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The<br />

<strong>First</strong> <strong>London</strong><br />

Baptist <strong>Confession</strong><br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>Faith</strong><br />

(1646 Edition with Appendices)<br />

With Pro<strong>of</strong> Texts<br />

(NKJV)<br />

PARTICULAR BAPTIST<br />

HERITAGE BOOKS<br />

Knightstown, Indiana


The <strong>First</strong> <strong>London</strong> Baptist <strong>Confession</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Faith</strong><br />

1646 Edition with Appendices<br />

With Pro<strong>of</strong> Texts (NKJV)<br />

Originally published 1646<br />

<strong>First</strong> PBHB Edition 2022<br />

Particular Baptist Heritage Books<br />

7346 S. Grant City Rd.<br />

Knightstown, IN 46148<br />

email: info@particularbaptistbooks.com<br />

website: www.ParticularBaptistBooks.com<br />

General Editor: D.W. Barger<br />

Copy Editor: A.J. Hammaker<br />

ISBN: 978-1-64127-023-6<br />

Book cloth – Hardcover – NKJV<br />

Scripture taken from the New King James<br />

Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.<br />

Used by permission. All rights reserved.<br />

Cataloging data:<br />

1. Baptists – Great Britain – <strong>Confession</strong>s<br />

2. Baptists – Great Britain – History<br />

3. Particular Baptists – England<br />

Printed and bound in the U.S.A by<br />

MissionBookmakers.com


Published in honor <strong>of</strong>:<br />

Terry Wolever (1957-2020)<br />

Rev. Gary W. Long (1940-2021)<br />

Beginning in 1995 with the co-founding <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Particular Baptist Press, their contributions as<br />

both historians and publishers to Baptist<br />

historiography will be forever remembered.<br />

Praise be to the LORD for having blessed the<br />

Calvinistic Baptist churches with such brethren.


CONTENTS<br />

Publisher’s Introduction .................................. ix<br />

Epistle Dedicatory (1646) ............................. xxv<br />

Preface (1646) ............................................... xxvii<br />

1. God ............................................................ 1<br />

2. The Trinity ................................................ 3<br />

3. God’s Decrees .......................................... 4<br />

4. The Fall ..................................................... 8<br />

5. Divine Providence ................................. 10<br />

6. Sovereign Grace ..................................... 11<br />

7. Life Eternal ............................................. 13<br />

8. Scriptural Authority ............................... 14<br />

9. Nature <strong>of</strong> Jesus Christ ........................... 15<br />

10. Mediator <strong>of</strong> the Covenant <strong>of</strong> Grace.... 18<br />

11. Character <strong>of</strong> Mediator ........................... 19<br />

12. Sacrificial Mediator ................................ 21<br />

13. Exclusive Mediator ................................ 22<br />

14. Necessary Mediator ............................... 23<br />

15. As the Wisdom <strong>of</strong> God ........................ 25<br />

16. As Complete Prophet ............................ 27<br />

17. As Priest .................................................. 29<br />

18. Nature <strong>of</strong> His Priesthood ..................... 31<br />

v


The <strong>First</strong> <strong>London</strong> Baptist <strong>Confession</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Faith</strong><br />

19. As King ................................................... 34<br />

20. As King All Glorious ............................ 37<br />

21. Election ................................................... 38<br />

22. Saving <strong>Faith</strong> ............................................ 40<br />

23. Preserving <strong>Faith</strong> ..................................... 41<br />

24. Cause <strong>of</strong> <strong>Faith</strong> ........................................ 43<br />

25. Preaching <strong>of</strong> the Gospel ....................... 44<br />

26. Gospel Endurance ................................. 46<br />

27. Union with God ..................................... 47<br />

28. Justification ............................................. 48<br />

29. Sanctification .......................................... 49<br />

30. Reconciliation ......................................... 50<br />

31. The Believer’s Warfare .......................... 52<br />

32. The Believer’s Strength ......................... 54<br />

33. The Church ............................................. 55<br />

34. Blessings to the Church ........................ 58<br />

35. Communion <strong>of</strong> the Saints .................... 59<br />

36. Appointing Church Officers ................ 63<br />

37. Qualifications <strong>of</strong> Ministers ................... 65<br />

38. Care <strong>of</strong> Ministers .................................... 66<br />

39. Subjects <strong>of</strong> Baptism ............................... 67<br />

40. Mode <strong>of</strong> Baptism ................................... 69<br />

41. Administrator <strong>of</strong> Baptism ..................... 71<br />

42. Church Discipline .................................. 72<br />

43. Great Care in Discipline ....................... 73<br />

vi


Contents<br />

44. Oversight Responsibility ....................... 75<br />

45. Gifted Brethren ...................................... 76<br />

46. Congregational Unity ............................ 77<br />

47. Inter-Church Dependency ................... 79<br />

48. Obedience to Government .................. 81<br />

49. Obedience to Christ .............................. 84<br />

50. On Christians being Magistrates .......... 88<br />

51. Regard Unto All Men ............................ 89<br />

52. The Final Resurrection ......................... 90<br />

The Conclusion ............................................. 92<br />

Appendix A:<br />

An Appendix to a <strong>Confession</strong><br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>Faith</strong> (1646)............................................... 97<br />

1. Divine Wrath .......................................... 99<br />

2. Eternal Punishment ............................... 99<br />

3. Depravity <strong>of</strong> Man’s Nature ................ 100<br />

4. Effectual Calling ................................... 101<br />

5. Particular Redemption ........................ 101<br />

6. Necessity <strong>of</strong> Gospel Preaching .......... 102<br />

7. Salvific <strong>Faith</strong> ......................................... 103<br />

8. Good Works ......................................... 104<br />

9. The Law ................................................ 104<br />

10. Remaining Sin ...................................... 105<br />

11. Personal Examination ......................... 106<br />

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The <strong>First</strong> <strong>London</strong> Baptist <strong>Confession</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Faith</strong><br />

12. <strong>Confession</strong> <strong>of</strong> Sin ................................. 107<br />

13. Growth in Grace .................................. 108<br />

14. God’s Free Love .................................. 109<br />

15. Obedience in Baptism ......................... 109<br />

16. Church Membership ........................... 110<br />

17. Perpetuity <strong>of</strong> the Ordinances ............. 110<br />

18. The New Covenant Ministry .............. 111<br />

19. Communion Participants .................... 112<br />

20. Obedience to God ............................... 113<br />

21. Domestic Duties .................................. 113<br />

Appendix B:<br />

Preface to the 1644 Edition .......................... 117<br />

Preface to the 1651 Edition .......................... 123<br />

Heart Bleedings for Pr<strong>of</strong>essors’<br />

Abominations .............................................. 129<br />

Appendix C:<br />

The Apostles’ Creed ...................................... 165<br />

The Nicene Creed .......................................... 167<br />

The Athanasian Creed ................................... 169<br />

Scripture Index ............................................... 173<br />

viii


PUBLISHER’S<br />

INTRODUCTION<br />

What has come to be known as The <strong>First</strong><br />

<strong>London</strong> Baptist <strong>Confession</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Faith</strong> finds its<br />

origins among the initial group <strong>of</strong> English<br />

Particular Baptists, 1 who lived during the<br />

Seventeenth Century (1601-1700). Specifically,<br />

it was the collaborative effort <strong>of</strong> seven small<br />

and relatively newly formed churches within<br />

<strong>London</strong>. 2<br />

Their churches were considered nonconformist<br />

gatherings, 3 during a time when<br />

religious toleration was virtually unheard <strong>of</strong>.<br />

1 As they would later be identified, being Calvinistic<br />

Separatists, which asserted that Christian baptism should<br />

be administered by immersion to only those with a<br />

credible pr<strong>of</strong>ession <strong>of</strong> faith. To learn more regarding the<br />

early identity and origin <strong>of</strong> these separatists, one must<br />

acquaint themselves with: Matthew C. Bingham,<br />

Orthodox Radicals, Baptist Identity in the English Revolution<br />

(<strong>London</strong>, UK: Oxford University Press, 2019).<br />

2 Leaders from one French congregation also signed<br />

the 1644 edition.<br />

3 A contemptible title given to Protestants who did not<br />

“conform” to the governance and practice <strong>of</strong> the<br />

established Church <strong>of</strong> England.<br />

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The <strong>First</strong> <strong>London</strong> Baptist <strong>Confession</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Faith</strong><br />

Therefore, their very existence was not only<br />

illegal, but also accompanied by many<br />

unknown hazards.<br />

Further compounding their difficult situation<br />

was the fact they were falsely accused by others<br />

<strong>of</strong>:<br />

“…holding Free-will, Falling away from grace,<br />

denying Originall sinne, disclaiming <strong>of</strong> Magistracy,<br />

denying to assist them [Magistracy] either in<br />

persons or in purse in any <strong>of</strong> their lawfull<br />

Commands, doing acts unseemly in the dispensing<br />

<strong>of</strong> the Ordinance <strong>of</strong> Baptism not to be named<br />

among Christians.” 4<br />

As one historian rightly observed, “no heresy<br />

was too gross to attribute to them, no practice<br />

too wicked…” 5<br />

Surrounded by such conditions, it is no<br />

surprise their churches were <strong>of</strong>ten targeted as<br />

objects <strong>of</strong> great suspicion, and why not a few<br />

4 A <strong>Confession</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Faith</strong> <strong>of</strong> Seven Congregations or Churches <strong>of</strong><br />

Christ in <strong>London</strong>, which are commonly (but unjustly) called<br />

Anabaptists, Preface (<strong>London</strong>, 1646).<br />

5 E.B. Underhill, <strong>Confession</strong>s <strong>of</strong> <strong>Faith</strong> <strong>of</strong> the Baptist Churches<br />

<strong>of</strong> England in the 17 th Century (<strong>London</strong>, UK: The Hanserd<br />

Knollys Society, 1854) p.vii.<br />

x


Publisher’s Introduction<br />

<strong>of</strong> their members suffered cruel treatment at<br />

the hands <strong>of</strong> others. 6<br />

Relentless slander by their opponents in both<br />

pulpit and print evidenced that these early<br />

Calvinistic Separatists were being confused on<br />

the one hand with the theological errors <strong>of</strong> the<br />

General Baptists, 7 and on the other hand the<br />

political extremes <strong>of</strong> the Munster Anabaptists. 8<br />

Such misunderstandings were not only untrue,<br />

but also carried with them immediate dangers<br />

<strong>of</strong> imprisonment and possibly the death<br />

sentence.<br />

Thus, these <strong>London</strong> churches could not<br />

afford to delay in confronting the rumors and<br />

accusations being leveled against them.<br />

Utilizing inter-congregational cooperation,<br />

6 William Kiffi[e]n, a signer <strong>of</strong> the confession shares an<br />

account <strong>of</strong> being stoned after attending a secret church<br />

meeting. William Orme, Remarkable passages in the life <strong>of</strong><br />

William Kiffin written by himself (Knightstown, IN:<br />

Particular Baptist Heritage Books, 2022), p.24.<br />

7 Arminian Separatists which asserted that Christian<br />

baptism should be administered by immersion to only<br />

those with a credible pr<strong>of</strong>ession.<br />

8 Munster Anabaptists “Munsterites” a radical sect led<br />

by the fanaticism <strong>of</strong> Jan Matthijs and Jan van Leyden.<br />

xi


The <strong>First</strong> <strong>London</strong> Baptist <strong>Confession</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Faith</strong><br />

they would unite and employ a proven defense<br />

method typical <strong>of</strong> the era – a written<br />

confession <strong>of</strong> their faith. By doing so, their goal<br />

to “demonstrate once and for all their<br />

fundamental solidarity with the international<br />

Calvinist community” 9 would be realized, while<br />

at the same time clarifying their churches’<br />

theological distinctives.<br />

To accomplish this confessional task,<br />

historians have demonstrated that these early<br />

Calvinistic Separatists did not believe it<br />

necessary to abandon the doctrinal<br />

foundations they shared with other<br />

Protestants.<br />

One such example is the work <strong>of</strong> Dr. B.R.<br />

White, who <strong>of</strong>fers helpful insights explaining<br />

how the original authors <strong>of</strong> the Frist <strong>London</strong><br />

<strong>Confession</strong> made ample use <strong>of</strong> the English<br />

Separatist <strong>Confession</strong> <strong>of</strong> 1596. 10 Additionally, Dr.<br />

9 Michael A. Haykin, Kiffin,Knollys, Keach-Rediscovering our<br />

English Baptist Heritage (Leeds, UK: Reformation Trust<br />

Today, 1996), p.34.<br />

10 B.R. White, The English Baptists <strong>of</strong> the Seventeenth Century<br />

(<strong>London</strong>, UK: Baptist Historical Society-Great Britain,<br />

1963). 62.<br />

xii


Publisher’s Introduction<br />

James Renihan convincingly <strong>of</strong>fers other<br />

possible influences such as William Ames’ The<br />

Marrow <strong>of</strong> Sacred Divinity; The Points <strong>of</strong> Difference<br />

believed to be coauthored by William<br />

Ainsworth, and the <strong>Confession</strong> <strong>of</strong> My <strong>Faith</strong><br />

penned by none other than fellow Particular<br />

Baptist John Spilsbury. 11<br />

The use <strong>of</strong> such resources, in the compilation<br />

<strong>of</strong> the <strong>First</strong> <strong>London</strong> <strong>Confession</strong>, proved these<br />

churches to be faithful and responsible<br />

stewards <strong>of</strong> established biblical truth. Being a<br />

“direct product <strong>of</strong> the [foregone]<br />

Reformation,” 12 they carefully tested all former<br />

traditions and teachings in light <strong>of</strong> Holy<br />

Scripture; and if necessary, reformed that<br />

which Scripture could not warrant and<br />

Christian conscious could not yield.<br />

Incredibly, this confessional accomplishment<br />

was established upon the very same theological<br />

principles which previous Protestant reformers<br />

11 James Renihan, ed., True <strong>Confession</strong>s: Baptist Documents<br />

in the Reformed Family (Palmdale, CA: RBAP, 2004).<br />

12 Michael A.G. Haykin, ed., The British Particular Baptists<br />

1638-1910 (Springfield, MO: Particular Baptist Press,<br />

1998)1:15.<br />

xiii


The <strong>First</strong> <strong>London</strong> Baptist <strong>Confession</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Faith</strong><br />

constructed theirs. However, for these<br />

Calvinistic Separatists, a consistent and logical<br />

application <strong>of</strong> such principles lead them to<br />

mature doctrinal reforms, which went much<br />

further than their predecessors in addressing<br />

the lingering errors among English<br />

Protestantism – infant baptism and<br />

compulsory religion by force. 13<br />

Thus, the <strong>First</strong> <strong>London</strong> <strong>Confession</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Faith</strong><br />

can be rightfully considered a brave and noble<br />

effort in the historical progress <strong>of</strong> the former<br />

Protestant Reformation. Perhaps this is the<br />

reason why John Quincy Adams later would<br />

write <strong>of</strong> the Baptists, they ought to be regarded<br />

as “thorough reformers.” 14<br />

The <strong>First</strong> <strong>London</strong> <strong>Confession</strong> was published<br />

in the year 1644 during a time <strong>of</strong> considerable<br />

theological debate. Upon its debut critics “were<br />

agreeably surprised to discover how close the<br />

13 Such as the National Covenant (1643-44) placing the<br />

authority <strong>of</strong> the Presbyterian/Parliamentary State-<br />

Church system over the consciouses <strong>of</strong> its subjects in all<br />

matters <strong>of</strong> religion and faith.<br />

14 John Quincy Adams, Baptists: Thorough Reformers<br />

(Conway, AR: Free Grace Press, 2020).<br />

xiv


Publisher’s Introduction<br />

Particular Baptists were to Puritan<br />

orthodoxy.” 15 However, there was a notable<br />

critique written by one <strong>of</strong> the King’s own<br />

chaplains. 16 In it he states that the confession<br />

lacked clarity regarding how the Particular<br />

Baptists viewed the Magistrate’s role and place<br />

in the affairs <strong>of</strong> religion. It’s likely that this<br />

critique, in combination with their own desire<br />

to be clearly understood, is what compelled the<br />

<strong>London</strong> churches to make significant revisions<br />

and republish a second edition <strong>of</strong> the<br />

confession in 1646. 17<br />

This revised edition benefited from a<br />

supporting document published in the same<br />

year entitled “An Appendix to a <strong>Confession</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>Faith</strong>” written by Benjamin Cox[e]. 18<br />

15 Robert Oliver, Baptist <strong>Confession</strong> Making 1644 and 1689<br />

(Unpublished paper presented to the Strict Baptist<br />

Historical Society, March 17, 1989).<br />

16 Daniel Featly, The Dippers dipt: or, the Anabaptists duck’d<br />

and plung'd over head and ears, at a Disputation in Southwark<br />

(<strong>London</strong>, UK, 1645).<br />

17 This explains the expanded footnote associated with<br />

Article 48, Obedience to Government.<br />

18 Benjamin Cox[e] also spelled ‘Cockes’, M.A.<br />

A graduate <strong>of</strong> Oxford University who later became a<br />

xv


The <strong>First</strong> <strong>London</strong> Baptist <strong>Confession</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Faith</strong><br />

Mr. Cox[e], who likely was involved in the<br />

confession’s revisions, felt it necessary to<br />

provide “a more full Declaration <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Faith</strong> and<br />

Judgment <strong>of</strong> Baptized Believers” 19 to avoid future<br />

misunderstandings and further substantiate<br />

their orthodoxy.<br />

In following years, the confession would<br />

undergo several more editions that contained<br />

slight corrections, none <strong>of</strong> which resulted in<br />

significant alterations. The third edition would<br />

be published in 1651 and a fourth in 1652.<br />

These later editions added a tract entitled<br />

“Heart Bleedings for Pr<strong>of</strong>essors’<br />

Abominations” which has been included in this<br />

republication. A fifth edition is recorded as<br />

being printed in 1653 by a church “usually<br />

meeting at Leith and Edinburgh” 20 who were<br />

Particular Baptist minister and is recorded as having<br />

engaged Richard Baxter in a public debate regarding<br />

infant baptism. Afterward Cox was imprisoned for his<br />

beliefs. See Thomas Crosby, History <strong>of</strong> the English Baptists<br />

(Lafayette, TN: Church History Research and Archives,<br />

1978 facsimile reprint) 1:220-221.<br />

19 Subtitle to Cox’s Appendix.<br />

20 John Rippon, The Baptist Annual Register, 1794-7<br />

(<strong>London</strong>: I.R., 1794) 361.<br />

xvi


Publisher’s Introduction<br />

insisting upon their unity, in faith and order,<br />

with the <strong>London</strong> churches. 21<br />

Approaching the end <strong>of</strong> the English Civil<br />

Wars (c.1642-51), the Particular Baptist<br />

churches along with other non-conformists<br />

enjoyed limited religious freedoms. Such<br />

welcomed toleration would continue to<br />

increase under Oliver Cromwell’s tenure as<br />

Lord Protector <strong>of</strong> England (1653-58).<br />

Subsequently, their churches began to<br />

multiply and appear throughout the land. In<br />

fact, “An association, or general assembly, <strong>of</strong><br />

the churches in Somersetshire and adjacent<br />

counties, was in consequence formed.” 22<br />

It would be during this favorable providence<br />

under Cromwell, that the <strong>First</strong> <strong>London</strong><br />

<strong>Confession</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Faith</strong> would further gain for<br />

these early Calvinistic Baptists a distinctive<br />

21 Rippon, 361.<br />

22 E.B. Underhill, p. xi; B.R. White, “The Organisation<br />

<strong>of</strong> the Particular Baptists 1644-1660” Journal <strong>of</strong><br />

Ecclesiastical History 27, no. 2 (1966): 209 demonstrates<br />

“General Meetings” being held as early as 1650.<br />

xvii


The <strong>First</strong> <strong>London</strong> Baptist <strong>Confession</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Faith</strong><br />

place in the life <strong>of</strong> their country as trusted,<br />

orthodox Christians and Englishmen.<br />

Appreciation <strong>of</strong> such facts demands that the<br />

<strong>First</strong> <strong>London</strong> <strong>Confession</strong> be held in our<br />

modern estimation, as among the most<br />

valuable contribution to the cause <strong>of</strong> Christ<br />

and His truth which the early English Particular<br />

Baptists produced.<br />

As publishers, we are honored to be able to<br />

place this important work into the durable,<br />

heirloom-quality format that it so richly<br />

deserves.<br />

We have chosen to reproduce the 1646<br />

edition. The reason for this is quite natural,<br />

seeing that after further reflection upon their<br />

1644 edition and taking into careful<br />

consideration the criticism <strong>of</strong> others, the 1646<br />

edition along with Cox[e]’s Appendix<br />

represents the clearest expression, in general<br />

form, <strong>of</strong> what these early Particular Baptists<br />

believed to be contained in Holy Scripture.<br />

Additionally, as Appendix B we have<br />

included a few portions which are contained in<br />

the various editions (1644, 51, 52) but not<br />

xviii


Publisher’s Introduction<br />

found in the 1646 edition. We felt this<br />

necessary to give the reader a deeper<br />

understanding <strong>of</strong>, and appreciation for, the<br />

historical context which surrounded these early<br />

churches.<br />

In the humble estimation <strong>of</strong> the current<br />

publisher, no Christian confession <strong>of</strong> faith<br />

ought to be produced without the witness <strong>of</strong><br />

the ancient, orthodox church creeds. The<br />

truths preserved in these creedal documents<br />

are many times affirmed in the <strong>First</strong> <strong>London</strong><br />

<strong>Confession</strong>. Therefore, as Appendix C we have<br />

provided the Apostles’, Nicene, and<br />

Athanasian Creeds.<br />

Regarding our source materials, we are<br />

greatly indebted to the Angus Library at<br />

Regent’s Park College, Oxford for making<br />

available a digital facsimile <strong>of</strong> the 1646 edition.<br />

This allowed us to compare our work against<br />

the original for accuracy. We also wish to<br />

express with gratitude our sincere appreciation<br />

to Rev. Ron Miller <strong>of</strong> Covenant Baptist Church<br />

located in Clarksville, TN for providing us a<br />

digital facsimile <strong>of</strong> the original Appendix by<br />

xix


The <strong>First</strong> <strong>London</strong> Baptist <strong>Confession</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Faith</strong><br />

Benjamin Cox[e]. Without their assistance, this<br />

work would not be possible.<br />

As a publishing guideline when reproducing<br />

historic publications, we wish to allow the<br />

original authors and their writings to speak for<br />

themselves. Great care is given by our copy<br />

editor to ensure our readers receive an accurate<br />

republication <strong>of</strong> the original. When possible, as<br />

a rule, we have sought to maintain original<br />

spelling, punctuation, and Scripture citations.<br />

However, for sake <strong>of</strong> clarity and to make this<br />

republication useful to the modern reader,<br />

spelling, and capitalization have been<br />

regularized and modernized throughout, at<br />

times, but the original punctuation and verb<br />

forms have been retained.<br />

This edition <strong>of</strong> the <strong>First</strong> <strong>London</strong> Baptist<br />

<strong>Confession</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Faith</strong> utilizes the New King<br />

James Version for the pro<strong>of</strong> texts without<br />

prejudice to other editions and/or translations.<br />

In not a few instances, the language <strong>of</strong> the<br />

NKJV is reflected in the language <strong>of</strong> the<br />

original <strong>Confession</strong> itself, which makes it a<br />

natural choice for a modern edition. In this<br />

xx


Publisher’s Introduction<br />

republication, several updates have been made<br />

to the overall frame and structure <strong>of</strong> the<br />

confession with the hope <strong>of</strong> making it easily<br />

navigable and better utilized by a modern<br />

audience.<br />

The original 1646 edition <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Confession</strong><br />

followed the traditional manner utilizing letters<br />

<strong>of</strong> the alphabet (except for omitting j and v)<br />

when citing Scripture pro<strong>of</strong> texts. This has<br />

been changed to numerical citations to make<br />

referencing specific scriptures and their<br />

location within the <strong>Confession</strong> more<br />

convenient (e.g., referencing how Heb. 9:15 is<br />

understood in relation to the covenant <strong>of</strong> grace<br />

would be 1LCF 10.1).<br />

Additionally, the 1646 edition contains fiftytwo<br />

doctrinal statements. Each statement, or<br />

article in the original is separated by a Roman<br />

numeral. In place <strong>of</strong> roman numerals, we have<br />

assigned headings to each <strong>of</strong> the fifty-two<br />

doctrinal statements which best captures the<br />

overall content <strong>of</strong> the statement. In similar<br />

fashion, article headings were also assigned to<br />

the original Appendix by Cox[e]. These<br />

xxi


The <strong>First</strong> <strong>London</strong> Baptist <strong>Confession</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Faith</strong><br />

combined headings are what make up the table<br />

<strong>of</strong> Contents for quick referencing.<br />

Lastly, we have also included a Scriptural<br />

Index which lists Scriptures as they are<br />

employed throughout the work including the<br />

several Prefaces from 1644, 1646, 1651, the<br />

body <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Confession</strong>, and all Appendices.<br />

Our desire with these updates is that this<br />

republication <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Confession</strong> will lend itself<br />

favorably to laymen, students, and teachers<br />

alike, who wish to conveniently explore the<br />

beliefs held by these early Particular Baptists<br />

and begin to incorporate such discoveries into<br />

their understanding <strong>of</strong> God’s word.<br />

A great deal <strong>of</strong> energy, effort, and financial<br />

commitment is required to bring such a work<br />

as this into reality. However, despite the<br />

sacrifice, we do so with all confidence, trusting<br />

that you the reader, esteem not only the<br />

sacrificial exertions <strong>of</strong> our forefathers in the<br />

faith, but also the biblical heritage illustrated in<br />

their doctrines.<br />

We publish this current work to all the world<br />

and for future generations as an affectionate<br />

xxii


Publisher’s Introduction<br />

memorial <strong>of</strong> their loyalty to conscience, their<br />

fidelity to revealed truth, and <strong>of</strong> their<br />

steadfastness amidst defamation, difficulty, and<br />

cruel persecution.<br />

Despite all this, those who confessed the<br />

biblical truths contained in this <strong>First</strong> <strong>London</strong><br />

Baptist <strong>Confession</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Faith</strong> with much<br />

patience, courage, and cheerfulness carried on<br />

the work which Christ gave them, to “earnestly<br />

contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the<br />

saints.”<br />

A work which now is happily continuing in<br />

many Baptist churches across the world!<br />

D.W. Barger<br />

Knightstown, IN<br />

February 2022<br />

xxiii


EPISTLE DEDICATORY<br />

(1646)<br />

To the Right Honorable the Lords, Knights, Citizens,<br />

and Burgesses in Parliament assembled.<br />

Right Honorable and most Noble Patriots,<br />

Inasmuch as there hath been a book 1 lately<br />

presented unto you, in whose dedicatory<br />

epistle there are many heinous accusations<br />

unjustly and falsely laid against us, we<br />

conceived it necessary to make some<br />

declaration <strong>of</strong> our innocency, and (to the end)<br />

humbly to present unto your view this our confession<br />

<strong>of</strong> faith: Here we unfeignedly declare,<br />

what in our hearts we judge, and what we teach,<br />

and according to this rule we desire and<br />

endeavor, through the grace <strong>of</strong> God, to lead<br />

our lives. This confession <strong>of</strong> our faith we send<br />

1 Daniel Featly, The Dippers Dipt. Or, The Anabaptists<br />

Duck’d and Plung’d over Head and Ears (<strong>London</strong>: N.B.,<br />

1647)<br />

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The <strong>First</strong> <strong>London</strong> Baptist <strong>Confession</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Faith</strong><br />

forth to speak the truth for us, and so to make<br />

our innocency to appear; desiring that the same<br />

light may guide others also to the same way <strong>of</strong><br />

truth and <strong>of</strong> obedience both to God and to the<br />

magistrate, who is the minister <strong>of</strong> God to us for<br />

good. We hope your Honors will permit us to<br />

speak with modesty in our just defense. And<br />

when any shall provoke you to lift up a hand<br />

against us, we desire you may seriously<br />

consider Gamaliel’s counsel in Acts 5. We take<br />

no thought for ourselves, for the Lord our God<br />

is all sufficient, but we desire and pray that you<br />

may do nothing against Christ, neither in his<br />

members, nor in his ordinances, that there may<br />

be no wrath upon you from the Lord, but that<br />

you knowing the innocent and protecting them<br />

according to the will <strong>of</strong> God, may for the same<br />

be famous unto all generations, and the<br />

memorial <strong>of</strong> your names may be precious<br />

among the saints till the coming <strong>of</strong> King Jesus.<br />

xxvi


PREFACE<br />

(1646)<br />

To the judicious and impartial READER.<br />

COURTEOUS READER;<br />

It is no wonder if it seem strange to thee,<br />

that we should publish a confession <strong>of</strong> our<br />

faith, who are frequently termed to be heretics<br />

and schismatics, and what not, though unjustly;<br />

neither is it any discouragement unto us,<br />

though this sect (as they call the Anabaptists) is<br />

everywhere spoken against, 1 and in that we are<br />

charged (for Christ’s name sake) with the same<br />

things our Lord Jesus Christ, and his Apostles<br />

were accused <strong>of</strong>; it’s a mercy, an honor, and a<br />

comfort unto us, when we remember what our<br />

Lord hath said unto us, Blessed are ye when men<br />

shall revile you, and persecute you, and say all manner<br />

<strong>of</strong> evil falsely, for my sake; rejoice and be exceeding glad,<br />

1 Acts 28:22.<br />

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The <strong>First</strong> <strong>London</strong> Baptist <strong>Confession</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Faith</strong><br />

for great is your reward in heaven, for so persecuted they<br />

the prophets that were before you. 2 The disciple is not<br />

above his master, nor the servant above his Lord; it’s<br />

enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the<br />

servant as his Lord. If they have called the master <strong>of</strong> the<br />

house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them <strong>of</strong><br />

his household? 3 If the world hate you, ye know that it<br />

hated me before it hated you: if ye were <strong>of</strong> the world, the<br />

world would love her own, but because ye are not <strong>of</strong> the<br />

world, but I have chosen you out <strong>of</strong> the world, therefore<br />

the world hateth you. The servant is not greater than the<br />

Lord; if they have persecuted me, they will also persecute<br />

you, etc. All these things will they do unto you for my<br />

name’s sake, because they know not him that sent me; 4<br />

yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall<br />

suffer persecution; 5 but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are<br />

partakers <strong>of</strong> Christ’s sufferings, that when his glory<br />

shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding<br />

joy. 6<br />

2 Matt. 5:11-12.<br />

3 Matt. 10:24-25.<br />

4 John 15:18-21; see Acts 21:28, 30-31, and 14:22.<br />

5 2 Tim. 3:12.<br />

6 1 Pet. 4:13.<br />

xxviii


Preface (1646)<br />

Our Lord Jesus was accused to be a<br />

seditious and mutinous fellow: 7 Paul was called<br />

a pestilent fellow, and a mover <strong>of</strong> sedition, and<br />

a ringleader <strong>of</strong> the sect <strong>of</strong> Nazarenes; saying,<br />

Away with such a fellow, for it is not fit he<br />

should live; saying, This fellow persuadeth men<br />

to worship God contrary to the law: 8 and our<br />

Lord Jesus Christ was accused <strong>of</strong> perverting<br />

the people, and forbidding to give tribute to<br />

Caesar; and that he and his disciples did teach<br />

novelties, and brake the traditions <strong>of</strong> the<br />

elders. 9 Christ was accused to have a devil, and<br />

to be mad; saying to the people, Why do ye<br />

hear him? 10 Paul was esteemed to be mad: also<br />

they said, What will this babbler say ? And that<br />

he taught new doctrine, 11 And Christ was<br />

accused to speak blasphemy, and they all<br />

condemned him to be guilty <strong>of</strong> death. 12 So<br />

7 Luke 23:25.<br />

8 Acts 24:1, 5-6, 8, 18:13.<br />

9 Luke 23:2, 14; Matt. 15:1-9.<br />

10 John 10:20.<br />

11 Acts 26:24-25, 17:18-19.<br />

12 Mark 14:64.<br />

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The <strong>First</strong> <strong>London</strong> Baptist <strong>Confession</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Faith</strong><br />

some are <strong>of</strong>fended at us for meeting in houses<br />

to preach, and would have us punished for it;<br />

notwithstanding, it was Christ’s and his<br />

Apostles’ practice to do so, whose example we<br />

are to follow. Christ taught upon a mountain,<br />

and in a ship. Paul preached from house to<br />

house; also the church met together in an<br />

upper room, where Peter preached; and Paul<br />

preached, and converted Lydia by the river<br />

side; the disciples met together in the night in<br />

an upper room; Paul preached two years in an<br />

hired house, and received all that came unto<br />

him. 13 If he had lived in these days and done<br />

so, it is to be feared some would have<br />

petitioned against him: So some accuse us to<br />

be disturbers <strong>of</strong> the peace <strong>of</strong> the<br />

commonwealth; yet all that know us can testify<br />

for us, that we meet together and depart in a<br />

peaceable manner: and from Acts 17:5-7, 14 it<br />

will appear, what persons they were that<br />

13 Matt. 5:1-2, 13:2; Acts 20:20, 1:13, 15-16, 2:2,<br />

16:13-14, 20:7-9, 28:30-31.<br />

14 Acts 17:5-7.<br />

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Preface (1646)<br />

disturbed the public peace, it’s fit such persons<br />

should be taken notice <strong>of</strong> and accordingly<br />

punished.<br />

So we are blamed, because we frequent not<br />

their temples; we dare not trust in lying words,<br />

saying, The temple <strong>of</strong> the Lord, the temple <strong>of</strong><br />

the Lord are these; we know the Most High<br />

dwelleth not in temples made with hands; and<br />

that we are the temple <strong>of</strong> the living God; and<br />

that our bodies are the temples <strong>of</strong> the Holy<br />

Ghost; and that Christ’s Church is not built<br />

with dead stones. 15 And because there are but<br />

a few <strong>of</strong> us, some conceive we are in an error,<br />

and that the least number should yield to the<br />

greater; then it seems, if the number <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Papists or Atheists exceed the number <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Protestants, they must forsake their religion.<br />

God in times past suffered all nations to walk<br />

in their own ways; there was but one true<br />

15 Acts 7:48, 17:24-25; 1 Cor. 3:16, 6:3, 19; 1 Pet. 2:4-5;<br />

John 4:20.<br />

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The <strong>First</strong> <strong>London</strong> Baptist <strong>Confession</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Faith</strong><br />

prophet to 400 false. 16 After three years’<br />

preaching and working miracles by Christ,<br />

there was but a small number: Christ calls his,<br />

a little flock: the Scripture declares the greatest<br />

number followed after the beast. 17 Also those<br />

that preach amongst us are esteemed, as the<br />

Apostles were, to be unlearned and ignorant<br />

men. Apollos was instructed more perfectly in<br />

the way <strong>of</strong> God by Aquila, a tradesman, and<br />

Priscilla his wife: 18 But the scripture saith; As<br />

every man hath received the gift, even so<br />

minister the same one to another, as good<br />

stewards <strong>of</strong> the manifold grace <strong>of</strong> God. 19 Also<br />

some say <strong>of</strong> us, that we be <strong>of</strong> several sects, and<br />

that we cannot agree among ourselves. Pilate<br />

and Herod agreed together to crucify Christ;<br />

we dare not agree as the Jews did, that if any<br />

did confess that Jesus was the Christ, he should<br />

16 Acts 14:16; Exod. 23:2; 1 Kgs. 22:6-7.<br />

17 Acts 1:14-15; Luke 12:32; Matt 7:13-14; Rev. 13:7,<br />

16-17.<br />

18 Acts 4:13, 18:1-3, 26.<br />

19 1 Pet. 4:10-11; see 1 Cor. 14:3, 26, 31.<br />

xxxii


Preface (1646)<br />

be put out <strong>of</strong> the synagogue. 20 The union Christ<br />

prayed for, we desire, and for such an<br />

agreement as agreeth not with the truth, we<br />

may not agree unto, therefore we desire it not; 21<br />

Yet the Paedobaptists differ more among<br />

themselves than we do, and if this their reason<br />

have any strength in it, it is against themselves:<br />

the several sects <strong>of</strong> Paedobaptists be Papists,<br />

Arians, Nestorians, Pelagians, Donatists,<br />

Eutychians, Grecians, Lutherans, Arminians,<br />

Episcopans, Nicolaites, Calvinists, Zuinglians,<br />

Hussites, and above twenty other several sects,<br />

which are all baptizers <strong>of</strong> infants, and<br />

notwithstanding, for other points, are all<br />

asunder, and have all rent one from another;<br />

therefore we send them to follow the counsel<br />

<strong>of</strong> Christ. 22<br />

As the watchman dealt with the Spouse <strong>of</strong><br />

Christ, in her seeking her beloved, 23 so they<br />

20 Luke 23:12; John 9:22; see 1 Cor. 1:10-11.<br />

21 John 17:21; Eph. 4:3-17.<br />

22 Matt. 7:3-5.<br />

23 Song. 3:2, 5, 5:6-7.<br />

xxxiii


The <strong>First</strong> <strong>London</strong> Baptist <strong>Confession</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Faith</strong><br />

deal with us, they finding us out <strong>of</strong> that<br />

common and broad way themselves walk in,<br />

they smite us, and take away our veil, and veil<br />

us with reproaches, and odious names: to<br />

incense all, both good and bad, against us, that<br />

we may appear vile in the eyes and hearts <strong>of</strong> all<br />

that behold us, or shall hear <strong>of</strong> us, 24 which they<br />

endeavor to do, both in pulpit and print, not<br />

fearing to charge us with holding free-will,<br />

falling from grace, denying election, original<br />

sin, children’s salvation, the Old Testament,<br />

and men’s propriety in their estates, and<br />

censuring all to be damned that are not <strong>of</strong> our<br />

judgment and practice; all which we disclaim,<br />

because they are untrue. And as for the other<br />

things where<strong>of</strong> we are accused, we refer those<br />

who desire further satisfaction to the answers<br />

<strong>of</strong> them: 25 yet by reason <strong>of</strong> the many<br />

accusations that are cast upon us, although they<br />

24 Acts 16:19.<br />

25 In a small treatise, entitled, Brief Considerations on Dr.<br />

Featly his book, entitled, the Dipper Dipt, by Samuel<br />

Richardson.<br />

xxxiv


Preface (1646)<br />

cannot prove the things where<strong>of</strong> we are<br />

accused, yet the generality <strong>of</strong> the people are<br />

incensed against us, and are encouraged, and<br />

set on by such, to seek out the place <strong>of</strong> our<br />

meetings, which are the more private, not<br />

because they are private, but because we have<br />

not any more public places; but if any shall<br />

please to procure us more larger places to meet<br />

in, we are willing to embrace them with<br />

thankfulness and joy, although no man should<br />

speak for us to those in authority, from whom<br />

one word were enough to protect us, from the<br />

violence we should be subject unto; but as it<br />

was then, 26 so it is now; yet must we bear all the<br />

blame; but our God will in his time clear our<br />

innocency, although now many stand looking<br />

upon us as a people (holding such things) not<br />

worthy to live, and are in danger by the rude<br />

multitude gathering together to stone us: and<br />

had it been against our persons only, we would<br />

have held our peace, and committed our cause<br />

26 Acts 17:5-7.<br />

xxxv


The <strong>First</strong> <strong>London</strong> Baptist <strong>Confession</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Faith</strong><br />

to God; but considering it is the truth that we<br />

pr<strong>of</strong>ess that suffers, we may not, nor dare not<br />

be neuters in matters <strong>of</strong> so high a nature, but<br />

come in and speak to the help <strong>of</strong> the Lord<br />

against the mighty.<br />

Therefore, to free ourselves and the truth<br />

we pr<strong>of</strong>ess, from such unjust aspersions, that it<br />

may be at liberty, though we be in bonds, we<br />

have published a brief confession <strong>of</strong> our faith<br />

(which we conceive most void <strong>of</strong> contention in<br />

these sad and troublesome times) the thoughts<br />

<strong>of</strong> our hearts as in the presence <strong>of</strong> God we here<br />

declare, that it may appear to the consciences<br />

<strong>of</strong> them that fear God, what wrong we suffer<br />

from some who have ability to cast mists, and<br />

dark clouds, which overshadow the glory <strong>of</strong> the<br />

truth, and them that pr<strong>of</strong>ess it. 27 And although<br />

they acknowledge with us that the truth is not<br />

fully discovered, yet they will tie all future<br />

discovery to a former light, and conceive they<br />

do well in so doing. But God will by his truth<br />

27 Jude 14-15.<br />

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Preface (1646)<br />

show their error, and exalt Jesus Christ, the<br />

chief cornerstone, which the builders so much<br />

reject. And lest this should be thought to be the<br />

judgment <strong>of</strong> some particular persons, this is<br />

done by the consent and appointment <strong>of</strong> seven<br />

congregations or churches in <strong>London</strong>, with the<br />

names <strong>of</strong> some <strong>of</strong> each <strong>of</strong> them subscribed in<br />

the behalf <strong>of</strong> the whole. And although we be<br />

distinct in our meetings, for conveniency; yet<br />

are we one in faith, fellowship, and<br />

communion, holding Jesus Christ for our Head<br />

and Lawgiver, under whose rule and<br />

government we desire to walk, and to follow<br />

the Lamb wheresoever he goeth, that when our<br />

Lord and King shall call us to account, we may<br />

be found ready and worthy to be received into<br />

our Master’s joy. Until which time we desire to<br />

spend these few days we have here to remain,<br />

to the glory <strong>of</strong> God, the honor <strong>of</strong> the gospel,<br />

the saints’ comfort, and our country’s good, to<br />

our own account at the great day when Christ<br />

shall come in flaming fire, taking vengeance on<br />

them that know not God, and that obey not the<br />

xxxvii


The <strong>First</strong> <strong>London</strong> Baptist <strong>Confession</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Faith</strong><br />

gospel <strong>of</strong> our Lord Jesus Christ. 28<br />

Subscribed by us in the behalf <strong>of</strong> seven<br />

congregations or churches <strong>of</strong> Christ in<br />

<strong>London</strong>. As also by a French congregation <strong>of</strong><br />

the same judgment.<br />

THOMAS GUNNE<br />

JOHN MABBIT.<br />

JOHN SPILSBERY,<br />

SAMUEL RICHARDSON<br />

PAUL HOBSON.<br />

THOMAS GOARE.<br />

BENJAMIN COCKES.<br />

THOMAS KILIKOP<br />

THOMAS MUNDEN,<br />

GEORGE TIPPING,<br />

WILLAM KIFFEN,<br />

THOMAS PATIENT,<br />

HANSERD KNOLLYS,<br />

THOMAS HOLMS,<br />

DENIS LE BARBIER,<br />

CRISTOPH LE DURET.<br />

28 2 Thess. 1:8.<br />

xxxviii


A<br />

CONFESSION<br />

OF FAITH<br />

Of Seven Congregations or Churches<br />

<strong>of</strong> Christ in <strong>London</strong>, which are<br />

commonly (but unjustly)<br />

called Anabaptists<br />

PUBLISHED<br />

For the vindication <strong>of</strong> the Truth, and<br />

information <strong>of</strong> the ignorant; likewise<br />

for the taking <strong>of</strong>f <strong>of</strong> those aspersions<br />

which are frequently both in Pulpit and<br />

Print unjustly cast upon them<br />

Acts 24:14-15<br />

John 18:23<br />

Matt. 11:12, 19:29<br />

The Second Impression corrected<br />

and enlarged<br />

Published according to Order<br />

<strong>London</strong> Printed by Matt. Simmons, and are to<br />

be sold by John Hancock in Popes-head Alley.<br />

1646


Appendix A: An Appendix to a <strong>Confession</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Faith</strong><br />

1. God<br />

The Lord our God is but one God, 1 whose<br />

subsistence is in himself; 2 whose essence<br />

cannot be comprehended by any but himself;<br />

who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light<br />

which no man can approach unto; 3 who is in<br />

himself most holy, 4 every way infinite, 5 in<br />

greatness, 6 wisdom, 7 power, 8 love; merciful and<br />

gracious, 9 long-suffering, and abundant in<br />

goodness and truth, who giveth being, moving,<br />

and preservation to all creatures. 10<br />

1 1 Cor. 8:6. Yet for us there is one God, the Father,<br />

<strong>of</strong> whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord<br />

Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through<br />

whom we live. Isa. 44:6. "Thus says the LORD, the<br />

King <strong>of</strong> Israel, And his Redeemer, the LORD <strong>of</strong> hosts:<br />

'I am the <strong>First</strong> and I am the Last; Besides Me there is no<br />

God.' " 46:9. Remember the former things <strong>of</strong> old, For I<br />

am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is<br />

none like Me.<br />

2 Exod. 3:14. And God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I<br />

AM." And He said, "Thus you shall say to the children<br />

<strong>of</strong> Israel, 'I AM has sent me to you.' "<br />

3 1 Tim 6:16. Who alone has immortality, dwelling in<br />

unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see,<br />

to whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen.<br />

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<strong>First</strong> <strong>London</strong> Baptist <strong>Confession</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Faith</strong><br />

4 Isa. 43:15. "I am the LORD, your Holy One, The<br />

Creator <strong>of</strong> Israel, your King."<br />

5 Ps. 147:5. Great is our Lord, and mighty in power;<br />

His understanding is infinite.<br />

6 Deut. 32:3. For I proclaim the name <strong>of</strong> the LORD:<br />

Ascribe greatness to our God.<br />

7 Job 36:5. "Behold, God is mighty, but despises no<br />

one; He is mighty in strength <strong>of</strong> understanding."<br />

8 Jer. 10:12. He has made the earth by His power, He<br />

has established the world by His wisdom, And has<br />

stretched out the heavens at His discretion.<br />

9 Exod. 34:6-7. And the LORD passed before him<br />

and proclaimed, "The LORD, the LORD God, merciful<br />

and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness<br />

and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving<br />

iniquity and transgression and sin, by no means clearing<br />

the guilty, visiting the iniquity <strong>of</strong> the fathers upon the<br />

children and the children's children to the third and the<br />

fourth generation."<br />

10 Acts 17:28. For in Him we live and move and have<br />

our being, as also some <strong>of</strong> your own poets have said, 'For<br />

we are also His <strong>of</strong>fspring.' Rom. 11:36. For <strong>of</strong> Him and<br />

through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be<br />

glory forever. Amen.<br />

44


Appendix A: An Appendix to a <strong>Confession</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Faith</strong><br />

2. The Trinity<br />

In this divine and infinite Being there is the<br />

Father, 1 the Word, 2 and the Holy Spirit, 3 each<br />

having the whole divine essence, 4 yet the<br />

essence undivided; all infinite without any<br />

beginning, therefore but one God, 5 who is not<br />

to be divided in nature, and being, but<br />

distinguished by several peculiar relative<br />

properties.<br />

1 1 Cor. 1:3. Grace to you and peace from God our<br />

Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.<br />

2 John 1:1. In the beginning was the Word, and the<br />

Word was with God, and the Word was God.<br />

3 John 15:26. "But when the Helper comes, whom I<br />

shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit <strong>of</strong> truth who<br />

proceeds from the Father, He will testify <strong>of</strong> Me."<br />

4 Exod. 3:14. And God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I<br />

AM." And He said, "Thus you shall say to the children<br />

<strong>of</strong> Israel, 'I AM has sent me to you.' "<br />

5 1 Cor. 8:6. Yet for us there is one God, the Father,<br />

<strong>of</strong> whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord<br />

Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through<br />

whom we live.<br />

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<strong>First</strong> <strong>London</strong> Baptist <strong>Confession</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Faith</strong><br />

3. God’s Decrees<br />

God hath decreed in himself before the world<br />

was concerning all things, 1 whether necessary, 2<br />

accidental or voluntary, with all the<br />

circumstances <strong>of</strong> them, to work, dispose, and<br />

bring about all things according to the counsel<br />

<strong>of</strong> his own will, to his glory: (yet without being<br />

the author <strong>of</strong> sin, or having fellowship with any<br />

therein) in which appears his wisdom in<br />

disposing all things, unchangeableness, power,<br />

and faithfulness in accomplishing his decree:<br />

and God hath before the foundation <strong>of</strong> the<br />

world, foreordained some men to eternal life,<br />

through Jesus Christ, to the praise and glory <strong>of</strong><br />

His grace; leaving the rest in their sin to their<br />

just condemnation, to the praise <strong>of</strong> his justice. 3<br />

1 Isa. 46:10. Declaring the end from the beginning,<br />

And from ancient times things that are not yet done,<br />

Saying, 'My counsel shall stand, And I will do all My<br />

pleasure.' Eph. 1:11. In Him also we have obtained an<br />

inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose<br />

<strong>of</strong> Him who works all things according to the counsel <strong>of</strong><br />

His will. Rom. 11:33. Oh, the depth <strong>of</strong> the riches both<br />

<strong>of</strong> the wisdom and knowledge <strong>of</strong> God! How<br />

unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past<br />

finding out!<br />

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Appendix A: An Appendix to a <strong>Confession</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Faith</strong><br />

2 Ps. 115:3. But our God is in heaven; He does<br />

whatever He pleases. 135:6. Whatever the LORD<br />

pleases He does, In heaven and in earth, In the seas and<br />

in all deep places.<br />

2 Ps. 33:15. He fashions their hearts individually; He<br />

considers all their works. 1 Sam. 10:9. So it was, when<br />

he had turned his back to go from Samuel, that God gave<br />

him another heart; and all those signs came to pass that<br />

day. 26. And Saul also went home to Gibeah; and valiant<br />

men went with him, whose hearts God had touched.<br />

Prov. 21:6. Getting treasures by a lying tongue Is the<br />

fleeting fantasy <strong>of</strong> those who seek death. Exod. 21:13.<br />

However, if he did not lie in wait, but God delivered him<br />

into his hand, then I will appoint for you a place where<br />

he may flee. Prov. 16:33. The lot is cast into the lap, But<br />

its every decision is from the LORD. Ps. 144. Blessed<br />

be the LORD my Rock, Who trains my hands for war,<br />

And my fingers for battle-- My lovingkindness and my<br />

fortress, My high tower and my deliverer, My shield and<br />

the One in whom I take refuge, Who subdues my people<br />

under me. LORD, what is man, that You take knowledge<br />

<strong>of</strong> him? Or the son <strong>of</strong> man, that You are mindful <strong>of</strong> him?<br />

Man is like a breath; His days are like a passing shadow.<br />

Bow down Your heavens, O LORD, and come down;<br />

Touch the mountains, and they shall smoke. Flash forth<br />

lightning and scatter them; Shoot out Your arrows and<br />

destroy them. Stretch out Your hand from above;<br />

Rescue me and deliver me out <strong>of</strong> great waters, From the<br />

hand <strong>of</strong> foreigners, Whose mouth speaks vain words,<br />

And whose right hand is a right hand <strong>of</strong> falsehood. I will<br />

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<strong>First</strong> <strong>London</strong> Baptist <strong>Confession</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Faith</strong><br />

sing a new song to You, O God; On a harp <strong>of</strong> ten strings<br />

I will sing praises to You, The One who gives salvation<br />

to kings, Who delivers David His servant From the<br />

deadly sword. Rescue me and deliver me from the hand<br />

<strong>of</strong> foreigners, Whose mouth speaks lying words, And<br />

whose right hand is a right hand <strong>of</strong> falsehood-- That our<br />

sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; That our<br />

daughters may be as pillars, Sculptured in palace style;<br />

That our barns may be full, Supplying all kinds <strong>of</strong><br />

produce; That our sheep may bring forth thousands And<br />

ten thousands in our fields; That our oxen may be wellladen;<br />

That there be no breaking in or going out; That<br />

there be no outcry in our streets. Happy are the people<br />

who are in such a state; Happy are the people whose<br />

God is the LORD! Isa. 45:7. 'I form the light and create<br />

darkness, I make peace and create calamity; I, the<br />

LORD, do all these things.' Jer. 14:22. Are there any<br />

among the idols <strong>of</strong> the nations that can cause rain? Or<br />

can the heavens give showers? Are You not He, O<br />

LORD our God? Therefore we will wait for You, Since<br />

You have made all these. Matt. 6:28. So why do you<br />

worry about clothing? Consider the lilies <strong>of</strong> the field,<br />

how they grow: they neither toil nor spin. 30. Now if<br />

God so clothes the grass <strong>of</strong> the field, which today is, and<br />

tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much<br />

more clothe you, O you <strong>of</strong> little faith? Col. 1:16-17. For<br />

by Him all things were created that are in heaven and<br />

that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones<br />

or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were<br />

created through Him and for Him. And He is before all<br />

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Appendix A: An Appendix to a <strong>Confession</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Faith</strong><br />

things, and in Him all things consist. Num. 23:19-20.<br />

"God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son <strong>of</strong> man,<br />

that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do?<br />

Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good Behold,<br />

I have received a command to bless; He has blessed, and<br />

I cannot reverse it." Rom. 3:4. Certainly not! Indeed, let<br />

God be true but every man a liar. As it is written: "That<br />

You may be justified in Your words, And may overcome<br />

when You are judged." Jer. 10:10. But the LORD is the<br />

true God; He is the living God and the everlasting King.<br />

At His wrath the earth will tremble, And the nations will<br />

not be able to endure His indignation. Eph. 1:4-5. just<br />

as He chose us in Him before the foundation <strong>of</strong> the<br />

world, that we should be holy and without blame before<br />

Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons<br />

by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good<br />

pleasure <strong>of</strong> His will. Jude 4. For certain men have crept<br />

in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this<br />

condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace <strong>of</strong> our<br />

God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our<br />

Lord Jesus Christ. 6. And the angels who did not keep<br />

their proper domain, but left their own abode, He has<br />

reserved in everlasting chains under darkness for the<br />

judgment <strong>of</strong> the great day. Prov. 16:4. The LORD has<br />

made all for Himself, Yes, even the wicked for the day<br />

<strong>of</strong> doom.<br />

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APPENDIX B<br />

Preface to the <strong>First</strong> Edition (1644)<br />

Preface to the Third Edition (1651)<br />

Heart Bleedings for Pr<strong>of</strong>essors’ Abominations,<br />

Original appendix to the 1651, 52 editions.


Appendix B: Heart Bleedings<br />

for Pr<strong>of</strong>essors’ Abominations<br />

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APPENDIX C<br />

The Apostles’ Creed<br />

The Nicene Creed<br />

The Athanasian Creed


SCRIPTURE INDEX<br />

Keynotes:<br />

Appx.=Appendix; Pfn.=Preface Footnote.<br />

Example:<br />

Gen. 3:1 is in Article 4 The Fall, citation 4<br />

Num. 16:22 is in Appx. B., citation 10<br />

Exod. 23:2 is in Preface, citation 16<br />

Genesis<br />

1:1 ............................. 4.1<br />

3:1, 4-5 ..................... 4.4<br />

3:15 ........................... 9.1<br />

22:18 ......................... 9.1<br />

49:9-10 ..................... 9.3<br />

49:10 ......................... 9.1<br />

Exodus<br />

3:14 .................... 1.2, 2.4<br />

21:13 .................. 3.3, 5.3<br />

23:2 .................... Pfn. 16<br />

34:6-7 ....................... 1.9<br />

Leviticus<br />

10:1-3 ........ Appx. B. 38<br />

Numbers<br />

16:22 .......... Appx. B. 10<br />

23:19-20 ................... 3.3<br />

Deuteronomy<br />

2:5 ........................... 31.4<br />

6:13 ......................... 50.1<br />

18:15 ............ 14.1, 15.1,<br />

16.1, 16(note)<br />

32:3 ........................... 1.6<br />

1 Samuel<br />

10:9, 26 ..................... 3.3<br />

29:30 ........... Appx. B. 1<br />

1 Kings<br />

22:6-7 ................ Pfn. 16<br />

Job<br />

1:8 ........................... 19.1<br />

36:5 ........................... 1.7<br />

38:11 ......................... 5.1


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