That as a church organization it is meet and right, as well as necessary to have a written discipline, for the sake of convenience and harmony amongst the members of the church in reference to doctrine, as well as church government, we are fully decided in our minds; although we are conscious that many raise objections against a discipline, or any form of government, only as we find them in God's Word. Notwithstanding, we doubt very much, whether there be at the present day a church organization, which has not a form of church discipline or code of laws, rules and regulations in reference to church government, church doctrine and peculiar faith, either written or verbal; and hence, we would be at a loss to know (if any wrong connected with having a discipline at all) wherein a just cause might be attributed against the one over the other.

The only difference observable by us, between written and verbal discipline, is the decided preference of the former over the latter for the reasons assigned, in connection with many others which might be given; but for the sake of brevity, we wish to say, that we have no scruples in presenting to the public, these, our views in reference to God's Word as we understand it. Hence, we wish to say, kindly, to all into whose hands it may fall: "Prove all things, hold fast to that which is good." If t her is anything therein contained, which is not in harmony with scared teachings of the Bible, receive it not; if it is God's truth, then it is as sacred and binding upon you, as though you read from the sacred page or heard it sounded from the pulpit. That its principles be strictly adhered to, and carried out to the honor and glory of God, and not alone professed on the part of Christian professors, is the greatest care and desire of those whose sentiments are herein expressed as a church organization.

The confession of faith, and the discipline of the Mennonite Brethren in Christ were originally composed from the Holy Scriptures, and through the aid of discipline of other Christian denominations, by committee, appointed for that purpose by the General Conference.

Origin of the Mennonite Brethren in Christ

Origin of the Reformed Mennonites.

Through the direction of the God and the instrumentality of the Holy Ghost, a number of ministers of the Mennonite church were brought to realize and deeply feel the responsibility weighing upon them, as the ambassadors for Christ, and were from time to time seriously impressed with convictions that greater and more earnest efforts should be put forth to promote the glory of God, and build up his Zion on earth, by extending the borders of the Church, and practically carrying out the principles of Christianity.

In order to accomplish this more fully, they were inclined to believe that protracted, prayer and fellowship meetings were essential means thereto, which were not practiced in the Church at that time.

In the year 1869, December, one of ministers of the Canada conference we hitherto had not experienced a change of heart, was happily converted to God through Christ, and at once introduced these means of grace above referred to, on his field of labor. In taking this step, he incurred upon himself the displeasure and disapproval of the bishops generally. But it was the means resulting in a glorious revival of the Christian religion, and in the conversion of many precious souls, throughout the Church, both Canada and in the United States which consequently resulted in an excommunication of all who believed in this way, from church fellowship.

On the 15th day of May, 1874 a conference was called at Eby's meeting house Berlin, Ontario, at which place such that believed in present salvation by faith in the Lord Jesus C, and those who had experienced the pardon of their sins, and had evidence of their acceptance with Christ formed themselves into a Church organization, and as a name of distinction, adopted Reformed Mennonites.

Origin of the United Mennonites

The following year - 1875 - if became evident that the New Mennonites apparently manifested a desire to become one with the Reformed Mennonites, inasmuch as no material difference existed between the two branches, who also, from similar circumstances, had formed into a separate body a number of years previous.

At a special meeting held at the Bloomindale meeting house, Waterloo county, Ontario, the 23rd day of March 1875, the two branches formed into one society, by uniting with each other into one body, and adopted the name, United Mennonites.

Name of the Elders:

Solomon Eby
Samuel Sherk
John Krupp
Peter Geiger
Daniel Brennenman,
John McNally
John Steckley
John Baer
Henry Wismer
Noah Detwiler

Name of Probationers

Joseph Raymer
Menno Bowman
Michael Haug

Names of the Deacons:

William Hembling
Joseph Schneider
Amos Bowman

Origin of the Evangelical Mennonites

Of the origin of the Evangelical Mennonites suffice to date that in the State of Pennsylvania, in 1853, several Mennonite ministers, with a number of their members united together to labor for the conversions of souls, through whose efforts accompanied by the Holy Spirit, many were brought to Christ and happily converted.

On the 24th day of September, 1858, they held their first conference in Leigh County Pennsylvania; by the Divine influence and blessing of God, have been sustained as a branch of the vine, notwithstanding the various disadvantages under which they had labored.

Origin of the Evangelical United Mennonites.

In the providence of God an acquaintance was formed between the Evangelical Mennonites and the United Mennonites, and a desire was soon cherished on the part of each society that a union might be effected between them, which, by the blessing of God, was accomplished at a special conference, called expressly for that purpose, Nov. 8, 1879.

To ratify and confirm the union, the following acknowledgment was subscribed to by the conference:

This is to certify, that we the undersigned members of the Evangelical Mennonite conference of Pennsylvania, and the United Mennonite conference of Canada, and Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio, upon the authority, and in the name of the several General Conference, upon due consideration and prayerful investigation, by mutual agreement, have, in the fear of God, united together as one body, adopting as a name of distinction, Evangelical United Mennonites.

William Gehman
Joel Rosenberger
Solomon Elby
Abraham Kauffman
Samuel Musselman
Sidenham Lambert
Daniel Brenneman
Joseph Schneider
John Baer
Jacob Ruch
Eusebius Hershey
Daniel Koch
David Henning
William Yeakel
Jonas Musselman
Michael Landis
Abel Strawn
David Gehman
George Lambert

Origin of the Brethren in Christ

About the year 1838 there found itself amongst the members of the River Brethren a difference in doctrinal points, which caused a division, and those that differed from the doctrine on these points organized themselves into a body and adopted the name Brethren in Christ. The Lord greatly blessed their labors to the salvation of many precious souls.

Origin of the Mennonite Brethren in Christ

About the year 1882 the Brethren in Christ and the Evangelical United Mennonite formed an acquaintance with each other, and desires were soon expressed to form a union between the two bodies, which was effected through divine guidance by a special conference held Dec 27, 1883.

To ratify and confirm the union the following acknowledgment was subscribed to by the conference.

Ratification - This is to certify that we the undersigned, members of the Evangelical United Mennonite Church of the United States and Canada; and the Brethren in Christ of the United states; upon the authority and in the name of our respective General Conferences, upon due consideration and prayerful investigation by mutual agreement, have, in the fear of God, united together as one body, adopting as a name of distinction, Mennonite Brethren in Christ.

Mennonite Brethren In Christ

George W. Wright
Moses Blackburn
George D. Waitman
Peter Pike
Menno Bowman
Isaah Smail
Sidenham Lambert
Solomon Eby
William Gehman
Samuel McDonald
Daniel Brenneman
Abel Strawn
Peter Walter
John Rasor

Chapter I

Articles of Faith

The Following Articles Contain our Unanimous Confession of Christian Faith.

Article 1

Of God, the creation of all things, and of man.

There is but one Eternal, Omnipotent, Incomprehensible and Triune God - the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost - who is the creator of the heavens, earth and sea, and all therein, visible and invisible; Governor and Upholder of the same, by his wisdom and the word of his mighty power. Amongst which he created man after His own image, and formed him of the dust of the ground, and breathed in his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul, include with many great gifts, placed him in the Garden of Eden or Paradise, where he enjoyed sweet fellowship and communion with Him, and gave him both a command and a prohibition.

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. -- Genesis 1:1

Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made. These <are> the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens, And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew: for the LORD God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and <there was> not a man to till the ground. But there went up a mist from the earth, and watered the whole face of the ground. And the LORD God formed man <of> the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed. And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil. -- Genesis 2:1-9

And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. -- Genesis 2:15-17

I and <my> Father are one. -- John 10:30

For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. -- 1 John 5:7

And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. -- Revelation 19:6

Article II.

The Fall of Man

Our first parents did not remain in glorious and happy state of their original creation, but, being deluded through the subtlety and deception of the devil, disobeyed and transgressed the command of their God and Creator, incurring upon themselves and their posterity the sentence of death

For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. -- Genesis 3:5

And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they <were> naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. -- Genesis 3:7

And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed <is> the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat <of> it all the days of thy life; -- Genesis 3:17

Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: -- Romans 5:12

Article III

Of the Restoration of Man

Notwithstanding the fall of our first parents from the happy state of their original purity and happiness, into a state of unhappiness, degradation and death, God devised for them a way of salvation through the gift of His beloved Son, of whom He gave promise and testified through all His Prophets and who, in due time, came into the world, "tasted death for every man," became the propitiation for the sins of the whole world, and thus "brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel."

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. -- John 3:16

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. -- John 3:17

And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. -- Genesis 3:15

Who hath saved us, and called <us> with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, -- 2 Timothy 1:9

But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: -- 2 Timothy 1:10

But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. -- Hebrews 2:9

Article IV

The Word or Son of God, who became man.

The Son of God is the Word, the eternal and true God, of one substance with the Father, who took man's nature upon Him, by being conceived and born of the Virgin Mary; so both natures, divine and human, are perfectly and inseparably joined in Him. Therefore He is Christ (the anointed), very God and very man, who suffered, was crucified, died and was buried and rose again, in order to reconcile the Eternal Father to us and to present Himself a sacrifice for both our original and actual sins.

To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. -- 2 Corinthians 5:19

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. -- John 1:1-3

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. -- John 1:14

Article V.

The Holy Ghost proceeding from the father and the Son, is of one substance, majesty, and glory with the Father and the Son, very and Eternal God. His office and work is, to reprove the world of sin, of righteousness and of judgement; also to indue the children of God with power, stability and energy to contend earnestly for the faith of the Gospel, to comfort and lead them into all truth.

But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, <even> the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: -- John 15:26

And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: -- John 16:8

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. -- Acts 1:8

And when he had said this, he breathed on <them>, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: -- John 20:22

For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. -- 1 John 5:7

Article VI

Of the Holy Scriptures.

The canonical books of the Holy Scriptures contain all the instructions necessary for salvation and whatsoever is not contained therein, nor can be proven thereby, is not required, nor believed as an article of faith; neither to be received as necessary to salvation.

And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. -- John 5:29

And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture <is> given by inspiration of God, and <is> profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: -- 2 Timothy 3:15-16

VII

Of Original Sin.

Original sin is that corruption and depravity of the human nature in consequence of the fall, through sin and transgression, whereby man has become estranged from God, and is utterly disqualified for His service, and is not in any way capable of accomplishing anything good because his will and desire inclines to evil continually.

And God saw that the wickedness of man <was> great in the earth, and <that> every imagination of the thoughts of his heart <was> only evil continually. -- Genesis 6:5

To the chief Musician, <A Psalm> of David. The fool hath said in his heart, <There is> no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, <there is> none that doeth good. The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, <and> seek God. They are all gone aside, they are <all> together become filthy: <there is> none that doeth good, no, not one. -- Psalms 14:1-3

Because the carnal mind <is> enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. -- Romans 8:7

Article VIII

Of Free Will

Man, having become so completely ruined has neither the will nor power to turn to God, and if left to himself would remain in his wretched and miserable condition forever. But, blessed thought, the "grace of God that bringeth salvation, hath appeared to men;" hence, God graciously employs the means of enlighting and awakening the mind of the sinner to a sense of his power and wretchedness, and then extends the invitation, that "whosoever will may come and take of the water of life freely." But just so long as man refuses a compliance with the requirements of God, and rejects the invitations of His Word, salvation cannot be secured by him.

No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. -- John 6:44

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. -- Revelation 3:20

And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. -- Revelation 22:17

Article IX

Of repentance

Genuine repentance towards God consists in a godly sorrow for sin, through which, by the convincing power of the Spirit of God, accompanying the truth, as it is preached or read, the sinner is brought to see the error of his ways, and with a sense of guilt to take confession of his sins before God, with an earnest desire to be forgiven, and renouncing all evil, to sin no more.

And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. -- Matthew 3:2

Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. -- Acts 20:21

For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. -- 2 Corinthians 7:10

Article X

Of Faith

Genuine and saving faith includes that simple trust in the promises of God which excludes all doubt from the heart, and produces peace and rest to the soul. According to the languages of the Holy Scriptures, faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing <that is> not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him. -- Hebrews 2:8

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. -- Hebrews 11:1

Article XI

Of Justification and Regeneration

Justification and regeneration imply the forgiveness of sins, and a change of heart, through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. -- John 3:3

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: -- Romans 5:1

Article XII

Of Entire Sanctification

Entire sanctification necessarily following justification and regeneration; for, by it is implied a setting apart for the continual service of God, the individual, justified and regenerated; also a cleansing from inbred or original depravity, which is removed only by the application and cleansing process of Christ's blood. It is an instantaneous act of God through the Holy Ghost, by faith in the atoning merits of Christ's blood, and constitutes the believer holy, inasmuch as it excludes the depravity and all unrighteousness from the heart. He therefore is perfect - perfectly saved - the will of God is perfectly performed in the soul.

1. God commands it:

And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. -- Deuteronomy 6:5

And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. -- Luke 10:27

Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. -- Matthew 5:48

Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. -- Romans 6:11

Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. -- 2 Corinthians 7:1

Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, -- Hebrews 6:1

Follow peace with all <men>, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: -- Hebrews 12:14

From whence <come> wars and fightings among you? <come they> not hence, <even> of your lusts that war in your members? -- James 4:1

But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. -- 1 Peter 1:15-16

2. God Promised it:

And the LORD thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live. -- Deuteronomy 30:6

Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do <them>. And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God. I will also save you from all your uncleannesses: and I will call for the corn, and will increase it, and lay no famine upon you. -- Ezekiel 36:25-29

Blessed <are> they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. -- Matthew 5:6

Faithful <is> he that calleth you, who also will do <it>. -- 1 Thessalonians 5:24

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us <our> sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. -- 1 John 1:7-9

3. Holy and inspired men prayed for it in behalf of the church.

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. -- John 17:17

Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, <art> in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. -- John 17:20-23

For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what <is> the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him <be> glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. -- Ephesians 3:14-21

Epaphras, who is <one> of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. -- Colossians 4:12

And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and <I pray God> your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. -- 1 Thessalonians 5:23

Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, -- Hebrews 13:20

Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom <be> glory for ever and ever. Amen. -- Hebrews 13:21

But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle <you>. -- 1 Peter 5:10

4. It is the great object of all God's dealing with men. The object of Christ's mediatorial work.

Blessed <be> the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David; As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began: That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; To perform the mercy <promised> to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant; The oath which he sware to our father Abraham, That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life. -- Luke 1:68-75

He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. -- 1 John 3:8

Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. -- Ephesians 5:25-27

Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. -- Titus 2:14

Of the institution of the Christian Ministry.

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: -- Ephesians 4:11-13

Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: -- Colossians 1:28 Go to documentation 2 Continued. (Go Back to Menu)

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