We believe that those Holy Scriptures fully contain the will of God, and that whatsoever man ought to believe, unto salvation, is sufficiently taught therein.[1] For, since the whole manner of worship, which God requires of us, is written in them at large, it is unlawful for any one, though an apostle, to teach otherwise [2] than we are now taught in the Holy Scriptures: nay, though it were an angel from heaven, as the apostle Paul saith.[3] For, since it is forbidden, to add unto or take away anything from the word of God, [4] it doth thereby evidently appear, that the doctrine thereof is most perfect and complete in all respects.

Neither do we consider of equal value any writing of men, however holy these men may have been, with those divine Scriptures, nor ought we to consider custom, or the great multitude, or antiquity, or succession of times and persons, or councils, decrees or statutes,[5] as of equal value with the truth of God, [6] for the truth is above all; for all men are of themselves liars,[7] and more vain than vanity itself. Therefore, we reject with all our hearts, whatsoever doth not agree with this infallible rule,[8] which the apostles have taught us, saying, Try the spirits whether they are of God.[9] Likewise, if there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house.[10]

Introduction

1. That there is One Only God.
   
2. By what means God is made known unto us.
   
3. Of the written Word of God.
   
4. Canonical Books of the Holy Scripture.
   
5. From whence the Holy Scriptures derive their dignity and authority.
   
6. The difference between the canonical and apocryphal books.
   
7. The sufficiency of the Holy Scriptures, to be the only rule of faith.
   
8. That God is one in Essence, yet nevertheless distinguished in three Persons.
   
9. The proof of the foregoing article of the Trinity of persons in one God.
   
10. That Jesus Christ is true and eternal God.
    
11. That the Holy Ghost is true and eternal God.
    
12. Of the Creation.
    
13. Of Divine Providence.
    
14. Of the Creation and Fall of man, and his Incapacity to perform what is truly good.
    
15. Of Original Sin.
    
16. Of Eternal Election.
    
17. Of the Recovery of Fallen Man.
    
18. Of the Incarnation of Jesus Christ.
    
19. Of the union and distinction of the two Natures in the person of Christ.
    
20. That God hath manifested his justice and mercy in Christ Jesus.
    
21. Of the satisfaction of Christ, our only High Priest, for us.
    
22. Of Faith in Jesus Christ.
    
23. Of Justification.
    
24. Of man's Sanctification and Good Works.
    
25. Of the abolishing of the Ceremonial Law.
    
26. Of Christ's Intercession.
    
27. Of the Catholic Christian Church.
    
28. That every one is bound to join himself to the true Church.
    
29. Of the marks of the true Church, and wherein she differs from the false Church.
    
30. Concerning the Government of, and Offices in the Church.
    
31. Of the Ministers, Elders, and Deacons.
    
32. Of the Order and Discipline of the Church.
    
33. Of the Sacraments.
    
34. Of Holy Baptism.
    
35. Of the Holy Supper of our Lord Jesus Christ.
    
36. Of Magistrates.
    
37. Of the Last Judgment.
    
    

For 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;

The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. John 4:25;

And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 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, throughly furnished unto all good works. 2Tim. 3:15-17;

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 1Peter 1:1;

Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Prov. 30:5;

Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto. Gal. 3:15;

For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: Rev. 22:18;

Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. John 15:15;

Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. ... Acts 2:27 &c.


If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. 1Peter 4:11;

By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 1Cor. 15:2,3;

But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 2Tim. 3:14;

As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, 1Tim. 1:3;

If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: 2John 10.


But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. Gal. 1:8,9;

By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 1Cor. 15:2;

For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner. Acts 26:22;

For 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;

If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. 1Peter 4:11;

These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly: 2Tim. 3:14.


What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it. Deut. 12:32;

And the LORD thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live. Prov. 30:6;

For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: Rev. 22:18;

The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. John 4:25.


But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? Matt. 15:3;

While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. Matt. 17:5;

Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. Mark 7:7;

When ye come to appear before me, who hath required this at your hand, to tread my courts? Isa. 1:12;

And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 1Cor. 2:4.


When ye come to appear before me, who hath required this at your hand, to tread my courts? Isa. 1:12;

God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged. Rom. 3:4;

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables 2Tim. 4:3,4.


Surely men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie: to be laid in the balance, they are altogether lighter than vanity. Psa. 62:9


And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. Gal. 6:16;

For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 1Cor.3:11;

That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. 2Thess.2:2.


Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 1John 4:1


If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: 2John 10