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§. 58. Of those who are the house of Christ.
THe Apostle to explain that metaphor of an house more fully, addeth this phrase, Whose house are we.
This Pronoun [We] may be taken two wayes:
- 1. Joyntly for the whole Catholick Church, which is the Society and Communi∣on of all that ever did, or shall believe in Jesus Christ.
- 2. Distinctly, for every particular believer. For the body of a particular Pro∣fessor is said to be the temple of the holy Ghost, 1 Cor. 6. 19. In this sense they may be taken for the house of Christ Synecdochically, as particular stones of that buil∣ding: For they are called lively stones, 1. Pet. 2. 5.
Thus the priviledges of Christs house may belong to every of them.
Fitly are Saints in the former joynt consideration stiled an house. For* 1.1
- 1. As stones and timber, they are brought together, and fitly said, and that for God to dwell among them, 2 Cor. 6. 16.
- 2. As an house is set upon a foundation (Luke 6. 48.) So are Saints built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Iesus Christ himself being the chief corner∣•…•…, Ephes. 2. 20.
- 3. As Solomons Temple was beautified and adorned with silver, gold, variety of pictures, and other ornaments, 2 Chron. 3. 4. 1 Kings 6. 29. So Saints are decked and adorned with the various graces of Gods Spirit, Gal. 5. 22, 23.
- 4. As an house inhabited hath a Governour over them: so the Society of Saints have one over them who is called the a 1.2 Master of the house, Mat. 10. 25.
- 5. As in a house there is * 1.3 an houshold which consisteth of children, servants and others: So in the Church of God, Mat. 15. 26. Luke 11. 7.
- 6. As in a great house there are variety of Officers: So in the Church there are Stewards, Ministers, and others, 2 Cor. 12. 28.
- 7. As in a well-govern'd house there are good orders for the good government of it: So in the Church of Christ, 1 Tim. 3. 15.
- 8. As in a house all needfull provision useth to be stored up: So in this house of Christ there is bread of life, water of life, and needfull food and re∣freshing.
Singular Comforts must needs hence arise to those that are parts and members* 1.4 of this house: and that by reason of
- 1. The sure foundation whereon it is setled, 1 Cor. 3. 11.
- 2. The fast knitting of the parts of the house together, Eph. 2. 21.
- 3. The excellent ornaments thereof, which are the glorious graces of Gods Spirit.
- 4. The good Laws and Constitutions for better governing the same, being all contained in the word of God.
- 5. The wise Governour thereof.
- 6. The excellent houshold.
- 7. The usefull Offices in it.
- 8. The variety and sufficiency of provisions appertaining thereto.
That which is expected of such as are of this house, is,* 1.5
- 1. That they cleanse themselves, from all filthinesse of the flesh and Spirit, 2 Cor. 7. 1. & 6. 16, 17, 18▪ Otherwise this house of Christ may prove the de∣vils s•…•…ie.
- 2. That they deck and adorn themselves with the graces of Gods Spirit, Colos. 3. 12.
- 3. That they be subject to their Governour, and to the good Orders that he esta∣blisheth among them.
- 4. That they be content with the place and portion which the Master of the houshold allots unto them.
- 5. That they maintain unity amongst themselves; For an house divided against it self shall not stand, Mat. 12. 25.
- 6. That they improve to the best advantage they can the talent which their Lord committeth unto them, Mat. 25. 20.