"[T]he clown troupe often performed 'dramatic skits' during the morning worship service on the Lord’s Day."

“The above true story is exhibit A of what Michael Horton describes as a ‘greasy familiarity’ with which modern-day Christians approach God.” Where Circus and Church Meet: A Plea for the Recovery of Sola Scriptura in Worship

Discussion

[DavidO]

Michael Horton does not subscribe to either the First or Second London Confessions.

But I’m certain he subscribes to the Westminster from which large portions of both the above were lifted.

Don! You can’t bait us like that and just walk away. What does the RPW deprive us of?

The original London Confession - and its first revision - came prior to the Westminster Confession was written in 1646. It is the Second London Confession of 1689 that is largely from the Westminster, and it was basically the confession that the state church allowed the Baptists to have, which why it became more prominent and better known. But the first London Confession better reflects Baptist doctrine and is becoming more popular.

Solo Christo, Soli Deo Gloria, Sola Fide, Sola Gratia, Sola Scriptura http://healtheland.wordpress.com

JobK is exactly right that the 1st London Baptist Confession predates the Presbyterian Westminister. However, it is not correct to say that the 2nd London was what the State Church “allowed” Baptists to have.

Originally written and quietly approved by Baptist churches in London in 1677, the 2nd London Confession was published openly in 1689 after religious tolerance was established. Its similarity to the Westminster Confession is undoubtedly because Baptists wanted to emphasize their common faith in unity with Presbyterians in all possible areas. Of course, the issues of baptism and church government required significant deviations, and a number of minor differences are also interesting and instructive. Baptists truly have a glorious heritage to uphold.

G. N. Barkman