The moderator

Thirdly, because this intention is contrary to the request of Christ in his prayer unto the Father, where he desires that all believers may be made perfect in one, John 17. 23. and if all believers, then all Congregations of believers.

Thirdly, because this intention is contrary to the request of Christ in his prayer unto the Father, where hee desires that all beleevers may bee made perfect in one, John 17. 23. and if all beleevers, then all Congregations of beleevers.

5. If several Congregations may not intend to stand, as by themselves, and walk as separate from one another, in the administration of Christs Ordinances, which they have received by a common rule, and are to profess ⟨p. 48⟩before the world in public as one body in Christ, then it will follow clearly, that it is far less lawful unto them in the prosecution of matters tending to mutual edification, in ordinary or in extraordinary and weighty matters, of common and necessary concernment; to stand and walk by themselves alone without a due respect unto their Brethren, and some tie of association towards their neighbour Congregations. So that I take this to be an undeniable principle and maxim of Brotherly association in Churches. That nothing which with convenience, and to the benefit of the Gospel it self, or to the edification of others therein, can be done unitedly and jointly, ought to be done dividedly and separately. For when Christ doth pray for a perfect union of all believers which may work upon the world a belief that the Father hath sent him; I cannot¹ conceive that he doth mean any thing less, then such an association which may reach unto all the Acts of his worship, and the visible administration of all duties and ordinances belonging to his Kingdom. For nothing, but such an union professedly maintained in his name, is able to convince the world finally, that he is come from the Father. Thus far then, or rather thus near, the Congregations ought to be associated if it be possible; and that it is possible and will be effected in due time, is certain, because Christ hath prayed that it should be, for the manifestation of his name unto the world; and the Father cannot deny him this request. Hitherto I have insisted upon that which I conceive is, or will be assented unto by all, upon the undeniable grounds of brotherly communion. Now I shall offer the other Propositions which for a more particular accommodation of differences have been assented unto,