practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o the_o primitive_a church_n fast_v being_n enjoin_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o establish_v by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o by_o the_o universal_a practice_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n and_o of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n for_o several_a age_n there_o be_v reason_n to_o wonder_v that_o in_o some_o place_n this_o duty_n shall_v be_v almost_o out_o of_o date_n for_o as_o to_o solemn_a fast_n which_o be_v celebrate_v from_o time_n to_o time_n and_o seldom_o enough_o those_o be_v not_o proper_o the_o fast_n of_o which_o the_o gospel_n speak_v and_o which_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o ancient_n they_o be_v act_n of_o public_a humiliation_n design_v for_o time_n of_o calamity_n or_o of_o extraordinary_a devotion_n and_o the_o use_n of_o these_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v too_o frequent_a because_o custom_n be_v apt_a to_o lessen_v their_o effect_n but_o i_o mean_v those_o fast_n which_o be_v help_n to_o devotition_n and_o holiness_n and_o mean_n to_o mortify_v the_o body_n and_o to_o dispose_v man_n to_o humiliation_n and_o repentance_n uniformity_n in_o divine_a worship_n will_v be_v another_o very_a necessary_a establishment_n it_o will_v show_v the_o unity_n of_o faith_n it_o will_v render_v religion_n venerable_a and_o prevent_v those_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n which_o be_v inevitable_a when_o rite_n and_o practice_n quite_o different_a nay_o sometime_o contrary_a to_o one_o another_o be_v observe_v in_o several_a church_n last_o care_n shall_v be_v take_v that_o divine_a service_n may_v be_v perform_v every_o where_o in_o a_o orderly_a grave_n and_o decent_a manner_n the_o exterior_a of_o religion_n have_v a_o great_a influence_n than_o we_o imagine_v upon_o the_o essence_n of_o it_o beside_o that_o we_o save_v a_o express_a law_n 40._o law_n 1_o cor._n fourteen_o 40._o which_o say_v that_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n indeed_o pageantry_n and_o pomp_n the_o great_a number_n of_o ceremony_n and_o whatever_o savour_v of_o superstition_n aught_o to_o be_v avoid_v as_o well_o as_o every_o thing_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o essence_n of_o evangelical_n worship_n and_o it_o be_v better_a to_o fall_v into_o a_o excess_n of_o simplicity_n than_o to_o clog_n religion_n with_o too_o many_o ceremony_n but_o yet_o under_o pretence_n of_o simplicity_n we_o be_v not_o to_o run_v into_o confusion_n and_o to_o neglect_v the_o external_o of_o religion_n and_o divine_a service_n if_o we_o shall_v examine_v by_o this_o rule_n what_o be_v do_v in_o some_o church_n with_o relation_n for_o instance_n to_o the_o law_n and_o form_n of_o public_a assembly_n to_o the_o celebration_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o the_o sacrament_n and_o to_o the_o person_n who_o receive_v the_o communion_n and_o who_o officiate_n we_o may_v find_v there_o several_a thing_n to_o be_v rectify_v and_o it_o will_v be_v very_o useful_a to_o take_v this_o into_o consideration_n for_o the_o want_n of_o gravity_n and_o decency_n and_o a_o dry_a and_o careless_a perform_v of_o public_a worship_n render_v religion_n despicable_a and_o make_v the_o people_n who_o common_o judge_v of_o thing_n by_o their_o outside_n to_o entertain_v a_o mean_a notion_n of_o divine_a service_n which_o produce_v the_o contempt_n of_o religion_n and_o by_o consequence_n ill_a manner_n vi_o this_o contempt_n of_o religion_n be_v another_o fault_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v pass_v over_o in_o silence_n it_o have_v be_v always_o the_o general_a sense_n of_o mankind_n that_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v honour_v and_o respect_v the_o heathen_a religion_n as_o false_a as_o they_o be_v do_v attract_v the_o veneration_n of_o the_o people_n and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v see_v at_o this_o day_n among_o the_o several_a nation_n of_o infidel_n certain_o then_o the_o christian_a religion_n deserve_v all_o the_o veneration_n and_o respect_n which_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o but_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o in_o many_o place_n it_o be_v fall_v of_o late_a into_o a_o very_a great_a outward_a meanness_n man_n be_v accustom_v themselves_o to_o look_v with_o indifference_n and_o with_o haughtiness_n and_o scorn_n upon_o every_o thing_n which_o have_v some_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n or_o to_o religion_n this_o appear_v especial_o in_o the_o contempt_n which_o be_v express_v towards_o the_o clergy_n though_o the_o scripture_n represent_v their_o office_n as_o a_o most_o excellent_a and_o honourable_a employment_n though_o it_o enjoin_v christian_n to_o 13._o to_o heb._n xiii_o 27._o 1_o thess_n v._o 13._o honour_n love_n and_o reverence_n those_o who_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o they_o yet_o the_o ecclesiastical_a order_n be_v general_o but_o little_o honour_v and_o what_o be_v more_o surprise_v it_o be_v most_o depress_a and_o abase_v in_o those_o church_n which_o otherwise_o profess_v a_o pure_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n than_o other_o christian_a society_n i_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o all_o church_n in_o general_a but_o whoever_o see_v what_o be_v practise_v in_o many_o place_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n to_o strip_v the_o clergy_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n and_o of_o every_o thing_n that_o may_v render_v they_o venerable_a to_o the_o people_n and_o to_o set_v they_o upon_o a_o low_a and_o contemptible_a foot_n their_o character_n be_v become_v abject_a if_o not_o odious_a and_o it_o become_v so_o more_o and_o more_o every_o day_n that_o which_o make_v it_o more_o despicable_a be_v the_o poverty_n which_o many_o of_o they_o be_v force_v to_o live_v in_o it_o be_v not_o difficult_a to_o find_v out_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o contempt_n it_o may_v be_v just_o charge_v upon_o the_o clergy_n themselves_o their_o character_n be_v become_v vile_a because_o they_o support_v it_o but_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o man_n have_v a_o right_a to_o despise_v they_o all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v do_v be_v to_o endeavour_v the_o reclaim_n of_o they_o if_o under_o pretence_n of_o person_n be_v unworthy_a or_o of_o some_o abuse_n in_o office_n it_o be_v lawful_a to_o despise_v the_o profession_n themselves_o will_v not_o even_o magistracy_n be_v often_o the_o vile_a of_o all_o employment_n may_v we_o not_o say_v beside_o that_o churchman_n do_v not_o well_o maintain_v their_o character_n because_o they_o be_v despise_v a_o office_n which_o be_v slight_v will_v never_o be_v well_o discharge_v it_o be_v seldom_o that_o great_a worth_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o a_o post_n which_o be_v little_o honour_v or_o rather_o much_o despise_v the_o chief_a cause_n of_o this_o contempt_n be_v the_o manner_n in_o which_o thing_n be_v order_v in_o the_o last_o century_n persecution_n poverty_n and_o the_o opposition_n of_o the_o high_a power_n be_v at_o first_o great_a obstacle_n to_o the_o establish_n of_o good_a order_n prince_n and_o great_a man_n do_v possess_v themselves_o of_o the_o revenue_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n nothing_o be_v leave_v to_o churchman_n but_o the_o care_n of_o make_v sermon_n and_o of_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n they_o be_v turn_v into_o bare_a preacher_n a_o character_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v not_o very_o fit_a to_o create_v respect_n i_o say_v nothing_o here_o of_o the_o discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n because_o i_o be_o to_o speak_v of_o these_o more_o large_o by_o and_o by_o this_o abasement_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o ministry_n be_v a_o visible_a cause_n of_o corruption_n as_o soon_o as_o sacred_a thing_n be_v disregard_v impiety_n must_v needs_o prevail_v especial_o if_o the_o minister_n of_o religion_n be_v despise_v than_o religion_n can_v have_v no_o great_a force_n upon_o man_n mind_n the_o master_n can_v be_v honour_v when_o his_o servant_n be_v slight_v man_n who_o be_v without_o authority_n can_v contain_v the_o people_n in_o their_o duty_n whatsoever_o come_v from_o a_o abject_a person_n who_o be_v neither_o belove_v nor_o esteem_v can_v never_o be_v receive_v with_o submission_n the_o contempt_n of_o pastor_n draw_v of_o necessity_n after_o it_o the_o contempt_n of_o divine_a service_n of_o preach_v and_o of_o other_o sacred_a function_n the_o poverty_n of_o churchman_n be_v not_o much_o less_o fatal_a to_o the_o church_n than_o the_o immense_a and_o excessive_a riches_n which_o do_v former_o corrupt_v the_o clergy_n for_o beside_o that_o in_o those_o time_n and_o place_n in_o which_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v predominant_a and_o profess_v by_o person_n of_o quality_n poverty_n make_v the_o minister_n of_o religion_n contemptible_a to_o the_o people_n and_o even_o to_o great_a man_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o in_o those_o circumstance_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o minister_n shall_v live_v with_o some_o credit_n beside_o this_o i_o say_v that_o poverty_n disable_v they_o from_o exercise_v
general_a as_o it_o be_v now_o these_o consideration_n be_v found_v upon_o two_o undeniable_a fact_n 1._o that_o the_o church_n be_v then_o persecute_v and_o 2._o that_o discipline_n be_v then_o exercise_v in_o it_o these_o be_v two_o powerful_a mean_n to_o remove_v vice_n and_o scandal_n from_o the_o church_n we_o may_v easy_o imagine_v that_o man_n who_o love_v the_o world_n and_o their_o sin_n will_v not_o have_v embrace_v christiany_n at_o a_o time_n when_o whosoever_o become_v a_o christian_a do_v by_o that_o very_a thing_n expose_v himself_o to_o persecution_n torment_n and_o death_n this_o do_v fright_v away_o the_o great_a number_n of_o wicked_a and_o impious_a person_n but_o if_o any_o of_o these_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n discipline_n for_o the_o most_o part_n drive_v they_o out_o when_o they_o make_v themselves_o notorious_a by_o a_o scandalous_a life_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o judge_v that_o in_o such_o circumstance_n there_o be_v more_o piety_n at_o that_o time_n than_o we_o observe_v now_o in_o the_o church_n the_o first_o christian_n be_v sincere_a in_o their_o profession_n be_v instruct_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o apostolical_a man_n they_o place_v the_o christian_a religion_n chief_o in_o a_o good_a life_n to_o which_o they_o do_v solemn_o engage_v themselves_o by_o baptism_n they_o be_v unite_v among_o themselves_o they_o govern_v themselves_o in_o matter_n of_o order_n and_o discipline_n by_o the_o prescript_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o much_o as_o the_o persecution_n give_v they_o leave_v and_o they_o do_v with_o courage_n lie_v down_o their_o life_n for_o the_o truth_n such_o be_v the_o christianity_n of_o the_o first_o age_n but_o the_o church_n do_v not_o continue_v long_o in_o that_o state_n before_o this_o zeal_n of_o those_o primitive_a christians_n begin_v to_o cool_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n persecution_n cease_v and_o on_o the_o other_o the_o ancient_a discipline_n be_v slacken_v these_o two_o fence_n be_v pluck_v up_o and_o the_o emperor_n turn_v christian_n the_o corruption_n of_o the_o world_n break_v in_o upon_o the_o church_n divers_a abuse_n creep_v into_o doctrine_n discipline_n worship_n and_o manner_n till_o the_o church_n fall_v at_o last_o into_o such_o a_o dismal_a darkness_n of_o ignorance_n superstition_n and_o vice_n that_o christianity_n seem_v almost_o quite_o extinct_a and_o destroy_v all_o those_o who_o have_v any_o true_a sense_n of_o religiion_n do_v lament_v this_o they_o complain_v open_o of_o it_o and_o they_o long_v for_o a_o good_a reformation_n this_o be_v the_o state_n which_o the_o church_n and_o religion_n be_v in_o for_o some_o century_n it_o do_v not_o please_v god_n that_o those_o time_n of_o ignorance_n shall_v last_v for_o ever_o that_o darkness_n begin_v to_o be_v disperse_v in_o the_o last_o century_n then_o it_o be_v that_o learning_n and_o language_n revive_v and_o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o have_v be_v for_o a_o great_a while_n a_o book_n unknown_a to_o the_o people_n be_v rescue_v out_o of_o that_o obscurity_n in_o which_o the_o barbarism_n of_o former_a age_n have_v bury_v it_o man_n do_v perceive_v that_o divers_a error_n have_v be_v introduce_v into_o religion_n they_o discover_v several_a abuse_n they_o go_v about_o to_o redress_v they_o and_o they_o succeed_v so_o far_o that_o in_o this_o respect_n christianity_n be_v restore_v to_o its_o purity_n but_o that_o great_a work_n can_v not_o be_v finish_v so_o that_o at_o this_o day_n they_o church_n and_o religion_n be_v not_o yet_o bring_v to_o that_o state_n of_o perfection_n which_o they_o may_v be_v in_o iii_o for_o to_o come_v now_o to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v certain_a first_o that_o many_o christian_a church_n be_v still_o very_o near_o in_o the_o same_o darkness_n man_n be_v in_o some_o age_n ago_o i_o shall_v say_v nothing_o of_o the_o sink_n of_o christianity_n in_o asia_n and_o africa_n there_o be_v more_o knowledge_n in_o europe_n but_o yet_o in_o many_o place_n we_o may_v observe_v almost_o all_o those_o disorder_n which_o prevail_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gross_a ignorance_n nay_o our_o age_n be_v more_o unhappy_a than_o the_o precedent_n in_o that_o those_o abuse_n have_v be_v confirm_v and_o authorize_v by_o law_n and_o be_v now_o support_v by_o force_n how_o many_o country_n and_o church_n be_v there_o where_o the_o people_n know_v almost_o nothing_o of_o the_o gospel_n where_o religion_n be_v reduce_v to_o childish_a and_o superstitious_a devotion_n and_o practice_n where_o the_o most_o ridiculous_a thing_n be_v believe_v and_o the_o most_o shameful_a error_n receive_v where_o the_o looseness_n of_o manner_n may_v almost_o be_v parallel_v with_o heathenism_n where_o the_o most_o execrable_a crime_n be_v commit_v in_o a_o word_n where_o the_o ignorance_n both_o of_o the_o people_n and_o clergy_n be_v general_a except_v only_o some_o few_o understand_a man_n who_o be_v sensible_a of_o these_o disorder_n but_o be_v restrain_v by_o fear_n from_o discover_v their_o sentiment_n from_o those_o place_n corruption_n spread_v to_o other_o and_o it_o will_v not_o be_v difficult_a to_o show_v by_o several_a instance_n that_o the_o cause_n of_o impiety_n ignorance_n and_o vice_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o those_o place_n which_o shall_v be_v the_o fountain_n of_o piety_n and_o religion_n what_o i_o have_v now_o say_v be_v not_o to_o be_v apply_v to_o all_o church_n for_o some_o there_o be_v where_o religion_n be_v not_o so_o corrupt_v and_o where_o a_o pure_a christianity_n be_v profess_v but_o yet_o let_v we_o inquire_v in_o the_o second_o place_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o christian_a society_n where_o nothing_o be_v want_v or_o to_o be_v desire_v in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o religion_n and_o where_o it_o will_v not_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v some_o alteration_n and_o constitution_n in_o order_n to_o come_v near_o to_o perfection_n this_o deserve_v to_o be_v examine_v with_o care_n and_o without_o prepossession_n we_o ought_v here_o to_o lay_v aside_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o party_n and_o ingenuous_o to_o acknowledge_v defect_n where_o they_o be_v for_o else_o if_o every_o one_o be_v wed_v to_o the_o society_n of_o which_o he_o be_v a_o member_n nothing_o can_v ever_o be_v remedy_v for_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v defect_n what_o remedy_n can_v be_v use_v if_o we_o be_v all_o possess_v with_o this_o prejudice_n that_o all_o be_v perfect_a in_o our_o society_n be_v not_o this_o the_o way_n to_o canonize_v abuse_n and_o to_o prevent_v the_o restore_n of_o order_n and_o first_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o wonder_v if_o there_o shall_v still_o be_v imperfection_n in_o the_o pure_a society_n it_o will_v be_v a_o kind_n of_o miracle_n if_o there_o be_v none_o remain_v god_n do_v not_o always_o think_v fit_a to_o finish_v his_o work_n all_o at_o once_o unless_o he_o have_v make_v use_n of_o inspire_a man_n such_o as_o the_o prophet_n or_o the_o apostle_n be_v it_o be_v impossible_a so_o to_o attain_v perfection_n and_o to_o provide_v for_o every_o thing_n at_o first_o dash_n that_o nothing_o more_o shall_v be_v desire_v beside_o circumstance_n be_v so_o much_o alter_v that_o it_o seemâ—_n necessary_a to_o change_v several_a thing_n that_o be_v leave_v in_o the_o last_o age._n it_o be_v further_a to_o be_v consider_v that_o though_o christian_n do_v long_o for_o a_o good_a reformation_n yet_o great_a difficulty_n be_v to_o be_v overcome_v to_o bring_v it_o about_o man_n mind_n be_v not_o much_o enlighten_v they_o be_v just_a creep_v out_o of_o darkness_n and_o a_o long_a custom_n have_v almost_o obliterated_a the_o true_a idea_n of_o religion_n almost_o all_o those_o who_o be_v in_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n do_v obstinate_o defend_v the_o abuse_n which_o all_o good_a man_n think_v it_o necessary_a to_o redress_v extreme_a severity_n be_v use_v towards_o those_o who_o desire_v this_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n all_o this_o do_v terrify_v a_o great_a many_o well-meaning_a person_n and_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o in_o several_a place_n those_o who_o have_v courage_n enough_o to_o condemn_v the_o abuse_n open_o be_v not_o able_a for_o want_v of_o mean_n to_o do_v all_o that_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n require_v they_o be_v fain_o in_o those_o place_n to_o yield_v something_o to_o the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o time_n and_o to_o settle_v thing_n as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v till_o a_o more_o favourable_a oppotunity_n some_o church_n come_v near_o to_o perfection_n than_o other_o but_o howsoever_o if_o we_o will_v pass_v a_o right_a judgement_n upon_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o religion_n we_o ought_v to_o examine_v the_o thing_n in_o itself_o and_o without_o partiality_n upon_o this_o i_o shall_v offer_v here_o some_o general_a consideration_n and_o refer_v to_o the_o follow_a chapter_n some_o head_n which_o will_v
explain_v text_n it_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v wish_v that_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n school_n and_o university_n shall_v be_v reform_v and_o that_o the_o manner_n and_o study_n of_o young_a people_n shall_v be_v better_o regulate_v in_o those_o place_n this_o reformation_n will_v not_o be_v impossible_a if_o divine_n and_o professor_n will_v use_v their_o endeavour_n about_o it_o but_o those_o kind_n of_o establishment_n be_v not_o easy_o alter_v the_o ordinary_a method_n be_v continue_v and_o thing_n be_v do_v as_o they_o be_v of_o old_a because_o man_n be_v willing_a to_o keep_v their_o place_n and_o the_o stipend_n which_o be_v annex_v to_o they_o 3._o the_o three_o and_o principal_a remedy_n will_v be_v to_o use_v great_a caution_n than_o be_v common_o do_v when_o man_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o ecclesiastical_a office_n the_o first_o qualification_n to_o which_o according_a to_o st._n paul_n regard_n be_v to_o be_v have_v be_v probity_n and_o integrity_n of_o life_n the_o person_n therefore_o who_o offer_v themselves_o shall_v in_o the_o first_o place_n be_v examine_v in_o relation_n to_o manner_n and_o to_o all_o those_o moral_a disposition_n which_o st._n paul_n require_v in_o they_o and_o those_o shall_v be_v exclude_v in_o who_o they_o be_v not_o find_v but_o this_o article_n be_v common_o slubber_v over_o and_o a_o young_a man_n must_v have_v be_v very_o dissolute_a if_o he_o be_v refuse_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o immorality_n so_o that_o the_o most_o sacred_a of_o all_o character_n be_v confer_v upon_o many_o person_n who_o according_a to_o the_o divine_a law_n aught_o to_o be_v reject_v the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o examination_n of_o canditates_fw-la relate_v to_o their_o ability_n and_o talent_n now_o in_o order_n to_o judge_v of_o their_o capacity_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o inquire_v whether_o they_o know_v their_o common-place-book_n or_o whether_o they_o can_v make_v a_o sermon_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a beside_o to_o examine_v they_o about_o the_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n about_o history_n discipline_n the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o morality_n all_o these_o be_v important_a matter_n the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o be_v of_o daily_a use_n with_o reference_n to_o practice_n and_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o sacred_a ministry_n but_o they_o be_v not_o insist_v upon_o the_o examination_n turn_v upon_o some_o trial_n about_o preach_v and_o upon_o some_o head_n of_o divinity_n which_o be_v scholastical_o handle_v by_o argument_n and_o distinction_n after_o which_o if_o the_o canditate_fw-la have_v satify_v in_o some_o measure_n ordination_n follow_v now_o when_o such_o insufficient_a person_n be_v once_o admit_v the_o mischief_n be_v do_v and_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n these_o man_n be_v afterward_o appoint_v pastor_n in_o church_n where_o for_o 30_o or_o 40_o year_n they_o destroy_v more_o than_o they_o edify_v how_o many_o church_n be_v there_o thus_o ill_o provide_v where_o the_o people_n live_v in_o gross_a ignorance_n where_o the_o youth_n be_v lose_v for_o want_n of_o instruction_n and_o where_o a_o thousand_o crime_n be_v commit_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o this_o evil_a be_v in_o the_o ordination_n of_o pastor_n it_o will_v no_o doubt_n be_v object_v that_o if_o none_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v but_o those_o who_o have_v all_o the_o necessary_a qualification_n there_o will_v not_o be_v a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o pastor_n for_o all_o the_o church_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o though_o this_o shall_v happen_v yet_o it_o be_v better_a to_o run_v into_o this_o inconvenience_n than_o to_o break_v the_o express_a law_n of_o god_n a_o small_a number_n of_o select_a pastor_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o a_o multitude_n of_o unworthy_a labourer_n we_o be_v still_o to_o do_v what_o god_n command_v and_o to_o leave_v the_o the_o event_n to_o providence_n but_o after_o all_o this_o scarcity_n of_o pastor_n be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v fear_v such_o a_o strictness_n will_v only_o discourage_v those_o who_o will_v never_o have_v be_v useful_a in_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n high_o commendable_a to_o dishearten_v such_o person_n but_o this_o exactness_n will_v encourage_v those_o who_o be_v able_a to_o do_v well_o and_o the_o ministry_n will_v be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o esteem_v and_o seek_v after_o cause_n iu._n the_o defect_n of_o christian_a prince_n and_o magistrate_n if_o it_o have_v be_v possible_a without_o a_o essential_a omission_n not_o to_o have_v detect_v this_o cause_n of_o corruption_n i_o will_v have_v pass_v it_o over_o in_o silence_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o high_a power_n but_o with_o great_a discretion_n and_o respect_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o without_o some_o kind_n of_o reluctancy_n that_o i_o suppose_v in_o the_o title_n of_o this_o chapter_n that_o one_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o corruption_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o christian_a prince_n and_o magistrate_n but_o if_o i_o have_v suppress_v this_o i_o shall_v have_v dissemble_v a_o most_o important_a truth_n and_o omit_v one_o of_o the_o head_n which_o be_v the_o most_o necessary_a to_o be_v insist_v upon_o in_o a_o work_n of_o this_o nature_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o rank_n which_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n hold_v they_o have_v always_o a_o great_a share_n in_o the_o good_a or_o ill_a manner_n of_o the_o people_n and_o so_o i_o can_v excuse_v myself_o from_o show_v that_o the_o corruption_n of_o christian_n may_v partly_o be_v impute_v to_o those_o who_o be_v ordain_v for_o the_o government_n of_o civil_a society_n in_o order_n to_o this_o i_o shall_v offer_v some_o reflection_n upon_o the_o duty_n of_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n consider_v 1._o as_o civil_a and_o 2._o as_o christian_a magistrate_n although_o the_o institution_n of_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n do_v proper_o relate_v to_o civil_a matter_n yet_o the_o manner_n of_o govern_v their_o people_n have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o the_o thing_n of_o religion_n this_o can_v be_v question_v if_o we_o suppose_v this_o principle_n that_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o religion_n be_v also_o the_o author_n of_o civil_a society_n and_o magistracy_n it_o be_v st._n paul_n doctrine_n xiii_o doctrine_n rom._n xiii_o that_o there_o be_v no_o power_n but_o of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o power_n that_o be_v be_v ordain_v of_o god_n if_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o civil_a society_n he_o be_v also_o the_o author_n of_o those_o law_n upon_o which_o both_o religion_n and_o civil_a society_n be_v found_v now_o god_n be_v always_o consistent_a with_o himself_o the_o law_n which_o be_v derive_v from_o he_o can_v contradict_v one_o another_o and_o this_o show_v already_o not_o only_o that_o there_o be_v no_o opposition_n between_o religion_n and_o civil_a society_n but_o that_o these_o two_o thing_n have_v beside_o a_o necessary_a relation_n to_o one_o another_o this_o will_v yet_o more_o clear_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v that_o religion_n do_v not_o cut_v off_o christian_n from_o the_o society_n of_o other_o man_n and_o that_o the_o church_n do_v not_o constitute_v a_o state_n by_o itself_o to_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o civil_a society_n but_o that_o those_o who_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v likewise_o member_n of_o civil_a society_n so_o that_o the_o same_o man_n be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n both_o a_o christian_n and_o a_o citizen_n but_o it_o be_v chief_o necessary_a to_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n 1._o it_o be_v to_o be_v preach_v to_o all_o man_n and_o to_o be_v receive_v by_o all_o the_o world_n without_o distinction_n of_o nation_n kingdom_n or_o state_n in_o order_n to_o this_o two_o thing_n be_v necessary_a first_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v nothing_o in_o religion_n contrary_a to_o the_o natural_a constitution_n of_o state_n and_o of_o civil_a society_n for_o else_o god_n by_o order_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v preach_v will_v have_v destroy_v his_o own_o work_n christianity_n can_v not_o have_v take_v foot_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o first_o christian_n will_v have_v be_v just_o look_v upon_o as_o seditious_a person_n but_o it_o be_v not_o less_o necessary_a on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v nothing_o repugnant_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o natural_a constitution_n of_o state_n and_o civil_a society_n otherwise_o god_n by_o establish_v society_n will_v have_v put_v a_o insuperable_a obstacle_n to_o the_o plant_n of_o the_o gospel_n unless_o the_o civil_a order_n and_o government_n have_v be_v alter_v but_o our_o saviour_n have_v assure_v we_o that_o there_o be_v to_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n by_o declare_v xviii_o declare_v john_n xviii_o that_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n and_o by_o command_v his_o follower_n xxii_o
pass_n that_o not_o be_v content_v with_o the_o practice_n of_o vice_n they_o do_v beside_o plead_v authority_n for_o a_o ill_a life_n they_o proceed_v so_o far_o as_o to_o defend_v the_o cause_n of_o corruption_n they_o dispute_v with_o those_o that_o condemn_v they_o and_o they_o vent_v such_o maxim_n and_o sentiment_n as_o if_o we_o believe_v they_o will_v justify_v or_o at_o least_o excuse_v all_o their_o disorder_n i_o can_v not_o omit_v here_o the_o examine_n of_o those_o maxim_n since_o their_o effect_n be_v so_o pernicious_a i_o shall_v therefore_o observe_v they_o as_o the_o three_o cause_n of_o corruption_n the_o maxim_n and._n sentiment_n which_o favour_n corruption_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n some_o be_v visible_o profane_a and_o impious_a such_o be_v a_o great_a many_o maxim_n of_o the_o libertine_n which_o go_v for_o currant_n in_o the_o world_n but_o there_o be_v other_o which_o man_n pretend_v to_o draw_v from_o religion_n i_o shall_v insist_v particular_o upon_o the_o latter_a because_o as_o they_o be_v take_v from_o religion_n itself_o they_o be_v by_o much_o the_o more_o dangerous_a when_o profane_a people_n undertake_v to_o defend_v vice_n with_o maxim_n which_o be_v manifest_o impious_a we_o stand_v upon_o our_o guard_n against_o they_o and_o we_o may_v confute_v they_o by_o the_o maxim_n of_o religion_n but_o when_o they_o employ_v religion_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o in_o the_o defence_n of_o vice_n the_o danger_n of_o be_v feduce_v be_v infinite_o great_a i_o shall_v reduce_v the_o maxim_n which_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o authorize_v corruption_n to_o these_o four_o order_n i_o rank_v those_o in_o the_o first_o order_n by_o which_o man_n endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o holiness_n be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a the_o second_o order_n contain_v those_o which_o tend_v to_o show_v that_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n be_v impossible_a the_o three_o comprehend_v those_o which_o insinuate_v that_o it_o be_v dangerous_a for_o a_o man_n to_o apply_v himself_o to_o good_a work_n the_o four_o and_o the_o last_o include_v those_o which_o be_v allege_v to_o excuse_v corruption_n but_o as_o it_o be_v not_o less_o necessary_a to_o know_v the_o remedy_n against_o corruption_n than_o to_o discover_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v not_o only_o mention_v but_o as_o i_o go_v on_o confute_v those_o maxim_n although_o nothing_o be_v more_o clear_o assert_v in_o the_o gospel_n than_o the_o necessity_n of_o good_a work_n yet_o christian_n entertain_v many_o opinion_n which_o destroy_v this_o necessity_n and_o which_o consequent_o open_v a_o door_n to_o licentiousness_n the_o necessity_n of_o goodwork_n can_v be_v overthrow_v but_o one_o of_o these_o two_o way_n either_o by_o say_v that_o god_n do_v not_o require_v they_o or_o else_o by_o maintain_v that_o though_o god_n require_v they_o yet_o a_o man_n may_v be_v save_v without_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o 1._o in_o order_n to_o prove_v that_o god_n do_v not_o require_v sanctity_n and_o goodwork_n as_o a_o condition_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n these_o two_o maxim_n be_v abuse_v 1._o that_o we_o be_v not_o save_v by_o our_o work_n and_o 2._o that_o faith_n be_v sufficient_a to_o salvation_n the_o first_o of_o these_o maxim_n be_v intend_v to_o exclude_v goodwork_n and_o by_o the_o second_o man_n will_v substitute_v another_o mean_a for_o obtain_v salvation_n i_o refer_v the_o discuss_n of_o these_o two_o maxim_n to_o the_o next_o chapter_n because_o they_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n ii_o man_n endeavour_v to_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o though_o they_o neglect_v holiness_n yet_o for_o all_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v exclude_v from_o salvation_n and_o that_o which_o contribute_v most_o to_o flatter_v they_o in_o this_o imagination_n be_v first_o the_o notion_n they_o have_v form_v to_o themselves_o of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n god_n say_v they_o be_v good_a and_o will_v not_o judge_v we_o with_o the_o utmost_a rigour_n this_o be_v say_v every_o day_n and_o it_o make_v every_o body_n hope_v for_o salvation_n the_o divine_a mercy_n indeed_o be_v without_o question_n the_o only_a ground_n we_o have_v to_o hope_v for_o salvation_n but_o the_o vile_a affront_n we_o can_v offer_v to_o that_o mercy_n be_v to_o make_v it_o a_o occasion_n of_o security_n because_o god_n be_v good_a and_o merciful_a must_v not_o we_o therefore_o endeavour_v to_o please_v he_o may_v we_o free_o offend_v he_o because_o he_o be_v good_a and_o we_o hope_v he_o will_v forgive_v we_o those_o who_o reason_n at_o this_o rate_n understand_v very_o little_a what_o the_o divine_a mercy_n be_v they_o must_v suppose_v that_o it_o extend_v indifferent_o to_o all_o man_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o their_o obedience_n or_o disobedience_n but_o this_o supposition_n be_v evident_o false_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o effect_n of_o god_n mercy_n be_v promise_v only_o to_o those_o who_o fear_v he_o and_o depart_v from_o evil_n and_o by_o consequence_n it_o be_v a_o false_a and_o pernicious_a maxim_n to_o say_v so_o much_o holiness_n be_v not_o necessary_a god_n be_v good_a and_o he_o will_v not_o mark_v severe_o what_o be_v do_v amiss_o this_o be_v to_o ascribe_v to_o god_n a_o easiness_n and_o a_o connivance_n utter_o unbecoming_a the_o sovereign_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v say_v beside_o that_o god_n will_v not_o judge_v we_o rigorous_o that_o indeed_o be_v true_a god_n be_v indulgent_a towards_o we_o and_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o which_o god_n have_v a_o great_a regard_n to_o our_o present_a condition_n and_o weakness_n but_o it_o be_v likewise_o certain_a that_o god_n will_v judge_v we_o according_a to_o the_o rigour_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o no_o salvation_n be_v to_o be_v have_v for_o those_o who_o do_v not_o fulfil_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n now_o this_o condition_n be_v a_o true_a faith_n incite_v we_o to_o holiness_n this_o must_v be_v grant_v and_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v the_o necessity_n of_o perform_v this_o condition_n and_o of_o lead_v a_o holy_a life_n or_o else_o the_o gospel_n be_v but_o a_o jest_n and_o we_o must_v say_v that_o god_n do_v not_o speak_v serious_o in_o it_o that_o indeed_o he_o prescribe_v certain_a condition_n that_o he_o command_v and_o threaten_v but_o that_o nothing_o of_o all_o this_o be_v to_o be_v strict_o understand_v so_o that_o though_o a_o man_n do_v not_o comply_v with_o the_o condition_n which_o god_n require_v yet_o he_o shall_v feel_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o clemency_n if_o this_o be_v true_a there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o christian_a religion_n 2._o it_o will_v no_o doubt_n be_v reply_v that_o provide_v vide_v a_o man_n repent_v and_o ask_v god_n forgiveness_n he_o shall_v be_v save_v this_o be_v a_o unquestionable_a truth_n so_o by_o repentance_n we_o mean_v that_o which_o the_o gospel_n require_v and_o which_o consist_v in_o a_o sincere_a detestation_n of_o sin_n in_o true_a conversion_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n but_o this_o be_v false_a if_o by_o repentance_n we_o mean_v only_o a_o general_a confession_n of_o sin_n accompany_v with_o some_o sense_n of_o grief_n and_o fear_n whereby_o sinner_n hope_v at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n to_o atone_v for_o all_o the_o disorder_n of_o a_o vicious_a life_n i_o will_v show_v here_o that_o this_o be_v no_o save_v repentance_n but_o that_o i_o be_o to_o handle_v this_o matter_n purposely_o in_o another_o chapter_n if_o man_n common_o neglect_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o very_o necessary_a they_o apply_v themselves_o much_o less_o to_o those_o which_o they_o think_v to_o be_v impossible_a now_o this_o be_v the_o notion_n which_o man_n common_o have_v of_o piety_n it_o be_v say_v first_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v so_o holy_a and_o to_o do_v that_o whiâ—_n god_n command_v a_o great_a many_o like_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n very_o well_o and_o acknowledge_v their_o justice_n and_o excellency_n will_v to_o god_n say_v they_o we_o may_v live_v thus_o but_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v it_o and_o be_v possess_v with_o this_o opinion_n they_o use_v no_o endeavour_n to_o practice_v those_o duty_n which_o they_o own_v to_o be_v just_o or_o to_o attain_v to_o that_o holiness_n to_o which_o god_n call_v they_o and_o indeed_o what_o man_n will_v attempt_v that_o which_o he_o look_v upon_o as_o impossible_a now_o what_o be_v say_v of_o man_n incapacity_n to_o do_v good_a be_v very_o true_a when_o we_o speak_v of_o man_n consider_v bare_o as_o man_n in_o the_o corrupt_a state_n of_o nature_n but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o those_o who_o god_n have_v rescue_v out_o of_o that_o state_n and_o call_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v incapable_a to_o arrive_v at_o that_o degree_n
man_n endeavour_v to_o excuse_v themselves_o by_o lay_v the_o sin_n they_o commit_v upon_o the_o great_a number_n and_o the_o force_n of_o temptation_n it_o be_v very_o hard_a say_v they_o to_o avoid_v sin_n we_o be_v so_o many_o way_n draw_v into_o it_o temptation_n be_v so_o strong_a and_o so_o frequent_a that_o we_o must_v go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n if_o we_o will_v preserve_v our_o innocence_n sometime_o they_o impute_v to_o the_o devil_n the_o sin_n which_o they_o fall_v into_o and_o at_o other_o time_n so_o great_a be_v their_o audaciousness_n that_o they_o throw_v they_o upon_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n all_o these_o excuse_n be_v trifle_v and_o some_o of_o they_o be_v impious_a for_o to_o begin_v with_o that_o which_o be_v borrow_v from_o the_o multitude_n and_o strength_n of_o temptation_n it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o imagine_v that_o the_o number_n of_o temptation_n be_v so_o great_a that_o their_o force_n be_v irresistible_a temptation_n be_v frequent_a i_o confess_v but_o it_o be_v a_o error_n to_o think_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o snare_n and_o solicitation_n to_o sin_n in_o the_o world_n this_o will_v give_v we_o a_o strange_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o work_n and_o in_o that_o case_n man_n condition_n will_v be_v very_o miserable_a it_o be_v certain_a on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o the_o opportunity_n and_o solicitation_n to_o good_a be_v very_o common_a especial_o in_o relation_n to_o christian_n who_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o object_n and_o motive_n call_v back_o to_o god_n and_o to_o their_o duty_n even_o temptation_n themselves_o give_v they_o occasion_n of_o do_v good_n god_n supply_v they_o abundant_o with_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o life_n and_o godliness_n as_o we_o be_v tell_v 2_o pet._n 1._o certain_o we_o be_v to_o presume_v that_o if_o god_n permit_v that_o man_n shall_v here_o meet_v with_o temptation_n and_o opportunity_n of_o undo_n themselves_o he_o offer_v they_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n many_o occasion_n and_o inducement_n to_o take_v care_n of_o their_o salvation_n so_o that_o the_o great_a number_n of_o solicitation_n to_o good_a do_v already_o destroy_v the_o excuse_n which_o be_v take_v from_o the_o great_a number_n of_o temptation_n neither_o be_v it_o more_o reasonable_a to_o complain_v of_o the_o strength_n of_o those_o temptation_n such_o a_o complaint_n be_v very_o unseemly_a from_o christian_n who_o be_v appoint_v to_o overcome_v the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o all_o other_o temptation_n when_o all_o thing_n be_v well_o consider_v it_o will_v appear_v that_o it_o be_v within_o ourselves_o in_o our_o own_o negligence_n and_o in_o the_o perverseness_n of_o our_o will_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o look_v for_o that_o which_o make_v temptation_n so_o strong_a and_o too_o hard_o for_o we_o they_o have_v no_o more_o strength_n than_o we_o give_v they_o st._n james_n have_v decide_v this_o question_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o shall_v stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o those_o who_o seek_v the_o cause_n of_o evil_a any_o where_o else_o but_o in_o their_o own_o heart_n 1.14_o heart_n 1_o jam._n 1.14_o every_o man_n say_v he_o be_v tempt_v when_o he_o be_v draw_v away_o of_o his_o own_o lust_n and_o entice_v the_o devil_n have_v no_o more_o power_n over_o we_o than_o temptation_n have_v for_o he_o can_v but_o tempt_v we_o but_o yet_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o ascribe_v to_o he_o a_o kind_n of_o omnipotence_n according_a to_o the_o vulgar_a opinion_n one_o will_v think_v that_o the_o devil_n be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o the_o sin_n that_o be_v commit_v that_o he_o be_v every_o where_o and_o that_o man_n be_v but_o his_o instrument_n which_o he_o use_v at_o pleasure_n if_o this_o be_v true_a man_n be_v indeed_o to_o be_v pity_v and_o it_o will_v be_v some_o excuse_n to_o those_o who_o live_v ill_o the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o no_o such_o thing_n but_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o temerity_n be_v to_o charge_n god_n and_o providence_n with_o our_o sin_n thus_o some_o man_n be_v wont_v to_o say_v such_o a_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v because_o god_n will_v have_v it_o so_o and_o such_o another_o thing_n do_v not_o happen_v because_o it_o do_v not_o please_v god_n that_o it_o shall_v when_o this_o excuse_n be_v make_v with_o relation_n to_o sin_n it_o amount_v to_o the_o most_o horrid_a of_o blasphemy_n it_o lay_v upon_o god_n all_o the_o evil_a that_o happen_v and_o make_v he_o the_o author_n of_o it_o for_o either_o this_o excuse_n signify_v nothing_o or_o else_o it_o import_v that_o god_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o what_o happen_v and_o not_o we_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o because_o man_n pretend_v to_o excuse_v themselves_o with_o say_v god_n will_v have_v it_o so_o in_o a_o word_n here_o be_v no_o middle_a way_n either_o the_o cause_n of_o sin_n be_v in_o man_n or_o it_o be_v not_o if_o it_o be_v in_o man_n he_o can_v accuse_v no_o body_n else_o but_o himself_o he_o can_v clear_v himself_o by_o say_v god_n will_v or_o will_v not_o have_v it_o so_o if_o the_o cause_n of_o sin_n be_v not_o in_o man_n he_o be_v discharge_v and_o all_o the_o evil_a light_n upon_o god_n it_o be_v a_o astonish_a thing_n that_o man_n who_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v infinite_o holy_a and_o just_a can_v entertain_v such_o thought_n 4._o another_o excuse_n be_v often_o allege_a and_o it_o be_v fetch_v from_o common_a practice_n custom_n and_o example_n that_o which_o be_v general_o do_v be_v think_v to_o be_v innocent_a or_o at_o least_o pardonable_a but_o the_o greatness_n and_o the_o universality_n of_o corruption_n excuse_v no_o body_n custom_n and_o example_n can_v make_v any_o thing_n lawful_a which_o be_v bad_a where_o there_o be_v a_o express_a law_n it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o plead_v practice_n to_o the_o contrary_a custom_n or_o number_n exempt_v no_o man_n from_o do_v that_o which_o god_n command_v and_o will_v never_o protect_v he_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n custom_n and_o example_n be_v so_o far_o from_o excuse_v vice_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a this_o very_a thing_n that_o the_o custom_n be_v bad_a aught_o to_o make_v man_n sensible_a how_o necessary_a it_o be_v to_o set_v about_o a_o good_a reformation_n 5._o but_o if_o man_n think_v that_o example_n and_o custom_n excuse_v they_o they_o fancy_v themselves_o yet_o much_o more_o excusable_a when_o they_o can_v allege_v the_o example_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o good_a men._n the_o libertine_n triumph_v here_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o say_v they_o to_o recommend_v holiness_n so_o strict_o and_o to_o enforce_v it_o with_o such_o severe_a penalty_n when_o he_o see_v many_o good_a man_n follow_v a_o course_n give_v opposite_a to_o those_o maxim_n and_o to_o that_o exact_a morality_n but_o they_o ought_v to_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v extreme_a hard_a or_o rather_o impossible_a to_o know_v certain_o whether_o a_o man_n be_v true_o a_o good_a man_n or_o not_o we_o can_v be_v assure_v of_o this_o unless_o we_o know_v man_n heart_n which_o belong_v only_o to_o god_n this_o reflection_n do_v already_o defeat_v the_o excuse_n which_o be_v borrow_v from_o the_o sin_n of_o good_a men._n we_o frequent_o imagine_v the_o person_n who_o sin_n to_o be_v a_o good_a man_n when_o he_o be_v but_o a_o hypocrite_n or_o a_o atheist_n indeed_o piety_n and_o charity_n require_v that_o we_o shall_v think_v the_o best_a of_o our_o neighbour_n especial_o of_o those_o in_o who_o the_o mark_n of_o solid_a piety_n and_o virtue_n appear_v but_o neither_o charity_n nor_o piety_n oblige_v we_o to_o confound_v vice_n with_o godliness_n or_o to_o call_v evil_a good_n sin_n be_v sin_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v condemn_v wherever_o we_o meet_v with_o it_o and_o more_o particular_o in_o those_o who_o pass_v for_o better_a man_n than_o other_o when_o man_n who_o seem_v to_o be_v pious_a fall_n into_o such_o sin_n as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o regeneration_n we_o ought_v to_o think_v that_o those_o man_n either_o give_v the_o lie_n to_o their_o character_n and_o be_v not_o what_o we_o take_v they_o for_o and_o then_o we_o may_v apply_v to_o they_o the_o word_n of_o ezekiel_n chap._n xxxiii_o ver_fw-la 18._o when_o the_o righteous_a turn_v from_o his_o righteousness_n and_o commit_v iniquity_n he_o shall_v even_o die_v thereby_o or_o else_o we_o must_v think_v that_o though_o they_o have_v some_o piety_n it_o be_v but_o weak_a as_o yet_o so_o that_o they_o be_v not_o what_o they_o appear_v to_o be_v but_o however_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v positive_a in_o this_o that_o the_o example_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o will_v excuse_v no_o man_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n 6._o another_o very_a common_a evasion_n by_o which_o man_n endeavour_v to_o excuse_v the_o neglect_n and_o omission_n
shall_v go_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o minister_n of_o religion_n be_v invest_v with_o civil_a authority_n and_o a_o very_a great_a authority_n too_o the_o jewish_a priest_n hold_v a_o considerable_a rank_n in_o the_o state_n as_o well_o as_o in_o religion_n if_o upon_o some_o occasion_n king_n have_v depose_v priest_n upon_o other_o occasion_n priest_n have_v oppose_v king_n and_o alter_v the_o government_n xxvi_o government_n see_v chron._n xxiii_o and_o xxvi_o so_o that_o without_o press_v too_o much_o those_o instance_n out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o best_a way_n be_v to_o consult_v the_o new_a and_o to_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o whosoever_o examine_v without_o prejudice_n those_o sacred_a book_n which_o have_v be_v write_v since_o the_o come_v of_o our_o saviour_n will_v acknowledge_v that_o thing_n be_v now_o alter_v and_o that_o magistrate_n have_v but_o a_o limit_a authority_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v remarkable_a that_o the_o scripture_n never_o mention_n they_o when_o it_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o government_n of_o it_o 3_o and_o yet_o as_o the_o authority_n of_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n be_v derive_v from_o god_n it_o ought_v still_o to_o subsist_v entire_a and_o therefore_o they_o have_v a_o unquestionable_a right_n to_o take_v care_n that_o nothing_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o their_o lawful_a authority_n and_o of_o public_a tranquillity_n and_o that_o the_o minister_n of_o religion_n do_v not_o stretch_v their_o authority_n beyond_o spiritual_a thing_n the_o honour_n and_o the_o safety_n of_o religion_n require_v that_o this_o principle_n shall_v be_v lay_v down_o for_o religion_n as_o be_v say_v before_o ought_v not_o to_o disturb_v society_n and_o true_a religion_n will_v never_o disturb_v it_o if_o then_o any_o christian_n or_o churchman_n under_o pretence_n of_o religion_n shall_v break_v in_o upon_o the_o civil_a government_n and_o the_o public_a peace_n king_n and_o prince_n have_v a_o right_a to_o restrain_v they_o and_o then_o they_o do_v not_o oppose_v religion_n but_o those_o only_o who_o abuse_n and_o dishonour_v it_o after_o these_o consideration_n i_o think_v any_o man_n be_v able_a to_o judge_v whether_o the_o decay_n of_o piety_n and_o religion_n be_v not_o in_o part_n to_o be_v impute_v to_o christian_a prince_n and_o magistrate_n we_o need_v but_o inquire_v whether_o both_o in_o civil_a and_o religious_a matter_n they_o observe_v the_o duty_n i_o have_v now_o describe_v i_o say_v no_o more_o of_o this_o because_o every_o body_n be_v able_a to_o make_v the_o application_n but_o i_o must_v add_v that_o if_o the_o want_n of_o zeal_n in_o magistrate_n be_v enough_o to_o introduce_v confusion_n and_o vice_n into_o the_o church_n the_o mischief_n be_v much_o great_a when_o not_o only_o they_o do_v not_o what_o they_o ought_v for_o the_o good_a of_o religion_n but_o when_o they_o use_v their_o authority_n beside_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o it_o i_o can_v forbear_v mention_v here_o two_o great_a abuse_n the_o first_o be_v when_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n assume_v the_o whole_a authority_n to_o themselves_o so_o that_o except_o preach_v and_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n they_o will_v do_v every_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n when_o they_o presume_v to_o determine_v article_n of_o faith_n to_o rule_v the_o conscience_n of_o their_o subject_n and_o to_o force_v they_o to_o embrace_v one_o persuasion_n rather_o than_o another_o when_o they_o will_v by_o all_o mean_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o call_v pastor_n without_o regard_n to_o that_o right_n of_o the_o church_n and_o churchman_n which_o be_v establish_v in_o scripture_n and_o confirn_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n when_o they_o seize_v upon_o church-estate_n though_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o fear_v that_o wealth_n shall_v corrupt_v their_o clergy_n and_o though_o such_o revenue_n may_v be_v apply_v to_o several_a pious_a uses_n and_o particular_o to_o the_o relief_n of_o country-churche_n most_o of_o which_o be_v not_o sufficient_o edify_v for_o want_v of_o necessary_a endowment_n and_o fund_n a_o great_a deal_n may_v be_v say_v about_o that_o which_o be_v do_v in_o the_o last_o century_n with_o relation_n to_o church-revenue_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o people_n have_v be_v a_o little_a more_o scrupulous_a than_o they_o be_v when_o they_o invade_v the_o possession_n of_o the_o church_n and_o confound_v they_o with_o the_o revenue_n of_o the_o state_n beside_o this_o the_o magistrate_n authority_n be_v fatal_a to_o the_o church_n when_o he_o hinder_v the_o exercise_n of_o true_a discipline_n and_o when_o he_o substitute_n such_o regulation_n as_o he_o think_v fit_a in_o the_o room_n of_o apostolical_a law_n this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a obstruction_n to_o the_o restore_n of_o apostolical_a discipline_n though_o the_o church_n and_o her_o pastor_n shall_v be_v willing_a to_o observe_v the_o ancient_a order_n and_o to_o oppose_v corruption_n by_o those_o mean_n which_o the_o gospel_n enjoin_v yet_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v if_o those_o who_o have_v the_o authority_n in_o their_o hand_n will_v not_o give_v way_n to_o it_o the_o church_n be_v not_o in_o a_o condition_n to_o resist_v and_o to_o make_v head_n against_o the_o magistrate_n when_o he_o use_v force_n and_o she_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v it_o if_o she_o can_v the_o second_o abuse_n be_v when_o the_o magistrate_n make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o abase_v religion_n in_o the_o person_n of_o its_o minister_n by_o despoil_v they_o as_o much_o as_o he_o can_v of_o every_o thing_n that_o may_v procure_v they_o respect_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n this_o policy_n be_v as_o contrary_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o the_o promote_a of_o piety_n as_o it_o be_v common_a now_o adays_o in_o several_a christian_a dominion_n it_o be_v well_o do_v of_o the_o magistrate_n to_o preserve_v his_o authority_n and_o to_o keep_v the_o clergy_n from_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o their_o call_v but_o from_o thence_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o he_o ought_v to_o trample_v they_o under_o foot_n to_o bring_v they_o under_o a_o general_a contempt_n and_o to_o vilify_v their_o character_n which_o after_o all_o be_v sacred_a and_o venerable_a this_o be_v to_o sacrifice_v religion_n to_o policy_n and_o pride_n and_o this_o proceed_v be_v a_o manifest_a cause_n of_o the_o contempt_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o corruption_n which_o necessary_o follow_v that_o contempt_n since_o common_o nothing_o be_v more_o despise_v in_o the_o world_n than_o that_o which_o great_a man_n despise_v i_o declare_v it_o once_o more_o by_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v i_o do_v not_o mean_v to_o detract_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o respect_n due_a to_o civil_a power_n neither_o do_v i_o speak_v of_o all_o christian_a prince_n and_o magistrate_n among_o who_o there_o be_v some_o who_o have_v piety_n and_o zeal_n and_o who_o labour_n with_o success_n for_o the_o good_a of_o religion_n but_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n require_v that_o we_o shall_v speak_v the_o truth_n so_o that_o i_o can_v not_o but_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o cause_n of_o corruption_n upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v that_o if_o christian_a magistrate_n will_v be_v please_v to_o make_v serious_a reflection_n upon_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o shall_v soon_o see_v a_o end_n of_o some_o of_o these_o disorder_n and_o that_o a_o happy_a time_n will_v come_v when_o they_o will_v use_v their_o authority_n to_o advance_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o to_o restore_v truth_n piety_n and_o peace_n among_o christian_n cause_n v._o education_n nothing_o be_v more_o natural_a than_o to_o look_v for_o the_o original_a of_o corruption_n in_o the_o time_n at_o which_o it_o begin_v i_o mean_v in_o the_o first_o year_n of_o life_n it_o be_v not_o only_a when_o man_n have_v attain_v to_o a_o ripeness_n of_o age_n that_o they_o be_v incline_v to_o vice_n but_o that_o inclination_n discover_v itself_o from_o their_o youth_n the_o root_n of_o that_o ignorance_n of_o those_o prejudices_fw-la and_o of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o ill_a disposition_n they_o be_v in_o may_v be_v find_v in_o their_o tender_a year_n we_o have_v need_v then_o look_v back_o upon_o the_o beginning_n of_o life_n and_o seek_v in_o youth_n and_o in_o infancy_n itself_o the_o source_n of_o corruption_n when_o we_o enter_v upon_o this_o enquiry_n and_o consider_v that_o man_n if_o nothing_o restrain_v they_o will_v run_v into_o vice_n from_o their_o youth_n out_o of_o a_o propension_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o we_o can_v but_o perceive_v at_o first_o sight_n that_o there_o must_v be_v in_o