IT is the Duty of every Believer, of every Disciple of Christ, to joyn him­self, for the due and orderly obser­vation and performance of the Comm [...]nds of Christ, unto the Glory of God, and their own Edification, Ma [...]th. 28.18, 19, 20.

This in general is gr [...]nted by all sorts and Parties of men; the grant of it, is the ground whereon they stand in the management of their mutual fe [...]ds in Religion, pleading that men ought to be [Page 4] of, or joyn themselves unto this or that Church, still supposing t [...]at it is th [...]ir Duty to be of one or another.

Yea, it is granted also that Persons ought to chuse what Churches they will joyn themselves unto, wherein they may have the best advan [...]age unto their Edi­fication and Salvation. They are to chuse to joyn themselves unto that Church which is in all things most according to the mind of God.

This it is supposed is the Liberty and Duty of every Man; for if it be not so, it is the foolishest thing in the World, for any to attempt to get others from one Church unto another; which is almost the whole business of Religion, that some think themselves concerned to attend unto.

But yet notwithstanding these Conces­sions, when things come to the [...]ri [...]l in particular, there is very little g [...]anted in complyance with the Assertion laid down. For besides that it is not a Church of Divine Institution, that is intended in these Concessions, when it comes unto the issue, where a Man is born, and in what Church he is Baptized in his Infan­cy, there all choice is prevented, and in the Communion of that Church he is to abide, on the penalties of being esteemed [Page 5] and dealt with as a Schismatick. In what National Church any person is baptized, in that National Church he is to continue, or answer the contrary at his peril. And in the Precincts of what Parish his Habi­tation falls to be, in that particular Parish Church is he bound to Communicate in all Ordinances of Worship. I say, in the judgment of many, whatever is pretend­ed of mens j [...]yning themselves unto the tru­est and purest Churches, there is no Li­berty of Judgment or Practice in either of these things left unto any of the Dis­ciples of Christ

Wherefore the Liberty and Duty propo­sed, being the Foundation of all orderly Evangelical Profession, and that wherein the Consciences of Believers are greatly concerned, I shall lay down one Propo­sition wherein 'tis asserted, in the sence I intend, and then fully confirm it.

The Proposition it self is this:

It is the duty of every one who professeth Faith in Christ Jesus, and takes due care of his own Eternal Salvation, voluntarily and by his own choice to joyn himself unto some particular Congregation of Christs Institution, for his own Spiritual Edification, and the right discharge of his Commands.

1. THIS Duty is prescribed (1.) unto them only who profess Faith in Christ Je­sus, [Page 6] who own themselves to be his Dis­ciples, that call Jesus Lord. For this is the method of the Gospel, that first men by the Preaching of it be made Disciples, or be brought unto Faith in Christ Jesus, and then be taught to do and observe whatever he commands, Matth. 28.18, 19, 20. first to believe, and then to be added unto the Church, Act. 2.41, 42, 46, 47. Men must first joyn themselves un­to the Lord, or give up themselves unto him, before they can give up themselves unto the Church, according to the mind of Christ, 2 Cor. 8.5. We are not there­fore concerned at present as unto them, who either not at all profess Faith in Christ Jesus, or else through ignorance of the Fundamental Principles of Religion, and wickedness of Life, do d [...]stroy or utterly render useless that Profession. We do not say it is the duty of such per­sons, that is, their immediate duty, in the state wherein they are, to joyn them­selves unto any Church. Nay, it is the duty of every Church, to refuse them their Communion, whilst they abide in that state. There are other duties to be in the first place pressed on them▪ where­by they may be made meet for this. So in the Primitive times, although in the extraordinary Conversions unto Christi­anity [Page 7] that were made among the Jews, who before belonged unto Gods Covenant, they were all immediately added unto the Church, yet afterwards, in the or­dinary way of the Conversion of men, the Churches did not immediately admit them into compleat Communion, but kept them as Catechumeners, for the e [...]crease of their knowledge, and trial of their profession, until they were judged meet to be joyned unto the Church. And they are not to blame who receive not such into compleat Communion with them, unto whom it is not a present duty to desire that Communion. Yea, the ad­mission of such persons into Church-Soci­eties, much more the compelling of them to be Members of this or that Church, almost wheth [...]r they will or no, is con­trary to the rule of the Word, the ex­ample of the Primitive Church [...]s, and a great expedient to harden men in their sins.

We do therefore avow, that we can­not admit any into our Church Societies, as to compleat Membership, and actual Interest in the priviledges of the Church, who do not, by a profession of Faith in, and obedience unto Jesus Christ, no way contradicted by sins of life, mani­fest themselves to be such, as whose [Page 8] duty it is, to joyn themselves unto any Church. Neither do we injure any bap­tized Persons hereby, or oppose any of their Right unto, and Interest in the Church, but only as they did universally in the Primitive Churches, after the death of the Apostles, we direct them into that way and method, wherein they may be recei­ved unto the glory of Christ, and their own edification. And we do therefore af­firm, that we will never deny that Com­munion unto any person, high or low, rich or poor, old or young, male or fe­male, whose duty it is to desire it.

2. IT is added in the description of the Subject, That it is such an one who takes due care of his own Salvation. Ma­ny there are who profess themselves to be Christians, who it may be hear the word willingly, and do many things glad­ly, yet do not esteem themselves obli­ged unto a diligent enquiry into, and a precise observation of all the commands of Christ. But it is such whom we in­tend, who constantly fix their minds on the enjoyment of God, as their chiefest good and utmost end, who thereon due­ly consider the means of attaining it, and apply themselves thereunto. And it is to be feared, that the number of such persons will not be found to be very [Page 9] great in the world; which is sufficient to take off the reproach from some particu­lar Congregations of the smalness of their number. Such they ever were, and such is it foretold that they should be. Num­ber was never yet esteemed a note of the true Church, by any but those, whose worldly interest it is that it should so be; yet at present absolutely in these Nati [...]ns, the number of such persons is not small.

3. Of these persons it is said, that it is their duty so to dispose of themselves. It is not that which they may do, as a con­venience, or an advantage; not that which others may do for them, but which they must do for themselves in a way of duty. It is an Obediential Act unto the commands of Christ; whereunto is re­quired subjection of Conscience unto his Authority, Faith in his promises, as also a respect unto an appeara [...]ce before his Judgment-Throne at the last day. The way of the Church of Rome to compel men into their Communion, and keep them in it, by fire and fagot, or any other means of external force, derives more from the Alcoran than the Gospel. Neither doth ir answer the mind of Christ in the Institution, End, and Order of Church-Societies, that men should become Members of them, partly by that which [Page 10] is no way in their own power, and part­ly by what their wills are regulated in, by the Laws of men. For it is, as was said, commonly esteemed, that men being born and baptized in such a Nation, are t [...]ereby made members of the Church of that Nation; and by living within such Parochial Precincts, as the Law of the Land hath Arbitrarily established, are members of this or that particular Con­gregation. At least they are accounted so far to belong unto these Churches, as to render them liable unto all outward punishments, that shall be thought meet to be inflicted on them, who comply not with them. So far as these perswasions and actings according unto them, do pre­vail, so far are they destructive of the principal foundation of the external Be­ing and Order of the Church. But that mens joyning themselves in, or unto any Church Society, is, or ought to be, a voluntary act, or an act of free choice, in mere obedience unto the Authority and commands of Christ, is so sacred a truth, so evident in the Scripture, so necessary from its subject matter, so testifyed un­to by the practice of all the first Church­es; as that it despiseth all opposition. And I know not how any can reconcile the common practice of giving men the [Page 11] reputation or reality of being Members of, or belonging unto this or that Church, as unto total Communion, who desire or chuse no such thing, unto this acknowledg­ed principle.

5. THERE is a double jo [...]ning unto the Church; (1.) That which is, as unto total Communion in all the duties and priviledges of the Church, which is that whereof we treat. (2.) An adherence unto the Church, as unto the means of Instruction and Edi­fication to be attained thereby. So per­sons may adhere unto any Church, who yet are not meet, or free on some present consideration, to confederate with it, as unto total Communion; see Act. 5.13, 14. And of this sort in a peculiar manner, are the baptized Children of the members of the Church. For although they are not capable of performing Church duties, or enjoying Church-priviledges in their ten­der years; nor can have a right unto to­tal Communion▪ before the testification of their own voluntary corsent thereunto, and choice thereof; yet are they in a pe­culiar manner under the care and inspe­ction of the Church, so far as the outward administration of the Covenant in all the means of it, is committed thereunto; and their duty it is, according to their capacity, to attend unto the Ministry of [Page 12] that Church whereunto they do be­long.

6. THE Proposition respects a visible professing Church. And I intend such a Church in general, as avoweth Authori­ty from Christ; (1.) For the Min [...]sterial Preaching of the Word; (2.) Administra­tion of the Sacraments; (3.) For the Exer­cise of Evangelical Discipline; and (4.) To give a publick testimony against the Devil and the World, not contradicting their profession with any corrupt Principles or Practices inconsistent with it. What is required in particular, that any of them may be meet to be joyned unto such a Church, we shall afterwards enquire.

7. IT is generally said, that out of the Church there is no Salvation; and the truth hereof is testified unto in the Scriptures, Act. 2.47. 1 Pet. 3.20, 21. Matth. 16.18. Ephes. 5.26, 27. Joh. 10.16.

8. THIS is true both positively and negatively of the Catholick Church invi­sible of the Elect: All that are of it shall be saved; and none shall be saved but those that belong unto it, Ephes. 5.25, 26, 27. Of the Catholick visible pro­fessing Church negatively; that no Adult person can be saved, that doth not be­long unto this Church, Rom. 10.10.

[Page 13]9. THIS Position of Truth is abused by Interest and Pride; an enclosure of it being made by them, who of all Christi­ans in the World can lay the least and weakest claim unto it; namely, the Church of Rome. For they are so far from being that Catholick Church, out of which there is no Salvation, and wherein none can perish, like the Ark of Noah, that it requires the highest charity to reckon them unto that visible professing Church, whereof the greatest part may perish; and do so undoubtedly.

10. Our enquiry is, what truth there is in this Assertion, with respect unto these particular Churches or Societies, for the celebration of Gospel-worship and Discipline, whereof we treat. And I say,

1. No Church, of what den [...]mination soever, can lay a claim unto this Privi­ledge▪ as belonging unto it self alone. This wa [...] the antient Donatism; They confined Salvation unto the Churc [...]es of their way alone. And after many false charges of it on others, it begins really to be renewed in our d [...]ys. For some dispute, that Salvation is confined unto that Church alone, wherein there is a Succession of Diocesan Bishops; which is the height of Donatism. The Judgments and Determinations made concerning the [Page 14] Eternal Salvation or Damnation of Men, by the measures of some differences a­mong Christians about Churches, their State and Order, are absurd, foolish, and impious, and for the most part used by them, who sufficiently preclaim, that they know neither what it is to be saved, nor do use any diligence about the neces­sary means of it. Salvation depends ab­solutely on no particular Church-state in the world; he knows not the Gospel, who can really think it doth. Persons of Believers are not for the Church, but the Church is for them: if the Ministry of Angels be for them who are Heirs of Sal­vation, much more is the Ministry of the Church so. If a man be an Adulterer, an Idolater, a Rayler, a hater and scoffer of Godliness; if he choose [...]o live in any known sin, without Repentance, or in the neglect of any known duty; if he be ig­norant and prophane; in a word, if he be not bo [...]n again from above, be he of what Church he will, and whatsoever place he possess therein, he cannot be saved. And on the other side, if a man believe in Christ Jesus, that is, know him in his Person, Offices, Doctrine and Grace, trust unto him for all the ends of the wisdom and love of God towards Mankind in him; if he endeavour to yield sincere [Page 15] and universal obedience unto all his co [...] ­mands, and to be confirmed unto him, in all things following his example, having for these ends received of his Spirit, though all the Churches in the world should reject him, yet he shall undoubted­ly be saved. If any shall hence infer, that then it is all one of what Church any one is: I answer, (1.) That although the be­ing of this or that▪ or any particular Church in the world, will not secure the Salvation of any men; yet the adherence unto some Churches, or such as are so called, in their constitution and worship, may prejudice, yea, ruine the Salvation of any that shall so do. (2.) The choice of what Church we will joyn unto, be­longs unto the choice and use of the means for our Edification. And he that makes no conscience hereof, but merely with r [...]spect unto the event of being saved at last, will probably come short thereof,

2. ON this Supposition, that there be no insuperable difficulties lying in the way of the discharge of this duty, as that a person be cast by the providence of God into such a place or season, as wherein there is no Church that he can possibly joyn himself unto, or that he be unjustly refused Communion, by unwar­rantable conditions of it, as it was with [Page 16] many during the preval [...]ncy of the Papa­cy in all the Western Empire; it is the indisp [...]nsible duty of every Disciple of Christ, in order unto his Edification and Salvation, voluntarily, and of his own choice, to joyn himself in and unto some particular congregation, for the Celebrati­on of divine Worship, and the due ob­servation of all the Institutions and com­mands of Christ; which we shall now farther confirm.

1. THE foundation of this duty, as was before declared▪ doth lye in the law and light of Nature. Man cannot exercise the principal powers and faculties of his Soul, with which he was created, and whereby he is enabled to glorifie God, which is the end of him and them, without a consent and conjunction in the Worship of God in Communion and Society, as hath been proved before.

2. The way whereby this is to be done, God hath declared and revealed from the beginning, by the Constitution of a Church-state, through the addition of Ar­bitrary Institutions of worship, unto what was r [...]quired by the Law of Nature. For this gives the true state, and is the formal reason of a Church, namely, a di­vine Addition of Arbitrary Institutions of worship, unto the necessary Dictates of [Page 17] the Law of Nature, unto that end. And the especial nature of any Church-state, doth depend on the especial nature of those Institutions, which is constitutive of the difference between the Church-state of the Old Testament and that of the New.

3. SUCH a Church-state was constituted and appointed under the Old Testament, founded in and on an especial Covenant between God and the People, Exod. 24. Unto this Church every one that would please God, and walk before him, was bound to joyn himself, by the ways and means that he had appointed for that end; namely, by Circumcision, and their laying hold on the Covenant of God, Exod. 12.48. Isa. 56.4. And this joyning unto the Church, is called joyning unto the Lord, Isa. 56.6. Jerem. 50.5. as being the means thereof; without which it could not be done. Herein was the Taberna­cle of God with men, and he dwelt a­mong them.

4. AS a new Church-state is prophesied of under the New Testament. Ezek. 34.25, 26, 27. Isa. 66.18, 19, 20, 21, 22. and other places innumerable; so it was actually erected by Jesus Christ, as we have declared. And whereas it is intro­duced and established in the place and [Page 18] room of the Church-state under the Old Testament, which was to be removed at the time of Reformation, as the Apostle de­monstrates at large in his Epistle to the Hebrews; all the commands, promises, and threatnings given or annexed unto that Church-state, concerning the conjun­ction of men unto it, and walking in it, are transferred unto this of the new erection of Christ. Wherefore although the State of the Church it self, be redu­ced from that which was Nationally Con­gregational, unto that which is simply and absolutely so; and all Ordinances of its instituted worship are changed, with new rules for the observation of what we are directed unto by the light of N [...]ture: yet the commands, promises, and threat­nings, made and given unto it as a Church, are all in full force with respect unto this new Church-state; and we need no new commands to render it our duty to joyn in Evangelical Churches, for the ends of a Church in general.

5. THE Lord Christ hath disposed all the ways and means of edification, unto these Churches; so that ordinarily, and under an expectation of his presence in them, and concurrence unto their efficacy, they are not otherwise to be enjoyed. Such are the ordinary dispensation of the Word, [Page 19] and Administration of the Sacraments. For any Disciple of Christ to live in a neglect of these things, and the enjoyment of them according to his mind, is to despise his care and wisdom, in providing for his eternal welfare.

6. HE hath prescribed sundry duties unto us, both as necessary, and as evidences of our being his Disciples, such as cannot be orderly performed, but as we are mem­bers of some particular Congregation: this also hath been before declared▪

7. THE Institution of these Churches, is the way which Christ hath ordained to render his Kingdom visible or conspicu­ous, in distinction from, and opposition unto, the Kingdom of Satan and the world. And he doth not in a due man­ner, declare himself a subject in or unto the Kingdom of Christ, who doth not solemnly ingage in this way. It is not enough to constitute a legal subject of the Kingdom of England, that he is born in the Nation, and lives in some outward observance of the Laws of it, if he refuse solemnly to express his Allegiance in the way appointed by the Law for that end. Nor will it constitute a regular subject of the Kingdom of Christ, that he is born in a place where the Gospel is professed, and so professeth a general complyance [Page 20] therewith; if he refuse to testifie his sub­jection, by the way that Christ hath ap­pointed for that end. It is true, the whole Nation in their civil relation and subordination according to Law, is the Kingdom of England. But the representa­tion of the Kingly power and rule in it, is in the Courts of all sorts, wherein the Kingly power is acted, openly and visi­bly. And he that lives in the Nation, yet denies his h [...]mage unto these Courts, is not to be esteemed a Subject. So doth the whole visible professing Church, in one or more Nations, or lesser precincts of people and places constitute the visi­ble Kingdom of Christ; yet is no parti­cular person to be esteemed a legal true Subject of Christ, that doth not appear in these his Courts with a Solemn expression of his Homage unto him.

8. THE whole Administration of the Rule and Discipline appointed by Christ, is confined unto these Churches; nor can they be approved by whom that rule is despised. I shall not argue farther, in a case whose truth is of so uncontroulable evidence. In all the writings of the New Testament, recording things after the Ascension of Christ, there is no men­tion of any of his Disciples with appro­bation, unless they were extraordinary [Page 21] Officers, but such as were entire Mem­bers of these Assemblies.

THE Church may be considered eith [...]r as unto his Essence, Constitution and Being; or as unto its Power and Order, when it is Organized. As unto its Essence and Being, its constituent parts are its Matter and Form. These we must enquire into.

By the Matter of the Church, we un­derstand the persons whereof the Church doth consist, with their Qualifications: And by its Form, the reason, cause and way of that kind of Relation among them, which gives them the Being of a Church, and the [...]ewithal an Interest in all that be­longs unto a Church, either privilege, or pow [...]r, as such.

Our first Enquiry being concerning what sort of Persons our Lord Jesus Christ requireth and admitteth to be the visible Subjects of his Kingdom, we are to be re­gulated in our Determination by respect unto his Honour, Glory, and the Holiness [Page 22] of his Rule. To reckon such persons to be Subject [...] of Christ, Members of his Body, such as he requires and owns, (for others are not so) who would not be tolerated, at least not approved, in a well governed Kingdom or Commonwealth of the World, Note: Psal. 15.1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Psal. 24.3, 4. Psal. 93.5. 2 Cor. 8.23. Ephes. 5.27. is highly di­shonourable unto him. But it is so come to pass, that let Men be never so notoriously and fl [...]gitiously wicked, until they become p [...]sts of the earth, yet are they esteemed to belong to the Church of Christ. And not only so, but it is thought little less than Schism to forbid them the Communi­on of the Church in all its sacred Privi­leges. Howbeit, the Scripture doth in general represent the Kingdom or Church of Christ, to consist of persons called Saints, separated from the World, with man [...] other things of alike nature, as we shall see immediately. And if the Honour of Christ were of such weight with us as it ought to be, if we understood aright the nature and e [...]ds of his King­dom, and that the peculiar Glory of it, above all the Kingdoms in the World, consists in the Holiness of its Subject [...], such an Holiness as the world in its wisdom [Page 23] knoweth not, we would duly consider whom we avow to belong thereunto. Those who know ought of these things, will not profess that persons openly pro­phane, vicious, sensual, wicked and ig­norant, are approved and owned of Christ as the Subjects of his Kingdom, Note: 2 Tim. 3.1, 2, 3, 4, 5. or that it is his will that we should receive them into the Com­munion of the Church But an old opi­nion of the unlawfulness of separation from a Church, on the account of the mixture of wicked men in it, is made a scare-crow to frighten men from attempt­ing the Reformation of the greatest Evils, and a covert for the composing Churches of such members only.

Some things therefore are to be premi­sed unto what shall be offered unto the right stating of this Enquiry: As,

1. THAT if there be no more requi­red of any as unto Personal Qualifications in a visible uncontroulable profession, to constitute them Subjects of Christs Kingdom, Note: Ezek. 22.26. and Members of his Church, but what is required by the most righte­ous and severe Laws of men to constitute a good Subject or Citizen, the distinction between his visible Kingdom and the [Page 24] Kingdoms of the World, as unto the principal causes of it, is utterly lost. No [...] all negative Qualifications, as that Men are not Oppressors, Drunkards, Re­vilers, Swearers, Adulterers, &c. are re­quired hereunto. But yet it is so fallen out, that generally more is required to constitute such a Citizen as shall represent the righteous Laws he liveth under, than to constitute a Member of the Church of Christ.

2. THAT whereas Re­generation is expresly re­quired in the Gospel, Note: Joh. 3.3. Tit. 3.3, 4, 5. to give a Right and Privilege unto an entrance into the Church or Kingdom of Christ, whereby that King­dom of his is distinguished from all other Kingdoms in and of the World, unto an Inte [...]est wherein never any such thing was required; it must of necessity be something better, more excellent and sub­lime than any thing the Laws and Polities of men pretend unto or prescribe. Wherefore it cannot consist in any out­ward Rites, easie to be observed by the worst and vilest of men, besides the Scrip­ture gives us a description of it, in oppositi­on unto its consisting in any such Rite, 1 Pet. 3.21. And many things re­quired unto good Citizens, are far bet­ter [Page 25] than the meer observation of such a Rite.

Of this Regeneration bap­tism is the Symbol, the Sign, Note: Joh. 3.5. Act. 2.38. 1 Pet. 3.21. Expression and Representa­tion. Wherefore unto those who are in a due manner partakers of it, it giveth all the external Rights and Privileges which belong unto them that are Regenerate, until they come unto such Seasons, wherein the personal performance of those Duties whereon the continuation of the estate of visible Regeneration doth depend, is required of them. Herein if they fail, they lose all privilege and be­nefit by their Baptism.

So speaks the Apostle in the case of Circumcision under the Law, Rom. 2.25. For Circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the Law; but if thou be a breaker of the Law, thy Circumcision is made uncir­cumcision. It is so in the case of baptism. Verily it profiteth, if a man stand unto the Terms of the Covenant which is tendered therein between God and his Soul; for it will give him Right unto all the outward Privileges of a Regenerate State; but if he do not, as in the sight of God his baptism is no baptism, Note: Phil. 3.18, 19. as unto the real Communication of Grace [Page 26] and acceptance with him so in the sight of the Church, Note: Tit. 1.15, 16. it is no baptism, as unto a participation of the external Rights and Privileges of a Regenerate state.

4. GOD alone is judge concerning this Regeneration, Note: Act. 15. [...]8. Rev. 2.23. as unto its internal, real prin­ciple and state in the Souls of men whereon the participation of all the spi­ritual advantages of the Covenant of Grace doth depend: The Church is judge of its evidences and fruits in their exter­nal Demonstration, as unto a participation of the outward Privileges of a Regenerate state, Note: Act. 8.13. and no farther. And we shall here­on briefly declare what belongs unto the forming of a right judgment herein, and who are to be esteemed fit Members of any Gospel Church State, or have a right so to be.

1. SUCH as from whom we are obliged to with-draw or with-hold Communion, Note: 1 Cor. 6.9, 10, 11. Phil. 3.18, 19. 2 Thes. 3, 6. 2 Tim. 3.5. Rom. 9, 6, 7. Tit. 1.16. can be no part of the matter con­stituent of a Church, or are not meer Members for the first constitution of it. But such are all Habitual Sinners; [Page 27] those who having prevalent habits and Inclinations unto Sins of any kind un­mortified, do walk according unto them. Such are prophane Swearers, Drunkards, Fornicators, Covetous, Oppressors, and the like, who shall not inherit the Kingdom of God. 1 Cor. 6.9, 10.11. Phil. 3.18 19. 2 Thess. 3.6. 2 Tim. 3.5. as a man living and dying in any known Sin, that is habitually, without Repentance cannot be saved; so a man known to live in Sin, cannot regularly be received into any Church. To compose Churches of Habitual Sinners, and that either as unto Sins of Commission, or Sins of Omission, is not to erect Temples to Christ, but Chapels unto the Devil.

2. SUCH as being in the fellowship of the Church, are to be admonished of any scandalous Sin, which if they repent not of, Note: Mat. 18.16, 17, 18. they are to be cast out of the Church, are not meer Members for the Original Constitution of a Church. This is the state of them who abide Obstinate in any known Sin, Note: 1 Cor. 5.11. whereby they have given Offence unto others, without a professed Repentance thereof, although they have not lived in it habitually.

[Page 28]3. THEY are to be such as visibly an­swer the Description given of Gospel Churches in the Scripture, so as the Ti­tles assigned therein unto the Members of such Churches, may on good grounds be appropriated unto them. To com­p [...] Churches of such Persons as do not visibly answer the character given of what they were of old, and what they were always to be by virtue of the Law of Christ o [...] Gospel-contitution, is not Church Edification, but Destruction. And those who look on the things spoken of all Church Members of old, as that they were Saints by calling, lively stones in the house of God, justified and sanctified, se­parate from the World, &c. as those which were in them, and did indeed belong unto them, but even deride the necessi­ty of the same things in present Church Members, or the Application of them unto those who are so▪ are themselves no small part of that woful Degeneracy which Christian Religion is fallen under. Let it then be considered what is spoken of the Church of the Jews in their Dedication unto God, as unto their Typical H [...]lines [...], with the Application of it unto Christi­an Churches in real Holiness, 1 Pet. 2.5.9. with the Description given of them constantly in the Scripture, as Faithful, [Page 29] Holy, Believing, as the House of God, as his Temple wherein he dwells by his Spirit, as the Body of Christ united and comp [...]cted by the communication of the Spirit unto them; as also what is said concerning their ways, walkings and du­ties; and it will be uncontrolably evident of what sort our Church Members ought to be; nor are those of any other sort able to discharge the Duties which are incumbent on all Church-members, nor to use the Privileges they are intrusted withal. Wherefore, I say, [...]o suppose Churches regularly to consist of such per­sons for the greater part of them, as no way answer the Description given of Church-members in their Original Institution, nor cap [...]ble to discharge the Duties prescri­bed unto them, but giving evidence of Habits and Actions inconsistent there­withal, is not only to disturb all Church Order, but utterly to overthrow the Ends and Being of Churches, Nor is there any thing [...]ore scandalous unto Christian Re­ligio [...], than what Bellarmine affirms to be the judgment of the Papists in opposi­tion unto all others; namely, that no in­ternal Vertue or Grace is required unto the Constitution of a Church in its Members. Lib. 3. d [...] Eccles. cap 2.

[Page 30]4. THEY must be such as do make an open profession of the subjection of their Souls and Consciences unto the Authority of Christ in the Gospel, Note: Rom. 10.10. 2 Cor. 8.5. Chap. 9.13. Matth. 10.32, 33. Luke 9.16. 2 Tim. 2.12. Rom. 15.9. Joh. 12.42. 1 Joh. 4.2, 3, 15. and their rea­diness to yield Obedience un­to all his Commands. This I suppose will not be de­nied; for not only doth the Scripture make this Profession necessary unto the participation of any benefit or privi­lege of the Gospel; but the nature of the things themselves requires indispensably that so it should be. For nothing can be more unreasonable than, that men should be taken into the privileges attending Obedience unto the Laws and Commands of Christ, without avowing or professing that Obedience. Wherefore, our Enquiry is only what is required unto such a Pro­fession, as may render men meet to be Members of a Church, and give them a Right thereunto. For to suppose such a confession of Christian Religion to be compliant with the Gospel, which is made by many who openly live in Sin▪ being disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate, is to renounce the Gospel it self, Christ is not the High Priest of [Page 31] such a Profession. I shall therefore de­clare briefly what is necessary unto this Profession, that all may know what it is which is required unto the entrance of any into our Churches, wherein our Practice hath been sufficiently traduced.

1. THERE is required unto it a compe­tent knowledge of Doctrines and Mystery of the Gospel, especially concerning the Person and Offices of Christ. The Confessi­on hereof, was the ground whereon he granted the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, or all Church Power unto Believers, Matth, 16.17, 18, 19. The first Instru­ction which he gave unto his Apostles, was, That they should teach men by the preaching of the Gospel, in the know­ledge of the Truth revealed by him. The knowledge required in the Members of the Judaical Church, that they might be translated into the Christian, was princi­pally, if not solely, that of his Person, and the acknowledgment of him to be the true Messiah, the Son of God. For as on their unbelief thereof their Eternal ruine did depend, as he told them, if you believe not that I am he, you shall die in your sins; so the confession of him was sufficient on their part unto their Ad­mission into the Gospel Church State. And the Reasons of it are apparent. [Page 32] With others, an Instruction in all the Mysteries of Religion, especially in those that are fundamental, is necessary unto the Profession we enquire after. So Ju­stin Martyr tells us what pains they took in those Primitive Times, to instruct those in the Mysteries of Religion, who upon a general Conviction of its Truth, were willing to adhere unto the Professi­on of it. And what was their Judgment herein, is sufficiently known, from the keeping a multitude in the state of Ca­tecumens, before they would admit them into the Fellowship of the Church. They are not therefore to be blamed, they do but discharge their Duty, who refuse to receive into Church Communion such as are ignorant of the fundamental Doctrines and Mysteries of the Gospel; or if they have learned any thing of them from a form of words, yet really understand no­thing of them. The promiscuous driving of all sorts of persons who have been baptized in their Infancy, unto a parti­cipation of all Church privileges, is a profanation of the holy Institutions of Christ. This knowledge therefore be­longing unto profession is it self to be professed.

2. THERE is required unto it a pro­fessed subjection of Soul and Conscience unto [Page 33] the Authority of Christ in the Church, Matth. 28.18, 19, 20. 2 Cor. 8.5. This in general is performed by all that are Baptized when they are Adult, as being by their own actual consent baptized in the Name of Christ. And it is required of all them who are baptized in their Infancy, when they are able with Faith and Understanding to profess their con­sent un [...]o, and abiding in that Covenant whereinto they were initiated.

3. An Instruction in, and consent unto the Doctrine of Self-denial and bearing of the Cross, Note: Matth. 10.37, 38, 39. Mar. 8.34.38. Luk. 9.23. Phil. 3.18. Act. 4.10, 11, 20. Act. 24.14. in a particular manner: For this is made indi­spensably necessary by our Saviour himself, unto all that will be his Disci­ples. And it hath been a great disad­vantage unto the Glory of Christian Reli­gion, that men have not been more and better instructed therein. It is common­ly thought, that who ever will, may be a Christian at an easie rate, it will cost him nothing. But the Gospel gives us another account of these things. For it not only warns us, that Reproaches, Hatred, Sufferings of all sorts, oft-times to Death it self, are the common lot of [Page 34] all its Professors, who will live godly in Christ Jesus; but also requires, that at our initiation into the Profession of it, we consider aright the dread of them all, and engage cheerfully to undergo them. Hence, in the Primitive Times, whilst all sorts of miseries were continu­ally, presented unto them who embraced the Christian Religion, their willing en­gagement to undergo them, who were converted, was a firm evidence of the sincerity of their Faith, as it ought to be unto us also in times of Difficulty and Persecution. Some may suppose that the Faith and Confession of this Doctrine of Self-denial and readiness for the Cross, is of use only in time of Persecution, and so doth not belong unto them who have continually the countenance and favour of publick Authority. I say, it is, at least as they judge, well for them; with others it is not so, whose outward state makes the publick avowing of this Duty indispensably necessary unto them: And I may add it as my own thoughts, (though they are not my own alone) That not­withstanding all the Countenance that is given unto any Church by the publick Magistracy, yet whilst we are in this World, those who will faithfully dis­charge their Duty, as Ministers of the [Page 35] Gospel especially, shall have need to be prepared for sufferings. To escape suf­ferings, and enjoy worldly advantages by sinful compliances, or bearing with men in their Sins, is no Gospel Direction.

4, Conviction and Confession of Sin, with the way of deliverance by Jesus Christ, is that answer of a good Conscience, that is re­quired in the Baptism of them that are Adult. 1 Pet. 3.

5. Unto this Profession is required the constant perfor­mance of all known Duties of Religion, Note: Matth. 28.19, 20. both of Piety in the publick and private Worship of God, as also of Charity with respect unto others. Shew me thy Faith by thy Works.

6. A careful Abstinence from all known Sins, giving scandal or offence, either unto the World, or unto the Church of God. And the Gospel re­quires, Note: 1 Cor. 10.32. Phil. 1.10. that this Confessi­on be made ( with the Mouth Confession is made unto Salvation) against (1.) Fear, (2.) Shame, (3.) The Course of the World, (4.) The Opposition of all Enemies what­ever.

Hence it appears, that there are none excluded from an Entrance into the Church State, but such as are either, [Page 36] (1.) grosly Ignorant, or, (2.) Persecutors, or reproachers of those that are good, or of the ways of God wherein they walk; or, (3.) Idolaters; or, (4.) Men scandalous in their Lives in the Commissi­on of Sins, or Omission of Duties, thro' vitious Habits or Inclinations; or, (5.) such as would partake of Gospel Privi­leges and Ordinances, yet openly avow that they will not submit unto the Law and Commands of Christ in the Gospel, concerning whom, and the like, the Scripture Rule is peremptory; From such turn away.

And herein we are remote from ex­ceeding the example and care of the Primitive Churches. Yea, there are but few, if any, that arrive unto it. Their endeavour was to Preach unto all they could, and rejoiced in the multitudes that came to hear the Word. But if any did essay to join themselves unto the Church, their diligence in their Exami­nation and Instruction, their severe En­quiries into their Conversation, their disposing of them for a long time into a state of Expectation for their Trial, be­fore their Admittance, were remarkable. And some of the Ancients complain, that their promiscuous Admittance of all sorts of persons that would profess the [Page 37] Christian Religion, into Church Member­ship, which took place af [...]erwards, ruined all the Beauty, Order and Discipline of the Church.

The things ascribed unto those who are to be esteemed the proper Subject Matter of a Visible Church, are such as in the judgment of Charity entitles them unto all the Appellations of Saints, Called, Sancti­fied, that is Visibly and by P [...]ofession, which are given unto the Members of all the Churches in the New Testament, and which must be answered in those who are admit­ted into that Priledge, if we do not wholly neglect our only Patterns. By these things, although they should any of them, not be real living Members of the Mystical Body of Christ, unto whom he is an Head of spi­ritual and vital influance; yet are they meer Members of that Body of Christ un­to which he is an Head of Rule and Gove [...]n­ment; as also meer to be estee [...]ed Su [...]jects of his Kingdom. And none are excluded but such, as concerning whom Rules are given, either to withdraw from them, or to cast them [...]ut of Church Society, or are expresly excluded by God himself from any share in the Prieiledges of his Co­venant, Psal. 50.16, 17. But unto the Wick­ed God saith, What hast thou to do to declare my Statutes, or that thou shouldest take my [Page] Covenant in thy Mouth? Seeing thou hatest in­struction, and castest my w [...]rds behind thee.

THE Controversie about the Continua­tion of a Church-state, and the Admi­nistration of Gospel Ordinances of Wor­ship, is not new, in this Age, though some pride the [...]selves, as though the Inventi­on of the Error whereby they are denied, were their own: In former Ages, both in the Papacy, and among some of them that forsook it, there were divers who on a pretence of a peculiar Spiritually, and imaginary Attainments in Religion, wherein these things are unnecessary, re­jected their Observation. I s [...]pp [...]se it necessary briefly to confirm the Tru [...]h, and Vindicate it from this exception, be­cause though it be sufficiently w [...]ak in it self, yet what it is, lies against the Foun­dation of all that we are pleading about. But to reduce things into the lesser com­pass; I shall first confirm the Truth by those Arguments or Considerations, which will defeat all the Pleas and Pretences of [Page 40] them, by whom it is opposed; and then confirm it by positive Testimonies and Arguments, with all Brevity possible.

First, therefore I shall argue from the removal of all causes, whereon such a Cess [...]tion of Churches and Ordinances is pre­tended. For it is granted on all hands, that they had a Divine Original and Insti­tution, and were observed by all the Dis­ciples of Christ, as thing [...] by him comman­ded. If now therefore they cease as un­to their force, efficacy and use, it must be on some of these Reasons.

1. Because a limited Time and Season was fixed upon them, which is now expi­red. So was it with the Church-state and Ordinances of old; they were appointed [...]nto the time of Reformation, Heb. 9.10 They had a certain time prefixed unto their duration, according to the Degrees of whose approach they waxed old, and at length utterly disappeared, chap. 8.13. until that time they were all punctually to be observed, Mal. 4.4. But there were many antecedent Indications of the Will of God concerning their Cessation and Abolition, whereof the Apostle disputes at large in his Epistle unto the Hebrews. And from a pretended supposition, that such was the state of Evangelical Ordinances, namely, that they had a time prefixed unto their [Page 41] Duration, did the first opposition against them arise. For Montanus, with his Fol­lowers, imagined that the appointments of Christ and his Apostles in the Gospel, were to continue in force only unto the coming of the Paraclete, or the Comfor­ter, promised by him. And adding a new Phrensie hereunto, that that Paraclete was then first come in Montanus, they rejected the Institutions of the Gospel, and made new Laws & Rules for themselves. And this continues to be the principal pretence of them by whome the use of Gospel-Ordi­nances is at present rejected, as that which is of no force or efficacy. Either they have received, or do speedily look for such a Dispensation of the Spirit, or his Gifts, as wherein they are to cease and disappear. But nothing can be more vain than this pretence.

1. It is so as unto the limitation of any Time, as unto their Duration and Conti­nuance. For (1.) There is no Intimati­on given of any such thing, either in the Divine-Word, Promise, Declaration about them, or the Nature of the Institutions themselves. But whereas those of the Old Testament were in Time to be remo­ved, that the Church might not be offend­ed thereby, seeing Originally they were all of immediate Divine Institution, God [Page 42] did by all manner of ways, as by Promi­ses, express Declarations, and by the Na­ture of the Institutio [...]s themselves, fore­signifie their removal, as the Apostle proves at large in his Epistle to the Hebrews. But nothing of this Nature can be pretended concerning the Gospel Church state or Wor­ship. (2.) There is no Prediction or In­timation of any other way of VVorship, or serving God in this VVorld, that should be introduced in the room of that esta­blished at first; so that upon a Cessa [...]ion thereof, the Church must be left unto all uncertainties and utter ruin. (3.) The principal Reason why a Church-state was erected of old, and Ordinances of VVor­ship appointed therein, that were all to be removed and taken away, was, that the Son, the Lord over his own House, might have the Preheminence in all things. His Glory it was to put an end unto the Law, as given by the Disposition of Angels, and the Ministry of Moses, by the Institution of a Church-state and Ordinances of his own appointment. And if his Revelation of the Will of God therein be not compleat, perfect, ultimate, unalterable, if it be to expire, it must be, that Honour may be given above him, unto one greater than he.

2. It is so, as unth their Decay, or the loss of their primitive Force and Efficacy. For [Page 43] their Efficacy unto their proper Ends, de­pends on, (1.) The I [...]i [...]ution of Christ: This is the Foundation of all Spiritual Efficacy unto Edification in the Church, or whatever belongs thereunto. And therefore whatever Church-state may be framed, or Duties, ways or means of Wor­ship appointed by Men, that have not his Institution, how specious soever they may appear to be, have no Spiritual Force or Efficacy, as unto the Edification of the Church, But whilst this Institution of Christ continues irrevocable, and is not Abroga­ted by a greater Power than what it was enacted by, whatever defect there may be as unto Faith and Obedience in Men, ren­dring them useless and ineffectual unto themselves; however they may be cor­rupted by additions unto them, or detra­ctions from them, changing their Nature and Use; in themselves they continue to be of the same Vse and Efficacy as they were at the beginning. (3.) On the Promise of Christ, that he will be present with his Disciples in the Observation of his Com­mands unto the Consumation of all things, Matt. 28.20. To deny the continued ac­complishment of this Promise, and that on any pretence whatever, is the Venom of Infidelity. If therefore they have an ir­revocable Divine Institution; if Christ be [Page 44] present in their Administrations, as he was of old, Revel. 2.1. there can be no abatement of their Efficacy unto their pro­per ends, in the Nature of Instrumental Causes. (3.) On the Covenant of God, which gives an infal [...]i [...]le i [...]seperable Con­junction between the Word, or the Church and its Institution by the Word, and the Spirit, Isa. 59.21. God's Covenant with his People is the Foundation of eve­ry Church-state, of all Offices, Powers, Pri­viledges, and Duties there unto belonging. They have no other end, they are of no other use, but to Communicate, express, declare, and exemplifie on the one hand, the Grace of God in his Covenant unto his People; and on the other, the Duties of his People according unto the Tenor of the same Covenant unto him. They are the Way, means, and Instruments appointed of God for this end, and other end they have none. And hereon it follows, that if it be not in the power of Men, to ap­point any thing that shall be a means of Communication between God and his Peo­ple, as unto the Grace of the Covenant, on the one Hand, or the Duties of Obe­dience which it requires, on the other [...]; they have no power to erect any new Church-state, or enact any thing in Divine Worship, not of his Institution. This be­ing [Page 45] the state of Churches and their Ordi­nances, they cannot be altered, they can­not be liable unto any decay, unless the Covenant whereunto they are annexed, be altered or decayed. And therefore the Apostle to put finally and absolutely his Argument unto an Issue, to prove that the Mosaical Church-State and Ordinances were changed, because useless and ineffe­ctual, doth it on this ground, that the Co­venant whereunto they were annexed, was changed and become useless. This I sup­pose at present will not said concer­ning the New Covenant, whereunto all Ordinances of Divine Worship are insepa­rably annexed.

Men might at a cheaper Rate, as unto the Eternal interest of their own Souls, provide another Covering for their sloth, negligence, unbelief, and indulgence unto proud foolish imaginations, whereby they render the Churches and Ordinances of the Gospel useless and ineffectual unto themselves; thereby charging them with a decay and uselesness, and so refl [...]cting on the honour and faithfulness of Christ himself.

2. THEY do not cease, because there is at present, or at least there is shortly to be expected, such an effusion of the Gifts and Graces of the Spirit, as to render all these [Page 46] external Institutions needless, and consequent­ly useless. This also is falsely pretended. For (1.) The greatest and most plentiful effusion of the Holy Spirit in his Gifts and Graces, was in the days of the Apo­stles, and of the first Churches planted by them; nor is any thing beyond it, or in­deed equal unto it, any more to be ex­pected in this World. But yet then was the G [...]spel Church-state erected, and the use of all its Ordinances of Worship en­joyned. (2.) The Ministry of the Gospel which comprizeth all the Ordinances of Church worship, as its object and end, is the Ministration of the Spirit, and there­fore no supplies or Communication of him can render it useleless. (3.) One of the principal ends for which the Commu­nication of the Spirit is promised unto the Church, is to make and render all the In­stitutions of Christ effectual unto its edifi­cation. (4.) 1 Joh. 2.20, 27. is usually pleaded as giving countenance unto this fond pretence. But (1.) The Vnction mentioned by the Apostle, was then up­on all Believers. Yet (2.) It is known that then they all walked in Church-Order, and the sacred observation of all the Insti­tutions of Christ. (3) If it takes away any thing, it is the Preaching of the Wo [...]d, or all manner of Teaching and Instruction; [Page 47] which is to overthrow the whole Scrip­ture, and to reduce Religion, into Barba­rism (4) Nothing is in [...]nded in these words▪ bu [...] the d [...]f [...]rent way of Teaching, and degrees of Success, betw [...]en that un­der the Law, and t [...]a [...] now established in the Gosp [...] by the [...] effusion of the Spi [...]it, a [...] [...] been [...] at large else­where. Nor 3. Do they cease in their Administration, for want either of Autho­rity or Ability in dispense them; which is pleaded unto the same end. But neither is thi [...] pre [...]en [...] of any force; it only begs the thing in Question. The Au [...]hority of Office for the Administration of all other Ordinances, is an Institution. And to say that all Institutions cease, b [...]cause none have Authority to administer them, is to say they must all cease, because they are ceased. (2.) The Office of the Minist [...]y for the continuation of the Church-state, and Administration of all Ordinances of Worship unto the end of the World, is sufficiently secured. (1.) By the Law, con­stitution and appointment of our Lord Jesus Christ, erecting that Office, and giving waranty for its continuance to the Comsumation of all things, Matt. 28.20. Ephes. 4.13. (2.) By his continuance ac­cording unto his promise to communicate Spiritual Gifts unto Men, for the Ministe­rial [Page 48] Edification of the Church. That this he doth so continue to do, that is is the principal external Evidence of his abiding in the discharge of his M [...]diatory Office, and of what nature these gifts are, I have declared at large in a peculiar Discourse on that subject. (3.) On the duty of Belie­vers or of the Church, which is, to choose; call, and so [...]emnly set apart unto the Of­fice of the Ministry, such as the Lord Christ by his Spirit, hath made meet for it, according unto the rule of his word.

If all these, or any of them do fail, I acknowledge that all Ministerial Authority and Ability, for the dispensation of Gospel-Ordinances must fail also, and consequent­ly the state of the Church. And those who plead for the continuation of a successive Ministry, without respect unto these things, without resolving both the Au­thority and Office of it unto them, do but erect a dead Image, or embrace a dead carcase, instead of the living and life giving Institutions of Christ. They take away the living Creature, and set up a skin stuffed with straw. But if these things do unalterably continue; if the Law of Christ can neither be changed, abrogated, or disannulled, if his dispen­sation of Spiritual gifts according unto his promise cannot be impeded; if Believers [Page 49] through his grace will continue in ob [...] ­dience unto his commands, it is not possi­ble there should be an utter failure in this Office, and Office-power of this Ministry. It may fail in this or that place, in this or that Church, when the Lord Christ will remove his Candl [...]stick. But it hath a living root whence it will spring again in other places and Churches, whi [...]st this world doth endure. Neither

4. Do they cease, because they have been all of them corrupted, abused, and de­filed in the Apostacy which fell out among all the Ch [...]rches in the latter Ages, as it was fully foretold in the Scripture. For (1.) This supposition would make the whole Kingdom of Christ in the world to depend on the corrupt Lusts and wills of men, which have got by any m [...]ns, the outward possession of the Administration of his Laws and Ordinances. This is all one as if we should say, that if a pack of wicked Judges should for a season p [...]rvert Justice, Righteousness and Judgment, that the being of the Kingdom is so over­thrown thereby, as that it can never be restored. (2.) It would make all the d [...] ­ [...]ies and all the priviledges of all true Be­lievers to depend on the wills of wicked Apostares. For if they may not make use of what they hrve abused, they can never yield Obedience to the c [...]mmands of [Page 50] Christ, nor enjoy the priviledges which he hath annexed unto his Church and Worship. (3.) On this supposition, all Reformation of an Apostarized Church, is utterly impossible. But it is our duty to heal even Babylon it self▪ by a reduction of all things unto their first Institution, if it would be healed, Jerem. 51.9. and if not, we are to forsake her, and reform our selves, Rev. 18.4.

There is nothing therefore in all these pretences, that should in the least impeach the infallible continuation of the Evangeli­cal Churches and Worship, as to their right, unto the end of the world. And the Heads of those Arguments whereby the Truth is invincibly confirmed, may be briefly touched on.

1. There are express Testimonies of the Will of Christ, and his promise for its accomplishment, that the Church and all its Ordinances of Worship should be continu­ed always unto the end of the world. So as to the Church it self, Matth. 16.13. Rev. 21.3. The Ministry, Matth. 28.20. Ephes. 4.13. Baptism, Matth. 28.18, 19, 20. The Lords Supper, 1 Cor. 11.26. As for other Institutions, Publick Prayer, Preach­ing the word, the Lords day, singing of Gods Praises, the exercise of Discipline with what belongs thereunto, they have [Page 51] their foundation in the Law and Light of Nature, being only direct [...]d and applied unto the Gospel-Church-state and worship, by Rules of especial Institution, and they can no more cease, than the original Ob­ligation of that Law can so do.

If it be said, that notwithstanding what may be thus pleaded, yet de facto, the true state of Gospel-Churches, and their whole worship as unto its Original Insti­tution did fail under the Papal Apostacy, and therefore may do so again: I Answer, (1.) We do not plead that this state of things must be always visible and conspi­cuous, wherein all Protestant Writers do agree. It is acknowledged, that as unto publick view, Observation and Notorie­ty, all these things were lost under the Papacy, and may be so again under a renewed Apostacy. (2.) I do not plead it to be necessary de facto, that there should be really at all times, a true visible Church as the seat of all Ordinances and Administrations in the world; but all such Churches may fail, not only as un­to Visibility, but as unto their Existence. But this supposition of a failure of all in­stituted Churches and Worship, I grant on­ly with these Limitations. (1.) That it is of Necessity from innumerable Divine Promises, and the nature of Christ's [Page 52] Kingly office▪ that there be always in the world a number greater or lesser of sincere Believers, that openly profess subjection and obedience unto him. (2.) That in these Persons there resides an indefeazable Right always to gather themselves into a Church state, and to administer all Gos­pel ordinances, which all the world can­not deprive them of; which is the whole of what I now plead for. And let it be observed, that all the ensuing Arguments depend on this Right, and not on any Matter of Fact. (3.) I do not know how far God may accept of Churches in a ve­ry corrupt state, and of worship much de­praved▪ until they have new means for their Reformation. Nor will I make any judgment of Persons as unto their eternal Condition, who walk in Churches so cor­rupted, and in the performance of wor­ship so depraved. But as unto them who know them to be so corrupted and depra­ved, it is a damnable sin to joyn with them, or not to separate from them, Revel. 18.4.

2. The Nature and Use of the Gospel Church-state require and prove the unin­terrupted continuance of the Right of its Existence, and the observance of all Or­dinances of Divine Worship therein, with a Power in them, in whom that Right [Page 53] doth indefeazably reside, that is, all true Believers, to bring it forth into exercise and practice notwithstanding the exter­nal Impediments which in some places at some times may interrupt its exercise. In the observation of Christ's Institutions, and Celebration of the ordinances of Di­vine Worship, doth the Church-state of the Gospel, as professing, consist. It doth so in opposition. (1.) Unto the World and the Kingdom of Satan. For hereby do men call Jesus Lord, as 1 Cor. 12.3 and avow their subjection unto his Kingly Power, (2.) Unto the Church-state of the Old Testament, as the Apostle disputes at large in his Epistle unto the Hebrews. And this state of the professing Church in this World is unalterable, because it is the best state that the Believing Church is capable of. For so the Apostle plainly proves, that hereby the believing Church is brought [...], which it was not under the Law; [...]hat is, unto its Consum­mation, in the most compleat Perfection that God hath designed unto it on this side Glory, Heb. 7. [...]1, 19. For Christ in all his Offices▪ is the immediate Head of it: Its Const [...]u [...]ion, and the Revelation of the ways of its W [...]rship, are an effect of his Wisd [...]m; and from thence is it emi­nently suited unto all the ends of the Cove­nant, [Page 54] both on the part of God and man, and is therefore liable to no Intercision, or Alteration.

3. The visible Administration of the King­dom of Christ in this World, consists in this Church-state, with the Administrati­on of his Institutions and Laws therein. A Kingdom the Lord Jesus Christ hath in this World; and though it be not of the World, yet in the World it must be, un­til the World shall be no more. The Truth of all God's Promises in the Scrip­ture depends on this one Assertion. We need not here concern our selves what Notions some men have about the exer­cise of this Kingdom in the world, with respect unto the outward affairs and con­cerns of it. Rut this is certain, that this Kingdom of Christ in the world, so far as it is external and visible, consists in the Laws he hath given, the Institutions he hath appointed, the Rule or Politie he hath prescribed, with the due observance of them, Now all these things do make, constitute, and are the Church-state and Worship enquired after. Wherefore as Christ alway h [...]h and ever will have an Invisible Kingdom in this world, in the Souls of Elect Believers, led, guided, ruled by his Spirit; so he will have a vi­sible Kingdom also, consisting in a profes­sed [Page 55] avowed Subjection unto the Laws of his word, Rom. 10.10. And although this Kingdom, or his Kingdom in this sence, may as unto the essence of it be preserved in the external Profession of individual persons, and it may be, so exist in the world for a season; yet the honour of it, and its compleat establishment, consists in the visible profession of Churches, which he will therefore maintain unto the end. But by Visible in this Discourse, I under­stand not that which is conspicuous and eminent unto all, though the Church hath been so, and shall yet be so again; nor yet that which is actually seen or known by others; but only that which may be so, or is capable of being so known. Nor do I assert a Necessity here­of, as unto a constant preservation of Pu­rity and Regularity in Order and Ordi­nances, according to the Original Insti­tution of them in any place; but only of an unalterable Right and Power in Believers to render them visible; which it becomes their indispensible Duty to do, when out­ward Impediments are not absolutely in­superable. But of these things thus far, [...].

WE have proved before that it is the Duty of all individual Christians, to give themselves up unto the Conduct, Fellowstip and Communion of some par­ticular Church or Congregation. Our pre­sent Enquiry he [...]eon is, that whereas there is a great Diversity among professing So­cieties in the World, concerning each whereof it is said, L [...] here is Christ, and Lo there is Christ, what Church, of what Constitution and Order, any one that takes care of his own Edification and Sal­vation, ought to joyn himself unto. This I shall speak unto first in General, and then in the Examination of one particular Case or Instance, wherein many at this day are concerned. And [...]ome things must be premised unto the right stating of the Subject of our Enquiry.

1. The Diversities an [...] Divisions among Churches which respect is to be had unto, [Page 57] in the choice of any which we will or ought to joyn unto; are of two sorts.

(1.) Such as are [...]ccasi [...]ned by the re­maining Weaknesses, Infirmities and Ig­norance of the best of Men, whereby they know but in par [...], and Prophesie on­ly in part wherein our Edification is con­cerned, but our Salvation not endangered.

(2.) Such as are in and about things Fundamental in Faith, Worship and Obe­dience; We shall speak to both of them.

2. All Christians were Originally of one Mind in all things needful unto Joynt-Communion, so as that there might be among them all, Love without Dissimulati­on. Howbeit, there was great Variety, not only in the Measure of their apprehensi­ons of the Doctrines of Truth, but in some Doctrines themselves, as about the continuance of the observations of the Law, or at least of some of them; as also Oppositions from without unto the Truth, by Hereticks and Apostates; neither of which hindred the Church Communion of true Believers. But the Diversity, Difference, and Divisions that are now among Churches in the World, is the ef­fect of the great A [...]ostasie which befel them all in the latter Ages, as unto the Spirit, Rule, and Practice of those which were planted by the Apostles, and will [Page 58] not be healed, until that Apostasie be Abolished.

3. S [...]tan having possessed himself of the Advantage of these Divisions, where [...]f he was the Author, he mak [...]s use of them to act his Malice and R [...]ge▪ in stirring up and i [...]stigating one Party to Persecute, Oppress and Devour anoth [...]r, until the Life, Power and Glory of Christian Re­ligion is almost lost in the World. It re­quire [...] therefore great Wisdom to depart our selves aright among these Divisions, so as to con [...]ribute nothing unto the Ends of Malice designed by Satan i [...] them.

4. In this sta [...]e of things until it may be cured, which it [...]ill never be, by any of the ways yet proposed and insisted on; the Enquiry is concerning the Duty of any one who takes care of his own Soul, as unto a Conjunction with some Church or other. And on the Negative Part I say,

1. Such an one is boun [...] not to joyn with any Church or Society where any Funda­mental Article of Faith is rejected or cor­rupted. There may be a Fundamental Error in a true Church for a season, when the Church erreth not Fundamentally; 1 Cor. 15. 2 Tim. 2.18. But I suppose the Error in or against the Foundation, is part of the Profession of the Church or Society to be joyned unto. For thereby the Na­ture [Page 59] of the Church is destroyed; it doth not hold the Head, nor abide on the Foun­dation, nor is the Ground and Pillar of Truth. Wherefore alth [...]ugh the So [...]i [...]i [...]s under a Pretence of Love, Forbearance, and Mutual Toleration, do offer us the Communion of their Churches, wherein there is somewhat of Order and Discipline commendible; yet it is unlawful to joyn in Church Fellowship or Communion with them. For their Errors about the Trini­ty, the Incarnation of Christ, and his Sati [...] ­faction, are destructive of the Foundation of the Prophets and Apostles; and Idolo­try, in the Divine Worship of a meer Creature, is introduced by them.

2. Where there is any Church taught or allowed, a Mixture of Doctrines or Opi­nions, that are preju [...]icial unto Gospel Holi­ness or Obedience, no man that takes due care of his Salvation can joyn himself un­to i [...]. For the Original Rule and Measure of all Church Communion, is agreement in the Doctrine of Truth. Where there­fore there is either not a stable Profession of the s [...]me Doctrine in all substantial Truths of the Gospel, but an uncertain s [...]u [...]d is given, some s [...]ying one thing, some ano­th [...]r; or that Opposition is made unto any Truths, of the Importance before menti­oned; None can be bound or obliged to [Page 60] hold Communion with it; nor can incur any blame by refraining from it. For it is the Duty of a Christian in all things, [...]; And to joyn with such a Church, would (1.) Stain their Profession, (2.) Hinder their Edificati­on; (3.) Establish a new Rule of Com­munion unknown to the Scriptures; name­ly, besides Truth; as might easily be ma­nifested.

3. Where the Fundamentals of Religi­ous Worship, are corrupted or overthrown, it is absolutely unlawful to joyn unto, or abide in any Church. So is it with the Church of Rome. The various ways where­by the Foundations of Divine Religious Worship, are overthrown in that Church by Superstition and Idolatry, have been sufficiently declared. These render the Communion of that Church pernitious.

4. Nor can any Man be obliged to joyn himself with any Church, nor can it be his Duty so to do, where the Eternally fixed Rule and Measure of Religious Worship, namely, that it be of Divine Institution, is varied or change by any Additions unto it, or Substractions from it. For where­as one principal end of all [...]hurches is the joynt celebration of Divine VVorship, if there be not a certain stable Rule thereof in any Church of Divine Prescription, no [Page 61] Man can be obliged unto Communion therewith.

5. Where the Fundamentals of Church Order, Practice and Discipline are destroy­ed, it is not lawful for any man to joyn in Church Communion. These Funda­m [...]ntals are of two sorts; (1.) Such as concern the Ministry of the Church; (2.) Such as concern the Church it self.

There are four things that are necessa­ry Fundamentals unto the Order of the Church, on the part of the Ministry.

(1.) That all the Ministers or Officers of it, be duly chosen by the Church it self, and solemnly set apart in the Church unto their Office, according unto the Rule and Law of Christ. This is Fun­damental unto Church Order, the Root of it, from whence all other parts of it do Spring. And it is that which is [...], or expresly provided for in the Scripture, as we shall see. If there be a neglect herein, and no other Relation required between Ministers, Elders, Rulers, Bishops, and the Church, but what is raised and created by Ways and Rules of mens ap­pointment, or if there be a Temporary disposal of Persons into a discharge of that Office, without a solemn Call, Choice, Ordination, and Separation unto the Office it self and its work, the Law of [Page 62] Christ is violated, and the Order of the Church disturbed in its Foundation.

(2.) That those who are called unto the Office of the Ministry be duly qualified, by their Endowment with Spiritual Gifts for the discharge of their Duty, is Fun­damental unto the Ministry; that the Lord Jesus Christ doth still continue his Dispensation of Spiritual Gifts unto Men, to fit and enable them unto the Office and work of the Ministry; that if he doth not do so, or should at any time cease so to do, the whole Office of the Ministry must cease, and the Being of the Church with it, that it is altogether use­less for any Churches or Persons to erect an Image of the Gospel Ministry by out­ward Rites and Ceremonies, without the enlivening form of these Spiritual Gifts, I have proved sufficiently in my Discourse of Spiritual Gifts and their c [...]ntinuance in the Church. Wherefore a Communication of Spiritual Gifts peculiarly enabling Men unto the Work of the Ministry, antece­dent unto their solemn Separation unto the Office, in some good Measure, is ab­solutely necessary unto the due continu­ance of the Office and its Work; See Ephes. 4.7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15. To sup­pose that the Lord Christ doth call and appoint Men, unto a certain Office and [Page 63] Work in his Church, secluding all others from any Interest in the one or other, and yet not endow them with peculiar Gifts and Abilities for the discharge of that Of­fice a [...]d Work, is to ascribe that unto him, which is every way▪ unbecoming his Wis­dom and Grace, with his Love unto the Church. But when Men look on all Church Order, as a lifeless Machine to be acted moved and disposed by External Rules, Laws, Canons and Orders, with­out respect unto the Actings of the Spirit of Christ going before in the Rule of his Word, to enliven every part of it, the true Disciples of Christ will receive no advantage thereby.

(3.) It is of the same Importance that Persons so called do take heed unto their Ministry that they fulfil it, that they give themselves unto the VVord and Prayer, that they labour continually in the VVord and Doctrine, and all those other Duties which in the Scripture are prescribed un­to them; and this not only as unto the Matter of them, but as unto the Manner of their performance with Zeal, Love, Compassion and Diligence. Where there is a great Defect in any of these things, on what Pretence soever it be; where Men esteem themselves exempted from this Work, or not obliged unto it; when [Page 64] they suppose that they may discharge their Office at a cheaper rate, and with less trouble, as unto their present Inte­rest, by such ways as I shall not here ex­press, No Man is, no Man can be obliged to confine his Church Communion, unto such a Ministry.

(4.) It is required that they be Exam­ples, unto the Flock, in the Expression of the Nature and Power of the Do­ctrine which they Preach, in their Con­versation, especially in Zeal, Humility, Self-denial, and readiness for the Cross.

Where these things are not, there is such a defect in the Fundamentals of Church Practice, us unto the Ministry of it, that no Man who takes care of his own Edificati­on, can joyn himself unto a Church, la­bouring under it. For Ministers and Churches are nothing but instituted means of the Conversion of Sinners, and the Edi­fication of Believers. And when any of them through their own default cease so to be, there is no obligation unto any man to joyn or continue in their Communion; nor do they contract any Guilt in a peace­able departure from them, but discharge their Duty. That this be done peaceably without strife or contention, without judging of others, as unto their Interest in Christ, and Eternal Salvation, the Law [Page 65] of Moral Obedience doth require. That it be done with Love and Compassion and Prayer towards, and for them who are left, is the peculiar Direction of that moral Duty by the Gospel. Such a Practice at present would fall under severe charges and accusations, as also brutish Penalties in some places. But when all Church Craft shall be defeated, and the uses that are made of its imaginary Authority be discarded, there will be little occasion of this Practise, and none at all of Offence.

Again; There are Things Fundamental unto Church Practise and Order in the Church it self, which where they are neg­lected, no man ought of choice to joyn himself unto that Church, seeing he can­not do it without the Prejudice of his Edification, the furtherance whereof he ought to design in that Duty. And these are,

(1.) That the Discipline of Christ be duly exercised in it, according unto his mind, and by the Rules of his Prescripti­on. There never was any Sect, Order, or Society of men in the world, designed for the Preservation and Promotion of Vertue and things Praise-worthy, but they had Rules of Discipline proper unto the Ends of their Design, to be observed in and by all that belong unto them. VVhere [Page 66] the Erection of such Societies is continu­ed in the VVorld, as it is much in the Papacy, both their Constitution, and their Conversation, depend on the especial Rules of Discipline which they have framed unto themselves. And this is done by them in great Variety; for being ignorant of the Discipline of the Gospel, and so esteeming it insufficient unto their Design, they have made no end of Coyning Rules unto them­selves. To suppose that our Lord Jesus Christ, who in this Church-state according unto his infinite VVisdom, hath erected the most perfect Society for the most per­fect Ends, of Religion, of Obedience to­wards God, of Love and Usefulness among our selves, hath not appointed a Discipline, and given Rules concerning its Administra­tion, for the Preservation of that Society, and the attaining of those Ends, is highly injurous unto his Honour and Glory.

VVhere therefore there is a Church or any Society that pretends so to be, where­in there is an utter Neglect of this Discipline of Christ, or the establishment of another, not administred by the Laws and Rules that he prescribed, no Disciple of Christ can be obliged to joyn unto, or to continue in the Total sole Communion of such a Church. And whereas there are two Parts of this Discipline of Christ; That [Page 67] which is Private, among the Members of the Church, for the Exercise and Preser­vation of Love; and that which is Publick, in and by the Authority of the Rulers of the Church, for the Preservation of Purity and Order, a Neglect in either of them, doth much impeach the Fundamental Constitution of a Church as unto its Pra­ctise.

2. There are sundry other things which belong unto this Discipline in General, which are of great considera­tion in the Discharge of the Duty we enquire into. Among them are,

(1.) That constant Difference be put between the Good and the Bad in all Church Administrations;

(2.) That Persons openly or fl [...]gitiously wicked, be not admitted into the Society of the Church, or a participation of its Priviledges.

(3.) That Holiness, Love, and Useful­ness, be openly avowed as the Design and interest of the Church. But they are all so comprized in the General Head of Discipline, as that I shall not in particular insist upon them.

From what hath been thus declared, it will appear on the other hand, what Church it is that a Disciple of Christ▪ who takes due care of his own Edification and [Page 68] Salvation, ought in duty to joyn himself unto in compleat Communion. To an­s [...]er this Enquiry, is the end of all those Discourses and Controversies which have been about the Notes of the true Church. I shall briefly determine concerning it, ac­cording to the Principles before Evinc [...]d.

1. IT must be such a Church as wherein all the Fundamental Truths of the Gospel are believed, owned, and pro­fessed, without Controversie, and those not born withal by whom they are de­nied or opposed. Without this a Church is not the Ground and Pillar of Truth, it doth not hold the Head, it is not built on the foundation of the Prophets and Apo­stles. Neither is it sufficient, that those things are generally professed or not de­nied. A Church that is filled with wrang­lings and contentions about fundamental or important Truths of the Gospel, is not of choice to be joyned unto. For these things subvert the Souls of Men, and greatly impede their Edification. And although both among distinct Churches, and among the Members of the same Church, mutual Forbearance be to be ex­ercised, with respect unto a variety in Apprehensions in some Doctrines of lesser Moment; Yet the Incursion that hath been made into sundry Protestant Church­es [Page 69] in the last and present Age, of Novel Doctrines and Opinions, with Differen­ces, Divisions, and endless Disputes which have ensued thereon, have rendered it very difficult to determine, how to en­gage in compleat Communion with them. For I do not judge, that any man is, or can be obliged unto constant total Com­munion with any Church, or to give up himself absolutely unto the conduct there­of, wherein there are incurable dissensi­ons about important Doctrines of the Gospel. And if any Church, shall pub­lickly avow, countenance, or approve of Doctrines contrary unto those which were the Foundation of its first Communion, the Members of it are at Liberty, to re­frain the Communion of it, and to pro­vide otherwise for their own Edification.

2. IT must be such a Church as where­in the Divine Worship Instituted or appro­ved by Christ himself, is diligently obser­ved, without any Addition made there­unto. In the Observation of this Wor­ship as unto all external, occasional Inci­dencies and Circumstances of the Acts wherein it doth consist, it is left unto the Prudence of the Church it self, ac­cording to the Light of Nature, and ge­neral Rules of Scripture; and it must be so unless we shall suppose that the Lord [Page 70] Jesus Christ, by making men his Disci­ples, doth unmake them from being ra­tional Crea [...]ures, or refuseth the Exercise of the rational Faculties of our Souls in his service. But this is so remote from Truth, that on the contrary, he gives them an improvement for this very end, that we may know how to deport our selves aright in the Observance of his Commands, as unto the outward discharge of them in his Worship and the Circum­stances of it. And this he doth by that Gift of Spiritual Wisdom, whe [...]eof we shall treat afterwards.

But if Men, if Churches, will make Ad­ditions in or unto the Rites of religious Worship, unto what is appointed by Christ himself, and require their Obser­vance in their Communion, on the force and efficacy of their being so by them ap­pointed, no Disciple of Christ is or can be obliged, by vertue of any Divine Insti­tution or Command, to joyn in total, ab­solute Communion, with any such Church. He may be induced on various conside­rations to judge, that something of that Nature at some season, may not be evil and sinful unto him, which therefore he will bear with, or comply withal; yet he is not, he cannot be obliged by vertue of any Divine Rule or Command, to joyn [Page 71] himself with, or continue in the Com­munion of such a Church. If any shall suppose that hereby too much Liberty is granted unto Believers in the choice of their Communion, and shall thereon make severe Declamations, about the In­conveniences and Evils, which will en­sue; I desire they would remember the Principle I proceed upon, which is, that Churches are not such sacred Machines as some suppose, erected and acted for the outward Interest and Advantages of any sort of men; but only means of the Edi­fication of Believers, which they are bound to make use of, in Obedience un­to the Commands of Christ, and no other­wise. Whereas therefore the Disciples of Christ, have not only a Divine warran­ty justifying them in the doing of it, but an express command making it their in­dispensible Duty to joyn in the Celeb [...]ati­on of all that Religious Worship, which the Lord Christ the only Law giver of the Church, and who was faithful both in and over the House of God, as the Son, [...]ath Instituted and commanded; but have no such warranty or command for any thing else, it is their Duty to stand fast in the Liberty wherewith Christ hath made them free. And if by the same [...]reath, in the same Rule, Law or [Page 72] Canon, they are commanded and obliged to observe in the Worship of God, what the Lord Christ hath appointed, and what he hath not appointed, both on the same Grounds, namely, the Authority of the Church, and on the s [...]e Penal­ties of their Omission, no man can be di­vinely obliged to embrace the Communi­on of any Church on such Terms.

3. IT is required that the Ministry of a Church so to be joyned with, is not defective in any of those things which according to the Rule of the Gospel are fundamen­tal thereunto. What these are, hath been declared. And because Edification, which is the end of Church Communion, doth so eminently depend on the Mini­stry of the Church, there is not any thing which we ought to have a more diligent consideration of, in the joyning of our selves unto any such Communion. And where the Ministry of any Church, be the Church of what sort or size it will, is in­curably Ignorant or Negligent, or thro' a defect in Gifts, Grace, or conscientious attendance unto their Duty, is insufficient unto the due Edification of the Souls of them that believe, no man can account himself obliged unto the Communion of the Church, but he that can be satisfied with a Shadow and the Names of things, [Page 73] for the Substance and Reality of them.

If therefore it be granted, as I think it is, that Edification is the principal End of all Church Communion, it is not intel­ligible how a Man should be obliged unto that Communion, and that alone, where­in due Edification cannot be obtained. Wherefore, a Ministry e [...]abled by Spiri­tual Gifts, and ingaged by sense of Duty to labour constantly in the use of all means appointed by Christ for the Edification of the Church, or increase of his Mystical Body, is required in such a Church, as a Believer may conscientiously joyn himself unto. And where it is otherwise, let Men cry out Schism and Faction whilst they please, Jesus Christ will acquit his Dis­ciples, in the Exercise of their Liberty, and accept them in the Discharge of their Duty.

If it be said, that if all Men be thus al­lowed to judge of what is best for their own Edification, and to act according unto the Judgment which they make, they will be continually pa [...]ting from on Church unto ano­ther, untill all things are filled with di­sturbance and Confusion; I say,

(1.) That the contrary Assertion, namely, that Men are not allowed to judge what is meer and best for their own Edifi­cation, or not to act according to the Judg­ment [Page 74] they make herein, may possible keep [...]p some Churches, but is the ready way to destroy all Religion.

(2.) That many of those by whom this Liberty is denyed unto professing C [...]risti­ans, yet do indeed take it for grant [...]d, that they have such a Liberty, and that it is their Duty to make use of it. For what are all the Contests between the Church of Rome, and the Church of England, so far as Christians, that are not Church-men, are concerned in them? Is it [...]ot, in whe­ther of these Churches Edification may be best obtained? If this be not the Ball between us, I know not what is. Now herein do all the Writers and Preachers of both Parties give their Reasons and Ar­guments unto the People, w [...]y Edification is better to be had in the one Church than in the other? And do they not require of them to form a Judgment upon those Rea­sons and Arguments, and to act accor­dingly; if they do not, they do but make a Fourish, and act a Part, like Players on a stage, without any determinate design.

(3.) All Christians actually do so; they do judge for themselves, unless they are brutish; they do Act according unto that Judgment unless they are hardened in Sin; and therefore who do not so, are not to be esteemed Disciples of Christ. To [Page 75] suppose that in all things of Spiritua [...] and Eternal Concernment, that men are not determined and acted, every one by his own Judgment, is an Imagination of men who think but little of what they are, or do, or say, or write. Even those who shut their Eyes against the Light, and follow in the H [...]rd, resolving not to enquire into any of these things, do it, because they judge it is best for them so to do.

(4.) It is commonly acknowledged by Protestants, that private Christians have a Judgment of Discretion in things of Religi­on. The Term was invented to grant them some Liberty of Judgment in Oppo­sition unto the blind Obedience required by the Church of Rome; but withal to put a restraint upon it, and a distinction of some Superiour Judgment, it may be, in the Church or o [...]hers. But if by Dis­cretion, they mean the best of Mens Vnder­standing, Knowledge, Wisdom, and Pru­dence, in and about the things wherein it is exercised, I should be glad to be in­formed, what other Judgment, than this of Discretion in and [...]bout the things of Religion, this or that or any Church in the World, can have or exercise. But to allow Men a Judgment of Discretion, and not to grant it their Duty to act ac­conding unto that Judgment, is to oblige [Page 76] them to be Fools, and to act, not discreetly, at least not according unto their own Discretion.

5. The same is to be spoken of Gospel Discipline, without which neither can the Duties of Church Societies be observed, nor the ends of them attained. The neg­lect, the loss, the abuse hereof, is that which hath ruined the Glory of Christian Religion in the World, and brought the whole Profession of it into Confusion. Hereon have the servency and sincerity of true Evangelical mutual Love been abated, yea, utterly lost. For that Love which Jesus Christ requireth among his Disciples, is such as never was in the World before amongst men, nor can be in the World, but on the Principles of the Gospel, and Faith therein. Therefore it is called his New Commandement. The Continuation of it amongst the Generality of Christians is but vainly pretended; little or nothing of the Reality of it in its due Exercise is found. And this hath ensued on the Neglect of Evangelical Dis­cipline in Churches, or the turning of it into a Worldly Domination. For one principal End of it, is the Preservation, Guidance, and acting of this Love. That mutual Watch over one another that ought to be in all the Members of the Church, [Page 77] the Principal Evidence and Fruit of Love without Dissimulation, is also lost hereby. Most Men are rather ready to say in the Spirit and Words of Cain, Am I my Bro­thers Keeper, than to attend unto the Com­mand of the Apostles. Exhort one another daily, least any be hardened through the De­ceitfulness of Sin; or comply with the Command of our Saviour, if thy Brother offend thee, tell him of it between him and thee. By this means likewise is the Pu­rity of Communion lost, and those re­ceived principal Members of Churches, who by all the Rules of Primitive Disci­pline, ought to be cast out of them. Wherefore this also is to be considered in the Choice we are to make of what Churches we will joyn our selves unto, as unto constant compleat Communion, and in whose Communion we will abide. For these things are matters of Choice, and consist in Voluntary free Acts of Obe­dience. With those unto whom they are not so, who would on the one hand have them to be things that Men may be com­pelled unto, and ought so to be; or on the other, that follow no other Guidance in them but outward Circumstances fr [...]m the Times and Places where they are born and inhabit, I will have no Contest. It follows from hence also, That,

[Page 78]Where there are many Churches where­in these things are found, whereon we may lawfully and ought in Duty to joyn with some of them, in particular, every one is obliged to joyn himself unto such a Church, as whose Principles and Pra­ctises are most suited unto his Edificati­on.