As in a material House, Beams and Rafters, tho divers in Strength and Use, yet all have a firm Connection amongst themselves, to make up one complete Structure; even so in Christ's Church, tho there be divers Members, severally gifted and placed, as we see in the Body natural, yet (as the ⟨p. 126⟩Apostle there shows, verse 25.) there should be no Schism in the Body, 1but such a Conjunction of one another, as they have of themselves a holy Sympathy in Supportation, Suffering, and Rejoicing.
⟨p. 126⟩VI. The House of a Prince, when built, is furnished, and most richly adorned, that it may become a meet Habitation, according to the Degree, Glory, and Grandeur of him who is to dwell therein. | VI. So the Church and Temple of God, being built for the glorious Prince of Heaven and Earth, is most richly and curiously adorned with the precious Gifts and Graces of the Holy-Ghost: For as the Materials of this House are Silver, Gold, and precious Stones; so its Ornaments or Furniture doth infinitely excel, it being the King's Palace: The King's Daughter is all glorious within.2
VII. A House is a Place of Security; it defends from many Dangers, which those are exposed unto, that are harbourless, and forced to lie without Doors; besides, some Houses have Walls about them. | VII. So the Church is a Place of Security, God having made such a blessed Wall about her: And the Lord will create upon every Dwelling-Place in Mount Zion, and upon her Assemblies, a Cloud and Smoke by Day, and the shining of a flaming Fire by Night; for upon all her Glory shall be a Defence. I will (saith God) encamp about mine House, because of the Army, because of him that passeth by, &c. He hath promised to be a Wall of Fire round about her. Zech. 2.5.
VIII. A House is a Place of Repose, a Resting-place; it is hence greatly desired, by every one that belongs to the Family that dwells therein. | VIII. The Church of God is a sweet Place of spiritual Repose. Zion is called a peaceable Habitation,3 and sure Dwellings, and a quiet Resting-place.
IX. A House hath a Way that leads to it, and a Door that openeth into it, that so those who are Strangers, may be readily directed how to find it. | IX. So the Church or House of God hath a Way that readily leads to it. In a strict Sense, Christ is both the Way and the Door.
As in a material House, Beams and Rafters, tho divers in Strength and Use, yet all have a firm Connexion amongst themselves, to make up one compleat Structure; even so in Christ's Church, tho there be divers Members, severally gifted and placed, as we see in the Body natural, yet (as the ⟨p. 126⟩Apostle there shews, verse 25.) there should be no Schism in the Body, 1but such a Conjunction of one another, as they have of themselves a holy Sympathy in Supportation, Suffering, and Rejoycing.
⟨p. 126⟩VI. The House of a Prince, when built, is furnished, and most richly adorned, that it may become a meet Habitation, according to the Degree, Glory, and Grandure of him who is to dwell therein. | VI. So the Church and Temple of God, being built for the glorious Prince of Heaven and Earth, is most richly and curiously adorned with the precious Gifts and Graces of the Holy-Ghost: For as the Materials of this House are Silver, Gold, and precious Stones; so its Ornaments or Furniture doth infinitely excell, it being the King's Palace: The King's Daughter is all glorious within.2
VII. A House is a Place of Security; it defends from many Dangers, which those are exposed unto, that are harbourless, and forced to lie without Doors; besides, some Houses have Walls about them. | VII. So the Church is a Place of Security, God having made such a blessed Wall about her: And the Lord will create upon every Dwelling-Place in Mount Zion, and upon her Assemblies, a Cloud and Smoke by Day, and the shining of a flaming Fire by Night; for upon all her Glory shall be a Defence. I will (saith God) encamp about mine House, because of the Army, because of him that passeth by, &c. He hath promised to be a Wall of Fire round about her. Zech. 2.5.
VIII. A House is a Place of Repose, a Resting-place; it is hence greatly desired, by every one that belongs to the Family that dwells therein. | VIII. The Church of God is a sweet Place of spiritual Repose. Sion is called a peaceable Habitation,3 and sure Dwellings, and a quiet Resting-place.
IX. A House hath a Way that leads to it, and a Door that openeth into it, that so those who are Strangers, may be readily directed how to find it. | IX. So the Church or House of God hath a Way that readily leads to it. In a strict Sence, Christ is both the Way and the Door.
- 11 Cor. 12.24.
- 2Psal. 45.13
- 3Isa. 32.18, 19.
