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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 />
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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 />
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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 />
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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 />
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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 />
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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 />
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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 />
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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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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 />
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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 />
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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 />
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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 />
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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 />
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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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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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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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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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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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