Queens then are such Reformed Congregations where such properties of Queens are found: Christ (indeed) looks for no Dowry from us for his own use, he needeth nothing of ours, neither have we any thing to give him, but our own nakedness, filthiness, and beggary.1 Here therefore look at Christ in the persons of the Ministers, whose Vicegerents they are, and Ambassadors also; and in whose name they being married to the Churches, do beget children to Christ;2 though Ministers considered in comparison with ⟨p. 186⟩Christ, they are but as the friends of the Bridegroom, not Bridegrooms themselves.3 Such Churches then, and Congregations are Queens, whom the Ministers and Congregations do with mutual free consent choose either the other; as when the people do give up themselves,4 first, to the Lord, and then to the Ministers by the will of God. Of this sort are sundry Congregations in England, and very many in the Reformed foreign Churches: other Congregations, which have Ministers, thrust upon them without their liking and consent, and whom Ministers have to them by some clandestine conveyances, are more like to Concubines.
Queenes then are such Reformed Congregations where such properties of Queenes are found: Christ (indeed) lookes for no Dowrie from us for his owne use, he needeth nothing of ours, neither have we any thing to give him, but our owne nakednesse, filthinesse, and beggery.1 Here therefore looke at Christ in the persons of the Ministers, whose Vicegerents they are, and Embassadours also; and in whose name they being married to the Churches, doe beget children to Christ;2 though Ministers considered in comparison with ⟨p. 186⟩Christ, they are but as the friends of the Bridegroome, not Bridegroomes themselves.3 Such Churches then, and Congregations are Queenes, whom the Ministers and Congregations doe with mutuall free consent chuse either the other; as when the people do give up themselves,4 first, to the Lord, and then to the Ministers by the will of God. Of this sort are sundry Congregations in England, and very many in the Reformed forraigne Churches: other Congregations, which have Ministers, thrust upon them without their liking and consent, and whom Ministers have to them by some clandestine conveyances, are more like to Concubines.
- 1Ezek. 16. 5, 6.
- 21 Cor. 4. 15
- 3John 3. 29.Iohn 3. 29.
- 42 Cor. 8. 5.
