SECTIONV. 31 Christian churches were but a forming at that time, and might not be absolutely formed and settled in the most perfect and convenient methods, for regular continuance and edifi- cation. Human affairs can proceed but by degrees, by reason of our weakness, even though they be conducted by divine inspiration. Or perhaps, as all the christians in the world are some- times called the church, so all who were in one city, may be called the church in that city, and the christians in one house may be called the church ix that house, though they were not united by any other bond of agreement, but that of their common christianity. Yet I believe it will be found, that a christian church in its most usual form was made up of so many, as could conveniently meet together for worship, and consented to do so ; and the reason of things seems to make this most convenient for many purposes of edification and mutual help. II. Scripture is silent how any of the lesser or circumstan- tial affairs of worship or order, should be finally determined in a church, when there are some of the members of different sen-' timents, and make in opposition. But the light of reason and common prudence teaches us, that in such affairs which God has left to the determination of men, such as, the appointing the place and hour of worship, chusing a minister, or the like, the major psgt of the assembly- must determine it by their vote, and the lesser part ought to-acquiesce, where it is not contrary to the dictates of their conscience, their edification in faith and holi- ness, or their reasonable conveniency. But if the lesser part solemnly declare, they cannot comply therewith, they may peaceably depart to another society of christians, who may be more entirely of their mind, for there must be no imposition ; ÿet the major part may surely act for themselves. May I have leave to add this further also, that if the society shall agree to have nothing determined in a church, with- out a vote of two thirds of the members, I do not see it un- lawful to make this agreement : And perhaps if this were generally practised it might tend to the greater unanimity and peace of churches, because in any debate the dissenters would be the fewer*. III. The New Testament is very silent about thecombina- tion of particular congregations, by some common band of union * The conclave of cardinals at Rome, who are supposed tohave the wisdom of this world in perfection, never will chose a pope till two thirds of them are agreed in the same person: And hereby they keep the whole hierarchy and sys- tent of that anti-christian building and government in greater unanimity.and peace. Why may not christians learn the wisdom of the serpent from the men -af this world, so long as they do but maintain the sueocence of the dove ?
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