1. Of the Holy Scripture

1. We have as revelation that although the light of nature, and the works of creation and providence do manifest the goodness, wisdom, and power of Yahweh, leaving Man without excuse or defense [Rom. 2:14-15; Rom. 1:19-20; Ps. 19:1-4; Rom. 1:32; Rom.2:1]; yet they are not sufficient to give that knowledge of Yahweh, and of His will, which is necessary to lead to salvation[1 Cor. 1:21; 1 Cor. 2:13-14]. Therefore it pleased Almighty God, at sundry times, and in divers manners, to reveal Himself, and to declare His sovereign and prophetic will unto His Church [Heb. 1:1]; and afterward for the better preserving and propagating of the truth, and the more sure establishment and comfort of the Church against the corruption of the flesh, and the malice of Satan and of the world, to commit the same wholly unto writing[Pro. 22:19-21; Lk. 1:3-4; Rom. 15:4; Matt. 4:4,7,10; Is. 8:19-20]; which makes the Holy Scripture to be most necessary. [2 Tim. 3:15; 2 Pt. 1:19].

2. We have as revelation that under the name of Holy Scripture, the rule and guide of the Church and her members is now contained in all the books of the Old and New Testament, which are these: Of the Old Testament: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, I Samuel, II Samuel, I Kings, II Kings, I Chronicles, II Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, The Song of Songs, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi. Of the New Testament: The Gospels according to Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, The Acts of the Apostles, Paul's Epistles to the Romans, I Corinthians, II Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, I Thessalonians, II Thessalonians, I Timothy, II Timothy, Titus, Philemon, The Epistle to the Hebrews, The Epistle of James, The first and second Epistles of Peter, The first, second, and third Epistles of John, The Epistle of Jude, The Revelation to John. All of these are given by the inspiration of God and written by man, to be the rule of faith and life [LK. 16:29,31; Eph. 2:20; Rev. 22:18-19; 2 Tim. 3:16]. We do not oppose extra-biblical writings but understand their inferiority to the revealed and written scripture and use them merely as references. [LK 24:27,44; Rom. 3:2; 2 Pt. 1:21]

3. We have as revelation that, the authority of the Holy Scripture, for which it ought to be believed, and obeyed, doesn’t depend on the testimony of any man, or Church; but wholly upon the providence of Yahweh (who is truth Himself): and therefore it is to be received, because it is the Rule and Guide of the Faith [2 Pt. 1:19,21; 2 Tim. 3:16; 1 Jn. 5:9; 1 Thes. 1:5]. It (Scripture) is revealed to us that we may be moved and induced by the testimony of the Church to a high and reverent esteem of the Holy Scripture [1 Tim. 3:15]. And the heavenliness of the matter, the efficacy of the doctrine, the majesty of the style, the consent of all the parts, the scope of the whole (which is, to give all glory to Yahweh), the full discovery it makes of the only way of man's salvation, the many other incomparable excellencies, and the entire perfection thereof, are arguments whereby it does abundantly evidence itself to be Divine: yet notwithstanding, our full persuasion and assurance of the truth within scripture and divine authority thereof, is from the inward work of the Holy Spirit bearing witness by and with the Word in our hearts.[1 Jn. 2:20,27; Jn. 16:13-14; 1 Cor. 2:10-12; Is.59:21]

4. We have as revelation that the whole counsel of Yahweh (His Prophetic Will) concerning all things necessary for His glory, man's salvation, faith, and life, is either expressly set down in Scripture, or by good and necessary interpretation may be deduced from Scripture: unto which nothing at any time is to be added, whether by new revelations of the Spirit, or traditions of men [2 Tim. 3:15-17; Gal. 1:8-9; 2 Thes. 2:2]. Nevertheless, we acknowledge the inward teaching of the Spirit of God to be necessary for the saving understanding of such things as are revealed in the Word [Jn. 6:45; 1 Cor. 2:9-12]: and that there are some circumstances concerning the worship of God, and government of the Church, common to human actions and societies, which are to be ordered by the light of nature, and Christian prudence, according to the general rules of the Word, which are always to be observed.[1 Cor. 11:13; 1 Cor. 14:26,40]

5. We have as revelation that, all things in Scripture are not alike plain in themselves, nor alike clear unto all [2 Pt. 3:16]: yet those things which are necessary to be known, believed, and observed for salvation are so clearly laid out, and opened in some place of Scripture or other, that not only the learned, but the unlearned, in a due use of the ordinary means, may attain a sufficient understanding of them.[Ps. 119:105,130]

6. We have as revelation that, The Old Testament in Hebrew (which was the native language of the people of God of old), and the New Testament in Greek (which, at the time of its writing, was most generally known to the nations), are immediately inspired by Yahweh, and written by man, by the singular care and providence of Yahweh, were transmitted in all ages, are therefore authentic [Mt. 5:18]; so as, in all controversies of religion, the Church is finally to appeal to the Scripture [Is. 8:20; Act 15:15; Jn. 5:39,46]. But, because these original tongues are not known to all the people of God, who have right to them, and an interest in the Scriptures, and are commanded, in the fear of God, to read and search them[Jn. 5:39], therefore they are to be translated into the native language of every nation unto which they come[1 Cor 14:6,9,11-12,24,27-28], that, the Scripture dwelling plentifully in all, they may reasonably worship Him [Col. 3:16]; and, through patience and comfort of the Scriptures, may have hope.[Rom. 15:4]

7. We have as revelation that, the rule of interpretation of Scripture is the Scripture itself: when there is a question about the true and full sense of any Scripture (which is not manifold, but one), it must be searched and known by other places in the Scripture that speak more clearly.[2 Pt. 1:20,21; Act 15:15,16]

8. We have as revelation that, the supreme judge and authority by which all controversies of religion are to be determined, and all decrees of councils, opinions of ancient writers, doctrines of men, prophecy and private interpretation, are to be examined, and in whose sentence we are to rest, can be no other but the Holy Spirit speaking in the Scripture [Mt. 22:29,31; Eph. 2:20; Act 28:25]. We do not subscribe to the doctrine of inerrancy when it comes to the various translations of Scripture but reserve that doctrine to the original autographs (original writings) of the apostles and disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ, the message of the gospel, the person that is centered in the gospel (Jesus Christ) and the God that is revealed by the gospel. We do hold that the Bible, in its present form, is infallible (incapable of misleading or deceiving).

2. Of God

1. We have as revelation that, there is but one only [Deut. 6:4; 1 Cor. 8:4,6], living, and true God [1 Thes. 1:9; Jer. 10:10], who is infinite in being and perfection [Job 11:7-9; Job 26:14], a most pure spirit, [Jn. 4:24] invisible [1 Ti. 1:17], without body, parts [Deut. 4:15,16; Jn. 4:24; Lk. 24:39]; or passions[Acts 14:11,15]; immutable [Jam. 1:17; Mal. 3:6,] immense [1 Ki. 8:27; Jer. 23:23,24], eternal [Ps. 90:2; 1 Tim. 1:17], incomprehensible [Ps. 145:3], almighty [Gen. 17:1; Rev. 4:8]; Most wise [Rom. 16:27], Most holy [Is. 6:3; Rev. 4:8], Most free [Ps. 115:3,] Most absolute [Ex. 3:14]; working all things according to the counsel of His own immutable and most righteous will [Eph. 1:11], for His own glory; [Pro. 16:4; Rom. 11:36]; Most loving [1 Jn.4:8,16], gracious, merciful, long-suffering, abundant in goodness and truth, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin [Ex. 34:6,7]; the rewarder of them that diligently seek Him [Heb.11:6]; and with it, most just, and terrible in His judgments [Neh. 9:32,34], hating all sin [Ps. 5:5,6], and who will by no means clear the guilty [Nah. 1:2,3; Ex. 34:7].

1. We have as revelation that, God has all life [Jn.5:26], glory [ACT 7:2], goodness [Ps. 119:68], blessedness [1 Tit. 6:15; Rom. 9:5], in and of Himself; and is alone in and unto Himself all-sufficient, not standing in need of any creatures which He has made [ACT 17:24,25], nor deriving any glory from them [Job 22:2,3], but only manifesting His own glory in, by, unto, and upon them. He is alone the fountain of all being, of whom, through whom, and to whom are all things [Rom. 11:36]; and has most sovereign dominion over them, to do by them, for them, or upon them whatsoever Himself pleases [Rev. 4:11; 1 Tim. 6:15; Dan. 4:25,35]. In His sight all things are open and manifest [Heb. 4:13], His knowledge is infinite, infallible, and independent from anything created [Rom. 11:33,34; Ps. 147:5], so as nothing is to Him contingent, oruncertain [Acts 15:18; Ez. 11:5]. He is most holy in all His counsels, in all His works, and in all His commands [Ps. 145:17; Rom. 7:12]. To Him is due from angels and men, and every other creature, whatsoever worship, service, or obedience He is pleased to require of them [Rev.5:12-14].

2. We have as revelation that there is no Triune God, for Yahweh is one. We recognize in scripture that neither our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ nor the appointed apostles, nor any disciple after them declared Christ to be God. Jesus himself worshipped Yahweh (affectionately called the Father/Abba) as the only true God [John 17:3]. A strict examination of scripture will reveal that all of the writings of the authors of the New Testament declared Christ to be the Son of God, and the Father as the only God. [Acts 2:22-24; Rom. 1:7; 1 Co. 1:3; 2 Co. 1:2-3; Ga. 1:1; Ep. 1:2-3; Phil. 1:2; Col. 1:2-3;
1 Th. 1:1,3; 2 Th. 1:1-2; 1Tm. 1:2; 2 Tm. 1:2; Tit. 1:4; Phim. 1:3; Jm. 1:27; 1 Pt. 1:2-3; 2 Pt. 1:17; 2 Jn. 1:3; Jd. 1; Rev. 1:6]

3. Of Creation

1. We have as revelation that it pleased Yahweh [Heb. 1:2; Jn. 1:2-3; Gen. 1:2; Job 26:13; Job 33:4], for the manifestation of the glory of His eternal power, wisdom, and goodness [Rom. 1:20; Jer. 10:12; Ps. 104:24; Ps. 33:5-6], in the beginning, to create, or make out of nothing, the world, and all things therein whether visible or invisible, in the space of six Days (Yom or epochs/generations); and all very good.[ All of Genesis 1; Gen. 2:4; Heb. 11:3; Col. 1:16; Act. 17:24]

2. We have as revelation that, after Yahweh had made all other creatures, He created man, male and female [Gen. 1:27; Gen. 5:1-2], with reasonable and immortal souls and spirits [Gen. 2:7; 1 Thes. 5:23; Eccl. 12:7; LK 23:43; Mt. 10:28], endued with knowledge, righteousness, and true holiness, after His own image [Gen. 1:26; Col. 3:10; Eph. 4:24]; having the law of God written in their hearts [Rom. 2:14-15], and power to fulfill it [Eccl. 7:29]; and yet under a possibility of transgressing, being left to the liberty of their own free will, which was subject unto change [Gen. 3:6; Eccl. 7:29]. Beside this law written in their hearts, they received a command, not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil [Gen. 2:17; Gen. 3:8-11,23]; which while they kept, they were happy in their communion with God, and had dominion over the creatures and earth.[Gen. 1:26,28]

4. Of Providence

1. We have as revelation that Yahweh the great Creator of all things does uphold [Heb. 1:3], direct, dispose, and govern all creatures, actions, and things [Dan. 4:34-35; Ps. 135:6; Acts 17:25-28; Job 38-41], from the greatest even to the least [Mt. 10:29-31], by His most wise and holy providence [Pro. 15:3; Ps. 104:24; Ps. 145:17], according to His infallible foreknowledge [Acts 15:18; Ps. 94:8-11], and the free and immutable counsel of His own will [Eph. 1:11; Ps. 33:10- 11], to the praise of the glory of His wisdom, power, justice, goodness, and mercy. [Is. 63:14; Eph. 3:10; Rom. 9:17; Gen. 45:7; Ps. 145:7]

2. We have as revelation that, although, in relation to the foreknowledge and decree of Yahweh, the origin of Life, all things come to pass immutably, and infallibly [Acts 2:23]; yet, by the same providence, He works through means or vessels, such as Man’s Free Will [Gen. 8:22; Jer. 31:35; Ex. 21:13; Deut. 19:5; 1 Ki. 22:28,34; Is. 10:6,7]. Yahweh does not force our choices, but all choices made are still subject to the prophetic will of Yahweh.

3. We have as revelation that Yahweh, in His ordinary providence, makes use of means [Acts 27:31,44; Is. 55:10,11; Hos. 2:21-22], yet is free to work without [Hos. 1:7; Mt. 4:4; Job 34:10], above [Rom. 4:19-21], and against them [2 Ki. 6:6; Dan. 3:27], at His pleasure.

4. We have as revelation that, the almighty power, unsearchable wisdom, and infinite goodness of Yahweh so far manifest themselves in His providence, that it extends itself even to the first fall, and all other sins of angels and men [Rom. 11:32-34; 2 Sam. 24:1; 1 Chr. 21:1; 1 Ki. 22:22-23; 1 Chr. 10:4; 2 Sam. 16:10; Acts 2:23; Acts 4:27-28]; and that not by a bare permission [Acts 14:16], but such as has joined with it a most wise and powerful bounding [Ps. 76:10; 2 Ki. 19:28], and otherwise ordering, and governing of them, in a manifold plan and strategy, to His own holy purpose [Gen. 50:20; Is. 10:6-7,12]; yet so, as the sinfulness of Man proceeds only from the creature, and not from the Father, who, being most holy and righteous, neither is nor can be the author or approver of sin.
[Jam. 1:13-14,17; 1 Jn. 2:16; Ps. 50:21]

5. We have as revelation that, The most wise, righteous, and gracious Yahweh does oftentimes leave, for a season, His own children to manifold temptations, and the corruption of their own hearts, to chastise them for their former sins, or to discover unto them the hidden strength of corruption and deceitfulness of their hearts, that they may be humbled [2 Chr. 32:25-26,31; 2 Sam. 24:1]; and, to raise them to a more close and constant dependence for their support on Himself, and to make them more watchful against all future occasions of sin, and for other just and holy ends.
[2 Cor. 12:7-9; Ps. 77:1,10,12; (cf. Mk. 14:66-72 with Jn. 21:15-17]

6. We have as revelation that, as for those wicked and ungodly men whom Yahweh, as a righteous Judge, for former sins, does blind and harden [Rom. 1:24-28; Rom. 11:7-8]; He not only withholds His grace by which they might have been enlightened in their understandings, and worked on in their hearts [Deut. 29:4]; but sometimes also withdraws the gifts which they had [Mt. 13:12; Mt. 25:29], and exposes them to such objects as their corruption makes occasion of sin [Deut. 2:30; 2 Ki. 8:12-13]; and, with it, gives them over to their own lusts, the temptations of the world, and the power of Satan [Ps. 81:11-12; 2 Thess. 2:10-12], by which it comes to pass that they harden themselves, even under those means which God uses for the softening of others. [Ex. 7:3; Ex. 8:15,32; 2 Cor. 2:15-16; Is. 8:14; 1 Pt. 2:7-8; Is. 6:9-10; Acts 28:26-27]

7. We have as revelation that as the providence of Yahweh does, in general, reach all creatures; so, after a most special manner, it takes care of His Church, and disposes all things to the good of the Body of Christ. [1 Tim. 4:10; Amos 9:8-9; Rom. 8:28; Is. 43:3-5,14]

5. Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and the Punishment Thereof

1. We have as revelation that, our first parents, being seduced by the voice and temptations of Satan, sinned, in eating the forbidden fruit [Gen. 3:13; 2 Cor. 11:3]. Even their disobedience, Yahweh was pleased, according to His wise and holy counsel, to reconcile, having purposed to use it for His own glory. [Rom. 11:32]

2. We have as revelation that, by this sin, they fell from their original righteousness and communion, with God [Gen. 3:6-8; Eccl. 7:29; Rom. 3:23], and so became dead in sin [Gen. 2:17; Eph. 2:1], and wholly defiled in all the parts and faculties of soul and body. [Tit. 1:15 Gen. 6:5; Jer. 17:9; Rom. 3:10-18]

3. We have as revelation that they, being the root of all mankind, the guilt of this sin was imputed; [Gen. 1:27-28; Gen. 2:16-17; Acts 17:26; Rom. 5:12-19; 1 Cor. 15:21-22,45,49] and the same death in sin, and corrupted nature, conveyed to all their seed and generations descending from them. [Ps. 51:5; Gen. 5:3; Job 14:4; Job 15:14]

4. We have as revelation that, from this original corruption, by which we are utterly indisposed, disabled, and made opposite to all good [Rom. 5:6; Rom. 8:7; Rom. 7:18; Col. 1:21], and wholly inclined to all evil [Gen. 6:5; Gen. 8:21; Rom. 3:10-12], do proceed all actual transgressions (sin). [Jam. 1:14-15; Eph. 2:2-3; Mt. 15:19]

5. We have as revelation that this corruption of nature, during this life, does remain in those who are regenerated [1 Jn. 1:8,10; Rom. 7:14,17-18,23; Jam. 3:2; Pro. 20:9; Eccl. 7:20]; and although it be, through Christ, pardoned, and mortified; yet both itself and all the motions from it, are truly and properly sin. [Rom. 7:5,7-8,25; Gal. 5:17]

6. We have as revelation that every sin, both original and actual, is a transgression of the righteous law of Yahweh, and contrary to it [1 Jn. 3:4], does in its own nature, bring guilt upon the sinner [Rom. 2:15; Rom. 3:9,19], by which he is bound over to the wrath of God [Eph. 2:3], and curse of the law [Gal. 3:10], and so made subject to death [Rom. 6:23], with all miseries spiritual [Eph. 4:18], temporal [Rom. 8:20; Lam. 3:39], and eternal [Mt. 25:41; 2 Thess. 1:9]. This is until the sinner is born again into the Body of Christ.[Rom. 10:9]

6. Of God's Covenant with Man

1. The distance between Yahweh and the creature is so great, that although reasonable creatures do owe obedience to Him as their Creator, they could never have any fruition of Him as their blessedness and reward, but by some voluntary humility on Yahweh's part, which He has been pleased to express by way of covenant. [Is. 40:13-17; Job 9:32,33; 1 Sam. 2:25; Ps. 113:5-6; Ps. 100:2-3; Job 22:2-3;
Job 35:7-8; Lk. 17:10; Acts 17:24-25]

2. The first covenant made with man was a covenant of works [Gal. 3:12], wherein life was promised to Adam; and in him to his posterity [Rom. 10:5; Rom. 5:12-20], on the condition of perfect and personal obedience. [Gen. 2:17; Gal. 3:10]

3. Man, by his fall, having made himself incapable of life by that covenant, the Lord was pleased to make a second [Gal. 3:21; Rom. 8:3; Rom. 3:20-21; Gen. 3:15; Is. 42:6], commonly called the covenant of grace; wherein He freely offers to sinners life and salvation by Jesus Christ; requiring of them faith in Him, that they may be saved [Mk 16:15-16; Jn. 3:16; Rom. 10:6,9; Gal. 3:11] and promising to give to all those that choose eternal life His Holy Spirit, to make them willing, and able to maintain and preserve that salvation. [Ez. 36:26,27; Jn. 6:44,45]

4. This covenant of grace is frequently outlined in Scripture by the name of the New Testament, in reference to the death of Jesus Christ the Testator, and to the everlasting inheritance, with all things belonging to it, therein bestowed on us. [Heb. 9:15-17; Heb. 7:22; Lk. 22:20; 1 Cor. 11:25]

5. This covenant was differently administered in the time of the law, and in the time of the Gospel [2 Cor. 3:6-9]: under the law, it was administered by promises, prophecies, sacrifices, circumcision, the Passover lamb, and other types and ordinances delivered to the people of the Jews, all foreseeing Christ to come [See Heb. 8-10; Rom. 4:11; Col. 2:11-12; 1 Cor. 5:7]; which were, for that time, sufficient and effective, through the operation of the Spirit, to instruct and build up the believers in faith in the promised Messiah [1 Cor. 10:1-4; Heb. 11:13; Jn. 8:56], by whom they had full remission of sins and eternal salvation; and is called the Old Testament. [Gal. 3:7-9,14]

6. Under the Gospel, when Christ, the substance [Col. 2:17], was exhibited, the ordinances in which this covenant is administered are the preaching of the Word, and the administration of the ordinances of Baptism and the Lord's Supper [Mt. 28:19-20; 1 Cor. 11:23-25]: which, though fewer in number, and administered with more simplicity, and less outward glory, yet, in them, it is held forth in more fullness, evidence, and spiritual efficacy [Heb. 12:22-27; Jer. 31:33-34], to all nations, both Jews and Gentiles [Mt. 28:19; Eph. 2:15-19]; and is called the New Testament [Lk. 22:20]. There are not therefore two covenants of grace, differing in substance, but one and the same, under various times and seasons. [Gal. 3:14,16; Acts 15:11; Rom. 3:21-23,30; Ps. 32:1; Rom. 4:3,6,16,17,23-24;
Heb. 13:8]

7. Of Christ the Mediator

1. We have as revelation that it pleased God, in His eternal purpose, to choose and ordain the Lord Jesus, His only begotten Son, to be the Mediator between God and man [Isa. 42:1; 1 Pt. 1:19-20; Jn. 3:16; 1 Tim. 2:5], the Prophet [Act 3:22], Priest [Heb. 5:5-6], and King [Ps. 2:6; Lk. 1:33], the Head and Savior of His Church [Eph. 5:23], the Heir of all things [Heb. 1:2], and Judge of the world [Act 17:31]: unto whom He did from all eternity give a people, to be His seed [Jn. 17:6; Ps. 22:30; Isa. 53:10] and to be by Him in time redeemed, called, justified, sanctified, and glorified. This is not to propagate the sealed number, but that people would be the Church, and all that chose to enter in would be His people. [1 Tim. 2:6; Isa. 55:4; 1 Cor. 1:30]

2. We have as revelation that the Son of God was born of a woman when the fullness of time (Logos) was come and was in full the body and nature of man [Jn. 1:1,14; 1 Jn. 5:20; Phill. 2:6; Gal. 4:4], with all the essential properties, and common infirmities thereof, yet without sin [Heb. 2:14-17; Heb. 4:15]; being conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost, in the womb of the virgin Mary, of her substance [Lk 1:27,31,35; Gal. 4:4]. He is the only Christ, the only Mediator between God and man. [Rom. 1:3; Rom. 1:4; 1 Tim. 2:5]

3. We have as revelation that the Lord Jesus, in His human nature in full communion with the Godhead (Divine Attributes of Yahweh), was sanctified, and anointed with the Holy Spirit, above measure [Ps. 45:7; Jn. 3:34], having in Him all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge [Col. 2:3]; in whom it pleased the Father that all fullness should dwell [Col. 1:19]; to the end that, being holy, harmless, undefiled, and full of grace and truth [Heb 7:26; Jn. 1:14], He might be thoroughly furnished to execute the office of a Mediator and Surety [Act. 10:38; Heb. 12:24; Heb. 7:22]. Which office He took not to Himself, but was called to it by His Father [Heb. 5:4,5], who put all power and judgment into His hand, and gave Him commandment to execute the Office of Mediator.[Jn. 5:22; Mt. 28:18; Act. 2:36]

4. We have as revelation that this office the Lord Jesus did most willingly take upon himself [Ps. 40:7,8; Heb. 10:5-10; Jn. 10:18; Phill. 2:8]; a sacrificial lamb, He was born under the law [Gal. 4:4] and did perfectly fulfill it [Mt. 3:15; Mt. 5:17]; endured most grievous torments immediately in His soul [Mt. 26:37,38; Lk. 22:44; Mt. 27:46], and most painful sufferings in His body [See Mt. 26-27]; was crucified and died [Phill. 2:8], was buried, and remained under the power of death, yet saw no corruption [Act. 2:23,24,27; Act. 13:37; Rom. 6:9]. On the third day, He arose from the dead [1 Cor. 15:3-5], with the same body in which He suffered [Jn. 20:25,27], with which also he ascended into heaven, and there sits at the right hand of His Father, in a glorified body [Mk. 16:19], making intercession [Rom. 8:34; Heb. 9:24,25], and shall return, to judge men and angels, at the end of the world. [Rom. 14:9,10; Act. 1:11; Act 10:42; Mt. 13:40-42; 2 Pt. 2:4]

5. We have as revelation that, the Lord Jesus, by His perfect obedience, and sacrifice of Himself, which He through the eternal Spirit, once offered up unto God, has fully satisfied the justice of His Father [Rom. 5:19; Heb. 9:14,16; Heb. 10:14; Eph. 5:2; Rom. 3:25,26]; and purchased, not only reconciliation but an everlasting inheritance in the kingdom of heaven, for those who accept the invitation to eternally abide in relationship with the Father. [Dan. 9:24,26; Col. 1:19,20; Eph. 1:11,14; Jn. 17:2; Heb. 9:12,15]

6. We have as revelation that although the work of redemption was not wrought by Christ until after His birth on earth, the virtue, effect, and benefits of redemption were communicated to the elect, in all ages successively from the beginning of the world, in and by those promises, types, and sacrifices, wherein He was revealed, and signified to be the seed of the woman which should bruise the serpent's head; and the Lamb slain from the beginning ofthe world; yesterday and today being the same, and forever. [Gal. 4:4,5; Gen. 3:15; Rev. 13:8; Heb. 13:8]

7. We have as revelation that to all those for whom Christ has purchased redemption, He does certainly and effectively apply and communicate this redemption [Jn. 6:37,39; Jn.10:15,16]; making intercession for them [1 Jn. 2:1,2; Rom. 8:34], and revealing to them, in and by the word, the mysteries of salvation [Jn. 15:13,15; Eph. 1:7-9; Jn. 17:6]; effectively persuading them by His Spirit to believe and obey, and governing their hearts by His word and Spirit [Jn. 14:16; Heb. 12:2; 2 Cor. 4:13; Rom. 8:9,14; Rom. 15:18,19; Jn. 17:17]; overcoming all their enemies by His almighty power and wisdom, in such manner, and ways, as are most agreeable to His wonderful and unsearchable order and purpose. [Ps. 110:1; 1 Cor. 15:25,26; Mal. 4:2,3; Col. 2:15]

8. Of Free Will

1. We have as revelation that Yahweh has gifted the will of man with that natural liberty, that is neither forced, nor, by any absolute necessity of nature, determined good, or evil. [Mt. 17:12; Jam. 1:14; Deut. 30:19]

2. We have as revelation that Man, in his state of innocence, had freedom, and power to will and to do that which was good and well-pleasing to God [Ecc. 7:29; Gen. 1:26]; but yet, changeable, so that he might fall from it. [Gen 2:16,17; Gen. 3:6]

3. We have as revelation that Man, by his fall into a state of sin, has wholly lost all ability of will to any spiritual good accompanying salvation or outside the aid of Christ Jesus and the Holy Ghost [Rom. 5:6; Rom. 8:7; Jn. 15:5]: so as, a natural man, being altogether warring against that good [Rom. 3:10,12], and dead in sin [Eph. 2:1,5; Col. 2:13], is not able, by his own strength, to convert himself, or to prepare himself for salvation without aid from the Holy Spirit.[Jn. 6:44,65; Eph. 2:2-5; 1 Cor. 2:14; Tit. 3:3-5]

4. We have as revelation that when Yahweh converts a sinner and translates him into the state of grace, He frees him from his natural bondage under sin [Col. 1:13; Jn. 8:34,36]; and, by His grace alone, enables him freely to will and to do that which is spiritually good [Phill. 2:13; Rom. 6:18,22]; yet so, as that because of his remaining corruption, he does not perfectly, or only, will that which is good, but does also will that which is evil.[Gal. 5:17; Rom. 7:15,18-23]

5. We have as revelation that the will of man is made perfectly and unchangeably free to do good alone in the state of glory only. [Eph. 4:13; Heb. 12:23; 1 Jn. 3:2; Jude 24]

9. Of Justification

1. We have as revelation that, those whom Yahweh effectively calls, He also freely justifies [Rom. 8:30; Rom. 3:24]; not by infusing righteousness into them, but by pardoning their sins, and by accounting and accepting their persons as righteous; not for anything worked in them, or done by them, but for Christ's sake alone; nor by counting faith itself, the act of believing, or any other evangelical obedience to them, as their righteousness; but by counting the obedience and satisfaction of Christ to them [Rom. 4:5-8; 2 Cor. 5:19,21; Rom. 3:22,24-28; Tit. 3:5,7; Eph. 1:7; Jer. 23:6; 1 Cor. 1:30-31; Rom. 5:17-19], they receiving and resting on Him and His righteousness by faith; which faith they have not of themselves, it is the gift of Yahweh. [Acts 10:44; Gal. 2:16; Philp 3:9; Acts 13:38,39; Eph. 2:7-8]

2. We have as revelation that, Faith, when received and rested on Christ and His righteousness, is the alone need for justification [Jn. 1:12; Rom. 3:28; Rom. 5:1]: yet is it not by faith alone in the person justified, but is ever accompanied with all other saving graces, and is no dead faith, but works by love. [Jam. 2:17,22,26; Gal. 5:6]

3. We have as revelation that, Christ, by His obedience and death, did fully take away the debt of all those that are thus justified, and did make a proper, real, and full satisfaction to His Father's justice in their behalf [Rom. 5:8-10,19; 1 Tim. 2:5-6; Heb. 10:10, 14; Dan 9:24,26; Is. 53:4-6,10-12]. Yet, in as much as He was given by the Father for them [Rom. 8:32]; and His obedience and satisfaction accepted in their stead [2 Cor. 5:21; Mt. 3:17; Eph. 5:2]; and both, freely, not for anything in them; their justification is only of free grace [Rom. 3:24; Eph.1:7]; that both the exact justice and rich grace of Yahweh might be glorified in the justification of sinners. [Rom. 3:26; Eph. 2:7]

4. We have as revelation that Yahweh did, from all eternity, decree to justify all the believers in Christ [Gal. 3:8; 1 Pt. 1:2,19-20; Rom. 8:30], and Christ did, in the fullness of time, die for their sins, and rise again for their justification [Gal. 4:4; 1 Tim. 2:6; Rom. 4:25]: nevertheless, they are not justified, until the Holy Spirit does, in due time, actually apply Christ unto them. [Col. 1:21-22; Gal. 2:16;
Tit. 3:4-7]

5. We have as revelation that, God does continue to forgive the sins of those who are justified [Mt. 6:12; 1 Jn. 1:7,9; 1 Jn. 2:1-2]; and although they can never fall from the state of justification [Lk 22:32; Jn. 10:28; Heb. 10:14], yet they may, by their sins, fall under God's fatherly displeasure, and not have the light of His countenance restored unto them, until they humble themselves, confess their sins, beg pardon, and renew their faith and repentance [Ps. 89:31-33; Ps. 51:7-12; Ps. 32:5; Mt. 26:75; 1 Cor. 11:30,32; Lk. 1:20]. It must be stated, that a believer can forfeit his justification and salvation by the continued and deliberate practice of sin until God turns them over to a reprobate mind.[Rom. 1:18-32]

6. We have as revelation that the justification of believers under the Old Testament was, in all these respects, the same as the justification of believers under the New Testament. [Gal. 3:9,13-14;
Rom. 4:22-24; Heb 13:8]

10. Of Adoption

1. All those that are justified, Yahweh grants and privileges, in and for His only Son Jesus Christ, to make partakers of the grace of adoption [Eph. 1:5; Gal. 4:4,5], by which they are taken into the Body of Christ, and enjoy the liberties and privileges of the children of God [Rom. 8:17; Jn.1:12]; have His name put upon them [Jer. 14:9; 2 Cor. 6:18; Rev. 3:12], receive the spirit of adoption [Rom. 8:15], have access to the throne of grace with boldness [Eph. 3:12; Rom. 5:2], are enabled to cry, Abba, Father [Gal. 4:6], are pitied [Ps. 103:13], protected [Pro. 14:26], provided for [Mt. 6:30,32; 1 Pt. 5:7], and chastened by Him as by a Father [Heb. 12:6]: yet never cast off [Lam. 3:31], but sealed to the day of redemption [Eph 4:30]; and inherit the promises [Heb.6:12], as heirs of everlasting salvation.[1 Pt. 1:3,4; Heb. 1:14]

11. Of Sanctification

1. We have as revelation that, they, who are once effectually called, and regenerated, having a new heart, and a new spirit created in them, are further sanctified, really and personally, through the virtue of Christ's death and resurrection [1 Cor. 6:11; Acts 20:32; Php. 3:10; Rom. 6:5-6], by His Word and Spirit dwelling in them [Jn. 17:17; Eph. 5:26; 2 Thess. 2:13]: the dominion of the whole body of sin is destroyed [Rom 6:6,14], and the several lusts thereof are more and more weakened and mortified [Gal. 5:24; Rom. 8:13]; and they more and more quickened and strengthened in all saving graces
[Col. 1:11; Eph. 3:16-19], to the practice of true holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. [2 Cor. 7:1; Heb. 12:14]

2. We have as revelation that, this sanctification is throughout, in the whole man [1 Thess. 5:23]; yet imperfect in this life, there abiding still some remnants of corruption in every part [1 Jn. 1:10; Rom. 7:18,23; Php. 3:12]; out of which, arises a continual and irreconcilable war, the flesh lusting against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh. [Gal. 5:17; 1 Pt. 2:11]

3. We have as revelation that, in that warfare, although the remaining corruption, for a time, may much prevail [Rom. 7:23]; yet, through the continual supply of strength from the sanctifying Spirit of Christ, the regenerate part does overcome [Rom. 6:14; 1 Jn. 5:4; Eph. 4:15- 16]; and so, the saints grow in grace [2 Pt. 3:18; 2 Cor. 3:18], perfecting holiness in the fear of Yahweh. [2 Cor. 7:1]

12. Of Saving Faith

1. We have as revelation that the grace of faith, with which the believers are enabled to believe in the saving of their souls [Heb. 10:39], is the work of the Spirit of Christ in their hearts [2 Cor. 4:13; Eph. 1:17-19; Eph. 2:8], and is ordinarily worked by the ministry of the Word [Rom. 10:14,17], which in conjunction with, the administration of the ordinances, and prayer is increased and strengthened. [1 Pt. 2:2; Acts 20:32; Rom. 4:11; Lk. 17:5; Rom. 1:16-17]

2. We have as revelation that by this faith, a Believer in the Way believes to be true whatsoever is revealed in the scripture, for the authority of Yahweh Himself speaking through the Scripture [Jn. 4:42 1 Thess. 2:13; 1 Jn. 5:10; Acts 24:14]; and acts differently upon that which each particular passage contains in it; yielding obedience to the commands [Rom. 16:26], trembling at the prophetic warnings [Is. 66:2], and embracing the promises of Yahweh for this life, and that which is to come [Heb. 11:13; 1 Tim. 4:8]. But the principal acts of saving faith are accepting, receiving, and resting upon Christ alone for justification, sanctification, and eternal life, under the covenant of grace. [Jn. 1:12; Acts 16:31; Gal. 2:20; Acts 15:11]

3. We have as revelation that, this faith is different in degrees, weak or strong [Heb. 5:13,14; Rom. 4:19-20; Mt. 6:30; Mt. 8:10]; may often and in many ways become under attack, and weakened, but gets the victory [Lk. 22:31-32; Eph. 6:16; I John 5:4-5]: maturing in many to the attainment of a full assurance, through Christ [Heb. 6:11-12; Heb. 10:22], who is both the author and finisher of our faith. [Heb. 12:2]

13. Of Repentance unto Life

1. We have as revelation that repentance to life is an evangelical grace [Zec. 12:10; Acts 11:18], the doctrine is to be preached by every minister of the Gospel, as well as faith in Christ. [Lk. 24:47; Mk. 1:15; Acts 20:21]

2. We have as revelation that, by repentance, a sinner, out of the sight and sense-not only of the danger- but also of the filthiness and disgust of his sins, as contrary to the holy nature, and righteous law of Yahweh; and on the apprehension of His mercy in Christ to such as are remorseful, grieves for, and hates his sins, as to turn from them all to God [Eze. 18:30-31; Eze. 36:31; Is. 30:22; Ps. 51:4; Jer. 31:18-19; Joel 2:12-13 Amos 5:15; Ps. 119:128; 2 Cor. 7:11], purposing and determined to walk with Him in all the ways of His commandments. [Ps. 119:6,59,106; Lk. 1:6; 2 Ki. 23:25]

3. We have as revelation that, although repentance is not to be rested in, as any satisfaction for sin, or any cause of the pardon from sin [Eze. 36:31-32; Eze. 16:61,63], which is the act of Yahweh's free grace in Christ [Hos. 14:2,4; Rom. 3:24; Eph. 1:7] yet it is of such necessity to all sinners, that none may expect pardon without it. [Lk. 13:3; Acts 17:30-31]

4. We have as revelation that, as there is no sin so small, that it doesn’t deserve damnation [Rom. 6:23; Rom. 5:12; Mt. 12:36]; There is no sin so great, that it cannot avoid damnation for those who truly repent. [Is. 55:7Rom. 8:1; Is. 1:16,18]

5. We have as revelation that, Men ought not to content themselves with a general repentance, but it is every man's duty to seek to repent of his particular sins, particularly. [Ps. 19:13; Lk. 19:8; 1 Tim. 1:13,15]

6. We have as revelation that, as every man is bound to make private confession of his sins to Yahweh, praying for the forgiveness of those sins [Ps. 51:4,5,7,9,14; Ps. 32:5-6]; on which, and the forsaking of them, he shall find the mercy of Abba [Pro. 28:13; 1 Jn. 1:9]; so he that scandalizes his brother, sister or the Church of Christ, ought to be willing, by a private or public confession and sorrow for his sin, to declare his repentance to those that are offended [Jam. 5:16; Lk. 17:3-4; Jos. 7:19; Ps. 51 throughout]; who are at that moment to be reconciled to him, and in love to receive him. [2 Cor. 2:8]

14. Of Good Works

1. We have as revelation that good works are only such as Yahweh has commanded in scripture [Mic. 6:8; Rom. 12:2; Heb. 13:21], and not such as, without authorized in scripture, are devised by men, out of blind zeal, or upon any pretense of good intention. [Mt. 15:9; Is. 29:13; 1 Pt. 1:18; Rom. 10:2; Jn. 16:2; 1 Sam. 15:21-23]

2. We have as revelation that, these good works, done in obedience to Yahweh's commandments, are the fruits and evidences of a true and lively faith [Jam. 2:18,22]: and by them believers manifest their thankfulness [Ps. 116:12-13; 1 Pt. 2:9], strengthen their assurance [1 Jn. 2:3,5; 2 Pt. 1:5-10], edify their brethren [2 Cor. 9:2; Mt. 5:16], beautify the profession of the Gospel [Tit. 2:5,9-12; 1 Tim. 6:1], stop the mouths of the adversaries [1 Pt. 2:15], and glorify Yahweh [1 Pt. 2:12; Phill 1:11; Jn. 15:8], whose workmanship they are, created in Christ Jesus for Abba [Eph. 2:10], that, having their fruit in addition to holiness, they may have the end, eternal life. [Rom. 6:22]

3. We have as revelation that, man’s ability to do good works is not at all of themselves, but wholly from the Spirit of Christ [Jn. 15:4-6; Eze. 36:26]. And that they may be enabled to do good works, besides the graces they have already received, there is required an actual influence of the same Holy Spirit, to work in them to will, and to do, of His good pleasure [Philp 2:13; Philp 4:13; 2 Cor. 3:5]: yet are they not, for this reason, to grow negligent, as if they were not bound to perform any duty unless upon a special motion of the Spirit; but they ought to be diligent in stirring up the grace of Yahweh that is in them. [Philp 2:12; Heb 6:11-12; 2 Pt. 1:3,5,10- 11; Is. 64:7; Acts 26:6-7; Jude 20-21]

4. We have as revelation that we cannot by our best works merit pardon of sin, or eternal life at the hand of Yahweh, because of the great imbalance that is between them and the glory to come; and the infinite distance that is between us and God, whom, by good works, we can neither profit, nor satisfy for the debt of our former sins [Rom. 3:20; Rom. 4:2,4,6; Tit. 3:5-7; Rom. 8:18; Ps. 16:2; Job 22:2-3; Job 35:7-8], but when we have done all we can, we have done but our duty, and are still unprofitable servants [Lk. 17:10]: and because, as they are good, they proceed from His Spirit [Gal 5:22,23], and as they are performed by us, they are defiled, and mixed with so much weakness and imperfection, that they cannot endure the severity of Yahweh's judgment. [Is. 64:6; Gal. 5:17; Rom. 7:15,18; Ps. 143:2; Ps. 130:3]

5. We have as revelation that despite our weaknesses defiling our works, the community of believers being accepted through Christ, their good works also are accepted in Him [Eph. 1:6; 1 Pt. 2:5; Ex. 28:38; Gen. 4:4; Heb. 11:4]; not as though they were in this life wholly blameless and without blemish in God's sight [Job 9:20; Ps. 143:2]; but that He, looking upon them in His Son, is pleased to accept and reward that which is sincere, although accompanied with many weaknesses and imperfections. [Heb 13:20-21; 2 Cor. 8:12; Heb. 6:10; Mt. 25:21,23]

6. We have as revelation that, works done by unsaved, although for the matter of them they may be things which Yahweh commands; and of good use both to themselves and others [2 Ki. 10:30-31; 1 Ki. 21:27,29; Philp 1:15; Philp 1:16,18]: yet, because they proceed not from a heart purified by faith [Gen. 4:5; Heb 11:4,6]; nor are done in a right manner, according to the scripture; [1 Cor. 13:3; Is. 1:12] nor to a right end, the glory of Yahweh [Mt. 6:2,5,16], they are still sinful and cannot please Abba, or make a man worthy to receive grace from Abba [Hag. 2:14; Tit. 1:15; Amo. 5:21-22; Hos. 1:4; Rom. 9:16; Tit. 3:15]: and yet, their neglect of them is more sinful and displeasing unto Yahweh. [Ps. 14:4; Ps.36:3; Job 21:14-15; Mt. 25:41-45; Mt. 23:23]

15. Of Assurance of Grace and Salvation

1. We have as revelation that although hypocrites and other unregenerate persons may vainly deceive themselves with false hopes and carnal presumptions of being in the favor of Abba, and estate of salvation[Job 8:13,14; Mic. 3:11; Deut. 29:19; Jn. 8:41](which hope of theirs shall perish) [Mt.7:22-23]: yet any that truly believe in the Lord Jesus, and love Him in sincerity, seeking diligently to walk in all good conscience before Him, may, in this life, be certainly assured that they are in the state of grace [1 Jn. 2:3; 1 Jn. 3:14,19,21,24; 1 Jn. 5:13], and may rejoice in the hope of the glory of Yahweh, which hope shall never make them ashamed.[Rom. 5:2,5]

2. We have as revelation that, this assurance is not a bare speculation and probable persuasion grounded upon a fallible hope [Heb. 6:11,19], but an infallible assurance of faith founded upon the divine truth of the promises of salvation [Heb. 6:17,18], the inward evidence of those graces unto which these promises are made [2 Pt. 1:4,5,10,11; 1 Jn. 2:3; 1 Jn. 3:14; 2 Cor. 1:12], the testimony of the Spirit of adoption witnessing with our spirits that we are the children of Abba [Rom. 8:15-16], which Spirit is the earnest of our inheritance, whereby we are sealed to the day of redemption.[Eph. 1:13,14; Eph. 4:30; 2 Cor. 1:21,22]

3. This infallible assurance does not so belong to the essence of faith, that a true believer has to wait long, and conflict with many difficulties before he obtains it [1 Jn. 5:13; Is. 1:10; Mk. 9:24; (see Ps. 88; Ps. 77)]: but, being enabled by the Spirit to know the things which are freely given him of Yahweh, he may, without extraordinary revelation in the right use of ordinary means, attain this assurance, freely [1 Cor. 2:12; 1 Jn. 4:13; Heb. 6:11-12; Eph. 3:17-19]. Therefore, it is the duty of everyone to give all diligence to make his calling and election sure [2 Pt. 1:10], that thereby his heart may be enlarged in peace and joy in the Holy Ghost, in love and thankfulness to Abba, and in strength and cheerfulness in the duties of obedience [Rom. 5:1,2,5; Rom. 14:17; Rom. 15:13; Eph. 1:3-4; Ps. 4:6-7; Ps. 119:32], the proper fruits of this assurance; so far is it from inclining men to carelessness.[1 Jn. 2:1,2; Rom. 6:1,2; Tit. 2:11-14; 2 Cor. 7:1; Rom. 8:1,12; 1 Jn. 3:2,3; Ps. 130:4; 1 Jn. 1:6,7]

4. We have as revelation that true believers may have the assurance of their salvation shaken in different ways, diminished, and hidden; as, by negligence in safeguarding it, by falling into some special sin which wounds the conscience and grieves the Spirit; by some sudden or intense temptation, by Yahweh's withdrawing the light of His face, and then suffering to walk in darkness and to have no light [Sol. 5:2-6; Ps. 51:8 ,12,14; Eph. 4:30,31; Ps. 77:1-10; Mt. 26:69-72; Ps. 31:22; Ps. 88 throughout; Is. 50:10]: yet they are never so utterly destitute of that seed of Abba, and life of faith, that love of Christ and the brethren, that sincerity of heart, and conscience of duty, out of which, by the operation of the Spirit, this assurance may, in due time, be revived [1 Jn. 3:9; LK 22:32; Job 13:15; Ps. 73:15; Ps. 51:8,12]; and by which, in the meantime, they are supported from utter destruction and separation from Abba (reprobate).[Mic. 7:7-9; Jer. 32:40; Is. 54:7-10; Ps. 22:1; Ps. 88 throughout]

16. Of the Law of God

1. We have as revelation that Yahweh gave to Adam a law, as a covenant of works, by which He bound him and all his generations, to personal, entire, exact, and perpetual obedience, promised life upon the fulfilling, and threatened death upon the breach of it, and endued him with power and ability to keep it. [Gen. 1:26-27; Gen. 2:17; Rom. 2:14-15; Rom. 10:5; Rom. 5:12,19; Gal. 3:10,12; Eccl. 7:29; Job 28:28]

2. We have as revelation that this law, after his fall, continued to be a perfect rule of righteousness; and, as such, was delivered by Yahweh upon Mount Sinai, in ten commandments, and written in two tables [Jam. 1:25; Jam. 2:8-12; Rom. 13:8,9; Deut. 5:32; Deut. 10:4; Ex. 24:1]: the first four commandments containing our duty towards Yahweh; and the other six, our duty to man. [Mt. 22:37-40]

3. We have as revelation that besides this law, commonly called moral, Yahweh was pleased to give to the people of Israel, as a church under age, ceremonial laws, containing several typical ordinances, partly of worship, prefiguring Christ, His graces, actions, sufferings, and benefits [Heb. 9; Heb. 10:1; Gal. 4:1-2; Col. 2:17]; and partly, holding within it many instructions of moral duties [1 Cor. 5:7; 2 Cor. 6:17; Jude 23]. All ceremonial laws are now finished, under the New Testament. [Col. 2:14-17; Dan. 9:27; Eph. 2:15-16]

4. We have as revelation that to the people of Israel, as a nation, He gave various judicial laws, which expired together with the state of that people. [Ex. 21-22; Gen. 49:10; 1 Pt. 2:13-14; Mt. 5:17,38; 1 Cor. 9:8-10]

5. We have as revelation that the moral law does forever bind all, as well justified persons as others, to the obedience to them [Rom. 13:8-10; Eph. 6:2; 1 Jn. 2:3-4,7-8]; and that, not only regarding the principles contained in it but also in respect of the authority of Yahweh the Creator, who gave it [Jam.2:10,11]. Neither does Christ, in the Gospel, in any way dissolve, but much strengthens this obligation [Mt. 5:17-19; Jam. 2:8; Rom. 3:31]. The moral part is being lived in full, satisfied by the Life of Love.[Gal. 5:14, Mt. 22:36-40]

6. We have as revelation that, Although true believers be not under the law, as a covenant of works, to be justified by the Mosaic law, or condemned by it [Rom. 6:14; Gal. 2:16; Gal. 3:13; Gal. 4:4-5; Acts 13:39; Rom. 8:1]; yet is it of great use to them, as well as to others; in that, as a rule of life informing them of the will of Yahweh and their duty, it directs and binds them to walk accordingly [Rom. 7:12,22,25; Ps. 119:4-6; 1 Cor. 7:19; Gal. 5:14,16,19-23]; discovering also the sinful pollutions of their nature, hearts and lives [Rom. 7:7; Rom. 3:20]; so as, examining themselves by it, they may come to further conviction of, humiliation for, and hatred against sin [Jam. 1:23-25; Rom. 7:9,14,24], together with a clearer sight of the need they have for Christ and the perfection of His obedience [Gal. 3:24; Rom. 7:24-25; Rom. 8:3; Rom. 8:4]. It is likewise of use to the regenerate, to restrain their corruptions, in that it forbids sin [Jam. 2:11; Ps. 119:101,128]: and the warnings of it serve to show what even their sins deserve; and what afflictions, in this life, they may expect for them, although freed from the curse warned in the law [Ezra 9:13-14; Ps. 89:30-34]. The promises of it, in like manner, show them Yahweh's approval of obedience, and what blessings they may expect on the performance of its principles [Lev. 26; 2 Cor. 6:16; Eph. 6:2-3; Ps. 37:11; Mt. 5:5 Ps. 19:11]: although not as a reward to them by the law as a covenant of works [Gal. 2:16; Lk. 17:10]. So, a man's doing good, and refraining from evil, because the law encourages the one and deters from the other is no evidence of his being under the law: and not under grace. [Rom. 6:12,14; 1 Pt. 3:8-16; Heb. 12:28-29]

7. We have as revelation that neither are the earlier mentioned uses of the law contrary to the grace of the Gospel but do sweetly comply with it [Gal. 3:21]; the Spirit of Christ subduing and enabling the will of man to do that freely, and cheerfully, which the will of Yahweh, revealed in the law, requires to be done. [Ez. 36:27; Heb. 8:10; Jer. 31:33] We do not use the Law of Moses as a the government of our lives as Believers, but as a reference to all which we are taught and instructed by Christ Jesus.[Col. 2:8-17; Gal. 3:10-14]

17. Of the Believer’s Liberty, and Liberty of Conscience

1. We have as revelation that, the liberty which Christ has purchased for believers under the Gospel consists in their freedom from the guilt of sin, and condemning wrath of Yahweh, the curse of the moral law; [Tit. 2:14; 1 Thess. 1:10; Gal. 3:13] and, in their being delivered from this present evil world, bondage to Satan, and dominion of sin; [Gal. 1:4; Col. 1:13; Act. 26:18; Rom. 6:14] from the evil of afflictions, the sting of death, the victory of the grave, and everlasting damnation; [Rom. 8:28; Ps. 119:71; 1 Cor. 15:54-57; Rom. 8:1] as also, in their free access to Abba, [Rom. 5:1,2] and their yielding obedience unto Him, not out of slavish fear, but a child-like love and willing mind. [Rom. 8:14,15; 1 Jn. 4:18] All which were common also to believers under the law. [Gal. 3:9,15] But, under the New Testament, the liberty of Believers is further enlarged, in their freedom from the yoke of the ceremonial law, to which the Jewish Church was subjected; [Gal. 4:1-7; Gal. 5:1; Acts 15:10] and in greater boldness of access to the throne of grace, [Heb. 4:14,16; Heb. 10:19-22] and in fuller communications of the free Spirit of Yahweh, than believers under the law did ordinarily have access to. [Jn. 7:38,39; 2 Cor. 3:13,17-18]

2. We have as revelation that, Yahweh alone is Lord of the conscience, [Jam. 4:12; Rom. 14:4] and has left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men, if they are, in any way, contrary to His Word; or beside it, in matters of faith, or worship. [Acts 4:19; Acts 5:29; 1 Cor. 7:23; Mt. 23:8-10; 2 Cor. 1:24; Mt. 15:9] So that, to believe such doctrines, or to obey such commands, out of conscience, is to betray true liberty of conscience: [Col. 2:20-23; Gal. 1:10; Gal. 2:4-5; Gal. 5:1] and the requiring of an absolute faith, and an absolute and blind obedience, is to destroy liberty of conscience, and reason also. [Rom. 10:17; Rom. 14:23; Is. 8:20; Acts 17:11; Jn. 4:22; Hos. 5:11; Rev. 13:12,16-17; Jer. 8:9]

3. We have as revelation that, they who, upon pretense of our liberty, do practice any sin, or cherish any lust, destroy the end of our liberty, which is, that being delivered out of the hands of our enemies, we might serve the Lord without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him, all the days of our life. [Gal. 5:13; 1 Pt. 2:16; 2 Pt. 2:19; Jn. 8:34; Lk. 1:74-75]

4. We have as revelation that, because the powers which Yahweh has ordained, and the liberty which Christ has purchased are not intended by Yahweh to destroy, but mutually to uphold and preserve one another, they who, upon pretense of our liberty, shall oppose any lawful power, or the lawful exercise of it, whether it be civil or religious, resist the ordinance of Yahweh. [Mt. 12:25; 1 Pt. 2:13-16; Rom. 13:1-8; Heb. 13:17] And, for their publishing of such opinions, or maintaining of such practices, as are contrary to the light of nature, or to the known principles of Christianity (whether concerning faith, worship, or conversation), or to the power of godliness; or, such erroneous opinions or practices, as either in their own conscience, or in the manner of publishing or maintaining them, are destructive to the external peace and order which Christ has established in the Church, they may lawfully be called to account.[Rom. 1:32; 1 Cor. 5:1,5,11,13; 2 Jn. 1:10,11; 2 Thess. 3:14; 1 Tim. 6:3-5; Tit. 1:10,11,13; Tit. 3:10; Mt. 18:15-17; 1 Tim. 1:19,20; Rev. 2:2,14-15,20; Rev. 3]

18. Of the Civil Magistrate

1. We have as revelation that, God, the supreme Lord and King of all the world, has ordained civil magistrates, to be, under Him, over the people, for His own glory, and the public good: and, to this end, has armed them with the power of the sword, for the defense and encouragement of them that are good, and for the punishment of evil doers. [Rom. 13:1-4; 1 Pt. 2:13-14]

2. We have as revelation that, it is lawful for Christians to accept and execute the office of a magistrate, when called thereunto: [Prov. 8:15; Rom. 13:1-4] in the managing whereof, as they ought especially to maintain piety, justice, and peace, according to the wholesome laws of each commonwealth; [Ps. 2:10,12; 1 Tit. 2:2; Ps. 82:3-4; 2 Sam. 23:3; 1 Pt. 2:13] so, for that end, they may lawfully, now under the New Testament, wage war, upon just and necessary occasion. [Lk. 3:14; Rom. 13:4; Mt. 8:9-10; Acts 10:1-2; Rev. 17:14, 16]

3. We have as revelation that Civil magistrates may not assume to themselves the administration of the Word and ordinances; or the power of the keys of the kingdom of heaven. [2 Chr. 26:18; Mt. 18:17; Mt. 16:19; 1 Cor. 12:28-29; Eph. 4:11-12; 1 Cor. 4:1; Rom. 10:15; Heb. 5:4]

4. We have as revelation that, it is the duty of people to pray for magistrates, [1 Tim. 2:1-2] to honor their persons, [1 Pt. 2:17] to pay them tribute or other dues, [Rom. 13:6-7] to obey their lawful commands, and to be subject to their authority, for conscience' sake. [Rom. 13:5; Tit. 3:1] Infidelity, or difference in religion, does not make void the magistrates' just and legal authority, nor free the people from their due obedience to them: [1 Pt. 2:13-14] from which ecclesiastical persons are not exempted, [Rom. 13:1; 1 Ki. 2:35; Acts 25:9-11; 2 Pt. 2:1, 10-11; Jude 8-11] much less has presbytery any power and jurisdiction over them in their dominions, or over any of their people; and, least of all, to deprive them of their dominions, or lives. [2 Thes. 2:4; Rev. 13:15-17]

19. Of Marriage and Divorce

1. We have as revelation that, Marriage is to be between one man and one woman: neither is it lawful for any man to have more than one wife, nor for any woman to have more than one husband, at the same time. [Gen 2:24; Mt. 19:5-6; Pro. 2:17]

2. We have as revelation that, Marriage was ordained for the mutual help of husband and wife, [Gen. 2:18] for the increase of mankind with a legitimate issue, and of the Church with a holy seed; [Mal. 2:15] and for preventing uncleanness. [1 Cor. 7:2,9]

3. We have as revelation that it is lawful for all sorts of people to marry, who are able with judgment to give their consent. [Heb. 13:4; 1 Tim. 4:3; 1 Cor. 7:36-38; Gen. 24:57] Yet it is the duty of Christians to marry only in the Lord [1 CO 7:39]; professing the true principles of Christianity should not marry with the unsaved: neither should the godly be unequally yoked, by marrying with such as are notoriously wicked in their life, or maintain religions other than Christianity.[Gen. 34:14; Ex. 34:16; Deut. 7:3-4; 1 Ki. 11:4; Neh. 13:25-27; Mal. 2:11-12; 2 Cor. 6:14]

4. We have as revelation that, Marriage ought not to be within the immediate family or desires forbidden by the Word. [Lev. 18; 1 Cor. 5:1; Amos 2:7] Nor can incest ever be made lawful by any law of man or consent of parties, so as those persons may live together as man and wife. [Mk. 6:18; Lev. 18:24-28] The man may not marry any of his wife's kindred, nearer in blood then he may of his own: nor the woman of her husband's kindred, nearer in blood than of her own. [Lev. 20:19-21]

5. We have as revelation that abuse, adultery, or fornication committed after marriage gives just occasion to the innocent party to divorce. [Mt. 1:18-20] In the case of abuse, adultery after marriage, it is lawful for the innocent party to sue out a divorce and, after the divorce, [Mt. 5:31-32] to marry another, as if the offending party were dead. [Mt. 19:9; Rom. 7:2-3; Mt. 19:8-9; 1 Cor. 7:15; Mt. 19:6; Deut. 24:1-4]

20. Of the Church

1. We have as revelation that, the universal Church, which is invisible, consists of the whole number of the believers that have been, are, or shall be gathered into one, under Christ the Head of the Church; and is the spouse, the body, the fullness of Him that fills all in all. [Eph. 1:10,22-23; Eph. 5:23,27,32; Col. 1:18]

2. We have as revelation that, the visible Church, which is also universal under the Gospel (not confined to one nation, as before under the law), consists of all those throughout the world that profess the true faith; [1 Cor. 1:2; 1 Cor. 12:12-13; Ps. 2:8; Rev. 7:9; Rom. 15:9-12] and of their children: [1 Cor. 7:14; Acts 2:39; Eze. 16:20-21; Rom. 11:16; Gen. 3:15; Gen. 17:7] and is the kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ, [Mt. 13:47; Is. 9:7] the house and family of God, [Eph. 2:19; Eph. 3:15] outside of which there is no ordinary possibility of salvation. [Acts 2:47]

3. We have as revelation that, to this universal visible Church, Christ has given the ministry, oracles, and ordinances of God, for the gathering and perfecting of the saints, in this life, to the end of the world: and does, by His own presence and Spirit, according to His promise, make them effective in those ministries, oracles and ordinances (via the Holy Spirit). [1 Cor. 12:28; Eph. 4:11-13; Mt. 28:19-20; Is. 59:21]

4. We have as revelation that, this universal Church has been sometimes more, sometimes less visible.[Rom. 11:3-4; Rev. 12:6,14] And particular community of Belivers, which are members of the Body of Christ, are more or less pure, according as the doctrine of the Gospel is taught and embraced, ordinances administered, and public worship performed more or less purely in the assemblies of the Saints. [Rev. 2-3 throughout; 1 Cor. 5:6-7]

5. We have as revelation that, the purest communities of Believers under heaven are subject both to mixture and error; [1 Cor. 13:12; Mt. 13:24-30, 47] and some degenerated to the point, as to become no Churches of Christ, but synagogues of Satan. [Rev. 18:2; Rom. 11:18-22] Nevertheless, there will be always a remnant church on earth to worship Yahweh according to His will. [Mt. 16:18 Ps. 72:17; Ps. 102:28; Mt. 28:19-20]

6. We have as revelation that, there is no other head of the Church but the Lord Jesus Christ. [Col. 1:18; Eph. 1:22]

21. Of the Communion of Saints

1. We have as revelation that, all saints, that are united to Jesus Christ their Head, by His Spirit, and by faith, have fellowship with Him in His grace, sufferings, death, resurrection, and glory: [1 Jn. 1:3; Eph. 3:16-19; Jn. 1:16; Eph. 2:5-6; Php. 3:10; Rom. 6:5-6; 2 Tim. 2:12] and, being united to one another in love, they have communion in each other's gifts and graces, [Eph. 4:15-16; 1 Cor. 12:7; 1 Cor. 3:21-23; Col. 2:19] and are obliged to the performance of such duties, public and private, as do contribute to their mutual good, both in the inward and outward man. [1 Thess. 5:11,14; Rom. 1:11-12,14; 1 Jn. 3:16-18; Gal. 6:10]

2. We have as revelation that, Saints by profession are bound to maintain a holy fellowship and communion in the worship of God, and in performing other Christian services as benefits their mutual edification; [Heb. 10:24-25; Acts 2:42,46; Is. 2:3 1 Cor. 11:20] as also in relieving each other in outward things, according to their several abilities and necessities. Which communion, as God offers opportunity, is to be extended unto all those who, in every place, call upon the name of the Lord Jesus. [Acts 2:44-45; 1 Jn. 3:17; 2 Cor. 8-9; Acts 11:29-30]

3. We have as revelation that, this communion which the saints have with Christ, does not make them in any wise partakers of the substance of His Godhead; or to be equal with Christ in any respect: either of which to claim is antichristian and blasphemous. [Col. 1:18-19; 1 Cor. 8:6; Is. 42:8; 1 Tim. 6:15-16; Ps. 45:7; Heb. 1:8-9] Nor does their communion one with another, as saints, take away, or infringe the title or quality which each man has in his goods and possessions. [Ex. 20:15; Eph. 4:28; Acts 5:4]

22. Of the Ordinances

1. We have as revelation that, Ordinances are holy signs and seals of the covenant of grace, [Rom. 4:11; Gen. 17:7,10] immediately established by God, [Mt. 28:19; 1 Cor. 11:23] to represent Christ and His benefits; and to confirm our interest in Him: [1 Cor. 10:16; 1 Cor.11:25- 26; Gal. 3:27; Gal. 3:17] as also, to put a visible difference between those that belong unto the Church and the rest of the world; [Rom. 15:8; Ex. 12:48; Gen. 34:14] and solemnly to engage them to the service of God in Christ, according to His Word. [Rom. 6:3-4; 1 Cor. 10:16,21]

2. We have as revelation that, there is, in every ordinance, a spiritual relation, or sacred union, between the sign and the thing signified: that when it comes to observing them, that the names and effects of the one are attributed to the other in concept only. [Gen. 17:10; Mt. 26:27-28; Tit. 3:5]

3. We have as revelation that, the grace which is exhibited in or by the ordinance rightly used, is not conferred by any power in them or the instruments used; neither does the effectiveness of an ordinance depend on the holiness or intention of him that does administer it: [Rom. 2:28-29; 1 Pt. 3:21] but on the work of the Spirit, [Mt. 3:11; 1 Cor. 12:13] and the word of institution, which contains, together with a precept authorizing the use of those ordinances, a promise of benefit to worthy receivers. [Mt. 26:27-28; Mt. 28:19-20]

4. We have as revelation that, there are only two ordinances ordained by Christ our Lord in the Gospel; that is to say, Baptism, and the Supper of the Lord (Communion). [Mt. 28:19; 1 Cor. 11:20,23; 1 Cor. 4:1; Heb. 5:4] Although, we do observe foot washing as a remembrance of the Lord, Jesus Christ.[Jn. 13:1-20]

5. We have as revelation that, the ordinances of the Old Testament regarding the spiritual things they signified and exhibited, were, for substance, the same with those of the new. [1 Cor. 10:1-4]

23. Of Baptism

1. We have as revelation that, baptism is an ordinance of the New Testament, ordained by Jesus Christ,[Mt. 28:19] not only for the solemn entrance of the believer baptized into the visible Church;[1 Cor. 12:13] but also to be to him a sign and seal of the covenant of grace, [Rom. 4:11; Col. 2:11-12]of his ingrafting into Christ, [Gal. 3:27; Rom. 6:5] of regeneration, [Tit. 3:5] of remission of sins, [Mk. 1:4]and of his giving up his old life to God, through Jesus Christ, to walk in the newness of life. [Rom. 6:3-4] This ordinance is, by Christ's own appointment, to be continued in His Church until the end of the world. [Mt. 28:19]

2. We have as revelation that, the outward element to be used in this ordinance is water, wherewith the believer is to be baptized. Whether a person is baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost or just in the name of Jesus is of no consequence, for both render the same effect and purpose. [Mt. 3:11; Jn. 1:33; 28:19-20]

3. We have as revelation that, immersion of the person into the water is necessary; but Baptism is rightly administered by pouring, or sprinkling water upon the person if immersion is not readily possible. [Heb. 9:10,19-22; Act. 2:41; Act. 16:33; Mk. 7:4]

4. We have as revelation that, only those that do actually profess faith in and obedience unto Christ, [Mk. 16:15-16; Act. 8:37-38] are to be baptized. [Gen. 17:7,9; Gal. 3:9,14; Col. 2:11-12; Act. 2:38-39; Rom. 4:11-12; 1 Cor. 7:14; Mt. 28:19; Mk. 10:13-16; Lk. 18:15]

5. We have as revelation that, although it is an error to defy or neglect this ordinance, [Lk. 7:30; Ex. 4:24,26] yet grace and salvation are not so inseparably annexed to it, as that no person can be regenerated, or saved, without it: [Rom. 4:11; Act. 10:2,4,22,31,45,47] or, that all that are baptized are undoubtedly regenerated. [Act. 8:13,23]

6. We have revelation that, the effect of Baptism is not tied to the moment of time wherein it is administered; [Jn. 3:5,8] despite this fact, by the right use of this ordinance, the grace promised is not only offered, but really exhibited, and conferred, by the Holy Ghost, to any that grace belongs to, according to the counsel of God's own will, in His appointed time. [Gal. 3:27; Tit. 3:5; Eph. 5:25-26;
Act. 2:38,41]

7. We have revelation that, the ordinance of Baptism is administered once to any person. [Tit. 3:5]

24. Of the Lord's Supper

1. We have as revelation that, our Lord Jesus, on the night when He was betrayed, instituted the ordinance of His body and blood, called the Lord's Supper (Communion), to be observed in His Church, unto the end of the world, for the perpetual remembrance of the sacrifice of Himself in His death; the sealing all benefits of Communion to true believers, their spiritual nourishment and growth in Him, their further engagement in and to all duties which they owe unto Him; and, to be a bond and pledge of their communion with Him, and with each other, as members of His Spiritual body. [1 Cor. 11:23-26; 1 Cor. 10:16-17,21; 1 Cor. 12:13]

2. We have as revelation that, in this ordinance, Christ is not offered up to His Father; nor any real sacrifice made at all, for remission of sins of the quick or dead; [Heb. 9:22-28] but only a commemoration of Christ offering up of Himself, by Himself, upon the cross, once for all: and a spiritual offering of all possible praise unto God, His ministry in Crucifixion: [1 Cor. 11:24; Mt. 26:26-27] Christ's one and only sacrifice, the alone propitiation for all the sins of His joint-heirs. [Heb. 7:23-24,27; Heb. 10:11-14]

3. We have as revelation that, the Lord Jesus has given this ordinance to declare His word of institution to the people, to pray, and bless the elements of bread and wine, and thereby to set them apart from a common to an holy use; and to take and break the bread, to take the cup, and (they communicating also themselves) to give both to the participants; [Mt. 26:26-28; Mk. 14:22-24; Lk. 22:19-20; 1 Cor. 11:23-26] but to none who are not then present in the assembly. [Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:20]

4. We have as revelation that, the denial of the cup to the people, [Mk. 14:23; 1 Cor. 11:25- 29] worshipping the elements, the lifting them up, or carrying them about, for adoration, and the reserving them for any pretended religious use; are all contrary to the nature of this ordinance, and to the institution of Christ. [Mt. 15:9]

5. We have as revelation that, the outward elements in this ordinance, duly set apart to the uses ordained by Christ, have such relation to Him crucified, as that, truly, yet ceremonially only, they are sometimes called by the name of the things they represent, namely, the body and blood of Christ; [Mt. 26:26] although, in substance and nature, they still remain truly and only bread and wine, as they were before. [1 Cor. 11:26-28; Mt. 26:29]

6. We have as revelation that, that doctrine which maintains a change of the substance of bread and wine, into the substance of Christ's body and blood (commonly called transubstantiation) by consecration of a priest, or by any other way, is offensive, not to Scripture alone, but even to common sense, and reason; overthrows the nature of the ordinance, and has been, and is, the cause of manifold superstitions; yes, of gross idolatries. [Acts 3:21; 1 Cor. 11:24-26; Lk. 24:6,39]

7. We have as revelation that, worthy receivers, outwardly partaking of the visible elements, in this ordinance, [1 Cor. 11:28] do then also, inwardly by faith, really and indeed, yet not carnally and of the flesh but spiritually, receive and feed upon, Christ crucified, and all benefits of His death: the body and blood of Christ being then, not corporally or carnally, in, with, or under the bread and wine; yet, as really, but spiritually, present to the faith of believers in that ordinance, as the elements themselves are to their outward senses. [1 Cor. 10:16]

8. We have as revelation that, although ignorant and wicked men receive the outward elements in this ordinance; yet, they receive not the thing signified by it; but, by their unworthy coming to salvation, are guilty of the body and blood of the Lord, to their own damnation. For this purpose, all ignorant and ungodly persons, as they are unfit to enjoy communion with Him, so are they unworthy of the Lord's table; and cannot, without great sin against Christ, while they remain willfully ignorant and wicked, partake of these holy mysteries, [1 Cor. 11:27-29; 2 Cor. 6:14-16] or be admitted to take Communion. [1 Cor. 5:6-7,13; 2 Thess. 3:6,14,15; Mt. 7:6]

25. Of the State of Men after Death, and of the Resurrection of the Dead

1. We have as revelation that, the bodies of men, after death, return to dust, and see corruption: [Gen. 3:19; Acts 13:36] but their souls, which neither die nor sleep, having an immortal subsistence, immediately return to God who gave them: [Lk. 23:43; Eccl 12:7] the souls of the righteous, being then made perfect in holiness, are received into the highest heavens, where they behold the face of God, in light and glory, waiting for the full redemption of their bodies. [Heb. 12:23; 2 Cor. 5:1,6,8; Philp 1:23; Acts 3:21 EPH 4:10] And the souls of the wicked are cast into hell, where they remain in torments and utter darkness, reserved to the judgment of the great day. [LUK 16:23-24; Acts 1:25; Jude 6-7; 1 Pt. 3:19] Beside these two places, for souls separated from their bodies, Scripture acknowledges none.

2. We have as revelation that, at the last day, such as are found alive shall not die, but be changed: [1 Thess 4:17; 1 Cor. 15:51]and all the dead shall be raised up, into glorified bodies, which shall be united again to their souls forever. [Job 19:26-27; 1 CO 15:42-44]

3. We have as revelation that, the bodies of the unjust shall, by the power of Christ, be raised to dishonor: the bodies of the just, by His Spirit, unto honor; and be made conformable to His own glorious body. [Acts 24:15; Jn. 5:28,29; 1 Cor. 15:43; Philp 3:21]

26. Of the Last Judgment

1. We have as revelation that, God has appointed a day, wherein He will judge the world, in righteousness, by Jesus Christ, [Acts 17:31] to whom all power and judgment is given to by the Father. [Jn. 5:27] In that day, not only the apostate [men and demons] shall be judged, [1 Cor. 6:3; 2 Pt. 2:4] but likewise all persons that have lived upon earth shall appear before the judgment seat of Christ, to give an account of their thoughts, words, and deeds; and to receive according to what they have done in the body, whether good or evil. [2 Cor. 5:10; Eccl. 12:14; Rom. 2:16; Rom. 14:10,12; Mt. 12:36-37]

2. We have as revelation that, the end of God's appointing this day is for the manifestation of the glory of His mercy, in the eternal salvation of the believers; and of His justice, in the damnation of the reprobate, who are wicked and disobedient. For then shall the righteous go into everlasting life, and receive that fullness of joy and refreshing, which shall come from the presence of the Lord; but the wicked who do not know God, and rejected the Gospel of Jesus Christ, shall be cast into eternal torments, and be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of His power. [Mt. 25:31-46; Rom. 2:5-6; Rom. 9:22-23; Mt. 5:21; Acts 3:19; 2 Thess. 1:7-10]

3. We have as revelation that, as Christ would have us to be certainly persuaded that there will be a day of judgment, both to discourage all men from sin; and for the greater peace of the godly in their adversity: [2 Pt. 3:11,14; 2 Cor. 5:10-11; 2 Thess. 1:5-7; Lk. 21:7,28; Rom. 8:23- 25] so will He have that day unknown to men, that they may shake off all carnal security, and be always watchful, because they do not know at what hour the Lord will come; and may be ever prepared to say, Come Lord Jesus, come quickly, Amen. [Mt. 24:36,42-44; Mk. 13:35-37; Lk. 12:35-36; Rev. 22:20]

AMEN.