An expository comment, doctrinal, controversial, and practical upon the whole first chapter to the…An expository comment, doctrinal, controversal, and practical upon the whole first chapter to the…

1. When we have to do with an unbeliever, we must not in the first place ¹deal with him about a Church, to prove that we are the true Church, but that there is a God, who is to be worshipped, as natural light will convince of this. Then, that this God hath made known how he will be worshipped. Next, that the Scriptures do contain this revealed will of God. And when this foundation is •aid, then out of Gods Word we are to inform ⟨p. 59⟩him of a Church. So that in order, there is, first, The Word of God to be discovered: 2. What is the true sense and meaning of it. Lastly, That what society hath this, there is a true Church. And

1. 1Answ. Why needful to know the Marks of a true Church.Answ. Why needfull to know the Marks of a true Church.

Secondly, Even Heathens by hearing of the Word preached, have by the Grace of God been converted, and so the Word preached, which was at first instrumental to convert them, doth afterwards by way of a sign or mark, confirm them therein. The Apostle tells us of an unbeliever, coming into Church-meetings, who is so wrought upon, that he crieth out, Verily God is here, 1 Cor. 14. 25.

And as to the Believer the notes of a Church are necessary, for the further confirming and establishing of him. For seeing that every Party or Sect saith, They are the true Church, and with them only is Communion to be had, condemning other meetings, as false, as the Synagogue of Satan, and as necessarily damning all those that continue in that Communion different from them: It is thereby of great use, that we should have such Notes or Marks, to conclude that where such are, certainly there is a Church; for we are not to be Sceptics or Seekers. When the Scripture commands us, To tell the Church,