A godly and learned exposition or commentary upon the three first chapters of the…A godly and learned exposition or commentarie vpon the three first chapters of the…

First, whereas Christ promiseth to make them that overcome, pillars and chief members in the Church triumphant; Hereby we are taught to labour to become true members of Gods Church in this life. For life eternal must begin here, and they that would be pillars in his Church triumphant, must now become members of his Church militant: for not only Ministers & teachers are pillars in Gods Church, though they be chief pillars therein; but every one young and old, man and woman that is a true believer. And thus shalt thou become a pillar in Gods Church on earth, by maintaining & upholding the Gospel of Christ; which thou must do, partly by teaching it to those, whom thou art bound to teach within the compass of they calling: and partly by good example of life and conversation; and chiefly by a true and bold profession thereof, not only in time of peace, but even in the greatest trials and afflictions.

First, whereas Christ promiseth to make them that ouercomme, pillars and chiefe members in the Church tryumphant; Hereby we are taught to labour to become true members of Gods Church in this life. For life eternall must begin here, and they that would be pillars in his Church tryumphant, must now become members of his Church militant: for not onely Ministers & teachers are pillars in Gods Church, though they be chiefe pillars therein; but euery one yong and old, man and woman that is a true beleeuer. And thus shalt thou become a pillar in Gods Church on earth, by maintaining & vpholding the Gospel of Christ; which thou must doe, partly by teaching it to those, whom thou art bound to teach within the compasse of they calling: and partly by good example of life and conuersation; and chiefly by a true and bold profession thereof, not onely in time of peace, but euen in the greatest tryals and afflictions.

Secondly he addeth; He will make him a pillar in the Temple of God; that is, in the church triumphant; for in the new Testament we have no other Temples, but Gods Church triumphant and militant. Hereby then we must learn to renounce that ignorant opinion of the world, who judge every material church to be the temple of God, and as holy as the Church in Jerusalem was. But the distinction of place and place in regard of holiness which was under the Law, is taken away by Christ. The house is now as holy as the Church; Churches indeed must be regarded and maintained, not for holiness, but for order sake: now men may every where offer the calves of their lips, and lift up pure hands from a pure heart unto God.