(40) fallible continuance of the Gofpel Church-State unto the Confummation ofall things, the time exprefly allotted unto their continuance ; then was the work of Mofes more ho- nourable, more powerful and effectual, in the Conflitu- tion of the Church-State under the Old Teftament , than that of Chrift in the Conflitution of the New. For that Work and thofe Inftitutions which had an efficacy in them for their own infallible continuation, and of the Church thereby throughout all Generations , muft be more Noble and Honourable, than thofe which cannot fecure their own continuance, nor the Being and State of the Church there- on depending. Nothing can be more derogatory unto the Glory of the Wifdom and Power of Chrift , nor of his Truth and Faithfulnefs, than fuch an Imagination. We fhall therefore enquire into theCaufes and Means of the continu- ation of this Church State, and therein (hew the certainty of it; as alfo difprove that which by fome is pretended, as the onely means thereof, when indeed it is the principal Ar- gument againft their perpetual continuation , that can be madeufe of. r. The Efence and Nature of the Church inflituted by the Authority of Jefus Chrift, was always the fame from the Beginning, that it continues (till to be. But as unto its outward Form and Order it had a double State; and it was necefíary that fo it fhould have, from the Nature ofthe thing it felf. For (i) TheChurch may be confidered in its Rela- tion unto thofe extraordinary Officers or Rulers , whole Of- fice and Power was antecedent unto the Church, as that by vertuewhereof, it was tobe called and erected. (z) With refpe& unto ordinary Officers , unto whofe Office and Pow- er the Church eflentially confidered was antecedent ; for their whole Work and Duty as fuch , is converfant about the Church ; and the Objet is antecedent unto all Acts about it. The
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