On the other hand, they equally dislike an independency in society:--an
unaccountableness, in practice and conversation, to the rules and terms
of their own communion, and to those that are the members of it. They
distinguish between imposing any practice that immediately regards faith
or worship, which is never to be done or suffered, or submitted unto; and
requiring Christian compliance with those methods that only respect
church-business in its more civil part and concern; and that regard the
discreet and orderly maintenance of the character of the society as a
sober and religious community. In short, what is for the promotion of
holiness and charity, that men may practise what they profess, live up to
their own principles, and not be at liberty to give the lie to their own
profession without rebuke, is their use and limit of church power. They
compel none to them, but oblige those that are of them to walk suitably,
or they are denied by them: that is all the mark they set upon them, and
the power they exercise, or judge a Christian society can exercise, upon
those that are members of it.
The way of their proceeding against such as have lapsed or transgressed,
is this.
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