ARTICLE Ι. I BELIEVE IN GOD, THE FATHER ALMIGHTY, MAKER OF HEAVEN AND EARTH. THE Creed, which I now propose to expound, is a Confession of Faith in those doctrines which are contained in the Word of God, and, on that account, received as infallibly true. It is a summary of Christian principles, delivered down to us from the ancient churches founded by the Apostles; and offers nothing to our consideration, but what has its sanction and authority in the Apostolical writings. It comprises twelve articles, or particular points of faith; and, from these articles, we * chiefly learn three things; first, to believe in God the Father, who hath made us and all the world; secondly, in God the Son, who hath redeemed us and all mankind; and, thirdly, in God the * Vide, 6th Art. B Holy Ghost, who sanctifieth us, and all the elect people of God. Hence we see, that the doctrine of the Trinity runs through the whole Creed; and hence, also, we infer, that, as the Creed is Scriptural and Apostolical in sense and descent, they who reject the Trinity, reject that which is evidently taught in the word, and by the inspired servants of God. The first article of the Creed is, "I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of Heaven and Earth. All nations have concurred in the belief of a Supreme Being. This assertion may be considered equally true, whether men worship the One Only God, or One Only God under a similitude or image, or more Gods than one; for, although there be mistake in the mode of worshipping, or with regard to the object worshipped, yet the very act of adoration proves a belief in a Superior Power. If we look into the history of all nations, and observe their various manners, habitudes, and propensities, we shall find, that they have always been more prone to Idolatry, than to Atheism; and that where millions have |