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CHAP. XVI.
A Confession of Faith, containing twenty three
Articles.
Concerning God, and the True and Saving Knowledge
of him.
There is one God [Eph. 4:6; 1 Cor. 8:4,6] Who
is a Spirit [John 4:24] And This is the Message which the
Apostles heard of him, and declared unto the Saints, That
he is Light, and in him is no Darkness at all [1 John 1:5] There are
Three that bear Record in Heaven, the Father, the Son, and the Holy
Ghost, and these Three are One [1 John 5:7] The Father is in the Son,
and the Son is in the Father [John 10:38; 14:10-11; 5:26] No man knoweth
the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, but the
Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him [Matt. 11:27; Luke
10:22] The Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God [1
Cor. 2:10] For the Things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God:
Now the Saints have received not the Spirit of the World, but the
Spirit which is of God, that they might know the things which are
freely given them of God [1 Cor. 2:11-12] For the Comforter,
which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father sends in Christ's name,
he teacheth them all things, and bringeth all things to their
Remembrance. [John 14:26]
Concerning the Guide and Rule of
Christians.
Christ prayed to the Father, and he gave the
Saints another Comforter, that was to abide with
them forever, even the Spirit of Truth whom the world cannot
receive, because it seeth him not, nor knoweth him, but the
Saints know him; for he dwelleth with them, and is to be
in them [John 14:16-17] Now if any man have not the Spirit of
Christ, he is none of his; For as many as are led by the Spirit of God,
they are the Sons of God [Rom. 8:9,14] For this is the Covenant that
God hath made with the House of Israel, he hath put his
Laws in their Mind, and writ them in their Hearts; and they are
all taught of God [Heb. 8:10-11] And the Anointing which
they have received of him, abideth in them; and
they need not that any man teach them, but as the same
Anointing teacheth them of all things, and is Truth, and is no
Lye. [1 John 2:27]
Concerning the Scriptures.
Whatsoever things were written afore-time, were written for
our Learning, that we through Patience & Comfort of the Scriptures,
might have Hope [Rom. 15:4] which are able to make wise unto Salvation
through Faith, which is in Christ Jesus: All Scripture being
given by Inspiration of God, and is profitable for Doctrine, for
Reproof, for Instruction in Righteousness, that the Man of God may be
perfect, throughly furnished unto all Good Works [2 Tim. 3:15-17] No
Prophecy of the Scripture is of any private Interpretation; for the
Prophecy came not in old time by the Will of man, but Holy men of God
spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. [2 Pet. 1:20-21]
Concerning the Divinity of Christ, and
his Being from the Beginning.
In the Beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and
the Word was God; the same was in the Beginning with God: All things
were made by him; and without him was not any thing made, that was made
[John 1:1-3] Whose Goings forth have been from of Old, from Everlasting
[Mic. 5:2] For God created all things by Jesus Christ [Eph. 3:9]
Who being in the Form of God, thought it no Robbery to be equal with God
[Phil 2:6] And his Name is called, Wonderful Counsellor, the Mighty God,
the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace [Isa. 9:6] Who is the Image
of the invisible God, the First-born of every Creature [Col. 1:5] The
Brightness of the Father's Glory, and the express Image of his Substance
[Heb. 1:3] Who was cloathed with a Vesture dipt in Blood; and his
Name is called the Word of God [Rev. 19:13] In him dwelleth all the
Fulness of the God-head bodily [Col. 2:9] And in him are hid all
the Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge. [Col. 2:3]
Concerning his Appearance in the
Flesh.
The Word was made Flesh [John 1:14] For he took not on him
the Nature of Angels, but he took on him the Seed of Abraham,
being in all things made like unto his Brethren [Heb. 2:16-17]
Touched with a feeling of our Infirmities; and in all things
tempted like as we are, yet without Sin [Heb. 4:15] He dyed for
our Sins, according to the Scriptures; and he was buried, and he rose
again the third day, according to the Scriptures. [1 Cor. 15:3,4]
Concerning the End and Use of
that Appearance.
God sent his own Son in the Likeness of sinful Flesh,
and for Sin condemned Sin in the Flesh [Rom. 8:3] For this Purpose the
Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the Works of the Devil
[1 John 3:8] Being manifested to take away our Sins [1 John 3:5]
For he gave himself for us, an Offering and a Sacrifice to God
for a sweet smelling Savour [Eph. 5:2] Having obtained Eternal
Redemption for us [Heb. 9:12] And through the Eternal Spirit
offered up himself without spot unto God, to purge our
Consciences from dead Works, to serve the living God [Heb. 9:14] He was
the Lamb that was slain from the Foundation of the World [Rev.
5:8,12;13:8] Of whom the Fathers did all drink; for they drank of
that Spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ [1 Cor.
10:1-4] Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an Example, that
we should follow his Steps [1 Pet. 2:21] For we are to
bear about in the Body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the Life also
of Jesus might be made manifest in our body, being alway
delivered unto Death for Jesus sake, that the Life also of Jesus
may be made manifest in our Flesh [2 Cor. 4:10-11] That we
may know him, and the Power of his Resurrection, and the Fellowship of
his Sufferings, being made conformable to his Death. [Phil 3:10]
Concerning the Inward Manifestation of
Christ.
God dwelleth with the Contrite and Humble in Spirit
[Isa. 57:15] For he said, he will dwell in them, and walk
in them [2 Cor. 6:16] And Christ standeth at the Door, and
knocketh; if any man hear his Voice, and open the Door,
he will come unto him, and sup with him, and he with him
[Rev. 3:20] And therefore ought we to Examine our own
selves, and prove our own selves, knowing how that Christ is in
us, except we be Reprobates [2 Cor. 13:5] For this is the
Riches of the Glory of the Mystery, which God would make known
among (or rather IN) the Gentiles, Christ within, the Hope
of Glory. [Col. 1:27]
Concerning the New Birth.
Except a Man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God
[John 3:3] Therefore ought we to put off the Old Man with his
Deeds, and put on the New Man, which is renewed in Knowledge after the
image of him that created him, and which after God is created in
Righeousness and true Holiness. [Eph. 4:21-22; Col. 3:10] For henceforth
know we no man after the Flesh; yea, though we have known Christ after
the Flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more [2 Cor. 5:16] For if
any Man be in Christ, he is a new Creature, old things are past away;
behold, all things are become new [2 Cor. 5:17] For such have put
on the Lord Jesus Christ [Rom. 13:14] And are renewed in the
spirit of their minds [Eph. 4:23] Sith as many as have
been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ [Gal. 3:27] Being born
again, not of corruptible Seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of
God, which liveth and abideth forever [1 Pet. 1:23] And Glory
in nothing, save in the Cross of the Lord Jesus Christ, by whom
the World is crucified unto them, and they unto the world
[Gal. 6:14] For in Christ Jesus, neither Circumcision availeth any
thing, nor Uncircumcision, but a new Creature. [Gal. 5:6]
Concerning the Unity of the Saints with
Christ.
He that sanctifieth, and they who are sanctified, are all of
one [Heb. 2:11] For by the exceeding great and precious Promises
that are given them, they are made Partakers of the divine Nature
[2 Pet. 1:4] Because for this End prayed Christ, that they all
might be one, as the Father is in him, and
he in the Father, that they also might be one, in
them; and the Glory which he had gotten from the Father, he
gave them, that they might be one, even as the Father
and he is one: Christ in the Saints, and the
Father in Christ, that they might be made perfect in one.
[John 17:21-23]
Concerning the Universal Love and Grace
of God to all.
God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have Everlasting
Life [John 3:16] And in this was manifested the Love of God
towards us, because that God sent his only begotten Son, that we might
live through him [1 John 4:9] So that if any Man sin, we have an
Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous; and he is the
Propitiation for our Sins; and not for ours only, but also for the Sins
of the whole world [1 John 2:1-2] For by the Grace of God he
hath tasted Death for every man [Heb. 2:9] And gave
himself a Ransom for all, to be testified in due Time [1 Tim. 2:6]
Willing all Men to be saved, and to come to the Knowledge of the
Truth [1 Tim. 2:4] Not willing that any should perish, but that all
should come to Repentance [2 Pet. 3:9] For God sent not his Son into the
World to condemn the World, but that the World through him might be
saved [John 3:17] And Christ came a Light into the World, that
whosoever believeth in him should not abide in Darkness [John
12:46] Therefore, as by the Offence of one Judgment came upon all Men to
condemnation; even so by the Righteousness of one, the free Gift came
upon all Men to Justification of Life. [Rom. 5:18]
Concerning the Light that enlighteneth every
man.
The Gospel was preached to every Creature under Heaven [Col.
1:23] which Gospel is the power of God unto Salvation to them
that believe [Rom. 1:16] And if it be hid, it is hid to
them that are lost, in whom the God of this World hath blinded the Minds
of them which believe not, lest the Light of the glorious Gospel of
Christ should shine into them [2 Cor. 4:3-4] And this is the
Condemnation, that Light is come into the World, and Men love
Darkness rather than Light, because their Deeds are Evil [John
3:19] And this was the true Light which lightneth every Man that
cometh into the World [John 1:9] By which all things that are
reproveable are made manifest: for whatsoever maketh manifest is Light
[Eph. 5:13] Every one that doth Evil hateth the Light, neither cometh to
the Light, lest his Deeds should be reproved; but he that doth Truth,
cometh to the Light that his Deeds may be made manifest, that they are
wrought in God [John 3:20-21] And they that walk in the Light, as
Christ is in the Light, have Fellowship one with another, and the
Blood of Jesus Christ, his Son, cleanseth them from all Sin [1
John 1:7] Therefore ought we to believe in the Light, while
we have the Light, that we may be the Children of the Light [John
12:36] Therefore to Day, if we will hear his Voice, let
us not harden our Hearts [Heb. 4:7] For Christ wept
over Jerusalem, saying, If thou hadst known; even thou, at least in
this thy Day, the Things which belong unto thy Peace, but now they are
hid from thine Eyes. [Luke 19:42] And he would often have
gathered her Children; as a Hen gathereth her Chickens; but
they would not [Matt. 23:37] for the stiff-necked and
uncircumcised in Heart and Ears do always resist the Holy Ghost: [Acts
7:51] And are of those that rebel against the Light [Job 24:13]
Therefore God’s Spirit will not always strive with Man [Gen. 6:3]
For the Wrath of God is revealed from Heaven against all Ungodliness and
Unrighteousness of Men, who hold the Truth in unrighteousness [Rom.
1:18] Because what is to be known of God is manifest in them; for God
hath shewed it unto them [Rom. 1:19] And a Manifestation of the
Spirit is given to every Man to profit withal [1 Cor. 12:7] For the
Grace of God that brings Salvation hath appeared to all Men, teaching
us, that denying Ungodliness and Worldly Lusts, we should live Soberly,
Righteously, and Godly in this present World [Tit. 2:11-12] And
this Word of his Grace is able to build up, and give an Inheritance
among all those that are Sanctified [Acts 20:32] For the Word of God is
quick and powerful, and sharper than any two edged Sword, piercing even
to the dividing asunder of the Soul and Spirit, and of the Joints and
Marrow, and is a Discerner of the Thoughts and Intents of the Heart
[Heb. 4:12] This is that more sure Word of Prophecy, whereunto
we do well that we take heed, as unto a Light that shineth
in a dark place, until the Day dawn, and the Day-Star arise in
the heart [2 Pet. 1:19] And this is the word of Faith
which the Apostles Preached, which is nigh in the Mouth and in
the Heart [Rom. 10:8] For God, who commanded Light to shine out of
Darkness, hath shined in our Hearts, to give the Light of the Knowledge
of the Glory of God in the Face of Jesus Christ [2 Cor. 4:6] But we have
this Treasure in earthen Vessels, that the excellency of the Power may
be of God [2 Cor. 4:7] and not of us, for the Kingdom of God cometh not
by Observation, but is within us. [Luke 17:20-21]
Concerning Faith and Justification.
Faith is the Substance of things hoped for, and the Evidence
of things not seen [Heb. 11:1] Without which it is impossible to
please God [Heb. 11:6] Therefore we are justified by
Faith, which worketh by Love [Gal. 5:6] For Faith without Works,
being dead, is by Works made perfect [Jas. 2:22,26] By the
Deeds of the Law there shall no Flesh be justified [Rom. 3:20] Nor
yet by the Works of Righteousness, which we have done; but according
to his Mercy, we are saved by the Washing of Regeneration, and
renewing of the Holy Ghost [Tit. 3:5] For we are both
washed, sanctified and justified in the Name of the Lord Jesus, and by
the Spirit of our God. [1 Cor. 6:11]
Concerning Good Works.
If we live after the Flesh, we shall dye; but
if we through the Spirit do mortifie the Deeds of the Body,
we shall live [Rom. 8:13] For they which believe in
God, must be careful to maintain good Works [Tit. 3:8] For God
will render to every Man according to his Deeds: acording to his
Righteous Judgment to them, who by patient Continuance in well-doing,
seek for Glory, Honour, and Immortality, Eternal Life [Rom. 2:6-7]
For such are counted worthy of the Kingdom of God [2 Thess. 1:5]
And cast not away their Confidence, which hath great Recompence
of Reward [Heb. 10:35] Blessed then are they that do his
Commandments, that they may have Right to the Tree of Life, and may
enter in through the Gates into the City. [Rev. 22:14]
Concerning Perfection.
Sin shall not have Dominion over such as are not under
the Law, but under Grace [Rom. 6:14] For there is no Condemnation
to those that are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the Flesh, but
after the Spirit; for the Law of the Spirit of Life, maketh free
from the Law of Sin and Death [Rom. 8:1-2] For such are become
dead unto Sin, and alive unto Righteousness; and being made free from
Sin are become Servants of Righteousness [Rom. 6:2,18] Therefore
ought we to be perfect, as our Heavenly Father is perfect
[Matt. 5:48] For the Yoak of Christ is easie, and
his Burthen is light [Matt. 11:30] And his Commandments are not
grievous [1 John 5:3] And whosoever will enter into Life,
must keep the Commandments [Matt. 19:17] Hereby do we know that
we know God, if we keep his Commandments [1 John 2:3] He that saith, I
know him, and keepeth not his Commandments is a lyar, and the Truth is
not in him [1 John 2:4] Whosoever abideth in him, sinneth not; whosoever
sinneth, hath not seen him, neither known him. [1 John 3:6] Let no Man
deceive us; he that doth Righteousness is Righteous, even as he
is Righteous; He that committeth Sin is of the Devil: whosoever is born
of God, doth not commit Sin; for his Seed remaineth in him, and he
cannot sin, because he is born of God [1 John 3:7-9] For not every one
that saith, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he
that doth the will of the Father, which is in Heaven [Matt. 7:21]
Circumcision is nothing, & Uncircumcision is nothing; but the
keeping of the Commandments of God. [1 Cor. 7:19]
Concerning Perseverance and Falling from
Grace.
We ought to give Diligence to make our Calling
and Election sure, which things if we do, we shall never
fall [2 Pet. 1:10] For even Paul kept under his Body, and
brought it into Subjection, lest by any Means, when he preached
to others, he himself become a Cast-away [1 Cor. 9:27] Let
us therefore take heed, lest there be in any of us an evil
heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God [Heb. 3:12]
Likewise, let us labour to enter into that Rest, lest any man
fall after the same example of Unbelief [Heb. 4:11] For it is impossible
for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the Heavenly
Gift, and were made Partakers of the Holy Ghost, and have tasted of the
good Word of God, and the Powers of the World to come, if they shall
fall away, to renew them again unto repentance [Heb. 6:4-6] For
he that abideth not in Christ, is cast forth, and is withered
[John 15:16] Yet such as overcometh he will make as
Pillars in the Temple of his God, & they shall go no
more out [Rev. 3:12] And these are perswaded, that nothing shall
be able to separate them from the Love of God, which is in Christ
Jesus. [Rom. 8:38]
Concerning the Church and Ministry.
The Church of God is the Pillar and Ground of Truth [1
Tim. 3:15] Whereof the Dear Son of God is the Head [Col.
1:18] From which all the Body by Joints and Bands, having Nourishment
ministred, and knit together, increaseth with the Increase of God [Col.
2:19] Which Church of God is, them that are sanctified in
Christ Jesus [1 Cor. 1:2] Who when he ascended up on high, gave
Gifts unto Men: And he gave some Apostles, some Prophets, some
Evangelists, some Pastors and Teachers, for the perfecting of the
Saints, for the Work of the Ministry [Eph. 4:8,11-12] Who ought
to be blameless, vigilant, sober, of good Behaviour, given to
Hospitality, apt to teach; not given to Wine, no Strikers, not greedy of
filthy Lucre, but patient: not Brawlers, not covetous [1 Tim. 3:2-3]
Lovers of good Men, sober, just, holy, temperate, holding fast the
Faith, as they have been taught, that they may be able by
sound Doctrine both to exhort and to convince Gain-sayers [Tit. 1:8-9]
Taking heed to themselves and to the Flock, over which the
Holy Ghost hath made them Overseers, to feed the Church of God
[Acts 20:28] Taking the Oversight thereof, not by Constraint, but
willingly; not for filthy Lucre, but of a ready Mind, neither as being
Lords over God’s Heritage, but as being Ensamples to the Flock [1 Pet.
5:2-3] And such Elders as rule well, are to be counted
worthy of double Honour, especially they who labour in the Word and
Doctrine [1 Tim. 5:17] And to be esteemed very highly in Love for
their Works sake [1 Thess. 5:13] As every Man hath received the Gift, so
ought the same to be minstred: if any Man speak, let him speak as
the Oracles of God; if any Man minister, let him do it, as of the
Ability which God giveth [1 Pet. 4:10-11] Preaching the Gospel,
not with the wisdom of Words, lest the Cross of Christ be made of
none Effect [1 Cor. 1:17] Nor yet with enticing Words of Man's
Wisdom, but in Demonstration of the Spirit and of Power; that the
Faith may not stand in the Wisdom of Men, but in the Power of God
[1 Cor. 2:4-5] Howbeit such spake Wisdom among them that are
Perfect; yet not the Wisdom of this World, nor of the Princes of this
World, which cometh to nought; but they speak the Wisdom of God
in a Mystery, even the hidden Wisdom, which God ordained before the
World to their Glory [1 Cor. 2:6-7] Which things they also
speak, not in the words which man's Wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy
Ghost teacheth [1 Cor. 2:13] For it is not they that speak, but
the Holy Ghost, or Spirit of the Father that speaketh in
them [Matt. 10:20] Who if they sow spiritual
things, ought to reap carnal things; for so the Lord hath
ordained, that they which preach the Gospel, should live of the Gospel:
for the Scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzle the Mouth of the Ox that
treadeth out the Corn; and the Labourer is worthy of his Reward [1 Cor.
9:11,14,9] Yet a necessity is laid upon them; yea, Wo is unto
them, if they preach not the Gospel; and their Reward is,
that when they preach the Gospel, they make the Gospel of Christ without
charge [1 Cor. 9:16-18] Not coveting any Man's Silver, or Gold,
or Apparel; but their Hands minister to their Necessities,
that so labouring, they may support the Weak; remembring
the Words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, Its more blessed to give, than
to receive [Acts 20:33-35] For they are not of the greedy Dogs
that can never have enough [Isa. 56:11] Nor of the Shepherds that
look to their own Way, every one of his Gain from his Quarter. [Isa.
56:11] That feed themselves, and not the Flock [Ezek. 34:8] That make
the People err, biting with their Teeth, and crying
Peace, and preparing War against all such as put not in their
Mouthes, teaching for Hire, and divining for Money [Mic.
3:5,11] Nor yet of those which teach things which they ought not
for filthy Lucres sake [Tit. 1:11] That run greedily after the Error of
Balaam for reward, loving the Wages of Unrighteousness [2 Pet.
2:15] And through Covetousness, with feigned Words, making
Merchandize of Souls [2 Pet. 2:3] Men of corrupt Minds, destitute of the
Truth, supposing that Gain is Godliness [1 Tim. 6:5] But they know
that Godliness with Contentment is great Gain [1 Tim. 6:6] and
having Food and Rayment, they are therewith content. [1 Tim.
6:8]
Concerning Worship.
The Hour cometh, and now is, when the true Worshippers shall
worship the Father in Spirit and in Truth: for the Father seeketh such
to worship him [John 4:23] God is a Spirit; and they which worship him,
must worship him in Spirit and in Truth [John 4:24] For the Lord
is nigh to all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in
Truth [Psal. 145:18] He is far from the wicked; but he
heareth the Prayer of the Righteous [Prov. 15:29] And this is the
Confidence that we have in him, that if we ask any thing according to
his Will, he heareth us [1 John 5:14] What is it then? We must
pray with the Spirit, and with the Understanding also; we must
sing with the Spirit, and with the Understanding also [1 Cor. 14:15]
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our Infirmities; for we know not what
we should pray for, as we ought; but the Spirit it self maketh
Intercession for us with Groanings, which cannot be uttered. And he that
searcheth the Heart, knoweth what is the Mind of the Spirit, because he
maketh Intercession for the Saints according to the will of God. [Rom.
8:26-27]
Concerning Baptism.
As there is One Lord, One Faith, so there is One
Baptism [Eph. 4:5] which doth also now save us; not the putting
away of the Filth of the Flesh, but the answer of a Good Conscience
towards God, by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ [1 Pet. 3:21-22] For
John indeed baptized with Water, but Christ with the Holy
Ghost and with Fire [Matt. 3:11] Therefore as many as are
baptized into Jesus Christ, are baptized into his Death;
and are buried with him by Baptism into Death, that like as
Christ was raised up from the Dead by the Glory of the Father, even so
they also should walk in Newness of Life [Rom. 6:3-4] Having put
on Christ. [Gal. 3:27]
Concerning Eating of Bread and Wine; Washing of
one another's Feet; Abstaining from things Strangled, & from Blood;
and Anointing of the Sick with Oyl.
The Lord Jesus, the same Night in which he was betrayed, took
Bread, and when he had given Thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat,
this is my Body which is broken for you; this do in Remembrance of me:
After the same manner also he took the Cup, when he had supped, saying,
This Cup is the New Testament in my Blood; this do ye, as oft as ye
drink it in Remembrance of me; for, as oft as ye do eat this Bread, and
drink this Cup, ye do shew forth the Lord's Death till he come [1 Cor.
11:23-26] Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his
Hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God, he ariseth from
Supper, and laid aside his Garments, and took a Towel and girded
himself; after that he poured Water into a Bason, and began to wash the
Disciples Feet, and to wipe them with the Towel wherewith he was girded:
So after he had washed their Feet, and had taken his Garments, and was
set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done unto you? Ye
call me Master and Lord, and ye say well; for so I am; If then I your
Lord and Master have washed your Feet, ye also ought to wash one
another's Feet; for I have given you Example; that ye should do as I
have done unto you [John 13:3-5,12-15] For it seemed good to the Holy
Ghost and to us, to lay upon you no greater Burden than these Necessary
Things, That ye abstain from Meats offered to Idols, from Blood, and
from things Strangled, and from Fornication; from which if ye keep your
selves, ye do well [Acts 15:28-29] Is any man sick among you, let him
call for the Elders of the Church, and let them Pray over him, anointing
him with Oyl. [James 5:14]
Concerning the Liberty of such
Christians as are come to know the Substance, as to the Using, or not
Using of these Rites, and of the Observation of Dayes.
The Kingdom of God is not Meat and Drink; but Righteousness,
and Peace, and Joy in the Holy Ghost [Rom. 14:17] Let no man therefore
Judge us in Meat or Drink, or in Respect of an Holy Day, or of
the New Moon, or of the Sabbath days [Col. 2:16] For if we
be dead with Christ from the Rudiments of the World, why, as though
living in the World, are we subject to Ordinances? Let us not
touch, or taste, or handle, (which all are to perish with the Using)
after the Commandments and Doctrines of Men [Col. 2:20-22] For now,
after we have known God, or rather are known of him, why
should we turn again unto the Weak and Beggarly Elements, or
desire again to be in Bondage to observe Dayes, and Months, and
Times, and Years, lest Labour have been bestowed on us in vain [Gal.
4:9-11] If one man esteem a Day above another, another esteemeth
every day alike; let every man be fully perswaded in his own Mind: He
that regardeth a Day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth
not the Day to the Lord, he doth not regard it. [Rom. 14:5,6]
Concerning Swearing, Fighting &
Persecution.
It hath been said by them of old, Thou shalt not Forswear thy
self; but shalt perform unto the Lord thine Oathes: But Christ
says unto us, Swear not at all, neither by Heaven, for it is
God's Throne; nor by the Earth, for it is his Foot-stool; neither by
Jerusalem, for it is the City of the great King; neither shalt
thou swear by thy Head, because thou canst not make one Hair white or
black; but let your Communication be Yea, Yea; Nay, Nay; for whatsoever
is more than these cometh of Evil [Matt. 5:33-37] And James
chargeth us, Above all things not to swear, neither by Heaven,
neither by the Earth, neither by any other Oath; but let your Yea be
Yea, and your Nay, Nay, lest ye fall into Condemnation [Jas. 5:12]
Though we walk in the Flesh, we are not to War after the Flesh; for the
Weapons of our Warfare are not to be carnal, but mighty through
God, to the pulling down of strong Holds, casting down Imaginations, and
every High Thing that exalteth itself against the Knoweldge of God, and
bringing into Captivity every Thought to the Obedience of Christ [2 Cor.
10:3-5] For Wars and Fightings come of the Lusts, that War in the
Members [Jas. 4:1-2] Therefore Christ commands, Not to resist
Evil; but whosoever will smite on the right Cheek, to turn the other
also [Matt. 5:39] Because Christians are Lambs among Wolves [Luke
10:3] Therefore are they hated of all Men for Christ's
sake [Matt. 10:22] And all that will live Godly in Christ Jesus
must suffer Persecution [2 Tim. 3:12] Such are Blessed; for
theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven [Matt. 5:10] For though they have
lost their Lives, yet shall they save them [Matt. 16:25]
And because they have confessed Christ before men, he will
also confess them before the Angels of God [Luke 12:8-9] We ought
not then to fear them which kill the Body, but are not able to
kill the Soul; but rather him, which is able to destroy both Soul and
Body in hell. [Matt. 10:28]
Concerning Magistracy.
Let every Soul be subject to the Higher Powers; for there is
no Power but of God: the Powers that be, are ordained of God; Whosoever
therefore resists the Power, resists the Ordinance of God; and they that
resist shall receive to themselves Damnation: For Rulers are not a
Terror to Good Works, but to the Evil; wilt thou then not be afraid of
the Power, do that which is good, and thou shalt have Praise of the
same; for he is the Minister of God to thee for Good: But if thou do
that which is Evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the Sword in vain; for
he is the Minister of God; a Revenger to execute Wrath upon him that
doth Evil: Wherefore we must needs be subject, not only for Wrath, but
also for Conscience sake; for, for this Cause pay we also Tribute; for
they are God's Ministers, attending continually upon this very thing:
Render therefore to all their Dues, Tribute to whom Tribute is due,
Custom to whom Custom, Fear to whom Fear, Honor to whom Honor [Rom.
13:1-7] Therefore are we to submit our selves to every
Ordinance of Man for the Lord's sake, whether it be to the King, as
Supream; or unto Governours, as unto them that are sent by him, for the
Punishment of Evil-Doers, and for the Praise of them that do Well; for
so is the Will of God, that with Well-doing we may put to Silence
the Ignorance of Foolish Men [1 Pet. 2:13-15] Yet it is
right in the Sight of God, to hearken unto him more than unto
them [Acts 4:19] And though they straightly command
us, not to teach in Christ's Name, we ought to obey
God rather than Men. [Acts 5:28-29]
Concerning the Resurrection.
There shall be a Resurrection of the Dead, both of the Just
and Unjust [Acts 24:15] They that have done Good, unto the Resurrection
of Life; and they that have done Evil, unto the Resurrection of
Damnation [John 5:29] Flesh and Blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God,
neither doth Corruption inherit Incorruption [1 Cor. 15:50] Nor
is that Body sown that shall be; but God gives it a Body as it has
pleased him, and to every Seed his own Body: It is sown in Corruption,
it is raised in Incorruption; It is sown in Dishonor, it is raised in
Glory; It is sown in Weakness, it is raised in Power; It is sown a
Natural Body, it is raised a Spiritual Body. [1 Cor. 15:37-38,42-44]