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…

Thus also the Church of Jerusalem is called a Church, which yet by many probable Arguments seemeth to be more than one. Neither may we think, that Christ hath invested one single Congregation (ordinarily) with all Church power. For that president and example of a Council or Synod, mentioned Act. 15. doth inform, That there are to be Synods, not only by way of advice, but by power, and that over particular Churches.

Thus also the Church of Jerusalem is called a Church, which yet by many probable Arguments seemeth to be more than one. Neither may we think, that Christ hath invested one single Congregation (ordinarily) with all Church power. For that president and example of a Councel or Synod, mentioned Act. 15. doth inform, That there are to be Synods, not only by way of advice, but by power, and that over particular Churches.

We proceed to the next thing considerable in this description of the Church, and that is the efficient Cause, the Church of God. This distinguisheth the Church from all civil and mere political Assemblies. For, though the Earth be the Lords, and the fullness thereof; yet the Church is the Lords in a more peculiar and appropriated manner. Sometimes the Church is named absolutely without any addition, as when Paul is said to persecute the Church. Sometimes it's restrained to the place. Thus the Church of Ephesus, the Church of Laodicea, but most commonly, it is the Church of God, or the Church of Christ. Sometimes both are put together, as 1 Thes. 1. 1. To the Church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father, and in Jesus Christ. So also 2 Thess. 1. 1. And certainly, if so be the Apostle considering us merely as creatures, maketh use of, and sanctifieth that of the Poet, For we are his off-spring, how much more is it true of us, as members of a Church. Observe,