ri 46 A CHRISTIAN CntRCIr. naturehave a just right, as men, to- defend themselves ; and no ecclesiastical combinations pan give them any further right or power than what they have as men : And this belongs to them still, whatsoever religion they profess, whether natural or re- vealed;whether pagan, mohemetan, or christian. A professor of every religion has a right to be protected by the government as long as he maintains his allegiance, to the governors, and does no injury to the state. But if governors will not protect him, but will give him up to the fury of persecutors, he has certainly a civil right to defend himself and his friends against all assaults and injuries. V. Miscarriages in the government, or conductof such a church as I have described, are less dangerous to christianity; because they affect but one single congregation, they reach but to one society. Those ecclesiastical governments which include vast numbers and multitudes combined under one or more spiri, tuai heads or rulers, if there be any misrule and confusionbrought in among them, it involves multitudes in the mischief of it, and sometimes, shakes 'or destroys whole nations. But if a govern- ment which is included within one single congregation be never so much divided by contentions, and fall into the greatest confu- sions, the mischief is not of so large an extent, nor can it have so fatal and dreadful consequences. If the congregation itself shouldbe actually dissolved by these constitutions,the particular members of it may depart and join themselves to other congre- gations within their reach or neighbourhood, who are nearest of their own opinion, and walk with them in a religious and peaceful fellowship, Which they could not well do before, because of such different opinions and divided spirits. VI. Such single societies or churches so constituted are most happily suited to maintain and carry -on the great purposes, and designs of the gospel, for the conversion of sinners, and the edification of true christians. Of this matter see the learned Doctor Owen's Enquiry into the Original of Churches, chapter vi. page 119. See also Sermons at Berry-street, sermon xlix. Upon the whole,, whensoever it shall appear that any other form of a christian church is more happily suited to the edification and peace of christians, to the preservation of christian liberty, and to secure the spiritual honours which belong to Christ in his churches, and at the same timeappears to have more countenance fromthe New Testament than this, I shall be glad to relinquish this set of sentiments, and with pleasure exchange it for a better. That is certainly the best form of a christian church, whereby truth, peace, and holiness May be most happily promoted and secured.
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