that there are some circumstances concerning the worship of God, and government of
the church, common to human actions and societies, which are to be ordered by the
light of nature, and Christian prudence, according to the general rules of the Word,
which are always to be observed.
7. All things in Scripture are not alike plain in themselves, nor alike clear unto all:
yet those things which are necessary to be known, believed, and observed for
salvation, are so clearly propounded, and opened in some place of Scripture or other,
that not only the learned, but the unlearned, in a due use of the ordinary means, may
attain unto a sufficient understanding of them.
8. The Old Testament in Hebrew (which was the native language of the people of
God of old), and the New Testament in Greek (which, at the time of the writing of it,
was most generally known to the nations), being immediately inspired by God, and,
by his singular care and providence, kept pure in all ages, are therefore authentical; so
as, in all controversies of religion, the church is finally to appeal unto them. But,
because these original tongues are not known to all the people of God, who have right
unto, and interest in the Scriptures, and are commanded, in the fear of God, to read
and search them, therefore they are to be translated into the vulgar language of every
nation unto which they come, that, the Word of God dwelling plentifully in all, they
may worship him in an acceptable manner; and, through patience and comfort of the
Scriptures, may have hope.
9. The infallible rule of interpretation of Scripture is the Scripture itself: and
therefore, when there is a question about the true and full sense of any Scripture
(which is not manifold, but one), it must be searched and known by other places that
speak more clearly.
10. The supreme judge by which all controversies of religion are to be determined,
and all decrees of councils, opinions of ancient writers, doctrines of men, and private
spirits, are to be examined, and in whose sentence we are to rest, can be no other but
the Holy Spirit speaking in the Scripture.
Chapter 2: Of God, and of the Holy Trinity
1. There is but one only, living, and true God, who is infinite in being and
perfection, a most pure spirit, invisible, without body, parts, or passions; immutable,
immense, eternal, incomprehensible, almighty, most wise, most holy, most free, most
absolute; working all things according to the counsel of his own immutable and most
righteous will, for his own glory; most loving, gracious, merciful, long-suffering,
abundant in goodness and truth, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin; the
rewarder of them that diligently seek him; and withal, most just, and terrible in his
judgments, hating all sin, and who will by no means clear the guilty.
2. God hath all life, glory, goodness, blessedness, in and of himself; and is alone
in and unto himself all-sufficient, not standing in need of any creatures which he hath
made, nor deriving any glory from them, but only manifesting his own glory in, by,
unto, and upon them. He is the alone fountain of all being, of whom, through whom,
and to whom are all things; and hath most sovereign dominion over them, to do by
them, for them, or upon them whatsoever himself pleaseth. In his sight all things are
open and manifest, his knowledge is infinite, infallible, and independent upon the
creature, so as nothing is to him contingent, or uncertain. He is most holy in all his
counsels, in all his works, and in all his commands. To him is due from angels and
men, and every other creature, whatsoever worship, service, or obedience he is
pleased to require of them.
3. In the unity of the Godhead there be three persons, of one substance, power,
and eternity: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost: the Father is of