The prophecy of Haggai, interpreted and applied in sundry sermonsThe prophesie of Haggai, interpreted and applyed in sundry sermons

And as they, though having received a grant and commission from Cyrus, &c. yet built not up the material Temple in such sort and speed as ⟨p. 16⟩was given them in commandment; So also we have not been so painful and diligent in building up the spiritual Temple and Church of God. The foundation of this work was said to be the beginnings of the doctrine of Christianity, the which the Apostle ¹calleth the laying of the foundation. The raising of the ²walls is the perfect understanding of those mysteries of Christ which the Angels desire to behold. The Roof to be laid upon this building, to keep them that are within the house from the annoyance of rain and weather, of heat and blasts; that is, from sins and offences, is Ecclesiastical discipline; which according to the example of the Jews, Christ commanded, his Apostles constituted, the Primitive Church observed, the Reformed have restored to the singular commodity and good governance of the places where it is received, even in the judgement of a Papist: By reason that a learned Pastor joined to a sufficient number ³of grave and sober Elders, hath the oversight of the congregation. First, to admonish privately offenders; then, if they amend not, to proceed forward &c: So to keep them from such sins as civill Laws partly do not, partly cannot punish, and yet are such as shut out the committers from the Kingdom of ⁴God, into which, no unclean, adulterous, or covetous person can enter.

And as they, though having received a grant and commission from Cyrus, &c. yet built not up the materiall Temple in such sort and speed as ⟨p. 16⟩was given them in commandment; So also wee have not beene so painefull and diligent in building up the spirituall Temple and Church of God. The foundation of this worke was said to bee the beginnings of the doctrine of Christianity, the which the Apostle ¹