We believe, that the ministers of God's Word, [1] and the elders and deacons, [2] ought to be chosen to their respective offices by a lawful election by the Church, with calling upon the name of the Lord, and in that order which the Word of God teacheth. Therefore every one must take heed, not to intrude himself by indecent means, but is bound to wait till it shall please God to call him; [3] that he may have testimony of his calling, and be certain and assured that it is of the Lord.

As for the ministers of God's Word, they have equally the same power and authority wheresoever they are, as they are all ministers of Christ, [4] the only universal Bishop, and the only Head of the Church. [5] Moreover, that this holy ordinance of God may not be violated or slighted, we say that every one ought to esteem the ministers of God's Word, and the elders of the Church, very highly for their work's sake, and be at peace with them without murmuring, strife or contention, [6] as much as possible.

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.
    
    

1. Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure. 1 Tim. 5:22.
   
   
2. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. Acts 6:3.
   
   
3. I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran: I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied. Jer. 23:21;
   
   And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron Heb. 5:4;
   
   And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. Acts 1:23;
   
   As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. Acts 13:2.
   
   
4. Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. 1 Cor. 4:1;
   
   For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. 1 Cor. 3:9;
   
   Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. 2 Cor. 5:20;
   
   But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, Acts 26:16,17.
   
   
5. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. 1 Peter 2:25;
   
   And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. 1 Peter 5:4;
   
   Keep silence before me, O islands; and let the people renew their strength: let them come near; then let them speak: let us come near together to judgment. Isa. 41:1;
   
   And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Eph. 1;22;
   
   And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. Col. 1:18.
   
   
6. And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves. 1 Thess 5:12,13;
   
   Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. 1 Tim. 5:17;
   
   Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. Heb. 13:17.