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…

Thirdly, in that Gods church is the most excellent society, giving honour to all others; we are taught within the compass of our callings, as much as we can to bring all other societies unto this. Those that are members of a family, must labour to bring every one in their family to be good members of the church: And so in civill societies, men of government must labour that the members of the civill body, become also members of Christs body. Thus governors of kingdoms should labour that the parts of their dominions may be particular churches of God. And there is good reason of this duty; because all other societies without this are companions of men in the dark, sitting in the shadow of death, being spiritually blind, and without all sound comfort in their souls. Secondly, the church is compared to a candlestick of gold, because of all societies among men it is most precious & deer unto God: and therefore it is resembled to a seal ^(b)on Christs heart, and a signet on his arm: yea, it is a dear unto him as the apple of his eye, Zachar. 2.8. The Church is the Queen that stands on Christs right hand in a vesture of gold, Psa. 4.5.9. Yea that which surpasseth all, Christ redeemed ^(c)the Church unto himself by his own blood. Oh then how deer and precious is she in his sight: And hereby also we are taught the same instructions that did arise from the former preeminence; namely to have special care of Gods church to preserve the same, and to labour to become our selves, and to bring others to be members thereof. And thus much of the title of the church.

Thirdly, in that Gods church is the most excellent societie, giuing honor to all others; we are taught within the compasse of our callings, as much as we can to bring all other societies vnto this. Those that are members of a familie, must labour to bring euerie one in their familie to bee good members of the church: And so in ciuill societies, men of gouernement must labour that the members of the ciuill body, become also members of Christs bodie. Thus gouernors of kingdomes should labour that the parts of their dominions may be particular churches of God. And there is good reason of this dutie; because all other societies without this are companions of men in the darke, sitting in the shadow of death, being spiritually blind, and without all sound comfort in their soules. Secondly, the church is compared to a candlesticke of gold, because of all societies among men it is most precious & deere vnto God: and therfore it is resembled to a seale