XXV - The gifts freely given to the Church

Albeit that the word of God truly preached the Sacraments rightly ministred, and discipline executed according to the Word of God, be the certain and infallible signes of the true Church, Mat. 13.24, 25, 26, &c. yet doe we not so meane, that every particular person joyned with such a company, be an Elect Member of Christ Jesus, for we acknowledge and confesse that Darnell, Cockle, and Chaffe may be sowne, grow in great abundance, lie in the middest of the Wheate, Mat. 13 20, 21 that is, the Reprobate may be joyned in the societie of the Elect, and may externally use with them the benefits of the Word and Sacraments. Rom. 10.9, 13. But such being but temporall professors in mouth, but not in heart, doe fall backe and continue not to the end. And therefore have they no fruit of Christs death, resurrection and ascension. But such as with heart unfained beleeve, and with mouth boldly confesse the Lord Jesus (as before we have said) shall most assuredly receive these gifts, Rom. 7, &c. 2 Cor. 5.21. first in this life remission of sinnes, and by faith onely in Christs blood, in so much, that albeit sinne remain and continually abide in these mortall bodies, John 5.28, 29. Apoc 20.13. Iob 19.25, 26, 27. yet it is not imputed unto us, but is remitted and covered with Christs justice. Secondly, in the generall judgement there shall be given to every man and woman resurrection of the flesh For the Sea shall give her dead, the earth those that therein be inclosed; yea, the Eternall our God shall stretch out his hand upon the dust, Mat 25 31. Apoc. 14.10. and the dead shall arise incorruptible, and that in the substance of the same flesh that every man now bears, to receive according to their works glory or punishment, for such as now delight in vanitie, Rom. 2.7, 8, 9, 10. crueltie, filthinesse, superstition, or idolatry shall be adjudged to the fire inextinguible, Phil. 3 21. 1 Cor. 15.28. in the which they shall be tormented for ever, as well in their bodie, as in their soules; which now give to serve the devill in all abomination. But such as continue in well doing to the end, boldly professing the Lord Jesus, we constantly beleeve, that they shall receive glory, honour, and immortality, to reigne for ever in life everlasting with Christ Jesus, to whose glorified Body all his Elect shall be made like, when he shall appear againe to Judgment, and shall render up the Kingdom to God his Father, who then shall be, and ever shall remain All in All things God blessed for ever: To whom, with the Son, and with the holy Ghost, be all Honour and Glory, now and for ever. Amen.

Arise, O Lord, and let thine enemies be confounded; let them flie from thy presence that hate thy holy Name: Give thy servants strength to speake thy Word in boldnesse, and let all Nations attain to thy true knowledge.