The works of the reverend and faithful servant of Jesus Christ M. Richard Greenham,…The workes of the reuerend and faithfull seruant af Iesus Christ M. Richard Greenham,…

2 The rulers of the Church are called the Church, to whom Discipline appertaineth, even as Mark. 3. not the whole company of the Jews, but the rulers of the Synagogue are called the Church of the Jews. Therefore as we call the Court of Parliament the Realm gathered together, although it be but an Epitome to sit, and compromise of things: so these few being a Compendium of the Church, have all things committed unto them. And God himself in the Parable doth not bewray this, but doth in wisdom conceal it: saying, They will without peradventure reverence my Son: So without controversy, one would think they would hear the Church. But as the Jews made a way with him that was the heir, so we say now adays with the Edomites, Psal. 137. down with the Church, that there be no fear of yoke, nor the print of the yoke upon our neck. Well, how grievous a thing it is to despise the Church, we will see by the dignity appointed to the Church in the word of God. Tit. 2. it is called a peculiar people, and in an ancient tongue, The Lords Jewel, 2. Cor. 4. All the world was made for the Church, & for the Churches sake, CHRIST was a Christ, Heb. 11. He that despiseth the Church, the world is not worthy to give him breath, Hebr. 1. The Angels of God are servants to it. Cor. 6. the Church shall judge the¹ whole world, and the Angels 2. Pet. 1. 3. 4. The Church is partaker even of God his own nature▪ Ephes. 4. The Church is the fulfilling of Christ, so that Christ is as it were maimed without it, and what can be said more of it?

2 The rulers of the Church are called the Church, to whom Discipline appertaineth, euen as