(5L) in them. When this appears to be under the Guidance of the Commands of Chrift, as unto the ways ofCommunion lead unto , and to confift in a compliance therewithal; they find themfelves under an indifpenfble Obligation unto it Nor hath the Lord Chrift left them liberty to make a Corn pofition for their outward Peace, and to purchafe uiet- nefs, with foregoingany part of their Duty herein. This therefore I lay, is a Means and Caufe on the part of Believers themfelves of the continuation of this Church State. For this Inftinee of Believers, leading them unto Communion, which is an Article of our. Faith, in conjunction with the Law and Commands of Chrift, giving direction how, and in what ways it is to be attained, and exercifed, binds and obliges them unto the continuation of this State; and the decay of this inwardPrinciple in them that profefs Chriflian Religion , hath been the great and almoft only ground of its neglect. 3. The open Evidence there is , that fundry Duties re- quired of us in the Gofpel , can never be performed in a due manner, but where Believers are brought into this State, which that they fliould enter into, is therefore in the firft place required of them ; what thefe Duties are will after- wards appear. On thefe fare Grounds is founded the Continuation of the Gofpel Church State, under ordinary Officers after the De- ceafe of the Apoftles; and fo far fecured , as that nothing -needs be added unto them for that end. Do but fuppofe that the Lord Chrift yet liveth in Heaven in the Difcharge of his Mediatory Office; that he bath given his Word for a perpetual Law unto all his Difciples, and a Charter to con- . vey Spiritual Priviledges unto them ; that he abides toCom- municate Gifts for the Miniftry unto men, and that there are any Believers in the World , who know it to be their Duty to yield Obedience unto all the Commands of Chrift, and
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