The true nature of a Gospel church and its government

2. IT is so, with respect unto that Order, Peace and Unity, wherein every particular Church ought to walk in it self, and amongst its own Members. There were Schisms, Divisions, Strife and Contentions in some of the Churches that were of Apostolical planting and watering: So there was at Antioch, and afterwards at Corinth, as also of some of the Churches in Galatia. The Duty of Remedying and Healing these Divisions and Differences from what cause soever they arise, is first incumbent on each particular Member in every such Church. Unto them it is given in charge by the Apostle in the first place; and if every one of them do perform their Duty in Love, an end will be put unto all strife. In case of failure therein, the whole Church is charged in the exercise of its Power, Authority and Wisdom, to rebuke and compose such Differences. But in case it is not able so to do, as it fell out in the Church at Antioch, then an Assembly of other Churches walking in actual Communion with that Church wherein the Difference is arisen, and thereon concerned in their Prosperity and Edification, by their Messengers and Delegates, is the last outward means for its Composure.

2. IT is so, with respect unto that Order, Peace and Vnity, wherein every particular Church ought to walk in it self, and amongst its own Members. There were Schisms, Divisions, Strife and Contentions in some of the Churches that were of Apostolical planting and watering: So there was at Antioch, and afterwards at Corinth, as also of some of the Churches in Galatia. The Duty of Remedying and Healing these Divisions and Differences from what cause soever they arise, is first incumbent on each particular Member in every such Church. Unto them it is given in charge by the Apostle in the first place; and if every one of them do perform their Duty in Love, an end will be put unto all strife. In case of failure therein, the whole Church is charged in the exercise of its Power, Authority and Wisdom, to rebuke and compose such Differences. But in case it is not able so to do, as it fell out in the Church at Antioch, then an Assembly of other Churches walking in actual Communion with that Church wherein the Difference is arisen, and thereon concerned in their Prosperity and Edification, by their Messengers and Delegates, is the last outward means for its Composure.