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…

So that we see, it's very hard for Churches not to admire their own ways and constitutions, thinking that none are Churches but themselves; there may be pharisaical Churches, that may condemn other Churches as Publicans, as well as it is so in persons; whereas it is good to observe, that the Scripture doth describe Christians by such names as do not at all relate, or distinguish by any Government, or external constitution, to be a believer, to be a Saint, to be a Christian. These titles denote either some inward qualification or external profession, but do not at all insinuate, what kinds of order or way they are in; yet this is not so to be understood, as if Christs order and way, his Government and Discipline were an indifferent or arbitrary thing; only it is to show, that we are not to monopolize godliness amongst our selves, merely because of a Church-constitution, although we are not to receive any form or spiritual order in our Churches, but of Christs appointment. There is a great difference and latitude in the soundness and purity of Churches.

So that we see, it's very hard for Churches not to admire their own wayes and constitutions, thinking that none are Churches but themselves; there may be pharisaical Churches, that may condemn other Churches as Publicans, as well as it is so in persons; whereas it is good to observe, that the Scripture doth describe Christians by such names as do not at all relate, or distinguish by any Government, or external constitution, to be a believer, to be a Saint, to be a Christian. These titles denote either some inward qualification or external profession, but do not at all insinuate, what kinds of order or way they are in; yet this is not so to be understood, as if Christs order and way, his Government and Discipline were an indifferent or arbitrary thing; only it is to shew, that we are not to monopolize godliness amongst our selves, meerly because of a Church-constitution, although we are not to receive any form or spiritual order in our Churches, but of Christs appointment. There is a great difference and latitude in the soundness and purity of Churches.

Secondly, When we speak of a Church being Gods true Church, though greatly corrupted, we must take heed of two extremes, the first of those, who therefore would have no Reformation, though there be never so many disorders, but say, It's wisdom and prudence to let all things be, as they have been, for it may be Gods Church, though there be divers abuses. Take heed of such carnal indulgence as this, because it's the Church of God, therefore make no more stir, let errors and profaneness alone, let disorders continue; and this many times is palliated with fair specious pretences, that such endeavours to reform, will breed great discontents and divisions, in stead of having a pure Church, it may be made no Church at all, especially this is the more difficulty obtained, if it be a Reformation in worship and manners; for we are more willing to sit down under an Orthodox Church, then a pure Church. We can more easily endure to have sound Doctrine established, then pure and holy Order, because this doth so directly contradict our lusts, and pleasures. Hence Malachi prophesieth of Christs repurgation of his Church, as a very dreadful time, even like the day of judgement,