Farthermore, We have declared that the Lord Christ by the dispensation of his word and spirit, doth prepare and fit men to be subjects of his Kingdom, Members of his Church; the work of sending forth the means of the conversion of the souls of men, of translating ⟨p. 110⟩them from the power of darkness into light, he hath taken upon himself, and doth effectually accomplish it in every generation. And by this means he builds his Church, Matth. 18.20. For unto all persons so called, he gives command that they shall do and observe whatever he hath appointed them to do, Mat. 28.20. in particular, that they profess their subjection to him, and their obedience, in joining themselves in that state wherein they may be enabled to observe all his other laws and institutions, with the whole worship of God required therein. Being converted unto God by his Word and Spirit, they are to consider, how they may now obey the Lord Christ in all things. Amongst his commands, this of joining themselves in Church societies wherein he hath promised his presence with them, Matth. 18.20. that is to dwell amongst them by his word and spirit, Isa. 59.21. is the very first. This by virtue of that command and promise of his they are warranted and enabled to do, nor do they need any other warrant. The authority of Christ is sufficient to bear ⟨p. 111⟩men out in the discharge of their duty to him. Being then made willing and ready in the day of his power, Psalm 110.3. they consent, choose, and agree to walk together in the observation of all his commands. And hereby do they become a Church. For their becoming a Church, is an act of their willing obedience unto Christ. This obedience is an act of their wills, guided by rule; for this also is necessary that they proceed herein according to the rules of his appointment afterwards to be unfolded. And herein, upon their obedience unto the commands of Christ, and faith in his promises, do Believers by virtue of his Law, and constitution, become a Gospel Church, and are really and truly interested in all the power, rights and privileges, that are granted unto any Church of Christ. For in this obedience they do these two things which alone he requires in any persons for the obtaining of an interest in these privileges. First, They confess him, his person, his authority, his law, his grace Secondly, They take upon themselves the observance of all his commands.
Farthermore, We have declared that the Lord Christ by the dispensation of his word and spirit, doth prepare and fit men to be subjects of his Kingdom, Members of his Church; the work of sending forth the means of the conversion of the souls of men, of translating ⟨p. 110⟩them from the power of darkness into light, he hath taken upon himself, and doth effectually accomplish it in every generation. And by this means he builds his Church, Matth. 18.20. For unto all persons so called, he gives command that they shall do and observe whatever he hath appointed them to do, Mat. 28.20. in particular, that they profess their subjection to him, and their obedience, in joyning themselves in that state wherein they may be enabled to observe all his other laws and institutions, with the whole worship of God required therein. Being converted unto God by his Word and Spirit, they are to consider, how they may now obey the Lord Christ in all things. Amongst his commands, this of joyning themselves in Church societies wherein he hath promised his presence with them, Matth. 18.20. that is to dwell amongst them by his word and spirit, Isa. 59.21. is the very first. This by virtue of that command and promise of his they are warranted and enabled to do, nor do they need any other warrant. The authority of Christ is sufficient to beare ⟨p. 111⟩men out in the discharge of their duty to him. Being then made willing and ready in the day of his power, Psalm 110.3. they consent, choose, and agree to walk together in the observation of all his commands. And hereby do they become a Church. For their becoming a Church, is an act of their willing obedience unto Christ. This obedience is an act of their wills, guided by rule; for this also is necessary that they proceed herein according to the rules of his appointment afterwards to be unfolded. And herein, upon their obedience unto the commands of Christ, and faith in his promises, do Believers by virtue of his Law, and constitution, become a Gospel Church, and are really and truly interested in all the power, rights and priviledges, that are granted unto any Church of Christ. For in this obedience they do these two things which alone he requires in any persons for the obtaining of an interest in these priviledges. First, They confess him, his person, his authority, his law, his grace Secondly, They take upon themselves the observance of all his commands.
