The true nature of a Gospel church and its government

FOR the most part, the Churches that are in the World at present, know not how they came so to be, continuing only in that state which they have received by Tradition from their Fathers. Few there are, who think that any Act or Duty of their own, is required to enstate them in Church Order and Relation. And it is acknowledged, that there is a difference between the continuation of a Church, and its first Erection. Yet, that that continuation may be regular, it is required that its first Congregating (for the Church is a Congregation) was so; as also, that the force and efficacy of it be still continued. Wherefore, the causes of that first gathering, must be enquired into.

THE Churches mentioned in the New Testament, planted or gathered by the Apostles, were Particular Churches, as hath been proved. These Churches did consist each of them of many Members, who were so Members of one of them, as that they were not Members of another. The Saints of the Church of Corinth, were not Members of the Church at Philippi. And the Enquiry is, How those Believers in one place and the other became to be a Church, and that distinct from all others? The Scripture affirms in general, that they gave up themselves unto the Lord and unto the Apostles, who guided them in these Affairs, by the will of God, 2 Cor. 8.5. and that other Believers were added unto the Church, Act. 2.

THAT it is the Will and Command of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all his Disciples should be joined in such Societies, for the ⟨p. 21⟩Duties and Ends of them prescribed and limited by himself, hath been proved sufficiently before. All that are Discipled by the Word, are to be taught to do and observe all his Commands,