Confession of the Poor and Distressed Christians: Of Baptism

Concerning baptism we believe and confess that it is the institution, word, ordinance and command of the Lord; and therefore a holy, divine sacrament or sign by which faith and its powers, fruits and mysteries are gloriously represented and portrayed when rightly administered according to the ordinance of God and not after our own choice, namely: To the believing, and not to infants.

We teach and administer baptism upon the confession of faith, for these reasons: First, because Christ himself has commanded so, for he says, “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature; he that believeth and is baptized, shall be saved,” Mark 16: 15; Matt. 28: 19.

Secondly, because the holy apostles have taught and administered it upon the confession of faith, according to the commandment of God, and not to infants, Acts 2: 38; 8: 37; 10: 47; 16:15; 18:8; 19:5. Thirdly, because the effect, or the signification, that is, that which is represented by baptism, is found with the believing and not with infants, Rom. 6: 4; Col. 2: 12; 1 Cor. 12: 13; Eph. 4: 4; 1 Pet. 3: 21: Gal. 3: 27.

Inasmuch as the Wisdom and Truth himself has commanded that we should baptize the believing; and as his faithful witnesses, the holy apostles, have not otherwise taught and administered it than according to the commandment of their Lord: and as the signification is only applicable to the believing and not to infants as remarked; and as, by the grace of the Lord, we acknowledge from the Scriptures that Moses and the prophets, yea, the Father himself, point us to Christ, that we shall hear him; and as, according to the doctrine of Paul, there can be laid no other foundation, nor other gospel preached but that preached to us by the apostles—behold—therefore it is that we teach, receive, assert and maintain baptism upon the confession of faith, at the cost of so much misery, even at the peril of property and life; for we truly confess, and that in accordance with the Scripture, which is the true light of our feet, that it is the institution, word, ordinance and command of the Lord, Jer. 23: 33; Matt. 17: 5; Mark 9: 6; Luke 9: 30; 1 Cor. 3: 11; Ps. 119:105.

In regard to infant baptism we hold and confess, first, that it is a self-begotten rite and human righteousness; for in all the New Testament there is not a word said or commanded about baptizing infants, by Christ nor by the apostles.

Secondly, that it is a breaking and tearing to pieces of the ordinance of Christ; for he has commanded that the gospel should be preached and that those should be baptized who believe, Matt. 28:19; Mark 16:15. But here they baptize without divine command, without the preaching of the word, without knowledge, faith, repentance, new life, and without all consciousness and knowledge, yet it is called by the learned a holy, glorious work and a christian baptism and sacrament.

Thirdly, that it is a vain consolation and boasting of all the unrighteous; for, although they do not understand the word of God, do not know the truth and lead a licentious, carnal life, yet they boast themselves to be baptized christians.

Since infant baptism is such a pernicious superstition that it entirely destroys the Lord’s baptism, and as the poor, blind world suffer themselves to be misled and consoled therewith, and as, besides, there is connected with it such fearful blasphemy, hypocrisy, adjuration, witchcraft and abuse of the glorious name of God that a godfearing heart may well be astounded thereat, therefore it is that we so strenuously oppose infant baptism, and openly confess that it is not of God or of his word but of anti-christ and of the bottomless pit.

Luther writes in a book on “Human doctrine” that that which is not commanded of God in religious matters of faith, is forbidden.” Again, concerning the 12th chapter of Genesis he says, “That we should not accept any doctrines without certain reasons from the divine word.”

Daniel writes, “Worship, without the word of God, is idolatry.”

Philip Melancthon, in a book on the Jurisdiction and authority of the church, says, “That all worship which is not instituted of God by his express word, is false and wrong, let it be glozed over ever so much.”

Here Luther and Melancthon have rightly expressed themselves according to the Scripture, although alas, they did not practice upon it. For if we read and well consider the Scriptures then we clearly find how pointedly God has commanded us that we shall not institute a religion of our own choice, but that we should do as he has commanded. On account of self-righteousness and self-chosen religion, Israel was severely visited and punished of the Lord.

Say not, beloved reader, as the ignorant do, that we thereby condemn our children because we do not suffer them to be baptized. O, no. For the Scripture does not connect the kingdom to words and water, but to the election and grace of the Father, in the merits of the death and blood of Christ.

Christ has promised the kingdom to small children, without baptism, Matt. 19 : 14; Mark 10: 14; Luke 18: 16. On account of this promise we are exceedingly rejoiced, and give thanks unto the Lord for the grace shown our children. Therfore, take heed, and mistake not; for to connect the election, grace, favor and kingdom of God to words, works, signs and the elements, is quite contrary to the merits, death, blood and word of the Lord; yea, open deceit, abomination and idolatry.

In the same manner we believe and confess concerning the Lord’s Holy Supper, that it is a holy sacramental sign, instituted of the Lord himself, in the shape of bread and wine; and left to his own in remembrance of him, Matt. 26; Mark 14; Luke 22; 1 Cor. 11; which was also thus taught and administered by the apostles among the brethren, according to the commandment of the Lord, by which, first, the Lord’s death is proclaimed, 1 Cor. 11; and also to remember how he offered his holy flesh and shed his precious blood for the remission of our sins, Matt. 26: 27; Mark 14: 24; Luke 22: 19.

Secondly, it is an emblem of christian love, of unity and of peace in the church of Christ. Paul says, “For we, being many, are one bread, and one body; for we are all partakers of that one bread,” 1 Cor. 10: 17. For as a loaf being composed of many grains, is but one bread, so we, also, being composed of many members, are but one body in Christ; and as the members of a natural body are not disunited but are in every respect united and peaceable among themselves, so it is with all those who in Spirit and faith are true members of the body of Christ; and for this reason this same supper was called by Tertullian a brotherly meal, or supper of love.

Thirdly it is a communion of the flesh and blood of Christ, as Paul says, “The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?” 1 Cor. 10: 16; which communion is, that Christ has accepted us in his great love and we are become partakers of him, as Paul says, “We are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end,” Heb. 3: 14.

Inasmuch as it is a sign, which is left us of Christ, in such power that it is to represent and admonish us of his death, the love, peace and unity of the brethren and also the communion of his flesh and blood, as was said, therefore none can rightly partake of this Supper, according to Scripture, but he that is a disciple of Christ, flesh of his flesh, and bone of his bone, who seeks the reconciliation and remission of sins in no other means than, alone, in the merits, sacrifice, death and blood of Christ, who walks in unity, love and peace with his brethren, and who leads a pious unblamable life in Christ Jesus, according to the Scriptures.

Here you have the true Supper of our Lord Jesus Christ together with what it represents, briefly stated, which the mouth of the Lord has left and taught you by his holy word. If you would be a becoming guest at the Lord’s table, and would rightly enjoy his bread and wine then you must also be his true disciple, that is, you must be an upright, pious and godly christian. Therefore, prove yourself according to the doctrine of Paul, 1 Cor. 11: 27, before you eat of this bread and drink of this cup; for before God no feigning avails. He did not institute this ceremony with the intention that God would be pleased in the mere eating of the bread or drinking of the wine. O, no. But he instituted it that thereby you should observe and faithfully conform yourself to that which is represented and admonished by this sacrament. For not the ceremony itself, but the meaning represented by it, rightly understood and fulfilled in actions, constitutes a sincere christian.

In regard to the supper of the preachers we hold and confess, first, that it is a false and idolatrous consolation and sign of peace to all those who delight in walking upon the broad way, such as, greedy, covetous, avaricious, usurious, adulterous, lying, deceiving, proud, unrighteous persons. For, as it is represented to them, by their preachers, as being a means of the remission of their sins, they console themselves and think that if they partake of it they are the people of the Lord. O no. The ceremony makes no christian; for, so long as they do not convert themselves, and become new men, born of God, of spiritual mind, it is a vain baptism and a vain supper, even, if it were administered by either Peter or Paul. Paul says, “For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love,” Gal. 5: 6, the new creature; and the keeping of the commandments of God, 1 Cor. 7 : 19; Matt. 18 : 4; Jn. 3 : 3—5; 2 Pet. 1: 3.

Secondly, we assert that it is openly a feigned work, although it is acknowledged by few. For Christ instituted it in remembrance of his death, as a sign of christian peace, and as a communion of his flesh and blood; while the common world partake of the supper in semblance, as if they believed thus and were thus minded; and, yet, they seek the remission of their sins and their salvation in infant baptism, absolutions, and in bread and wine, as is manifest.

Besides, their fruits openly show that they are not the body of peace: for they make use of such tricks and perfidy amongst each other in buying and selling; some, also, commit adultery, lie and cheat; the one slanders, defames and robs the other, that it may be truly said of them that they do not acknowledge christian peace which is of God, and that they are not in the communion of Christ, but that they are in the communion of him, of whom John says, “Little children, let no man deceive you,” “He that committeth sin, is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning,” 1 Jn. 3: 7, 8.

Thirdly, we say, that it is a horrible blasphemy, abomination and adultery, nay a new calf and Moaz; for the blind, reckless world sees plainly that it is a perishable fruit of earth which they have planted, cut, pressed and baked with their own hands, and which again returns to earth; that it must be taken care of by man lest the worms and age consume it—and yet it is called by many the imperishable precious flesh and blood of Christ, and worshipped and honored as the true Son of the living God, which we also with our ancestors have done these five hundred years, and which is yet done in many large kingdoms, principalities, cities and districts, as was in bygone times the case with Israel in the worship of the brazen serpent, which was afterwards broken in pieces by Hezekiah, king of Judah, 2 Kin. 18: 4.

Behold, to such rude idolaters and deceivers has the apocalyptic Apollyon rendered the scribes of this world, that they have, by their own wisdom, doctrine and council, erected such a powerless, earthly cereal and fruit as being, or filling the place of the true Son of the Almighty and eternal God; behold, thus entirely has the noble Sun of righteousness lost its brightness and the Egyptian darkness covered the entire land, Rev. 9: 2; Exod. 10: 22.

Faithful reader, by this our exposition and confession of the preachers and their baptism, supper and envious hearts toward all the pious, learn the judgment of the finely attired woman, seated upon the scarlet colored beast, Rev. 17 : 3. Mark: The beast upon which the woman was seated, is full of names of blasphemy; understand the spiritual sense. The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet color—in celebrations, churches, bells, choirs, organs, baptism and supper. The cup in her hand was of gold. They boast of the word of God—but are filled with abominations and filthiness of their fornication and have made all the world drunk therewith: and the name was written upon her forehead and may be read by all who have spiritual eyes, and is called, “Mystery, Babylon the Great, the Mother of Harlots and Abominations of the Earth.”

And although she is so finely arrayed that all kings commit fornication therewith, yet she is called a whore by the angel, and of such an inhuman and wolfish nature that she is “drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus.”

John, the holy man of God, saw this in the Spirit, and was astounded thereat. Yea, kind reader, whosoever rightly understands the abominable power, idolatrous array, spiritual enchantment and fornication, inhuman abominableness and fearful bloodthirstiness and tyranny of the woman may well be astounded thereat. Therefore, fear God and learn wisdom. We have, by the grace of God, thoroughly shown her, exposed her shame and diligently and in faithful love warned you against her.

David says, who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place? he that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation,” Ps. 24.

These words of David are full of spirit and wisdom, yet not regarded by the world. For every where we find guilty hands, unclean hearts, false doctrine, faithlessness and but little truth. Yea, it has come to this, among the children of men that the precious yea and nay which was commanded of the Lord himself can no longer be trusted. But nearly everything which is transacted before the magistracy, must be affirmed by an oath, although the Lord has so plainly forbidden the swearing of oaths to all christians, Matt. 5: 34.

The Scripture teaches that we should hear Christ, for he is the king in Jacob, Isa. 9: 7, the king of righteousness, the Teacher and Prophet promised of God, who hath taught us the word of the Father, and his word is truth, his commandment eternal life, Deut. 18: 15; Matt. 17: 5; Mark 9: 7; Isa. 9: 7; Jer. 23: 6; 33: 16; Deut. 18: 15; Acts 3: 26; Jn. 3: 17; 5: 46; 17: 17; 12: 50.

Inasmuch as we thus confess and cordially believe, and besides, confess that no emperor or king may rule or command contrary to his word, since he is the Head of all princes, Eph. 1: 21; Col. 2: 10; and is the King of all kings, Rev. 1: 5; 19:16; and that unto him every knee shall bow which is in heaven, in earth or under the earth, Phil. 2; and as he has plainly forbidden us to swear, and pointed us to yea and nay, alone, therefore it is that we swear not, by the fear of God, nor dare swear, though we must hear and suffer so much on that account from the world.

Since throughout the world they act so fearlessly contrary to the word of God, in regard to this article; and as sometimes some of the godfearing are thereby put into difficulty, therefore I will, by the grace of God, show the kind hearted reader, from the word of God what the Holy Scriptures at different times teach and imply concerning the swearing of oaths.

First, the reader should observe that swearing was not always practiced uniformly among the people of the Lord. Before the law the holy fathers had a custom to lay their hands under the thighs, and thus swore to others, as may be read in the case of Abraham and his servant, Gen. 24: 3; and in the case of Jacob and his son Joseph, Gen. 47: 29—31. Joseph also swore by the life of Pharaoh, Gen. 42; and it seems that such swearing was customary among the Egyptians.

Secondly, the reader should observe, that Israel was bound by the law to swear by the name of the Lord and to keep their oath, as Moses says, “And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God. I am the Lord, Lev. 19: 12; and this oath settled all dispute among Israel, Ex. 22:11;” Heb. 6: 16. Thirdly, It should be observed, that Christ Jesus does not in the New Testament, point his disciples, in regard to swearing, to the law, as in the imperfect, which allowed swearing—but he points us now from the law to yea and nay, as in the perfect, and speaks thus, “Ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time (that is, to the fathers under the law, by Moses), Thou shalt not foreswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths (that is, thou shalt swear truly and fulfill thine oath): but I (Christ) say unto you (my disciples), Swear not at all (that is, neither truly nor falsely); neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne; nor by the earth; for it is his footstool; neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. But let your communication be, yea, yea; nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these, cometh of evil.” Here you have Christ’s own doctrine and ordinance concerning swearing, Matt. 5: 35—37; Jas. 5: 12; Ex. 20: 7.

Behold, beloved reader, before these words of Christ all human laws and regulations concerning swearing must stand back and be abolished; such as Juramentum Calumniae. Jerumentum de veritale dicenda, or Fede; no matter how they be performed; be it by words, or by raising your hand, or holding your hands upon your breast, or upon a cross, or upon the New Testament, &c. And the truthful yea and nay, ordained of the Lord himself must be restituted, if the magistrates and subjects do not want licentiously to transgress the word of the Lord and reject it as vain; for, whatsoever is more than yea and nay (says Christ) cometh of evil. This same the holy James also teaches, “Above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: (understand, such as, By God’s word -By the Lord’s cross—By the salvation of your soul); but let your yea be yea, and your nay, nay (and not So help me God, So help me God and all the saints, as is alas, the custom in many places); lest ye fall into condemnation,” Jas. 5: 12.

We are aware that the magistracy claim and say, We are allowed to swear when justice is on our side. This we simply answer with the word of the Lord. To swear truly was allowed to the Jews under the law; but the gospel forbids this to christians. As Christ does not allow us to swear, and as the magistracy, notwithstanding, proceed according to their rule, although contrary to the Scriptures, and as the Scriptures may not be set aside by man, what shall now the conscientious christian do? If he swear, he falls into the hands of the Lord; but if he does not swear he will have to bear the disfavor and punishment of the magistracy.

O, ye beloved lords! if we, now, had christian eyes and could see and sincerely acknowledge what it is, according to the justice of God, licentiously to despise and transgress the word of God, we would rather die than weaken or break the precious gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, the ordinance of the eternal God, by temporal statutes and policies.

Nor would we, even, think of asking more than yea and nay, particularly of the pious, godfearing hearts, who, by the fear of their God, dare not speak anything but the truth; who esteem every word which comes from their mouths as an oath, and keep their yea and nay unto death; while, now, alas, they dare force them to swear to a trifle, as concerning some temporal goods or something of the kind, even with their fingers raised to heaven or with their hands upon the New Testament, by the God of heaven and by his living word.

O, ye beloved lords! how pitiably your teachers and leaders lead you upon the way which tends to damnation, who ever console you by saying that we should obey the magistracy (as is, also, becoming so far as is not contrary to God’s word); as if the magistracy may act and rule against the Lord, at pleasure.

O, no, beloved lords, no! We warn you in faithful love. Repent, wake up and take heed. Your preachers deceive you. With God there is no respect of person. If you do not repent, are not born of God, become like unto children in malice, do not in love execute your office and service agreeably to the will of God, do not act justly to the poor and miserable, and do not walk obediently to the word of the Lord with godly, humble hearts, you will find your judge at the judgment day. Beloved lords, take to heart this saying, “Mighty men shall be mightily tormented,” Wis. 6: 6.

Again, ye learned, you who by your flatterings and errors assert and maintain it, how dare you so flatly contradict the eternal wisdom and truth of God and say, Thou sayest: thou shalt not swear; but we say; Thou mayest swear when the love, profit and need of thy neighbor require it. We will leave it to your judgment whether that is not teaching contrary to Christ; as it is so plain that it was allowed to the Jews under the law, to swear sincerely; but to us, christians, it is forbidden and as it is very plain that, according to the New Testament, no love of neighbors nor kinsmen nor peril of life is any excuse to strain or break the word of the Lord, Matt. 10: 37; Mark 8: 38.

Therefore, worthy reader, if you fear the Lord and if it should happen that you are asked to swear, then pray the Most High for wisdom, courage and strength; do not listen to the flatterings of the learned, for they deceive you; do not look to numbers lest you follow in their evil ways, as Moses says, Respect no flesh in this matter, no difference who, what or where they be, but admonish them in a becoming manner and in love when they ask of you more than the Scriptures command; abide in the Lord’s word which so plainly has forbidden you to swear; and let your yea and nay, be your oath, as was commanded, whether life or death be your lot, that you, by your courage and firm truthfulness, may admonish and reprove unto righteousness the useless, fruitless, vain world (who, in their faithlessness respect nothing less than the word of the Lord) by your truthful yea and nay; that some might yet be converted from their unrighteousness and thereby more deeply study the truth, and be saved, Matt. 5: 37; Phil. 2: 12.

It is better to incur the disfavor, scorn and slander of man and remain in the truth, than to be the favorite of man and sin against God. The good John Huss* confessed when he was asked to swear and said, I am pressed on all sides. If I swear, I have eternal death; and if I do not swear, I will fall into your hands. But I would rather fall into your hands, without swearing than to sin in the face of God. Thus considerately this worthy man weighed the oath. [*]

Also read Hieronymus, Theophilact, Chrysostom, Erasmus of Rotterdam in their annotations; Philip Melancthon’s Treatise on the fifth Chapter of Matthew. Heymon’s Treatise on the Tenth Chapter of Revelations and also Origen, and you will find that in this article they agree with our foundation, faith, doctrine and confession. This is our foundation and understanding in regard to this article. Inasmuch as the Lord has forbidden us to swear at all (understand in temporal matters) neither sincerely nor falsely, as was said; and has commanded that our yea shall be yea and our nay, nay, Matt. 5: 37; as Paul and James, also, testify to this, 2 Cor. 1: 18; Jas. 5: 12; and as we know that no man, nor commandment of man may supersede God and his commandment, therefore it is that we, in temporal matters, dare not affirm to truth with more than yea or nay, as the case may be; for thus the word of the Lord teaches us.

Reader, mark. We say, In temporal matters, and for this reason: Because Christ sometimes in his teachings makes use of the word, verily, Matt. 18: 18; Jn. 3: 3, 5; 8: 34; 10: 1; and because Paul called upon the Lord as a witness of his soul. For this reason some think that swearing is allowable; not observing that Christ and Paul did not do this in speaking of temporal matters, as in a matter of flesh or blood, or money or property; but as an affirmation of the eternal truth, to the praise of God and to the salvation and edification of their brethren.

We hereby pray all lords and magistrates, for Jesus’ sake, to fear the Lord sincerely, and to conform their policy, in this matter of swearing, to the word of the Lord, and to consider why they require the oath, namely: That that shall be fulfilled to which one swears. Inasmuch as we deem our yea and nay to be no less than an oath, why require any further affirmation at our hands than the word of the Lord teaches and allows; for, by the grace of God, we trust, inasmuch as we are partakers of the Lord, and adhere to the word in which yea is amen—that it will be found with us that it is yea where it should be yea, and nay where it should be nay; much more so than with the world under strong oaths. But in case that a man’s yea and nay is not kept, let him be punished as a perjurer. That it is yea and amen with all true christians, is sufficiently proven by those who, in our Netherlands, are so tyrannically visited with imprisonment, confiscation and torture; besides, with fire, the stake and the sword; while with one word they could escape all these if they would but break their yea and nay; but as they are born of the truth, therefore they walk in the truth and testify to the truth unto death, as may be abundantly seen in Flanders, Braband, Holland, West Vriesland, and other places.

It is manifest, honored reader, that the world is so degenerated that it esteems every thing wrong which God teaches, commands and desires, and hates it with envious hearts persecutes and destroys it. On the contrary, all that which God hates, accurses and esteems as an abomination, it looks upon as good, and diligently asserts and maintains; and yet they want to be the holy, christian church and the people of God, as if we could be such by the mere name; by baptizing children &c.; without faith, the new birth, and the Spirit and obedience of God. O, no, reader, no. Take heed. Your consolers deceive you and corrupt the way you should go, Isa. 3: 11.

Inasmuch as the world is so entirely degenerated, as was said, and as our opponents so shamefully lie and war against us, that we cannot answer for ourselves, as is manifest, therefore we have written this our confession, that every one who may read, hear or see it, may know why and whereby we seek to be saved—why we do not hear the preachers, and why we so strictly administer baptism to the believing and oppose infant baptism; what is represented by the Lord’s Holy Supper and what abominations are implied in the baptism of the learned; and that it is not allowed to a true christian to swear in temporal matters, but only affirm by yea and nay. And by so doing we have compared truth with falsehood, light with darkness and white with black, as you will perceive. If you do not want to be willfully blind, you have here a good eye-salve. Yea, we have presented it so plainly and clearly that you must acknowledge it to be the truth; or else reject it in perverseness, and say, No, I do not want to believe it thus. What kind of a christian you are you may consider for yourself.

Kind reader, do not associate with those who say unto God, “Depart from us; for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways,” Job 21: 14. Nor with those who are intent upon blood, for their reward will be death, Rom. 1: 32; Rev. 21: 27. Behold, this is our foundation, as you here have read. If, now, you are of a pious mind and not led by the blind spirit of the spiritual whoredom, then judge our cause according to the word and truth of the Lord. If you do not understand it then fear God and pray. All those who are born of God and inclined to the word of the Lord, must acknowledge that our doctrine is of God and that truth is on our side; whosoever accepts them and abides in them unto the end, has eternal life; but whosoever rejects them does not reject us, but Christ Jesus himself who has thus taught from the mouth of his Father and sealed it with his blood, Rev. 1: 5; 1 Pet. 1: 19; Acts 20: 28. The gracious Father, through his beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, enlighten you and all hungry hearts by the gift of his Holy Spirit, and lead you by his strength into his eternal, saving truth, Amen.

To the praise of God and the service of all mankind.

MENNO SIMON.

A. D. 1552.