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

5. Suppose that from these defects should arise not only a real Obstruction unto Edification, but also a necessity of practising some things unlawful to be Observed, wherein no forbearance could be allowed, I would not condemn such a Church, I would not separate from it, would not withdraw from Acts of Communion with it, which were Lawful; but I would peaceably join in fixed Personal Communion with such a Church as is free from such defects; and if this cannot be done without the gathering of a new Church, I see neither Schism nor Separation in so doing. Wherefore notwithstanding all the Drs Questions and his Case founded on as many suppositions as he was pleased to make, it abides firm and unshaken, that the Ground and reason of our refraining communion from Parochial Assemblies, is the Practise and Imposition of things not lawful for us to observe in them. And it is unduly affirmed (p. 223.) that upon my Grounds, Separation is necessary, not from the particular conditions of Communion with them, but because Parochial Churches are not formed after the Congregational way. For what form of Churches they have, be it what it will, it is after the Congregational way. And it is more unduly affirmed, and contrary unto the Rules of Christian Charity, that this plea of ours, is a necessary piece of Art to keep fair with the Presbyterian Party. For as we design to keep fair, as it is called, with no Parties, but only so far as Truth and Christian Love require, and so we design it with all Parties whatsoever; so the Plea hath been always insisted on by us, and was the cause of Non-conformity in multitudes of our Persuasion, before they had any opportunity to Gather any Congregational Churches according to the Rule of the Gospel. Such things will never help nor adorn any Cause in the Issue.

5. Suppose that from these defects should arise not only a real Obstruction unto Edification, but also a necessity of practising some things unlawful to be Observed, wherein no forbearance could be allowed, I would not condemn such a Church, I would not separate from it, would not withdraw from Acts of Communion with it, which were Lawful; but I would peaceably joyn in fixed Personal Communion with such a Church as is free from such defects; and if this cannot be done without the gathering of a new Church, I see neither Schisme nor Separation in so doing. Wherefore notwithstanding all the Drs Questions and his Case founded on as many suppositions as he was pleased to make, it abides firm and unshaken, that the Ground and reason of our refraining communion from Parochial Assemblies, is the Practise and Imposition of things not lawful for us to observe in them. And it is unduely affirmed (p. 223.) that upon my Grounds, Separation is necessary, not from the particular conditions of Communion with them, but because Parochial Churches are not formed after the Congregational way. For what form of Churches they have, be it what it will, it is after the Congregational way. And it is more unduely affirmed, and contrary unto the Rules of Christian Charity, that this plea of ours, is a necessary piece of Art to keep fair with the Presbyterian Party. For as we design to keep fair, as it is called, with no Parties, but onely so far as Truth and Christian Love require, and so we design it with all Parties whatsoever; so the Plea hath been always insisted on by us, and was the cause of Non-conformity in multitudes of our Perswasion, before they had any opportunity to Gather any Congregational Churches according to the Rule of the Gospel. Such things will never help nor adorn any Cause in the Issue.