The sum of sacred divinity briefly & methodically propoundedThe summe of sacred diuinitie briefly & methodically propounded

Upon all that hath been said, it followeth, that the Church which now we speak of, is a Church visible. I call it not visible, as if the Church of GOD were always to be seen and known in the¹ World: for as the Moon is sometimes eclipsed, sometimes at the full: so the Church, sometimes lifted up above the Mountains, is other sometimes ⟨p. 355⟩thrust into the Wilderness, ^cthat no true Professors seem to be remaining. So 2. Chro. 15. 3. Israel, by which is meant not the ten Tribes only, but Judah and Benjamin, as the sequel of the Chapter showeth, is said to have been a long time without the true God without Priest to teach, without the Law. And Paul, 2. Thess. 2. 3. telleth of a general defection and falling from the Truth, that no face of a visible Church should be discerned: Antichrist should so universally set up his throne, which in the height and fullness of Popery we see to have bin accomplished: Although that God hath, and always had some that are his, as appeareth by that which the Lord ^danswered to Elijah. But I call it a visible Church, because it may be seen and known who are such Professors, though the Church of the Elect cannot be seen. This outward Church universal, is further⁴ to be considered in the beauty it receiveth by companies and assemblies, drawn by the power of Christs Spirit, to associate and join themselves together in the profession of his Name: which is a singular ornament and a marvellous gracing of the whole, thus to be distinguished into particular meetings, as it were, the field of the Lord into several closures, or a garden into several beds or alleys. Whereby Gods glory is much the more conspicuous.

Vpon all that hath beene said, it followeth, that the Church which now wee speake of, is a Church visible. I call it not visible, as if the Church of GOD were alwayes to bee seene and knowne in the