Gospel Churches a Standing Ordinance, Treatise · Chapter 1
CHAP. I.
Goſpel-Churches an Inſtitution of Chriſt, to continue to his next coming, demonſtrated from the Appellations given in Scripture to ſuch Churches. They are call'd, 1. The Kingdom of God. Why they are ſo call'd, open'd. Mark 9.1. Acts 1.3. and 19.8, 9. Explained. Several inferences from hence. A two-fold Kingdom, viz. of God, and of the Devil, and Antichriſt. Several wayes Satan takes for the ſupport of the Antichriſtian Kingdom. An Objection Anſwered. 2. A Houſe built upon a Rock, Matth. 16.18. opened at large. Peter not the Rock, but Chriſt, proved. The Gates of Hell, what they import. Satan's attempts by ſubtlety and power, to deſtroy the Church, invalid. An Objection Anſwered. 3. The Kingdom of Heaven. Why the Goſpel-Church-State is ſo call'd, An Objection Anſwered. 4. A Kingdom that cannot be ſhaken, Heb. 12.27, 28. explained. 5. The Miniſtration of the Spirit, 2 Cor. 3.7, 8. opened at large. 6. The Body of Chriſt. Goſpel-Churches hereby intended, proved. Ʋpon what accounts they are ſo call'd, ſhewn. Several inferences from hence demonſtrating the continuation of them. 7. The Temple, Tabernacle, Houſe, Building of the Lord. Ʋpon what accounts they are ſo call'd. An Objection Anſwer'd.
HAving already demonſtrated what a particular Church of Chriſt is, and that as ſuch, 'tis one of the Goſpel-inſtitutions Commanded, Erected by him; i. e. 'Tis the Will of Chriſt that all believers (ordinarily) ſhould adjoyn themſelves to ſome one or other ſuch Church. That which is Incumbent on us further to Evince, is, that ſuch Churches (or the Goſpel-Church-State) with the Inſtitutions, Ordinances, Worſhip thereunto Affixed, ſhall continue unto his next glorious Coming and Kingdom; which we now Addreſs our ſelves to the diſpatch of.
Demonſtration I.
The Appellations given in Scripture, to ſuch a Church (or Churches) of Chriſt, do evidently evince the Truth hereof.
Firſt, 'Tis call'd the Kingdom of God, Mar. 1.15. The Kingdom of God is at hand: And Chap. 9.1. Till they have ſeen the Kingdom of God come with Power. He ſeems to have reſpect to the day of Pentecoſt, when the Spirit was poured down from on high on the Apoſtles, who were then endued with Power from above according to the promiſe of Chriſt to them: by which they went forth to preach the Goſpel, plant Churches, &c. Mar. 15.43. Who alſo waited for the Kingdom of God, i. e. the Goſpel-miniſtration, Luke, 7.28. He that is leaſt in the Kingdom of God is greater than he: See Chap. 10.9. and 23.51. Joh. 3▪ 3, 5 Act. 1.3. And ſpeaking of the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God, i. e. the Laws, Inſtitutions, Rules, Orders, relating to the Churches. See Ch. 8.12. and 19.8, 9. — diſputing, and perſwading the things concerning The Kingdom of God — But when divers ſpake evil of that way: — What way? The way of Goſpel-Miniſtrations; or the worſhip of God in a Goſpel-day; which they ſpake evil of as Heretical (After the way which they call Hereſie, ſo worſhip I the God of my Fathers, Act. 24.14.) Chap. 20 25▪ with 28. and 28.33, 34.
Upon what Accounts the Goſpel-Church-State is call'd, The Kingdom of God, muſt a little be enquired into. 'Tis ſo call'd upon the Account,
1. Of its Glory, and Excellency. Perſons, and things ſaid to be of God, are therefore ſo ſaid to be. As men of God, Jud. 13.6, 8. 1 Sam. 2.27. and 9.6. 1 Chron. 23.14. Hill of God, 1 Sam. 10.5, 10. Pſal. 24.3. and 42.6. and 68.15. This miniſtration excels all that went before it, for excellency and glory, 2 Cor. 3.7, 9, 10. (of which more anon.)
2. Of its Extract, and Original. There's nothing of man in it, 'tis all of God: given by the Father to Jeſus Chriſt, who came into the World to reveal, and diſcover his Will touching that matter, Joh. 1.14.
3. Of Believers open, viſible ſubjection to, owning, acknowledging of God in their Obedience thereunto.
4. Of Gods care of it, protection over it, engagement to continue, ſupport, maintain, uphold it to the end. Whence it evidently follows,
1. That there muſt be a continuance of this miniſtration of the Goſpel, the Goſpel-Church-State, with all the Laws, Inſtitutions, Ordinances, Orders, thereto appertaining, till it be ſuſpended, abrogated by Jehovah. Who hath Power, Authority over his Kingdom? or can preſume to diſannul, ſuſpend any thing he hath therein Inſtituted; but by ſuch an Act he advanceth himſelf above God, and ſo proclaims himſelf to be the Antichriſt that was to come? Denyes the Father, and that ſupreme ?? Authority, from whence the original of the Goſpel-miniſtration doth flow.
2. The veracity, faithfulneſs, wiſdom, power of God, are all engaged for the ſupport, and upholdment of this Miniſtration. 'Tis of him, from him: He's oblig'd upon that foot of account, to exert, and put forth the perfections of his Nature for the upholdment of it. What Devils, beaſts of Prey, yea, what inward luſts, or corruptions in the Saints themſelves, ſhall be able to evert, bring to nought that Kingdom he's obliged to ſupport, and continue?
3. That there muſt be a law produced from this High and Soveraign Lawgiver, for the ſuſpenſion, perioding of this Miniſtration, or it abides in force, and will do ſo, whether we be ſubject to it, or not. Our wills, fancies, humors, imaginations, any pretended Revelation will not juſtify any perſons Non-conformity thereunto. Let any Statute-law, from Jehovah be produced for it's ſuſpenſion, diſſolution, and the Controverſie is at an end. Where hath God ſaid, My Kingdom ſhall continue only for a hundred, two, three, or a thouſand years, and then period; after which I'll leave my Children to act as they pleaſe, with reſpect to any Laws, or Inſtitutions relating to it? If there be altum ſilentium, a deep ſilence with reſpect to any ſuch Laws, it becomes, and greatly concerns perſons to take heed, that they withdraw not themſelves from, oppoſe not his Soveraignty herein, leſt they be found fighters againſt God.
Beſides, 'tis not inconſiderable, that there are but two Kingdoms in the World.
1. The Kingdom of God; which, as hath been ſhew'd (as to viſibility) moſt eminently conſiſts in Goſpel-miniſtrations.
2. The Kingdom of the Devil, and Antichriſt, (who receives his Seat, Power, and great Authority from the Dragon, or Devil, Rev. 13.2.) and to one of theſe we muſt needs be viſibly ſubject. Two ways Satan takes for the ſupport of the Antichriſtian Kingdom;
1. The one is by eſtabliſhing Laws forreign, yea, contrary to the Laws of Jehovah, and compelling all to ſubject to them. The other is,
2. By caſting a ſlight, contempt, upon the Laws of Divine appointment: and whether the one way, or the other, he prevail upon poor ſouls, he hath his end; for Jehovah's Soveraign Authority is thereby trampled upon.
Objection. If it be Objected, that the legal Miniſtration is call'd, The Kingdom of God; and Chriſt tells the Jews nevertheleſs, that it ſhall be taken from them (and we know that an actual Period is put thereunto) Mat. 21.43. ſo that the Church-ſtate being call'd The Kingdom of God, is no Argument to prove its continuance.
Anſwer. The Anſwer is eaſie, 1. It's granted, that the Moſaic Miniſtration is ſo call'd, and that becauſe it had it's Original from God, who deſcending upon Mount Sinai, by the Miniſtry of Angels, gave forth the Law, with the Statutes, Judgments, and Ordinances. 2. It's alſo granted, that the Whole of that Miniſtration hath expired for above this One Thouſand Six Hundred Years. But 3. There were frequent intimations in the Scripture, that it ſhould ſo expire, Deut. 18.15. 18. Pſal. 40.6. Iſa. 65.17. Hag. 2.6, 21. (Theſe preſent Heavens, or Judaic Church-ſtate, with all the Inſtitutions, Ordinances thereto appertaining will I ſhake, ſo as to remove, totally aboliſh.) Mat. 24.2. (The Temple to which the Judaic Solemn-Worſhip was affix'd, ſhall be utterly deſtroyed; ſo the whole of that ſervice thereto appertaining, ceaſe.) Let but one the like inſtance of the purpoſe of God, for the determination of the New-Teſtament-Miniſtration before the next glorious perſonal Appearance of Chriſt, be produced, and there's an end of this Controverſy. 4. They were not the Powers of the world, nor the declenſions, apoſtacies of the Subjects of that Miniſtration, that put a Period to it; but the Act of God himſelf, the Soveraign thereof. 5. Whatever the corruptions of the Church-ſtate were (as they were very great) 'tis the commendation of the Lords poor people that they continued in it, as Zachary, Elizabeth, &c. becauſe in ſo doing, they teſtify their ſubjection to the Lord, who Inſtituted it. 6. Nor was it actually removed, but by the introduction of a new, more ſpiritual, ſublime Miniſtration, ſet on foot by Jeſus, the Son of God, fore-propheſied of, as the great Prophet of the Church, who was to period that Miniſtration, and ſet up another; to whom we are charged to attend in all things.
Secondly, Goſpel-Churches (or the Goſpel-Church-State) are ſaid to be a Houſe built upon a Rock, Mat. 7.25. and 16.18. Ʋpon this Rock I will build my Church. 'Tis neceſſary that we Enquire;
I. What we are to underſtand by this Rock.
1. The Papiſts tell us, that by this Rock, we are to underſtand Peter. The vanity of which pretenſion, is evident: For, 1. 'Tis not (foreign, but foreign) upon This Peter, but upon This Rock. 2. Peter no where in any of his Epiſtles aſſerts himſelf to be the Rock upon which the Church is Built, nor do any of the Apoſtles in any of their Epiſtles ſo affirm of him. He accounts himſelf but as an Apoſtle of Jeſus Chriſt, 1 Pet. 1.1. foreign, a Co-Elder (with the reſt of the Presbyters, or Elders) 1 Pet. 5.1. 3. Chriſt is aſſerted to be the alone Rock, Foundation of his Church, 1 Pet. 2.4, 5, 6, 7. 1 Cor. 3.11. in oppoſition to all others. 4. He himſelf, as well as other Believers, was built upon the Rock, which bare him, and not he it, or the Church. 5. Paul expreſly aſſerts, 2 Cor. 11.5. that he was not inferior to the very chiefeſt Apoſtles; which had been falſe, if Peter had been conſtituted the Rock upon which the Church was built. 6. If he were the Rock when he denied Chriſt (as he did dreadfully) and at laſt fell aſleep, What became of the Rock, Foundation of the Church? But this vain pretenſion is hardly worth our conſidering; nor ſhould it be granted, would it at all conduce to the ſupport of the Roman Papal Synagogue, to which good ſervice it's deſign'd. Therefore,
2. By the Rock, we are to underſtand the Lord Jeſus Chriſt, the Mediator of the New-Covenant. He is expreſly ſo call'd, 1 Cor. 10.4. Upon what account, is not to our purpoſe at preſent to Enquire.
II. What we are to underſtand by the Church.
1. Not particular Believers in a ſcattered, diſperſed State.
But 2. Saints gather'd together in the order, and fellowſhip of the Goſpel. This is evident, as if written with the beams of the Sun; for to particular Believers, as ſuch, in their ſcattee red diſperſed State, the Keyes of the Kingdom of Heaven, ths Power of binding and looſing, doth not appertain; But to thi, Church (congregated) it doth, v. 19.
III. What is ſignified by the gates of Hell; which 'tis ſaid-ſhall not prevail againſt this Church.
Firſt, The ſubtlety, policy of Satan. Over the gates of the City, was wont to be the Council-houſe. Let all the Devils in Hell ſin in Council againſt the Lords Church, they ſhall not be able, by all their cunning, ſubtlety, to prevail againſt it. The ſubtle attempts of Satan to undermine, deſtroy this Church, have been (are) various. To enumerate particulars, is not our preſent deſign: 'Tis enough, that our Lord aſſures us, whatever they are, they ſhall prove ineffectual. Yet perhaps it may not be altogether impertinent to mention ſome few of his ſubtleties, with reſpect to this matter. He hath then attempted to deſtroy it in ſubtlety,
1. With reſpect to Doctrin; labouring to undermine, deſtroy the fundamental Doctrines of the Goſpel, thereby ſubverting the Faith of ſome. His attempts againſt the Perſon of Chriſt; ſometimes endeavouring to create a miſ-belief, with reſpect to his Eternal Deity (to which John oppoſes himſelf in his Goſpel, by impregnable, undeniable Arguments); at other times, to the verity of his Humanity (againſt which the ſame Apoſtle advanceth himſelf in his Epiſtle, 1 Joh. 1.) his deſigns againſt the Offices of Chriſt were alſo early in the Apoſtle's days, particularly againſt his Prieſtly Office, labouring to introduce a juſtification by the Works of the Law, or, as it were by the works of the Law, Rom. 9.32. viz. partly by Chriſt, and partly by Works, or internal Sanctification. A deſign ſubtilly managed, and carried on by the bloody Jeſuits and others, at this day (as is known); to which the Apoſtles in their Epiſtles, and other Worthies ſince, have oppos'd themſelves. But though he hath hereby drawn off (at ſeaſons) not a few, from the ſimplicity of the Goſpel; yet there hath all along been a Teſtimony born in the Churches againſt him, which he hath not been able to withſtand, or repel.
2. With reſpect to Worſhip, and that two ways:
1. By introducing humane Obſervances into the ſervice of God, and Chriſt, ſo polluting, defiling it, that he accounts it not his Worſhip. And hereby for a ſeaſon, he almoſt totally prevailed upon the body of Profeſſors of Chriſtanity. So that the whole world (as 'twere) wondred after this Beaſt, Rev. 13.3. And the whoriſh Woman, or falſe Church, being her ſelf bewitched with this intoxicating Cup of Fornication, ſhe held it forth to the Nations (with External pomp and grandeur) to drink of it; and they generally drank of it, and were drunk, and mad with it, Rev. 17.2, 3, 4, 5. Yet all along Chriſt had his Remnant, that witnes'd againſt theſe Abominations, (amongſt whom the true Church-State was continued, and the purity of Ordinances remained) who alſo Sealed their Teſtimony with their Blood.
2. By reproaching, reviling, contemning, deſpiſing the pure Inſtitutions of Chriſt, as poor, low, and carnal, pretending to a more ſublime, high, ſpiritual Miniſtration. As ſome even in the Apoſtles days, and ſince. And herein Satan eminently appeared as an Angel of Light, withdrawing perſons from the fellowſhip, wayes of the Goſpel, under the pretence of greater Spirituality, Heavenlineſs, leaving the Word of the Beginning, and preſſing after Perfection. A brave Pretext! wherewith the minds of many have been (are) not a little taken, enſnared. But neither this way hath he been able to deſtroy the Church, which hath weather'd this point alſo, with, and prevail'd againſt, him: Being from its own experience (as from the Scripture) aſcertain'd, that the more they are in a conſcientious Obſervance of the Inſtitutions of Chriſt, the more do they grow up into the Spirit, Life, and Power of divine things. Their ſpiritual progreſs, and growth in Grace, depending ſingly upon Jehovah's Bleſſing; which is promiſed ſolely (and they meet with it) in their conſcientious attendment on him in divine Appointments.
Secondly, The force, power, tyranny, oppreſſive, deſtroying practices of the Wicked One, 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-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 'tis 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, foreign, 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. 'Tis ſo upon the account,
1. Of its Original from thence. 'Tis not of man, but from Heaven, as was John's Doctrin, Baptiſm, Miniſtry.
2. Of its ſupereminent Glory; whatever perſons account of it; 'tis 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. (foreign) 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 paſs away. The ſame may be ſaid, concerning the ſons of men. They may 'tis true advance againſt it; attempt to ſhake, remove it, (as they have done, and do with all their force, and cunning) but 'tis a Kingdom ſo far above them, ſo ſupported, ſtrengthned by the King of Heaven, that they never ſucceed in their Attempts. Vain, ridiculous are their Conſultations, Aggregations, together in order hereunto. Can they pull the Stars out of the Firmament? Stop the Sun in its Courſe? Turn it into blackneſs, darkneſs? Pull it from the place God hath Ordained for it? Are not all Attempts of ſuch a Nature worthy to be ſcorned, derided at, as acts of the greateſt Folly, and deſperate Madneſs? Such are the advances of the Anti-Chriſtians againſt this State, Kingdom: Whilſt God ſits in the Heavens, he will laugh them to Scorn, and have them in Deriſion. There muſt firſt be a Power, Authority above God's, before this Kingdom can be brought to a Diſſolution by any, ſave he that Erected it.
Object. But doth not God ſay, that he will create new-Heavens, and a new-Earth; and the former ſhall not be remembred, nor come into mind, Iſa. 65.17. And the Apoſtle Peter aſſures us 2 Pet. 3.7, 10, 12, 13. that the Heavens that now are, are kept in ſtore, reſerv'd unto Fire, &c. that there is a time in which the Heavens ſhall paſs away with a great Noiſe, &c. They ſhall be diſſolv'd; that the Saints look for New-Heavens.
Anſw. 1. Dato non Conceſſo, granting for Diſputation's-ſake, that by Heavens, we are to underſtand a Church-ſtate (perhaps ſomewhat elſe is intended in the places under conſiderations, viz. the purifying, delivering the Creation from that vanity, corruption, to which 'twas ſubjected by reaſon of Sin, the Introduction of the Reſtitution of all things by Jeſus, Act. 3.21.) yet,
2. It doth not yet appear, nor is it in haſt like to be proved, that by the Heavens that are to paſs away, more is to be underſtood, than the removing of the Judaic Church-ſtate; which indeed paſſed away, and was melted down by fervent heat, when the Temple to which 'twas affixt, was conſumed with Fire, not long after Peter writ that Epiſtle. The New-Heavens ſpoken of, may perhaps ſignify the Goſpel-Church-State; there's not a tittle ſpoken of their Paſſing away, but the contrary, Iſa. 65.22. But
3. That we may give to this Objection (ſuch as it is) the greateſt weight it's capable of, Let it further be granted, that by the Heavens in Peter, which ſhall Paſs away, is to be underſtood the Goſpel-Church-State; and that Iſaiah, and Peter ſpeak of a New-Church-State which ſhall ſucceed that▪ The firſt Heavens Paſs not away till the conſuming Fire is kindled; nor is it in the Power of man to ſet Fire to them, to cauſe them to ceaſe to be; as the Creation of the New-Heavens is the peculiar Act of God; ſo is the diſſolution of the Old.
Fourthly. This Church-State is repreſented under the Notion of A Kingdom which cannot be ſhaken, moved, Heb. 12.27, 28. Wherefore, we receiving a Kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have Grace, whereby we may ſerve God acceptably with reverence, and godly fear. A few things muſt be inquired into, viz.
I. What we are to underſtand by this Kingdom?
Anſw. The Goſpel-Church-State we are diſcourſing of. This is Evident, for,
1. 'Tis a Kingdom introduced immediately upon the ſhaking of the Heaven, ſo as to remove the things ſhaken, i. e. upon the putting a period to the Judaic-Church-State, with the removing of all the carnal Ordinances thereunto appertaining. When God gave forth the Law upon mount Sinai, his voice ſhook the Earth, v. 26. But then was the ſolemn, viſible beginning, or creation of their Heaven, or Church-State, which now is ſhaken by the death of Chriſt; ſo that 'tis virtually remov'd, and Saints are no longer to be ſubject to it.
2. 'Tis a Kingdom introduced by Chriſt's ſpeaking from Heaven, v. 25. or of his eſtabliſhment as coming from the boſom of the Father, and declaring his mind to the Sons of Men. Which can be nothing elſe, but the Goſpel-oeconomy, or miniſtration introduced by him.
3. 'Tis a Kingdom which they, the Jews (believers at leaſt amongſt them) were foreign, then receiving, or undertaking, ſubjecting to, which was the Miniſtration ſpoken of: And is indeed one part of the deſign of the Apoſtle in this Epiſtle, to perſwade them fully to embrace, or receive, with the rejection of Moſaic antiquated obſervances.
4. 'Tis a Kingdom with reſpect to which they are ſaid to ſerve God acceptably, with reverence and godly fear, v. 28. Gr. foreign—which though in the general it denotes to ſerve in any kind of work or ſervice; yet its ſpecial ſignification, as uſed by the Seventy in the Old Teſtament, and Chriſt and his Apoſtles in the New, is, to worſhip God in wayes of his own inſtitution, and appointment.
II. In what ſenſe it's affirm'd concerning this Kingdom, and the things appertaining to it, that it cannot be ſhaken, moved? That thoſe things which cannot be ſhaken may remain. The words are variouſly rendred; That thoſe things may remain which are immovable, V.L. Which are not to be moved, Ar. Which are not to be ſhaken, Aeth. Which are void of motion, Syr. The words are foreign. The word foreign, ſignifies to be moved, or ſhaken, as with Winds or Tempeſts; as the ſhip in the Sea with ſtorms.— The Seventy uſe it when the earth is ſaid to be moved, 2 King. 22.16. And the Pillars of it ſhaken, Job. 9.6. to be by force removed out of its place, 1 Chron. 16.30 Job 41.15. Job 9.28. with reſpect to which the Goſpel-Miniſtration, with the Ordinances of it, are ſaid to be foreign, Immovables, things that cannot (are not to) be removed taken down: Storms and Tempeſts it meets with, but it abides firm and immovable under all.
A Kingdom which cannot be moved; which is alſo diverſly rendred, an immovable Kingdom, V.L. A Kingdom which is not ſhaken, Ar. Which cannot be ſhaken, Aeth. The word is foreign, immoveable, unſhaken, firm, ſtable, that bears up againſt winds and tydes. The moſt rough winds, impetuous ſtorms, waves, cannot ſhake, ſink it.
The meaning is, the Moſaic Miniſtration, the Judaic Church-State, was liable to ſhakings; 'twas at laſt ſo to be ſhaken, as to be utterly removed, taken out of the way; but this Kingdom, the oeconomy of the Goſpel, the Goſpel-Church-State is not ſuch. 'Tis true, it ſhall at laſt period, but not by any ſhakings that ſhall diſſolve it, as the former to make way for a new, and better Miniſtration: It ſhall continue immoveable till it run into, and be ſwallowed up in the Glorious Viſible Kingdom of the Meſſiah, or New-Jeruſalem-State.
Fifthly, The Church-State is called, the Miniſtration of the Spirit, foreign, That Miniſtration of the Spirit, 2 Cor. 3.7, 8.
That by the Miniſtration of the Spirit, we are to underſtand the whole Goſpel-oeconomy, or Miniſtration, the Doctrine, Worſhip, Inſtitutions thereof, is evident,
1. From its Antitheſis unto the Miniſtration of the Letter, or legal Moſaic obſervances, call'd the Miniſtration of Death, and Condemnation, v. 6, 7, 9. which the Apoſtle tells us was done away; now 'twas that whole Miniſtration, as made up of Inſtitutions, Ordinances peculiar to it, that was done away.
2. 'Twas ſuch a Miniſtration as the Apoſtles were Miniſters of, v. 6. i. e. which they Preach'd, declared from Jeſus Chriſt, according to his charge to them, Matth. 28.20. and were miniſtring to him, and the Saints in. 'Twas not the Doctrine of the Goſpel, inward purity, practick Godlineſs only, that they declared as the mind of Chriſt; but the Worſhip thereof, inſtitutions of his appointment thereunto appertaining. No ſooner were Perſons converted to the Faith of Chriſt, but they were gathered by the Apoſtles into a Church-ſtate; Acts 2.41, 42, 46. and 9.31. and 11.22, 26. and 14.23, 27. and 15.41. and 16.5. and 20.28. This is too evident to be denied.
3. 'Twas ſuch a Miniſtration, Wherein as in a Glaſs with open face (compared to thoſe▪ vail'd, dark ſights they had in their Paſſover, Sacrifices, &c. under the Moſaic Miniſtration) they beheld the Glory of the Lord, and were changed into the ſame Image from Glory to Glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord, v. 18. The firſt Primitive believers, 'twill not be denied, attended upon the Lord in Goſpel-Inſtitutions. 'Tis evident they did ſo from the Scriptures but now quoted. In their ſo doing they beheld the glory of the Lord, had choice diſcoveries, diſplayes of it; grew up into a Conformity unto him in their conſcientious waiting on him herein. And whatever any ſay, thouſands of believers at this day, that are found waiting upon the Lord in his own inſtitutions, ſuch as the Church-Fellowſhip, Breaking Bread, Prayer, &c. meet with preſence, ſights of Glory, Divine Transformations, renewals in the Spirit of their minds. When any are found in inſtitutions ſhaken in their minds, touching them as the inſtitutions of Chriſt, that by virtue of His Soveraign Authority, Command, they ought to attend to, 'tis no wonder if they ſee not his Glory, know nothing of his transforming power through them. They come not in faith, ſanctify not his name in what they do; therefore meet not with his bleſſing.
Queſt. The Queſtion is upon what accounts this Miniſtration is called, The Miniſtration of the Spirit?
Anſw. 'Tis ſo called with reſpect.
1. To it's Super-eminent, Super-excelling Glory: For Excellency, Glory, far ſuperiour unto any Miniſtration that went before it. What compare is there, betwixt Spirit, and Letter; that which hath life in it, and that which hath none?
2. To the Communication of the Spirit through it, by it. Gal. 3.2. Received ye the Spirit by the Works of the Law, or by the hearing of Faith?
3. To its being given forth by Chriſt through the Holy Spirit, Acts 1.2. The Lord Jeſus being conſtituted by the Father, Mediator of the New-Covenant, Prince, Ruler, Prieſt, Prophet to the Church; was to reveal the whole of his mind, and Will, to them as ſuch: For his inablement whereunto the Father pours out of the Spirit without meaſure upon him; through this Spirit he gave Commandments to his Apoſtles relating to Goſpel-Worſhip, with a charge to them to Communicate them to others. Matth. 28. ult. Which alſo they did.
4. To that Glorious effuſion of the Spirit in the day of Pentecoſt, Act. 2. at the beginning, or firſt Publick ſetting up of this Miniſtration.
5. To evince that 'tis the higheſt, laſt Miniſtration of inſtitutions, or viſible Ordinances, that Saints are to expect: that when its taken down, there ſhall be no more (nor indeed will there be need of any;) what Miniſtration can be ſuppoſed to be higher than the Miniſtration of the Spirit? What can ſuperſede it? Yea, the Apoſtle fairly intimates that it ſhall ſo remain, not to paſs away as the Miniſtration of the ter, or Law that went before it, 2 Cor. 3.7. which was to be done away. For if that which is done away was Glorious, much more that which Remaineth is Glorious. And 'tis not to be paſſed by in ſilence, that the Apoſtle makes part of the excelling Glory (above that of the Law) of the Goſpel-Miniſtration to conſiſt in the duration of it. If that which is done away, was glorious; much more that which remaineth, foreign, that fixed, abiding, unalterable Miniſtration.
6. The managery of all the Worſhip, Ordinances, appertaining to this Miniſtration, is to be in the Spirit. Without whom all that's done, is not, will never be acceptable to God.
7. The means of its ſupport, upholdment, continuance, progreſs, is the ſame Spirit, 2 Cor. 10.4. The Weapons of our warfare are not Carnal, but Mighty through God—. Antichriſt hath other wayes to ſupport, promote his filthy Worſhip, ſenſeleſs traditions, ridiculous fopperies, viz. the arm of fleſh, Horrid, Bloody Plots, Conſpiracies, to maſſacre, deſtroy, cut off, ſuch as ſtand in the way of his devices: Priſons, Gibbets, Stakes, Flames to conſume, devour ſuch as refuſe to drink of the Cup of his Fornications; but, Lex nova non ſe vindicat ultore gladio, the Law of Chriſt knows no ſuch wayes, methods for its ſupport, increaſe. 'Tis the Spirit, Power of God by which it is (ever was) maintained: a neglect of whom; and turning aſide to the Power, Wiſdom of Man, warring after the fleſh, was the bane of Chriſtianity, and the firſt ſpring off the Antichriſtian apoſtacy.
Three things neceſſarily follow from hence.
1. That a ſlighting, undervaluing, withdrawing from Goſpel-Inſtitutions, is a ſlighting of the moſt glorious Miniſtration, that ever was ſet on foot in the World.
2. 'Tis a contempt, undervaluing of the Holy Spirit of the Lord; whoſe they are, and from whom they did proceed. Let perſons pretenſions be what they will, it cannot be otherwiſe. Goſpel-Inſtitutions are of, through the Spirit; to ſlight, theſe is to caſt contempt upon him from whom they are.
3. That the Spirit is obliged to ſupport, maintain them againſt all oppoſitions. He remains with his People for ever for that end, John 16.13. Howbeit when the Spirit of Truth is come, he ſhall guide you into all Truth. v. 14. He ſhall Glorify me, for he ſhall receive of mine, and ſhall ſhew it unto you. And he hath actually done ſo hitherto, keeping alive a bleſſed witneſs, teſtimony to them, for them, in his called, choſen witneſſes more or leſs, in every day. Though ſometimes this their teſtimony hath coſt them dear; viz. loſs of Goods, Enjoyments, Friends, Liberty, Life it ſelf; yet they have Gloryed, Triumph'd under all through this Spirit of Glory, and of God that reſted upon them, and enabled them in this work. The very truth is, as the great controverſie of Chriſt, with the Nations of the European World, hath been upon the account of their Spiritual fornications, or falſe worſhip; 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. 'Tis 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. 'Tis 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, 'tis 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. Rev. 1.13, 20. and 2.1.
5. Nothing unclean might come into the Temple: nor any impure, unholy perſons, into the Churches of Chriſt. If any ſuch privily creep in, when diſcover'd, they are to be ejected, caſt out.
6. There was the foreign, The Daughter of the Voice, the Anſwer of God; who ſpake unto the people from the Oracle. The ſecret voice, and teachings of God is amongſt theſe, Iſa. 8.16. The Vial-Angels have light into their work in the Temple (or Goſpel-Churches); for out of it they come, when they addreſs themſelves to it, Rev. 15.5, 6.
7. In the Temple every one ſpake of his Glory, Pſal. 29.9. in and amongſt theſe is he praiſed, Eph. 3.21.
8. All the ſolemn Worſhip of God was of old affixt to the Temple: 'Tis now to Goſpel-Churches.
9. His ſpecial care, protection, was over his Temple to preſerve, defend it. So 'tis over his Churches, Hence is their continuance, notwithſtanding the furious, various advances of Men and Devils againſt them.
10. He ſeverely puniſh'd the violaters, deſtroyers of his Temple, Jer. 50.28. and 51.11. He hath done, will do ſo, with reſpect to ſuch as attempt the ruine, deſtruction of theſe.
Five things evidently follow from what we have been diſcourſing touching this matter.
1. That Goſpel-Churches being God's Temple, &c. He is obliged to ſupport, defend, uphold his own Building, Houſe, Temple.
2. That if there be no Churches at this day, he hath no Temple, nor ſolemn viſible Worſhip.
3. That none have Power over theſe Churches, to plant, pull down; nor have they, or ſhall they, have permiſſion ſo to ſcatter, deſtroy them; that the Church-ſtate ſhould not ſomewhere, or other, be kept up in the World.
4. That Goſpel-Churches are Honourable, Glorious. They are God's Temple, Houſe, Building.—
5. That thoſe who reproach, revile them; Blaſpheme God, his Temple, Tabernacle, and them; that dwell in Heaven, Rev. 13.6.
Object. But though the Tabernacle, Temple, were God's Building; yet both the one, and the other, were taken down, aboliſhed.
Anſw. True! And ſo ſhall the preſent Church-State be diſſolved at laſt. But,
1. Neither the one, nor the other, were taken down, but by God's own Authority and Appointment: and that too (at laſt) to make way for a more glorious State.
2. The Worſhippers in that Tabernacle, Temple, never deſerted it, till God drove them out of it. They offer'd not violence to it themſeves: attempted not with their own hands, to conſume, deſtroy it. 'Tis true, as to the laſt Temple, Joſephus tells us, that the Jews themſelves ſet fire on't; but theſe were not the Worſhippers in it, but a company of apoſtate, deboyſt miſcreants, that cared neither for God, Temple, or Worſhip.