An enquiry into the original, nature, institution, power, order and communion of evangelical churches.…

Lastly; As a means of it, it depends on three things in Believers themselves. (1) A due sense of their Duty to be found in Obedience unto all the Commands of Christ. Hereby they find themselves indispensably obliged unto all those things which are necessary unto the continuation of this State; and that all Believers should absolutely at any time live in a total neglect of their Duty, though they may greatly mistake in the manner of its performance, is not to be supposed, (2) The Instinct of the new Creature and those in whom it is, so associate themselves in holy Communion, for the joint and mutual exercise of those Graces of the Spirit which are the same, as unto the Essence of them, ⟨p. 51⟩in them all. The Laws of Christ in, and unto his Church, as unto all outward Obedience, are suited unto those inward Principles and Inclinations, which by his Spirit and Grace, he hath implanted in the Hearts of them that believe. Hence his Yoke is easy, and his Commandments are not grievous. And therefore none of his true Disciples since he had a Church upon the Earth did, or could satisfy themselves in their own Faith and Obedience, singularly and personally; but would venture their lives and all that was dear unto them, for Communion with others, and the associating themselves with them of the same Spirit and way, for the observance of the Commands of Christ. The Martyrs of the Primitive Churches of old, lost more of their Blood and Lives for their Meetings and Assemblies, than for personal Profession of the Faith, and so also have others done under the Roman Apostasy. It is an usual Plea among them who engage in the Persecution or Punishment of such as differ from them; that if they please they may keep their Opinions, their Consciences and Faith unto themselves, without Meetings for Communion or public Worship. And herein they suppose they deal friendly and gently with them. And this is our present Case. It is true indeed as Tertullian observed of old, that men in these things have no Power over us, but what they have from our own Wills; we willingly choose to be, and to continue, what they take advantage to give us trouble for. And it is naturally in our Power, to free our selves from them and their Laws, every day. But we like it not; we cannot purchase outward Peace and Quietness at any such rate.

Lastly; As a means of it, it depends on three things in Believers themselves. (1) A due sense of their Duty to be found in Obedience unto all the Commands of Christ. Hereby they find themselves indispensibly obliged unto all those things which are necessary unto the continuation of this State; and that all Believers should absolutely at any time live in a total neglect of their Duty, though they may greatly mistake in the manner of its performance, is not to be supposed, (2) The Instinct of the new Creature and those in whom it is, so associate themselves in holy Communion, for the joynt and mutual exercise of those Graces of the Spirit which are the same, as unto the Essence of them,