try, oracles, and ordinances of God, for the gathering and perfecting of the saints in this life, to the end of the world; and doth by his own presence and Spirit, according to his promise, make them effectual thereunto. IV. This catholick church hath been sometimes more, sometimes less visible. And particular churches, which are members thereof, are more or less pure, according as the doctrine of the gospel is taught and embraced, ordinances administered, and publick worship performed more or less purely in them. V. The purest churches under heaven are subject both to mixture and error; and some have so degenerated as to become no churches of Christ, but synagogues of Satan.1 Nevertheless, there shall III. 1 Cor. xii. 28. And God hath set some in the church, first, apostles; secondarily, prophets; thirdly, teachers; after that miracles; then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Eph. iv. 11. And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; Ver. 12. For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Ver. 13. Till we all come in the unity 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. Matt. xxviii. 19. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; Ver. 20. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Isa. lix. 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 month of thy seed's seed, saith the Lord, from henceforth and for ever. IV. Rom. xi. 3. Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life. Ver. 4. But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal. Rev. xii. 6. And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days. Ver. 14. And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent. [Rev. Chapters ii. and iii. throughout.] 1 Cor. v. 6. Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? Ver 7. Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us. V.1 Cor. xiii. 12. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. [Rev. Chapters ii. and iii.] Matt.xiii. 24-30. Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field; but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also, &c. Ver. 47. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind. Rev. xviii. 2. And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. Rom. xi. 18. Boast not against the branches: but if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee. Ver. 19. Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in. Ver. 20. Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: Ver 21. For if God be always a church on earth to worship God according to his will.m VI. There is no other head of the church but the Lord Jesus Christ: nor can the Pope of Rome in any sense be head thereof; but is that antichrist, that man of sin, and son of perdition, that exalteth himself in the church against Christ, and all that is called God." CHAP. XXVI.-Of Communion of Saints. I. ALL saints that are united to Jesus Christ their head by his Spirit, and by faith, have fellowship with him in his graces, sufferings, death, resurrection, and glory. And being united to one another in spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. Ver. 22. Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness; otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. m Matt. xvi. 18. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Ps. lxxii. 17. His name shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun; and men shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed. Ps. cii. 28. The children of thy servants shall continue, and their seed shall be established before thee. Matt. xxviii. 19, 20. [See in letter 8.] VI. Col. i. 18. And he is the head of the body, the church; who is the beginning, the first-born from the dead; that in all things he might have the pre-eminence. Eph. i. 22. And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church. that he, as God, sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. Ver. 8. And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Ver. 9. Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan, with all power, and signs, and lying wonders. Rev. xiii. 6. And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. I. 1 John i. 3. That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. Eph. iii. 16. That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; Ver. 17. That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, Ver. 18. May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, Matt. xxiii. 8. But be not ye called and depth, and height; Ver. 19. And Rabbi: for one is your Master, even to know the love of Christ, which Christ; and all ye are brethren. Ver. passeth knowledge, that ye might be 9. And call no man your father upon filled with all the fulness of God. the earth: for one is your Father, John i. 16. And of his fulness have all which is in heaven. Ver. 10. Neither we received, and grace for grace. Eph. be ye called masters: for one is your ii. 5. Even when we were dead in sins, Master, even Christ. 2 Thess. ii. 3. hath quickened us together with Let no man deceive you by any means: Christ; (by grace ye are saved;) Ver, for that day shall not come, except 6. And hath raised us up together, and there come a falling away first, and made us sit together in heavenly places that man of sin be revealed, the son of in Christ Jesus. Phil. iii. 10. That I perdition; Ver. 4. Who opposeth and may know him, and the power of his exalteth himself above all that is resurrection, and the fellowship of his called God, or that is worshipped; so sufferings, being made conformable love, they have communion in each other's gifts and graces; and are obliged to the performance of such duties, publick and private, as do conduce to their mutual good, both in the inward and outward man." II. Saints, by profession, are bound to maintain an holy fellowship and communion in the worship of God, and in performing such other spiritual services as tend to their mutual edification; as also in relieving each other in outward things, according to their several abilities and necessities. Which communion, as God offereth opportunity, is to be extended unto all those who in every place call upon the name of the Lord Jesus.• unto his death. Rom. vi. 5. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Ver. 6. Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 2 Tim. ii. 12. If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us. b Eph. iv. 15. But, speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: Ver. 16. From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body, unto the edifying of itself in love. 1 Cor. xii. 7. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 1 Cor. iii. 21. Therefore let no man glory in men: for all things are yours; Ver. 22. Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; Ver. 23. And ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's. Col. ii. 19. And not holding the head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. 1 Thess. v. 11. Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. Ver. 14. Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feeble-minded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. Rom. i. 11. For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; Ver. 12. That is, that I may be comforted together with you, by the mutual faith both of you and me. Ver. 14. I am debtor both to the Grecks and to the Barbarians, both to the wise and to the unwise. 1 John iii. 16. Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. Ver. 17. But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the fove of God in him? Ver. 18. My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed, and in truth. Gal. vi. 10. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. II. & Heb. x. 24. And let us consider one another, to provoke unto love, and to good works: Ver 25. Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. Acts ii. 42. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. Ver. 46. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart. Isa. ii. 3. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion_shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. 1 Cor. xi. 20. When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper. Acts ii. 44. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; Ver 45. And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 1 John iii. 17. [See in letter ". 2 Cor. Chapters viii. and ix.] Acts xi. 29. III. This communion which the saints have with Christ, doth not make them in any wise partakers of the substance of his Godhead, or to be equal with Christ in any respect: either of which to affirm is impious and blasphemous. Nor doth their communion one with another, as saints, take away or infringe the title or property which each man hath in his goods and possessions. ISA CHAP. XXVII.—Of the Sacraments. ACRAMENTS are holy signs and seals of the covenant of grace, immediately instituted by God, to represent Christ and his benefits, and to confirm our interest in him; as also to put a visible Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judea: Ver. 30. Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul. C more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. Acts v. 4. Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. I. a Rom. iv. 11. And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also. Gen. xvii. 7. And I will establish my covenant between me and thee, and thy seed after thee, in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee. Ver. 10. [See below in letter '] III. Col. i. 18. And he is the head of the body, the church; who is the beginning, the first-born from the dead; that in all things he might have the pre-eminence: Ver. 19. For it pleased the Father, that in him should all fulness dwell. 1 Cor. viii. 6. But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and oue Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. Isa. xlii. 8. I am the Lord; that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images. 1 Tim. vi. 15. Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Ver. 16. Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen. Ps. xlv. 7. Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wick edness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. With Heb. i. 8. 1 Cor. x. 16. The cup of blessing But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, which we bless, is it not the comO God, is for ever and ever; a sceptre munion of the blood of Christ? the of righteousness is the sceptre of thy bread which we break, is it not the kingdom. Ver. 9. Thou hast loved communion of the body of Christ? righteousness, and hated iniquity; 1 Cor. xi. 25. After the same manner therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. Exod. xx. 15. Thou shalt not steal. Eph. iv. 28. Let him that stole steal no b Matt. xxviii. 19. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. 1 Cor. xi. 23. For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus, the same night in which he was betrayed, took bread. also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood. this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. Ver. 26. For as often as ye eat difference between those that belong unto the church and the rest of the world; and solemnly to engage them to the service of God in Christ, according to his word. II. There is in every sacrament a spiritual relation, or sacramental union, between the sign and the thing signified; whence it comes to pass, that the names and effects of the one are attributed to the other." III. The grace which is exhibited in or by the sacraments, rightly used, is not conferred by any power in them; neither doth the efficacy of a sacrament depend upon the piety or intention of him that doth administer it, but upon the work of the Spirit, and the word of institution; which contains, together with a precept authorizing the use thereof, a promise of benefit to worthy receivers.i IV. There be only two sacraments ordained by Christ our Lord in the gospel, that is to say, Baptism, and the Supper of the Lord; nei this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. *Gal. iii. 27. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Gal. iii. 17. And this say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect. a Rom. xv. 8. Now I say, that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers. Exod. xii. 48. And when a stranger shall sojourn with thee, and will keep the passover to the Lord, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as one that is born in the land for no uncircumcised person shall eat thereof. Gen. xxxiv. 14. And they said unto them, We cannot do this thing, to give our sister to one that is uncircumcised; for that were a reproach unto us. e Rom. vi. 3. Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Ver. 4. Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death; that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 1 Cor. x. 16. [See in letter ] Ver. 21. Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils. II. Gen. xvii. 10. This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you, and thy seed after thee; Every man-child among you shall be circumcised. Matt. xxvi. 27. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it: Ver. 28. For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. Tit. iii. 5. Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost. III. Rom. ii. 28. For he is not a Jew which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision which is outward in the flesh: Ver. 29. But he is a Jew which is one inwardly: and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God. 1 Pet. iii. 21. The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us, (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. h Matt. iii. 11. I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance; but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire. 1 Cor. xii. 13. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. Matt. xxvi. 27, 28. [See in letter!] Matt. xxviii. 19. [See in letter b.] Ver. 20. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. |