A53671:361
A brief instruction in the worship of God, and discipline of the churches of…
A brief instruction in the worship of God, and discipline of the churches of the New Testament, by way of question and answer with an explication and confirmation of those answers.
London : s.n., 1667
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Quest. 47. The preservation of the Church in purity, order, and holiness being provided for, by what way is it to be continued and increased?
Answ. The way appointed thereunto, is by adding such as being effectually called unto the obedience of faith shall voluntarily offer themselves unto the ⟨p. 211⟩society and fellowship thereof, Acts 2.41. 2 Cor. 8.5.
Explication.
The means appointed by our Lord Jesus Christ for the continuance and increase of the Church, are either preparatory unto it, or instrumentally efficient of it. The principal means subservient or preparatory unto the continuance and increase of the Church, is the preaching of the Word to the conviction, illumination and conversion of sinners, whereby they may be made meet to become living stones in this spiritual building, and members of the mystical body of Christ. And this is done either ordinarily in the Assemblies of the Church, towards such as come in unto them and attend to the Word dispensed according to the appointment of Christ amongst them,