of

and one with, the divine Father and the divine Son. I believe that God created the world, and that he now upholds it with the word of his power. I believe that God has foreordained whatsoever comes to pass, yet that all intelligent beings are free in their actions. I believe that before the foundation of the world the divine plan of man's salvation was settled; the council of peace issued in a covenant grace; God chose a portion of mankind to everlasting life, though he foresaw the apostacy of the whole race, and determined in council, by covenant, to save that portion through the mediation of his dear Son. I believe that Adam, our first father, was created in the image of God; that he was the representative, as well as the root, of all mankind; that he, in honour and happiness, continued not, but fell, involving himself and all his posterity in guilt, exposing himself and all his posterity to misery. I believe that, in consequence of the fall, the whole human race, proceeding from Adam, in a way of ordinary generation, is in a state of wicked, yet pitiable depravity, exposed to everlasting punishment, not able to redeem themselves; nor can any man redeem his brother.' I believe that Jesus, the Son of God, full of divine compassion, in the fulness of time became incarnate, appeared in our world as a man; obeyed the precepts, suffered the penalty, of the divine law, to deliver all those who were given him by his Father from the wrath to come, and to obtain for them an abundant entrance into

final happiness, and that these glorious ends are accomplished by his becoming their surety; by his mediatorial righteousness being imputed to them. I believe that he died on a cross; that, on the third day, he rose again from the dead; that, a few weeks after his resurrection, he ascended up to heaven; that supreme and universal authority was committed to him, and is constantly exercised by him; that he ever lives to intercede, also, in behalf of those for whom he bled and died. I believe in the necessity, reality, and efficacy, of the influences of the Holy Spirit; that the elect and redeemed are, by those influences, enabled to exercise repentance towards God, and faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ; that they are effectually called and adopted into the family of God. I believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, while on earth, as head of the church, instituted two positive ordinances, to be regularly and constantly administered in his church,—these are, baptism and the Lord's supper. I believe that baptism is immersion in water, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; beautifully figurative of the death and resurrection of Christ, and of the christian's death unto sin and life unto righteousness, to be administered to all who desire it, on a credible profession of repentance and faith. I believe that baptized believers only are warranted, by scripture, to partake of the Lord's supper, which is, to eat bread and drink wine, in a decent and devotional manner, as a memorial of the everlasting

love of the dying Redeemer. I believe that true christians ought to form themselves into distinct societies or churches, that their own spiritual improvement may be promoted, and that others may be brought to the knowledge of the truth; that so the interest of Christ, in every place, where kind Providence opens a door, may be well established and continually enlarged. I believe that every true christian ought to unite with a church of Christ, constituted agreeable to his own views of scripture rules, in that case made and provided, if it please the God of providence to give him opportunity. I believe that a gospel church is a voluntary society of christians, statedly meeting in any convenient place of worship, to maintain the doctrines of the gospel, to celebrate its ordinances, and to exercise its discipline. I believe that every gospel church is strictly and properly independent-that is, hath a right to enjoy its own sentiments, to elect its own officers, to admit its own members, and exclude them if it appears necessary; and, in short, to conduct its own worship and discipline, in every part, without suffering any man, or any society of men on earth, to interrupt or control, or in the least to interfere. I believe that civil government is an ordinance of God for good, and that civil magistrates are to be obeyed, for conscience' sake, in civil matters; but I believe that nonconformity is my duty, my happiness, my glory; for Christ is the sole Head of the church. I believe, sir, that I ought to

render unto Cæsar the things that are Cæsar's, and unto God, the things that are God's. Further; I believe that the gospel is to be preached, and that the ordinances of the gospel are to be administered, till the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. I believe that the work of grace begun in the heart of God's elect' by regeneration, is carried on, in sanctification, till it is complete in the heavenly glory; therefore, I believe that they will undoubtedly persevere in truth and holiness, in faith and good works, to the end of their lives. I believe that man consists of two parts,-matter and spirit, or body and soul; that death separates the soul from the body; that, on the resurrection morn, they will be united again. I believe that Jesus Christ will, hereafter, appear in glorious majesty; the Judge of the world; that all nations will be gathered before him, and every eye shall see him; that his lips will decide their fate; that the sentence will be according to their works; at the close of that awful scene, the wicked will go away, righteously condemned, into never-ending punishment; but the righteous, righteously justified, into never-ending life and joy!

These, sir, are brief hints of the leading articles of my faith, which I humbly conceive to be scriptural : you do not expect me to prove them so. What I believe to be true for myself, sir, I believe to be true for others; therefore, whatever I believe, in religious matters, I shall think myself bound diligently to propagate in proportion to its relative im

portance. I believe that my mind ought to be ever open to conviction, ever open to improvement, 'proving all things, that I may hold fast only that which is good.' I love all mankind; and I endeavour to live, sir, in the exercise of that moderation and candour which I acknowledge to be due to all who differ from me. I sincerely desire to be led into all truth, and to be kept from every error; and that I may always have integrity and courage enough to follow my own convictions. With these views, sir, I can, from my heart, cheerfully say, 'Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity.' Amen."

This good confession, made in the presence of many witnesses, he was assisted to maintain and adorn, with exemplary candour and consistency, throughout his christian and ministerial course.