Q'bs.a "p^a Columbia ^Hnibersitp in tlje Citp of iSeta gork LIBRARY /I \^\ e. I J ^ • iA^tUi^ltl/ THE CONSTITUTION OF THE Presbyterian Church IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: BEING ITS STANDARDS SUBORDINATE TO THE WORD OF GOD, VIZ. THE CONFESSION OF FAITH, THE LARGER AND SHORTER CATECHISMS, THE FORM OF GOVERNMENT, THE BOOK OF DISCIPLINE, AND THE DIREC- TORY FOR THE WORSHIP OF GOD AS RATIFIED AND ADOPTED BY THE SYNOD OF NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD 1788 AND AS AMENDED IN THE YEARS 1805-1915 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 WORK 1916 COPYRIGHT, 1888, BY THE TRUSTEES OF THE PREgBYTERIAN BOARD OF PUBLICATION AND SABBATH-SCHOOL WORK. REVISED EDITION, COPYRIGHT, 1896, 1897, 1899, 1902. REVISED JULY, 1916. ACTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY. May 29, 1839. Resolved, That the permission heretofore granted by the Affiembly to publish the Confession of Faith in contravention of the copyright, be, and the same is hereby revoked. Resolved, That the Presbyterian Board op Publication 18 hereby directed to take the charge, oversight, and agency of printing and selling the authorized copy of the Constitution of the Presbyterian Churcli in the United States of America. Resolved, That the standing committees to supervise the pub- lication of the Constitution, witliin the bounds of the several Synods, be, and the same are, hereby abolished. ^fay3\, 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 belp 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 tlie General Syriod of tlie undivided Presbyterian Church, as the "confession of their faith," excepting certain clauses relating to the civil magis- trate. In 1788, the General Synod amended the Confession of Faith in Chapters xx., xxiii., and xxxi., made "a small amendment" of the Larger Catechism, and adopted the amended Confession of Faith and the Catechisms, the Form of Government, the Book of Discipline, and the Directory for Worship, "as the standard of our doctrine, government, discipline, and worship." Amendments of the Confession of Faith, since 1788, have been as follows: In 1886-87, by striking out from Chapter xxiv.. Section 4, the clause forbidding marriage with a deceased wife's sister. In 1902-0.3, 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, 1894-1911. The Form of Government and the Directory for Worship have been amended and added to in various Sections between the years 1805 and 1912. The first Committee to "select and arrange the Proof Texts" was appointed by the General Assembly in 1792, and t'le proof texts were published in tie edition of the Constitution issued in 1797. In 1888, a second Committee was appointed to revise the "Proof Texts," and to furnish proof texts for the Shorter Catechism. The work was approved by the General Assembly of 1894. The Standards were also adopted as tlie basis of Reunion, as follows: in 17,58 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 Cuinberiund Presbyterian Church and the Presbyterian Church in the U. S. A. 00]SfTEE"TS. PAGE I CONFESSION OF FAITH 9 I. Of the Holy Scripture 9 II. Of God, and of the Holy Trinity 16 III. Of God's Eternal Decree 20 IV. Of Creation 26 V. Of Providence 28 VI. Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment thereof 34 VII. Of God's Covenant with Man 38 VIII. Of Christ the Mediator 43 IX. Of Free Will 51 X. Of Effectual Calling 54 XI. Of Justification 59 XII. Of Adoption 63 XIII. Of Sanctification 65 XIV. Of Saving Faith 67 XV. Of 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 XXL Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day ... 97 XXII. Of Lawful Oaths and Vows 104 XXIII. Of the Civil Magistrate 107 XXIV. Of Marriage and Divorce Ill XXV. Of the Church 114 XXVI. Of the Communion of Saints 117 XXVII. Of the Sacraments 119 XXVIII. Of Baptism 121 5 6 CONTENTS. PAHR XXIX. Of the Lord's Supper 125 XXX. Of Church Censures 129 XXXI. Of Synods and Councils 131 XXXII. Of the State of Man after Death, and of the Resurrection of the Dead 1.33 XXXIII. Of the Last Judgment 135 XXXIV. Of the Holy Spirit 138 XXXV. Of tlie Love of God and Missions 13!) Declaratory Statement 140 11. THE LARGER CATECHISM 141 III. THE SHORTER CATECHISM 311 The Ten Commandments 348 The Lord's Prayer 349 The Creed 3-30 IV. THE FORM OF GOVERNMENT 351 I. Preliminary Principles 351 II, Of the Church 354 III. Of the Officers of the Church 355 IV. Of Bishops or Pastors 356 V. Of Ruling Elders 357 VI. Of Deacons 358 VII. Of Ordinances in a Particular Church 358 VIII. Of Church Government, and of Judicatories .... 360 IX Of the Church Session 301 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 38o 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 ..,.,.,.... 397 V. THE BOOK OF DISCIPLINE 397 I. Of Discipline: its Nature, Ends, and Subjects . . . 397 II. Of the Parties in Cases of Process 398 III. Of Charges and Specifications 400 IV. Of Process : General Eules Pertaining to All Cases . 400 V. Special Eules Pertaining to Cases before Sessions . . 404 VI. General Eules Pertaining to the Trial of a Minister, Elder, or Deacon 405 VII. Of Cases without Process 407 VIII. Of Evidence 409 IX. Of the Ways in which a Cause may be Carried from a Lower to a Higher Judicatory 411 I. Of General Eeview and Control 412 II. Of Eeferences 413 III. Of Complaints 414 IV. Of Appeals 416 X. Of Dissents and Protests 418 XI. Of Jurisdiction in Cases of Dismission 419 XII Of Eemovals, and Limitations of Time '. 420 XIII. Concerning Judicial Cases 421 I. Concerning Judicial Cases in Presbyteries and Synods 421 II. Concerning Judicial Cases in the General Assembly. 423 III. Concerning Non-Judicial or Administrative Cases and Eeferences 425 XIV. Of Differences between Judicatories 425 VI. THE DIEECTOEY FOE THE WOESHIP OF GOD. 427 I. Of the Sanctification of the Lord's Day 427 II. Of the Assembling of the Congregation and their Behavior during Divine Service 428 8 CONTENTS. PAOR III. Of the Public Reading of the Holy Scriptures . . . 429 IV. Of the Sii.ging of Psalms 429 V. Of Public Prayer 430 VI. Of the Worship of God by Offerings 432 VII. Of the Preaching of the Word 433 VIII. Of the Administration of Baptism 4.34 IX. Of the Administration of the Lord's Supper .... 437 X. Of the Admission to Full Communion of Persons Bap- tized in Infancy 440 XI. Of the Mode of Inflicting and Removing Censures . 441 XII. Of the Solemnization of Marriage 444 XIII. Of the Visitation of the Sick 447 XIV. Of the Burial of the Dead 448 XV. Of Fasting, and of the Observation of the Days of Thanksgiving 449 XVI. The Directory for Secret and Family Worship . . . 450 VII. CONSTITUTIONAL RULES 453 1. Local Evangelists 453 2. Trials for Licensure 451 3. Candidates for the Ministry 454 4. Committee on Vacancy and Supply 454rt VIIL APPENDIX 455 A. Acts of the General Assembly 457 I. Adjustments Connected with Reunion . . . 457, 479 II. Amendments to the Constitution 459 III. Assembly Funds 460 IV. Theological Seminaries 463 V. Foreign Ministers 465 VI. Ministers of Other Denominations in the U. S. A. . 470 VII. Presbyteries and Synods 472 VIIL Sessions and Churches <,.... 474 IX. Boards of the Church 478 B. General Rules for Judicatories 481 I^. IND^:^. .,,.,.,,.,.....,..... 489 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, ivhere 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. f'l Cor. i.21. For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wis- dom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 1 Cor. ii. 13, 14. Which things also we speak, not in the w^ords 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 thenit he* cause they are spiritually discerned. 8 10 CONFESSION OF FAITH. [chap. i. manners, to reveal himself, and to declare that his will unto his Church ; c and afterwards, for the better preserv- ing and propagating of the truth, and for the more sure es- tablishment and comfort of the Church against the corrup- tion of the flesh, and the malice of Satan and of the world, to commit the same wholly unto writing : ^ 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 C 3, 4. It seemed good to me also, having had perfect under- standing of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed. Rom. xv. 4. For whatsoever things were written aforetime were \vritten 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 ihis word, it is because there is no light in them. «2Tim. iii. 15. And that from a child thou hast known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 2 Pet. i. 19. We have also a more sure word of prophecy ; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the daystar arise in your hearts. /Heb. i. 1, 2. God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds. SECT. III.] 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.fl' 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. ^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 Avhich 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 Mm. 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 t^ give all glory to God,) the full discovery it makes of the only way of man's salvation, the many other incompar- able excellencies, and che 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 every way. chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God, 2 Pet. i. 21. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man : but holy men of God spoke as they ivere moved by the Holy Ghost. IV. »2 Tim. iii. 16. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. 1 John v. 9. If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. 1 Thess. ii. 13. For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but, as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. V. * 1 Tim. iii. 15. But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is tho church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. '1 John ii. 20, 27. But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.— But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you : but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. John xvi. 13, 14. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guido 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 Gome. 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 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. 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 preaolied unto you, let him be ac- cursed. 2 Thess. ii. 2. That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. » John vi. 45. It is written in the prophets. And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, coraeth unto me. 1 Cor. ii. 9, 10, 12. But as it is written. Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.— Nov/ we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God : that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 14 CONFESSION OF FAITH. [chap. i. according to the general rules of the Word, which are always to be observed. <* 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. Q VIII. The Old Testament in Hebrew, (which was the native language of the people of God of old,) and the New Testament in Greek, (which at the time of the writ- ing of it was most generally known to the nations,) being immediately inspired by God, and by his singular care and providence kept pure in all ages, are therefore authentical ; '" 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- "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 Qil be fulfilled. •«Isa. viii. 20. To the law and to the testimony : if they speak not according to this word, it is because tfiere 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 been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned than; 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 by tnree, and that by course ; and let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church ; and let him speak to himself, and to God. «" Col. iii. 16. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wis- dom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. *Rom. XV. 4. For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scripture might have hope. IX. y Acts XV. 15. And to this agree the words of the prophets ; as it is written. John v. 46. For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me : for he wrote of me. See 2 Pet. i. 20, 21. 16 CONFESSION OF FAITH. [chap. ii. religion are to be determined, and all decrees of councils, opinions of ancient writers, doctrines of men, and private spirits, are to be examined, and in whose sentence we are to rest, can be no other but the Holy Spirit speaking in the Scripture. 2 CHAPTER II. OF GOD, AND OF THE HOLY TRINITY. I. There is but one only « living and true God,^ who is infinite in being and perfection,^ 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 tlie resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which wrs spoken unto you by God? Acts xxviii. 25. And when they agree! not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word. Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaia.s 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 u 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 u none other God but one. — But to us thei-e 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. ^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 knoM? 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 portitm is heard of him ? but the thunder of his power who can understand ? Neither are any other redeemed by Christ, effectually called, justified, adopted, sanctified, and saved, but the 3lect 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 Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. 2 Thess. ii. 13. But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation, through sanctification of the Spirit, and belief of the truth. «1 Thess. V. 9, 10. For God hath not appointed u.s to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. Tit. ii. 14. Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all Iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. Rom. viii. 30. Moreover, whom he did predestinate, them he al-^o called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. Eph. i. 5. Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will. 2 Thess. ii. 13. But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of tlie truth. p 1 Pet. i. 5. Who are kept by the i)ower 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 no doubt have continued with us : but they went ovi, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. SECT, vni.] 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 men attending the will of God revealed in his Word, and yielding obedience thereunto, may, from the certainty of their ertectual 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 earthy because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and liast revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed godd in tliy siglit. Rom. ix. 17, 18, 21, 22. For the Scripture saitli unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, tliat I might show my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. Therefore hath he mercy, etc.— Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honor, and another unto dishonor? What if God, willing to show his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much long-suffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction. 2 Tim. ii. 20. But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth ; and some to honor, and some to dishonor. Jude 4. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old or- dained to this condemnation ; ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Pet. ii. 8-being disobedient; whereunto also they were appointed. VIII. «Rora. ix. 20. Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed zY, Why last thou made me thus ? Rom. xi. 33. O the depth of the riches ooth of the wisdom and knowledge of God ! how unsearchable arc his judgments, and his ways past finding out ! Deut. xxix. 29. The secret thin(7S 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. rv. gence, and abundant consolation, to all that Bincerely obey the gospel."' CHAPTER IV. OF CREATION. I. It pleased God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,'^ for the 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.c "Rom. xi. 5, 6, 20. Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. And if by grace, then is it no more of works : otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace : otherwise work is no more work.— Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou f^^tandest 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 Bi)irits 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 beginnitig 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. 72. He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by his dis- cretion. 'Gen. 1. throughout. Acts xvii. 24. God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of hefven and earth, dwell- eth not in temples made with hands. Col. i. 16. For by him were SECT. II.] CONFESSION OF FAITH. 27 II. After God had made all other creatures, he created man, male and female,^ with reasonable and immortal souls,^ endued with knowledge, righteousness, and true holiness, after his own image,/ having the law of God written in their hearts,^' and power to fulfil it ; ^ and yet under a possibility of transgressing, being left to the lib- erty of their own will, which was subject unto change.^ Besides this law written in their hearts, they received a command not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil ; which while they kept they were happy in their all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers : all things were created by him, and for him. Ex. xx. 11. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day : wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. Gen. i. 31, God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. See Psa. xxxiii. 5, 6. II. "^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.