The whole body of Christian religion, by Hieron. Zanchius. Translated out of Latine by D. Ralph Winterton.

DOCT. V. How it may be known concerning parti∣cular Churches whether they be true Churches or no.

AS concerning particular Church∣es, we believe that it may be known whether they be true Church∣es gathered together in the Lord; by this, if they have their building ac∣cording to the will of the Lord Ie∣sus, that is, on thec 1.1 preaching of the Gospel, the administration of the Sacraments instituted and ordained by Christ, and thed 1.2 keeping and ob∣serving of his commandments. We therefore acknowledge those for the true Churches of Christ, in which first of all the pure doctrine of the Gospel is preached, heard, and re∣ceived; and so received and that one∣ly, that there is neither place nor

care given unto any other which is contrarie thereto. For both these are the properties of the flock or sheep of Christ: both toa 1.3 hear the voyce of their own sheepherd, andb 1.4 not to follow a stranger. And again, in which the Sacraments instituted by Christ, are as farre as it is possible to be done, rightly and duely admi∣nistred and received, that is, ac∣cording to Christs institution; and where also such Sacraments as are but the inventions of men are not re∣ceived: And last of all, in which the Discipline of Christ hath place, that is, where both publikely and private∣ly byc 1.5 admonitions, corrections, and where need shall require, by excommunications also, but yet out of charitie, care is taken for the keeping and observing of Christs commandments: that so all men may live a sober, righteous, and godly life, to the glorie of God, and the mutuall edification of one an∣other. For where wickednesse and all manner of uncleannesse in life goes openly unpunished, and notorious offences, contrarie to the doctrine

of Christ, scape without censure, there we believe that some good and godly men may be found; but that a godly and Christian congregation is there, we believe not. For this the Lord himself saith,a 1.6 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye love one another. But what love can be there, where no care is had that according to the doctrine of Christ, when brethren sin they may be corrected, and repent, & be gained unto the Lord, and saved.

Notes

• c 1.1

  Matt••. 28.19.
• d 1.2

  20.
• a 1.3

  Ioh. 10.4.
• b 1.4

  5.
• c 1.5

  Matt. 1 8, 15, &c. Tit. 1.9.
• a 1.6

  Iohn 13.35.