The true nature of a Gospel church and its government

1. THAT those who so enter into such a Society, have Right or Power so to do. And many things are required unto this end: As, (1.) That those who enter into such a Society be sui Juris; have a lawful Right to dispose of themselves, as unto all the Duties and Ends of such a Society. Hence Children, Servants, Subjects, have no power in themselves to enter into such Societies, without the interposition of and obligation from a power Superior unto that of Parents, Masters, or Princes, namely, that of God himself. (2.) That the Rules, Laws, and ends of the Society be lawful, good and useful unto themselves and others. For there may be a confederation in and for evil; which is a combination that gives no Right nor Power, over one another, or towards others that enter into it. (3.) That it contains nothing that is prejudicial unto others in things Divine or Humane. (4.) Nor oblige unto the omission ⟨p. 195⟩or neglect of any Duty, that Men by virtue of any Relations, Natural, Moral or Political, do owe unto others: Nor, (5.) Is hurtful unto themselves in their Lives, Liberties, Names, Reputation, usefulness in the World, or any thing else, unto whose preservation they are obliged by the Law of Nature. Nor, (6.) Can be, or are such Persons obliged to forsake the conduct of themselves in things Divine and Humane, by the Light of their own Consciences, by an Engagement of blind obedience unto others, which would render every Society unlawful by the Law of God and Light of Nature. (7.) Least of all, have any Persons Right or Power to oblige themselves in such Societies, unto things Evil, Sinful, Superstitious or Idolatrous.

1. THAT those who so enter into such a Society, have Right or Power so to do. And many things are required unto this end: As, (1.) That those who enter into such a Society be sui Juris; have a lawful Right to dispose of themselves, as unto all the Duties and Ends of such a Society. Hence Children, Servants, Subjects, have no power in themselves to enter into such Societies, without the interposition of and obligation from a power Superior unto that of Parents, Masters, or Princes, namely, that of God himself. (2.) That the Rules, Laws, and ends of the Society be lawful, good and useful unto themselves and others. For there may be a confederation in and for evil; which is a combination that gives no Right nor Power, over one another, or towards others that enter into it. (3.) That it contains nothing that is prejudicial unto others in things Divine or Humane. (4.) Nor oblige unto the omission