Articles Of Faith And Practice In Use At Corpus Christi Chapel, Stonehouse, Devon
Articles Of Faith And Practice In Use At Corpus Christi Chapel, Stonehouse, Devon.
G. H. Godden, Minister
1835
Agreed upon by the Church of Christ assembling in Corpus Christi Chapel; Stonehouse, near Plymouth, in the County of Devon.
Article 1.—Through grace we believe that there is One Jehovah; or self-existent essence. In which divine unity subsisteth Three distinct co-equal, co-eternal Persons; as made known unto us by the relative names of a “Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.”—1 John 5:7; Deuteronomy 6; Hebrews 11:6.
Article 2.—Through grace we believe that the incomprehensible Jehovah, in order to make manifest the exceeding riches of his grace; was graciously pleased, in infinite wisdom, to ordain, appoint, or “set up” from before all worlds, the Mediator; Which Mediator, being Jesus Christ, is Immanual—or Jah and Man in one person; the alone “image of the invisible Jehovah, the first-born of every creature. Was before all things; and by whom all things consist.”—1 Timothy 2:5; Proverbs 8:22-31; Colossians 1:16,17.
Article 3.—Through grace we believe that, when the Wisdom Mediator was thus “set up” in the eternal counsels; a covenant of grace between the Holy Three persons in Jehovah was entered into, established, and “ordered in all things and sure.” In which everlasting covenant every event which hath, shall, or will take place, either in this world or in that which is to come; was s6 determinately fixed and decreed, as to leave no one thing doubtful or uncertain as to its final accomplishment.—Psalm 89:3,4; Ecclesiastes 3:1
Article 4.—Through grace we believe that the Children of Abba were all “one by one;” elected and predestinated to eternal life “in Christ Jesus before the foundation of the earth was laid.” Each of whom Christ then married unto Himself, as members “of his body, his flesh, and his bones;” in an everlasting union never to be dissolved, “whereof the Holy Ghost is a witness unto us.”—Ephesians 1:3-6; Hosea 2:19,20; Hebrews 10:15
Article 5.—Through grace we believe in the free, full, and all-sufficient Sacrifice; which Christ, by his “one offering of Himself,” made on the Cross; for the Sins of the whole Church. Through which efficacious means the elected family, “whose names are written in heaven;” are severally washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our Abba.”—Hebrews 10:14; 9:15; 1 Corinthians 6:11
Article 6.—Through grace we believe that, while on the one hand the elected Children were “not appointed unto wrath; but to obtain Salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for them and rose again. So, on the other hand, are we as firmly persuaded that the seed of the Serpent, or Children of the devil;” were as vessels of wrath fitted for destruction, having no part or lot in the matter of Redemption.—Proverbs 16:4; Romans 9:22; 1 John 3:10
Article 7.—Through grace we believe that, since the appointed fall of Adam in the garden of Eden; every person, who is naturally engendered from his loins, is so totally contaminated with sin, guilt, and misery; that we “cannot of ourselves help ourselves” out of this bondage of corruption, either by thought, word, or deed.—Psalm 51:5; Romans 3:10-19; 2 Corinthians 3:5
Article 8.—Through grace, therefore, we not only heartily renounce that deadly heresy “free-will of the creature;” but also fully acknowledge the absolute necessity of the great work of regeneration in the soul; without which “no one can enter into the kingdom of heaven.”—John 3:5; Titus 3:5-7
Article 9.—Through grace we believe that the Ordinance of Baptism, as instituted by Christ himself; is to be duly administered by the application of Water to persons who believe in Jesus, and their infant seed. As a sign or emblem not only of cleansing the elect from Sin by the blood of Christ; but likewise of the spiritual baptism or out-pouring of the Holy Ghost.—Ezekiel 36:25-28; Matthew 28:19,20; Acts 1:5; Acts 2:38,39
Article 10.—Through grace we believe that the Ordinance of the Lord’s Supper; is often to be received by the Children in commemoration of the Lord’s death. And, moreover, since no one can rightly or spiritually partake of this heavenly feast; but those persons who are renewed in the spirit of their minds. So are we resolved that no person shall be admitted to Church fellowship with us; but such as can give satisfactory evidence to our Pastor that they are subjects of the New birth.—1 Corinthians 11:23-29; 2 Corinthians 5:17
Article 11.—Through grace we hold it to be an inestimable privilege to be under the care of a Pastor, properly called, and duly qualified by the Holy Ghost; to go in and out before us, ministering the word as a good steward of the manifold grace of Ruach. And, moreover, we hereby pledge ourselves, the Lord being our helper; to uphold to our utmost such an “ambassador for Christ,” in our constant prayers, whether in public or private.—Ephesians 4:11,12; 6:13-20
Article 12.—Through grace, having been made deeply sensible of the vast importance of brotherly love and Christian affection; and being at the same time but too sensible of the workings and breakings out of sin from our vile bodies. We steadily purpose, by divine assistance, to consider it as our bounden privilege; both to give and receive from each other brotherly admonitions in the “spirit of meekness and love;” whenever the infirmities of our flesh shall render them necessary.—Hebrews 13:1; Romans 7:18; Hebrews 10:23-25
Article 13.—Through grace we, as a Christian Church; desire to make the Holy Scriptures our entire rule, both of faith and practice, in being “subject unto the higher powers which are of Jehovah.” So that by willingly and cheerfully submitting ourselves unto all that be in authority; whether it be to the “King as supreme, or unto governors or magistrates; as those sent by him for the punishment of evil doers, but for the praise of them who do well.” We may “so let our light shine before men, that others, seeing our good works; may also be led to glorify Jehovah Jesus in the day of visitation.”—Galatians 6:16; 1 Peter 2:13-18
Article 14.—Through grace we believe that it is “appointed unto all men once to die; but after this the judgment.” When all, both small and great, must stand before “the Judgment seat of Christ; to answer for the deeds done in the body, according to that they have done, whether good or bad.”—Hebrews 9:27,28; 2 Corinthians 5:10
Article 14.—Through grace it shall be our endeavour to be constant and regular in our attendances upon the several means of grace; coming together as members of one family as often as opportunity presents itself. With a desire that the name of Jesus may be glorified—our own souls benefitted—and the heart of our Pa9tor encouraged.—1 Corinthians 14:40
Article 16.—Through grace we deem it desirable that the temporal or secular concerns of this Church should, with a view of preventing confusion in our little body; be committed entirely to the management of one or more godly men, as circumstances may require. Which one or more faithful men, as approved by the Minister, are annually, on Easter-Tuesday; for the satisfaction of all parties, to render an account of their matters in this particular; before a general public meeting held for that purpose in the chapel.—Acts 6:1-3
Article 17.—Through grace we are resolved to support the cause of Christ, in this chapel, both by our prayers and pecuniary aid; paying regular our quarterly or other subscriptions into the Treasurer’s hands. “Owing no man any thing but brotherly love.’’—Romans 13:8
In further testimony that we thus “believe with the heart unto Righteousness we (as Members) hereunto subscribe our names to this our “confession unto salvation.”
(Signed) By the Church.
Times Of Public Worship
Every Sabbath Morning; (Jesu willing) at half-past ten. Evening; at half-past six.
Tuesday Evening; at half-past six.
Thursday Evening; at half-past six.
Order To Be Observed In Public Worship
“Let all things he done decently, and in order.”—1 Corinthians 14:40.
It is particularly requested, therefore, that the congregation will meet; or assemble together, before the Service commences—Hebrews 10:25; Matthew 18:20.
Will “stand up;” during time of Singing.—Nehemiah 9:5; Revelation 14:1-3.
Will“kneel,”or stand; during time of Prayer.—Luke 22:41; Psalm 95:6.
Will “sit”still; during time of Preaching.—Songs 2:3.
And moreover the People, according to the same rule; are not to separate themselves until the “Blessing” hath been pronounced.—1 Corinthians 11:23.
Preface To The Church’s Hymnbook
The high praises of Jehovah, when awakened in the renewed mind by the Holy One’s themselves; may truly, and with the greatest propriety, be called the noblest and most sublime act of spiritual worship.—Ephesians 5:19.
With an humble view, therefore; of improving this delightful part of our public services. The following selection of “Hymns and Spiritual Songs” have been carefully made; for those who worship Abba in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.” And moreover be it observed, that since the words “Lord” and “God;” do not give the sense intended to be conveyed by them. So, in this our small edition, have they been generally avoided; and the following original names (in English letters) substituted in their room.
“Jehovah,”—High and Holy One.
“Alehem,”—Holy Ones or Covenanters.
“Aleh,” or “Abba”—Divine Father, in Covenant.
“Jah,” or “Al”—Essential Son; Mediator.
“Ruach,”—Eternal Spirit or Holy Ghost.
May Ruach Jehovah help and enable each of the ransomed Children at all times; not only to “pray in the Spirit,” but also to “sing praises with the understanding. Unto Him who hath loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood: and hath made us Kings and Priests unto Abba and His Father. To whom be glory and dominion for ever and ever, Amen.”
George Henry Godden
Copus Christi Vestry-room;
Easter, A. D. 1835
George Godden (1795-1852) was an Independent sovereign grace preacher. For seventeen years he served as pastor for the church meeting at Corpus Christi Chapel, Stonehouse, Plymouth, Devon. He was a frequent contributor to the Gospel Magazine.
Further Study
