God in wisdomhath he made them al. 3. But because the world by wisdome knew not God in this wisdom of God though it be ynough to make al men without excuse it pleased God of his grace to giv vs his word as a second and more excellent means of knowledge by which word he hath magnified his name above al for it is able to make man wise vnto salvation and he that is of God heareth that his word and if any man love him he wil keep the same the Lord wil lov him againe dwel with him but they that refuse put it away do judge themselves vnworthy of everlasting life and that word shal judge them in the last day for despising of it they shal be destroyed 4. Yet is not the outward ministery of the word sufficient vnlesse we be also taught of God himself who therfore voucheth safe to giv vs a third help evē his own good spirit to instruct vs without which no man can say that Iesus is the Lord. By this his spirit God reveleth vnto vs the deep mysteries of his gospel this Anoynting teacheth vs all things and that worthy thing which is committed to vs we keep through the Holy Ghost that dwelleth in vs. Of whom and our communion with him more is to be spoken in due place 5. The Word of God whereof here we intreat was given to Adam even in his vpright state to be a law for him to lead his life in paradise It was again reveled vnto him after his fall to restore him grace and life which he had lost And not for himselfe alone received he this light but for all his children that were fallen with him into darknes and the shadow of death wherefore he imparted it to them as by the sacrifices of Cain and Abel doth appear Yea God himself spake vnto Cain though he was wicked and without faith and gave him warning of his evil way Likewise in the new world the covenant of God was by his word renewed with all Noahs howshold wherein were Cham and Canaan the vessels of destruction Christ also the sower of that precious seed let some fall on the high way some on stony ground some among thornes from which places no fruit did grow And his disciples were sent to preach the gospell to every creature to al nations vnder heaven By which appeareth the bountie of God that offreth the word of life vnto all even as he causeth his Sun to shine vpon just and vnjust and we are taught that the word of God may not be forbidden to be preached vnto any people be they never so profane or hethenish 6. But al people to whom the words of this life were spoken receyved not life by them for the word profiteth not if it be not mixed with beleef in them that hear it And the God of this world hath blinded the eyes of many vnbeleevers that the light of the glorious gospell of Christ which is the image of God should not shine vnto thē therfore they stumble at the word being vnperswaded to the which thing they were even ordeyned and the ambassadours of Christ to whom he hath committed the word of reconciliation are vnto such the savour of death vnto death They hate the light because they do evil wil not come to it least their deeds should be reproved for wickednes is sweet in their mouth they hide it vnder their tongue they favour it and wil not forsake it therefore abhorr they the light and know not the wayes thereof the morning is vnto them even as the shadow of death so salvation is farr from them for that they seek not the statutes of the Lord. 7. Againe because the word of God is contrary to humane reason and condemneth for foolishnes the wisdome of this world and calleth men out of themselves making all the glorie and grace of the flesh to fade as the flower of grasse and leading vs to Christ alone and him crucified therfore is the preaching of the crosse to them that perish foolishnes they despise al wisdomes counsell and correction and seek after another wisdom prudence of the flesh which is enmitie against God and cannot be subject to his law and her they follow as an oxe that goeth to the slaughter and as a fool to the stocks for correction though her howse is the way vnto the grave which goeth down to the chambers of death and her ghests are in the depth of hel 8. And forasmuch as many afflictions doe accompany the word of Christs patience that on them which receiv it the Sun of tribulation or persecution often ariseth and for it they are hated imprisoned exiled or killed so that a man must forsake himself and take vp his crosse and follow Christ therfore also many men ar offended ashamed of the testimonie of our Lord wil not be partakers of the tribulations of the gospel but choos iniquitie rather then affliction count it pleasure to liv deliciously for a season til ease doe slay the foolish and the prosperity of the fools destroy them 9. For when they thus contemne the word God withdraweth from them this favour and food of their sowles sending a samine in the land that their fayr virgins yong mē perish for thirst having caused the Sun to goe down at noō darkned the earth he letteth them walk in their own ignorance vnto perditiō So Cain for his crueltie contempt being banished from the presence of God we find not the benefit of Gods oracles to be after vouchsafed him or his as was vnto Seths posteritie The like is to be minded in the children of Cham Ismael Esau c. Who after they were removed from Gods church were also deprived of his word and doctrine which he continewed increased vnto the people that of his grace he called and kept to himself as his own 10. For the light of the Gospel and day of Christ was reveled vnto Abram Isaak and Iaakob and to the Israelites their posteritie did God give his law by Moses and continewed the preaching and opening of the same by other prophets and ministers when as the hethens had not this help but lay in darknes héarkning vnto witches soothsayers sorcerers necromancers and other like abominable instruments of Satan which turned to their eternall confusion when as for Israel the Lord their God suffred them not so but out of heaven he made them hear his voyce to instruct them and vpon earth he shewed them his great fyre and they heard his voyce out of the mids of the fyre they had ordinances and lawes most righteous to keep and to doe which was their praise for wisdome and
have fellowship with the Lord in spirit who having thus decked vs with the garments of bewtie and glorie with mercy and salvation through faith in his name doth then seal vs with that holy spirit of Promise which is the earnest of our inheritance vntil the redemption of the possession purchased the ful redemption of al Saincts vnto the prayse of his glory For as he hath chosen vs in Christ before the foundation of the world that we should be holy and without blame before him in love so having effectually caled justified and sanctified vs of his vnspeakable grace he giveth vs also certainty and assurance of our election that we shal never fal from nor be forsaken of him For the seed wherwith we are born anew is an immortal seed which can never die this seed remayneth in vs to keep vs from syn and if we syn we have an advocate with the Father even Iesus Christ the just who maketh intercession and prayeth for vs that our faith fail not he also giveth vs repentance vnto Life and worketh in vs godly sorow for our misdeeds so we ar renewed by repentance dayly and revived by faith knowing that God hath stablished to himself his people Israel to be his people for ever he is their God his gifts and caling are without repentance he that hath begun his good work in vs wil perform it vnto the day of Iesus Christ for he hath made an everlasting covenant with vs that he wil never turn away from vs to doe vs good and hath put his fear in our harts that we shal never depart from him and hath sayd concerning vs by his prophet My people shal never be ashamed Thus the hope of salvation is for an helmet vpon our heads for that God hath not appointed vs vnto wrath but to obteyn salvation by our Lord Iesus Christ and we rejoyce with joy vnspeakable glorious being perswaded that neyther death nor life nor Angels nor principalities nor powers nor things presēt nor things to come nor height nor depth nor any other creature shal be able to separate vs fiō the love of God which is in Christ Iesus our Lord. 23. Our God it is which thus stablisheth vs in Christ hath anoynted vs and also sealed vs and given vs the earnest of his spirit in our hartes even the spirit of adoption whereby we crie vnto him Abba Father and of vs he sayth This people have I formed for my self they shal shew forth my prayse And being thus furnished with his graces we find feel the sweetnes of that fellowship and communion that we hav with him in Christ Iesus and by his Spirit 24. This communion the scripture setteth down by similitude of walking and dwelling together For God hath promised I will walk among you and I wil be your God ye shal be my people and for his habitation although he filleth heavens and earth the heavens of heavens ar not able to cōteyn him being cōsidered in his infinite majestye yet abaseth he himself to converse with vs that dwel in houses of clay as he sayth by the Prophet I dwel in the high holy place with him also that is of a contrite humble spirit to revive the spirit of the humble and to give life to them that are of a contrite hart Which grace that all the Saincts might take knowledge of the voice is written which was heard out of heaven to say Behold the Tabernacle of God is with men and he will dwel with them and they shal be his people and God himself will bee their God with them This Tabernacle is the bodies and sowles of the Saincts as the Apostle sayth Ye are the Temple of the Living God even as God hath sayd I will dwell in thē walk with them your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost On the other side wee are sayd to walk with God as did Enoch Noah and as the Lord requireth of every man that he humble himself to walk with his God we dwel in his tabernacle for ever our trust is vnder the covering of his wings as the Apostle Iohn sayth He that keepeth his commandements dwelleth in him and he in him 25. This grace is so heavenly and supernatural as it cannot be comprehended by the carnal man nor embraced walked in with comfort by synners hypocrites The naturall man thinketh the dwelling of God is not with flesh the vnbeleeving among the Saincts in day of their distresse do say Is the Lord among vs or no The synners and hypocrites 〈…〉 Sion are afrayd saying who among vs shal dwel with the devouring syre who amōg us shal dwel with the everlasting burnings And indeed the throne of iniquitie hath no fellowship with him but the pure of hart edure as seing him who is invisible they sing The Lord of hosts is with vs the God of Iaakob is our refuge they serve him and see his face his name is on their foreheads they say It is good for vs to draw neer vnto God Lord lift vp the light of thy countenance vpon vs. 26 This conversing of the Saints with God is spiritual and mystical we walk by faith and not by sight faith which is the evidence of things not seen He that is joyned to the Lord is one spirit sayth the Apostle Again Gods walking with vs is strange and vncouth to the world for he bringeth vs into many tribulations his way is in the sea his paths in the great waters and his footsteps ar not knowen he leadeth vs through the wildernes through a desert and wast land and by the shadow of death where fyry serpents are and scorpions and drought without water to humble vs and to prove vs to know what is in our hart that he may doe vs good in the latter end he bringeth vs through the fyre and fineth vs as the silver is fined and trieth vs as gold is tried yet he sayth It is my people we do say The Lord is our God 27. And hence ariseth the comfort of our harts that alwayes we behold God with vs yea feel him within vs and answer Amen by faith to al his promises He sayth Fear not for I am with thee be not afrayd for I am thy God we say again Though I should walk through the vally of the shadow of death I will fear no evill because thou art with me He sayth of every of his Saincts I wil be with him in trouble I wil deliver him and glorify him they testify say I beheld the Lord alwayes before me for he is at my right hand that I should not be shaken gather together on heaps ô ye people and ye
sake and that blessednes cometh on vs which is written Blessed ar they whose iniquities ar forgiven and whose syns ar covered blessed is the man to whom the Lord imputeth not syn Yea God â—as he imputeth not but pardoneth syn so doth he impute justice or righteousnes to vs without works of ours because Christ fulfilled al righteousnes for vs that beleev and we shal be found in him not having our owne justice which is of the Law but that which is through the Faith of Christ even the justice which is of God through Faith To teach vs this the first man whom Moses mentioneth to have beleeved the Lord he presently adorneth with this grace that God imputed that to him for iustice And he being made the Father of al beleevers that is written for vs also vnto whom Beleef shal be imputed for Iustice in like weise Thus are we justified by Faith without the works of the Law yea Faith is come in place of al good works as Christ hath sayd This is the work of God that ye beleev in him whom he hath sent this also is his commandement that we beleev in the name of his Son Iesus Christ whom he that hath hath Life he that hath not the son of God hath not Life but who so trusteth to his own righteousnes and committeth iniquity shal surely die as sayth the prophet Thus live we by faith in Christ and that heavenly oracle is fulfilled The iust shallive by his faith 12. This Life and grace is one condition of that everlasting covenant which our God hath made with vs and sayd I wil be merciful to their vnrighteousnes and wil remember their syns and their iniquities no more And being thus justified by faith we have peace towards God through our Lord Iesus Christ whom he hath given to be our covenant and our light he hideth his face from our syns and wipeth away al our iniquities and sayth deliver them that they goe not down into the pit for I have found a ransom Yea now he seeth no iniquitie in Iaakob nor transgressioÌ„ in Israel the Lord his God is with him and the joyful showt of a king is among them though the syns of Iudah be sought for they shal be no more found for the Lord is merciful to them whom he reserveth he hath washed the filthines of the daughters of Sion their transgressions are put away as aclowd and like a mist their syns ar al cast into the bottom of the sea For this the Saincts doe triumph and say who shal lay any thing to the charge of Gods chosen it is God that justifieth who shal condemn we wil goe forward in the streÌ„gth of the Lord God we wil make mention of thy Iustice even of thyne onely And thus is fulfilled the saying of the prophet The whole seed of Israel shal be Iustified and glory in the Lord. 13. Yet is their also further grace perteyning to life and godlines given vs of God even our Sanctification whervnto he hath caled vs and which we attayn vnto by fayth in Christ. For the grace of God that bringeth salvation vnto al men and hath appeared doth teach vs that we should deny vngodlynes worldly lusts and that we should live soberly and righteously and godly in this present world and not continew still in syn that grace may abound VVe are the people of Gods holynes and he wil be halowed among vs he the Lord doth sanctify vs he powreth clean water vpon vs that we may be clean sprinkled in our harts from an evil conscience and washed in our bodies with pure water he taketh away the stony hart out of our body and giveth vs an hart of flesh he putteth his spirit within vs and causeth vs to walk in his statutes to keep his judgements and doe them that we be polluted no more with our abominations nor any of our transgressions and saith vnto vs ye shal be holy for I the Lord your God am holy And this is an other condition of his gracious covenant with vs as it is written I wil put my lawes in their minde and in their hart I wil write them I wil be their God and they shal be my peaple 14. Of this Sanctification ther be two parts which they that long after Life and to see good dayes must seek 1 to eschew evil 2 to doe good The way to attayn these is by the death burial of the old man the corruption of nature and the resurrection of the new that so being dead vnto syn we may be alive vnto God in Iesus Christ our Lord. The old man or body of syn is the whole man sowl and body as he is born by nature even al flesh al the grace and glory therof which the Spirit of the Lord must blow vpon and cause to fade as the flower of grasse that the man may be born again and made a new creature even born of God To work this wondrous change in vs the Lord giveth two special graces the 1 Fear 2 Love of his name by the one to restreyn vs from evil and by the other to allure vs vnto good 15. The Fear of the Lord as it is the beginning of wisdom so did Davids for fear of the Lord and we being afrayd of his judgements His mercies also are shewed vs to this end as it is written Mercy is with thee that thou mayst be feared This grace God giveth to his Saincts to humble them that they be not high-minded but may walk in reverence before him and their harts be in his fear continually that it may go wel with them and with their children for ever for he that feareth the commandement shal be rewarded By this grace hav his people commuinon with him and feel his goodnes for the eye of the Lord is vpon them that fear him trust in his mercy he delighteth in them he wil fulfil the desire of them and nothing shal be wanting vnto them as he hath promised by his prophet their sowles shal dwel in good their seed shal inherit the land and the secret of the Lord and his covenant shal be revealed vnto them Wherfore vnto man he sayth Behold the Fear of the Lord is wisdome and to depart from evil is vnderstanding the reward of humility and the fear of God is riches and glory Life Vnto this therfore let vs take heed for in it is an assured strength by it we shal come out of al extremities that are either too much or too litle and to fear God and keep his commandements is the whole man this leadeth him vnto Life and being filled therwith he shal continew and not be visited with
is renewed and we lift vp the winges as the Eagles our flesh is as fresh as a childs strength is increased in our sowles and being now as widowes divorced froÌ„ our syns delivered from that law and returned to our Fathers howse like the Priests daughters we eat of our Fathers bread as we did in our youth we shal feel no more hunger nor thirst neyther shall the heat smite on vs nor the sun God wipeth al tears froÌ„ our eyes there is no more death nor sorrow nor crying nor payn for the first things are passed 10 Having thus after long seeking found him whom our sowlloveth we take hold vpon him and leav him â—ot til we hav brought him home vnto vs and after this nights wrastling with the Angel we wil not let him goe vntil he blesse vs and giv vnto weak Iaakob the new name of Israel for that by strong faith we have power with God prevaile having wept and prayed vnto him And now he putteth in our mouth a new song of prayse vnto our God our tongues sing joyfully of his justice our sowles do bless him which hath pardoned al our iniquities healed al our infirmities redemed our life from the pit and crowned vs with mercy and compassions And because we beleev therfore we speak and say We shal not die but live and declare the works of the Lord the Lord hath chastened vs sore but hath not delivered vs to death Wherfore after our agonies conflicts with death terrors within and fears round about we repose in Christ our redemer who hath taken away our syns vaÌ„quisht al our foes put Satan to flight renewed our peace and quieted our consciences and then we reioyce and say My soul return vnto thy rest for the Lord hath been bountiful vnto thee 11. Then giveth he vs to see how in all these troubles and torments we have most neer coÌ„munion with Christ and are by them made coÌ„formable vnto him for he was wounded for our transgressions he was broken for our iniquities innumerable troubles compassed him the syns of the elect which by imputatioÌ„ were his took such hold vpon him that he was not able to look vp for the Lord layd vpon him the iniquitie of vs al though he had done no wickednes neyther was any deceyt in his mouth yet the Lord would break him and make him subject to infirmities so that he felt terrour and anguish and heavines in his sowl even vnto the death his sweat in his agonie was like drops of blood trickling down to the ground and his cry vnto his God was why hast thou forsaken me And we in our afflictions do but drink of his cup and are baptised but with his baptisme that after we have suffred with him we may also reign with him by many tribulations must we enter into his kingdome And he that was thus smitten of God humbled even to the death thus troubled in sowl and left of his Father for a seasoÌ„ fouÌ„d an yssue out of al tentations not for himself alone but for vs whose surety he was who therefore have this hope for an anker to our sowles that as we now suffer with him so shal we also reign with him notwithstanding that for the present we are brought into the dust of death 12. After this admiring the mercies of our God and the vnserchable depth of his counsels who worketh turneth al things even our own syns vnto our good who leadeth vs in such wayes and wildernesses wher fyrie serpents and scorpions are drought without water which maketh vs folow him when his way is in the sea and his pathes in the great waters and his footsteps ar not knowen in al which dangers he defendeth vs afterwards bringeth vs into his rest we say the Lord dwelleth in a dark clowd Verily thou ô God hidest thy self ô God the saviour of Israel how vnserchable ar thy judgements and thy wayes past finding out Then minding our frayl estate in this flesh how we are sold vnder syn do trespasse against God every day and cannot do the good that we would we abase our hornes vnto the dust and by repeÌ„tance do die dayly washing Christs feet with our tears knowing that notwithstanding the communion that wee have with him here by faith yet are we but strangers and pilgroms on earth and whiles we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord whiles our flesh is vpoÌ„ vs we shal be sorowful and whiles our soule is in vs it shal mourn Therefore strengthening our weak hands and comforting our feeble knees we make streight steps vnto our feet being careful circumspect least Satan further circumvent vs seeking to make an end of our salvation with fear trembling giving all diligence to ioyn vertue with our faith and to make our caling and election sure for behold the righteous have for their syns recompence in the earth and are scarcely saved where then shal the vngodly synner appear but we which beleev in Christ exspect with patience our ful redemtion as we have cast our burden on the Lord and coÌ„mitted our poor selves vnto him so we are perswaded that he is able to keep that which is coÌ„mitted vnto him against that day even to keep vs that we fall not and to present vs faultles before the presence of his glory with joy where we shall alwayes behold his face and being quite freed from our syns from al possibilitie of ever synning more shal perpetually serve and honour him with his Angels at his right hand where pleasures ar for evermore He that walketh in darknes hath no light let him trust in the name of the Lord stay vpon his God Isa. 50. 10. CHAPT XV. Of the coÌ„munion that the Sainctes have in this life with Angels The name of Angel which is in English a MesseÌ„ger is in the scriptures attributed 1. to our Lord Christ 2. to the spiritual creatures in heaven 3. and to some certaine men on earth imployed in the message and service of God 2. Christ is the Angel whom God sent to bring Israel out of Aegipt in whome Gods name is and is therfore caled the Angel of his Face or Presence even the Face of God it self the Angel of the CovenaÌ„t whom the Israelites desired the Angel that delivered Iaakob from al evil the Angel that dwelt in the bush whiles it burned and was not consumed who was the God of Abraham Isaak Iaakob the Angel Iehovah who emboldned Gedeon to battel against the Madianits and was with him in the same the Angel with the golden censer that giveth many odours to the prayers of all Saincts and out of whose hand the odours with the prayers goe vp before God in his throne
their very hart when they remembred how they had gone with the multitude into Gods howse with voyce of song prayse and solemnity for which now their sowles longed and even faynted in theÌ„ Yea the very wayes of Sion lamented when no man came to the solemne feasts Israel mourned when the Lord had destroyed his congregation caused the feasts and Sabbathes to be forgotten in Sion and forsaken his altar their hart was heavy their eyes dimm because the mountaine of Sion was desolate And so comfortable was the fellowship of Gods children vnto the Apostles themselves though they were the pillers foundations of the church needed this help lesse then others that they often longed to see the brethren for their comfort through their mutual faith and earnestly intreated the help of their prayers even as they againe prayed for them had great joy consolation in their love and holy walking in the truth yea esteemed them the crown of their rejoycing their glory their joy Even Christ himself in the heavines of his hart sought comfort by the prayers of his disciples to teach vs how to esteme the fellowship of the faithful 10. Of al these and many moe blessings are those deprived that refuse or neglect to vnite them selves with Christ in his Church or doe with draw separate themselves therefrom to live alone as in the desert or to frequent the company of the wicked They waÌ„t the benefit and comfort of Gods graces in his childreÌ„ they want the help strengthning and incouragement in time of trouble and the labour of such foolish ones doâ—â— weary them because they knoâ— not to goe into the Citie they aâ— exposed to many perils like waâ— dring sheep vpon the mountayâ— ready to be devoured of the w 〈…〉 beasts and made a prey vnto S 〈…〉 tan If they erre ther is none to 〈…〉 duce them into the right way 〈…〉 they be wounded or broken theâ— is none to bind them vp if they 〈◊〉 in misery and want ther is none 〈…〉 give theÌ„ so much as huskes to â—â—t if they fal woe vnto them 〈◊〉 ther is not a second to lift them 〈…〉 What remayneth then but seing Wisdome hath built her howse fuâ— nished her table and invited t 〈…〉 poor and simple vnto her fest th 〈…〉 al repayr thither without excu 〈…〉 or delay there to eat that whi 〈…〉 is good and let their fowl deligâ—â— in fatnes remeÌ„bring how it is wri 〈…〉 ten the Lord added to the church from day to day such as should be saved And if any know not the place of their repast or fold of Christ let them beseech him whoÌ„ their sowl loveth to shew them wher he feedeth maketh his flock to lie down at noon least they turne a side to the flocks of his companions or remayn still in dispersion For behold how good how pleasant it is brethren to dwel even togither for there the Lord hath coÌ„manded the blessing life everlasting Send thy light thy truth ô God let them lead me let theÌ„ bring me to thy holy mountaynâ— to thy tabernacles Psal. 43. 3. CHAP. XVII How the Saincts gather into communioÌ„ grow vp vnto a body or church The caling of the Saincts into communion we hav seen to coÌ„sist of two branches 1. A separation from the wicked of the world 2. and a collection or gathering togither of themselves in the faith love of Christ. Which two things were also implied in the first caling of our father Abraham when he was willed 1. to get him out from his countrey kinred and fathers howse which were idolaters 2 and to come to the place which God would shew him wher he his posteritie might serv obey the Lord. It remayneth yet further to be spoken of the covenant and communion that the Saincts enter into keep among themselves 2. This congregation of Saincts when it is at the greatest is but a litle flock and smal remnant being compared with the multitudes of the world but the beginnings hereof are marvelously weak smal and coÌ„temptible like the grain of mustard-seed which is the least of all seeds and as Israel which were the fewest of al peoples For God taking them one of a citie two of a tribe and these the foolish weak and vile of the world the poor the maymed the halt the blinde whose dwelling is by the highwayes and hedges he brings theÌ„ neyther by an army nor strength but by his own spirit into his howse and kingdome where though ther be but two or three gathered togither in his name he is in the mids of them These being once borne of God begotten by the immortal seed of his word vnto the faith of the Gospel know also that there is a Ierusalem from above which is the mother of vs al that of Sion it shal be sayd Man man that is many men are borne in her the Lord wil count when he writeth the people He was borne there therfore they seek to enter into this estate and happie coÌ„munion they ask the way to Sion with their faces thitherward saying Come and ioyn to the Lord in a perpetual covenant that shal not be forgotten 3. This covenant which they make togither standeth vpon two pillers 1. to keep their faith in God by Iesus Christ 2. to observe his lawes in love In both these are they to build vp and help forward one another saying al peoples wil walk every one in the name of his God and we wil walk in the name of Iehovah our God for ever and ever Herevpon follow their assembling or gathering togither for the instruction one of an other their mutual ex hortations to continew in the faith grounded stablished to stand fast therin their prayers one with and for another that Christ may dwel in their harts by faith their rebuking such as teach vnwholsome doctrine that so they may be hayl or sound in the faith of which if any make shipwrack they ar to be thrust out of the communion of the Saincts and delivered vnto Satan And for their conversation they set vp the Lord in that day to be their God and to walk in his wayes and to keep his ordinances and his commaundements and his lawes to hearken vnto his voice they promise to walk in the pathes of God as he shal teach them from whence arise both publickly and privatly their mutual love care ech of other provoking vnto love good works walking worthy of their caling wherevnto they are caled their admonitions and reproofs one of another when they syn seeking to restore them with the spirit of meeknes but withdrawing from the disobedient putting away such as
of mount Sion the church vnder the Gospel vpon the assemblies thereof a clowd smoke by day and the shining of a flaming fyre by night that al ChristiaÌ„ churches have froÌ„ him their directioÌ„ protectioÌ„ whiles in the ministerie of his word spirit he speaks vnto theÌ„ as in the clowdy pillar is their shelter against the teÌ„pest their shadow against the heat For which grace praise ye God in the Assemblies even the Lord ye that are of the fountain of Israel 13. Thus every Church is like mount Sion fair in situation the joy of the whol earth the citie of the great king in the pallaces wherof God is knowen for a refuge which he wil stablish for ever and where his people wait for his mercie in the mids of his temple And as the howse of Iaakob walketh in the light of the Lord which shineth in the face of Christ in which light they beleev that they may be the children of the light so also they even al nations and people which are saved walk in the light of the church which it hath fi oÌ„ the Lord who is her light everlasting her sun shield in whose light she seeth light This is yâ— citie of truth the mount of holines the secret and congregatioÌ„ of the righteous which looketh forth as the Morning fair as the Moon pure as the Sun terrible as an armie with banners It is the howse of the living God the gate of heaven the pillar ground of truth al the limits therof rouÌ„d about ar most holy the Lord hath stablished it the poor of his people wil shrowd theÌ„selves in it the glorie and honour of the nations shal be brought vnto it vpon al the glorie shal be a defence it shal be a quiet habitation a tabernacle that cannot be removed a kingdome that cannot be shakeÌ„ and the nation or kingdome that wil not serve it shal perish but the people that dwel therein shal have their iniquitie forgiven and from the day that this citie is builded the name thereof is THE LORD IS THERE The Lord blesse thee ô habitation of 〈…〉 holy mountaine Ier. 31. 23. CHAP. XVIII Of the coÌ„munion that the Saincts in al Churches have in things spiritual NOW as the faithful are thus coÌ„pact like living and precious stones in one holy Temple and meÌ„bers of one bodie so havethey fellowship togither in all Christian offices spiritual and humane ech with other do willingly coÌ„municate the manifold graces of God Their spiritual communion may be considered in three things First in al duties from themselves towards God as be prayses thaÌ„ksgivings prayers supplications c. which they powr out one with for an other Secondly in all graces given them of God as are the words of his covenant the coÌ„forts and seales of the same opened and applied for the helping forward and assurance of their salvation Thirdly in al duties among themselves one towards an other as counsels deliberations exhortations consolations admonitions rebukes censures and such like al which for the honour of God and their mutual good they carefully togither doe keep execute 2. Their coÌ„munion in the Worship of God is when at time and place appointed they al come togither to serve confesse and prayse the Lord and cal vpon his name For which as Israel of old had their assemblies wher the ministers of God publickly and solemnly vttered his prayses discoursing of al his wonderful works and giving vnto him the glory of his name made also their requests vnto God for their wants vnto al which al the people sayd Amen and praysed the Lord so also in the Apostles dayes Gods people had still their places of prayer for which holy exercise the Christians assembled in which they continued with one accord both men women Where the ministers of Christ gav themselves vnto this busines that minding the publick state of the church they might for with the same make requests giv thaÌ„ks in the eares vnderstaÌ„ding of the people which thervnto answered Amen These now ar not the praiers or praises-of him alone that speaketh but of the whol asseÌ„blie which atteÌ„d w th their ears asseÌ„t with their harts seal with their lips that part of publick administratioÌ„ coÌ„firming it also by signes and gestures beseeming such an action In these whither ordinarie or extraordinarie with fasting and humiliatioÌ„ of sowl vpoÌ„ special occasioÌ„s ther is a coÌ„munioÌ„ harmonie among the Saincts that with one mind one mouth doe praise God and their prayer cometh vp vnto heaven to his holy habitatioÌ„ And as the publick assemblies of the whol church so the more private meetings in families or of other friends for special causes is both comfortable to themselves and acceptable to the Lord for he had promised that wher ther is a syâ—phonie or agreemeÌ„t but of two oâ— his togither in earth to desire anything it shal be given them so much he respecteth the fellowship vnâ—nimitie of his people and theâ— gathering togither in his name 3. But when through distance of place or other just occasion they cannot or doe not come togither as also in their private prayers which they powr out before the Lord eyther some few togither oâ— ech one apart the faithful hav yet spiritual communion and benefit by praying one for an other while they remember and make mention of their brethren vnto God rejoycing and giving thanks for his blessings vpon theÌ„ desiring things that may benefit comfort them praying for deliverance from baÌ„ds or other afflictions for strength stabilitie in the truth for remission of syns or for other graces as the necessities of the Saincts do require for al whoÌ„ we are exhorted to pray with al manner prayer and supplication in the spirit and for special persons to make more earnest suit to strive or wrastle togither with them by prayers to God for them This fellowship is comfortable to all that know the vse of prayer how much it prevaileth with God if it be ferveÌ„t Wherfore the Apostles did not only performe this dutie for others in their absence but themselves so earnestly desired it at the hands of al and trusted for help by it Also the Saincts that were before theÌ„ knew well and nourished this communion whiles they requested their brethren to pray vnto God for theÌ„ especially the prophets whose petitions were exceeding beneficial not onely to the church mem bers therof whom they sometime saved from death by this means but also for strangers so effectual with the Lord is the prayer of the Saincts and the odour therof as sweet incense before him and a token it was of
kings of the earth and wonder of the world as having the Sun for her clothing the moon for her footstool and the twelve starres for a crown vpon her head whiles by faith and holines she hath put on Christ the Sun of righteousnes that is risen vnto her as she hath learned him of his Apostles and is herby advanced to heavenly dignity that even her conversation is in heaven so as she loveth no more this world of which she her self is not and the fashion wherof passeth away yet forasmuch as she hath both in her own body paines of childbirth whiles she is in travail to bring forth Christ which by the preaching of the Gospel is formed in her and without her self Satan for his fiercenes a dragon persecuting her in wrath warring with the remnant of her seed gathering his soldjers which are as the sand of the sea to compasse about the tents of the Saincts the beloved citie it shal be therfore good that we take a view of these troubles and assaults learn of God the end and vse of them and how we may either escape or overcome them least we be offended our faith fayl 2. That old crooked serpēt the enemy of mans salvatiō perceiving the vniting communion of the Saincts to be a great help furtherāce of their happines a prayse to their God a daunting to the world a comfort to themselves doth therfore bend his vtmost might and malice against this brotherhood that he may dissolve the same He stirreth vp the wicked multitudes like the raging waves of the sea that some out myre durt to bely and blaspheme the truth and witnesses of Christ accusing them of noveltie heresie sedition treason and rebellion He further kindleth this fyre by his false Prophets that cease not to inveigh against and calumniate this little flock and by their abused wit and learning to prove perswade that they are as bad or worse then they be reported of both for their faith towards God and loyaltie to the princes of the earth which princes also for like malice in themselves or for that they fear the losse or impeachment of their honour and dignities or because they loath the bonds and yoke of the gospel or for to gratifie their people and subjects are readie to turn the dint of their sword wherwith they should conserv the truth and peace of Christian religion against the Saincts and especially their cōmuniō assemblies which seem most dangerous and are indeed terrible to the world as an armie with banners 3. Herevpō they think to work wisely if any way they can hinder the propagation and increase of the church whither by privy oppressiō or open persecution though the wisdom of God hath sayd Sure◠it is not good to condemne the iust 〈◊〉 that princes should smite for equitie Especially the men-children the teachers guides and principal of Christs flock are most maligned exposed to their tyrannie though sōtime neyther women nor infants can be exempted from their rage and crueltie For which these civil polities with the heads and governours of thē vnto whom erewhile it was sayd ye ar Gods ye al are children of the most high ar now become more base then any men and are caled in holy scripture Liōs Wolves bears Libbards wild-bores and foxes even pourtrahed out by mōstrous savage and deformed bestes for such their barbarous havock and misusage of the Saincts 4. For loe in their malignant harts they fret against the people of God and against the holy covenant with their mouthes they speak evil even marveilous and presumptuous things blaspheming Gods name and tabernacle them that dwel in heaven with their hands and hornes they smite and push the poor flock of Christ spoyling them of their goods banishing them out of their dominions casting them into prisons and dungeons feeding thē with bread of adversitie and water of afflictiō devising all cruel and exquisite torments to make their death miserable racking stoning hāging hewing in peeces burning in fyre casting to wild beasts and many moe horrible tortures as the lambs of Christ have felt in all ages whiles children have been brought from the womb to their martirdom women with child ript vp in their vnnatural crueltie 5. By this meanes the cōmunion of the Saincts is oft times dissolved and scattred their shepheards and watchmen apprehended and killed the whol flock pursued as sheep appointed to the slaughter Some for fear deny and forsake the faith and are compelled to blaspheme Some by flatterie are caused to syn and wickedly break the holy covenant and to be the betrayers of their brethren Such as escape these evils somtime wander vp and down in sheeps skins and goat-skins destitute afflicted and tormented in desarts and mountaines in dennes and caves of the earth Thus waters of a full cup ar wrung out vnto them and now the wayes of Sion lament because no man cometh to the solemn fests for the dayly sacrifice whereby they were wont publickly to worship God is taken away and abominable desolation put in the place The sanctuarie synagogues of God are burned Ierusalem broken vp made a ruinous heap the stones therof layd in dust and the dead bodies of the Saincts cast to the fowles bestes of the earth Then the faithful mourn because God hath destroyed his congregation caused the sabbaths to be forgottē forsaken his sanctuarie and given into the enemies hand the walls of her palaces their eyes fayl with teares their bowels swel their liver is powred vpon the earth they cry out with the Prophet O Lord God spare we beseech thee who shal raise vp Iaakob for he is smal 6. Thus God who hath his fyre in Siō fornace in Ierusalē melteth his metall trieth fineth his people as silver purifieth thē as gold by the spirit of judgement and the spirit of burning draweth them to repentance by chastening them for their syns and making judgement to begin at his own howse cōsuming the drosse making known them that ar approved that the trial of their faith being much more precious thē gold that perisheth though it be tried with fyre may be found vnto prayse honour glorie at the appearing of Iesus Christ. For not withstanding al the rage of the persecutors God wil preserv to himself a litle flock vnto whom he wil be a litle Sanctuarie in al places wher they ar dispersed who in this their desolation yet pray with their faces towards Ierusalem doe convene and meet togither secretly for fear of their foes and cease not to performe al holy duties vnto God and one to an other to the vtmost of their power and in al their
power of God by the armour of righteousnes on the right hand and on the left coÌ„maunding meÌ„ to teach no other doctrine nor give heed thereto but keep the true pattern of wholsome words in faith love which is in Christ Iesus exhorting therevnto improving and convincing them that spoke against it stopping their mouthes rebuking them sharply that they might be sound in the faith Those againe like Iannes Iambres resisting the truth with prophane vayn bablings disputations and oppositions of science falsly so caled prating against them with malicious words and seeking to disgrace them And wel was it with the churches then whiles those circumspect carefull watchmen the Apostles and Evangelists lived among them took those foxes which destroyed the Lords vines but after their departure ther entred greivous wolves not sparing the flock as by the innumerable heresies and lamentable decay of churches since their time doth appear 5. As for doctrine so about many other things also contention hath often risen through mens infirmities malice and pride that by errors in faith corruptions in maÌ„ners as by a double chain of iniquitie many sowles hav been fettered afflicted For some moved with envie hav sold their brethren to aliants sought for tokil them some through ambition would clime above their caling intrude into higher offices presuming vpoÌ„ their own holines seeking to disgrace others And as the church of Israel was infamous al Moses dayes for their idolatries rebellions many murmurings for which thei carkesses fell in the wildernes strife blood-shed came among them so after that they were seated in the land of Canaan they continewed not long in peace togither but tribe with tribe made warr and rent themselves asunder to the great reproch of Gods true religion giving advantage to the commune adversarie to invade and dispossesse them of their land Yea even in families betweeÌ„ brethren parents and children most bitter bloody strife brake forth as the stories of Abimelech Amnon and Absalom Absalom and David sundry others do declare Also how they were divided when Christ lived among theÌ„ into Sects factions Pharisees Saducees other like the historie of the Gospel every where sheweth Neyther were the Christian Churches which the Apostles had planted free of this â—even but contentions among theÌ„ grew vnto schismes and factions whiles sundry men folowed and re 〈…〉 ed vpon sundry Teachers in their publick meetings also dissentions were among them Some ministers would of strife and envie preach Christ to the people some loving the praeeminence would tyrannyze over the flock forbidding to receiv brethren sent by the Apostles and thrusting them out of the Church And amoÌ„gst Gods elect most faithful servants and loving friends Satan did his vtmost to kindle the coles of emulation dissention and strife as between Abraham and Lot Moses Aaron Peter and Paul Paul and Barnabas and among the Apostles generally when there was contention who should be greatest till they had learned better of their maister Christ. 6. The poyson of syn hath spred it self exceeding farr in churches corrupted the manners actioÌ„s of al degrees For Magistrats leaving the love cherishing of the people loved gifts and followed after rewards judged not the fatherles neyther did the widowes cause come before them they pluckt off their skins from them and their flesh from their bones did eat their flesh and break their bones and chop them in peeces as for the pot Againe the subjects despised and spake evil of their rulers rose vp rebelled against them The rich were vnmerciful and cruel to the poor Among the people and brethren of the church was bitter envying strife sedition reproch every man hunted his brother with a net that they could not trust in any friend but must beware even of her that lay in their bosome The teachers were vayn talkers and deceivers of minds subverting whole howses teaching things which they ought not for filthy lucre sake the priests wrested the law the Prophets were like foxes in the wast places and from them wickednes went forth into al the land Thus judgement was turned into wormwood faith into heresie Gods grace into wantonnes the libertie of his Gospel made a cloak of maliciousnes and in sted of the gracious ornaments of his spirit ther was wretchednes miserie povertie blindnes nakednes they had a name to be alive but wer dead Nor this alone for they hated such as rebuked them and would not admit of reproof but made their faces harder then a stone they killed the prophets and stoned those that were sent vnto them even when Christ himself came among them they would not receiv him but sayd this is the heir come let vs kil him and the inheritance shal be ours 7. These and many moe like evils have crept into the Churches of God wherby they have been troubled distracted and rent in peeces much pople hav been defiled corrupted the Saincts hav had cause to complayn Thou hast multiplied the nation but hast not increased their ioy Against these the ministers and witnesses of the Lord hav cried out in their several ages being sent rising early to recal the synners into the right way Who wer threatned that Sion for their sakes should be plowed as a field and IerusaleÌ„ made a ruinous heap her habitation left vnto her desolate that Christ would warr against theÌ„ with the sword of his mouth and remove the candlestick out of the place except they amended And such as hearkned to the voice of their God turned vnto him had their iniquities forgiven and their crimsin syns made white as snow but such as obeyed not wer devoured of the sword and woe was vnto their sowles for they rewarded evil vnto theÌ„selves and wer caled reprobate silver because the Lord reiected them 8. Thus cometh it to passe through Satans malice and mens corruption that the citie of God of which so glorious things are spoken in the scriptures seemeth more vile and contemptible then any other place the spowse of Christ appeareth black which was named the fayrest among women her foes which feared and marveyled at her do hisse say Is this the citie that men cal The perfection of bewty the ioy of the whole earth her children to whom much peace was promised do mourn and crie for the many abominations that ar done in the middes of her from the daughter Zion al her bewtie is departed being thus persecuted by the Dragon hated reproched of the world molested and forsaken of her own children misvsed and wounded of her watchmen to the grief affliction of her
woes a more wholsom and pleasant balm theÌ„ the sweet words of theÌ„ that crie peace peace when ther is no peace for the blownes of the â—â—â—nd serveth somtimes to purge the evil the stripes within the bowels of the beâ—y By such means the Saincts ar brought to a sight of their syns which they doe away with tears and sacrifice they fear the Lord and pray befor him he repenteth of the plague pronounced against them Therfore ought al Gods servants to love his rebukes and censures sent by the hands of their brethren to hear counsel receiv instruction that they may be wise in their later end to be more carefull to bury the doung syn of their sowles in the grave of Christ by repeÌ„tance theÌ„ the Israelits in their caÌ„p to cover their excrements for offending the Lord to judge themselves worthy to hav beeÌ„ destroyed for their iniquities to crie with the Leper I am vnclean I am vnclean to acknowledge their faults one to another and pray one for another that they may be healed for mercy is promised to them that confesse and forsake their syns and is to be pronounced vnto them in the name of the Lord they ar to be forgiven of their brethren and coÌ„forted least they be swallowed vp with overmuch heavines Thus the ear that hearkneth to the correction of life shal lodge among the wise but he that hardneth his neck when he is rebuked shall sodainly be destroyed cannot be cured Such therefore must more roughly be intreated and judgements denounced against them if they convert not as in their traÌ„sgression is their snare and they are holden with the cords of their own syn so must they also by their brethren be bound and their syns reteyned and God in heaven wil confirm this censure against them Then are they till they repent and humble themselves put away and separated from among Godâ— people excluded the heavenly IerusaleÌ„ regarded as strangers froÌ„ the coÌ„mune wealth of Israel as hethens and publicans for despising correction are almost brought into al evil in the midds of the congregation and assemblie And if they coÌ„tinew stil to hate correction they shal die such judgments hath the Lord appointed for scorners and stripes for the back of fooles By this meanes the body of Christ is disburdened of noysom rotten members the fruitlesse branches are taken away from the vine the woman wickednes pressed down in her bushel is lifted vp and caried away from Ierusalem to Babylon in the land of Shinar her own proper place the old leven being purged out the congregation joyntly is a sweet new lump as the members severally ar vnlevened and keep a holy and joyful feast vnto the Lord who now is turned froÌ„ his fierce wrath which was kindled for the transgressors Then he that is left in Sion and remayneth in Ierusalem may be caled holy every one written vnto life in Ierusalem when the Lord hath washed the filthines of the daughters of Sion and purged the blood of â—e rusalem out of the midds thereof by the spirit of judgement by the spirit of burning The waies of the Lord ar righteoâ—â— the 〈◊〉 shal walk in them but the wicked shall fâ—l therâ—n Hos. 14 10. CHAPTER XXIII How farr the Saincts may hold walk in communion togither if offences be not removed IT falleth often out through the default and neglect of churches that the foresayd law power of Christ is not duly practised but synners suffred and wincked at yea sometimes justified and vpheld by reason wherof al kind of iniquitie wexeth aboundeth to the dishonour of God the reproch and grief of men The duties therfore of the Saincts what then they are to doe themselves what to bear in others is needful to be considered for their covenant with the church perswadeth them to peace and concord and not to schisme or rent away from the fellowship again their covenaÌ„t with God bindeth theÌ„ to the obedience keeping of al his coÌ„mandements with reproof of and departure from al evil 2. In this straight regard is to be given first vnto the cause thing it self which is done or suffred amisse secondly vnto the handling therof dealing about the same For the cause it self that in questions and disputable controversies the Saincts bear one with anothers infirmities diversitie of judgement especially for the present til the truth be tried out eyther among themselues or by the help of other churches which was the practise in th' Apostles dayes as also in Moses law for hard and doubtful matters the people dispersed through their cities tribes had ayd of the Senate in Ierusalem In this case therfore al ChristiaÌ„s should mind that couÌ„sel of Gods wisdome not to be wise in theÌ„selves if they be otherwise minded God shal revele even the same vnto them they know not perfectly but in part Or if it be a personal controyersie that as much as they may they fulfil Christs law to bear their brothers burden procure their own glorie bypassing by an offence rather to suffer wrong susteyn harm then by strife and contention to cause reproch remembring his counsel which sayd be not iust overmuch But if the doctrine be erroneous and pernitious for the infecting of mens sowles and withdrawing them from the faith if the practise be wicked superstitious or idolatrous violating Gods covenant injuring their brethren or defiling themselves to the slander of the Gospel then al the Saincts must neyther suffer so far as is in their power nor partake at al in any such evil Yet before they make any breach or departure from the Church they are to vse al meanes in holy meek peaceable and orderly manner for their redresse as is before shewed 3. That transgressions may not be suffred in churches the reasons in the former chapter alleged doe prove and may further be confirmed by the reproof that Christ sent to the Angels and Churches of Pergamus Thyatira for having and suffring false teachers among theÌ„ that drew the people into syn of this fault they were willed to repent or els he would fight against them with the sword of his mouth and kil their children with death And such as had kept themselves from these corruptions were willed to hold first that which they had vnto the end On the other haÌ„d he pâ—â—vsâ—d the Ephesians that they could not bear with theÌ„ which wer evil but had tried found out false Apostles And this mâ—rke Solomon set on them that keep the law that they wil set themselves against the wicked 4. And that the Saincts may not for fellowship with the church or any members therof doe any evil thing eyther
one shepheard that hath made one sheepfold and are therfore exhorted to be al of one mind and to lov as brethren For so was it prophefied of the latter dayes that peoples should ioyntly seek for knowledge of Gods wayes in the mountayn of his howse and nation not lift vp a sword against natioÌ„ nor learn to fight any more 4. From hence ariseth the coÌ„munion of love al Gods graces and blessings among the churches wherin our elder sister the Congregation of Israel hath walked before vs for an example For she had mind and care of vs when we were smal and without breasts not able to bear or nourse vp children to the Lord she prayed for vs vnto God made mention of vs to her acquaintance taught her children by many prophesies to exspect our birth caling and coÌ„joyning in one spiritual body faith worship and religion And now that we through Christ hav obteyned this riches mercie though it be by her fal and diminishing we ought both to nourish vnity peace among our selves and to remember her again who notwithstanding her present miserie is beloved for her fathers sakes shal againe obteyn mercy which what wil it be vnto vs but life from the dead 5. Examples also we have of yâ— churches in the Apostles dayes who coÌ„municated ech with other in blessings spiritual and temporal as amongst others cheifly appeareth in those two loving sisters the Churches at Ierusalem and Antiochia the one of which wer Iewes the other Gentiles For they in Ierusalem hearing that many in Antioch wer turned vnto Christ sent for their further edification Bainabas vnto them a good man and ful of the holy Ghost and of faith by whose meanes much people joyned themselves vnto the Lord. The Antiochians knowing as the Apostle sayth that if they were made partakers of their spiritual things their dutie was to minister vnto them in carnal things wheÌ„ they heard of a famine foretold to come over al the world sent succour to their brethren in Iudea by the hands of Barnabas and Saul Again when ther grew a dissention by meanes of false doctrine sown amoÌ„g theÌ„ they sent the sayd Paul and Barnabas for advise and help vnto Ierusalem which church after great disputation even by the Apostles themselves sent back choise and chief men of their own company to Antiochia with Paul and Barnabas and wrote letters also of the same matter so botâ— by word writing the multitude of beleevers there were confirmed in the trueth and rejoyced for the consolation 6. Thus have we a pattern and president of Christian duties between Churches in that Church which first was crowned with the name of Christians have besides this many other instructions and exaÌ„ples proposed in the scriptures as of the Churches in Macedonia so ready and instant to bestow grace and fellowship of ministring to other Saincts of Corinth also in the like case whose readines of mind Paul boasted of to other congregations and their zele provoked many And wel was it with the churches theÌ„ which strove not for primacie nor knew no preeminence one over an other but walked al as brethren vnder one Archpastour Christ who stil walked among theÌ„ visiting the wayes and works of those golden candlesticks whose lights shined not onely in them selves but vnto others so as they wer followers of the Apostles of yâ— Lord ensamples to their sister churches in doctrine faith vertue folowers of theÌ„ in patience for which the Apostles rejoyced in the churches of God Herevpon followed prayers one for another thanks salutations with al other means to nourish lov and continew peace Then was fulfilled the prophesie of Isaiah which foretold of a path from Aegypt to Asshur that is from one church and nation of the Gentils to another wherby they should come and coÌ„municate togither in the worship of God Israel also being a third with them even a blessing in the midds of the land as we hav seen before in the church at Ierusalem and the blessing of the Lord vpon it in this holy coÌ„munion saying Blessed be my people Aegypt and Asshur the work of my hands and Israel myne inheritance 7 From these few examples coÌ„pared with the former general duties of al Christians may appear how churches owe help comfort and refreshing one to another as they hav need ability and should not one envie or vex an other but as Ephraim and Iudah flee togither vpon the shoulders of the common enimie yet avoiding both ambition confusioÌ„ For although we may advise exhort warn reprove c so far as Christian love and power extendeth yet find we no authority committed to one congregation over an other for excoÌ„municating the same as every church hath over her own members Christ reserveth this power in his own hand to remove the Candlestiks out of their places if they syn and repent not And he in his Epistles to the seven churches dealeth with every of them severally for their own estate and faults not imputing the syns of one vnto an other though the admonitions given to every one were to be a warning to al churches eveÌ„ whosoever had an ear to hear Neyther may members disorderly runn from church to church which may work trouble and confusion for avoiding wherof in the Apostles dayes letters of coÌ„mendation wer written for such as by occasion traveiled to other places that they might be esteemed and received as brethren as on the contrary false teachers hereticks excommunicats and such like be shunned avoided 8. As for communicating with an other church when it lieth in syn Christians ar to consider the rules meÌ„tioned in the former chapter For when they may not partake with their own congregation vnto which they ar joyned neyther may they partake with an other being in the same estate and transgression A Multitude cannot make an evil thing good neyther can many or al churches togither justify or make tollerable that which Gods law condemneth for al men though they be layd togither in the ballance ar lighter then vanity as the prophet sayth It is iustice according to the true proverbe which exalteth a nation but syn is the shame of peoples As therfore when Israel was in trespasse Iudah was forbidden to syn and every godly Iew to go to their assemblies so the Christians in Sardi which wer commended of Christ for not dofiling their garments in the syns of that church could not hav been blamelesse if they had joyned with their sister church of Thyatira wher Iesabel sate as Doctresse to teach to deceiv Gods servants 9. When â—holah the church of Samaria had defiled her self with the idols of Asshur and was therfore chastised of God it should hav been a warning to Aholihah the