Division Section 1^4 /1^ THE v^^y SEP 26 192' ^SICAL CONSTITUTION / OF THE Presbyterian Church IN THE • UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: BlilNG ITS STANDARDS SUBORDINATE TO THE WORD OF GOD, VIZ. THE CONFESSION OF FAITH, THE LARGER AND SHORTER CATECHISMS, THE FORM OF GOVERNMENT, THE BOOK OF DISCIPLINE, AND THE DIREC- TORY FOR THE WORSHIP OF GOD AS RATIFIED AND ADOPTED BY THE SYNOD OF NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD 1788 AND AS AMENDED IN THE YEARS 1805-1920 TOGETHER WITH THE CONSTITUTIONAL RULES ADOPTED IN 1893-1912 AND ADMINISTRATIVE ACTS OF THE ASSEM- BLY OF A GENERAL NATURE PHILADELPHIA PRESBYTERIAN BOARD OF PUBLICATION AND SABBATH SCHOOL M'ORK 1920 COPYRIGHT: i»^a, BY THE TRUSTEES OF THE PRKSBYTERIAN BOARD OF PUBLICATION AND SABBATH-SCHOOL WORK. REVISED EDITION, COPYRIGHT, 1896, 1897, 1899, 1902. REVISED JULY, 1917; JULY, 191S; AUGUST, 1920. ACTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY. May 29, 1839. Resolved, That the permission heretofore granted by the Afisembly to publish the Confession of Faith in contravention of the copyright, be, and the same is hereby revoked. Resolved, That the Presbyterian Board of Publication 18 hereby directed to take the charge, oversight, and agency of printing and selling the authorized copy of the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America. Resolved, That the standing committees to supervise the pub- lication of the Constitution, within the bounds of the several Synods, be, and the same are, hereby abolished. May 31, 1886. Resolved, That the Stated and Permanent Clerks be a commit- tee to supervise the publication of any and all editions of the Constitution hereafter issued by the Board of Publication, and also of the Rules for Judicatories. May 22, 1891. Resolved, That no change of the text of any of the several Standards of Doctrine, Government, Discipline, and Worship, included in the Constitution, shall hereafter be made except after report to the General Assembly, and due constitutional procedure. ATTESTATION. The Clerks of the General Assembly, as the Permanent Committee appointed to supervise all editions of the Consti- tution, having carefully examined this edition, herewith state that the text has been carefully compared with those of the editions of 1789, 1797, 1815, 1821, 1885, and 1888, the edition of 1789 being regarded as the Princeps, and also with the texts of the Amendments as they appear in the Minutes of the General Assembly. In their judgment, this edition con- tains what may be regarded as the authoritative text of the Constitutional Standards of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America. The Proof Texts are those ap- proved by the Assembly of 1894, and have been carefully edited. The Index has been greatly enlarged, and it is believed will prove a decided help in consulting the work. Wm. H. Roberts, Edward L. Warren, Alexander Henry. 3 HISTORICAL SUMMARY. The Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms were adopted, in ,1729, by the GeneraL.S.yB.o.d of the undivided PresbyterianCliurch, as the "confession of their faith," excepting certain clauses relating to the civil magis- trate. In ITSS^the General Synod amended the Confession of Faith in Chapters xx., xxiii., and xxxi., made "a small amendment" of the Larger Catechism, and adopted the amended Confession of Faith and the Catechisms, the Form of Government, the Book of Discipline, and the Directory for Worship, "as the standard of our doctrine, government, discipline, and worship." Amendments of the Confession of Faith, since 1788, have been as follows: In 1886-87, by striking out from Chapter xxiv.. Section 4, tEe^ clause forbidding marriage with a deceased wife's sister. In 1902-03, by adding Chapters xxxiv. and xxxv., and the Declaratory Statement as to Chapter iii. and Chapter x.. Section 3; also by the alteration of Chapter xvi., Section 7, Chapter xxii., Section 3, and Chapter xxv., Section 6. The Book of Discipline was entirely reconstructed in 1884; and amendments and additions were made, 1894-1920. The Form of Government and the Directory foTWorskip have been amended and added to in various Sections between the years 1805 and 1918. The first Committee to "select and arrange the Proof Texts" was appointed by the General Assembly in 1792, and the proof texts were published in the edition of the Constitution issued in 1797. In 1888, a second Committee was appointed to revise the "Proof Texts," and to furnisli proof texts for the Shorter Catechism. The work was approved by the General Assembly of 1894. The Standards were also adopted as the basis of Reunion, as follows: in 1758 by the Synods of New York and Phila- delphia ; in 1869 by the " Old School " and the " New School " Churches ; and in 1906 by the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and the Presbyterian Church in the U. S. A. OOI^TEE'TS. PAGE I CONFESSION OF FAITH 9 L Of the Holy Scripture 9 III. Of God, and of the Holy Trinity 16 m. Of God's Eternal Decree 20 rV, Of Creation 26 V. Of Providence 28 VI. Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment thereof 34 ^UI. Of God's Covenant with Man 38 VIII. Of Christ the Mediator 43 \tX. Of Free Will . 51 X. Of Effectual Calling 54 KI. Of Justification 59 XII. Of Adoption 63 35III. Of Sanctification 65 xiV. Of Saving Faith 67 XV. Of Eepentance unto Life 70 XVI. Of Good Works 73 XVII. Of the Perseverance of the Saints 79 XVIII. Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation .... 82 XIX. Of the Law of God 86 XX. Of Christian Liberty, and Liberty of Conscience . 92 XXI. Of Eeligious Worship and the Sabbath Day ... 97 XXII. Of Lawful Oaths and Vows 104 XXIII. Of the Civil Magistrate 107 XXIV. Of Marriage and Divorce Ill XXV. Of the Church 114 XXVI. Of the Communion of Saints 117 :^VII. Of the Sacraments 119 XXVIII. Of Baptism 121 5 6 CONTENTS. PA OK XXIX. Of the Lord's Supper 125 XXX. Of Church Censures 129 XXXI. Of Synods and Councils 131 XXXII. Of the State of Man after Death, and of the Eesurrection of the Dead 133 XXXIII. Of the Last Judgment 135 XXXIV. Of the Holy Spirit 138 XXXV. Of the Love of God and Missions 139 Declaratory Statement 140 II. THE LARGER CATECHISM I4i III. THE SHORTER CATECHISM 311 The Ten Commandments 34« The Lord's Prayer 349 The Creed 350 IV. THE FORM OF GOVERNMENT 351 I. Preliminary Principles 351 IL Of the Church 354 III. Of the Officers of the Church . 355 IV. Of Bishops or Pastors 356 V. Of Ruling Elders 3.57 VI. Of Deacons 358 VII. Of Ordinances in a Particular Church 358 VIII. Of Church Government, and of Judicatories .... 360 IX Of the Church Session 361 X. Of the Presbytery 364 XI. Of the Synod 367 XII. Of the General Assembly 369 XIII. Of Electing and Ordaining Ruling Elders and Dea- cons 372 XIV. Of Licensing Candidates to Preach the Gospel . . - 374 XV. Of the Election and Ordination of Bishops or Pas- tors, and Evangelists 378 XVI. Of Translation, or Removing a Minister from One Charge to Another 384 XVII. Of Resigning a Pastoral Charge 387 XVIII. Of Missions . x 388 CONTENTS. 7 PAGE XIX. Of Moderators 389 XX. Of Clerks 390 XXI. Of Vacant Congregations 390 XXII. Of Commissioners to the General Assembly . . . 392 XXIII. Of the Organizations of the Church 393 XXIV. Of Amendments 394 XXV. Of the Board of Deacons 396 XXVI. Of Executive Commissions 396 V. THE BOOK OF DISCIPLINE 405 I. Of Discipline : its Nature, Ends, and Subjects . . 405 II. Ofthe Parties in Cases of Process 406 III. Of Charges and Specifications 408 IV. Of Process: General Ptules Pertaining to All Cases 408 V. Special Rules Pertaining to Cases before Sessions 412 VI. General Rules Pertaining to the Trial of a Minister, Elder, or Deacon 413 VII. Of Cases without Process 415 VIII. Of Evidence 418 IX. Of the Ways in which a Cause may be Carried from a Lower to a Higher Judicatory 420 I. Of General Review and Control 421 II. Of References 422 HI. Of Complaints 423 IV. Of Appeals 425 X. Of Dissents and Protests 427 XI. Of Jurisdiction in Cases of Dismission 429 XII. Of Removals, and Limitations of Time 430 XIII. Concerning Judicial Cases 431 I. Concerning Judicial Cases in Presbyteries and Synods 431 II. Concerning Judicial CasesintheGeneral Assembly 432 III. Concerning Non- Judicial or Administrative Cases and References 434 XIV. Of Differences between Judicatories 435 VI. THE DIRECTORY FOR THE WORSHIP OF GOD . 439 I. Ofthe Santification of the Lord's Day 439 II. Of the Assembling of the Congregation and their Behavior During Divine Service 440 1 CONTENTS PAGE III. OfthePublicReadingof the Holy Scriptures. . . 441 IV. Of the Singing of Psalms 441 V. Of Public Prayer 442 VI. Of the Worship of God by Offerings 444 VII. Of the Preaching of the Word 445 VIII. Of the Administration of Baptism 446 IX. Of the Administration of the Lord's Supper . . . . 449 X. Of the Admission to Full Communion of Persons Bap- tized in Infancy 452 XI. Of the Mode of Inflicting and Removing Censures . 453 XII. Of the Solemnization of Marriage 456 XIII. Of the Visitation of the Sick 459 XIV. Of the Burial of the Dead 460 XV. Of Fasting, and of the Observation of the Days of Thanksgiving 461 XVI. The Directory for Secret and Family Worship . . 462 VII. CONSTITUTIONAL RULES 465 1. Local Evangelists 465 2. Trials for Licensure 466 3. Candidates for the Ministry 466 4. Committee on Vacancy and Supply 467 VIII. APPENDIX 473 A. Acts of the General Assembly 473 I. Adjustments Connected with Reunion 473 II. Amendments to the Constitution 475 III. Assembly Funds 476 IV. Theological Seminaries 479 V. Foreign Ministers 481 VI. Ministers of Other Denominations in the U. S. A. . 486 VII. Presbyteries and Synods 488 VIII. Sessions and Churches 490 IX. Boards of the Church 494 X. The Reunion of 1906 495 B. General Rules for Judicatories 497 IX. INDEX 505 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. Adopted, 1729 ; Amended, 1788-1903. CHAPTER I. OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURE. I. Although the light of nature, and the works of creation and providence, do so far manifest the goodness, wisdom, and power of God, as to leave men inexcusable ; « yet they are not sufficient to give that knowledge of God and of his will, which is necessary unto salvation ; & there- fore it pleased the Lord, at sundry times, and in divers I. « Psa. xix. 1-4. The heavens declare the glory of God ; and the firmament showeth his handy-work. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night showeth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. Their line is gone out. through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun. Rom. i. 32. Who, know- ing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. Rom. ii. 1. Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man. whosoever thou art that judgest : for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. Rom. i. 19, 20. Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead ; so that they are without excuse. See Rom. ii. 14, 15. >1 Cor. i. 21. For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wis- dom knew cot 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, he- cause they are spiritually discerned. 0 10 CONFESSION OF FAITH. [chap, l manners, to reveal himself, and to declare that his will unto his Church ; c and afterwards, for the better preserv- ing and propagating of the truth, and for the more sure es- tablishment and comfort of the Church against the corrup- tion of the flesh, and the malice of Satan and of the world, to commit the same wholly unto writing : d which maketh the Holy Scripture to be most necessary ; « those former ways of God's revealing his will unto his people being now ceased./ II. Under the name of Holy Scripture, or the Word of God written, are now contained all the books of the Old and New Testament, which are these : OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. Genesis. Deuteronomy. I. SamueL Exodus. Joshua. II. Samuel. Leviticus. Judges. I. Kings. Numbers. Ruth. II. Kings. «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. ''Luke V 3, 4. It seemed good to me also, having had perfect under- standing of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed. Rom. xv. 4. For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. Matt. iv. 4. 7, 10. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.— Jesus said unto him, It is written again. Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.— Then saith Jesus unto him. Get thee hence, Satan : for it is written. Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Isa. viii. 20. To the law and to the testimony : if they speak not according to his word, it is because there is no light in them. «2Tim. iii. J5. And that from a child thou hast known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 2 Pet. i. 19. We have also a more sure word of prophecy ; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the daystar arise in your hearts. /Heb. i. 1, 2. God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds. SECT, m.] CONFESSION OF FAITH. 11 I. Chronicles. The Song of Songs. Obadiah. II. Chronicles. Isaiah. Jonah. Ezra. Jeremiah. Micah. Nehemiah. Lamentations. Nahum. Esther. Ezekiel. Habakkuk. Job. Daniel Zephaniah. Psalms. Hosea. Haggai. Proverbs. Joel. Zechariah. Ecclesiastes. Amos. Malachi. OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. The Gospels accord- Corinthians, II. The Epistle to the ing to Galatians. Hebrews. Matthew. Ephesians. The Epistle of James. Mark. Philippians. The first and second Luke. Colossians. Epistles of Peter. John. Thessalonians, I. The first, second and The Acts of the Thessalonians, II. third Epistles of Apostles. To Timothy, I. John. Paul's Epistles to the To Timothy, II. The Epistle of Jude. Romans. To Titus. The Revelation. Corinthians, I. To Philemon. All which are given by inspiration of God, to be the rule of faith and life. 9 III. The books commonly called Apocrypha, not being of divine inspiration, are no part of the canon of the Scripture ; and therefore are of no authority in the Church of God, nor to be any otherwise approved, or made use of, than other human writings.^ II. ff Eph. ii. 20. And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone. Rev. xxii. 18, 19. For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book. If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book. And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. 2 Tim. iii. 16. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for in- struction in righteousness. Matt. xi. 27. Neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him. III. * Luke xxiv. 27, 44. And beginning at Moses and all the proph- ets, he expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things con- cerning himself.— And he said unto them, These are the words which 12 CONFESSION OF FAITH, [chap. i. IV. The authority of the Holy Scripture, for which it ought to be believed and obeyed, dependeth not upon the testimony of any man or church, but wholly upon God, (who is truth itself,) the author thereof; and therefore it is to be received, because it is the Word of God.* V. We may be moved and induced by the testimony of the Church to an high and reverent esteem of the Holj Scripture ; * and the heavenliness of the matter, the ef ficacy of the doctrine, the majesty of the style, the con- sent of all the parts, the scope of the whole, (which is to give all glory to God,) the full discovery it makes of thfc only way of man's salvation, the many other incompar- able excellencies, and the entire perfection thereof, are arguments whereby it doth abundantly evidence itself to be the Word of God ; yet, notwithstanding, our full per- suasion and assurance of the infallible truth, and divine authority thereof, is from the inward work of the Holy Spirit, bearing witness by and with the Word in our hearts. ^ 1 spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Rom. iii. 2. Much everyway, chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God. 2 Pet. i. 21. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man : but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. IV. *2 Tim. iii, 16. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. 1 John v. 9. If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater : for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. 1 Thess. ii. 13. For this cause also thank we God "Without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but, as it is in truth, the word of God, which eflfectually worketh also in you that believe. V. * 1 Tim. iii. 15. But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. 'IJohn ii. 20, 27. But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.— But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you : but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. John xvL 13, 14. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide SECT. VI.] CONFESSION OF FAITH. 13 VI. The whole counsel of God, concerning all things necessary for his own glory, man's salvation, faith, and life, is either expressly set down in Scripture, or by good and necessary consequence may be deduced from Script- ure: unto which nothing at any time is to be added, whether by new revelations of the Spirit or traditions of men. ™ Nevertheless we acknowledge the inward illu- mination of the Spirit of God to be necessary for the sav- ing understanding of such things as are revealed in the Word;^ and there are some circumstances concerning the worship of God and government of the Church, com- mon to human actions and societies, which are to be or- dered by the light of nature and Christian prudence. you into all truth : for he shall not speak of himself ; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak : and he will show you things to come. He shall glorify me : for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you. 1 Cor. ii. 10-12. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now vre have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God ; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. VI. »» 2 Tim. iii. 15-17. And that from a child thou hast known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by in- spiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correc- tion, for instruction in righteousness : That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. Gal. i. 8. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be ac- cursed. 2 Thess. ii. 2. That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as ihat the day of Christ is at hand. "John vi. 45. It is written in the prophets. And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me. 1 Cor. ii. 9, 10, 12. But as it is written. Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit : for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.— 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 fiod. 14 CONFESSION OF FAITH. [chap. i. according to the general rules of the Word, which are always to be observed. <> VII. All things in Scripture are not alike plain in themselves, nor alike clear unto all ; P yet those things which are necessary to be known, believed, and observed, for salvation, are so clearly propounded and opened in some place of Scripture or other, that not only the learned, but the unlearned, in a due use of the ordinary means, may attain unto a sufficient understanding of them. 9 VIII. The Old Testament in Hebrew, (which was the native language of the people of God of old,) and the New Testament in Greek, (which at the time of the writ- ing of it was most generally known to the nations,) being immediately inspired by God, and by his singular care and providence kept pure in all ages, are therefore authentical ; ^ so as in all controversies of religion the Church is finally to appeal unto them. » But because these original tongues are not known to all the people of God who have right unto and interest in the Script- o 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 hair, it is a shame unto him ? 1 Cor. xiv. 26, 40. How is it then, brethren ? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.— Let all things be done decently and in order. VII. p 2 Pet. iii. 16. As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things ; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other Scriptures, unto their own destruction. 9 Psa. cxix. 105, 130. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.— The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. See Acts xvii. 11. VIII. '■Matt. V. 18. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till ftil be fulfilled. ' Isa. viii. 20. To the law and to the testimony : if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. Acts XV. 15. And to this agree the words of the prophets. John v. 46. For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me : for he wrote of me. SECT. X.] CONFESSION OF FAITH. 15 ures, and are commanded, in the fear of God, to read and search them, < therefore they are to be translated into the vulgar language of every nation unto which they come, « that the Word of God dwelling plentifully in all, they may worship him in an acceptable manner, ''^ and, through 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 ques- tion about the true and full sense of any scripture, (which is not manifold, but one,) it may be searched and known by other places that speak more clearly, v X. The Supreme Judge, by whom all controversies of «2 Tim. iii. 14, 15. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast heen assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. Acts xvii. 11. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so. «*1 Cor. xiv. 6, 9, 11, 12, 24, 27, 28. Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine ?— So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken ? for ye shall speak into the air.— Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and be that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me. Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. — But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all.— If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it he by two, or at the most hy three, and thai by course ; and let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church ; and let him speak to himself, and to God. •» Col. iii. 16. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wis- dom ; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. * Rom. XV. 4. For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scripture might have hope. IX, V Acts XV. 15. And to this agree the words of the prophets ; as it is written. John v. 46. For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me : for he wrote of me. See 2 Pet. i. 20, 21. 16 CONFESSION OF FAITH. [chap. n. religion are to be determined, and all decrees of councils, opinions of ancient writers, doctrines of men, and private spirits, are to be examined, and in whose sentence we are to rest, can be no other but the Holy Spirit speaking in the Scripture. 2 CHAPTER 11. OF GOD, AND OF THE HOLY TRINITY. I. There is but one only « living and true God,* who is infinite in being and perfection,c a most pure spirit,'* invisible,^ without body, parts,/ or pas- X. ' Matt. xxii. 29, 31. Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God.— But as touch- ing the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which w^s spoken unto you by God? Acts xxviii. 25. And when they agree 1 not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers. Gal. i. 10. For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. See 1 John iv. 1-6. I. » Deut. vi. 4. Hear, O Israel : The Lord our God is one Lord. 1 Cor. viii. 4, 6. As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is noth- ing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.— But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him ; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. *1 Thess. i. 9. Ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God. Jer. x. 10. But the Lord is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting King. «Job xi. 7-9. Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection? It is as high as heaven; what canst thou do ? deeper than hell ; what canst thou know ? The measure thereof is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea. Job xxvi. 14. Lo, these are parts of his ways ; but how little a portion is heard of him ? but the thunder of his power who can understand ? ''John iv. 24. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. el Tim. i. 17. Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. / Deut. iv. 15, 16. Take ye therefore good heed unto yourselves ; for ye saw no manner of similitude on the day tfiat the Lord spake unto you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire ; Lest ye corrupt yourselves. and make you a graven image, the similitude of any figure, the like- SECT. I.] CONFESSION OF FAITH. 17 sionSjfl' immutable,^ immense,* eternal,* incomprehensible,^ almighty,^ most wise,^ most holy,*' most free,!' most abso- lute,? working all things according to the counsel of his own immutable and most righteous will,^ for his own glory ;» ness of male or female. Luke xxiv. 39. Behold my hands and my feet, that it Is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. See John iv. 24. s'Acts xiv. 11, 15. And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.— And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things ? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein. * James i. 17. The Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Mal.iii.6. For I am the Lord, I change not. »1 Kings viii. 27. But will God indeed dwell on the earth ? Behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee ; how much less this house that I have builded ? Jer. xxiii. 23, 24. Am I a God at hand, saith the Lord, and not a God afar off? Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him ? saith the Lord, Do not I fill heaven and earth ? saith the Lord. * Psa. xc. 2. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to ever- lasting, thou art God. 1 Tim. i. 17. Now unto the King eternal, im- mortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. * Psa. cxlv. 3. His greatness is unsearchable. "» Gen. xvii. 1. I am the Almighty God ; walk before me, and be thou perfect. See Rev. iv. 8. " Rom. xvi. 27, To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen. o Isa. vi. 3. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts : the whole earth is full of his glory. See Rev. iv. 8, pPsa. cxv, 3. But our God is in the heavens : he hath done what- soever he hath pleased. 9 Ex. iii, 14. And God said unto Moses, I am that i am : and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I am hath sent me unto you, ♦" Eph. i. 11, In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will. •Prov. xvi. 4. The Lord hath made all things for.himself : yea, even the wicked for the day of evil, Rom. xi. 36. For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things : to whom be glory for ever. Amen, Rev. iv. 11. Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power : for thou hast created all things. «nd for thy pleasure they are, and were created. 2 18 CONFESSION OF FAITH. [chap. n. most loving/ gracious, merciful, long-suffering, abundant in goodness and truth, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin ;" the rewarder of them that diligently seek him ;«' and withal most just and terrible in his judgments,^ hating all sin,^ and who will by no means clear the guilty .^ II. God hath all life,« glory ,^ goodness,^ blessedness,^ in and of himself ; and is alone in and unto himself all-sufficient, not standing in need of any creatures which he hath made,^ *1 John iv. 8. He that loveth not, knoweth not God ; for God is love. John iii. 16. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life. « Ex. xxxiv. 6, 7. And the Lord passed by before him, and pro- claimed. The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, long- suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth. Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and tha* will by no means clear the guilty. «> Heb. xi. 6. For lie that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. =»^Neh. ix. 32, 33. Now therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the terrible God, who keepest covenant and mercy, let not all the trouble seem little before thee, that hath come upon us, on out kings, on our princes, and on our priests, and on our prophets, and on our fathers, and on all thy people, since the time of the kings of Assyria unto this day. Howbeit thou art just in all that is brought upon us ; for thou hast done right, but we have done Avickedly. See Heb. x. 28-31. j'Psa. V. 5, 6. The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity. Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: the Lord will abhor the bloody and deceitful man. ^Nahum i. 2, 3. God is jealous, and the Lord revengeth ; the Lord revenge th, and is furious ; the Lord will take vengeance on his ad- versaries, and he reserveth wrath for his enemies. The Lord is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked. See Ex. xxxiv. 7. II. "John V. 26. For as the Father hath life in himself, so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself. 6 Acts vii. 2. And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he waa in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran. « Psa. cxix . 68. Thou art good , and doest good : teach me thy statutes. d 1 Tim. vi. 15. Which in his times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords. Rom. ix. 5. AVho is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen. « Acts xvii. 24, 25. God that made the world, and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples SECT. n.J CONFESSION OF FAITH. 19 nor deriving any glory from them,/ but only mani- festing his own glory in, by, unto, and upon them : he is the aione 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 ; * his knowledge is infinite, infallible, and independent upon the creature,* so as noth- ing is to him contingent or uncertain.^ He is most holy in all his counsels, in all his works, and in all his com- mands."* To him is due from angels and men, and every other creature, whatsoever worship, service, or obedience, he is pleased to require of them.^ made with hands ; Neither is worshiped with men's hands, as though he needed anything, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things. /Psa. 1. 12. If I were hungry, I would not tell thee : for the world is mine, and the fixllness thereof See Isa. xl. 12-17. ffRom- xi. 36. For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things : to whom be glory for ever. Amen. * Rev. iv. 11. Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory, and honor, and power : for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are, and were created. Dan. iv. 25, 35. The Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.— And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing : and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth : and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou? See 1 Tim. vi. 15. »Heb. iv. 13. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight : but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. *Rom. xi. 33, 34. O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out ! For who hath known the mind of the Lord ' or who hath been his counselor? Ps. cxlvii. 5. Great is our Lord and of great power : his understanding is infinite. 'Acts. XV. 18. Known unto God are all his works from the begin ning of the world. Prov. xv. 3. The eyes of the Lord are In every place, beholding the evil and the good. "« Psa. cxlv. 17. The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works. Rom. vii. 12. Wherefore the law is holy, and the com- mandment holy, and just, and good. "Rev. V. 12-14. Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing. And every creature which is in 20 CONFESSION OF FAITH. [chap. m. III. In the unity of the Godhead there be three persona of one substance, power, and eternity ; God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost.o The Father is of none, neither begotten nor proceeding ; the Son is eter- nally begotten of the Father ;P the Holy Ghost eternally proceeding from the Father and the Son.9 CHAPTER III.* OF GOD'S ETERNAL DECREE. I. God from all eternity did by the most wise and holy counsel of his own will, freely and unchangeably ordain whatsoever comes to pass:<^ yet so as thereby neither is heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshiped him that liveth for ever and ever. III. " Matt. iii. 16, 17. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water : and lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and light- ing upon him : And lo, a voice from heaven, saying. This is my be- loved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Matt, xxviii. 19. Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. 2 Cor. xiii. 14. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the com- munion of the Holy Ghost, he with you all. Amen. See Eph. ii. 18. p John i. 14, 18. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.— No man hath seen God at any time ; ihe only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath ieclared him. See Heb. i. 2-6 ; Col. i. 15-17. 7 John XV. 26. But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send Qnto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me. Gal. iv. 6. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. I. «Isa. xlv. 6, 7. I am the Lord, and there is none else. I form the light, and create darkness : I make peace, and create evil : I the Lord do all these thinp>^. Eph. i. 11. In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him * See Declaratory Statement, p. 138 b. SECT. II.] CONFESSION OF FAITH. 21 God the author of sin,^ nor is violence offered to the will of the creatures, nor is the liberty or contingency of second causes taken away, but rather established. <^ II. Although God knows whatsoever may or can come to pass upon all supposed conditions ; ^ yet hath he not who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will. Rom. xi. 33. O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of Grod! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out ! Heb. vi. 17. Wherein God, willing more abundantly to show unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath. * Psa. V. 4. For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wicked- ness : neither shall evil dwell with thee. Jas. i. 18, 14. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God : for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man : But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. I John i. 5. This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. «Matt. xvii. 12. But I say unto you. That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them. John xix. 11. Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above. Acts ii. 23. Him, being deliv- ered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain. Acts iv. 27, 28. For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together. For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done. Acts xxvii. 23, 24, 34. For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose 1 am, and whom I serve. Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Cseear: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.— Wherefore I pray you to take some meat ; for this is for your health : for there ahall not a hair fall from the head of any of you. n. •* Acts XV. 18. Known unto God are all his works from the be- ginning of the world. Prov. xvi. 33. The lot is cast into the lap ; but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. 1 Sam. xxiii. 11, 12. Will the men of Keilah deliver me up into his hand? will Saul come down, as thy servant hath heard ? O Lord God of Israel, I beseech thee, tell thy servant. And the Lord said. He will come down. Then said David, Will the men of Keilah deliver me and my men into the hand of Saul ? And the Lord said. They will deliver thee up. Matt, xi. 21, 23. Woe unto thee, Chorazin ! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.— And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell ; for if the mighty works which have been 22 CONFESSION OF FAITH. [chap. m. decreed any thing because he foresaw it as future, or as that which would come to pass upon such conditions. « III. By the decree of God, lor the manifestation of his glory, some men and angels/ are predestinated unto ever- lasting life, and others fore-ordained to everlasting death. ^ IV. These angels and men, thus predestinated and fore- ordained, are particularly and unchangeably designed; and their number is so certain and definite that it cannot be either increased or diminished. '^ done in thee had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. « Rom. ix. 11, 13, 15, 16, 18. (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God accord- ing to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth ;)— As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.— For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So then it is not of him. that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that showeth mercy.— Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth. III. /I Tim. V. 21. I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels. Mark viii. 38. When he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels. Jude 6. And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judg- ment of the great day. Matt. xxv. 31, 41. When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory.— Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand. Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels. s Prov. xvi. 4. The Lord hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil. Rom. ix. 22, 23. What if God willing to show his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuflfering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction : 4.nd that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels )f mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory? Eph.i. 5, 6. Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will. To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. TV. * John X. 14-16, 27, 28. I am the good shepherd, and know my shtip, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father : and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold : them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice : and there shall be one fold, and one shep- herd.—My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow SECT. VI.] CONFESSION OF FAITH. 23 V. Those of mankind that are predestinated unto life, God, before the foundation of the world was laid, accord- ing to his eternal and immutable purpose, and the secret counsel and good pleasure of his will, hath chosen in Christ, unto everlasting glory, * out of his mere free grace and love, without any foresight of faith or good works, or perseverance in either of them, or any other thing in the creature, as conditions, or causes moving him thereunto ; * and all to the praise of his glorious grace. ^ VI. As God hath appointed the elect unto glory, so hath he, by the eternal and most free purpose of his will, fore- me : And I give unto them eternal life ; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. John xiii. 18. I speak not of you all: I know whom I have' chosen: but that the Scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me. See John xvii. 2, 6, 9-12 ; 2 Tim. ii. 19. V. »Eph. i. 4, 9, 11. According as he hath chosen us in him, before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love ;— Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure, which he hath purposed in himself.— In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will. Rom. viii. 30. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called ; and whom he called, them he also justified ; and whom he justified, them he also glorified. 2 Tim. i. 9. Who hath saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began. 1 Thess. v. 9. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ. *Rom. ix. 11, 13, 15, 16. (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth ;)— As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.— For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that show- eth mercy. Eph. i. 9. Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself. Eph. ii. 8, 9. For by grace are ye saved through faith ; and that not of yourselves : it is the gift of God : Not of works, lest any man should boast. ' Eph. i. 6, 12. To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.— That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. 24 CONFESSION OF FAITH. [chap. hi. ordained all the means thereunto. "^ Wherefore they who are elected being fallen in Adam, are redeemed by Christ, * are effectually called unto faith in Christ oy his Spirit working in due season ; are justified, adopted, sanctified, « and kept by his power through faith unto salvation. P Neither are any other redeemed by Christ, effectually called, justified, adopted, sanctified, and saved, but the elect only. 9 VI. "* 1 Pet. i. 2. Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ : Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. Eph. i. 4. According as he hath chosen us in him be- fore the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love. Eph. ii. 10. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jes«s unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. 2 Thess. ii. 13. But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation, through sanctification of the Spirit, and belief of the truth. " 1 Thess. V. 9, 10. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but U obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, thal» whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. Tit. ii 14. Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from ali Iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. " Rom. viii. 30. Moreover, whom he did predestinate, them he al.':(. called : and whom he called, them he also justified : and Avhom he justified, them he also glorified. Eph. i. 5. Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will. 2 Thess. ii. 13. But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth. p 1 Pet. i. 5. Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 9 John xvii. 9. I pray for them : I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. Rom. viii. 28. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose, etc. [to the end of the chapter.] John vi. 64, 65. But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. And he said. There- fore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me except it were given unto him of my Father. See John viii. 47 ; x. 26. 1 John ii. 19. They went out from us, but they were not of us ; for if they had been of us, they would vo doubt have continued with us : but they went ovi, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. SECT, vm.] CONFESSION OF FAITH. 25 VII. The rest of mankind, God was pleased, according to the unsearchable counsel of his own will, whereby he extendeth or withholdeth mercy as he pleaseth, for the glory of his sovereign power over his creatures, to pass by, and to ordain them to dishonor and wrath for their sin, to the praise of his glorious justice.^ VIII. The doctrine of this high mystery of predestina- tion is to be handled with special prudence and care,* that jnen attending the will of God revealed in his Word, and yielding obedience thereunto, may, from the certainty of their etiectual vocation, be assured of their eternal elec- tion.' So shall this doctrine afford matter of praise, rev- erence, and admiration of God ; « and of humility, dili- VII. '■Matt. xi. 25, 26. At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight. Rom. ix. 17, 18, 21, 22. For the Scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might show my power ic thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. Therefore hath he mercy, etc.— Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honor, and another unto dishonor? What if God, willing to show his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much long-suffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction. 2 Tim. ii. 20. But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth ; and some to honor, and some to dishonor. Jude 4. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old or- dained to this condemnation; ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Pet. ii. 8— being disobedient; whereunto also they were appointed. VIII. *Rom. ix. 20. Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God ? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus ? Rom. xi. 33. O the depth of the riches Doth of the wisdom and knowledge of God ! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out ! Deut. xxix. 29. The secret things belong unto the Lord our God : but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law. *2 Pet. i. 10. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure : for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall. » Eph. i. 6. To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. 26 CONFESSION OF FAITH. [chap. iv. gence, and abundant consolation, to all that sincerely obey the gospel.'^ CHAPTER IV. OF CREATION. I. It pleased God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,a for Ihe manifestation of the glory of his eternal power, wis- dom, and goodness,^ in the beginning, to create, or make of nothing, the world, and all things therein, whether visible or invisible, in the space of six days, and all very good/ «> Rom. xi. 5, 6, 20. Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. And if by grace, then is it no more of works : otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace : otherwise work is no more work.— Well; because of unbelief they were broken oflF, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear. Rom. viii. 33. Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect ? It is God that justifieth. Luke x. 20. Notwithstanding, in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you ; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. I. "Rom. xi. 36. For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen. 1 Cor. viii. 6. But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him ; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. Heb. i. 2. Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds. John i. 2, 3. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him ; and without him was not any thing made that was made. Gen. i. 2. And the Spirit of God moved upon ihe face of the waters. *Rom. i. 20. For the invisible things of him from the creation of he world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead ; so that they are without excuse. Psa. civ. 24. O Lord, how manifold are thy works ! in wis- dom hast thou made them all : the earth is full of thy riches. Jer. x. 12. He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by his dis- cretion.