A vision in the temple. The Lord of Hosts, adored

USE I.

That particular Churches are Societies distinct from on another. Tho' there is but one Catholic Church, the Mystical Body of Christ; who is Head over all things to the Church, which is his Body, Eph. 1.22, 23. Yet particular Churches which are parts of the Catholic, are Societies distinct from one another. They are therefore truly called Churches, in the Plural Number; as being Several or Many in Number. Christ will make the Churches to know, ⟨p. 26⟩that he searches the Reins, &c. In the Epistles sent to the Seven Churches of Asia, it's evident that they were distinct Societies, or Bodies Politic; Some are commended and no fault found with them, others are commended for some things and blamed for others. Particular Churches therefore, should observe the Laws of Society according to Scripture Rule. Tho' in general, all Christians and Ministers, as they have opportunity should do good to all men (Gal. 6.10.) yet they are under Special Ties and Obligations, to those particular Churches they are more Immediately related to. Ministers should not without Substantial, Weighty and manifest Reasons, quit those particular Churches they have taken the Pastoral care & charge of; neither should particular Members of Churches, without the like Reasons forsake the Church-Society they have voluntarily Joined themselves to. If Persons don't look upon themselves as Tied and Bound by their own free choice, and voluntary Engagements, then humane Societies may soon dissolve and vanish ⟨p. 27⟩into nothing. Some are too apt to say a Church is no Prison, therefore tho' they have solemnly Covenanted to walk with God, and the Members of this or that particular Church where they Joined, yet they are at Liberty to go when and where they please. Indeed 'tis Senseless & Ridiculous to argue after such a manner; will nothing but a Prison hold them? has Conscience no Influence to bind them to their duty? what, because a Church is no Prison, shall they therefore break their Bonds and Covenant, which of their own choice they freely and voluntarily brought themselves under? This is for Persons to have no regard to their word, to their own voluntary Engagements. Thus to Argue and Act in these matters, I think is a vain trifling with God and Men.