Vol. 2

—CHAPTER III. 39The synagogue is a figure or emblem of thechurch ; the Jewish people, that of the Christian ;the twelve heads of the tribes, that of the twelveapostles ; and the carnal promises, that of the spiritual.It is for the completion of these promises,and in order to put the elect in possession of themthat the priesthood is instituted. And it is at firstcommunicated to twelve, to show the twelve tribeswhich composed the Jewish church, that it is inChrist and his members that the kingdom expectedby them was to be accomplished, and that the childrenof the church only are the children of promise." 19. And Judas Iscariot, which also betrayedbim :and they went into an house."Terrible but adorable judgment of God, whosometimes calls to the priesthood one whom he knowswill find therein the occasion of his damnation. Oneof the advantages which God draws fromthe perfidiousnessof one of the twelve apostles, is, to preventthe scandal of wicked ministers in the Church, atwhich the weak are apt to be troubled. Who willnot admire his goodness, his wisdom, and his care inproviding for the peace of souls ? A pastor who betraysthe interests of Christ and his church, is notless on this account the successor of the apostles:for we must always distinguish personal vices fromthe authority of Christ, and submit to him in themost unworthy of his ministers. He himself submitsto authority though lodged in wicked hands.Sect. IV.the Pharisees.Christ''s kindred.The Blasphemy ofThe divided Kingdom." 20. ^ And the multitude cometh togetheragain, so that they could not so much as eat bread.''