The Marrow of Divinity, Religious treatise · Chapter 30
CHAP. XXX. Questions, and Cases of Conscience about the Church.
Quest. WHat is meant by the word Church?
Answ. The Hebrew word Translated in the Psalms, Congregation, signifies to gather together, or a company of people assembled together. So, Numb. 20.10.
The Greek signifies to call, the compound to call out. Thence the word translated a Church, Act. 13.43. in general, signifies an Assembly of people. So Act. 19.32, 41. Hence when Assemblies were dissolved, every man is said to return to his own house, 1 Kin. 12.24.
Mostly the Greek word in the New Testament is appropriated to an Assembly of Saints that profess the …ospel. Such Assemblies are our Churches, both because they are called out of their houses to one Assembly, as also by reason of their calling out of the world, and out of their naturall condition: Hence they are oft stiled The called, as Rom. 1.7. 1 Cor. 1.2, 9. Matth. 9.13.
In common use this word Church is Metonymically put for the place where such Assemblies meet. So the word Synagogue, which signifies the same with Church▪ is put for an Assembly, and so translated, Jam. 2.2. and for a Congregation, Act. 13.43. as also the place of the Assembly. So Luke 7.5.
Quest. In what sence is a Church taken in Scripture?
Answ. First, For a company of men selected, gathered, and called out of the World by the Doctrine of the Gospel to know, and worship the true God in Christ according to his Word, 1 Cor. 1.2. Rev. 2.3. This is the visible Church, which is not alwayes eminent, and glorious to the eyes of the flesh, as Papists avouch, the Church being like the Moon, subject to mutations, Rev. 12.1.
Secondly, For the whole company of the Elect, which in all ages, and places have, and doe, or shall believe in Christ, through the calling of God the Father by the operation of the holy Spirit. This is the invisible Catholick Church. So Col. 1.18.
Thirdly, For the faithful in some one Family, so it is to be understood, Cant. 4.12. Rev. 3.12. Heb. 11.10. Rev. 12.27. Cant. 5.2. and 6.8. 2 Cor. 6.16. Matth. 7.25. and 16.18. 1 Tim. 3.15. Rom. 1.7. 1 Cor. 1.2. and 9.10.
Fourthly, For the lawful Governours of the Church, to whom the Censures of the Church doe of right belong, Matth. 18.17. This is the Church representative.
Fifthly, For a Material Temple. So 1 Cor: 14.34. and 11.18.
Its put also for all those that shall be saved, He…. 12.23. the professors of Christ, Act. 8.1. the faithful of some one Province, 2 Thes. 1.1. Some notable Assembly of the faithful partaking together in the Word and Sacraments, 1 Cor. 14.4. A multitude of any, whether good or bad, meeting together, Act. 19.32, 39.
Quest. Who is the builder of the Church?
Answ, Christ, for the Church is made an house of God, and the several members of the Church, so ordered, and qualified as they make up that Church, and all this by Christ. By Christ, they which by nature are dead in sin, are quickned, and made lively stones: by him they are quickned, and gathered together, and endued with all needful graces, whereby they become an holy house, and a fit Temple fo… God to dwell in, John 5.21. Ephes. 1.10. Joh. 1.16. Hence Ephes. 1.22.
Quest. Why doth Christ build up his Church?
Answ. First, Because the Members of the Church, before they were Members, were dead, and scattered, and destitute of all grace, therefore there must be some to quicken, gather, and furnish them with grace.
Secondly, Christ of all others is fittest to doe this: He is the very wisdom and power of the Father: By him all things were made, and are preserved, sustained, and ordered: therefore its most meet that the Church should receive her spirituall being, preservation, and every good thing from, and by Christ.
Thirdly, For working the great work of mans redemption, which is proper to the Church, Christ humbled himself, even to death, the death of the Cross, therefore its most meet that he should have the honour of building up his Church: Thus he sees of the travel of his soul, and is satisfied, as Isa. 53.11. Phil. 2.8, 9, 10, 11.
Quest. Hath Christ a special propri…ty in his Church?
Answ. Yea, and that for these reasons.
1. Because he purchased it with his own blood, Act. 20.28.
2. He built it: Hence, 1 Pet. 2.4, 5. Ephes. 2.22.
3. God hath given the Church to his Son, Psal. 2 8.
Quest. How, and why is Christ said to be the Lord of his Church?
Answ. First, By Gods ordination, Psal. 2.6. Ephes. 1.22.
Secondly, By the redemption which Christ hath made of his Church: So Exo. 20.2. therefore these two Titles of Lord and Redeemer are oft joyned together, Isa. 43.14. and 44.24.
Thirdly, By a mutual Covenant between Christ and his Church, as of old between God and Israel: God avoucheth Israel to be his peculiar people, they avouch him to be their God, Deut. 26.17, 18. This was oft foretold by the Prophets, Jer. 31.33. Hos. 2.23. Zach. 13.9. and is accomplished in the Christian Church, Heb. 8.10. Christ in, and by the Gospel, and Sacraments offers himself to be our Lord, and we take him so to be, by our subjecting of our selves to his Ordinances.
Fourthly, By the Laws, and Ordinances which Christ hath given to his Church, Its the part of a Lord to give Laws, and he is their Lord in special to whom he gives Laws: But Gods word wherein those Laws are contained, is in special given to the Church, Psal. 147.19, 20. Hence the Church is stiled the Pillar, and ground of truth, 1 Tim. 3.15.
Fifthly, By a special care which he takes of his Church, 1 Tim. 4.10. Dr. Gouge on Heb.
Quest. Whether may our Parochial Assemblies in England be called Churches of Christ, wherein there are so many corrupt persons?
Answ. They may, and are true Churches. Look upon Jerusal…m, Matth. 23.37. you shall see that the eleven Tribes were Apostates: there were in it dumb dogs, Isa. 56.10. there were Scribes, and Pharisees Hypocrites, they had corrupted the Doctrine of the Law with their false glosses: the Temple was made a den of thieves; yet the Evangelist calls it the holy City: and that
1. Because there was the service of the true God in the Temple, the Word preached, Sacrifices offered, the meetings of the Church of God.
2. Because as yet they had not received a bill of divorcement: So have not we the word of God preached, the Sacraments truly administred, &c. and when did the Lord give us a bill of divorcement? and therefore to encourage us against the cavills of the Separatists, let us remember,
1. That the word of truth is truely preached amongst us, which appears by the conversion of thousands, whereas never was any converted by a word of errour, Jam. 1.18.
2. That our Ministers are of God, because by them so many are begotten to God, Christ thought it a good reason when he said, believe me that I came out from the Father for the works sake: the blind man saw this, Joh. 9.30.
3. Our meetings are holy meetings: For
1. Our people are outwardly called by an holy calling, and to an holy end.
2. They profess faith in Christ, which is an holy profession, and therefore in charity they are to be judged Saints.
3. Congregations are called holy in Scripture, from the better part, not from the greater: as an heap of wheat mingled with chaff, is called an heap of wheat: so 1 Cor. 6.11. with chap. 2.12.
4. Mixt Congregations are holy in Gods acceptation, who esteems them, not as they are in themselves, but as members of Christ, Israel at the best, was a stiffnecked people, ye Balaam said, that God saw no iniquity in them, Numb. 23.21.
Quest. How is the Church Gods peculiar?
Answ. First, Because Believers are the most precious of men, even the most noble upon earth: Hence Cant. 6.7. they are the sons of God, brethren of Christ, heirs of heaven.
Secondly, In regard of God, they are a peculiar people, distinct from others, by the grace of Election, by which they are chosen out of the world, and advanced in Gods favour above all others. Hence they are called, an holy Nations? the Spouse of Christ, the dauhgter of God, the choice of God, and Gods delight.
Thirdly, in regard of their whole manner, and condition of life: Hence they are said to dwell alone, and not to be numbred amongst the Nations, Numb, 23.9. as for instance,
1. Their Original are not some few families, coming out of some corner of the Earth: but they sprung of Christ, of whom all the families of Heaven and Earth are called.
2. Their Countrey is not of the Earth: here they are Pilgrims, and strangers: but Heaven is their home, from which they look for their Saviour, Ephe. 3.15.
3. Their King is neither born, nor created, but the everlasting King of glory, who rules not some one Countrey, but from Sea to Sea, &c. and not for an age, but for ever.
4. Their Lawes are Spirituall, reaching the Conscience as well as the outward man, most perfect, never changed, nor abrogated, as mens be.
5. Their war and weapons are not carnall, but Spiritual, as their chiefest enemies be: their Captain was never foiled, nor can be, and therefore they are sure of victory befo…e they strike a blow: and as for their corporal enemies, they overcome them, non feriendo, sed ferendo, not by striking but sufring.
6. Their Language is that of Canaan: their Speech shews them to be Citizens of Heaven: therefore called a people of a pure language, &c. Zeph. 3.9.
7. Their garments are devised, and put on by God himself, even the garments of innocency, long robes dyed in the blood of the Lamb, Rev. 7.14.
8. Their diet springeth not out of the Earth, but descends from Heaven: Jesus Christ, the bread of life, &c. of whom, whosoever feeds shall continue to eternal life.
Quest. Why is the Church compared to a woman, Rev. 12.1?
Answ. First, as simply considered in her self: and that for three causes.
1. Because to the Woman was first made the promise of the blessed seed that should break the Serpents head, and its still made good to the Church under the same similitude: for to her all the promises of God doe properly belong.
2. Because she is feeble, and weak as a woman without her Husband, Joh. 15.5.
3. Because she is a pure, and chast virgin, not defiled with Idolatry, as the Romish strumpet is, 2 Cor. 11.2.
Secondly, As she stands in relation to others, and that
1. To God, and in this relation she is the daughter of God, Cant. 7.1. Psal. 45.10.
2. To Christ, in which relation she is the Spouse of Christ. 1. Contracted to him in his Incarnation: So Cant 4.10. 2 Married to him as his Bride, and taken home in his second comin… to dwell with him for ever.
3. To Christians, and in this relation she is their Mother. For a woman through the company of her husband, brings forth children: So the Church by her conjunction with Christ, and the power of his word, brings forth, nurceth, and brings up many children to God.
Quest. What duties doth this relation of a Spouse to Christ teach her?
Answ. First, to cleave to her husband. For God seeing that it was not good for Adam to be alone, he made the woman of his rib, being cast into a sleep, and brought, and married her unto him, saying, for this cause shall a man leave Father and Mother, and cleave to his wife, &c. Gen. 2.24. So God seeing, after the fall, that it was much less good for man to be alone, he institutes a second marriage with the second Adam, whom he casts asleep by death, and brings his Spouse out of his side pierced, and marries the Church to him, that renouncing all Loves and Lovers but him, she might cleave undevidedly to him, and this she must doe foure wayes.
1. In person: For as the wife delivers up her person to her husband alone: So Believers must deliver up their souls, and bodies to Jesus Christ. For 1 Cor. 6.19, 20. we are no longer our own, &c.
2. A faithful Shouse is married but to one man, 2 Cor. 11.2. So the Church.
3. Christ our Husband communicates his whole person to us: he gives his life for his sheep only: prayes for no other.
4. Christ as a faithful Husband leaves Father in Heaven, and Mother on Earth, and cleaves to his Wife.
2. To cleave to Christ in faithful affection, loving our Husband Christ as our selves, nay better then our selves, not loving our selves to the death for his sake, seeing his love to us was stronger then death, and more to us then to his own life.
3. To cleave to him in affliction, as a Wife takes her Husband for better, and worse. A Kingdom is promised to such, Luke 22.29, 30.
Secondly, The Church must depend upon Christ her Husband as upon he head, and that
1. For direction, subjecting her self, as owing obedience to all his commands, Ephes. 5.24. and this she must doe, seeing he is the true light, the Sun of Righteousness, the Pillar able to direct her.
2. For protection, Christ is the Saviour of his body the Church, Ephes. 5.23. the only Phineas that turns away the wrath of God, kindled against his Israel, the onley Moses that stands in the gap where Gods wrath had made a breach.
3. For provision: None else but Jesus Christ can supply the Church with such things as she needs: he can bestow pardon of Sin, righteousness, life, and salvation: He paies her debts, both of obedience to the whole Law, and satisfaction for the breach of it.
Thirdly, She must rejoyce to honour her Husband even with her own dishonour: For Christ rejoyced to honour her even with his own infinite dishonour: the joy of Heaven pleased him not without her presence, and fellowship in it.
Fourthly, She must, as a good Spouse, doe all things to please her Husband, thereby testifying her love to him. This is to walk worthy the Lord, &c. Col. 1.10.
Quest. How must she please her Husband Christ?
Answ. First, She must not seek to please her self in any thing that is displeasing to him, She must deny her self, her own will, reason, affections, and desires, much more her sinnes, and lusts to please him, Rom. 15.1, 2, 3.
Secondly, she must not seek to please others, for then she cannot please Christ, Gal. 1.10.
Thirdly, she must labour for a conformity to him in manners, and affections.
1. Of vertues, as humility, innocency, patience, &c. 2. In will, willing holily what he willeth, and nilling what he nilleth. 3. In practice, chearfully observing what he commands.
Fourthly, She must deck and trim her self with graces, Psal. 45.13. She must put on lowlinesse, meeknesse, &c. so 1 Tim. 2.9.
Fifthly, She must shew her love to Christ by loving, and gladly intertaining his friends.
Sixthly, She must shew her delight in him in his presence, and long after him in his absence, Isa. 26.8. Rev. 22.20. crying Even so come Lord Jesus.
Quest. What priviledges hath the Church as the Spouse of Christ?
Answ. First, Free election: he hath made choice of her, and not she of him, Joh. 15.16. He was not bound any way to chuse her: neither did he finde any reason in her, as other young men doe: no disposition, no work of preparation, no freewill, no affections toward him, neither is he bound to render a reason, if he had passed by us as he hath many others.
Secondly, Divine pacification: By this marriage all hostility, and enmity is removed betwixt God and the Church: For Ephes. 2.14, 15. He is our peace, Col. 2.14. Hereby we have daily entrance, and access unto God, not as strangers, or ordinary friends: but as friends, yea as children in prayers, praises, &c. Ephes. 2.18, 19.
Thirdly, Gracious assimulation, and fitness between the Bridegrom, and Bride: For whereas
1. She was of base Parentage, a daughter of the Earth, her Father an Amorite, &c. Ezek. 16.3. now she is made a chosen generation, the daughter of a Prince, of near alliance to God.
2. She was poor and needy, had no worth, no dowry to prefer her: now by this contract, she hath an estate made her fit for a Prince: that as her Husband is heir of all things, his love is so liberal that he hath made her a co-heir of his own heavenly inheritance, Rom. 8.17.
3. She was deformed, without beauty, or comelinesse, she hath now attained perfect beauty in righteousness, and the beauty of her husband makes her beauty perfect, Ezek. 16.14. without wrinkle or spot, Ephes. 5.27.
4. She was naked, covered with nothing but shame, excepting a few rags, and fig-leaves: now her cloathing is of wrought gold, Psal. 45.13. garments of salvation, Isa. 61.10.
Fourthly, Free and liberal donation, as young men give Jewels and Love-tokens. For
1. What he Covenants, and promises, he also pledgeth with many graces, shining as so many Jewels, thereby testifying his bounty towards her.
2. He bestows his person on her, and by becoming hers, she becomes his, and so of twain, they become one flesh.
3. With his person he bestows his goods upon her, i. e. all his merits, and obedience, all his sufferings, all his glory, all his prayers.
4. He invests her, not only into his goods, but into his inheritance, and in due time consummates the marriage, bringing his Spouse home into his house of glory, a mansion prepared for her: putting her into possession of all the wealth of Heaven, where she enjoyes his immediate presence.
Fifththly, high and honourable exaltation, and advancement: as Ahashuerus made Esther, a poor captive maid, a sharer in all the honour of his Kingdom by marrying her. Yea, the Churches honour exceeds that of the greatest Queens: For
1. They are matched with, and laid in the bosoms of men, but she is admitted into the bed with him that is God and Man, Cant. 1.15.
2. They are married to Kings, but such as are mortal, who often leave them miserable Widows: But she to the King of glory, who only hath immortality.
3. They are married to consort in some one kingdom, and part of the Earth: But she to a King that rules from sea to sea, to whom all Kings are subject, and by whom they rule. To a Kingdom unshaken, that fades not away, &c. 1 Pet. 1.4.
Sixthly, Strong and eternal consolation, in that by reason of this marriage a firm and constant happinesse is assured, which all the contracts in earth cannot perform.
Quest. How may the true Church be known?
Answ. First, By her face: now the face of a true visible Church, is discerned, by
1. By the sincere preaching, and professing of the Word of God.
2. The due and true administration of the Sacraments, according to that Word.
3. The exercise of Discipline appointed in, and by the Word: The first, is absolutely requisite to the face, and being of a Church. The two latter serve for the beauty, and stability of it. So Joh. 8.30. and 10.4. my sheep hear my voice, &c. where Christ is, there is the Church, but where two or three consent in his name, there Christ is, Matth. 18.20. Act. 2.42.
Secondly, By her voice, she speaks the language of Canaan: She enjoyns not, nor commands in her family, any thing but what she hath direction for from her husband revealing his will in the Scriptures: and dares impose no yoke on her children, where her husband hath left them free. She conceives her self so the Spouse of Christ, that yet she still remaines the handmaid of the Lord.
Thirdly, By her virtues, or qualities: as
1. She is holy, in respect 1. of holinesse of the Doctrine which she teacheth: what she receives from the Lord, she teacheth. 2. Of the better part of the visible Church 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 onelyonly, 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: Its 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, refine, and purifie those that stand: For the propagation of it, that God will stretch the boun…s, and enlarge the borders of it: that he will bring more subjects under the Kingdom of Christ.
Secondly, In particular, we must pray for a three fold Peace of the Church.
1. A peace with God, in causing the Churches to keep their peace with him, in walking in purity and power of his Ordinance, without which, though they were in peace with all the world, it will come to nothing: all other blessings will be soon gone, except we have something to soder us with God, which can be nothing but our exact walking with him in his Ordinances.
2. Peace amongst the Members of the Church: that they may be free from dissentions, divisions: that they may think the same thing, go the same way, and unanimously minde the glory of God.
3. A Forreign peace also from all opposition without, that there may be no invasion by forraign Enemies upon the Church of God.
Quest. What is further included in our praying for the Church?
Answ. First, one thing is implyed inwardly, that our hearts should work towards the Church, our desires and wishes should be for the welfare of it.
Secondly, another outwardly, that we should endeavour to attain what we pray for: our counsels should be for the welfare of the Church: Our examples should be patterns to others to provoke them to good works: such as are in authority should exercise it for the setling, and furthering the peace of the Church: yea we should not onelyonly pray our selves, but should stir up others to doe the like.
Quest. But how must all this be done?
Answ. First, Sincerely, not out of by-respects.
Secondly, Earnestly, and frequently, putting all our strength to it.
Thirdly, Constantly, not by fits only.
Quest. Who are bound to do all this?
Answ. Every Christian in what station soever he is: as
1. Magistrates in their places, whom it p…incipally concerns to pray for, and promote it.
2. Ministers in their places must be leading persons in these duties, and provoke others to it.
3. Yea all, in every condition, learned, and unlearned, men, and women, &c.
Examples, and Scriptures for all these are: that of Moses, Exod. 32.32. So Judg. 5.23. 1 Sam. 4.19. 2 Sam. 11.11. Psal. 20.5. and 51.18. and 53.6. and 102.13. Isa. 62.1. Rom. 9.3. 2 Cor. 11.28. Phil. 1.18. Col. 2.5.
Quest. But why must we thus pray for the peace of the Church?
Answ. First, consider what the Church is, and that
1. In relation to God, its his house, the Spouse of Christ, and there cannot be a dearer relation to put a deeper ingagement upon us then this.
2. In that relation that she hath to us. She is the Mother of us all, and therefore we should sympathize in her weale, and woe.
Secondly, Consider that peace is the summe of all blessings: Hence the Ancients painted peace with a horne of plenty. For
1. Peace nourisheth all Arts, Sciences, Trades, &c.
2. Its a very careful, and useful nurce to cherish Religion, Acts 9.31. there is no hearing of the Law of God, nor the Law of Justice, when men have their swords in their hands. Arma silent L…ges.
Thirdly, consider the nature of prayer, both in the efficacy, and necessity of it.
1. Its a most efficacious Engine: the summe of all Policies for a Christan to work by, for Peace: Its God that rules all the world: hath all hearts in his hands, can make a mans enemies, yea the very stones to be at peace with him: and prayer rules God, he suffers himself to be overcome by it. Le… me alone, saith God, Exod. 32.10.
2. Its of great necessity also: For God will not bestow blessings, till we seek and sue to him for them, and the reason is, because otherwise he shall have li…tle honour by it: If it come without seeking to God for it, we should ascribe it to other means, and things.
Fourthly, consider the nature of a Christian, and we shall see that its the most proper work for him. For
1. He is the Son of the Church, and it becomes him (at least) to pray hard for his Mother, as Craesus his dumb son did for his Father.
2. He is a Son of Peace, a Son of the God of Peace, a Sonne of the Gospel of peace: and the Spirit given him is a spirit of Peace.
3. He is a Son of prayer: It should be the element in which he draws his breath, to run towards God, and towards Heaven in a way of peace: besides, he is enabled to pray when others cannot, he is sensible of the condition of the Church which others are not.
Quest. But how may we so pray for the peace of the Church, as to be sure to prevail?
Answ. First, we must pray in Faith, believing Gods Word, and his promises made to his Church.
Secondly, In sincere charity, in a true genuine love to the Church.
Thirdly, In repentance, lifting up pure hands to God. God will not hear our prayers, if we will not hear his commands.
Fourthly, Pray with servency, and earnestness of spirit; A fearfull begger teaches how to give a denial. God loves a kind of violence, to dash our prayers against Heaven, and the throne of grace with an holy zeal of spirit which prevailes much with God: we must make our prayers fat with fasting (saith Tertullian) which are ordinarily starved with formality.
Fifthly, Pray constantly: though God seem not to regard our Prayers, yet we must not give over, but hold out, and wait upon him.
Quest. What meanes may we use to help us in the serious performance of this duty.
Answ. We must lay aside all our carnal security, and lay things to heart: observe the state of the Church, and lay it to heart. Let not the world (as the Ivy deals with the Oake) twist about thy heart, which will make Christianity dye within thee: Be not too busie with worldly affairs, least they choke all thoughts about bettr matters. Dr. Stoughton.
Quest. Why is the Church called a mother? Gal. 4.26.
Answ. Because the word of God is committed to the keeping of the Church, which word is seed, 1 Pet. 1.23. Milk, 1 Cor. 3.2. strong meat, Heb. 5.14. and the Church is a mother which by the Ministry of the word, brings forth children unto God; and when they are born, feeds them with milk out of the two breasts of the Old and New Testaments.
Quest. Where are we to seek for our mother the Church?
Answ. She is to be sought for, and found in the true visible Churches, the certain marks whereof are three.
1. The preaching of the word out of the writings of the Prophets and Apostles, with obedience, Joh. 10.28. Eph. 2.20.
2. True invocation of God the Father, in the only name of Christ, by the assistance of the Spirit, Act. 9.14. 1 Cor. 1.2.
3. The right use of the Sacraments, Baptisme, and the Lords Supper, Matth. 28.18. and by these we shall finde the true Church of God in England, &c.
Quest. Are all Christians bound to joyne themselves to some particular Church, or Congregation?
Answ. Yea, they are in a special manner bound to it, and that for these Reasons.
1. In regard of Gods institution, Mat. 18.17. wherein is contained a necessity both in regard of the precept, and the means.
2. In regard of the presence of God and Christ there, Rev. 1.13. For if we will come to God, we must come also to that assembly where God doth in a special manner manifest his presence, and is found of those that seek him there.
3. In regard of Gods glory, which is much advanced publickly by this means: For as God under the Law placed his name in Jerusalem, so under the Gospel he doth it in these publick assemblies.
4. In regard of the Covenant and promise of God: For they which are members of the Church, they are, as it were, directly under the promises and blessings of God to be poured out upon them, Psal. 65.5. and 133.3.
5. In regard of our profession; because otherwise it cannot be that the beleevers should be distinguished from infidels, 1 Cor. 5.12.
6. In regard of mutual edification, which follows from this combination of the godly amongst themselves: Heb. 10.24, 25. 1 Cor. 11.17. and 12.25, 27. Rom. 1.12.
Quest. What Church must we joyn our selves to?
Answ. First, only to the true Church which professeth the true faith.
Secondly, if we be uningaged, we must as much, as we may, joyn our selves to the purest Church.
Thirdly, though we may joyn our selves to that Church, in which necessarily many defects are to be tollerated, yet we may not joyne our selves to such a Church in which we must necessarily partake with her in her sins, Eph. 5.11. neither must we fix our selves to any Church with a minde to favour her defects, by our silence: (but so far as it may be done with edification) we must assist in taking them away.
Quest. Are we to associate our selves with such a Church as tollerates the wicked, and opposes the godly?
Answ. First, to tollerate notorious wickednesse is a great sinne in a Church, Revel. 2.20. and in Its nature tends to the corrupting of the Church, 1 Corinth. 5.6.
Secondly, it defiles the communion to those wicked men that are tollerated, and to those that are the cause of their tolleration, Hag. 2.13.
Thirdly, all such partake in this pollution, which do not what in them lies to remove such scandals, 1 Cor. 5.13.
Fourthly, that mixture which ariseth from such a tolleration doth lessen the comfort and edification of the godly.
Fifthly, yet it is not lawful presently to separate from such Churches, where the wicked are tollerated, and the godly discouraged, 3 John 9, 10, 11. and that for these reasons.
1. Because that errour may be but the infirmity of the Church.
2. Because patience and forbearance must be exercised towards a particular offending brother, Gal. 6.1. much more towards a society of brethren, or a Church.
3. By the rash departure of the godly, a reformation of those evils is not promoted, but hindred.
4. Because we cannot remove from such a Church to a purer, without grievous inconveniences, which ought alwayes to be avoided as much as may be without sinne.
Am…s. Cas. of Consc.
Quest. Is it lawful to gather Churches out of true Churches?
Answ. Its a most unwarrantable practice of them that do so: Its an uncharible, and unscriptural practice: there is neither precept, nor precedent for it in al the book of God: Indeed we read in Scripture of gathering Churches from amongst the Heathen. Were England a land of Heathens, and no Church planted amongst us, it might be proper enough to gather Churches here; but to put a planted, constituted, and settled Church into the condition of Heathens, savours strongly of pride, and censoriousnesse: Besides, gathering of Churches amongst us, breeds woful divisions in families, the husband going one way, the wife another, the child a third, the servant a fourth, &c. and is a great impediment to their mutual edification.
Again, they which gather Churches amongst us have their members oft-times living many miles asunder: How then can such Pastors watch over their soules as those that must give an account thereof? or how can such members partake of all Ordinances, or perform such mutual duties each to other as they ought? Moreover, its a kinde of Sacriledge thus to rob godly Ministers of the creame of their flocks, and the crown of their Ministry of whom they have travelled in pain till Christ was formed in them: and its hard measure in those who thus reap where they have not sown, and enter into another mans labours.
Mr. Hall on Tim.
Quest. Is it lawful to seperate from a true Church, because of some errours or defects in it?
Answ. By no means, and that for these Reasons.
1. Because the root of such separation is bad, and therefore the fruit cannot be good. It springs from pride, and censoriousnesse; as in the Pharisees, who were the great Seperatists, and had their name from thence.
2. Such are Schismaticks, and (probably) will in a short time be Hereticks: Schisme being the way to Heresie: they make a rent in the Church whose peace should be very dear to us: For though peace be not the being of a Church; yet it tends much to the well being of it: for as a Kingdom, so a Church, being divided, cannot stand.
3. The pretences of separation (as the Crosse, Surplisse, &c. being removed) though separation even then for those things was unlawful, its now farre more vile, and therefore God punisheth the Separatists of our time more severely, by giving them up to viler opinions then formerly.
4. Its a scandal and great wrong to a Church: Its ill to forsake the society of one good man without a just cause, how much more to unchurch a whole Church causelesly?
5. Such cannot escape the revenging hand of God: Though men may suffer them, yet God will not: One of the saddest judgements we read of in Scripture befell Schismatical Corah, and his company, Numb. 6.16. they made a rent in the Congregation, and the earth rent in sunder, and devoured them: when Caine seperated from the Church, Genes. 4.16. he became a vagabond. Idem.
Quest. Who is the Head of the Church?
Answ. Christ only, Col. 1.18, 19.
Quest. In what nature is Christ the Head of the Church?
Answ. According to both his natures. For, Col. 1.18. he is called the Head of the Church; whom v. 15. the Apostle had said to be the Image of the invisible God; but that image was the eternal Son of God, the word incarnate: therefore Christ, as God-man is the Head of the Church: for the Church ought to have such an head, which had a conformity of nature with the rest of the members that were to be incorporated into it: but this conformity agrees to Christ according to his humane nature, where Christ and his Church are said to be one flesh, Eph. 5.31. The Church also ought to have such an head which 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 care of the head to bring his members to perfect blessedness, Joh. 17.12. where he is called the Saviour of his body, Eph. 5.23. and this also is the scope of all Ch…ists members, that together with their head, they may participate of that blessedness. As Paul. Phil. 3.14.
Thirdly, the head, and members have a continuity between themselves, and all have their act, and information from the same soul: So this mystical head, and all his members have a certain continuity between themselves, and have their spiritual information, and vivification from the same principle: For between Ch…ist and his Members there is a certain conjunction by means of the holy Ghost, who resting more fully in Christ our Head, flows from thence into all the members, giving life to all, and uniting all, Ephes. 4 16.
Quest. What is that body whereof Christ is the head?
Answ. The Church, in Latine Ecclesia ab evocando, because its a company, or multitude of called ones, who are called out of the world by the Ministery of the Gospel, and other means appointed by God to draw men out of the state of ignorance, and misery, and to bring them to a state of glory: In which sence we call such a company of persons a Church, as profess the doctrine and Religion of Christ under lawful Pastors: Such were the seven Churches of Asia: Such that at Rome, Corinth, &c. These Congregations are called a Church, and such as live in them, members of the Church, who also (in the judgement of Charity) are to be reputed members of the holy Catholick Church, both because on Gods part they have offered unto them such means, whereby men are brought to partake of eternall life, and because that on their part in regard of the external action, and profession, these means are received, and used to their salvation.
This body of the Church whereof Christ is the Head, consists not of unbelieving, and wicked members, but only of holy, and sanctified ones, whom God hath pulled out of the power of darkness, and hath translated them into the Kingdom of his dear Son. So that it is not sufficient to salvation to be a visible member of any particular visible Church, by the external profession of Faith, except withall a man be a mystical member of the Catholick Church by true faith, and the spirit dwelling in his heart. Hence Cyprian faith, Quid faci… in domo fidei, p…rfidum pectus.
Quest. What else may we learn from hence?
Answ. First, That Christians must not envy those which are endowed with more excellent gifts then themselves, because they are members of the same body: that therefore which is given to one, that we ought to esteem as given to every one: according to that of St. Austin, Tolle invidiam, & tuum est quod habeo, tolle invidiam, & meum est quod habes: Take away envy, and that which I have is thine, Take away envy, and that which thou hast is mine.
Secondly, seeing Gods children are all members of the same body, therefore they should be ready to serve one another in love, and to be affected each with others weale or woe, as if it were their own, 1 Cor. 12.26. Dr. Davenant on Col.
Quest. Whether may the Church faile?
Answ. Neither the Catholick Church, nor any part or member of it can faile, or perish. Joh. 3.16. This Church Christ hath undertaken for to defend to the end, Matth. 16.18. and 28.20. She is the first born, whose names are written in Heaven, Heb. 12.22, 23. If it cannot be in one place, or Kingdom, it will in another; The woman, when persecuted, had a place prepared in the wilderness to fly into. But a particular Church may faile, and die, and come to nothing, as we see in the seven famous Churches of Asia. This may also be proved out of many places of Scripture, Mat. 21.43. where Christ foretels that the Church of the Jews (which had as great priviledges as any Church on earth ever had) should cease. Paul tells the Corinthians, they may come to be no Church, 2 Cor. 11.3. and the Church of Rome, Rom. 11.20, 21, 22. the Church of Israel, the ten Tribes were dischurched, Hos. 1.9.
Quest. What are the infallible marks of a true Church?
Answ. First the sincere preaching of the Gospel: Hence a true Church is described by it, Rom. 3.2. So Psal. 147.19. Act. 14.23. and where the Gospel ceaseth in the sincere preaching of it, they are an undone people, Prov. 29.18.
Secondly, True and sincere use of the Sacraments, at least in the substance of them: Hence the Church of Judah is called the Circumcision, Rom. 3.1. and St. Paul defines the Church under the Gospel by the Sacraments, Phil. 3.3.
Thirdly, A sincere profession of the word of God, and true Christian Religion, either in uprightness of heart, or in the judgement of Charity. So 1 Cor. 14.33. So Gal. 1.22. All particular Churches are Churches that are in Christ, and Churches of visible Saints.
Fourthly, True Discipline, and a right use of the Censures of the Church: But this is only necessary to the well-being, not to the essence of a Church. Censures may be wholly neglected, yea perverted against the godly: and yet the Church be a true Church, as Joh. 9.22. So Rev. 2.18, 20.
Mr. Fenners Alarm, second part.