Look into foreign parts, as Italy and France, where these men pretend their church is in its gl'eate^t glory: what is it but the wealth, and pomp, and power of men, for the most part openly ambitious, sensual, and worldly? Is this the gloiy of the Church of Christ? Do these things belong unto his kingdom? [No;] but by the setting up of this image, by the advancement of this notion, all the true glory of the church hath been lost and despised. Yet these things, being suited unto the designs of the carnal minds of men, and satisfactory unto all their lusts, — having got this paint and gilduig on them, that they render the Church of Christ glorious, — have been the means of filling this world Vv'ith darkness, blood, and confusion. For this is that glory of the church which is contended for with rage and vio- lence. And not a few do yet dote on these images, who are not sharers in the advantage it brings unto its principal worshippers, whose in- fatuation is to be bewailed.
The means of our preservation from the adoration of these images also is obvious, from the principles we proceed upon. It will not be done without light to discern the glory of things spiritual and invi- sible; wherein alone the church is glorious. And in the light of faith they appear to be what indeed they are in themselves, — of the same nature with the glory that is above. The present glory of the church, I say, is its initiation into the glory of heaven, and in general of the same nature Avith it. Here it is in its dawnings and entrances; there, in its fulness and perfection. To look for any thing that should
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be cognate, or of near alliance unto tlie glory of heaven, or any near resemblance of it, in the outward glories of this world, is a fond ima- gination. And when the mind is enabled to discern the true beauty and glory of spiritual things, "vvith their alliance unto that which is above, it will be secured from seeking after the glory of the church in things of this world, or putting any value on them unto that end.
That self-denial also, which is indispensably prescribed in the gos- pel unto all the disciples of Christ, is requisite hereunto; for the power and practice of it is utterly inconsistent with an apprehension that secular power, riches, and domination, do contribute any thing unto the church's glory. The mind being hereby crucified unto a value and estimation of these things, it can never apprehend them as any part of that raiment of the church wherein it is glorious. But where the minds of men, through their native darkness, are disen- abled to discern the glory of spiritual things, and, through their car- nal, unmortified affection, do cleave unto, and have the highest esteem of, worldly grandeur, it is no wonder if they suppose the beauty and glory of the church to consist in them.
Sect. VI. I shall add one instance more with reference unto the state of the church; and that is in its rule and discipline.
Here, also, hath been as fatal a miscarriage as ever fell out in Chris- tian religion. For the truth herein being lost, as unto any sense and experience of its efficacy or power, a bloody image, destructive to the lives and souls of men, Avas set up in the stead thereof And this also shall be briefly declared. There are certain principles of truth with respect hereunto that are acknowledged by all; as, —
1. That the Lord Christ hath appointed a rule and discipline in his church, for its good and preservation. No society can subsist without the power and exercise of some rule in itself; for rule is nothing but the preservation of order, without which there is nothing but confusion. The church is the most perfect society in the earth, as being united and compacted by the best and highest bonds which our nature is capable of, Eph. iv. 16; Col. ii. 19. It must, therefore, have a rule and discipline in itself; which, from the wisdom and authority of Him by Avhom it was mstituted, must be supposed to be the most perfect.
2. That this discipline is powerful and effectual unto all its pro- per ends. It must be so esteemed, from the wisdom of Him by whom it is appointed ; and it is so accordingly. To suppose that the Lord Christ should ordain a rule and discipline in his church, that in itself, and by its just administration, should not attain its ends, is to reflect the greatest dishonour upon him. Yea, if any church or society of professed Christians be fallen into that state and condition, wherein the discipline appointed by Christ cannot be effectual unto its proper
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ends, Christ liath forsaken that church or society. Besides, the Holy Ghost affirms that the ministry of the church, in the administration of it, is " mighty, through God," unto all its ends, 2 Cor. x. 4, 5.
8. The ends of this discipline are the order, peace, purity, and holiness of the church, with a representation of the love, care, and ■watchfulness of Christ over it, and a testimony unto his future judg- ment An imagination of any other ends of it hath been its ruin.