The true nature of a Gospel church and its government

HEREIN then, we acknowledge, lieth the great difference which we have with others about the state of the Church of Christ in this World; we do believe that the mutual Communion of particular Churches amongst themselves, in an equality of Power and Order, though not of Gifts and Usefulness, is the only way appointed by our Lord Jesus Christ after the Death of the Apostles, for the attaining the general end of all particular Churches, which is the Edification of the Church Catholic, in Faith, Love and Peace. Other ways and means have been found out in the World for this end, which we must speak unto immediately. Wherefore, it behoveth us to use some Diligence in the consideration of the Causes, Nature and Use of this Communion of Churches.

HEREIN then, we acknowledge, lieth the great difference which we have with others about the state of the Church of Christ in this World; we do believe that the mutual Communion of particular Churches amongst themselves, in an equality of Power and Order, though not of Gifts and Usefulness, is the only way appointed by our Lord Jesus Christ after the Death of the Apostles, for the attaining the general end of all particular Churches, which is the Edification of the Church Catholick, in Faith, Love and Peace. Other ways and means have been found out in the World for this end, which we must speak unto immediately. Wherefore, it behoveth us to use some Diligence in the consideration of the Causes, Nature and Vse of this Communion of Churches.

BUT it must be moreover premised, that whereas this Communion of Churches is Radically and Essentially the same among all Churches in the World, yet, as unto the ordinary actual exercise of the Duties of it, it is confined and limited by Divine Providence, unto such Churches, as the natural means of the discharge of such Duties may extend unto. That is unto those which are planted within such Lines of Communication, such precincts or boundaries of Places and Countries, as may not render the mutual performance of such Duties insuperably ⟨p. 237⟩difficult. Yet is not the World it self so wide, but that all places being made pervious by Navigation, this Communion of Churches may be visibly professed, and in some instances practised among all Churches, from the rising of the Sun even unto the going-down of the same, where the Name of Christ is known among the Gentiles; wherein the true nature of the Catholic Church and its Union doth consist, which is utterly overthrown by the most vehement pretences that are made unto it, as those in the Church of Rome.