.a^ 
 
 W 
 
 ^..^ 
 
 
 IMAGE EVALUATION 
 TEST TARGET (MT-3) 
 
 
 A 
 
 
 
 1.0 
 
 I.I 
 
 1.25 
 
 1^128 
 
 ■ 50 l"^™ 
 
 u 
 
 2.5 
 11= 
 
 U III 1.6 
 
 V] 
 
 <^ 
 
 /^ 
 
 ^l. 
 
 ■e^. 
 
 .^ <c *.^ 
 
 
 y 
 
 >^ 
 
 Photographic 
 
 Sciences 
 Corporation 
 
 \ 
 
 ;v 
 
 •^ 
 
 -b 
 
 \\ 
 
 9) 
 
 
 
 C^ 
 
 > 
 
 '% 
 
 ro? 
 
 23 WEST MAIN STREET 
 
 WEBSTER, NY. MSSO 
 
 (716) 872-4503 
 
&!f 
 
 CIHM/ICMH 
 
 Microfiche 
 
 Series. 
 
 CIHM/ICMH 
 Collection de 
 microfiches. 
 
 Canadian Institute for Historical IVIicroreproductions / Institut Canadian de microreproductions historiques 
 
Technical and Bibliographic Notes/Notes techniques et bibliographiques 
 
 The Institute has attempted to obtain the best 
 original copy available for filming. Features of this 
 copy which may be bibliographically unique, 
 which may alter any of the images in the 
 reproduction, or which may significantly change 
 the usual method of filming, are checked below. 
 
 D 
 
 a 
 
 n 
 
 n 
 
 Coloured covers/ 
 Couverture de couleur 
 
 I I Covers damaged/ 
 
 Couverture endommag^e 
 
 Covers restored and/or laminated/ 
 Couverture restaur^e et/ou pellicul6e 
 
 I I Cover title missing/ 
 
 Le titre de couverture manque 
 
 I I Coloured maps/ 
 
 Cartes gdographiques en couleur 
 
 Coloured ink (i.e. other than blue or black)/ 
 Encre de couleur (i.e. autre que bleue ou noire) 
 
 Coloured plates and/or illustrations/ 
 Planches et/ou illustrations en couleur 
 
 Bound with other material/ 
 Relid avec d'autres documents 
 
 Tight binding may cause shadows or distortion 
 along interior margin/ 
 
 Lareliure serree peut causer de I'ombre ou de la 
 distortion le long de la marge intdrieure 
 
 Blank leaves added during restoration may 
 appear within the text. Whenever possible, these 
 have been omitted from filming/ 
 II se peut que certaines pages blanches ajoutdes 
 lors d'une restauration apparaissent dans le texte, 
 mais, lorsque cela dtait possible, ces pages n'ont 
 pas 6t6 film^es. 
 
 Additional comments:/ 
 Commentaires suppl^mentaires; 
 
 L'Institut a microfilm^ le meilleur exemplaire 
 qu'il lui a 6t6 possible de se procurer. Les details 
 de cet exemplaire qui sont peut-dtre uniques du 
 point de vue bibliographique, qui peuvent modifier 
 une image reproduite, ou qui peuvent exiger une 
 modification dans la mdthode normale de filmage 
 sont indiqu6s ci-dessous. 
 
 □ Coloured pages/ 
 Pages de couleur 
 
 □ Pages damaged/ 
 Pages endommag6es 
 
 □ Pages rebtored and/or laminated/ 
 Pages restaurdes et/ou pellicul6es 
 
 Pages discoloured, stained or foxed/ 
 Pages d6color6es, tachet^es ou piqu( 
 
 i/ 
 
 D 
 D 
 
 This item is filmed at the reduction ratio checked below/ 
 
 Ce document est filmd au taux de reduction indiqud ci-dessous. 
 
 The 
 to th 
 
 The 
 
 pOS£ 
 of tl 
 filmi 
 
 Orig 
 begi 
 the I 
 sion 
 othe 
 first 
 sion 
 or ill 
 
 piqu^es 
 
 □ Pages detached/ 
 Pages d^tach^es 
 
 Showthrough/ 
 Transparence 
 
 I I Quality of print varies/ 
 
 Quality indgale de I'impression 
 
 Includes supplementary material/ 
 Comprend du materiel supplementaire 
 
 The 
 shal 
 TINI 
 whii 
 
 Map 
 diffc 
 entii 
 begi 
 righi 
 requ 
 metl 
 
 Only edition available/ 
 Seule Edition disponible 
 
 Pages wholly or partially obscured by errata 
 slips, tissues, etc., have been refilmed to 
 ensure the best possible image/ 
 Les pages totalement ou partiellement 
 obscurcies par ur feuillet d'errata, une pelure, 
 etc., ont 6t6 filmdes d nouveau de fa^on d 
 obtenir la meilleure image possible. 
 
 10X 
 
 
 
 
 14X 
 
 
 
 
 18X 
 
 
 
 
 22X 
 
 
 
 
 26X 
 
 
 
 
 30X 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 v^ 
 
 
 
 
 12X 
 
 
 
 
 16X 
 
 
 
 
 20X 
 
 
 
 
 24X 
 
 
 
 
 28X 
 
 
 
 
 32X 
 
 
ire 
 
 details 
 les du 
 modifier 
 ler une 
 filmage 
 
 The copy filmed here has been reproduced thanks 
 to the generosity of: 
 
 National Library of Canada 
 
 The images appearing here are the best quality 
 possible considering the condition and legibility 
 of the original copy and in keeping with the 
 filming contract specifications. 
 
 L'exemplaire film6 fut reproduit grdce d la 
 g6n6rosit6 de: 
 
 Bibliothdque nationale du Canada 
 
 Les images suivantes ont 6t6 reproduites avec le 
 plus grand soin, compte tenu de la condition et 
 de la nettetd de I'exen^^plaire film6, et en 
 conformity avec les conditions du contrat de 
 filmage. 
 
 6es 
 
 Original copies in printed paper covers are filmed 
 beginning with the front cover and ending on 
 the last page with a printed or illustrated impres- 
 sion, or the back cover when appropriate. All 
 other original copies are filmed beginning on the 
 first page with a printed or illustrated impies- 
 sion, and ending on the last page with a printed 
 or illustrated impression. 
 
 The last recorded frame on each microfiche 
 shall contain the symbol —^' (meaning "CON- 
 TINUED"), or the symbol V (meaning "END"), 
 whichever applies. 
 
 Les exemplaires originaux dont la couverture en 
 papier est imprim6e sont filmds en commergant 
 par le premier plat et en terminant soit par la 
 dernidre page qui comporte une empreinte 
 d'impression ou d'illustration, soit par le second 
 plat, selon le cas. Tous les autres exemplaires 
 originaux sont filmds en commengant par la 
 premidre page qui comporte une empreinte 
 d'impression ou d'illustration et en terminant par 
 la dernidre page qui comporte une telle 
 empreinte. 
 
 Un des symboles suivants apparaitra sur la 
 dernidre image de cheque microfiche, selon le 
 cas: le symbole •— »> signifie "A SUIVRE", le 
 symbole V signifie "FIN". 
 
 re 
 
 Maps, plates, charts, etc., may be filmed at 
 different reduction ratios. Those too large to be 
 entirely included in one exposure are filmed 
 beginning in the upper left hand corner, left to 
 right and top to bottom, as many frames as 
 required. The following diagrams illustrate the 
 method: 
 
 Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent dtre 
 filmds d des taux de reduction diffdrents. 
 Lorsque le document est trop grand pour dtre 
 reproduit en un seul clich6, il est film6 d partir 
 de Tangle supdrieur gauche, de gauche i droite, 
 et de haut en bas, en prenant le nombre 
 d'images ndcessaire. Les diagrammes suivants 
 iljustrent la mdthode. 
 
 / errata 
 id to 
 
 nt 
 
 ie pelure, 
 
 gon d 
 
 v^ 
 
 32X 
 
 1 2 3 
 
 
THE 
 
 COjVFESSIOIV OF FAITH 
 
 "f THE 
 
 t ■ 
 
 CHURCH OF SCOTLAND. 
 
TIIK 
 
 COJ^FESSION OF FAITH, 
 
 A(;ni:i:i) ii'on ijv 
 
 THE ASSiniKLY qI' »1VIIV|:n 
 
 AT MKS|-,MINSTKi(. 
 
 " n II I 111; 
 
 ASSISIANa-: Ol- (OMMISSIONEHS 
 
 riio.M liii; 
 
 CHI IICII OF SCOTLAND, 
 
 AS A PAHT OK TMK COXKNAXTKn .V.roHM.TV ,N ,„,:mo,ON LETWIXT THK 
 
 n.uacHKs oKaMu.T ,n thk K,^•c;^o.^,s o. .scot..ax,, kxoland 
 
 AM) IliKr.AND. 
 
 A'''MU.VKI, .V THK UK^KUAL ASSKMM.V ,«,;, AND RAT.nKO AND KST MU.r.„n, 
 MV ACTS or l-AHL.AMKNT ,0H. AND Um, AS TUK PUW-K: AND ANu>,KO 
 
 ( ONFKSSION OF TlfK CliriJCIf OF SCOTLAND. 
 
 .■uiN.Ki.,nuHm,,,o,nn:s^so,,o,Tm.,Mn.:snvn:uvv.in,uno,-,..vu,wxcuvx,-,,,,.s 
 "''''nn:r.MKn,o,.Mon,,v,,.munn:rsKo,mKniM.,Mv..s.u,. 
 
 MONTREAL: 
 I'lUNTI'D \i\ .fAMHs A\n THOMAS A. STAUKl- 
 
 MiK 1 rxx.vn. 
 
THE CONTENTS. 
 
 ( II A I' 
 
 I. Oi- tlio Floly Script lire. 
 
 II. Of God, iiiid of tho Holy Trinity. 
 
 III. Of(io(i's I-icnml nwr.'c. 
 
 IV. Of Croiitioii. 
 
 V. Of l'l„vi(k'MfP. 
 
 VI. Of t|j,. n,|l ,,f Mail, of Sill, :,ii(l cif the run- 
 isluiu'lit thereof. 
 
 VM. Of (iodV C.veiiiiiil with Miiii. 
 
 VIII. (II (hii^l the Mediutor. 
 
 I\. Ofl'iee Will. 
 
 \. Of i;rtcetual Calling. 
 
 .\l. Of Jiistifieatioii. 
 
 Ml. Of .Adoption. 
 
 Mil. Of Sanelilicalion. 
 
 MV. Of .SavinfT I'ailli. 
 
 .\V. Of I'epenlance unto Life. 
 
 .\VI. Of (;ood Works. 
 
 ?\VII. Of the I'erseveranee (if the Saints. 
 
 Will. Of As^iiraiiee of (iraee and iSalvatioii. 
 
 (MAP. 
 
 XIX. Of the Law of God. 
 X.\. Of Christian Lihorty, and Liherty of C'on- 
 seienee. 
 
 XXI. Of Ileligicins Win-ship, and the Sahhalh- 
 day. 
 
 XXII. OI laufiil Oaths and Vows. 
 
 XXIII. Of the Civil Magistrate. 
 .\XIV. Of . Marriage and Divoree. 
 
 XXV. Of theClmreh. 
 
 XXVI. Of Coniniiuiion of Saints. 
 
 XXVII. Of the Saeraracnts. 
 
 XXVIII. Of Baptism. 
 
 XXIX. Of the Lord's Supper. 
 
 XXX. Of Church Censures. 
 XX.XI. Of Synods and Councils. 
 
 XXXII. Of the .State of Men after Death, and 
 of the Resurreeliou of the Dead. 
 
 XXXIII. Of the lat,t .Judgment. 
 
I 
 
 Tin; 
 
 (OMKssiON OI- I.AITM 
 
 'if lilt ( /iinrl, „ S(()ll I vn I . 
 
 (HAP. I. 
 
 ^>/" t/u Ilohj Saipiini. 
 
 >•> .-.■.v.i ,.,.|i;,„„i „,,,, ' ' . '■•" " ■■""■«'. »"'i ". Jivo,-. „,„„„„, 
 
 :17:::::::::::t::::: • -> .::::':::; 
 
 -■■^.- .»»■>,,:„:,:';:::'';:- -"; "- <-> 
 
» 
 
 mi, » o\i'i:ssi((N oi' I Mill 
 
 €'ii%i*. I. 
 
 tl. Uiiilcr III)' iMi nl llcily Sfiiiitiiiv, m llii' wnnl nl (mhI urilli'ii, inr ikhv 
 
 I'ontaiiii'd all lln- UmtU- ol (In- Old mihI Nrw 'I'l'-liiuifiiN, «|iirli .m- llicsf • 
 
 <irlii">iK, 
 
 HxciiliiN, 
 
 hi'vltifilN. 
 
 .Niiiiilii'r>. 
 
 Driiti'i'iiiKiniy 
 
 ■IksIiiih. 
 
 Jllll^L'll. 
 
 Hiiih. 
 
 I. Siiiiiiii'l. 
 
 II. Sainiii'l. 
 
 I. Kiii'js. 
 
 II. Kini;.. 
 
 I. ( lii'iiiiicic*. 
 
 I I. < lii'iinii'li'i. 
 i;/i:i. 
 
 Nc llrniiilll, 
 .lol>. 
 
 I'siillils. 
 
 I'riui'riis. 
 
 Ol' Tin; ol.l) TI'SrAMI'.NT. 
 
 l'!l'l'll'«i{|Htl'«. 
 
 Till' SciiiL'' 111 Siiiiux. 
 
 U:ilal>. 
 
 .Irri'iiii.'ili. 
 
 I.iiliirntaliiiiii. 
 
 i;/.ki,l. 
 
 |l;iiii('l. 
 
 I llisl'il. 
 .foi'l. 
 
 Aiiiiis. 
 
 Olmili.'ili. 
 
 .\,.ua\,. 
 
 MilMll. 
 .\:llilllll. 
 
 Xi'|iliaiii:ili. 
 Iliiirtriii. 
 
 /.(■(•liMriiili. 
 
 I 
 
 I 
 
 Ol- riii; M.w ri'.s'iAMJAr. 
 
 The fio<i])ols iiofiirdiiii; tn Maltlirw, 
 
 >raik, 
 
 I.i.Kr, 
 
 .liiliii. 
 
 Tli(> Ac\^ ol' till' A]insllc'B. 
 
 The Fpisllo of Paul Id llio Hoiiiaii«. 
 
 The first Episllr 111' Paul to llii' ( '(uiiilliiaiiB. 
 
 Tlic srroTiil Eiii-ittii nl' Paul tn tin- ( Diiiitliians. 
 
 Tim r.pisili' ol' Paul lo llic CialaliaiH. 
 
 The lC|)isth,' 111' Paul to llio F.phi'Kiaiis. 
 
 Tim r.pistli' of Paul to the Phili|i|iiaTis. 
 
 Till' r.pisth' olPaiil 111 Ihr ( olossiaii-;. 
 
 The fii'i^l IvpiiitliMif I'aul to thi> Thossalonians. 
 
 Tlin soi'oihI I'.pi^lh? ol' Paul lo llii> Thcssalo 
 
 iiiaiiN. 
 The fust Ppi^tlc ol' Paul to Tiiiinlhy, 
 The M'ciiiiil j'.pivilr ol' Paul lo Timolhv. 
 Thi' r.pisth" ol' Paul lo Till.!. 
 Thn Episllo ol' Paul lo Pliilumoii. 
 Till' V'pislh. to Ihi' lli'lu-cwK. 
 Till- i;pivlh. ol'.laiui's. 
 Till- liist anil M'louil i'pisllis of Pcler. 
 Till' liist, KiTouil, anil third ppislh's ul'.Folin. 
 Till' l"pislli' of .luili'. 
 Till' lii'vclation ol'.lolin. 
 
 All wliirli iiro iiiv.Mi liy iiispinitinn (ifCJiiii, to lie the rule iil'liiiili and lifiv 
 
i 
 I 
 
 CHAP. I. 
 
 TMK ((JNFKssiON OF FAITH 
 
 ■ 
 
 III. Tlio IJonlvi ('.iintiionly rnllnl A|.nriT,,|,„, not I).m!ik of tlivino iiisima(i,.ii, ar« 
 no imrt df Hi,. ,i,ii<m nl' il,,. ^cripluiv ; aixl iIicitII.io me of no aiilliorily in tlic CIiiik li 
 of G.mI, ii„r i„ Ih' any olli •nviw-i a|i|ii«v.'il, w niailo use of, tlian other liunian \vr\l\u<;^, 
 
 IV. Till! aiillioiity of ilio holy Horiptuiv, f.ir which il oii-ht to \w Iiclicvcil and 
 ohfycd, (Itiii'n(hlh not npon llic Itsliniony of any man or chiuTh, hut vdiolly upon 
 Coil, (who Ih truth JImIi',) tl... aullior liimori and liivrcforc it it to ho roLxivod, 
 bt'fuuMC it is tlio word of t«od. 
 
 V. W.' may be rnov.'il and inihicod hy tho testimony of Iho Cluuih, to an Iiij-h niul 
 rovcivnd cstifni of the lioly Miiipliuo, and the Iicavenlincvs of tlio mutter, tho ellicacy 
 of the (locliine, tlic! niiijeMy of llic ^tyl(•, Iho voum'uI of all llio inu'ls, the scope (»f tlio 
 whole, (which is to },'ive };lory lo (iod.) the lull discovery it niiiKes of Iho only way of 
 man's salvalioii, Iic>i,le the miiny other excellencies, and llie ciiliic |ierfectiori thereof, 
 
 nro nrgnnienls, whev.hy il liolh id danlly evidence ilseif !■» he llie word of (;(.(!; vet 
 
 notwilhstandiiig, our full pcrsuaisioii and assiuance of Ihe infalilMe limji, and divino 
 aulhorily Ihereof, is from the inward work of Ihe Holy .Spirit, lieaiing witness l.v and 
 with tho word in our hearts. 
 
 VI. The will le 4'()ui:-el of (iod, eniieeniiii!,' nil tilings necessary for his own ^lorv, 
 man's t^ulvalioii, (iiilh, and life, is cilher expressly sel down in seriplurp, or hy good tuul 
 necessary conse(]uenee may ho deduced Ironi scripliire : initu which nulliini,' at anv lime 
 is to ho added, whelher hy new revelations of the Spirit, or liaililioiis (,f men ; neverthe- 
 less, wo acknowledges Ihe inward illuminalion of the .Spirit of (<od lo he necesvarv for 
 the saving nnderslanding of such things as are revealed in the word ; and tliat there are 
 some eircumslanecs concerning the wor.-hip ol God, and goveniineul of the Church, 
 common to human actions and societies, whidi are to he ordered by the li<'ht of nature 
 and Chrii-tian prudence, according to the general rules of llie word, which are alwavs to 
 bo observed. 
 
 \'ir. All things in seriplure, are not alike i.l.h-i in themselves, nor alike clear mito 
 all; yet those things whi.h are neeessny to he known, believed, and observed, for 
 salvation, are so (slearly propoimdod and opened in some place of scripture or other 
 that not only the learned, but llie unlearned, in u due use of the ordinary means, may 
 attain unto a sutticicnt understanding of them. 
 
 ■h 
 
» 
 
 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH 
 
 €m^p. 1. 
 
 VI.(I. Tl.o old Testament in Hel.rew, ^which was the native language of th.' people 
 ot God of old,) an.l the New Testament in Greek, (which at the time of the writing of 
 It. was ,nost generally !>no vn to the nations.) being immediately inspired l.yGod. and I,y 
 Ins sn,gular eare an,! providenee kept pure in all ages, are therefore authentical ; so as 
 rn all eonlroversu-s „f religio... the Clnnrh is finally (o appeal unto then.. But heeause 
 fl.ese ongn.a. t,..gues are not known to all the people of Go.l. who have .•i,ht unto 
 and nuerest in the seriptur.s, and are eomnmnde.l, in the tear of Go.l, to read and 
 search them, therefore they are to Iv translated into the vulgar language of every 
 nation ...to wl.ieh they eome. that th- wo.d of God dwelling pi.mfully i„ all. they 
 may worship hi.n in a,, aeceptable manner, and. thr.u.gh patience a..d ......fort of the 
 
 bcripunes, may have hope,, 
 
 IX. The infallible n.le of inte,-p,-ctation .>f .capture is, tl.o script, .-e itself; a,.d 
 t).e.-elo..e, vl.e,. the.-e is a ,ues.ion about the fue a..d full .ense of anv seript.n-e. (whieh 
 .. not n.anifold, 1,,., one,) it nn.st be searched a,.d k..own by ...hc' ph.ces that speak 
 more clearly. ' 
 
 X. The sui.i-.'nie Jiidg.>, by which all coiil 
 
 I'ovei-sies of religion a.-e to be deterinincd, 
 
 and all decrees of councils. opi,.io..s of a,.cie.., w.ite.s, .loCrh.es of n,en, a,.d private 
 sp.r.ts, are to be exan.ined, and in ,,hose sentence we 
 tlie Holy Spirit, speaking i.. the scripture. 
 
 are to rest, can be no other but 
 
 CHAP. II. 
 
 Of (.'o(/. utui of llu Holy Tnnilij. 
 
 T.Enn is but one only living and true God. who is infinite i,. being and perfection a 
 most pure spirit, invisible, without body, parts or passions. i,n„,utal,le, iu.n.eu^e 
 eternal, .nco.nprehensible, almighty, n.ost wise, most l.oly. most free, n.ost absolute' 
 workmg all things according to the counsel of his own i...n.u,able and most righleo,.' 
 
 4 1 
 
Chap. Hi. 
 
 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 
 
 will, for his own glory; most loving. g,-acious, merciful. lonir-sufforinR. al.tmdant i„ 
 goodness and truth, forgiving inicjuity. transgression, and sin ; the rewarder of them that 
 diligently seek him ; and withal most just and terrihle in his judgmrats j hating all sin. 
 and who will by no means dear the gu=lty. 
 
 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 wl.icli he hall, made 
 not deriving any glory from theu,. but only manifesting his own glory, in. bv, unto, and 
 upon them : he is the alone fountain of all being, of whom, through whom, and to whom 
 are all things ; and hath most sovereign dominion over them, to do by then, for them' 
 or upon them, whatsoever himself pleaseth. In his sight all things are open and manifest •' 
 his knowle.lge is infinite, infallible, and independent upon the creature, so as notlm.^ is' 
 to h.m contingent or uncertain. He is most holy in all his counsels, in all his work< and 
 in all his commands. To him is due from angels and men. and every other crea'ture, 
 whatsoever worship, service, or obedience, he is pleas, d to require of them. 
 
 III. In the unity of the Godhead there be three persons, of one substance, power and 
 eternity ; God the Father, God the Son, an.l God the Holy Ghost, The Father' is of 
 none, neither begotten nor proceeding ; the Son is eternally begotten of the Father ; the 
 Holy Ghost eternally proceeding from the Father and Son. 
 
 CHAP. HI. 
 
 Of God's Eternal Decrees. 
 
 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 therein' neither'is God 
 the author of sin. nor is violence otiered to the will of the creatures, nor is the liberty or 
 contingency of second causes taken away, but rather established. 
 
lO 
 
 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 
 
 Ckap. III. 
 
 II. Although God knows whatsoever may or can come to pass upon all supposed 
 conditions; yet hath he not decreed any thing hccause he forsaw it as future, or as that 
 whicli would come to pass upon such conditions. 
 
 III. By the decree of God, for the manifestation of his glory, some men and angels 
 are predestinated unto everlasting life, and others foreordained to everlasting death. 
 
 IV. These angels and men, thus predestinated and foieordained, are particularly and 
 unchangeahly designed ; and their number is so certain and definite, that it cannot be 
 either increased or diminished. 
 
 \. Those of mankind tliat are predestinated unto life, God, before the foundation of 
 the world was laid, according to his eternal and innnutable purpose, and the secret 
 counsel and good pleasure of his will, hath chosen in Ciuist unto everlasting glory, out of 
 his mere free grace and love, witliout any foresight of faith or good works, or perseve- 
 rance in eitner 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 liatli he, by the eternal and most 
 free purpose of bis will, foreordained all the means thereunto. Wherefore they who are 
 elected being llillun in Adam, are redeemed i)y Cbri.4 ; are eirectually called unto faith 
 in Ciuist by bis Spirit working in due season; are justified, adojited, sanctified, and 
 kept by his power through lliilli unto salvation. Neither are any other redeemed by 
 Christ, offectually called, justified, adopted, sanctified, and saved, but the elect only. 
 
 VII. Tiie rest of mankind, God was pleased, according to the unsearchable counsel of 
 his own will, whereby he extendetb or withholdrth mercy as he pleaseth, for tb(> glory 
 of bis sovereign power over bis creatures, to pass by, and to ordain them to dishonour 
 and wrath lor their sins, to tiie praise of iiis glorious justice. 
 
 VIII. The doctrine of this high mystery of predestination is to be Iiandled with 
 special prudenee and care, that n)en attending to the will of God revealed in his word 
 and yielding obedience thereunto, may, from the certainty of their effectual vocation 
 
Chap. I v. 
 
 THE CONFESSION OJ' I'AITH. 
 
 11 
 
 be assured of their eternal election. So shall this doetrine afford matter of praise, 
 reverence, and admiration of God. and of humility, diligence, and abundant consolation, 
 to all that smcerely obey the Gospel. 
 
 CHAF. IV. 
 
 itf i'rcati.m. 
 
 It pleased God the Father. Son, and Holy Ghost, for the manifestation of the glory of 
 h,s eternal power, wisdom, and goodness, in the beginning to create, or n,ake of nothing 
 t'x^ world, and all things therein, whether visible or invisible, in the space of six days 
 and all very good. ' 
 
 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 in,age. 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 liberty of their own will' 
 which was subject to change. Beside this law written in their hearts, they received a 
 con.mand. not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil ; which while they 
 kept, they were happy in their communion with God. and had dominion over the 
 creatures. 
 
 ) 
 
19 
 
 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 
 
 Chap. T. 
 
 CHAP. V. 
 
 Of Providence. 
 
 God, the gi-cat Creator of all things, doth uphold, direct, dispose, and govern all creatures, 
 actions, and things, from the greatest even to the least, hy his most wise and lioly 
 providence, according to his intallil)le foreknovledge, and the free and iummtahie counsel 
 of his own will, to the praise of the glory of his wisdom, power, justice, goodness, and 
 mercy. 
 
 II. Although, in relation to the foreknowledge and decree of God, the first cause, all 
 things come to pass immutahly and infallihly ; yet, hy the same providence, he ordereth 
 them to full out according to the nature of second causes, cither necessarily, freely, or 
 contingently. 
 
 III. God in his ordinary Providence maketh use of means, yet is free to work without, 
 above, and against them, at his pleasure. 
 
 IV. The Almighty power, unsearchable wisdom, and infinite goodness of God, so far 
 manifest themselves in his providence, that it extcndeth itself even to the first fall, and all 
 other sins of angels and men, and that not by a bare permission, but such as hath joined 
 with it a most wise and powerful bounding, and otherwise ordering and governing of 
 them, in a manifold dispensation, to his own holy ends ; yet so as the sinfulness thereif 
 proceedeth only from the creature, and not from God ; who, being most holy and 
 righteous, neither is nor can be the author or approver of sin. 
 
 V. The most wise, righteous, and gracious God, av.th oftentimes leave for a season his 
 own children to manifold temptations, and the corruption of their own hearts, to chastise 
 them for their former sins, or to discover unto them the hidden strength of corruption, 
 and dcceitfulness of their hearts, that they may be humbled ; and to raise them to a more 
 close and constant dependance for their support upon himself, and to make them more 
 watchful against all future occasions of sin, and for sundry other just and holy ends. 
 
 VI. As for those wicked and ungodly men, whom God as a righteous judge, for former 
 
CWMAV. TI. 
 
 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 
 
 13 
 
 sins, doth blind and harden, from them he not only withlioldeth his grace, whereby they 
 miglit have been enlightened in tiieir understandings, and wrought upon in tlicir hearts ; 
 but sometimes also wilhdraweth the gifts which they had, and exposetii them to such 
 objects as their corruption makes occasion of sin ; and withal, gives them over to their 
 own lusts, the temptations of the world, and the power of Satan : whereby it comes to 
 pass, that they harden themselves, even under those means which God useth for the 
 softening of others. 
 
 VII. As the providence of God doth, in general, reach to all creatures ; so, after a 
 most special manner, it taketh care of his church, and disposeth all things to the good 
 thereof. 
 
 CHAl'. VI. 
 
 Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment thereof 
 
 Oun fii-st parents being seduced by the subtilty and temptation of Satan, sinned in eating 
 the forbidden fruit. This their sin God was pleased, according to his wise and holy 
 counsel, to permit, having purposed to order it to his own glory. 
 
 II. By this sin they fell from their original righteousness, and communion with God, 
 and became dead in sin, and wholly defiled in all the faculties and parts of soul and 
 body. 
 
 III. They being the root of all mankind, the guilt of their sin was imputed, and the 
 same death in sin and corrupted nature conveyed to all their posterity, descending from 
 them by ordinary generation. 
 
«4 
 
 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 
 
 CnAP. Til. 
 
 IV. From this original corruption, whereby wo arc utterly indisposed, disabled, and 
 made opposite to all good, and wholly inclined to all evil, do proceed all lictual 
 transigrossious. 
 
 V. This corruption of nature, during this life, doth remain in those that are regcne- 
 rated : and although it bo through Christ pardoned and mortified, yet both itself, and all 
 the motions thereof, are truly and properly sin. 
 
 VI. Every sin, botli original and actual, being a transgression of the righteous law of 
 God, and contrary thereunto, doth, in its own natiu'c, bring guilt upon the sinner, 
 whereby he is hound over to the wrath of God, and curse of the law, and so made 
 subject to death, with all miseries spiritual, temporal, and eternal. 
 
 CHAP. VII. 
 
 Of God's Covenant uith Man. 
 
 The distance between God and the creature is so great, that although reasonable 
 creatures do owe obedience unto him as their Creator, yet they could never have any 
 fruition of hitn as their blessedness and reward, but by some voluntary condescension on 
 God's part, which he hath been pleased to express by way of covenant. 
 
 II. The first covenant made with man was a covenant of works, wherein life was 
 promised to Adam, and in him to his posterity, upon condition of perfect and personal 
 obedience. 
 
 III. Man by his fall having made himself incapable of life by that covenant, the Lord 
 was pleased to make a second, commonly called the Covenant of Grace : wherein he 
 
Ckap. ITIl. 
 
 THE COM rSSION OF FAITH. 
 
 Iff 
 
 frcoly offera unto sinners life and salvation by Jesus Ciirist, requiring of them failli in 
 him, that they may he saveil ; and inomising to give unto all tiiosc that arc ordained 
 unto life his Holy Spirit, to uudvo them willing and able to believe. 
 
 IV. This covenant of grace is frequently set forth in the scripture hy the name of a 
 Te:^tament, in reference to the death of Jesus Christ the testator, and to the everlasting 
 inheritance, with all things belonging to it, therein bequeathed. 
 
 V. This covenant was differently administered in the time of the law, and in the timo 
 of the gosjiel : under the law it was administered hy promises, prophecies, sacrifices, 
 circumcision, the paschal Iamb, and other types and ordinances delivered to the people 
 of the Jews, all fore-siguifyiMg Cinist to came, wliicli were for lluit time sutlieieiit and 
 efficacious, through the operation of the Spirit, to instruct and build up the elect in fuitli 
 in the promised Messiah, by whom they had full remission of sins, and eternal salvation ; 
 and is called the Old Testament. 
 
 VI. Under the gospel, when Christ the substance was exhil)i(cd, l!ic ordinances in 
 which this covenant is dispensed are the preaching of the word, and the administration 
 of the sacraments of Bapl-sm and the Lord's Supper; whieii, thougli tl'wer in number, 
 and administered with nn re simplicity and less outward gloiy, yet in them it is held 
 lori in more fulness, evidence, and spiritual elfieaey, to all nations, botii Jews and 
 Gentiles ; and is called the New Testament. There arc not therefore two covenants of 
 grace differing in substance, but one and the same under various dispensations. 
 
 i 
 
16 
 
 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 
 
 Chap. VIII. 
 
 CHAP, vin. 
 
 Of Christ the Mediator. 
 
 It pleased God, in his eternal purpose, to choose and ordain the Lord Jesus, his only 
 begotten Son, to be tlic :Medintor hctweeii God and nmn ; the Prophet, Priest, and 
 King; tiie Head and Saviour of his Chureli ; the Heir of all tilings ; and Judge of the 
 world : unto whom he did from all eternity give a people to be his seed, and to be 
 by hiin in time redeemed, called, justified, sanctified, and glorified. 
 
 11, The Son of God, the second person in the Trinity, being veiy and eternal God, of 
 one substance, and equal with the Patlior, did, when the fulness of time was come, tuko 
 upon him man's nature, with all the essential properties and common infirmities thereof, 
 yet without sin ; bring eonceivi 1 by the power of the Holy Ghost, in tiie womb of the 
 Virgin Mary, of lier snl)>taiu'o. So tiiat two whole, pt-rfect, and distinct natures, the 
 Godhead and tiie niaiiliood, were inseparably joined together in one person, without 
 conversion, composition, or confusion. Which pei-son is very God and very man, yet 
 one Christ, the only Mediator between God and man. 
 
 HI. The Lord Jesus, in his human nature thus united to the divine, was sanctified 
 and anointed with the Holy Spirit above measure ; havitig in him all the treasures of 
 wisdom and knowledge; in whom it pleased the Patlier that all fulness should dwell : 
 to the end, tliat being holy, harmless, and undefiled, and full of grace and truth, he 
 mi^bt be thoroughly finnished to execute the office of a Mediator or Surety. Which 
 office he took not unto liim>elf, but was thereunto called by bis Father; who put all 
 power and judgment into his hand, and gave him commandment to execute the same. 
 
 IV. Tliis office the Lord Jesus did most willingly undertake ; which that lie might 
 discbave, he was made under the law, and did perfectly fulfil it; endured most grievous 
 torments immediately in his soul, and n^ost painful suflferings in bis body ; was crucified, 
 and died ; was buried, and remained under the power of death, yet saw no corruption. 
 On the third day he arose from the dead, with the same body in which he sufi"ered ; with 
 
 .■il 
 
 1 / 
 
 t ■ = ■ 
 
 i : : 
 
Chai>. VUI. 
 
 THE C()NIF,S8[ON OF FAITH. 
 
 If 
 
 wh'wh al«(t lio asceiiiled into liciivoii, and tliore sittotli at the riglit hand of liis Fatlior, 
 making intercccision ; and tsliall icturn to judge men and angc)-< at the end of tlie world. 
 
 V. Till' Lord Jesus, by liis perfect oltedience and saeritice vf himself, which he 
 throiigli the eternal Spirit once olVered up luito God, hath fully satisfied the justice of 
 liiwFather ; and purchased not only reconciliation, but an everlasting inheritance in the 
 kingdom of hiviven, for all those whom the rather hath given unto hiu). 
 
 VI. Although the work of redemption was not actually wrought by Christ till after his 
 incarnation, yet the virtue, efticacy, and benefits thereof, were communicated unto the 
 elect in all ngca successively from the begiiming of the world, in and by those promises, 
 types, and sacrifices, wherein he was revealed and signified to be the Seed of the woman, 
 which should bruise the sori.ent's head, and the Lamb slain from the beginning of the 
 world, being yesterday and to-day the same, and for ever. 
 
 VII. Christ, in the work of mediation, acteth according to both natures ; by each 
 nature doing that which is proper to itself: yet, by reason of the unity of the person, 
 that which is proper to one nature is sometimes in scripture attributed to the person 
 denominated by the other natm-e. 
 
 VIII. To all those for whom Christ hath purchased redemption, he doth certainly 
 and effectually apply and communicate the same ; making intercession for them ; and 
 revealing unto them, in and by the word, the mysteries of salvation ; effectually 
 persuading them by his Spirit to believe and obey ; and governing their hearts by his 
 word and Si)irit ; overcoming all their enemies by his almighty power and wisdom, in 
 such manner and ways as are most conaonant to liis wonderful and unsearchable 
 dispensation. 
 
 I i 
 
 I 
 
THE CO^fFE88ION OF FAITH. 
 
 ClIAP. IX* 
 
 CHAP. IX. 
 
 Of Free mil. 
 
 God hath endued the will of iimii with that natural lihcrty, that it is neither forced, 
 nor l)y any absolute necessity of nature determined, to good or evil. 
 
 II. IJan, in his state of innocency, had freedom and power to will and to do that 
 which was good and well pleasing to God ; but yet mutably, so that ho might fall 
 from it. 
 
 III. Man, by his fall into a state of sin, hatli wholly lost all ability of will to any 
 spiritual good accompanying salvation ; so as a natural man, being altogether averse 
 from that good, and dead in sin, is not able, by his own strength, to convert himself, or 
 to prepare himself thereunto. 
 
 IV. When God converts a sinner, and translates him into the state of grdce, he freeth 
 him from his natural bondage under sin, and by his grace alone enables him freely to 
 will and to do that which is spiritually good f yet so as that, by reason of his remaining 
 corruption, he doth not perfectly nor only will that which is good, but doth also will 
 that which is evil. 
 
 V. The will of man is made perfectly and immutably free to do good alone in the 
 state of glory only. 
 
I 
 
 Cbap. X. 
 
 THR CONPESaiON OP FAITH. 
 
 !• 
 
 CHAP. X. 
 
 Of EO'ccliinl Culliii^. 
 
 All tlioKo whom God lintli predestinated unto life, and tiioso only, lie is plenicd, in his 
 appointed and ncoepted time, effeetiially to call, by his word and Spirit, out of thot 
 state of sin and dciitli in which they arc by nature, to grace and salvation by Jesus 
 Christ; cnlighleniiig their inindx npiritually and savingly to understand the things of 
 Go«l ; taking pwny their heart of ^tone, and giving unto them an heart of flesh ; 
 renewing their wills, and by his almighty power delcrmining them to that which is good ; 
 and effectually drawing them to Christ; yet so us they come most freely, being made 
 willing by liis grace. 
 
 II. This effectual call is of God's free and special grace alone, not from any thing at 
 all foreseen in man : v ho is ultogethor passive t ■rein, until, bcinj' quickened and 
 renewed by the Holy S|)irit, he is thereby enabled lO answer this call, and to embrace 
 the gi-aco offered and conveyed in it. 
 
 III. Elect infants, dying in their infancy, are so regenerated and saved by Christ 
 through the Spirit, who worketh when, and where, and how ho pleaseth. So also are 
 oil other elect persons, who are incapable of being outwardly called by the ministry of 
 tlie word. 
 
 IV. Others not elected, although they may be called by the ministry of the word, and 
 may have some common operations of the Spirit, yet they never tridy come unto Christ, 
 and therefore cannot be saved: much less can men not professing the Christian religion 
 be saved in any other way whatsoever, be they ever so diligent to frame their lives 
 according to the light of nature, and the law of that religion they do profess ; and to 
 assert and maintain that they may, is veiy pernicious, and to be detested. 
 
 h 
 
90 
 
 THE rONFESaiON OF FAITH. 
 
 C^HAP. XI. 
 
 CHAP. XI. 
 
 Of JiislijUulioii. 
 
 Those wliotn God olTt'climlly calli'tli lie uImo i'rot'ly juittilU'tli ; not Ity iiilUMirif; rij^litooiiA- 
 noHg into tlifiii, liiit. I>y piu'duniiig tlicii* Mm, mul l>y ticcoiiiitinj; and Hec<>|itiiig tliuir 
 piTMOiiB a» righteoiiH: not lor uny tiling \vi'oiii;lit in tlii>m, or done l)y tneni, hut fur 
 Cliritit'ri Kuku niono : not by inipiiling lititli itself, llic act of iu'lii'vitii;, or any otlii>r 
 cvangoiicul olicdioncc, to tlirui tin tln'ir riL;lit(>oiii*ni>ss ; but by iinpiilinir llii> obiMJicnco 
 and sutisfaclion of Cin-i^t nnlo tiiinn, tlii'v rfciMvin:; and iTstini; on iiiin and liiN riglitcoufl- 
 ncM by faith : wliioli fuitii tiicy have not uf thumi^eiveit } it it* thi> gill of Gud. 
 
 II. Faith, tlius receiving and resting on Christ and his rigbtcousnoHM, is tiie alone 
 instrunient of juHtilloation ; yet it i-< not alone in the person justilied, but in ever 
 nceonipunied with all other saving graces, and i.s n<) (U^ad faith, but worketh by love. 
 
 III. Christ, by Ills ol)edieiu;e and death, did fully discbarge tiie debt of all those that are 
 thus justified, and did make a proper, real, and full satisfaction to liis Futher'a justice in 
 their behalf. Yet, in a« mucii as he was given by tlie Father lor tbein, aiul bis obedience 
 and satisfaction accepted in their stead, and both freely, not for any thing in them, their 
 justifiualion is only of free grace j that both the exact justice and rich grace of (iod 
 might he glorified in the justification of sinners. 
 
 1\'. God did, from all eternity, decree to justify all the elect ; and Christ did, in the 
 fulness of time, die for their sins, and rise again for tiicir justification : nevertheless they 
 are not justified, until the Holy Spirit doth in due time actually apply Christ unto them. 
 
 V. God doth continue to forgive tiie sins of those that are justified : and although 
 they can never fall from the state of justification, yet they nuiy by tiwir sins fall under 
 Ciod's fatherly displeasure, and not have tiie light of his countenance restored unto them, 
 until they inmible themselves, confess their sins, beg pardon, and renew their faith ami 
 repentance. 
 
Chap. XII. 
 
 THE CONFESSION OP FAITH. 
 
 91 
 
 VI. Tlio jiwtiliration of boliovnrti under llin Old Toatament won, iti nil tlicao rospouU, 
 one and the iuino with the jiutifloutioii of bttliovcra under tho Now ToHtatnont. 
 
 CHAP. XII. 
 
 O/" tidopliou. 
 
 All those that arc justified, God voucliHnfeth, in and for liis only Son Jesus Christ, to 
 make pnrtiikerH of the grace of adoption : l>y which they are taken into the luiniiier, and 
 enjoy tho lihertics and privilegeH of tho children of God ; have his name put upon them, 
 receive the Spirit of adoption j have access to tho throne of grace with boldness ; are 
 enabled to cry, Abba, Father; are pitied, protected, provided for, and chastened by him 
 as by a father ; yet never east o(T, but sealed to tho day of redemption, and iniiorit tho 
 promises, as heirs of everlasting salvation. 
 
 CHAP. XUI. 
 
 Of Sanctificalion. 
 
 TiiEY who aro effectually called and regenerated, having a new heart and a new spirit 
 created in them, and farther sanctified really and personally, through the virtiie of 
 Christ's death and resurrection, by his word and Spirit dwelling in them ; the dominion 
 
^9 
 
 THE OONFESSION OF FAITH. 
 
 Chap. S.1L\, 
 
 of the whole body of sin is destroyed, and the several lusts thereof are more and more 
 weakened and mortified, and tiiey more and more «iuickened and strengthened in all 
 sa'.ing graces, to the practice of true holiness, without which no man shall see the 
 Lord. 
 
 II. This sanctification is thr'ji-.ghout in the whole man, yet imperfect in this life ; 
 there abideth still some remnants of corruption in every part : whence ariseth a 
 continual and irreconcileable war ; the flesh lusting against the Spirit, and the Spirit 
 against the flesli. 
 
 III. In uliicli war, although the remaining corruption for a time may much prevail, 
 yet, through the continual supply of strength from the sanctifying Spirit of Christ, the 
 regenerate part doth overcome : and so the saints grow in grace, perfecting holiness in 
 the fear of God. 
 
 CHAP. XIV. 
 
 OJ Saving Ftiitli. 
 
 The grace of faith, whereby the elect are enal)led to believe to the saving of their souls, 
 is the work of the Spirit of Christ in their hearts, and is ordinarily wrought by the 
 ministry of the word : by which also, and by the administration of the sacraments, and 
 prayer, it is increased and strengthened. 
 
 II. By this faith, a Christian believeth to be true whatsoever is revealed in the word, 
 from the authority of God himself speaking therein j and acteth diiTerently upon that 
 which each particular passage thereof containeth ; yielding obedience to the commands, 
 
Chap. XV. 
 
 THIi: CONI-FSSION OF FAITH. 
 
 93 
 
 trembling at the tlironteniiigs, and embracing the promises of God for this life and that 
 which is to come. But the principal acts of saving faith are, accepting, receiving, and 
 resting ui)on Christ alone for justification, sanctification, and eternal life, by virtue of the 
 covenant of grace. 
 
 III. This faith is different in degi-ecs, weak or strong ; may ue often and many ways 
 assailed anu weakened, but gets the victory ; growing up in many to the attainment of a 
 full assurance through Christ, who is both tiie author and finisher of our faith. 
 
 CHAP. XV. 
 
 Of Itrpcnfanre vnto Lift'. 
 
 Repentance unto life is an evangelical grace, the doctrine ^\•horeof is to be preached by 
 every minister of the gospel, as well as tiiat of faith in Christ. 
 
 II. By it a siniior, out of the sight and sense, not only of the danger, but also of the 
 filthiness and odiousness of his sins, as contrary to the holy nature and righteous 
 law of God, and upon the apprehension of his mercy in Christ to such as are penitent, 
 so grieves for and hates his sins, as to turn from them all imto God, purposing and 
 endeavouring to walk with him in all the ways of his commandments. 
 
 III. Although repentance be not fo be rested on, as any satisfaction for sin, or any 
 cause of tlie pardon thereof, «hich is the act of God's free grace in Christ ; yet is it of 
 such necessity to all sinners, that none may expect pardon without it. 
 
 IV. As there is no sin so small but it deserves damnation ; so there is no sin so great, 
 that it can bring damnation upon those who truly repent. 
 
!»4 
 
 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 
 
 Chap. XTI. 
 
 V. Men ought not to content themselves with a general repentance, but it is every 
 man's duty to endeavour to repent of his particular sins particularly. 
 
 VI. As every man is bound to make private confession of his sins to God, praying for 
 the pardon thereof; upon which, and the forsaking of them, he shall find mercy ; so he 
 tliat scandalizeth his brother, or the church of Christ, ought to be willing, by a private 
 or publi(! confession and sorrow for his sin, to declare his repentance to those that are 
 oftended ; who are thereupon to be reconciled to him, and in love to receive him. 
 
 CHAP. XVI. 
 
 Of Good }Vorks. 
 
 Good works are only such as God hath commanded in his holy word, and not such as, 
 without the warrant thereof, are devised by men, out of blind zeal, or upon any pretence 
 of good intention. 
 
 II. These good works, done in obedience to God's commandments, are the fruits and 
 evidences of a true and lively faith : and by them believci-s manifest their thankfulness, 
 strengthen their assurance, edify their brethren, adorn the jirofession of the gospel, stop 
 the mouths of the adversaries, and glorify God, whose workmanship they are, created in 
 Christ Jesus thereunto ; that, having their fruit unto holiness, they may have the end 
 eternal life. 
 
 III. Their ability to do good works is not at all of themselves, but wholly from the 
 Spirit of Christ. And that they may be enabled thereunto, besides the {.Taces they have 
 already received, there is rccjuired an actual influence of the same llolj Spirit to work 
 in them to will and to do of his good pleasure : yet are they not hereupon to grow 
 
 i 
 
Chap XVi:. 
 
 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 
 
 9S 
 
 negligent, as if they were not hound to perform iny duty unless upon a special motion of 
 the Spirit ; hut they ought to he diligent in stirring up the grace of God that is in them. 
 
 IV. They who in tiieir obedience attain to the greatest height which is possihlc in 
 this life, arc so far from heing able to supererogate, and to do more than God requires, 
 that they fall short of much which in duty they are hound to do. 
 
 V. We cannot, hy our hest works, merit pardon of sin, or eternal life, at the hand of 
 God, hy reason of the great disproportion that is between them and the glory to come, 
 and the infinite distance that is between us and God, whom by them we can neither 
 profit nor satisfy for the debt of our former sins ; but when we have done all we can, 
 we have done but our duty, and are unprofitable servants ; and because, as they are 
 good, they proceed from his Spirit ; and as they arc wrought by us, they are defiled and 
 mixed with so nmch weakness and imperfection, that they cannot endure the severity of 
 God's judgment. 
 
 VI. Yet notwithstanding, the persons of believers being accepted through Christ, 
 their good works also are accepted in him ; not as though they were in this life wholly 
 unblameable and unreproveable in God's sight ; but tliat he, looking upon them in his 
 Son, is pleased to accept and reward that which is sincere, although accompanied with 
 many weaknesses and imperfections, 
 
 VII. Works done by unrcgcnerated men, although, for the matter of them, they may 
 he things which God connnands, and of good use both to themselves and others ; yet, 
 because they piocccd not fioni an licinl purified by faith ; nor are done in a right man- 
 ner, according to the word ; nor to a right end, the glory of God ; they are therefore 
 sinful, and cannot j)lease God, or make a man meet to receive grace from God. And 
 yet their neglect of them is more sinful, and displeasing unto (iod. 
 
9« 
 
 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 
 
 CHAP. JLTll. 
 
 CHAP. XVII. 
 
 Of the Pcrsetevanct of the Saints. 
 
 They whom God licth accepted in his Beloved, effectually called and sanctified by his 
 Spirit, can neither totally nor finally fiill away from the state of graco j but shall certainly 
 presevere therein to the end, and be eternally saved. 
 
 II. This perseverance of the saints depends not upon their own free will, but upon 
 the ininuit&bility of the degree of election, flowing from the free and unchangeable love 
 of God the Father ; upon the efficacy of the merit and intercession of Jesus Christ ; the 
 abiding of the Spirit, and of the seed of God within them ; and the nature of the 
 covenant of grace : from all which ariseth also the certainty and infallibility thereof. 
 
 III. Nevertheless they may, through the temptations of Satan and of the world, the 
 prevalency of corruption remaining in them, and the neglect of the means of their 
 preservation, fall into grievous sins ; ai'^l for a time continue therein : whereby they 
 incur God's displeasure, and grieve his Holy Spirit ; come to be deprived of some 
 measure of their graces and comforts ; have their hearts hardened, and their consciences 
 wounded ; hurt and scandalize othei-s, and bring temporal judgr.ents upon themselves. 
 
 CHAP. XVHI. 
 
 Of the tissuraucr of (iracr and Saltation. 
 
 Although hypocrites, and other unregenerate men, may vainly deceive themselves with 
 false hopes and carnal presumptions of being in the favour of God and estate of salvation ; 
 
chai*. x^ui. 
 
 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 
 
 9t 
 
 which hope of theire shall perish ; yet such as truly helieve in the Lord Jesus, and love 
 liim in sincerity, endeavouring to walk in all good conscience before him, may in this life 
 be certainly assured that they are in the state of grace, and may rejoice in the hope of 
 the glory of God ; which hope shall never make them ashamed.^ 
 
 II. This certainty is not a bare conjectural and probable persuasion, grounded upon 
 a fallible hope ; but an infallible assurance of faith, founded upon the divine truth of 
 the promises of salvation, the inward evidence of those graces unto which these promises 
 are made, the testimony of the Spirit of adoption witnessing with our spirits that we are 
 the children of God : which Spirit is the earnest of our inheritance, whereby we are 
 sealed to the day of redemption. 
 
 III. This infallible assurance doth not so belong to the essence of faith, but that a 
 true believer may vait long, and conflict with many difficulties, before he be pari iker of 
 it: yet, being enabled by the Spirit to know the things which are freely g- a him of 
 God, he may, without extraordinary revelation, in the right use of ordinary means, 
 attain thereunto. And therefore it is the duty of every one to give all diligence to mr.ke 
 his calling and election sure ; that thereby his heart may be enlarged in peaco and joy 
 in the Holy Ghost, in love and thankfulness to God, and in strength and cheerfulness in 
 the duties of obedience, the proper fruits of this assurance : so far is it from inclining 
 men to looseness. 
 
 IV. True believers may have the assurance of their salvation divers ways shaken, 
 diminished, and intermitted ; as, by negligence in preserving of it : by falling into some 
 special sin, which woundeth the conscience, and grieveth the Spirit ; by some sudden or 
 vehement temptation ; by God's withdrawing the light of his countenance, and suffering 
 even such as fear him to walk in darkness, and to liave no light : yet are they never 
 utterly destitute of that seed of God, and life of faith, that love of Christ and the brethren, 
 that sincerity of heart and conscience of duty, out of which, by the operation of the 
 Spirit, this assurance may in due time be revived, and by the which, in the mean time, 
 they are supported from utter despair. 
 
THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 
 
 €UAP. XIX. 
 
 CHAP. XIX. 
 
 Of the Law of God. 
 
 God gave to Adam a law, as a covenant of works, by which he bound him, and all his 
 posterity, to personal, entire, exact, and peipetual obedience ; promised life upon the 
 fulfilling, a!id threatened death upon the breach of it ; and endued him with power and 
 ability to keep it. 
 
 II. This law, after his fall, continued to be a perfect rule of riglitcousncss ; and, as 
 6ucb, was delivered by God upon mount Sinai in ten commandments, and written in two 
 tables ; the fii'st four commandments containing our duty towards God, and the other 
 six our duty to man. 
 
 III. Beside this law, commonly called Moral, Gnd was pleased to give to the people 
 of Israel, as a church under age, ceremonial laws, containing several typical ordinances ; 
 partly of worsliip, prefiguiing Christ, his graces, actions, sufferings, and benefits; and 
 partly holding forth div';rs instructions of n)oral duties. All which ceremonial laws arc 
 now abi'ogated under t'.e new testament. 
 
 IV. To them also, as a body jiolitick, he gave sundry judicial laws, which expired 
 together with the state of that people, not obliging any other now, further than the 
 general equity thereof may rociuire. 
 
 V. The moral law doth for ever bind all, as well justified persons as others, to the 
 obedience thereof; and that not only in regard of the matter contained in it, but also in 
 respect of the authority of God, the Creator, wlio gave it. Neither doth Christ in the 
 gospel any v. ay dissolve, but much strengthen this obligation. 
 
 VI. Allliougb true believers be not under the law as a covenant of works, to be 
 tlRMcby jii.-tified or condemned ; yet is it of groat use to them, as , ;11 as to others ; in 
 that, as a rule of life, informing them of the will of God and their dutv, it directs and 
 
€hap. XX. 
 
 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 
 
 30 
 
 binds tlicm 1o wnlk acnordiiiijly ; discovering uh- 1 tlu' sinl'ui iioliiilions of tlicir imturo, 
 liearts, and lives ; so ns, examining themselves tlieiehy, tlicy may come to tVirtlier 
 eonvi'jtion of, immiliation for, and liatred against sin j togcUier witli a clearer siglit ol' 
 the need fiicy luivo of Christ, and the perfection of his obedience. It is likewise of use 
 to tlic regenerate, to restrain their corruptions, in that it forbids sin ; and the threaten- 
 ings of it serve to shew what even their sins deserve, and what atHietions in this life they 
 may expect for them, although freed from the cm'sc thereof threatened in the law. The 
 promises of it, in like maimer, shew them God's approbation of obediem^e, and what 
 l)les8ings they may expect upon the i)erformance thereof, although not as due to them by 
 the law as a covenant of works : so as a man's doing good, and refraining »'rom evil, 
 because the law encourageth to the one, and deterreth from tlic other, is no evidence of 
 his being under the law, and not under gi-aco. 
 
 VII. Neither are the forementioncd uses of the law contriiry to the grace of the 
 gospel, but do sweetly comply with it ; the Spirit of Christ subduing and enabling the 
 will of man to do that freely and cheerfully which the will of God revealed in the law 
 •equiretli to be done. 
 
 CHAP. XX. 
 
 Of Chfislimi Lilxrly, and Libirlij of Coiiscicinc. 
 
 The liberty which Christ hath purchased for belicvei-s under the gospel, consists in their 
 freedom from the guilt of sin, the condemning wrath of God, the cui-se of the moral law ; 
 and in their being delivered from this present evil world, bondage to Satan, and dominion 
 of sin, from the evil of atHictions, the sting of death, the victory of the grave, and 
 everlasting damnation ; as also in their free access to God, and their yielding obedience 
 unto him, not out of slavish fear, but a child-like love, and willing mind. Ail which 
 
so 
 
 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 
 
 Chap. XX. 
 
 were coiimion ulsu to believciH iiiuior tlio luw ; hut under the new testament, tlio liberty 
 of Cliriistiana is finliicr eiilargetl in their ttvedt)in from the yoke of the ceremoniul law, 
 to wiiieh tile Jewisli eliureli wius sulyecled, and in greater bolduess of access to the 
 tlirone of grace, and in fuller eoniuiunications of the free Spirit of God, than believers 
 under the law did ordinarily partake of, 
 
 II. God alone is Lord of the conscience, and hath left it free from the doctrines and 
 conuiiandnients of men which are in any thing contrary to his word, or beside it, in 
 matters of faith or worship. So that to believe such doctrines, or to obey such 
 commandments out of conscience, is to betray true liberty of conscience ; and the 
 requiring of an implicit faith, and an absolute and blind obedience, is to destroy liberty 
 of conscience, and reason also. 
 
 HI. They who, upon pretence of Christian liberty, do practise any sin, or cherish 
 any lust, do thereby destroy the end of Christian liberty ; which is, that, being delivered 
 out of the hands of our enemies, we might servo the Lord without fear, in holiness and 
 righteousness before him, all the days of our lil'e. 
 
 IV. And because the powers which God hath ordained, and the liberty which Christ 
 huth purchased, arc not intended by God to destroy, but mutually to uphold an<l 
 preser\e one another; they who, nym pretcMicc of Cliristiaii liberty, shall oppose any 
 lawful power, or the lawful exercise of it, whether it be civil oi ecclesiastical, resist the 
 ordinance of God. And for their piildi^liini^ of such opinions, or maintaining of such 
 practices, iis are contrary to the lii^ht of nature, or to the known j)rineiples of Christianity, 
 whether concerning faith, wi>rshi[), or conversation ; or to the power of godliness ; or 
 such erroneous opinions or practices, as either in their own naluri-, or in IIk; maimer of 
 publishing or maintaining them, are destructive to the external peace and order which 
 Christ hath established in the church ; they may lawfully be called to account, and 
 proceeded against by the censures of the church, and by the power of the civil magistrate. 
 
Chap. XXI. 
 
 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 
 
 »1 
 
 CHAP. XXI. 
 
 (*f ItcUgioits Wui\ship, and Ihe Subbulh-Day. 
 
 The liglit of nature slicwetli tlnit tlicre is a God, wlio liatli lordsliip and sovoroignty over 
 all ; is good, and doctli good unto all ; and is llicreforc to \w feared, loved, praised, 
 called upon, trusted in, and served, with all the heart, and with all the soul, and with all 
 the inigiit. But tiio acceptahle way of worshipping the true God is instituted hy liiinself, 
 and 80 limited hy his own revealed will, that ho may not ho worehipped aecording to tlie 
 imaginations and devices of men, or the suggestions of Satan, under any visihie 
 representation, or any other way not prescrihed in the holy scripture. 
 
 II. Religious worship is to ho given to God, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost ; and 
 to him alono : not to angels, saints, or any other creature : and, since the fall, not 
 without a Mediator; nor in the mediation of any other hut of Christ alone. 
 
 HI. Prayer, with thanksgiving, heing one special part of religious worship, is by God 
 recpiired of all men ; and, that it niiiy he accepted, it is to he made in the name of the 
 Son, hy the help of his Spirit, according 1i> his will, with understanding, reverence, 
 humility, fervency, faith, love, and perseverance ; and, if vocal, in a known tongue. 
 
 IV. Prayer is to he made for things lawful, and for all sorts of men living, or tliat 
 shall live hereafter ; hut not for the dead, nor for those of whom it may be known that 
 they have sinned the sin unto death. 
 
 V. The reading of the scriptures with godly fear j the sound preaching, and 
 conscionable hearing of the word, in obedience unto God, with understanding, faith, and 
 reverence ; singing psalms with grace in the heart ; as also the due administration and 
 worthy receiving of the sacraments insututed by Christ ; are all parts of the ordinary 
 religious worship of God : beside religious oaths, vows, solenm fastings, and thanks- 
 givings upon special occasions, which are, in their several times and seasons, to be used 
 in an Iioly and religious manner. 
 
99 
 
 THE CONFESSION OF FAIIII. 
 
 Chap. XXII. 
 
 VI Ncithor prnyor, nor iiny oilier pari of religious woixlrip, i«, now under llio f^ofipol, 
 either tied unto, or made more aeeeptuMe liy, any jiiaee in wliicli it is performed, or 
 towards wiiicii it is directed : l)Ut Liod is to l»e worshipped every when? in spirit and in 
 truth ; as in private families daily, and in secret cneh one hy liinis(>lf ; so moro solemnly 
 in the puhlick assemhlles, whieh are not enrelcssly or wilfully to he neglected or foreakeii, 
 when God, hy his word or providence, calletli thereunto. 
 
 VII. As it is of the law of nature, that, in general, a duo proportion of time he set 
 apart for the woi>liip of God ; so, in his word, hy a positive, moral, and perpetual 
 coinnumdmenl, hinding ali men in ah ages, he hath particularly appointed one day in 
 seven for a sabbath, to ho kept holy unto hint : whicli, from the begiiming of the world 
 to the resurrection of Christ, was the last day of tho week ; and, from the resurrection 
 of Christ, was changed into the tirst day of the week, which in scripture is called the 
 Lord's Day, and is to be contiinied to tho end of tho world, as tho Christian Sabhath. 
 
 VIII. This sabbath is then kept lioly unto the Lord, when men, after a duo prcpar- 
 ation of their hearts, and ordering of their common atTairs hcfore-hand, do not only 
 observe a holy rest all tho day from their own works, words, and thoughts about their 
 worldly enip''tymonts and recreations; but also are taken up the whole time in the 
 publick and private exercises of his worship, and in the duties of necessity and mercy. 
 
 CHAP. XXII. 
 
 Of lawful OalliH and Vmes. 
 
 A LAWFUL oath is a part of religious worship, wherein, upon just occasions, the person 
 swearing solemnly calleth God to witness what he assertcth or promiseth ; and to judge 
 him according to the truth or falsehood of what lie swcareth. 
 
 ! :i' 
 
Vhav. XXII. 
 
 I hi; (ONIF.MSloN dl' I' Mill 
 
 »:b 
 
 II. 'rili> liuini' 1)1' (mmI only is tlml li\ ^tliirli iii< ii <>ii<;lil Id '-wi'iir, iiiiii llii>iriii il !•« In 
 li« iiHcd willi III! Iioly ii-ar and rcvcri'ini' : llirn luir In ^\\l•lll■ \^iiiily or la-lily In lliiil 
 glorious and drcudlul iiuint', -n- In nwruv at all liy any ollii'i' tliiiif;, i^ sinl'iil, ami In lie 
 iilihont'd. Yet UN, in inutlci'M ol' wfif^iil and nimni'Ml, an (latli is waiTanlod liy llic word 
 of (lod niulor tla* Nrw ToHlana'nt, as well ii.< undiT tin' Old -, so a lawl'nl oalli licini; 
 ini|iosi'd liy hiwlul aullinritv, in siuji nialli'i's, oii'.dit to lie taken. 
 
 III. Wluiwovci' taki'lli an oatli, ou^lit didy lo <'iinsidi>r llic \\i'ii;lilin<>Mr< ol' ho sohuiin 
 un act, and tliorcin to avoncli notliin;; linl wlial lii^ is I'liliy |M>rHUiidcd is iht; trntli. 
 Nfitlii'i- may (iny man liind Inmsulf l>y oatli to any thing Iml wliut is fio , and just, and 
 wliat III' iH'licvt'lh so to be, and what he is ahic inid resolved to jiert'orm. 'Vet it is 
 u Hin tu reruse an oath lonchniK any thin;; that is };ood and jii^t, heint; imposed 
 by lawful authority. 
 
 IV. An oath is to he taken in the plain and connnon sense of the words, without 
 eipiivucation or mental reservation. Il cannot oblige tu m\ ; bnt in any thing not sinful, 
 being taken, it hinds to performance, althouj;h to a man's own huit; nor is it to he 
 violated, although made to hereticks or inlidelti. 
 
 V. A vow is of the like nature with u promlssury oath, and ucglit to he made with 
 the like religions care, and to ho performed with the like faithfulness. 
 
 VI. It is not to be made to any ereatme, hut to God alone: and that it may be 
 occepted, it is to be made voluntarily, out of faith, and conscience of duty, in way of 
 thankfulness for mercy received, or for the obtaining of what we want ; whereby we 
 more strictly bind oureelves to iic<'essary duties, or to other things, so far and so lotifr as 
 they may fitly conduce thereunto. 
 
 Vll. No man may vow to do any thing forbidden in the word of God, or what would 
 
 liindor any duty therein commanded, or which is not in his own powei', and for the 
 
 performance whereof he hath no promise or ability from God. In which respects. 
 
 Popish monastical vows of perpetual siiit,le life, professed poverty, and regular obedience, 
 
 are so far from being degrees of higher perfection, that they are superetitious and sinful 
 
 snares, in which no Christian may entangle himself. 
 
 1 
 
•4 
 
 THE ( ONFLSSION OF rAITII. 
 
 I'HIP. XXIII. 
 
 c;HAi'. XXIII. 
 
 Of lln Ciri/ .Mtiiiishiilr 
 
 Gou, the Hii|)reiiit' Lord iiiid Kiii^j; ol' all lln> worKi, Imlli ordiiiiicil civil mii|iin1iii)('i* to lii' 
 under iiiin over tli(> |i(>o|tli', lur his own ^lory, uiid tlit- pulilick piod ; and, lo IImm end, 
 liatli armed them with tlie power of the sword, for the defence and eneonram'menl of 
 tliem tliut nre ^ood, and for the punisliment of evil doers. 
 
 )' \ 
 
 11. It is lawful for Christians to accept and execute the office of a nmnistrato, when 
 called tiiereimto: in the maiuij,'iiii; whereof, as they onj;ht especially to maintain piety, 
 jnstice, and peace, according to the wholedome laws of each conunonweallh ; ho, f(»r that 
 end, they may lawfully, under the New Testament, wage war upon just and necoHsary 
 occnisioiis. 
 
 III. The civil nia(,'istratc may not assume to himself the administrntion of the word 
 and sacraments, or the power of the keys of the kinj;dom of heaven : yet he hntli 
 nnthority, and it is his duty, to take order, that unity mid peace he preserved in the 
 church, that the truth of (Jod he kept pure and entire, that all hlasphemies and heresies 
 be suppressed, all corruptions and ahuses in worship and disciprnu! prevented or reformed, 
 and all the ordinances of God duly settled, administered, and ohserved. For the better 
 elVecting whereof, he hath power to call synods, to he p it at them, anil to provido 
 that whutsoevur is trausucted in them be according to tlu mind of God. 
 
 IV. It is the du<y of people to pray for magistrates, to honoiu' their pci-sons, to pay 
 them tribute and other dues, to obey their lawful coninumds, and to be 8id>iect to their 
 authority for conscience' sake. Infidelity, or dilference in religion, doth not nuike void 
 tlie magistrate's just and legal authority, nor free the peo|)le from their due obi'dienco to 
 him : from which ecclesiastical persons iue not exempted ; nnich less hath the Pope any 
 power or jurisdiction over them in their dominions, or over any of their people ; and 
 least of all to deprive tliem of their dominions or lives, if he shall judge them to be 
 hereticks, or upon any other pretence whatsoever. 
 
<'llAP. .^.%'l¥ 
 
 THE ( oNiTHBroN or r.MTn 
 
 nn 
 
 CHAP \XIV, 
 
 Of JMiinuiiii timl IHrorrr. 
 
 Makuiai.I': In to Ik' liclu'cfii (iik* iiiiiii aril mii' u'oiiiiin : iit'ltlici' is it liiwl'iil lor iiiiy iniiii 
 til liavi* iiiiirc limn oiii' uifc, tior I'm' any wiirnuii to liuvi' more tliuii mm liuHltanil al tlii* 
 
 HUlIlf titlU'. 
 
 II. Mftii'iapo wn» orilniiiod tor tlio mutual help of Inislianil am! wife ; for tlic incrrnw 
 of itamkinil with a li'gitimad' iHsiir, anil of llii' rlimrli witli an lioly sml ; ami I'lir 
 prrvrnlinf,' of mirli'aiiiii'>s. 
 
 III. It is lawlul I'di' all Hoil-i dI |ii>ii|iIi> tii many who ari> able with jiiil^miMit to ^'ivo 
 tlii'ir ritnsciil : yet it is tin- iliity ofCiiiiHliaiiM to many only in tlir Lord. Anil Ihcrorore 
 Hueli as proloss the true ri't'ornii'il i-i>li^;ioii hIiouIiI not marry witli intiilid!*, PapiMtsi, or 
 other ii'olatei-x : lUMtiior shnnlil sneli as are !;oilIy he uiiei|iially yokeil, liy inarryini; with 
 tiuch as are nolorionsly wiekeil in their life, or maintain ilanianaiile heresies. 
 
 IV. Marriaj^e oiif,'ht not to he within the dej^recs of consanguinity oraftinity foihidden 
 in the word; nor can such liicestnoiis marriagea ever ho made lawful hy any law of man, 
 or consent of parties*, ao as those persons may live together as man and wife. The man 
 may not marry any of his wife's kindred nearer in hlood than he ntay of his own, nor the 
 woman of her hnahanil's kindred nearer In hlood than of her own. 
 
 V. Adultery or fornication committed after a contract, heing detected heforc marriage, 
 givcth just occasion to the Innocent party to dissolve that contract. In the case of 
 adultery after marriage, it is lawfid for the imiocent party to sue out a divorce, and, after 
 the divorce, to marry another, as if the otVending party were dead. 
 
 VI. Although the corruption of man he s ich as is apt to study arguments, unduly to 
 put asunder those whom God hath joined together in marriage ; yet nothing hut adultery, 
 or such wilfid desertion as can no way he remedied hy the church or civil magistrate, is 
 
30 
 
 THE coNri'.ssioN or taitii. 
 
 Chap. XXV. 
 
 cause surticient ot'tlissolving tlit> \nmd of iimi riugf : wherein a piiblicik and orderly coui-se 
 of proceeding is to he oiiserved, and tlie persons (^on«:erned in it not h'll to tlieir own 
 wills in their owzi case. 
 
 CHAl'. \\\. 
 
 O/' l/ir Chinr/i. 
 
 The catholick or universal church, which is invisible, consists of the whole number of the 
 elect that have been, are, or shall be gathered into one, under Christ the head thereof ; 
 and is the spouse, the body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. 
 
 II. The visible church, which is also catholick or universal under the gospel, (not 
 confined to one nation, as before under the law,) consists of all those throughout the 
 world that profess the true religion, together with their children ; and is the kingdom of 
 the Lord Jesus Chriit, the house and family of God, out of which there is no ordinary 
 possibility of salvation. 
 
 III. Unto this catholick visible church Christ hath given the ministry, oracles, and 
 ordinances of God, for the gathering and perfecting of the saints in this life, to the end 
 of the world ; and doth by his own presence and Spirit, according to his promise, make 
 them eflfectual thereunto. 
 
 IV. This catholick church hath been sometimes more, sometimes less visible. And 
 particular churches, which are members thereof, are more or less pure, according as the 
 doctrine of the gospel is taught and embraced, ordinances administered, and publick 
 worship performed more or less purely in them. 
 
 it' 
 
Chap. XXTI. 
 
 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 
 
 37 
 
 V, The purest cluirclics under heaven are subject batli to mixture and error ; and 
 some have so degenerated as to become no chnrclies of Cln-ist, but synagogues of Satan. 
 Nevertheless, there shall be always a church on earth to worshij) God according to his 
 will. 
 
 VI. There is no other head of the church but tlio Lord Jesus Cln-ist : nor can the 
 Pope of Rome in any sense bo head thereof; but is that antichrist, that man of sin, and 
 son of perdition, that exaltoth himself in the church against Cln-ist, and all that is called 
 God. 
 
 CHAP. XXVI. 
 
 Of Communion of Saints. 
 
 Ai.1 saints that are united to Jesus Christ their head by his Spirit, and by faith, have 
 fellowship with him in his graces, sulforings, death, resurrection, and glory. And being 
 united to one anotiier in love, they have communion in each other's gifts and graces ; 
 and are obliged to the performance of such duties, publick and private, as do conduce to 
 their mutual good, both in the inward and outward man. 
 
 11. Saints, by profession, are bounil to maintain an holy fellowship and communion 
 in the worship of God, and in performing such other spiritual services as tend to their 
 mutual edification ; as also in relieving each other in outward things, according to their 
 several abilities and necessities. Which conmiunion, as God ollereth opportunity, is to 
 be extended to all those who in very place coU upon the name of the Lord Jesus. 
 
 lii 
 
3m 
 
 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. €BAP. XX¥II. 
 
 111. This communion wliicii llu« saints liave with CInist, doth not make them in any 
 ways partaivei-s of the substance of his Godliead, or to be eiiuul with Christ in any 
 respect: eitiier of which to affirm is impious and blasphemous. Nor dotli their 
 communion one witii another, as saints, taiic away or infringe the title or property which 
 each man hath in his goods and possessions. 
 
 CHAP. XXVll. 
 
 Of Ihr Sacraments. 
 
 Sacu.\ments are holy signs and seals of the covenant of gi-ace, inuiiediatcly instituted by 
 God, to represent Christ and his benefits, and to cwnfirm our interest in him ; as also to 
 put a visible difference between those that belong unto the cburch and the rest of the 
 world ; and solemidy to engage them to the service of God in Christ, according to his 
 word. 
 
 II. There is in every sacrament a spiritual relation, or sacramental union, between 
 the sign and the thing signified ; whence it comes to pass, that the names and effects of 
 the one are attributed to the other. 
 
 Jil. The grace which is exhibited in or by the sacraments, rightly used, is not 
 conferred by any power in them ; neither doth the efficacy of a sacrament depend upon 
 the piety or intention of him that dotli administer it, but upon the work of the Spirit, 
 and the word of institution ; which contains, together with a precept authorising the use 
 thereof, a promise of benefit to worthy receivers. 
 
€HAP. XXVIll. THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 
 
 30 
 
 IV. There be only two sacraments ordained by Christ our Lord iu tlie gospel, that 
 is to say, Baptism, and tiie Supper of the Lord ; neither of which may be dispensed by 
 any but a minister of the word, lawfully ordained. 
 
 V. The sacraments of the Old Testament, in regard of the spiritual things thereby 
 signified and exhibited, were, for substance, the same with those of the New. 
 
 CHAP. XXVIll. 
 
 Of Baptism. 
 
 Baptism is a sacrament of the New Testament, ordained by Jesus Christ, not only for 
 the solemn admission of the party baptized into the visible church, but also to be unto 
 him a sign and seal of the covenant of grace, of his ingrafting into Christ, of regeneration, 
 of remission of sins, and of his giving up unto God through Jesus Christ, to walk in 
 newness of life : which sacrament is, by Christ's own appointment, to be continued in 
 his church until the end of the world. 
 
 II. The outward element to be used in this sacrament is water, wherewith the party 
 is t(- be baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, by 
 a minister of the gospel, lawfully called thereunto. 
 
 III. Dipi)ing of the person into the water is not necessary ; but baptism is rightly 
 administered by pouring or sprinkling water upon the person. 
 
 IV. Not only those that do actually profess faith in and obedience unto Christ, but 
 also the infants of one or both believing parents are to be baptized. 
 
40 
 
 THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 
 
 Chap. XXIX. 
 
 V. Although it be a great sin to contemn or neglect this ordinance, yet grace and 
 salvation are not so inseparably annexed unto it, as tliat no person can be regenerated or 
 saved without it, or all that are baptized arc undoubtedly regenerated. 
 
 VI. The efficacy of baptism is not tied to that moment of time whsrein it is 
 administered ; yet -..atwithstanding, b; die riijht use of this ordinan-'c, the grace promised 
 is not only olTered, but really CKliibilud and conl'erred by the Holy Gbost, to such 
 (whether of age or inlants) as that grace belongeth unto, according to the counsel of 
 God's own will, in his appointed time. 
 
 VII. The sacrament of baptism is but once to be administered to any person. 
 
 CHAP. XXIX. 
 
 Of the Lord's Supper. 
 
 Oun Lord Jesus, in the night whoiein lie was betrayed, instituted the sacrament of his 
 body and blood, called the Lord's Supper, to be observed in Irs cburih unto the end of 
 the world, for the perpetual remeinlii'ruiico of the sacrifice of himself in his death, the 
 sealing all benefits thereof unto true believers, their spiritual nourishment and growth in 
 him, their further engagement in and to all duties which lliey owe unto him, and to bo a 
 bond and pledge of their communion with him, and with eacii other, as members of his 
 mystical body. 
 
 II. In this sacrament Christ is not ofTered up to his Father, nor any real sacrifice 
 made at all for remission of sins of the quick or dead ; but only a commemoration of 
 that one offering up of himself, by himself, upon the cross, once for all, and a spiritual 
 
I'll A I*. X^XiX. 
 
 iiiii i:c>Nri;ssioN oi- i aiiii. 
 
 41 
 
 iililiiliini (il'iill possibli! iiriii--(' iiiiln (iod I'or l!io siiiiic ; so tlial tlic l'()|tisli siicriCicp ul" tin; 
 mass, us llicy fall il, is inosl al>()iiiiiiai>iy luiiirMiii; lo (Jhrist's nin' (inly sacrirn'c, llii' 
 alone |)i'o|iitialioii iiir all llio siiis of tin,' clccl. 
 
 111. Till' Lord .Icsiis lialli, ill this oiiliiiauci', a{i|iiiiiil<''t liis iiiiiiisli'i's to dci'lari' liis 
 word of iiisliliilioii 111 the iicoplc, to |iray, and liirss llit> (dciiii'iits ol'liread and wine, and 
 llicrcliy to -el tlici.i a])ai'l iVoni a coiiiiiion !o an iinly iisi' ; and to la|<(? and Un'al< the 
 Iircad, lo laKi' 111' ''ii|i, and (llioy <'oiiimiiiii('atiiif; also llioiiisolvcs) lo <^\\t' holli lo t!ic 
 I'c iiiiiMiirinits ; lull lo none ulio arc iiol llicii pri'scnt in llic coni^rt'pilion. 
 
 IV. I'rivalc iii,iss(>s, or vecciviiit; llii' sacraniunt liy a pricsl, oi' any otliiT, alone; as 
 likewise the denial o!' Ilie ciili lo llie poopli , woislilppiiiu' llie eleinenis, llie lilliiiii llieiii 
 up, <i earryinu Ilieiii aUoiil Tor ailoiation, and llie reserviiiLr llieiii lor any pretended 
 religious use , are all i 'olrary lo the nature of tliis saerainenl, and lo the iiistiliition oC 
 Christ. 
 
 V. The oiilward eleinenis in this ■.aeraiiient, duly sel apart lo the uses ordained l)\- 
 Christ, have sudi rclalioii lo him eriioilied, as that truly, \el ssacraniontaily only, they 
 arc soinctiir.< .. culled liy the name ol' the thiiiiis they represent, to \rit, the hody and 
 blond of Ciirist ; ullieil, in suhstanee and nature, they still remain truly and only hreud 
 and wini', us they were hefore. 
 
 VI. Tliut doelrine which muintuins a chans;e ot'llie siili:;laiiec of hiead and wine into 
 llic siihstancc ol' Christ's hody and hlood (comiiKMily <'alled 'rransnl)--tcinliutioii ) liy 
 consecration ol' a priest, or hy any other way, is rcpiiu'iiunt not to scripture alone, hut 
 even lo common sense and reason ; ovcrlhrowelli the naliirc of the saeramenl ; and 
 hath heeii a'.d i^ llie cuiim' of manifold ^ii|)erstilions, yea, ofi;ross idolatries. 
 
 VII. Worthy receivers, outwardly partakiii!? of the visible elements in this sacrament, 
 do then also inwardly hy faith, really and indeed, yet iiol carnally and corporally, but 
 spiritually, receive and feed upon Christ crneilied, and all hencfits of lli^; death : the body 
 ami blood of Christ beiiiL;- llien nol C()i|wiraiiy ^iV canjall> in, w itii, or under the bread 
 and wine; yet as really, but j,,iriliially, pivsenl lo the failli of l;eliev<'rs in ;;., 
 ordinance, as the elements thcm.-eives are to their (nilward sense-. 
 
49 
 
 TIIH ( ONFESSIOiN t)l' FAITH. 
 
 C'll^ll*. XX.¥. 
 
 \lll, Alllioiijili iiiiioniiit iiiul wicked nicii receive llie oiilwanl elelllelll^ in this 
 siicrnmcnl, yi'l they receive luil Ilie tliiii;; >ii;iiilie(l lliernhy ; l>iif liy tlioir imwortliy 
 (■(.mill;,' tliereiiiilo me ,!,Miilty of (lie Ixxly and Mood of (be Loid, to their own dainnution. 
 Wherefore all ignorant and unu;odly liersons, as they are imiU to enjoy comniunion with 
 him, so arc they un.V(Hthy of the Lord's 'I'altle, and cannot, without groat sin against 
 Christ, while tliey remain such, partake of tliese holy mysteries, or be admitted 
 thereunto. 
 
 « IIM". \\\ 
 
 f>/' C/nirr/i f Vv/v/z/yv. 
 
 The Lord J(>su>, as kini; and liead of liis ch(n-cli, hath therein appointed a government 
 in tlie hand of cianxli-otticers, distinct from the civil magistrate. 
 
 II. To tliesp otHcers the keys of the kingdom of heaven are committed, hy virtue 
 wliereof they have power respectively to retain and remit sins, to shut that kingdom 
 against the impenitent, hoth hy the word and censures ; and to open it unto penitent 
 sinners, hv the ministry of the gospel, and i)y absolution from censures, as occasion 
 sliall ie(iuiie. 
 
 ill. CliMH'h censin-es nw. n(,'cessary for the re(;laiming and gaining of otVending 
 bretlire: ; tor deterring of oti ors from the like otTences ; for purging out of that leaven 
 which niiiiht infect the whole hnnp ; for vindicating the lionoiw of Christ, and the holy 
 profession of the gospel ; and for preventing the wrath of '^od, which migiit justly fall 
 upon the church, if they should sulVer his covenant, and tiio seals thereof, to be profaned 
 hv notorious and obstinate olVenders. 
 
Dhap. X.V.V1. 
 
 illE CONFKSSION Ol' FAITH. 
 
 43 
 
 IV. For tlic hotter attaining of tiu'se ends, tlio otHocrs of tlio cliureli iire to proceed 
 liy admonition, siuspeiision tV«ni the aaeninient of the Lord's Snpper for a season, and hy 
 exeomininiicution from tlie chmch, uccordirig to tlic i>aturc of tlie crime, and demerit of 
 the person. 
 
 CHAP. XXXI. 
 
 O/ Sifiiotls anil ( oiinri/s. 
 
 I'oit the hetter governmi-nt, and fiuthcr edification of tlic ciiurcii, tliere ougiit to be such 
 assend)iies as are connnonly called Synods or Councils. 
 
 II. As ni:ii;i>tiatcs may lawfully call a synod of minister--, and other tit persons, to 
 consult, and advise with ahoiit niattiMs of rclit;ion ; so if mai,'istralos lie open en. niies to 
 the church, the ministers of Christ, of tli('ni>clves, hy virtue of their olfice, or they, with 
 oilier lit persons upon delegation from lliuir churches, may meet together in such 
 assemblies. 
 
 III. It helongeth to synods and councils nnnisterially to determine controversies of 
 faitli, and eases of conscience ; to set down rules and directions tor the better ordering 
 of th(> publicU worship of God, and government of his church ; to receive complaints in 
 cases of mal-administration, and authoritivcly to determine the same: which tlecrees and 
 rteterminations, if consonant to the word of God, are to be received with reverenc(> and 
 submission, not only for their agreement with the word, hut also for the power whereby 
 they arc maue, us being an ordinance- of God, appointed thereimto in his word. 
 
44 
 
 nu: I ()N|.!XSlON (.1. I'AITII Vu,%v. \\\ I I. 
 
 IV. All synods or coiiiioils sineo the apoNtlcs' tiiiii's, wlictlicr ; cmMiil or |)iirtii'uliir, 
 may t'rr, ami many liavf crri'd ; lliorcrorc llicy arc iiol to lie inadc llic rule of I'ailli oi 
 pructii'(<, hut t'.) 1)0 U!<i'd as an lu'lp in liolli. 
 
 V. Synods and coinii'ds arc to liaiidli' or coim'JikIc iiolliini; iail that ^liicii is 
 «!cclesiasfical ; and ,irc nut lo inlcrini'ddlc with civil all'aiis, \»liicli coniciii Ihc common- 
 wealth, urdcss hy way ui' Inmdilc jiclilion, mi cases cxlraordinaiy ; oi' hy way id' advice 
 for satist'aclioii (d' conscience, if thev he thereunto re(|uiic(l hv the civil ma^isliate. 
 
 ( IIAI' W.MI. 
 
 O/' Ihr Slittt of .Mill iif'lir Ihnlli. iitiil nf t/n lirsiinirlion of Ihi Ihiiil 
 
 Tmf. hodies of men after death return lo dust, and s^ce corruption ; hut their souls, 
 (which neither die nor sleep,) liavini; an immortal suhsistencts immediately retui'ii to 
 (Jod who }rave them. The souls of the rii,ditcous, heitiij; then made perfect in holiness, 
 are received into the hiuhe.-l heavens, where they hehold the tiice of God in li:;lil and 
 glory, wuitiu!,' for the lull redemption (d' their hodies ; and the souls of the wicked urc 
 cast into hell, where they remain in torments and utter davknos, reserveil to the 
 judgment of the great day. Besides these two places for souls separated fiom their 
 bodies, the scripture acknowledgeth none. 
 
 II. At the last day, such as are found alive shall not die, hut he changed : and all 
 the dead shall he raised up with the self-same hodies, jind iu)ne other, although with 
 diti'erent qualities, which shall he united again to their souls foi' ever. 
 
CuAi*. XXAIIl. nil: < oNi'Us.siuN of iaitii. 
 
 4A 
 
 III. Till' Itndics of ilic mijiist slinll, hy llio power of Clirist, lio raiseil lo dislmiiour ; 
 tlio Ixidies (if tlic just, hy his Spirit, unto honour, ami he niiido coiifonnaldc to his own 
 glorious hody. 
 
 CHAP. XXXFIl. 
 
 Of Ihv ImsI Jiidgniciil. 
 
 Gon hath appointeil a day wiicrciii he will judi;f tli(> world in righteousness hy Jesus 
 Christ, to whom all power and judgment is given of tlie Fatli r. lu which day, not only 
 the apostate angels shall he judged, but likt!wise ail perso'.s that have lived upon earth 
 shall appear before the tribunal of Christ, to give an ac r.'int of their thoughts, words, 
 and deeds, and lo receive aceordinj^ to what they Ikun? Uo'.w i.i the body, whether good 
 or evil. 
 
 II. The end of God's appeinting this day is for the manifestation of the glory of bis 
 mercy in the eternal salvatio.i of the elect, and of his justice in the damnation of the 
 reprobal(>, wlio are wicked and disobedient, lor tlnni shall the righteous go into 
 everlasting life, and receive that ftil:;,ss oi jov and refreshing wliieh shall come from the 
 presence of the Lord ; but the tvicked, who know not God, and obey not the gospel of 
 Jesus Christ, sl;:«!! be oast into eternal torments, and be punisiied with everlasting 
 destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of bis power. 
 
 III. As Christ would have us to be certainly persuaded that iiierc shall bo a day of 
 judgmctit, both to deter all men from sin, and for the greater consolation of the godly in 
 their adversity ; so will he ii.-we that day unknown to men, tbat they may shake off all 
 carnal security, and be alwa' s watchful, because they know no' * what hour the Lord 
 will come ; and may be eve- p epared to say, Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly. Amen. 
 
 IV 
 
FORMULA ion RULIN(i KLDEIIS. 
 
 I 
 
 " I, A. li., do siiieeroly own iiiul ilcoliirc llir alxivi' CDnfossioii of Fiiilli, approvcu i>y 
 llirnit'i' Gi'iioral Assemblies of the Clmn^li of Siiotlaiul, and ralilied l)y law, in (he year 
 hot, lo !>(• tlio (Miilessioii of my failli ; mul llial I own tlie doeti'iuo iheroiii contained to 
 lie tiic true doelrino, \.liicli I will eoiistantly adliere lo : As like\vise, that 1 own and 
 acknowled^i;!' Preshyterian chin'cli govm-nmcnl oi this elmrcli, now settled l)y law, by 
 kirk-sessionj, presbyteries, proviniMal synods, and General Assemblies, tn be tlie only 
 i;overnment of this cIiuitIi ; and that I will submit tliereto, eoucur therewith, and never 
 endeavonr, directly or indirectly, the prejiidiee or subversion thereof; and thai I sjiail 
 observe uniformity of worship, and of the administration of all public ordiiumces within 
 this church, us the same are at present performed uiul allowed.''