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

I will not enquire what is that Power and Authority whereby this Rule is constituted and confirmed, nor in whom it doth reside. The Name of the Church is usually pretended and pleaded. But before any can be concerned herein, all that hath been pleaded for the true state and nature of Evangelical Churches must be overthrown, which will not be done speedily. Railings, Revilings, and Reproaches will not do it. But until this is done, it will be believed, that every particular Congregation, is indispensably obliged in itself to observe and do all the Commands of Christ; and is left at Liberty so to regulate the outward circumstances of its ⟨p. 199⟩Worship and Order, as is best for its own Edification, whereof it self is the most competent Judge. But as for a Church of another sort, invested with Authority to make a Rule, not only as unto the outward Circumstances of those Actions wherein Church Order and Worship do consist, but as unto sundry Religious Rites and Observances which thereby are added unto it, and impose the Observance of it, on a great Multitude of other Congregations, without their consent, whether they judge the things enjoined, to be for their Edification or otherwise, it is apparently not from Heaven, but of Men. Wherefore leave Christians and Churches at that Liberty which Christ hath purchased for them, wherewith he hath made them free, and then let those who first break Union and Order, bear the Charge of Schism, which they cannot avoid.

I will not enquire what is that Power and Authority whereby this Rule is constituted and confirmed, nor in whom it doth reside. The Name of the Church is usually pretended and pleaded. But before any can be concerned herein, all that hath been pleaded for the true state and nature of Evangelical Churches must be overthrown, which will not be done speedily. Railings, Revilings, and Reproaches will not do it. But until this is done, it will be believed, that every particular Congregation, is indispensibly obliged in itself to observe and do all the Commands of Christ; and is left at Liberty so to regulate the outward circumstances of its ⟨p. 199⟩Worship and Order, as is best for its own Edification, whereof it self is the most competent Judge. But as for a Church of another sort, invested with Authority to make a Rule, not only as unto the outward Circumstances of those Actions wherein Church Order and Worship do consist, but as unto sundry Religious Rites and Observances which thereby are added unto it, and impose the Observance of it, on a great Multitude of other Congregations, without their consent, whether they judge the things enjoyned, to be for their Edification or otherwise, it is apparently not from Heaven, but of Men. Wherefore leave Christians and Churches at that Liberty which Christ hath purchased for them, wherewith he hath made them free, and then let those who first break Union and Order, bear the Charge of Schisme, which they cannot avoid.