Chapter 26: Of the Church

The Westminster Confession (1646), the Savoy Declaration (1658) and the Second London Confession (1677/1689), paragraph by paragraph. Marked: what each has that the one before it lacks.

Westminster Confession of Faith (1646)	Savoy Declaration of Faith and Order (1658)	Second London Baptist Confession of Faith (1689)
Westminster Confession of Faith (1646) 25.1 The Catholique or Universal Church which is invisible, consists of the whole number of the Elect, that have been, are, or shall be gathered into one, under Christ the Head thereof; and is, the Spouse, the Body, the Fulness of Him that filleth all in all.	Savoy Declaration of Faith and Order (1658) 26.1 The Catholique or Universal Church, which is invisible, consists of the whole number of the Elect, that have been, are, or shall be gathered into one under Christ, the Head thereof, and is the Spouse, the Body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.	Second London Baptist Confession of Faith (1689) 26.1 The Catholick or Universal Church, which (with respect to the internal work of the Spirit and Truth of Grace) may be called Invisible, consists of the whole Number of the Elect, that have been, are, or shall be gathered into one, under Christ, the Head thereof; and is the Spouse, the Body, the Fulness of Him that filleth all in all.
Westminster Confession of Faith (1646) 25.2 The Visible Church, which is also Catholique or Universal, under the Gospel (not confined to one Nation, as before, under the Law) consists of all those, throughout the World, that profess the true Religion; and, of their Children: and is, the Kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ, the House and Family of God, out of which, there is no ordinary possibility of Salvation. 25.3 Unto this Catholique Visible Church, Christ hath given the Ministry, Oracles, and Ordinances of God, for the gathering, and perfecting of the Saints, in this life, to the end of the World: and doth by his own presence and Spirit, according to his promise, make them effectual thereunto. 25.4 This Catholique Church hath been sometimes more, sometimes less visible. And particular Churches, which are Members thereof, are more or less pure, according as the Doctrine of the Gospel is taught and imbraced, Ordinances administred, and Publique Worship performed more or less purely in them.	Savoy Declaration of Faith and Order (1658) 26.2 The whole body of men throughout the world, professing the faith of the Gospel and obedience unto God by Christ according unto it, not destroying their own profession by any Errors everting the foundation, or unholiness of conversation, are, and may be called the visible Catholique Church of Christ, although as such it is not intrusted with the administration of any Ordinances, or have any officers to rule or govern in, or over the whole Body.	Second London Baptist Confession of Faith (1689) 26.2 All Persons, throughout the World, professing the Faith of the Gospel, and Obedience unto God by Christ, according unto it, not destroying their own Profession by any Errors, everting the foundation, or unholiness of Conversation, are and may be called visible Saints; and of such ought all particular Congregations to be constituted.
Westminster Confession of Faith (1646) 25.5 The purest Churches under Heaven are subject both to mixture, and error: and some have so degenerated, as to become no Churches of Christ, but Synagogues of Satan. Nevertheless, there shall be always a Church on Earth, to worship God according to his will.	Savoy Declaration of Faith and Order (1658) 26.3 The purest Churches under heaven are subject both to mixture and error, and some have so degenerated as to become no Churches of Christ, but Synagogues of Satan: Nevertheless Christ always hath had, and ever shall have a visible Kingdom in this world, to the end thereof, of such as believe in him, and make profession of his name.	Second London Baptist Confession of Faith (1689) 26.3 The purest Churches under Heaven are subject to mixture, and error; and some have so degenerated as to become no Churches of Christ, but Synagogues of Satan; nevertheless Christ always hath had, and ever shall have a Kingdom in this World, to the end thereof, of such as believe in him, and make Profession of his Name.
Westminster Confession of Faith (1646) 25.6 There is no other Head of the Church, but the Lord Jesus Christ; Nor can the Pope of Rome, in any sence, be head thereof: but is, that Antichrist, that Man of sin, and Son of Perdition, that exalteth himself, in the Church, against Christ, and all that is called God.	Savoy Declaration of Faith and Order (1658) 26.4 There is no other Head of the Church but the Lord Jesus Christ, nor can the Pope of Rome in any sense be Head thereof; but it is that Antichrist, that man of sin, and son of perdition, that exalteth himself in the Church against Christ, and all that is called God, whom the Lord shall destroy with the brightness of his coming. 33.1 By the appointment of the Father all Power for the Calling, Institution, Order or Government of the Church, is invested in a Supreme and Soveraign maner in the Lord Jesus Christ, as King and Head thereof.	Second London Baptist Confession of Faith (1689) 26.4 The Lord Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church, in whom, by the appointment of the Father, all Power for the Calling, Institution, Order, or Government of the Church, is invested in a supreme and soveraign manner, neither can the Pope of Rome in any sence be Head thereof, but is that Antichrist, that Man of Sin, and Son of Perdition, that exalteth himself in the Church against Christ, and all that is called God; whom the Lord shall destroy with the brightness of his coming.
Westminster Confession of Faith (1646) None corresponds.	Savoy Declaration of Faith and Order (1658) 33.2 In the execution of this Power wherewith he is so entrusted, the Lord Jesus calleth out of the World unto communion with himself, those that are given unto him by his Father, that they may walk before him in all the ways of obedience, which he prescribeth to them in his Word. 33.3 Those thus called (through the Ministry of the Word by his Spirit) he commandeth to walk together in particular Societies or Churches, for their mutual edification, and the due performance of that publique Worship, which he requireth of them in this world.	Second London Baptist Confession of Faith (1689) 26.5 In the execution of this Power wherewith he is so intrusted, the Lord Jesus calleth, out of the World unto himself, through the Ministry of his Word, by his Spirit, those that are given unto him, by his Father, that they may walk before him in all the ways of Obedience, which he prescribeth to them in his Word. Those thus called, he commandeth to walk together in particular Societies, or Churches, for their mutual Edification, and the due performance of that publick Worship, which he requireth of them in the World.
Westminster Confession of Faith (1646) None corresponds.	Savoy Declaration of Faith and Order (1658) 33.8 The Members of these Churches are Saints by Calling, visibly manifesting and evidencing (in and by their profession and walking) their obedience unto that Call of Christ, who being further known to each other by their confession of the Faith wrought in them by the power of God, declared by themselves or otherwise manifested, do willingly consent, to walk together according to the appointment of Christ, giving up themselves to the Lord, and to one another by the will of God in professed subjection to the Ordinances of the Gospel.	Second London Baptist Confession of Faith (1689) 26.6 The Members of these Churches are Saints by calling, visibly manifesting and evidencing (in and by their profession and walking) their Obedience unto that call of Christ; and do willingly consent to walk together according to the appointment of Christ, giving up themselves to the Lord, and one to another, by the Will of God, in professed subjection to the Ordinances of the Gospel.
Westminster Confession of Faith (1646) None corresponds.	Savoy Declaration of Faith and Order (1658) 33.4 To each of these Churches thus gathered, according unto his minde declared in his Word, he hath given all that Power and Authority, which is any way needfull for their carrying on that Order in Worship and Discipline, which he hath instituted for them to observe with Commands and Rules, for the due and right exerting and executing of that Power.	Second London Baptist Confession of Faith (1689) 26.7 To each of these Churches thus gathered, according to his Mind, declared in his Word, he hath given all that Power and Authority, which is any way needful for their carrying on that Order in Worship and Discipline, which he hath instituted for them to observe, with Commands and Rules, for the due and right exerting, and executing of that Power.
Westminster Confession of Faith (1646) None corresponds.	Savoy Declaration of Faith and Order (1658) 33.7 A particular Church gathered and compleated according to the minde of Christ, consists of Officers and Members: The Lord Christ having given to his called ones (united according to his appointment in Church-order) Liberty and Power to choose Persons fitted by the holy Ghost for that purpose, to be over them and to minister to them in the Lord. 33.9 The Officers appointed by Christ to be chosen and set apart by the Church so called, and gathered for the peculiar administration of Ordinances, and execution of Power or Duty which he intrusts them with, or calls them to, to be continued to the end of the world, are Pastors, Teachers, Elders, and Deacons.	Second London Baptist Confession of Faith (1689) 26.8 A particular Church gathered, and compleatly Organized according to the mind of Christ, consists of Officers and Members: And the Officers appointed by Christ to be chosen and set apart by the Church (so called and gathered) for the peculiar Administration of Ordinances, and Execution of Power, or Duty, which he intrusts them with, or calls them to, to be continued to the end of the World, are Bishops or Elders and Deacons.
Westminster Confession of Faith (1646) None corresponds.	Savoy Declaration of Faith and Order (1658) 33.11 The way appointed by Christ for the calling of any person, fitted and gifted by the holy Ghost, unto the Office of Pastor, Teacher or Elder in a Church, is, that he be chosen thereunto by the common suffrage of the Church it self, and solemnly set apart by Fasting and Prayer, with Imposition of Hands of the Eldership of that Church, if there be any before constituted therein: And of a Deacon, that he be chosen by the like suffrage, and set apart by Prayer, and the like Imposition of Hands.	Second London Baptist Confession of Faith (1689) 26.9 The way appointed by Christ for the Calling of any Person, fitted and gifted by the Holy Spirit, unto the Office of Bishop, or Elder, in a Church, is, that he be chosen thereunto by the common suffrage of the Church itself; and solemnly set apart by Fasting and Prayer, with Imposition of Hands of the Eldership of the Church, if there be any before Constituted therein: And of a Deacon that he be chosen by the like suffrage, and set apart by Prayer, and the like Imposition of Hands.
Westminster Confession of Faith (1646) None corresponds.	Savoy Declaration of Faith and Order (1658) None corresponds.	Second London Baptist Confession of Faith (1689) 26.10 The Work of Pastors being constantly to attend the Service of Christ, in his Churches, in the Ministry of the Word, and Prayer, with Watching for their Souls, as they that must give an account to him; it is incumbent on the Churches to whom they minister, not only to give them all due respect, but also to communicate to them of all their good Things, according to their ability, so as they may have a comfortable supply, without being themselves entangled in Secular Affairs; and may also be capable of exercising Hospitality towards others; and this is required by the Law of Nature, and by the Express Order of our Lord Jesus, who hath ordained, that they that Preach the Gospel, should Live of the Gospel.
Westminster Confession of Faith (1646) None corresponds.	Savoy Declaration of Faith and Order (1658) 33.13 Although it be incumbent on the Pastors and Teachers of the Churches to be instant in Preaching the Word, by way of Office; yet the work of Preaching the Word is not so peculiarly confined to them, but that others also gifted and fitted by the holy Ghost for it, and approved (being by lawful ways and means in the Providence of God called thereunto) may publiquely, ordinarily and constantly perform it; so that they give themselves up thereunto.	Second London Baptist Confession of Faith (1689) 26.11 Although it be incumbent on the Bishops or Pastors of the Churches, to be instant in Preaching the Word, by way of Office, yet the Work of Preaching the Word, is not so peculiarly confined to them, but that others also gifted, and fitted by the Holy Spirit for it, and approved, and called by the Church, may, and ought to perform it.
Westminster Confession of Faith (1646) None corresponds.	Savoy Declaration of Faith and Order (1658) 33.20 As all Believers are bound to joyn themselves to particular Churches, when and where they have opportunity so to do, so none are to be admitted unto the Priviledges of the Churches who do not submit themselves to the Rule of Christ in the Censures for the Government of them.	Second London Baptist Confession of Faith (1689) 26.12 As all Believers are bound to joyn themselves to particular Churches, when and where they have opportunity so to do; so all that are admitted unto the Priviledges of a Church, are also under the Censures and Government thereof, according to the Rule of Christ.
Westminster Confession of Faith (1646) None corresponds.	Savoy Declaration of Faith and Order (1658) 33.21 This being the way prescribed by Christ in case of offence, no Church-members upon any offences taken by them, having performed their duty required of them in this matter, ought to disturb any Church-order, or absent themselves from the publique Assemblies, or the Administration of any Ordinances upon that pretence, but to wait upon Christ in the further proceeding of the Church.	Second London Baptist Confession of Faith (1689) 26.13 No Church-members, upon any offence taken by them, having performed their Duty required of them towards the Person they are offended at, ought to disturb any Church order, or absent themselves from the Assemblies of the Church, or Administration of any Ordinances, upon the Account of such offence at any of their fellow-members, but to wait upon Christ, in the further proceeding of the Church.
Westminster Confession of Faith (1646) None corresponds.	Savoy Declaration of Faith and Order (1658) 33.25 As all Churches and all the Members of them are bound to pray continually for the good or prosperity of all the Churches of Christ in all places, and upon all occasions to further it; (Every one within the bounds of their Places and Callings, in the exercise of their Gifts and Graces) So the Churches themselves (when planted by the providence of God, so as they may have opportunity and advantage for it) ought to hold communion amongst themselves for their peace, increase of love, and mutual edification.	Second London Baptist Confession of Faith (1689) 26.14 As each Church, and all the Members of it, are bound to pray continually, for the good and prosperity of all the Churches of Christ, in all Places, and upon all occasions to further (every one within the bounds of their Places and Callings, in the Exercise of their Gifts and Graces) so the Churches (when planted by the Providence of God so as they may enjoy opportunity and advantage for it) ought to hold Communion amongst themselves for their Peace, increase of Love, and mutual Edification.
Westminster Confession of Faith (1646) None corresponds.	Savoy Declaration of Faith and Order (1658) 33.26 In cases of difficulties or differences, either in point of Doctrine, or in Administrations, wherein either the Churches in general are concerned or any one Church in their Peace, Union and Edification, or any Member or Members of any Church are injured in or by any proceeding in Censures, not agreeable to Truth and Order: it is according to the minde of Christ, that many Churches holding communion together, do by their Messengers meet in a Synod or Councel, to consider and give their advice in, or about that matter in difference to be reported to all the Churches concerned. Howbeit these Synods so assembled are not entrusted with any Church-Power, properly so called, or with any Jurisdiction over the Churches themselves, to exercise any Censures, either over any Churches or Persons, or to impose their determinations on the Churches or Officers.	Second London Baptist Confession of Faith (1689) 26.15 In Cases of difficulties or differences, either in point of Doctrine or Administration; wherein either the Churches in general are concerned, or any one Church in their Peace, Union, and Edification; or any Member, or Members of any Church are injured, in, or by any proceedings in Censures not agreeable to truth and order: It is according to the Mind of Christ, that many Churches holding Communion together, do by their Messengers meet to consider, and give their Advice in or about that matter in difference, to be reported to all the Churches concerned; howbeit these Messengers assembled, are not entrusted with any Church-power properly so called; or with any Jurisdiction over the Churches themselves, to exercise any Censures either over any Churches, or Persons; or to impose their determination on the Churches or Officers.