Owen - BX5085 O84x 1681

andAdmini jJration ofOrdinances,vindicated. r 6 t intimation given of any fuch thing, either in the divine Word, Promife, Declaration about them , or the nature of the Inftitutions themfelves. But whereas thole ofthe Old- Teffament were in Time to be removed, that the Church might not be offended thereby, feeing originally they were all of immediate Divine Inftitution, God did by all manner of ways, as by Promifes, exprefs Decay rations, and by the nature of the Inftitutions thern- felves , forefgnifie their removal , as the ApoftIe proves at large in his Epifile to the Hebrews. But no- thing of this nature can be pretended concerning the Golpel Church (fate or Worfhip. (2.) There is noPre - dic`lion or intimation of any other way of Worfnip, or ferving God in this World , that fhould be introduced in the room of that eftablífhed at firft ; fo that upon a cefatíon thereof, the Church mutt be left unto all un- certainties and utter ruine. (3,) The principal Realon why a Churchflate was ere&ed of old,and Ordinances of Worthip appointed therein, that were all to be remo- ved and taken away,was,that the Son, the Lord over his own houfe , might have the Preheminence in all things. His Glory it was to put an end unto the Law, as given by the DifpoJtion of Angels, and the Miniftry of Mofes, by the Inftirution of a Church slate and Ordinances of his own appointment. And if his Revelation of the Will ofGod therein be not compleat, perfect, ultimate, unalterable, if it be to expire, it mutt be, that Honour may be given above him, unte one greater than he. q. It is fo, as unto their Decay, or the lofs of their primitive Force and Efficacy. For their Efficacy unto their proper Ends, depends on, (I.) The Inflitution of Chrift : This is the Foundation of all Spiritual Efficacy unto edification in the Church, or whatever belongs thereunto. And therefore whatever Church-.ff ate may Y be

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