A confession of faith held by a Society of Friends called Separates, containing their fundamental principles. It was wrote with a desire of promoting truth by one that sincerely wishes the good of all mankind. Christopher Clark.

A confession of faith held by a Society of Friends called Separates, containing their fundamental principles. It was wrote with a desire of promoting truth by one that sincerely wishes the good of all mankind. Christopher Clark.

Table of contents

Title page

A CONFESSION OF FAITH, &c.

I. Of faith in the holy trinity.

II. Of the c•••ting of man, and of his fall.

III. Of the word of God, which was made man; of the end and use of his appearance in the flesh.

IV. Of the benefits of Christ's death; the resurrection of the dead; and of eternal judgment.

V. Of the condition of man after the fall; and of the new birth.

VI. Of the inward manifestation of Christ; and of the true guide of his children.

VII. Of the unity of the Saints with Christ.

VIII. Of the SCRIPTURES.

IX. Of the love of God to all men; and of the appearance of the true light to all, in order to their salvation.

X. Of the necessity of repentance; of conviction, faith, and justification.

XI. Of perfection and good works, which are the fruits of faith; and of the final perseverance of the Saints.

XII. Of the church and ministry.

XIII. Of the true worship.

XIV. Of baptism.

XV. Of the living bread, and of the receiving of it.

XVI. Of swearing, fighting, and persecution.

XVII. Of magistracy.

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A CONFESSION OF FAITH Held by a SOCIETY of FRIENDS CALLED SEPARATES, CONTAINING THEIR FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES.

IT WAS WROTE WITH A DESIRE OF PROMOTING TRUTH BY ONE THAT SINCERELY WISHES THE GOOD OF ALL MANKIND.

CHRISTOPHER CLARK.

WILLIAMSBURG: PRINTED BY CLEMENTINA RIND. [...]

A CONFESSION OF FAITH, &c.

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I. Of faith in the holy trinity.

THERE is one God, Ephe. 4, 6, who is a spirit, John, 4, 24; he is light, and in him is no darkness at all, 1 John, 1, 5, who by the word of his power created all things for his own glory; man, in his own image, created he him male, and female, created he them, Gen. 1, 27. 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. The Holy Ghost, proceeding from the Father and the Son, chap. 15, 26, is of one substance, majesty, and glory, with the Father; and the Son and these three are one (very) God. 1 Cor. 8, 6.

II. Of the c [...]ting of man, and of his fall.

And God said let us make man in our own image, Gen. 1, 26: God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him male, and female, created he them, Gen. 1, 27. The Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed in [...] his nostrils the breath of life, and man become a livi [...] [Page] soul, chap. 2, 7, in the image of God, chap. 1, 26, endued with a will capable of paying perfect obedience to the divine law, chap. 2, 16, 17, which would have continued him and all his posterity in the favour of their creator, and made them forever happy in the enjoyment of him, Rom. 2, 13; yet, being left free to fall, Adam, with all mankind, in him as a seed, Gen. 1, 27, yielded his will to the temptation given him by the serpent, through the woman, chap. 3, 6, and took the fruit which God commanded him not, chap. 2, 16, 17, and did eat, chap. 3, 6. By this sin entered into the world, and death by sin, and so death passed upon all men, Rom. 5, 12; for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God, chap. 3, 23; lost the image of God, and are, by nature, the children of wrath, Ephe. 2, 3, being dead in sin, verse 1, and John 5, 25; for God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all, Rom. 11, 32.

III. Of the word of God, which was made man; of the end and use of his appearance in the flesh.

The word was in the beginning with God, John 1, 2, and was God, verse 1, and all things were made by him, and without him was not any thing made that was made, verse 3; for God created all things by Jesus Christ, Ephe. 3, 9; who, being in the form of God, thought it no robbery to be equal with God, Phil. 2, 6, yet condescended to be made flesh, John 1, 14, or rather took on him a body of flesh, Heb. 10, 5, which was conceived in the womb of the blessed virgin, by the overshadowing of the Holy Ghost, Luke 1, 31, 35, and became man of her substance; so that two whole and perfect natures; that is to say, the Godhead and manhood were joined together in one person, John 12, 44, 45, and chap. [...] 21, never to be divided, whereof is one Christ, [Page] Luke 2, 11, and Rev. 1, 18, which is (very) God, and man, verse 8, the image of the invisible God, the first born of every creature, Col. 1, 15; in him dwells all the fulness of the Godhead bodily, chap. 2, 9; he paid perfect obedience to the law of God, Mat. 5, 17, 18, and became the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth, Rom. 10, 4, and Ephe. 2, 15, 16; he suffered the just for the unjust, Isai. 53, 9, 10, 11, 12, and gave himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling favour, Ephe. 5, 2, having obtained eternal redemption for us, Heb. 9, 12; who, through the eternal spirit, offered himself, without spot, to God, that he might, by his grace, purge our consciences from dead works to serve the living God, verse 14, in newness of life, 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 John 1, 12, 13.

IV. Of the benefits of Christ's death; the resurrection of the dead; and of eternal judgment.

In the fulness of time, Gal. 4, 4, the Son of God appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself, Heb. 9, 26, who, through the eternal spirit, offered himself, without spot, to God, verse [...]; he bore the iniquities of us all, Isai. 53, 6, and the chastisement of our peace was upon him, verse 5: he died for our sins, and rose a [...]in for our justification, Rom. 4, 25, that we might be saved through him, by the w [...]shing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost, Titus 3, 5, being justified freely by his grace, through faith, Ephe. 2, 8; he died, was buried, and rose again the third day from the dead, Luke 2 [...], 46, 52, 53, and Acts 10, 40, and shewed himself alive to his Apostles, chap. 1, 3, was seen o [...] them forty day [...] verse 3, and then ascended up into Heaven, with [Page] immortal body, Mark 16, 19, and sits on the right hand of God, Heb. 10, 12, where he ever liveth, to make intercession, chap. 7, 25, from whence he will come, at the last day, to judge the world, 1 Thes. 4, 16, 17, and Rom. 2, 16, when at the sound of the last trumpet, all the dead, both small and great, shall arise, and come forth, with immortal bodies, and stand before God, to be judged according to their works, Rev. 20, 10, 13; the righteous will be received with that blessed welcome: Come, ye blessed of my father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world, Mat. 27, 34; they will rest in the presence of God forever, where there is fulness of joy, Psal. 16, 11; the wicked will be driven from the presence of God, with that dreadful sentence: Go, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the Devil and his Angels, Matt. 25, 49. The wicked will be eternally miserable, being separated from God; reserved in darkness forever, 2 Peter, 2, 17.

V. Of the condition of man after the fall; and of the new birth.

In Adam all sinned, and come short of the glory of God, Rom. 3, 23, lost his image, and became, by nature, the children of wrath, Ephe. 2, 5, being naturally inclined to evil; so that the flesh l [...]steth always contrary to the spirit, Rom. 8, 7, and chap. 7, 23, and Gal. 5, 17, and therefore every person that is naturally engendered of the offspring of Adam deserves the wrath of God, Rom. 5, 12, and chap. 6, 23. The condition of man is such that he cannot turn and prepare himself by his own natural strength, and good works, to faith, Gal. 2, 16; neither can [...]an, in his own will and strength, do good works [...]asant and acceptable to God, Rom. 8, 8, wherefore [...] us submit to the divine life, John 1, 4, that we [Page] may be led out of darkness into light, Eph. 5, 8, and become the children of light, John 12, 36, being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever, 1. Peter 1, 23, having 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 righteousness and true holiness, Ephe. 4, 23, 24, and Col. 3, 10; these are renewed in the spirit of their minds, Ephe. 4, 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, or uncircumcision; but a new creature, verse 15, and chap. 5, 6.

VI. Of the inward manifestation of Christ; and of the true guide of his children.

‘God dwelleth with the contrite and humble in spirit, Isai. 15, 5, 6: for he hath 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 in to him, and [...]up with him, and he with him, Rev. 3, 20. 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: he prayed to the father, and he gave the Saints another comforter, that was to abide with them forever, even the spirit of truth, which is to be in them, John 14, 16, 17.’ For as many as are led by the spirit of God, they are the sons of God, Rom. 8, 14; for this is the covenant that God hath made with the house of Israel; he hath put his laws in their minds, and writ them in their hearts, and they are all taught of God, Heb. [...] 10, 11, and the anointing which they have receiv [...] [Page] 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 lie, 1 John, 2, 27.

VII. Of 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. 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, 22, 23.’

VIII. Of the SCRIPTURES.

‘Whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we, through patience, and 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, thoroughly furnished with all good works, 2 Timo. 3, 15, 16, 17. No prophecy of the scriptures 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.’

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IX. Of the love of God to all men; and of the appearance of the true light to all, in order to their salvation.

When we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly, Rom. 5, 6. God commendeth his love towards us in that while we were yet sinners. Christ died for us, verse 8, who, by the grace of God, hath tasted death for every man, Heb. 2, 9; he gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time, 1 Tim. 2, 6. He was a lamb slain from the foundation of the world, Rev. 5, 8, 12, 13. In the fulness of time he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself, Heb. 9, 26, that they which live might not live unto themselves, but unto him that died for them, Rom. 5, 8. He is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance, 2 Pet. 3, 9, and receive the gospel, which is the power of God, unto salvation, to them that believe, Rom. 1, 16, which was preached to every creature under Heaven, Col. 1, 23; and if it be hid, it is hid to them which 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; for 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. In Christ was life, and the life was the true light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world, chap. 1, 4, 9, by which all things that are reprovable are made manifest; for whatsoever maketh manifest is light, Ephe. 5, 13. This is the more sure word of prophecy, whereunto we do well to take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, 2 Pet. 1, 19; for God has said his spirit will not always strive with man, Gen. 6, 3, wherefore let us submit ourselves to the word of his grace, which is able to give us an inheritance among all them which are sanctified, Acts, 20, 32.

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X. Of the necessity of repentance; of conviction, faith, and justification.

By one man sin entered into the world, and deathly sin, and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned, Rom. 5, 12, and come short of the glory of God, chap. 3, 23, and by nature carnally minded, which is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God, Rom. 8, 7, 8, wherefore let us not grieve the holy spirit of God, but submit to his grace, Tit. 2, 11, that we may be renewed in the spirit of our minds, Ephe. 4, 23, and become the children of light, through faith, chap. 5, 8. God is light, and in him is no darkness at all, 1 John, 1, 5; the Father is in the Son, and the Son is in the Father, John, 17, 21; the Holy Ghost, proceeding from the Father and the Son, chap. 15, 26, by which all things that are reprovable are made manifest; for whatsoever maketh manifest is light, Ephe. 15, 13. As many, therefore, as do submit to the divine life, John 1, 4, which shines into them by way of reproof, verse 9, and Isai. 51, 1, 4, making manifest to them what is sin, John 13, 19, 20, and Ephe. 5, 13, will be led to see the evil of sin, and feel condemnation for it in a higher or lower degree, beholding, with the eye of the mind, that damnation is the just reward of sin, Rom. 6, 23. This all must see and feel in a greater or smaller measure, as all have sinned, chap. 5, 12. Being thus made sensible of the just reward of sin, Gal. 3, 10, they are filled with a fear that there is no mercy for them, Rom. 7, 9: This causes them to mourn over their mispent time, being grieved with their sins, Psal. 25, 11, 17; their minds are so occupied, partly through fear, and a desire to be saved, that their sleep and wordly enjoyments depart from them; so that nothing is more agreeable to them than to mourn over their hard [...]arts, Job 3, 24, crying, what must we do to be [Page] saved? Acts 16, 31. The Lord lets them see, when they have done all they can, he is just in their damnation, psal. 51, 4, and, under a sense of it being just, they are led to submit to the will of God, crying, Lord, if there is any mercy for such an one as I, let me have it; if not, thy will be done, Luke 11, 2, now they find mercy from him that said I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins, and their iniquities will I remember no more, Heb. 8, 12; they are enabled to receive the promise by faith, the burden of sin is suddenly removed, and the love of God is shed abroad in the heart, Rom. 5, 5; they find peace with God, through Jesus Christ, and they rejoice, with joy unspeakable, and full of glory, 1 Pet. 1, 8, being justified by grace, through faith, Ephe. 2, 8, which is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen, Heb. 11, 1; they live, yet not they, but Christ liveth in them; and the life which they now live in the flesh is by the faith of the Son of God, who loved them, and gave himself for them, Gal. 2, 20.

XI. Of perfection and good works, which are the fruits of faith; and of the final perseverance of the Saints.

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 them which 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, chap. 8, 1, 2, for such are become dead unto sin, and alive unto righteousness; and, being made free from sin, become servants of righteousness, chap. 6. 2, 18. How, then, shall they that are dead to sin live any longer therein verse 2; for they delight in the law of God after th [...] inward man, chap. 7, 22; they are his workmanshi [...] [Page] created in Christ Jesus, unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them, Eph. 2, 10; for whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin, for his seed remaineth in him, and he cannot, because he is born of God, 1 John, 3, 9; for God hath said he will dwell in them, and walk in them, 2 Cor. 6, 16, and his commandments are not grievous, 1 John, 5, 3. This is his commandment, that we should believe on the name of his son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment; and he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him, and hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the spirit which he hath given us, chap. 3, 23, 24; for as many as are led by the spirit of God, they are the sons of God, Rom. 8, 14. Let us love one another, for love is of God, and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not, knoweth not God; for God is love, 1 John, 4, 7; they which have believed in God are careful to maintain good works, Tit. 3, 8, for they love God, and delight in his law, Psal. 11, 9, 7, and love worketh no ill to his neighbour; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law, Rom. 13, 10. These are persuaded that neither death nor life, nor Angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor heights, nor depths, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate them from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord, chap. 8, 38, 39; for God hath made a new covenant with the house of Israel, Heb. 8, 8; he has put his laws into their minds, and writ them in their hearts, and said, I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people, verse 10; he said I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins, and their iniquities, will I remember no more, verse 12. If they break my statutes, and keep not my commandments, then will I visit their transgressions [...]ith the rod, and their iniquities with stripes. Never [...]heless my loving kindness will [...] [Page] him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail, my covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips. Psal. 89, 31, 32, 33, 34; my mercy will I keep for him for evermore, and my covenant shall stand fast with him; his seed also will I make to endure forever, verse 28, 29. The mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed, but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord, that hath mercy on thee, Isa. 54, 10; for ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God, Col. 3, 3; but of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption, 1 Cor. 1, 30.

XII. Of 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, by which all the body, by joints and bands, having nourishment, ministered and knit together, encreaseth with the encrease of God, chap. 2, 19, which church of God are them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, 1 Cor. 1, 2, who, when he ascended up on high, gave gifts unto m [...]n, 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, Ephe. 4, 11, 12, who ought to be blameless, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach, not given to wine, no striker, 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 faithful word, as they have been taught, that they may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and t [...] convince gainsayers, Tit. 1, 8, 9, taking [...]ed [...] themselves, and to the flock over which the Ho [...] [Page] 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 examples to the flock, 1 Pet. 5, 2, 3; and such elders as rule well are to be accounted 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 Thes. 5, 12, as every man hath received the gift, so ought the same to be ministerd; if a man minister, let him do it 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 man, but in the power of God, chap. 2, 4, 5.’

‘Howbeit such speak 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 obtained, 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, verse 13; for it is not they that speak, but the Holy Ghost, or spirit of the Father, that speaketh in them, Mat. 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 muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn, and the labourer is worthy of his reward, 1 Cor. 9, 9, 11, 14, yet a necessity is laid upon them, yea, woe is unto them if they preach not the gospel, and their reward is, that when they preach the gospel, they make the [Page] gospel of Christ without charge, verse 16, 17, 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, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, it is more blessed to give than to receive, Acts 20, 33, 34; for they are not of the greedy dogs, that can never have enough, Isa. 56, 11, nor of the shepheards, that look to their own way; every one for his gain, from his quarter, verse 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 into their mouths, teaching for hire, and divining for money, Mic. 3, 5, 11,; nor yet of those which teach things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's 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, verse 3; men of corrupt minds, destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness, 1 Tim. 6, 5; but they know that godliness, with content, is great gain, verse 6; that having food and raiment, they are therewith content, verse 8.’

XIII. Of the true 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 the spirit, and in the truth, verse 24. For the Lord is nigh to all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth, Psal. 34, 18; he is far from the wicked, but he heareth the prayers of the righteous, Prov. 15, 29; and this is the confidence [...] [Page] 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, 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 itself 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.’

XIV. Of 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 Peter, 3, 31; for John indeed baptised with water, but Christ with the Holy Ghost, and with fire, Matt. 3, 11, and Acts 1, 5; therefore as many as are baptised into Jesus Christ are baptised 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.’

XV. Of the living bread, and of the receiving of it.

Then Jesus said unto them, verily I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from Heaven, but my Father giveth you the true bread from Heaven; for [...] bread of God is he which cometh down from [...]aven, and giveth life unto the world, John 6, 32, [...] and Jesus said, I am the living bread, which [Page] came down from Heaven: If any [...] bread, he shall live forever, and the bread th [...] [...] will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world, verse 51. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed; he that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dw [...]leth in me, and I in him, as the living Father ha [...] sent me, and I live by the Father; so he that eateth [...]e, even he, shall live by me, verse 55, 56, 57; for [...] is the spirit that quickeneth, the flesh profiteth nothing; the words that I speak unto you, they are spiri [...] and they are life; and Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life, he that cometh unto me shall never hunger, and he that believeth on me shall never thirst, John 6, 35; and if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come into him, and will sup with him, and he with me, Rev. 3, 20. At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you, John 14, 20. God is love, and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him, 1 John, 4, 16. If Christ be in us, the body is dead, because of sin; but the spirit is life, because of righteousness, Rom. 8, 10. The souls of the children of God [...]eed, by faith, upon the divine life, John [...] [...] This is that bread which came down from Heaven; he that eateth of this bread shall live forever, chap. 6, 58.

XVI. Of swearing, fighting, and persecution.

‘It has been said, by them of old, thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths; 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 footstool; 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 le [...] your communication be yea, yea, nay, nay; f [...] [Page] we have in hi [...] [...]s more than these cometh of evil, Mat his [...], and 37, and James charges us, above a [...] things, not to swea [...] neither by Heaven, neither b [...] earth, neither by any other oath; but let your yea be yea, and your nay nay, lest you fall into condemnation, Ja. 5, [...]. Though we walk in th [...] flesh, we are not [...] war after the flesh; for the weapons of our warfare are not to be carnal, but mighty, through God, to the pulling down o [...] strong floods, ca [...]g down imaginations, and every high thing th [...] [...]lts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ, 2 Cor. 10, 3, 4, 5▪ for [...] and fightings come out of the lusts that war in the members, Ja. 4, 1, 2; therefore Christ commands not to resist evil, but whosoever wil [...] smite thee on the right cheek to turn the other also Matt. 5, 30; because christians are lambs among wolves, Luke 10, 3; therefore are they hated o [...] 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 i [...] the kingdom of Heaven, Matt. 5, 10. For though they have lost their lives, yet shall they save them, chap. 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 the [...] 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.’

XVII. Of magistracy.

‘Let every soul be subject to the higher powers [...] for there is no power but of God. The powers [...] be are ordained of God; whosoever, therefore, [...] the power resists the ordinance of God; and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation; [Page] for rulers are not a terro [...] [...] to the evil. Wilt thou, then [...] [...] Power? Do that which is goo [...] [...] praise of the same; for he is [...] as a revenger to execute wrat [...] [...] evil, whereof we must needs [...] for wrath, but also for cons [...] [...] cause pay we also tribute; [...] ministers, attending continua [...] [...] thing: Render, therefore, to [...] to whom tribute is due, custo [...] [...] fear to whom fear, honour to [...] 13, 1 to 7; therefore are we [...] every ordinance of men, for th [...] [...] [...] ther it be to the King, as supre [...] [...] [...] nors, as unto them that are sen [...] [...] punishment of evil doers, and [...] them that do well. For so is th [...] [...] with well doing, we may put to [...] [...] rance of foolish men, 1 Pet. [...] is right, in the sight of God, to he [...] more than unto them, Acts 4, 19 [...] they straitly command us not to te [...] [...] name, we ought to obey God rather chap. 5, 28, 29.’

N. B. There are several of the afor [...] articles that were taken from Robert Ba [...] [...] fession of faith, which the reader may from the rest by the marks of quotation.

THE END.

Information about this book

Title statement

A confession of faith held by a Society of Friends called Separates, containing their fundamental principles. It was wrote with a desire of promoting truth by one that sincerely wishes the good of all mankind. Christopher Clark.

Society of Friends.

Publication

Publisher

Text Creation Partnership,

Place of publication

Ann Arbor, MI :

Date

2011-05.

ID [DLPS]

N32328

ID [TCP]

N32328

ID [STC]

Shipton 42573

ID [NOTIS]

APX0933

ID [IMAGE-SET]

42573

ID [EVANS-CITATION]

99017565

Availability

This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal. The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission.

Series

Early American Imprints, 1639-1800 ; no. 42573.

Notes

(Evans-TCP ; no. N32328)

Transcribed from: (Readex Archive of Americana ; Early American Imprints, series I ; image set 42573)

Images scanned from Readex microprint and microform: (Early American imprints. First series ; no. 42573)

Source

— A confession of faith held by a Society of Friends called Separates, containing their fundamental principles. It was wrote with a desire of promoting truth by one that sincerely wishes the good of all mankind. Christopher Clark., Society of Friends., Clark, Christopher..

Extent

[2], 17, [1] p. ; 15 cm. (12mo)

Printed by Clementina Rind,,. Williamsburg [Va.]: :: MDCCLXXIV. [1774].

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