be_v betray_v into_o the_o speak_a or_o write_v of_o such_o thing_n either_o through_o some_o prejudice_n or_o through_o the_o heat_n of_o dispute_n but_o after_o all_o if_o these_o proposition_n be_v strict_o take_v and_o set_v out_o in_o their_o true_a colour_n they_o can_v not_o but_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o false_a rash_a scandalous_a and_o capable_a of_o produce_v most_o dismal_a effect_n especial_o be_v assert_v by_o divine_n and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o judge_v charitable_o of_o the_o intention_n of_o their_o author_n we_o may_v just_o say_v that_o those_o who_o dare_v disparage_v morality_n and_o insinuate_v that_o the_o press_v it_o be_v a_o mark_n of_o heresy_n do_v themselves_o publish_v a_o most_o pernicious_a heresy_n can_v it_o be_v a_o mark_n of_o heresy_n to_o insist_v upon_o that_o which_o our_o saviour_n have_v so_o vehement_o press_v which_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n he_o inâ—â—â—â—â—â—s_v in_o his_o sermon_n upon_o the_o mount_n 7._o mount_n mat._n 5.6_o 7._o which_o the_o apostle_n perpetual_o â—â—ge_v in_o their_o epistle_n 3.8_o epistle_n 1_o tim._n â—_o 5_o â—_o john_n 3.8_o and_o declare_v to_o be_v the_o end_n of_o our_o whole_a religion_n and_o the_o character_n whereby_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v discriminate_v from_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o without_o which_o both_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n assure_v we_o 12.14_o we_o mat._n 7.21_o heb._n 12.14_o that_o no_o man_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n by_o this_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n be_v as_o much_o strike_v at_o and_o injure_v as_o piety_n itself_o it_o give_v one_o a_o indignation_n to_o see_v that_o the_o honour_n of_o defend_v virtue_n and_o piety_n shall_v be_v yield_v up_o to_o heretic_n to_o say_v that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n heretic_n be_v strong_a upon_o the_o head_n of_o morality_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n to_o give_v up_o the_o cause_n it_o be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o confirm_v they_o in_o their_o error_n and_o it_o do_v base_o to_o ascribe_v that_o to_o heresy_n which_o belong_v to_o true_a religion_n and_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o it_o it_o will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o allege_v that_o some_o heretic_n have_v write_v upon_o morality_n with_o good_a success_n for_o grant_v this_o to_o be_v true_a it_o be_v not_o a_o token_n of_o their_o heresy_n on_o the_o contrary_a so_o far_o they_o be_v orthodox_n some_o orthodox_n christian_n have_v recommend_v morality_n as_o much_o and_o better_a than_o the_o heretic_n because_o they_o have_v establish_v it_o upon_o the_o foundation_n and_o motive_n which_o pure_a doctrine_n afford_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n there_o have_v always_o be_v heretic_n who_o do_v subvert_v and_o ruin_v morality_n as_o for_o instance_n those_o who_o be_v describe_v by_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o 2d_o to_o timothy_n and_o by_o st._n peter_n in_o his_o second_o epistle_n it_o be_v then_o very_a unreasonable_a to_o say_v that_o a_o thing_n which_o neither_o agree_v to_o all_o heretic_n nor_o to_o heretic_n alone_o be_v a_o mark_n of_o heresy_n there_o be_v much_o more_o reason_n to_o charge_v those_o who_o speak_v so_o injurious_o of_o morality_n with_o maintain_v a_o heresy_n which_o come_v very_o near_o that_o of_o the_o gnostic_n who_o be_v oppose_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o condemn_v and_o detest_a by_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o corrupter_n of_o the_o moral_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o though_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n reject_v the_o opinion_n i_o have_v now_o mention_v and_o acknowledge_v the_o excellency_n of_o morality_n yet_o they_o form_n to_o themselves_o too_o easy_a a_o notion_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o this_o be_v another_o prejudice_n which_o do_v not_o a_o little_a contribute_v to_o that_o neglect_n of_o piety_n they_o live_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o those_o who_o think_v that_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n be_v easy_a be_v true_a in_o the_o main_a 5.3_o main_a 1_o jâ—hn_n 5.3_o god_n commandment_n be_v not_o grievous_a 11.30_o grievous_a mat._n 11.30_o and_o christ_n yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n we_o shall_v therefore_o always_o suppose_v that_o it_o be_v not_o difficult_a to_o lead_v a_o good_a life_n and_o to_o work_v out_o one_o salvation_n but_o the_o error_n lie_v in_o imagine_v too_o great_a a_o easiness_n in_o this_o and_o in_o not_o consider_v aright_o the_o nature_n and_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o morality_n there_o be_v but_o few_o who_o notion_n in_o this_o matter_n come_v up_o to_o the_o standard_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o that_o perfection_n which_o christian_n be_v to_o aim_v at_o few_o understand_v to_o what_o degree_n the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n be_v to_o be_v carry_v as_o for_o the_o purpose_n what_o sort_n of_o justice_n equity_n honesty_n disinterestedness_n purity_n or_o charity_n become_v a_o professor_n of_o christ_n religion_n instead_o of_o rise_v up_o to_o that_o high_a and_o sublime_a pitch_n of_o morality_n which_o the_o gospel_n demand_v and_o instead_o of_o be_v act_v by_o noble_a view_n and_o design_n worthy_a of_o christianity_n man_n common_o take_v up_o with_o mean_a and_o slight_a apprehension_n of_o it_o according_a to_o the_o general_a opinion_n a_o very_a extraordinary_a and_o elevate_a virtue_n be_v not_o requisite_a in_o order_n to_o be_v a_o good_a man._n it_o be_v enough_o for_o a_o man_n if_o he_o be_v not_o a_o notorious_a villain_n or_o a_o profligate_n wretch_n and_o if_o he_o observe_v some_o of_o those_o duty_n which_o have_v a_o show_n of_o sanctity_n thus_o holiness_n be_v reduce_v to_o the_o low_a degree_n of_o virtue_n or_o rather_o to_o the_o least_o degree_n of_o sin_n it_o be_v bring_v to_o very_o little_a and_o yet_o that_o little_a be_v often_o neglect_v for_o man_n never_o go_v so_o far_o in_o practice_n as_o they_o do_v in_o speculation_n they_o always_o do_v less_o than_o they_o think_v themselves_o bind_v to_o do_v so_o that_o their_o action_n still_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o idea_n which_o they_o form_n of_o their_o duty_n 6._o what_o judgement_n then_o be_v we_o to_o make_v of_o christian_n now_o a-days_o though_o they_o shall_v act_n suitable_o to_o their_o notion_n of_o piety_n and_o morality_n yet_o they_o will_v discharge_v their_o duty_n but_o very_o indifferent_o because_o that_o notion_n be_v but_o low_a and_o defective_a but_o yet_o as_o mean_v and_o imperfect_a as_o it_o be_v their_o practice_n do_v not_o reach_v it_o they_o frequent_o allow_v themselves_o in_o thing_n which_o be_v against_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o though_o they_o violate_v the_o clear_a and_o the_o easy_a rule_n of_o virtue_n yet_o they_o fancy_v those_o to_o be_v sin_n from_o which_o no_o man_n be_v free_a and_o which_o will_v however_o be_v forgive_v at_o this_o rate_n corruption_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o great_a but_o as_o man_n often_o form_n to_o themselves_o too_o easy_a a_o notion_n of_o piety_n so_o they_o have_v sometime_o too_o severe_a a_o idea_n of_o it_o it_o may_v perhaps_o seem_v at_o first_o sight_n that_o it_o be_v not_o very_o necessary_a to_o remark_n and_o confute_v this_o prejudice_n the_o general_a depravation_n of_o manner_n seem_v to_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o the_o notion_n which_o prevail_v at_o this_o time_n be_v not_o the_o rigid_a one_o and_o that_o man_n do_v not_o much_o trouble_v themselves_o about_o the_o rule_n of_o too_o austere_a a_o devotion_n or_o morality_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v usual_a enough_o for_o man_n to_o run_v into_o this_o other_o extreme_a and_o such_o a_o excessive_a severity_n be_v not_o so_o inconsistent_a as_o it_o may_v be_v think_v with_o the_o corruption_n of_o manner_n for_o though_o many_o frame_n to_o themselves_o too_o hard_o and_o rigid_a a_o notion_n 〈◊〉_d piety_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o think_v themselves_o bind_v to_o live_v according_a to_o it_o but_o â—â—ey_n leave_v those_o maxim_n to_o the_o devout_a use_v they_o imagine_v that_o so_o much_o piety_n be_v â—ot_n necessary_a so_o that_o they_o fashion_n to_o themselves_o a_o commodious_a religion_n and_o â—â—ch_a a_o morality_n as_o have_v nothing_o that_o be_v troublesome_a or_o difficult_a in_o it_o howsoever_o there_o be_v many_o who_o look_v â—pon_o piety_n as_o a_o austere_a thing_n they_o conâ—â—ive_v it_o to_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o all_o joy_n and_o that_o 〈◊〉_d debar_v man_n of_o all_o pleasure_n so_o that_o it_o â—roduces_v nothing_o but_o sadness_n and_o melancholy_a and_o they_o be_v beside_o possess_v â—ith_n this_o error_n that_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o be_v sleasie_a and_o difficult_a or_o even_o impossible_a â—ut_fw-la why_o do_v man_n judge_v of_o piety_n with_o so_o â—uch_o prepossession_n and_o injustice_n this_o procee_v from_o two_o cause_n the_o first_o be_v their_o carnal_a disposition_n they_o be_v incapable_a of_o relish_v any_o other_o pleasure_n but_o those_o of_o the_o
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
uncertainty_n and_o obscurity_n in_o a_o religion_n where_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o controversy_n and_o different_a opinion_n the_o want_n of_o union_n be_v then_o a_o most_o considerable_a imperfection_n in_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o some_o remedy_n may_v be_v apply_v to_o so_o great_a a_o evil_a and_o that_o those_o controversy_n which_o produce_v and_o cherish_v it_o may_v be_v turn_v out_o of_o door_n the_o way_n to_o compass_v this_o will_v be_v to_o endeavour_v in_o good_a earnest_n the_o reform_v of_o manner_n and_o the_o restore_n of_o order_n this_o great_a and_o noble_a design_n will_v no_o soon_o be_v pursue_v but_o man_n will_v be_v ashamed_a of_o all_o these_o contention_n they_o will_v look_v upon_o they_o as_o trifle_a amusement_n and_o find_v no_o relish_n in_o those_o dispute_n which_o to_o say_v the_o truth_n do_v only_o employ_v such_o person_n as_o be_v conceit_v with_o vain_a learning_n and_o narrow-spirited_n man_n who_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o large_a and_o high_a view_v iv_o if_o we_o examine_v the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n with_o relation_n to_o order_n there_o we_o must_v ingenuous_o confess_v that_o great_a defect_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o matter_n of_o order_n and_o discipline_n christian_n ought_v to_o regulate_v themselves_o first_o by_o the_o law_n which_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v set_v they_o and_o then_o by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o of_o the_o pure_a antiquity_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o what_o have_v be_v practise_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n and_o do_v beside_o agree_v with_o the_o rule_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v have_v a_o great_a regard_n pay_v to_o it_o by_o all_o christian_n now_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o most_o church_n have_v considerable_o depart_v from_o that_o ancient_a order_n to_o prove_v this_o by_o some_o instance_n it_o be_v certain_a in_o fact_n that_o the_o ecclesiastical_a order_n and_o government_n which_o obtain_v in_o many_o place_n be_v not_o such_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v none_o caâ—n_v be_v ignorant_a of_o this_o but_o those_o who_o be_v altogether_o unacquainted_a with_o antiquity_n or_o who_o be_v full_a of_o prejudices_fw-la find_v what_o they_o please_v in_o scripture_n and_o church-history_n can_v it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o election_n of_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n be_v canonical_a as_o they_o be_v manage_v in_o many_o place_n arid_a that_o the_o practice_n and_o order_n establish_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v observe_v every_o where_o it_o be_v certain_a likewise_o that_o all_o church_n be_v not_o furnish_v with_o a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o person_n to_o perform_v divine-service_n and_o to_o instruct_v and_o edify_v the_o people_n when_o we_o look_v back_o upon_o the_o primitive_a church_n we_o find_v that_o though_o it_o be_v poor_a and_o persecute_v yet_o it_o have_v its_o bishop_n its_o priest_n its_o catechist_n and_o its_o widow_n at_o this_o time_n we_o see_v yet_o in_o several_a place_n that_o one_o single_a town_n maintain_v a_o great_a number_n of_o churchman_n who_o indeed_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v very_o insignificant_a but_o elsewhere_o it_o be_v quite_o otherwise_o one_o single_a man_n do_v often_o perform_v all_o the_o ecclesiastical_a function_n nay_o sometime_o many_o church_n have_v but_o one_o pastor_n this_o disorder_n as_o well_o as_o many_o other_o proceed_v partly_o from_o the_o want_n of_o necessary_a mean_n and_o fund_n to_o supply_v the_o occasion_n of_o all_o church_n here_o it_o may_v be_v proper_a to_o speak_v of_o the_o pastoral_a function_n and_o of_o the_o administration_n of_o discipline_n but_o these_o two_o head_n be_v important_a i_o reserve_v what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v about_o they_o for_o the_o two_o next_o chapter_n we_o ought_v here_o not_o to_o omit_v the_o want_n of_o union_n and_o correspondence_n among_o church_n if_o they_o have_v more_o communication_n and_o intercourse_n one_o with_o another_o great_a advantage_n will_v follow_v from_o thence_o right_o measure_n may_v be_v take_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o people_n and_o for_o the_o redress_v of_o abuse_n and_o scandal_n that_o uniformity_n which_o be_v so_o necessary_a both_o in_o worship_n and_o in_o church-government_n and_o discipline_n may_v be_v establish_v and_o that_o will_v contribute_v much_o to_o the_o honour_n and_o safety_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n the_o church_n will_v appear_v then_o like_o a_o well-ordered_a society_n and_o like_o one_o body_n of_o which_o all_o the_o part_n shall_v maintain_v a_o relation_n to_o and_o a_o strict_a dependence_n upon_o one_o another_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v a_o great_a unhappiness_n when_o church_n have_v little_a or_o no_o intercourse_n or_o communication_n one_o with_o another_o so_o that_o every_o one_o order_n its_o matter_n and_o custom_n the_o form_n of_o its_o worship_n and_o government_n within_o itself_o thus_o in_o many_o respect_n it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o show_v that_o thing_n be_v not_o altogether_o regulate_v in_o the_o church_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v with_o relation_n to_o order_n man_n be_v not_o sensible_a of_o these_o defect_n because_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o judge_v of_o religious_a matter_n by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o present_a time_n and_o by_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o respective_a country_n beside_o that_o antiquity_n be_v but_o little_o know_v and_o yet_o these_o defect_n contribute_v more_o than_o be_v common_o imagine_v to_o the_o decay_n of_o piety_n and_o zeal_n the_o want_n of_o order_n in_o any_o society_n do_v most_o certain_o bring_v confusion_n and_o licentiousness_n into_o it_o v._o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v the_o end_n and_o the_o essence_n of_o religion_n we_o can_v but_o inquire_v whether_o all_o thing_n be_v well_o regulate_v with_o relation_n to_o that_o to_o speak_v here_o only_o of_o the_o public_a worship_n it_o will_v be_v very_o necessary_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v perform_v every_o where_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o the_o people_n may_v understand_v the_o most_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o divine_a worship_n to_o be_v adoration_n praise_n and_o the_o invocation_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o discharge_n of_o these_o duty_n be_v the_o end_n of_o public_a assembly_n i_o remark_n this_o particular_o because_o in_o many_o place_n devotion_n be_v place_v only_o in_o the_o hear_n of_o sermon_n church_n be_v proper_o nothing_o else_o but_o auditory_n people_n fancy_n that_o sermon_n be_v the_o chief_a thing_n they_o meet_v for_o and_o that_o preach_v be_v the_o principle_n function_n to_o be_v exercise_v by_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n the_o prayer_n and_o the_o psalm_n be_v look_v upon_o only_a as_o preliminary_n or_o circumstance_n to_o a_o sermon_n this_o be_v a_o dangerous_a notion_n because_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n it_o make_v christian_n neglect_n divine_a service_n and_o on_o the_o other_o it_o render_v religion_n contemptible_a when_o sermon_n be_v not_o so_o edify_v as_o they_o shall_v be_v which_o happen_v but_o too_o often_o and_o therefore_o it_o will_v not_o perhaps_o be_v amiss_o if_o as_o it_o be_v practise_v in_o several_a church_n divine_a service_n be_v distinguish_v from_o sermon_n by_o some_o circumstance_n of_o time_n or_o person_n so_o that_o it_o may_v be_v one_o thing_n to_o celebrate_v divine_a service_n and_o another_o to_o hear_v sermon_n several_a reflection_n may_v be_v offer_v here_o concern_v the_o principal_a thing_n relate_v to_o public_a worship_n such_o as_o form_n of_o prayer_n liturgy_n the_o manner_n of_o praise_v god_n and_o sacred_a hymn_n it_o will_v be_v a_o question_n worth_a the_o examine_n whether_o we_o ought_v in_o christian_a church_n to_o use_v only_a psalm_n and_o canticle_n out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n among_o which_o though_o some_o be_v most_o edify_a and_o full_a of_o excellent_a expression_n of_o piety_n yet_o there_o be_v many_o which_o relate_v altogether_o to_o some_o particular_a passage_n of_o those_o time_n or_o if_o they_o speak_v of_o christ_n it_o be_v only_o in_o a_o prophetical_a style_n very_o obscure_a to_o the_o people_n one_o will_v think_v that_o christian_a hymn_n which_o shall_v be_v sing_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n chief_o to_o celebrate_v the_o wonder_n of_o our_o redemption_n may_v be_v extraordinary_a useful_a to_o nourish_v piety_n and_o to_o stir_v up_o devotion_n as_o well_o as_o more_o agreeable_a to_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n prescribe_v and_o which_o the_o primitve_n christian_n practise_v in_o their_o assembly_n will_v it_o not_o likewise_o be_v necessary_a to_o agree_v about_o give_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n to_o sick_a and_o die_a person_n and_o to_o restore_v the_o more_o frequent_a use_n of_o the_o eucharist_n acpord_v to_o the_o
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
when_o it_o be_v join_v with_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n but_o to_o think_v that_o civil_a law_n be_v sufficient_a to_o regulate_v manner_n and_o to_o reclaim_v sinner_n be_v a_o conceit_n almost_o as_o unreasonable_a as_o it_o will_v be_v ridiculous_a to_o proceed_v against_o robber_n or_o the_o other_o disturber_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n only_o by_o spiritual_a punishment_n let_v no_o man_n then_o confound_v those_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v set_v asunder_o 6._o it_o be_v far_a say_v that_o these_o rule_n of_o discipline_n be_v only_o for_o a_o time_n and_o that_o the_o time_n be_v alter_v but_o how_o can_v it_o be_v prove_v that_o the_o law_n of_o discipline_n be_v make_v only_o for_o a_o time_n be_v there_o any_o ground_n for_o this_o either_o in_o the_o scripture_n or_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o law_n be_v the_o law_n of_o discipline_n like_o those_o of_o moses_n which_o do_v no_o long_o bind_v we_o do_v the_o apostle_n make_v this_o distinction_n do_v st._n paul_n say_v upon_o this_o subject_a as_o he_o do_v in_o another_o case_n cor._n case_n 1_o cor._n i_o only_o give_v my_o judgement_n i_o have_v no_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n do_v he_o not_o speak_v positive_o of_o the_o order_n according_a to_o which_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v govern_v do_v he_o not_o command_v in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n do_v he_o not_o establish_v general_a law_n and_o maxim_n for_o all_o the_o church_n the_o apostle_n indeed_o appoint_v some_o rule_n the_o observation_n of_o which_o be_v not_o necessary_a at_o this_o day_n because_o those_o regulation_n be_v visible_o found_v upon_o particular_a reason_n which_o do_v no_o long_o subsist_v and_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o propose_v as_o general_a law_n but_o the_o reason_n upon_o which_o discipline_n be_v found_v and_o which_o be_v take_v from_o order_n and_o edification_n from_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n and_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n those_o reason_n do_v still_o subsist_v and_o consequent_o the_o rule_n of_o discipline_n be_v sacred_a and_o inviolable_a especial_o be_v deliver_v by_o way_n of_o command_n and_o repeat_v in_o so_o many_o place_n the_o christian_a church_n be_v to_o be_v diffuse_v all_o the_o world_n over_o sometime_o she_o be_v persecute_v and_o sometime_o she_o enjoy_v a_o calm_a but_o whatever_o state_n she_o may_v be_v in_o her_o nature_n do_v not_o alter_v as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n one_o church_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n so_o there_o be_v to_o be_v but_o one_o order_n at_o least_o as_o to_o essential_a thing_n and_o that_o order_n ought_v to_o be_v conformable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o else_o there_o will_v be_v as_o in_o fact_n we_o see_v there_o be_v as_o many_o different_a custom_n and_o discipline_n as_o there_o be_v kingdom_n state_n province_n nay_o town_n and_o church_n 7._o it_o be_v common_o object_v that_o the_o zeal_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v extinct_a that_o man_n be_v now_o very_o corrupt_a and_o that_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o submission_n to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n but_o that_o very_a thing_n that_o man_n be_v corrupt_a prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o discipline_n order_n be_v never_o more_o necessary_a than_o when_o all_o be_v in_o confusion_n 9_o confusion_n 1_o tim._n i._n 9_o st._n paul_n say_v that_o the_o law_n be_v not_o make_v for_o a_o righteous_a man_n but_o for_o the_o lawless_a and_o disobedient_a discipline_n seem_v more_o necessary_a now_o than_o it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o century_n because_o then_o persecution_n keep_v corruption_n out_o of_o the_o church_n but_o when_o the_o church_n be_v in_o peace_n vice_n and_o scandal_n do_v infallible_o multiply_v and_o than_o it_o be_v that_o good_a discipline_n be_v of_o excellent_a use_n but_o than_o it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o restore_v it_o consider_v the_o disposition_n man_n be_v now_o in_o i_o confess_v this_o design_n will_v meet_v with_o opposition_n those_o who_o go_v about_o to_o restore_v order_n and_o suppress_v licentiousness_n must_v still_o encounter_v difficulty_n but_o yet_o this_o may_v be_v compass_v if_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n do_v not_o oppose_v it_o if_o all_o the_o pastor_n do_v set_v about_o it_o with_o a_o zeal_n accompany_v with_o prudence_n and_o gentleness_n if_o they_o do_v careful_o instruct_v the_o people_n concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o discipline_n and_o if_o they_o do_v apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o civil_a power_n with_o equal_a vigour_n and_o respect_n they_o will_v carry_v the_o point_n at_o last_o after_o all_o the_o people_n be_v not_o in_o a_o worse_a disposition_n than_o the_o heathen_n be_v in_o before_o the_o apostle_n preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o they_o and_o there_o be_v christian_a prince_n and_o magistrate_n who_o have_v piety_n and_o zeal_n if_o then_o the_o heathen_n of_o old_a can_v be_v bring_v under_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o heathen_a magistrate_n shall_v we_o despair_v of_o subject_v christian_n to_o it_o the_o instance_n of_o those_o church_n where_o discipline_n be_v observe_v at_o least_o in_o part_n and_o where_o excommunication_n and_o public_a penance_n be_v in_o use_n show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o impossibility_n to_o succeed_v in_o this_o design_n if_o the_o thing_n be_v impossible_a god_n will_v never_o have_v commandded_a it_o 8._o in_o the_o last_o place_n here_o be_v a_o objection_n which_o be_v common_o urge_v with_o great_a force_n and_o which_o seem_v to_o have_v much_o weight_n in_o it_o it_o be_v say_v that_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o fear_v that_o discipline_n will_v bring_v tyranny_n into_o the_o church_n and_o that_o those_o who_o govern_v it_o will_v then_o assume_v too_o much_o authority_n let_v we_o see_v whether_o this_o fear_n be_v well_o ground_v and_o first_o if_o we_o suppose_v this_o principle_n that_o discipline_n be_v institute_v of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v commit_v it_o to_o the_o church_n and_o her_o governor_n which_o i_o think_v have_v be_v full_o demonstrate_v will_v it_o not_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o blasphemy_n to_o say_v that_o discipline_n be_v not_o to_o be_v suffer_v lest_o pastor_n shall_v become_v tyrant_n will_v not_o this_o reflect_v upon_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n as_o if_o they_o have_v establish_v a_o dangerous_a order_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o introduce_v tyranny_n at_o this_o rate_n the_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a christian_n do_v encroach_v upon_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o prince_n every_o christian_a will_v abhor_v this_o consequence_n and_o yet_o it_o result_v natural_o from_o the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o reject_v discipline_n for_o fear_n of_o tyranny_n beside_o suppose_v that_o christ_n have_v institute_v the_o order_n we_o speak_v of_o can_v we_o thus_o argue_v against_o it_o without_o shake_v off_o his_o yoke_n but_o man_n do_v not_o consider_v this_o they_o fancy_n that_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v grant_v to_o the_o church_n be_v grant_v to_o her_o governor_n whereas_o they_o shall_v remember_v that_o it_o be_v pay_v or_o yield_v to_o christ_n who_o right_a it_o be_v and_o who_o can_v be_v despoil_v of_o it_o without_o sacrilege_n here_o we_o may_v retort_v the_o charge_n upon_o those_o who_o bring_v it_o they_o talk_v of_o tyranny_n and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o intolerable_a piece_n of_o tyranny_n to_o oppose_v a_o divine_a law_n and_o to_o debar_v the_o church_n and_o her_o governor_n of_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o those_o right_n which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o but_o to_o come_v close_o to_o the_o objection_n nothing_o can_v be_v fear_v but_o one_o of_o these_o two_o inconvenience_n either_o a_o empire_n over_o conscience_n or_o some_o prejudice_n to_o the_o public_a tranquillity_n and_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o civil_a power_n as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o two_o inconvenience_n there_o be_v no_o great_a reason_n to_o fear_v it_o since_o the_o apostle_n who_o so_o express_o recommend_v discipline_n to_o pastor_n forbid_v they_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o assume_v a_o dominion_n over_o conscience_n provide_v discipline_n be_v use_v only_o in_o those_o case_n and_o in_o that_o manner_n which_o the_o scripture_n appoint_v and_o as_o it_o be_v practise_v by_o the_o first_o christian_n 14._o christian_n 1_o pet._n v._o 2._o 2_o cor_fw-la i._n 14._o nothing_o like_o this_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v from_o it_o the_o discipline_n we_o speak_v of_o do_v not_o meddle_v with_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o fear_v in_o this_o respect_n be_v groundless_a as_o to_o those_o case_n which_o concern_v manner_n injustice_n can_v hardly_o be_v commit_v about_o they_o the_o church_n do_v not_o judge_n of_o secret_a and_o
fall_v very_o short_a of_o that_o knowledge_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v and_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o live_v in_o shameful_a and_o deplorable_a ignorance_n this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o piety_n be_v so_o much_o want_v among_o they_o and_o why_o they_o be_v so_o deprave_v and_o vicious_a which_o be_v the_o thing_n i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o make_v appear_v in_o order_n to_o this_o as_o the_o christian_a religion_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o two_o head_n first_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n second_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n it_o be_v fit_a to_o inquire_v whether_o with_o respect_n to_o these_o christian_n be_v furnish_v with_o necessary_a information_n i_o shall_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v very_o little_o instruct_v i._o in_o that_o which_o concern_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o ii_o in_o what_o relate_v to_o manner_n and_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o christianity_n the_o reflection_n i_o shall_v bestow_v upon_o both_o these_o head_n will_v i_o hope_v clear_o prove_v that_o among_o those_o vast_a multitude_n of_o man_n who_o profess_v themselves_o christian_n there_o be_v very_o few_o who_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o their_o religion_n from_o whence_o it_o will_v be_v natural_a to_o conclude_v that_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v very_o corrupt_a i._o to_o begin_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n we_o must_v distinguish_v two_o sort_n of_o truth_n in_o religion_n the_o general_n and_o the_o particular_a truth_n the_o general_a truth_n be_v those_o upon_o which_o the_o whole_a of_o religion_n be_v found_v such_o as_o these_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o the_o bible_n be_v a_o divine_a book_n and_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v true_a by_o particular_a truth_n i_o mean_v the_o various_a doctrine_n which_o religion_n contain_v and_o which_o be_v the_o part_n of_o it_o but_o which_o at_o the_o same_o time_n depend_v upon_o the_o general_a truth_n as_o upon_o their_o principle_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o justification_n and_o many_o other_o be_v of_o this_o number_n now_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o ignorance_n of_o christian_n in_o reference_n to_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o truth_n 1._o every_o man_n who_o make_v use_v of_o his_o reason_n may_v easy_o apprehend_v that_o the_o general_a truth_n be_v the_o most_o important_a that_o they_o be_v those_o of_o which_o one_o ought_v chief_o to_o be_v persuade_v and_o that_o without_o these_o general_a truth_n the_o particular_a one_o will_v be_v useless_a nay_o will_v not_o be_v so_o much_o as_o truth_n to_o inquire_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o sacrament_n or_o how_o a_o man_n can_v be_v justify_v one_o must_v believe_v first_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o a_o religion_n for_o if_o i_o be_o not_o convince_v of_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n it_o will_v signify_v little_a to_o i_o whether_o or_o not_o there_o be_v any_o sacrament_n and_o all_o the_o time_n i_o shall_v employ_v in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o enquiry_n will_v be_v lose_v this_o first_o reflection_n do_v already_o discover_v to_o we_o a_o essential_a and_o capital_a defect_n a_o great_a many_o christian_n want_v instruction_n concern_v the_o principle_n and_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n they_o do_v not_o sufficient_o consider_v the_o certainty_n and_o importance_n of_o it_o their_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n do_v seldom_o go_v further_o than_o the_o particular_a truth_n of_o it_o and_o do_v not_o reach_v the_o general_n this_o be_v so_o common_a a_o fault_n that_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v even_o in_o those_o whole_a profession_n it_o be_v to_o study_v religion_n and_o to_o teach_v it_o to_o other_o some_o have_v spend_v the_o best_a part_n of_o their_o life_n in_o the_o study_n of_o divinity_n or_o in_o expound_v the_o scripture_n who_o never_o serious_o examine_v the_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n or_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n some_o be_v master_n of_o the_o principal_a controversy_n which_o divide_v christian_n who_o will_v stand_v mute_a if_o they_o be_v call_v back_o to_o the_o first_o element_n of_o religion_n and_o if_o they_o be_v to_o maintain_v against_o a_o infidel_n that_o there_o be_v a_o religion_n or_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v true_a the_o people_n enter_v yet_o less_o than_o the_o divine_n into_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o general_a truth_n and_o there_o be_v very_o few_o who_o either_o attend_v to_o they_o or_o indeed_o believe_v they_o as_o they_o ought_v and_o yet_o the_o whole_a of_o religion_n depend_v upon_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n concern_v the_o principle_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v that_o which_o render_v the_o particular_a truth_n effectual_a to_o salvation_n and_o which_o beget_v piety_n and_o the_o love_n of_o virtue_n when_o a_o man_n be_v persuade_v that_o religion_n propose_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v certain_a he_o immediate_o receive_v with_o reverence_n whatsoever_o it_o teach_v he_o feel_v a_o inclination_n in_o himself_o to_o observe_v its_o precept_n and_o he_o believe_v a_o judgement_n and_o another_o life_n as_o if_o he_o see_v they_o before_o his_o eye_n such_o be_v the_o efficacy_n of_o a_o true_a faith_n and_o of_o a_o steady_a persuasion_n about_o fundamental_a truth_n but_o without_o this_o persuasion_n it_o be_v very_o hard_a not_o to_o say_v impossible_a to_o adhere_v sincere_o to_o religion_n and_o to_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o constant_a source_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o christian_n it_o may_v perhaps_o be_v object_v that_o all_o christian_n receive_v the_o general_a truth_n of_o their_o creed_n and_o that_o these_o be_v not_o question_v but_o by_o pagan_n and_o atheist_n upon_o which_o i_o shall_v make_v two_o reflection_n 1._o it_o be_v but_o too_o true_a that_o in_o the_o point_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v at_o this_o day_n a_o great_a number_n of_o person_n who_o entertain_v very_o loose_a opinion_n and_o that_o do_v at_o least_o border_n upon_o atheism_n these_o pernicious_a tenet_n be_v spread_v wide_a than_o some_o people_n think_v not_o only_o the_o libertine_n be_v infect_v with_o they_o but_o even_o the_o common_a people_n all_o the_o profane_a man_n and_o deist_n be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v at_o court_n in_o army_n or_o among_o the_o learned_a there_o be_v some_o in_o town_n among_o the_o vulgar_a and_o even_o among_o country_n clown_n if_o we_o examine_v a_o little_a the_o discourse_n and_o apprehension_n of_o man_n especial_o of_o those_o who_o life_n be_v irregular_a if_o we_o do_v but_o begin_v to_o reason_n with_o they_o and_o press_v they_o we_o may_v soon_o perceive_v the_o principle_n of_o incredulity_n and_o atheism_n in_o many_o of_o they_o it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o they_o be_v not_o thorough_o persuade_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o another_o life_n or_o that_o if_o they_o do_v not_o proceed_v to_o that_o degree_n of_o impiety_n which_o attack_n directly_z the_o very_a foundation_n of_o religion_n they_o harbour_v at_o least_o this_o fancy_n that_o god_n do_v not_o narrow_o observe_v man_n deportment_n that_o he_o will_v not_o be_v so_o severe_a as_o to_o damn_v they_o for_o some_o sin_n they_o have_v commit_v and_o that_o there_o be_v not_o such_o great_a harm_n in_o gratify_v once_o passion_n and_o live_v at_o the_o usual_a rate_n of_o the_o world_n these_o and_o the_o like_a sentiment_n be_v general_a enough_o and_o yet_o they_o lead_v the_o straight_a way_n to_o deism_n and_o tend_v plain_o to_o the_o subversion_n of_o religion_n it_o will_v be_v therefore_o high_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o root_v out_o such_o dangerous_a error_n careful_o to_o establish_v these_o great_a truth_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o this_o god_n speak_v to_o we_o in_o his_o word_n and_o that_o whatever_o the_o gospel_n tell_v we_o of_o another_o life_n be_v most_o certain_a this_o i_o say_v will_v be_v altogether_o needful_a if_o it_o be_v but_o for_o the_o instruction_n of_o those_o i_o have_v now_o mention_v and_o their_o number_n be_v great_a than_o be_v common_o imagine_v 2_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n that_o though_o christian_n profess_v to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n yet_o that_o belief_n be_v not_o lively_a and_o strong_a enough_o in_o they_o all_o it_o be_v beyond_o all_o question_n that_o most_o christian_n be_v so_o only_o because_o they_o be_v engage_v by_o their_o birth_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n but_o that_o after_o all_o they_o know_v very_o little_a of_o the_o truth_n and_o divinity_n of_o it_o they_o will_v in_o like_a manner_n have_v be_v jew_n or_o pagan_n if_o they_o have_v be_v bear_v in_o judaisme_n or_o paganism_n so_o that_o proper_o speak_v they_o can_v be_v say_v to_o
which_o distinguish_v we_o from_o brute_n and_o a_o conscience_n which_o discern_v between_o good_a and_o evil_a we_o ought_v then_o to_o live_v according_a to_o reason_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o conscience_n and_o to_o do_v that_o which_o become_v the_o nature_n of_o man._n we_o be_v man_n and_o by_o consequence_n mortal_a we_o know_v we_o be_v not_o to_o live_v always_o in_o this_o world_n and_o know_v this_o we_o must_v either_o think_v of_o another_o life_n or_o propose_v to_o ourselves_o no_o other_o end_n than_o that_o of_o beast_n which_o follow_v their_o instinct_n while_o they_o live_v and_o then_o die_v never_o to_o live_v again_o we_o be_v man_n but_o we_o be_v not_o independent_a we_o have_v a_o creator_n and_o a_o master_n and_o as_o we_o be_v endue_v beside_o with_o understanding_n we_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o our_o action_n before_o his_o tribunal_n it_o be_v therefore_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n to_o live_v like_o a_o creature_n that_o depend_v upon_o god_n and_o that_o must_v be_v judge_v so_o that_o this_o consideration_n that_o we_o be_v man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o excuse_v that_o it_o condemn_v corruption_n but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o we_o be_v weak_a men._n this_o be_v very_o true_a our_o nature_n be_v frail_a and_o have_v beside_o a_o strong_a bias_n to_o evil_n but_o god_n speak_v to_o we_o as_o to_o weak_a man_n he_o command_v we_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v proportion_v to_o that_o state_n of_o imperfection_n we_o be_v in_o beside_o this_o excuse_n do_v not_o at_o all_o become_v christian_n to_o say_v we_o be_v weak_a man_n be_v to_o show_v we_o have_v but_o little_a sense_n of_o god_n kindness_n towards_o we_o we_o be_v not_o only_a man_n but_o we_o be_v christian_n too_o and_o this_o quality_n raise_v we_o above_o the_o natural_a condition_n of_o man_n it_o make_v we_o new_a man_n and_o new_a creature_n why_o do_v we_o then_o forget_v the_o glory_n to_o which_o god_n have_v exalt_v our_o nature_n through_o jesus_n christ_n why_o will_v we_o still_o lie_v down_o under_o the_o burden_n of_o frail_a and_o corrupt_a nature_n it_o be_v further_a say_v that_o we_o be_v not_o angel_n but_o neither_o be_v it_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o to_o do_v that_o which_o god_n command_v we_o when_o god_n give_v we_o his_o law_n he_o know_v he_o give_v they_o to_o man_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v admirable_o suit_v to_o our_o present_a condition_n in_o this_o world_n if_o we_o be_v angel_n god_n will_v give_v we_o quite_o other_o law_n the_o gospel_n will_v be_v abolish_v and_o the_o world_n shall_v continue_v no_o long_o in_o the_o state_n it_o be_v in_o it_o be_v therefore_o a_o absurd_a imagination_n to_o think_v that_o one_o can_v perform_v the_o duty_n of_o religion_n without_o be_v of_o a_o angelical_a nature_n let_v we_o then_o no_o long_o pretend_v that_o because_o we_o be_v man_n we_o be_v too_o weak_a to_o observe_v the_o duty_n which_o religion_n prescribe_v thâ—â—_n excuse_n charge_v god_n with_o injustice_n as_o if_o he_o do_v require_v from_o we_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v not_o agreeable_a with_o our_o nature_n and_o condition_n it_o be_v injurious_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n iâ—_n be_v false_a since_o the_o scripture_n declare_v that_o grace_n regenerate_v and_o strengthen_v we_o and_o that_o it_o make_v we_o able_a to_o overcome_v the_o vicious_a inclination_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o to_o free_v ourselves_o from_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n and_o last_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o experience_n for_o those_o many_o saint_n and_o good_a man_n who_o practise_v the_o most_o 5.17_o most_o jam._n 5.17_o sublime_a and_o difficult_a duty_n of_o piety_n be_v man_n as_o we_o be_v and_o as_o the_o 12.1_o the_o heb._n 12.1_o sacred_a writer_n observe_v they_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o same_o infirmitte_v with_o we_o and_o many_o of_o they_o perhaps_o have_v not_o those_o advantage_n which_o we_o have_v 2._o it_o be_v often_o allege_a as_o a_o excuse_n that_o no_o man_n be_v perfect_a and_o that_o every_o one_o have_v his_o fault_n this_o be_v say_v every_o day_n and_o some_o pretend_v with_o that_o say_n to_o excuse_v every_o thing_n excuse_n for_o the_o most_o part_n have_v something_o of_o truth_n in_o they_o this_o proposition_n that_o no_o man_n perfect_a be_v very_o true_a in_o one_o sense_n and_o altogether_o false_a in_o another_o no_o man_n certain_o be_v perfect_a in_o the_o strict_a sense_n of_o that_o word_n or_o as_o it_o import_v a_o full_a and_o accomplish_a perfection_n free_a from_o all_o defect_n such_o a_o perfection_n be_v to_o be_v have_v no_o where_o else_o but_o in_o heaven_n but_o there_o be_v a_o perfection_n commence_v or_o begin_v of_o which_o a_o man_n redeem_a and_o sanctify_a by_o jesus_n christ_n be_v capable_a if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o why_o shall_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n exhort_v we_o 5.23_o we_o mat._n 5.48_o phil._n 1.10_o 1_o thess_n 5.23_o to_o be_v perfect_a why_o shall_v they_o tell_v we_o 5.9_o we_o 1_o john_n 5.9_o that_o he_o who_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n do_v not_o sin_n and_o that_o a_o christian_n be_v 11.21_o be_v 1_o cor._n 1.8_o 2_o tim._n 11.21_o thorough_o furnish_v to_o every_o good_a work_n if_o you_o ask_v who_o those_o perfect_a man_n be_v i_o answer_v that_o they_o be_v those_o who_o aspire_v to_o perfection_n in_o who_o sin_n do_v not_o reign_n who_o do_v not_o allow_v themselves_o in_o any_o vicious_a habit_n who_o sincere_o and_o honest_o apply_v themselves_o to_o holiness_n and_o have_v accustom_v themselves_o to_o practice_v 〈…〉_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o with_o delight_n whoever_o be_v arrive_v at_o such_o a_o state_n have_v attain_v thaâ—_n perfection_n which_o be_v attainable_a in_o this_o life_n and_o to_o which_o christian_n be_v call_v by_o the_o gospel_n though_o there_o remain_v still_o in_o he_o some_o infirmity_n inseparable_a from_o humane_a nature_n and_o never_o total_o to_o be_v root_v out_o before_o he_o get_v to_o heaven_n we_o can_v be_v perfect_a in_o that_o first_o and_o strict_a sense_n i_o have_v mention_v but_o we_o may_v be_v perfect_a and_o god_n will_v have_v we_o be_v so_o in_o the_o second_o and_o evangelical_n sense_n of_o that_o word_n it_o be_v therefore_o a_o frivolous_a excuse_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o corrupt_a man_n to_o say_v that_o no_o man_n be_v perfect_a and_o that_o we_o can_v attain_v to_o the_o perfection_n or_o to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o bless_a in_o heaven_n for_o this_o be_v to_o shift_v the_o question_n because_o that_o be_v not_o the_o perfection_n which_o god_n require_v we_o ought_v not_o to_o fix_v a_o false_a and_o absurd_a sense_n upon_o god_n commandment_n that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o pretence_n not_o to_o obey_v they_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o christian_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o do_v that_o which_o god_n will_v have_v they_o do_v and_o which_o they_o be_v able_a to_o do_v in_o this_o world_n this_o be_v the_o perfection_n to_o which_o he_o call_v we_o we_o may_v apply_v very_o near_o the_o same_o answer_n to_o that_o other_o excuse_v that_o every_o body_n have_v his_o fault_n there_o be_v fault_n which_o do_v not_o destroy_v piety_n and_o god_n be_v gracious_o please_v not_o to_o impute_v such_o fault_n to_o those_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n no_o man_n â—s_v free_a from_o fault_n but_o there_o be_v another_o â—ort_n of_o fault_n which_o shall_v not_o be_v call_v bare_a fault_n or_o defect_n those_o be_v the_o vice_n and_o passion_n which_o can_v consist_v with_o piety_n the_o great_a the_o reign_v the_o habitual_a or_o deliberate_a sin_n true_a christian_n be_v free_a from_o such_o fault_n and_o those_o who_o be_v not_o free_a from_o they_o be_v not_o true_a christian_n if_o this_o maxim_n that_o every_o one_o have_v his_o fault_n be_v not_o thus_o explain_v we_o must_v speak_v no_o long_o of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n for_o this_o excuse_n will_v serve_v for_o all_o sin_n and_o acquit_v every_o body_n if_o a_o man_n be_v give_v to_o swear_v if_o he_o be_v revengeful_a passionate_a or_o false_a if_o he_o commit_v adultery_n it_o be_v but_o say_v every_o one_o have_v his_o fault_n and_o no_o man_n be_v perfect_a such_o language_n from_o a_o man_n full_a of_o vicious_a habit_n be_v unsufferable_a what_o dismal_a consequence_n will_v not_o libertine_n draw_v from_o such_o a_o principle_n we_o must_v therefore_o understand_v this_o proposition_n in_o the_o sense_n and_o with_o those_o restriction_n i_o have_v observe_v and_o then_o it_o may_v be_v useful_a to_o comfort_v good_a man_n but_o it_o will_v never_o excuse_v those_o who_o be_v vicious_a 3._o
namely_o that_o when_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o faith_n be_v sufficient_a to_o salvation_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o the_o word_n faith_n in_o this_o proposition_n that_o true_a faith_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v now_o if_o we_o ask_v what_o that_o faith_n be_v and_o by_o what_o mark_v it_o may_v be_v know_v all_o the_o apostle_n will_v unanimous_o tell_v we_o that_o true_a faith_n produce_v a_o holy_a life_n and_o that_o it_o discover_v itself_o by_o all_o manner_n of_o good_a work_n they_o assign_v good_a work_n as_o the_o essential_a mark_n and_o character_n that_o distinguish_v a_o save_n from_o a_o hypocritical_a faith_n by_o that_o very_a thing_n therefore_o that_o the_o gospel_n require_v faith_n it_o do_v likewise_o require_v good_a work_n since_o faith_n can_v be_v without_o work_n and_o by_o consequence_n the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o fancy_n that_o faith_n be_v sufficient_a without_o work_n be_v evident_o absurd_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n itself_o but_o to_o set_v this_o matter_n still_o in_o a_o clear_a light_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o take_v notice_n here_o of_o two_o mistake_v which_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o run_v into_o when_o they_o speak_v of_o faith_n and_o good_a work_n the_o first_o be_v that_o they_o separate_v faith_n from_o work_n they_o look_v upon_o faith_n as_o a_o thing_n quite_o different_a from_o work_n and_o which_o supply_v the_o want_n of_o they_o or_o rather_o they_o oppose_v faith_n to_o work_n as_o if_o these_o two_o thing_n be_v contrary_a to_o each_o other_o a_o corrupt_a man_n will_v say_v i_o confess_v that_o i_o have_v not_o good_a work_n but_o however_o i_o have_v faith_n those_o who_o speak_v thus_o suppose_v that_o they_o may_v have_v faith_n though_o they_o have_v not_o work_n but_o st._n james_n have_v direct_o confute_v this_o imagination_n ii_o imagination_n jam._n ii_o what_o do_v it_o profit_n my_o brethren_n though_o a_o man_n say_v he_o have_v faith_n and_o have_v not_o work_n can_v faith_n save_v he_o if_o faith_n have_v not_o work_n it_o be_v dead_a be_v alone_o who_o can_v after_o this_o separate_a save_a faith_n from_o good_a work_n can_v we_o separate_v that_o from_o faith_n which_o god_n have_v declare_v to_o be_v inseparable_a from_o it_o it_o show_v that_o man_n be_v strange_o blind_v with_o ignorance_n and_o prejudice_n when_o at_o this_o time_n of_o day_n we_o be_v fain_o to_o prove_v thing_n so_o plain_a and_o questionable_a the_o second_o illusion_n be_v that_o man_n place_n faith_n in_o confidence_n alone_o and_o many_o define_v it_o by_o that_o they_o fancy_n that_o to_o have_v faith_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v merciful_a and_o to_o rely_v upon_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n because_o faith_n embrace_v the_o promise_v of_o the_o gospel_n the_o natural_a effect_n of_o which_o promise_n be_v to_o fill_v the_o heart_n with_o assurance_n and_o tranquillity_n it_o be_v beyond_o all_o doubt_n that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n true_a faith_n be_v attend_v with_o confidence_n but_o confidence_n be_v not_o the_o whole_a of_o faith_n and_o i_o can_v imagine_v what_o part_n of_o god_n word_n countenance_n that_o notion_n which_o place_n the_o essence_n of_o faith_n in_o confidence_n alone_o the_o faith_n which_o the_o gospel_n speak_v of_o consist_v in_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n in_o embrace_v his_o doctrine_n as_o true_a and_o in_o make_v profession_n of_o it_o in_o do_v his_o commandment_n and_o hope_v for_o salvation_n from_o he_o but_o the_o resolve_v all_o faith_n and_o religion_n into_o act_n of_o confidence_n be_v the_o most_o extravagant_a conceit_n that_o can_v enter_v into_o a_o man_n head_n if_o this_o notion_n be_v true_a it_o will_v follow_v from_o it_o that_o in_o order_n to_o be_v save_v it_o be_v enough_o before_o man_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v save_v which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o to_o say_v that_o whoever_o will_v have_v a_o right_a to_o confide_v in_o god_n needs_o do_v no_o more_o in_o order_n to_o that_o than_o actual_o to_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o that_o be_v a_o most_o ridiculous_a thought_n which_o turn_v all_o religion_n into_o a_o strong_a fancy_n before_o we_o believe_v a_o thing_n we_o ought_v to_o know_v why_o we_o shall_v believe_v it_o and_o have_v good_a reason_n and_o solid_a ground_n for_o our_o belief_n before_o we_o trust_v in_o god_n we_o ought_v to_o satisfy_v ourselves_o that_o we_o have_v a_o right_a to_o confide_v in_o he_o for_o can_v a_o man_n be_v save_v only_o because_o without_o any_o ground_n or_o reason_n he_o fancy_n that_o he_o shall_v we_o ought_v not_o to_o rely_v upon_o god_n but_o according_a to_o his_o promise_n now_o god_n have_v promise_v nothing_o to_o those_o who_o live_v and_o be_v harden_v in_o sin_n far_o from_o promise_v any_o thing_n to_o they_o he_o threaten_v they_o with_o inevitable_a ruin_n what_o claim_n or_o title_n than_o can_v a_o obdurate_a sinner_n have_v to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n what_o confidence_n can_v he_o repose_v in_o god_n promise_n as_o long_o as_o he_o continue_v impenitent_a none_o at_o all_o except_o we_o suppose_v in_o god_n a_o general_a decree_n to_o save_v indifferent_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n it_o must_v not_o be_v say_v that_o these_o consideration_n be_v apt_a to_o alarm_n and_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o man_n conscience_n for_o they_o will_v alarm_n none_o of_o those_o who_o be_v animate_v with_o true_a faith_n and_o sincere_a piety_n and_o as_o to_o other_o we_o do_v they_o a_o great_a piece_n of_o service_n when_o we_o awaken_v and_o terrify_v they_o out_o of_o that_o false_a quiet_a into_o which_o a_o groundless_a confidence_n have_v betray_v they_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n to_o teach_v that_o confidence_n be_v the_o most_o essential_a thing_n to_o faith_n for_o by_o this_o we_o may_v alarm_n some_o good_a man_n who_o either_o through_o melancholy_n or_o want_n of_o instruction_n be_v destitute_a of_o confidence_n and_o inward_a peace_n and_o it_o have_v certain_o happen_v that_o several_a pious_a person_n be_v fall_v into_o black_a thought_n and_o sad_a scruple_n concern_v their_o salvation_n and_o that_o they_o have_v in_o some_o measure_n despond_v because_o they_o do_v not_o find_v confidence_n and_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o themselves_o from_o all_o these_o reflection_n it_o do_v evident_o appear_v that_o faith_n never_o ought_v nor_o can_v be_v separate_v from_o good_a work_n and_o that_o christian_n be_v as_o much_o oblige_v to_o ap_o themselves_o to_o good_a work_n as_o they_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o to_o have_v faith_n but_o now_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v why_o st._n paulâ—hen_o â—hen_z oppose_v faith_n to_o work_n and_o why_o he_o exclude_v work_n when_o he_o treat_v of_o justification_n i_o answer_v that_o the_o apostle_n â—ins_v at_o two_o thing_n by_o this_o his_o design_n â—s_v to_o show_v 1._o that_o work_n be_v not_o the_o cause_n and_o foundation_n of_o man_n salvation_n â—ut_v that_o it_o flow_v from_o the_o pure_a mercy_n of_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n this_o he_o prove_v with_o respect_n both_o to_o the_o heathen_n and_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o his_o epistle_n â—o_o the_o roman_n but_o he_o do_v not_o mean_a to_o say_v â—hat_n good_a work_n be_v not_o necessary_a under_o â—he_n covenant_n of_o grace_n his_o expression_n be_v too_o clear_a to_o leave_v the_o least_o room_n for_o any_o doubt_n about_o this_o matter_n to_o reâ—eject_v the_o meritoriousness_n of_o good_a work_n â—s_v one_o thing_n and_o to_o deny_v their_o necessity_n be_v â—nother_n but_o 2_o because_o it_o may_v be_v obâ—ected_v that_o st._n paul_n do_v entire_o exclude_v work_n and_o that_o he_o use_v expression_n which_o imply_v that_o christian_n be_v no_o long_o oblige_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o and_o that_o they_o have_v no_o influence_n on_o man_n salvation_n either_o as_o cause_n or_o condition_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a be_v oppose_v to_o faith_n therefore_o i_o add_v that_o he_o speak_v thus_o with_o relation_n to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o especial_o to_o circumcision_n there_o be_v many_o in_o st._n paul_n time_n who_o assert_v that_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o observe_v those_o legal_a ordinance_n it_o be_v about_o the_o question_n that_o the_o apostle_n meet_v a_o jerusalem_n and_o determine_v xv._o determine_v acts._n xv._o that_o christian_n 〈◊〉_d justify_v by_o faith_n only_o and_o that_o the_o yoke_n of_o moysaicall_a ordinance_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v lay_v up_o on_o they_o the_o same_o conroverly_n be_v handle_v by_o st._n paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n where_o
give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o dispute_n with_o st._n peter_n and_o of_o his_o reprove_v he_o for_o his_o too_o great_a compliance_n with_o the_o jew_n he_o affirm_v that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o not_o by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n why_o have_v not_o than_o difference_n be_v observe_v which_o st_n paul_n make_v about_o work_n when_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n he_o call_v they_o the_o work_v of_o the_o law_n or_o bare_o work_v but_o when_o he_o treat_v of_o the_o work_n which_o the_o gospel_n prescribe_v he_o call_v they_o good_a work_n because_o they_o be_v real_o good_a holy_a and_o profitable_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n but_o this_o title_n of_o good_a work_n be_v never_o bestow_v upon_o the_o work_v of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n which_o consider_v in_o themselves_o have_v nothing_o of_o goodness_n or_o holiness_n in_o they_o in_o a_o word_n good_a work_n in_o st._n paul_n stile_n be_v quite_o another_o thing_n than_o bare_o work_v or_o the_o work_v of_o the_o law_n if_o this_o have_v be_v consider_v such_o great_a â—ains_n need_v not_o to_o have_v be_v take_v to_o make_v 3.27_o make_v rom._n 3.27_o st._n paul_n agree_v with_o st._n james_n 11.16_o james_n galat._n 11.16_o st._n paul_n say_v that_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n without_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n 11.24_o law_n jam._n 11.24_o and_o st._n james_n â—hat_n man_n be_v justify_v by_o work_n and_o not_o by_o faith_n â—nly_o there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n between_o these_o two_o apostle_n both_o follow_v one_o hypothesis_n and_o argue_v upon_o the_o same_o principle_n st._n paul_n dispute_v against_o the_o jew_n who_o will_v tie_v christian_n to_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n â—â—ffrms_n that_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v sufficient_a provide_v it_o bring_v forth_o good_a work_n be_v â—nd_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o observe_v the_o moysaicall_a rite_n st._n james_n dispute_v against_o heretic_n who_o pretend_v that_o faith_n do_v â—ave_n without_o good_a work_n and_o so_o do_v â—ntirely_o ruin_v our_o saviour_n moral_n deâ—lares_v that_o faith_n which_o do_v not_o produce_v good_a work_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o salvation_n be_v not_o this_o the_o same_o doctrine_n with_o st._n paul_n but_o instead_o of_o reconcile_a these_o two_o apostle_n some_o people_n find_v here_o great_a difficulty_n they_o do_v not_o reconcile_v st._n james_n with_o st._n paul_n but_o they_o rather_o refute_v st._n james_n by_o st._n paul_n st._n james_n be_v expound_v with_o great_a caution_n as_o if_o he_o have_v go_v too_o far_o by_o say_v that_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o work_n and_o not_o by_o faith_n only_o this_o proposition_n be_v soften_v as_o much_o as_o possible_a it_o be_v excuse_v rather_o than_o explain_v but_o as_o for_o what_o st._n paul_n say_v that_o faith_n alone_o justfiy_v without_o work_n it_o be_v take_v in_o the_o utmost_a strictness_n so_o that_o all_o be_v ascribe_v to_o faith_n and_o nothing_o to_o good_a work_n nay_o faith_n be_v set_v in_o opposition_n to_o good_a work_n and_o god_n to_o god_n himself_o the_o passage_n of_o scripture_n which_o speak_v of_o faith_n be_v bring_v out_o against_o those_o which_o relate_v to_o work_n it_o be_v true_a say_v some_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o without_o holiness_n no_o manshall_n see_v god_n but_o it_o be_v likewise_o write_v that_o we_o be_v not_o justify_v by_o our_o work_n but_o only_o by_o faith_n and_o by_o this_o way_n of_o reason_v man_n raise_v themselves_o above_o the_o reproach_n and_o accusation_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n i_o say_v it_o once_o more_o this_o be_v to_o attack_v and_o confute_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o itself_o and_o to_o charge_v the_o holy_a ghost_n with_o self-contradiction_n for_o in_o short_a if_o a_o man_n can_v be_v justify_v without_o good_a work_n he_o can_v be_v save_v without_o they_o too_o since_o the_o be_v justify_v be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o the_o be_v save_v now_o if_o a_o man_n can_v be_v save_v without_o good_a work_n he_o may_v see_v the_o face_n of_o god_n without_o holiness_n which_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o what_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o 21.14_o we_o heb._n 21.14_o that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n 2._o a_o great_a many_o people_n imagine_v that_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o privilege_n of_o christian_n not_o to_o be_v tie_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o god_n law_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v some_o mistake_a place_n give_v occasion_n to_o that_o error_n and_o particular_o this_o 6._o this_o rom._n 6._o we_o be_v no_o more_o under_o the_o law_n but_o under_o grace_n these_o word_n be_v thus_o interpret_v the_o law_n do_v prescribe_v work_n but_o the_o gospel_n require_v only_a faith_n the_o law_n do_v threaten_v but_o the_o gospel_n speak_v only_o of_o grace_n and_o pardon_n so_o that_o to_o require_v work_n at_o this_o time_n of_o day_n be_v to_o bring_v back_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o law_n there_o be_v something_o of_o truth_n in_o this_o reason_n but_o those_o who_o make_v use_v of_o it_o to_o free_v themselves_o from_o the_o observation_n of_o god_n commandment_n do_v very_o little_o understand_v either_o what_o the_o law_n or_o the_o gospel_n be_v and_o wherein_o these_o two_o dispensation_n differ_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o law_n be_v a_o dispensation_n of_o severity_n it_o do_v not_o propose_v to_o man_n remission_n of_o sin_n and_o salvation_n as_o the_o gospel_n do_v the_o law_n have_v not_o that_o power_n and_o efficacy_n to_o sanctify_v man_n which_o grace_n have_v the_o law_n lay_v upon_o the_o jew_n great_a many_o obligation_n which_o be_v not_o only_o burdensome_a and_o painful_a but_o which_o beside_o have_v no_o intrinsical_a holiness_n in_o they_o and_o those_o duty_n be_v enjoin_v under_o a_o curse_n the_o law_n itself_o be_v a_o time_n of_o severity_n and_o malediction_n in_o respect_n to_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n since_o all_o the_o while_n that_o oeconomy_n do_v subsist_v they_o be_v exclude_v from_o the_o covenant_n which_o god_n have_v make_v with_o the_o jew_n in_o these_o several_a regard_n we_o be_v not_o under_o the_o law_n but_o under_o grace_n but_o if_o from_o this_o that_o we_o be_v not_o under_o the_o law_n we_o shall_v infer_v that_o we_o be_v no_o long_o bind_v to_o do_v what_o be_v just_a this_o inference_n will_v overturn_v the_o whole_a gospel_n and_o transform_v religion_n into_o libertinism_n iâ—_n because_o we_o be_v under_o grace_n we_o ought_v to_o speak_v no_o more_o of_o work_n why_o shall_v the_o gospel_n prescribe_v work_n and_o the_o same_o work_n which_o the_o law_n enjoin_v except_v only_o the_o ceremony_n why_o shall_v this_o gospel_n call_v we_o to_o a_o holiness_n which_o exceed_v that_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o enforce_v this_o obligation_n with_o more_o terrible_a threaten_n than_o those_o of_o the_o law_n why_o do_v our_o saviour_n john_n the_o baptist_n and_o the_o apostle_n preach_v up_o repentance_n and_o enter_v upon_o their_o ministry_n with_o these_o word_n 4.4_o word_n mat._n 3.2_o and_o 4.4_o repent_v you_o according_a to_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o these_o man_n they_o shall_v have_v speak_v to_o they_o after_o this_o manner_n 11.17_o manner_n act_n 11.17_o this_o be_v the_o time_n of_o grace_n the_o law_n be_v past_a and_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n be_v abolish_v therefore_o fear_v nothing_o let_v not_o your_o sin_n trouble_v you_o for_o salvation_n be_v promise_v to_o all_o mankind_n whence_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o our_o 5.6.7_o our_o mat._n 5.6.7_o saviour_n speak_v only_o of_o work_n in_o his_o sermon_n upon_o the_o mount_n or_o that_o st._n paul_n declare_v that_o the_o natural_a intention_n and_o the_o proper_a effect_n of_o grace_n be_v to_o teach_v man_n to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o temperance_n justice_n and_o godliness_n must_v we_o say_v that_o god_n be_v alter_v that_o he_o do_v not_o love_v holiness_n so_o much_o now_o as_o he_o do_v heretofore_o of_o that_o sin_n be_v become_v less_o odious_a to_o he_o since_o it_o be_v expiate_v by_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n but_o it_o be_v say_v we_o be_v no_o more_o under_o the_o law_n what_o be_v christian_n then_o a_o lawless_a people_n on_o the_o contrary_n we_o be_v under_o the_o law_n i_o mean_v under_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n under_o 8.2_o under_o rom._n 8.2_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n which_o make_v we_o free_a from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n but_o let_v we_o hear_v st._n paul_n himself_o in_o what_o sense_n and_o respect_n do_v he_o say_v that_o we_o be_v no_o more_o under_o the_o law_n but_o under_o grace_n he_o say_v this_o precise_o to_o show_v that_o
we_o ought_v to_o live_v no_o long_o in_o sin_n these_o be_v his_o own_o word_n 17.18_o word_n rom._n 7.14_o 15_o 16_o 17.18_o what_o then_o shall_v we_o sin_n because_o we_o be_v not_o under_o the_o law_n but_o under_o grace_n god_n forbid_v on_o the_o contrary_a sin_n shall_v not_o have_v dominon_n over_o you_o for_o you_o be_v not_o under_o the_o law_n but_o under_o grace_n you_o be_v former_o the_o servant_n of_o sin_n but_o now_o be_v make_v free_a from_o sin_n and_o become_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n you_o have_v your_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n we_o need_v but_o read_v the_o sequel_n of_o his_o discourse_n to_o see_v how_o he_o inveigh_v against_o those_o who_o turn_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n into_o a_o pretence_n to_o live_v in_o sin_n before_o i_o leave_v this_o matter_n i_o shall_v taâ—â—_n notice_n of_o two_o error_n which_o be_v pretty_a common_a the_o first_o be_v the_o applying_z to_o christian_n at_o this_o day_n all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v speak_v of_o old_a by_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o convert_v jew_n it_o be_v say_v that_o we_o be_v no_o more_o under_o the_o law_n and_o christian_n be_v often_o exhort_v to_o bless_v god_n for_o be_v no_o long_o under_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o yoke_n of_o moses_n and_o upon_o this_o a_o great_a many_o opposition_n be_v observe_v betwixt_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n for_o my_o part_n i_o do_v not_o think_v those_o exhortation_n and_o opposition_n so_o very_o proper_a to_o be_v insist_v on_o when_o we_o be_v speak_v to_o man_n who_o never_o be_v jew_n unless_o we_o do_v it_o with_o a_o design_n to_o show_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o gospel-covenant_n above_o that_o of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o advantage_n of_o christian_n above_o jew_n for_o after_o all_o the_o law_n be_v give_v only_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o gentile_n be_v never_o subject_v to_o the_o ceremony_n or_o the_o curse_n of_o it_o as_o the_o jew_n be_v why_o shall_v we_o then_o say_v to_o people_n who_o never_o be_v under_o the_o law_n you_o be_v no_o more_o under_o the_o law_n the_o apostle_n indeed_o speak_v in_o that_o manner_n to_o the_o convert_v jew_n but_o as_o to_o those_o who_o be_v former_o pagan_n it_o will_v be_v more_o fit_v to_o tell_v they_o 4.17_o they_o thess_n 1.9_o ephes_n 11.12_o &_o 4.17_o you_o have_v be_v convert_v from_o idol_n to_o the_o live_a god_n remember_v that_o you_o be_v in_o time_n past_o gentile_n without_o hope_n and_o without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o live_v no_o long_o like_o heathen_n it_o be_v a_o great_a fault_n not_o to_o expound_v the_o scripture_n according_a to_o the_o true_a scope_n of_o it_o and_o to_o apply_v all_o that_o it_o contain_v to_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n without_o distinction_n the_o other_o error_n be_v of_o great_a consequence_n people_n fancy_n that_o because_o we_o be_v not_o under_o the_o law_n which_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o rigour_n we_o be_v now_o to_o speak_v of_o nothing_o else_o to_o man_n but_o of_o grace_n and_o promise_n and_o that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o threaten_v and_o to_o denounce_v curse_n against_o sinner_n it_o have_v be_v say_v already_o in_o what_o sense_n the_o law_n be_v a_o covenant_n of_o rigour_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n but_o the_o gospel_n have_v also_o its_o curse_n and_o they_o be_v much_o more_o terrible_a than_o those_o of_o the_o law_n the_o gospel_n speak_v of_o the_o future_a punishment_n of_o another_o life_n in_o much_o clear_a and_o strong_a expression_n than_o the_o law_n do_v to_o be_v convince_v of_o this_o we_o need_v but_o reflect_v upon_o that_o opposition_n which_o st._n paul_n make_v between_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o ten_o chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n he_o that_o despise_a moses_n law_n die_v without_o mercy_n under_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n of_o how_o much_o sore_a punishment_n suppose_v you_o shall_v he_o be_v think_v worthy_a who_o have_v tread_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o have_v count_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n wherewith_o he_o be_v sanctify_v a_o unholy_a thing_n and_o have_v do_v despite_n unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n we_o know_v he_o that_o have_v say_v vengeance_n belong_v unto_o i_o i_o will_v recompense_v faith_n the_o lord_n it_o be_v a_o fearful_a thing_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_a god_n 3._o the_o libertine_n do_v likewise_o abuse_v what_o st._n paul_n say_v in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o 5._o the_o gal._n 5._o galatian_n concern_v christian_a liberty_n when_o he_o declare_v that_o christian_n be_v free_v from_o the_o bondage_n of_o the_o law_n when_o he_o exhort_v they_o to_o stand_v fast_o in_o that_o liberty_n and_o protest_v that_o christ_n prosit_v nothing_o to_o those_o who_o will_v be_v justify_v by_o the_o law_n but_o a_o man_n may_v see_v with_o half_a a_o eye_n that_o the_o apostle_n mean_v only_o that_o christian_n be_v no_o long_o bind_v to_o observe_v circumcision_n and_o the_o other_o ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n that_o st._n paul_n have_v no_o other_o view_n or_o design_n but_o this_o will_v plain_o appear_v to_o every_o one_o who_o will_v read_v the_o whole_a epistle_n and_o particular_o the_o second_o chapter_n of_o it_o in_o the_o v._o chapter_n we_o find_v two_o thing_n which_o be_v decisive_a in_o this_o matter_n 1._o st._n paul_n speak_v there_o express_o of_o circumcision_n v._n circumcision_n gal._n v._n behold_v i_o paul_n say_v unto_o you_o that_o if_o you_o be_v circumcise_v christ_n shall_v profit_v you_o nothing_o for_o i_o testify_v again_o to_o every_o man_n that_o be_v circumcise_v that_o he_o be_v a_o debtor_n to_o do_v the_o whole_a law_n 13._o law_n ver_fw-la 13._o christ_n be_v become_v of_o none_o effect_v unto_o yond_o whosoever_o of_o you_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o law_n you_o be_v fall_v from_o grace_n 2._o it_o be_v very_o observable_a with_o what_o circumspection_n the_o apostle_n deliver_v himself_o leave_v his_o doctrine_n shall_v be_v wrest_v to_o favour_v licentiousness_n after_o he_o have_v say_v you_o be_v call_v to_o liberty_n he_o add_v immediate_o only_o use_v not_o liberty_n for_o a_o occasion_n to_o the_o flesh_n he_o explain_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o live_v after_o the_o flesh_n by_o make_v a_o enumeration_n of_o those_o sin_n which_o the_o flesh_n produce_v and_o which_o exclude_v man_n from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n he_o exhort_v man_n to_o live_v after_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o practice_v the_o christian_a virtue_n in_o the_o four_o chapter_n he_o pursue_v the_o same_o exhortation_n and_o he_o end_v the_o epistle_n with_o these_o remarkable_a word_n which_o contain_v the_o sum_n of_o his_o doctrine_n 15._o doctrine_n chap._n vi_o 15._o for_o in_o christ_n jesus_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n that_o be_v to_o say_v whether_o a_o man_n be_v a_o jew_n or_o a_o heathen_a it_o matter_n not_o so_o he_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o observe_v god_n commandment_n 16._o commandment_n ver_fw-la 16._o peace_n and_o mercy_n be_v on_o they_o all_o who_o walk_v after_o this_o rule_n be_v there_o anything_o plain_a than_o this_o doctrine_n and_o yet_o how_o clear_a soever_o it_o may_v be_v christian_a liberty_n be_v allege_v to_o set_v man_n free_a from_o the_o obligation_n to_o keep_v god_n s_o commandment_n all_o that_o st._n paul_n fay_v against_o circumcision_n and_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n be_v by_o a_o enormous_a blasphemy_n turn_v against_o the_o holy_a commandment_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n can_v any_o thing_n more_o odious_a or_o profane_a be_v imagine_v than_o the_o pervert_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n at_o this_o rate_n 4._o those_o who_o plead_v on_o the_o side_n of_o corruption_n be_v wont_a to_o object_n against_o what_o be_v say_v in_o behalf_n of_o holiness_n this_o sentence_n of_o solomon_n 16._o solomon_n ephes_n vii_o 16._o be_v not_o righteous_a overmuch_o neither_o make_v thyself_o over-wise_a and_o what_o inference_n do_v they_o riot_n draw_v from_o thence_o they_o conclude_v from_o this_o place_n that_o a_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o pretend_v so_o much_o to_o holiness_n or_o to_o set_v up_o for_o a_o good_a man_n and_o that_o in_o all_o thing_n mediocrity_n be_v best_a one_o may_v easy_o apprehend_v that_o such_o sentiment_n must_v needs_o introduce_v licentiousness_n especial_o when_o they_o be_v think_v to_o be_v support_v by_o a_o divine_a authority_n but_o let_v we_o see_v whether_o or_o no_o such_o conceit_n can_v be_v found_v upon_o this_o sentence_n of_o solomon_n i_o shall_v ask_v in_o the_o first_o place_n whether_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o
ready_a to_o restore_v the_o great_a sinner_n to_o his_o favour_n when_o they_o have_v recourse_n to_o his_o mercy_n and_o that_o there_o be_v express_a promise_n in_o the_o gospel_n which_o assure_v we_o of_o this_o i_o grant_v it_o god_n never_o reject_v a_o repent_a sinner_n but_o before_o a_o man_n can_v build_v upon_o this_o the_o hope_n of_o be_v receive_v into_o god_n favour_n at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n he_o must_v be_v sure_a that_o he_o shall_v then_o sincere_o repent_v now_o i_o think_v i_o have_v demonstrate_v that_o this_o be_v what_o no_o man_n can_v depend_v upon_o as_o to_o the_o promise_n which_o be_v make_v to_o repentance_n in_o the_o gospel_n i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v apply_v in_o a_o good_a sense_n to_o all_o sinner_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o be_v make_v in_o favour_n of_o those_o who_o god_n be_v to_o call_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o chief_o in_o favour_n of_o the_o heathen_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v to_o assure_v all_o man_n that_o the_o sin_n they_o have_v commit_v shall_v not_o exclude_v they_o from_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n provide_v they_o do_v sincere_o mourn_v for_o they_o and_o part_n with_o they_o when_o the_o heathen_n come_v to_o baptism_n nothing_o else_o be_v require_v of_o they_o but_o that_o they_o shall_v repent_v and_o make_v a_o solemn_a vow_n of_o be_v holy_a for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v but_o as_o to_o christian_n it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o god_n demand_v nothing_o of_o they_o but_o repentance_n and_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n for_o he_o call_v they_o to_o holiness_n upon_o pain_n of_o damnation_n in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n preach_v repentance_n and_o by_o this_o we_o may_v know_v how_o much_o christianity_n be_v decay_v that_o repentance_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o confession_n of_o sin_n and_o in_o a_o resolution_n to_o forsake_v they_o be_v the_o duty_n at_o which_o the_o heathen_n begin_v this_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n which_o the_o apostle_n require_v of_o they_o it_o be_v preparatory_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n st._n paul_n vi._n paul_n heb._n vi._n place_v the_o doctrine_n of_o repentance_n among_o the_o fundamental_a point_n and_o the_o first_o duty_n in_o which_o the_o catechuman_n be_v instruct_v before_o baptism_n but_o now_o christian_n look_v upon_o repentance_n as_o the_o duty_n with_o which_o they_o be_v to_o end_v their_o life_n that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o design_v to_o end_v where_o the_o heathen_n begin_v and_o to_o enter_v heaven_n at_o the_o same_o gate_n which_o admit_v pagan_n into_o the_o church_n 2._o it_o will_v be_v say_v further_o that_o sometime_o man_n who_o have_v live_v in_o sin_n die_v to_o all_o appearance_n in_o very_o good_a disposition_n to_o this_o i_o reply_v that_o we_o see_v a_o great_a many_o more_o of_o those_o person_n who_o die_v in_o a_o state_n of_o insensibility_n and_o that_o by_o consequence_n a_o sinner_n who_o put_v off_o his_o repentance_n have_v more_o reason_n to_o fear_v than_o to_o hope_v for_o who_o have_v tell_v he_o that_o the_o fate_n of_o these_o last_o will_v not_o be_v his_o and_o what_o sure_a presage_v can_v there_o be_v of_o so_o tragical_a a_o death_n than_o the_o present_a hardness_n of_o his_o heart_n beside_o i_o do_v not_o know_v whether_o it_o happen_v frequent_o as_o the_o objection_n seem_v to_o suppose_v that_o person_n who_o have_v live_v ill_o be_v well_o dispose_v when_o they_o die_v if_o repentance_n can_v be_v save_v and_o effectual_a when_o it_o begin_v only_o upon_o a_o deathbed_n every_o body_n must_v own_v that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o lively_a and_o deep_a attend_v with_o demonstration_n of_o the_o most_o bitter_a sorrow_n and_o with_o all_o the_o proof_n that_o a_o die_a man_n can_v give_v of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o conversion_n but_o we_o do_v not_o see_v many_o instance_n of_o this_o nature_n there_o be_v but_o few_o great_a sinner_n who_o express_v a_o lively_a compunction_n at_o their_o death_n or_o a_o sincere_a detestation_n of_o their_o sin_n who_o have_v a_o due_a sense_n of_o their_o wickedness_n and_o endeavour_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v to_o make_v reparation_n for_o it_o who_o practice_n restitution_n and_o edify_v all_o about_o they_o by_o discharge_v the_o other_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n it_o be_v but_o seldom_o that_o we_o see_v such_o penitent_n beside_o the_o expression_n of_o devotion_n and_o repentance_n which_o be_v use_v by_o die_a man_n be_v not_o always_o sincere_a it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o their_o repentance_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o certain_a emotion_n which_o the_o necessity_n of_o die_v and_o the_o approach_n of_o god_n judgement_n must_v needs_o raise_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o every_o man_n who_o have_v his_o wit_n about_o he_o and_o have_v some_o idea_n of_o religion_n nothing_o be_v more_o deceitful_a than_o the_o judge_n of_o a_o man_n by_o what_o he_o either_o say_v or_o do_v when_o he_o be_v under_o the_o effect_n of_o fear_n or_o trouble_n it_o be_v common_o say_v of_o those_o who_o have_v give_v some_o sign_n of_o piety_n upon_o their_o deathbed_n that_o they_o have_v make_v a_o very_a christian_a end_n but_o there_o be_v often_o a_o great_a mistake_n in_o that_o judgement_n and_o to_o be_v satisfy_v of_o it_o we_o need_v but_o observe_v what_o happen_v to_o some_o who_o have_v escape_v death_n or_o some_o eminent_a danger_n while_o the_o peril_n last_v who_o can_v be_v more_o humble_a and_o holy_a than_o they_o they_o show_v so_o much_o devotion_n and_o utter_v such_o discourse_n that_o all_o the_o standard_n by_o be_v edisy_v by_o they_o their_o tear_n their_o prayer_n their_o protestation_n of_o amendment_n in_o a_o word_n their_o whole_a deportment_n have_v in_o all_o appearance_n so_o much_o of_o christian_a zeal_n in_o it_o that_o the_o beholder_n be_v strike_v with_o admiration_n but_o be_v there_o many_o of_o these_o who_o when_o the_o danger_n be_v over_o continue_v in_o the_o same_o disposition_n remember_v their_o promise_n or_o alter_v any_o thing_n in_o their_o former_a course_n of_o life_n almost_o all_o of_o they_o return_v to_o their_o old_a habit_n as_o soon_o as_o the_o calamity_n be_v past_a these_o be_v general_o the_o fruit_n of_o that_o repentance_n which_o be_v excite_v by_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n in_o those_o who_o recover_v and_o what_o effect_n then_o can_v it_o have_v in_o respect_n of_o those_o that_o dye_n i_o confess_v we_o ought_v not_o to_o condemn_v any_o body_n but_o i_o think_v we_o shall_v not_o pronounce_v a_o definitive_a sentence_n in_o favour_n of_o those_o who_o have_v lead_v a_o ill_a life_n for_o though_o man_n judgement_n make_v no_o alteration_n in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o dead_a yet_o it_o may_v have_v a_o very_a pernicious_a effect_n upon_o the_o live_n who_o conclude_v from_o it_o that_o a_o man_n may_v die_v well_o though_o he_o have_v live_v ill_o and_o while_o i_o be_o upon_o this_o subject_a i_o must_v say_v that_o nothing_o contribute_v more_o to_o the_o keep_n up_o of_o these_o dangerous_a opinion_n than_o when_o the_o minister_n of_o religion_n commend_v without_o discretion_n the_o piety_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o yet_o this_o be_v frequent_o do_v especial_o in_o great_a town_n and_o in_o the_o court_n of_o prince_n there_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o those_o place_n mean-spirited_n and_o unworthy_a preacher_n who_o prostitute_v their_o tongue_n and_o their_o pen_n to_o the_o praise_n of_o some_o person_n who_o have_v nothing_o of_o christianity_n in_o their_o life_n and_o who_o condition_n shall_v rather_o make_v a_o man_n tremble_v but_o if_o some_o remnant_n of_o shame_n restrain_v they_o from_o carry_v their_o flattery_n so_o far_o as_o to_o commend_v the_o life_n of_o those_o who_o panegyric_n they_o have_v undertake_v then_o they_o seek_v the_o matter_n of_o their_o praise_n in_o some_o sign_n of_o piety_n which_o those_o person_n give_v before_o they_o leave_v the_o world_n now_o i_o dare_v say_v that_o the_o most_o atheistical_a discourse_n and_o the_o corrupte_v maxim_n of_o libertine_n be_v not_o by_o much_o so_o subtle_a a_o poison_n as_o such_o kind_n of_o eulogy_n deliver_v before_o man_n who_o be_v engage_v in_o all_o the_o disorder_n of_o the_o age_n and_o then_o disperse_v through_o the_o world_n 3._o the_o instance_n of_o the_o convert_v thief_n who_o pray_v to_o our_o saviour_n upon_o the_o cross_n and_o be_v receive_v into_o paradise_n be_v seldom_o forget_v but_o this_o instance_n be_v general_o very_o ill_o understand_v first_o it_o be_v suppose_v without_o any_o ground_n for_o it_o that_o this_o thief_n repent_v only_o upon_o the_o cross_n and_o that_o his_o conversion_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o sudden_a inspiration_n but_o
incline_v but_o yet_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o the_o various_a circumstance_n of_o time_n plate_n and_o of_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n contribute_v much_o to_o the_o progress_n of_o piety_n or_o of_o corruption_n in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v some_o happy_a circumstance_n and_o some_o time_n very_o favourable_a to_o piety_n as_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n there_o be_v unhappy_a circumstance_n and_o time_n in_o which_o it_o be_v like_o a_o stranger_n upon_o earth_n the_o mean_n to_o promote_v it_o be_v then_o neither_o so_o effectual_a nor_o so_o frequent_a the_o design_n of_o this_o work_n oblige_v i_o to_o consider_v what_o may_v be_v think_v in_o this_o respect_n of_o the_o time_n we_o live_v in_o and_o whether_o this_o corruption_n which_o dishonour_v christianity_n do_v not_o proceed_v from_o the_o unhappiness_n of_o the_o time_n and_o from_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o religion_n but_o we_o can_v succeed_v in_o this_o enquiry_n nor_o pass_v a_o sound_a judgement_n upon_o the_o present_a state_n of_o religion_n without_o run_v back_o to_o its_o first_o origin_n and_o nature_n and_o without_o take_v a_o view_n of_o those_o age_n which_o be_v elapse_v since_o its_o first_o establishment_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o of_o history_n be_v here_o of_o great_a use_n the_o scripture_n inform_v we_o what_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n shall_v be_v and_o history_n show_v we_o the_o different_a state_n through_o which_o it_o have_v pass_v when_o we_o examine_v religion_n by_o these_o two_o rule_n we_o perceive_v that_o it_o neither_o have_v be_v nor_o will_v be_v always_o in_o the_o state_n it_o be_v now_o in_o it_o be_v fit_a in_o the_o sir_n place_n to_o seek_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o religion_n in_o scripture_n there_o it_o be_v that_o chistianity_n still_o subsist_v in_o all_o its_o beauty_n for_o neither_o the_o age_n which_o be_v past_a nor_o the_o change_n which_o have_v happen_v have_v be_v able_a to_o tarnish_v in_o the_o least_o the_o brightness_n of_o those_o native_a and_o lively_a colour_n in_o which_o our_o saviour_n religion_n be_v set_v forth_o in_o holy_a write_n we_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o four_o principal_a character_n in_o the_o â—dea_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o religion_n and_o these_o be_v truth_n holiness_n union_n and_o order_n 1._o the_o first_o and_o the_o chief_a character_n of_o this_o church_n and_o religion_n be_v the_o knowledge_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n this_o be_v what_o distinguish_v christianity_n from_o false_a religion_n the_o church_n be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n no_o long_o than_o while_o she_o retain_v the_o purity_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o evangelical_n doctrine_n it_o will_v be_v needless_a to_o prove_v this_o 2._o the_o sacred_a writer_n represent_v the_o church_n as_o a_o society_n altogether_o holy_a they_o name_v she_o ii_o she_o eph._n v._o 27._o pet_n ii_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n a_o glorious_a spouse_n have_v neither_o spot_n nor_o wrinkle_n nor_o any_o such_o thing_n but_o be_v holy_a and_o without_o blemish_n they_o call_v she_o xii_o she_o heb._n xii_o the_o house_n of_o the_o live_a god_n a_o holy_a nation_n and_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o first_o bear_v which_o be_v write_v in_o heaven_n they_o give_v to_o christian_n the_o glorious_a title_n of_o king_n priest_n saint_n elect_a child_n of_o god_n and_o new_a man_n they_o speak_v of_o they_o as_o of_o a_o people_n separate_v from_o the_o world_n and_o its_o vice_n dedicate_v to_o god_n and_o to_o good_a work_n and_o live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n temperance_n justice_n charity_n and_o all_o other_o virtue_n 3._o union_n and_o love_n be_v the_o three_o character_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n the_o scripture_n do_v not_o speak_v to_o we_o of_o many_o church_n but_o of_o one_o of_o which_o all_o the_o faithful_a be_v member_n in_o what_o place_n soever_o they_o may_v be_v st._n paul_n say_v that_o there_o be_v buâ—_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n and_o one_o god_n the_o apostle_n enjoin_v above_o all_o thing_n union_n and_o charity_n and_o they_o give_v many_o precept_n to_o maintain_v these_o and_o to_o make_v they_o flourish_v among_o christian_n 4._o as_o holiness_n and_o union_n can_v be_v preserve_v where_o there_o be_v no_o order_n so_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v a_o well_o regulate_v society_n in_o which_o every_o thing_n may_v be_v do_v in_o a_o convenient_a and_o orderly_a manner_n and_o in_o fact_n there_o be_v in_o the_o sacred_a write_n many_o law_n to_o this_o purpose_n we_o find_v there_o several_a regulation_n concern_v the_o way_n in_o which_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v govern_v and_o concern_v the_o call_n of_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n and_o the_o principal_a function_n of_o their_o office_n the_o scripture_n do_v beside_o appoint_v the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n the_o manner_n of_o proceed_v in_o relation_n to_o scandalous_a sinner_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o public_a alms._n it_o prescribe_v the_o chief_a act_n of_o religion_n and_o divine_a worship_n prayer_n fast_v sacrament_n preach_v and_o some_o other_o head_n all_o these_o law_n be_v design_v to_o establish_v order_n and_o piety_n in_o the_o church_n and_o to_o banish_v confusion_n and_o scandal_n out_o of_o it_o and_o this_o order_n can_v be_v a_o thing_n indifferent_a since_o the_o apostle_n have_v give_v we_o law_n about_o it_o it_o be_v not_o difficult_a to_o show_v that_o most_o christian_a society_n be_v hardly_o to_o be_v know_v by_o these_o mark_n but_o before_o we_o come_v to_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o observe_v the_o different_a state_n through_o which_o the_o church_n have_v pass_v from_o her_o infancy_n to_o this_o time_n ii_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o church_n in_o her_o infancy_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n be_v very_o pure_a in_o comparison_n of_o the_o follow_v but_o yet_o must_v take_v heed_n when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n that_o we_o do_v not_o form_v to_o ourselves_o too_o advantageous_a a_o idea_n of_o it_o as_o if_o christianity_n have_v be_v then_o in_o its_o utmost_a purity_n and_o perfection_n the_o church_n in_o her_o beginning_n do_v consist_v of_o jew_n and_o heathen_n these_o man_n embrace_v christianity_n do_v not_o so_o entire_o strip_v themselves_o of_o their_o prejudices_fw-la and_o custom_n but_o that_o they_o bring_v with_o they_o into_o the_o church_n some_o of_o the_o notion_n of_o judaisme_n and_o even_o of_o gentilism_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o this_o be_v the_o first_o occasion_n of_o those_o heresy_n which_o do_v stain_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o moral_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o several_a disorder_n which_o happen_v in_o the_o very_a time_n of_o the_o apostle_n beside_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o first_o minister_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o able_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o persecution_n and_o of_o the_o obstacle_n they_o meet_v with_o to_o regulate_v all_o thing_n as_o they_o will_v have_v do_v if_o the_o church_n have_v be_v in_o peace_n we_o need_v not_o therefore_o wonder_v if_o we_o find_v imperfection_n and_o defect_n apparent_a enough_o in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o it_o be_v of_o some_o importance_n to_o observe_v this_o not_o only_o that_o we_o may_v have_v true_a apprehension_n concern_v this_o matter_n but_o that_o we_o may_v beside_o obviate_v a_o unhappy_a consequence_n which_o may_v be_v draw_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o present_a corruption_n from_o what_o have_v be_v know_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n no_o doubt_n but_o there_o be_v disorder_n and_o scandal_n at_o that_o time_n but_o we_o be_v to_o remember_v that_o the_o church_n be_v then_o make_v up_o of_o man_n who_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v bear_v and_o have_v live_v in_o paganism_n and_o who_o life_n have_v be_v spend_v in_o the_o thick_a darkness_n of_o ignorance_n and_o vice_n yet_o for_o all_o that_o the_o church_n be_v then_o more_o holy_a and_o pure_a than_o she_o have_v be_v since_o or_o be_v at_o this_o day_n in_o most_o place_n this_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n which_o can_v reasonable_o be_v contest_v for_o beside_o that_o it_o may_v be_v verify_v from_o the_o testimony_n which_o the_o sacred_a and_o some_o of_o the_o heathen_a author_n bear_v to_o the_o innocency_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o that_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o man_n be_v keep_v in_o awe_n while_o the_o apostle_n be_v alive_a in_o the_o time_n of_o miracle_n besidesall_n this_o i_o say_v there_o be_v two_o considereation_n which_o prove_v that_o corrupton_n can_v not_o be_v then_o so_o great_a or_o so_o
unknown_a fact_n she_o only_o proceed_v against_o notorious_o scandalous_a and_o impenitent_a sinner_n and_o she_o receive_v they_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o express_v their_o repentance_n and_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n of_o tyranny_n or_o danger_n in_o this_o it_o be_v proper_a to_o observe_v here_o especial_o with_o reference_n to_o excommunication_n which_o be_v think_v the_o severe_a part_n of_o discipline_n that_o when_o the_o church_n proceed_v to_o that_o extremity_n she_o do_v not_o properly_z speaking_z act_n by_o way_n of_o authority_n as_o if_o she_o have_v a_o absolute_a power_n to_o punish_v a_o sinner_n and_o to_o cut_v he_o off_o from_o her_o body_n but_o that_o sinner_n have_v already_o by_o his_o life_n cut_v himself_o off_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v no_o long_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o the_o church_n only_o declarâ—s_v that_o which_o be_v do_v and_o determine_v already_o though_o she_o shall_v not_o declare_v it_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o cause_n to_o fear_v that_o the_o public_a peace_n shall_v be_v disturb_v by_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n on_o the_o contrary_a society_n will_v be_v the_o better_o regulate_v for_o it_o for_o discipline_n do_v not_o touch_v civil_a matter_n excommunication_n itself_o do_v not_o hinder_v a_o man_n from_o be_v still_o a_o member_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n nor_o that_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o justice_n and_o humanity_n shall_v be_v discharge_v towards_o he_o as_o for_o the_o authority_n of_o civil_a power_n it_o be_v no_o way_n injure_v by_o this_o as_o evident_o appear_v from_o the_o first_o christian_n exercise_v discipline_n open_o in_o the_o fight_n of_o the_o heathen_a magistrate_n without_o any_o opposition_n from_o they_o christ_n do_v not_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o erect_v a_o temporal_a kingdom_n nor_o to_o draw_v man_n off_o from_o their_o submission_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o king_n and_o magistrate_n it_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a xxii_o christian_a mat_n xxii_o to_o render_v unto_o caesar_n the_o thing_n which_o be_v caesar_n and_o to_o god_n the_o thing_n which_o be_v god_n this_o principle_n will_v not_o deceive_v a_o man_n and_o as_o long_o as_o we_o adhere_v to_o it_o all_o thing_n will_v be_v in_o order_n religion_n be_v so_o far_o from_o give_v any_o just_a umbrage_n to_o prince_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o strengthen_v their_o authority_n submission_n to_o the_o high_a power_n be_v recommend_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o most_o earnest_a manner_n the_o christian_n of_o the_o first_o age_n who_o be_v very_o strict_a observer_n of_o discipline_n distinguish_v themselves_o by_o their_o loyalty_n to_o prince_n nay_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o their_o discipline_n which_o be_v so_o severe_a against_o sinner_n be_v as_o strict_a against_o those_o who_o be_v want_v in_o the_o fidelity_n and_o respect_n due_a to_o superior_n witness_v that_o cannon_n 84._o cannon_n can._n apost_n 84._o which_o enjoin_v the_o deposition_n of_o those_o bishop_n and_o clergyman_n who_o shall_v offer_v a_o affront_n to_o the_o prince_n or_o his_o officer_n whosoever_o will_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o weigh_v this_o matter_n will_v acknowledge_v that_o discipline_n be_v a_o distinct_a thing_n from_o the_o civil_a power_n each_o of_o these_o have_v its_o bound_n and_o limit_n the_o church_n do_v not_o touch_v the_o body_n nor_o civil_a matter_n and_o it_o be_v not_o the_o magistrate_n business_n to_o regulate_v thing_n relate_v to_o conscience_n and_o salvation_n indeed_o if_o magistrate_n imagine_v that_o they_o have_v a_o right_a to_o govern_v the_o church_n as_o they_o think_v fit_a and_o that_o they_o hold_v the_o same_o rank_n in_o it_o which_o they_o hold_v in_o the_o civil_a society_n so_o that_o the_o minister_n of_o religion_n be_v but_o their_o officer_n discipline_n may_v seem_v to_o they_o to_o lessen_v their_o authority_n but_o let_v those_o who_o entertain_v such_o thought_n see_v how_o they_o can_v reconcile_v they_o with_o the_o gospel_n and_o with_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n notwithstanding_o all_o this_o it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o churchman_n have_v be_v know_v to_o usurp_v a_o dominion_n over_o conscience_n and_o over_o king_n it_o be_v true_a churchman_n have_v abuse_v their_o authority_n but_o because_o a_o thing_n have_v be_v abuse_v be_v it_o therefore_o to_o be_v abolish_v wise_a man_n will_v rather_o say_v that_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v restore_v to_o their_o natural_a state_n and_o to_o their_o lawful_a use_n else_o the_o whole_a authority_n of_o king_n and_o magistrate_n may_v be_v pull_v down_o and_o we_o may_v argue_v thus_o monarchical_a government_n liable_a to_o great_a inconvenience_n king_n have_v be_v tyrant_n and_o usurper_n therefore_o there_o must_v be_v no_o more_o king_n magistrate_n and_o judge_n have_v be_v unjust_a covetous_a cruel_a and_o therefore_o no_o magistrate_n be_v to_o be_v endure_v will_v not_o this_o argument_n be_v extravagant_a and_o impious_a and_o yet_o the_o like_a argument_n be_v use_v against_o discipline_n in_o church_n as_o well_o as_o in_o state_n government_n there_o will_v be_v always_o some_o inconveniency_n to_o be_v fear_v this_o evil_n be_v almost_o unavoidable_a there_o be_v no_o form_n of_o government_n which_o the_o malice_n of_o man_n may_v not_o abuse_v but_o those_o abuse_n be_v without_o comparison_n a_o less_o evil_a than_o anarchy_n which_o be_v the_o most_o dangerous_a state_n of_o all_o but_o let_v we_o clear_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n upon_o which_o the_o objection_n i_o be_o now_o confute_v be_v found_v it_o be_v suppose_v that_o discipline_n do_v introduce_v tyranny_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v upon_o the_o ruin_n of_o discipline_n that_o tyranny_n be_v erect_v this_o be_v know_v to_o all_o those_o who_o have_v any_o knowledge_n of_o antiquity_n when_o do_v bishop_n and_o clergyman_n usurp_v that_o excessive_a authority_n over_o man_n estate_n person_n &_o conscience_n it_o be_v when_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o ancient_a discipline_n be_v slacken_v when_o discipline_n begin_v to_o wear_v out_o of_o use_n when_o sinner_n and_o especial_o great_a man_n be_v exempt_v for_o money_n when_o that_o which_o shall_v have_v be_v transact_v by_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v refer_v only_o to_o the_o clergy_n and_o when_o public_a confession_n be_v change_v into_o a_o private_a one_o it_o be_v by_o these_o mean_n and_o not_o by_o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o discipline_n that_o churchman_n make_v themselves_o master_n of_o all_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v then_o be_v this_o first_o to_o inquire_v what_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n in_o discipline_n and_o to_o restore_v that_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o consider_v what_o the_o salvation_n of_o sinner_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o church_n require_v and_o what_o be_v good_a and_o edify_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o order_n to_o conform_v to_o it_o and_o last_o to_o provide_v by_o good_a law_n that_o no_o man_n may_v exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o his_o call_v particular_o that_o in_o restore_v to_o the_o clergy_n their_o lawful_a authority_n all_o just_a measure_n may_v be_v take_v to_o prevent_v their_o abuse_n it_o if_o christian_a prince_n be_v bind_v to_o preserve_v the_o right_n of_o the_o church_n they_o ought_v likewise_o to_o take_v care_n that_o nothing_o be_v do_v against_o their_o own_o authority_n and_o to_o punish_v those_o who_o oppose_v it_o or_o who_o disturb_v the_o civil_a society_n whether_o ecclesiastic_n or_o layman_n this_o we_o be_v to_o treat_v of_o in_o another_o place_n beside_o when_o we_o speak_v for_o the_o re-establishment_n of_o discipline_n we_o mean_v that_o pastor_n shall_v be_v subject_v to_o it_o as_o well_o as_o their_o flock_n and_o that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o order_n in_o the_o church_n to_o regulate_v the_o manner_n of_o christian_n there_o shall_v be_v one_o also_o to_o regulate_v the_o clergy_n and_o to_o lay_v strict_a obligation_n on_o they_o to_o discharge_v their_o duty_n in_o all_o its_o part_n and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o ancient_a practice_n discipline_n ought_v to_o be_v more_o severe_a against_o the_o ecclesiastic_n who_o fail_v in_o their_o office_n than_o against_o the_o people_n but_o as_o we_o have_v complain_v in_o this_o chapter_n of_o the_o want_n of_o discipline_n with_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n in_o general_n so_o we_o be_v go_v to_o show_v in_o the_o next_o that_o this_o want_n be_v neither_o less_o observable_a nor_o less_o fatal_a in_o those_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n i_o conclude_v with_o say_v that_o in_o order_n to_o remedy_v the_o corruption_n of_o manner_n among_o christian_n it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o restore_v the_o use_n of_o discipline_n this_o be_v what_o have_v be_v and_o be_v still_o hearty_o wish_v for_o
of_o religion_n with_o relation_n to_o order_n but_o have_v do_v this_o already_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o second_o part_n i_o shall_v only_o say_v in_o general_a that_o nothing_o contribute_v so_o much_o to_o the_o maintain_n of_o disorder_n as_o custom_n do_v the_o most_o beneficial_a law_n and_o institution_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o dangerous_a innovation_n when_o they_o be_v not_o authorize_v by_o practice_n man_n dare_v not_o so_o much_o as_o attempt_v to_o introduce_v they_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n useless_a or_o ill_a practice_n be_v think_v sacred_a establishment_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v confirm_v by_o time_n and_o custom_n if_o man_n do_v but_o endeavour_v to_o lay_v aside_o some_o ceremony_n to_o make_v some_o alteration_n in_o a_o liturgy_n or_o in_o the_o form_n of_o divine-service_n it_o seem_v to_o many_o that_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o religion_n be_v strike_v at_o thus_o it_o happen_v that_o abuse_n which_o be_v palpable_a and_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o man_n of_o sense_n subsist_v for_o whole_a age_n and_o can_v be_v reform_v the_o difficulty_n of_o revive_v the_o apostolical_a discipline_n and_o of_o restore_a church-government_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o pastor_n to_o the_o state_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o proceed_v from_o the_o same_o cause_n because_o a_o certain_a form_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n and_o discipline_n obtain_v in_o a_o country_n it_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o perfect_a in_o which_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v alter_v and_o those_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o hear_v who_o propose_v the_o establish_n of_o another_o if_o any_o one_o think_v it_o a_o fault_n to_o suffer_v scandalous_a sinner_n in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o church_n if_o he_o think_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v excommunicate_v and_o that_o christian_n ought_v to_o maintain_v no_o familiar_a intercourse_n with_o they_o though_o such_o a_o man_n have_v the_o law_n of_o the_o apostle_n on_o his_o side_n yet_o he_o shall_v be_v call_v a_o innovator_n though_o he_o shall_v plain_o show_v the_o inconvenience_n of_o the_o ordinary_a practice_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o discipline_n from_o scripture_n from_o the_o pattern_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n age_n and_o by_o the_o most_o convince_a argument_n yet_o custom_n will_v still_o be_v urge_v against_o he_o the_o divine_a law_n shall_v give_v place_n to_o common_a usage_n and_o the_o present_a practice_n shall_v prevail_v above_o that_o of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n iii_o example_n and_o custom_n have_v a_o great_a force_n especial_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o concern_v manner_n man_n be_v not_o altogether_o such_o slave_n to_o custom_n in_o matter_n of_o opinion_n about_o religion_n because_o opinion_n be_v shut_v up_o within_o the_o heart_n but_o in_o practical_a thing_n and_o in_o manner_n there_o be_v few_o man_n who_o be_v not_o carry_v away_o by_o the_o stream_n of_o the_o multitude_n people_z think_v themselves_o excuse_v from_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o plain_a and_o the_o most_o sacred_a duty_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o can_v observe_v they_o without_o depart_v from_o custom_n and_o so_o they_o conform_v to_o the_o common_a use_n how_o bad_a soever_o it_o may_v be_v those_o who_o condemn_v the_o vicious_a and_o corrupt_a manner_n of_o the_o age_n and_o practise_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o for_o instance_n abstain_v from_o swear_v and_o reprove_v those_o who_o do_v it_o who_o make_v scruple_n of_o lie_v and_o of_o transgress_v the_o rule_n of_o their_o duty_n be_v look_v upon_o in_o the_o world_n as_o homoursome_a people_n and_o stigmatise_v with_o odious_a name_n and_o imputation_n if_o they_o plead_v the_o express_a command_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n instead_o of_o give_v up_o the_o cause_n man_n will_v strain_v the_o scripture_n and_o by_o force_n explication_n and_o impious_a gloss_n endeavour_v to_o fix_v a_o sense_n upon_o it_o which_o may_v favour_v the_o ordinary_a practice_n while_o piety_n dare_v not_o show_v itself_o vice_n be_v respect_v and_o bad_a man_n carry_v it_o bold_o every_o where_n because_o the_o number_n be_v of_o their_o side_n maxim_n direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o moral_a precept_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o only_o receive_v and_o tolerate_v but_o they_o be_v defend_v as_o innocent_a for_o this_o single_a reason_n that_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n approve_v and_o practice_v they_o this_o may_v be_v confirm_v by_o innumerable_a instance_n we_o can_v hardly_o imagine_v any_o thing_n more_o contrary_a to_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o that_o worldly_a life_n which_o be_v lead_v by_o many_o christian_n they_o spend_v their_o whole_a time_n in_o the_o care_n of_o the_o body_n they_o wear_v out_o their_o life_n in_o idleness_n game_n pleasure_n and_o divertisement_n they_o deny_v themselves_o nothing_o they_o make_v it_o their_o study_n to_o live_v luxurious_o and_o to_o gratify_v themselves_o this_o kind_n of_o life_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o piety_n but_o because_o it_o obtain_v among_o person_n of_o the_o high_a rank_n it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o persuade_v those_o who_o follow_v it_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o quit_v it_o it_o be_v by_o allege_v common_a practice_n that_o man_n defend_v a_o soft_a and_o effeminate_a life_n fashion_n contrary_a to_o chastity_n and_o modesty_n the_o too_o great_a familiarity_n of_o the_o young_a person_n of_o both_o sex_n the_o read_n of_o ill_a book_n the_o play_n which_o will_v honesty_n and_o religion_n scandalous_a diversion_n and_o those_o assembly_n where_o the_o most_o entice_a bait_n and_o allurement_n to_o vice_n be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o and_o where_o the_o mind_n of_o young_a people_n receive_v the_o most_o dangerous_a impression_n all_o these_o thing_n i_o say_v be_v defend_v by_o custom_n so_o that_o when_o luxury_n and_o expensiveness_n and_o state_n in_o apparel_n eat_v or_o furniture_n be_v once_o establish_v we_o endeavour_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o christian_a moderation_n and_o to_o banish_v that_o multitude_n of_o scandal_n and_o vice_n which_o must_v needs_o attend_v such_o kind_n of_o excess_n thus_o in_o some_o nation_n where_o drunkeness_n be_v in_o vogue_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o oppose_v so_o vicious_a a_o custom_n in_o spite_n of_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v against_o drunkenness_n and_o intemperance_n people_n be_v so_o far_o from_o part_v with_o that_o vice_n that_o they_o fancy_v there_o be_v no_o sin_n in_o be_v drink_v to_o put_v up_o no_o injury_n to_o indulge_v revenge_n to_o be_v tender_a and_o nice_a upon_o the_o point_n of_o false_a honour_n to_o stick_v at_o nothing_o that_o can_v promote_v one_o fortune_n to_o assume_v all_o shape_v to_o disguise_v one_o sentiment_n and_o to_o supplant_v other_o all_o these_o be_v maxim_n which_o be_v follow_v without_o scruple_n because_o they_o be_v authorize_v by_o use_n and_o by_o the_o false_a opinion_n of_o men._n it_o will_v signify_v nothing_o to_o allege_v to_o those_o who_o be_v possess_v with_o such_o sentiment_n what_o the_o gospel_n enjoin_v we_o concern_v patience_n forgive_a of_o injury_n humility_n sincerity_n justice_n and_o charity_n such_o moral_n will_v not_o be_v so_o much_o as_o hearken_v to_o because_o these_o matter_n be_v otherwise_o determine_v by_o custom_n by_o the_o same_o reason_n it_o it_o pretend_v that_o in_o office_n in_o trade_n in_o art_n and_o in_o the_o various_a profession_n of_o life_n every_o thing_n which_o be_v usual_o practise_v by_o man_n in_o those_o several_a calling_n may_v lawful_o be_v do_v nay_o even_o a_o oath_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o undeceive_v people_n most_o man_n explain_v their_o oath_n and_o regulate_v their_o conscience_n by_o the_o example_n of_o other_o they_o use_v all_o the_o method_n of_o gain_n which_o custom_n have_v introduce_v without_o inquire_v whether_o they_o be_v justifiable_a or_o not_o when_o i_o speak_v here_o of_o custom_n and_o example_n i_o do_v not_o only_o mean_v that_o which_o be_v establish_v by_o general_a use_n but_o that_o likewise_o which_o be_v authorize_v by_o man_n in_o credit_n the_o quality_n of_o person_n produce_v the_o same_o effect_n that_o great_a number_n do_v one_o single_a example_n have_v sometime_o as_o much_o force_n as_o the_o unite_a example_n of_o a_o multitude_n all_o that_o be_v do_v and_o approve_v of_o by_o prince_n great_a man_n magistrate_n and_o person_n of_o quality_n be_v a_o law_n to_o a_o great_a many_o people_n a_o small_a number_n of_o considerable_a person_n who_o join_v their_o endeavour_n to_o bring_v a_o practice_n into_o fashion_n be_v enough_o to_o make_v it_o in_o a_o little_a time_n to_o be_v general_o follow_v how_o bad_a soever_o it_o may_v be_v this_o be_v so_o common_o see_v that_o i_o think_v it_o needless_a to_o give_v instance_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v add_v three_o consideration_n which_o deserve_v a_o