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

2dly. The Constitution of these Parochial Assemblies is not from Heaven but of Men. There is almost nothing which is required unto the Constitution of Evangelical Churches found in them; Nor are they looked on by any as complete Churches, but only as conveniences for the Observance of some Parts of the Worship of God. What some have in their Wisdom found out for conveniency, others are engaged unto a compliance therewithal by necessity. For being born within the Precincts of the Parish, makes them to belong unto the Assemblies of it, whether they will or no. To refrain from the Communion of such Churches, whose bond of Relation consists only in Cohabitation within the Precincts of a political Constitution, is a new kind of Schism, ⟨p. 213⟩which may be cured by a removal out of those Precincts. If it be said that these Parochial Assemblies have their Foundation in the Light of Nature, and are directed unto, in the Institution of particular Churches in the Scripture, that they are not Mens Inventions for convenience; but have somewhat Divine in them; I say, let them be left unto the Warranty which they have from these Causes and Principles, let nothing be mixed in their Constitution which is contrary unto them; nor let them be abridged of what they direct unto, and there will be no more contending about them, as unto their Constitution. For instance; whatever there is of Warranty in the Light of Nature, or direction in Evangelical Institutions for such Assemblies, they absolutely suppose these three things;

2dly. The Constitution of these Parochial Assemblies is not from Heaven but of Men. There is almost nothing which is required unto the Constitution of Evangelical Churches found in them; Nor are they looked on by any as compleat Churches, but only as conveniencies for the Observance of some Parts of the Worship of God. What some have in their Wisdom found out for conveniency, others are ingaged unto a compliance therewithal by necessity. For being born within the Precincts of the Parish, makes them to belong unto the Assemblies of it, whether they will or no. To refrain from the Communion of such Churches, whose bond of Relation consists only in Cohabitation within the Precincts of a political Constitution, is a new kind of Schisme, ⟨p. 213⟩which may be cured by a removal out of those Precincts. If it be said that these Parochial Assemblies have their Foundation in the Light of Nature, and are directed unto, in the Institution of particular Churches in the Scripture, that they are not Mens Inventions for convenience; but have somewhat Divine in them; I say, let them be left unto the Warranty which they have from these Causes and Principles, let nothing be mixed in their Constitution which is contrary unto them; nor let them be abridged of what they direct unto, and there will be no more contending about them, as unto their Constitution. For instance; whatever there is of Warranty in the Light of Nature, or direction in Evangelical Institutions for such Assemblies, they absolutely suppose these three things;