Ratio disciplinae fratrum Nov-Anglorum. A faithful account of the discipline professed and practised; in…

The Church Covenant being but the Covenant of Grace applied unto the special Purposes of a Church State, and it being a Duty of that Covenant, for a Man to join himself with some Christian Society, in observing the Laws of our SAVIOUR, where he does in his own private Judgment of Discretion think that he can best pursue and attain the Ends of that Covenant; a Man joining to any one particular Church, does in effect confess thus much, with a Choice thereupon of that Christian Society, whereto he now becomes related, as answering that Character.

Accordingly, when a Person judges that he can with more Edification, enjoy the Blessings of the New Covenant in another Society, than that with which he has hitherto walked, except the Society have any just Exception against his Judging so, he does well to ask a Dismission, and they of whom he does ask it, ought then to give it. If ⟨p. 139⟩they Refuse it, a Council of Neighbour Churches applied unto, may order it.

But now, the Pastor having first asked and gained the Consent of the Church unto it, he writes to the other Church, something of this Importance; That [such an One] having for allowable Reasons requested a Dismission from this Church to that, it is hereby Testified on on his behalf, that he has been for some time, a Communicant with them in all special Ordinances, and by a good Conversation in CHRIST, approved himself worthy of it. But now in answer to his Just Request, they Dismiss him to the more immediate Fellowship of them with whom he is now to Reside; Entreating them to receive him into their Fellowship, and extend that Love and Care unto him which is directed in the Rules of the Gospel. So with Wishes and Prayers for their Prosperity, the Pastor Subscribes, with the Consent of the Brethren.