It is taken also sometimes for the men that have right to be of the congregation though not actually assembled, that is to say, for the whole multitude of Christian men, how far soever they be dispersed: as (Acts 8:3), where it is said that “Saul made havoc of the Church”; and in this sense is Christ said to be the head of the Church. And sometimes for a certain part of Christians, as ( Col. 4:15), “Salute the Church that is in his house.” Sometimes also for the elect only, as ( Eph. 5:27), “A glorious Church, without spot, or wrinkle, holy, and without blemish”; which is meant of the “Church triumphant” or “Church to come.” Sometimes, for a congregation assembled of professors of Christianity, whether their profession be true or counterfeit, as it is understood ( Matt. 18:17), where it is said, “Tell it to the Church; and if he neglect to hear the Church, let him be to thee as a Gentile, or publican.”