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…

Fourthly, When these Notes, especially the former, are said to be proper and inseparable to the Church of God: You must always remember here is a latitude in the application of these Notes. For some Churches may have the Word more soundly preached, and the Sacraments more dispensed than another, and yet for all that not to be denied to be Churches. This Church of Corinth was foully out of order: And so most of those Churches in Asia were sharply reproved, yet they did not cease to be a Church. Yea the Church of Israel had many corruptions both in worship and life, yet it was a long while ere God did cast her off. So that we must not for some defilements either in the Doctrine, Worship or Manners of a Church, presently deny her to be a Church, and separate from her, for this is against Scripture information. Yea, there is no Church so perfect, but needeth some Reformation. They may build hay and stubble, though they keep the foundation. So that he must go out of the world, that would live in a Church, where nothing is amiss. Even that Church of Smyrna the Apostle mentioneth, Revel. 2. 8. that was as her Name, signifying sweet smelling, and fragrant like a Garden, or bed of Spices, yet she was troubled with some, who said, They were Jews, but were not, but were of the Synagogue of Satan. But of this more, when we come to the next Doctrine.

Fourthly, When these Notes, especially the former, are said to be proper and inseparable to the Church of God: You must alwayes remember here is a latitude in the application of these Notes. For some Churches may have the Word more soundly preached, and the Sacraments more dispensed than another, and yet for all that not to be denied to be Churches. This Church of Corinth was foully out of order: And so most of those Churches in Asia were sharply reproved, yet they did not cease to be a Church. Yea the Church of Israel had many corruptions both in worship and life, yet it was a long while ere God did cast her off. So that we must not for some defilements either in the Doctrine, Worship or Manners of a Church, presently deny her to be a Church, and separate from her, for this is against Scripture information. Yea, there is no Church so perfect, but needeth some Reformation. They may build hay and stubble, though they keep the foundation. So that he must go out of the world, that would live in a Church, where nothing is amiss. Even that Church of Smyrna the Apostle mentioneth, Revel. 2. 8