Exposition of Ezekiel 30-48, Commentary on Ezechiel · Chapter 42
The EXPOSITION continued upon the Remaining Chapters of EZEKIEL. CHAP. XLII.
Verſ. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
1. Then he brought me forth into the outward Court, the way towards the North, and he brought me into the Chamber that was over againſt the ſeparate place, and which was before the building towards the North.
2. Before, the length of an hundred Cubits was the the North door, and the breadth was fifty Cubits.
3. Over againſt the twenty Cubits, which were for the inward Court, and over againſt the pavement, which was for the outer Court, was Gallery againſt Gallery in three Stories.
4. And before the Chambers, was a Walk of ten Cubits breadth inward, a Way of one Cubit, and their Doors toward the North.
5. Now the upper Chambers were ſhorter, for the Galleries were higher then theſe, then the lower and then the middlemoſt of the building.
6. For they were in three Stories, but had not Pillars, as the Pillars of the Courts: therefore the building was ſtraitned, more then the loweſt, and the middlemoſt from the ground.
7. And the Wall that was w…thou…, …v r agai…ſt the Chambers, towards the outer Court, on the fore-part of the Chambers, the length thereof was fifty Cub…ts.
IN this Chapter, progreſs is made in the deſcrip…ion of the Temple, Chambers, Walks, Waies, Galleries, Walls, Prieſts, Garments, Holy Things, and the outward Courts, are here ſpoken of.
Verſ. 1. Then he brought me forth into the outer Court.
Difference there is amongſt Expoſitors, what Court this was; whether the utmoſt Court of all, which w…s the Court of the people, or the next Court to that which was the Prieſts Court, or the Court the Temple ſtood in, where the ſeparate building was; call'd the outer Court, in reſpect of the Temple, into which he was brought out of the Temple: The 7, 8 9, 14. verſes ſpeak of outer Court, and this outward Court was that where the Temple ſtood, as Sanctius, and others, obſerve.
Formerly hath been ſpoken of the outward Court, repreſenting the amplitude of the Church; here it's conceiv'd to hold forth the viſibility of the Church; that which is outward is viſible. The Church whileſt it's in this world, is the outward Court. It's not the outward Court which is the profane place: It's not the world, but the outward Court; which is a place ſeparate from the world, yet viſible in the world. The Church of Chriſt is prefigured in Scripture, and ſet out by viſible things. Sometimes by the Arke of Noah, as 1 Pet. 3.20. ſometimes by a Mount…in, as Iſ. 2.2. ſometimes by a Vineyard, and Vine, Iſa. 5.1. Pſal. 80.8, 9. ſometimes by a City, Pſal. 122.3. Rev. 21.2. ſometimes by a Ship, Luke 5.3. ſometimes by a Candleſtick, Rev. 1.20. ſometimes by a Dove-houſe, Iſa. 60.8. ſometimes by a Garden, and by a Spring, Cant. 4.12. ſometimes by a Bird, Ezek 16.8. ſometimes by a Flock, and a Fold, Pſal. 78.52. Joh. 10.16. ſometimes by a Temple, 2 Cor. 6.15. All theſe are viſible things, and ſet out the viſibility of the Church eminently.
Verſ. 3. For the inner Court.
As the Church viſible, is by the outward Court repreſented; ſo the Church inviſible, the Myſtical Body of Chriſt, is by the inner Court.
Verſ. 4. Before the Chambers, was a Walk of ten Cubits breadth inward, a Way of one Cubit.
There is a broad way, and a narrow way; a ten Cubit-way, and an one Cubit-way. The Church in this world is under various diſpenſations: at one time it hath proſperity, and freedome; it's in a Walk of ten Cubits br…adth. It's not ſtraitened at all, as in Salomons, Hezekiahs, and Joſiahs days; So in part of the Apoſtles days, the Church had reſt throughout all Judaea, Galalaea, and Samaria, and were edified, and, walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, were multiplyed, Act. 4.31. At that time the Churches had liberty, and proſperity, they had ten Cubits breadth; and the time will come, when the Church ſhall have greater latitude, liberty, and proſperity, than ever ſhe yet had.
At another time, the Church is in ſtreights, afflictions, darkneſs, temptations, perſecutions, &c. it's in a Way of one Cubit, verſ. 4. Such a way is narrow, and ſtreight, and that is the way the Church is oft, if not moſt, in. Was not the Church in the way of a Cubit, when Elijah could ſee none but himſelf in that way?
The Lord Chriſt told his Diſciples of ſuch a way. Mat. 7.14 Narrow is the way which leadeth unto life. it's a way of one Cubit, and few do find it; there be ſharp afflictions Fiery Serpents. Wild Beaſts, Thorns, Bryars, Pits, Stones, Rocks, Thieves, and Robbers, in this way; all which the Church of God meets with ſooner or later. Rev. 7.14. Theſe are they came out of great tribulation, theſe ſuffered heavy, and many things for Chriſts ſake; they were in the one-Cubit-way.
Verſ. 5. The Galleries were higher then theſe.
The Hebrew is, did eat up, or prevaill; that is, as Montanus renders the word, Capiebant angulos ex ipſis, they took away ſome room from the uppermoſt Chambers. There is difference between particular Churches; ſome are higher, ſome are larger then others.
Verſ. 6. Had not Pillars.
The ſtrength of this Temple was not every where a like, ſome parts had Pillars, ſome had none, or not equal to others; the Chambers had not Pillars, as the Pillars of the Court. So in the Church of Chriſt, ſome parts of it have ſtrong Pillars, eminent Teachers, whereas other parts are deſtitute, wholly, or have ſuch as are weak; the Church at Jeruſalem had ſtrong Pillars in it, all the Apoſtles who were full of the Spirit, and taugh infallibility. Other Churches had not ſuch Pillars. Thoſe in Macedonia wanted help, and therefore Paul had a viſion of a Macedonian in the night, begging of him to come thether, and help them, Act. 16.9. The Primitive Churches had able, gratious, and wiſe Officers, ſuch as were Pillars of a truth; in them and ſometimes ſince have been ſtrong Pillars in ſome parts of the Church, Pillars of Marble, Braſs, yea, Gold; but in others, none, or weak ones.
The Building was ſtraitned more then the loweſt, and the middlemoſt from the ground.
Some Buildings are broadeſt at the top, this was not ſo, but more ſtrait upwrtds. It's harder with ſome parts of the Church then others. Thoſe are higheſt in the Church, meet with more ſtorms, troubles, temptations, then thoſe are lower; the upper parts of the houſe are more obnoxious to winds, and weather. Paul was high in the Church, and what hardſhips, what tempeſts did he meet with? See 1 Cor. 4.11, 12, 13. 2 Cor. 4.8, 9. Chap. 11.23, 24, 25, 26, 27.
Theſe Chambers were ſome greater, ſome leſſer, verſ. 5, 6. plainly intimating that in the Church of Chriſt, from what part ſoever men came, there ſhould be entertainment, and ſuitable accommodation for them. If the Kings of the Eaſt come in, Rev. 16.12. there ſhall be Chambers for them. Let men come from North, South, or Weſt, there be Gates to let them in, and Chambers to receive them when they are in. Iſa. 60 8. Men ſhall come flying from all parts, as Doves to a Dove-houſe, in which are many Lookers, Holes, or Chambers, for all the Doves: So in the Church of Chriſt when men come thither, they ſhall find Chambers, good accommodation.
Verſ. 7. The Wall over againſt the Chambers, the length thereof was fifty Cubits.
This Wall was anſwerable to the Chambers, which were fifty Cubits in length, verſ. 8. The Wall of God's protection extends as far as the Church doth, or any part thereof.
Verſ. 8. Before the Temple were an hundred Cubits.
Fifty Cubits in the inner Court, and fifty in the outer Court, ſaith Junius.
Verſ. 9. The entry on the Eaſt-ſide.
Some read the words thus, When he that brought me from the Eaſt. The Prophet was led by a Divine hand, from one place to another, Chap. 40.3.
Verſ. 10, 11, 12. There, Chambers towards the Eaſt, North, and South are mentioned. Theſe Chambers were ſome greater, &c.
Verſ. 13, 14.
13. Then ſaid he unto me, The North-chambers, and the South-chambers, which are before the ſeparate place, they be Holy chambers, where the Prieſts that approach unto the Lord ſhall eat the moſt Holy things: there ſhall they lay the moſt Holy things, and the Meat-offering, and the Sin-offering, and the Treſpaſs-offering; for the place is Holy.
14. When the Prieſts enter therein, then ſhall they not go out of the Holy place into the outward Court, but there they ſhall lay their garments, wherein they miniſter, for they are holy: and ſhall put on other garments, and ſhall approach to thoſe things which are for the people.
Of the Chambers, and the Prieſts, in the 13, & 14. verſes.
The Chambers, and the Prieſts, are the two principal things in theſe verſes.
1. For the Chambers, they are deſcribed,
1. From their ſituation, they were North, South, and before the ſeparate place.
2. From their Holineſs, they were Holy Chambers.
3. From their uſe, which was,
1. For eating of Holy things.
2. For cuſtody of Holy things,
2. For the Prieſts, here is
1. Their duty, which is,
1. To approach unto God.
2. To lay up the Holy things
2. A direction what garments they are to Miniſter in, how to diſpoſe of them, and what they muſt uſe at other times.
The building, where theſe Chambers were, was very large, as appeareth from Chap. 41.12. it was ſeventy Cubits broad, and the Wall of the Building five Cubits thick round about, and the length thereof ninety Cubits, and it was before the ſeparate place. Some make the ſeparate place the Temple, but it's better underſtood of the ſpace of ground at the Weſt-end of the Temple; and lay next to the Chambers joyned to the Temple, or between thoſe Chambers, and the Prieſts-chambers.
In time of the Goſpel, great numbers in the Weſtern parts, from Jeruſalem, have come in to Chriſt, and imbraced the Goſpel; which was prefigured by the great Building, and the ſeparate place, which were at the Weſt-end of Ezek. Temple, and ever ſince the Goſpel came into theſe Weſtern parts; and Chriſt hath had a Church here: there hath been a thick wall of protection about it, ſo that neither Heatheniſh, nor Anti-Chriſtian Powers could deſtroy it.
Here be many things conſiderable about the Ministers of the Goſpel, who are repreſented by the Prieſts, what they did, and had.
The Prieſts did approach unto the Lord: it was their office to do ſo, and to miniſter unto him, Ezek. 43.19. Aaron and his Sons miniſtered unto God in the Prieſts office, Exod. 28.1, 41, 43. And it's the office of the Miniſters under the Goſpel to approach unto the Lord, to offer up prayers unto him for the people, 1 Tim. 2.1. They are ſo near unto God, that they are call'd his Stewards, Tit. 1.7. H s Servants, Act. 16.17. They approach unto God as Stewards and Servants, to their Lords and Maſters. The Elders were near the Lamb, and had golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of the Saints, Rev. 5.8. they preſented the requeſts of the Saints unto the Lord: In all adminiſtrations of the Goſpel, the Miniſters appro…ch near unto God; and in all their approaches, he looks to be ſanctified by them.
The Prieſts who were in God's ſervice, had good accommodations; they had Chambers, and were to eat of the moſt holy things: this ſignified, the care God would have of the Miniſters in the days of Chriſt, and the good proviſion he would make for them, they ſhould not be without accommodations, and means; Gal. 6.6. Let him that is taught in the word, communicate unto him that teacheth, in all good things. Here is large Proviſion made for the Goſpel Miniſters, Whatever good things people poſſeſs, they ought to communicate a part thereof to their Teachers; ſomething is due to the Teachers, and it's duty in the Taught, to pay it. The Miniſters are to have Meat; and Chambers, accommodations to eat their Me…t in. 1 Cor. 9 13, 14. Do ye not know, that they which Miniſter about holy things, live of the things of the Temple? and they which wait at the Altar, are partakers with the Altar? Even ſo hath the Lord ordained, that they which Preach the Goſpel, ſhould live of the Goſpel. Here is a Divine Ordinance for Miniſter's maintenance. It's alſo here hinted to us, that the Prieſts were to eat of the beſt of the moſt holy things; that it, the Tythes, and Offerings, which were to be of the beſt, Mal. 1.8, 14. And certainly, under the Goſpel, the Miniſters of it, are not to be turn'd off with the meaneſt, and worſt of things; if you have choiſe ſpirituals from them, is it not equal they ſhould have anſwerable temporals from you?
Holy things were to be laid in holy places; holy offerings, and holy garments, were not to be laid any where, but in the holy place. Under the Law, ſome places were holy; but under the Goſpel, holineſs of places is taken away, according to what was Propheſied, Mal. 1.11. From the riſing of the ſun, even unto the going down of the ſame, my Name ſhall be great among the Gentiles, and in every place Incenſe ſhall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: And according to that Paul gave out, 1 Tim. 2.8. I will that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands; he makes all places alike, for the outward Celebration of Worſhip; yet the Truths, and things of the Goſpel, are to be laid up in holy places, that is, in holy Hearts. James 4.8. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you, cleanſe your hands ye ſinners, and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Holy hearts are fit places for God, Chriſt, Spirit, Goſpel, and all the Ordinances of it, James 1.21. 1 Pet. 2.1, 2. 1 Cor. 11.28. Heb. 10.22. Theſe pl…ces ſhew that holy hearts are requiſite for holy things. So, that of Chriſt, Mat. 7.6. Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither caſt ye your pearls before ſwine; their hearts are foul, and ſo uncapable of holy things; they are not fit repoſitories for ſuch things.
Here is, in the 13. verſe, mention made of three Offerings, The Meat-offe…ing, the Sin offering, and the Treſpaſs-offering.
1. The Meat-offering, it was of fine Flower, Oyle, and Frankincenſe, or onelyonly of fi…e Flower, and Oyle; and then it was to be B…ked, Fryed, or Sodden; no Leaven, or Honey was to be uſed therewith; but every Meat-offering was to be ſeaſoned with ſalt, ſee Levit. 2. per totum. Or it was of Ears of Corn, the firſt-fruits, Ears dryed by the fire, even Corn beaten out of full Ears, verſ. 14. Part of this Meat-offering the Prieſts were to burn upon the Altar, for a ſweet ſavour; and the reſt they were to eat in the holy place, Levit. 6.15, 16.
2. The Sin-offering, whether a Bullock, or any other beaſt, was moſt holy, yea, whatſoever touched the fleſh thereof, was holy. Some of the blood of it, was to be brought into the Tabernacle of the Congregation, to reconcile withall, in the moſt holy place, which was not to be eaten, but burnt. The Prieſts, and all the Males among the Prieſts, were to eat of this ſacrifice, &c. Levit. 6.25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30.
3. The Treſpaſs-offering. There was one and the ſame Law for this, and the Sin-offering; it was to be kill'd where the Burnt-offering was, and the blood to be ſprinkled round about upon the Altar; what was to be burnt, and what to be eaten by the Prieſts, you may ſee Levit. 7.1, 2, 3, 4, 5▪ 6, 7.
Theſe Offerings were types of Chriſt, who is our true Meat-offering, the bread of life, the nouriſhment of every hungry, and thirſty ſoul. His fleſh, and his blood, are meat and drink indeed; at his Table we feed upon him crucified, and ſo our Meat-offering; he is our Sin-offering, and Treſpaſs-offering, 2 Cor. 5.21. He was made ſin for us, that is, a Sin offering, that we might be made the righteouſneſs of God in him. See, Heb. 10.12, 14.
In the 14. verſ. it's ſaid, The Prieſts muſt not go out of the holy place, into the outward Court, which comprehends this myſtery in it, viz. That the Miniſters of the Goſpel, thoſe have given up themſelves to Chriſt, and the Church, ought not go out from their ſpirituall imployment unto the world, and worldly affaires, but to mind that great work they are call'd unto. For, who is ſuffici…nt for ſuch things, 2 Cor. 2.16. Paul inſtructed Timothy, and in him, all others in this truth, 2 Tim. 2.4. No man that warreth intangleth himſelf with the affairs of this life, that he may pleaſe him who hath choſen him to be a Souldier. When men are call'd to be Souldiers, they muſt mind their Souldiery, not other things; it will not pleaſe their Captains, and Comm…nders, they cannot diſcharge their truſt: So Miniſters, having a great Captain, and Commander, the Lord Chriſt who hath choſen them to be his Souldiers; they muſt mind their ſpiritual Souldiery, they muſt not trouble, or diſtract themſelves with the cares, or affairs of the world; if they do, they can neither be faithful to their intereſt, nor pleaſe their Lord, and Maſter. Rom. 12.7. Thoſe that Miniſter, muſt wait on their Miniſtring, and thoſe that teach, on their teaching; they muſt not wait upon, or meddle with other things, Col. 4.17. Publicis inſudare debent, qui nomen dedêre militiae, Souldiers might not intangle themſelves about Husbandry, Cattle, Merchandiſing, or other affairs, but they were to mind the publick.
The Prieſts when they approached to God, had other garments on, then at other times; they had holy garments on them; they might not come nigh God, but in holy garments: afterwards they changed their garments, when they were to deal with the people. Which informs us, that the Miniſters of the Goſpel ought to have other frames of Spirit in them, when they are nearer unto God in the duties of his worſhip, then at other times; then they are to put on holy garments, they ſhould be cloath'd with zeal, fear, and other holy affections. They are to diſcharge their office with gravity, and authority, that their Miniſtery be not deſpiſed. God will be ſ…nct…fied in them, that come near unto him; they muſt not come in their old garments, with old ordinary ſpirits: but with holy garments, holy ſpirits, ſ…nctifying God in their hearts, making him their fear, and dread, and car…y themſelves as Ambaſſadors of God, ſtanding, and pleading for him. But when they are out of publique adminiſtrations, they may put on other garments; they muſt be cloathed with humility, love, bowels of mercy, meekneſs, long-ſuffering, as 2 Tim. 2.24, 25. In common converſation, and converſe with the people, they ought not to be high, and haughty, lording it over Gods heritage, 1 Pet. 5.3. but to be enſamples to the flock, of wiſdom, charity, patience, faith, and holineſs They are to become all things to all men, that they may win ſome to Chriſt.
Verſ. 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20.
15. Now when he had made an end of meaſuring the inner houſe, he brought me forth toward the Gate, whoſe proſpect is toward the Eaſt, and meaſured it round about.
16. He meaſured the Eaſt-ſide with the meaſuring reed, five hundred reeds with the meaſuring reed round about.
17. He meaſured the North-ſide, five hundred reeds, with a meaſuring reed round about.
18. He meaſured the South-ſide five hundred reeds, with the meaſuring reed.
19. He turned about to the West-ſide, and meaſured five hundred reeds, with the meaſuring reed.
20. He meaſured it by the four ſides, it had a Wall round about five hundred reeds long, and five hundred broad, to make a ſeparation between the Sanctuary, and the prophane place.
THe 15. verſ. ſhews us, how exact a Building the Church is, it's an houſe meaſured within, and without; When Chriſt had done meaſuring the inner houſe, he comes forth and meaſures the outward parts. Nothing is left unmeaſu…ed; Solomons Houſe, or Temple, was not ſo exactly built, and meaſured, as the Church of Chriſt is. That is God's Building, 1 Cor. 3.9. and he exceeded Solomon in wiſdome, and ſo in building. See what a ſtructure the New Jeruſalem is, Rev. 21.10. &c. which makes good that Pſal. 102.16. When the Lord ſhall build up Sion he ſhall appear in his glory.
There is difference among Interpreters about the reeds, mentioned in the 16, 17, 18, 19. verſ. Some would have them to be ſo many cubits onelyonly, from that in Ezek 40.47. where it's ſaid the Courts was an hundred cubits long, and an hundred cubits broad. Others would not have five hundred reeds, or cubits to be on any one ſide, but that all the ſides meaſured, made up the ſum; be it five hundred cubits, or five hundred reeds. But moſt interpreters are of the mind that, each ſide was not onelyonly of five hundred cubits, but five hundred reeds.
The words for meaſuring reed, are Bickuſhi hamiddah, In calamo menſu…ae, which was the great reed, ſaith Alapide, of ſix cubits, whereas the vulgar reed was onelyonly of five cubits; that this reed was ſix cubits is clear from Chap. 40.5. So that the five hundred reeds, were three thouſand cubits, and the four ſides came to twelve thouſand cubits; which ſhews how ſpatious, and vaſt, the Temple was: From theſe verſes are preſented to us,
1. The Extent, and latitude of the Church which ſhould be, in all quarters of the world, under Chriſt: He meaſur'd the Gate to the Eaſt, and the Eaſt-ſide, to make known the Eaſtern people ſhould be of the Chriſtian Church. He meaſured the North-ſide, ſhewing thereby that the Northern parts ſhould come thither. He meaſured the South, and Weſt-ſides, aſſuring us thereby, that the people of thoſe parts ſhould come unto Sion. Chriſt ſent his Apoſtles to all N…tions Mat. 28.19. They went Eaſt, Weſt, North, and South, inlarging the borders of the Goſpel, inviting, and bringing in the Gentiles daily, Mark. 16.15. Goe into all the world, and Preach the Goſpel to every creature: The Church of Chriſt is all the world over, The ſound of the Apoſtles went into all the earth, that is, all parts of the earth, and their words to the end of the world, Rom. 10.18.
2. The Stability, and Firmneſs of the Church. The Temple here meaſured was a perfect ſquare, five hundred reeds on the Eaſt-ſide, five hundred reeds on the Weſt-ſide, five hundred reeds on the North-ſide, and as many on the South-ſide. Buildings which are four ſquare, are moſt ſtable, firm, and laſting: Things, or perſons, who are firm, conſtant, and compleat, are tearm'd foreign. Such is the Church, 'tis ſtable, and permanent; The gates of Hell cannot prevail againſt it, Mat. 16.18. It's built upon Chriſt the chief corner ſtone, Epheſ. 2.20. And is eſtabliſhed in righteouſneſs, Iſa. 54.14.
3. The Luſtre, and Beauty of the Church. Great buildings in the form of a Square are beautiful, and gloriors; ſuch was that Ezekiel ſaw, it was a Quadrature, every ſide proportionable, holding forth beauty, and glory. Cant. 6.4. ſaith Chriſt of his Church; Thou art beautiful, O my Love, as Tirzah, comely as Jeruſalem. Tirzah, and Jeruſalem were chief Cities in Canaan; for at one, Kings of Iſrael kept their Courts, 1 Kings 14.17. And at the other, Kings of Judah dwelt. Theſe Cities had much beauty, and comelineſs in them, and unto them Chriſt likens his Church. Certainly, the Church is the moſt beautiful, and glorious thing in the world, to them who have eyes to ſee it; many ſaw no beauty in Chriſt, Iſa. 53.2. but Chriſt was beautiful, and glorious, to them who had eyes to ſee it, Joh 1.14. And many ſee no beauty, no glory in the Church of Chriſt; but where ſpiritual eyes are, there they are ſeen. The Church it ſet out by a Golden Candlestick, Rev. 1.20. and that hath luſtre, beauty, and glory. It's ſet out by a woman cloathed with the Sun, Rev. 12.1. and what luſtre, beauty, and glory can there be wanting? It's ſet out by a Bride, the Lambs Wife. When the Bride of a great Prince, hath on her royal apparel, and is deck'd with all her Ornaments, and Jewels; Is ſhe not beautiful, glorious and ſhining? Such is the Church arayed with fine linnen, the righteouſneſs of Saints, Rev. 19 8. Such is New Jeruſalem, having the glory of God, Rev. 21.9, 10, 11.
4. The Safety of the Church. This Temple had a wall round about, five hundred reeds long, and five hundred reeds broad, ſufficient for the defence of it on every ſide. And the Church in the Goſpel-times hath a wall about it, long, and broad; a wall thai reacheth from Eaſt, to Weſt; from North, to South; a wall higher then the Heavens, deeper then Hell, and broader then the Earth, viz. The power, and providence of God. Iſa. 27.3. I the Lord do keep it, leſt any hurt it, I will keep it night, and day. Here is a wall better then that of Wood, Ezek. 41.22. then that of Stone, Prov. 24.31. then that of Iron, Ezek. 4.3. then that of Braſs. Jer. 1.18. Such walls have been battered, and broken, undermin'd, or climb'd over; but this wall is not ſubject to any of them. The wall of New Jeruſalem, is great, and high, Rev. 21.12. ſufficient to ſecure all that be within.
5. The Sanctity of the Church. This wall, as it was a wall of ſecurity, ſo of ſeparation; it was, to ſeparate between the Sanctuary, and the profane place; that thoſe in the profane place might not come into the Sanctuary, where the holy ones, and holy things were. The Church of God is a company call'd out of, and ſeparate from, the world; who have given up themſelves unto God, and Chriſt. The Corrinthians were called out of the world to be Saints, 1 Cor. 1.2. And the Macedonian Churches gave up themſelves to the Lord, 2 Cor. 8.5. So that all the Churches of God are a choſen generation, an holy nation, 1 Pet. 2.9. Cant. 4.7. Unholy ones, who are without in the profane world, ſhould not enter into the Church. God hath ſet a wall of diſcipline to keep them out, that the Church may not be defiled by them. It's ſaid of the New Jeruſalem, That there ſhall in no wiſe any thing enter into it, that defileth: the Angels will keep them out, for at the twelve Gates thereof will be twelve Angels, Rev. 21.12. who will let none in but Saints, ſo that all her people ſhall be righteous, Iſa. 60.21.