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3 BIERTON PARTICULAR BAPTISTS ARTICLES OF RELIGION, 1831
As I have already said earlier, it had been better not to include this article (as it stands) since it is not specific, tends to diminish the use of every part of scripture and leaves an uncertain question mark “What is the compiler driving at”? Hence Mr Popham could not affirm that all these men were accurate theologians; are we in any better position today to do so? I think an understanding of how these articles came to be added could shed more light on the subject but that I must leave unless it is important to you. Yours in the cause, concern and care of truth, with love to the Lord Jesus and his dear people. David Clarke The Difficulties Of these Articles Proved Mr Royce was unable to get a satisfactory explanation for the wording and meaning of these articles of religion just discussed. I had talked them matter through with him but in the end he was still unsure, and as a result he was refused baptism as the minister could not be recommended him to the church as a candidate for baptism and membership. It is clear that it is an unreasonable situation and going beyond scripture to expect a new believer, seeking the be baptised and join a church, to have to subscribe to articles of religion that have been historically are acknowledged to be uncertain592. Notes on the Gospel Standard Articles 1 These articles are comprehensive and treat the subject of duty faith, duty faith and Baxterianism. See 24, 25, 126 and 27 . These are necessary due to those who deny particular redemption. We take note of the added article 32, 33 and 34 and conclude they are very poorly worded and we can understand why these cause so much concern to those involved and a parting of the way of many. We maintain the gospel is to be preached and Christs is not offered to men. That redemption is particular and the atonement made for the elect only. These added article need to be rewritten and to corrected to clearly express them points being made. To help shed light on this matter Dr John Gill makes things clear, There is an external call of sinners in a state of nature and unregeneracy; but then it is not a call to them to regenerate and convert themselves, of which there is no instance; and which is the pure work of the Spirit of God: nor to make their peace with God, which they cannot make by anything they can do; and 592 See the Appendix to this work Added Articles
