( z1 ) the Scripture, nor known unto the ApoflolicalChurches, (hall we judge our felves obliged to conform thereunto as our Rule and Pattern, fo as that in the Judgement of force, they are to be efteemed no Churches who conform not their outward (late and -praClice unto the fame Rule; and fhall we judge ourfelves at liberty to rejed all that they did in the Exerc] of Difipline, and in the Prefervation of Purity of Lifeand Holinefs in the Churches, and that according to the Command ofChrifl and Rule ofthe Scripture? Who knows not upon what diligent trial, and experience firfl obtained of their Knowledge, Faith, and Godlinefs, they admittedMem- bers into their Churches ? Yea filch was their Care and Severity herein that they would not admit a ` ('oman. Erperonr unto Communion with them, unlefs he firfl confeffed his Sins, and joyned amongfl other Penitents, before his Admiffion. Eufeb. lib. 6. cap. 33. Who knows not withwhat diligence they watched over the Walk- ings and Converfations ofall that were admitted among them, and with what Severity they animadverted on all that fell into Scandalous Sins? What was hereon their Converfation ? in all Holinefs, Righteoufnefs, Tempe- rance, Llfefulnefs unto theWorld, in Works of Charity and Benevolence, as all other Chriflian vertues, we have fufficient Teflimony. The Heathen who were mo- rally Sober and Vertuous, defired no more than that they might find out among them, an Indulgence unto any fort of Sin, Crime, or Wickednefs, which becaufe they could not charge any of them wiith, they invent- ed thole brutifh and foolifh lies about their Wightly Meetings. But when a fiber Enquiry was made con- cerning them, their Enemies were forced to confefa, that they were guilty of no open Sin, no Adulteries, D d 2 no
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