The saints anchor-hold, in all storms and tempests preached in sundry sermons, and published…

yet David accounted the houses of wicked men Tabernacles; he looked for no stability in the World, but only in the Church and fellowship of those that are in Covenant. See how affectionately he speaks of Church Assemblies and Communion with them, Psal. 122. 8, 9. of the same mind and spirit ⟨p. 190⟩were the Saints in the Babylonish Captivity, Psal. 137. 5, 6. And the same spirit works the like disposition in all the members of Christs mystical body; whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it, 1 Cor. 12. 26. And they see good reason for their so acting in the concernments of the Churches of Christ. For, 1. They know that God hath recorded his Name there; and his Name is put upon Church members, and therefore his Name is honoured, or dishonoured, as things are well or ill with his Church. Hence it was, that Joshua was so exceedingly afflicted for the flight of the people before Ai, though but about thirty six were slain; what shall I say, when Israel flies before the enemies? and the Canaanites will hear of it, &c. and what wilt thou do to thy great Name? Josh. 7. 8, 9. Therefore Christ teacheth us to join these together immediately; Hallowed be thy Name: Thy Kingdom come, to show us that answerable to the well ⟨p. 191⟩being of the Church, which is the Kingdom of grace, will be the honour of Gods Name, in this World. 2. They know that the welfare of all States and people, where Churches are, depends upon the welfare of the Church. For so runs the promise; Israel shall be a blessing in the midst of the land, Isa. 19. 24. Hence it was that the Saints could not be satisfied with their own private welfare, if the Church of God was in affliction and danger, or under reproach. As you may see in Uriah, 2 Sam. 11. 11. in Nehemiah,