Though Regular Baptists accept of no authority other than the Bible for their faith and practice, yet nearly all of the societies have a confession of faith in pamphlet form for distribution among its members. The following form, generally known as the "New Hampshire Confession of Faith," is perhaps in mere general use among the societies in the North and East, while the "Philadelphia Confession of Faith" is that generally adopted in the South. We give both :
Covfe
of Faith of Regular fiapti±ts (Xorthcrn).
1. The Scriptures.— W~e believe that the Holy Bible wns written by men divinely inspired, ami is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction; that it has God for its author, salva- tion fur its end, and truth, without any mixtuie of error, for
its matter; that it reveals the principles by which Cod will judge us; and therefore is, and shall remain to the end of the world, the true centre of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions should be tried.
2. The True God. — We, believe th ■ Scriptures teach that there is one, and only one, living and t ue God, an infinite, intelligent Spirit, whose name is JEHOVAH, the Maker and Supreme Ruler of heaven and earth; inexpressibly glorious in holiness, and worthy of all possible honor, confidence, and love; that in the unity of the Godhead tin re are three per- sons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, equal in ev- ery divine perfection, and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption.
3. The Fall of Man.— We believe the Scriptures teach that man was created in holiness, under the law of his Maker; but by voluntary transgression fell from that holy and happy state; in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners, not by constraint, but choice; being by nature utterly void of that holiness required by the law of Cod. pi.-itively inclined to evil, and therefore under just condemnation to etcra.l ruin, without defence or excuse.
BAPTISTS
U5G
BAPTISTS
4. The Wa I Of Salt Ition.-We believe the scrip turcs tench that tlu- salvation of sinners is wl...lly ..j grace through the SedUtorijJ office, of the Son of God, who, by the appoint. mot of the fetter, fra ly to * up n Mm our nature, yet with-
S in; honored the divine law by his personal obedience, „,,, i.vhis death mule a full atonement „r our sans ; that,
having ri-en fr the dead, he is now enthroned in heaven;
„„,, „„!,!„, in his wond rful person the tenderest sympathies with .li» in- perfoe.inns he ,s ,-very way qualified to be a suit-
., ., ,.,,., ,..; ,„:lt,.. and an all Mitheient Saviour. " r, '/,/, , .„/ ,,,,. We believe the Scriptures teach that the ing which Chri.-t secures to such as believe in him is justification; that justification includes the pardon of sin and the promise of eternal Life on principles of right - thai ii is bestowed, not in consideration of any works ofii"hte 'usness which we have done, but solely through faith in the Redeemer's blond, by virtue of which faith his 11 :t ct ri-hteousncss is freely imputed to ns of God; that it brings us into a state of most blessed peace and favor with God, and secures every other blessing needful for time and eternity. , .. . .,
<;. S.tlrili»i>.—We belive the Scriptures teach that the fsah ation are made free, to all by the Gospel; that it i- the immediate duty of all to accept tluni by a cordial, |, nit, -it. and obedient faith; and that nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth but his own deter- mine ! depravity and voluntary rejection of the Gospel, which reji cioii involves him in an aggravated condemnation.
7, Regeneration.— We believe the Scriptures teach that in order to be saved sinners must be regenerated, or born again; that rig iteration consists in giving a holy disposition to the mind; that it is effected in a manner above our comprehen- sion by the power of the Holy Spirit, in connection with divine truth, so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the Go-pel; tin 1 that its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of re- pentance, .and faith, and newness of life.
B. /.' />■ ntan ■<: and Faith. —We believe the Scriptures teach that repentance and faith are sacred duties, and also insepa- rable graces, wrought in our souls by the regenerating Spirit ot t ... 1. w hereby, being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger, and helplessness, and of the way of salvation by Christ, we turn to God with uufeigned contrition, confession, and suppli- cation for mercy; at the same time heartily receiving the I. md .lesii- Christ as our prophet, priest, and king, and rely- ing on him alone as the only and all-sufficient Saviour.
9. God's Purpose of Grace. — We believs the Scriptures teach that election is the eternal purpose of God, according to which he graciously regenerates, sanctiti s, and saves sinners ; that, being perfectly consist, ait with the free agency of man, it
a Is all the means in connection with the end; that r is a most glorious display of God's sovereign goodness, being infinitely tree, wise, holy, and unehangeabl ■; that it utterly