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

and this Ambition was signally noted as one of the first depraved Inclinations of Mind that wrought ⟨p. 9⟩in Ecclesiastical Rulers, and which in the fourth and fifth Centuries openly proclaimed itself unto the scandal of Christian Religion, there was a greater disposition in them unto a Deviation from the Original Institution, Rule, and Order of the Church, no way suited unto the satisfaction of that Ambition, then unto a Defection from the Purity of Faith and Worship, which yet also followed.

2. As the Inclination of many lay towards such a Deviation, so their Interests lead them unto it, and their Temptations cast them upon it. For to acknowledge the Truth unto our Author and Others, the Rule and Conduct of the Church, the Preservation of its Order and Discipline according unto its first Institution, and the Directions given in the Scripture about it, are according unto our Apprehension of these things, a Matter so weighty in itself, so dangerous as unto its Issue, attended with so many Difficulties, Trials and Temptations, laid under such severe Interdictions of Lordly Power, or seeking either of Wealth or Dignity, that no wise men will ever undertake it, but merely out of a sense of a Call from Christ unto it, and in compliance with that Duty which he owes unto him. It is no pleasant thing unto Flesh and Blood, to be engaged in the conduct and oversight of Christs Volunteers, to bear with their manners, to exercise all Patience towards them in their Infirmities and Temptations, to watch continually over their walkings and conversation, and thereon personally to exhort and admonish them all, to search diligently and scrupulously into the Rule of the Scripture for their Warranty in every Act of their Power and Duty; under all their Weaknesses and Miscarriages, continuing an high valuation of them, as of the Flock of God, which ⟨p. 10⟩he hath purchased with his own Blood, with sundry other things of the like kind, all under an abiding sense, of the near approach of that great Account which they must give of the whole Trust and Charge committed unto them, before the Judgment seat of Christ; for the most part peculiarly exposed unto all manner of Dangers, Troubles, and Persecutions, without the least encouragement from Wealth, Power, or Honour. It is no wonder therefore if many in the Primitive times, were willing gradually to extricate themselves out of this uneasy condition, and to embrace all occasions and opportunities of introducing insensibly another Rule and Order into the Churches, that might tend more unto the Exaltation of their own Power, Authority, and Dignity, and free them in some measure, from the weight of that important charge, and continual care with labour, which a diligent and strict Adherence unto the first institution of Churches, and Rules given for their Order and Government, in the Scripture, would have obliged them unto.