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

For it is only the Truth that I search for, and desire to bear witness unto, that, when my time shall come to lay down this earthly tabernacle (which I expect daily) I may give up my account with joy. 2. And, if any Church be refractory, we have the help of the Civil Power, which is ordained of God for the just punishment of those that do evil, whether in Church or Common-wealth, Rom. 13. Every Ordinance of God hath Gods blessing annexed; which we cannot expect in this way, till it be proved to be Gods Ordinance, which yet is not done.

For it is onely the Truth that I search for, and desire to bear witness unto, that, when my time shall come to lay down this earthly tabernacle (which I expect daily) I may give up my account with joy. 2. And, if any Church be refractory, we have the help of the Civil Power, which is ordained of God for the just punishment of those that do evil, whether in Church or Common-wealth, Rom. 13. Every Ordinance of God hath Gods blessing annexed; which we cannot expect in this way, till it be proved to be Gods Ordinance, which yet is not done.

Propos. 7. The manner of the Churches agreement-herein, may be by the Churches open consenting unto the things her-declared, in Answer to this second Question; as also to what is said thereabout, ⟨p. 62⟩in Chap. 15,16. of the Platform Discipline, with reference to what is before expressed in Proposition 5th.

Reply. If the Churches do express their Agreement herein openly, they do voluntarily engage themselves, and covenant to practise according to the things declared, not only in the point of Church-communion, but also of such consociation as is here expressed, which they have need to see to be warranted by the Word, if they will act accordingly in faith, knowing that whatsoever is not of faith, is sin,