All evangelical churches profess to take the Holy Scriptures as their only and sufficient guide in matters of religious faith and practice. Baptists, especially, claim to have no authoritative creed except the New Testament. It is common, however, for the churches to have formulated statements of what are understood to be the leading Christian doctrines, printed and circulated among their members. These are not uniform among the churches, but are in substantial agreement as to the doctrines taught. Indeed, each church is at liberty to prepare its own confession, or have none at all; no one form being held as binding and obligatory on the churches to adopt. Members, on being received to fellowship, are not required to subscribe or pledge conformity to any creed-form, but are expected to yield substantial agreement to that which the church with which they unite has adopted.  
[p. 57] There are two Confessions which have gained more general acceptance than any others, and are now being widely adopted by the churches over the country. As to substance of doctrine, they do not essentially differ. That known as the New Hampshire Confession is commonly used by the churches North, East, and West; while that known as the Philadelphia Confession, is very generally in use in the South and Southwest. The former is much more brief and for that reason preferred by many. The other is substantially the London Confession of Faith, published by English Baptists in 1689. It is much more full in statement than the other, and is higher in its tone as to the doctrines of grace.
 
American Baptists are decidedly Calvinistic as to substance of doctrine, but moderately so, being midway between the extremes of Arminianism and Antinomianism. Though diversities of opinion may incline to either extreme, the “general atonement” view is for the most part held, while the “particular atonement” theory is maintained by not a few. The freedom of the human will is declared, while the sovereignty of Divine grace, and the absolute necessity of the Spirit’s work in faith and salvation are [p. 58] maintained. They practice “strict communion,” as do their mission churches in foreign lands. In Great Britain, Baptists are sharply divided between “strict and free communion,” and between the particular and the general atonement theories.
 
The New Hampshire Confession, with a few verbal changes, is here inserted. But some of the proof-texts usually accompanying these articles are, for want of space, omitted.[1]
 
ARTICLES OF FAITH
 
i. the scriptures
 
We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men Divinely inspired, and is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction;[1] that it has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth without any mixture of error for its matter;[2] that it reveals the principles by which God will judge us;[3] 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 should be tried.
 
[p. 59] [1] 2 Tim. 3:16, 17. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. Also, 2 Peter 1:21; 2 Sam. 23:2; Acts 1:16.
 
[2] Prov. 30:5, 6. Every word of God is pure. Add thou not unto His words, lest He reprove thee, and thou be found a liar. Also, John 17:17; Rev. 22:18, 19; Rom. 3:4.
 
[3] Rom. 2:12. As many as have sinned in the law, shall be judged by the law. John 12:47, 48. If any man hear My words—the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. Also, 1 Cor. 4:3, 4; Luke 10:10–16; 12:47, 48.
 
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:[1] inexpressibly glorious in holiness,[2] and worthy of all possible honor, confidence, and love;[3] that in the unity of the Godhead there are three Persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost;[4] equal in every Divine perfection, and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption.
 
[1] John 4:24. God is a spirit. Ps. 147:5. His understanding is infinite. Ps. 83:18. Thou whose name alone is Jehovah art the Most High over all the earth. Heb. 3:4; Rom. 1:20; Jer. 10:10.
 
[2] Exod. 15:11. Who is like unto Thee—glorious in holiness? Isa. 6:3; 1 Peter 1:15, 16; Rev. 4:6–8.
 
[3] Mark 12:30. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and [p. 60] with all thy strength. Rev. 4:11. Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory, and honour, and power. Matt. 10:37; Jer. 2:12, 13.
 
[4] Matt. 28:19. Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. John 15:26; 1 Cor. 12:4–6.
 
iii. the fall of man
 
We believe the Scriptures teach that man was created in holiness, under the law of his Maker;[1] but by voluntary transgression fell from that holy and happy state;[2] in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners[3] 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,[4] without defense or excuse.[5]
 
[1] Gen. 1:27. God created man in His own image. Gen. 1:31. And God saw everything that He had made, and behold, it was very good. Eccl. 7:29; Acts 17:26; Gen. 2:16.
 
[2] Gen. 3:6–24. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise; she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat; and gave unto her husband with her, and he did eat. Rom. 5:12.
 
[3] Rom. 5:19. By one man’s disobedience many were made sinners. John 3:6; Ps. 51:5; Rom. 5:15–19; 8:7.
 
[4] Eph. 2:3. Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath even as others.
 
[5] Ezek. 18:19, 20. The soul that sinneth it shall die. Rom. 1:20. So that they are without excuse. Rom. 3:19. That every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Gal. 3:22.
 
[p. 61]iv. the way of salvation
 
We believe the Scriptures teach that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace;[1] through the mediatorial offices of the Son of God;[2] who according to the will of the Father, became man, yet without sin;[3] honored the Divine law by His personal obedience, and by His death made a full atonement for our sins;[4] 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 every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate and all-sufficient Saviour.[5]
 
[1] Eph. 2:5. By grace ye are saved. Matt. 18:11; 1 John 4:10; 1 Cor. 3:5–7; Acts 15:11.
 
[2] John 3:16. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
 
[3] Phil. 2:6–7. Who being in the form of God thought it not robbery to be equal with God; but made Himself of no reputation, and took on Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.
 
[4] Isa. 53:4, 5. He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.
 
[5] Heb. 7:25. Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them. Col. 2:9. For in Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
 
[p. 62]v. justification
 
We believe the Scriptures teach that the great Gospel blessing which Christ[1] secures to such as believe in Him is justification;[2] that justification includes the pardon of sin,[3] and the gift 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 Christ; by means of which faith His perfect righteousness is freely imputed to us by God;[4] 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.[5]
 
[1] John 1:16. Of His fulness have all we received. Eph. 3:8.
 
[2] Acts 13:39. By Him all that believe are justified from all things. Isa. 3:11, 12; Rom. 5:1.
 
[3] Rom. 5:9. Being justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. Zech. 13:1; Matt. 9:6; Acts 10:43.
 
[4] Rom. 5:19. By the obedience of One shall many be made righteous. Rom. 3:24–26; 4:23–25; 1 John 2:12.
 
[5] Rom. 5:1, 2. Being justified by faith, we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
 
vi. the freeness of salvation
 
We believe the Scriptures teach that the blessings of salvation are made free to all [p. 63] by the Gospel:[1] that it is the immediate duty of all to accept them by a cordial, penitent, and obedient faith;[2] and that nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth but his own determined depravity and voluntary rejection of the Gospel;[3] which rejection involves him in an aggravated condemnation.[4]
 
[1] Isa. 55:1. Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye in the waters. Rev. 22:17. Whosoever will; let him take the water of life freely.
 
[2] Acts 17:30. And the times of this ignorance God winked at, but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent. Rom. 16:26; Mark 1:15; Rom. 1:15–17.
 
[3] John 5:40. Ye will not come to Me, that ye might have life. Matt. 23:37; Rom. 9:32.
 
[4] John 3:19. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. Matt. 11:20; Luke 19:27; 2 Thess. 1:8.
 
vii. regeneration
 
We believe the Scriptures teach that in order to be saved, men must be regenerated, or born again;[1] that regeneration consists in giving a holy disposition to the mind;[2] that it is effected in a manner above our comprehension by the Holy Spirit, in connection with Divine truth,[3] so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the Gospel;[4] and that its proper evidence appears in the [p. 64] holy fruits of repentance, faith, and newness of life.[5]
 
[1] John 3:3. Verily, verily I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. John 3:6, 7; 1 Cor. 1:14; Rev. 3:7–9; Rev. 21:27.
 
[2] 2 Cor. 5:17. If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature. Ezek. 36:26; Deut. 30:6; Rom. 2:28, 29.
 
[3] John 3:8. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth, so is every one that is born of the Spirit. John 1:13; James 1:16–18; 1 Cor. 1:30; Phil. 2:13.
 
[4] 1 Peter 1:22–25. Ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit. 1 John 5:1; Eph. 4:20–24; Col. 3:6–11.
 
[5] Eph. 5:9. The fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness, and truth. Rom. 8:9; Gal. 5:18–23; Eph. 5:14–21; Matt. 3:8–10, 7:20; 1 John 5:4, 18.
 
viii. repentance and faith
 
We believe the Scriptures teach that repentance and faith are sacred duties, and also inseparable graces, wrought in the soul by the regenerating Spirit of God;[1] whereby being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger, and helplessness, and of the way of salvation by Christ,[2] we turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession, and supplication for mercy; at the same time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus as our Prophet, Priest, and King, and relying on Him alone as the only and all-sufficient Saviour.[3]
 
[p. 65] [1] Mark 1:15. Repent ye, and believe the Gospel. Acts 11:18. Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life. Eph. 2:8. By grace are ye saved, through faith: and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. 1 John 3:1.
 
[2] John 16:8. He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment. Acts 2:38. Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins. Acts 16:30, 31.
 
[3] Romans 10:9–11. If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thy heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Acts 3:22, 23; Heb. 4:14.
 
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;[1] that being perfectly consistent with the free agency of man, it comprehends all the means in connection with the end;[2] that it is a most glorious display of God’s sovereign goodness;[3] that it utterly excludes boasting, and promotes humility;[4] that it encourages the use of means; that it may be ascertained by its effects in all who truly accept of Christ;[5] that it is the foundation of Christian assurance; and that to ascertain it with regard to ourselves demands and deserves the utmost diligence.[6]
 
[1] 2 Tim. 1:8, 9. But be thou partaker of the afflictions of the Gospel, according to the power of God: who hath saved us and [p. 66] called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.
 
[2] 2 Thess. 2:13, 14. But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation, through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth; whereunto He called you by our Gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
 
[3] 1 Cor. 4:7. For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? Now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory as if thou hadst not received it? 1 Cor. 1:26–31; Rom. 3:27.
 
[4] 2 Tim. 2:10. Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 1 Cor. 9:22; Rom. 8:28–30.
 
[5] 1 Thess. 1:4. Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.
 
[6] 2 Peter 1:10, 11. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure. Phil. 3:12; Heb. 6:11.
 
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;[1] that it is a progressive work;[2] that it is begun in regeneration; that it is carried on in the hea............