Another essay for investigation of the truth, in answer to two questions, concerning I.…

Reply. It doth not necessarily follow, till they have proved that Consociation of Churches by a mutual and solemn Covenant is commanded, as Communion of Churches is. Nor do the Texts alleged prove it in Psal. 119. 106. David swore to keep Gods righteous judgements, and would perform it; because, though he was not bound to swear, yet he had voluntarily sworn it, and so was under a double bond to perform it: for, both his keeping Gods righteous judgements, and his performing that Vow, were commanded of God, Deut. 10.13. with Psal. 76.11. 2. And his Vow was private, betwixt God and himself. Hence it will not follow, that Churches are bound to consociate with a Vow or Covenant, after the manner here described, which is not proved to be a duty, and may be unsafe for particular Churches. That Covenant, in Neh. 10.28,29. was their Church-covenant renewed and explained, and so was a mutual solemn Engagement, by entering into a Curse, and into an Oath (to which form we are not bound) and Church-covenanting is Gods Ordinance, Isa. 19.21. & 56.4, to 8. & 62.5. all which are Prophesies of the Churches under the Gospel. But between the covenanting of a Church within it self, and such a covenanting as this for the consociating of Churches, there are considerable differences. 1. Because this wants Warrant from the Scripture, which that hath; there being neither any Precept in Scripture ⟨p. 58⟩commanding it, nor any Pattern among the Primitive Churches, planted or approved by the Apostles, commanding it unto us. 2. Nor is there like Reason for such Consociation of Churches by a mutual and solemn Agreement or Covenant between Churches in a vicinity, as is for a Church-covenant within it self. For, the Church-covenant is necessary, because, without it, the ends of Church-fellowship cannot be attained. For, 1. Each particular Church is a Spiritual Corporation; which therefore must receive its being from a Spiritual Combination, or Federal Engagement. 2. By virtue hereof, they that had no natural impression to subject them to others, or to give them power over them, have mutual power each over other, to command, & constrain, as the case requires; of which power they could not have been made partakers without mutual Agreement and Engagement. 3.