BX 8975 .A3 1880 Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The confession of faith of the Cumberland Presbyteriar THE CONFESSION OF FAITH OF THE Cnmkrlatto |)«s&2ttrian Cjrartjj IN THH UNITED STATES OP AMERICA. REVISED AND ADOPTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEM BLY, AT PRINCETON, KY., MAY, 1829 NASHVILLE, TENN.: BOARD OF PUBLICATION, C. P. CHURCH. It80. : ^VT 1I0JL] J. PREFACE. Cumberland Presbytery, constituted 1810, was divided into three, and a Synod formed in 1813. At this time the Synod modified the West- minster Confession of Faith, and adopted it as the Confession of Faith of the Cumberland Pres- byterian Church. Subsequently, the formation of a General Assembly took place. This judica- ture revised and adopted the work, at its meeting in May, 1829. In so doing, the Synod and Gen- eral Assembly only exercised an undeniable right, allowed by the God of the Bible, and secured by the civil constitution ; and discharged what they conceived to be a duty to the Church and the world. The occurrences which led to the formation of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church are detailed at large in the Circular Letter of the late Cum- berland Presbytery, in a series of letters, com- monly called a "Reply" to a Pastoral Letter of West Tennessee Presbytery, in the third edition of Buck's Theological Dictionary, as published in Philadelphia, and the corrected edition, issued by J. J. Woodward, 184-4; also in Smith's Church History. To these the reader is referred for cor- rect information on the subject. (iii) IV PREFACE. By comparing this Confession with the Pres- byterian, the reader will learn wherein they differ. Some chapters are identical; others remodelled, by expunging what the Synod thought erroneous, and adding what they considered true. This was neither presumptuous nor arrogant, since the only alternative was to do as they did, or abandon principles dearer to them than life. Let the work be tried neither by tradition nor the Fathers, bui by the Holy Scriptures. If it speaks according to the Bible, let it be received; otherwise, re- jected. In submitting this Confession and Discipline to the world, and especially to the churches under their care, the Synod was prompted by a desire to do good. And if, in the providence of God, it is and has been the means of advancing the king- dom of the Redeemer, the highest object the Synod had in view has been accomplished. CONTENTS. PAGl PnKrACB iii Chap. I. The Holy Scriptures 9 II. God and the Holy Trinity 19 III. The Decrees of God 25 IV. Of Creation 28 V. Of Providence 33 VI. The Fall of Man, Sin, and the Punish- ment thereof. 37 VII. God's Covenant with Man 41 VIII. Christ the Mediator 47 IX. Of Free Will 57 X. Effectual Calling 60 XI. Justification 63 XII. Adoption 68 XIII. Sanctification 70 XIV. Saving Grace 73 XV. Repentance unto Life 77 XVI. Of good Works 81 XVII. The Perseverance of the Saints 89 XVIII. The Assurance of Grace and Salvation.. 93 XIX. The Law of God 99 XX. Christian Liberty, and Liberty of Con- science 106 XXI. Religious Worship, and the Sabbath Day. 112 XXII Lawful Oaths and Vows 121 (6) 8 CONTENTS. PAGB XXIII. The Civil Magistrate 126 XXIV. Marriage and Divorce 131 XXV. Of the Church 134 XXVI. The Communion of Saints 139 XXVII. The Sacraments 141 SXVIII. Baptism 145 XXIX. Of the Lord's Supper 150 XXX. Church Censures 156 XXXI. Synods and Councils 159 XXXII. The State of Man after Death, and the Resurrection from the Dead 161 XXXIII. The Last Judgment 164 The Catechism 168 The Ten Commaudments 187 The Lord's Prayer 189 Form of Government and Discipline of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Introduction 190 Chap. I. The Church 194 II. The Officers of the Church 196 III. Bishops or Pastors 197 IV. Ruling Elders 199 V. Of Deacons 199 VI. Ordinances in a particular Church 200 VII. Church Government, and the several kinds of Judicatories 203 VIII. The Congregational Assembly, or Judi- catory, usually styled the Church Session 205 IX. The Presbyterial Assembly 207 X. The Synod, and its Powers 21 * XL The General Assembly 214 XII. Commissioners to the General Assembly. 217 XIII. Electing and ordaining Ruling Elders and Deacons 220 XIV. Licensing Candidates, or Probationers, to preach the Gospel 221 XV. Ordination of Bishops or Evangelists... 225 CONTENTS. 7 PAGK XVI. A Minister settling and removing 229 XVII. Missions 229 XVIII. Moderators 230 XIX. On Privileges 232 XX. Clerks 233 XXI. Vacant Congregations assembling for Public Worship 233 Form of Process in the Judicatories of this Church. Chap. 1 235 II. Process against a Bishop or Minister 239 Directory for the Worship of God in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Chap. I. Sanctification of the Lord's Day 243 II. Assembling of the Congi-egation, and their Behavior during Divine Service 245 III. Public Reading of the Holy Scriptures.. 245 IV. Singing of Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs 246 V. Public Prayer 247 VI. Preaching of the Word 250 VII. Administration of Baptism 251 VIII. Administration of the Lord's Supper 253 IX. Admission of Persons to Sealing Ordi- nances 257 X. Mode of inflicting Church Censures 258 XI. Solemnization of Marriage 263 XII. Visitation of the Sick 266 XIII. Burial of the Dead 269 XIV. Fasting, and Observation of the Days of Thanksgiving 269 XV. Directory for Secret and Family Worship 271 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. CHAPTER I. THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. Although the light of nature, and the worka of creation and providence, do so far manifest the goodness, wisdom, and power of Grod, as to leave men inexcusable ; a yet in order to reveal I. °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 them- selves ; which shew 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. i. 19, 20 : Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed 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. — Ps. xix. 1, 2, 3 : The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard. See Rom. i. 32, with Rom. ii. 1. 10 CONFESSION OF FAITH. himself and a knowledge of his will more clearly, and the medium through which he is to be wor- shipped, it pleased the Lord, at sundry times, in divers manners to reveal himself and to declare his will unto his Church ; b and afterwards, for the better preserving of the truth, and for the more sure establishment and comfort of the Church against the corruption of the flesh, and the malice of Satan and the world, to commit the same wholly unto writing; 6 which maketh the whole Scrip- ture to be most necessary, d those former ways of 6 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 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, because they are spiritually discerned. c Heb. i. 1 : God, who at sundry times, and in divers manners, spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets. d Luke i. 3, 4: It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write uDto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, that thou mightest know the certainty of these 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 com- fort of the Scriptures, might have hope. — Isa. viii. 20: To the law and to the testimony : if they speak not ac- cording to this word, it is because there is no light in them. Rev. xxii. 18. CONFESSION OF FAITH. 11 God's revealing his will unto his people being now ceased.' II. Under the name of Holy Scriptures, or the word of God written, are now contained all the books of the Old and New Testaments, which are these : OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, I. Samuel, II. Samuel, I. Kings, II. Kings, I. Chronicles, II. Chronicles, Ezra, •Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi. «2 Tim. iii. 15: And that from a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is iu 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 day-star 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, whon» he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds. 12 CONFESSION OF FAITH. OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. The Gospel ai- Galatians, Epistle to the cording to Ephesians, Hebrews, Matthew, Philippians, Ep.of James, Mark, Colossians, I and II Ep~ Luke, I. Thessaloni- istles of ~Pe- JOHN, ANS, TER, Acts of the Apos- II. Thessalo- I. II and III TLES, NIANS, Epistles of Paul's Epistle tol. Timothy, John, the PtOMANS, II. Timothy, Ep. of Jude, I. Corinthians, Titus, Revelation. II. Corinthians, Philemon, All of which are given by inspiration of God, to be the rule of faith and life.* III. The books commonly called Apocrypha not being of Divine inspiration, are no part of the canon of the Scripture, and therefore are no authority in the Church of God, nor to be any II. e 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 cf 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 inspira tion of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. CONFESSION OF FAITH. 13 otherwise approved or made use of than other human writings.'* IV. The authority of the Holy Scripture, for which it ought to be believed and obeyed, de- pendeth not upon the testimony of any man or Church, but wholly upon God, (who is truth it- self,) 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 testi- mony of the Church, to a high and reverend es- teem of the Holy Scripture;* and the heavenliness III. A Luke xxiv. 27: And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them, in all the Scriptures, the things concerning himself. — Ver. 44: And he said unto them, These are the words which I 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, con- cerning me. — 2 Pet. i. 21 : 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. IV. * 2 Tim. iii. 16 : All Scripture is given by inspira- tion of God. and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. — 1 John v. 9: If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. — 1 Thess. ii. 13: For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God, which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but (as it is in truth) the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. V. *1 Tim. iii. 15: But if I tarry long, that thou mayest kn, w how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the Church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. 14 CONFESSION OF FAITH. of the matter, efficacy of the doctrine, the majesty of the style, the consistency of all the parts, the scope of the whole, (which is to give all the glory to God,) the full discovery it makes of the only way of man's salvation, the many other incom- parable excellences, and the entire perfection thereof, are arguments whereby it doth abundant- ly evidence itself to be the word of God ; yet, notwithstanding, our full persuasion and assurance of the infallible truth and Divine authority thereof is from the inward work of the Holy Spirit, bear- ing witness, by and with the word, in our hearts. 1 VI. The whole counsel of God, concerning all things necessary for his own glory, man's salva- tion, faith, and life, is either expressly set down in Scripture, or by good and necessary conse- quence may be deduced from Scripture ; unto which nothing at any time is to be added, whether l l Johnii. 20,27: But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. But the anointing which ye received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you : but as the same anointing teacheth you all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you. ye shall abide in him. — John xvi. 13, 14 : Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide 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, 11, 12: But God hath re- vealed 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. CONFESSION OF FAITH. 15 by new revelations of the Spirit or traditions of men : m nevertheless, we acknowledge the inward illumination of the Spirit of Grod to be necessary for the saving understanding of such things as are revealed in the word ; n and there are some cir- cumstances concerning the worship of God and government of the Church, common to human actions and societies, which are to be ordered by the light of nature and Christian prudence, ac- cording to the general rules of the word, which are always to be observed. VI. TO 2Tim. iii. 16, 17: All Scripture is given by in- spiration 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 fur- nished 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 accursed. — 2 Thess. ii. 2 : That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. 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 pre- pared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit ; for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. Now we have re- ceived, 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 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 16 CONFESSION OF FAITH. VII. All things in the Scripture are not alike plain in themselves, noralike clear unto all;* yet those things which are necessary to be known, believed, and observed, for salvation, are so cleaily propounded and opened in some place of Scrip- ture 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. 3 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 writing it was most generally known to the nations,) being immediately inspired by God, and, by his singular care and providence, kept pure in all ages, are therefore authentical ; r so as in all controversies of religion the Church is finally to appeal unto them f but because these 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 decent- ly and in order. VII. p 2 Pet. iii. 16 : As also in all his epistles, speak- ing 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. « Ps. cxix. 105, 130: Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. VIII. 'Mutt. v. 18: For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wi^e pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. •Isa. viii. 20. — To the law and to the testimony; if CONFESSION OF FAITH. 17 original tongues are not known to all the people of God, who have right unto and interest in the Scriptures, and are commanded in the fear of God to read and search them/ therefore they are translated into the vulgar language of every na- tion unto which they come," that the word of God dwelling plentifully in all, they may wor- ship him in an acceptable manner," and through 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 ; as it is written. — John v. 46 : For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me ; for he wrote of me. 'John v. 39 : Search the Scriptures ; for in them ye think ye have eternal life : and they are they which testify of me. «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 re- velation, 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 be a barbarian unto me. Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all. If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course ; and let one interpret. But if there be no in- terpreter, 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 wisdom, teaching and admonishing one an« 2 18 CONFESSION OF FAITH. patience and comfort of the Scriptures may have hope.* IX. The infallible rule of interpretation of Scripture is the Scripture itself; and therefore, when there is a question about the true and full sense of any Scripture, (which is not manifold, but one,) it may be y searched and known by other places that speak more clearly. X. The Supreme Judge, by whom all contro- versies of religion are to be determined, and all the 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.* other in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs, sing- ing 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 Scriptures, might have hope. IX. v Acts xv. 15: And to this agree the words of the prophets ; as it is written. — John v. 46 : For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me, for he wrote of me. X. * Matt. xxii. 29, 31 : Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God. But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not heard that which was spoken unto you by God ? — Eph. ii. 20 : And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone. — Acts xxviii. 25 : And when they agreed not among themselves, they de- parted, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers. CONFESSION OF FAITH. 19 CHAPTER II. GOD AND THE HOLY TRINITY. There is but one only a living and true God,* who is infinite in being and perfection j* a most pure spirit,'* invisible/ without body, parts/ or I. a Deut. vi. 4 : Hear, 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 nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one. 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. 6 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. s Job xi. 7, 8, 9, andxxvi. 14: 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. 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 un- to yourselves, (for ye saw no manner of similitude on the day that the Lord spake unto you in Horeb out 20 CONFESSION OF FAITH. passions." immutable,* immense,* eternal,* incom- prehensible, 1 almighty j" most wise/* most holy,* if the midst of the fire, ) lest ye corrupt yourselves, and aiake you a graven image, the similitude of any figure, •he likeness of any male or female. — Luke xxiv. 39: Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I mystlf; nandle me and see : for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. — John iv. 24. s Acts xiv. II, 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 can- not 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 him- self in secret places, that I shall not see him ? saith the Lord. Do not I fill heaven and earth ? saith the Lord. * Ps. xc. 2 : Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God. — 1 Tim. i. 17: Now unto the King eternal, immortal, in- visible, the only wise God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. J Ps. cxlv. 3: His greatness is unsearchable. m Gen. xvii. 1 : I am the Almighty God ; walk before ne, and be thou perfect. — Rev. iv. 8. *Rom. xvi. 27: To God, only wise, be glory through Tesus Christ for ever. Amen. •Isa. vi. 3: And one cried unto another, and said, CONFESSION OF FAITH. 21 most free/ most absolute, 5 working all things ac- cording to the counsel of his own immutable and most righteous will/ for his own glory j* most loving,' gracious, merciful, long-suffering, abund- ant in goodness and truth, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin ; v the rewarder of them that diligently seek him ; w and withal, most just and Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts : the whole earth is full of his glory. — Rev. iv. 8. p Ps. cxv. 3 : But our God is in the heavens : he hath done whatsoever he pleased. ?Exod. iii. 14: And God said unto Moses, I am that I am : and he said, Thus skalt thou say unto the child- ren of Israel, I am hath sent me unto you. r Eph. i. 11 : In whom also we have obtained an in- heritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will. * Prov. xvi. 4 : The Lord hath made all things for him- self; 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. ' 1 John iv. 8 : He that loveth not, knoweth not God ; for God is love. v Exod. xxxiv. 6, 7: And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodnesa and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving ini- quity, and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty. •"Heb. xi. 6: For he that cometh to God must be- lieve that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. 22 CONFESSION OF FAITH. terrible in his judgments,* hating all sin/ and who will by no means clear the guilty.* II. God hath all life," glory, 6 goodness, 6 bless- edness/* in and of himself; and is alone in and anto himself a-11-sufficient, not standing in need >f any creatures which he hath made,* nor deriving z Nea. ix. 32, 33 : Now therefore, ouv God, the great, the mighty, and the terrible God, who keepest covenant and mercy, let not all the trouble seem little before thee, that hath come upon us, on our 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. *Ps. 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. 'Nahumi 2, 3: God *'s jealous, andtheLordrevengeth, 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 acquit the wicked. — See Exod. xxiv. 7. II. a John v. 26 : For as the Father hath life in him- self, so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself. 1 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. c Ps. cxix. 68: Thou art good, and doest good: teach me thy statutes. d \ Tim vi. 15: Which in his times he shall shew, 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 CONFESSION OF FAITH. 23 any glory from them/ but only manifesting 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.* In his sight all things are open and manifest j 1 his knowledge is infinite, infallible, and independent of the creature;* so as nothing is to all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands, neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things. / Job xxii. 2, 3 : Can a man be profitable unto God, as he that is wise may be profitable unto himself ? Is it any pleasure to the Almighty that thou art righteous ? or is it gain to him that thou makest thy ways perfect ? »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, 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 king- dom 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 heav- en, 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, letter d. *Heb. iv. 13: Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight ; but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. * Rom. xi. 32, 34 : 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 24 CONFESSION OF FAITH. him uncertain.' He is most holy in all his counsels, in his works, and in all his commands."* To him is due from angels and men, and every other creature, whatsoever worship, service, or obedience he is pleased to require of them. n III. In the unity of the Godhead there he three Persons of one substance, power, and eter- nity : God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. who hath known the mind of the Lord ? or who hath been his counsellor ? — 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 beginning of the world. — Ezek. xi. 5 : And the Spirit of the Lord fell upon me, and said unto me, Speak, thus saith the Lord, Thus have ye said, house of Israel ; for I know the things that come into your mind, every one of them. m Ps. cxiv. 17 : The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works. — Rom. vii. 12 : Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. "Rev. v. 12, 13, 14: Saying with a loud voice, Wor- thy 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 heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Bless- ing, 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 worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever. III. ° 1 John v. 7 : For there are three that bear re- cord in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost ; and these three are one. — Matt. iii. 16, 17 : And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway CONFESSION OF FAITH. 25 CHAPTER III. THE DECREES OF GOD. God did, by the most wise and holy counsel of his own will, determine to act or bring to pass what should be for his own glory." II. God has not decreed any thing respecting his creature man, contrary to his revealed will or written word ; 6 which declares his sovereignty out of the water ; and lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him : and lo, a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved 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 communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. I. a Eph. i. 11 : In whom also we have obtained an in- heritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will. II. b Rev. xx. 12 : And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God ; and the books were opened ; and another book was opened, which is the book of life ; and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. — Rom. ii. 15 : Which show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the meanwhile accusing or else ex- ouaing one another. — Acts xx. 27 : For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. — Ps. ii. 7 : I 26 CONFESSION OF FAITH. over al. his creatures/ the ample provision he has made for their salvation/* his determination to ■will declare the decree : the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my son ; this day have I begotten thee. c Dan. iv. 34, 35: And at the end of the days, I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and 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 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 ? — Ps. cxxxv. 6 : Whatsoever the Lord pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, and in the seas, and all deep places. — Matt. x. 29, 30, 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 are of more value than many sparrows. d Heb. ii. 9 : But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor, that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. — Matt. xxii. 4: Again he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bid- den, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready ; come unto the marriage. — Isa. xlv. 22 : Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth ; for I am God, and there is none else. — 1 Tim. ii. 4, 5, 6 : Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the know- ledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one medi- ator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. — 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 CONFESSION OF FAITH. J7 punish the finally inrpeniteut with everlasting de- struction/ and to save the true believer with an everlasting salvation.* him take the water of life freely. — Isa. lv. 1 : Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money ; come ye, buy and eat ; yea, come, buj wine and milk without money, and without price. — 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. — Rom. viii. 25 : But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. — 1 John ii. 24, 10: Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the be- ginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stum- bling in him. e l Thess. v. 9: For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ. — 1 Thess. v. 3 : For when they shall say peace and safety, then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child, and they shall not escape. — Mark xvi. 16 : He that believeth and is bap- tized shall be saved ; but he that believeth not shall be damned. * We think it better, under the head of Decrees, to write what Ave know to be incontrovertible from the plaiu word of God, than to darken counsel by words without knowledge. We have elsewhere [See 3d edi- tion of Buck's Theological Dictionary, letter P, or Smith's History of the Cumberland Presbyterians] acknowledged the doctrine of predestination to be a high mystery. We are therefore free to acknowledge that in our judgment it is easier to fix the limits which man should noc transcend, on either hand, than to give an intelli- gent elucidation of the subject. We believe that both 28 CONFESSION OF FAITH. " CHAPTER IV. OF CREATION. It pleased God the Father, Son, and Holj Ghost,* for the manifestation of the glory of hit I. a Heb. i. 2 : Hath in these last days spoken unt( us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the world. — 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. — Job xxvi. 13, and xxxiii. 4: By his Spirit he hath garnished the heavens; his hand hath formed the crooked serpent. The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life. Calvinists and Arminians have egregiously erred on this point : the former by driving rational, accountable man into the asylum of fate ; the latter by putting too much stress on man's works, and leaving too much out of view the grace that bringeth salvation, and thereby cherish those legal principles that are in every human heart. We think the intermediate plan on this subject, is nearest the WHOLE truth. For surely, on the one hand, it must be acknowledged, the love of God, the merits of Christ, and the operation of the Holy Spirit, are the moving, meritorious, and active causes of man's salvation ; that God is a sovereign, having a right to work when, where, how, and on whom he pleases : that salvation, in its device, in its plan, and in its applica- tion, is of the Lord; and that without the unmerited agency and operation of the Spirit of God, not one of Adam's race would or could ever come to the knowledge of the truth; for God is the author as well as the CONFESSION OF FAITH. 29 eternal power, wisdom, and goodness, 6 in the be- ginning, to create, or make of nothing, the world, 6 Rom. i. 20: For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being un- derstood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse. — Ps. civ. 24 : Lord, how manifold are thy works ! in wisdom hast thou made them all ; the earth is full of thy riches. finisher of our faith. Therefore God as a Sovereign may, if he pleases, elect a nation, as the Jews, to pre- serve his worship free from idolatry ; many nations for a time, as Christendom, in which to spread his gospel ; individuals, as Cyrus and others, to answer a particular pivrpose; Paul and others for apostles ; Luther and Cal- vin to promote the Reformation. But as it respects the salvation of the soul, God as a Sovereign can only elect or choose fallen man in Christ, who is the end of. the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. But it appears to us incontestable from God's word, that God has reprobated none from eternity. That all mankind become legally reprobated by transgression is undeniable, and continue so until they embrace Christ. "Examine yourselves, etc. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?" (2 Cor. xiii. 5.) Now this cannot mean eternal reprobates, or all who have not Christ in them would be such ; the absurdity of which will at once ap- pear to every common capacity. Reprobation is not what some have supposed it to be, viz., a sovereign de- termination of God to create millions of rational beings, and, for his own glory, damn them eternally in hell, without regard to moral rectitude or sin in the creature. This would tarnish the Divine glory, and render the greatest, best, and most lovely of all Beings most odious in the view of all intelligences. When man sinned, he 30 CONFESSION OF FAITH and all things therein, whether visible or invisible, in the space of six days, and all very good. 6 c Gen. 1st chap, throughout. — 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. was legally reprobated, but not damned : God offered and does offer the law-condemned sinner mercy in the gospel ; he having from the foundation of the world so far chosen mankind in Christ, as to justify that say- ing in 1 Tim. iv. 10, "Who is the Saviour of all men, es- pecially of them that believe." This is a gracious act of God's sovereign electing love, as extensive as the legal condemnation, or reprobation, in which all mankind are by nature. But, in a particular and saving sense, none can be properly called God's elect till they be justified and united to Christ, the end of the law for righteous- ness, (none are justified from eternity.) as appears evi- dent from the following passages of God's word : "Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? Who is he that condemneth ?" (Rom. viii. 33, 34.) Now it is certain the unbeliever is chargeable and condemned. Again, "If it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect." (Matt. xxiv. 24.) It is evident that a man must be enlightened in the knowledge of God and his Son Jesus, which is eternal life, before he can have spiritual wisdom to discern and detect the deceiver. If, then, by perverting the gracious provision of the gospel in refusing to submit to the righteousness of God, the sinner finally grieves the Spirit of God to depart from him, he becomes doubly and eternally reprobated. Or like the chemist's mineral, which will not coin into pure metal, or the potter's clay, which marred upon the whoel. But if the creature fall into this deplorable situation, he was not bound by any revealed or secret CONFESSION OF FAITH. 31 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 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. — Luke xxiii. 43. See also Eccl. xii. 7 : Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was; and the spirit shall re- turn unto God who gave it. And 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 de- stroy both soul and body in hell. /Gen. i. 26: God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. decree of God to do so : it is his own fault. For God de- clares in his word that Christ died for the whole world ; that he offers pardon to all ; that the Spirit operates on all; confirming by an oath that he has no pleasure in the death of sinners. Every invitation of the gospel either promises or implies aid by the Divine Spirit. The plan of the Bible is grace and duty. God calls, (grace;) sinners hearken diligently, (duty;) God re- proves, (grace;) sinners turn, (duty;) God pours out his Spirit, (grace;) sinners resist not the light, but im- prove it, (duty;) God makes known his word, or reveals the plan of salvation, (grace;) God invites, (grace;) Wicked man, forsake your ways, (duty,) your thoughts, (duty,) and turn to the Lord, (duty,) and God will have mercy on you, (grace,) and God will abundantly pardon, (grace.) 32 CONFESSION OF FAITH. hearts/ and power to fulfil it,* 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 communion with God,* and had dominion over the creatures ,' jRom. 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 them- selves ; 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. *Eccl. vii. 29: Lo, this only have I found; that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions. *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. — See Eccl. vii. 29. *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. 8. *Gen. i. 28 : And have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living Uiing that moveth upon the earth. — See Ps. viii. 6, 7, 8. CONFESSION OF FAITH 33 CHAPTER V. OF PROVIDENCE. God, the great Creator of all things, doth up- hold® and govern all creatures and things, from the greatest even to the least, 6 by his most wise and holy providence,* to the praise of the glory of his wisdom, power, justice, goodness, and mercy.* II. God, in his ordinary providence, maketh I. a Heb. i. 3 : Who being the brightness of his glo- ry, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power . * Matt. x. 29, 30, 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 are of more value than many sparrows. — See also Matt. vi. 26, 30. d Prov. xv. 3 : The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. «Eph. iii. 10: To the intent that now unto the princi- palities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the Church the manifold wisdom of God. — Rom. ix. 17: For the Scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might Bhow my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. Ps. cxlv. 7 : They Shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great good- ness, and shall sing of thy righteousness. 3 34 CONFESSION OF FAITH. use of means/ yet is free to work with* and above* them, at his pleasure.* III. The most wise, righteous, and gracious God doth oftentimes leave for a season his own children to the manifold temptations and the cor- ruption of their own hearts, to chastise them for II. /Acts xxvii. 24, 31 : Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar ; and lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. Paul said to the cen- turion, 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 re- turned 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 thatgoeth 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. MIos. i. 7: But I will have mercy upon the house of Judah, and 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. 19, 20: And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an 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. *2 Kings vi. 6: And the man of God said, Where fell it 9 And he showed him the place. And he cut down a stick, and cast it in thither, and the iron did swim. — Dan. iii. 27 : And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king's counsellors, being gathered to- gether, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their heads singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them. CONFESSION OP FAITH. 35 their former sins, to discover unto them the hid- den strength of corruption, and deceitfulness of their hearts, that they may be humbled,* and to raise them to a more close and constant depend- ence for their support upon himself, and to make them more watchful against all future occasions to sin, and for sundry other just and holy ends. 1 IV. As for those wicked and ungodly men whom God, as a righteous judge, for former sins doth blind and harden/* from them he not only with- holdeth his grace, whereby they might have been III. *2 Chron. xxxii. 25, 26, 31 : But Hezekiah ren- dered 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. Notwith- standing, Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of hi? 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 am- bassadors 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. l 2 Cor. xii. 7, 8, 9: And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revela- tions, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satai* 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 un- to me, My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in mine infirmities, that the power of Chi'ist may rest upon me. — Ps. lxxiii. throughout ; Ps. lxxvii. 1, 10, 12. John xxi. 15, 16, 17. IV. »Rom. i. 24, 26, 28; xi. 7, 8: Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the luata of 30 CONFESSION OF FAITH. enlightened in their understandings, and wrought upon in their hearts, 11 but sometimes also with- draweth the gifts which they had, and withal, gives them over to their own lusts, the tempta- tions of the world, and the power of Satan f whereby it comes to pass that they harden them- selves, even under those means which God useth for softening others.* their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections ; for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature ; and even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient. — What then? Israel hath not ob- tained that which he seeketh for, but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded. According 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. w Deut. xxix. 4 : Yet the Lord hath not given you an heart to perceive, and eyes to see, and ears to hear, un- to this day. °Matt. xiii. 12: But whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. — See Matt, xxv. 29. pPs. 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 counsel. — 2 Thess. ii. 10, 11, 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 Bend them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie; that they all might be damned, who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. f Exod. viii. 1 r 32 : But when Pharaoh saw that there CONFESSION OF FAITH. 37 V. As the providence of God doth, in general, reach to all creatures, so, after a most special man- ner, it taketh care of his Church, and disposeth all things to the good thereof/ CHAPTER VI. THE FALL OF MAN, SIN, AND THE PUNISHMENT THEREOF. Our first parents, being seduced by the sub- tlety and temptation of Satan, sinned in eating the forbidden fruit. a This their sin God was pleased, was respite, lie hardened his heart, and hearkened not unto them : as the Lord had said ; and Pharaoh hard- ened 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. — See Exod. v. 3; also 1 Peter ii. 7, 8, with Isa. vi. 9, 10. V. r Amos ix. 8, 9 : Behold, the eyes of the Lord God are upon the 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. — Rom. viii. 28 : And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called ac- cording to his purpose. I. "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 serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 38 CONFESSION OF FAITII. according to his wise and holy counsel, to over- rule, through Christ, for his own glory, and the good of all them that believe. 5 II. By this sin they fell from their original righteousness and communion with God, e and so became dead in sin, d and wholly defiled in all the faculties and parts of soul and body.* III. They being the root of all mankind, by their sin all were made sinners/ and the same death in sin, and corrupted nature, conveyed to all their 5 Rom. xi. 32 : For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all. II. c Gen. iii. 7. 8: 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 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. — Eccl. vii. 29: Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man up right ; but they have sought out many inventions. — Rom. iii. 23 : For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. <*Eph. ii. 1: And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins. — 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 6inned. «Gen. vi. 5: And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagina- tion of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continu- ally. — Jer. xvii. 9 : The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperate^ wicked ; who can know it ? — See also Rom. iii. 10-19. III. /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 CONFESSION OF FAITH. 39 posterity, descending from them by ordinary gen- eration.' IV. From this original corruption, whereby we are utterly indisposed, disabled, and made opposite to all good,* and wholly inclined to all evil,' do proceed all actual transgressions.* 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 toas 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 tv'hich 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. 9 Ps. 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. IV. * Rom. v. 6 : For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ diedfor 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. — John iii. 6 : That which is born of the flesh is flesh ; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. * Gen. viii. 21 : The Lord said, . . . The imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth. — Rom. iii. 10-12 : As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one : there is none that understandeth, there is none that secketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable ; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. k James i. 14, 15: But every man is tempted wheo 40 CONFESSION OF FAITH. V. The remains of corrupt nature are felt by those that are regenerated ;* and although it be through Christ pardoned and mortified, yet both itself and all the motions thereof are truly and properly sin." 1 VI. Every sin, being a transgression of the righteous law of God, and contrary thereunto,* 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. — Matt, xv. 19 : For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. V. *Rom. vii. 14, 17, 18, 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 flesh, dwell- eth 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. — 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. " Rom. vii. 5, 7, 8, 25 : For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sin which were by the law did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. What shall we say then ? Is the law sin ? God for- bid. 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 command- ment, 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 «f sin. VI. n l John iii. 4 : Whosoever committeth sin, trans- CONFESSION OF FAITH. 41 doth, in its own nature, bring guilt upon the sin- ner, whereby he is bound over to the wrath of God,* and curse of the law, 3 and so made subject to death/ with all miseries, spiritual,* temporal, 1 and eternal." CHAPTER VII. god's covenant with man. The distance between God and the creature is so great, that although reasonable creatures do owe obedience unto him as their Creator, yet they gresseth also the law ; for sin is the transgression of the law. "Rom. iii. 19: Now we know, that what things so- ever 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. pEph. ii. 3: And were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. « 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. '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 igno- rance 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 ? • Matt. xxv. 41 : Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlast* ing fire, prepared f®r the devil and his angels 42 CONFESSION OF FAITH. could never have any fruition 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." II. The first covenant made with man was a covenant of works ) h wherein life was promised to Adam, and in him to his posterity," upon condi- tion of perfect and personal obedience.* III. Man by his fall having made himself in- capable of life by that covenant, the Lord was pleased to make the second,* commonly called the I. ° Job ix. 32, 33 : For he is not a man, as I am, that I should answer him, and we should come together in judgment. Neither is there any daysman betwixt us, that might lay his hand upon us both. — Ps. cxiii. 5, 6 : Who is like unto the Lord our God, who dwelleth on high, who hnmbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth? II. h Gal. iii. 1 2 : And the law is not of faith ; but, The man that doeth them shall live in them. — Hosea vi. 7. Gen. ii. 16, 17. Rom. x. 5 : For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, that the man which doeth those things shall live by them. <*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 on© 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, CONFESSION OP FAITH. 43 covenant of grace ; wherein he freely offereth un- to sinners life and salvation by Jesus Christ, requiring of them faith in him that they may be saved/ IV. This covenant of grace is frequently set forth in Scripture by the name of a testament, in reference to the death of Jesus Christ, the testa- tor, and to the everlasting inheritance, with all things belonging to it therein bequeathed.* V. This covenant was differently administered in the time of the law and in the time of the and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh. — 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. lii. 15. /Mark xvi. 15, 16 : And he said unto them, Go ye in- to all the world, and preach the gospel to every crea- ture. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved ; but he that believeth not shall be damned. — 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. IV. »Heb. ix. 15-17: And for this cause he is the mediator of the New Testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that hereunder the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. For where a testa- ment is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead ; otherwise it is of no strength at all while the tes- tator liveth. — Heb. vii. 22 : By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. — Luke xxii. 20: Like- wise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.— See also 1 Cor. xi. 25. 44 CONFESSION OF FAITH. gospel :* under the law it was administered by promises, prophecies, sacrifices, circumcision, the paschal lamb, and other types and ordinances de- livered to the people of the Jews, all fore-signi- fying 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,* by whom they had V. *2 Cor. iii. 6-9 : "Who also hath made us able min- isters 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 written and en- graven 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 ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministra- tion of righteousness exceed in glory. ^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 to them also. — Col. ii. 11 : 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. — Ver. 12: 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 heaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us. — Col. ii. 17 : Which are a shadow of things to come ; but the body is of Christ. * 1 Cor. x. 1-4 : Moreover, brethren, I would not that jre should be ignorant, how that all our fathers wera CONFESSION OP FAITH. 45 full remission of sins, and eternal salvation ; and is called the Old Testament. 1 VI. Under the gospel, when Christ, the sub- stance, m was exhibited, the ordinances in which this covenant is dispensed are the preaching of the word, and administration of the sacraments of baptism and of the Lord's Supper ; H which, 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 spiritual 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 oif, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pil- grims on the earth. — Johnviii. 56: Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day ; and he saw it, and was glad. 1 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 uuto 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. VI. m Col. ii. 17: Which are a shadow of things to come, but the body is of Christ. n 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 woi'ld. 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 be- i() CONFESSION OF FAITH. though fewer in number, and administered with more simplicity and less outward glory, yet in them it is held forth in more fulness, evidence, and spiritual efficacy, to all nations, both Jews and Gentiles ; p and is called the New Testament.* trayed, 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 drinks, in remembrance of me. — 2 Cor. iii. 7-11: But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not steadfastly be- hold 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 ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration 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 was done away was glorious, much more that which remnineth is glorious. °Heb. xii. 22-38.— See alsoJer. xxxi. 33, 34. pSee letter". — 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 re- concile 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 un- to the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God. «Luke xxii. 20: Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood which is shed for you. — Heb. viii. 7-9 CONFESSION OF FAITH. 47 There are not, therefore, two covenants of grace, differing in substance, but one and the same un- der various dispensations/ CHAPTER VIII. CHRIST THE MEDIATOR. It has pleased God to choose the Lord Jesus Christ, his ouly-begotten Son, who verily was fore- ordained before the foundation of the world, to be the Mediator between God and man,* the r 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. 30 : Seeing it is one God which shall justify the circum- cision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. 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 founda- tion of the world, but was manifest in these last timea for you. — 1 Tim. ii. 5 : For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. —See also John iii. 16. 48 CONFESSION OF FAITH. Prophet, 6 Priest, c and King;* the head and Sa- viour of his Church,* the heir of all things/ and judge of the world;' unto whom he promised a seed,* and to be by him in time redeemed, called 6 Acts iii. 22 : 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. — Deut. xviii. 13. « Heb. v. 5, 6 : So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high-priest ; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to-day have I begotten thee. As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever, after the order of Melchisedec. <* Ps. ii. 6 : Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. — Luke i. 33 : And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever ; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. e 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. 9 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. * 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. — Ps. xxii. 30: A seed shall serve him; it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation. — Isa. liii. 10 : Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him : he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall pro- CONFESSION OF FAITH. 49 by his word and Spirit, justified by his grace, sanctified, and glorified.* II. The Son of God, the second Person in the Trinity, being very and eternal God, of one sub- stance and equal with the Father, did, when the fulness of time was come, take upon him man's nature,* with all the essential properties and com- mon infirmities thereof, yet without sin ; l being long his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall pros- per in his hand. * 1 Tim. ii. 6 : 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. Behold, 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 glori- fied thee. — 1 Cor. i. 30: But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and right- eousness, and sanctification, and redemption. II. * John i. 1, 14 : In the beginning was the Word, . . 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 under- standing, 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 fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law. 1 Heb. ii. 17: Wherefore in all things it behooved him to be made like unto his brethren ; that he might be a meroiful and faithful high-priest in things pertaining to 4 60 CONFESSION OF FAITH. conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost, in the womb of the Virgin Mary, of her substance."* So that these whole, perfect, and distinct natures, the Godhead and the manhood, were inseparably joined together in one person, without conversion, composition, or confusion. n Which person is very God and very man, yet one Christ, the only Me- diator between God and man. God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. — Heb. iv. 15 : For we have not an 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. TO Luke i. 27, 31, 35: To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David ; and the virgin's name was Mary. And behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee ; there- fore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. — Gal. iv. 4: See letter *, immediately foregoing. •Luke i. 35: See letter m , immediately foregoing. — Col. ii. 9 : For in him dwelleth all the fulness 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. — 1 Tim. iii. 16: And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh. •Rom. i. 3, 4: Concerning his Son Jesus Christ cur 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 resur- rection from the dead. — 1 Tim. ii. 5 : For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. CONFESSION OF FAITH. 51 III. The Lord Jesus, in liis human nature thus united to the Divine, was sanctified and anointed with the Holy Spirit above measure f having in him all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge,* in whom it pleased the Father that all fulness should dwell f to the end that being holy, harm- less, undefiled, and full of grace and truth,* he might be thoroughly furnished to execute the of- fice of a Mediator and surety.' Which office he took not unto himself, but was called thereunto by his Father;" who put all power and judgment III. p Ps. 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. ? Col. ii. 3 : In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. r Col. i. 19: For it pleased the Father, that in him should all fulness dwell. •Heb. vii. 26:' For such an high-priest became us, who is holy, harmless, 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 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 Jesua made a surety of a better testament. • Heb. v. 5 : So also Christ glorified not himself to 52 CONFESSION OF FAITH. into his hand,*' and gave him commandment to execute the same. IV. This office the Lord Jesus did most willing- ly undertake,* which, that he might discharge, he was made under the law/ and did perfectly fulfil it;* endured most grievous torments imme- iately in his soul,° and most painful sufferings in e made an 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 committed all judgment unto the Son; and hath given him authority to execute judgment, also, be- cause 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. z Ps. 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, my God ; yea, thy law is within my heart. — Phil. ii. 8 : And became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. yGal. iv. 4: But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law. * Matt. iii. 15: Thus it becometh us to fulfil all right- eousness. — Matt. v. 17: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. ° Matt. xxvi. 37, 38 : And he took with him Peter, and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrow- ful 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 sabacthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? CONFESSION OF FAITH. 53 his body ;* was crucified and died f was buried, and remained under the power of death, yet saw no corruption. d On the third day he arose from the dead c with the same body in which he suf- fered/ with which also he ascended into heaven, and there sitteth at the right hand of his Father,' making intercession,* and shall return to judge men and angels, at the end of the world.* 6 Matt, xxvi., xxvii. « Phil. ii. 8 : He humbled himself, and became obe- dient unto death, even the death of the cross. d 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. — Actsxiii. 37: But he whom God raised again, saw no corruption. « 1 Cor. xv. 4 : 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. 9 Mark xvi. 19 : He was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. A 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. 9, 10: For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and the living. For we shall all stand before the judgment-seat of Christ. — Acts i. 11 ; x. 42.— Matt. 54 CONFESSION OF FAITH. V. The Lord Jesus, by his perfect obedience arid sacrifice of himself, which he through the eternal Spirit once offered up unto God, hath fully satisfied the justice of his Father;* and purchased not only reconciliation, but an everlasting inherit- ance in the kingdom of heaven, for all those who come to the Father by him. 1 xiii. 40-42 : As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so shall it be in the end of this world. The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them -which do iniquity. And shall cast them into a furnace of fire : there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. — Jude 6: And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habita- tion, he hath reserved in everlasting chains, under darkness, unto the judgment of the great day. — See also 2 Pet. ii. 4. V. *Rom. v. 19: For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. — 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 ?— Rom. iii. 25, 26 : Whom God hath set fortli to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission 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 also Eph. v. 2. *Eph. i. 11, 14: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the pur- pose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will. Which is the earnest of our inheritance. CONFESSION OF FAITH. t)0 VI. Although the work of redemption was not actually wrought by Christ till after his incarna- tion, yet the virtue, efficacy, and benefits thereof were communicated unto the believer, 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 ser- pent's head, and the Lamb slain from the begin- ning of the world, being yesterday and to-day the same, and for ever." VII. Christ, in the work of mediation, acteth according to both natures ; by each nature doing that which is proper to itself ; n yet, by reason of until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. — 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. — See also Heb. ix. 12, 15. VI. m Gal. iv. 4, 5 : But when the fulness 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. — 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. — Rev. xiii. 8 : And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the wt^rld. — Heb. xiii. 8 : Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever. VII. »1 Pet. iii. 18: For Christ also hath once suf- fered 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. — See also Heb. ix. 14. 56 CONFESSION OP FAITH. the unity of the person, that which is proper to one nature is sometimes in Scripture attributed to the person denominated by the other nature/ VIII. Jesus Christ, by the grace of God, has tasted death for every man,' and now makes intercession for transgressors;* by virtue of which, the Holy Spirit is given to convince of sin, and enable the creature to believe and obey; govern- ing the hearts of believers by his word and Spirit ; r overcoming all their enemies by his al- • Acts xx. 28 : Feed the Church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. — John iii. 13 : Aud no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man, which is in heaven. — 1 John iii. 16: Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us. VIII. p Heb. ii. 9: But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor ; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. — 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. 16 : And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold : them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice. * 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, rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. r 2 Cor. iv. 13 We having the same spirit of faith, aa It is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken ; we also believe, and therefore speak. — Bom. viii. 9, 14: CONFESSION OF FAITH. 57 mighty power and wisdom, in such manner and ways as are most consonant to his wonderful and unsearchable dispensation.* CHAPTER IX. OF FREE WILL. 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." 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. — See also Rom. xv. 18, 19, and John xvii. 17. * Ps. ex. 1. — The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy foot- stool. — 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. — Mai. iv. 2, 3: But unto you that fear my name, shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings ; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. And ye shall tread down the wicked ; for they shall be ashes under the Boles of your feet, in the day that I shall do this, saith the Lord of hosts. — Col. ii. 15 : And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. I. * James i. 14: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away 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, 58 CONFESSION OF FAITH. II. Man, in his state of innocency, had free- dom and power to will and to do that which is good and well-pleasing to God ;* but yet mutable, 60 that he might fall from it. e III. Man, by his fall into a state of sin, hath wholly lost all ability of will to any spiritual good accompanying salvation;** so as a natural man, being altogether averse from that which is good,* and dead in sin/ is not able by his own strength blessing and cursing : therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live. — See John v. 40. II. 6 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. 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 die 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 : Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. — John xv. 5 : For without me ye can do nothing. •Rom. iii. 10, 12: As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not orre. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable ; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. 'Eph. ii. 1, 5 : And you hath he quickened, who were CONFESSION OF FAITH. 59 to convert himself, or to prepare himself there- anto without Divine aid. ff IV. When God converts a sinner, and trans- lates him into the state of grace, he freeth him from his natural bondage under sin,* 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 will and do that which is good.* dead in trespasses 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, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses. 9 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. — See also Eph. ii. 2-5, and Tit. ui. 3-5. IV. * 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, Whosoever 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. — Kom. vi. J 8, 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, 60 CONFESSION OF FAITH. V. The will of man is made perfectly and im- mutably free to good alone, in the state of glory only.' CHAPTER X. EFFECTUAL CALLING. All those whom Grod calls, and who obey the call, and those only, he is pleased, by his word and Spirit, 8 to bring out of that state of sin and 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 : For that which I do, I allow not ; for what I would, that do I not ; but what I hate, that do I. V. ' Eph. iv. 13 : Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the ful- ness of Christ. — Jude 24: Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless be- fore the presence of his glory, with exceeding joy. I. a 2 Thess. ii. 13, 14: God hath from the beginning chosen .you to salvation, 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 manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ min- istered 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- isters of the New Testament ; not of the letter, but of the Spirit : for the letter killeth, but the Spirit giveth life. CONFESSION OP FAITH. 61 death in which they are by nature, to grace and salvation by Jesus Christ; 6 enlightening their minds spiritually and savingly to understand the things of God ; c taking away their heart of stone, and giving unto them an heart of flesh ; d renew- ing their wills, and by his almighty power deter- mining them to that which is good ; 6 and effect- 6 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 an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Chx-ist Jesus before the world began; but is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gos- pel. — See also Eph. ii. 1-5. c 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 re- ceived, 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. d 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. 6 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 circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live. — See also Ezek, xxxvi. 27. 62 CONFESSION OF FAITH. ually drawing them to Jesus Christ f yet so as they come most freely, being made willing by his grace.' II. This call is of God's free grace alone, not from any good at all foreseen in man,* who is al- together dead in sin, until, being enlightened by the Holy Spirit,* he is thereby enabled to answer *ihis call, and to embrace the grace offered and tonveyed in it.* /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. 9 Cant. i. 4: Draw me, we will run after thee. — Ps. ex. 3 : Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning : thou hast the dew of thy youth. — John vi. 36. II. * 2 Tim. i. 9 : Who hath saved us, and called us with an 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. — 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 regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost. * 1 Cor. ii. 14: But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God ; for they are foolishness unto him ; neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. — Rom. viii. 7: Because the car- nal mind is enmity against God ; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. — Eph. ii. 5: Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened ug together with Christ; (by grace ye are saved.) * John vi. 37: All that the Father giveth me shall CONFESSION OF FAITH. 63 III. All infants dying in infancy are regene- rated and saved by Christ, through the Spirit, 1 who worketh when, and where, and how he pleaseth ; so also are others who have never had the exercise of reason, and who are incapable of being outwardly called by the ministry of the word."* CHAPTER XI. JUSTIFICATION. Those whom God calleth, (and who obey the come to me; and 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 com- ing, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God ; and they that hear shall live. — John vii. 37. III. l Luke xviii. 15, 16 : And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them ; but when his iisciples 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 king- dom of God. — Acts ii. 38, 39: Then Peter said unto them, 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 ehall call. m John iii. 8 : The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou nearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence 64 CONFESSION OF FAITH. call,) lie also freely justifieth ;" not by infusing righteousness into them, but by pardoning their sins, and by accounting and accepting their per- sons 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, 6 they receiving and resting on him and his righteousness by faith; which faith they have not of themselves, it is the gift of God. c it cometh and whither it goeth : so is every one that is born of the Spirit. 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. 6 Rom. iv 5-8 : But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Even as David also de- scribeth the blessedness of the man unto whom God im- puteth 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. — 2 Cor. v. 19, 21 : To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the woi*ld unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them ; and hath commit- ted 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. — Rom. iii. 22, 24, 25. — 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 Right- eousness. — See Rom. v. 17-19. e Phil. iii. 9 : And be found in him, not having mine Own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which CONFESSION OF FAITH. 6b II. Faith, thus receiving and resting or Christ and his righteousness, is the alone instru- ment of justification ;*■ yet it is not alone in the person justified, but is ever accompanied with all other saving graces, and is no dead faith, but worketh by love.' III. Christ, by his obedience and death, did fully discharge 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/ is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.— Acts xiii. 38, 39.— 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 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. — Rom. iii. 28: There- fore we conclude, that a man is justified by faith with- out the deeds of the law. — Rom. v. 1 : Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ. • James 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. — Gal. v. 6: For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision ; but faith which worketh by love. III. /Rom. v. 8-10: But God commendeth his love towards 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. — 1 Tim ii. 6: Who gave 5 66 CONFESSION OF FAITH. Yet inasmuch as he was given by the Father for them," and his obedience and satisfaction ac- cepted in their stead,* and both freely, not for any thing in thein, their justification is only of free grace ;* that both the exact justice and rich grace of God might be glorified in the justifica- tion of sinners.* IV. God, before the foundation of the world, determined to justify all true believers; 1 and 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 lie hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. — See Isa. liii. 4-G, 10-12. 9 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 right- eousness 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-smell- ing savor. * 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. * Rom. iii. 26: To declare, / say, at this time hia righteousness; that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. IV. '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 CONFESSION OF FAITH. 67 Christ did, in the fulness of time, die for their sins, and rise again for their justification ; m never- theless, they are not justified until the Holy Spirit doth, in due time, actually apply Christ unto them. n V. God doth continue to forgive the sins of those that are justified; and although they will never fall from the state of justification,* yet they all nations be blessed. — 1 Pet. i. 2, 19, 20 : Elect ac- cording to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprink- ling of the blood of Jesus Christ. But with the pre- cious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. Who verily was foreoi'dained before 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 fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made und^r the law. — 1 Tim. ii. 6 : Who gave himself a ran- som for all, to be testified in due time. — Rom. iv. 25: Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. n Col. i. 21, 22 : And you, that were sometime alien- ated, 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 un- reprovable in his sight. — See also Gal. ii. 16, and Tit. iii. 4-7. V. ° Matt. vi. 12 : And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. — 1 John i. 9 : If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. — 1 John ii. 1 : If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesu& Christ the righteous. p Luke xxii. 32 : But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not ; and when thou art converted. 68 CONFESSION OF FAITII. may by their sins fall under God's fatherly dis- pleasure, and not have the light of his counte- nance restored unto them, until they humble themselves, confess their sins, beg pardon, and renew their faith and repentance. 5 VI. The justification of believers under the Old Testament was, in all these respects, one and the same with the justification of believers under the New Testament. CHAPTER XII. ADOPTION. 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 strengthen thy brethren. — John x. 28: And I give unto them eternal life ; and they shall never perish, neither shall any pluck them out of my hand. — Heb. x. 14: For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. « Ps. lxxxix. 31-33 : If they break my statutes, and keep not my commandments, then will I visit their transgressions 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. a Eph. i. 5: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, accord- ing to the good pleasure of his will. — Gal. iv. 4, 5: God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made unler the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. CONFESSION OF FAITH. 69 they are taken into the number, and enjoy the liberties and privileges of the children of G od f have his name put upon them ; c receive the spirit of adoption f have access to the throne of grace with boldness;* are enabled to cry, Abba, Father/ are pitied, 6 ' protected,* provided for,' and chast- 5 Rom. viii. 17: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ. — 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, g c Jer. xiv. 9 : Yet thou, Lord, art in the midst of us, and we are called by thy name; leave us not. — Rev. iii. 12 : Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in thf 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. d Rom. viii. 15 : 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. e Eph. iii. 12 : In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. — Rom. v. 2. /Gal. iv. 6 : And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying Abba, Father. 9 Ps. 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 tie grass of the field, which 1 3-day is, and to-morrow >s cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe yf-u ; ye of little faith ? For your heavenly Fatl er knoweth that ye have need of all these things. — 1 P tt. 70 CONFESSION OF FAITH. ened by him as by a father,* yet never cast off, 1 but sealed to the day of redemption ; m and inherit the promises/ 1 as heirs of everlasting salvation. CHAPTER XIII. SANCTIFICATION. They who are effectually called and regen- erated, having a new heart and a new spirit cre- ated in them, are further sanctified, really and personally, through the virtue of Christ's death and resurrection, by his word and Spirit dwell- v. 7 : Casting all your care upon him, for he careth for you. * Heb. xii. 6 : For whom the Lord loveth he chast- eneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. ' Lam. iii. 31 : For the Lord will not cast off for ever. m Eph. iv. 30 : 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. 1. 4: 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 of salvation ? I. a 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. — 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 CONFESSION OF FAITH. 71 ing in them ) h the dominv.^ of the whole body of sin is destroyed, and the several lusts thereof are more and more weakened and mortified,** and they more and more quickened and strengthened in all saving graces,* to the practice of true holi- ness, without which no man shall see the Lord/ 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 conform- able 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. 6 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, 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. 6, 14 : Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be de- stroyed, 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 cruci- fied 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. «Col. i. 11: Strengthened with all might according to his glorious power, unto all patience and long-suffer- ing with joyfulness. — Eph. iii. 16 : 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. / 2 Cor. vii. 1 : Having therefore these promises, 72 CONFESSION OF FAITH. II. This sanctification is throughout in the whole man," yet imperfect in this life : there abideth still some remnants of corruption in every part,* whence ariseth a continual and irreconcil- able 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,* yet, through the continual supply of strength fron the sanctifying Spirit of Christ, the regenerate part doth overcome; 1 and so the saints grow dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthi- ness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. — Heb. xii. 14: Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. II. 9 1 Thess. v. 23 : And the very God of peace sanc- tify you wholly : and I pray God your whole spirit, and soul,^rnd body, be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. h 1 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 appre- hend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. — See also Rom. vii. 18, 23. •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. 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 which 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.— ) CONFESSION OF FAITH. 73 in grace,"* perfecting holiness in the fear of God.* IV. Although the remains of. depravity may continue to affect the true believer in this life, yet it is his duty and privilege, through grace, to keep a conscience void of offence toward God and toward men.® CHAPTER XIV. SAVING GRACE. The grace of faith, whereby sinners are united to Christ, is the work of the Spirit of Christ in their hearts,** and is ordinarily wrought by the John v. 4 : For whatsoever is born of God, overcometh the world; and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. — Eph. iv. 16: 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 know- ledge 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. w 2 Cor. vii. 1 : Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthi- ness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. IV. ° Acts xxiv. 16: And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God and toward men. I. °2 Cor. iv. 13 : We having the same spirit of faith. 74 CONFESSION OF FAITH. ministry of the word ; h by which also, and by the administration of the sacraments, and prayer, it is increased and strengthened. II. By this faith, the Christian believeth to be true whatsoever is revealed in the word, for the authority of God himself speaketh therein f and acteth differently, upon that which each partic- ular passage thereof containeth ; yielding obe- according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken ; we also believe, and therefore speak. — Eph. ii. 8 : For by grace are ye saved, through faith ; and that not of yourselves : it is the gift of God. 6 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. c 1 Pet. ii. 2: As new-born babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby. — Luke xvii. 5 : And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith. — 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. — See also Acts xx. 32. II. d l 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 r cord that God gave of his Son. — Acts xxiv. 14: Be- lieving all things which are written in the law and in the prophets. CONFESSION OF FAITH. 75 dience to the commands," trembling at the threat- enings/ and embracing the promises of God for this life and that which is to corned But the principal acts of saving faith are accepting, re- ceiving, and resting on Christ alone for justifica- tion, sanctification, and eternal life, by virtue of the covenant of grace.* III. This faith is different in degrees, weak or strong j may be often and many ways assailed « Rom. xvi. 26 : But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the com- mandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith. / 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. 9 Heb. xi. 13 : These all died in faith, not having re- ceived the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and con- fessed 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. h 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 iiveth 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. III. » Heb. v. 13, 14: For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness ; for he is a 76 CONFESSION OF FAITH. and weakened, but gets the victory j* growing up in the attainment of a full assurance of Christ, 1 who is both the author and finisher of our faith. m 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. — Rom. iv. 19, 20: And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an 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 marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. * Luke xxii. 81, 32: And the Lord said, Simon, Si- mon, 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, strength- en thy brethren. — 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 ? 1 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. — 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. m Heb. xii. 2 : Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. CONFESSION OF FAITH. 77 CHAPTER XV. REPENTANCE UNTO LIFE. Repentance unto life is an evangelical grace,* the doctrine whereof is to be preached by every minister of the gospel, as well as that of faith in Christ. 6 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 Grod, 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 Grod, c purposing I. a Actsxi. 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 also Zech. xii. 10. 6 Luke xxiv. 47 : And that repentance and remis- sion 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 : Testifying 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 froiu all your transgressions ; so iniquity shall not be your ruin. Cast away from you all your transgres- sions, whereby ye have transgressed ; and make you 78 CONFESSION OF FAITH. aud endeavoring to walk with him in all the ways of his commandments. d III. Although repentance be not to be rested in as any satisfaction for sin, or any cause of the pardon thereof, 6 which is the act of God's free a new heart and a new spirit, for why will ye die, O house of Israel ? — Ezek. xxxvi. 31 : Then shall ye re- member your own evil ways, and your doings thai were not good, and shall loathe yourselves in your own sight, for your iniquities, and for your abominations. — Ps. li. 4 : Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight ; that thou mightest be justi- fied when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judg- est. — 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 re- pented; and after that I was instructed, I smote upon my thigh : I was ashamed, yea, even confounded, be- cause I did bear the reproach of my youth. — 2 Cor. vii. 11 : For, behold, this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indigna- tion, 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 also Joel ii. 12, 13, Amos v. 15, and Ps. cxix. 128. <*Ps. 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 tes- timonies. I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments. — Luke i. 6: And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blame less. — See also 2 Kings xxiii. 25. III. c Ezek. xxxvi. 81, 32: Then shall ye remember your own evil ways, and your doings that were not good. CONFESSION OF FAITH. 79 grace in Christ/ yet is it of such necessity to all sinners, that none may expect pardon with- out it." IV. As there is no sin so small but it de- serves damnation ;* so there is no sin so great that it can bring damnation on those who truly repent.* 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, house of Israel. — Ezek. xvi. 63 : That thou mayest remember, and be confounded, 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. / 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. a Luke xiii. 3, 5 : I tell you nay ; but, except ye re- pent, ye shall all likewise perish. — See also Acts xvii. 30. IV. A 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. vih. 1 : There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after tho 80 CONFESSION OF FAITH. V. Men ought not to content themselves with a general repentance, but it is every man's duty to endeavor to repent of his particular sins, par- ticularly.* 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 scan- dalizeth his brother, or the Church of Christ, ought to be willing, by a private or public con- 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. * Ps. 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 Zac- cheus stood, and said unto the Lord, Behold, Lord, the half of my goods 1 give to the poor ; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him four-fold. — 1 Tim. i. 13, 15 : Who was be- fore 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. l Ps. xxxii. 5, 6 : I acknowledge 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 also Ps. li. 4, 5, 7, 9, 14. *• Prov. xxviii. 13: He that covereth bis sins shall CONFESSION OP FAITH. 81 fession and sorrow for his sin, to declare his re- pentance to those that are offended ; n who are thereupon to be reconciled to him, and in love to receive him. CHAPTER XVI. OF GOOD WORKS. Good works are only such as God hath com- manded in his holy word," and not such as, 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. 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 avail- eth much. — Luke xvii. 3, 4 : Take heed to yourselves : 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 Lord God of Is- rael, and make confession unto him ; and tell me now what thou hast done ; hide it not from me. — Ps. li. throughout. 2 Cor. ii. 8 : Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him. — See Gal. vi. 1,2. I. a Micah vi. 8 : He hath showed thee, man, 6 82 CONFESSION OF FAITH. without the warrant thereof, are devised by men out of blind zeal, or upon any pretence of good intention. 5 II. These good works, done in obedience to God's commandments, are the fruits and evi- dences of a true and lively faith;' and by them believers manifest their thankfulness/ strengthen 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 con- formed 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. 1 Matt. xv. 9 : But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines 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 precepts of men. — John xvi. 2: They shall put you out of the synagogues ; yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. — See 1 Sam. xv. 21-23. II. c James ii. 18, 22: Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith with* out thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect ? d Ps. 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 Peter ii. 9 : But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people ; that, ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light CONFESSION OF FAITH. 83 their assurance,* edify their brethren/ adorn the profession of the gospel,* stop the mouths of the adversaries,* and glorify God,* whose workman- ship they are, created in Christ Jesus thereunto, 5 "1 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 per- fected : herebv know we that we are in him. — 2 Peter i. 5-9, 19. / 2 Cor. ix. 2 : For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which 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. s Tit. ii. 5 : To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. — 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. — See also Tit. ii. 9- 12. ft l Pet. ii. 15: For so is the will of God, that with well-doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of fool- ish men. * 1 Pet. ii. 12 : Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles ; 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 visi- tation. — Phil. i. 11 : Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, 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 be- fore ordained that we should walk in them. 84 CONFESSION OF FAITH. that having their fruit unto holiness, they may have the end eternal life. 1 III. Their ability to do good works is not at all of themselves, but wholly from the Spirit of Christ. m And that they may be enabled there- unto, besides the graces they have already ro- ceived, there is required an actual influence 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. 1 Rom. vi. 22 : But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. III. m John xv. 5, G : 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, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered ; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire. 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 : lean do all things through Christ which strengthened me. 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 salva- tion with fear and trembling. — Heb. vi. 11, 12: And we desire that every one of you do shew the same dili- gence, 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. — Isa. lxiv. 7 : And there is none that calleth upon thy name. CONFESSION OF FAITH. 85 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 do more than God requires, that they fall short of much which in duty they are bound to do.* 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 dis- tance that is between us and God, whom by them we can neither profit, nor satisfy for the debt of our former sins -, q but when we have done all we that stirreth up himself to take hold of thee ; for thou hast hid thy face from us, and hast consumed us, be- cause of our iniquities. — See also 2 Pet. i. 3, 5, 10, 11 ; 2 Tim. i. 6 ; and Acts xxvi. 6, 7 ; together with Jude 20, 21. IV. p Luke xvii. 1 : 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. — Job ix. 2. 3 : But how should man be just with God? If he will contend with him, he cannot answer him one of a thousand. — 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. * 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. 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 a3 David also describeth the blessedness of the man unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works 86 CONFESSION OF FAITH. can, we have done but our duty, and are unprofit- able servants/ and because, as they are good, they proceed from his Spirit;* and, as they are wrought by us, they are defiled and mixed with go much weakness and imperfection, that thej cannot endure the severity of God's judgment.' VI. Yet, notwithstanding, the persons of be- lievers being accepted through Christ, their good works are also accepted in him," not as though they were in this life wholly unblamable and un- — 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. — Ps. xvi. 2: O my soul, thou hast said unto the Lord, Thou art my Lord : my goodness extendeth not to thee. — See also Tit. iii. 5-7: Rom. viii. 18, 22, 23, and Job xxxv. 7, 8. r Luke xvii. 10. — See letter p in this chapter. * Gal. v. 22, 23 : But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance. ' Isa. lxiv. 6 : But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rngs; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. — Ps. cxxx. 3 : If thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, Lord, who shall stand ? — See also Gal. v. 17, and Rom. vii. 15, 18. VI. "Eph. i. 6: To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the Be- loved. — 1 Pet. ii. 5: Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. — Gen. iv. 4 : And Abel, he also brought of the first- lings of his flock, and of the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect unto Abel, and to his offering. — With Heb. xi. 4. CONFESSION OF FAITH. 87 reprovable in God's sight ; w but that he, looking upon them in his Son, is pleased to accept and re- ward that which is sincere, although accompanied with many weaknesses and imperfections.* VII. Works done by unregenerate man, al- though, for the matter of them, they may be things which God commands, and of good use both to themselves and others ; y yet because they w Job ix. 20: If I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me : if I say I am perfect, it shall also prove me perverse. — Ps. cxliii. 2. *2 Cor. viii. 12 : For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, awe? not ac- cording to that he hath not. — Heb. vi. 10: For God is not unrighteous, to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. — Matt. xxv. 21, 23: 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. VII. v 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 my heart, thy children of the fourth 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. — 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 ? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence or in truth, Christ is preached : and I therein do rejoice. 88 CONFESSION OF FAITH. proceed not from a heart purified by faith,* nor are done in a right manner, according to the word ; a nor to a right end, the glory of God j* they therefore cannot merit the favor of God; yet their neglect of them is displeasing unto God e * Heb. xi. 4, 6 : By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by ■which he ob- tained 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. • 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 ? 6 Matt. vi. 2, 5, 16 : Therefore, when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypo- crites 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. Moreover, when ye fast, be not as the hypocrites, of a sad counte- nance ; for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward. 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. — Tit. i. 15 : Unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure ; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. CONFESSION OF FAITH. 89 CHAPTER XVII. THE PERSEVERANCE OF THE SAINTS. They whom God hath justified and sanctified, he will also glorify;* consequently, the truly regenerated soul will never totally nor finally fall away from the state of grace, but shall certainly persevere therein to the end, and be eternally saved. 6 II. This perseverance depends on the un- changeable love and power of Glod ; c the merits, I. ° Rom. viii. 38, 39 : For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. * 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. — 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 hands. — Phil. i. 6 : Being con- fident of this very thing, that he which hath begun & good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. II. e 2 Tim. ii. 19: Nevertheless the foundation of Sod standeth sure, having this seal. The Lord knoweth them that are his. — Jer. xxxi. 3 : The Lord hath ap- peared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved the© 90 CONFESSION OF FAITH. advocacy,* and intercession of Jesus Christ ;* Ztk* abiding of the Spirit and seed of God w.itnin them f and the nature of the covenant of grace ;* from all which ariseth also the certainty and in- fallibility thereof.** with an everlasting love; therefore with loving-kind- ness have I drawn thee. — 1 Pet. i 5 : Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation, ready to be revealed in the last time. d 1 John ii. 1 : My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 6 Heb. vii. 25 : Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, see- ing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. — 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. /John xiv. 16, 17: And I will 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 iii. 9: Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin ; for his seed re- maineth in him, and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. fJer. 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. — Heb. viii. 10; x. 16, 17. * Job xvii. 9 : The righteous shall also hold on his * This doctrine, although it is certainly supported by incontestable proof from the word of God, as well as CONFESSION OF FAITH. 91 III. Although there are examples in the Old Testament of good men having egregiously sinned, and some of them continuing for a time therein ;* way ; and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger. — John xvii. 21, 22 : That they all may be one ; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee ; that they also may be one in us ; that the world may be- lieve that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them ; that they may be one, even as we are one. — 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. — 2 Thess. iii. 3 : But the Lord is faithful, who shall establish you, and keep you from evil. — See also Zeph. iii. 17; Mai. iii. 6; Num. xxii. 19; Rom. v. 9; 2 Cor. i. 21, 22; John iv. 14 ; Ps. xii. 5 ; John xvii. 12 ; 1 Cor. i. 8, 9. III. «2 Sam. xii. 9, 13, 14: Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the Lord, to do evil in his sight? Thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite 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. How- beit, because by this deed thou hast given great occa- sion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die. by the reason and nature of the union between Christ and his people, yet, like all other truths, has been and may be perverted. The idea of eternal justification and consequent perseverance is unscriptural : the way perseverance is insisted on by some preachers in con- nection with the preceding parts of their sermons is certainly dangerous. Example : First preach a super- ficial experience, then make a great many more allow- 92 CONFESSION OF FAITH. yet now, since life and immortality are brought clearer to light by the gospel,* and especially since the effusion of the Holy Ghost on the day * 2 Tim. i. 10 : But is now made manifest by the ap- pearing jf our Saviour, Jesus Christ, -who hath abol- ished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. ances for weakness and wickedness, stumbling, stray- ing, etc., than God's word admits, then press persever- ance, and you have the formalist or hypocrite con- firmed. On the other hand, press the doctrines of final apos- tasy, if the creature does not so and so, making the perseverance of the creature depend chiefly upon his doings ; you raise in the mind of the unregenerate pro- fessor the fear of hell, as a high excitement to duty ; confirm him in his legality ; prepare his mind, indi- rectly at least, to give glory to himself for his perse- verance; settle him down in a self-confident and deplor- able situation. What God's word hath joined together, let not his ministers put asunder. But first let them give a clear, definite description of the new birth, and then let them press the doctrine of heart and practical holiness as the sure consequence, ("For by their fruit ye shall know them,") and daily evidences (not the cause) of that gracious state which will insure their final perseverance. Then this true and comfortable doctrine will not be perverted, neither will it have a tendency to licentious- ness in him "whom the love of Christ constraineth," or the real Christian: no, he serves and desires to serve Grod with more zeal, and from pure evangelical prin- ciples, still laying the foundation in his own mind, and cherishing the principle of ascribing all the glory to God for his conversion, his perseverance, and his final and complete redemption. CONFESSION OF FAITH. 93 of Pentecost/ we may not expect the true Chris- tian to fall into such gross sins. m Nevertheless, they may, through the temptations of Satan, the world, and the flesh, the neglect of the means of grace, fall into sin, and incur God's displeasure, and grieve his Holy Spirit ; n come to be deprived oi some measure of their graces and comforts, and have their consciences wounded; but the real Christian can never rest satisfied therein. CHAPTER XVIII. THE ASSURANCE OF GRACE AND SALVATION Although hypocrites and other unregenerate 'Luke xxiv. 49: And behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you ; but tarry ye in the city of Jeru- salem until ye be endued with power from on high. — ■ Acts ii. 4: And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. m 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 nim from the dead. — Matt. xi. 11 : Verily I say unto /ou, Among them that are born of women, there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist ; notwith- standing, he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he- n Eph. iv. 30 : And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye ave sealed unto the day of redemption.— 94 CONFESSION OF FAITH. men may vainly deceive themselves with false hopes and carnal presumptions of being in favor of God and estate of salvation ) a which hope of theirs shall perish ; h yet such as truly believe the Lord Jesus, and love him in sincerity, endeavor- ing to walk in all good conscience before him, may in this life be certainly assured that they are in a state of grace, 6 and may rejoice in the hop* of the glory of God, which hope shall never make them ashamed. d Rev. ii. 4 : Nevertheless, I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. I. °Job viii. 14: Whose hope shall be cut off, and whose trust shall be a spider's web. — Deut. xxix. 19: I shall have peace, though I walk in the imagination of my heart, to add drunkenness to thirst. — 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, 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. — Job viii. 13. 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.— 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 ocpe of the glory of God. And hope maketh not ashamed ; because the love of God is shed abroad in »ur hearts by the Holy Ghost, which is given unto us. CONFESSION OF FAITH 95 II. This certainly is not a bare conjecture and probable persuasion, grounded upon a fallible hope j 6 but an infallible 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 testi- mony of the Spirit of adoption witnessing with our spirits that we are the children of God j* II. « 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 abund- antly to show unto the heirs of promise the immuta- bility of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath ; that by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set be fore us. o 2 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 es- caped 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 Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. — 1 John iii. 14. We know that we have passed from death unto Ji/fe, because we love the brethren. — 1 John ii. 3 ; 2 Cor. i. 12. *Rom. viii. 15, 16: For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear ; but ye have received Ihe Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 96 CONFESSION OF FAITH. which Spirit is the earnest of our inheritance, whereby we are sealed to the day of redemption. 1 III. This infallible assurance doth not so be- long to the essence of faith, but that a true be- liever may wait long, and conflict with many difficulties before he be partaker in it;* 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 ordi- nary means, attain thereunto. 1 And therefore it is the duty of every one to give all diligence to 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 salva- tion: 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 purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. — 2 Cor. i. 21, 22 : Now he which establisheth 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. * Isa. 1. 10: "Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light ? Let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God. — 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 may have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. — See Ps. lxxxviii. through- out, and lxxvii. to the 12th verse. 1 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: Hereby know we that we dwell CONFESSION OP FAITH. 97 make his calling and election sure,"* that thereby his heart may be enlarged in peace 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 its assurance j n so far is it from inclining men to looseness. 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 shew 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 in- herit the promises. — Eph. iii. 17-19. m 2 Pet. i. 10 : Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure ; for if you do these things, ye shall never fall. 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 hop*, through the power of the Holy Ghost. — Ps cxix. 32 : I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart. — Ps. iv. 6, 7 ; Eph. i. 3, 4. 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, teach- ing us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this pres- 7 98 CONFESSION OF FAITH. IV. True believers may have the assurance of their salvation divers ways shaken, diminished, and intermitted; as, by negligence in persevering in 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 suffering even such as fear him to walk in dark- ness and to have no light f yet are they nevei utterly destitute of that seed of God and life of faith, that love of Christ and the brethren, that sincerity of heart and conscience of duty, out of ent world. "Who gave himself for us, that he might re- deem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. IV. p Cant. v. 2, 3, 6 : I sleep, but. my heart waketh: it is the voice of my beloved that knocketh, saying, Open unto me, my sister, my love, my dove, my unde- nted ; for my head is filled with dew, and my locks with the drops of the night. I have put off my coat; how shall I put it on ? I have washed my feet; how shall I defile them? 1 opened to my beloved; but my beloved had withdrawn himself and was gone; my soul failed when he spake: I sought him, but I could not find him : I called him, but he gave me no answer. — Ps. 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 blood-guilti- ness, 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 redemption. — Compare the above with Ps. lxxvii., first ten verses, and Matt. xxvi. 69-72 ; Ps. xxxi. 22 ; lxxxviii. throughout, and Isa 1. 10. CONFESSION OF FAITH. 99 which, by the operation of the Spirit, this assu/ ance may in due time be revived, 3 and by th which, in the mean time, they are supported from utter despair/ CHAPTER XIX. THE LAW OF GOD God gave Adam a law, as a covenant of works ; by which he bound him and all his posterity to personal, entire, exact, and perpetual obedience ; promised life upon the fulfilling, and threatened death upon the breach of it; and endued him with power and ability to keep it." 1 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. — Luke xxii. 82 : Bat I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not. — Job xiii. 15: Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him; but I will maintain mine own ways before him. — Ps. lxxiii. 15, and li. 8, 12, with Isa. 1. 10. 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, mine enemy ; when I fall, I shall arise ; when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me. I will bear the indignation 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 right- eousness. — Isa. liv. 7, 8. 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 aui evil, thou shalt not 100 CONFESSION OF FAITH. 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 com- mandments; and written in two tables; 6 the first- four commandments containing our duty towards God, and the other six our duty to man. c ■iat of it; for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou lihalt surely die. — Rom. ii. 14, 15: For when the Gen- *iles, 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 shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else eivusing one another. — Rom. x. 5: For Moses describt v .h the righteousness which is of the law, That the man ivhich 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 manv be made righteous. — See also Gal. iii. 10, 12; Eccles* vii. 29; Job xxviii. 28. II. h James i. 25 : But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth (herein, he being not a foigetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. — James ii. 8, 10-12: If ye fulfil the royal law according to the Scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, ye do well. For whoso- ever 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. So speak ye, and so do, as they th?c shall be judged by the law of liberty. — Rom. iii. 19: Now we know that what things soever the law Baith, it saitlt to them who are under the law. • Matt. xrii. 37-40: Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt CONFESSION OF FAITH. 101 III. Besides this law, commonly called the moral, God was pleased to give the people of Israel, as a Church under age, ceremonial laws, containing several typical ordinances, partly of worship, prefiguring Christ, his graces, actions, sufferings, and benefits ) d partly holding forth divers instructions of moral duties.' All which ceremonial laws are now abrogated under tho New Testament/ 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. —Ex. xx. 3-18. 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 of- fered year by year continually, make the comers there- unto perfect. — Gal. iv. 1-3: Now I say, that the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a ser- vant, though he be lord of all ; but is under tutors and governors until the time appointed by the father. Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world. — Col. ii. 17: Which are a shadow of things to come ; but the body is of Christ. — Heb. ix. 6 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 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 102 CONFESSION OF FAITH. 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 there- of may required Y. The moral law doth for ever bind all, as well justified persons as others, to the obedience thereof;* and that not only in regard of the mat- us, and took it out of the "way, nailing it to his cross. Let no man therefore judge you in meat or in drink, . . . 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 con- tained 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, hav- ing slain the enmity thereby. IV. 9 See Ex. xxi., and xxii. 1-29. — Gen. xlix. 10: The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a law- giver 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. — 1 Cor. ix. 8-10. V. * Rom. xiii. 8, 9 : See letter *.— 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 com- mandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. — Rom. iii. 31 ; and vi. 15: Do we then make void the law through faith ? God forbid: yea, we establish the law. What then? shall we sin because we are not under the law, but under grace ? God forbid. CONFESSION OF FAITH. 103 ter contained in it, but also in respect of the au- thority of God the Creator who gave it.* 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 j 1 yet is it of great use to them as well as to others ; in that as a rule of life, in- forming them of the will of God and their duty, it directs and binds them to walk accordingly ; m discovering also the sinful pollutions of their na- * James ii. 10, 11. — See letter b . * 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 commandments, 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 king- dom of heaven. — James ii. 8; Rom. iii. 31. VI. l 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 condemna- tion unto them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. — See also Gal. iv. 4, 5 ; Acts xiii. 39. m Rom. vii. 12, 22, 25 : Wherefore the law is holy ; and the commandment 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. — Ps. cxix. 5 : that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes! — 1 Cor. vii. 19: Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God. — Gal. v. 14, 18-23. 104 CONFESSION OF FAITH. ture, hearts, and lives ; n so as, examining them- selves thereby, they may come to further convic- tion of, humiliation for, and hatred against sin f together with a clearer sight of the need they have of Christ, and the perfection of his obe- dience* It is likewise of use to the regenerate, to restrain their corruptions ; in that it forbids sin; 8 and the threatenings of it serve to show what even their sins deserve, and what afflictions in this life they may expect for them, although freed n 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. 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. 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. 9 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 trans- gressor of the law. — Ps. cxix. 128 : Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all tilings to be right ; and I hate every false way. CONFESSION OF FAITH. 105 from the curse thereof threatened in the law/ The promises of it, in like manner, show there God's approbation of obedience, and what bless- ings they may expect upon the performance thereof;* although not as due to them by the law as a covenant of works f so as a man's doing good, and refraining from evil, because the law encourageth to the one and deterreth from the other, is no evidence of his being under the law, and not under grace." 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 punished us less than our ini- quities deserve, and hast given us such deliverance as this ; should we again break thy commandments, and join in affinity with the people of these abominations ? Wouldest not thou be angi-y with us till thou hadst con- sumed us, so that there should be no remnant nor es- caping? — Ps. lxxxix. 30-34. * Ps. xxxvii. 11 : But the meek shall inherit the earth ; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. — Ps. xix. 11: Moreover, by them is thy servant warned ; and in keeping of them there is great reward. —Lev. xxvi. 1-14; 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. * Rom. vi. 12, 14 : Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that you 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. — Ileb xii. 28, 29 : Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace whereby we may 106 CONFESSION OF FAITH. VII. Neither are trie aforementioned uses of the law contrary to the grace of the gospel, but do sweetly comply with it ; M 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.* CHAPTER XX. CHRISTIAN LIBERTY, AND LIBERTY OF CON- SCIENCE. The liberty which Christ hath purchased for believers undo* the gospel, consists in their free- dom from the guilt of sin, the condemning wrath of God ; the curse of the moral law;* and in their serve God acceptably, with reverence and godly fear, For our God is a consuming fire. — 1 Pet. iii. 8-12 ; Ps. xxxiv. 12-16. VII. w Gal. iii. 21 : Is the law then against the pro- mises 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. — Tit. ii. 11-14. z 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. — Jer. xxxi. 33. I. « Titus ii. 14 : Who gave himself for us, that ha CONFESSION OF FAITH. 107 being delivered from this present evil world, bondage to Satan, and the dominion of sin, 6 from the evil of afflictions, the sting of death, the vic- tory of the grave, and everlasting damnation ; c as also their free access to God, d and their yielding obedience unto him, not out of slavish fear,* but might redeem us from all iniquity ; and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. — Gal. iii. 13 : Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us; for it is written, Cursed, etc. 6 Gal. i. 4 : Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, accord- ing 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. — Horn, vi. 14: For sin shall not have dominion over you; for ye are not under the law, but under grace. c Ps. cxix. 71: It is good for me that I have been afflicted ; that I might learn thy statutes. — 1 Cor. xv. 54-57 : So, when this corruptible shall have put on in- corruption, and this mortal shall have put on immor- tality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. death, where is thy sting? 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. — Rom. viii. 1. d Rom. v. 2 : By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand. « 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. — 1 John iv. 18: There is no fear in 108 CONFESSION or FAITH. a childlike love and a willing mind. All of which were common also to believers under the law/ but under the New Testament, the liberty of Christians is further enlarged in their freedom from the yoke of the ceremonial law, to which the Jewish Church was subjected/ and in greater boldness of access to the throne of grace,* and in fuller communications of the free Spirit of God, than believers under the law did ordinarily par- take of.* love; but perfect love casteth out fear; because fear bath tormeut. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. /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. tfGal. v. 1: Stand fast, therefore, in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not en- tangled 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? — Gal. iv. 1-3, ti. 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 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, 20: Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and livincr vray which he hath consecrated for us, through the vail, that is to say, his fle;-h. * John vii. 38, 39: He that believeth on me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living waters. (But this spake he of the Spirit, CONFESSION OF FAITH. 109 II. God alone is Lord of the conscience,* and hath left it free from the doctrines and command- ments of men, which are in any thing contrary to his word, or beside it, in matters of faith and worship. 1 So that to believe such doctrines, or to obey such commandments out of conscience, ia to betray true liberty of conscience ; m and the re- quiring of an implicit faith, and absolute and ■which they that believe on him should receive ; for the Holy Ghost was not yet given, because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) — 2 Cor. iii. 13, 17. 18. II. * Rom. xiv. 4: Who art thou that judgest another man's servant ? to his own master he standeth or fall- eth: yea, he shall be holden up; for God is able to make him stand. 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 apostles an- swered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men ._l Cor. vii. 23 ; Matt, xxiii. 8-10 ; 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 are all to perish with the using,) after the command- ments and doctrines of men? Which things have in- deed a shew of wisdom in will-worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honor to the satisfying of the flesh. — Gal. i. 10: For do I now per- suade 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 : 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. — See Gal. v. 1. 110 CONFESSION OF FAITH. blind obedience, is to destroy liberty of conscience and reason also. n 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 delivered 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. IV. And because the powers which God hath ordained, and the liberty which Christ hath pur- chased, are not intended by God to destroy, but mutually to uphold and preserve one another they who, upon pretence of Christian liberty shall oppose any lawful power, or the lawful ex ercise of it, whether it be civil or ecclesiastical n 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 re- ceived 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. — See also Hosea v. 11, with Rev. xiii. 12, 1G, 17. III. ° 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 mali- ciousness, but as the servants of God. — Luke i. 74. 75: That he would grant unto us that we, being delivered out of the hand of our enemies, might serve him with- out fear, in holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.— 2 Pet. ii. 19; John vii. 34. CONFESSION OF FAITH. Ill resist the ordinance of God.* And for their pub- lishing of such opinions, or maintaining of such practices, as are contrary to the light of nature, or to the known principles of Christianity, whether concerning faith, worship, or conversation ; or the power of godliness ; or such erroneous opin- ions or practices as either, in their own nature, or in the manner of publishing or maintaining them, are destructive to the external peace and order which Christ hath established in the Church ) q they may lawfully be called to account, IV. p1 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 evid-doers, and for the praise of them that do well. As free, and not using your liberty for a cloak of malicious- ness, but as the servants of God. — Heb. xiii. 17 : Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit your- selves ; 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 also Rom. xiii. 1-8. « Roni. i. 32: Who, knowing 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. — 1 Cor. v. 1, 5, 11, 13: It is re- ported 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. 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. 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. But them that are without, God judgeth. There- fore put away from amcr.g yourselves that Avick°d person. 112 CONFESSION OF FAITH. and proceeded against by the censures of the Church/ CHAPTER XXI. RELIGIOUS WOK SHIP AND THE SABBATH-DA Y. The light of nature showeth that there is a God. who hath lordship and sovereignty over all ; is good, and doeth good unto all.* But the ac- ceptable way of worshipping the true God is in- stituted by himself, and so limited by his own re- vealed will, that he may not be worshipped accord- ing to the imaginations and devices of men, or the suggestions of Satan, under any visible rep- resentation, or any other way not prescribed in the Holy Scriptures. 6 r 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 an heretic, after the first and second ad- monition, reject. I. a Rom. i. 20 : For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being under- stood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse. — Ps. cxix. 68: Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes. — Jer. x. 7 : Who would not fear thee, King of nations? for to thee doth it appertain: for- asmuch as among all the wise men of the nations, and in all their kingdoms, there is none like unto thee. — Ps. xxxi. 23: love the Lord, all ye his saints; for the Lord preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer. — Ps. xviii. 3; Rom. x. 12; Ps. lxii. 8; Josh. xxiv. 14; Mark xii. 33. 6 Deut. xii. 32: What tinners soever T command you, CONFESSION OF FAITH. 113 II. Religious worship is to be given to God, the Father, Son, and Holy Grhost; and to him alone ; c not to angels, saints, or any other crea- ture f and since the fall not without a mediator ; nor in the mediation of any other but of Christ alone." observe to do it : thou shalfc not add thereto, nor di- minish from it. — Matt. xv. 9 : But in vain they do wor- ship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. — Matt. iv. 9, 10 : And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and wor • ship 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. — See also Deut. xv. 1-20 ; Exod. xx. 4-6. II. c John v. 23 : That all men should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He that honoreth not the Son, honoreth not the Father which hath sent him. — 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. — Matt. iv. 10 ; Rev. v. 11-13. d Col. ii. 18 : Let no man beguile you of your reward, in a voluntary humility, and worshipping of angels. — Rev. xix. 10 : And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not ; I am thy fellow-servant, and of thy brethren that have the testi- mony of Jesus: "worship God. — Rom. i. 25: Who changed the truth of God into a lfe, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. « John xiv. 6 : Jesus saith unto him, 1 am the way, and 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 between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. — Eph. ii. 18: For through him we both hare access by one Spirit unto the Father. 114 CONFESSION OF FAITH. III. Prayer with thanksgiving, being one spe- cial part of religious worship/ is by God required of all men -, 9 and, that it may be accepted, it is to be made in the name of the Son,* by the help of his Spirit/ according to his will,* with under- standing, reverence, humility, fervency, faith, love aod perseverance/ and if vocal, in a known tongue.** III. /Phil. iv. 6: Be careful for nothing; but in every thing, by prayer and supplication, with thanks- giving, let your requests be made known unto God. *Ps. lxv. 2: thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come. * John xiv. 13, 14: And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glori- fied in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. * 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 itself makcth intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. *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 heaieih us. 1 Pa. xlvii. 7: For God is the king of all the earth: sinix ye praisey 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 also James i. 6, 7 ; Mark xi. 24 ; Matt. vi. 12, 14, 15 ; CoL iv. 2. •» 1 Cor. xiv. 14 : For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. CONFESSION OF FAITH. 115 IV. Prayer is to be made for things lawful," and for all sorts of men living ;° but not for the dead,* nor for those of whom it may be known that they have sinned the sin unto death.' V. The reading of the Scriptures with godly fear; r the sound preaching* and conscionable IV. n 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. 1 Tim. ii. 1,2:1 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. 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 gra- cious 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 ; Rev. xiv. 13. «1 John v. 16: If a 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 syna- gogues every Sabbath nay. — Rev. i. 3 : Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this pro- phecy, and keep those things which are written therein; for the time is at hand. • 2 Tim. iv. 2 : Preach the word ; be instant in sea- son, out of season ; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine. 116 CONFESSION OF IAITH. hearing of the word, in obedience unto God, with understanding, faith, and reverence;' singing of psalms with grace in the heart ;* as also the due administration and worthy receiving of the sacra- ments instituted by Christ; are all parts of the ordinary religious worship of God ; w besides reli- gious oaths* and vows/ solemn fastings,* and * 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 commanded 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. — Matt. xiii. 19; Isa. lxvi. 2. c Col. iii. 16: Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom ; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. — Eph. v. 19 ; James v. 13. "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. —1 Cor. xi. 23-29. *Deut. vi. 13: Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God, and serve him, and shall swear by his name. * 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 which thou hast vowed. Better is it thou shouldcst not vow, than that thou shouldest vow, and not pay. — Acts xviii. 18. 'Joel ii. 12: Therefore also now, saith the Lord, turn ye even to me, with all your heart, and with fast- CONFESSION OF FAITH. 117 thanksgiving upon special occasions;" which arc, in their several times and seasons, to be used in a holy and religious manner. 6 VI. Neither prayer nor any other part of re- ligious worship is now, under the gospel, either tied unto or made more acceptable by any placp in which it is performed, or towards which it is directed ; e but God is to be worshipped every- where d in spirit and in truth ; e as in private fam- ing, and with weeping, and with mourning. — Matt. ix. 15 : Can the children of the bride-chamber 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. — 1 Cor. vii. 5: Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that, ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer, and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency. a Ps. cvii. throughout. 6 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 John iv. 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. 4 Mai. i. 11 : From the rising of the sun, even unto the going down of the same, my name shall be great among the Gentiles ; and in every place incense shall be 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 everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. •John iv. 23, 24: But the hour cometh, and now is, 118 CONFESSION OF FAITH. ilies / daily," and in secret each one by himself,* so more solemnly in the public assemblies, which are not carelessly or wilfully to be neglected or forsaken, when God, by his word or providence, calleth thereunto.* when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth; for the Father seeketh such to wor- ship 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 contin- ually. — 2 Sam. vi. 18, 20: And as soon as David had made an end of offering burnt-offerings and peace- offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the Lord of hosts. Then David returned to bless his house- hold. 9 Matt. vi. 11 : Give us this day our daily bread. — Josh. xxiv. 15. * 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. — Eph. vi. 18. Isa. lvi. 7 : Mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people. — Heb. x. 25 : 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. — Prov. viii. 34: — Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily Ht 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. CONFESSION OF FAITH. 119 VII. As it is of the law of nature that, in general, a due proportion of time be set apart for the worship of Grod ; so, in his word, by positive moral and perpetual commandment, binding all men in all ages, he hath particularly appointed one day in seven for a Sabbath, to be kept holy unto him; /c which, from the beginning of the 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,"* and is to be continued to the end of the world, as the Christian Sabbath." VII. * See the Fourth Commandment in Exodus xx. 8-11. — Isa. lvi. 2, 4: Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it ; that keepeth the Sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil. For thus saith the Lord unto the eunuchs that keep my Sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant. — Isa. lvi. 6. 1 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. 1, 2 : Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders 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. — A*4$ 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 Epeech until midnight. 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. »Exod. xx. 8, 10: (See letter *.)— Matt. v. 17, 18; 120 CONFESSION OP FAITH. VIII. This Sabbath is then kept holy unto the Lord, when men ; after a due preparing of their hearts, and ordering of their common affairs be- forehand, do not only observe a holy rest all the day from their own works, words, and thoughts about their worldly employments and recreations,* but also are taken up the whole time in the pub- lic and private exercises of his worship, and in the duties of necessity and mercy * Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the pro- phets : I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 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. VIII. • Exod. 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 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. See, for that the Lord hath given you the Sabbath, therefore he giveth 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 sev- enth day. — Exod. 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 throughout their generations, for a per- petual covenant. Isa. lviii. 13; Neh. xiii. 15-19, 21, 22. flea. IviH. 13: If thou turn away thy foot from the CONFESSION OF FAITH. 121 CHAPTER XXII. LAWFUL OATHS AND VOWS. A lawful oath is a part of religious worship, - wherein, upon just occasions, the person swear- ing solemnly calleth God to witness what he as- serteth or promiseth ; and to judge him accord- ing to the truth or falsehood of what he swear- eth. 6 II. The name of Grod only is that by which men ought to swear, and therein it is to be used with all holy fear and reverence ; c therefore to swear vainly or rashly by that glorious and dread- Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day ; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honor- able ; and shalt honor him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words. — Matt. xii. 1-13. I. « Deut. x. 20 : Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God, him shalt thou serve, and to him shalt thou cleave, and swear by his name. 6 Exod. 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 Lord. — 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.— See also 2 Chron. vi. 22, 23. II. c Deut. vi. 13: Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name. 122 CONFESSION OF FAITH. fill name, or to swear at all by any other thing, is sinful, and to be abhorred.* Yet, as in mat- ters of weight and moment an oath is warranted by the word of God, under the New Testament, as well as under the Old,' so a lawful oath, being imposed by lawful 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 truths Neither may a man bind himself by oath to any thing but what d Jer. v. 7 : How shall I pardon thee for this ? Thy children have forsaken me, and sworn by them that are no gods : when I had fed them to the full, they then committed adultery, and assembled themselves by troops in harlots' houses. — 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 the Second Commandment in Exod. xx. 7. « 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. / 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. 9 Jer. iv. 2 : And thou shalt swear, The Lord liveth, in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness; and the nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory. — See also Exod. xx. 7. CONFESSION OF FAITH. 125 is good and just, and what he believeth so to be, and what he is able and resolved to perform.* Yet it is a sin to refuse an oath touching any thing that is good and just, being imposed by lawful authority.* IV. An oath is to be taken in the plain and common sense of the words, without equivoca- tion or mental reservation.* It cannot oblige to ein ; but in any thing not sinful, being taken, it binds to performance, although to a man's own * 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. »' Num. v. 19, 21: And the priest shall charge her by an oath, and say unto the woman, If no men have lain with thee, and if thou hast not gone aside to un- cleanness with another instead of thy husband, be thou free from this bitter water that causeth the curse. Then the priest shall charge the woman with an oath of cursing ; and the priest shall say unto the woman, The Lord make thee a curse and an oath among thy people, when the Lord doth make thy thigh to rot and thy belly to swell. — Neh. v. 12 : Then I called the priests and took an oath of them, that they should do according to this promise. IV. * Ps. xxiv. 4 : He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart ; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. — Jer iv 2. — See let- ter*. 124 CONFESSION OF FAITH. hurt ; l nor is it to be violated, although made to heretics or infidels."* V. A vow is of the like nature with a pro- missory oath, and ought to be made with the like religious care, and to be performed with the like faithfulness. n VI. It is not to be made to any creature, but to God alone; and that it may be accepted, it 1 Ps. xv. 4 : In whose eyes a vile person is con- temned ; but he honoreth them that fear the Lord. lie that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not. — 1 Sam. xxv. 22, 32-34. TO 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 cove- nant he brake, even with him in the midst of Babylon he shall die. Seeing he despised the oath, by break- ing the covenant, when, lo, he had given his hand, and hath done all these things, he shall not escape. Josh. ix. 18, 19; 2 Sam. xxi. 1, 2. V. n 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. — Eccles. v. 4, 5: When thou vo\ve3