The true nature of a Gospel church and its government

CHAP. II. Of the Formal Cause of a Particular Church.

THE way or means whereby such persons as are described in the foregoing Chapter, may become a Church, or enter into a Church-State, is by mutual confederation, or solemn Agreement for the performance of all the Duties which the Lord Christ hath prescribed unto his Disciples in such Churches, and in order to the exercise of the power wherewith they are entrusted, according unto the Rule of the Word.

THE way or means whereby such persons as are described in the foregoing Chapter, may become a Church, or enter into a Church-State, is by mutual confederation, or solemn Agreement for the performance of all the Duties which the Lord Christ hath prescribed unto his Disciples in such Churches, and in order to the exercise of the power wherewith they are intrusted, according unto the Rule of the Word.

FOR the most part, the Churches that are in the World at present, know not how they came so to be, continuing only in that state which they have received by Tradition from their Fathers. Few there are, who think that any Act or Duty of their own, is required to enstate them in Church Order and Relation. And it is acknowledged, that there is a difference between the continuation of a Church, and its first Erection. Yet, that that continuation may be regular, it is required that its first Congregating (for the Church is a Congregation) was so; as also, that the force and efficacy of it be still continued. Wherefore, the causes of that first gathering, must be enquired into.