Selected quad for the lemma: world_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
world_n	catholic_n	church_n	communion_n	5,870	5	9.6775	5	true

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A33338	Medulla theologiæ, or, The marrow of divinity contained in sundry questions and cases of conscience, both speculative and practical : the greatest part of them collected out of the works of our most judicious, experienced and orthodox English divines, the rest are supplied by the authour / by Sa. Clarke ...	Clarke, Samuel, 1599-1682.	1659 (1659)	Wing C4547; ESTC R1963	530,206	506

she is holy though not in respect of the greatest part 3. Whatsoever corruption of Doctrine or manners spring up she reproves and censures not tollerates it 2. She is meek loving patient merciful c. Jam. 3.17 full of good fruits her weapons are prayers and tears not fire and faggot Fourthly By her marriage a good way to know one by is the head and the Church cannot be better known then by her head Jesus Christ whose wife she is by whom all the children of the Church are begotten by virtue of the eternal Covenant of Grace as in lawful wedlock Cant. 2.16 and 5.10 Fifthly By her carriage and behaviour 1. To her husband to whom in all her behaviour she expresses foure virtues 1. She is chast and faithful to him she forgets not the guide of her youth c. 2. She is subject to him in all things content to be tryed and ruled in all cases by his will revealed in his Word 3. She depends only on her husband for the meanes of her welfare and all needfull supplies will not seek to any other Advocates or Mediators c. 4. She honours her Husband onely and will give his honour to no other 2. To her children whom 1. She nurceth at her own breasts puts them not forth to such strange milke of Traditions Councils Decretals c. 2. She instructeth and teacheth them 3. Porvides for them she upholds the means of salvation to keep her children in good state Quest. Is the true Church of Christ alwayes visible Answ. The true Church is not alwaies conspicuous visible and glorious to the world but may be oppressed and hid So was the Church in Egypt thrust out into the wildernesse so in Elijahs time when he complained that he was left alone so in the Babylonish captivity therefore compared to dead and dry bones Ezek. 37.2 so Rev. 13.12 Quest. What reasons may be rendred for this Answ. First because the Church is a select company called out of the world a little flock Joh. 15.9 a garden enclosed Cant. 4.12 the blind world neither can nor will see the Church Secondly the Church is such a body as is not alwaies visible to mans eyes no not to good mens as as we see in Elias the foundation being in Gods election and the union spiritual Thirdly Sometimes the Church abusing peace and prosperity makes the Lord to strip her naked and bare and to ●end her into the wildernesse yea to make her as a wildernesse Hos. 2.3 Fourthly The Church provides for her safety sometimes by flying into the wildernesse she is like a Dove in the rocks Cant. 2.19 5ly The Churches Militant condition suffers her not alwaies to be visible being not tyed to any one estate or place therefore she is compared to the Moon being s●metimes in the full and sometimes hid Quest. What conclusions may be laid down concerning the visibility of the Church Answ. First By the Church which we hold invisible we mean the Catholick Church even the multitude of all the Elect which have been are or shall be which Church is holy and no wicked persons belong to it It s a communion of Saints only to which belongs remission of sins and life everlasting and this is invisible to the world and that 1. Because the ground and foundation of it Gods Election is invisible 2. The greatest part of the Elect are not subject to sence not the Saints in Heaven nor many on Earth some being not born others but new bo●n 3. Visible things are not believed but things invisible Faith is of things not s●en and if we believe the holy Catholick Church we cannot see it Secondly concerning the Militant Church we hold 1. That God will alwaies have a part of his Catholick Church here on Earth that shall hold and maintain the true Faith in the several Ages to the Worlds end and this cannot faile upon Earth 2. This part of the Catholick Church consists of men that are visible and exercise visible Ordinances as the Word Sacraments c. and often in peaceable times appears glorious in many particular and visible Congregations 3. That these visible and particular Churches are not alwayes visible after the same manner neither is any part of the visible Church alwayes so necessarily visible but that it may disappear as the Church in the Old and New Testaments have some time done 4. This number of men in whom this part of the Church contsteth may come to be a few and by Tyranny and Heresie their profession may be so secret amongst themselves that the world cannot see them Though like the Sun she shines in her self yet she may be obscured from the sight of others 5. Though the Church cannot fail upon Earth yet the external government of it may faile for a time her Pastors may be interrupted her sheep scattered her Discipline hindered the external exercise of Religion may be suspended and the sincerity of Religion exceedingly corrupted so that the members of the Church are only visible amongst themselves Thirdly Though the Church of God be not alwaies seen yet she is alwayes safe and that 1. Because if she cannot be safe in the City she shall be safe in the Wildernesse where God will provide her a place as Rev. 12.14 2. Gods purpose for the safety of his Church cannot be altered by any enterprises of her Enemies Though Pharaoh slay all the infants yet Moses shall be preserved by his own daughter in his own bosome to be a deliverer Though Herod slay the infants he shall misse of him whom he seeks 3. God makes high account of his Church as the signet of his right hand the apple of his eye therefore he will provide for her safety 4. Gods wisdom makes it healthful for his Church sometimes to be hid that she may always be safe otherwise the world would destroy her Dr. Tailor on Rev. Quest. Are not all Christians bound to pray for the peace of the Church Answ. Yea 1. we must pray for the whole Church where ever dispersed 2. For the natural members and noble members especially the living stones those which are more instrumental and organicall such as are eminent in power and place in worth and in service 3. More particularly for our own Church to which we are related and to the principals of it as Cities and Vniversities 4. For the restoring of the people of God even for the Jews and for the setting up of the new Jerusalem as God hath promised in his Wo●d 5. By the same reason we must pray against such as are against the Church Quest. But what must we pray for in the behalf of the Church Answ. First in general for all blessings for all that is good and useful and tends to the welfare of it as for the protection of it deliverance of those that are in danger preservation from danger to those that are free for the perfection of it that God will re●ore those Churches that are over-run

could communicate spiritual life to it but this is only in the power of God whence God is called both the husband and head of the Church Psal. 45.11 therefore Christ as God was the head of the Church also Object But Christ could not thus be the head of the old Church because he was not then incarnate For it is the part of an head to communicate and impart its good to the body but the humanity of Christ could not profit the Church before his incarnation and therefore he was not the head of the Church of the Jews according to his humanity Answ. Though Christ had not then actually conjoyned the humanity to himself yet according to the divine decree of his future incarnation and passion according to the eternal efficacy of it and according to the lively faith of the Patriarchs even Christs humane nature and those things which he was to do and suffer in the same did much benefit the ancient Church when as yet they were not in act From the beginning of the world they were chosen in Christ and by Christ all the adopted sons of God Ephes. 1.4 5. Christ was the Lamb of God slaine from the beginning of the world and therefore from the beginning of the world he was the lively head of his Church For those things are present to God and faith which are not yet come Hence Aquinas saith truly Christum fuisse secundum humanitatem caput ecclesiae ante incarnationem per operationem fidei quae illum in carnandum apprehendebat sic beneficium justificationis consequebatur Object But Christ is not the Head of his Church according to his divine nature because that hath no conformity of nature with the rest of the members neither according to his humane nature because according to that he cannot communicate spiritual life to his members therefore he is no way the head of the Church Answ. I answer in general If there be found in Christ the perfect resemblance and reason of an head this is enough to make him truly called an Head though the conditions of an Head be not found in either of the natures apart As for that which is objected that the humane nature of Christ doth not communicate life and spiritual motion to the members I answer by distinguishing The life of grace is infused into the members either by the principal agent who creates grace in the soul by the way of authority and in this sense the influx of grace is from God alone or else from the instrument joyned with the principal agent and so the humane nature of Christ instrumentally is said to communicate grace and spiritual life As it nothing derogates from the natural head that it communicates life and motion to the other members not immediately from it self but by the means of its latent virtue So neither doth it derogate from the dignity of this mystical Head that it communicates life and grace not principally from its self but by reason of the Divinity dwelling in it Christ therefore notwithstanding these objections is the head of his Church according to both his natures Quest. What may we learn from the consideration hereof Answ. First In that God is the head of the Church we may thence conclude that she shall be perpetual and that the gates of Hell shall not prevaile against her For if God be with us what shall be against us and truly if the head of the Church were less then God she would never be safe having all the Devils of Hell and all the wicked of the world against her Secondly If God be the head of the Church then all the Members of it ought to obey this their head in all things with reverence and godly fear For there is an infinite obligation upon every Creature to obey God but if it could be there is more then an infinite obligation upon the Church that is redeemed and sanctified to obey her God her mistical and life-giving head Thirdly If God be the head of the Church then Christs ascention into heaven hath not deprived her of her head yea he is present and ever will be present with his Catholick Church by the presence and power of his Divinity though he be not present to the eyes of our flesh according to his promise Matth. 28. ult Loe I am with you alwaies even to the end of the world therefore the Pope is a superfluous head Fourthly Is our head man also then by vertue of his kindred to our nature we may assure our selves that he loves us dearly that he is very sensible of our miseries and ready to relieve us Heb. 2.17 18. Fifthly is our head man this may comfort us in that the Divel hath no cause of triumphing over us Indeed he overcame the first Adam who was the head and fountain of all mankind but the second Adam the head of his Church hath overcome him yea in Christ we overcome him being his members equally as we were overcome in Adam the conquest of our head hath made us conquerors Quest. Wherein consists the similitude betwixt Christ and a head and betwixt the Church and a body Answ. The natural head must be considered in a double respect to its membes 1. Of difference 2. Of agreement and so must this mysticall head also Quest. Wherein consists the discrepancy betwixt the head and members Answ. First in respect of its eminency and dignity For the head doth more fully and perfectly enjoy all the sences then the members which are under it So Christ our mystical Head doth possesse all spiritual grace much more abundantly then all men and Angels ●oyned in one Joh. 3.34 Secondly in respect of its Government For the head directs and governs and all the members are directed and governed in their operations by it So Christ doth rule and govern his Church and she hearkens to his commands and submits to them Epes 5.22.23 Thirdly In respect of its causality and influence For the head imparts and communicates sence and motion to all the members so that they would want sence and motion if they should be separated from the head So Christ infuseth spiritual life and motion into his members otherwise they would be stupid and dead and destitute of all spiritual motion Joh. 15.5 Hence Phil. 4.13 Quest. Wherein consists the agreement between the head and members Answ. First In that the natural head hath conformity of nature with the members For it would be a monstrous thing if a mans body should have a horses head So between the Church and her mystical head there is an agreement of nature Heb. 2.16 Secondly The head and members have an agreement in order to the same end viz. the safety and preservation of the whole person So Christ and his members which are one person are ordained to attaine one and the same end viz. eternall glory and happiness and for the attaining of this end both the head and the members do daily co-operate This is the

11.14 therefore we have need to watch Sin is of a bewitching nature It insensibly soaks into a man as it did into David 2 Sam. 11.2 c. and when once it hath possessed him the heart cannot be withdrawn from it as in Davids example 2 Sam. 11.13 14. and Sampsons Judg. 16.5 c. Secondly in regard of Satan he is a mortal enemie implacable sedulous restlesse and very terrible 1 Pet. 5.8 For 1. His name devil declares him to be an accuser and therein one that seeketh all advantages he can against us 2. An adversary 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 contralitigator who will do us all the despight he can as an adversary in Law 3. He is a Lion strong ravenous fierce and cruel 4. He is as a roaring lion doing what he can to affright us and make us yeeld to him 5. He walks up and down wherein he shews himself to be sedulous and restlesse Mat. 12.43 6. He seeks whom he may devoure This declares him to be a deadly enemy that aimes at our death even the damnation of our souls and is there not just cause to watch against such an enemy Thirdly for our selves we are exceeding foolish like the silly fish that with a bait is soon taken By reason of the flesh that is in us we are prone and forward to yeeld to every temptation as dry tinder soon takes fire as gun-powder c. Besides there is in us a natural pronenesse of our selves to decay in grace and to fall from it as a stone to fall downward or for water to wax cold if removed from the fire Fourthly for God who is oft provoked by mens security and carelesnesse to leave them to the tentations whereunto they are subject which if he do we cannot stand as we see in Peter Matth. 26.33.70 Hence 1 Corinth 10.12 Rom. 11.20 Quest. Why must every one be circumspect over himself Answ. First because every one is nearest to himself now our greatest care must be of the nearest to us Secondly every one hath a special charge of himself Act. 20.28 whereby they may save themselves 1 Tim. 4.16 Thirdly every one best knows himself and can best discern when he begins to decay 1 Cor. 2.11 Hence we are exhorted to examine our selves c. 2 Cor. 13.5 Fourthly every one is especially to give an account of himself Rom. 14.12 2 Cor. 5.10 Quest. Why must every one be circumspect over others Answ. First because of the near union of all Christians they are brethren Mal. 2.10 Secondly because of the like common condition of all Others as well as our selves are subject to manifold infirmities and to all sorts of tentations and have the same enemies Thirdly because of the extent of brotherly love Matth. 22.39 This is the summe both of the Law and Gospel If we do this we shall do well Jam. 2.8 Fourthly because of the zeal that we ought to beare to the glory of God For to keep others from falling addes much to Gods honour Dr. Gouge on Heb. Quest. What benefit shall we have by this circumspect walking Answ. It will conduce much to the comfort of our lives For our understandings and judgements are not given us only to plot for the world and to be circumspect for our temporal welfare but to be wise for the maine end to glorifie God and save our souls to get out of the corruption of nature and to maintaine our communion with God the end of our living in the world is to begin Heaven upon earth and whatsoever is done in order to this end is good but without circumspection nothing can be done to this end Quest. What are the impediments that hinder us from this circumspect walking Answ. First the rage of lusts that will not give a man leave to consider of his wayes but are impetuous commanding and tyrannous making men without consideration to rush into sin as the horse into the battel Secondly too much worldly businesse when men are distracted with the things of this life are overloaden with cares they cannot be circumspect for their souls they are like to Martha and neglect Maries part Thirdly Christian circumspection is an hard and difficult work It s an easie matter to talk of others to consider of other mens wayes but to come home and to look to a mans self is an hard taske that few undertake Quest. What is Christian circumspection or watchfulness Answ. It s an heedful observation of our selves in all things and a serious and diligent circumspection over all our ways that we may please God by doing his will and neither commit any sin that he hath forbidden nor omit any duty which he hath commanded This is required Deut. 4.9 23. Mar. 13.33 34. Ephes. 5.14 15 16. and 6.18 Col. 4.2 1 Cor. 15.34 and 16.13 1 Thes. 5.5 6 7 8. Acts 20.28 31. Quest. Wherein doth this circumspection consist and in what is it to be used Answ. First in general it is to be used in all things 2 Tim. 4.5 In all places at all times upon all occasions when wee are alone or in company abroad or at home in the work of our callings general or special in our recreations in our civil affairs morall actions religious duties Luke 8.18 for Satan laies his nets and snares to catch us in all these therefore we had need to look to every step Secondly neither must this watch be kept over some of our parts only but over the whole man and that in all the powers and parts of soule and body that in our inward faculties and outward actions we may please God by doing his will But especially we must keep this watch over our soul Deut. 4.9 over our reason and judgement that it be not darkned with ignorance Matth. 6.23 nor corrupted with Errors and Heresies Over our memories that they retain not vanity and sinful impressions that should be blotted out nor forget those things with which God hath betrusted them Over our wills that they go not before but wait upon holy reason chusing that which it commendeth and refusing that which it disalloweth over our consciences that they be pure and clean not slack in doing their duty nor we negligent in giving heed to their evidence over our thoughts which naturally are only evill and that continually c. Thirdly But above all our other internal parts we must keep this watch over our hearts Prov. 4.23 Heb. 3.12 For the heart is the treasury either of all good or evil and from it the tongue speaks and the hand works and if this fountain be corrupt it will defile all Now by heart we chiefly understand the affections and desires both concupiscible and irascible all the passions of love hatred hope despaire joy sorrow anger and fear and by keeping them we mean their holding in subjection unto reason it self being first made subject to the word and will of God we must watch our hearts to keep out carnal concupiscence from entring and must shut the door