Selected quad for the lemma: body_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
body_n	church_n	head_n	mystical_a	8,581	5	10.6663	5	false

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A78093	Temple-defilers defiled, vvherein a true visible Church of Christ is described. The evils and pernicious errours, especially appertaining to schisme, anabaptisme, and libertinisme, that infest our Church, are discovered. And directions to preserve from the sin and punishment of temple-defiling, delivered in two sermons preached at the lecture in Kingston upon Thames, Feb. 20. & 27. 1644. out of I Cor. 3.17. / By Richard Byfield pastor in Long-Ditton, Surrey.	Byfield, Richard, 1598?-1664.	1645 (1645)	Wing B6394; Thomason E278_20; ESTC R200019	46,454	48

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 certain●y of the punishment Their sin is the defiling of Gods Temple their punishment shall be destruction 2. Again his Argument against such ill Church workes lyeth also against Schisme Divisions and Factions in the Church as appeareth to the diligent and intelligent Reader by that in the chap. 1. 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-pollu●er 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 2. 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 l●st they should be pollu●ed 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 fi●st 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 ●hese 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 Vniversall 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 par●icular visible Churches are not so many Independant Churches those that so teach m●ke Jesus Christ monstrous The Papists make Christs Church a Monster in that they hold that Christ 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 s●verally 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 sai●h 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 Jesus Christ make all saving to you though for the present it should not savour 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 Ierusalem 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. Defile 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 worth 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

the wayes and spirit of s●ducers Their wayes are such as these 1. To draw the heart from and to destroy the fundamentall truths the 2 Tin 2 18. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 first truths pretending they are low dry and saplesse in comparison of their depths and their high speculations giving metaphoricall and farre fetcht meanings and interpretation● as 〈◊〉 and Phil●●us did upon the Article of the Resurrection saying it was past already or annexing to those foundation truths opinions which overthrow them by consequence laying one foundation in appearance and another in deed as the Apostle implieth in 1 Cor. 3. 11. So the Papists do about the Article of Christs Ascension into Heaven when they teach his corporall reall pres●nc● in the Masse of th●se kindes of Seducers the Apostle saith that their word will ●a● as doth a Canker 2 Tim. 2. 17. 2. To beguile by Paralogismes or d●ceitfull reasonings and sophisticall Col. 2. 4. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Iam. 1. 22. Nitor ser p●o non Argumento Ambr. de spiritu Sancto Col. 2. 4. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Rom. 16. 18. 2 Tim. 3. 13. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Eustachius dicit 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 esse 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 2 Thes 2. 10. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Gal 3. 1. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 arguings when upon misconceived principles of 〈◊〉 said as premises wrong conclusions are drawn like Satan their Father who beg●●les mens hearts by a self de●●it when they set up a profession of the wo●d 〈…〉 hear●t often and thereupon conclude they ●re blessed though they neglect the practise and obedience 〈◊〉 against this ab●●d of the usefull Art of Logicke●it is safe to rest upon the plain Scriptures and avoid the sub●ilty of Argument brought to lead from plain truths 3. To use perswasive and enticing words that they might induce to their errours and the Morall Philosophy of Heathen Authors about ●●●●ue naturall abilities and the chief good which poste us of Christ and true consolation through Fai●●●in him these en●●●ing words are also e●ther the swelling words of Vanity ●●d of w●●dy ostentation or good words and f●ir speeches 4. To inchant the people through a mournfull behaviour the old g●●●e of most of the orders of Fryars and Monkes and the new gusse of many with us in 2 Tim. 23. ●● He useth a word for Seducers that signifieth an Incha●●er by 〈◊〉 and lamentation 5. To lead us out of the common b●aten high way when affectation of a Notion and of a curious ●each makes men innovate word● and phrases formerly received in the Church as best expressing the sense of Scripture 6. To bewitch with fascinations that is to delude simple mindes with glesings of some speciall care of t●●m abou● some point of truth pre●●nded as witches do doe eyes of the body that they thinke verily they see that which they do not see and do not see that which is absolutely necessary they should see and know these be witchings are most dangerous when the mist is cast over the soul with jugling pretexts of shewing you Christ and F●ee grace in a more excellent manner till you know neither Christ no● Free-grace 7. To wrest and w●y things that are streight and plain Act. 20. ●0 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Act. 8. 9. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 2 Cor. 11. 3. 8. To lead people to the admiration of their persons another way of bewitching bringing them into astonishment and a trance upon the conceit of the great power of God in them and some inspirations of the Holy Ghost 9. To corrupt mens mindes from the simplicity that is in Christ by adding or diminishing somewhat of the purity of the Gospel whereby we ●all from the obedience of faith as the Serpent dealt with ●●ve 10. To alleviate the threats of Gods word with vain words and to promise Ephes 5. 6. 2 Pet 2. 19 liberty and turn Gods grace into wantonnesse These are the chief path● of Seducers and for the spirit that ●●rrieth I om●● that of Miracles and lying Wonders of S●tan in 2 Thes 2. them it is an unruly spirit a self-willed spirit a proud spirit a giddy inconstant unquiet spirit a self-seeking spirit a spirit of timorousnesse and base fear not of love power and a sound minde a spirit of earthly mindednesse a spirit captived to mens persons a spirit that creeps into houses and leads silly wom●n captive laden with divers lusts and a doting spirit Of their dotages and deceits I shall give you two instances the one is this that they conceive they have a great light and a new light when their new great light is either some old errour raised from Hell again and new painted or some matter of opinion which is very doubtfull and controversall or somewhat of lesser moment ●rged and pursued with such zeale that the great things of the Law and Gospel are neglected the very disposition of the Pharisees of old But if any say should we not seek an increase and growth in our light and do not we look for it yes in some sense we do and we ought to grow in knowledge but this is not to be understood of any light of new truths there are no new truth● to No new truths be revealed yet the light may increase exceedingly in the more full distinct and shining knowledge of received truths in the clearing and fulfilling We expect a new and great light increasing in 8. things of some prophesies in the power of practise when Christians in name shine in holinesse power of faith and godlinesse expressed in their lives as so many great lights in the frmament of the Church in taking away the various contentions and quarrels that now darken and offuscate the mindes of men Satan chained up more from deceiving in the further manifestation of Gods judgements upon enemies of all sorts which thing doth exemplifie and illustrate the things we do already know In the increase of the number of able and faithfull Teachers and knowing holy professors and in clearer resolution of some obscure places of Scripture together with a more perfect union of the Church of Christ on earth which will be full of Grace Majesty and Terror now not one of these is found in or by the means of our men that boast of their new light for why do not they shew it to us Another Instance of their do●ing deceivable spirit is this that they cannot be brought to measure themselves and their tenets by the standard of the Scripture without shuffling It were a plain and easie way to see the truth in any matter in question about Religion if men did not love to doat thus propose the tenet nakedly see whether there be any plain Scripture for it if there be not we need go no further if there be but yet some other Texts seeme to say against it or a question may be moved about the sense hold the Analogy of Faith and rule

of righteousnesse see the tenour of the Scriptures and accordingly produce Arguments and answer Objections as for Example There are arisen among us some that utterly deny the Baptizing of Infants of Professors of the Faith of Iesus Christ now how easily might this matter be resolved among men of quiet and Christian spirits They say Infants ought not to be baptized What one Text in all the Scripture saith so Not one What Arguments can they alledge Not one that reacheth the matter in hand for they all go no further then this that persons of age ought first to professe their Faith and then receive Baptisme but not this that they only ought to receive Baptisme how dare men say they must be excluded when God saith no such word on the other side doth not the Scripture plainly take-in such Infants into the Covenant and acknowledge them members of the Church of God The Infant Israelites were not born Heathens without were circumcised were meant as part of Abrahams seed the Nations to whom the Gospel comes and who do receive it are now of the same body with the Iewes partakers of the same promise the grace of God is larger under the New-Testament which it were not if such a part as the millions of infant-Christians that die before they come to years were cut off from it The Children of believers are holy whole housholds were baptized Christ blessed Infants upon this ground Because of such was the Kingdom of God that is not onely Heaven but the Church of the new Testament which is called the Kingdom of God there is this ground why those that are of age that repent should receive Baptisme because the promise is to them and the promise is to their children therefore their children have the like ground on which they ought to receive Baptisme these with the like Arguments are strong and unanswerable were it not that these persons doted and in their Pride will resolve to be contentious Let not any think that a small errour which shuts out from Christ and his Church millions of his Members which runs against the constant tenour of both Testaments which confines and imprisons the Grace of God in the New-Testament which makes the grace of Christ the second Adam not to reach one sort and condition of men over whom sin and death passeth by and from the first Adam which evertes and destroyes at one blow all the Churches of Christ in the whole world All this doth this unchristian error of the Anabaptists do The like might be said concerning Church Government whether the Hierarchy or Independency or Presbytery be of Christ in the Scripture It might soon be determined were it not for a spirit of Dotage Pride and Contention but I leave that to the Assembly where it depends and is in Agitation I hold you from the perusall of the Sermons which you heard with much attention I have written some particulars in the enumetation of Temple-Polluters under the second Doctrine which time cut off from delivering as I then told you the rest you have as near as I could set down save that one thing throughout the Sermons the Printer could not ●●nde any Characters or Letters to expresse that is the spirit with which they were delivered with lively voice You have the Instrument and Stick I cannot help you to the Rozin The Spirit of God make supply thereof while you read them in that superabundant measure Take me into your prayers and let me be in your esteem what I desire for ever to be whiles remaining in the flesh Even From my house in Long-Ditton April 7. 1645. Yours in the service of your faith RICHARD BYFIELD Errata Page 5. line 14. read converted for committed p. 6. l. 24. r. worlds end for world and. p. 23. In the Title r. Temple Defilers for Hereticks l. 6. r. Cavillers for Cavaliers p. 25. l. 6. r. continue for contemne 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 sen●e●ce 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. ●he abusers the turners of such grace into lasciviousnesse and w●ntonnesse 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

this signified God in Christ reconciling the world to himself not imputing the transgressions ●respass●s against his holy Law but accepting their persons imperfect obedience to his Commandments presented to him through Christ the Mediator and in Chr●st beholding them with favour acceptation passing by their sins as expiated covered in whom also their Prayers are heard answers are given to them their hearts find feel him teaching ●uling them the holy Angels attend on thē guard them are their ministers now in the believer this presence of God in Christ on a throne of grace is set up in his heart 2. The Altar of incense placed before the vaile that was by the Ark before the Mercy-seat Ex. 30. 1. 6. 2. This signified Christs interc●ssion and the Golden Censer and Odours of his meritorious sacrifice with which he appears before God as our high Priest Rev. 8. 3. this Altar Censer Odours and high Priest the Believer through the word of Faith even the Gospel receiving and imbracing presents himself and all he doth to God therewith that God may smell a savour of rest towards him he offereth all to God in Christs name in the hands of this consecrated Priest and on this Altar that can sanctifie his gift he puts his prayers into this Golden Censer The vertue also of Christs intercession is in him in the spirit of Prayer 3. The Altar of burnt-offering signified Christ bearing our sins and making reconciliation in whose sacrifice of himself a whole burnt-offering is found ful satisfaction a perfect ransom and price plentuous and eternall Redemption This Altar Heb. 13 10. 10 5. 8 9 10. is set up in the Christian who by Faith presents before God this Lamb and his Redemption for his Iustification and while he apprehends this Redemption in his soul offers through Chr●st himself a whole bhrut offering to God and all other his spirituall 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 I●ra●l which stood on the Table continually before the Mercy-seat in the presence of God which as it signifieth the gracious favour and the eyes of God in Christ over the righteous so also how the Christian liveth continu●lly 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 be●ore ●●m so the Believer keeps a furn●shed Table Cart. 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 Candlest●ck 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 Br●zen Laver to w●sh 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 sprinkl●d 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 Sathan 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. 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 Idolater● 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. Quisquis vel quod potest arguendo corrigit vel quod corrigere non potest salvo pacis vinculo exclu●it vel quod salvo pacis vinculo excludere non potest aequitate improbat firmitate supportat hic est pacificus ab isto maledicto immunis quod Scriptura dicit vae his qui dicunt quod nequam est bonum quod bonum est ncquam 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 Is 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 glo●ious the outward black and tann'd with afflictions and persecutions Cant. ● 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 Cherubims 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 burnt-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 4. 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 5. 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 the 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 V●●ls are but in pouring out the state of the visible Church is this to be inf●sted and polluted dive●sly with many Gentiles as we see by wofull experienc● 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 to●tered ●nd 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 qu● multae sunt infirmitates quoque non tantum persecutionibus cruce premitu 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 caetu 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 ●econd 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 that stand guilty of this sin the thing 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 si● 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 ●ffeminate 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 ou● by Church-censures 2. The Covetous Raylers Ex●ortioners Drunkards Theeves Swearers that feare not an O●●h the prophane unholy malicious and all unrighteous persons these make Gods house a d●nne 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 Christ●ans these live as if they were delivered to doe those abominations I●r 7. 4 8. they are abominable polluters of Gods Temple 3. The Ph●ri●●●c●ll Hypocrites ●hat pretend the glory of God and good of the Church but under that colour drive a trade Ioh. 2. 14 15. of the Publiq●e