this constitute a Church of Christ or a Synagogue of Satan what are all his Admidistrations but an Usurpation As to the efficacy of the Act done it s not my Province to determine here I shall onely say as to the matter of Baptism I roundly affirm That I believe it no more effectual than if a Cobler Tinker or Midwife had done it with some competent Solemnity Hence it evidently may be concluded That the Administration of Sacraments constitutes not a Church of Christ much less makes a Parish a Church But in the foremention'd instances the whole proceeding of Ministers and People are a meer usurpation of Communion in Church Ordinances and is no better then Jeroboams worshipping Dan and Bethel and Conformity thereto no better then the Israelites Conformity thereto in obedience to their lawful civil Governours in that which is a declared Abomination to the Lord. Obj. You do hereby Vnchurch many an eminent Church where there hath been a Faithful Parish Minister and holy good people walking as his Parishioners in Communion with him Ans We unchurch no true Church of Cbrist by this means for i◠one thing to say a thing is Church and that it 's occasional of a Church I deny not but many Ministers Parish-Relation and Peoples cohabitation have been ocasions of many Reforming Churches which Christ hath accepted in their degrees of Reformation but we affirm they were not Churches of Christ as such i. e. as Members of a Parish but as a faithul people related by a Spiritual Bond of Union to Christ and one to another in Communion of the Word purely Preached and Sacraments duely Administred CHAP. V. Of the Catholick Visible Church THose that speak of a Catholick Visible Church speak some at one rate and some at another If they mean that the Catholick Church is Visible in the largest sence as such we deny it for it is not visible to us nor can be till all the Elect are called in and so must be onely at the General Assembly and Church of the First-born for at present the most eminent part of it is triumphant many true Believers that are militant not seen or known to us And so to say the Catholick Church is Visible is to set our words and sences at variance By Catholick Visible some will say they mean not the whole Universal Church but so much of it as is visible but this cannot for that reason have the denomination of Catholick Church because it s but a very small part of it and part cannot be called the whole besides if it be limited to the Visible Saints militant I say the universality of them are never visible either in any congregation or in communion of any Ordinance or under any Visible Pastoral Jurisdiction neither are the particular Members of the Church militant visible at the same time there being no such time when all true Believers are known by their visible Profession Some understand by the Catholick Visible Church an Organized Church with a visible Pastoral Head and furnished with Officers suiting a Catholick Ruling Power over all Churches and Saints on Earth and this is the meaning alwayes of the Papists when they speak of the Catholick Church calling themselves Catholicks as Members of it which Church they say Rome is wherein this universal Pastor and Jurisdiction is placed But it is by a cloud of Witnesses asserted that Christ never Ordained any universal visible Pastor nor ever promoted Peter above the rest of the Apostles neither did ever the greatest contender for the Popes Headship and Supremacy over all other Pastors and Churches ever make seeming fair proof of it for though he sent sorth his Apostles as extraordinary Officers with an extraordinary presence for working Miracles and healing in order to the first propagating the Gospel and Plantation of Churches yet they had but a co-ordinate power neither were they fixed as standing and lasting Officers in the Church neither was their Apostolick power conveyed to any Successors but dyed with them leaving only ordinary Officers in the Church Lastly can you read the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 any where to import in the New Testament a Church of this nature viz. a Catholick Visible Organized Church Christ rather pofitively forbad it and reproved that spirit of Ambition that was one thing that our Saviour saw working in them labouring to be Dignitaries But he that will be chief among you let him be your Servant Mat. 20.17 23.11.10.24 25. Which Reprimand the Mother of Zebedee's children received when she enquired who should be greatest among her children There are six or seven sorts of Churches in the latter dayes that entitle themselves the Churches of Christ which the Gospel makes no mention of viz. Catholick Organized Visible such the Church of Rome Patriarchal National Provincial Diocesan Archdeconary Parochial These seem to be the seven women spoken of Isa 4.1 that shall take hold of one man The Lord Jesus Christ Saying we will eat our own bread and wear our own Apparel only let us be called by thy name to take away our reproach They will have the name of Christ that they may not be Reproached as the Churches of Antichrist and yet will be at their own provision for Worship and Ordinances by humane inventions But for all this tho' these whorish women make a shift by a common vogue to carry the name of the True Gospel Churches throughout the world his True Spouse though small and contemptible as to outward appearance shall be glorious ver 2. In that day the branch of the Lord shall be beautiful and glorious and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and comely for them that are escaped of Israel ver 3. And it shall come to pass that he that is left in Zion in that great Apostacy and he that remaineth in Jerusalem shall be called holy even every one that is written among the living in Jerusalem See what follows from ver 4. to the end This I take to be the true meaning of that place for 1. Women in the Prophetick phrase are Churches as frequent instances may be given 2. The number may be definite for an indefinite 3. The Prophecy is manifestly of the latter dayes and the Churches state therein which none will deny CHAP. VI. Of the most usual acceptation of the word Church in the New Testament WE have shewed that in one place the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is taken for any common Assembly lawful or unlawful Acts 19.32 39. and likewise that it 's once taken for a National Church Acts 7.38 But in all other places it 's either taken for the Universal Church of Christ or for particular Congregations and for no other sorts of Churches The Universal Church of Christ is one Organized Body Christ being the Head and all the Saints Triumphant and Militant the Members united together either by a real Bond visible or invisible or both This Church of Christ either is mentioned in
and obscure and so will be until such time as this Babylonish cheat be perfectly discovered to the minds of men and that whole fabrick destroyed Among all the Mists and Foggs that this Mistress of Sorceries hath raised to lose the true Spouse of Christ in it there 's not many hath been greater then the confusion of Languages and especially about the word Church and Schism that all Enquirers spake of the Church but no two meant the same thing men generally agreed there was a Church and a true one excluding Rome but could not tell what a kind of thing it should be and great contentions have been and are to this day about it Some say Here is the Church and others that it is there and every one cries up his Church and calls others Schismaticks and they that get power into their hands deal with others as such Now it would be worth our while to search after many who have found for confirmation of those that will be perswaded of the Truth and to examine every Church that pretends to that Name by the Test of the Gospel that we may be fully resolved what metal each is made of I know all Christians of what mould or size whatever do pretend to lay no other Foundation then Jesus Christ and it s well if it were true of all professing themselves Protestants for that Foundadation is a Rock and they are so far wise that lay Christ as such in their writings and doctrine but yet that will not bear an ill Superstructure as a good one will not long stand on a bad foundation so a good foundation will not long bear up an ill Superstructure 1 Cor. 3.11 12. Other Foundation can no man lay then that is laid which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this Foundation Gold Silver Precious-stones Wood Hay Stubble Every mans work shall be manifest for the day shall declare it because it shall be revealed by fire and the fire shall try every mans work of what sort it is verse 14. If any mans work abide which he hath â—uilt thereupon he shall receive a reward verse 15. If any mans work shall be burnt he shall suffer loss but he himself shall be saved provided he lay a good foundation yet so as by fire I doubt not but many good mens and Ministers Church-works will be burnt and they will suffer loss it will be manifest one day to be the great blemish of the Reformation that so many good men that have Preached Christ clearly as to his Sonship Natures Offices Merits and Satisfaction for Justification and Sanctifâ—cation have from interest prejudice or ignorance extreamly fumbled in most of the concerns of his Gospel-Church I have much admired to hear some mens Pulpit-zeal against sin in general and for the advancement of holiness even to a justifying condition and when we come to enquire of the particular cases for the practice of it in Gospel and revealed Religion in duties toward God they can tell you of nothing but moral natural Religion and reduce all the Service of God under the Gospel thereto saying they have no other Rule to direct us there but such as this Let every soul be subject to the Higher Powers Rom. 13.1 So as for revealed Religion under the Gospel our judgments and practice must be wholly regulated by and resolved into the wills laws and commands of men But to come to the matter we intend seeing the word Church is cloathed with so great ambiguity and so much dust raised about it to the perplexing of mens minds and Consciences we shall principally fix our Enquiries for the true sence and notion of the word upon the tenure of the Gospel and the meaning of the Spirit of God there knowing that it is That hath the greatest power upon the Consciences of men when it comes with evidence and demonstration to convince us of Truth and whereas fire and sword yea mens great words and looks may terrify flesh and blood yea Pulpit Thunder-Claps discharged on the behalf of Error and Nonsense do keep many weak judgments and consciences in bondage and thraldom afrighting them from an impartial search for truth by hard names equivocating words passionate and zealous ways of expression yet a Conscience truly enlightened by Divine Testimony is very little concern'd at such things any more than to pity such passionate Soul-confounding blind guides and much more their poor deluded enslaved Followers I shall handle this word Church two ways for our more distinct understanding its true Gospel meaning 1. Shew in what sence it is not usually taken 2. In what sence it is CHAP. II. Shewing that a place of Meeting is no where taken in the New Testament for a Church of Christ IT 's necessary to intimate concerning the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in General that tho' it be taken for a Congregation or Assembly of people yet it 's not alwayes limited to a religious one but is used by Classick Authors for any Assembly prophane civil or religious and so it 's used expresly Acts 19. for a prophane and tumultuous assembly 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and for a civil lawful Court or Assembly ver 39. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the first of which was dismissed ver 40. But in the proper and usual sence of the Spirit of God in the New Testament it 's every where except in the place above mentioned taken for a Church of Christ in one sence or another and therefore that we may be assured in what sences it is understood it 's necessary to winnow the Chaff from the Wheat and set aside such things as through the mistakes of men error custom and carnal interest are usually called so and imposed as such upon erring or unthinking judgments when Christ and his Gospel never called them so First there is nothing more frequent among us then to call a place of meeting for Publick-Worship a Church I affirm there is no just reason of understanding it so in the New Testament no not in a Metonymy-sence though Learned Mr. Joseph Mede takes a great deal of pains to prove that the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 1 Cor. 11.22 Have ye not houses to eat and drink in but despise you the Church of God is there to be understood for the material place of ordinary assembling together for the Worship of God and saith that their Oratories where they frequently met were called Churches and yet in the begining of his discourse he saith It is taken for granted in a manner by the most of our Reformed Writers and affirmed by some of the other side that in the Apostles times and ages next after them whilst the Church lived under Pagan and Persecuting Emperours Christians had no Oratories or places set apart for Divine Worship but that they assembled here and there promiscuously and uncertainly as they pleased or the occasion served in places of common use and not otherwise which thing undoubtedly is justly enough and
upon grounds more evident believed then any reasons brought to prove the contrary by that worthy person wherein he acknowledgeth himself almost singular in this undertaking and lays his first and greatest stress on that expression 1 Cor. 11.22 Here saith he I take the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or Church to note not the Assembly but the place appointed for sacred duties and that from the opposition thereof to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 their own houses these are places proper for common and ordinary repast and not the Church or housâ— of God This is the only argument which he brings besides some obscure passages of some Fathers whose opinions will not sway here but as in other things so far as we see them consonant to the truth manifest in Scriptures compared together and it seems strange that the word should have a tropical meaning in this place and every where else a proper one and besides the reason from the opposition will not hold especially if we consider what Mr. Mede understands those Oratories or Churches of theirs to be It is not to be imagined that in the first three hundred years before Constantines time that they were such goodly and stately structures as the Church had after the Empire became Christian At the first some capable and convenient Room within the walls or dwelling of some pious Disciple dedicated by the religious bounty of the owner to the use of the Church and that usually an 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 upper room or Caenaculum It 's very probable that all the Disciples houses were at the service of the Churches but that any one house or room in a house was dedicated so to that religious use as to be separated for it from common uses when the Church met not is not probable at all for in times and places of Persecution if Churches meet in any certain house or place though in a private house they shall be sure to be interrupted and broken in upon by Persecuting Officers and Informers The only place met in for some time considerable that we read of was Pauls own hired house at Rome but we find not that it was consecrated or called a Church I am sure consecrated Barns Garrets Cellars or Dining Rooms would be esteemed by our devout Ecclesiasticks a great Abomination But how will the Opposition hold if the Room called the Church was in the same house they eat and drank ordinarily in He should have rather said Have ye not Kitchens or Parlours of common use to eat and drink in but you must despise or put a Prophanation on the Garret which is the Church of God Besides if that Addition had not been made to the Church I should much rather have enclined to Mr. Mâ—des sence if he had said only despise ye the Church But I take it that it would be a very audacious and highly abusive Expression to say Tâ—at a Meeting-house is a Church of God or a Church of Christ And why is not the Opposition as full thus Have you not houses to eat and drink in or Families for so the word is used But you must do it in the Church-Assemblies for they made their Love-feasts in their Assemblies It is evident enough that the Apostle takes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for the Assembling of the Church together as vers 18. where its used when you meet together in Assembly i. e. when you are Congregated together I hear that there have been Divisions or Schisms among you and those he means had the Divisions who were the Church for the Gospel ascribes culpable Schismes no where but to Body Politicks or Assemblies not to Houses But if we grant Mr. Mede all that he so industriously labours to squeeze out of the Text only to favour the Relative Holiness of such places it s not to be supposed that he intended that they were real and proper Churches but only Metonymical Churches by a Trope and improperly so named no otherwise allowable names putting the Continens pro contento to distinguish places allotted to convenient assembling in Religious Worship from Town-halls and other houses of meeting together for publick concerns or more private Society and Conversation And so we lose nothing by it if such a place be called improperly a Church it s not the Church of Christ intended in the Gospel which Christ purchased with his blood nor built of living stones nor such as Christ is the Head of nor such as Paul wrote his Epistles too nor the Church of Corinth which he exhorts rebukes and commends in the Epistles that he wrote And therefore we may with the greatest assurance conclude that no place where Religious Assemblies frequently use to be is a Church of Christ or may properly be so called They that plead the Expression in the Ephesian Town-Clerks Speech Act. 19.37 Ye have brought hither these which are neither Robbers of Churches Shew their little skill in the Original Text the word is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Robbers of Temples such as were dedicated to the Heathen Gods and Godesses to which they ascribed not only Relative but inherent Holiness and therefore adapted that name to them CHAP. III. Of a National and Provincial CHURCH CHrist never instituted any such Church under the Gospel Administration as a National and Provincial or Diocesan there is as much for one as for the other there 's no seeming pretence can be made for any of them from any Gospel Expression when I say this I mean not a Church in a Nation Province or Diocess nor all the particular Churches in such place collectively and co-ordinately considered But I mean in the usual acceptation of such Churches in our day as of France of Spain of Denmark c. and in the sence that a National Church was taken in under the Old Testament viz. an Organized National Provincial or Diocesan Church that have Officers or Members suited to their respective Natures and Constitution as Pastors and other Officers Exercising National Provincial or Diocesan Jurisdiction in Ecclesiastical Courts or elsewhere and Members quatenus Natives of such places being therefore said to be born within the Pale of the Church or by vertue of such Nativity have immediate right to baptism and made so I say that that word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 no where signifies such a Church in the New Testament except when there is mention made of the Church of the Jews and the word is but once used in Application to them Act. 7.38 This was he who was in the Church in the Wilderness this we own was a National Church but elsewhere in the New Testament I know not of one place where 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 can with any fair pretence be understood of a National Church Besides it may be argued from undeniable reasons that Christ instituted or intended not such a Church for the days of the Gospel If it be duely weighed that Christ by his Death put a full Period to the whole Jewish
the New Testament in the most general consideration or more particularly referring to it in the mystical part of it or to the Visible Externally Organized parts of it which are the particular Churches I shall briefly go through the places of the New Testament where it 's used for the Readers satisfaction It is taken for the Body of Christ under the most general and comprehensive signification and so it 's to be understood of a Body consisting of Head and Members made up of visible and invisible real and professing only The places carrying it in this sence are Mat. 16.18 Vpon this Rock will I build my Church i. e. my whole Spiritual Fabrick shall be built upon that Person and Doctrine which thou hast born witness to in this Profession Ephes 1.22 23. Hath put all things under his feet and gave him to be Head over all things to his Church which is his Body the fullness of him that filleth all in all Col. 1.24 Who now rejoyce in my Sufferings for you and fill up that which is behind of the Afflictions of Christ mystical in my Flesh for his Bodies sake which is the Church Note that where the Church is called the Body of Christ it is meant of the Universal Church for the most part Eph. 3.10 To the intent that now unto Principalities and Powers in Heavenly Places might be made known by the Church the manifold Wisdom of God i. e. by the whole Church both militant and triumphant by the eminent Grace and Glory shinning forth in them even to the admiration of Angels even to see ver 9. The Fellowship of the Mystery which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God c. And ver 21. Vnto him be Glory in the Church by Jesus Christ throughout all Ages world without end Ephes 5.25 He hath loved his Church and given himself for it ver 27. to make it a glorious Church 29. No man hateth his own flesh but nourisheth it and cherisheth it even as the Lord the Church i. e. the whole Church for we are Members of his body of his flesh and his bones ver 32. This is a great Mystery but I speak of Christ and his Church Heb. 12.23 To the General Assembly and Church of the first born which must be understood of the Universal Church in its purest and most glorious state both militant and triumphant to which every true Believer comes when he is united by Faith to Christ the Head 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 there is the only word in the New Testament can be rendred Catholick Assembly 2. Church is taken in the New Testament for the visible part of the Catholick Church 1 Cor. 12.27 28. Ye are the Body of Christ and Members in particular and God hath set some in the Church first Apostles then Prophets c. In this and such like places Church is taken primarily for the Universal Church though there be many things applyed thereto which more immediately belong to the visible parts of it in particular simular Congregations and differing Members in respect of Office Grace or Gifts And so i 's to be understood in the place last quoted as also Eph. 4.11 12 13. a Parallel Place and such is Rom. 12.4 5 6 7. Lastly 1 Tim. 3.15 That thou may'st know how to behave thy self in the house of God which is the Church of God i. e. in a particular part of the Universal Church which is the pillar and ground of truth i. e. the Universal Church is the pillar and ground of Truth in the world to defend and maintain it and hold forth the light of it but every particular Church is a Candlestick to hold the Candle of the Gospel-Light and Profession and Ordinances among which Christ walks These are all the places so near as I can find which have reference to the Catholick Church where Ecclesia or Church is mentioned unless those that speak of Pauls Persecuting the Church which may be understood not only actual Persecuting the Particular Church of Jerusalem but of the whole Body of Christ because 1. that Church was all as yet Planted and 2. because Christ takes his rage and enmity to be levyed and managed against his mystical Body Acts 9. Saul Saul why Persecutest thou me The places are these 1 Cor. 15.9 Gal. 1.13 Phil. 3.6 Acts 8.3 CHAP. VII Of a Particular Church I come in the next place to shew what the word Church importeth in all other Texts of the New Testament were it is used not yet mentioned which is far the greater part And to make it evident that no other Church is by them intended then such an one which is described in the 19th Article of the Church of England viz. A Church is a Congregation of Faithful Men where the pure Word of God is Preached and the Sacraments duly Administred according to Gods holy Ordinances which can have no other understanding then that of a Particular Church I need not descant upon it it carryes so much plainness and correspondency to the genuine sence of a Church in all places of the Gospel where a particular Church is intended that there is no room for exception The first Text is Mat. 18.17 Tell the Church which is the particular Congregation of faithful men c. It s nonsence to suppose that a National or Provincial Church is here meant that upon every offence between brother and brother an address must be made to a Council Synod Archbishop or Bishop and where have we Counsels or Synods or Pastors called Churches in any place of the New Testament If any man preâ—end to object that our Saviour here â—ntended the Church of the Jews â—nd that to tell the Church was to tell the Sanhedrim Let such an one give one instance that the Sanhedrim is called the Church in Old or New Testament I am sure not in the New neither is it rational to suppose that our Saviour gave here Rules for the Oeconomy of the Jewish Church which was so soon after to be dissolved as to its whole constitution our Saviour never intending the erection of a National Church more 2. The next Texts are Acts 2.47 Of the Church of Jerusalem And the Lord added to the Church daily such as should be saved This was without dispute a particular Congregation for there was as yet but that one which was that CXX which Christ left together at his Ascention This was the Congregation of the Faithful which was added to which is the same Church that was spoken of Acts 5.11 Fear fell upon all the Church or Congregation of the Faithful The first multiplying of Churches was occasioned by Sauls Persecution after the stoning of Stephen scattering a great part of this Congregation now grown too big for one Acts 8.1 3. There was a great Persecution against the Church which was at Jerusalem against this Church in particular Sauls Persecution was breathed which he mentions afterward 1 Cor. 15.9 Gal. 1.13 Phil.
3.6 after which he continues to breath out threatnings and slaughter and assay's to pursue them to Damascus and other places Acts 9.1 near which place Christ stops his Career But notwitstanding this scattering which God turn'd to the advantage of the Gospel and encrease of Churches by the Preaching of Philip and other scattered brethren so that as chap. 8. and 11. ver 19. and in ver 21. The hand of the Lord was with them and a great number were added to the Lord So that in Judea the Churches of Samaria and Galilee were gathered Acts 9.31 It appears also the Body of that Jerusalem-Church still remained tydings coming to them of the marvellous success of the Ministry of the scattered Disciples they sent forth Barnabas Acts 11.22 Then tydings of these things came to the ears of the Church which was in Jerusalem and they sent forth Barnabas that he should go as far as Antioch The Church of Antioch c. ver 25. from thence he departed to Tarsus to seek Saul ver 26. And when he had found him he brought him to Antioch and it came to pass that a whole year they Assembled themselves with the Church and taught much people i. e. besides the Churches this is the First Gospel-Church of the Gentiles we read of Now that this was a Congregation of the Faithful converted first by the Ministry of the Scattered it appears in that Barnabas first fell upon confirming work v. 23. When he came and had seen the Grace of God was glad and exhorted them all that with purpose â—f heart they would cleave unto the Lord and by his further labours the Church was encreased v. 24. and much people were added unto the Lord though I will not deny this expression may intend his first forming them into a Church before the coming of Saul after which we are assured it was a Formed Church separated from the rest of the people of Antioch yea from many that were frequent hearers of the Word as appears verse 26. After this a second Persecution ariseth against the Church of Jerusalem Act. 12.1 Now about that time Herod the King stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the Church and killed James and imprisoned Peter for whom Prayer was made without ceasing of the Church unto God for him verse 5 12. viz. Assembled in a private Meeting Chap 13.1 We have an Account of Certain Prophets in the Church of Antioch a sort of extraordinary Officers in the Primitive Churches mentioned next after Apostles Eph. 4.11 These were charged by the Holy Ghost to set apart Barnabas and Saul to the work whereunto he had called them which being sent forth they went their Progress to Seleucia Cyprus Salamis Paphos Perga in Pamphilia and from thence to Antioch in Pisidia chap. 13. verse 14. there Paul preached in the Synagogue with great acceptation of the Proselyte Gentiles who assembled to hear the next Sabbath from all parts of the City but the Jews contradicting and blaspheming they declare the rejection of the Jews and there turn to the Gentiles ver 46 47. Being Persecuted from this Antioch they came to Iconium to the great joy of the Disciples verse 51 52. Here they Preached with success chap. 14.1 but were opposed by the Unbelieving Jews and Persecuted to Lystra Derbe verse 20. Cityes of Lycaonia At Lystra cured the Cripple and like to be worshipped for Gods but the Jews from Antioch and Iconium change the Scene ver 19. and Paul was stoned but recovered departed to Derbe and after Preaching there returned to Lystra Iconium and Antioch of Pisidia Churches of Lystra Iconium Antioch of Pisidia confirming the Disciples verse 22 23. ordaining Elders in every Church These Churches of Lystra Iconium and Antioch were gathered at the Apostles first coming and at their return to confirm them they ordained Elders in them These were not National Churches Antioch was of the Region of Pisidia nor was the whole limit of any of these places of the Church but a few of each that were wrought upon by and submitted to their Ministry From Pisidia they came to the Province of Pamphilia ver 24. where they Preached at Perga went to Attalia and thence sailed to the first Antioch where these two Apostles so called ver 14. were Ordained and from whence they were sent to this Apostolick work of gathering Churches and setling Elders in them here they give the Church of Antioch an account of what God had done by them in opening a door of faith unto the Gentiles verse 27. and abode there a long time During their abode there disturbance was raised by some men that came from Judea and taught the necessity of circumcision chap. 15.1 2 3. whereupon the Apostles and certain others were sent to the Apostles and Elders at Jerusalem about this question and were brought on their way by the Church verse 3. I suppose none can conjecture that here was any Church besides a Congregation of Faithful no House-church that could bring the Apostles on their way no National or Provincial Church it 's not to be supposed that all the Province or City of Antioch accompanied them but only those few that were gathered into a Church and they not taken all in one Parish or Precinct of the City but here and there as it pleased God by his Grace to work When they came verse 4. to Jerusalem they were received by the Church Apostles and Elders where the question was determined verse 22. and return made with the resolves of the Apostles and Church of Jerusalem to Antioch and staying some time there confirmed the Disciples But some days after Paul and Barnabas agreeing to depart to revisit the Cities where they Preached they disagreed about taking John Mark and so parted Paul then took Silas and went through Syria and Cilicia Barnabas took Mark and went to Cyprus places where they had been verse 36 37. confirming the Churches v. 41. I shall proceed no further in these two Apostles travells this being enough to shew what sort of Churches were first planted by them and to shew where any mention is made of Church and that 's but in two places more in the Acts Acts 18.22 After he had Landed at Cesarea Church of Caesarea and went up and saluted the Church he went down to Antioch and chap. 20.17 from Miletus Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the Elders of the Church and charged them v. 28. Take heed therefore to your selves and to all the Flâ—ck over which the Holy Ghost hath made you Overseers to feed the Church of God which he hath purchased with his Blood Now what were these but such Congregations that accompanyed the Apostles that was saluted by them that they confirmed and were purchased by Christs blood is it sence to think they were Houses or whole Nations or Provinces or Cities no they were those faithful ones Building of living stones who being gathered into particular Congregations
by the Ministry first of the Prophets i. e. the scattered Brethren from Jerusalem were setled and confirmed by the Apostles who Ordained Officers respectively among them I proceed in the next place to the Churches to whom the several Epistles were wrote We read not the word Church in any part of the Epistles to the Romans but in the 16th chapter and there referring to other Churches The Church of the Romans as verse 1. he speaks of Phebe a Deaconess of the Church at Cenchrea and verse 4 mentions all the Churches of the Gentiles verse 5. salutes the Church in Aquila's house vers 16. The Churches of Christ salute you Though we have reason enough to believe that there was at this time a constituted Church at Rome because first he writes to them as beloved of God and called to be Saints chap. 1. verse 7. Secondly because he gives Rules to them for walking towards each other as those in Fellowship chap. 14. Thirdly Phebe is recommended to them from the Church at Cenchrea which would not have been had they not been a Church In the Epistle to the Corinthians we have more mention made of the word Church then in any Epistle The Church of Corinth importing a Particular Congregation and we may begin with that description the Apostle gives of it 1 Cor. 1.2 Vnto the Church of God which is at Corinth to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus called to be Saints c. he writes not to all the Inhabitants of Corinth but to the Church which he tells you what they are sanctified in Christ Jesus called to be Saints which words are exegetical of Church so he directs his second Epistle 2 Cor. 1.1 Vnto the Church of God which is at Corinth with all the Saints which are in all Achaia Corinth was a City of the Province of Achaia and he writes primarily to the Church at Corinth and likewise to all the Saints which were in that Province whether they were actually in Church Fellowship or no. I shall briefly mention all the other Texts where Church is taken plainly for such a Particular Congregation as is described in the first Epistle chap. 1. 1 Cor. 4.17 I have sent unto you Timotheus who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ as I teach every where in every Church i. e. every particular Congregation 1 Cor. 6.4 If then you have judgment of things appertaining to this life set them to judge who are least esteemed in the Church i. e. in the Church of the Corinths of them it s primarily intended and as a rule for other particular Churches where no such thing as Christian civil Magistrates was in those times 1 Cor. 7.17 As the Lord hath called every one so let him walk and so ordain I in all the Churches i. e. as a Rule for every particular member of each Church 1 Cor. 11.16 If any man sâ—emeth to be contentious we have no such Custom nor the Churches of God Verse 18. When you come together in the Church i. e. the Assembly not meant of the meeting place as before noted the same sence as in verse 22. Chap. 14.4 He that Prophesieth Edifieth the Church i. e. the Congregation that heareth him And verse 5. his reason of prefering Prophecying is given viz. That the Church may receive Edifying therefore saith verse 12. Seek that ye may excel that the Church may receive Edifying and verse 19. In the Church I had rather speak five words with my Vnderstanding that I might teach others Verse 23. If the whole Church be come together in one place Verse 28. If there be no Interpreter let him keep silence in the Church c. Verse 33. God is not the Author of Confusion but of Peace as in all the Churches of the Saints Verse 34. Let your Women keep silence in the Churches Verse 35. For it is a shame for Women to speak in the Church Chap. 16.1 Concerning the Collection for the Saints as I have given Order to the Churches such as are in the Province of Galatia even so do ye Where should Collections be made but in particular Congregations Verse 19. The Churches of Asia i. e. of that Region salute you Aquila and Prescilla salute you and the Church in their House it may be that frequently assembled there or that was for the most part belonging to their Family there might be enough for a competent Congregation in such times as those that Church is mentioned more times 2 Cor. 8.1 We do you to wit of the Grace of God bestowed on the Churches of Macedonia the word is always used in the plural Number when it s applyed to Nations Provinces Macedonia was a Province Regions as of Galatia Macedonia Asia Judea Verse 18 19. We have sent with him the Brother whose praise is in the Gospel throughout all the Churches verse 19. And not that only but who were also chosen of the Churches to travel with us the word is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and might be rendred ordained as well as in other places Verse 23. They are Messengers of the Churches Verse 24. Wherefore shew to them and before the Churches the proof of your Love Chap. 11.8 I robbed other Churches to serve you 2 Cor. 11.28 That which cometh upon me daily the care of all the Churches viz. as to his Apostolical Office 2 Cor. 12 13. What is it wherein you are inferiour to other Churches It seems there 's no superiority of one particlar Church above another but are all co-ordinate The word is thrice used in the Epistle to the Gallatians Chap. 2.1 2. Paul an Apostle and all the Brethren which are with me unto the Churches of Galatia a Province Verse 13. You have heard of my Conversation how that beyond measure I persecuted the Church of God and wasted it i. e. the Church of Jerusalem which was only extant when he began his Persecution and for ought I know while it lasted for that was a principal occasional cause of scattering the Jerusalem Church in order to Propagation but he tells them of more Churches in the Province of Judea after his Conversion Verse 21 22. Afterwards I came into the Regions of Syria and Cilicia and was unknown by face unto the Churches of Judea which were in Christ. The Apostle directs the Epistle to the Ephâ—sians thus To the Saints which are at Ephesus and to the faithful in Christ Jesus which terms have a synonymous acceptation most times with a Church and we have ground enough to believe there was an Established Church there when Paul wrote he writing of such high mysteries concerning Christ and his Church but we are fully assured of it afterward when John wrote Rev. 2.1 where he directs his Epistle to the Ephesian Church as if to the Dutch or French Church in England or the Ephesian Congregation at Ephesus but in all places where Church is mentioned in this Epistle he treats only of the Catholick Church
as hath been shewed being his design mostly to shew the Beauty Glory and Mystery of Christ Mystical c. He directs his Epistle to Philippi Church of Philippi in the same manner and mentions the word Church but twice the first is where he speaks of his Zeal in Persecuting the Church i. e. of Jerusalem Philip. 3.6 and 4.15 where he saith No Church communicated with me as to giving and receiving but ye only So that the Saints at Philippi were the Church The Epistle to Coloss is directed to the Saints and faithful Brethren in Christ who are at Coloss Church of Coloss chap. i 2. i. e. the Congregation of the faithful there where this Epistle was to be first read and then in the Church of Laodicea chap. 4.16 He mentions also the Church in the House of Nymphas every where else the word relates to the Catholick Church in this Epistle as hath been shewed The Apostle directs his second Epistle to the Thessalonians verse 1. To the Church of the Thessalonians Church of Thessalonica and such a Church as took their pattern from the Churches of God in Judea 1 Thess 2.14 and therefore he saith 2 Thess 1.4 We our selves glory in the Churches of God for their Patience and Faith in all our Persecutions The Epistle to Timothy speaks of particular Churches 1 Tim. 3.5 If a man know not how to rule his own House how shall he take care of the Church of God i. e. such a one as falls under a Pastoral care in a mans capacity of Government as a Family doth and 1 Tim. 5.16 Let not the Church be charged that is the particular Congregation where Church charges arise as the Context shews In the Epistle to Philemon he speaks of the Church in his House i. e. that did usually assemble there as indeed all the Church-Assemblies were in those times in private Houses and this is the third Church in a private Family that is expresly mentioned by Paul there was Aquila's Nymphas's and Philemon's The Epistle to the Hebrews hath the word Church but twice the first is chap. 2.12 I will declare thy Name unto my Brethren in the midst of the Church I will sing Praise unto thee a place taken out of the Psalms where in the next and Primary Signification the Psalmist so far as he means himself it s to be understood of a particular Congregation where God is praised and so far as it s Prophetically applyed to Christ it s meant of the Catholick Church in the fore-going verse saying He that sanctifieth and who they are sanctified are all one for which sake he is not ashamed to call them brethren saying c. And chap. 12.23 He speaks expresly of the Catholick without dispute The Apostle James speaks of the Elders of a particular Church expresly James 5.14 So John's third Epistle verse 6 9 10. John in the Revelations makes mention of the Word in the singular and plural number no less then nineteen or twenty times and always to be understood of particular Churches I will only name the Texts that the Reader may inspect at his Leisure Revel 1.4 11 20. Chap. 2.1 7 8 12 17 18 23 29. Chap. 3.1 6 7 13 14 22. Chap. 22.16 I find the word Church used in the New Testament about 85 times in this sence viz. of a particular Congregation and cannot by any candid Reader be supposed to have any other meaning nor with the least shew of reason be understood of any Meeting-house National Provincial Diocesan or Parochial constitution but only of a Congregation of Saints by mutual consent ordinarily assembling together for Attendance on Christ in all his Ordinances CHAP. VIII Of the Inferences necessary from the Fore-going Chapter IT being discovered in what sences the word Church is taken in the New Testament it s an idle and vain thing for Christians to trouble and concern their heads and Consciences about humorsome conceipts and imaginations of mens brains managed for the most part to serve their carnal Interests or darken the Truth Let men give up themselves and Understandings impartially to the plain and genuine Sence and meaning of the Spirit of God without squeezing or wresting it to a design or prejudicate Opinion or favouring any beloved Lust and the truth of the Gospel would shine with full Evidence and Demonstration And therefore notwithstanding mens great swelling and words of Vanity from Pulpit and Press in matters of this nature we shall make bold to lay down these following Assertions as undeniable plain Conclusions from what hath been spoken 1. That the Gospel Church Established by our Lord Jesus Christ in the dayes of the New Testament is or can be no where understood of any other Church then the Catholick Church or particular Congregations of faithful men c. and that there is no one place that can have any fair pretence to be understood of any other constitution of Churches 2. That where-ever the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is used it always signifies a Congregation or Assembly of men met together at least occasionally upon some civil spiritual or sinful Account and that we need not be beholding to any Tropical Sences or ungrounded supposal of things and meanings of Words so remote when in the plain and ordinary way of Understanding things present themselves to our Reasons and Senses If we be not blinded with Pride Passion Prejudice and Estrangement from the true way of Spiritual Understanding by comparing Scripture with Scripture and consonacy of things to the Analogy of Faith 3. We infer That a Congregation of faithful men is the generical material part of a Church because it comprehends all the matter that is ever found in any Gospel Church of any kind all fit matter for such a Congregation are such as are really so or visibly in foro mundi or both And also because there is no Church of Christ spoken of or mentioned in Old or New Testament but is so called under the Notion of being a Congregation to be sometime or other Assembled all together the Catholick Church is so under that Notion as being all gathered together actually and mystically in Christ and shall all appear one day in a glorious Congregation Heb. 12.22 23. Where 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is to be understood as R. St. renders it Publicus conventus a general Publick Assembly likewise wherever the Spirit of God speaks of a Church of his own constituting it s always so The Old Testament Church was called so under that notion though National yet was required to be still Congregational all the Males being required thrice a year to appear before the Lord in a Visible Congregation at the Tabernacle therefore called the Tabernacle of the Congregation or at the Temple where it was in standing and it is so often called the Congregation of the children of Israel the Reader may turn to these places at leisure Exod. 16.2.10 Levit. 4.13 ch 14.2 20.1 22. Jos
This Communion in the Holy Ghost runs through the whole Catholick Church in all Ages and Countries for where the common Bond of Union is this Communion must be 3. To make Communion in the Body compleat there must not only be this Participation in a common good by all the Members but a Communication of all good to each other mutually as they are capable and fellow-feeling with each other in all Sufferings The Spirit of Christ thus influencing all the Members appears and manifests it self in Graces and Gifts variously working towards this mutual fellowship of Parts both in good and evil of each other which are called the Operations of the Spirit as for Graces the Principal wherein the Catholick Communion doth consist are Faith and Love and by these they Communicate with Christ the Head receiving from him and making return to him as it were in a reciprocation as also a mutual communication to and with each other for Faith is the leading Grace of Communion for our present state by it we receive of the fulness of Christ for Justification and Sanctification John 1. and by Faith the Saints have communion one with another for as it is the foundation of the love of God in the heart so it is of our love to our Brethren believing them to be Justified in Christ Jesus and Members of his Body for Love founded on the Faith of the good estate of another is properly Charity the credibility of anothers Profession gives ground of Faith that he is what he professeth and this joyned with Love makes Charity wherefore the Apostle takes it in this sence when he saith Philemon 5. Hearing of thy Love and Faith which thou hast toward our Lord Jesus Christ and all Saints Moreover by Faith the Saints visible have a kind of Communion with those that went before and who are to come after it being the substance of things or persons in futurition hoped for and the evidence or demonstration of the Truth of things not seen i. e. removed from sence by timen parterition or place in absence so thereby we see the Saints and those Truths attested by them in Ages past 4. As for Love it 's not only the most eminent Grace of actual communion between Christ and his Members and of them with each other in the state that we are in here but it 's almost the only remaining when we go hence 1 Cor. 13.13 John treats much of the transcendent excellency of this Grace throughout his Epistle c. 1 John 4.11 If God so loved us we ought to love one another 12. If we love one another God dwelleth in us and his love is made perfect in us by this Grace we have communion with all Saints Militant and Triumphant 1 John 5.1 Every one that loveth him that is begot loveth him that is begotten of him 5. Now by Communion in these two Graces the Church grows up to its full perfection the Apostle saying Ephes 4.12 That the Ministry and Ministration is for the Building up of the Body of Christ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 agreement in all points of Faith and Profession of it and to the knowledge of the Son of God the Head to the perfect man to the measure of the Stature of the fullness of Christ Mystical filling up his Body and receiving influentially of his Fulness by Faith and v. 15. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 do grow more and more sincere in Love this Love shews it self in its fellow-feeling also that it works in us whereby we communicate in each others Sufferings and supply each others wants for the good of the whole this part of Communion is fully discoursed by the Apostle 1 Cor. 12.13 14 c. yea in the most part of the Chapter 6. Thus far Communion belongs to the Church under its Catholick consideration in its Mystical State there must be some external actions and things that are visible whereby the Communion of these Graces must be manifest in Ministry Offices Gifts Ordinances but all for and from the Spirit and these eminent Graces of Faith and Love 7. Communion then of particular Congregations must be by Christ's Ordination visible in those sacred Means and Ordinances appointed by Christ for its growth confirmation and building up in Grace and Truth God having made his Church in its visible state the Nursery of Grace and the Knowledge of the Truth Eph. 4.12 For the perfecting of the Saints for the work of the Ministry for the edifying the Body of Christ i. e. in the militanting visible part 13. till we all come in the Vnity of the Faith and the Knowledge of the Son of God unto a perfect man unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. Verse 14. That we should be henceforth no more Children 8. The Edification of the Church being appointed by Christ in a way of Communion we are to consider 1. wherein this visible communion doth consist 2. what is the ground and end of it 3. where and between whom it is 1. Wherein doth it consist It doth consist first in participation of some common benefit and advantages which a particular Congregation are capable of and have frequent fellowship together in and these are Church-Gifts and Church-Ordinances Acts 2.42 They continued stedfast in the Apostles Doctrine and Fellowship in Breaking Bread and in Prayers and for this end hath Christ furnished his Church with Ministry and Ordinances Ephes 4. Ministry by erecting extraordinary and ordinary for the planting of his Church our Saviour thought meet to send them with extraordinary Commission and qualifications those that were such were especially Apostles Prophets Evangelists 1 Cor. 12.28 First Apostles secondarily Prophets Eph. 4.11 These were all to be Witnesses of the Resurrection and Ascension of our Lord Jesus and confirm their Doctrine by Miracles had their inspiration of the Holy Ghost special Presence of God and power in the Churches wherever they came especially the Apostles 9. The Apostles were XII which waited upon our Lord during his Ministry on earth before his Sufferings Judas then falling from his Ministry when our Lord Ascended he left eleven to which Matthias was added by Lot and Election of the Church Act. 1. to these two more were added afterwards by special command of the Holy Ghost to the Prophets in the Church at Antioch Act. 13.1 2 3. compared with chap. 14.14 Which when the Apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of and before that Ordination Barnabas was but a Prophet sent from the Church at Jerusalem to assist them that were there before as appears chap. 11.22 23. and chap. 13.1 10. The Prophets I apprehend to be such who were furnished with Gifts and Graces and extraordinary inspiration their Call and Commission being such for the calling of the Gentiles and gathering the Churches And I suppose them to be those Brethren of the 120 that waited together at Jerusalem till they were baptized with the Holy Ghost and fire being all equally with the