THE Articles of Religion concluded in Convocation , and confirmed by Act of Parliament under Queen Elizabeth Anno 1562. but ratified or reestablished under King James by the same duple authority Anno 1604. which are here presented to satisfy or gratify al , lest men like Lynces should seem sharp sighted to look into the Confessions of other Reformed Churches abroad ; and Lamiae or blind Beetles at home , in being ignorant of our own Principles and Doctrins : the general Catalog of which follows in order .

1 Of Faith in the holy Trinity . 2 Of the Word which was made Man . 3 Of Christs descent into Hel. 4 Of his Resurrection . 5 Of the holy Ghost . 6 Of the Scriptures sufficience to salvation . 7 Of the old Testament . 8 Of the three Creeds . 9 Of original birth-sin . 10 Of free wil. 11 Of mans justification , 12 Of good works . 13 Of works before justification . 14 Of super trrogation . 15 Of Christ alone without sin . 16 Of sin after Baptism . 17 Of Predestination and Election . 18 Of obtaining salvation only by Christ . 19 Of the Church . 20 Of the Churches authority . 21 Of general Councils . 22 Of Purgatory . 23 Of ministring in the Congregation . 24 Of speaking ther in an unknown toung . 25 Of the Sacraments . 26 Of the Ministers unworthines , which hinders not their effects . 27 Of Baptism . 28 Of the Lords supper . 29 Of the wicked , who doo not eat Christs Body and Blood 30 Of both kinds . 31 Of Christs Oblation finished on the Cross . 32 , Of Priests marriage . 33 Of Excommunicat Persons , how they are to be shunned . 34 Of the Churches Traditions . 35 Of ●omilies . 36 Of Consecrating Bishops , &c. 37 Of the Civil Magistrat . 38 Of Christians goods which are not common . 39 Of a Christian mans Oath . The Particulars insu .

Article 1. THere is but one only tru living God , everlasting , without body , parts or passions , of infinit power , wisdom and goodness : maker and preserver of al things both visible and invisible : in unity of which Godhead ther be three Persons of one substance , power , and eternity ; the Father , Son , and holy-Ghost .

Article 2. The Son who is the Word of the Father begot of him from everlasting ( the very eternal God of one substance with the Father ) took mans Nature in the womb of the blessed virgin of hir substance , so that two whol perfect Natures ( the Godhead and Manhood ) were joined in one Person never to be severed , wherof one Christ consists perfect God and very Man : who suffered , was crucified , dead , and buried to reconcile his Father to us , and be a sacrifice not only for Original guilt , but also for al actual sins of men .

Article 3. As Christ died for us and was buried : so 't is to be beleeved , that he went down into Hel.

Article 4. Christ truly rose from death and took again his body , with flesh , bones , and al things pertaining to the perfection of Mans Nature : wherwith he ascended into Heaven , and ther sits til he shal return to judg al men at last day .

Article 5. The holy Ghost proceding from the Father and the Son , is one substance , majesty , and glory with the Father and Son ; very eternal God .

Article 6. Holy Scripture contains al things necessary for Salvation ; so that whatever is not read therin , nor may be proved therby ; is not required of any man to be beleeved as an Article of Faith , or be thought needful to salvation . By the name of holy Scripture we understand thos Canonical Books of the Old and New Testament , whos authority the Church never doubted of , and the other Books ( as saint Jerom saith ) the Church reads for exemple of life and instruction of maners , but doth not apply them to stablish any Doctrin . All the Books of the new Testament , as commonly received , we receiv and reput them Canonical . See their names and number in the holy Bible .

Article 7. The old Testament is not contrary to the New ; for in both everlasting life is offred to mankind by Christ , who is the only Mediator between God and Man , being both God and Man ; Therfore they are not to be heard , which fain that the old Fathers looked only for transitory promises , though the Law given of God by Moses touching Ceremonies or Rites doo not bind Christians , nor the civil precepts of necessity to be received in any Christian Commonwealth ; yet no Christian man whatever is free from obedience of the Commandements caled moral .

Article 8. The three Creeds ( Nicen , Athanasius , and that commonly caled the Apostles ) ought throughly to be received and beleeved : for thes may be proved by most certain warrants of Scripture .

Article 9. Original sin stands not in imitating Adam ( as the Pelagians vainly talk ) but is the fault and corruption of every mans Nature , that is ingendred of Adams ofspring : wherby man is far gon from original Righteousnes , and inclined to evil : so that the flesh lusteth against the spirit , and therfore in every person born into the world , it deservs Gods wrath and damnationthis infection of Nature remains , yea in the Regenerat , wherby the lust of the flesh ( caled in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ) which som expound the wisdom , som the sensuality , som the affection , som the desire of the flesh , is not subject to the Law of God , and though ther is no condemnation to them that beleev and are baptized , yet the Apostle confesseth , that Concupiscence hath of it self the nature of Sin .

Article 10. The condition of man after Adam's fal is such , as he cannot turn or prepare himself by his natural strength and good works to Faith , for we hav no power to doc good or pleas God , without his grace preventing us : that we may hav a good wil , and working when we hav that wil.

Article 11. We are accompted righteous before God , only for the merit of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ by Faith , not for our own works or deservings : which is a most wholsom doctrin very ful of comfort .

Article 12. Albeit works ( which are fruits of Faith , and follow justification ) cannot put away our sins and endure the severity of Gods judgement , yet are they pleasing and acceptable to God in Christ , and doo spring necessarily from a tru lifely Faith : insomuch that by them a lifely Faith may be so evidently known as a Tree discerned by the fruit .

Article 13. Works doon before the Grace of Christ and justification of his Spirit , are not pleasant to God , for as much as they spring not from Faith in Jesus Christ , nor doo they make men meet to receiv Grace , or ( as School-writers say ) deserv Grace of congruity : yea rather becaus they are not doon as God hath willed and commanded to be doon ; we doubt not but they hav the nature of sin .

Article 14. Voluntary works over and abov Gods Commandements ( caled works of supererogation ) cannot be taught without arrogance and impiety , for by them men declare they doo not only render to God so much as they are bound to doo for themselfs ; but doo more for his sake then of duty is required , which shal transcend to sav others : wheras Christ saith plainly , When yee hav doon al which is commanded , say we be unprofitable servants .

Article 15. Christ in truth of our Nature , is made like to us in al things except only sin ; from which he was cleerly void both in Life and Spirit , he is the Lamb without spot , who by sacrifice of himself once made , took away the sins of the World , and no sin ( as saint John saith ) was in him : but we although baptised and born again , yet offend in many things , and if we say we hav no sin , we deceiv our selfs , and no truth remains in us .

Article 16. Not every deadly sin willingly committed after Baptism , is sin against the holy Ghost , and unpardonable : wherfore the grant of Repentance may not be denied to such as fal into Sin after B●ptism . After we hav received the holy . Ghost , we may depart from Grace given and fal into sin , and by Gods grace we may rise again and ●mend our lifes : therfore they are to be condemned , which say they can sin no more so long as they liv here being once justified , or deny place of forgivnes to such as truly repent .

Article 17. Predestination to life is Gods everlasting purpos , wherby before the worlds foundation , he constantly decreed by his Counsil secret to us , to deliver from curs and damnation thos whom he hath chosen in Christ out of mankind ; and to bring them by Christ to everlasting Salvation , as vessels made to honor . Therfore they which are indu●d with so excellent a benefit , be caled according to Gods purpos by his Spirit working in du season : they through Grace obey the caling , are justified freely , made sons of God by Adoption , like the Image of his only begotten Son Jesus Christ , walk Religiously in good works , and at length by Gods mercy attain everlasting felicity . as the godly consideration of Predestination and Election in Christ , is ful of sweet , pleasant , unspeakable comfort to godly persons , and such as feel the working of Christs Spirit , mortifying the works of the flesh and their earthly members , and drawing up their minds to high Heavenly things : aswel becaus it doth greatly establish and confirm their faith of eternal Salvation to be enjoied by Christ , as bicaus it fervently kindles their lov toward God : so for curious carnal persons lacking his Spirit , to hav the Sentence of Gods Predestination continualy before their eys , is a most dangerous downfal , wherby the Devil thrusts them into desperation or rechlesnes of most unclean living , no less perilous then despair . Farthermore we must receiv Gods promises , as they be generaly set forth in holy Scripture , and that wil of God is to be folowed in our doings , which is expresly declared to us in his word .

Article 18. They are also to be had accursed , who presum that every man shal be saved by the Law or Sect which he professeth , so that he be devour and diligent to frame his life according to that Law and Light of Nature : for holy Scripture sets out unto us only the name of Jesus Christ , wherby we must be saved .

Article 19. Christs visible Church is a congregation of faithful men , in which Gods Word is purely preached , and Sacraments duly administred according to Christs Ordinance , in al things of necessity r●qu sit to the same : As the Church of J●●usalem , Alexandria , and Antioch hav erred , so hath that of Rome , not only in their living and matter of Ceremonies , but also in many matters of Faith .

Article 20. The Church hath power to decree Rites or Ceremonies , and authority in controversies of Faith : yet is it not lawful for the Church to ordain any thing contrary to Gods Word , nor may it so expound any place of Scripture , that it be repugnant to another ; wherfore tho the Church be a witnes and Keeper of holy writ : yet as it may not decree any thing against the same , so ought it not to enforce any thing besid it , as an Article to be beleeved for necessity of Salvation .

Article 21. General Councils may not be gathered without command and wil of Princes : when they are gathered ( being but an Assembly of men , and al not guided by the Spirit and Word of God ) they may er , and som times hav erred in matters pertaining to God . Wherfore things ordained by them as necessary to Salvation , hav neither strength nor authority , unles it may be declared that they are taken out of holy Scripture .

Article 22. The Romish Doctrins touching Purgatory , Pardons , Worshipping both Images and Reliques , and Invocation of Saints , is a fond thing vainly invented and grounded on no warranty of Scripture , but rather repugnant to Gods word ,

Article 23. It is not lawfull for any man to undertake the office of public Preaching , or ministring the Sacraments before he be lawfully caled and sent to execut the same : such we ought to judg lawfully caled and sent , which be chosen or caled to this work by men that hav public authority given them in the Congregation , to cal and send ministers or laborers into the Lord's Vineyard .

Article 24. 'T is flatly repugnant to Gods word and primitiv Churches practis , to hav public Praier or Sacraments ministred in a toung not understood of the People .

Article 25. Sacraments ordained by Christ , be not only ba●ges or tokens of Christian mens profession ; but rather sure witnesses and effectual signs of Grace and Gods good will toward us , by which he works invisibly in us : and not only quicken , but also strengthen and confirm our faith in him . There be two Sacraments ordained by Christ in the Gospel ; viz. Baptism and the Lords Supper : thos fiv commonly caled Sacraments ( Confirmation , Penance , Orders , Matrimony , extrem Unction ) are not properly Gospel Sacraments ; being such as hav grown up partly of corrupt interpreting the Apostles , and partly are states of life alowed in Scripture ; but hav not like nature of Sacraments with the o●het two : for they hav no visible sign or Element ordained by God . The Sacraments were not instituted by Christ to be gazed on or carried about ; but that we should duly use them , and in such only as receiv them worthily , they hav a wholsom effect or operation : but they that receiv the same unworthily , purchas to themselfs damnation , as saint Paul saith .

Article 26. Though in the visible Church the evil be ever mingled with the good , and somtime hav chief authority in ministration of the word and Sacraments : yet sith they doo not the same in their own name but in Christs , and minister by his Commission or authority , we may use their ministry , both in hearing Gods word and receiving the Sacraments ; nor is the effect of Christs Ordinances taken away by their wickednes , nor the grace of Gods gifts impaired from such as by Faith rightly receiv the Sacraments ministred to them : which are effectual by reason of Christs institution and promiss , tho they be ministred by evil men . Nevertheless it apperta●●s to the Churches Disciplin , that inquiry be made of evil Ministers , and that they be accused by thos which hav knowledg of their offences ; and finaly being found guilty , by just judgment be deposed .

Article 27. Baptism is not only a sign of Profession , and mark of distinction ; wherby Christians are dis●erned from others not Christned : but is also a sign of Regeneration or new birth , wherby as by an instrument , they that receiv Baptism rightly , are grafted into the Church : the promises of sins f●rgivnes , and our adoption to be sons of God by the holy Ghost , are visibly signed and sealed , Faith confirmed , and Grace increased by virtu of praier to God . The Baptism of young Infants in any wise is to be retained in the Church , as most consonant to Christs institution .

Article 28. The Lords Supper is not only a sign of Christians lov , which they ought to hav among themselfs , but rather a Sacrament of our Redemption by Christs death : so that to such as worthily receiv the same , the Bread which we break is partaking of Christs body , and the cup of Blessing is a partaking of his Blood . Transubstantiation or change of the substance of Bread and Wine , cannot be proved by holy Writ , but repugns the plain words of Scripture , overthrows the nature of a Sacrament , and givs occasion to sundry superstitions . Christs Body is given , taken , and eaten in the Supper only after a spiritual heavenly maner ; and the mean wherby 't is received and earen is Faith . This Sacrament by Christs Ordinance , was not reserved , carried about , lifted up , or worshipped .

Article 29. The wicked and such as be void of life by Faith , tho they doo carnaly and visibly press with their teeth ( as saint Austin saith ) the Sacrament of Christs Body and Blood : yet in no wise are partakers of Christ ; but rather doo eat and drink the Sign or Sacrament of so great a thing to their condemnation .

Article 30. The Cup of the Lord is not to be denied to lay people : for both parts of the Lords Sacrament ; by Christs Ordinance and commandement ought to be administred unto al Christian men .

Article 31. The Offering of Christ once made , is that right perfect Redemption , Propitiation , and Satisfaction for al sins of the whol world , both Original and Actual , and ther is no other satisfaction but that alone . Wherfore the Sacrifices of Masses , in which it was commonly said the Priests did offer Christ for quick and dead , to hav remission of pain and guilt ; are blasphemous fables and dangerous deceipts .

Article 32. Bishops , Priests , and Deacons are not commanded by Gods Law either to vow the estate of single life , or to abstain from mariage : but 't is also lawful for them , as for al other Christian men , to marry at their own discretion ; as they shal judg it to serv better to godlines .

Article 33. That person which by open denunciation of the Church , is rightly cut off from the unity therof and excommunicat , ought to be taken by the multitud of the whol Faithful as an Heathen or Publican , til he be openly reconciled by penance , and received into the Church by a Judg that hath authority therto .

Article 34. It is not necessary that Traditions and Ceremonies be one or utterly like in al places : for they hav bin divers and changed at al times , according to diversity of Countries , Times , and mens maners ; so that nothing be ordained against Gods word . Who ever doth willingly or purposly on his privat judgment openly break the Churches Traditions and Ceremonies , which be not repugnant to holy Writ ; but be ordained and approved by common authority ; ought to be rebuked openly , that others may fear to doo the like , as one that offendeth against the public Order of the Church , and woundeth the consciences of weak Brethren . Every particular or Nationall Church hath authority to ordain , change , and abolish Ceremonies or Rites of the Church ordained only by mans authority , so that al be done to edefying .

Article 35. The secund book of Homilies ( whos several titles are joyned to this Article ) contain Godly wholsom doctrins , and necessary for thes times ; as the former book doth , set forth under Edward 6 : therfore we judg them to be read in Churches by al Ministers diligently and distinctly , that the People may understand them . Their names are thes: 1 Of the right use of the Church . 2 Against peril of Idolatry . 3 Of repairing and keeping clean Churches . 4 Of good Works : first of Fasting . 5 Against Gluttony and Drunkennes . 6 Against excess in Apparel . 7 Of Prayer . 8 Of the place and time of Prayer . 9 That Common Prayer and Sacraments ought to be in a known toung . 10 Of the reverend estimation of Gods Word . 11 Of Alms doing . 12 Of Christs Nativity . 13 Of Christs Passion . 14 Of Christs Resurrection . 15 Of the worthy receiving the Sacrament of Christs Body and Blood . 16 Of the Gifts of the holy Ghost . 17 For the Rogation days . 18 Of the state of Matrimony . 19 Of Repentance . 20 Against ●●lenes . 21 Against Rebellion .

Article 36. The Book of consecrating Archbishops and Bishops , and ordering of Priests and Deacons set forth under Edward 6 , and then confirmed by Parliament , contains al things necessary to such consecrating and ordering ; nor hath it ought that of it self is supersticious or ungodly . Therfore whoever are consecrated or ordered according to the Rites of that Book , since the secund yeer of that King to this time , or hereafter shal be consecrated or ordered according to the same ; We decree all such to be rightly , orderly , and lawfully consecrated and ordered .

Article 37. The Kings Majesty hath chief Power in this Realm of England , and his other Dominions ; to whom the chief Government of all estates ( whether Ecclesiastic or Civil ) in al Causes doth appertain , nor ought to be subject unto any forren Jurisdiction . Whereas we attribute chief Government to the Kings Majestie ( wherby we understand the minds of som slanderous folks to be offended ) we giv not to our Prince the ministring of Gods word or Sacraments ; which thing the Injunctions also somtime set forth by our late Queen Elizabeth , doe plainly testify . But that only Prerogativ , which was ever given to al Godly Princes in holy Scripture by God himself ; which is , That they shal rule al Estates and Degrees committed to their charge ( whether Ecclesiastic or Temporal ) and restrain with the Civil Sword al stu●born and evil doers . The Bishop of Rome hath no Jurisdiction in this Realm of England . The Laws of the Land may punish Christian men with death for hainous grievous offences . It is lawful for Christians , at commandment of the Magistrat , to wear Weapons and serv in Wars .

Article 38. The Goods of Christians are not common touching the right , title , and possession of the same , as Anabaptists falsly boast : yet every man ought of such things as he hath , liberaly to give Alms to the Poor according to his ability .

Article 39. As we confess vain and rash swearing to be forbid in Christian men , by our Lord Jesus Christ , and James his Apostle : so we judg that Christian Religion doth not prohibit , but a man may swear when a Magistrat requires it in a caus of Faith and Charity ; so that it be done as the Prophets teach , according to Justice , Judgment , and Truth , for the composing of strife .

Article 1. GOd from eternity predestinated som men to life , and reprobated the rest to death or damnation .

Article 2. The moving or efficient caus of Predestination to life , is not any foresight of Faith , Perseverance , good Works , or any thing in the persons praedestinated , but only in the Wil of Gods good pleasure .

Article 3. Of the Predestinat ther is a prefined certain number , which can neither be increased nor diminished .

Article 4. They that are not predestinat to salvation , shal necessarily be condemned for their sins .

Article 5. Tru livly justifying Faith , and sanctifying Spirit of God , is not extinguished , doth not fall off , nor vanish in the Elect , either finaly , or totally .

Article 6. A man truly beleeving or indued with justifying Faith , is certain , by or with ful perswasion of Faith , of his sins forgivenes and everlasting salvation by Christ .

Article 7. Saving Grace is not given , nor communicated , nor granted to al men , whereby they may be saved if they will .

Article 8. No man can come to Christ unles it be given to him , and unless the Father draw him ; nor are al men drawn of the Father , that they come to the Son .