V - The Continuance, Encrease, and Preservation of his Church

Ezek. 6.5, 6.7, 8, 9, &c. WE most constantly believe, That God Preserveth, Instructeth, Multiplieth, Honoureth, Decoreth, and from death called to Life his Church in all Ages, Gen. 1 12. Gen. 13.1. Exod. 1.1 Exod. 1.20. Josh 3. & 23 4 1 Sam. 10.1. 1 Sam 16 13 2 Sam 7 12 2 King. 17.15, 16, &c. from Adam, till the coming of CHRIST JESUS in the Flesh: For Abraham he called from his fathers Countrey, him he instructed, his Seed he multiplied, the same he marvellously preserved, and more marvellously delivered from the Bondage and Tyranny of Pharaoh; to them he gave his Lawes, Constitutions and Ceremonies. Them he possessed in the Land of Canaan, to them after Judges, and after Saul, he gave David to be King; to whom he made promise, That of the fruit of his Loynes should one sit forever upon his Regall Seat. To this same people from time to time he sent Prophets to reduce them to the right way of their God, from the which oftentimes they declined by Idolatry. And albeit for their stubborne contempt of Justice, he was compelled to give them into the hands of their enemies, 2 King. 24. 3, 4, &c. as before he threatned by the mouth of Moses: Insomuch that the holy City was destroyed, Deu. 28.36, 38, &c. the Temple burnt with fire, 2 Kin. 25.1. Dan. 9 2. Ezr. 1, &c. Hag. 1 14. Zach. 3.1. and the whole land left desolate the space of seventy yeeres; yet of mercy did he reduce them again to Ierusalem, where the Citie and Temple were reedified, and they against all temptations and assaults of Satan, did abide till the Messias came, according to the promise.