The true nature of a Gospel church and its government

1. EVERY Individual Believer hath Power or Right given unto him upon his believing to become the Son of God, Joh. 1.12. Hereby, as such, he hath a Right and Title radically and originally unto, with an interest in all Church Privileges, to be actually possessed and used according to the Rules by him prescribed. For he that is a Son of God hath a right unto all the privileges and advantages of the Family of God, as well as he is obliged unto all the Duties of it. Herein lies the foundation of all right unto Church Power, for both it, and all that belongs unto it, is a part of the purchased Inheritance, whereunto right is granted by Adoption; wherefore, the first original grant of ⟨p. 35⟩all Church Power and Privileges is made unto Believers as such. Theirs it is with these Two Limitations; (1.) That as such only they cannot exercise any Church Power, but upon their due observation of all Rules and Duties given unto this end; such are Joint Confession and Confederation. (2.) That each individual, do actually participate therein, according to the especial Rules of the Church, which peculiarly respects Women that do believe.

2. WHERE-ever there are two or three of these Believers, (the smallest number) Right and Power is granted unto them, actually to meet together in the name of Christ, for their mutual Edification, whereunto he hath promised his presence among them, Matth. 18.19, 20. To meet and to do any thing in the name of Christ; as to exhort, instruct and admonish one another, or to pray together, as v. 19. there is an especial Right or Power required thereunto. This is granted by Jesus Christ unto the least number of consenting Believers. And this is a second preparation unto the communication of Church Power. Unto the former, Faith only is required, unto this, Profession with mutual consent unto, and agreement in the Evangelical Duties mentioned, are to be added.