( i,o ) as will guide them in the difcharge of their Duties in thefe Societies. As (s ) That the Societies themfelves be filch as are meet for their end, fit to exerci e and. exprefs the Worihip of God in them, not fuch as whofe Conititution makes diem unfit for any fuch end. And di is gives the Na, turai bounds ofChurches i n all ages, which it is in vain for any man to endeavour an alteration of, as we shall fee after - wards. (z ) That all things be done decenti) and in order in, and by thefe Societies. This is a prime diclate of the Lam of Nature, arifing from the knowledge of Godand ourfelves, which hath been wrelied into I know not what Religious Ceremonies of mens invention. ( 3 ) Thatthey be ready to receive all Tivine Revelations with Faith and Obedience, which ffaall either appoint the ways of God's Worship, and prefcribe the Duties of it, or guide and dire& them in its.per- formance, and to regulate their Obedience therein. This alfo is a clear unqueitionable dic&ate of the. Light and Law of Nature; nor can be denied but on the principlesofdown- right Atheifin. Further we need not feek for the Tivine Original of Churches, or Societies of men fearing God, for the difcharge of his publick Worlhip unto his Glory, and their own eter- nal Benefit, according unto the Light and Knowledge ofhis Mind and Will, which he' is pleased to communicate unto them. What concerns the framingand fashioning ofChurches by Arbitrary and Artificial Combinations, in Provinces, Nations, and the like, we shall afterwards enquire into. This is the allured foundation and general warranty of particular Socie- ties and Churches, whilft men are continued on the earth; the efpecial regulation ofthem by Divine Revelation, will in the nextplace be confidered. And he who is not united withothers in force fuch Society, lives in open contradi &ion unto the Law of Nature and its Light, in the principal in fiances of it. a Whereas
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