faith, regeneration, and the renewing of the Holy Ghost, are made
one with God, and are written in heaven, must, upon such scriptural
confession of faith, and renewing of life, be baptized with water, in
the most worthy name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Ghost, according to the command of Christ, and the teaching, example,
and practice of the apostles, to the burying of their sins, and thus be
incorporated into the communion of the saints; henceforth to learn to
observe all things which the Son of God has taught, left, and commanded
his disciples. Acts 2:38; Matt. 28:19,20; Rom. 6:4; Mark 16:16; Matt.
3:15; Acts 8:16; 9:18; 10:47; 16:33; Col. 2:11,12.
VIII. OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST.
We believe in, and confess a visible church of God, namely, those who,
as has been said before, truly repent and believe, and are rightly
baptized; who are one with God in heaven, and rightly incorporated
into the communion of the saints here on earth. These we confess to be
the chosen generation, the royal priesthood, the holy nation, who are
declared to be the bride and wife of Christ, yea, children and heirs
of everlasting life, a tent, tabernacle and habitation of God in the
Spirit, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, of
which Jesus Christ himself is declared to be the corner stone (upon
which his church is built). This church of the living God, which he
has acquired, purchased, and redeemed with his own precious blood;
with which, according to his promise, he will be and remain always,
even unto the end of the world, for consolation and protection, yea,
will dwell and walk among them, and preserve them, so that no floods
or tempests, nay, not even the gates of hell, shall move or prevail
against them--this church we say, may be known by her scriptural faith,
doctrine, love, and godly conversation, as, also, by the fruitful
observance, practice, and maintenance of the true ordinances of Christ,
which he so highly enjoined upon his disciples. 1 Cor. 12; 1 Pet. 2:9;
John 3:29; Rev. 19:7; Tit. 3:6,7; Eph. 2:19–21; Matt. 16:18; 1 Pet.
1:18,19; Matt. 28:20; 2 Cor. 6:16; Matt. 7:25.
IX. OF THE ELECTION, AND OFFICES OF TEACHERS, DEACONS, AND DEACONESSES,
IN THE CHURCH.
Concerning the offices and elections in the church, we believe and
confess, that, since without offices and ordinances the church cannot
subsist in her growth, nor continue in building, therefore the Lord
Jesus Christ himself, as a husbandman in his house, has instituted,
ordained, enjoined and commanded his offices and ordinances, how
every one is to walk therein, and give heed to and perform his work
and calling, as is meet, even as he himself, as the faithful, great,
chief Shepherd and Bishop of our souls, was sent, and came into the
world, not to bruise, break, or destroy the souls of men, but to heal
and restore them, to seek the lost, to break down the middle wall of
partition, to make of twain one, and thus to gather of Jews, gentiles,
and all nations, one flock, for a church in his name, for which--that
no one should err or be lost--he himself laid down his life, thus
ministering to their salvation, and liberating and redeeming them,
(mark) wherein no one else could help or assist them. Eph. 4:10–12; 1
Pet. 2:25; Matt. 12:19; 18:11; Eph. 2:14; Gal. 3:28; John 10:9,11,15;
Ps. 49:8.
And that he, moreover, before his departure, left his church supplied
with faithful ministers, apostles, evangelists, pastors and teachers,
whom he before, through the Holy Ghost, had chosen with prayer and
supplication; that they might govern the church, feed his flock, and
watch over, protect, and provide for it, yea, do in all things, as he
had gone before them, had taught, by example shown, and charged them,
to teach to observe all things whatsoever he had commanded them. Luke
10:1; 6:12,13; John 2:15.
That the apostles, likewise, as faithful followers of Christ, and
leaders of the church, were diligent in this respect, with prayer and
supplication to God, through the election of brethren, to provide
every city, place, or church, with bishops, pastors and leaders, and
to ordain such persons thereto, who would take heed unto themselves,
and unto the doctrine and flock, who were sound in faith, pious in life
and conversation, and of good report without as well as in the church;
that they might be an example, light, and pattern in all godliness and
good works, worthily administering the Lord’s ordinances--baptism and
supper;--and that they might everywhere (where such could be found)
appoint faithful men who would be able to teach others also, as
elders, ordaining them by the laying on of hands in the name of the
Lord, and provide for all the wants of the church according to their
ability; so that, as faithful servants, they might husband well their
Lord’s talent, get gain with it, and, consequently, save themselves and
those who hear them. 1 Tim. 3:1; Acts 23:24; Tit. 1:5; 1 Tim. 4:16;
Tit. 2:1,2; 1 Tim. 3:7; 2 Tim. 2:2; 1 Tim. 4:14; 5:2; Luke 19:13.
That they should also see diligently to it, particularly each among his
own over whom he has the oversight, that all places be well provided
with deacons (to look after and care for the poor), who may receive the
contributions and alms, in order to dispense them faithfully and with
all propriety to the poor and needy saints. Acts 6:3–6.
And that also honorable aged widows should be chosen and ordained
deaconesses, that they with the deacons may visit, comfort, and care
for, the poor, feeble, sick, sorrowing and needy, as also the widows
and orphans, and assist in attending to other wants and necessities of
the church to the best of their ability. 1 Tim. 5:9; Rom. 16:1; James
1:27.
Furthermore, concerning deacons, that they, especially when they are
fit, and chosen and ordained thereto by the church, for the assistance
and relief of the elders, may exhort the church (since they, as has
been said, are chosen thereto), and labor also in the word and in
teaching; that each may minister unto the other with the gift he
has received of the Lord, so that through mutual service and the
assistance of every member, each in his measure, the body of Christ
may be improved, and the vine and church of the Lord continue to grow,
increase, and be built up, according as it is proper.
X. OF THE HOLY SUPPER.
We also confess and observe the breaking of bread, or Supper, as the
Lord Christ Jesus before his suffering instituted it with bread and
wine, and observed and eat it with his apostles, commanding them
to observe it in remembrance of him; which they accordingly taught
and practiced in the church, and commanded that it should be kept
in remembrance of the suffering and death of the Lord; and that his
precious body was broken, and his blood shed, for us and all mankind,
as also the fruits hereof, namely, redemption and eternal salvation,
which he purchased thereby, showing such great love towards us sinful
men; whereby we are admonished to the utmost, to love and forgive one
another and our neighbor, as he has done unto us, and to be mindful to
maintain and live up to the unity and fellowship which we have with God
and one another, which is signified to us by this breaking of bread.
Matt. 26:26; Mark 14:22; Acts 2:42; 1 Cor. 10:16; 11:23.
XI. OF THE WASHING OF THE SAINTS’ FEET.[46]
We also confess a washing of the saints’ feet, as the Lord Christ not
only instituted, enjoined and commanded it, but himself, although he
was their Lord and Master, washed his apostles’ feet, thereby giving
an example that they should likewise wash one another’s feet, and
do as he had done unto them; which they accordingly, from this time
on, taught believers to observe, as a sign of true humility, and,
especially, to remember by this feet-washing the true washing, whereby
we are washed through his precious blood, and made pure after the soul.
John 13:4–17; 1 Tim. 5:10.
[46] The forefathers before the time of the law had the custom of
washing the feet of those who came to them friendly and peaceably.
Gen. 18:4; 19:2; 24:32; 43:24.
XII. OF THE STATE OF MATRIMONY.
We confess that there is in the church of God an honorable state of
matrimony, of two free, believing persons, in accordance with the
manner after which God originally ordained the same in paradise, and
instituted it himself with Adam and Eve, and that the Lord Christ did
away and set aside all the abuses of marriage which had meanwhile crept
in, and referred all to the original order, and thus left it. Gen.
1:27; Mark 10:4.
In this manner the apostle Paul also taught and permitted matrimony in
the church, and left it free for every one to be married, according
to the original order, in the Lord, to whomsoever one may get to
consent. By these words, _in the Lord_, there is to be understood, we
think, that even as the patriarchs had to marry among their kindred
or generation, so the believers of the New Testament have likewise no
other liberty than to marry among the chosen generation and spiritual
kindred of Christ, namely such, and no others, who have previously
become united with the church as one heart and soul, have received one
baptism, and stand in one communion, faith, doctrine and practice,
before they may unite with one another by marriage. Such are then
joined by God in his church according to the original order; and this
is called, marrying in the Lord. 2 Cor. 7:2; 1 Cor. 9:5; Gen. 24:4;
28:2; 1 Cor. 7:39.
XIII. OF THE OFFICE OF THE SECULAR AUTHORITY.
We believe and confess that God has ordained power and authority, and
set them to punish the evil, and protect the good, to govern the world,
and maintain countries and cities, with their subjects, in good order
and regulation; and that we, therefore, may not despise, revile or
resist the same, but must acknowledge and honor them as the ministers
of God, and be subject and obedient unto them, yea, ready for all good
works, especially in that which is not contrary to the law, will, and
commandment of God; also faithfully pay custom, tribute and taxes, and
to render unto them their dues, even also as the Son of God taught and
practiced, and commanded his disciples to do; that we, moreover, must
constantly and earnestly pray to the Lord for them and their welfare,
and for the prosperity of the country, that we may dwell under its
protection, earn our livelihood, and lead a quiet, peaceable life,
with all godliness and honesty; and, furthermore, that the Lord would
recompense unto them, here, and afterwards in eternity, all benefits,
liberty and favor which we enjoy here under their praiseworthy
administration. Rom. 13:1–7; Tit. 3:1; 1 Pet. 2:17; Matt. 22:21; 17:27;
1 Tim. 2:1.
XIV. OF REVENGE.
As regards revenge, that is, to oppose an enemy with the sword, we
believe and confess that the Lord Christ has forbidden and set aside to
his disciples and followers all revenge and retaliation, and commanded
them to render to no one evil for evil, or cursing for cursing, but to
put the sword into the sheath, or, as the prophets have predicted, to
beat the swords into ploughshares. Matt. 5:39,44; Rom. 12:14; 1 Pet.
3:9; Is. 2:14; Micah 4:3; Zech. 9:8,9.
From this we understand that therefore, and according to his example,
we must not inflict pain, harm or sorrow upon any one, but seek the
highest welfare and salvation of all men, and even, if necessity
require it, flee for the Lord’s sake from one city or country into
another, and suffer the spoiling of our goods; that we must not harm
any one, and, when we are smitten, rather turn the other cheek also,
than take revenge or retaliate. Matt. 5:39.
And, moreover, that we must pray for our enemies, feed and refresh
them whenever they are hungry or thirsty, and thus convince them by
well-doing, and overcome all ignorance. Rom. 12:19,20.
Finally, that we must do good and commend ourselves to every man’s
conscience; and, according to the law of Christ, do unto no one that
which we would not have done to us. 2 Cor. 4:2; Matt. 7:12.
XV. OF THE SWEARING OF OATHS.
Concerning the Swearing of Oaths we believe and confess, that the Lord
Christ has set aside and forbidden, the same to his disciples, that
they should not swear at all, but that yea should be yea, and nay, nay;
from which we understand that all oaths, high and low, are forbidden,
and that instead of them we are to confirm all our promises and
obligations, yea, all our declarations and testimonies of any matter,
only with our word yea, in that which is yea, and with nay, in that
which is nay; yet, that we must always, in all matters, and with every
one, adhere to, keep, follow, and fulfill the same, as though we had
confirmed it with a solemn oath. And if we do this, we trust that no
one, not even the Magistracy itself, will have just reason, to lay a
greater burden on our mind and conscience. Matt. 5:34,35; James 5:12; 2
Cor. 1:17.
XVI. OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL BAN, OR SEPARATION FROM THE CHURCH.
We also believe in, and confess, a ban, Separation, and Christian
correction in the church, for amendment, and not for destruction, in
order to distinguish that which is pure from the impure: namely, when
any one, after he is enlightened, has accepted the knowledge of the
truth, and been incorporated into the communion of the saints, sins
again unto death, either through willfulness, or through presumption
against God, or through some other cause, and falls into the unfruitful
works of darkness, thereby becoming separated from God, and forfeiting
the kingdom of God, that such a one, after the deed is manifest and
sufficiently known to the church, may not remain in the congregation
of the righteous, but, as an offensive member and open sinner, shall
and must be separated, put away, reproved before all, and purged out
as leaven; and this for his amendment, as an example, that others may
fear, and to keep the church pure, by cleansing her from such spots,
lest, in default of this, the name of the Lord be blasphemed, the
church dishonored, and offense given to them that are without; and
finally, that the sinner may not be condemned with the world, but
become convinced in his mind, and be moved to sorrow, repentance and
reformation. Jer. 59:2; 1 Cor. 5:5,13; 1 Tim. 5:20; 1 Cor. 5:6; 2 Cor.
10:8; 13:10.
Further, concerning brotherly reproof or admonition, as also the
instruction of the erring, it is necessary to exercise all diligence
and care, to watch over them and to admonish them with all meekness,
that they may be bettered, and to reprove, according as is proper, the
stubborn who remain obdurate; in short, the church must put away from
her the wicked (either in doctrine or life), and no other. James 5:19;
Tit. 3:10; 1 Cor. 5:13.
XVII. OF SHUNNING THE SEPARATED.
Concerning the withdrawing from, or shunning the separated, we believe
and confess, that if any one, either through his wicked life or
perverted doctrine, has so far fallen that he is separated from God,
and, consequently, also separated and punished by the church, the
same must, according to the doctrine of Christ and his apostles, be
shunned, without distinction, by all the fellow members of the church,
especially those to whom it is known, in eating, drinking, and other
similar intercourse, and no company be had with him; that they may not
become contaminated by intercourse with him, nor made partakers of his
sins; but that the sinner may be made ashamed, pricked in his heart,
and convicted in his conscience, unto his reformation. 1 Cor. 5:9–11; 2
Thess. 3:14.
Yet, in shunning as well as in reproving, such moderation and Christian
discretion must be used, that it may conduce, not to the destruction,
but to the reformation of the sinner. For, if he is needy, hungry,
thirsty, naked, sick, or in any other distress, we are in duty bound,
necessity requiring it, according to love and the doctrine of Christ
and his apostles, to render him aid and assistance; otherwise, shunning
would in this case tend more to destruction than to reformation.
Therefore, we must not count them as enemies, but admonish them as
brethren, that thereby they may be brought to a knowledge of and
to repentance and sorrow for their sins, so that they may become
reconciled to God, and, consequently be received again into the church;
and that love may continue with them, according as is proper. 2 Thess.
3:15.
XVIII. OF THE RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD, AND THE LAST JUDGMENT.
Finally, concerning the resurrection of the dead, we confess with
the mouth, and believe with the heart, according to Scripture, that
in the last day all men who shall then have died, and fallen asleep,
shall be awaked and quickened, and shall rise again, through the
incomprehensible power of God; and that they, together with those who
then will still be alive, and who shall be changed in the twinkling
of an eye, at the sound of the last trump, 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 that he
hath done, whether it be good or evil; and that the good or pious, as
the blessed, shall be taken up with Christ, and shall enter into life
eternal, and obtain that joy, which eye hath not seen, nor ear heard,
neither hath entered into the heart of man, to reign and triumph with
Christ forever and ever. Matt. 22:30,31; Dan. 12:12; Job 19:26,27;
Matt. 25:31; John 5:28; 2 Cor. 5:10; 1 Cor. 15; Rev. 20:12; 1 Thess.
4:15; 1 Cor. 2:9.
And that, on the other hand, the wicked or impious, as accursed, shall
be cast into outer darkness, yea, into the everlasting pains of hell,
where their worm shall not die, nor their fire be quenched, and where
they, according to holy Scripture, can nevermore expect any hope,
comfort or redemption. Mark 9:44; Rev. 14:11.
May the Lord, through his grace, make us all worthy and meet, that this
may befall none of us; but that we may thus take heed unto ourselves,
and use all diligence, that on that day we may be found before him
unspotted and blameless in peace. Amen.
These, then, as has been briefly stated before, are the principal
articles of our general Christian faith, as we teach and practice the
same throughout in our churches and among our people; which, in our
judgment, is the only true Christian faith, which the apostles in their
time believed and taught, yea, testified with their life, confirmed
with their death, and, some of them, also sealed with their blood;
wherein we in our weakness with them and all the pious, would fain
abide, live, and die, that we may afterwards obtain salvation with them
through the grace of the Lord.
_Thus done and finished in our united churches, in the city of
Dortrecht, the 21st of April, 1632, new style._
And was signed by the mutually united:
DORTRECHT. _Isaac de Koning, and in the name of our minister._ _Jan
Jacobs._ (_On the other side._) _By me Hans Cobrijsz._ _By me Jacuis
Terwen._ _Claes Dircksg._ _Mels Gijsbertsz._ _Adriaen Cornelissz._
MIDDELBURG. _Bastiaen Willemsen._ _Jan Winkelmans._
VLISSINGEN. _Oillaert Willeborts,_ _by Jacob Pennen._ _Lieven
Marijnesz._
AMSTERDAM. _Tobias Govertsz._ _Pieter Jansz Moyer._ _Abraham Dircksz._
(_On the other side._) _David ter Haer._ _Pieter Jansz van Singel._
HAERLEM. _Jan Doom._ _Piter Grijspert._ (_On the other side._) _Dirck
Wonteresz Kolenkamp._ _Pieter Joosten._
BOMMEL. _Willem Jansz van Exselt._ _Gijsbert Spiering._
ROTTERDAM. _Balten Centen Schoenmaker._ _M. Michielsz._ (_On the other
side._) _Israel van Halmael._ _Hendrick Dircksz Apeldoren._ _Andries
Lucken Jr._
FROM THE UPPER PART OF THE COUNTRY. _Peter van Borsel._ _Antony Hansz._
KREVELT DO. _Harmen op den Graff._ _Weylm Kreynen._
ZEELAND. _Cornelis de Moir._ _Isaac Claessz._
SCHIEDAM. _Cornelis Bom._ _Lambrecht Paeldink._
LEYDEN. _Mr. C. de Korink._ _Jan Weyns._
BLOCKZIEL. _Claes Claessen._ _Pieter Peters._
ZIERICZEE. _Anthonis Cornelissz._ _Pieter Jansz Timmerman._
UTRECHT. _Herman Segers._ _Jan Hendricksen Hooghvelt._ _David Horens._
(_On the other side._) _Abraham Spronk._ _Williem van Brœkhuysen._
GORCUM. _Jacob van der Heyde Sebrechts._ _Jan Jansz V. K._
AERNHEM. _Cornelis Jansz._ _Dirck Reuderson._
Besides that the last mentioned confession was received by so many
churches, and signed by their leaders, as has been shown, also all
the churches in Alsace and in the Palatinate, in Germany, afterwards
unanimously adopted and signed it; wherefore it was undertaken to
translate the same for their benefit and that of others, into French
and into German. This is given as a remembrance. Here is the patience
and faith of the saints. Rev. 13:10.
OF THE UNGODLY AND FALSE CHURCH, WHICH IS THE OPPOSITE OF THE CHURCH OF
GOD, AND THE ORIGIN, PROGRESS AND SUCCESSION OF THE SAME THROUGH ALL
TIMES.
Where God builds a temple, says the old proverb, there the devil builds
another in opposition. This has been apparent ever since the beginning
of the world. For at the same time that Abel became a _martyr_ of God,
and, therefore, a good leader of the children of God, Cain made himself
a _murderer_, and became a leader of the children of Satan, who belong
to the ungodly and false church, as members of one body. Gen. 4:8.
He was followed by Lamech, one of Cain’s descendants, who slew a young
man, and afterwards spoke of it to his wives Addah and Zillah, in a
boasting and presumptuous manner. Gen. 4:23.
The people of the first world universally, with the exception of eight,
followed in the footsteps of Lamech in wickedness; they exercised
tyranny, violence, and oppression, and would not be governed by the
Spirit of God. Gen. 6:3,4.
The Sodomites followed in the same course, vexing with their unbecoming
walk the righteous soul of Lot from day to day. Gen. 19; 2 Pet. 2:8.
These were succeeded by the Egyptians, who imposed grievous and
insupportable burdens upon the people of God, and finally sought their
lives, yea pursued them even into the sea. Compare Ex. 1:11 with Ex.
14:9,10,23.
After these were the seven nations, or inhabitants, of the land of
Palestine, who were greater and mightier than the children of Israel,
but were banished by God on account of their wickedness; namely the
Canaanites, Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites,
Jebusites, etc. Deut. 7:1,2.
After these manifested themselves the Amorites, Moabites, Midianites,
Philistines, and many others, who disturbed, oppressed, and harassed
in manifold ways the people of God, which was dwelling in quiet. See
throughout in the book of the Judges, the books of Samuel, the Kings,
and Chronicles.
The Chaldeans, Assyrians, and the inhabitants of the land of Babylon,
followed those already mentioned; they carried the church of God away
into foreign lands, burned the house of God, and laid waste the city
of Jerusalem, which God had chosen above all the cities of the whole
earth. 2 Kings 1–17; Jer. 52:1–20; Lam. 1:1–5.
The mighty cities, Tyre and Sidon, in Phenicia, and afterwards,
Chorazin, Bethsaida, Capernaum, which defied the world itself with
their greatness, and cast the threatenings of God to the wind, lifted
up their heads after the last mentioned, but to their own destruction.
Compare Is. 23:4,5; Ezek. 27 and 28 throughout, with Matt. 11:20–23.
All these who have been mentioned, from Cain on, succeeded one another
in regular order, and may be considered as members of the church of
Satan; since they have neither in generation, nor in faith, nor in
worship, nor in manner of life, agreed with the church of God, but
opposed it in every respect.
After the coming of Christ, many who had adopted the Christian religion
and worship, apostatized, denying the faith, and thus becoming
fellow-members in the last mentioned, ungodly, and wicked congregation;
as, for instance: Simon Magnus, who by confession of faith, and baptism
had joined himself to the visible church of God, but fell from it,
desiring to purchase the gift of the Holy Ghost with money, which,
according to the apostle Peter, tended to his destruction, although he
afterwards, as it appears, was again converted. Acts 8:13,18–22.
Hymeneus and Alexander, who concerning faith made shipwreck, and were
full of blasphemies, wherefore they were put away from the church by
Paul, and delivered unto Satan. 1 Tim. 1:19,20.
Phygellus and Hermogenes, who with the greater number of those in Asia,
were turned away from Paul, and, consequently, also from the doctrine
of the Gospel which they had received. 2 Tim. 1:15.
Hymeneus (the second) and Philetus, who, having erred concerning the
truth, pretended that the resurrection of the dead was past already;
whereby they overthrew the faith of some. 2 Tim. 2:17,18.
Demas, who forsook Paul, having loved the world. 2 Tim. 4:10.