41 A CHRISTIAN NIGH II. II. This scheme is perfectly consistent with every form and kind of civil government, whether it be a kingdom, a senate, or a republic. As it does not mingle itself with the interests of this world, nor assumé to itself any civil or coercive power, so it can make no head against the governors of the country ; for its power is of another kind, and reaches but to one single societyof christians : Nor are they combined by any law of Christ, in such united multitudes, under one common visible head, as to make themselves dangerous toany state. Whatsoever kath been done in the worldby men professing christianity, in a way of resistance to lawful governors, -or rebellions against them, hath never been done by them as churches of Christ formed upon the model I have laid down. III. This form of a christian church allows to all its mem- bers the most perfect liberty of men and christians. It is incon- sistent with persecution for conscience sake ; for it leaves all civil rewards and preferments, penalties and punishments, to king- slows, and states, and the governors of this world. It pretends to no power over conscience, to compel men to obedience; no prisons, no axes, fire, nor sword. It gives its ministers power and authority to command nothing but what is found in the bible : All other things must Le determined by the consent of the people, who are supposed to be led by common prudence, by the neces- sary reason of. things, and by a vote of the major part of the society. But if in any of these things, particular persons, after all proper enquiries, cannot agree with the major part, they may snake their remonstrances, and be dismissed, if they cannot con- tinue there with tolerable satisfaction ; or they may withdraw to another congregation,- if they are aggrieved, and the society refuse to dismiss them. I confess, those christians who differ from the major part of the congregationshould seriously examine themselves, whether their disagreement dotlt not arise from any pique, or prejudice, or worldly interest, or humour,. or obstinate self-will ; and, in some particulars, they should deny themselves, rather then divide themselves, from a society whose communion they have long enjoyed : More especially, they should take heed of this in the country, where they have not conveniency of hold- ing communion with other christian societies. And even where they have such opportunities and conveniences, persons should not indulge a fickle humour, nor run wanderingabout from place to place, and fluttering from one church to another, upon every little difference. But after all, it must be acknowledged, there may be several just and reasonable grounds for particular chris- tians to separate from a society, from which they differ in some sentiments or transactions, though they still continue to acknow- ledge them to be a true church of Christ. Such a liberty as this must be still maintained ; for christian churches must have all voluntary members, and not be turned into prisons.
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