Articles Of Faith And Practice In Use At Corpus Christi Chapel, Stonehouse, Devon.<\/b><\/p>\n
G. H. Godden, Minister<\/b><\/p>\n
1835<\/b><\/p>\n
Agreed upon by the Church of Christ assembling in Corpus Christi Chapel; Stonehouse, near Plymouth, in the County of Devon.<\/p>\n
Article 1.\u2014Through 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 \u201cFather, Son, and Holy Ghost.\u201d\u20141 John 5:7; Deuteronomy 6; Hebrews 11:6.<\/p>\n
Article 2.\u2014Through 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 \u201cset up\u201d from before all worlds, the Mediator; Which Mediator, being Jesus Christ, is Immanual\u2014or Jah and Man in one person; the alone \u201cimage of the invisible Jehovah, the first-born of every creature. Was before all things; and by whom all things consist.\u201d\u20141 Timothy 2:5; Proverbs 8:22-31; Colossians 1:16,17.<\/p>\n
Article 3.\u2014Through grace we believe that, when the Wisdom Mediator was thus \u201cset up\u201d in the eternal counsels; a covenant of grace between the Holy Three persons in Jehovah was entered into, established, and \u201cordered in all things and sure.\u201d 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.\u2014Psalm 89:3,4; Ecclesiastes 3:1<\/p>\n
Article 4.\u2014Through grace we believe that the Children of Abba were all \u201cone by one;\u201d elected and predestinated to eternal life \u201cin Christ Jesus before the foundation of the earth was laid.\u201d Each of whom Christ then married unto Himself, as members \u201cof his body, his flesh, and his bones;\u201d in an everlasting union never to be dissolved, \u201cwhereof the Holy Ghost is a witness unto us.\u201d\u2014Ephesians 1:3-6; Hosea 2:19,20; Hebrews 10:15<\/p>\n
Article 5.\u2014Through grace we believe in the free, full, and all-sufficient Sacrifice; which Christ, by his \u201cone offering of Himself,\u201d made on the Cross; for the Sins of the whole Church. Through which efficacious means the elected family, \u201cwhose names are written in heaven;\u201d are severally washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our Abba.\u201d\u2014Hebrews 10:14; 9:15; 1 Corinthians 6:11<\/p>\n
Article 6.\u2014Through grace we believe that, while on the one hand the elected Children were \u201cnot 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;\u201d were as vessels of wrath fitted for destruction, having no part or lot in the matter of Redemption.\u2014Proverbs 16:4; Romans 9:22; 1 John 3:10<\/p>\n
Article 7.\u2014Through 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 \u201ccannot of ourselves help ourselves\u201d out of this bondage of corruption, either by thought, word, or deed.\u2014Psalm 51:5; Romans 3:10-19; 2 Corinthians 3:5<\/p>\n
Article 8.\u2014Through grace, therefore, we not only heartily renounce that deadly heresy \u201cfree-will of the creature;\u201d but also fully acknowledge the absolute necessity of the great work of regeneration in the soul; without which \u201cno one can enter into the kingdom of heaven.\u201d\u2014John 3:5; Titus 3:5-7<\/p>\n
Article 9.\u2014Through 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.\u2014Ezekiel 36:25-28; Matthew 28:19,20; Acts 1:5; Acts 2:38,39<\/p>\n
Article 10.\u2014Through grace we believe that the Ordinance of the Lord\u2019s Supper; is often to be received by the Children in commemoration of the Lord\u2019s 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.\u20141 Corinthians 11:23-29; 2 Corinthians 5:17<\/p>\n
Article 11.\u2014Through 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 \u201cambassador for Christ,” in our constant prayers, whether in public or private.\u2014Ephesians 4:11,12; 6:13-20<\/p>\n
Article 12.\u2014Through 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 \u201cspirit of meekness and love;\u201d whenever the infirmities of our flesh shall render them necessary.\u2014Hebrews 13:1; Romans 7:18; Hebrews 10:23-25<\/p>\n
Article 13.\u2014Through grace we, as a Christian Church; desire to make the Holy Scriptures our entire rule, both of faith and practice, in being \u201csubject unto the higher powers which are of Jehovah.\u201d So that by willingly and cheerfully submitting ourselves unto all that be in authority; whether it be to the \u201cKing 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.\u201d We may \u201cso 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.\u201d\u2014Galatians 6:16; 1 Peter 2:13-18<\/p>\n
Article 14.\u2014Through grace we believe that it is \u201cappointed unto all men once to die; but after this the judgment.\u201d When all, both small and great, must stand before \u201cthe Judgment seat of Christ; to answer for the deeds done in the body, according to that they have done, whether good or bad.\u201d\u2014Hebrews 9:27,28; 2 Corinthians 5:10<\/p>\n
Article 14.\u2014Through 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\u2014our own souls benefitted\u2014and the heart of our Pa9tor encouraged.\u20141 Corinthians 14:40<\/p>\n
Article 16.\u2014Through 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.\u2014Acts 6:1-3<\/p>\n
Article 17.\u2014Through 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\u2019s hands. \u201cOwing no man any thing but brotherly love.\u2019\u2019\u2014Romans 13:8<\/p>\n
In further testimony that we thus \u201cbelieve with the heart unto Righteousness we (as Members) hereunto subscribe our names to this our \u201cconfession unto salvation.\u201d<\/p>\n
(Signed) By the Church.<\/p>\n
Times Of Public Worship<\/b><\/p>\n
Every Sabbath Morning; (Jesu willing) at half-past ten. Evening; at half-past six.<\/p>\n
Tuesday Evening; at half-past six.<\/p>\n
Thursday Evening; at half-past six.<\/p>\n
Order To Be Observed In Public Worship<\/b><\/p>\n
\u201cLet all things he done decently, and in order.\u201d\u20141 Corinthians 14:40.<\/p>\n
It is particularly requested, therefore, that the congregation will meet; or assemble together, before the Service commences\u2014Hebrews 10:25; Matthew 18:20.<\/p>\n
Will \u201cstand up;\u201d during time of Singing.\u2014Nehemiah 9:5; Revelation 14:1-3.<\/p>\n
Will\u201ckneel,\u201dor stand; during time of Prayer.\u2014Luke 22:41; Psalm 95:6.<\/p>\n
Will \u201csit\u201dstill; during time of Preaching.\u2014Songs 2:3.<\/p>\n
And moreover the People, according to the same rule; are not to separate themselves until the \u201cBlessing\u201d hath been pronounced.\u20141 Corinthians 11:23.<\/p>\n
Preface To The Church\u2019s Hymnbook\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n The high praises of Jehovah, when awakened in the renewed mind by the Holy One\u2019s themselves; may truly, and with the greatest propriety, be called the noblest and most sublime act of spiritual worship.\u2014Ephesians 5:19.<\/p>\n With an humble view, therefore; of improving this delightful part of our public services. The following selection of \u201cHymns and Spiritual Songs\u201d have been carefully made; for those who worship Abba in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.\u201d And moreover be it observed, that since the words \u201cLord\u201d and \u201cGod;\u201d 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.<\/p>\n \u201cJehovah,\u201d\u2014High and Holy One.<\/p>\n \u201cAlehem,\u201d\u2014Holy Ones or Covenanters.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cAleh,\u201d or \u201cAbba\u201d\u2014Divine Father, in Covenant.<\/p>\n \u201cJah,\u201d or \u201cAl\u201d\u2014Essential Son; Mediator.<\/p>\n \u201cRuach,\u201d\u2014Eternal Spirit or Holy Ghost.<\/p>\n May Ruach Jehovah help and enable each of the ransomed Children at all times; not only to \u201cpray in the Spirit,\u201d but also to \u201csing 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.\u201d<\/p>\n George Henry Godden<\/p>\n Copus Christi Vestry-room;<\/p>\n Easter, A. D. 1835<\/p>\n