The true nature of a Gospel church and its government

5. WHEREAS there are amongst us Churches, or those who are so esteemed in the Consciences of Men, so far differing in Principles and Practices, as that they have not entire Communion with one another in all parts of Divine Worship, it may be Enquired, Whether if a Man leave a Church of one sort to join with one of another; as suppose he leave a select Congregation to join in a Parochial Church constantly and totally, he may be justly Excommunicated for so doing, without the consent of the Church whereunto he did belong.

Answ. 1. IT is certain on the one hand, that if any Man leave the Communion of Parochial Assemblies to join himself unto a Select Congregation, those who have Power over those Parishes, will make no question whether they shall Excommunicate him or no in their way. But,

2. SUPPOSING Persons so departing from particular Congregations, (1.) To be free from scandalous Sins. (2.) That they depart quietly without attempting Disorder or Confusion in the Church. (3.) That they do actually join themselves unto the Communion of some Church, whose Constitution, Principles and Worship they do approve, whereby their visible Profession is preserved; the Church may not justly proceed unto their Excommunication: It may suffice to declare, that such Persons have on their own accord forsaken the Communion of the Church, are no more under its Watch or Care; neither is the Church further obliged towards them, but as unto Christian Duties in general.