Chap. 31. The Old and New Covenant. 229 Chriff, and Chriftian profefl'ors brought to thofe ftraits, that there is no abiding for fuch as would keep their garments un- fpotted, it will be of ufe here , to deliver certain rules for our help and guidance. I. A Church in Covenant with God (as before) and keeping up Communion in Ordinances, is to be accoúnted pure; where the pollutions or taints are not great, nor: many, it is to be accounted a right beleeving Church, notwithftanding force few leffer Errors. We account a corn -field clean where Tome few tares and weeds are found, a body health - full that is not without grudgings,. Chrift from heaven gives commendations to thofe Churches which yet he taxes, Rev. 2.3. for failings. There is that light in which Errors may be feen and íhunned, rules of difcerning things that differ. If cuftome, education, conceit of Teachers,or the like fo dazle the judgement, that the error is fwallowed ; howfoever that be a detriment, a blemifh, ( as the Apoftle !hews of the wood, hay and Rubble, built upon the foun- dation, i C'or. 3,t a. ) yet it prejudices not falvation. There is power of truth remaining to form and frame Chrift in the heart, to dire the foul in a fandified way to falvation. 2, Where the word is received and profeff, though polluted and defaced with additions and fade gloffes, there is a Church, though polluted and erroneous ; where the effen- tiall parts of a man are in being, there is a man though fick, and difeafed;.where corn is fown, and comes up, there is a corn -field, though over-run with tares and weeds. The Churches of 9,3/aria have the name of Churches, though miferably defiled.; we deny not the Church of Rome the be- ing of a Church, having the Scriptures and feveral funda- mental truths from thence, (as the Church in Chrifts time from the hand of the Scribes and Pharifees.) though the worn deferving the name of a Church of any people with whom the .word is continued .; No Church fòme have avouched. But do her the molt right, ( and the being of a Church granted ) fhe is a Church certainly miferably defa- ced,monftrouf]y polluted : I will not rake in her fores, . it were eafie to name many and loathfome ones:* I will point at the caufes. Where food is fcarce , and that pol-lu- G.g 3 ted_ A Churchis pure where the p )IIutions and taints are not foul. Foul' polrured and defaced, it isa Church , retains a being though polls- ¡ tcd and erro, neon.,.
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