is the head of the Church which is most true and yet withall that the Pope is the head of the Church The Church then is a body that hath two heads And those make Christ yet more monstrous that setting up so many Independant Churches as there be Christian Congregations in the world which they call each severally the mysticall Body of Christ do make Christ a head that hath so many bodies but there is but one Body all particular Churches make up one Church and visible universall society in which Church he saith not Churches God hath set Apostles Prophets Teachers Miracles gifts of healings helps Governments diversities of Tongues Therefore many of us also must beware of that and such like sins of Divisions that defiled the Church at Corinth for the Ax of this Sentence in this Text is by the Apostle laid also to every of our roots While therefore these words are handled according to the truth Look not on me as if I spake of my self look not off your selves blesse not your selves under the vain thoughts of Gospel-Grace that you will hear and only that or Gospel-graces and gifts wrought in you or your freedom from other grosse-sins as if this of falling into divisions were no sin but consider who speaks How and to whom And the Lord Iesus Christ make all saving to you though for the present it should not favour you The Substance of the Text hath three words to be opened 1. The Temple of God He means not hereby the materiall Temple in Jerusalem first or second nor the Tabernacle built in the wildernesse but the latter end of this verse sheweth clearly he means Christians which Temple are ye every particular Christian every of you and ye the Church of Christians both then at Corinth and also every where not only the Christian that hath truth of grace and is so inwardly as well as outwardly but the Christian by outward calling for to these he wrote also not only every particular member but chiefly the Church the Society This word ye referred to all in Corinth called to be Saints and to all in all the world that call on the name of the Lord Iesus Christ doth fully evince thus much They are called Gods Temple continuing the Metaphor of a building considered severally and in a Church-society with Relation to the typicall Temple to shew that the truth of that type is now remaining 2. Defil◠Destroy The Greek word is but one in divers tenses it signifieth both to Defile and Destroy to corrupt and violate the Greek is thus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The translation would render the Originall more naturally if we retained one English word either thus If any man defile the Temple of God him shall God defile or thus If any man destroy the Temple him will God destroy It is an Elegancy and not barely so but pregnant in instruction for it teacheth that the punishment of such offenders shall be in justice proportioned to their offence Defiling for defiling violence for violence degree for degree if they 'le be dilapidating and corrupting Gods house they shall have enough of it God will dilapidate and corrupt them 3. If any man him 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 If any do it that same man shall feel it whoever he be Teacher or hearer of high esteem for place in the Church or for gifts and graces this man God will certainly meet withall this his sin shall finde him out Now from hence arise three Doctrines worthy our through perusall and attention 1. Doct. Every Christian professing the true Faith much more every true Professor of that true Faith is the Temple of God And every particular visible Church or Society of these Professors and the whole Church or universall society of Christians professing the true faith are the Temple of God This from the word Temple in the sense here used 2. Doct. Many there are yea many within the visible Church that are defilers and Violaters of this Temple of God 3. Doct. God will certainly punish every and all the defilers and violaters of this his Temple with punishments proportionable to their sin in violating and defiling the same For the first of these Note the difference I put between a Professor of the true Faith and a true professor of that true Faith One may professe the truth and not truly professe it he may be a hypocrite in his profession A Professor is visible and profession of the Faith may be discerned by men from profession of falshood but a true Professor and the truth of his profession is to be desired and prayed for but is not so easily discerned God onely that searches the heart can infallibly judge of this Again I use the word Society as the Genus of a Church not an Assembly for a Church is no lesse a Church when the Assembly is dismissed then when they are Assembled in the use of any Ordinance of God Nor a Congregation that word is too narrow it agreeth not to all the kindes but the word Society that agrees to a particular visible Church and to the whole visible Church to the Church in a house the Church in a Village of one Congregation the Church in a City consisting of many Congregations as the Church of Ierusalem of Ephesus of Corinth the Church in a Kingdom or Nation committed to the profession of the Faith of Christ the Church in the whole world the Church in her Officers gathered together to hear complaints the Church in her Members assembled to worship and serve the Lord according to the Gospel of Christ It is weak and a poor quarrell my opinion is it is so to deny a National Church under the New Testament for under the old its beyond all question and to plead there is no other visible Church then Congregationall The Church at Ierusalem was not Congregationall in that sense that is it did not consist of one Congregation that could meet in one place all the Members of it have one Pastor preach to them at one time and use other Ordinances of Worship as the Sacrament of the Lords-Supper Baptisme Publique Prayer and fellowship together twelve Apostles were not able to discharge to them the duty that belonged to the word and Prayer without the help of seven Deacons to take off them the care of distributing of the Church Almes Act. 6 1 2 3 4. It is hard to make clear proof that the word Church in all the History of the New Testament is given to a Congregation I desire to see it And why may not a Nation professing the Faith be called a Church as well as all the world of Professors be called a Church Why not now as well as under the Old Testament The word Church is applicable to every Society of men that professe the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ We read of Churches in the New-Testament because we have severall Societies and Nations of men converted and become the people of God
A SHORT TREATISE Describing the true CHURCH of CHRIST And the Evills of Schisme ANABAPTISM and LIBERTINISM Wherein is proved that Society is the genus of a Church not Congregations A National Church under the New-Testament The visible Church is Gods Temple The infallible note of a true Church 1. Schismaticks defile the Temple of God 2. Usurpers of the Ministery Temple-defilers Learning is needfull for the discharge of the Ministery Toleration of all religions contrary to Gods Word No communion with the wicked in their sinne Tyrants and Persecutors are Temple-defilers Temple-defilers shall be surely punished We must make triall of the Spirits Delivered in two SERMONS by Mr. RICHARD BYFIELD LONDON Printed for Ralph Smith at the signe of the Bible neer the Royall Exchange 1653. Temple Defilers Destroyed 1 COR. 3. 17. If any man defile the Temple of God him shall God destroy THE circumstantials of this Text may profitably serve for our Exordium or entrance they are three who speaks how he speakes and to whom 1. Who speaks Paul an Apostle of Iesus Christ therefore it is a Gospel sentence Paul the Doctor of the Gentiles therefore you Gentiles ought to hear him Paul the mouth of Christ the Pen-man of the Holy Ghost and therefore he that despiseth this word despiseth not man but Christ but the Spirit but God 2. How he speaks First by way of denunciation of judgement The Gospel hath fire in it the Preachers threaten destruction yet the Preachers thereof no legall Preachers for our God is a consuming Fire it is true life and immortality are brought to light by the Gospel and it is no lesse true then Hell fire and Damnation is Language peculiar to the Gospel never any Preached in so frequent and plain termes the flames of Hell and that unquenchable fire as did our Lord Jesus who was sent of God Anointed with the spirit that oyle of gladnesse to preach the Gospel to the poor to heal and binde up the broken hearted that meek Lambe of God whose office it was to speak a word in season to the weary soul How often hath he Hell and Hell fire in his mouth in one Sermon Mat. 5. 22. 29 30. Three times in one breath with amazing illustrations Mar. 9. 43. 45. 47. At another time all his discourse almost beset as Paradise with a flaming sword with as sore as plain and equivalent expressions utter darknesse where shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth the Prison out of which there is no coming by any means till they have paid the utmost farthing the losse of the soul cutting asunder and appointing them their portion with hypocrites in no case any entry into the Kingdom of heaven no reward of their Father which is in Heaven Will any dare to deny that Iesus Christ was an Evangelicall Preacher And it stands with all reason that such Preaching should be for Gospel times for the greater and more glorious are the manifestations of Gods grace the greater and more glorious are the manifestations of Gods grace the greater is the sin and the heavier the wrath and condemnation due to the refusers Heb. 12. 25. 29. the abusers the turners of such grace into lasciviousnesse and wantonnesse No marvell then if that Ministry of the New Testament that is as a mirrour to shew us the glory of grace with open face do with as great plainnesse of speech set Hell before us in open view Heaven is the more Heaven to them that see what Hell is It is not unbeseeming an Apostle a Teacher of Grace and of the Gospel to denounce the judgements of God Paul here speaks by way of threatning Secondly he speaks by way of Argumentation 1. Against building up the Church with wood hay and stubble ver 12. By which is meant not Doctrine Hereticall blasphemous and impious though that be worse that ruines the foundation but vain curious unnecessary doubtfull tending to jangling strife and divisions perhaps true but unprofitable like the Genealogies in the which the Jewes were curious or else erroneous and of ill consequence though not in it self impious Such in a word as suites not with the foundation such as is not like gold silver and precious stones these only are fit for this building suitable to Christ the foundation the Apostle reasons against their bringing such stuffe to Gods building and in this verse bringeth his Argument from the greatnesse of the sin and the certainty of the punishment Their sin is the defiling of Gods Temple their punishment shall be destruction 2. Again his Argument against such all Church works lyeth also against Schisme Divisions and Factions in the Church as appeareth to the diligent and intelligent Reader by that in the chapâ—â— ver 10. 12. and in this chap. 3. ver 3 4 5. The Apostle is still about the cure of this one disease and this verse we are upon argues against it as a Temple-polluter and destructive to those that are guilty of it 3. To whom he speaks 1. To the Church of Corinth called to be Saints 1 Cor. 1. 2. Consider it 1. He speaks not to them without there were within the Church too many defilers of Gods Temple 1. He speaks not to a party in that Church the house of Cloe a choice party separating from the faulty party making up a new Church lest they should be polluted in holding Church Fellowship with them that were such sinners The house of Cloe knew how tostand free from partaking with them in their sins and yet retain Gospel Union to seek a Medicine and not make a rupture The Apostle guided by the spirit of Vnion love and a sound minde breathes forth nothing to make Rents but what ever might be to make up breaches He directs not the Epistle to the house of Cloe that stood sound and untoucht though they gave him notice of the evils that infested the Church at Corinth But 1. To the whole company of Professors of Christianity in that great City to the whole society of Christians there 2. And that also to such a society as were enriched in gifts and graces so that he first breaks out in the mention of them with solemne Thanksgiving to God they were enriched in every thing by Christ in all utterance in all knowledge they came behinde in no gift as in chap. 1. ver 4. 5. 7. Yet many of these fell into this sin of Schisme these must take heed how they walk on in that sin for they may fall under this destroying judgement of God 2. To the Whole and Universall Church of God ver 2. of chap. 1. All in every place that call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord both theirs and ours One Lord in common of one visible Church in all the world which is one body under that one head particular visible Churches are not so many Independant Churches those that so teach make Jesus Christ monstrous The Papists make Christs Church a Monster in that they hold that Christ
sacrifices 4. The Table of shew bread on which were set new every Sabbath weekly twelve Cakes with pure incense representing the twelve Tribes of Israel which stood on the Table continually before the Mercy-seat in the presence of God which as it signified the gracious favour and the eyes of God in Christ over the righteous so also how the Christian liveth continually as in the presence of God reconciled and reconciling him to him through Christ his heart saith with David Thy loving kindnesse is before mine eyes Psa 26. 3. and I have walked in thy truth And this constant presence as before God reconciled only through the blood of his Son raiseth the incense and sweet odours of holy motions presented also before God in Christ continually and look as God feedeth him with Christ the bread of life and furnisheth a Table before him so the Believer keeps a furnished Table Cant. 1. 12. 7. 12. 8. 2. of the fruits of the Spirit in which God in Christ is delighted this Table stood on the North-side in the Tabernacle 5. The Candlestick of pure Gold with seven Lampes burning was on the South-side right against the Table of Shew bread This is the Word of God written in the heart of the true Christian burning and shining in saving knowledge with the seven lampes of his spirit even manifold gifts and graces in the light of this Word ingrafted by which the Holy Ghost dwels in them they serve God in Christ with their spirits in the Gospel 6. The Brazen Laver to wash in is the very fountaine of godly sorrow and of renewing grace Esa 1. 16. Psal 26. 6. Act. 26. 18. the spirit of sanctification which is opened in the heart of a beleever it is the sanctification in them by faith which is in Iesus Christ whereby their soules are sprinkled from an evill conscience and their bodies washed with cleane water that so they may draw neare with a true heart in full assurance of faith Heb. 10. 20. This is the furniture of Gods house 3. For the Glory The Glory that fills this house of God is God in the presence of his Grace as the Apostle saith Ye are the Temple of the living God as God hath said I will dwell in them and walke in them and I will be their God and they shall be my people 2 Cor. 6. 16. 4. For the Ministers The Ministers that serve in this house they are beleevers they are both the Temple and the Priests as the Apostle Peter saith coming unto Christ Ye are built up a spirituall house an holy Priesthood to offer up spirituall sacrifice acceptable to God by Iesus Christ 1 Pet. 2. 4 5. In these foure respects is the beleever the Temple of God and every one that is called though but outwardly is called that he might be a partaker of this heavenly honour of which honour unbeliefe and impenitency doe deprive him Who can sufficiently expresse the Dignity of the true beleever who can sufficiently bewaile the state of the Christian that is so only in profession who while he seemes to give himself to God in words keepes his heart a stye for Satan keeps open house for the Devill Thus we see how every Christian is Gods Temple The Church is also Gods Temple even the Church visible It is true that as the Temple and Tabernacle had three parts the outer Court for the people the Holy Place where the Priests did their Office and the Holy of Holies into which the High Priest only entred so they did type out the visible Church as the outer Court where are good and bad the Holy Place the true Saints and Beleevers and Heaven the Holy of Holies But here the visible Church in the whole and in every particular visible Church is called the Temple of God 1. For the generall qualities or adjuncts 1. Vnity There was but one Temple so the Church is one Cant. 6. 9. There is but one body 1 Cor. 12. 12. though there be diversities of gifts of operations and of administrations though there be divers members this diversity makes for Unity for if they were all one member where were the body 1 Cor. 12. 19. unto every one is given some measure of Grace from Christ the Head which being improved in our fit and proper place in the body according to the effectuall working in the measure of every part maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of it selfe in love Ephes 4. 7. 16. Diversity of gifts makes for growth as well as for unity if love with lowlinesse and meeknesse doe act and carry us 2. Sanctity The Temple of God is holy so the Church are a society or community separated from the world they are without we have nothing to doe to judge them that is to proceed with them that are the fornicators of this world or the covetous or the like with Church-censures These are within these that are called Brethren and are yet fornicators or covetous or Idolaters or drunkards or such like these that are fornicators of the Church these we judge If we doe neglect this Discipline the Apostle doth not say separate you that are Saints indeed set up a new Church but blames us saying Doe not ye judge them that are within 1 Cor. 5. 12. and injoynes reformation not a separation for such a fault saying Therefore put away from among your selves that wicked Person It is a lamentable thing to read in the Church of Corinth the Temple of God which is holy this mixture brother Fornicator brother Drunkard brother Idolater c. yet so it was Aug. Tom 7. cont Ep. Parmen l. 2. c. 1. Qusquis vel quod potest arguendo corrigit vel quod corrigere non potest salvo pacis vinculo excludit vel quod salvo pacis vinculo excludere non potest aequitate improbat firmitate supportat bic est pacificus ab isto maledicto immunis quod Scriptura dicit vae his qui dicunt quod nequam est bonum quod bonum est nequam so it hath been in the Primitive purest times if it be so now be not so offended as to run out of your little wit while you are running from pollution run not from Gods Temple while you flee the touching of the unclean thing rather let your holinesse be accompanied with love your love with severity your severity with tolerance and longanimity your long-suffering with zeal your zeal with compassion and all with meeknesse of wisdome 2. For the Structure 1. The Temple was built on mount Zion which was first a strong hold of the Jebusites but conquered and taken by David was called the city of David and because a mountain therefore strong and steddy So Christ hath no Church but what he gets by spiritual conquest they were before calling a Fort of Jebusites but our David subduing the strong holds of Satan brings them to God the Rock of Ages I. 26. 4. Jer. 17. 5. 7.
the only Iehovah and on him that is on him as he hath named revealed himself in his holy word are they built 2. The Temple had goodly foundations so the Church is built on Christ the Foundation-stone elect and precious tryed and sure on whom whosoever beleeveth shall never be confounded It is built on the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets Apostles are the highest Office and Calling that ever was in the Church and therefore named first not upon their Persons but upon their Doctrine called the foundation because it layeth Christ the Foundation and layeth him out and sets him in his proper place to the full in two sorts of fundamentall truths the Law and Gospel or as it is in Revel 14. 12. The Commandments of God and the faith of Jesus The Church is the Communion of Saints that keepeth these two This is the Zion of God opposed to Antichristian Babylon There is not a clearer Text in all the Bible nor more lively distinguishing it concerns our dayes well is this Book of Prophesies called the Revelation not onely because it opens and reveals the Prophesies of things to come all Prophesies but also because it carries such beams and rayes of lightsome doctrinall truth wherewith it is bespangled and shines in severall parts of it to enlighten the times which the Prophesies concern 3. The walls of the Temple were conjoyned by corner-stones Christ Iesus is the chief corner stone that holds both parts of this spirituall building both Iews and Gentiles that are called fast together so that they do concorporate Eph. 3. 6. 4. The severall stones in this Temple or curtains with tapes and loops and tenons posts and sockets are the severall members variously gifted and yet united in the unity of profession and of the spirit and of faith and of Baptisme and in the bond of Peace 5. The outer and inner coverings are the double condition of the Church the inward Psal 45. 14. comely and glorious the outward black and tann'd with afflictions and persecutions Cant. 1. 5. 6. The Temple had pillars and walls and the visible Church in respect of the Ministery of it is the pillar and ground of truth 1 Tim. 3. 17. Gal. 2. 9. Col. 2. 19. The Officers and Members in the Church are the sustainers of the fabrick and the body 3. But for the Furniture chiefly is the Church of God his holy Temple For. 1. There being retained held and held forth the Doctrine of Reconciliation by Christ alone that one Mediatour that God is onely to be found gracious to a sinner in Christ fully satisfied in his blood which is belonging to no sinner but to him that beleeveth here is the true Mercy-seat God in Christ We need not say O thou that dwellest between the Cherubimsâ— but know and pray to God as the God Father of our Lord Iesus Here being taught that Christ is true God and true Man in one Person here is the Ark over laid with gold the true flesh of Christ under which his God-head was covered is the Vail between the Holy-place and the Holy of Holies 2. The Doctrine of Christs sacrifice on the Crosse and of his intercession in heaven is both the Altars the Altar of whole burntâ— offering and the Altar of incense 3. The Tables of the Covenant in the Ark the Manna and Aarons rod by it this is in the Church that sets up Christ the Bread of Life the onely Prophet that teacheth to profit and the high Priest over the house of God whom we ought to obey 4. The Candlestick is the light of the Word the Law and Gospel that all in Gods house may walk in the light of the Lord and see to do his work 5. The Laver is the Doctrine of Regeneration and Iustification by Christs blood and spirit 6. The Golden Instruments and vessels for Incense-offering and sprinkling with the rest are the gifted Ministers gifted with pastorall and teaching aptnesse and abilities and sanctified for the applying of Christ and his benefits by their Ministery which gifts Christ giveth but the Church upon due triall acknowledgeth owneth receiveth confirmeth with her testimony and honoureth 4. For the glory inhabiting there God in Christ is there giving the blessing and life The name of that City is Iehovah-Shammah Ezek. 48. 35. or The Lord is there 5. For the cover on it all There is over every such assembly and over the whole Zion of God Isa 4. 5 6. a speciall Protection a speciall Direction and a speciall safety to them that shrowd there from the heat and from the storm This is the defence upon all the glory Now from this branch of the Doctrine and from this true and plain explication of the same we may describe or direct to the infallible note of the true Church on earth and of a true particular visible Church 1. Where ever Iesus Christ is held for the foundation and corner-stone and the Doctrine of the Prophets and Apostles touching the faith of Iesus and the Commandments of God that concern holinesse and righteousnesse there is the true Church Ephes 2. 19 20. What ever Society of men associating in a religious way do hold Christ and the Prophets and Apostles Doctrine for faith and holinesse that Society is a particular visible Church Ephes 2. 22. 2. In what ever particular Society religious there is to be found all the furniture of the Temple all the glory the Mercy-seat the two Altars the Table of Shewbread the Candlestick the Laver that is a true particular visible Church It is the Temple of God therefore the Church of God Who can deny that that is Zion where it can be truly said the Tabernacle of God is with these men Behold he dwelleth with you you of Kingstone for of you it may truely be said Behold the Tabernacle of God is with men And to remove all things that may mislead your judgements let us looke upon that Prophesie in Rev. 11. 1. and forwards to v. 14. It concernes the state of the Church during the reigne of Antichrist in which Prophesie so farre as pertaineth to our present purpose two things are beyond all doubt and the more to be heeded First that the outer Court and the Holy City that is the Church visible is given to the Gentiles even the Antichristian or Popish Gentiles and they shall tread it under foot forty and two moneths which is one thousand two hundred and sixty daies Propheticall that is so many yeares this is the time of Antichrists reigne Secondly that this is the time and space in which the two witnesses that is the small but sufficient number for testimony to confirme any truth I say the small number of Christs faithfull Ministers for these two witnesses are expresly called two Prophets v. 10. and their worke is expresly and precisely named to be Prophecying v. 3. Now the Magistrate and his worke by the sword and Edicts is never in all the Bible called by these names
the Scripture appropriates this manner of witnessing to the Gospell and against errours to the Ministers and their worke alone which is Preaching of the Gospell Mark 16. 15. 1 Cor. 1. 17. if this be not the work of their Office they have no work Christ sends them to Preach and in comparison of this not to Baptize this small number is to Prophesie in sack-cloth Now this time being not expired for Antichrist is not yet destroyed the seven Vials are but in pouring out the state of the visible Church is this to be infested and polluted diversly with many Gentiles as we see by wofull experience there is no Protestant Church in the christian world but is miserably trodden upon at this day by Papists their bloudy rage their errours and superstitious inventions the errours of other Hereticks and Schismaticks all which are appertaining unto and are of the frye of Antichrist as the Apostle Iohn said of the errours of his time there are many Antichrists already tottered and torn and soyled will be the face of the visible Church untill Antichrist be down Againe the number of faithfull Ministers will not be very great nor their estate any other then a state of mourning they shall yet Prophesie in sack-cloth even so long till the one thousand two hundred and sixty daies or yeares be accomplished they that say otherwise shift as they can they will feele this to be a truth for the time of this burden is not yet expired Is Antichrists reigne expired when Papists so swarme so prevaile with many Kings that are Protestant that they waste Germany Ireland Scotland England besides other parts and yet the Pope sits in Rome I shall adde here but that of learned and godly Chemnitius in his Common Places Chemnit Loc. Theol. De Eccles. loco cap. 3. Sect. 3. Miser caetus in quâ— multâ— sunt infirmitates quique non tantum persecutionibus cruce premitur sed etiam offendiculis scandalis deformatur That the Church may be a miserable Society or company in which there are many infirmities and which is not only pressed with Persecutions and the Crosse but also is deformed with stumbling-blocks and scandals of which we ought not to judge by the outward shew but by and according to the Word The Church Visible is the company of those that imbrace Christs Gospell and rightly use his Sacraments in which company God by the Ministery of the Word workes powerfully and regenerates many to life eternall in which society notwithstanding there are many Et Sect. 5. 2 Tim. 2. 20. In Ecclesiae coetu multi sunt non sancti Non-sancti not holy but yet consenting with the godly in the point of true Doctrine Thus of the first Doctrine The second Doctrine is this That there are many yea many within the visible Church that are defilers and violaters of this Temple of God If it had not been so in vaine had been the Apostles reasoning if it would not be so in vaine were this sentence written and left registred in the Canon of the New Testament The Apostle did not deale this blow in the ayre and fight with shadowes and that we may not so doe and only beate the ayre and lose our labour let us inquire who are they stand guilty of this sin the things is filthy and odious and no man will willingly owne it though he will not be taken off but will willingly doe it To come then to charge the guilt of this great sin upon the particular offenders 1. All scandalous Christians I begin with you for though you are not the first intended by the Apostle in this Text yet you deservedly goe in the front you make and cause others to defile and wrong the Church by Schismes The offence you give makes them forsake the fellowship of the Church of God to which you doe belong you are many waies guilty of this Temple-pollution for the present you may be ranked into three sorts 1. Fornicators Adulterers effeminate and uncleane persons these defile their owne bodies 1 Cor. 6. 15 18 19. they take the member of Christ and make it the member of an Harlot these defile the Church of God this is a Leaven a little of which leaveneth the whole lumpe 1 Cor. 5. 6. it is a leaven to be purged out by Church-censures 2. The Covetous Raylers Extortioners Drunkards Theeves Swearers that feare not an Oath the prophane unholy malicious and all unrighteous persons these make Gods house a denne of Theeves they that live in these and the like sins against the holy Law of God and yet come before him as his people and cry The Temple of the Lord and rest in the name and priviledges of Christians these live as if they were delivered to doe those abominations Ier. 7. 4 8. they are abominable polluters of Gods Temple 3. The Pharisaicall Hypocrites that pretend the glory of God and good of the Church but under that colour drive a trade Ioh. 2. 14 15. of the Publique and of godlinesse make a merchandize for their own filthy lucre Such are those pretenders to Reformation now among us that make up their private estates out of the Publique being carried with self-seeking they dread not the examples of Councellors Nobles Iudges Prelates Gentry that now before their eyes lye under Gods avenging hand their carcases for they are cast out and nought of them remaines but their dead contemned bulkes and on them their Worme feedes and dyes not and the fire is not quenched these their miserable carcases they may goe out and see and looke upon the contempt that God hath and doth poure upon them for the abusing of their power to their owne lusts and for making a prey of the Publique and yet they greedily follow the way of such Balaamites All that are intrusted and imployed for the publique in this great service of seeking Reformation let them feare lest if found in the like sinne they should fall into greater condemnation The Lord is a jealous God â— All that make Schismes and divisions in the Church â— the context sheweth this these are properly and directly intended here by the Holy Ghost In the Church of Corinth many stood guilty of this sin their factious studies rented them into Sects 1. By contentious siding falling into parties according to their Teachers whom they affected 1 Cor. 1. 12. 2. By affection of humane wisdome and foolish admiration thereof in the Preaching of the Gospell Ch. 17. 2. 1. 4. 3. By building Heterogeneall stuffe of a divers kind and unsuitable as wood hay and stubble upon the foundation Ch. 3. 12. 4. By undervaluing their faithfull Teachers Ch. 4. 1. and neglecting their spirituall Father that had begotten them in Christ Iesus through the Gospell ver 15. of Chap. 4. had you saith the Apostle ten thousand instructures yet I am your Father you have not many fathers this unnaturalnesse in matters of Grace is found in some of this place