The true and only way of concord of all the Christian churches the desirableness…

CHAP. IV.

II. What are the terms necessary for the continuance of Church-Communion? and what are the lawful Causes of abscission or Excommunication?

§. 1. IT is granted that as there is somewhat more necessary to the continuance of our pardon, justification and right to glory, than was to our first reception, so also to our continuance as members of the Catholic Church: That is, the bare profession of faith and consent and subjection, or Covenanting with Christ for future sincere obedience, is enough to our first reception by baptism: But some performance of this Covenant is necessary to our continuance.

§. 1. IT is granted that as there is somewhat more necessary to the continuance of our pardon, justification and right to glory, than was to our first reception, so also to our continuance as members of the Catholick Church: That is, the bare profession of faith and consent and subjection, or Covenanting with Christ for future sincere obedience, is enough to our first reception by baptism: But some performance of this Covenant is necessary to our continuance.

The reasons are, 1. Because the Covenant or promise is necessary, not merely for it self, but for the performance-sake, to engage us to do what we promise. 2. And as a known false Covenant is null as to the benefit of the Covenanter, though not as to his obligation, so at the entrance a mans word is his credible profession; but if he by notorious wilfulness violate this word or promise in any essential point, he then so far nullifieth his verbal profession as to his benefit, and proveth his Covenanting to be false. And therefore all disciplined Churches do cast out gross impenitent violators of that Covenant, in such essential parts.