THE CONFESSION OF FAITH, Of those CHURCHES which are commonly (though falsly) cal­led ANABAPTISTS; Presented to the view of all that feare GOD, to examine by the touchstone of the Word of Truth: As likewise for the taking off those aspersions which are frequently both in Pulpit and Print, (although unjustly) cast upon them.

ACTS 4.20.

Wee cannot but speake the things which wee have seene and heard.

ISAI. 8.20.

To the Law and to the testimony, if they speake not according to this Rule, it is because there is no light in them.

2 COR. 1.9, 10.

But wee had the sentence of death in our selves, that wee should not trust in our selves, but in the living God, which raiseth the dead; who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver, in whom wee trust that he will yet deliver.

LONDON, Printed by Matthew Simmons in Aldersgate-streete. 1644.

TO ALL THAT DESIRE The lifting up of the Name of the LORD JESUS in sinceritie, the poore despi­sed Churches of God in London send greeting, with prayers for their farther increase in the knowledge of CHRIST JESUS.

WEE question not but that it will seeme strange to many men, that such as wee are frequently termed to be, lying under that calumny and black brand of Heretickes, and sowers of di­vision or [...], should presume to appeare so publickly as now wee have done: But yet notwithstanding wee may well say, to give answer to such, what David said to his brother, when the Lords battell was a fighting, 1 Sam. 29.30. Is there not a cause? Surely, if ever people had cause to speake for the vindication of the truth of Christ in their hands, wee have, that being indeed the maine wheele at this time that sets us aworke; for had any thing by men been transacted against our persons onely, wee could quietly have sitten still, and committed our Cause to him who is a righteous Judge, who will in the great day judge the secrets of all mens hearts by Jesus Christ: But being it is not onely us, but the Truth pro­fessed by us, wee cannot, wee dare not but speake; it is no strange thing to any observing man, what sad changes are laid, not onely by the world, that know not God, but also by those that thinke themselves much wronged, if they be not looked upon as the chiefe Worthies of the Church of God, and Watchmen of the Citie: But it hath fared with us from them, as from the poore Spouse seeking her Beloved, Cant. 5.6, 7. They finding us out of that common road-way themselves walke, have smote us and taken away our vaile, that so wee may by them be recommended odious in the eyes of all that behold us, and in the hearts of all that thinke upon us, which they have done both in Pulpit and Print, charging us with holding Free-will, Falling away from grace, denying Origi­nall sinne, disclaiming of Magistracy, denying to assist them either in persons [Page]or purse in any of their lawfull Commands, doing acts unseemly in the dispen­sing the Ordinance of Baptisme, not to be named amongst Christians: All which Charges wee disclaime as notoriously untrue, though by reason of these calumnies cast upon us, many that feare God are discouraged and forestalled in harbouring a good thought, either of us or what wee professe; and many that know not God incouraged, if they can finde the place of our meeting, to get together in Clusters to stone us, as looking upon us as a people holding such things, as that wee are not worthy to live: Wee have therefore for the cleering of the truth wee professe, that it may be at libertie, though wee be in bonds, briefly published a Confession of our Faith, as desiring all that feare God, seri­ously to consider whether (if they compare what wee here say and confesse in the presence of the Lord Jesus and his Saints) men have not with their tongues in Pulpit, and pens in Print, both spoken and written things that are contrary to truth; but wee know our God in his owne time will cleere our Cause, and lift up his Sonne to make him the chiefe corner-stone, though he has been (or now should be) rejected of Master Builders. And because it may be conceived, that what is here published, may be but the Judgement of some one particular Con­gregation, more refined then the rest; Wee doe therefore here subscribe it, some of each body in the name, and by the appointment of seven Congregations, who though wee be distinct in respect of our particular bodies, for conveniency sake, being as many as can well meete together in one place, yet are all one in Communion, holding Jesus Christ to be our head and Lord; under whose go­vernment wee desire alone to walke, in following the Lambe wheresoever he goeth; and wee beleeve the Lord will daily cause truth more to appeare in the hearts of his Saints, and make them ashamed of their folly in the Land of their Nativitie, that so they may with one shoulder, more studie to lift up the Name of the Lord Jesus, and stand for his appointments and Lawes; which is the desires and prayers of the contemned Churches of Christ in London for all Saints.

Subscribed in the Names of seven Churches in London.
  • William Kiffen.
  • Thomas Patience.
  • John Spilsbery.
  • George Tipping.
  • Samuel Richardson.
  • Thomas Shippard.
  • Thomas Munday.
  • Thomas Gunne.
  • John Mabbatt.
  • John Webb.
  • Thomas Killcop.
  • Paul Hobson.
  • Thomas Goare.
  • Joseph Phelpes.
  • Edward Heath.

THE CONFESSION Of FAITH, of those Churches which are commonly (though falsly) called ANABAPTISTS.

I.

THat GOD as he is in himselfe, cannot be comprehended of any but himselfe, 1 Tim. 6.16. dwelling in that inaccessible light, that no eye can attaine unto, whom never man saw, nor can see; that there is but 1 Tim. 2.5. Eph. 4.4, 5, 6. 1 Cor. 12.4, 5, 6, 13. Iohn 14. chap. one God, one Christ, one Spirit, one Faith, one Baptisme; 1 Tim. 6.3, 13, 14. Gal. 1.8, 9. 2 Tim. 3.15. one Rule of holinesse and obedience for all Saints, at all times, in all places to be observed.

II.

That God is Esa. 44.67. & 43.11. & 46.9. of himselfe, that is, neither from ano­ther, nor of another, nor by another, nor for another; Iohn 4.24. But is a Spirit, who as his being is of himselfe, so he gives Exod. 3.14. being, moving, and preservation to all other things, being in himselfe eternall, most holy, every way infinite in Rom. 11.36. Act. 17.28. greatnesse, wisdome, power, justice, goodnesse, truth, &c. In this God-head, there is the Father, the Sonne, and the Spirit; being every one of them one and the same God; and therefore not divided, but distingui­shed one from another by their severall properties; the 1 Cor. 8.6. Father being from himselfe, the Pro. 8.22, 23. Heb. 1.3. Iohn 1.18. Sonne of the Father from everlasting, the holy Ioh. 15.26. Gal. 4.6. Spirit proceeding from the Father and the Sonne.

III.

That God hath Esa. 45.10. Rom. 11.34, 35, 36. Mat. 10 19, 30 decreed in himselfe from everlasting touching all things, effectually to work and dispose them Eph. 1.11. according to the counsell of his owne will, to the glory of his Name; in which decree appeareth his wisdome, con­stancy, truth, and faithfulnesse; Col. 2.3. Wisdome is that where­by he contrives all things; Num. 23.19, 20. Constancy is that whereby the decree of God remaines alwayes immutable; Jere. 10.10. Rom. 3.4. Truth is that whereby he declares that alone which he hath de­creed, and though his sayings may seeme to sound some­times another thing, yet the sense of them doth alwayes agree with the decree; Esa. 44.10. Faithfulnesse is that whereby he effects that he hath decreed, as he hath decreed. And touching his creature man, Eph. 1.3, 4, 5, 6, 7. 2 Tim. 1.9. Acts 13.48. Rom. 8.29, 30 God had in Christ before the foundation of the world, according to the good plea­sure of his will, foreordained some men to eternall life through Jesus Christ, to the praise and glory of his grace, Jude ver. 1. & 6. Rom. 9.11, 12, 13. Prov. 16.4. leaving the rest in their sinne to their just con­demnation, to the praise of his Justice.

IV.

Gen. 1. chap. Col. 1.16. Heb. 11.3. Esa. 45.12.In the beginning God made all things very good, created man after his own Gen. 1.26. 1 Cor. 15.45, 46. Eccles. 7.31. Image and likenesse, filling him with all perfection of all naturall excellency and up­rightnesse, free from all sinne. Psal. 49.20. But long he abode not in this honour, but by the Gen. 3.1 4, 5 2 Cor. 11.3. subtiltie of the Serpent, which Satan used as his instrument, himselfe with his Angels having sinned before, and not 2 Pet. 2.4. Jude ver. 6. Ioh. 8.44. kept their first estate, but left their owne habitation; first Gen. 3.1, 2, 6 1 Tim. 2.14. Eccles. 7.31. Gal. 3.22. Eve, then Adam being seduced did wittingly and willingly fall into disobedience and transgression of the Commandement of their great Creator, for the which death came upon all, and reigned over all, so that all since the Fall are conceived in sinne, and brought forth in iniquitie, and so by nature children of wrath, and servants of sinne, subjects of Rom. 5.12.18, 19. & 6.23. Eph. 2.3. Rom. 5.12. death, and all [Page]other calamities due to sinne in this world and for ever, being considered in the state of nature, without relation to Christ.

V.

All mankind being thus fallen, and become altogether dead in sinnes and trespasses, and subject to the eternall wrath of the great God by transgression; yet the elect, which God hath Jer. 31.2. loved with an everlasting love, are Gen. 3.15. Eph. 1.3, 7. & 2, 4, 9. 1 Thess. 5.9. Acts 13.38. re­deemed, quickned, and saved, not by themselves, neither by their own workes, lest any man should boast himselfe, but wholly and onely by God of 1 Cor. 1.30.31. 2 Cor. 5.21. Jer. 9.23, 24. his free grace and mer­cie through Jesus Christ, who of God is made unto us wisdome, righteousnesse, sanctification and redempti­on, that as it is written, Hee that rejoyceth, let him re­joyce in the Lord.

VI.

Joh. 17.3. Heb. 5.9. Jer. 23.5, 6.This therefore is life eternall, to know the onely true God, and whom he hath sent Jesus Christ. 2 Thess. 1.8. Joh. 3.36. And on the contrary, the Lord will render vengeance in flaming fire to them that know not God, and obey not the Gospel of our Lord Iesus Christ.

VII.

The Rule of this Knowledge, Faith, and Obedience, Joh. 5.39. 2 Tim. 3.15.16, 17. Col. 21.18, 23 Matth. 15.9. concerning the worship and service of God, and all other Christian duties, is not mans inventions, opinions, devi­ces, lawes, constitutions, or traditions unwritten whatso­ever, but onely the word of God contained in the Cano­nicall Scriptures.

VIII.

In this written Word God hath plainly revealed whatsoever he hath thought needfull for us to know, Acts 3.22, 23. Heb. 1.1, 2. 2 Tim. 3.15, 16, 17. 2 Cor. 1.20. be­leeve, and acknowledge, touching the Nature and Office of Christ, in whom all the promises are Yea and Amen to the praise of God.

IX.

Touching the Lord Jesus, of whom Gen. 3.15. & 22.18. & 49.10. Dan. 7.13. & 9.24, 25, 26. Moses and the Prophets wrote, and whom the Apostles preached, is the Prov. 8.23. Joh. 1.1, 2, 3, Col. 1.1.15, 16, 17. Sonne of God the Father, the brightnesse of his glory, the ingraven forme of his being, God with him and with his holy Spirit, by whom he made the world, by whom he upholds and governes all the workes hee hath made, who also Gal. 4.4. when the fulnesse of time was come, was made man of a Heb. 7.14. Rev. 5.5. with Gen. 49.9, 10. Rom. 1.3. & 9.5. woman, of the Tribe of Mat. 1.16. with Luke 3.23.26. Heb. 2.16. Judah, of the seed of Abraham and David, to wit, of Mary that blessed Vir­gin, by the holy Spirit comming upon her, and the power of the most High overshadowing her, and was also Esa. 53.3, 4, 5 Phil. 2.8. in all things like unto us, sinne onely excepted.

X.

Touching his Office, 2 Tim. 2.15. Heb 9.15. Joh. 14.6. Jesus Christ onely is made the Mediator of the new Covenant, even the everlasting Co­venant of grace between God and Man, to Heb. 1.2. & 3 1, 2. & 7.24. Esa. 9.6, 7. Acts 5.31. be perfectly and fully the Prophet, Priest and King of the Church of God for evermore.

XI.

Unto this Office hee was fore-ordained from everla­sting, by the Prov. 8.23. Esa. 42.6. & 49.1.5. authority of the Father, and in respect of his Manhood, from the womb called and separated, and Esa. 11.2, 3, 4, 5. & 61.1, 2, 3. with Luk. 4.17.22. Joh. 1.14 16. [...] & 3.34. anointed also most fully and abundantly with all gifts necessary, God having without measure poured the Spi­rit upon him.

XII.

In this Call the Scripture holds forth two speciall things considerable; first, the call to the Office; secondly, the Office it self. First, that Heb. 5.4, 5, 6 none takes this honour but he that is called of God, as was Aaron, so also Christ, it being an action especially of God the Father, whereby a speciall covenant being made, hee ordaines his Sonne to this office: which Covenant is, that Esa. 53.10.11. Christ should be [Page]made a Sacrifice for sinne, that hee shall see his seed, and prolong his dayes, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand; which calling therefore contains in it selfe Esa. 42.1 [...] chusing, 1 Pet. 1.20. fore-ordaining, Joh. 3.17. & 9 17. & 10.36 Esa. 61.1. sending. Chusing re­spects the end, fore-ordaining the means, sending the ex­ecution it self, Joh. 3.16. Rom. 8.32. all of meere grace, without any condition fore-seen, either in men, or in Christ himselfe.

XIII.

So that this Office to be Mediator, that is, to be Pro­phet, 1 Tim. 2.5. Heb. 7.24. Dan. 7.14. Act. 4.12. Luke 1.33. Ioh. 14.6. Priest, and King of the Church of God, is so proper to Christ, as neither in the whole, nor in any part there­of, it can be transferred from him to any other.

XIV.

This Office it self to which Christ was called, is three­fold, of Deut. 18.15. with Acts 3.22.23. a Prophet, of Psal. 110.3. Heb. 3.1. & 4.14.15 & 5.6. & 0.21. Priest, & of Psal. 2.6. a King: this num­ber and order of Offices is shewed; first, by mens necessi­ties grievously labouring Acts 26.18. Col. 1.3. under ignorance, by reason whereof they stand in infinit necessity of the Prophetical office of Christ to relieve them. Secondly, alienation frō God, wherein they stand in need of the Priestly Office to reconcile them: Thirdly, Col. 1.21 Eph. 2.12. our Cant. 1.3. Ioh. 6.44. utter disability to return to him, by which they stand in need of the power of Christ in his Kingly Office to assist and govern them.

XV.

Touching the Prophesie of Christ, it is that whereby he hath Ioh. 1.18. & 12.49.50. & 15. & 17.8. Deut. 18.15. perfectly revealed the whole will of God out of the bosome of the Father, that is needfull for his servants [Page]to know, beleeve, and obey; and therefore is called not onely a Prophet and Matth. 23.10. a Doctor, and the Heb. 3.1. Apostle of our profession, and the Mal. 3.1. Angel of the Covenant; but also the very 1 Cor. 1.24. wisdome of God, and Col. 2.3. the treasures of wisdome and understanding.

XVI.

That he might be such a Prophet as thereby to be every way compleat, it was necessary that he should bee Ioh. 1.18. & 3.13. God, and withall also that he should be man; for unlesse hee had been God, he could never have perfectly understood the will of God, 1 Cor. 2.11.16. neither had he been able to reveale it throughout all ages; and unlesse hee had been man, hee could not fitly have unfolded it in his Acts 3.22. with Deut. 18.15. Heb. 1.1. own person to man.

XVII.

Touching his Priesthood, Christ Ioh. 17.19. Heb. 5.7, 8, 9. & [...].26. Rom 5.19. Ephes. 5.12. Col. 1.20. being consecrated, hath appeared once to put away sinne by the offering and sacrifice of himself, and to this end hath fully performed and suffered all those things by which God, through the blood of that his Crosse in an acceptable sacrifice, might reconcile his elect onely; Eph. 2.14, 15, 16. Rom. 8.34. and having broken downe the partition wall, and therwith finished & removed all those Rites, Shadowes, and Ceremonies, is now entred within the Vaile, into the Holy of Holiest, that is, to the very Heavens, and presence of God, where he for ever liveth and sitteth at the right hand of Majesty, appearing before the face of his Father to make intercession for such as come to the Throne of Grace by that new and living way; and not that onely, but 1 Pet. 2.5. Ioh. 4.23.24. makes his people a spirituall House, an holy Priesthood, to offer up spirituall sacri­fice [Page]acceptable to God through him; neither doth the Father accept, or Christ offer to the Father any other worship or worshippers.

XVIII.

This Priesthood was not legall, or temporary, but ac­cording to the order Heb. 7.17. of Melchisedec; Heb. 7.16. not by a carnall commandement, but by the power of an endlesse life; Heb. 7.18, 19, 20, 21. not by an order that is weak and lame, but stable and per­fect; not for a Heb. 7.24, 25. time, but for ever, admitting no successor, but perpetuall and proper to Christ, and of him that ever liveth. Christ himselfe was the Priest, Sacrifice and Al­tar: he was Heb. 5.6. Priest, according to both natures, hee was a sacrifice most properly according to his humane nature: Heb. 10.10. 1 Pet. 1.18, 19. Col. 1.20, 22. Esa. 53.10. Matth. 20.28. whence in the Scripture it is wont to be attributed to his body, to his blood; yet the chiefe force whereby this sa­crifice was made effectuall, did depend upon his Act. 20.21. Rom. 8.3. divine nature, namely, that the Sonne of God did offer himselfe for us: he was the Heb. 9.14. & 13.10, 12, 15. Matth. 23.17. Ioh. 17.19. Altar properly according to his di­vine nature, it belonging to the Altar to sanctifie that which is offered upon it, and so it ought to be of greater dignity then the Sacrifice it selfe.

XIX.

Touching his Kingdome, 1 Gor. 15.4. 1 Pet. 3.21, 22. Matth. 28.18, 19 20. Luke 24.51. Acts 1 11. & 5, 30, 31. John 19.36. Rom. 14.17. Christ being risen from the dead, ascended into heaven, sat on the right hand of God the Father, having all power in heaven and earth, given unto him, he doth sparitually govern his Church, exerci­sing his power Mark 1.27. Heb. 1.14. John 16.7, 15. over all Angels and Men, good and bad, to the preservation and salvation of the elect, to the over­ruling and destruction of his enemies, which are the Re­probates, [Page]probates, John 5.26, 27. Rom. 5.6, 7, 8. & 14.17. Gal. 5.22, 23. John 1.4, 13. communicating and applying the benefits, vertue, and fruit of his Prophesie and Priesthood to his elect, namely, to the subduing and taking away of their sinnes, to their justification and adoption of Sonnes, re­generation, sanctification, preservation and strengthe­ning in all their conflicts against Satan, the World, the Flesh, and the temptations of them, continually dwelling in, governing and keeping their hearts in faith and filiall feare by his Spirit, which having John 13.1. & 10.28, 29. & 14.16, 17. Rom. 11.29. Psal. 51.10, 11. Job. 33.29.30. 2 Cor. 12 7, 19 given it, he never takes away from them, but by it still begets and nourisheth in them faith, repentance, love, joy, hope, and all heaven­ly light in the soule unto immortality, notwithstanding through our own unbeliefe, and the temptations of Satan, the sensible sight of this light and love be clouded and overwhelmed for the time. Job 1. and 2. Chap. Rom. 1.21. & 2.4, 5, 6. & 9.17, 18. Eph. 4.17, 18. 2 Pet. 3. chap. And on the contrary, ruling in the world over his enemies, Satan, and all the vessels of wrath, limiting, using, restraining them by his mighty po­wer, as seems good in his divine wisdome & justice to the execution of his determinate counsell, delivering them up to a reprobate mind, to be kept through their own de­serts, in darknesse and sensuality unto judgement.

XX.

This Kingdome shall be then fully perfected when hee shall the second time come in glory to reigne amongst his Saints, 1 Cor. 15.24, 28. Heb. 9.28. 2 Thess. 1.9.10. 1 Thess. 4.15, 16, 17. John 17.21, 26. and to be admired of all them which doe be­leeve, when he shall put downe all rule and authority un­der his feet, that the glory of the Father may be full and perfectly manifested in his Sonne, and the glory of the Father and the Sonne in all his members.

XXI.

That Christ Jesus by his death did bring forth salva­tion and reconciliation onely for the John 15.13. Rom. 8.32, 33, 34. Rom. 5.11. & 3.25. elect, which were those which Joh. 17.2. with 6, 37. God the Father gave him; & that the Gospel which is to be preached to all men as the ground of faith, is, that Matth. 16.16. Luke 2.26. Ioh. 6.69. & 7.3. & 20.31. 1 Iohn 5.11. Iesus is the Christ, the Sonne of the ever-blessed God, filled with the perfection of all heavenly and spi­rituall excellencies, and that salvation is onely and alone to be had through the beleeving in his Name.

XXII.

That Faith is the Eph. 2.3. Ioh. 6.29. & 4.10. Phil. 1.29. Gal. 5.21. gift of God wrought in the hearts of the elect by the Spirit of God, whereby they come to see, know, and beleeve the truth of Ioh. 17.17. Heb. 4.11, 12. Iohn 6.63. the Scriptures, & not onely so, but the excellencie of them above all other wri­tings and things in the world, as they hold forth the glory of God in his attributes, the excellency of Christ in his nature and offices, and the power of the fulnesse of the Spirit in its workings and operations; and thereupon are inabled to cast the weight of their soules upon this truth thus beleeved.

XXIII.

Those that have this pretious faith wrought in them by the Spirit, can never finally nor totally fall away; Matth. 7.21, 25. Iohn 13.1. 1 Pet. 1.4, 5, 6. Esa. 49.13, 14, 15, 16. and though many stormes and floods do arise and beat against them, yet they shall never be able to take them off that foundation and rock which by faith they are fastened up­on, but shall be kept by the power of God to salvation, [Page]where they shall enjoy their purchased possession, they being formerly engraven upon the palms of Gods hands.

XXIV.

That faith is ordinarily Rom. 10.17. 1 Cor. 1.21. begot by the preaching of the Gospel, or word of Christ, without respect to Rom. 9.16. any power or capacitie in the creature, but it is wholly Rom. 2.1, 2. Ezek. 16.6. Rom. 3.12. pas­sive, being dead in sinnes and trespasses, doth beleeve, and is converted by no lesse power, Rom. 1.16. Eph. 1.19. Col. 2.12. then that which raised Christ from the dead.

XXV.

That the tenders of the Gospel to the conversion of sinners, Ioh. 3.14, 15 & 1.12. Esa. 55.1. Ioh. 7.37. is absolutely free, no way requiring, as absolute­ly necessary, any qualifications, preparations, terrors of the Law, or preceding Ministery of the Law, but onely and alone the naked soule, as a 1 Tim. 1.15. Rom. 4.5. & 5.8. sinner and ungodly to re­ceive Christ, as crucified, dead, and buried, and risen a­gaine, being made Act. 5.30, 31 & 2.36. 1 Cor. 1.22, 23, 24. a Prince and a Saviour for such sin­ners.

XXVI.

That the same power that converts to faith in Christ, the same power carries on the 1 Pet. 1.5. 2. Cor. 12.9. soule still through all du­ties, temptations, conflicts, sufferings, and continually what ever a Christian is, he is by 1 Cor. 15.10 grace, and by a con­stant renewed Phil. 2.12, 13 Ioh. 15.5. Gal. 2.19, 20. operation from God, without which he cannot performe any dutie to God, or undergoe any temptations from Satan, the world, or men.

XXVII.

That God the Father, and Sonne, and Spirit, is one [Page]with 1 Thes. 1. [...]. Joh. 14.10, 20. & 17.21. all beleevers, in their Col. 2.9, 10. & 1.19. Joh. 1.17. fulnesse, in Joh. 20.17. Heb. 2.11. relations, Col. 1.18. Eph. 5.30. as head and members, Eph. 2.22. 1 Cor. 3.16, 17 as house and inhabitants, as Esa. 16.5. 2 Cor. 11.3 hus­band and wife, one with him, as Gal. 3.26. light and love, and one with him in his inheritance, and in all his Joh. 17.24. glory; and that all beleevers by vertue of this union and onenesse with God, are the adopted sonnes of God, and heires with Christ, co-heires and joynt heires with him of the inheritance of all the promises of this life, and that which is to come.

XXVIII.

That those which have union with Christ, are justified from all their sinnes, past, 1 Joh. 1.7. Heb. 10.14. & 9.26. 2 Cor. 5.19. Rom. 3.23. present, and to come, by the bloud of Christ; which justification wee conceive to be a gracious and free Acts 13.38, 39. Rom. 5.1. & 3.25.30. acquittance of a guiltie, sinfull crea­ture, from all sin by God, through the satisfaction that Christ hath made by his death; and this applyed in the manifestation of it through faith.

XXIX.

That all beleevers are a holy and 1 Cor. 1.1, 1 Pet. 2.9. sanctified people, and that sanctification is a spirituall grace of the Eph. 1.4. new Covenant, and effect of the 1 Joh. 4.16. love of God, manifested to the soule, whereby the beleever is in Eph. 4.24. truth and rea­litie separated, both in soule and body, from all sinne and dead workes, through the Phil. 3.15. bloud of the everlasting Co­venant, whereby he also presseth after a heavenly and Evangelicall perfection, in obedience to all the Com­mands, Mat. 28.20. which Christ as head and King in this new Co­venant has prescribed to him.

XXX.

All beleevers through the knowledge of 2 Cor. 5.19. Rom. 5.9, 10. that Justi­fication [Page]of life given by the Father, and brought forth by the bloud of Christ, have this as their great privi­ledge of that new Esa. 54.10. & 26.12. Covenant, peace with God, and re­conciliation, whereby they that were afarre off, were brought nigh by Eph. 2.13, 14 that bloud, and have (as the Scripture speaks) peace Phil. 4.7. passing all understanding, yea, joy in God, through our Lord Jesus Christ, by Rom. 5.10, 11. whom wee have re­ceived the Atonement.

XXXI.

That all beleevers in the time of this life, are in a con­tinuall warfare, Eph. 6.10, 11, 12, 13. 2 Cor. 10.3. Rev. 2.9, 10 combate, and opposition against sinne, selfe, the world, and the Devill, and liable to all manner of afflictions, tribulations, and persecutions, and so shall continue untill Christ comes in his Kingdome, being predestinated and appointed thereunto; and what­soever the Saints, any of them doe possesse or enjoy of God in this life, is onely by faith.

XXXII.

That the onely strength by which the Saints are ina­bled to incounter with all opposition, Joh. 16.33. and to overcome all afflictions, temptations, persecutions, and tryalls, is onely by Jesus Christ, Heb. 2.9, 10. who is the Captain of their salva­tion, being made perfect through sufferings, who hath ingaged his strength to assist them in all their afflictions, John 15.5. and to uphold them under all their temptations, and to preserve them by his power to his everlasting Kingdome.

XXXIII.

That Christ hath here on earth a spirituall Kingdome, [Page]which is the Church, which he hath purchased and re­deemed to himselfe, as a peculiar inheritance: which Church, as it is visible to us, is a company of visible 1 Cor. 1. [...]. Eph. 1.1. Saints, Rom. 1.7. Act. 26.18. 1 Thes. 1.9. 2 Cor. 6.17. Rev. 18.18. called & separated from the world, by the word and Acts 2.37. with Acts 10.37. Spirit of God, to the visible profession of the faith of the Gospel, being baptized into that faith, and joyned to the Lord, and each other, by mutuall agreement, in the practical injoyment of the Rom. 10.10. Act. 20.21. Mat. 18.19, 20. Act. 2.42. 1 Pet. 2.5. Ordinances, commanded by Christ their head and King.

XXXIV.

To this Church he hath Mat. 28.18, 19, 20. 2 Cor. 6.18. made his promises, and gi­ven the signes of his Covenant, presence, love, blessing, and protection: here are the fountains and springs of his heavenly grace continually flowing forth; Esa. 8.16. 1 Tim. 3.15. & 4.16. & 6.3.5. Acts 2.41.47. Song 4.12. Gal. 6.10. Eph. 2.19. thither ought all men to come, of all estates, that acknowledge him to be their Prophet, Priest, and King, to be inrolled amongst his houshold servants, to be under his heavenly conduct and government, to lead their lives in his walled sheep­fold, and watered garden, to have communion here with the Saints, that they may be made to be partakers of their inheritance in the Kingdome of God.

XXXV.

And all his servants are called thither, 1 Cor. 12.6, 7, 12.18. Rom. 12.4, 5, 6. 1 Pet. 4.10. Eph. 4.16. Col 2.5.6.19. 1 Cor. 12.12. to the end. to present their bodies and soules, and to bring their gifts God hath gi­ven them; so being come, they are here by himselfe be­stowed in their severall order, peculiar place, due use, be­ing fitly compact and knit together, according to the ef­fectuall working of every part, to the edification of it selfe in love.

XXXVI.

That being thus joyned, every Church has Acts 1.2. & 6.3. with 15.22.25 1 Cor. 16.3. power gi­ven them from Christ for their better well-being, to choose to themselves meet persons into the office of Rom. 12.7, 8 & 16.1. 1 Cor. 12.8 28 1 Tim. 3. chap. Heb. 13.7. 1 Pet. 5.1, 2, 3. Pastors, Teachers, Elders, Deacons, being qualified ac­cording to the Word, as those which Christ has appoin­ted in his Testament, for the feeding, governing, serving, and building up of his Church, and that none other have power to impose them, either these or any other.

XXXVII.

That the Ministers aforesaid, Heb. 5.4. Acts 4.23. 1 Tim. 4.14. Joh. 10.3, 4. Acts 20.28. Rom. 12.7, 8. Heb. 13.7.17. lawfully called by the Church, where they are to administer, ought to conti­nue in their calling, according to Gods Ordinance, and carefully to feed the flock of Christ committed to them, not for filthy lucre, but of a ready minde.

XXXVIII.

That the due maintenance of the Officers aforesaid, 1 Cor. 9.7.14. Gal. 6.6. 1 Thes. 5.13. 1 Tim. 5.17, 18. Phil. 4.15, 16. should be the free and voluntary communication of the Church, that according to Christs Ordinance, they that preach the Gospel, should live on the Gospel, and not by constraint to be compelled from the people by a forced Law.

XXXIX.

That Baptisme is an Ordinance of the new Testament, Mat. 28.18, 19 Mark. 16.16. given by Christ, to be dispensed onely upon persons pro­fessing [Page]faith, or that are Disciples, or taught, Acts 2.37, 38. & 8.36, 37, 38 & 18.8. who upon a profession of faith, ought to be baptized.

XL. The word Baptizo, signi­fying to dip under water, yet so as with convenient garments both upon the ad­ministrator and subject, with all mo­destie.

The way and manner of the Mat. 3.16. Joh. 3.23. Acts 8.38. dispensing of this Ordi­nance, the Scripture holds out to be dipping or plung­ing the whole body under water: it being a signe, must an­swer the thing signified, which are these: first, the Rev. 1.5. & 7.14. with Heb. 10.22. wash­ing the whole soule in the bloud of Christ: Secondly, that interest the Saints have in the Rom. 6.3, 4, 5 death, buriall, and re­surrection; thirdly, together with a 1 Cor. 15.28, 29. confirmation of our faith, that as certainly as the body is buried under water, and riseth againe, so certainly shall the bodies of the Saints be raised by the power of Christ, in the day of the resurrection, to reigne with Christ.

XLI.

The persons designed by Christ, to dispense this Or­dinance, the Esa. 8.16. Mat. 28.16, 17 18, 19. John 4.1, 2. Acts 20.7. Mat. 26.26. Scriptures hold forth to be a preaching Disciple, it being no where tyed to a particular Church, Officer, or person extraordinarily sent, the Commission injoyning the administration, being given to them under no other consideration, but as considered Disciples.

XLII.

Christ has likewise given power to his whole Church to receive in and cast out, Acts 2.47. Rom. 16.2. Math. 18.17. 1 Cor. 5.4. 2 Cor. 2.6, 7, 8. by way of Excommunication, any member; and this power is given to every particular Congregation, and not one particular person, either member or Officer, but the whole.

XLIII.

And every particular member of each Church, Mat. 18.16, 17, 18. Act. 11.2, 3. 1 Tim. 5.19, 20, 21. how excellent, great, or learned soever, ought to be subject to this censure and judgement of Christ; and the Church ought with great care and tendernesse, with due advice to proceed against her members.

XLIV.

And as Christ for the Acts 20.27, 28. Heb. 13.17.24 Mat. 24.25. 1 Thes. 5.14. keeping of this Church in holy and orderly Communion, placeth some speciall men over the Church, who by their office are to governe, o­versee, visit, watch; so likewise for the better keeping thereof in all places, by the members, he hath given Math. 13.34.37. Gal. 6.1. 1 Thes. 5.11. Jude ver. 3.20 Heb. 10.34, 35 & 12.15. au­thoritie, and laid dutie upon all, to watch over one ano­ther.

XLV.

That also such to whom God hath given gifts, 1 Cor. 14. cha. Rom 12.6. 1 Pet. 4.10, 11 1 Cor. 12.7. 1 Thes. 5.17, 18, 19. being tryed in the Church, may and ought by the appointment of the Congregation, to prophesie, according to the pro­portion of faith, and so to teach publickly the Word of God, for the edification, exhortation, and comfort of the Church.

XLVI.

Thus being rightly gathered, Rev. 2 & 3. Chapters. Acts 15.12. 2 Cor. 1.10. Ephes. 2.16. & 3.15.16. Heb. 10.25. Jude vers. 19. Matth. 18.17. 1 Cor. 3.4, 5. established, and still pro­ceeding in Christian communion, and obedience of the Gospel of Christ, none ought to separate for faults and corruptions, which may, and as long as the Church con­sists of men subject to failings, will fall out and arise a­mongst them, even in true constituted Churches, untill they have in due order sought redresse thereof.

XLVII.

And although the particular Congregations be distinct and severall Bodies, 1 Cor. 4.17. & 14.33, 36. & 16.1. Matth. 28.20. 1 Tim. 3.15. & 6.13, 14. Rev. 22.18.19. Col. 2.6, 19. & 4.16. every one as a compact and knit Ci­tie in it selfe; yet are they all to walk by one and the same Rule, and by all meanes convenient to have the counsell and help one of another in all needfull affaires of the Church, as members of one body in the common faith under Christ their onely head.

XLVIII.

That a civill Magistracie is an ordinance of God set up by God for the punishment of evill doers, Rom. 13.1, 2, 3, 4, 1 Pet. 2.13.14. 1 Tim. 2.2. and for the praise of them that doe well; and that in all lawfull things commanded by them, subjection ought to be given by us in the Lord: and that we are to make supplication and prayer for Kings, and all that are in authority, that under them we may live a peaceable and quiet life in all godlines and honesty.

XLIX.

The supreme Magistracie of this Kingdome we beleeve to be the King and Parliament freely chosen by the King­dome, and that in all those civill Lawes which have been acted by them, or for the present is or shall be ordained, we are bound to yeeld subjection and obedience unto in the Lord, as conceiving our selves bound to defend both the persons of those thus chosen, and all civill Lawes made by them, with our persons, liberties, and estates, with all that is called ours, although we should suffer never so much from them in not actively submitting to some Ec­clesiasticall Lawes, which might be conceived by them to [Page]be their duties to establish, which we for the present could not see, nor our consciences could submit unto; yet are we bound to yeeld our persons to their pleasures.

L.

And if God should provide such a mercie for us, as to incline the Magistrates hearts so for to tender our con­sciences, 1 Tim. 2.2, 3, 4. Psal. 126.1. Acts [...].31. as that we might bee protected by them from wrong, injury, oppression and molestation, which long we formerly have groaned under by the tyranny and oppres­sion of the Prelaticall Hierarchy, which God through mercy hath made this present King and Parliament won­derfull honourable, as an instrument in his hand, to throw downe; and we thereby have had some breathing time, we shall, we hope, look at it as a mercy beyond our expe­ctation, and conceive our selves further engaged for ever to blesse God for it.

LI.

But if God with-hold the Magistrates allowance and furtherance herein; Acts 2.40, 41. & 4.19. & 5.28.29, 41. & 20.23. 1 Thess. 3.3. Phil. 1.27, 28, 29. Dan. 3.16, 17. & 6, 7, 10, 22, 23. yet we must notwithstanding pro­ceed together in Christian communion, not daring to give place to suspend our practise, but to walk in obedience to Christ in the profession and holding forth this faith be­fore mentioned, even in the midst of all trialls and affli­ctions, not accounting our goods, lands, wives, children, fathers, mothers, brethren, sisters, yea, and our own lives dear unto us, so we may finish our course with joy: re­membring alwayes we ought to Matth. 28.13, 19, 20. 1 Tim. 6.13, 14, 15. Rom. 12.1, 8. 2 Cor. 14, 37. 2. Tim. 4, 7, 8. Rev. 2.10. Gal. 2.4, 5. obey God rather then men, and grounding upon the commandement, commissi­on and promise of our Lord and master Jesus Christ, who [Page]as he hath all power in heaven and earth, so also hath pro­mised, if we keep his commandements which he hath gi­ven us, to be with us to the end of the world: and when we have finished our course, and kept the faith, to give us the crowne of righteousnesse, which is laid up for all that love his appearing, and to whom we must give an account of all our actions, no man being able to discharge us of the same.

LII.

And likewise unto all men is to be given whatsoever is their due; tributes, customes, and all such lawfull duties, Rom. 13.5, 6, 7. Matth. 22.21. Titus 3. 1 Pet. 2.13. Ephes. 5.21, 22. & 6.1, 9. 1 Pet. 5.5. ought willingly to bee by us paid and performed, our lands, goods, and bodies, to submit to the Magistrate in the Lord, and the Magistrate every way to bee acknow­ledged, reverenced, and obeyed, according to godlinesse; not because of wrath onely, but for conscience sake. And finally, all men so to be esteemed and regarded, as is due and meer for their place, age, estate and condition.

LII.

And thus wee desire to give unto God that which is Gods, and unto Cesar that which is Cesars, Matth. 22.21. Acts 24.14, 15, 16. Iohn 5.28. 2 Cor. 4.17. 1 Tim. 6.3, 4, 5. 1 Cor. 15.58, 59. and unto all men that which belongeth unto them, endevouring our selves to have alwayes a cleare conscience void of offence towards God, and towards man. And if any take this that we have said, to be heresie, then doe wee with the Apostle freely confesse, that after the way which they call heresie, worship we the God of our Fathers, beleeving all things which are written in the Law and in the Prophets and A­postles, desiring from our soules to disclaime all heresies [Page]and opinions which are not after Christ, and to be sted­fast, unmoveable, alwayes abounding in the worke of the Lord, as knowing our labour shall not be in vain in the Lord.

1 COR. 1.24.

Not that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith we stand.

FINIS.

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