The true nature of a Gospel church and its government

9. THIS Covenant which we intend, is not the Covenant of Grace absolutely considered; nor are all the Duties belonging unto that Covenant prescribed in it; but the principal of them, as Faith, Repentance, and the like, are presupposed unto it; nor hath annexed unto it all the promises and privileges of the New Covenant absolutely considered; but it is that which is prescribed as a Gospel Duty in the Covenant of Grace, whereunto do belong all the Duties of Evangelical Worship, all the powers and privileges of the Church, by virtue of the especial promise of the peculiar presence of Christ in such a Church.

10. WHEREAS therefore in the constitution of a Church, Believers do give up themselves unto the Lord, and are bound solemnly to engage themselves to do and observe all the things which Christ hath commanded to be done and observed in that state, whereon he hath promised to be present with them and among them in an especial manner, which presence of his, doth interest them in all the Rights, Powers and Privileges of the Church; their so doing, hath the nature of a Divine Covenant included in it, which is the Formal Cause of their Church Sate and Being.

11. BESIDES, as we have proved before, there are many mutual Duties required of all which join in Church Societies, and Powers to be exercised and submitted unto, whereunto none ⟨p. 24⟩can be obliged without their own consent. They must give up themselves unto one another by the will of God. That is, they must agree, consent and engage among themselves to observe all those mutual Duties, to use all those Privileges, and to exercise all those Powers, which the Lord Christ hath prescribed and granted unto his Church. See