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JonathanHunt · #8 (**permalink**) 02-24-2007, 03:16 PM

I am pretty sure the 1689 is MORE covenantal, not less. The first confession was 1644, revised 1646.

You will find 1644 HERE

You will find 1646 HERE

You will find 1689 HERE

Perhaps this will be of help - This is Dr Peter Masters' intro to his reprint of the 1689:

Quote:

The first confession of faith to be issued by Particular Baptists appeared in 1644, before the appearance of the Westminster Confession. It emphasised the immersion of properly-dressed people and distinguished Particular Baptists from General Baptists by including articles on election, particular redemption, the fallen state of man's will, and the perseverance of the saints. Known as the London Confession it was revised in 1651 (with statements designed to counter the Quaker 'inner light' method of interpreting scripture, a teaching which has returned again in the 'higher-life' movement).

In 1643 the Long Parliament (having abolished the heirachy of the Church of England) called the Westminster Assembly of Divines to draw up the government, worship and doctrines of the church. That assembly of outstanding Puritans began to work on their Confession of Faith at the beginning of 1645, sixty to eighty divines attending the sessions.

The Confession took one year to complete, but it was referred back to the compliers by Parliament so that marginal notes could be added 'to prove every point with scripture.' This was completed in April 1647.

The Congregationalists (At the Savoy Conference, 1658) took the Westminster Confession as their basis of faith after making modifications.

Then, in 1677, the Particular Baptists also took the Westminster COnfession as the basis of a new confession of their own. They made changes to the articles covering the church, the ordinances and the civil magistrate (sometimes following the Savoy Declaration), also slightly altering and extending some other passages. This was published (during a period of fierce persecution) as, The Second London Confession ... put forth by ther Elders and Brethren of many congregations of Christians (baptised upon profession of their faith) in London and the country.

Immediately the period of persecution of Baptists ended this Confession was adopted and confirmed by the messengers of Particular Baptist churches who assembled in London in 1689. It became the abiding standard of Particular Baptists.

In the USA the famous Philadelphia Confession was derived from the 1689 Confession ... in 1742, when two articles were added and minor alterations made.

Hope this helps.