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

More weight will be added unto this Consideration, when we shall treat of the Matter of Gospel Churches, or of what sort of Persons they ought to consist. In the mean time those who pretend a Reverence unto Antiquity in those things wherein they suppose Countenance to be given unto their Interest, may do well sometimes to consider, what was the Discipline of the Primitive Churches, and what were the Manners, the Lives, the Heavenly Conversations of their Members. Because in the 3d. and 4th. Centuries there is mention made of Bishops distinct from Presbyters, with some Ecclesiastical practices and Ceremonies in Worship, not mentioned in ⟨p. 211⟩the Scripture, nor known unto the Apostolical Churches, shall we judge our selves obliged to conform thereunto as our Rule and Pattern, so as that in the Judgement of some, they are to be esteemed no Churches who conform not their outward state and practice unto the same Rule; and shall we judge ourselves at liberty to reject all that they did in the Exercise of Discipline, and in the Preservation of Purity of Life and Holiness in the Churches, and that according to the Command of Christ and Rule of the Scripture? Who knows not upon what diligent trial, and experience first obtained of their Knowledge, Faith, and Godliness, they admitted Members into their Churches? Yea such was their Care and Severity herein that they would not admit a Roman Emperor unto Communion with them, unless he first confessed his Sins, and joined amongst other Penitents, before his Admission. Euseb. lib. 6. cap. 33. Who knows not with what diligence they watched over the Walkings and Conversations of all that were admitted among them, and with what Severity they animadverted on all that fell into Scandalous Sins? What was hereon their Conversation? in all Holiness, Righteousness, Temperance, Usefulness unto the World, in Works of Charity and Benevolence, as all other Christian virtues, we have sufficient Testimony. The Heathen who were morally Sober and Virtuous, desired no more than that they might find out among them, an Indulgence unto any sort of Sin, Crime, or Wickedness, which because they could not charge any of them withal, they invented those brutish and foolish lies about their Nightly Meetings.

More weight will be added unto this Consideration, when we shall treat of the Matter of Gospel Churches, or of what sort of Persons they ought to consist. In the mean time those who pretend a Reverence unto Antiquity in those things wherein they suppose Countenance to be given unto their Interest, may do well sometimes to consider, what was the Discipline of the Primitive Churches, and what were the Manners, the Lives, the Heavenly Conversations of their Members. Because in the 3d. and 4th. Centuries there is mention made of Bishops distinct from Presbyters, with some Ecclesiastical practices and Ceremonies in Worship, not mentioned in