as the Tents of Kedar Poor Mean Contemptible so are all the Ordinances Institutions appertaining to them The materials of which they are constituted for the most part are visibly base and contemptible the poor of the World But Christ is the builder of them a greater than Solomon and he builds them for himself an Ivory Palace for the great King and therefore they must needs be amiable lovely glorious comely as the curtaines of Solomon 2. That none can approach advance themselves against them without pouring out contempt upon advancing themselves against Jesus Christ 3. That he is obliged to protect defend them against all oppositions whatsoever He hath done will do so 4. That none hath power to pluck them down nor can they be dissolv'd but by his Authority For any to go about to do so is to assume a Power to themselves co-equal nay superior to Christ who built them II. As Christ is call'd the Builder of these Churches so he is said to be the Foundation of them They are built upon him as their noble glorious Foundation 1 Cor. 3.9 10 12. Ye are Gods Building according to the Grace of God which is given to me as a wise Master-Builder I have laid the Foundation other Foundation can no man lay than that is laid which is Jesus Christ Ephes 2.19 20 22. 1 Pet. 2.4 5. Three things necessarily flow from hence 1. That Gospel-Churches are not built upon the Old Covenant as some talk except we will suppose Christ to be a part of that Covenant wherein yet there 's not the least notice of him to be found 2. That they are a firm unshaken building Christ himself being their Foundation they must be so 3. That none can dissolve them put a period to them but he who is their Substratum Foundation who as such supports upholds them and is obliged so to do III. He is also styled their Head Lord Ephes 4.15 May grow up into him in all things who is the Head even Christ from whom the whole body fitly joyn'd together Col. 1.18 He is the Head of the Body the Church 2.19 And not holding the Head from which all the Body Two things must be considered 1. Upon what accounts Christ is said to be the Head of the Church 2. What influence this Headship of Christ hath into the confirmation of the truth pleaded for As touching the first 't is confes'd that he is not a natural head of the body the Church The Expression is Metaphorical Seven things are pointed forth by it 1. His Preference Dignity Excellency above them all 2. His Comliness Beauty The truth is all the comliness of the Body the Church is Christ 'T is eminently superlatively in Him it flows from him 3. He is the seat of all that Life Spirits the Church is made partakers of All 's in him in fulness 4. His Sympathy with them in all their sorrows distresses sufferings 5. Their guidance direction from Him He is their dux viae glorious conduct leader in the way they should go 6. His Dominion Ruledom Authority over them 7. Their Protection Safety in and under Him As touching the second particular Secondly The continuance abiding of Gospel-Churches is a necessary consequence from hence For Christ being their Head 1. Want's not love affection to them to support uphold them Nor 2. Doth he want power so to do All power is given to him in Heaven and in Earth He is for that end constituted Head over all things to the Church Eph. 1.21 22. that he might be able to defend preserve it 3. He is an everlasting Head therefore as such must have a body to rule govern by those Laws Institutions he hath given forth for their Ruledom wherein they are to testify their subjection to him Not to do so is to cast off his Regiment deny his Soveraignty Authority Nay 4. As such being put into Office deputed appointed by the Father as Head Lord King over them Psal 2.6 he is obliged to protect defend preserve them For him not to do so were a breach of that trust charge reposed in him given to him by the Father IV. Christ is the Husband Bridegroom of these Churches 2 Cor. 11.2 For I have espoused you the Church of God which is at Corinth chap. 1.1 to one Husband viz. the Lord Jesus that I may present you as a chast Virgin to Christ Mat. 25.1 5 6. Then shall the Kingdom of Heaven or Gospel-Church-state be likened unto ten Virgins which went forth to meet the Bridegroom While the Bridegroom tarried Behold the Bridegroom cometh And these Churches are call'd the Bride the Lambs Wife Rev. 19.7.21.9.22.17 Upon what account the Lord Jesus is said to be the Husband of the Church and She his Bride Wife must be considered He is so call'd upon the account 1. Of his entire cordial love and affection to her He dearly above all loves his Churches Psal 87.2 The Lord loveth the Gates of Sion Saints gathered together in Gospel-Fellowship solemnly worshipping him in a community more than all the Dwellings of Jacob. He therefore calls them his Love his Dove his Vndefiled Cant. 5.2 expressions demonstrative of his kindness to them They also are full of love endearment to him Cant. 1.7 1 Pet. 1.8 The truth whereof they evidence by keeping his Commandments John 14.21 23 24. viz. those Commandments he by the Spirit gave forth to them relating to the institutions worship of the Gospel Acts 1.2 2. His giving himself to them taking them for his own above all the People in the World God is said upon this foot of account to be the God of Israel Exod. 5.1 32.27 Num. 16.9 Jos 8.30 13.33 c. They his portion peculiar treasure Deut. 32.9 Exod. 19.5 Psal 135.4 To be married to them Jer. 3.14 Christ is said to have them Joh. 3.29 He that hath the Bride is the Bridegroom They give themselves to him solemnly own avouch him to be their Husband in their visible subjection to his appointments Nor do or can any be said so to own him but with respect to such a subjection 2 Cor. 8.5 They first gave their own selves to the Lord and unto us by the will of God They are Christ's 1 Cor. 3.23 All are yours and ye are Christs Departure from forsaking his institutions is therefore called adultery fornication whoredom Jer. 3.8 Ezek. 23.37 Rev. 2.22 Ezek. 16.26 29. Rev. 9.21 17.2 4. 18.3 9. 19.2 Ezek. 16.17 Hos 1.2 Jer. 3.2 And the false Church is call'd the Whore Rev. 17.1 15 16. 19.2 because hereby they are unfaithful to Christ in this marriage-relation whereinto he hath taken them 3. His care watchfull eye over them He watcheth over them for good keeps them day and night with much more that might be added touching this matter Now can it be imagined that the Lord Jesus who hath taken a people unto himself in such a relation loves them with such a dear intense love gives himself
to them is obliged by Virtue of that relation that he hath taken them unto himself into to care for watch over them should when in some singleness of spirit they are testifying their love to him though with many infirmities weaknesses in subjecting to his appointments so holding fast his name and bearing a testimony to him in the World I say can it be imagined that he should at once reject cast them off unchurch them credat Apella Is this the manner of Husbands poor mortals of weak love finite bowels to those whom they take as Brides to themselves Hath not this Lord said that 'T is not lawful for a man to put away his Wife but in case of Fornication Mat. 5.32 and shall it be supposed that he who is infinite in bowels choicest love will reject his when they are not to be charged with such wickedness God once took Israel for a People unto himself and though actually guilty of spiritual adultery worshipping in a way that never entred into his heart to prescribe serving Idols offering their Children to Moloch persecuting also the Servants of the Lord that labour'd to recall them to primitive institutions yet how long did he bear with them He woe 's them after they had committed whoredom with many lovers to return again to him with promises of pardon reception new embraces as if they had never so offended him Jer. 3. 1 12 22. 4.1 And when he hath thoughts of giving them up with what seeming regret is it Hos 11.8 Nor did he totally do so till he had sent his Son whom they by wicked hands took cast out slew Mat. 21.37 38 39 40 41 42 43 45. And are the bowels of the Lord dried up Hath he forgotten to be gracious Is not his Covenant-Relation with his People in a Gospel-Day as strong efficacious as in the times of the Law Besides hath he any where in all the Scriptures given us the least Iota or syllable upon which we may conclude That this his relation with at least some particular Churches should cease or expire En tabulas let the Scriptures Prophecies thereof be consulted Object God took Israel into such a relation to himself Call's himself their Husband Jer. 31.32 saith he is married to them Jer. 3.14 Yet afterwards rejects them Answ 1. This Objection is in part obviated already and enough said to an intelligent Reader 2. Let it be granted that God calls himself their Husband Jer. 31.32 Though a better Translator renders the words otherwise then we read them viz. Paul Heb. 8.9 Because they continued not in my Covenant and I regarded them not saith the Lord That which we translate although I was an Husband to them the Apostle renders and I regarded them not And the learned Pocock in his Miscellanies Cap. 1. p. 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12. at large demonstrates that the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Baalti which we read I was an Husband signifies not to regard to neglect refuse despise so also the Greek and Syriac render it But I say let it be granted as indeed the Lord doth own himself to be the Husband to be Married to them though in the place instanc'd in he doth not do so Let a few things further be considered and the impertinency of what is objected with respect to that we are pleading for will soon appear For 1. He himself by signal providences breaking to pieces destroying their Church-state and that Temple to which their solemn Worship as a Church was affix'd apotomized cut them off no such act of God with respect to his Gospel-Churches can be instanc'd in 2. He bare long with them before he cast them off and actually continued with them in that relation for about two thousand years Nor 3. Did he reject them till they had for many years rejected Him despised his Institutions Ordinances committed adultery with many lovers Jer. 3.1 In that matter did worse than the Nations round about them Ezek. 5.6 7. If this can be charged upon any of the Churches let them plead their own cause I 'll be no advocate for them nor is it necessary with respect to our present controversy since there are Churches to whom nothing like it can be imputed Though this I must say I know none of the Churches of Christ at this day but are pure and unchargeable as to any such guilt Oject 2. The Church of Rome was a true Church had Christ for her Husband Bridegroom Is it thus with her now Is not her Church-state perioded Is she not the apostatick Synagogue No Bride of Christ but the Whore the Mother of Harlots and abominations of the Earth Answ 1. God forbid that I should plead for that filthy Strumpet Synagogue of Satan the generation of God's curse against whom he hath indignation for ever 2. The Church of Rome so call'd that now is is in nothing like the Church of Rome that then was as to its Constitution Matter Form Worship Ordinances That was a particular-Church of Christ this pretends to be Catholick Universal That was constituted according to the Mind of Christ its matter visible Saints its form their free spontaneous giving up themselves to the Lord and to one another according to the Will of God This constituted by the cunning subtilty lying Miracles of the man of Sin by the Lusts Laws Compulsions of an arm of Flesh It s Worship Ordinances had for their Substratum the Law Commandment Authority of Jesus Christ the Worship of Rome is bottom'd upon the Authority Canons Laws Traditions of Popes sinful men false pretences to the personal appearance of Christ the Virgin Mary c. to them giving them in charge to practise this and that as his Worship Appointment not found in the Scriptures contrary to them So that the Church of Rome so call'd that now is was never a Church of Christ but a Synagogue of Satan set up in opposition to his True Churches 3. Had it been never so much a True Church of Christ it hath actually dis-church'd it self by its horrid Idolatry worse than the Heathen Worshiping Idols of Gold Silver Wood Stone with the same Worship that is due to them whom they set these up to represent so as that their Worship as Bellarmin tells us is terminated in these which scarce ever entred into the heart of an ingenuous Heathen to affirm upon the account whereof they are call'd Gentiles Rev. 11.2 Her persecution also bloody cruelty against Christ in his members sufficiently bespeaks her to be deserted rejected by the Lord actuated by another Spirit than the Spirit of the Gospel which is pure peaceable gentle meek so far from having any resemblance of the Churches of Christ that it 's the very shambles of Satan by whom as his butcherly bloody instruments they have destroyed poured forth the blood of millions of the meek innocent Lambs of the Lord Jesus 4. Let the argument be considered There was a Gospel-Church of Christ at
forcible compelling persons into and violent keeping them in its communion and fellowship If you 'l not be one with them then Fines Imprisonment Bonds attend you Penal Laws and Statutes are Enacted for this end and by these are men brought into and kept in the Antichristian-church And were these weapons of its warfare taken away 't would soon become as a garden of Cucumbers or perish with its own weight The attempts of the Papacy to reduce persons into their Communion by Fire and Sword their labours to preserve the Uninity of their Church this way is known Is there any thing like it owned by or to be found amongst the present Churches Do they not with one mouth affirm that 't is a voluntary departure from the worlds way and a spontaneous giving up themselves to the Lord and one another to walk with him in a subjection to his institutions wherein the form of the Churches lies Herein is a most Evident difference betwixt Them and the Antichristian-Church They talk of no compulsions but those of the Spirit and Love that make a people Volunteers in the day of the Lord's Power Lex nova non se vindicat ultore gladio is their Motto as is known 3. The Foundation of the Antichristian-Church is not Jesus Christ but the Sons of men one or other of them their Laws Canons Decretals upon which it is built Is this the case of the present Churches Do they not all of them with full consent proclaim their abhorrency of such a Foundation Is not CHRIST in their account the alone Foundation of all the True Churches in the world and they practise accordingly Their debates touching this matter with the Papelins about Mat. 16.18 from whence these endeavour to prove Peter and consequentially as they 'd have it the Pope to be the Rock upon which the Church is built is known to all that look upon themselves concern'd in these matters 4. The Doctrine of the Anti-christian-Church is a Doctrine of Devils 1 Tim. 4.1 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the doctrines of Daemons so the learned Mede renders it Some carry it thus doctrines which devils are the Authors of There 's a great deal of truth in that all the doctrines of the Anti-christian-church that are peculiarly hers are the doctrines of Devils But I rather think with that learned person that by doctrines of Daemons is meant those doctrines that have the Daemons for their Object Now these Daemons that were worshipped by the Pagans were 1. For their nature and degree supposed by the Gentiles an inferior and middle sort of divine powers between the soveraign and heavenly Gods and mortal Men. 2. For their Office to be as mediators and agents between these soveraign Gods and Men. 3. For their original either Angels or the Deified-souls of Worthy-men after death 4. For the way of Worshipping them to find and receive benefits from them 't was by Consecrated-Images and Pillars 5. Their very Reliques were adored and brought into Temples They that desire to see more touching this matter may at their leasure consult the famous Medes Apostasie of the latter times The Doctrines of Daemons then are the Doctrines of the Apostatick Roman-Antichristian-Synagogue touching the worshipping of Saints and Angels in imitation of the Pagan Daemon Worship But take the words in the largest Sense as comprehensive of all those Doctrines that are not of Christ have the devil for their Author Some whereof are mention'd by the Apostle afterwards v. 3. Forbidding to Marry and commanding to abstain from Meats the Doctrines of Justification by Works or inherent Sanctification of Purgatory or a state of Purifying after this life any Principles Opinions contrary to sound Doctrine the form of wholesom words or the Doctrine which is according to Godliness which of the Churches can be justly charged with holding maintaining any such Principles 'T is true perhaps amongst some of them there may be found one or other that speak perverse things as there was of old in the Church of Corinth and some other Churches in the Apostolick times but are they countenanc't therein Can their corrupt Doctrines be charged as the Doctrines of the Churches What more evidently notoriously false can be suggested or fixed on 5. The Worship of the Antichristian-Church is a Worship of devils idols of gold silver wood stone the work of men's hands Rev. 9.20 'T is an idolatrous whorish adulterous superstitious Worship Rev. 17.1 2 4 5. whose whole substratum foundation is the Commandments of men Mat. 15.9 Traditions c. 'T is formal sapless lifeless It 's managery in the Spirit is not at all attended to His Assistance is contemned reviled blasphemed as that which is phantastick whimsical heretical schismatical for any to talk of or pretend to Is the Worship of the Churches such a Worship Who hath the forehead to aver it They witness against all such Worship and Worshipper's both in Word and Writing as is known Are studious to walk by Scripture-rule in their Worship both with respect to the matter and manner thereof 6. The nature characters properties of the Antichristian-Church are amply described by the Apostles of our Lord. They are such as receive not the love of the Truth that they might be saved upon whom God hath sent strong delusions that they should believe a lye that they all might be damned who believed not the Truth but had pleasure in Vnrighteousness 2 Thes 2.10 11 12. That give heed to seducing Spirits and doctrines of Daemons speaking lies in hypocrisie having their conscience sear'd with a hot iron forbidding to marry and commanding to abstain from meats 1 Tim. 4.1 2 3. covetous boasters of themselves blasphemers disobedient to Parents unthankful unholy without natural affection truce-breakers false Accusers or make-bates incontinent fierce despisers of those that are good traitors heady high-minded lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God having a form of Godliness but denying the power thereof 2 Tim. 3.2 3 4 5. Such as Worship the Dragon gave power unto the Beast and Worship the Beast Rev. 13.4 5 8. Receiving his mark in their right hand or in their foreheads his Name or the number of his Name which whosoever did not might neither buy nor sell v. 16 17. The great Whore that sits upon many waters with whom the Kings of the Earth have committed Fornication and the Inhabiters of the Earth have been made drunk with the wine of her Fornication A Woman sitting upon a scarlet-colour'd Beast full of Names of Blasphemy having seven Heads and ten Horns The Woman arrayed in Purple and scarlet colour and decked with Gold and precious Stone and Pearls having a golden cup in her hand full of Abominations and filthiness of her Fornication upon whose forhead is a Name written Mystery Babylon the Great the Mother of Harlots and Abominations of the Earth The Woman drunken with the blood of the Saints and with the Bloud of the Martyrs of Jesus Rev. 17.1 2 3 4 5 6.
beseech you Brethren by the coming of our Lord Jesus and by our gathering together unto him that ye be not shaken in mind neither by Spirit i. e. by any that shall pretend to Revelations by the Spirit To mention what of this kind was in after dayes is endless somewhat is spoken to it chap. 3. Of the ensuing Treatise 5. Pretensions to a more than Ordinary Authority Power False-Prophets Pseudo-Apostles there were even in the Apostles dayes 2 Cor. 11.13 Such are False-Apostles Transforming themselves into the Apostles of Christ See Mat. 24.5 11. Rev. 2.2 and many have risen up since whereby the Faith of some have been perverted and they have been drawn off from the wayes of Christ 6. False Miracles Lying Signs and Wonders Of this we have an account Mat. 24.24 For there shall arise false Christs and false Prophets and shall shew great signs and wonders Mar. 13.22 2 Thes 2.9 Even him whose coming is after the working of Satan with all Power and Signes and lying wonders Rev. 13.13 14. And he doth great wonders so that he maketh fire to come down from Heaven on the Earth in the sight of men and deceiveth them that dwell on the Earth by the means of those Miracles Antichrists Kingdom hath been full of such lying signs and wonders whereby the Faith of some hath been Shaken and they drawn off from the pure Worship of Christ 7. Open avowed oppositions to Gospel-Institutions of this device of Satan to ruine the Churches of Christ we might give a distinct and large account some there were of old that opposed denied some particular Ordinances others refused communion with the Churches as no Churches of Christ In the third Century the Manichees denyed baptism with Water August l. 2. de mor. Manich. and l. 6. Contra Faust The Meletians in the fourth century refused communion with the Churches saith Theodoret. And Augustine ad quod vult c. tells us that they would not so much as Pray with the Saints The Audaeans or Anthropomorphites who held that God had a humane form or shape as a man denied communion with the Churches in the same Century Epiphan in Anacephal August ad quod vult c. Theodoret l. 4. c. 10. The Donatists held in the same century that the Church of God was wholly lost and to be restored by them amongst whom in Africa 't was only preserved August l. 2. Cont. lit Petil. c. 15. l. 2. Cont. Cres c. 37. for which they pretended Miracles Visions Dreams What open avowed oppositions have been are in our dayes made to the Churches Institutions of Christ is known and ought to be bewayled by us These things might have been more at large spoken to but I am sensible how far I have transcended the due bounds of an Epistle to so small a Treatise and shall only add That 1. I plead not for the Continuance of This or That particular Church of Christ Many such have been dis-churched and may be so God may be so far provoked against This or That Church as to Write Lo-ammi Lo-ruhamah upon it to disown his relation to it or its relation to him Where is the Church of Ephesus Pergamos Laodicea c. but only argue that God doth will continue the Gospel-Church-state Ordinances in some particular Church or Churches in the World to the next personal coming of Christ Much less 2. Do I plead for the corruptions of Churches which indeed are too many and great perhaps amongst the best purest Churches at this day and in some at that height as the synagogue of Rome that there is no communion to be held with them without God-provoking iniquity that will without Repentance bring his Wrath Vengeance upon us Rev. 18.4 3. That persons had need take heed how they speak evil of slight oppose persecute the Churches of CHRIST his Worship Institutions Ordinances The Judge stands before the door the Lord of the Vineyards is ready to be revealed and in flaming fire to take Vengeance on them that know him not and obey not his Gospel Nor will it be a sufficient plea at that day for any to say we accounted them not thy Churches Ordinances therefore we so managed our selves towards them a despising rejecting these is one way of casting off the Authority of Christ as we afterward demonstrate 4. That it highly concerns all that know the Lord who are either separated from or were never adjoyned to any Church of Christ to testify their love and subjection to him by subjecting to his Commandements in this matter lest not being found where Christ expects them they be blamed shamed at his day 5. That the utmost care should be taken industry used to keep those Iniquities out of particular Churches as may provoke the Lord to spew them out of his mouth as he did Laodicea of old Particularly 1. Schisms amongst themselves Which as they are an Argument of Carnality 1 Cor. 3.3 so they distast greatly provoke the Lord. 2. Formality Lukewarmness 3. Pride both inwardly in Heart Spirit outwardly in Apparel Garb God resisteth the Proud sets himself in battel-array against them 4. Covetousness which is Idolatry A wretched spirit that hath too much overspread prevailed upon the body of Professors Such as are Baptized into it are Enemies to the Cross of Christ Phil. 3.18 19. 5. Sinful complyance with and Conformity to this World 6. Carelesness as to sanctifying the Name of God in every part of Worship The nature of this great work is opened in the following Treatise with many other things of which we must not now speak 6. That particular Churches ought to be much often considering their ways get a sense of their miscarriages upon them pollutions amongst them to remember from whence they are fallen repent do their first works And if ever 't were the duty of the Churches of Christ to attend carefully to these things it 's much more now What languishing dying Churches have we How is Jehovah by word providential Dispensations crying aloud to them to be zealous Repent return What little attendment to his Voice amongst many How doth he discover his unwillingness to leave them How doth he seem to hover over them How many ways hath he been alluring drawing by cords of Love unto himself and if after all he should pull down these Tabernacles and erect others for himself in some remote part of the World leave poor England suffer Papal Darkness Superstition Idolatry to overspread the Land must we not say he is Holy we reap the fruit of our own doings He is faithful to his Word Churches Ordinances He will have in the world to bear his Name though we are reduced to Rubbish Ruins I have been am trembling within my self lest he should at last be provoked to leave us at least for a season Wo wo wo unto us if he depart from us Repent oh England Awake awake Churches awake awake Professors lay hold on God renew your Covenant with him labour to find
call upon the Name of the Lord or to call themselves by the Name of the Lord as the margin reads so are they upon the account of this act of theirs Stiled The Sons of God Gen. 6.2 7. About one thousand Years after all which time there was in a great measure purity preserved amongst them great corruption invades the Church The nature of it together with its occasion and spring we have an account at large of Gen. 6. And yet even now the Lord leaves not himself without a Witness The truth and purity of Worship together with practick-godlinesss being maintained in Noahs Family Gen. 6.8 9. 7.1 who are ensafed in a fluctuating Ark whilst the whole body of Apostates are swallowed up with the Waters of the Flood of which Peter speaks 2 Pet. 3.6 8. When Noah and his Family are brought out of the Ark the Waters of the Flood being gone from off the face of the Earth Jehovah enters into a solemn Covenant with him gives him several Statutes and Judgments to Conform to Gen. 9. These are generally said to be seven 1. The First 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 against extraneous Worship or Idolatry the Worshipping the Stars or Images 2. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 against Blaspheming the Name of God 3. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 against shedding Blood 4. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 against unjust carnal Copulations 5. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 against Rapine or Robbery 6. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Judgments or Punishments against Malefactors 7. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 against eating any member or flesh of a Beast taken from it alive A special blessing as to propagation is given to him Gen. 9.7 So that the Church in his Family soon enlarged its borders The purity of worship continues amongst them uninterrupted for fourty years or thereabout When the Wickedness of Ham committed against the light of Nature in discovering the nakedness of his Father breakes forth by whom he 's Cursed Excommunicated so the purity of the Church-state is preserved Gen. 9.25 Cursed be the Father of Canaan so the Arabick reads is About the Hundredth year after the Flood many Apostatized from the pure wayes of God rose up in rebellion against him in defiance of him will build a Tower the top whereof might reach to Heaven But yet even in this grand defection there were some at least of the posterity of Shem that kept pure with whom therefore the Hebrew language remained entire as Genebrardus Chron. lib. 1. tells us The truth is as the learned Bochartus saith in his Geographia Sacra l. 1. c. 10. It cannot be imagined that either Noah or Shem or Arphaxad or Sala or Heber with whom 't is groundedly to be thought not a few continued were in this mad attempt The Spirit of the Lord seems to intimate the contrary they which were engaged in it were 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Sons of Men Gen. 11.5 viz. an apostate vile crew who stand in direct opposition to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Sons of God as the faithful were called in the dayes of Enosh as was before said How long the purity of Worship remained after this is uncertain This is most certain that when God called Abraham out of Ur of the Chaldees Superstition Idolatry overspread all At that time both his Father and he were Idolaters Jos 24.2 9. This call of God to Abraham was effectual he obeyes it separates from the degenerate Idolatrous World constitutes a New-Church sets up the pure Worship of God in his Family Enjoyes more clear full openings of Divine Mysteries than any before him God enters into Covenant with him institutes circumcision See Gen. 12.3 7 8. 13.15 16. 15.1 5 6. 17.1 2 9. 22.17 18. So that the Church of God in Abraham's Family growes up in to greater glory visibility than before Several corruptions are not long after amongst them in Jacobs Family before their going into Aegypt which he reforms Gen. 35.1 2 3 4. They polluted themselves with Idolatry in the Land of Aegypt Jos 24.14 Ezek. 23.2 3. brought their Whordoms from thence ver 8. which they practised in the Wilderness Exod. 32. and never totally left till they were carried captive into Babylon Nevertheless the Lord casts them not off but oh the wonder of Love brings them from under their bonds leads them to Mount Sinai makes a Covenant with them gives them good Statutes and Judgments to walk by And now that Church becomes as a City on a Hill visible conspicuous unto the Nations round about is decked adorned with visible excellency and glory that her renown goes forth through the Nations Ezek. 16.14 But wo and alas after all the grace of the Lord shewed to her his wonders wrought for her she quickly forgets departs from him Is more notorious for spiritual Whordoms Wickedness than all the Nations round about her Yet God gives her not up woes allures her to return to him But all to no purpose Israel or the ten Tribes is led Captive by Salmanassur Judah or the two Tribes is not betterd by it but though now and then under the conduct of some good Kings a reformation is introduced yet anon all 's spoyled marr'd again Jehovah call's to return but their ear is deaf their hearts hardned none obey his voice He professes for all this he knows not how to give them up his bowels turn within him towards them repentings are enkindled for them Yet this affects them not so that at last he is forced to send them into Babylon yet doth not take off his love care for them there nor disregards them as a People unchurcht looks upon them as his own in Covenant with him brings them from thence to their own Land again Then is a new most absolute reformation begun by Ezra Nehemiah c. The Temple is rebuilt the men of the great Synagogue instituted A most diligent consideration of the exemplars of the Holy Scriptures is set upon The word of God is sedulously Preached Neh. 8.1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8. The wicked are excomunicated Ezr. 4.2 3. From the mixt People there 's a perfect separation Ezr. chapters 9.10 Neh. ch ult So that the Church seems to be again comely through the comeliness that God put upon her But long abides not firm with him pollutes his Worship with the inventions traditions of men departs from the Doctrine he had delivered to her particularly the Doctrine of the free Justification of a sinner before God in opposition to which they introduce justification by the works of the Law In a word they become as filthy and abominable every way as a people can well be Nevertheless God bears with them their Church-state is not dissolved they have their Temple Ordinances and even the most holy amongst them attend there as Zachary Elizabeth Simeon The Lord sends a Prophet to them John Elias in spirit to reform bring them back from their Apostasie At last he sends his Son to
are also intended by these Gates The armoury of the City was over the gates of it But in this forcible attaque of the Church he hath also fail'd He did his uttermost by bloody cruelty during the first Persecutions But what was the issue The executioners of his wrath the Roman-Pagan-Emperors had Torments within them perpetually gnawing them whilst the Holy Ones that kept the Commandements of Jesus were fill'd with Peace and Joy and triumph'd over them in the Spirit and Power of Jesus both living and dying The vengeance of God eminently wrought on their notorious Persecutors whil'st the blessing and good will of him that dwelt in the Bush was with these and the more they were Persecuted the more they grew So that it became a Maxim Sanguis Martyrum semen Ecclesiae The Blood of the Martyrs the seed of the Church And Satan not being able to hold it in the Roman-Pagan-State enters into the Papal-Antichristian-Monarchy and hath therein hector'd and ranted breathing forth nothing but threatnings and slaughters against the Saints of the Most-High who have the Commandments of God and Testimony of Jesus Millions of the Lords poor People have been destroyed by this Roman-AntiChristian-Beast in days past of late not a few In the Massacres of Paris Ireland and the Vallies of Piedmont c. Not to mention the Bonfires they made of the bodies of our Brethren in the bloody Mary's days Which notwithstanding their haughty confidence they 'l shortly pay dearly for The judgements of the Lord God Almighty will speedily come upon the great Whore for these cruelties his Wrath will consume Her utterly But what 's the Issue The number of the Lambs-followers are multiplied their faith confidence and courage heightned And let the Pope and that bloody Crew know that they are ready to withstand him in his next attaque and advance against them being encourag'd thereunto by that great Cloud of worthy Witnesses they are encompas'd about with and that plerophory of assurance that in this last Attempt he with his whole Party will stumble fall go into Perdition never to appear more The sum is 1. The Church is built upon a Rock who then is able to evert overturn it What winds blasts storms what ragings of Waves Seas can over-whelm destroy it Satan hath fail'd in all his Attempts hitherto against it and prov'd in-successful 2. Christ hath engaged that it shall continue un-shaken immovable notwithstanding all attaques by fraud or force Is he not faithful Will he not make good his Word Can he depart from it Wants he Will or Power to accomplish what he hath promised What more derogatory to Christ impious wicked can be Asserted Object But Churches may Apostatize and so dis-Church themselves They may provoke the Lord by his judgments to do so The first is notoriously Evident in the Church of Rome The latter manifestly true with respect to other Churches Answ Both the first and second is granted But 1. The promise of Christ cannot fail Therefore 2. The defection of this or that particular Church the removing the Candlestick from it the taking away its Church-state was never denyed by us Such a dispensation is not in the least contrary to the promises of Christ Mat. 16. But 3. A total Apostasy of all the Churches of Christ in the World with the suspension cessation of the Ordinances of the Gospel-thereupon is what is impleded by us as diametrically opposite to this promise of our Lord. Two things are also heedfully to be attended to 1. That we un-Church not a Church when that is not to be found upon it for which the Lord hath declared they are un-Churched nor before he doth un-Church them Some Errors in doctrine formallity luke-warmness departure from first-first-love doth not un-Church a Church rightly Constituted These things were found in the Churches of Corinth Ephesus Laodicea c. yet at the same time true Churches of Christ The latter are own'd writ to by Christ as such as the former was by the Apostle of the Gentiles when yet these evils were found amongst them 1 Cor. 1. 2 Cor. 2. Rev. ch 23. 2. That 't is the Duty of particular Believers upon the un-Churching a Church to joyn themselves to some other Church or if a number sufficient of themselves so to do to form themselves into a body or Church of Christ for otherwise they disobey and offer an open affront to the authority of Christ in that great Gospel-appointment of his and so indeed lift up themselves against his Kingly Soveraignty over them Thirdly This Church-state is represented under the Notion of the Kingdom of Heaven 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that Kingdom of Heavens Mat. 13.24 31 33 44 45 47. 25.1 The Kingdom of Heaven shall be likned unto ten Virgins c. And it wants not its weight that this Kingdom of Heaven or Gospel-Church-State notwithstanding the declension drowsiness sleepiness of the subjects of it or Virgin-professors visibly Espoused to Christ in respect of their subjection to his Institutions 2 Cor. 11.2 is expresly affirm'd to continue unto the coming of our Lord v. 6 7 10. And at midnight there was a Cry made Behold the Bridegroom Christ cometh go ye out to meet Him Then all those Virgins arose and trimmed their Lamps c. And while they went to buy the Bridegroom came and they that were ready went in with him to the Marriage and the door was shut I. Why the Gospel-Church-State is represented under the Notion of the Kingdom of Heaven must a little be enquir'd into 'T is so upon the account 1. Of its Original from thence 'T is not of man but from Heaven as was John's Doctrin Baptism Ministry 2. Of its supereminent Glory whatever persons account of it 't is of Heaven heavenly beautiful glorious 3. Of the design of God in the Institution Erection of it viz. to lead Persons to Heaven Eternal Life 4. Of its Stability Duration Heavenly things are stable abiding The Kingdoms of this world are changing mutable the Kingdom of Heaven fixed permanent II. That none but He who dwells in Heaven is higher than the Highest who is the alone Supreme Soveraign of this Kingdom hath Power to alter the Frame of it put a Period to it The Devil hath no Power or Authority in it He 's indeed styl'd the Prince of this World Joh. 14.30 the Prince of the Power of the Air Eph. 2.2 The whole World is said to be in subto him 1 Joh. 5.19 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 He hath a Presidency Authority in the Anti-christian Kingdom is the Head of it is Worshipt in it The Devil gave him the Beast the Pope his Power Rev. 13.2 4. And the Anti-Christians are expresly said to Worship Devils Rev. 9.20 because they Worship Idols of Gold Silver c. A Worship Instituted introduced at first by them But with respect to the Kingdom of Heaven he hath nothing to do nor can he by any of his Wiles Strength cause it to
so the great controversy of Antichrist against the Lord's Children hath been is and will be till he be destroy'd upon the account of their abiding by the institutions of Christ Rev. 12.17 The Dragon or Devil was wroth with the Woman the Church and went to make War with the remnant of her seed which keep the Commandments of God Commandments What Commandments Such as relate to what is obvious to the eye of the Devils Instruments viz. Gospel-Institutions of which afterwards Sixthly Gospel-Churches are said to be the Body of Christ Rom. 12.4 5. But as we have many members in one body and all members have not the same Office So we being many are one body in Christ and every one members of another 1 Cor. 12.12 For as the body is one and hath many members and all the members of that one body being many are one body so also is Christ Christ the head and Saints the members make but one Christ Mystick v. 27. Now ye are the body of Christ and members in Particular Eph. 4.15 16. The Head Christ from whom the whole body fitly joyn'd together maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of it self in Love In which places the Church is called a Body the Body of Christ Two things are briefly to be enquired into 1. What we are to understand by the Church 2. Upon what account it 's called the Body of Christ I. As touching the first I shall not run over the various acceptions of the word Church in the Scripture I have done it elsewhere That in every one of the places instanc'd in a particular instituted Church of Christ is intended is evident For 1. Paul directs his Epistles to them as such Those whom he stiles the Church in the beginning of his Epistles 1 Cor. 1.2 or beloved of God call'd to be Saints Rom. 1.7 i. e. the particular Church at Rome Rom. 16.1 21. Or the Saints which are at Ephesus the Faithful in Christ Jesus Eph. 1.1 i. e. that particular Church there Rev. 2.1 He afterwards calls the Body of Christ in the places fore-quoted 2. Such a Church is intended amongst which a Schism may be 1 Cor. 12.25 but Schism is entirely in one Church among the members of one particular Society 3. 'T is such a Church as hath Officers set and placed among them 1 Cor. 12.28 29. see Act. 18.8 9 10. 1 Cor. 3. 21 22. These are placed of God in particular Churches relate to them as such Act. 14.23 and 15.2 4 6 22 23. and 16.4 and 20.17 and 21.18 Tit. 1.5 Jam. 5.14 Act. 20.28 II. Upon what account this Church is called the Body of Christ must nextly be considered 'T is so called because 1. Of the forming fashioning of Christ Particular Churches whatever is pretended may not be modified formed fashioned according to the wills humors or lusts of men but according to the Type or Pattern of them given forth by Jesus He shall build the Temple of the Lord Zach. 6.12 2. Of their Union with relation to the Lord Jesus The Union betwixt Head and Body is a real near Union cannot be separated but by the Destruction of the whole 3. Of Christ's Love to care of defence over it The Head is careful of the Body Nor can it be supposed without the highest advance against the Faithfulness Wisdom Love of the Lord Jesus that he should not be so to his Church Three things necessarily follow from hence 1. That Christ is obliged to preserve his Gospel-Church-state in some particular Churches who may glorifie him in their professed subjection thereto They are his Body now every one will nourish cherish his own Body 2. That therefore this Church-state in some particular Churches is preserved by Jesus Christ If it be not he 's unfaithful fills not up that relation he stands in to his Body the Church Besides if he preserve it not 't is either for want of Love or Power so to do The first cannot be asserted for no man yet hated his own flesh but loves nourisheth cherishes it nor the second for all power in Heaven and Earth is given to Him 3. If the Church-state be not continued then Christ hath now no body is a head without a body For they are Saints as walking in such a state viz. the Order and fellowship of the Gospel that are so called as I have proved Seventhly Gospel-Churches are stiled The Temple Tabernacle House Building of the Lord. 1 Cor. 3.16 Know ye not that ye are the Temple of the Living God 2 Cor. 6.16 Ye are the Temple of the Living God Rev. 13.6 And he opened his mouth in Blasphemies against God to Blaspheme his Name and his Tabernacle Prov. 9.1 Wisdom hath builded her House i. e. Christ hath done so Builded Planted his Churches She hath hewen out her seven Pillars Christ's House or Churches is said to be built upon seven Pillars to point out its sure and stable Foundation Heb. 3.6 Whose House are we 1 Cor. 3.9 Ye are God's Building 1 Pet. 2.5 Ye also as lively Stones are built up a Spiritual House Saints are the House building of Christ saith a reverend and learned Author upon a treble account 1. Of their peusons In them he dwells really by his Spirit Eph. 2.20 21 22. 2 Cor. 3.16 and 6.19 John 14.17 2. Of their being compact together in Church-Order according to his institution whereby they are built up cemented united and become an House like the Tabernacle or Temple of God Eph. 4.16 Col. 2.19 3. Of their Joynt-Worship performed in that order wherein and whereby he also dwells among them or is present with them unto the Consummation of all things Rev. 21.3 Mat. 28.20 This must be a little further considered Saints Congregated together in the Fellowship of the Gospel are his Temple Tabernacle House Building in a scattered divided state they cannot strictly be so call'd and so denominated in Scripture with respect to the Tabernacle Temple of Old that were the Lords Building viz. Built by his Command express direction in every part of them These were Types of Gospel-Churches Now insomuch as the Temple of Old was the most considerable type hereof Let 's a little consider upon what accounts Gospel-Churches are so call'd with respect to the Building They are so upon various accounts 1. The Temple of Old was built of precious hewen-stone ready prepared for the building 1 King 5.17 18. and 6.7 Gospel-Churches are made up of Living-stones formed prepared as fit materials for this Royal Building 1 Pet. 2.4 5. 2. That was built by Solomon an Eminent Type of Christ These by Christ himself Zach. 6.12 of which afterward 3. That was renowned for its Magnificence Excellency and Glory These however debased reproached by one and another shall be so Isa 60.13 4. That had in it the Ark the Mercy-Seat all Types of Christ and the special presence of Jehovah These have most eminently the presence of the Lord with them Mat. 18.20 2. Cor. 6.16
of Christ Mal. 4.4 with Deut. 34.10 and that upon this foot of account because till Christ none rose up greater than he Therefore Paul going about to demonstrate to the Jews the abolition of the Mosaick Ministration layes the Foundation of his discourse in the super-eminent Authority of the Lord Jesus 'T is true the Law was most solemnly given forth by the Ministration of Angels in the hands of Moses but Christ is above Angels Heb. 1.4 and 2.2 above Moses chap. 3.3 Is there any greater superiour to Christ If not as most certain it is there is not to assert it is the height of Antichristianism 't is blasphemy against the Son then the Ministration instituted by him must of necessity continue till he come to put a period to it For it must be a greater and superior that can abolish or alter what is establisht CHAP. VI. The end for which Christ Instituted the Gospel-Church-state Churches Ordinances the same and will continue so to the time of the consummation of all things The particular ends instanc'd in Sanctifying the Name of the Lord in Worship what it is A solemn publick avowed owning subjection to Christ setting forth the Lords honour publishing his praises Eph. 3.21 Explained Saints mutual edification growth The confirmation of their mutual Love to each other Are some of the ends for which Christ instituted Gospel-Churches Ordinances demonstrated Demonstration VI. THE end for which the Lord Jesus establisht the Gospel-Church-state Gospel-Churches Institutions Ordinances is the same that ever 't was and will continue so to be till the time of the consummation of all things Whence its continuation necessarily follows Let 's a little consider what were the ends for which God from the beginning instituted a Church-state in the World Amongst others that perhaps might be mentioned these are the chief I. The Sanctification of his name therein Lev. 10.3 This is that which the Lord hath said I will be Sanctified in all those that draw nigh to me 'T is of the solemn Worship of God in that Church-state he is there speaking In particular touching that Institution of sacrificeing to the Lord. The sanctification of his name therein is asserted to be one great end of the Lord in that institution a failure wherein cost Nadab and Abihu dear they thereby provoked the Lord and he brake forth in his fury against them and slew them before the People This also is asserted to be the end of the Gospel-Church-state Gospel-Institutions Heb. 12.28 29. Wherefore we receiving a Kingdom which cannot be shaken let us have grace whereby we may serve God acceptably with REVERENCE and GODLY FEAR for our God is a consuming Fire By the Kingdom which cannot be shaken we have already demonstrated is meant the Gospel-Church-state therein they were to serve God acceptably with reverence and Godly fear i. e. they were to sanctifie his name in their attendment on him in the Institutions appertaining thereunto which if they neglect to do they may expect to find the Lord as Nadab and Abihu did a consuming fire to them Before we come to a full Conclusion of this matter 't will not be altogether impertinent or unprofitable to remark what it is to sanctifie the Name of the Lord in Solemn-Gospel-Worship In order whereunto there must be 1. A single respect to a Holy reverence of God's Soveraign Authority in its appointment The Laws Edicts of men have no place here Should we be found in the practice of what God commands and therein have no regard to his Commandment Authority but the Commandments Injunctions of men we sanctifie not his name therein The Authority of God instituting it is laid as the Foundation of and motive to all our Worship Deut. 6.4 5 6 7. and 28.58 Mat. 28.18 19 20. Heb. 3.4 5 6. What 's bottom'd meerly upon the wills laws of men is not the Worship of God 't is Superstitious Idolatrous Vain Empty good for nothing that which the Soul of the Lord loaths abhors it provokes him to Jealousie whatever outward splendour beauty shew of Devotion it may seem to have in it How great a part of the Worship of the Papacy is hereby discarded is known It being solely built upon the Authority of Popes Councils Fathers Traditions Laws Edicts of Men totally forraign contrary to Jehovah's Law 2. There must be also Faith in the Promises of God annexed to the observance of these Institutions That there are special promises of Favour Grace Kindness to such as Conscientiously attend upon him herein shall afterwards be demonstrated Faith is required with respect to these Promises He that comes unto God draws nigh to him in Gospel-Institutions must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him Heb. 11.6 3. There must be a Holy Awfull regard unto his special Presence in them He walks in the midst of his Golden Candlesticks Rev. 1.13 dwells in his Churches 2 Cor. 6.16 'T is true he fills Heaven and Earth with his presence is indistant to no creature the vilest of Men or Devils but he hath promised a more special Presence with his Children as they are attending him in his own appointments for their further enlightning quickning comfort strengthning growth increasment in the Grace of God Mat. 18.20 If persons attend on Divine Institutions and realize not the special presence of the Lord there no wonder if they are carnal formal dead lifeless in them meet with no feeling of his Power sights of his Glory 4. There must be an attendment to the due order in which the Lord will have all managed A failure herein caused the Lord of old to make a breach upon Vzzah he smote him slew him when they were about to bring the Ark from Kirjath-jearim 1 Chron. 13.11 1 Chron. 15.13 The Lord our God made a breach upon us for that we sought him not after the due Order All must be managed in the Spirit Power of Jehovah he 's put into office by the Father and the Son to enable in the managery of Divine Service Rom. 8.26 Alas sorry weak man is altogether unable for the dispatch of such sublime Heavenly Work Let men at their utmost peril contemn deride the assistance of the Spirit herein they never worship God aright who are strangers to it nor without it will ever be able to please him in what they do 5. There must be also a holy delight in God the lively stirring up exertings puttings forth of the grace of God in us 'T is not so easie a matter for persons to sanctifie the Name of God in Worship as many suppose it to be We cannot of our selves in our own creaturely power serve him who is a jealous God 6. There must be a perseverance continuance unto the end in obedience to him in a due observation of and subjection to him in Gospel-Institutions otherwise we deny his name prophane it as much as in us lyes make Religion Christianity a ridicule contempt in
the World instead of Sanctifying it Are any of these things vacated not to be heeded attended to Who that pretends in sobriety to Christianity hath the forehead to avouch affirm it II. Another end of Gospel-Institutions is Our solemn publick avowed owning of subjection to the Lord Jesus 'T was from the beginning one end of God in his erecting of Worship that his People might therein solemnly own avouch him to be their God Lord Soveraign and they his Loyal Subjects faithful Servants Deut. 26.16 17 18. This day the Lord thy God hath commanded thee to do these Statutes and Judgments Thou shalt therefore keep and do them with all thy heart and all thy soul Thou hast avouched the Lord this day to be thy God and to walk in his Wayes and to keep his Statutes and his Commandments and his Judgements and to harken unto his Voice And the Lord hath avouched thee this day to be his peculiar People as he hath promised thee and that thou shouldest keep all his Commandments If we will have God for our God visibly own him as such we must conform to his Institutions our publick acknowledgment of him as such lyes therein The World know nothing of the Saints actings of Faith Love the secret communion they have with GOD nor do they can they take much notice of them as to their Closet Family-Service but when found in the practice of the Institutions of the Lord then are they in the view of men publickly declaring that God's their God and they his People Josh 24.18 21 22. is to the same purpose 2 Cor. 8.5 First gave their own selves to the Lord i. e. chose him for their God resign'd up themselves all that they were and had wholly to the Lord to be at his dispose And unto us by the Will of God i. e. they solemnly avouched publickly owned declared this God to be theirs by their entring into the fellowship of the Gospel walking in the wayes of his appointment owning subjecting to the Ordinances of Jesus declared to them by us Nor can there be a full owning of the Lord to speak modestly without a conscientious walking herein neither will the Lord look upon ought we do whilest in the wilful neglect of his Institutions to be such an owning of him He will be acknowledged to be our God not in the way of our own wills but in the wayes he hath appointed us so to do The sole question is and yet one would wonder it should be a question amongst any that profess the fear of the Lord Whether it be the duty of Saints publickly to own acknowledge him to be their GOD Which if granted it cannot be denied but the Gospel-Church-state with the Institutions thereunto belonging is yet in being and must be so whilest there are any Saints in this World whose duty 't is so to own him for one end aimed at by the Lord Jesus in the establishment of these Institutions was as hath been proved that Saints should solemnly own acknowledge him therein III. A third end of this Gospel-Church-state is to set forth the Lords honour publish his praises Eph. 3.21 Vnto him be glory in the Churches by Christ Jesus throughout all Ages World without end Amen Two things are here plainly asserted by the Apostle 1. That there shall be a continuation of Churches thoughout all ages World without end and of such Churches both for Matter and Form at least as were in the Apostles dayes walking with Christ in all the wayes of his appointment One would wonder at the confidence of persons who have the forehead to assert the cessation of Churches Ordinances in open opposition to what is affirmed here by the Apostle of our Lord who speaks so fully plainly to their continuation 'till the end of the World that all the wit of man cannot possibly find out any evasion Had he said only They should continue 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to or throughout Generations or Ages 't would have been said true but when the Apostles fell asleep and a second Generation also was past a general apostacy came in and there was a period of the Church-state To obviate which cavil he industriously as 't were affirms their continuance 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 into all or throughout all Generations or Ages and as if that were not full enough to express his intendment of their continuance till time should be no more he adds that they should be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 throughout all Ages of the World of Worlds or Age of Ages The Apostles seems to allude to two Hebrew Phrases 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Psal 10.6 I shall never be in Adversity the word is unto Generation and Generation And that Isa 45.17 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded World without end Their continuance till the end of this World is evidently what 's his intendment 2. That one end of the Institution of these Churches is that God may be praised in them by them is also asserted Is this end terminated Is it not the duty of Saints to praise the Lord and to praise him in the wayes he hath appointed If he hath instituted Churches for this end 't is the duty of Saints to praise him in them If for this end he hath Appointed their continuance throughout all Ages they must of necessity so continue or God failes of his end which is abominable Blasphemous to assert See to the same purpose Heb. 2.12 1 Pet. 2.9 IV. Another end of the Gospel-Church-state is Saints mutual Edification Growth till they all come in the Vnity of the Faith and of the knowledge of the Son of GOD unto a perfect man unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ 1 Cor. 14.26 Let all things be done to edifying Eph. 4.11 12 13 29. 1 Thes 5.11 Jude 20. Have Saints no further need of edification building up Are they come to a Perfect man unto the measure of the Stature of the fulness of Christ Who dare aver it Can there be a more proper medium way or means fixt upon for the effecting this noble and glorious end than what the Lord propos'd viz. their walking together in the fellowship of the Gospel in the practice of all the Institutions of Christ What ever persons may think as none can desert the way Appointed by the Lord for the production of this end without a tremendous advance against the Wisdom of God his Love to and Care of his Children so they 'l find any other fixt upon by them will prove altogether insuccessful as to the end aimed at V. The confirmation of the Saints mutual love one to another is also frequently asserted to be one great end of this Appointment Eph. 5.2 1 Thes 3.12 1 John 3.22 1 Cor. 10.16 17. 'T is certainly our duty to keep this Commandment of our Lord yea to abound in love more and more each to other The means then appointed by the Lord for that end must
Conscientiously be atended to CHAP. VII The Gospel-Church-State with the Institutions Ordinances thereunto appertaining is annex'd unto and bottomed upon the New-Covenant Demonstrated from Scripture-Prophesie Isa 59.21 Ezek. 11.19 20. and 36.25 26 27. at large explained From several places in the New-Testament wherein 't is clearly asserted so to be Luk. 22.19 20. 1 Cor. 11.24 25 26. Heb. 10.16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25. Considered That they belong not to the Old Covenant proved The donation of the Spirit Faith Peace Joy c. From the New-Covenant these Communicated as we are found attending on the Lord in Gospel-Institutions These are given forth to the Saints for the trial of their Love Loyalty as they stand related are betrothed to him in the New-Covenant Jer. 3.14 15. Explained Demonstration VII THE Gospel-Church-state with the Institutions Ordinances thereunto appertaining is annexed unto bottom'd upon the New-Covenant Therefore it 's perpetual abiding The consequence is evident what is annext to bottom'd upon that which is permanent cannot be it self otherwise it must abide continue as that to which it 's affixt on which it 's bottom'd does The whole Judaick-Church-State with all its Ordinances Institutions was built upon that Covenant God of Old took Israel into Heb. 9.1 This Covenant was mutable changeble a time was fixt by the Lord for it's abolition Represented at first in the breaking of the Tables of Stone in which the Law or Covenant was writ Exod. 32.19 Yet so long as that abode the Institutions thereunto appertaining were in force therefore the Apostle being to prove the cessation of the Jewish-Church-state amongst other mediums makes use of this as one that the Covenant God took that people into was perioded abolished Heb. 8.6 7 8 9 10 13. So then if the Gospel-Church-state Ordinances are annext to the New-Covenant they are cannot but be permanent except that Covenant also be supposed and can be proved to be otherwise That the Gospel-Church-state and all the Ordinances thereof are annext to and bottom'd upon the New-Covenant is evident from 1. Scripture-Prophesie declaring that so it shall be Isa 59.21 As for me this is my Covenant with them saith the Lord My Spirit that is upon thee and My Words which I have put in thy mouth shall not depart out of thy mouth nor out of the mouth of thy Seed nor out of the Mouth of thy Seed's Seed saith the Lord from hence-forth and for ever 'T is the Covenant that God takes believers into the Gospel-Covenant that he speaks of This is my Covenant with them these are call'd Christ's Seed So Chap. 53.10 Concerning them he saith that the words which he puts into the mouth of Christ i. e. whatever he gave Christ as the great Prophet of the Church in charge to communicate to them all the Laws Institutions given forth by Christ were part of Gods words he put into his mouth Shall not depart out of their mouths i. e. they shall be found in the practice of subjecting to them whilst there are any Saints in this World they shall be so And this as a branch part of that Covenant God takes them into Ezek. 11.19 20. And I will give them one heart and I will put a new Spirit within you and I will take the stony-heart out of their flesh and will give them an heart of flesh that they may walk in my Statutes and keep mine Ordinances and do them and they shall be My People and I will be their GOD. The former part of the words I will give them one heart and the latter they shall be my People and I will be their GOD are the sum and substance of the New-Covenant Jer. 32.29 Unto this then the Statutes and Ordinances do evidently appertain for the Lord takes them to be his People gives himself to them to be their GOD gives them one heart puts a new Spirit within them that they may walk in his Statutes keep his Ordinances and do them If there be any Saints under the New-Covenant if a new Spirit be put within them then are there also Statutes and Ordinances Gospel-Institutions for them to walk in and in their doing so they discover themselves to be Gods People as he is their God Ezek. 36.25 26 27. is fully to the same purpose Then will I sprinkle clean Water upon you and ye shall be clean from all your filthyness and from all your Idols will I cleanse you A new Heart also will I give you and a new Spirit will I put within you and I will take away the Stony-heart out of your flesh and I will give you an Heart of Flesh And I will put my Spirit within you and cause you to Walk in in my Statutes and ye shall keep my Judgements to do them If the donation of the Spirit Regeneration Sanctification be a part branch of the New-Covenant the Statutes and Judgments of the LORD are so too and these such a part of it that there 's at least ground of Jealousie whether any are really made partakers of the former who are found except under the power of temptation in the total neglect rejection of these for the Spirit c. is given to cause them to Walk in Gods Statutes and to keep his Judgments And it 's worthy observation that God hath equally obliged himself to cause his People to walk in the wayes of his Institution as to give the Spirit c. to them So that evidently there must be a continuation of Churches Ordinances or there are no Saints there 's an end of the New-Covenant 2. And as it 's fore-prophesied of that in the dayes of the New-Covenant-oeconomy thus it should be so it 's evidently declared that upon the Introduction of that Ministration so it was Gospel-Institutions and Ordinances are plainly asserted to be annexed to the New-Covenant Christ himself intimates as much Luke 22.19 20. And he took Bread and gave Thanks and break it and gave unto them saying This is my Body which was given for you This do in remembrance of me likewise also the Cup after Supper saying This Cup is the New-Testament in my Blood which is shed for you As circumcision was call'd the Covenant as upon other acounts so because 't was a part or branch of it so is this institution of Christ call'd the New-Testament because a part or branch thereof And if it be Objected That this is only asserted of the Cup one part of one institution not of the whole much less of all Gospel-Institutions The Answer is easie what 's asserted of any one part is true of the whole and if the Cup be the New-Testament the Bread is so and if one institution be so every one is so too At the same rate the Apostle speaks after he had seen the Lord and convers'd with him 1 Cor. 11.24 25 26. And most evidently fully Heb. 10.16 to 26. where he tells us that our drawing nigh viz. to God in wayes of Gospel-Institutions the
profession of our Faith which lies eminently in our subjection to him therein the assembling our selves together to exhort one another which he would not have us forget is annext to bottomed upon the New-Covenant of which he is ex professo treating And a wilful rejection of these in open despight of Christ and contempt of his Authority he calls v. 29. A treading under foot the Son of God because it 's a high affront to his Soveraign Authority an accounting the Blood of the Covenant an unholy thing not only because these Institutions are annext to that Covenant which was ratified by the blood of Christ but also because they have all their Foundation in that Blood our approximation to God in them our advantage by them is the issue of its effusion and a doing despite unto the Spirit of Grace because as hath been proved they are all the Ministration of that Spirit should God immediately by himself speak from Heaven to us and declare in so many words These Gospel-Institutions establisht by My Son are all of them bottomed upon annext to the New-Covenant we could not have a greater certainty that they are so than what is in that Scripture-evidence we have hitherto been discoursing of But 3. They belong to the Old-Covenant or the New There 's no medium To the Old-Covenant it 's most certain they appertain not Other manner of Ordinances which were only to continue to the Gospel-day as Circumcision Sacrifices appertained thereunto not the least notice under that Covenant as any part of the oeconomy thereof of particular Churches Baptism Breaking-Bread Christ came to put a Period to that Paedagogie and all the Laws Institutions thereunto appertaining and vertually did so by his Death actually by providential dispensations taking out of the way destroying that Temple to which they were peculiarly affixt And becoming a Mediator of a better Covenant established uppon better Promises as such he gives forth the Laws and Institutions we are pleading for of which afterwards 4. The Communications of Divine Life the Royal manifestations of the Love of GOD to us the bestowment of the Spirit upon us Divine peace comfort support upholdment with whatever Grace we are made partakers of are all conveyed in the way of the New-Covenant Now whatever any talk the communication of these as 't is promised to us as we have found attending upon the Lord in his own Institutions of which more anon so the Saints in every day at this day through wonderful riches of Grace are under the enjoyment of The Spirit is received Faith communicated Peace and Joy shed abroad upon the hearts of Believers as they conscientiously attend on these appointments of Christ Such as know not these things or having known them through the power of temptation slight undervalue them are to be pitied not attended to or regarded in their present apprehensions touching them 5. That God hath a people that he hath in the New and everlasting Covenant taken unto himself for a peculiar People will not be denied To these God gives himself as their GOD he betroths marries them to himself and they give up themselves spontaneously unto him as a People to own subject to his Authority Soveraignty and to profess their so doing by a conformity to whatever Commands Injunctions he shall lay upon them Gospel-Institutions he gives forth for the trial of their Love Loyalty to him charges them to be found in the practice of them as hath been proved Their obedience subjection hereunto he looks upon as a great part of their Loyalty to him in the Conjugal-Covenant he hath taken them into with himself Jer. 3.14 15. Turn O back-sliding Children saith the Lord for I am married unto you and I will take you one of a City and two of a Family and I will bring you to Zion And I will give you Pastors according to mine Heart which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding Where coming unto Zion or our attendment on God in wayes of his own Appointment is asserted to be that wherein our Marriage-relation to him stands Hence departing from these is call'd Whoredom Adultery and those that do so The great Whore the Mother of Harlots and fornications of the Earth The sum is Gospel-Churches Institutions are bottomed upon the New-Covenant therefore abiding CHAP. VIII The Churches that have been are are the Churches of Christ or Antichrist They are not the Churches of Antichrist proved The matter of Antichristian-Churches and of the present Churches The Form Foundation Doctrine Worship Nature Characters Properties of the one and the other considered 1 Tim. 4.1 The Daemons there mentioned what they are Their Original Office manner of Worshipping them the Doctrines of Daemon's the Doctrine of the Apostatick-Synagogue of Rome Demonstration VIII THat there have been persons under the profession of the Name of Christ congregated together for the solemnization of Ordinances from the first-times of the Gospel hitherto hath been before proved That there are so still cannot be denied Now these Churches must be either the Churches of Christ or the Churches of Antichrist There 's no medium A Church that was neither of Christ nor Antichrist was never yet heard of in the world since the first-dawning of the Gospel-day So then if we demonstrate that the present Churches are not Antichristian-churches we evince them to be the Churches of Christ and a continuation of the Gospel-Church-State at least hitherto is evidently discover'd That they are not Churches of Antichrist is easily demonstrated They wholly differ from the Antichristian-Church in respect of matter form foundation doctrine worship nature characters properties Touchching which it 's needful that we particularly discourse First then the Matter of the Antichristian-church is whoever own 's the Christian Faith make 's a Profession of it though never so deboysh vile wicked to every good work reprobate Notwithstanding all their pompous shews of Religion Forms of Godliness they are really such as have pleasure in Unrighteousness 2 Thes 2.12 Is this the matter constitutive of the present Churches Do they admit persons of so black a character into their Communion If any such spots are found amongst them do they tollerate indulge them Are not the rules of Christ prosecuted till they appearing to be persons of a reprobate mind are rejected out of their fellowship Is it not the avowed principles of all the Churches that such as these are not fit matter for any Church of Christ Can they be charged with walking contrary to their principles in this matter Who hath the confidence impudence thus to charge any one of them 'T is true now and then some scandalous persons are found amongst them and so there were in the Primitive Churches as in the Church of Corinth c. that crept in unawares but they are matter of grief humbling to them and they do not dare not cannot suffer them in their Communion 2. The Form if it may be so call'd of the Antichristian-Church lie's in a
In whom in the great Inquisition that God will make will be found the blood of Prophets and of Saints and of all that were slain upon the Earth Rev. 18.24 In a word the Antichristian-church is that part of the body of professors that the great Antichristian-Apostasy spoken of by these Apostles gather's up who is described character'd by her false Doctrine idolatrous superstitious Worship of which before immorality in conversation persecution bloody cruelty against the Royal Seed the Saints of the most high Who so sear'd hardened in heart and conscience as without a blush from a soul filled with deep consternation can bear the sight of a thought springing up to affix the characters of this Antichristian-church unto the present Churches So then these being in respect of Matter Form Foundation Doctrine Worship Nature Characters perfectly different from the Antichristian-church must of necessity be the Churches of CHRIST and accounted so by all who are not resolv'd against the plainest Demonstrations to hold their perswasion with a nunquam persuadebis etiamsi persuaseris except some Hermaphrodyte-Church that is neither of Christ or Antichrist can be found out CHAP. IX The Church-state Gospel-Institutions are bottomed upon the Mediatory Office of Christ Their continuation from thence dedemonstrated Of Christ's Prophetick Priestly Kingly-Office Christ as the great Prophet of the Church hath revealed the Gospel-Church-state with the Institutions and Ordinances Christ call'd an Apostle and why Said to be sent by the Father Such a Prophet as never was in the World before nor hath there or shall there be any like him What of the Father he revealed The continuation of Gospel-Churches evinced from hence Of the Priestly-Office of Christ Gospel-Churches Institutions bottomed upon it at large demonstrated Of the Kingly-Office of Christ Gospel-Churches bottomed thereupon Demonstration IX THe Church-State Gospel-Churches Institutions are bottomed upon the Mediatory Office of Christ from whence a continuation of them till his next second glorious coming doth necessarily follow To Christ as Mediator a threefold-Office whereinto by Solemn Unction he was inaugurated by the Father doth appertain viz. Prophetick Priestly Kingly Arguments from each of these might at large be insisted on to demonstrate the truth we are at present contending for I. That Christ is the great Prophet of the Church will not be denied Deut. 18.18 Act. 3.22 and 7.37 As a Prophet he is fully acquainted with the Will of God and hath perfectly Revealed it to the Church both in respect of Doctrine Worship and Discipline The truth is his whole work as a Prophet is to reveal the Will of God and therein to Teach and Instruct us He is also call'd The Apostle of our Profession Heb. 3.1 The Prophetick-Office of Christ with respect unto his immediate Authoritative Mission from the Father is that which is intended by the expression He is said frequently to be sent by the Father Isa 19.20 and 48.16 and 61.1 Zach. 2.8 9. He whom the Father sent is the description he gives of himself Joh. 3.34 which is frequently repeated John 3.17 18 28 34. and 5.23 24 30 36 37 38. and 6.29 38 39 40 44 57. and 7.16 28 29. and 8.16 18 29 42. and 9.4 and 10.36 and 11.42 and 12.44 45 49. and 13.26 and 14.24 and 15.21 and 16.5 and 17.3 18 21 23 25. and 20.21 A Prophet he is and such a Prophet as never was in the World before nor any other like him was there to be and as a Prophet he reveals the Father himself John 1.18 And his Name Chap. 13.6 and 17.3 i. e. the mystery of the Covenant of the Grace of GOD his Love Kindness to the Sons of Men his Worship whole will respecting our Obedience and Salvation And for this work he was sent from the Father had his Authority from him and furnitures through the Spirit poured out upon him without measure for the dispatch of it So that he that hears Christ hears the Father and he that refuseth Christ refuseth the Father also because he acts in his Name Authority in this his Office That from hence the continuation of Gospel-Churches Institutions must necessarily follow is evident For 1. Christ as the great Prophet of the Church hath declared these to be one part of his Fathers Will that as such he was to Reveal as hath been proved That at any time it should be lawful for us to oppose the Will of the Lord thus solemnly revealed none will sure have the confidence to affirm 2. The Apostle to the Hebrews chap. 1. chap. 2. makes Christ's coming as the great Prophet of God one argument of the abolition of the whole Mosaick Paedagogy and the introduction of those Gospel-Institutions they were in the practice of God that spake in the Prophets hath spoken in his Son q. d. You expected a Prophet for so they did who should bring in a New-Ministration reveal the whole will of the Father to you this is He he is the Apostle sent from him for this end attend him consider him Heb. 3.1 Now certainly if the Apostle lookt upon this as a good argument for the same at least one of the same ends for which 't is produced by us 't will be immodesty for any to look upon it as impertinent incogent 3. Christ as the great Prophet when he Tabernacled in the World revealed this State the Laws Institutions relating to it Had we lived in the time when and been one of those to whom he had communicated them ought we to have believed obeyed subjected to them Sure 'T will not be denied but we ought Are not the same Laws delivered to the Apostles recorded in the Scriptures This will not be opposed What then Have the Laws of CHRIST by their being written lost their Authority This will not I am sure it cannot with any pretext of Reason be said It remains therefore that Churches with the Worship affixt to them being once of the discovery of CHRIST must still continue so to be and our practice suitable to that discovery necessitate precepti necessary 4. Is there any greater Prophet than Christ risen up Doth he come in his Fathers or in his own Name What 's his message that he brings Is he upon a new discovery of the Fathers will pouring contempt upon what hath been Revealed by Christ Every spiritual believer knows what reception he ought to have with him viz. neither he nor his Message to be received but rejected as an impostor a lye 2 John 10.11 5. Hath Christ ceased to be a Prophet Since he was signally inaugurated into that Office by the visible descent of the holy Spirit upon him in the form of a Dove Mat. 3.16 17 Shall he do so till he deliver up the Mediatory-Kingdom to the Father Neither the one nor the other will be asserted Doth he now any other wayes discharge that Office than by his written Word and Spirit opening the understanding of believers to perceive his Instructions contained therein Surely no. The
Revelation then made by him with respect to Institutions Worship is in every day to be attended to by the Saints A Church-state is then bottomed upon the Prophetick-office of Christ and to continue from the time of its erection by him to the consummation of all things II. As 't is bottomed upon the Prophetick-Office of Christ so 't is upon his Sacerdotal or Priestly The Apostle argues from the change of the Levitical priest-hood to the change of the whole of that Church-polity its Laws and Institutions Heb. 7.12 For the Priest-hood being changed there is made of necessity a change also of the Law If this be a cogent Argument it follows strongly on the contrary If there be no change of the priest-hood as the Melchizedekian Priest-hood or the priest-hood of Christ after the order of Melchizedeck abides for ever as the same Apostle tells us then there is no change of the Law or institutions appertaining thereunto That the whole of Gospel-institutions have a dependance upon the Priestly-Office of Christ is manifest 1. That the legal Ministration or Worship was affixt to had a dependance upon the Aaronick Priest-hood the Apostle plainly enough declares in the forecited place Heb. 7.12 Now if the Worship of that day had such dependance upon that Priesthood that it liv'd and dyed stood and fell with it the Gospel-ministration and Worship must have the same dependance upon the real Eternal Priesthood of CHRIST for that was Typick of this throughout 2. Christ by his Death or the Oblation of himself which was a principal part of his Priestly-Office vertually put a period to the Law of Commandments contain'd in Mosaick-Ordinances Eph. 2.15 And so by the removing of them made way for the erection of the Gospel-church-state with the Institutions appertaining thereunto This the Apostle fully declares v. 18 19 20 21 22. For through him as our High-Priest for as such he 's discoursing of him as is Evident from v. 13 14 15 16 we both viz. Jewes and Gentiles have an access in Gospel-institutions by one Spirit unto the Father Now therefore ye are no more Strangers and Forreinners but Fellow-citizens with the Saints and of the houshold of God And are built upon the Foundation of the Apostles and Prophets Jesus Christ himself being the chief Corner-stone In whom all the building fitly joyn'd together groweth unto an holy Temple in the Lord. In whom you are builded together for an Habitation of God through the Spirit Nothing could be more Evident if written with the beams of the Sun than this that Gospel-churches call'd the Houshold the Building of GOD with all the Institutions of CHRIST through which they have access to God are bottom'd upon the Priestly-Office of Christ 'T is through him as our Priest that we have access in Worship to the Father and equally in and through him as such that we are of the houshold of God his Habitation Temple 3. All the fittings preparings of Souls as fit materials for this Spiritual-Temple Building and the management of the Ordinances thereof are bottom'd upon the Priestly-Office of Christ That men in their natural state are altogether unfit for such a building or work will be granted otherwise Arguments enough lie near at hand for it's confirmation Our Lord hath solemnly determin'd this Controversy if with any it be a Controversy Joh. 3.3 5. That persons fitness lies in the communication of the Spirit a divine principle of Life the participation of the grace of the Covenant that therein also lies their meetness ability for the work and service of this Temple will not be denied Now whence flowes all this but from the Oblation Intercession of Christ the two signal parts of his Priestly-Office Nay 4. The Saints comming to God with their Temple-Worship all of it hath its Foundation here were it not for the Priest-hood of Christ they must stand off at an eternal distance Jehovah would be a terror consuming fire to them This all know who have a sight of themselves in their lapsed corrupt depraved state and of the infinite purity and righteousness of God This the Apostle treats of Heb. 4.14 15 16. and 7.19 Yea 5. All the acceptance of their Persons and all their Temple-worship with the Father of Spirits is bottomed here Were not Christ our High-priest had he not as such made an Attonement Reconciliation for us did he not make Intercession as such for us both we and our most solemn performances would be loathed rejected by the Lord. 6. Their encouragement to come to God with boldness the great motive to abide in their Temple-Worship and not to forsake the Assembling themselves together to be diligent in the discharge of the duties they are obliged to perform to one another in their Church-relation is fixed here Heb. 10.20 21 22 23 24 25. Their rejection of Gospel-communion is accounted an undervaluing of the Priestly-Office of Christ v. 28 29. To which add 7. That the preservation of Gospel-churches Ordinances is a fruit of the Priestly-Office of Christ bottomed upon his Oblation Intercession Why are they not dispersed scattered Why have not their Adversaries ruin'd destroyed them Whence is it that they have liberty to tread the Lords Court and Worship before the footstool of his Throne in Peace yea whence is it That the Devil with all his power policy hath not been able to ruin destroy the Churches of Christ It 's Christ that died yea rather that is risen again who ever lives to make Intercession Rom. 8.34 so that in this matter hear's full measure of Demonstration pressed down running over that Gospel-Churches Institutions appertaining to them are bottomed upon the Priestly-Office of Christ If he continue our High-priest if there be any vertue in his death energie power in his Intercession they must continue also And when these fail we are content to sink perish Maluimus cum Christo perire quam cum Caesare regnare III. Gospel-churches Institutions are also bottomed upon the Kingly-Office of Christ whence their perennity perpetuity is Evident That Christ is a King hath his Subjects Laws by which he governs them cannot be denied That he hath yet doth exercised his Kingly-soveraignty over them will be granted if he do not do so he is not King his despotick authority is at an end Who are his Subjects Those that dwell in Sion his Church his Body his House his Kingdom which hath been demonstrated to be Saints embodied and worshipping him in a Gospel-church-state to these he is a Head Lord King What are the Laws he Rules them by gives forth for the tryal of their Faith Love Obedience They are Gospel-Ordinances of his own institution and appointment And as of old the people of the Jewes that Church of God when they rejected his Ordinances are said to reject him cast off his Soveraignty Ruledom So because of their pertinacious adherence to the Laws of Moses when Christ had perioded that Ministration had left the World and was gone to his
Father with a rejection of him and the Ministration introduced by him they are said to be Citizens that hated him and send a message after him saying We will not have this man Reign over us Luk. 19.14 'T is true Christ as King rules in the Saints by his Spirit Grace but visibly by his Word and Gospel-institutions doth he Reign over them These are his Chariot or Throne of State wherein he shew's himself publickly in Majesty and Glory They are his insignia regalia or Kinglyarms or Ensigns none can offer despite affront to these but they affront him and are guilty of high-treason against him We justly condemn the Papists as opposers of the Kingly-Office of Christ because contrary to his Precept they have taken away one part of the Institution of Christ viz. the Cup from the Laity and what is to be thought of those who turn their backs upon all and attempt the pulling down of that house of the appointment of Christ wherein they are to be ministred If Christ be King he hath his Churches over whom as such he doth preside and his Laws as royal Ensigns in the midst of them for them to conform to CHAP. X. A Tenth Demonstration of the Continuation of Churches Ordinances otherwise a great part of the Scriptures of the New-Testament have been are of little use to the Saints An Eleventh A Twelfth evidence to the same thing Christ hath power to preserve his Churches and 't is his will so to do There are special promises both under the Old oeconomy and the New to Saints as they attend upon Jehovah as a Church in the Observation of Ordinances Exod. 20.24 Explained And 29.42 43 44 45. at large Why the Tabernacle is call'd 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Isa 4.5 6. Opened Zach. 2.10 Mat. 18.20 2 Cor. 6.16 Rev. 3.10 Considered A Thirteenth Fourteenth Fifteenth Sixteenth Demonstration of the continuation of Churches and Ordinances 'T is the duty of Saints in every generation to confess Christ Gal. 3.27 Opened Subjection to the Institutions of Christ one signal way of confessing him Saints are charged to hold fast whatever they have received from Christ till he comes Much of the Glory of Christ as Mediator of the New-Covenant lies in his Churches Many evil and absurb consequences of the denial of the Continuation of Gospel-Churches Ordinances remarked Demonstration X. IF there have not been be not a continuation of Gospel-Churches Ordinances a great part of the Scriptures of the New-Testament have been are of little use to the Saints Now it cannot be imagined that the Lord Jesus out of his special love to and care of his People should appoint the Scriptures to be written and yet no small part of them to be of no concern in this World to them Of this kind are all those Scriptures which contain rules of direction to the Saints touching their embodying together in order to their becoming a Church of Christ discovering who are fit matter their Power for the Election setting apart of Officers to minister in the name of Christ amongst them the qualification of such as are to be chosen by them their Office Work Duty in and to the Church the Churche's duty to them the way and manner of the management of the Institutions of the Gospel amongst them the mutual duties of Church-members each to other as they stand in a Covenant-relation together How great a part of the Scriptures of the New-Testament and particularly the Epistles to the Churches is taken up in these things is known to enumerate particulars is almost endless See Matth. 28.19 20. Act. 2.41 42. 1 Cor. 12.28 Eph. 4.11 12. Matth. 18.17 18 19. 1 Cor. 4.17 7.17 Act. 14.23 Tit. 1.5 1 Tim. 3.15 2.1 Act. 6.4 13.2 3. Eph. 5.19 Col. 3.16 2 Tim. 4.2 1 Cor. 14.3 Act. 6.2 Heb. 13.7 Matth. 26.26 27. 1 Cor. 11.23 Rom. 12.6 7 8. Rev. 2.3 Rom. 1.5 6. 1 Cor. 1.2 14.15 Heb. 3.1 Jam. 1.18 Rev. 1.20 1 Pet. 2.5 Eph. 2.21 22 23. 2 Cor. 6.16 17 18. Act. 20.17 18. 1 Cor. 12.28 Eph. 4.11 Phil. 1. 1 Tim. 3.1 2. 5.17 Heb. 13.7 17. 1 Pet. 5.1 Eph. 4.8.13 Tit. 1.7 8 9. 2 Tim. 3.2 3 4 5 6 7. 1 Pet. 5.2 3. Act. 13.2 1 Tim. 5.22 4.14 3.10 11 13. 4.12 2 Tim. 2.3 Col. 1.24 Phil. 2.17 3.17 Heb. 13.17 Act. 20.28 2 Tim. 2.15 4.2 Rom. 12.6 7 8. 1 Tim. 6.20 Jude 3. 1 Cor. 4.1 2. 1 Tim. 3.15 4.14 15 16. Act. 20.18 19 20 25 26. 1 Thes 3.5 2 Tim. 2.24 25. Rom. 12.8 1 Tim. 5.17 3.5 Col. 4.17 2 Cor. 10.4 8. 1 Tim. 4.11 Tit. 2.15 1 Pet. 1.2 3 4 5. 1 Thes 5.12 13. 1 Cor. 16.16 Eph. 6.18 19. Col. 4.3 2 Thes 3.1 Gal. 6.6 1 Cor. 9.14 16.10 2 Tim. 1.16 17 18. 2 Tim. 4.16 Rom. 12.8 1 Cor. 12.28 1 Tim. 5.17 Act. 6.3 5 6. Phil. 1.1 1 Tim. 3.8 9 10 11 12 13. Phil. 2.15 16. 4.8 9. 1 Thes 3.8 1 Pet. 4.10 11 12 13 14. 1 Tim. 3.15 Heb. 10.23 Act. 2.38 39 46. 16.33 1 Cor. 1.16 11.20 21 22 26 28 29 33. Act. 20.7 Mat. 16.19 Rom. 12.8 2 Cor. 10.4 5 6. Rev. 2.2 20. Mat. 24.45 Eph. 4.13 14. 1 Tim. 3.5 5.17 Heb. 13.17 1 Pet. 2.3 1 Thes 5.12 Gal. 6.1 2. 1 Cor. 4.14 5.2 4 5. 2 Cor. 2.6 7 8. 2 Tim. 4.2 Mat. 18.15 1 Thes 5.14 Tit. 1.13 2.15 2 Tim. 4.2 1 Tim. 5.19 20. Mat. 18.16 17. Tit. 3.10 1 Tim. 1.20 1 Cor. 5.5 Gal. 5.12 6.1 2 Cor. 2.7 2 Thes 3.15 Gal. 6.2 1 Cor. 5.2 4 5 12. 1 Cor. 6.2 2 Cor. 2.6 7 8. Phil. 2.10 2.15 1 Cor. 10.32 1 Thes 2. 11.12 Tit. 2.10 Joh. 6.15 Act. 26.18 1 Pet. 2.9 2 Cor. 4.3 4 6. 1 Tim. 1.19 20. 2 Tim. 4.3 4. Tit. 1.13 Jude 3. Eph. 4.20 21 22 23 24. 2 Cor. 8.5 Act. 8.20 23. Tit. 1.10 Rev. 2.2 Act. 18.26 1 Thes 2.7 8 11. Act. 9.26 27. Rom. 14.1 1 Cor. 13. throughout 10.32 Eph. 6.18 1 Tim. 2.1 2 Cor. 8.4 6. Act. 11.29 30. Rom. 15.26 27. 16.1 2. 3 Joh. 8.9 Act. 15.2 1 Tim. 3.15 Cum multis aliis Are all these Scriptures with many more of no use to the Saints Are they not at all concern'd in them Credat Apella And yet this must be asserted upon the supposition that there are no Churches of the Institution of Christ for as such are the Saints alone concerned in them Object If it be Objected that a great part of the Old-Testament is of little or no use to the Saints now therefore the argument is invalid of no weight Answ The Answer is easie 'T is readily granted that whatever is spoken in the Old-Testament touching Circumcision Priests Altar Temple Sacrifices Vestments c. We are not under the Gospel-Ministration at all concerned with an introduction of these things is a plain practick-denial of Christ come in the flesh But
14. 3. That they have not the Power is also notoriously false 'T is true they have not so much of it as in a former day but that all 's lost there are a thousand Witnesses to confute Object 6. The Churches are polluted therefore no true Churches Ans 1. This is a most evident non-sequitur They may be polluted and yet true Churches The question is whether there be such pollutions found upon them either with respect to Worship or Conversation that by any Rule of Christ declare them Vn-church'd which we are only to attend to in this matter We may stab and kill each other in a distempered fit and think we do well but 't will be found Murder by the righteous judge if what we do be without his Rule and Authority 2. What Pollution is there to be found amongst the Churches that was not to be found even in the Apostolick Churches and greater too at least in some of them 3. Do they justify plead for any Pollutions amongst them Is not the sight of them matter of grief burden to them at least to many amongst them Though there were but a few names in Sardis that had not defiled their Garments Rev. 3.4 yet Christ ownes them for his Church Object 7. The present Churches were at first gathered in the will of man Therefore they are no true Churches Answ 1. Prove This and take the Cause I 'd be he after all I have writ that would cast the first stone at them But saying so is but a sinful Calumniation no Argument Let 's a little further consider this matter 2. Why are they gathered in the Will of Man Is it because they are gathered by the authority of man driven together by penal Sanctions This cannot be asserted What then Are they gathered constituted of visibly prophane persons Nor can this be affirm'd If the gathering together of Saints call'd out of the world as Volunteers giving up themselves to JESUS CHRIST and one another to walk together in Gospel-fellowship be a gathering in the will of man 't is true they are so gather'd But the best on 't is we have good company under the same Condemnation even all the primitive-churches Obj. Oh! but you were not gathered by Apostles Answ Oh! but this hath been already spoken to and removed out of the way several of the first Churches we have proved were not gathered by the Apostles Ergo they also were gathered in the will of man were not true Churches Obj. 8. But there 's no Presence among the Churches Therefore no true Churches Answ 1. Should it be granted that there 's no presence yet from thence it doth not follow that they are not true Churches For the glory was departed from the Temple Ezek. 3.12 the blessed glory of the Lord is gone from his place and yet the Temple was standing In the second Temple there was not the Schecinah or divine presence yet the Judaick Church-state not dissolved till many years after The house may stand and be a true house as much as 't was before tho the master be gone out of it perhaps he hath a special end for the good of the House Servants Children for a season to leave it God may have blessed designs towards his Churches in his temporary leaving them yet true Churches I 'd ask doth not the Lord sometimes withdraw his presence from particular Saints What Child of God but at one time or other finds cause to complain of his departure from him He seeks him yet cannot find him Doth this destroy his Saint-ship who 'l affirm it Well then the with-drawment of God from Churches is no Argument they are none of his 2. It may be there may be some mistake in this matter and God is onely suppos'd to be a great way off when he is near Mary laments for the absence of her Lord when yet he stood by her Joh. 20.15 16. It 's necessary we enquire a little touching the presence of God with a People He is said to be present 1. In respect of his Essence and being so he is present with All indistant to none He fills Heaven and Earth all things with his Presence Psa 139. 2. In respect of providential dispensations preserving defending a People giving them the Victory over their Enemies In this sence through wondrous riches of Grace the Lord is yet present with his Churches the Plots Confederacies Advancements of the Children of Men against them have hitherto been in-successful 3. In respect of sensible manifestations of his grace and love in the way of the new-Covenant to them quickning causeing their graces to flourish renewing strengthning comforting them Now though 't is true and touching it deep searchings of heart should be upon us and mournings after the Lord that there is not in this sense such a presence of the Lord as hath been formerly yet we must say to the praise of matchless grace we are not wholly destitute of it and are crying as we can Let our Beloved come into his Garden that the Spices thereof may send forth their odoriferous smell Yet who 'l despise a day of small things 'T is a mercy for a rebellious beggar to have a crum a drop of the bread waters of Life And were we more thankful for did we prize improve as becomes us that little God gives us we might have more 4. In respect of his real actual presence in the new-Covenant though not sensible manifestations of it Thus God is present with us though we complain of his absence when he strengthens us to wait on for him in the ways of his appointment enables us to seek to him For without his presence we were not able to do that Thus through grace he is present with his Churches and every member of them 3. Is not Prayer Prayer because we have not his sensible presence with us who 'l affirm it Is it lawful to omit that Duty in our Closets retirements because we enjoy not God in it Who dare aver it This were an Effectual and expeditious way to drive Christianity all Religion Devotion out of the World What though there be not a sensible Enjoyment of God in Churches Institutions There he hath promised to meet his people and bless them and there it 's our duty to wait for the returnal of his Presence and Glory Thus far in Answer to Objections Which are all I have met with And in the whole have been with PRAYER and SUPPLICATION following the Lord for leadings have not willingly reflected upon or used exasperating Expressions concerning any nor designedly pleaded the cause of any PARTICULAR PARTY but the general concern of all the Saints who look upon their subjection to Christ in Gospel-Institutions any part of their concern In simplicity and godly sincerity though with much weakness have I been managing this affair and because I believe that the truth of the Lord is herein with me therefore have I spoken If any may be profited let God have the Glory If any be otherwise minded I pray God will manifest this also unto him in due time FINIS