A DIRECTION FOR A PUBLICK PROFESSION in the CHURCH ASSEMBLY, after private Examination by the ELDERS.
Which Direction is taken out of the Scripture, and Points unto that Faith and Covenant contained in the Scripture.
Being the same for Substance which was propounded to, and agreed upon by the Church of Salem at their beginning, the sixth of the sixth Moneth, 1629.
In the Preface to the Declaration of the Faith owned and professed by the Congregationall Churches in England.
The Genuine use of a Confession of Faith is, that under the same Form of Words they express the substance of the same common Salvation or unity of their Faith. Accordingly it is to be looked upon as a fit meanes, whereby to express that their Common Faith and Salvation, and not to be made use of as an imposition upon any.
WE Beseech you Brethren to know them that labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you and to esteem them very highly in love for their work sake and be at peace among your selves, 1 Thess. 5.12, 13.
Obey them that have the rule over you and submit your selves for they watch for your soules, as they that must give an account, that they may do it [...] and not with grief, for that is unprofitable for you, Heb. 13.17.
Who is that wise and faithfull steward, whom his Lord shall make Ruler over his houshold, to give them their portion of [...] in due season, Luk. 12.42.
One Faith, one Baptism, Eph. 4. [...].
The Common Faith, Tit. 1.4.
The common Salvation, Jude Ver. 3.
Christ Jesus the high priest of our Profession, Heb. 3.1.
The profession of our Faith. Heb 10.22.
One shall say I am the Lords, Isai. 44.5.
Hold fast the form of sound words. 2 Tim. 1.13.
The [...] Knowledge, and of the truth, Rom 2.20.
The form of Doctrine delivered unto you, Rom. 6.17.
THE CONFESSION OF FAITH.
I do believe with my heart and confess with my mouth.
Concerning God.
THat there is but one only true God in three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, each of them God, and all of them one and the some Infinite, Eternall God, most Wise, Holy, Just, Mercifull and Blessed for ever.
Concerning the Works of God.
THat this God is the Maker, Preserver, and Governour of all things according to the counsel of his own Will, and that God made man in his own Image, in Knowledge, Holiness and Righteousness.
Concerning the fall of Man.
THat Adam by transgressing the Command of God, fall from God and brought himself and his posterity into a state of Sin and death, under the Wrath and Curse of God, which I do believe to be my own condition by nature as well as any other.
Concerning Jesus Christ.
THat God sent his Son into the World, who for our sakes became man, that he might redeem and save us by his Obedience unto death, and that he arose from the dead, ascended unto Heaven and sitteth at the right hand of God, from whence he shall come to judge the World.
Concerning the Holy Ghost.
THat God the holy Ghost hath fully revealed the Doctrine of Christ and will of God in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament, which are the Word of God the perfect perpetuall and only Rule of our Faith and Obedience.
Concerning the Benefits we have by Christ.
THat the same Spirit by Working Faith in Gods Elect, applyeth unto them Christ with all his Benefits of Justification, and Sanctification, unto Salvation, in the use of those Ordinances which God hath appointed in his written words which therefore ought to be observed by us until the coming of Christ.
Concerning the Church of Christ.
THat all true Believers being united unto Christ as the Head, make up one Misticall Church which is the Body of Christ, the members wherof having fellowship with the Father Son and Holy-Ghost by Faith, and one with [...] love, doe receive here upon [...] forgiveness of [...] with the life of grace, and at the Resurrection of the Body, they shall receive everlasting life. Amen.
THE COVENANT.
I do heart [...] take and avouch this one God who is made known to us in the Scripture by the Name of God the Father, and God the Son even Jesus Christ and God the Holy Ghost to be my God, according to the tenour of the Covenant of Grace; wherein he hath promised to be a God to the Faithfull and their seed after them in their Generations, and taketh them to be his People and therfore unfeignedly repenting of all my sins, I do give up myself wholy unto this God to believe in love, serve & Obey him sincerely and faithfully according to his written word, against all the temptations of the Devil, the World, and my own flesh and this unto the death.
I do also consent to be a Member of this particular Church, promising to continue stedfastly in fellowship with it, in the publick Worship of God, to submit to the Order Discipline and Government of Christ in it, and to the Ministerial teaching guidance and oversight of the Elders of it, and to the brotherly watch of Fellow Members: and all this according to Gods Word, and by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ enabling me thereunto, AMEN.
Questions to be Answered at the Baptizing of Children, or the substance to be expressed by the Parents.
Quest. Doe you present and give up this child, or these children, unto God the Father, Sonne and Holy Ghost, [...] in the F [...]th, and Engaged in the Covenant of God professed by this Church?
Quest. Doe you sollemnly Promise in the [...] of God, that by the [...], you will [...] your Covenant duty toward [...], soe as to bring them upon the Nurture and [...] of the Lord, teaching and commanding them to keep the way of God, that they may be able ( [...] grace of Christ) to make a personall profession of their Faith and to own the Covenant of God themselves in due time.