Finally, we believe that he is the promised seed of the woman that has bruised the serpent’s head; we also believe, all that is further written concerning him in the holy Scriptures; and we place the hope of our salvation solely in his death and resurrection. But herein alone is the difference, that we can as yet not find it in our conscience to say that he took his flesh from the substance of the flesh of the virgin Mary; since we do not find this expressed in the Scriptures; hence we forbear to inquire into the mystery of God.
As regards the baptism of children, we believe that infants are in a saved state and belong to the kingdom of God; but as we do not find a commandment or an example in the holy Scriptures, to baptize them, we deem, according to the ordinance of Christ, that one ought to wait with baptizing them, till they are able to confess their faith in the church of God. In the meantime we do not condemn the churches that hold other views.
Regarding the magistracy, so far as the office in itself is concerned, we confess that it is not only good and profitable for the maintenance of the common welfare, but also ordained of God, for the protection of the good and the punishment of the evil; that he has not received the sword in vain, to whom we also are bound, through God’s commandment, and ready, to show all subjection and service. We believe that it does not behoove us further to inquire into or judge of this matter.
But being constrained in our conscience by questions as to whether the magistrate can be a Christian, we say that to human eyes it will, for manifold obstacles, be hard and difficult; nevertheless we do not despair of it, since that which seems impossible to men is possible before God, according to what Christ says in the gospel concerning the rich. Matt. 19:26.
Finally, as to swearing: In this article we agree with the Dutch preachers, that we may, with a good conscience, call God to witness in a matter of which we know and are certain.
These articles, as contained here, we simply believe, notwithstanding the conclusions which some, out of their own understanding, draw from them to the contrary.
Hence we beseech Her Majesty, for Christ’s sake, to bear our weakness, and to consider that if we could feel somewhat different in our conscience, we would most gladly accept the same from the heart, and confess it with the mouth.
Thus we humbly pray God for Her Majesty’s long life, prosperous reign, and eternal salvation. We doubt not but that she will be pleased to show us poor prisoners and strangers such grace as has already been shown to our companions, for which thanks be to God and to Her Majesty.
Subscribed by:
HENDRICK TERWOORT, JAN PIETERSS, CHRISTIAEN KEMELS, GERRIT VAN BYLER, HANS VAN STRATEN.
ANSWER TO THE LETTER OF JOHN FOX; WRITTEN BY THE PRISONERS AT LONDON, A. D. 1575.
Reverend and well beloved Sir Doctor Fox: We have read your letter, from which we learn the endeavors you have put forth in our behalf, with Her Royal Majesty as well as with her wise council, for which we greatly thank you, even as we also do for your good admonition, which notwithstanding it seems to us to be written somewhat severely, we are nevertheless assured proceeds from love and from a good zeal which you have for the truth and the welfare of your neighbor; hence we cannot but give it a good interpretation. However, we are very sorry that you, not better understanding our point, have an opinion of us different from what we would like; since you think that through our singularity and obstinacy we not only give offense to the church of God, but also greatly offend God, and overthrow our salvation.