Seven Articles of Leyden
A document in lieu of traveling to
the New World.
The
Seven Articles of the Church of Leyden
THE SEVEN ARTICLES were prepared by the
English congregation of Leiden in 1617, during its negotiations with the
authorities in England for permission to immigrate to America. They were
signed by John Robinson and William Brewster.
Seven Articles which the church of Leyden
sent to the Council of England to be considered in respect of their
judgments occasioned about their going to Virginia.
1. To the confession of faith published
in the name of the Church of England and to every article thereof we do,
with the Reformed Churches where we live, and also elsewhere, wholly
assent.
2. As we acknowledge the doctrine of
faith there taught, so do we the fruits and effects of the same doctrine
to the begetting of saving faith in the land (conformists and
reformists) as they are called, with whom also, as with our brethren, we
do desire spiritual communion in peace, and will practice in our parts
all lawful things.
3. The King’s Majesty we acknowledge
for Supreme Governor in his Dominion in all causes and over all persons,
and that none may decline or appeal from his authority or judgment in
any case whatsoever, but in all things obedience is due unto him, either
active if the thing commanded be not against God’s Word, or passive if
it be, except pardon can be obtained.
4. We judge it lawful for his Majesty to
appoint Bishops, civil overseers or officers in authority under him in
the several provinces, dioceses, congregations or parishes, to oversee
the churches and govern them civilly according to the Laws of the land,
unto whom they are in all things to give an account, and by them to be
ordered according to godliness.
5. The authority of the present Bishops
in the land we do acknowledge so far forth as the same is indeed derived
from His Majesty unto them, and as they proceed in his name whom we will
also therein honour in all things and him in them.
6. We believe that no Synod, Classes,
Convocation or Assembly of Ecclesiastical Officers hath any power or
authority at all, but as the same by the magistrate is given unto them.
7.
Lastly we desire to give unto all Superiors due honour, to preserve the
unity of the spirit with all that fear God, to have peace with all men
what in us lieth, and wherein we err to be instructed by any.
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