Now howsoever it be true that by the names of Zion and Jerusalem, one and the same is to be understood, yet the repetition is diligently to be marked. For the meaning is, that this City was no way more excellent then the rest, but in regard that God had chosen it above the rest to be the seat of his Sanctuary. In the next place he saith that they publish good tidings, because the Priests and Levites were there ordained and instructed according to the rules contained in the Law, that they might be fitted to be leaders of the people, and to publish the doctrine of salvation. In the mean while this title wherewith God adorns his Church is well to be observed, to the end she may be known by some sure and infallible mark.1 For that assembly is not to be held for the Church where the heavenly doctrine of glad tidings is not sounded forth and preached: and in this sense the Apostle saith, that she is the pillar and ground of truth, 1. Tim. 3.15. For albeit God might govern us well enough without the ministry of man, yet he hath imposed this charge upon his Church, into whose hands he hath committed the inestimable treasure of his word, & for this cause she is called ⟨p. 406⟩hereafter, The mother of all the faithful, Chap. 66.10.11.12. Hence it follows, that nothing is more absurd and unjust, then to see dumb Idols to boast of the name of the Church,2 as they do in the Papacy. We are also advertised, that the Church is not taught of God that she should keep her knowledge to her self, but that she should proclaim that to others which she hath learned. Moreover, she is enjoined to publish this grace freely without any fear, that the Prophets might know they were not to speak timorously, as of a thing doubtful, but as those that were well assured of that truth which they set forth, being fully persuaded that God which was the author of it could not lie; but his will was, that the witnesses of his grace should come out of Zion, to replenish the whole land of Judea with gladness.
Now howsoeuer it be true that by the names of Zion and Ierusalem, one and the same is to be vnderstood, yet the repetition is diligentlie to be marked. For the meaning is, that this Citie was no way more excellent then the rest, but in regard that God had chosen it aboue the rest to be the seate of his Sanctuarie. In the next place he saith that they publish good tidings, because the Priests and Leuites were there ordeined and instructed according to the rules conteined in the Law, that they might be fitted to be leaders of the people, and to publish the doctrine of saluation. In the meane while this title wherwith God adornes his Church is well to be obserued, to the end she may be knowne by some sure and infallible marke.1 For that assemblie is not to be held for the Church where the heauenlie doctrine of glad tidings is not sounded forth and preached: and in this sense the Apostle saith, that she is the pillar and ground of truth, 1. Tim. 3.15. For albeit God might gouerne vs well enough without the ministrie of man, yet he hath imposed this charge vpon his Church, into whose hands he hath committed the inestimable treasure of his word, & for this cause she is called ⟨p. 406⟩hereafter, The mother of all the faithfull, Chap. 66.10.11.12. Hence it followes, that nothing is more absurd and vniust, then to see dumb Idols to boast of the name of the Church,2 as they doe in the Papacie. We are also aduertised, that the Church is not taught of God that she should keepe her knowledge to her selfe, but that she should proclaime that to others which she hath learned. Moreouer, she is inioined to publish this grace freely without any feare, that the Prophets might know they were not to speake timerouslie, as of a thing doubtfull, but as those that were well assured of that truth which they set forth, being fullie perswaded that God which was the author of it could not lie; but his will was, that the witnesses of his grace should come out of Zion, to replenish the whole land of Iudeah with gladnes.
- 1That assembly is not to be reputed the Church, where the doctrine of salvation▪ sounds.That assemblie is not to be reputed the Church, where the doctrine of saluation▪ sounds.
- 2The true Church the mother of the faithful. Dumb idols in the papacy, boast in vain of the title of the Church.The true Church the mother of the faithfull. Dumbe idols in the papacie, boast in vaine of the title of the Church.
