I. The Scriptures.
We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired,
and is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction; that it has God
for its author, salvation for its end, and truth without any mixture
of error for its matter; that it reveals the principles by which God
will judge us, and therefore is, and shall remain to the end of the
world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard
by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions shall be tried.
II. The True God.
We believe the Scriptures teach that there is one, and only one, living
and true 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 there are three persons, the Father,
the Son, and the Holy Ghost; equal in every divine perfection, and
executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption.
III. The Fall of Man.
We believe the Scriptures teach that Man was created in holiness,
under the law of his Maker; but by voluntary transgressions 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 God, positively inclined
to evil; and therefore under just condemnation to eternal ruin, without
defense or excuse.
IV. The Way of Salvation.
We believe that the Scriptures teach that the salvation of sinners
is wholly of grace; through the mediatorial offices of the Son of
God; who by the appointment of the Father, freely took upon him our
nature, yet without sin; honored the divine law by his personal obedience,
and by his death made a full atonement for our sins; that having risen
from the dead, he is now enthroned in heaven; and uniting in his wonderful
person the tenderest sympathies with divine perfections, he is in
every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate, and an all-sufficient
Savior.
V. Justification.
We believe the Scriptures teach that the great Gospel blessing which
Christ 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 righteousness; that it is bestowed, not in consideration of any
works of righteousness which we have done, but solely through faith
in the Redeemer's blood; by virtue of which faith his perfect righteousness
is freely imputed to us 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.
VI. The Freeness of Salvation.
We believe that the Scriptures teach that the blessings of salvation
are made free to all by the Gospel; that it is the immediate duty
of all to accept them by cordial, penitent and obedient faith; and
that nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth,
but his own determined depravity and voluntary rejection of the Gospel;
which rejection involves him in an aggravated condemnation.
VII. Regeneration.
We believe that the Scriptures teach that in order to be saved, sinners
must be regenerated, or born again; that regeneration consists in
giving a holy disposition to the mind that it is effected in a manner
above our comprehension by the power of the Holy Spirit in connection
with divine truth, so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the
Gospel; and that its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of
repentance and faith, and newness of life.
VIII. Repentance and Faith.
We believe the Scriptures teach that repentance and faith are sacred
duties, and also inseparable graces, wrought in our souls by the regenerating
Spirit of God; whereby being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger
and helplessness and of the way of salvation by Christ, we turn to
God with unfeigned contrition, confession, and supplication for mercy;
at the same time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as our prophet,
priest and king, and relying on him alone as the only and all-sufficient
Savior.
IX. God's Purpose of Grace.
We believe the Scriptures teach that election is the eternal purpose
of God, according to which he graciously regenerates, sanctifies and
saves sinners; that being perfectly consistent with the free agency
of man, it comprehends all the means in connection with the end; that
it is a most glorious display of God's sovereign goodness, being infinitely
free, wise, holy and unchangeable; that it utterly excludes boasting
and promotes humility, love, prayer, praise, trust in God, and active
imitation of his free mercy; that it encourages the use of means in
the highest degree; that it may be ascertained by its effects in all
who truly believe the Gospel; that it is the foundation of Christian
assurance; and that to ascertain it with regard to ourselves demands
and deserves the utmost diligence.
X. Sanctification.
We believe the Scriptures teach that Sanctification is the process
by which, according to the will of God, we are made partakers of his
holiness; that it is a progressive work; that it is begun in regeneration;
and that it is carried on in the hearts of believers by the presence
and power of the Holy Spirit, the Sealer and Comforter, in the continual
use of the appointed means especially the word of God, self-examination,
self-denial, watchfulness, and prayer.
XI. Perseverance of the Saints.
We believe the Scriptures teach that such only are real believers
as endure to the end; that their persevering attachment to Christ
is the grand mark which distinguishes them from superficial professors;
that a special Providence watches over their welfare; and they are
kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.
XII. The Law and Gospel.
We believe the Scriptures teach that the Law of God is the eternal
and unchangeable rule of his moral government; that it is holy, just
and good; and that the inability which the Scriptures ascribe to fallen
men to fulfill its precepts, arise entirely from their love of sin;
to deliver them from which, and to restore them through a Mediator
to unfeigned obedience to the holy Law, is one great end of the Gospel,
and of the Means of Grace connected with the establishment of the
visible church.
XIII. A Gospel Church.
We believe the Scriptures teach that a visible church of Christ is
a congregation of baptized believers, associated by covenant in the
faith and fellowship of the Gospel; observing the ordinances of Christ;
governed by his laws; and exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges
invested in them by His Word; that its only scriptural officers are
Bishops or Pastors, and Deacons whose Qualifications, claims and duties
are defined in the Epistles to Timothy and Titus.
XIV. Baptism and the Lord's Supper.
We believe the Scriptures teach that Christian baptism is the immersion
in water of a believer, into the name of the Father, and Son, and
Holy Ghost; to show forth in a solemn and beautiful emblem, our faith
in the crucified, buried, and risen Savior, with its effect, in our
death to sin and resurrection to a new life; that it is prerequisite
to the privileges of a church relation; and to the Lord's Supper,
in which the members of the church, by the sacred use of bread and
wine, are to commemorate together the dying love of Christ; preceded
always by solemn selfexamination.
XV. The Christian Sabbath.
We believe the Scriptures teach that the first day of the week is
the Lord's Day, or Christian Sabbath, and is to be kept sacred to
religious purposes, by abstaining from all secular labor and sinful
recreations, by the devout observance of all the means of grace, both
private and public, and by preparation for that rest that remaineth
for the people of God.
XVI. Civil Government.
We believe the Scriptures teach that civil government is of divine
appointment, for the interest and good order of human society; and
that magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored and
obeyed; except only in things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus
Christ, who is the only Lord of the conscience, and the Prince of
the Kings of the earth.
XVII. Righteous and Wicked.
We believe the Scriptures teach that there is a radical and essential
difference between the righteous and the wicked; that such only as
through faith are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and sanctified
by the Spirit of our God, are truly righteous in his esteem; while
all such as continue in impenitence and unbelief are in his sight
wicked, and under the curse; and this distinction holds among men
both in and after death.
XVIII. The World to Come.
We believe the Scriptures teach that the end of the world is approaching;
that at the last day, Christ will descend from heaven, and raise the
dead from the grave for final retribution; that a solemn separation
will then take place; that the wicked will be adjudged to endless
punishment, and the righteous to endless joy; and that this judgment
will fix forever the final state of men in heaven or hell, on principles
of righteousness.