,^ and in fuller communi- e Psa. cxix. 71. It is good for me that I have been afflicted ; that I might learn thy statutes. Rom. viii. 28. 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. 1 Cor. xv. 54-57. So when this cor¬ ruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 0 death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory ? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. See Rom. viii. 1. d Rom. v. 1,2. Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Eph. ii. 18. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Eph. iii. 12. In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. Heb. x. 19. Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus. e Rom. viii. 14,15. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. Gal. iv. 6. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. 1 John iv. 18. There is no fear in love ; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. f Gal. iii. 9,14. 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. ?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. Acts xv. 10. Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? h Heb. iv. 14,16. Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our 94 CONFESSION OF FAITH. [chap. xx. cations of the free Spirit of God, than believers under the law did ordinarily partake of.* II. God alone is lord of the conscience/' and hath left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men which are in any thing contrary to his Word, or beside it, in matters of faith or worship.* So that to believe such doctrines, or to obey such commandments out of con¬ science, is to betray true liberty of conscience ; m and the profession—Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Heb. x. 19-22. Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the vail, that is to say, his flesh; And having a high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprin¬ kled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. »John vii. 38, 39. He that believeth on me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should re¬ ceive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) Rom. v. 5. And hopeth make not ashamed; be¬ cause the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. See 2 Cor. iii. 13, 17,18. II. *Rom. xiv. 4, 10. Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth: yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.—But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for 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? 1 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. "*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. 71 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 mm 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 be 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 we, 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 also 96 CONFESSION OF FAITH. [chap, 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 own 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.9 according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you. See 2 Pet. ii. 19; John viii. 34. IV. v l 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 sliowetk 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 ^he Holy Scripture.^ away from among yourselves that wicked person. Rom. xvi. 17. Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned ; and avoid them. 2 Thess. iii. 6. Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. I. “Rom. i. 20. 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. Psa. cxix. 68. Thou art good, and doest good: teach me thy statutes. Jer. x. 7. Who would not fear thee, O King of nations ? for to thee doth it appertain: forasmuch as among all the wise men of the nations, and in all their kingdoms, there is none like unto thee. Psa. xxxi. 23. O love the Lord, all ye his saints; for the Lord pre- serveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer. Acts xiv. 17. Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness. See Psa. xviii. 3; Rom. x. 12; Psa. lxii. 8; Josh. xxiv. 14; Mark xii. 33. 6 Deut. xii. 32. What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it. Matt. xv. 9. But in vain they do worship me, teaching/or doctrines the command¬ ments of men. Matt. iv. 9, 10. And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. 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. John iv. 3, 24. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshipers 7 98 CONFESSION OF FAITH. [chap. xxl. II. Religious worship is to be given to God, the Father Son, and Holy Ghost; and to him alone : c not to angels, saints, or any other creature : d and, since the fall, not without a Mediator; nor in the mediation of any other but of Christ alone. 6 III. Prayer, with thanksgiving, being one special part of religious worship/ is by God required of all men; 9 and, shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seek- eth such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that Avorship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. Ex. xx. 4-G. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven aboA-e, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the Avater under the earth: Thou shalt not boAV down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments. II. c John v. 23. That all men should honor the Son, eA-en as they honor the Father. He that honoreth not the Son, honoreth not the Father which hath sent him. Matt, xxviii. 19. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. 2 Cor. xiii. 14. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, he Avith you all. Amen. See Matt. iv. 10; Rev. v. 11-14. d Col. ii. 18. Let no man beguile you of your reAvard, in a voluntary humility and Avorshiping of angels. Re\\ xix. 10. And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy felloAV servant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus : Avorship God. Rom. i. 25. Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and Avorshiped and served the creature more than the Creator, Avho is blessed for ever. Amen. e John xiv. 6. Jesus saith unto him, I am the Avay, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 1 Tim. ii. 5. For there is one God, and one mediator betAveen God and men, the man Christ Jesus. Eph. ii. 18. For through him Ave both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Col. iii. 17. And Avhatsoever ye do in Avord or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. III. /Phil. iv. C. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by- prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made knoAvn unto God. 1 Tim. ii. 1. I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men. Col. iv. 2. Continue in prayer, and Avatch in the same with thanksgiving. a Psa. lxv. 2. O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh ©oine. Psa. lxvii. 3. Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the sect. iv. j CONFESSION OF FAITH. 99 that it may be accepted, it is to be made in the name of the Son, 7 * * by the help of his Spirit,* according to his will,*' with understanding, reverence, humility, fervency, faith, love, and perseverance ; 1 and, if vocal, in a known tongue. 777 IV. Prayer is to be made for things lawful, 71 and for all sorts of men living, or that shall live hereafter ; 0 but not people praise thee. 1 Thess. v. 17, 18. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. h John xiv. 13, 14. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. 1 Pet. ii. 5. Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. * Rom. viii. 26. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities : for we know not what we should pray for as we ought; but the Spirit it¬ self maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be ut¬ tered. Eph. vi. 18. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and sup¬ plication for all saints. * 1 John v. 14. And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us. *Psa. xlvii. 7. For God is the king of all the earth : sing ye praises with understanding. Heb. xii. 28. Let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably, with reverence and godly fear. Gen. xviii. 27. I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which am but dust . and ashes. James v. 16. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Eph. vi. 18. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perse¬ verance and supplication for all saints. See James i. 6, 7; Mark xi. 24; Matt. vi. 12,14, 15. m 1 Cor. xiv. 14. For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. IV. n Matt. xxvi. 42. He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done. 0 1 Tim. ii. 1, 2. I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. John xvii. 20. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through'their word. 2 Sam. vii. 29. Therefore now let it please thee to bless the house of thy servant, that it may continue for ever before thee: for thou, O Lord God, hast spoken it: and with thy blessing let the house of thy servant be blessed for ever. 100 CONFESSION OF FAITH. [chap. xxi. for the dead,P nor for those of whom it may be known that they have sinned the sin unto death .Q V. The reading of the Scriptures with godly fear ; r the sound preaching, 8 and conscionable hearing of the Word, in obedience unto God, with understanding, faith, and reverence ; t singing of psalms with grace in the heart; u p 2 Sam. xii. 21-23. Then said his servants unto him, What thing is this that thou hast done ? thou didst fast and weep for the child, while it was alive ; but when the child was dead, thou didst rise and eat bread. And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who can tell whether God will be gracious to me, that the child may live? But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me. Luke xvi. 25, 26. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tor¬ mented. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. 91 John v. 16. If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it. V. r Acts xv. 21. For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day. Rev. i. 3. Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein : for the time is at hand. • 2 Tim. iv. 2. Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; • reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. * James i. 22. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. Acts x. 33. Immediately therefore I sent to thee ; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are com¬ manded thee of God. Heb. iv. 2. For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them : but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. See Matt, xiii. 19; Isa. lxvi. 2. “ 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. Eph. v. 19. Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spirit¬ ual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord. James v. 13. Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. Acts xvi. 25. And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God : and the prisoners heard them. sect, yi.] CONFESSION OF FAITH. 101 as, also, the due administration and worthy receiving of the Sacraments instituted by Christ; are all parts of the ordinary religious worship of God : w besides religious oaths,^ and vows,?/ solemn fastings, * 2 * * * and thanksgivings upon special occasions; a which are, in their several times and seasons, to be used in an holy and religious manner. & VI. Neither prayer, nor any other part of religious wor¬ ship, is now, under the gospel, either tied unto, or made more acceptable by, any place in which it is performed, or towards which it is directed: c but God is to be worshiped every where d in spirit and in truth; e as in private w Matt, xxviii. 19. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Acts ii. 42. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers See 1 Cor. xi. 23-29. * Deut. vi. 13. Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name. Neh. x. 29. They clave to their breth¬ ren, their nobles, and entered into a curse, and into an oath, to walk in God’s law, which was given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the Lord our Lord, and his judgments and his statutes. y Eccl. v. 4, 5. When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools : pay that w'hich thou hast vowed. Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay. 2 Joel ii. 12. Therefore also now, saith the Lord, Turn ye even to me with all your heart, and w T ith fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning. Matt. ix. 15. Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast. See Matt. vi. 17, 18. «See Psa. cvii.; Neh. xii. 31-43. h Heb. xii. 28. Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. VI. c Johniv.21. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. d Mal. i. 11. From the rising of the sun, even unto the going down of the same, my name shall he great among the Gentiles ; and in every place incense shall he offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the Lord of hosts. 1 Tim. ii. 8. I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. • John iv. 23, 24. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true 102 CONFESSION OF FAITH . [chap. xxi. families/ daily ,9 and in secret each one by himself ; h so more solemnly in the public assemblies, which are not carelessly or willfully to be neglected or forsaken, when God, by his Word or providence, calleth thereunto/ VII. As it is of the law of nature, that, in general, a due proportion of time be set apart for the worship of God; so, in his Word, by a positive, moral and perpetual commandment, binding all men in all ages, he hath par¬ ticularly appointed one day in seven for a Sabbath, to be kept holy unto him : k which, from the beginning of the worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. / Jer. x. 25. Pour out thy fury upon the heathen that know thee not, and upon the families that call not on thy name. Job i. 5. And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually. 2 Sam. vi. 18, 20. And as soon as David had made an end of offerin'g burnt offerings, and peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the Lord of hosts.—Then David returned to bless his household. Deut. vi. 6, 7. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. y Matt. vi. 11. Give us this day our daily bread. See Dan. vi. 10. h Matt. vi. 6. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. See Neh. i. 4-11. ♦Isa. lvi. 7. Mine house shall be called a house of prayer for all people. Heb. x. 25. Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves to¬ gether, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. Prov. viii. 34. Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. Acts ii. 42. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. VII. k Ex. xx. 8-11. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work : But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God : in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maid¬ servant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For sect, viii.] CONFESSION OF FAITH. 103 world to the resurrection of Christ, was the last day of the week; and, from the resurrection of Christ, was changed into the first day of the week/ which in Scripture is called the Lord’s Day, m and is to be continued to the end of the world, as the Christian Sabbath. 71 VIII. This Sabbath is then kept holy unto the Lord, when men, after a due preparing of their hearts, and or¬ dering of their common affairs beforehand, do not only observe an holy rest all the day from their own works, words, and thoughts, about their worldly employments and recreations; 0 but also are taken up the whole time in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. See Isa. lvi. 2, 4, 6. 1 Gen. ii. 3. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: be¬ cause that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made. 1 Cor. xvi. 1, 2. Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. Acts xx. 7. And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow ; and continued his speech until mid¬ night. m Rev. i. 10. I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet. n Matt. v. 17,18. Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily 1 say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. See Ex. xx. 8,10. VIII. 0 Ex. xvi. 23, 25, 26, 29, 30. And he said unto them, This is that which the Lord hath said, To morrow is the rest of the holy sabbath unto the Lord : bake that which ye will bake to day, and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning.—And Moses said, Eat that to day ; for to day is the sabbath unto the Lord : to day ye shall not find it in the field. Six days ye shall gather it; but on the seventh day, ivhich is the sab¬ bath, in it there shall be none.—See, for that the Lord hath given you the sabbath, therefore he givcth you on the sixth day the bread of two days: abide ye every man in his place, let no man go out of his place on the seventh day. So the people rested on the seventh day. Ex. xxxi. 15, 16. Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the Lord : whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death. Wherefore the Children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath 104 CONFESSION OF FAITH . [chap. xxii. in fke public and private exercises of his worship, and in the duties of necessity and mercy, v CHAPTER XXII. OF LAWFUL OATHS AND VOWS. I. A lawful oath is a part of religious worship, a wherein, upon just occasion, the person swearing, solemnly calieth God to witness what he assertetli or promiseth; and to judge him according to the truth or falsehood of wdiat he sweareth. b II. The name of God only is that by which men ought to sw T ear, and therein it is to be used with all holy fear and reverence ; 0 therefore to swear vainly or rashly by that glorious and dreadful name, or to swear at all by any other thing, is sinful and to be abhorred. d Yet as, in throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. See Isa. lviii. 13; Neh. xiii. 15-22. p Isa. lviii. 18. If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable; and shalt honor him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words. See Matt. xii. 1-13. I. « Deut. x. 20. Thou shak fear the Lord thy God ; him shalt thou serve, and to him shalt thou cleave, and swear by his name. b Ex. xx. 7. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain: for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. Lev. xix. 12. And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God : I am the Ix>rd. 2 Cor. i. 23. Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth. 2 Chron. vi. 22, 23. If a man sin against his neighbor, and an oath be laid upon him to make him swear, and the oath come before thine altar in this house; Then hear thou from heaven, and do, and judge thy servants, by requiting the wicked, by recompensing his way upon his own head ; and by justi¬ fying the righteous, by giving him according to his righteousness. II. e Deut. vi. 13. Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name. d Jer. v. 7. IIow shall I pardon thee for this? thy children have forsaken me, and sworn by them that are no gods. Matt. v. 34, 37. But sect, iy.] CONFESSION OF FAITH. 105 matters of weight and moment, an oath is warranted by the Word of God, under the New Testament, as well as under the Old ; e so a lawful oath, being imposed by law¬ ful authority, in such matters, ought to be taken/ III. Whosoever taketh an oath ought duly to consider the weightiness of so solemn an act, and therein to avouch nothing but what he is fully persuaded is the truth. 9 Neither may any man bind himself by oath to any thing but what is good and just, and what he believeth so to be, and what he is able and resolved to perform. h IV. An oath is to be taken in the plain and common sense of the words, without equivocation or mental reser¬ vation. k It cannot oblige to sin ; but in any thing not sin- I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne.—But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil. James v. 12. But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation. See Ex. xx. 7. e Heb. vi. 16. For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife. Isa. lxv. 16. That he who blesseth himself in the earth shall bless himself in the God of truth ; and he that sweareth in the earth shall swear by the God of truth. See 2 Cor. i. 23. /1 Kings viii. 31. If any man trespass against his neighbor, and an oath be laid upon him to cause him to swear, and the oath come before thine altar in this house. Ezra x. 5. Then arose Ezra, and made the chief priests, the Levites, and all Israel, to swear that they should do according to this word. And they sware. III. a Jer. iv. 2. And thou shalt swear, The Lord liveth, in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness ; and the nations shall bless them¬ selves in him, and in him shall they glory. See Ex. xx. 7. A Gen. xxiv. 2, 3, 9. And Abraham said unto his eldest servant of his house, that ruled over all that he had, Put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh: And I will make thee swear by the Lord, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth, that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell.—And the servant put his hand under the thigh of Abraham his master, and sware to him concerning that matter. Neh. v. 12. Then I called the priests, and took an oath of them, that they should do according to this promise. See Ex. xxii. 7-11. IV. *Psa. xxiv. 4. He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; 106 CONFESSION OF FAITH, [chap. xxii. ful, being taken, it binds to performance, although to a man’s own hurt:* nor is it to be violated, although made to heretics or infidels. 771 V. A vow is of the like nature with a promissory oath, and ought to be made with the like religious care, and to be performed with the like faithfulness. 71 VI. It is not to be made to any creature, but to God alone: 0 and, that it may be accepted, it is to be made vol¬ untarily; out of faith and conscience of duty; in way of thankfulness for mercy received ; or for obtaining of what we want: whereby we more strictly bind ourselves to ne¬ cessary duties; or to other things, so far and so long as they may fitly conduce thereunto. P who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. See Jer. iv. 2; Ex. xx. 7. 1 Psa. xv. 4. In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he hon- oreth them that fear the Lord. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not. m Ezek. xvii. 16,18. As I live, saith the Lord God, surely in the place where the king dwelleth that made him king, whose oath he despised, and whose covenant he brake, even with him in the midst of Baby¬ lon he shall die.—Seeing he despised the oath by breaking the cove¬ nant, when, lo, he had given his hand, and hath done all these things, he shall not escape. See Josh. ix. 18, 19; 2 Sam. xxi. 1. V. M Isa. xix. 21. And the Lord shall be known to Egypt, and the Egyptians shall know the Lord in that day, and shall do sacrifice and oblation; yea, they shall vow a vow unto the Lord, and perform it. Eccl. v. 4-6. When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed. Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay. Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou before the angel, that it was an error: wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thine hands? Psa. lxvi. 13, 14. I will pay thee my vows, Which my lips have uttered, and my mouth hath spoken, when I was in trouble. See Psa. lxi. 8. VI. 0 Psa. lxxvi. 11. Vow, and pay unto the Lord your God; let all that be round about him bring presents unto him that ought to be feared. See Jer. xliv. 2fi, 26. v Deut. xxiii. 21, 23. When thou shall vow a vow unto the Lord thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it: for the Lord thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee.—That which is gone out of thy lips thou shalt keep and perform; even a freewill offering, according as thou hast vowed unto the Lord thy God, which thou hast promised with thy mouth. Psa. 1. 14. Offer unto God thanksgiving; SECT. I.] CONFESSION OF FAITH. 107 VII. No man may vow to do any thing forbidden in the Word of God, or what would hinder any duty therein com¬ manded, or which is not in his own power, and for the per¬ formance whereof he hath no promise or ability from God .Q In which respects, popish monastical vows of perpetual single life, professed poverty, and regular obedience, are so far from being degrees of higher perfection, that they are superstitious and sinful snares, in which no Christian may entangle himself . r CHAPTER XXIII. OF THE CIVIL MAGISTRATE. I. God, the Supreme Lord and King of all the world, hath ordained civil magistrates to be under him over the people, for his own glory and the public good ; and, to this end, hath armed them with the power of the sword, for the defence and encouragement of them that are good, and for the punishment of evil doers . a and pay thy vows unto the Most High. See 1 Sam. i. 11; Psa. cxxxii. 2-5. VII. ? Acts xxiii. 12. And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. Mark vi. 26. And the king was exceeding sorry; yet for his oath’s sake, and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her. r lCor. vii. 2, 9. Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.—But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn. Eph. iv. 28. Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. 1 Thess. iv. 11, 12. And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing. 1 Cor. vii. 23. Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men. I. a Rom. xiii. 1-4. Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God; the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resistetli the power, resistcth the ordi¬ nance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves darn- 108 CONFESSION OF FAITH, [chap. xxm. II. It is lawful for Christians to accept and execute the office of a magistrate, when called thereunto: 5 in the managing whereof, as they ought especially to maintain piety, justice, and peace, according to the wholesome laws of each commonwealth ; c so, for that end, they may law¬ fully, now under the New Testament, wage war upon just and necessary occasions.^ III. Civil magistrates may not assume to themselves the administration of the Word and Sacraments ; e or the power nation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain : for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. 1 Pet. ii. 13, 14. 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 punishment of evil doers, and for the praise of them that do well. II. b Prov. viii. 15,16. By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth. See Rom. xiii. 1-4. c Psa. lxxxii. 3, 4. Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked. 2 Sam. xxiii. 3. The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must he just, ruling in the fear of God. See 1 Pet. ii. 13; Psa. ci. d Luke iii. 14. And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages. Matt. viii. 9, 10. For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. Rom. xiii. 4. For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. III. c IIcb. v. 4. And no man taketh this honor unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. 2 Chron. xxvi. 18. And they withstood Uzziah the king, and said unto him, It appcrtaincth not unto thee, Uzziah, to burn incense unto the Lord, but to the priests the sons of Aaron, that are consecrated to burn incense: go out of the sanctuary; for thou hast trespassed; neither shall it be for thine honor from the Lord God. sect, iv.] CONFESSION OF FAITH. 109 of the keys of the kingdom of heaven;/ or, in the least, interfere in matters of faith. 0 Yet, as nursing fathers, it is the duty of civil magistrates to protect the Church of our common Lord, without giving the preference to any denomination of Christians above the rest, in such a man¬ ner that all ecclesiastical persons whatever shall enjoy the full, free, and unquestioned liberty of discharging every part of their sacred functions, without violence or danger.^ And, as Jesus Christ hath appointed a regular government and discipline in his Church, no law of any commonwealth should interfere with, let, or hinder, the due exercise there¬ of, among the voluntary members of any denomination of Christians, according to their own profession and belief/ It is the duty of civil magistrates to protect the person and good name of all their people, in such an effectual manner as that no person be suffered, either upon pretence of religion or of infidelity, to offer any indignity, violence, abuse, or injury to any other person whatsoever: and to take order, that all religious and ecclesiastical assemblies be held without molestation or disturbance^ IY. It is the duty of people to pray for magistrates/ to /Matt. xvi. 19. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 1 Cor. iv. 1, 2. Let a man so account of us, as of the min* * isters of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. 0 John xviii. 36. Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world. Acts v. 29. Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. Eph. iv. 11, 12. And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets ; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers ; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. A Isa. xlix. 23. And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers. See Rom. xiii. 1-6. *Psa. cv. 15. Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm. See Acts xviii. 14-16. *2 Sam. xxiii. 3. The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must he just, ruling in the fear of God. See Rom. xiii. 4. IV. l lTim. ii. 1-3. I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplica¬ tions, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all 110 CONFESSION OF FAITH, tcHAP. xxm. honor their persons,™ to pay them tribute and other dues, 7 * to obey their lawful commands, and to he subject to their authority, for conscience’ sake. 0 Infidelity or difference in religion, doth not make void the magistrate’s just and legal authority, nor free the people from their due obedi¬ ence to him:P from which ecclesiastical persons are not exempted; Q much less hath the Pope any power or juris¬ diction over them in their dominions, or over any of their people; and least of all to deprive them of their domin¬ ions or lives, if he shall judge them to be heretics, or upon any other pretence whatsoever/ men ; For kings, and/or all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour. m 1 Pet. ii. 17. Fear God. Honor the king. n Matt. xxii. 21. Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s ; and unto God the things that are God’s. Rom. xiii. 6, 7. For, for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, at¬ tending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor. oRom. xiii. 5. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience’ sake. Tit. iii. 1. Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work. Pl 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 punishment 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 servants of God. 9 Rom. xiii. 1. Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. Acts xxv. 10,11. Then said Paul, I stand at Caesar’s judgment seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest. For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Caesar. r 2 Tim. ii. 24. And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient. 1 Pet. v. 3. Neither as oeing lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. Ill sect, iii.] CONFESSION OF FAITH. CHAPTER XXIV. OF MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE. I. Marriage is to be between one man and one woman: neither is it lawful for any man to have more than one wife, nor for any woman to have more than one husbands at the same time. a II. Marriage was ordained for the mutual help of hus¬ band and wife ; I. * * * * & for the increase of mankind with a legiti¬ mate issue, and of the Church with an holy seed ; c and for preventing of uncleanness.^ III. It is lawful for all sorts of people to marry who are able with judgment to give their consent; 6 yet it is the duty of Christians to marry only in the Lord./ And, I. a Gen. ii. 24. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife : and they shall be one flesh. Matt. xix. 4-6. And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. See Rom. vii. 3. II. b Gen. ii. 18. And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a help meet for him. c Gen. ix. 1. And God blessed Noah and his sons, and said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth. Mai. ii. 15. And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the Spirit. And wherefore one ? That he might seek a godly seed. There/ore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth. d 1 Cor. vii. 2, 9. Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.—But if they cannot contain, let them marry : for it is better to marry than to burn. III. «Heb. xiii. 4. Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed unde¬ filed : but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge. 1 Tim. iv. 3. Forbiding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. Gen. xxiv. 57, 58. And they said, We will call the damsel, and inquire at her mouth. And they called Rebekah, and said unto her, Wilt thou go with this man? And she said, I will go. f\ Cor. vii. 39. The wife is bound by the law as long as her hus* 112 CONFESSION OF FAITH, [chap. xxiv. therefore, such as profess the true reformed religion should not marry with infidels, Papists, or other idolaters : neither should such as are godly be unequally yoked, by marrying with such as are notoriously wicked in their life or main¬ tain damnable heresies. £ IV. Marriage ought not to be within the degrees of con¬ sanguinity or affinity forbidden in the Word ; h nor can such incestuous marriages ever be made lawful by any law of man, or consent of parties, so as those persons may live together as man and wife.* V. Adultery or fornication, committed after a contract, being detected before marriage, giveth just occasion to the innocent party to dissolve that contract.* In the case of adultery after marriage, it is lawful for the innocent party band liveth ; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be mar¬ ried to whom she will; only in the Lord. a 2 Cor. vi. 14. Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers : for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? See Deut. vii. 3, 4; 1 Kings xi. 4; Neh. xiii. 25-27. IV. A See Lev. xviii. 1 Cor. v. 1. It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father’s wife. *Mark vi. 18. For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother’s wife. Lev. xviii. 24-28. Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations are defiled which I cast out before you: And the land is defiled : there¬ fore I do visit the iniquity thereof upon it, and the land itself vom- iteth out her inhabitants. Ye shall therefore keep my statutes and my judgments, and shall not commit any of these abominations; neither any of your own nation, nor any stranger that sojourneth among you: (For all these abominations have the men of the land done, which were before you, and the land is defiled;) That the land spew not you out also, when ye defile it, as it spewed out the nations that were before you. V. k Matt. i. 18-20. Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. sect, vi.] CONFESSION OF FAITH. 113 to sue out a divorce , 1 and after the divorce to marry an¬ other, as if the offending party were dead. w YI. Although the corruption of man be such as is apt to study arguments, unduly to put asunder those whom God hath joined together in marriage; yet nothing but adultery, or such willful desertion as can no way be reme¬ died by the Church or civil magistrate, is cause sufficient of dissolving the bond of marriage : n wherein a public and orderly course of proceeding is to be observed; and the persons concerned in it not left to their own wills and discretion in their own case. 0 *Matt. v. 31, 32. It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of for¬ nication, causeth her to commit adultery : and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery. m Matt. xix. 9. And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery; and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery. See Rom. vii. 2, 3. VI. n Matt. xix. 8. He saith unto them, Moses because of the hard¬ ness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so. 1 Cor. vii. 15. But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace. Matt. xix. 6. Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. 0 Deut. xxiv. 1^4. When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favor in his eyes, because he hath found some uncleanness in her: then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give it in her hand, and send her out of his house. And when she is departed out of his house, she may go and be another man’s wife. And if the latter husband hate her, and write her a bill of divorcement, and giveth it in her hand, and sendeth her out of his house; or if the latter husband die, which took her to be his wife; Her former husband, which sent her away, may not take her again to be his wife, after that she is defiled ; for that is abomina¬ tion before the Lord : and thou shalt not cause the land to sin, which the Lord thy God giveth thee for an inheritance. Ezra x. 3. Now therefore let us make a covenant with our God to put away all the wives, and such as are born of them, according to the counsel of my 2ord, and of those that tremble at the commandment of our God; and let it be done according to the law. 8 114 CONFESSION OF FAITH, [chap. xxV' CHAPTER XXV. OF THE CHURCH. I. The catholic or universal Church, which is invisible, consists of the whole number of the elect, that have been, are, or shall be gathered into one, under Christ the head thereof; and is the spouse, the body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all. a II. The visible Church, which is also catholic or univer¬ sal under the gospel (not confined to one nation, as before under the law), consists of all those throughout the world, that profess the true religion , b together with their chil¬ dren; 0 and is the kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ , 1d the I. a Epb. i. 10, 22, 23. 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.—And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all. Col. i. 18. And he is the head of the body, the church. See Eph. v. 23, 27, 32. II. I. * * * * 6 1 Cor. i. 2. Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours. 1 Cor. xii. 12,13. For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether ive be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. Psa. ii. 8. Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. See Rom. xv. 9-12. C 1 Cor. vii. 14. For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband : else were your children unclean; but now are they holy. 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. Gen. xvii. 7. And I wiF establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee and to thy seed after thee. Rom. xi. 16. For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump isalso holy: and if the root fceholy, so are the branches. See Gal. iii. 7, 9,14 ; Rom. iv. d Matt. xiii. 31. Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which * man took, and sowed in his field. Col. i. 13. Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son. See Psa. lxxii.; Isa. ix. 7. /sect, iv.] CONFESSION OF FAITH. 115 house and family of God , e out of which there is no ordi¬ nary possibility of salvation./ III. Unto this catholic visible Church, Christ hath given the ministry, oracles, and ordinances of God, for the gath¬ ering and perfecting of the saints, in this life, to the end of the world: and doth by his own presence and Spirit, according to his promise, make them effectual thereunto. 9 IV. This catholic Church hath been sometimes more, sometimes less, visible . h And particular churches, which are members thereof, are more or less pure, according as the doctrine of the gospel is taught and embraced, ordi¬ nances administered, and public worship performed more or less purely in them A * Eph. ii. 19. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God. Eph. iii. 15. Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named. /Matt. x. 32, 33. Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. Acts ii. 47. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. III. y Eph. iv. 11-13. And he gave some, apostles; and some, proph¬ ets ; and some, evangelists ; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. Isa. lix. 21. As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the Lord ; My Spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed’s seed, saith the Lord, from henceforth and for ever. Matt, xxviii. 19, 20. 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. IV. h Rom. xi. 3, 4. Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars ; and I am left alone, and they seek my life. But what saith the answer of God unto him ? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal. See Acts ix. 31. i Acts ii. 41, 42. Then they that gladly received his word were bap¬ tized : and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doc- 116 CONFESSION OF FAITH . [chap, xxv V. The purest churches under heaven are subject both to mixture and error and some have so degenerated, as to become no churches of Christ, but synagogues of Satan.* Nevertheless, there shall be always a Church on earth, to worship God according to his will.™ VI. The Lord Jesus Christ is the only head of the Church,” and the claim of any man to be the vicar of Christ and the head of the Church, is unscriptural, with¬ out warrant in fact, and is a usurpation dishonoring to the Lord Jesus Christ. 0 trine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 1 Cor. v. G, 7. Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven ‘eaveneth the whole lump ? Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us. See Rev. ii. and iii. V. k 1 Cor. i. 2. Unto the Church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours. See 1 Cor. v. 1 Cor. xiii. 12. For now we see through a glass, darkly ; but then face to face : now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. Matt. xiii. 24-30, 47. Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field : But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also, etc—Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind. See Rev. ii. and iii. i Rom. xi. 20-22. Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. Rev. ii. 9. 1 know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and i know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not^ but are the synagogue of Satan. m Matt. xvi. 18. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. See Psa. lxxii; Matt, xxviii. 19, 20. VI. "Col. i. 18. And he is the head of the body, the church : who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. Epli. i. 22. And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church. • Matt, xxiii. 8-10. But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your SECT. I. | CONFESSION OF FAITH. 117 CHAPTER XX.VI. OF THE COMMUNION OF SAINTS. I. All saints that are united to Jesus Christ their head, by his Spirit and by faith, have fellowship with him in his graces, sufferings, death, resurrection, and glory : a and, being united to one another in love, they have commu¬ nion in each other’s gifts and graces ; b and are obliged to the performance of such duties, public and private, as do Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither he ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. 1 Pet. v. 2-4. Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof , not by constraint, hut willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. 2 Thess. ii. 3, 4. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come , except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. I. a 1 John i. 3. That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. Eph. iii. 16, 17. That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith. John i. 16. And of his fullness have all we received, and grace for grace. Phil. iii. 10. That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellow- ship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death. Rom- vi. 5, 6. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. Rom. viii. 17. And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ; if so he that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. b Eph. iv. 15, 16. But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. 118 CONFESSION OF FAITH, [chap. xxyi. conduce to their mutual good, both in the inward and out¬ ward man. c II. Saints, by profession, are bound to maintain an holy fellowship and communion, in the worship of God, and in performing such other spiritual services as tend to their mutual edification; d as also in relieving each other in out¬ ward things, according to their several abilities and neces¬ sities. Which communion, as God offereth opportunity, is to be extended unto all those, who, in every place, call upon the name of the Lord Jesus. e III. This communion which the saints have with Christ, doth not make them in any wise partakers of the substance of his Godhead, or to be equal with Christ in any respect: either of which to affirm, is impious and blasphemous./ C 1 Thess. v. 11, 14. Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.—Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. Gal. vi. 10. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. See 1 John iii. 16-18. II. d Heb. x. 24,25. And let us consider one another to provoke unto love, and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. Acts ii. 42, 46. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.—And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart. See Isa. ii. 3; 1 Cor. xi. 20. «1 John iii. 17. But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? Acts xi. 29, 30. Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judea: Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul. See 2 Cor. viii.; ix. III. /Col. i. 18. And he is the head of the body, the church : who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. 1 Cor. viii. 6. 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. See Psa. xlv. 7. 1 Tim. vi. 15, 16. Which in his times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can SECT. I.] CONFESSION OF FAITH. 119 Nor doth their communion one with another, as saints, take away, or infringe the title or property which each man hath in his goods and possessions.^ CHAPTER XXVII. OF THE SACRAMENTS. I. Sacraments are holy signs and seals of the covenant of grace, 0 immediately instituted by God , b to represent Christ and his benefits, and to confirm our interest in him : c as also to put a visible difference between those that belong unto the Church, and the rest of the world ; d approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honor and power everlasting. Amen. ff Acts v. 4. While it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. I. «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. Gen. xvii. 7,10. And I will establish my covenant between me and thee, and thy seed after thee, in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee and to thy seed after thee.—This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised. h Matt, xxviii. 19. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. 1 Cor. xi. 23. 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. c 1 Cor. x. 16. The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the com¬ munion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? 1 Cor. xi. 25, 26. 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. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord’s death till he come. Gal. iii. 27. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. d Ex. xii. 48. And when a stranger shall sojourn with thee, and will 120 CONFESSION OF FAITH, [chap, xxvii. and solemnly to engage them to the service of God in Christ, according to his Word. 6 II. There is in every Sacrament a spiritual relation, or sacramental union, between the sign and the thing signi¬ fied; whence it comes to pass, that the names and effects of the one are attributed to the other./ III. The grace which is exhibited in or by the Sacra¬ ments, rightly used, is not conferred by any power in them ; neither doth the efficacy of a Sacrament depend upon the piety or intention of him that doth administer it,# but upon the work of the Spirit,* and the word of in¬ stitution, which contains, together with a precept author- keep the passover to the Lord, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as one that is born in the land: for no uncircumcised person shall eat thereof 1 Cor. x. 21. Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table ©f devils. «Rom. vi. 3, 4. Know ye not, that so many of nz as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death : that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 1 Cor. x. 2, 16. And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea.—The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? II. /Gen. xvii. 10. This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, be¬ tween me and you, and thy seed after thee: Every man child among you shall be circumcised. Matt. xxvi. 27, 28. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. 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. III. cRom. ii. 28, 29. For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly ; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh : But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise ts not of men, but of God. 1 Pet. iii. 21. The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us, (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. h Matt. iii. 11. I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with SECT. I.] CONFESSION OF FAITH 121 izing the use thereof, a promise of benefit to worthy re¬ ceivers.* IV. There be only two Sacraments ordained by Christ our Lord in the Gospel, that is to say, Baptism and the Supper of the Lord: neither of which may be dispensed by any, but by a minister of the Word, lawfully ordained. V. The Sacraments of the Old Testament, in regard of the spiritual things thereby signified and exhibited, wer^ for substance, the same with those of the New.^ CHAPTER XXVIII. OF BAPTISM. I. Baptism is a Sacrament of the New Testament, ordained by Jesus Christ, 0 not only for the solemn admis- fire. 1 Cor. xii. 13. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. l Luke xxii. 19, 20. And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it , and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you. 1 Cor. xi. 26. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord’s death till he come. IV. *Matt. xxviii. 19. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, bap¬ tizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. 1 Cor. xi. 20, 23. When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord’s supper.—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. 1 Cor. iv. 1. Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Heb. v. 4. And no man taketh this honor unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. V. *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 which followed them: and that Rock was Christ. I. a Matt, xxviii. 19. 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. 122 CONFESSION OF FAITH, [chap, xxviil sion of the party baptized into the visible Church , 6 but also to be unto him a sign and seal of the covenant of grace , 0 of his ingrafting into Christ/ of regeneration , 0 of remission of sins/ and of his giving up unto God, through Jesus Christ, to walk in newness of life : ^ which Sacra¬ ment is, by Christ’s own appointment, to be continued in his Church until the end of the world . 6 II. The outward element to be used in this Sacrament is water, wherewith the party is to be baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, by a minister of the gospel, lawfully called thereunto.* b 1 Cor. xii. 13. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. See Gal. iii. 27, 28. c 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. See Col. ii. 11,12. In whom also ye are circumcised 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. d Gal. iii. 27. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Rom. vi. 5. For if we have been planted to¬ gether in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection. e Tit. iii. 5. He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and re¬ newing of the Holy Ghost. /Mark i. 4. John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. Acts ii. 38. Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins. See Acts xxii. 16. 9 Rom. vi. 3, 4. Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death : that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. h Matt, xxviii. 19, 20. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, bap¬ tizing 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. II. ‘Acts x. 47. Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost? Acts viii. 36, 38. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the SECT. V.] CONFESSION OF FAITH. 123 III. Dipping of the person into the water is not neces¬ sary ; but Baptism is rightly administered by pouring or sprinkling water upon the person.^ IY. Not only those that do actually profess faith in, and obedience unto Christ/ but also the infants of one or both believing parents are to be baptized.™ Y. Although it be a great sin to contemn or neglect this ordinance , 71 yet grace and salvation are not so inseparably eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized ? —And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. Matt, xxviii. 19. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, bap¬ tizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. III. * Acts ii. 41. Then they that gladly received his word, were bap¬ tized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. Acts x. 46, 47. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? Acts xvi. 33. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. 1 Cor. x. 2. And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea. IV. 1 * III. IV. V. Acts ix. 18. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. m Gen. xvii. 7, 9. 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.—And God said unto Abraham, Thou shalt keep my covenant therefore, thou, and thy seed after thee in their generations. Gal. iii. 9, 14. 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. Rom. iv. 11, 12. 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: And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the cir¬ cumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised. Acts ii. 38, 39. Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 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. See Acts xvi. 14, 15, 33; 1 Cor. vii. 14. V. n Luke vii. 30. But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel 124 CONFESSION OF FAITH, [chap, xxviii. annexed unto it, as that no person can be regenerated or saved without it , 0 or that all that are baptized are undoubt¬ edly regenerated. P VI. The efficacy of Baptism is not tied to that moment of time wdierein it is administered ;Q yet, notwithstanding, by the right use of this ordinance the grace promised is not only offered, but really exhibited and conferred by the Holy Ghost, to such (whether of age or infants) as that grace belongeth unto, according to the counsel of God’s ow T n will, in his appointed time. 7 * VII. The Sacrament of Baptism is but once to be admin¬ istered to any person. s of God against themselves, being not baptized of him. Ex. iv. 24-26. And it came to pass by the way in the inn, that the Lord met him, and sought to kill him. Then Zipporah took a sharp stone, and cut off the foreskin of her son, and cast it at his feet, and said, Surely a bloody husband art thou to me. So he let him go: then she said, A bloody husband thou art, because of the circumcision. Deut. xxviii. 9. The Lord shall establish thee a holy people unto himself, as he hath sworn unto thee, if thou shalt keep the commandments of the Lord thy God, and walk in his ways. °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. See Acts x. 2, 4, 22, 31, 45, 47. *>Acts viii. 13, 23. Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which w r ere done.—For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity. VI. 9 John iii. 5, 8. Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water, and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.—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. r Gal. iii. 27. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Eph. v. 25, 26. Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word. See Acts ii. 38, 41. VII. «Tit. iii. 5. Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regener¬ ation, and renewing of the Holy Ghost. SECT. II.] CONFESSION OF FAITH. 125 CHAPTER XXIX. OF THE LORD’S SUPPER. I. Our Lord Jesus, in the night wherein he was betrayed, instituted the Sacrament of his body and blood, called the Lord’s Supper, to be observed in his Church unto the end of the world, for the perpetual remembrance of the sacri¬ fice of himself in his death, the sealing all benefits there¬ of unto true believers, their spiritual nourishment and growth in him, their further engagement in, and to all duties which they owe unto him; and to be a bond and pledge of their communion with him, and with each other, as members of his mystical body. a II. In this Sacrament Christ is not offered up to his Father, nor any real sacrifice made at all for remission of sins of the quick or dead ; b but only a commemoration of I. «1 Cor. xi. 23-26. 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 testa¬ ment in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it , in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord’s death till he come. 1 Cor. x. 16,17, 21. The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ ? For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.—Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils. 1 Cor. xii. 13. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gen¬ tiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. II. b Heb. ix. 22, 25,26, 28. And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.— Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others ; For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.—So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of 126 CONFESSION OF FAITH, [chap. xxix. that once offering up of himself, by himself, upon the cross, once for all; and a spiritual oblation of all possible praise unto God for the same : c so that the Popish sacrifice of the mass, as they call it, is most abominably injurious to Christ’s one only sacrifice, the alone propitiation for all the sins of the elects III. The Lord Jesus hath, in this ordinance, appointed his ministers to declare his word of institution to the peo pie, to pray, and bless the elements of bread and wine, and thereby to set them apart from a common to an holy use: and to take and break the bread, to take the cup, and (they communicating also themselves) to give both to the com¬ municants ; e but to none who are not then present in the congregation./ many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. c Matt. xxvi. 26, 27. And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it. Luke xxii. 19, 20. And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, say¬ ing, This is my body which is given for you : this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for vou. See 1 Cor. xi. 24-26. d Heb. vii. 23, 24, 27. And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death : But this man, because lie continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.—Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s : for this he did once, when he offered up himself. Heb. x. 11, 12, 14, 18. And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: But this man, after he had offered one sac¬ rifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of Go‘d.—For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.—Now, where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. III. ‘See the institution. Matt. xxvi. 26-28; Mark xiv. 22-24; Luke xxii. 19, 20; 1 Cor. xi. 23-27. /Acts xx. 7. And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to de¬ part on the morrow ; and continued his speech until midnight. 1 Cor. xi. 20. When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord’s supper. sect, vi.] CONFESSION OF FAITH. 127 IV. Private masses, or receiving this Sacrament by a priest, or any other, alone \9 as likewise the denial of the cup to the people ; h worshiping the elements; the lifting them up, or carrying them about for adoration, and the reserving them for any pretended religious use; are all contrary to the nature of this Sacrament, and to the insti¬ tution of Christ.* V. The outward elements in this Sacrament, duly set apart to the uses ordained by Christ, have such relation to him crucified, as that truly, yet sacramentally only, they are sometimes called by the name of the things they rep¬ resent, to wit, the body and blood of Christ ; k albeit, in substance and nature, they still remain truly, and only, bread and wine, as they were before.* VI. That doctrine which maintains a change of the sub- IV. 91 Tim. i. 3, 4. As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, Neither give heed to fables and end¬ less genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edify¬ ing which is in faith: so do. h 1 Cor. xi. 25-29. 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. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord’s death till he come. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. »Matt. xv. 9. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doc¬ trines the commandments of men. V. * Matt. xxvi. 26-28. And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. l l Cor. xi. 26-28. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord’s death till he come. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. 128 CONFESSION OF FAITH, [chap. xxix. stance of bread and wine, into the substance of Christ’s body and blood (commonly called transubstantiation) by consecration of a priest, or by any other way, is repugnant, not to Scripture alone, but even to common sense and rea¬ son ; overthroweth the nature of the Sacrament; and hath been, and is the cause of manifold superstitions, yea, of gross idolatries . 771 VII. Worthy receivers, outwardly partaking of the visi¬ ble elements in this Sacrament , 71 do then also inwardly by faith, really and indeed, yet not carnally and corporally, but spiritually, receive and feed upon Christ crucified, and all benefits of his death: the body and blood of Christ being then not corporally or carnally in, with, or under the bread and wine; yet as really, but spirit¬ ually, present to the faith of believers in that ordi¬ nance, as the elements themselves are to their outward senses . 0 VIII. Although ignorant and wicked men receive the outward elements in this Sacrament, yet they receive not the thing signified thereby ; but by their unworthy coming thereunto are guilty of the body and blood of the Lord, to their own damnation. Wherefore all ignorant and un¬ godly persons, as they are unfit to enjoy communion with him, so are they unw T ortliy of the Lord’s Table, and cannot, • without great sin against Christ, while they remain such, VI. m Acts iii. 21. 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. 1 Cor. xi. 24-26. This do in remembrance of me.—This do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remem¬ brance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord’s death till he come. Luke xxiv. 6, 39. He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee.—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. VII. n 1 Cor. xi. 28. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. 0 1 Cor. x. 16. The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the com¬ munion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ ? See 1 Cor. x. 3, 4. SECT. I.] CONFESSION OF FAITH. 129 partake of these holy mysteries, P or be admitted there unto.^ CHAPTER XXX. OF CHURCH CENSURES. I. The Lord Jesus, as king and head of his Church, hath therein appointed a government in the hand of church-officers, distinct from the civil magistrate^ VIII. p 1 Cor. xi. 27, 29. Wherefore, whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.—For he that eateth and drinketh unwor¬ thily, eateth and drinketh damnation [judgment] to himself, not dis¬ cerning the Lord’s body. 2 Cor vi. 14-16. Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness ? and what communion hath light with dark¬ ness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And w r hat agreement hath the temple of God with idols ? for ye are the temple of the living God ; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them ; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 1 Cor. x. 21. Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils : ye cannot be par¬ takers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils. ? 1 Cor. v. 6, 7,13. Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the w’hole lump? Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us.—But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person. 2 Thess. iii. 6, 14, 15. Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.—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. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. Matt. vii. 6. Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you. I. a 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 Fa¬ ther, 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 jus- 9 130 CONFESSION OF FAITH, (chap. xxx. II. To these officers the keys of the kingdom of heaven are committed, by virtue whereof they have power respect¬ ively to retain and remit sins, to shut that kingdom against the impenitent, both by the word and censures; and to open it unto penitent sinners, by the ministry of the gos¬ pel, and by absolution from censures, as occasion shall re- quire.k III. Church censures are necessary for the reclaiming and gaining of offending brethren; for deterring of others from like offences; for purging out of that leaven which might infect the whole lump; for vindicating the honor of Christ, and the holy profession of the gospel; and for preventing the wrath of God, which might justly fall upon tice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. 1 Tim. v. 17. Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the w r ord and doctrine. 1 Thess. v. 12. And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and acl monish you. Acts xx. 17, 28. And from Miletus he sent to Ephesu:?, and called the elders of the church.—Take heed therefore unto your¬ selves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hatli made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath pur¬ chased with his own blood. 1 Cor. xii. 28. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diver¬ sities of tongues. See John xviii. 36. II . b Matt. xvi. 19. And I will give unto thee the keys of the king¬ dom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Matt, xviii. 17,18. 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 an heathen man and a publican. Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. John xx. 21-23. Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you : as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: Whosesoever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them ; and whosesoever sins ye retain, they are retained. 2 Cor. ii. 6-8. Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many. So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him . and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow. Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him. SECT. I.] CONFESSION OF FAITH. 131 the Church, if they should suffer his covenant, and the seals thereof, to be profaned by notorious and obstinate offenders . 0 IV. For the better attaining of these ends, the officers of the Church are to proceed by admonition, suspension from the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper for a season, and by excommunication from the Church, according to the nature of the crime, and demerit of the person. CHAPTER XXXI. OF SYNODS AND COUNCILS. I. For the better government and further edification of the Church, there ought to be such assemblies as are com¬ monly called synods or councils: a and it belongeth to the III. c See 1 Cor. y. 1 Tim. v. 20. Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear. 1 Tim. i. 20. Of whom is Hymeneus and Alexander: whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme. Jude 23. And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. See 1 Cor. xi. 27-34. IV. d Matt. xviii. 17. 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 publican. 1 Thess. v. 12. And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you. 2 Thess. iii. 6, 14, 15. Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.—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. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. 1 Cor. v. 4, 5, 13. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered to¬ gether, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, To deliver such a one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.—Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person. See Tit. iii. 10. 1. “Acts xv. 2, 4, 6. When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.—And when they were 132 CONFESSION OF FAITH, [chap, xxxl overseers and other rulers of the particular churches, by virtue of their office, and the power which Christ hath given them for edification and not for destruction, to ap¬ point such assemblies ; b and to convene together in them, as often as they shall judge it expedient for the good of the Church . 6 II. It belongetli to synods and councils, ministerially, to determine controversies of faith, and cases of conscience ; to set down rules and directions for the better ordering of the public worship of God, and government of his Church ; to receive complaints in cases of mal-administration, and authoritatively to determine the same: which decrees and determinations, if consonant to the Word of God, are to be received with reverence and submission, not only for their agreement with the Word, but also for the power whereby they are made, as being an ordinance of God, appointed thereunto in his Word. d III. All synods or councils since the apostles’ times, whether general or particular, may err, and many have erred ; therefore they are not to be made the rule of faith or practice, but to be used as a help in both . 6 IV. Synods and councils are to handle or conclude nothing, but that which is ecclesiastical: and are not to come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apos¬ tles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.—And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter. See Rev. ii. 1-6; Acts xx. 17, 28. b See Acts xv. c Acts xx. 17. And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church. See Acts xv. II. d Acts xvi. 4. And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem. See Acts xv. 15,19, 24, 27-31; Matt, xviii. 17-19, 29. III. «Acts xvii. 11. These were more noble than those in Thessa- lonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so. 1 Cor. ii. 5. That vour faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. 2 Cor. i. 24. Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand. See Eph. ii. 20. SECT. I.] CONFESSION OF FAITH. 133 intermeddle with civil affairs which concern the com¬ monwealth, unless by way of humble petition in cases extraordinary; or by way of advice for satisfaction of conscience, if they be thereunto required by the civil magistrate./ CHAPTER XXXir. OF THE STATE OF MAN AFTER DEATH, AND OF THE RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD. I. The bodies of men, after death, return to dust, and see corruption ; a but their souls (which neither die nor sleep), having an immortal subsistence, immediately return to God who gave them/ The souls of the righteous, being then made perfect in holiness, are received into the high¬ est heavens, where they behold the face of God in light and glory, waiting for the full redemption of their bodies : c IV./Luke xii. 13, 14. And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me. And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you? John xviii. 36. Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. Matt. xxii. 21. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Cesar the things which are Cesar’s ; and unto God the things that are God’s. I. «Gen. iii. 19. In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground ; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return. Acts xiii. 36. For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption. b Luke xxiii. 43. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. Eccl. xii. 7. Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was : and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. c Rev. vii. 4, 15. And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed a hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.—Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. 2 Cor. v. 1, 8. For we know that, if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dis- 134 CONFESSION OF FAITH, [chap, xxxii. and the souls of the wicked are cast into hell, where they remain in torments and utter darkness, reserved to the judgment of the great day. d Besides these two places for souls separated from their bodies, the Scripture ac¬ knowledged none. II. At the last day, such as are found alive shall not die, but be changed : e and all the dead shall be raised up with the self-same bodies, and none other, although with differ¬ ent qualities, which shall be united again to their souls for ever./ III. The bodies of the unjust shall, by the power of Christ, be raised to dishonor; the bodies of the just, by his Spirit, unto honor, and be made conformable to his own glorious body. 0 solved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.—We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Phil. i. 23. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ: which is far better. Acts iii. 21. 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. Eph. iv. 10. He that descended is the same also that ascend¬ ed up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things. Rom. viii. 23. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. d Luke xvi. 23, 24. And in hell he lifted up his eyes, being in tor¬ ments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. See Jude 6, 7. II. «1 Thess. iv. 17. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 1 Cor. xv. 51, 52. Behold. I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorrupt¬ ible, and we shall be changed. /I Cor. xv. 12-14. So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption: It is sown in dis¬ honor, it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power: It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. III. 0 Acts xxiv. 15. And have hope toward God, which they them- SECT. I.] CONFESSION OF FAITH. 135 CHAPTER XXXIII. OF THE LAST JUDGMENT. I. God hath appointed a day, wherein he will judge the world in righteousness by Jesus Christ, a to whom all power and judgment is given of the Father.^ In which day, not only the apostate angels shall be judged; 0 but likewise all persons, that have lived upon earth, shall ap¬ pear before the tribunal of Christ, to give an account of their thoughts, words, and deeds; and to receive accord¬ ing to what they have done in the body, whether good or evil.^ selves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. John v. 28, 29. Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear 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. Phil. iii. 21. Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. I. « 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 or¬ dained ; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men , in that he hath raised him from the dead. h John v. 22, 27. For the Father judgeth no man, but hath commit¬ ted all judgment unto the Son.—And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. c 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. 2 Pet. ii. 4. For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judg¬ ment. d 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, ac¬ cording to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Eccl. xii. 14. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. Rom. ii. 16r In the day when God shall judge, the secrets of men by Jesus Christ accord¬ ing to my gospel. Rom. xiv. 10,12. But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.—So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. Matt. xii. 36, 37. But I say unto 136 CONFESSION OF FAITH, [chav, xxxiil II. The end of God’s appointing this day is for the manifestation of the glory of his mercy, in the eternal salvation of the elect; 6 and of his justice, in the damna¬ tion of the reprobate, who are wicked and disobedient .J For then shall the righteous go into everlasting life, and receive that fullness of joy and refreshing which shall come from the presence of the Lord : o but the wucked, who know not God, and obey not the gospel of Jesus Christ, shall be cast into eternal torments, and be pun¬ ished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power.* you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give ac¬ count thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. II. «Rom. ix. 23. And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory. Matt. xxv. 21. His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. /Rom. ii. 5, 6. But, after thy hardness and impenitent heart, treas- urest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; Who will render to every man according to his deeds. 2 Thess. i. 7, 8. The Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. See Rom. ix. 22. 9 Matt. xxv. 31-34. When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations : and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom pre¬ pared for you from the foundation of the world. Acts iii. 19. Times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.—2 Thess. i. 7. And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels. h Matt. xxv. 41,46. 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.—And these shall go away into everlasting punishment, 2 Thess. i. 9. Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power. Mark ix. 48. Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. sect, hi.] CONFESSION OF FAITH. 137 III. As Christ would have us to be certainly persuaded that there shall be a day of judgment, both to deter all men from sin, and for the greater consolation of the godly in their adversity : i so will he have that day unknown to men, that they may shake off all carnal security, and be always watchful, because they know not at what hour the Lord will come; and may be ever prepared to say, Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly.^ Amen. III. *2 Pet. iii. 11,14. Seeing then that all these things shall be dis¬ solved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversa¬ tion and godliness.—Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot and blameless. 2 Cor. v. 11. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences. 2 Thess. i. 5-7. Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer : Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribula¬ tion to them that trouble you ; And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels. Luke xxi. 27, 28. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads ; for your redemption draweth nigh. k Matt. xxiv. 86, 42-44. But of that day and hour knoweth no man , no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.—Watch therefore ; for ye know not w T hat hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suf¬ fered his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready : for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Mark xiii. 35- 37. Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch. Luke xii. 35,36. Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding ; that, when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him imme¬ diately. Re.v. xxii. 20. He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly: Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. 138 CONFESSION OF FAITH . [chap, xxxiv PREAMBLE TO NEW CHAPTERS. Whereas, It is desirable to express more fully the doctrine of the Church concerning the Holy Spirit, Mis¬ sions, and the love of God for all men, the following Chapters are added to the Confession of Faith : CHAPTER XXXIV. OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. I. The Holy Spirit, the third person in the Trinity, proceeding from the Father and the Son, of the same substance and equal in power and glory, is, together with the Father and the Son, to be believed in, loved, obeyed, and worshiped throughout all ages. II. He is the Lord and Giver of life, everywhere present in nature, and is the source of all good thoughts, pure de¬ sires, and holy counsels in men. By Him the Prophets were moved to speak the Word of God, and all writers of the Holy Scriptures inspired to record infallibly the mind and will of God. The dispensation of the Gospel is especially committed to Him. He prepares the way for it, accompanies it with Ilis persuasive power, and urges its message upon the reason and conscience of men, so that they who reject its merciful offer are not only without ex¬ cuse, but are also guilty of resisting the Holy Spirit. III. The Holy Spirit, whom the Father is ever willing to give to all who ask Him, is the only efficient agent in the application of redemption. He convicts men of sin, moves them to repentance, regenerates them by His grace, and persuades and enables them to embrace Jesus Christ by faith. He unites all believers to Christ, dwells in them as their Comforter and Sanctifier, gives to them the spirit of Adoption and Prayer, and performs all those gracious offices by which they are sanctified and sealed unto the day of redemption. IV. Bv the indwelling of the Holy Spirit all believers being vitally united to Christ, who is the Head, are thus sect. iv. ] CONFESSION OF FAITH. 139 united one to another in the Church, which is His body. He calls and anoints ministers for their holy office, quali¬ fies all other officers in the Church for their special work, and imparts various gifts and graces to its members. He gives efncacy to the Word, and to the ordinances of the Gospel. By Him the Church will be preserved, increased until it shall cover the earth, purified, and at last made perfectly holy in the presence of God. CHAPTER XXXY. OF THE LOVE OF GOD AND MISSIONS. I. God, in infinite and perfect love, having provided in the covenant of grace, through the mediation and sacri¬ fice of the Lord Jesus Christ, a way of life and salvation, sufficient for and adapted to the whole lost race of man, doth freely offer this salvation to all men in the Gospel. II. In the Gospel God declares His love for the world and His desire that all men should be saved, reveals fully and clearly the only way of salvation ; promises eternal life to all who truly repent and believe in Christ ; invites and commands all to embrace the offered mercy ; and by His Spirit accompanying the Word pleads with men to accept His gracious invitation. III. It is the duty and privilege of every one who hears the Gospel immediately to accept its merciful provisions : and they who continue in impenitence and unbelief incur aggravated guilt and perish by their own fault. IV. Since there is no other way of salvation than that revealed in the Gospel, and since in the divinely estab¬ lished and ordinary method of grace faith cometh by hearing the Word of God, Christ hath commissioned His Church to go into all the world and to make disciples of all nations. All believers are, therefore, under obligation to sustain the ordinances of religion where they are al¬ ready established, and to contribute by their prayers, gifts, and personal efforts, to the extension of the kingdom of Christ throughout the whole earth. 140 CONFESSION OF FAITH. DECLARATORY STATEMENT While the ordination vow of ministers, ruling elders, and deacons, as set forth in the Form of Government, re¬ quires the reception and adoption of the Confession of Faith only as containing the System of Doctrine taught in the Holy Scriptures, nevertheless, seeing that the de¬ sire has been formally expressed for a disavowal by the Church of certain inferences drawn from statements in the Confession of Faith, and also for a declaration of certain aspects of revealed truth which appear at the present time to call for more explicit statement, therefore the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America does authoritatively declare as follows : First, With reference to Chapter III. of the Confession of Faith : that concerning those who are saved in Christ, the doctrine of God’s eternal decree is held in harmony with the doctrine of His love to all mankind, His gift of His Son to be the propitiation for the sins of the whole world, and His readiness to bestow His saving grace on all who seek it. That concerning those who perish, the doctrine of God’s eternal decree is held in harmony with the doc¬ trine that God desires not the death of any sinner, but has provided in Christ a salvation sufficient for all, adapted to all, and freely offered in the Gospel to all; that men are fully responsible for their treatment of God’s gracious offer ; that His decree hinders no man from ac¬ cepting that offer ; and that no man is condemned except on the ground of his sin. Srcond, With reference to Chapter X., Section 3, of the Confession of Faith, that it is not to be regarded as teach¬ ing that any who die in infancy are lost. We believe that all dying in infancy are included in the election of grace, and are regenerated and saved by Christ through the Spirit, who works w r hen and where and how He pleases. THE LARGER CATECHISM, ADOPTED BY THE SYNOD OF NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA, IN 1788. Q. 1. What is the chief and highest end of man f A. Man’s chief and highest end is to glorify God, a and fully to enjoy him for ever. * * * * & Q. 2. How doth it appear that there is a God ? A. The very light of nature in man, and the works of God, declare plainly that there is a God ; c but his Word and Spirit only, do sufficiently and effectually reveal him unto men for their salvation.^ 1. “Rom. xi. 36. For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen. 1 Cor. x. 31. Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. 6 Psa. lxxiii. 24-26. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but thee t and there is none upon earth that I desire besides thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. John xvii. 22, 24. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one.—Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am ; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me. 2. c 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 in¬ visible 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 Psa. xix. 1-3. d 1 Cor. ii. 9,10. 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. 2 Tim. iii. 15-17. And that from a child thou 141 142 THE LARGER CATECHISM . Q. 3. What is the Word of God ? A. The holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament are the Word of Clod, 6 the only rule of faith and obedience./ Q. 4. How doth it appear that the Scriptures are the Word of God? A. The Scriptures manifest themselves to be the Word of God, by their majesty0 and purity; 71 by the consent of all the parts, 1 ’ and the scope of the whole, which is to give hast known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wiso unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for re¬ proof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. 3. e 2 Tim. iii. 16. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God. 2 Pet. i. 19-21. We have also a more sure word of prophecy: wliereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day-star arise in your hearts: Knowing-this first, that no prophecy of the Scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. /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. Luke xvi. 29, 31. They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. —If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be per¬ suaded, though one rose from the dead. Gal. i. 8, 9. 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 accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. See 2 Tim. iii. 15-17. 4. o Hos. viii. 12. I have written to him the great things of my law, but they were counted as a strange thing. 1 Cor. ii. 6, 7. Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this w r orld, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wis¬ dom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory. Psa. cxix. 18, 129. Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.—Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them. h Psa. xii. 6. The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Psa. cxix. 140. Thy word is very pure; therefore thy servant loveth it. ‘Luke xxiv. 27. And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. Acts x. 43. To him give all the prophets witness, that THE LARGER CATECHISM. 143 all glory to God ; k by their light and power to convince and convert sinners, to comfort and build up believers unto salvation : * 1 but the Spirit of God bearing witness by and with the Scriptures in the heart of man, is alone able fully to persuade it that they are the very Word of God. m Q. 5. What do the Scriptures principally teach ? A. The Scriptures principally teach, what man is to be¬ lieve concerning God, and what duty God requires of man. 71 through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remis¬ sion of sins. Acts xxvi. 22. Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come. *Rom. xvi. 25-27. Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith : To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen. See 2 Cor. iii. 6 - 11 . 1 Acts xviii. 28. For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that pub¬ licly, showing by the Scriptures that Jesus was Christ. Heb. iv. 12. For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. James i. 18. Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth. Psa. xix. 7-9. The law of the Lord is per¬ fect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. Rom. xv. 4. For what¬ soever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. Acts xx. 32. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. m John xvi. 13,14. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth:—and he will show you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you. See 1 John ii. 20, 27. 5. "John xx. 31. But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have 144 THE LAUGER CATECHISM. WHAT MAN OUGHT TO BELIEVE CONCERNING GOD. Q. 6. What do the Scriptures make known of God ? A. The Scriptures make known what God is, 0 the per¬ sons in the Godhead, P his decrees, Q and the execution of his decrees/ Q. 7. What is God? A. God is a Spirit , s in and of himself infinite in being,* * glory, w blessedness , w and perfection ; x all-sufficient ,v ete r- life through his name. 2 Tim. i. 13. Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love. See 2 Tim. iii. 15-17. 6. ° John iv. 24. God is a Spirit. Ex. xxxiv. 6. And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth. pMatt. iii. 16, 17. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens w'ere opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and light¬ ing upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my be¬ loved Son, in whom I am well pleased. See Matt, xxviii. 19; 2 Cor. xiii. 14. 9 Isa. xlvi. 9, 10. I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure. r Acts iv. 27, 28. For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus,—both Ilerod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy coun¬ sel determined before to be done. 7. * John iv. 24. God is a Spirit. *Ex. iii. 14. And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. 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. “Acts vii. 2. The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran. w 1 Tim. vi. 15. Which in his times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords. * Matt. v. 48. Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. vRom. xi. 35, 36. Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen. THE LARGER CATECHISM. 145 nal/ unchangeable/ incomprehensible , 1b every where pres¬ ent, 0 almighty/ knowing all things, 0 most wise/most holy,# most just/ most merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth.* Q. 8. Are there more Gods than one ? A. There is but one only, the living and true God.* Q. 9. How many persons are there in the Godhead f A. There be three persons in the Godhead, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one true, eternal God, the same in substance, equal in power *Psa. xc. 2. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to ever¬ lasting, thou art God. « Mai. iii. 6. For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed. James i. 17. The Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. &Psa. cxlv. 3. Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable. c Psa. cxxxix. 1, 2, 7. 0 Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising; thou under- standest my thought afar off.—Whither shall I go from thy Spirit ? or whither shall I flee from thy presence ? d Rev. iv. 8. And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. See Gen. xvii. 1. e Heb. iv. 13. Neither is Irtiere 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. See Psa. cxlvii. 5. /Rom. xvi. 27. To God only wise, he glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen. o 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. Rev. xv. 4. Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy. A Deut. xxxii. 4. He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he. * Ex. xxxiv. 6. And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth. 8. *Deut. vi. 4. Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God is one Lord. 1 Cor. viii. 4. There is none other God but one. See verse G. Jer. x. 10. But the Lord is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting King. 10 146 THE LARGER CATECHISM. and glory; although distinguished by their personal prop¬ erties.* Q. 10. What are the personal properties of the three per¬ sons in the Godhead? A. It is proper to the Father to beget the Son, 771 and to the Son to be begotten of the Father, 71 and to the Holy Ghost to proceed from the Father and the Son, from all eternity. 0 Q. 11. How doth it appear that the Son and the Holy Ghost are God equal with the Father ? A. The Scriptures manifest that the Son and the Holy Ghost are God equal with the Father, ascribing unto them such names/ attributes,9* works, 7 * and worship/ as are proper to God only. 9 . 1 Matt. iii. 16, 17. And Jesus, when he w’as baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and light¬ ing upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my be¬ loved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Matt, xxviii. 19. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. 2 Cor. xiii. 14. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the com¬ munion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. John x. 30. I and my Father are one. 10. m Heb. i. 5, 6. For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son. See Psa. ii. 6, 7. "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 Fa¬ ther,) full of grace and truth. 0 John xv. 26. But when the Comforter is come, whom I shall send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which procedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me. Gal. iv. 6. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. 11. p Jer. xxiii. 6. And this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. Isa. vi. 3, 5, 8. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.—Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.—Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send * For notes ?, r , *, see opposite page. THE LARGER CATECHISM. 147 Q. 12. What are the decrees of God f A. God’s decrees are the wise, free, and holy acts of the counsel of his will,* whereby, from all eternity, he hath, for his own glory, unchangeably fore-ordained whatsoever comes to pass in time, w especially concerning angels and men. me. John xii. 41. These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him. Acts xxviii. 25. And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers. 1 John v. 20. And we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. Psa. xlv. 6. Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever. Acts v. 3, 4. But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost? —Thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. ? John i. 1. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Isa. ix. 6. For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given : and the government shall be upon his shoul¬ der : and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. John ii. 24, 25. But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men , And needed not that any should testify of man; for he knew what was in man. 1 Cor. ii. 10,11. 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. r Col. i. 16. For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him. Gen. i. 2. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. See John i. 3. 8 Matt, xxviii. 19. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. 2 Cor. xiii. 14. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. 12. rd added to the church daily such as should be saved. fMatt. xxii. 14. For many are called, but few are chosen. THE LARGER CATECHISM. 179 tions of the Spirit ; r who, for their willful neglect and contempt of the grace offered to them, being justly left in their unbelief, do never truly come to Jesus Christ. s Q. 69. What is the communion in grace , which the mem¬ bers of the invisible church have with Christ ? A. The communion in grace, which the members of the invisible Church have with Christ, is their partaking of the virtue of his mediation, in their justification/ adop¬ tion ; u sanctification, and whatever else in this life mani¬ fests their union with him.™ Q. 70. What is justification ? A. Justification is an act of God’s free grace unto sin¬ ners , 1x in which he pardoneth all their sin, accepteth and accounteth their persons righteous in his sight; V not for r Matt. xiii. 20,21. But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. 8 Psa. lxxxi. 11,12. But my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me. So I gave them up unto their own hearts’ lust; and they walked in their own counsels. John xii. 38-40, That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed? Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again, He hath blinded their eyes, and hard¬ ened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor under¬ stand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them. See Acts xxviii. 25-27; John vl. 64, 65; Prov. i. 24-32; Psa. xcv. 7-11. 69. *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. M Eph. i. 5. Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will. w 1 Cor. i. 30. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made un¬ to us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption. 70. *Rom. iii. 22-25. 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: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus : Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the re¬ mission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God. y Rom. iv. 5. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness 2 Cor. v. 19, 21. To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the 180 THE LARGER CATECHISM. any thing wrought in them, or done by them, 3 but only for the perfect obedience and full satisfaction of Christ, by God imputed to them, a and received by faith alone. b Q. 71. How is justification an act of God’s free gracef A. Although Christ, by his obedience and death, did make a proper, real, and full satisfaction to God’s justice* in the behalf of them that are justified: 0 yet, inasmuch as God accepteth the satisfaction from a surety, which he might have demanded of them; and did provide this surety, his only Son, rf imputing his righteousness to world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them.—For he hath made him to be sin for us, who know no sin ; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. * Eph. i. 6, 7. Wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved: In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace. Rom. iii. 28. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. a Rom. iii. A, 25. Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to bf a propitiation, through faith in his blood. Rom. v. 17-19. For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ. Therefore, as by the offence of one judg¬ ment came upon all men to condemnation, even so by the righteous¬ ness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life, for as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. Rom. iv. 6-8. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. ^Rom. v. 1. Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God. Acts x. 43. To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins See Gal. ii. 16; Phil. iii. 9; Rom. iii. 25, 26. 71 . e Matt. xx. 28. Even as the Son of man came not to be minis tered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. Rom. v. 8-10, 19. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son; much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.—For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. d \ Tim. ii. 5, 6. For there is one God, and one mediator between God THE LARGER CATECHISM. 181 them, 6 and requiring nothing of them for their justifica- tion but faith,/which also is his gift ,9 their justification is to them of free graced Q. 72. What is justifying faith f A. Justifying faith is a saving grace/ wrought in the heart of a sinner, by the Spirit k and word of God/ whereby he, being convinced of his sin and misery, and of the disability in himself and all other creatures to re¬ cover him out of his lost condition, 771 not only assenteth to the truth of the promise of the gospel, 71 but receiveth and resteth upon Christ and his righteousness therein held and men, the man Christ Jesus ; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. Isa. liii. 5, 6. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him ; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. Heb. vii. 22. By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. Rom viii. 32. He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things ? «2 Cor. v. 21. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. See Rom. iv. 11; 1 Cor. i. 30. /Rom. iii. 2b. Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood. Acts xvi. 31. And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. a'Eph. ii. 8. For by grace are ye saved through faith ; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. A Eph. i. 7. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace. 72. »Heb. x. 39. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdi¬ tion ; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. k 1 Cor. xii. 3, 9. No man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, bu; by the Holy Ghost.—To another faith by the same Spirit. *Rom. x. 14,17. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard ? and how shall they hear without a preacher ? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. See Rom. i. 16. w John xvi. 8,9. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me. Acts xvi. 30. Sirs, what must I do to be saved? See Acts ii. 37; Eph. ii. 1; Acts iv. 12; Rom. vii. 9. n Eph. i. 13. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. 182 THE LARGER CATECHISM. forth, for pardon of sin, 0 and for the accepting and ac¬ counting of his person righteous in the sight of God for salvation.? Q. 73. How doth faith justify a sinner in the sight of God? A. Faith justifies a sinner in the sight of God, not be¬ cause of those other graces which do always accompany it, or of good works that are the fruits of it; Q nor as if the grace of faith, or any act thereof, were imputed to him for justification ; r but only as it is an instrument, by which he receiveth and applieth Christ and his righteous- ness. s Q. 74. What is adoption ? A. Adoption is an act of the free grace of God/ in and for his only Son Jesus Christ, w whereby all those that are 0 Acts x. 43. To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. See Acts xvi. 31; John i. 12. p Phil. iii. 9. And be found in him, not having mine own righteous¬ ness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith. Acts xv. 11. But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they. 73. 7 Gal. iii. 11. But that no man is justified by the law r in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. Rom. iii. 28. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. r Rom. iv. 5. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. See Rom. x. 10. •John i. 12. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. See Phil. iii. 9. Gal. ii. 16. Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have be¬ lieved in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the-works of the law shall no flesh be justified. 74. < 1 John iii. 1. Behold, what manner of love the Father hath be¬ stowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God. « Eph. i. 5. Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will. 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, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. THE LARGER CATECHISM. 183 justified are received into the number of his children,™ have his name put upon them, x the Spirit of his Son given to them ,v are under his fatherly care and dispensations, 2 admitted to all the liberties and privileges of the sons of God, made heirs of all the promises, and fellow-heirs with Christ in glory. a Q. 75. What is sanctification ? A. Sanctification is a work of God’s grace, whereby, they whom God hath before the foundation of the world chosen to be holy, are in time through the powerful op¬ eration of his Spirit , 1b applying the death and resurrection of Christ unto them, c renewed in their whole man after the image of God; d having the seeds of repentance unto “’John i. 12. But as many as received him, to them gave he power* * to become the sons of God. *2 Cor. vi. 18. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. Rev. iii. 12. And 1 will write upon him my new name. y Gal. iv. 6. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. z Psa. ciii. 13. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pith eth them that fear him. Matt. vi. 32. For your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. “Rom. viii. 17. And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. See Heb. vi. 12. 75. 6 Eph. i. 4. According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love. 1 Cor. vi. 11. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. 2 Thess. ii. 13. But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth. c Rom. vi. 4-6. Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death : that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For If we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. Phil. iii. 10. That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death. d Eph. iv. 23, 24. And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And 184 THE LARGER CATECHISM. life and all other saving graces, put into their hearts, 6 and those graces so stirred up, increased, and strengthened/ as that they more and more die unto sin and rise unto newness of life.# Q. 76. What is repentance unto life? A. Repentance unto life is a saving grace/ wrought in L/he heart of a sinner by the Spirit i and word of God/' whereby, out of the sight and sense, not only of the dan- that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteous¬ ness and true holiness. e Acts xi. 18. When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life. 1 John iii. 9. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. /Jude 20. But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost. Eph. iii. 16-19. That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strength¬ ened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. Col. i. 10, 11. That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness. ?Rom. vi. 4, 6. Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.—Know¬ ing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 76. h Luke xxiv. 47. And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 2 Tim. ii. 25. If God peradventure will give them repent¬ ance to the acknowledging of the truth. * John xvi. 8, 9. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me. * Acts xi. 18, 20, 21. When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.—And some of them were men of Cyprus and Gyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them : and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord. See 1'sa. xix. 7-14; Acts ii. 37. THE LARGER CATECHISM. 185 ger/ but also of the filthiness and odiousness of his sins,™ and upon the apprehension of God’s mercy in Christ to such as are penitent, 71 he so grieves for 0 and hates his sins,P as that he turns from them all to God ,Q purposing *Ezek. xviii. 30, 32. Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord God. Repent and turn yourselves from all your transgressions ; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.—For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, r:aith the Lord God: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye. Luke xv. 17, 18. And when he came to himself, fre said, How many hired ser¬ vants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and Rperish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee. m Ezek. xxxvi. 31. Then shall ye remember your own evil ways, and your doings that were not good, and shall loathe yourselves in your own sight for your iniquities and for your abominations. Ezek. xvi. 61, 63. Then thou shalt remember thy ways, and be ashamed.— That thou mayest remember, and be confounded, and never open thy mouth any more because of thy shame. See Psa. li. n Psa. exxx. 3-7. If thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared. I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope. My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning. Let Israel hope in the Lord: for with the Lord there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption. Joel ii. 12, 13. Therefore also now, saith the Lord, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God : for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and re- penteth him of the evil. See Zech. xii. 10: Matt. xxvi. 75. 0 Jer. xxxi. 18,19. I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself thus: Thou hast chastised me, and I was chastised, as a bullock unac¬ customed to the yoke: turn thou me, and I shall be turned; for thou art the Lord my God. Surely after that I was turned, I repented; and after that I was instructed, I smote upon my thigh: I was ashamed, yea, even confounded, because I did bear the reproach of my youth. P2Cor. vii. 11. For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clear¬ ing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! i Acts xxvi. 18. To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God. Ezek. xiv. 6. Re¬ pent, and turn yourselves from your idols; and turn away your faces from all your abominations. 1 Kings viii. 47, 48. If they shall be¬ think themselves in the land whither they were carried captives, and 186 THE LARGER CATECHISM. and endeavoring constantly to walk with him in all the ways of new obedience/ Q. 77. Wherein do justification and sanctification differ f A. Although sanctification be inseparably joined with justification/ yet they differ, in that God in justification imputeth the righteousness of Christ / in sanctification his Spirit infusetli grace, and enableth to the exercise thereof ; u in the former, sin is pardoned ; w in the other, it is subdued ; x the one doth equally free all believers from the revenging wrath of God, and that perfectly in this life, that they never fall into condemnation; V the other is repent, and make supplication unto thee in the land of them that carried them captives, saying, We have sinned, and have done per¬ versely, we have committed wickedness; And so return unto thee with all their heart, and with all their soul. See 1 Sam. vii. 3. r Psa. cxix. 59,128. I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.—Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to he right; and I hate every false way. See Luke i. 6. Rom. vi. 17, 18. But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was de¬ livered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. Luke xix. 8. And Zaccheus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. 77. * *1 Cor. vi. 11. And such were some of you : but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Cor. i. 30. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption. * Rom. iv. 6, 8. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works.— Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. See 2 Cor. v. 21; Rom. iii. 24. v 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. " Rom. iii. 24, 25. Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus : Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past. * Rom. vi. 6,14. Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.- For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. v Rom. viii. 1, 33, 34. There is therefore now no condemnation to THE LARGER CATECHISM. 187 neither equal in all, 2 nor in this life perfect in any, a but growing up to perfection.^ Q. 78. Whence ariseth the imperfection of sanctification in believers? A. The imperfection of sanctification in believers aris¬ eth from the remnants of sin abiding in every part of them, and the perpetual lustings of the flesh against the spirit; whereby they are often foiled with temptations, and fall into many sins, c are hindered in all their spiritual ser¬ vices ,' d and their best works are imperfect and defiled in the sight of God. e them which are in Christ Jesus—Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect ? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth ? z Heb. v. 12-14. For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. See 1 John ii. 12-14. a 1 John i. 8,10. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive our¬ selves, 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. b 2 Cor. vii. 1. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfect¬ ing holiness in the fear of God. Phil. iii. 12-14. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended : but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 78. c Rom. vii. 18, 23. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.—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. See Mark xiv. 66-72; Gal. ii. 11, 12. d 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. Heb. xii. 1. Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us. c Isa. Ixiv. 6. But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our right¬ eousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our in¬ iquities, like the wind, have taken us away. See Ex. xxviii. 38. 188 THE LARGER CATECHISM. Q. 79. May not true believers, by reason of their imper¬ fections, and the many temptations and sins they are over¬ taken with , fall away from the slate of grace f A. True believers, by reason of the unchangeable love of God, / and his decree and covenant to give them per- severance,0 their inseparable union with Christ , 1h his con¬ tinual intercession for them,* * and the Spirit and seed of God abiding in them/ can neither totally nor finally fall away from the state of grace/ but are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.™ 79. /Jer. xxxi. 3. The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying , Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lov¬ ingkindness have I drawn thee. John xiii. 1. Having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. 9 2 Tim. ii. 19. Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. Heb. xiii. 20, 21. Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 2 Sam. xxiii. 5.—Yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure. See Isa. liv. 10. h 1 Cor. i. 8, 9. Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. t Heb. vii. 25. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the utter¬ most that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make inter¬ cession for them. Luke xxii. 32. But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fall not. *1 John iii. 9. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. 1 John ii. 27. But the anointing which ye have re¬ ceived 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. i jer. xxxii. 40. And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; but 1 will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me. John x. 28! And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. m l Pet. i. 5. Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Phil. i. C.—He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. THE LARGER CATECHISM. 189 Q. 80. Can true believers be infallibly assured that they are in the estate of grace , and that they shall persevere there¬ in unto salvation f A. Such as truly believe in Christ, and endeavor to walk in all good conscience before him, 71 may, without ex¬ traordinary revelation, by faith grounded upon the truth of God’s promises, and by the Spirit enabling them to dis¬ cern in themselves those graces to which the promises of life are made, 0 and bearing witness with their spirits that they are the children of God, P be infallibly assured that they are in the estate of grace and shall persevere there¬ in unto salvation .Q Q. 81. Are all true believers at all times assured of their present being in the estate of grace , and that they shall be saved f A. Assurance of grace and salvation not being of the 80. n 1 John ii. 3. And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. See Acts xxiv. 16. 0 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. 1 John iv. 13,16. Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.— And we have known and believed the love that God hath to ns. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. 1 John iii. 14,18,19, 21, 24. We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.—My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue ; but in deed and in truth. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. —Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence to¬ ward God.—And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us. Heb. vi. 11, 12. And we desire that every one of you do show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. p Rom. viii. 16. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God. 1 1 John v. 13. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God ; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. 2 Tim. i. 12. I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. 190 THE LARGER CATECHISM. essence of faith/ true believers may wait long before they obtain it; s and, after the enjoyment thereof, may have it weakened and intermitted, through manifold distempers, sins, temptations, and desertions/ yet are they never left without such a presence and support of the Spirit of God, as keeps them from sinking into utter despair . u Q. 82. What is the communion in glory, which the mem¬ bers of the invisible Church have with Christ f A. The communion in glory, which the members of the invisible Church have with Christ, is in this life,™ imme- 81. r 2 Pet. i. 10. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall. «1 John v. 13. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eter¬ nal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. See Psa. lxxxviii. * Psa. lxxvii. 7-9. Will the Lord cast off forever? and will he be favorable no more? Is his mercy clean gone for ever? doth his prom¬ ise fail for evermore? Hath God forgotten to be gracious? hath he in anger shut up his tender mercies? Psa. xxii. 1. My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring? Psa. xxxi. 22. For I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes. See Psa. xxx. 6, 7; li. 8,12. u Psa. lxxiii. 13-15, 23. Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency. For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning. If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children.— Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand. 1 John iii. 9. Whosoever is born of God doth not com¬ mit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. Isa. liv. 7-11. For a small moment have I for¬ saken thee: but with great mercies will I gather thee. In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the Lord thy Redeemer. For this is as the waters of Noah unto me : for as I have sworn that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth; so have I sworn that I would not be wroth with thee, nor rebuke thee. For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee. O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted, behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colors, and lay thy foundations with sapphires. 82. •" 2 Cor. iii. 18. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to THE LA EGER CATECHISM. 191 Lately after deaths and at last perfected at the resurrec¬ tion and day of judgments Q. 83. What is the communion in glory with Christ , which the members of the invisible Church enjoy in this life? A. The members of the invisible Church have commu¬ nicated to them, in this life, the first-fruits of glory with Christ, as they are members of him their head, and so in him are interested in that glory which he is fully pos¬ sessed of; 2 and, as an earnest thereof, enjoy the sense of God’s love, a peace of conscience, joy in the Holy Ghost, and hope of glory. 5 As, on the contrary, sense of God’s revenging wrath, horror of conscience, and a fearful ex¬ pectation of judgment, are to the wicked the beginning of the torments which they shall endure after deaths Q. 84. Shall all men die ? A. Death being threatened as the wages of sin, d it is glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. Col. iii. 3. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. ^Luke xxiii. 43. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To-day shalt thou he with me in paradise. 2 Cor. v. 8. We are con¬ fident, I say , and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. y 1 Thess. iv. 17. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 83. z Eph. ii. 5, 6. Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ.—And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. « Rom. v. 5. And hope maketh not ashamed ; because the Jove of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. 2 Cor. i. 22. Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. 1 Eom. v. 1,2. Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have ac¬ cess by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Rom. xiv. 17. For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. e Gen. iv. 13. And Cain said unto the Lord, My punishment is greater than I can bear. Matt, xxvii. 4.—I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. Heb. x. 27. But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. Mark ix. 48. Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is *\iot quenched. See Rom. ii. 9. 84. d *tom. n. 23. For the wages of sin is death. 192 THE LARGER CATECHISM. appointed unto all men once to die ; e for that all have sinned/ Q. 85. Death being the ivages of sin, why are not the righteous delivered from death, seeing all their sins are for - given in Christ ? A. The righteous shall be delivered from death itself at the last day, and even in death are delivered from the sting and curse of it ;9 so that, although they die, yet it is out of God’s love/* to free them perfectly from sin and misery/ and to make them capable of further commu¬ nion with Christ in glory, which they then enter upon.* Q. 86. What is the communion in glory with Christ, which the members of the invisible Church enjoy immediately after death ? A. The communion in glory with Christ, which the members of the invisible Church enjoy immediately after death, is in that their souls are then made perfect in holiness/ e Heb. ix. 27. And as it is appointed unto men once to die. /Rom. v. 12. So death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned. 85. o 1 Cor. xv. 26, 55-57. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.—O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory ? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. See Heb. ii. 15. h Rom. xiv. 8. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord : whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s. Psa. cxvi. 15. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. < Rev. xiv. 13. Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them. Luke xvi. 25. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. k Luke xxiii. 43. And Jesus said unto him, Verily, I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. Phil. i. 23. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better. 86. 1 Acts vii. 55,59. But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God.—And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying. Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. Rev. vii. 13,14. And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which THE LARGER CATECHISM. 193 and received into the highest heavens, m where they be¬ hold the face of God in light and glory ; n waiting for the full redemption of their bodies, 0 which even in death continue united to Christ,P and rest in their graves, as in their beds ,Q till at the last day they be again united to their souls. r Whereas the souls of the wicked are at their death cast into hell, where they remain in torments and utter darkness; and their bodies kept in their graves, as in their prisons, until the resurrection and judgment of the great day. s are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Rev. xix. 8. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. m 2Cor. v. 8. We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Phil. i. 23. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better. Acts iii. 21. 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. Eph. iv. 10. He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things. n Rev. vii. 15. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. 1 Cor. xiii. 12. Now we see through a glass, darkly ; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. See Matt. v. 8. "Rom. viii. 23. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. Psa. xvi. 9. My flesh also shall rest in hope. pRom. viii. 11. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. 1 Thess. iv. 16. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first. 9 1 Kings ii. 10. So David slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David. John xi. 11. These things said he : and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth ; but I go, that T may awake him out of sleep. r l Thess. iv. 14. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. •Luke xvi. 23, 24. And in hell he lifted up his eyes, being in tor- 13 194 THE LARGER CATECHISM. Q. 87. What are we to believe concerning the remrrection f A. We are to believe, that, at the last day, there shall be a general resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust : 1 when they that are then found alive shall in a moment be changed ; and the selfsame bodies of the dead which are laid in the grave, being then again united to their souls for ever, shall be raised up by the power of Christ. w The bodies of the just, by the Spirit of Christ, and by virtue of his resurrection as their head, shall be raised in power, spiritual, and incorruptible, and made like to his glorious body : w and the bodies of the wicked shall be raised up in dishonor by him as an offended judge . x merits, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. Jude 7. Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. 87. * Acts xxiv. 15. There shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. M 1 Cor. xv. 51-53. Behold, I show you a mystery ; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this cor¬ ruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on im¬ mortality. 1 Thess. iv. 15-17. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air : and so shall we ever be with the Lord. See John v. 28, 29. w 1 Cor. xv. 21-23, 42-44. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits ; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming. —So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption : It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory : it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power: It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. Phil. iii. 21. Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body. See Dan. xii. 2. * John v. 28, 29. Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the THE LARGER CATECHISM. 195 Q. 88. What shall immediately follow after the resurrec¬ tion ? A. Immediately after the resurrection shall follow the general and final judgment of angels and men :V the day and hour whereof no man knoweth, that all may watch and pray, and be ever ready for the coming of the Lord. * 2 * * * 6 Q. 89. What shall be done to the wicked at the day of judgment ? A. At the day of judgment, the wicked shall be set on Christ’s left hand, a and, upon clear evidence and full con¬ viction of their own consciences,& shall have the fearful but just sentence of condemnation pronounced against them; c and thereupon shall be cast out from the favor- which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth ; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. Dan. xii. 2. And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. See Matt. xxv. 33. 88. y Matt. xvi. 27. For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels ; and then he shall reward every man according to his works. 2 Pet. ii. 4. For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment. 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 he good or bad. 2 Matt. xxiv. 36, 42, 44. But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.—Watch therefore; for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.—Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man com- eth. See Luke xxi. 35, 36. 89. « Matt. xxv. 33. And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. 6 Matt. xxii. 12. And he saith unto him, Friend, how earnest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. Luke xix. 22. And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an aus¬ tere man, taking up that I had not down, and reaping that I did not sow. c Matt. xxv. 41, 42. Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me. ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared lor the devil and his angels : For I was a hungered, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink. 196 THE LARGER CATECHISM. able presence of God, and the glorious fellowship with Christ, his saints, and all his holy angels, into hell, to be punished with unspeakable torments both of body and soul, with the devil and his angels for ever. d Q. 90. What shall be done to the righteous at the day of judgment ? A. At the day of judgment, the righteous, being caught up to Christ in the clouds; e shall be set on his right hand, and there openly acknowledged and acquitted:/ shall join with him in the judging of reprobate angels and men:# and shall be received into heaven,* * where they shall be fullv and for ever freed from all sin and miserv ; * filled with inconceivable joys; k made perfectly holy and happy both in body and soul, in the company of innumerabl e saints and angels ; 1 but especially in the immediate visi on d Matt. xxv. 46. And these shall go away into everlasting punish¬ ment. 2 Thess. i. 8, 9. In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the pres¬ ence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power. See Luke xvi. 26; Mark ix. 43. 90. «1 Thess. iv. 17. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. /Matt. xxv. 33. And he shall set the sheep on his right hand. Matt, x. 32. Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. 1 Cor. vi. 2, 3. Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world ? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? n Matt. xxv. 34, 46. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.—But the righteous into life eternal. *Eph. v. 27. That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. See Rev. xiv. 13. * Psa. xvi. 11. Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. 1 Heb. xii. 22, 23. 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 THE LARGER CATECHISM. 197 and fruition of God the Father, of our Lord Jesus Christ, and of the Holy Spirit, to all eternity. 771 And this is the perfect and full communion, which the members of the invisible Church shall enjoy with Christ in glory, at the resurrection and day of judgment. Having seen what the Scriptures 'principally teach us to believe concerning God , it follows to consider what they require as the duty of man. Q. 91. What is the duty ivhich God. requireth of man ? A. The duty which God requireth of man is obedience to his revealed will. 71 Q. 92. What did God at first reveal unto man as the rule p f his obedience? A. The rule of obedience revealed to Adam in the es¬ tate of innocence, and to all mankind in him, beside a special command, not to eat of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, was the moral law. 0 firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect. m l 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 v r e shall see him as he is. 1 Cor. xiii. 12. For now we see through a glass, darkly ; but then face to face : now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am know T n. 1 Thess. iv. 17, 18. So shall w r e ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. See Rev. xxii. 3-5. 91. n Deut. xxix. 29. The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law r . Micah vi. 8. He hath showed thee, O man, w hat is good; and w r hat doth the I okd require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to w T alk humbly w'ith thy God? 1 Sam. xv. 22. And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. 92. °Gen. i. 27. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him ; male and female created he them. Rom. x. 5. For Moses describeth the righteousness w'hich is of the law r , That the man which doeth those things shall live by them. Rom. ii. 14, 15. 198 THE LARGER CATECHISM. Q. 93. What is the moral law ? A. The moral law is the declaration of the will of God to mankind, directing and binding every one to personal, perfect, and perpetual conformity and obedience there¬ unto, in the frame and disposition of the whole man, soul and body,P and in performance of all those duties of holi¬ ness and righteousness which he oweth to God and man: 7 promising life upon the fulfilling, and threatening death upon the breach of it/ Q. 94. Is there any use of the moral law to man since the fall f A. Although no man since the fall can attain to right¬ eousness and life by the moral law ; s yet there is great For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves : Which show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another. Gen. 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. 93. pDeut. v. 1, 31, 33. Hear, O Israel, the statutes and judgments which I speak in your ears this day, that ye may learn them, and keep and do them.—I will speak unto thee all the commandments, and the statutes, and the judgments, which thou shalt teach them, that they may do them—Ye shall walk in all the ways w T hich the Lord your God hath commanded you. Luke x. 26-28. What is written in the law? how readest thou ? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live. 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 continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. 1 Thess. v. 23. I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. ? Luke i. 75. In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life. Acts xxiv. 16. And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toieard men. r Rom. x. 5. The man which doeth those things shall live by them. Gal. iii. 10. Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. 94. • 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. Gal. ii. 16. Knowing THE LARGER CATECHISM. 199 use thereof, as well common to all men, as peculiar either to the unregenerate, or the regenerated Q. 95. Of whai use is the moral law to all men t A. The moral law is of use to all men, to inform them of the holy nature and will of God,® and of their duty binding them to walk accordingly ; w to convince them of their disability to keep it, and of the sinful pollution of their nature, hearts, and lives ; x to humble them in the sense of their sin and misery ,v and thereby help them to a clearer sight of the need they have of Christ/ and of the perfection of his obedience.® that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. 1 1 Tim. i. 8. But we know that the law is good, if a man use it law¬ fully. 95. M Lt>v. xx. 7, 8. Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the Lord your God. And ye shall keep my statutes, and do them: I am the Lord which sanctify you. Rom. vii. 12. Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. w James ii. 10. For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point , he is guilty of all. Micah vi. 8. What doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God. * Psa. xix. 11,12. Moreover by them is thy servant warned : and in keeping of them there is great reward. Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. Rom. iii. 20. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. Rom. vii. 7. I had not known sin, but by the law : for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. s'Rom. iii. 9, 23. What then? Are we better than they? No, in no wise; for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin.—For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Rom. vii. 9,13. When the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.—That sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful. * Gal. iii. 21, 22. Is the law then against the promises of God ? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. But the Scrip¬ ture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. a Rom. x. 4. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. 200 THE LARGER CATECHISM. Q. 96. What particular use is there of the moral law to unregenerale men ? A. The moral law is of use to unregenerate men, to awaken their consciences to flee from the wrath to come, 5 and to drive them to Christ; c or, upon their continuance in the estate and way of sin, to leave them inexcusable , 1d and under the curse thereof. 6 Q. 97. What special use is there of the moral law to the regenerate f A. Although they that are regenerate and believe in Christ, be delivered from the moral law as a covenant of works/so as thereby they are neither justified 0 nor con¬ demned : h yet, beside the general uses thereof common to 96. h 1 Tim. i. 9,10. Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine. c Gal. iii. 24. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. d Rom. i. 20. 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. 15. • Gal. iii. 10. For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse. 97. /Rom. vi. 14. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. Rom. vii. 4, 6. Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.—But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held ; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the old¬ ness of the letter. 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 1m w, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. g Rom. iii. 20. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight. a Rom. viii. 1, 34. There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.—Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea THE LARGER CATECHISM. 201 them with all men, it is of special use to show them how much they are bound to Christ for his fulfilling it, and en¬ during the curse thereof in their stead and for their good ; i and thereby to provoke them to more thankful¬ ness,* * and to express the same in their greater care to con¬ form themselves thereunto as the rule of their obedience.^ Q. 98. Wherein is the moral law summarily compre¬ hended ? A. The moral law is summarily comprehended in the ten commandments, which were delivered by the voice of God upon mount Sinai, and written by him on two tables of stone ; m and are recorded in the twentieth rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. »Rom. vii. 24, 25. O wretched man that I am ! who shall deliver me from the body of this death ? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. Gal. iii. 13,14. Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: That the bless¬ ing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. Rom. viii. 3, 4. 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; That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us. 2 Cor. v. 21. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin: that we might be made the righteous¬ ness of God in him. * Col. i. 12-14. Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins. See Luke i. 68, 69, 74, 75. 1 Rom. vii. 22. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man. Rom. xii. 2. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God. Tit. ii. 11-14. For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us, that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. 98. » Deut. x. 4. And he wrote on the tables, according to the first 202 THE LARGER CATECHISM. chapter of Exodus: the first four commandments com taining our duty to God, and the other six our duty to man. 71 Q. 99. What rules are to he observed for the right under¬ standing of the ten commandments ? A. For the right understanding of the ten command¬ ments, these rules are to be observed :— 1. That the law is perfect, and bindeth every one to full conformity in the whole man unto the righteousness there¬ of, and unto entire obedience for ever; so as to require the utmost perfection of every duty, and to forbid the least degree of every sin. 0 2. That it is spiritual, and so reacheth the understand¬ ing, will, affections, and all other powers of the soul; as well as words, works, and gestures.? 7 writing, the ten commandments, which the Lord spake unto you in the mount, out of the midst of the fire, in the day of the assembly: and the Lord gave them unto me. See Ex. xxxiv. 1-4. n Matt. xxii. 37-40. Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. 99. 0 Psa. xix. 7. The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. James ii. 10. For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point , he is guilty of all. Matt. v. 21, 22. Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and wiiosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. p Rom. vii. 14. For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. Deut. vi. 5. And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. 'Matt. xxii. 37-39. Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. Matt. xii. 36, 37. But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be conr demned. See Matt. v. 27-18. THE LARGER CATECHISM. 203 3. That one and the same thing, in divers respects, is required or forbidden in several commandments. 4. That as, where a duty is commanded, the contrary sin is forbidden ; r and, where a sin is forbidden, the contrary duty is commanded : s so, where a promise is annexed, the contrary threatening is included ; 1 and, where a threaten¬ ing is annexed, the contrary promise is included. w 5. That what God forbids, is at no time to be done; w 9 Col. iii. 5. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupis¬ cence, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 1 Tim. vi. 10. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. Prov. i. 19. So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; which taketh away the life of the owners thereof. Amos viii. 5. Saying, When will the new moon be gone, that we may sell corn? and the sabbath, that we may set forth wheat, making the ephah small, and the shekel great, and falsifying the balances by deceit? r Isa. lviii. 13. If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable; and shalt honor him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words. Matt. xv. 4-6. For God commanded, saying, Honor thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death. But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; And honor not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition. See Deut. vi. 13: Matt. iv. 9, 10. * Eph. iv. 28. Let him that stole steal no more; but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. ake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming. See 1 Thess. ii. 15, 16. 110. 6 Ex. xx. 5, 6. c Psa. xlv. 11.—He is thy Lord : and worship thou him. Rev. xv. 3, 0. And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvelous are thy works, Tx>rd God Almighty ; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy. d Ex. xxxiv. 13,14. But ye shall destroy their altars, break their images, and cut down their groves: For thou shall worship no other god: for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God. THE LARGER CATECHISM. 219 against all false worship, as being a spiritual whoredom : e accounting the breakers of this commandment such as hate him, and threatening to punish them unto divers genera¬ tions ;/ and esteeming the observers of it such as love him and keep his commandments, and promising mercy to them unto many generations.^ Q. 111. Which is the third commandment f A. The third commandment is, Thou shalt not take the name of the Loud thy God in vain: for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. h Q. 112. What is required in the third commandment f A. The third commandment requires, that the name of God, his titles, attributes/ ordinances,^' the word/ sacra- * 1 Cor. x. 20-22. But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacri¬ fice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God : and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils. Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy ? Are we stronger than he? See Deut. xxxii. 16-19; Jer. vii. 18-20; Ezek. xvi. 26, 27. f Hos. ii. 2-4. Plead with your mother, plead; for she is not my wife, neither am I her husband: let her therefore put away her whoredoms out of her sight, and her adulteries from between her breasts; Lest I strip her naked, and set her as in the day that she was born, and make her as a wilderness, and set her like a dry land, and slay her with thirst. And I will not have mercy upon her children; for they be the children of whoredoms. a Deut. v. 29. Oh that there were such a heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever! 111. h Ex. xx. 7. 112. * *Matt. vi. 9. After this manner therefore pray ye : Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Deut. xxviii. 58. That thou mayest fear this glorious and fearful name, THE LORD THY GOD. Psa. lxviii. 4. Extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH, and rejoice before him. See Psa. xxix. 2; Rev. xv. 3, 4. * Eccl. v. 1. Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear than to give the sacrifice of fools : for they con¬ sider not that they do evil. Luke i. 6. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. *Psa. cxxxviii. 2. I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name. 220 THE LARGER CATECHISM. merits, 771 prayer, 71 oaths, 0 vows,P lots,9 his works, 7 * * and what¬ soever else there is whereby he makes himself known, be liolily and reverently used in thought,® meditation/ word/ 4 * and writing ; w by an holy profession,* and answerable conversation,!/ to the glory of God, 2 and the good of our ¬ selves 0 and others .^ m 1 Cor. xi. 28, 29. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. n 1 Tim. ii. 8. I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. °Jer. iv. 2. And thou shait swear, The Lord liveth, in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness. pEccI. v. 2, 4. Be not rash Avith thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God : for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy Avords be feAV.—When thou voAvest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed. ? Acts i. 24, 26. And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, Avhieh know- est the hearts of all men, show whether of these tAvo thou hast chosen. —And they gaA T e forth their lots ; and the lot fell upon Matthias. r Job xxxvi. 24. Remember that thou magnify his Avork, Avhieh men behold. * Mai. iii. 16. And a book of remembrance Avas written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name. * Psa. A T iii. 1, 3, 4. O Lord our Lord, hoAV excellent is thy name in all the earth! Avho hast set thy glory above the heavens.—When I consider thy heaA T ens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, Avhieh thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? u Psa. cv. 2, 5. Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him : talk ye of all his Avondrous Avorks.—Remember his marvellous Avorks that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth. w Psa. cii. 18. This shall be w ritten for the generation to come : and the people which shall be created shall praise the Lord. *1 Pet. iii. 15. But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and he ready always to give an ansAver to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear. Mic. iA T . 5. We a vill walk in the name of the Lord our God for ever and ever. * Phil. i. 27. Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ. * 1 Cor. x. 31. Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or Avhatsoevcr ye do, do all to the glory of God. « Jer. xxxii. 39. And T Avill give them one heart, and one AA r ay, that they may fear me for ever, for the good of them, and of their children after them. * 1 Pet. ii. 12. Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: THE LARGER CATECHISM. 221 Q. 113. What are the sms forbidden in the third command¬ ment ? A. The sins forbidden in the third commandment are, the not using of God’s name as is required ; c and the abuse of it in an ignorant ,' d vain, 6 irrev¬ erent, profane/ superstitious^ or wicked, mentioning or otherwise using his titles, attributes,ordinances,* or that, whereas they speak against you as evil doers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visita¬ tion. 113. c Mal. ii. 2. If ye will not hear, and if ye will not lay it to heart, to give glory unto my name, saith the Lord of hosts, I will even send a curse upon you and I will curse your blessings. d Acts xvii. 23. I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. e Prov. xxx. 9. Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the Lord ? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain. /Mai. i. 6, 7,12. A son honoreth his father, and a servant his master: if then l be a father, where is mine honor? and if I be a master, where is my fear? saith the Lord of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we de¬ spised thy name ? Ye offer polluted bread upon mine altar; and ye say, Wherein have we polluted thee? In that ye say, The table of the Lord is contemptible.—But ye have profaned it, in that ye say, The table of the Lord is polluted; and the fruit thereof, even his meat, is contemptible. c Jer. vii. 4. Trust ye not in lying words, saying, The temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord, are these. See verses 9,10,14, 31. 1 Sam. iv. 3, 5. And when the people were come into the camp, the elders of Israel said, Wherefore hath the Lord smitten us to day before the Philistines? Let us fetch the ark of the covenant of the Lord out of Shiloh unto us, that, when it eometli among us, it may save us out of the hand of our enemies.—And when the ark of the covenant of the Lord came into the camp, all Israel shouted with a great shout, so that the earth rang again. h Ex. v. 2. And Pharaoh said, Who is the Lord, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? Psa. cxxxix. 20. For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain. See 2 Kings xviii. 30'. 35. *Psa. 1.16,17. But unto the wicked God saith, What hast thou to do to declare my statutes, or that thou shouldest take my covenant in thy mouth ? Seeing thou hatest instruction, and castest my words be¬ hind thee. 1 Cor. xi. 21-23. For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken. What! have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the 222 THE LARGER CATECHISM. works,* by blasphemy/ perjury ; m all sinful cursing, 71 oaths, 0 vows ,P and lots; Q violating of our oaths and vows, if lawful; r and fulfilling them, if of things un¬ lawful ; s murmuring and quarreling at/ curious pry- church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not. 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. * Isa. v. 12. And the harp, and the viol, the tabret and pipe, and wine, are in their feasts: but they regard not the work of the Lord, neither consider the operation of his hands. 1 2 Kings xix. 22. Whom hast thou reproached and blasphemed? and against whom hast thou exalted thy voice, and lifted up thine eyes on high ? even against the Holy One of Israel. See Lev. xxiv. 11. m Zech. v. 4. And it shall enter into the house of the thief, and into the house of him that sweareth falsely by my name : and it shall re¬ main in the midst of his house, and shall consume it. n Rom.xii.l4. Bless, and curse not. See 1 Sam. xvii.43; 2Sam.xvi.5. °Jer. v. 7. How shall I pardon thee for this? thy children have forsaken me, and sworn by them that are no gods. Jer. xxiii. 10. For because of swearing the land mourneth. Matt. v. 34. But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven ; for it is God’s throne. See verses 33-37. p Deut. xxiii. 18. Thou shalt not bring the hire of a whore, or the price of a dog, into the house of the Lord thy God for any vow. Acts xxiii. 12, 14. And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded to¬ gether, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul.—And they came to the chief priests and elders, and said, We have bound ourselves under a great curse, that we will eat nothing until we have slain Paul. 9 Esth. ix. 24. Because Haman the son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews, had devised against the Jews to destroy them, and had cast Pur, that is, the lot, to consume them, and to de¬ stroy them. See. Psa. xxii. 18. r Psa. xxiv. 4. Who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. Ezek. xvii. 16, 18, 19. As I live, saith the Lord God, surely in the place where the king dwelleth that made him king, whose oath he despised, and whose covenant he brake, ei'en with him in the midst of Babylon he shall die—Seeing he despised the oath by breaking the covenant, when, lo, he had given his hand, and hath done all these things, he shall not escape. Therefore thus saitli the Lord God; As I live, surely mine oath that he l;ath despised, and my covenant that he hath broken, even it will I recompense upon his own head. • Mark vi. 26. And the king was exceeding sorry : yet for his oath’s sake, and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her. See 1 Sam. xxv. 22, 32-34. •Horn. ix. 14. lty 20. What shall we say then? Is there unrighteous- THE LARGER CATECHISM. 223 ing into, w and misapplying of God’s decrees w and prov¬ idences ; x misinterpreting ,V misapplying, 2 or any way perverting the Word, or any part of it, a to profane jests , 1b curious and unprofitable questions, vain janglings, or the maintaining of false doctrines ; c abusing it, the ness with God? God forbid. Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will? Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus ? u Deut. xxix. 29. The secret things belong unto the Lord. “'Rom. iii. 5, 7, 8. But if our unrighteousness commend the right¬ eousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man).—For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner? And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that ye say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just. *Eccl. viii. 11. Because sentence against an evil work is not exe¬ cuted speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil. See Psa. lxxiii. 12, 13; Psa. xxxix. y Matt. v. 38. Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth. See verses 21-48. 55 Ezek. xiii. 22. Because with lies ye have made the heart of the righteous sad, whom I have not made sad; and strengthened the hands of the wicked, that he should not return from his wicked way, by promising him life. «2 Pet. iii. 16. Tn 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. Matt. xxii. 29. Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God. 6 Jer. xxiii. 34, 36, 38. And as for the prophet, and the priest, and the people, that shall say, The burden of the Lord, I will even punish that man and his house.—And the burden of the Lord shall ye men¬ tion no more ; for every man’s word shall be his burden: for ye have perverted the words of the living God, of the Lord of hosts our God. —But since ye say, The burden of the Lord ; therefore thus saith the Lord; Because ye say this word, The burden of the Lord, and I have sent unto you, saying, Ye shall not say, The burden of the Lord. c 1 Tim. vi. 4. 5, 20. He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.—O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called. 2 Tim. ii. 14. Charging them before the Lord that 224 THE LARGER CATECHISM. creatures, or any thing contained under the name of God, to charms , 1d or sinful lust and practices ; e the ma¬ ligning/ scorning,0 reviling/ or any wise opposing of God’s truth, grace, and ways ; i making profession of relig¬ ion in hypocrisy, or for sinister ends ; k being ashamed of it/ they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. Tit. iii. 9. But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. d Deut. xviii. 10,11. There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. See Acts xix. 13. e 2 Tim. iv. 3, 4. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to them¬ selves teachers, having itching ears ; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. See Jude 4; Rom. xiii. 13, 14; 1 Kings xxi. 9, 10. /Acts xiii. 45. But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming. 1 John iii. 12. Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous. 9 2 Pet. iii. 3. Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last day scoffers, walking after their own lusts. Psa. i. 1. Nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. » 1 Pet. iv. 4. Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you. i Acts xiii. 45, 50. But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.—But the Jews stirred up the devout and honorable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts. Acts iv. 18. And commanded them not to speak at all, nor teach in the name of Jesus. See Acts xix. 9; 1 Thess. ii. 16; Heb. x. 29. * Matt, xxiii. 14. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayer. 2 Tim. iii. 5. Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof. See Matt. vi. 1-3, 5, 16. 1 Mark viii. 38. Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me, and jf my words, in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels. THE LAUGER CATECHISM. 225 or a shame to it, by uncomfortable, m unwise, n unfruit¬ ful 0 and offensive walking ,P or backsliding from it.? Q. 114. What reasons are annexed to the third command¬ ment f A. The reasons annexed to the third commandment, in these words, u the Lord thy God” and “for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain ” r are, be¬ cause he is the Lord and our God, therefore his name is not to be profaned or any way abused by us ; s especially because he will be so far from acquitting and sparing the transgressors of this commandment, as that he will not suffer them to escape his righteous judgment,^albeit many such escape the censures and punishments of men.^ Q 115. Which is the fourth commandment ? A. The fourth commandment is, Remember the Sabbath - m Psa. lxxiii. 14,15. For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning. If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children. n Eph. v. 15-17. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Where¬ fore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. See 1 Cor. vi. 5, 6. 0 Isa. v. 4. What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it ? Wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes? See 2 Pet. i. 8, 9. pRom. ii. 23, 24. Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonorest thou God? For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you. 9 Gal. iii. 1, 3. O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?—Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh ? See Heb. vi. 6. 114. r Ex. xx. 7. * Lev. xix. 12. And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God. I am the Lord. * Deut. xxviii. 58, 59. If thou wilt not observe to do all the words of this law that are written in this book, that thou mayest fear this glorious and fearful name, THE LORD THY GOD; Then the Lord will make thy plagues wonderful, and the plagues of thy seed, even great plagues, and of long continuance. See Ezek. xxxvi. 21-23. u 1 Sam. iii. 13. For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth : because his sons made them¬ selves vil-e, and he restrained them not. See 1 Sam. ii. 12-17, 22-25. 15 226 THE LARGER CATECHISM. day to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor , and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work , thou , nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy man-servant , nor thy maidservant , nor thy cattle , wor thy stranger that is within thy gates ; for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth , the sea. and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath-day and hallowed it. w Q. 116. What is required in the fourth commandment? A. The fourth commandment requireth of all men the sanctifying or keeping holy to God such set times as he hath/appointed in his Word, expressly one whole day in seven ; which was the seventh from the beginning of the world to the resurrection of Christ, and the first day of the week ever since, and so to continue to the end of the world ; which is the Christian Sabbath,* and in the New Testament called The Lord’s Day.v Q. 117. How is the Sabbath or Lords Day to be sancti¬ fied ? A. The Sabbath or Lord’s Day is to be sanctified by an holy resting all that day, 2 not only from such works as are 115. w Ex. xx. 8-11. 116. *Gen. ii. 3. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made. 1 Cor. xvi. 2. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him. Acts xx. 7. And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow. John xx. 19, 26. Then the same day at even¬ ing, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.—And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them : then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. See Matt. v. 17,18; Isa. lvi. 2, 4, 6, 7. v Rev. i. 10. I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day. 117. »Ex. xx. 8, 10. Remember the sabbath day to keep it holy, But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy man¬ servant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that it within thy gates. THE LARGER CATECHISM. 227 at all times sinful, but even from such worldly employ¬ ments and recreations as are on other davs lawful; a and making it our delight to spend the whole time (except so much of it as is to be taken up in works of necessity and mercy) b in the public and private exercises of God’s wor¬ ship. 0 And, to that end, we are to prepare our hearts, and with such foresight, diligence, and moderation, to dispose, and seasonably to despatch our worldly business, that we may be the more free and fit for the duties of that day. d a Ex. xvi. 25, 26. And Moses said, Eat that to day ; for to day is a sabbath unto the Lord: to day ye shall not find it in the field. Six days ye shall gather it; but on the seventh day, which is the sabbath, in it there shall be none. Jer xvii. 21, 22. Thus saith the Lord ; Take heed to yourselves, and bear no burden on the sabbath day, nor bring it in by the gates of Jerusalem : Neither carry forth a burden out of your houses on the sabbath day, neither do ye any work ; but hallow ye the sabbath day as I commanded your fathers. See Neh. xiii. 15- 22 . b Matt. xii. 1-5. At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were a hungered, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat. But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day. But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was a hungered, and they that were with him; How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the, showbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests ? Or have ye not read in the law, how that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless? See verses 6-13. e Lev. xxiii. 3. Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the sabbath of rest, a holy convocation. Isa. lviii. 13. If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day ; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable ; and shalt honor him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words. Luke iv. 16. And, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. Acts xx. 7. And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. d Ex. xx. 8. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Luke xxiii. 54, 56. And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on.—And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments ; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment. Neh. xiii. 19. And it came to pass, that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the sabbath, I commanded that the gates should be 228 THE LARGER CATECHISM. Q. 118. Why is the charge of keeping the Sabbath more specially directed to governors of families and other superiors ? A. The charge of keeping the Sabbath is more specially directed to governors of families and other superiors, be¬ cause they are bound not only to keep it themselves, but to see that it be observed by all those that are under their charge; and because they are prone oft-times to hinder them by employments of their own. 6 Q. 119. What are the sins forbidden in the fourth com¬ mandment ? A. The sins forbidden in the fourth commandment are, all omissions of the duties required/all careless, negligent, and unprofitable performing of them, and being weary of them ; 9 all profaning the day by idleness, and doing that which is in itself sinful ; h and by all needless works, words, and thoughts, about our worldly employments and recreations.* Q. 120. What are the reasons annexed to the fourth com¬ mandment, the more to enforce it f shut, and charged that they should not be opened till after the sab¬ bath. 118. * Lx. xxiii. 12. Six days thou shalt do thy work, and on the seventh day thou shalt rest: that thine ox and thine ass may rest, and the son of thy handmaid, and the stranger, may be refreshed. See Ex. xx. 10. 119. /Ezek. xxii. 26. Her priests have violated my law, and have profaned mine holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they showed difference between the unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes from my sabbaths, and I am profaned among them. g Amos viii. 5. Saying, When will the new moon be gone, that we may sell corn ? and the sabbath, that we may set forth wheat, mak¬ ing the ephah small, and the shekel great, and falsifying the balances by deceit ? h Ezek. xxiii. 38. Moreover, this they have done unto me: they have defiled my sanctuary in the same day, and have profaned my sabbaths. »Jer. xvii. 27. But if ye will not hearken unto me to hallow the sabbath day, and not to bear a burden, even entering in at the gates of Jerusalem on the sabbath day ; then will I kindle a fire in the gates thereof, and it shall devour the palaces of Jerusalem, and it shall not be quenched. See Isa. lviii. 13. THE LARGER CATECHISM. - 229 A. The reasons annexed to the fourth commandment, the more to enforce it, are taken from the equity of it, God allowing us six days of seven for our own affairs, and reserving but one for himself, in these words, six days shalt thou labor and do all thy work : k from God’s challenging a special propriety in that day, the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God: 1 from the example of God, who in six days made heaven and earth , the sea, and all that in them is , and rested the seventh day : and from that blessing which God put upon that day, not only in sanctifying it to be a day for his service, but in ordaining it to be a means of blessing to us in our sanctifying it, wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath-day and hallowed it. m Q. 121. Why is the word remember set in the beginning of the fourth commandment? A. The word remember is set in the beginning of the fourth commandment, 71 partly, because of the great benefit of remembering it, we being thereby helped in our prepa¬ ration to keep it ; 0 and, in keeping it, better to keep all the rest of the commandments ,P and to continue a thank¬ ful remembrance of the two great benefits of creation and redemption, which contain a short abridgment of religion: Q 120. *Ex. xx. 9. 1 Ex. xx. 10. m Ex. xx. 11. 121. n Ex. xx. 8. "Ex. xvi. 23. To morrow is the rest of the holy sabbath unto the Lord : bake that which ye will bake to day , and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning. Mark xv. 42. And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath. p Ezek. xx. 12,19, 20. Moreover also I gave them my sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I am the Lord that sanctify them.—I am the Lord your God; walk in my stat¬ utes, and keep my judgments, and do them; And hallow my sab¬ baths ; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I am the Lord your God. ?Gen. ii. 2, 3. And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God cre-^ ated and made. Psa. cxviii. 22, 24. The stone which the builders re* 230 THE LARGER CATECHISM. and partly because we are ready to forget it/ for that there is less light of nature for it/ and yet it restrainetli our nat¬ ural liberty in things at other times lawful ; 1 that it com- eth but once in seven days, and many worldly businesses come between, and too often take off our minds from thinking of it, either to prepare for it, or to sanctify it; u and that Satan with his instruments, much labor to blot out the glory, and even the memory of it, and to bring in all irreligion and impiety.™ Q. 122. What is the sum of the six commandments which contain our duty to man f A. The sum of the six commandments which contain fused is become the head stone of the corner.—This is the day which the Lord hath made ; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Mark xvi. 2-6. And very early in the morning, the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun. And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre ? And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away : for it was very great. And entering into the sepul¬ chre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted. And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted : ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was cruci¬ fied : he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him. Rev. i. 10. I was in the Spirit on the Lord s day. r Ezek. xxii. 26. Her priests have violated my law, and have pro¬ faned mine holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they showed difference between the unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes from mj sabbaths, and I am profaned among them. • Neh. ix. 14. And madest known unto them thy holy sabbath, and commandedst them precepts, statutes, and laws, by the hand of Moses thy servant. t Rx. xxxiv. 21. Six days thou shalt work, but on the se\enth day thou shalt rest: in earing time and in harvest thou shalt rest. v Ex. xx. 0. Six days shalt thou labor. Amos viii. 5. Saying, When will the new moon be gone, that we may sell corn? and the sabbath, that we may set forth wheat, making the ephah small, and the shekel great, and falsifying the balances by deceit? •r Jer. xvii. 21-23. Thus saith the Lord; Take heed to yourselves, and bear no burden on the sabbath day, nor bring it in by the gates of Jerusalem ; Neither carry forth a burden out of your houses on the sabbath day, neither do ye any work, but hallow ye the sabbath day, as I commanded your fathers. But they obeyed not, neither in¬ clined their ear, but made their neck stiff, that they might not hear nor receive instruction. See Neh. xiii. 15-23. THE LARGER CATECHISM. 231 our duty to man, is, to love our neighbor as ourselves, 31 and to do to others what we would have them to do to us.!/ Q. 123. Which is the fifth commandment f A. The fifth command is, Honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. z Q. 124. Who are meant by father and mother, in the fifth commandment ? A. By father and mother , in the fifth commandment, are meant not only natural parents, a but all superiors in age^ and gifts; c and especially such as by God’s ordinance are over us in place of authority, whether in family,church, or commonwealth./ Q. 125. Why are superiors styled father and mother ? A. Superiors are styled father and mother, both to teach them in all duties towards their inferiors, like natural par¬ ents, to express love and tenderness to them, according to 122. *Matt. xxii. 39. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. y Matt. vii. 12. Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them : for this is the law and the prophets. 123. z Ex. xx. 12. 124. «Prov. xxiii. 22, 25. Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.—Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice. See Eph. vi. 1, 2. h 1 Tim. v. 1, 2. Rebuke not an elder, but entreat him, as a father ; and the younger men as brethren ; The elder women as mothers ; the younger as sisters. c Gen. iv. 20, 21. And Adah bare Jabal: he was the father of such as dwell in tents, and of such as have cattle. And his brother’s name was Jubal: he was the father of all such as handle the harp and. organ. Gen. xlv. 8. And he hath made me a father to Pharaoh. d 2 Kings v. 13. And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My Father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldst thou not have done it? •Gal. iv. 19. My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you. 2 Kings ii. 12. And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horse¬ men thereof! See 2 Kings xiii. 14. •flsa. xlix. 23. And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers. 232 THE LARGER CATECHISM. their several relations; 9 and to work inferiors to a greater willingness and cheerfulness in performing their duties to their superiors, as to their parents.** Q. 126. What is the general scope of the fifth command¬ ment ? A. The general scope of the fifth commandment is the performance of those duties which we mutually owe in our several relations, as inferiors, superiors, or equals. 1 Q. 127. What is the honor that inferiors owe to superiors f A. The honor which inferiors owe to their superiors is, all due reverence in heart,* * word,* and behavior ; m prayer and thanksgiving for them ; 71 imitation of their virtues 125. o Eph. vi. 4. And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath : but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. 1 Thess. ii. 7, 8, 11. But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherislieth her children: So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.—As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children. See Num. xi. 11, 12, 16. h 1 Cor. iv. 14-16. I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you. For though ye have ten thousand in¬ structors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me. 126. 4 Eph. v. 21. Submittihg yourselves one to another in the fear of God. 1 Pet. ii. 17. Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king. Rom. xii. 10. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another. 127. * Mai. i. 6. A son honoreth his father, and a servant his master: if then I he a father, where is mine honor? and if I be a master, where is my fear? saith the Lord of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise m t name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name? Lev. nix. 3. Ye shall fear every man his mother, and his father. *Prov. xxxi. 28. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. 1 Pet. iii. 6. Even as Sarah obeyec. Abraham, calling him lord. "»Lev. xix. 32. Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honor the face of tfce old man. 1 Kings ii. 19. Bath-sheba therefore went unto king Solomon, to speak unto him for Adonijah. And the king rose up to meet her, and bowed himself unto her, and sat down on his throne, and caused a seat to be set for the king’s mother; and she sat on his right hand. *•1 Tim. ii. 1, 2. T exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men; For THE LARGER CATECHISM. 233 and graces ; 0 willing obedience to their lawful commands and counsels ; P due submission to their corrections; Q fidel¬ ity to/ defence s and maintenance of their persons and au¬ thority, according to their several ranks, and the nature of their places ; t bearing with their infirmities, and cov- kings, and for all that are in authority ; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 3 Heb. xiii. 7. Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God : whose faith follow, consider¬ ing the end of their conversation. Phil. iii. 17. Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. pEph. vi. 1, 2, 5-7. Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honor thy father and mother ; which is the first com¬ mandment with promise.—Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; Not with eyeservice, as men- pleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men. 1 Pet. ii. 13,14. Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto gover¬ nors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evil floers, and for the praise of them that do well. See Rom. xiii. 1-6; Heb. xiii. 17 ; Prov. iv. 3, 4; xxiii. 22.