that was before the coming of Christ, having the same faith with it, and interested in the same covenant. Great alterations, indeed, were made in the outward state and condition of the Church by the coming of the Messiah. The carnal privileges of the Jews in their separation from other nations to give birth to the Messiah then failed, and with that also their claim on that account to be the children of Abraham. The ordinances of worship suited to that state of things then expired and came to an end. New ordinances of worship were appointed, suited to the light and grace which were then bestowed upon the Church. The Gentiles came into the faith of Abraham along with the Jews, being made joint partakers with them in his blessings. But none of these things, nor the whole of them collectively, did make such a change in the Church, but that it is still one and the same. The olive tree was still the same, only some of the branches were broken off, and others grafted into it. The Jews fell, and the Gentiles came in their room. And this may enable us to determine the difference between the Jews and Christians relative to the Old Testament promises. They are all made to the Church. No individual has any interest in them except by virtue of his membership with the Church. The Church is, and always was, one and the same. The term Church is also applied to a particular congregation of Christians united together and meeting in one place for the worship of God. The word is now also used to denote any particular denomination of Christians, as the Greek Church, or the Romish Church. 1. THE CHURCH A DIVINE INSTITUTION. 1 TIM. III, 15. And that from a child thou hast known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. MATT. XVI, 16. And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona; for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 18. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. MATT. V, 13. Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted; it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. 14. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill can not be hid. 15. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. MATT. XXI, 42. Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the Scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes?