IX.

The proof of the foregoing article of the Trinity of perfons in one GOD.

All this we know, as well from the teftimonies of holy writ, as from their operations, and chiefly by those we feel in ourfelves. The teftimonies of the holy fcriptures that teach us to believe this holy Trinity, are written in many places of the old teftament, which are not fo neceffary to enumerate, as to chufe them out with difcretion and judgment. In Genefis, Chap. i. 26, 27. God faith: Let us make man in our own image, after our likeness, &c, So GOD created man in his own image, male and female created he them: And Gen iii. 22. behold the man is become as one of us. From this faying, iet us make man in our image, it appears that there are more perfons than one in the god-head: And when he faith, GOD created, he fignifies the unity. It is true he doth not fay how many perfons there are, but that which appears to us fomewhat obfcure in the old testament, is very plain in the new. For when our Lord was baptifed in Jordan, the voice of the Father was heard, faying, this is my beloved Son: The Son was feen in the water, and the Holy Ghost appeared in the shape of a dove. This form is alfo inftituted by Christ in the baptifm of all believers. Baptife all nations, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghoft. In the Gospel of Luke, the angel Gabriel, thus addreffed Mary the

mother of our Lord, the Holy Ghost shall come upon thee and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee, therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee, fhall be called the Son of GOD: Likewise the grace of our Lord Jefus Chrift, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you. And there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word and the Holy Ghost and these three are one. In all which places we are fully taught, that there are three perfons in one only divine effence. And although this doctrine far furpaffes all human understanding, nevertheless we now believe it by means of the word of God, but expect hereafter to enjoy the perfect knowledge andbenefit thereof in heaven. Moreover we must ob

ferve the particular offices and operations of thefe three perfons towards us. The Father is called our creator by his power; the Son is our faviour and Redeemer by his blood; the Holy Ghost is our fan&tifier, by his dwelling in our hearts. This doctrine of the holy Trinity, hath always been defended and maintained by the true church, fince the times of the apoftles, to this very day, against the Jews, Mahometans, and fome falfe Chriftians and heretics, as Marcain, Manes Proxes, Sabellius, Samofatenus, Arius, and fuch like, who have been justly condemned by the orthodox fathers. Therefore, in this point, we do willingly receive the three creeds, namely, that of the Apoftles, of Nice, and of Athana

fius: Likewife that which conformable, thereunto, is agreed upon by the ancient fathers.

x.

That Jefus Chrift is true and`eternal GOD.

We believe that Jefus Chrift, according to his divine nature is the only begotten Son of God, begotten from eternity, not made or created, (for then he should be a creature) but co-effential and co eternal with the Father, the exprefs image of his perfon, and the brightness of his glory equal unto him in all things. Who is the Son of God, not only from the time that he affumed our nature, but from all eternity, as thefe teftimonies when compared together. teach us. Mofes faith, that GOD created the world; and John faith, that all things were made by that Word, which he calleth God: And the apostle faith, that GOD made the Worlds by his Son. Likewife, that GOD created all things through Jefus Chrift. Therefore it must needs follow, that he who is called God, the Word, the Son, and Jefus Chrif did exist at that time when all things were cr by him. Therefore the prophet Micah faith, h ings forth have been from of old, from everlu, And the apostle, he hath neither nor end of life: He therefore is almighty God, whom we invoke

XI.

That the Holy Ghost is true and eternal GOD.

We believe and confefs alfo, that the Holy Ghoft, from eternity proceeds from the Father and Son; and therefore is neither made, created, nor begotten, but only proceedeth from both; who in order is the third person of the holy Trinity; of one and the fame effence, majefty and glory with the Father, and the Son; and therefore, is the true and eternal God, as the holy fcripture teaches us.

XII.

Of the Creation.

We believe, that the Father by the Word, that is by his Son, hath created of nothing, the heaven, the earth, and all creatures, as it feemed good unto him, giving unto every creature its being, fhape, form, and several offices to ferve its Creator. That he doth alfo ftill uphold- and govern them by his eternal providence, and infinite power, for the fervice of mankind, to the end that man may serve his God. He hath alfo created the angels good, to be his meffengers, and to fave his elect; fome of whom are fallen from that excellency, in which God created them, into everlasting perdition and the others have by the grace of God remained ftedfaft and continued in their primitive ftate. The devils and evil

fpirits are fo depraved, that they are enemies of God and every good thing, to the utmost of their power, as murderers watching to ruin the church, and every member thereof, and by their wicked ftratagems to destroy, all; and are therefore by their own wickednefs adjudged to eternal damnation, daily expecting their horrible torments. Therefore we reject and abhor the error of the Sadducees, who deny the existence of fpirits and angels and alfo that of the Manichees, who affert that the devils have their origin of themselves, and that they are wicked of their own nature, without having been corrupted.

XIII.

Of Divine Providence.

We believe that the fame God, after he had ereated all things did not forfake them, or give them up to fortune or chance, but that he rules and governs them according to his holy will, fo that nothing happens in this world without his appointment; nevertheless, God neither is the author of, nor can be charged with the fins which are committed. For his power and goodnefs is fo great and incomprehenfible, that he orders and executes his work in the most excellent and just manner, even then, when devils and wicked men act unjustly. And as to what he doth furpaffing human understanding, we will not curiously enquire into farther than our capacity, will admit of but with the greatest humility and rever

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