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…

Lastly, here is a rule and direction for those which will be of no religion, because of the diversity of opinions touching the same. They must have recourse to the doctrine of the Apostles, and content themselves therewith, nothing regarding new doctrines, be they never so glorious.

Lastly, here is a rule and direction for those which will bee of no religion, because of the diuersitie of opinions touching the same. They must haue recourse to the doctrine of the Apostles, and content themselues therewith, nothing regarding new doctrines, bee they neuer so glorious.

Till I come. Here Christ showeth how long the doctrine of the Apostles must be held fast: namely, not for a short time, but till his second coming to judgement. Whereby we learn, that it is the duty of Gods Church to preserve and maintain the purity of true religion unto the end of the world. This is no small matter: but a most needful duty enjoined unto us by special commandment, and withal a matter of great consequence: for the purity of religion is the foundation and mark of the Church, and the right way to direct mens souls to eternal life. For this cause Paul chargeth Timothy, ^(a)To keep the true pattern of wholesome words, and to continue in the things which he had learned. And in regard of this duty,² the Church is called, The pillar and ground of truth. And Christ for this cause gave to his Church both Pastors and Teachers:³ Pastors to instruct in righteousness, for the maintenance of purity in manners: and Teachers to maintain the purity of doctrine in soundness of judgement. This therefore must admonish us, that we have care not only to learn religion in our own persons, but also to convey the same to ages following, that the purity thereof may be preserved to the coming of Christ. This duty especially concerns the preachers of the Gospel, they should teach the truth, and confute errors, and beat down false doctrines, which poison the truth of God. If in the night season a man set up a false light in the haven, all the ships that are coming to land are in danger of shipwreck. So in Gods Church, if the bright light of pure religion be not set up and advanced, the souls of men are cast into the gulf of hell. The want of care in performing this duty, is the cause why God sends heresies and Apostasies into his Church. Thus came in the Apostasy of Antichrist,