from the dead on the third day; ascended to heaven, and sits on the right hand of the majesty of God on high; whence he will come again to judge the living and the dead. (Luke xxii. 53; xxiii. 1; xxiv. 5, 6, 51.) And also that the Son of God died, tasted death, and shed his precious blood, for all men; and that thereby he bruised the serpent's head, destroyed the works of the devil, abolished the handwriting, and obtained the remission of sins for the whole human family; that he became the means (author) of eternal salvation to all those who, from Adam to the end of the world, believe in and obey him. (Gen. iii. 15; John iii. 8; Col. ii. 14; Rom. v. 18.) V. Of the Law of Christ-the Gospel or the New Testament.-We believe and confess, that previous to his ascension, he made, instituted, and left his New Testament, and gave it to his disciples, that it should remain an everlasting testament, which he confirmed and sealed with his blood, and commended it so highly to them, that it is not to be altered, neither by angels nor men, neither to be added thereto, nor taken therefrom. And that, inasmuch as it contains the whole will and counsel of his heavenly Father, as far as is necessary for salvation, he has caused it to be promulgated by his apostles, missionaries, and ministers, whom he called and chose for that purpose, and sent into all the world, to preach in his name among all people, and nations and tongues, testifying repentance and the forgiveness of sins; and that consequently he has therein declared all men, without exception, as his children and lawful heirs, so far as they follow and live up to the contents of the same by faith, as obedient children; and thus, he has not excluded any from the glorious inheritance of everlasting life, except the unbelieving, the disobedient, the obstinate, and the perverse, who despise it, and, by their continual sinning, render themselves unworthy of eternal life. (Jer. xxxi. 18; Heb. ix. 15; xvi. 17; Matt. xxvi. 27; Gal. i. 8; 1 Tim. vi. 3; John xv. 15; Matt. xviii. 19; Mark xvi. 13; Luke xxiv. 4, 5; Rom. viii. 17; Acts xiii. 46.) |--We believe and confess, since the thoughts of the heart are evil from youth, and prone to unrighteousness, sin, and wickedness, that the first lesson of the New Testament of the Son of God, is repentance and reformation. Men, therefore, who have ears to hear and hearts to understand, must bring forth fruits meet for repentance, reform their lives, believe the gospel, eschew evil and do good, desist from sin and forsake unrighteousness, put off the old man with all his works, and put on the new man, created after God in righteousness and true holiness; for neither baptism, supper, church, nor any other outward ceremony, can, without faith, regeneration, change or reformation of life, enable us to please God, or obtain from him any consolation, or promise of salvation. But we must go to God with sincere hearts and true and perfect faith, and believe on Jesus Christ, according to the testimony of the scriptures; by this living faith we obtain remission or forgiveness of sins, are justified, sanctified, nay, made children of God, partakers of his image, nature, and mind: being born again of God from above, through the incorruptible seed. (Gen. viii. 21; Mark i. 15; Ezekiel xii. 1; 1 Col. iii. 9, 10; Eph. iv. 21, 22; Heb. x. 21, 22; John vii. 38.) VII. Of Baptism.-As regards baptism, we confess that all penitent believers, who, by faith, regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost, are made one with God and written in heaven, must upon their scriptural confession of faith, and reformation of life, be baptized with water,* in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, agreeably to the doctrine and command of Christ, and the usage of his apostles, to the burying of their sins; and thus be received into fellowship with the saints; whereupon they must learn to observe all things which the Son of God taught, left to, and commanded his disciples. (Matt. xviii. 19, 20; Rom. vi. 4; Mark xvi. 15; Matt. iii. 15; Acts ii. 28; viii. 11; ix. 18; x. 47; xvi. 33; Col. ii. 11, 12.) VIII. Of the Church of Christ.-We • The Mennonites baptize by pouring water VI. Of Repentance and Reformation. upon the head of the person baptized.-En. and all nations, a fold to have fellowship in his name; for which, in order that none might err or go astray, he laid down his own life, and thus made a way for their salvation, redeeming and releasing them, when there was no one, to help or assist. (1 Pet. ii. 29; Matt. xii. 19; xviii. 11; Eph. ii. 13; Gal. iii. 28; John x. 9; xi. 15; Ps. xlix. 8.) And further, that he provided his church, before his departure, with faithful ministers, evangelists, pastors and teachers, whom he had chosen by the Holy Ghost, with prayers and supplications, in order that they might govern the church, feed his flock, watch over them, defend, and provide for them; nay, do in all things as he did, going before them, as he taught, acted and commanded; teaching them to do all things whatsoever he commanded them. (Eph. iv. 11; Luke x. 1; vi. 12, 13; John ii. 15; Matt. xxviii. 20.) believe and confess there is a visible to gather together out of Jews, Gentiles, Church of God; namely, those who, as aforementioned, do works meets for repentance, have true faith, and received a true baptism, are made one with God in heaven, and received into fellowship of the saints here upon earth: those we profess are the chosen generation, the royal priesthood, the holy nation, who have the witness that they are the spouse and bride of Christ; nay, the children and heirs of everlasting life; a habitation, a tabernacle, a dwelling-place of God in the spirit, built upon the foundation of the apostles and the prophets, Christ being the chief cornerstone (upon which his church is built) this church of the living God, which he bought, purchased, and redeemed with his own precious blood, with which church, according to his promise, he will always remain to the end of the world, as protector and comforter of believers, nay, will dwell with them, walk among them, and so protect them, that neither floods nor tempests, nor the gates of hell shall prevail against or overthrow them. This church is to be distinguished by scriptural faith, doctrine, love, godly walk or deportment, as also by a profitable or fruitful conversation, use and observance of the true ordinances of Christ, which he strictly enjoined upon his followers. (1 Cor. xii. 1; 1 Pet. ii. 9; John iii. 29; Rev. xix. 7; Tit. iii. 6, 7; Eph. ii. 19, 20, 21; Matt. xvi. 18; 1 Pet. i. 18, 19; 2 Cor. vi. 16; Matt. vii. 35.) IX. Of the Election and Office of Teachers, Deacons, and Deaconesses in the Church.-As regards offices and elections in the church, we believe and confess, since the church cannot subsist in her growth, nor remain an edifice without officers and discipline, that, therefore, the Lord Jesus Christ himself instituted and ordained offices and ordinances, and gave commands and directions, how every one ought to walk therein, take heed to his work and vocation, and do that which is right and necessary; for he, as the true, great and chief Shepherd and Bishop of our souls, was sent and came into the world, not to wound or destroy the souls of men, but to heal and restore them; to seek the lost; to break down the middle wall of partition; of two to make one; That the Apostles, likewise, as true followers of Christ, and leaders of the church, were diligent with prayers and supplication to God, in electing brethren, providing every city, place or church, with bishops, pastors and leaders, and ordaining such persons as took heed to themselves, and to the doctrine and flock; who were sound in the faith, virtuous in life and conversation, and were of good report, both in and out of the church, in order that they might be an example, light, and pattern, in all godliness, with good works, worthily administering the Lord's ordinances, baptism and supper, and that they might appoint in all places, faithful men as elders, capable of teaching others, ordaining them by the imposition of hands, in the name of the Lord; further, to have the care, according to their ability, for all things necessary in the church; so that as faithful servants, they might husband well their Lord's talent, gain by it, and consequently save themselves and those who hear them. (1 Tim. iii.; Acts i. 23, 24; Tit. i. 5; 1 Tim. iv. 14, 16; Tit. ii. 1, 2; 2 Tim. ii. 2; 1 Tim. v. 2.) That they should also have a care for every one, of whom they have the oversight; to provide in all places deacons, who may receive contributions and alms, in order faithfully to dispense them to the | his Apostles' feet, although he was their necessitous saints, with all becoming honesty and decorum. (Luke xix. 13. Of deacons, Acts, v. 3-6`; of deaconesses, 1 Tim. v. 9; Rom. xvi. 1; James i. 27.) That honorable and aged widows should be chosen deaconesses, who, with the deacons, may visit, comfort, and provide for poor, weak, infirm, distressed and indigent persons, as also to visit widows and orphans; and further, assist in taking care of the concerns of the church, according to their ability. And further respecting deacons, that they, particularly when they are capable, being elected and ordained thereto by the church, for the relief and assistance of the elders, may admonish the members of the church, being appointed thereto, and labor in word and doctrine, assisting one another out of love with the gift received of the Lord; by which means, through the mutual service and assistance of every member, according to his measure, the body of Christ may be edified, and the vine and church of the Lord may grow up, increase, and be preserved. X. Of the Holy Supper.-We likewise confess and observe a breaking of bread, or supper, which the Lord Jesus Christ instituted with bread and wine before his passion, did eat it with his Apostles, and commanded it to be kept in remembrance of himself; which they consequently taught and observed in the church, and commanded to be kept by believers, in remembrance of the sufferings and death of the Lord, and that his body was broken, and his precious blood was shed for us, and for the whole human family; as also the fruits thereof, namely, redemption and everlasting salvation, which he procured thereby, exhibiting so great love towards sinners, by which we are greatly admonished to love one another, to love our neighbor, forgiving him, as he has done unto us, and we are to strive to preserve the unity and fellowship which we have with God and with one another, which is also represented to us, in the breaking of bread. (Acts ii. 46.) Lord and Master, and gave them an example that they should wash one another's feet, and do as he had done unto them: they, as a matter of course, taught the believers to observe this as a sign of true humility, and particularly as directing the mind by feet-washing, to that right washing, by which we are washed in his blood, and have our souls made pure. (John xiii. 4-17; 1 Tim. v. 10; Gen. xvii. 4; xix. 2; xxiv. 32; xliii. 24.) XII. Of Matrimony or State of Marriage.-We confess that there is in the church, an honorable marriage between two believers, as God ordained it in the beginning in paradise, and instituted it between Adam and Eve; as also the Lord Jesus Christ opposed and did away the abuses of marriage, which had crept in, and restored it to its primitive institution. (Gen. i. 27; Matt. xi. 4.) In this manner, the Apostle Paul also taught marriage in the Church; and left it free for every one, according to its primitive institution, to be married in the Lord, to any one who may consent; by the phrase, in the Lord, we think it ought to be understood, that as the patriarchs had to marry among their own kindred or relatives, so likewise the believers of the New Testament are not at liberty to marry, except among the chosen generation and the spiritual kindred or relatives of Christ; namely, such and no others, as have been united to the church, as one heart and soul, having received baptism and stand in the same communion, faith, doctrine, and conversation, before they become united in marriage. Such are then joined together according to the ori ginal ordinance of God in his church, and this is called marrying in the Lord. (1 Cor. v. 11; ix. 5; Gen. xxiv.; xxviii.; 1 Cor. vii. 39.) XIII. Of the Magistracy.-We believe and confess, that God instituted and appointed authority and a magistracy for the punishing of the evil-doers, and to protect the good; as also to govern the world, and preserve the good order of cities and counXI. Of Washing the Saints' Feet.-tries; hence, we dare not despise, gainsay We also confess the washing of the saints' feet, which the Lord not only instituted and commanded, but he actually washed or resist the same; but we must acknowledge the magistracy as the minister of God, be subject and obedient thereunto in all good works, especially in all things not repugnant to God's law, will and commandment; also faithfully pay tribute and tax, and render that which is due, even as the Son of God taught and practised, and commanded his disciples to do; that it is our duty, constantly and earnestly to pray to the Lord for the government, its prosperity, and the welfare of the country, that we may live under its protection, gain a livelihood, and lead a quiet, peaceable life, in all godliness and sobriety. And further, that the Lord may reward them in time and eternity, for all the favors, benefits, and the liberty we here enjoy under their praiseworthy administrution. (Rom. xiii. 1-7; Tit. iii. 1; 1 Pet. ii. 17; Matt. xxii. 21; 1 Tim. ii. 1.) XIV. Of Defence or Revenge.-As regards revenge, or defence, in which men resist their enemies with the sword: we believe and confess, that the Lord Jesus Christ forbade his disciples his followers, all revenge and defence, and commanded them, besides, not to render evil for evil, nor railing for railing, but to sheath their swords, or in the words of the prophet, "to beat them into ploughshares." (Matt. v. 39-44; Rom. xii. 14; 1 Pet. iii. 9; Isa. ii. 4; Mic. iv. 3; Zech. ix. 8, 9.) Hence it is evident, according to his example and doctrine, that we should not provoke or do violence to any man, but we are to seek to promote the welfare and happiness of all men; even, when necessary, to flee, for the Lord's sake, from one country to another, and take patiently the spoiling of our goods; but to do violence to no man: when we are smitten on one cheek to turn the other, rather than take revenge or resent evil. And, moreover, that we must pray for our enemies, feed and refresh them when they are hungry or thirsty, and thus convince them by kindness, and overcome all ignorance. (Rom. xii. 19, 20.) Finally, that we should do good, and approve ourselves to the consciences of all men; and according to the law of Christ, do unto others as we would wish them to do unto us. (2 Cor. iv. 2; Matt. vii. 12; xii. 7.) XV. Of Oaths or Swearing.-Respecting judicial oaths, we believe and confess, that Christ our Lord did forbid his disciples the use of them, and commanded them that they should not swear at all; but that yea should be yea; and nay, nay. Hence we infer, that all oaths, greater and minor, are prohibited; and that we must, instead of oaths, confirm all our promises and assertions, nay, all our declarations or testimonies, in every case, with the word yea in that which is yea; and with nay in that which is nay; hence we should always and in all cases perform, keep, follow, and live up to our word or engagement as fully as if we had confirmed and established it by an oath. And we do this; we have the confidence that no man, not even the magistrate, will have just reason to lay a more grievous burden on our mind and conscience. (Matt. v. 34, 35; James v. 12; 2 Cor. i. 17.) XVI. Of Ecclesiastical Excommunication or Separation from the Church.We also believe and profess a ban, excommunication, or separation, and Christian correction in the church, for amendment, and not for destruction, whereby the clean or pure may be separated from the unclean or defiled. Namely, if any one, after having been enlightened, and has attained to the knowledge of the truth, and has been received into the fellowship of the saints, sins either voluntary or presumptuously against God, or unto death, and falls into the unfruitful works of darkness, by which he separates himself from God, and is debarred his kingdom; such a person, we believe, when the deed is manifest and the church has sufficient evidence, ought not to remain in the congregation of the righteous; but shall and must be separated as an offending member and an open sinner; be excommunicated and reproved in the presence of all, and purged out as leaven; and this is to be done for his own amendment, and an example and terror to others, that the church be kept pure from such foul spots; lest, in default of this, the name of the Lord be blasphemed, the church dishonored, and a stumbling-block and cause of offence be given to them that are without; in fine, that the sinner may not be damned with the world, but become convicted, repent and reform. (Isa. lix. 2 ; 1 Cor. v. 5, 12; 1 Tim. v. 20; 2 Cor. x. 8; xiii. 10; James v. 8, 9.) Further, regarding brotherly reproof or admonition, as also the instruction of those who err, it is necessary to use all care and diligence to observe them, instructing them with all meekness to their own amendment, and reproving the obstinate according as the case may require. In short, that the church must excommunicate him that sins either in doctrine or life, and no other. (Tit. iii. 10; 1 Cor. v. 12.) XVII. Of Shunning or Avoiding the Separated or Excommunicated.-Touching the avoiding of the separated, we believe and confess, that if any one has so far fallen off, either by a wicked life or perverted doctrine, that he is separated from God, and consequently is justly separated from and corrected or punished by the church, such a person must be shunned, according to the doctrine of Christ and his apostles, and avoided without partiality by all the members of the church, especially by those to whom it is known, whether in eating or drinking, or other similar temporal matters; and they shall have no dealings with him: to the end that they may not be contaminated by intercourse with him, nor made partakers of his sins; but that the sinner may be made ashamed, be convicted, and again led to repentance. (1 Cor. v. 9, 10, 11; 2 Thess. iii. 14; Tit. iii. 10.) That there be used, as well in the avoidance as in the separation, such moderation and Christian charity as may have a tendency, not to promote his destruction, but to insure his reformation. For if he is poor, hungry, thirsty, naked, sick, or in distress, we are in duty bound, according to necessity, and agreeably to love and to the doctrine of Christ and his apostles, to render him aid and assistance; otherwise, in such cases, the avoidance might tend more to his ruin than to his reformation. (2 Thess, v. 14.) Hence we must not consider excommunicated members as enemies, but admonish them as brethren, in order to bring them to knowledge, repentance, and sorrow for their sins, that they may be reconciled with God and his church; and, of course, be received again into the church, and so may continue in love towards him, as his case demands. (lieve and confess, agreeably to the scriptures, that all men who have died and fallen asleep, shall be awakened, quickened, and raised on the last day, by the incomprehensible power of God; and that these, together with those that are then alive, and who shall be changed in the twinkling of an eye, at the sound of the last trumpet, shall be placed before the judgment seat of Christ, and the good be separated from the wicked; that then every one shall receive in his own body according to his works, whether they be good or evil; and that the good and pious shall be taken up with Christ, as the blessed, enter into everlasting life, and obtain that joy, which no eye hath seen, nor ear heard, nor mind conceived, to reign and triumph with Christ from everlasting to everlasting. (Matt. xxii. 30, 31 ; Dan. xii. 12; Job xix. 26, 27; John v. 28; 2 Cor. v. 10; 1 Cor. xv.; Rev. xxi. 11; 1 Thess. iv. 13.) And that, on the contrary, the wicked or impious shall be driven away as accursed, and thrust down into utter darkness; nay, into everlasting pains of hell, where the worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched; and that they shall never have any prospect of hope, comfort, or redemption. (Mark ix. 44.) May the Lord grant that none of us may meet the fate of the wicked; but that we may take heed and be diligent, so that we may be found before him in peace, without spot and blameless. Amen. Done and finished in our United Churches, in the city of Dortrecht, 21st April, A. D., 1632; subscribed: Dortrecht-Isaac de Koning, John Jacobs, Hans Corbryssen, Jaques Terwen, Nicholas Dirkson, Mels Gylberts, Adriaan Cornelisson. Zeeland-Cornelius de Moir, Isaac Claasz. Middleburg-Bastian Willemsen, John Winkelmans. VlissingenOillaert Willeborts, Jacob Pennen, Lieven Marynesz. Zierich-Anthony Cornellison, Peter Jansen Zimmerman. Gorcum Rot Jacob Van der Heyde Sebrechts, Hans Jansen van de Kruysen. Arnhem-Cornelius Jahnsen, Dirk Ronderson. terdam-Balten Centen Schoomaker, MiXVIII. Of the Resurrection of the chel Michelsson, Israel van Halmael, Dead, and the last Judgment.-Relative Henry Jahnsen Appeldoorn, Andries Luckto the Resurrection of the Dead, we been, jr. Amsterdam-Tobias Govertson, |