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§. 59. Of the excellency and extent of Christs house.
THese two relatives, a 1.1 whose, b 1.2 we, being joyned together in reference to a•…•… house, thus, whose house are we, do exceedingly commend the Church of God which is intended hereby. All the world admired Solomons Temple: but beho•…•… here a more glorious Edifice. The stones hereof are living stones: the ornaments thereof, the graces of Gods Spirit: The provision thereof, such as endureth to everlasting life: All things appertaining thereunto, spiritual, celestial.
It was before implied (§. 48.) that Moses was of this house: here it is said of* 1.3 Christians, We are the house, whereby it is manifest that the Church of the Old and New Testament was one and the same. The Apostle speaking unto Christians who were Gentiles, in reference unto the Iews saith, Ye are fellow. Citizens with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Saints, and of the houshold of God, Ephes. 2. 19. And in reference to the ancient Church of the Iews, it is said to the Society of Christian Gentiles, Thou being •…•… wilde Olive-tree, were graffed in amongst them, and with them partakest of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and fatnesse of the Olive-tree, Rom. 11. 17. Both they and we have one God, one Saviour, and the same means of Salvation in regard of the substance. They did eat the same spiritual meat, and drink the same spiritual drink, that we do, 1 Cor. 10. 3, 4.
On this ground the Apostle exhorteth us to be followers of them, Heb. 6. 12. & 12. 1.
On this ground they prayed for our calling, Psal. 67. 3, &c.
We therefore ought also to pray for their re-calling, and to use all the means we can to help on the same.