The grounds of these assemblies.
“First. Need of each other’s help, in regard of daily emergent troubles, doubts, and controversies.
“Secondly, Love of each other’s fellowship.
“Thirdly. Of God’s glory, out of a public spirit to seek the welfare of the churches, as well as their own, 1 Cor. x. 33, 2 Cor. xi. 28.
“Fourthly. The great blessing and special presence of God upon such assemblies hitherto.
“Fifthly. The good report the elders and brethren of churches shall have hereby, by whose communion of love others shall know they are the disciples of Christ.”
CHAP. CXXX.
A strange double picture.
Truth. I may well compare this passage to a double picture; on the first part or side of it a most fair and beautiful countenance of the pure and holy word of God: on the latter side or part, a most sour and uncomely, deformed look of a mere human invention.