requirean_a exact_v and_o particular_a discussion_n i_o will_v first_o resume_v the_o four_o character_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o religion_n which_o be_v truth_n holiness_n union_n and_o order_n 1._o all_o christian_a society_n boast_v that_o they_o profess_v the_o truth_n and_o that_o very_a thing_n be_v enough_o to_o show_v that_o many_o of_o they_o be_v in_o error_n since_o they_o do_v not_o agree_v among_o themselves_o about_o the_o article_n to_o be_v believe_v i_o will_v not_o enlarge_v on_o this_o head_n because_o it_o will_v lead_v i_o into_o many_o particular_n and_o in_o some_o respect_n into_o controversy_n i_o shall_v only_o say_v that_o if_o we_o do_v judge_v of_o what_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v in_o religion_n by_o that_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o principle_n and_o rule_n of_o faith_n among_o christian_n i_o mean_v the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o will_v soon_o perceive_v on_o which_o side_n the_o truth_n lie_v we_o may_v observe_v in_o that_o society_n which_o vaunt_v itself_o to_o be_v the_o pure_a of_o all_o and_o which_o even_o pretend_v to_o be_v infallible_a and_o the_o only_a true_a church_n exclusive_a of_o all_o other_o absurd_a tenet_n and_o monstrous_a doctrine_n equal_o repugnant_a to_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o we_o shall_v be_v convince_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o those_o church_n which_o do_v separate_v from_o that_o society_n be_v much_o more_o consonant_a to_o the_o gospel_n 2._o we_o must_v have_v a_o very_a mean_a notion_n of_o christianity_n if_o we_o can_v believe_v that_o holiness_n which_o be_v the_o second_o character_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v find_v among_o christian_n at_o this_o time_n the_o complaint_n of_o the_o last_o age_n be_v that_o religion_n want_v to_o be_v reform_v in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o manner_n it_o be_v reform_v in_o part_n by_o the_o reject_v of_o those_o error_n and_o abuse_n which_o be_v creep_v into_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o discipline_n but_o the_o reformation_n of_o manner_n be_v still_o behind_o the_o people_n have_v not_o as_o yet_o be_v reform_v in_o this_o regard_n except_o perhaps_o in_o those_o time_n and_o place_n where_o they_o have_v be_v persecute_v as_o for_o the_o rest_n they_o have_v scarce_o change_v any_o thing_n beside_o their_o belief_n and_o worship_n this_o alone_a prove_v that_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v yet_o imperfect_a holiness_n be_v the_o scope_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v the_o chief_a character_n of_o christianity_n so_o that_o where_o holiness_n and_o purity_n of_o manner_n be_v not_o religion_n must_v be_v very_o defective_a iii_o union_n peace_n and_o charity_n as_o be_v say_v before_o be_v one_o of_o the_o essential_a mark_n of_o the_o disciple_n and_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o where_o be_v this_o character_n to_o be_v find_v the_o church_n at_o this_o day_n be_v rend_v into_o faction_n and_o party_n we_o can_v say_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n we_o must_v say_v that_o there_o be_v many_o religion_n and_o church_n christian_n divide_v not_o only_o upon_o lawful_a ground_n which_o make_v separation_n necessary_a but_o about_o thing_n of_o small_a consequence_n upon_o the_o least_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n they_o pronounce_v anathema_n against_o one_o another_o form_n different_a sect_n and_o communion_n even_o those_o church_n which_o may_v have_v a_o common_a belief_n and_o interest_n be_v not_o unite_v those_o man_n who_o by_o their_o office_n shall_v be_v the_o minister_n of_o peace_n be_v but_o too_o often_o the_o firebrand_n of_o division_n i_o desire_v no_o other_o proof_n of_o this_o but_o that_o zeal_n which_o most_o divine_v express_v about_o the_o dispute_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o little_a disposition_n which_o be_v find_v among_o they_o to_o sacrifice_v some_o opinion_n or_o expression_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n i_o do_v not_o condemn_v all_o dispute_n without_o distinction_n for_o some_o be_v necessary_a the_o apostle_n command_v the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n to_o establish_v with_o care_n pure_a doctrine_n and_o to_o confute_v those_o who_o endeavour_n to_o corrupt_v it_o they_o do_v themselves_o on_o many_o occasion_n dispute_v against_o false_a teacher_n to_o desert_v the_o truth_n when_o attack_v be_v to_o make_v but_o little_a account_n of_o it_o this_o will_v be_v a_o betray_v the_o interest_n of_o piety_n since_o piety_n be_v always_o found_v upon_o truth_n dispute_v become_v necessary_a when_o essential_a truth_n be_v to_o be_v defend_v neither_o will_v i_o reduce_v all_o profitable_a or_o lawful_a dispute_n to_o those_o only_o which_o concern_v fundamental_o there_o be_v error_n which_o though_o not_o mortal_a yet_o be_v dangerous_a and_o so_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o oppose_v they_o and_o there_o be_v truth_n which_o though_o not_o fundamental_a be_v yet_o of_o great_a use_n in_o religion_n and_o may_v serve_v to_o confirm_v the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n it_o be_v fit_a that_o such_o truth_n shall_v be_v discuss_v provide_v this_o be_v do_v with_o moderation_n and_o honesty_n i_o only_o blame_v useless_a dispute_n or_o these_o which_o though_o they_o may_v have_v their_o use_n yet_o be_v accompany_v with_o those_o passion_n and_o disorder_n which_o blind_a zeal_n inspire_v such_o controversy_n which_o be_v but_o too_o common_a be_v extreme_o fatal_a to_o religion_n we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o express_v what_o mischief_n they_o occasion_n in_o the_o church_n and_o how_o prejudicial_a they_o be_v to_o the_o progress_n of_o christianity_n in_o general_n and_o of_o piety_n in_o particular_a it_o may_v seem_v at_o first_o that_o because_o the_o people_n do_v not_o take_v cognizance_n of_o these_o contest_v they_o shall_v prove_v hurtful_a only_o to_o those_o learned_a man_n by_o who_o alone_o they_o be_v manage_v but_o yet_o the_o whole_a church_n feel_v the_o ill_a effect_n of_o they_o 1._o by_o reason_n of_o these_o dispute_n the_o people_n be_v destitute_a of_o edification_n or_o at_o least_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v all_o the_o edification_n which_o be_v necessary_a churchman_n be_v only_o full_a of_o these_o study_n and_o meditate_v upon_o nothing_o else_o in_o their_o sermon_n they_o speak_v only_o of_o these_o matter_n which_o take_v they_o up_o and_o which_o seem_v capital_a to_o they_o they_o have_v neither_o leisure_n nor_o inclination_n to_o mind_n thing_n of_o another_o nature_n and_o to_o set_v about_o reform_v the_o manner_n of_o christian_n or_o they_o do_v it_o but_o faint_o and_o careless_o whilst_o a_o minister_n be_v very_o busy_a in_o his_o study_n or_o pulpit_n about_o confute_v a_o adversary_n who_o he_o never_o see_v or_o a_o error_n which_o be_v unknown_a to_o his_o whole_a flock_n his_o sheep_n be_v lose_v his_o hearer_n remain_v possess_v with_o mortal_a error_n concern_v morality_n and_o engage_v in_o the_o most_o vicious_a habit_n this_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o most_o dispute_n they_o occasion_n the_o ruin_n rather_o than_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o hearer_n 2._o dispute_v keep_v up_o among_o christian_n false_a zeal_n hypocrisy_n and_o licentiousness_n the_o people_n learn_v by_o the_o example_n of_o their_o teacher_n to_o place_v their_o zeal_n not_o in_o oppose_a vice_n but_o in_o understand_v controversy_n in_o adhere_v to_o certain_a opinion_n and_o in_o bear_v a_o strong_a hatred_n to_o those_o who_o dissent_v from_o they_o they_o judge_v that_o what_o make_v the_o ordinary_a employment_n of_o divine_n what_o they_o insist_v most_o upon_o what_o kindle_v their_o zeal_n and_o excite_v in_o they_o the_o most_o violent_a passion_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o most_o important_a thing_n in_o religion_n 3._o sometime_o the_o people_n take_v part_n in_o the_o quarrel_n of_o their_o teacher_n from_o whence_o proceed_v unavoidable_a animosity_n and_o division_n which_o extinguish_v love_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n and_o which_o create_v insuperable_a obstacle_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o reunion_n of_o christian_n of_o this_o we_o have_v but_o too_o many_o instance_n 4._o last_o the_o little_a union_n which_o be_v in_o the_o church_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o small_a progress_n of_o christianity_n christian_n instead_o of_o make_v their_o religion_n appear_v lovely_a and_o venerable_a to_o jew_n and_o infidel_n expose_v it_o to_o their_o contempt_n instead_o of_o endeavour_v to_o propagate_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o to_o destroy_v idolatry_n they_o turn_v their_o own_o weapon_n against_o themselves_o they_o mind_v nothing_o but_o the_o promote_a the_o interest_n of_o their_o particular_a sect_n and_o they_o neglect_v that_o of_o christianity_n ingeneral_a on_o the_o other_o hand_n unbeliever_n see_v that_o christian_n be_v not_o agree_v among_o themselves_o take_v occasion_n from_o thence_o to_o question_v every_o thing_n and_o they_o judge_v that_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o but_o
unhappiness_n of_o the_o time_n and_o the_o perfecution_n this_o be_v unquestionable_a matter_n of_o fact_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v take_v it_o for_o grant_v and_o only_o say_v in_o short_a that_o then_o all_o those_o who_o embrace_v christianity_n be_v engage_v by_o a_o solemn_a vow_n to_o renounce_v the_o vice_n of_o the_o age_n and_o to_o lead_v a_o holy_a life_n that_o those_o who_o be_v baptise_a be_v not_o suffer_v to_o live_v disorderly_a that_o vicious_a person_n be_v debar_v the_o holy_a mystery_n that_o those_o who_o fall_v into_o great_a sin_n be_v excommunicate_v as_o well_o as_o those_o who_o be_v contumacious_a and_o incorrigible_a that_o such_o be_v not_o restore_v to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n but_o after_o various_a degree_n of_o penance_n and_o a_o public_a acknowledgement_n of_o their_o fault_n and_o that_o as_o to_o those_o who_o relapse_v they_o be_v receive_v only_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n very_o clear_a monument_n of_o this_o practice_n be_v still_o extant_a in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o old_a canon_n and_o decree_n of_o council_n this_o discipline_n must_v needs_o have_v be_v very_o severe_o observe_v since_o st._n ambrose_n be_v not_o afraid_a to_o put_v it_o in_o practice_n against_o the_o emperor_n theodosius_n i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a that_o the_o primitive_a church_n have_v vary_v about_o certain_a circumstance_n that_o the_o penitent_n be_v treat_v sometime_o with_o more_o and_o sometime_o with_o less_o severity_n and_o that_o the_o time_n of_o their_o penance_n be_v long_a or_o short_a but_o as_o to_o the_o main_a or_o the_o essence_n of_o discipline_n it_o do_v always_o obtain_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o it_o be_v as_o little_o question_v then_o whether_o discipline_n ought_v to_o be_v observe_v as_o whether_o christian_n shall_v be_v baptise_a this_o usage_n among_o the_o first_o christian_n be_v at_o least_o a_o strong_a presumption_n in_o favour_n of_o discipline_n but_o it_o be_v consonant_n beside_o to_o what_o we_o read_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o there_o can_v remain_v any_o doubt_n about_o this_o matter_n iv_o in_o the_o last_o place_n the_o nature_n of_o discipline_n itself_o prove_v the_o usefulness_n and_o necessity_n of_o it_o all_o those_o who_o be_v not_o blind_v with_o prejudice_n must_v own_v that_o discipline_n consider_v in_o itself_o be_v altogether_o agreeable_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n 1._o the_o honour_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o promote_a of_o christ_n kingdom_n require_v order_n in_o the_o church_n who_o do_v not_o see_v but_o that_o if_o the_o church_n do_v tolerate_v scandalous_a person_n and_o take_v they_o into_o her_o bosom_n and_o make_v no_o difference_n between_o they_o and_o the_o faithful_a she_o may_v just_o be_v charge_v with_o all_o the_o disorder_n and_o scandal_n which_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o live_v of_o bad_a christian_n and_o be_v look_v upon_o by_o infidel_n as_o a_o profane_a society_n where_o vice_n be_v permit_v but_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n be_v a_o authentic_a disow_n of_o vice_n whereby_o the_o church_n declare_v public_o that_o she_o do_v not_o allow_v of_o it_o 2._o discipline_n be_v a_o most_o efficacious_a mean_n to_o procure_v the_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n a_o man_n must_v be_v very_o much_o harden_v when_o the_o be_v remove_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o christian_n do_v not_o reclaim_v he_o but_o when_o a_o scandalous_a person_n be_v suffer_v to_o live_v in_o the_o society_n of_o the_o faithful_a when_o he_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o same_o privilege_n with_o other_o member_n of_o the_o church_n this_o give_v he_o a_o occasion_n to_o harden_v himself_o in_o sin_n and_o to_o think_v that_o he_o be_v as_o good_a a_o christian_n and_o that_o he_o have_v as_o much_o right_n to_o salvation_n as_o other_o which_o be_v a_o most_o dangerous_a but_o withal_o a_o most_o common_a imagination_n 3._o discipline_n be_v useful_a to_o the_o church_n in_o general_n many_o who_o may_v otherwise_o have_v ill_a inclination_n be_v restrain_v by_o example_n or_o shame_n or_o fear_v or_o ever_o by_o conscience_n good_a man_n be_v thereby_o double_o edify_v since_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n this_o rigour_n confirm_v they_o in_o their_o duty_n and_o that_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o make_v reparation_n for_o the_o scandal_n which_o other_o man_n sin_n give_v they_o from_o all_o this_o i_o conclude_v that_o discipline_n be_v a_o sacred_a necessary_a and_o inviolable_a order_n it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o humane_a or_o arbitrary_a establishment_n which_o may_v be_v alter_v or_o which_o be_v only_o to_o continue_v for_o a_o time_n a_o order_n which_o have_v its_o original_a in_o the_o express_a law_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o which_o be_v appoint_v in_o scripture_n as_o a_o general_a law_n a_o order_n which_o have_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n a_o order_n which_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o church_n and_o religion_n and_o which_o perfect_o agree_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n such_o a_o order_n certain_o aught_o to_o be_v follow_v as_o be_v of_o a_o necessary_a and_o indispensable_a obligation_n i_o say_v it_o again_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o positive_a than_o this_o in_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o sacrament_n discipline_n as_o well_o as_o the_o sacrament_n be_v found_v upon_o dvine_a institution_n and_o confirm_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n but_o in_o discipline_n there_o be_v one_o thing_n more_o than_o in_o the_o sacrament_n for_o whereas_o the_o sacrament_n consider_v in_o themselves_o and_o without_o respect_n to_o the_o divine_a institution_n be_v thing_n indifferent_a and_o of_o no_o use_n discipline_n in_o itself_o be_v just_a and_o useful_a agreeable_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n as_o well_o as_o to_o plain_a reason_n and_o sense_n i_o have_v perhaps_o be_v too_o large_a upon_o this_o subject_a but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v prove_v in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o discipline_n be_v necessary_a and_o institute_v by_o god_n since_o that_o be_v the_o ground_n i_o go_v upon_o in_o this_o whole_a chapter_n this_o sacred_a order_n which_o have_v be_v fettle_v in_o the_o beginning_n of_o christianity_n be_v alter_v in_o process_n of_o time_n and_o in_o this_o as_o in_o many_o other_o thing_n christian_n grow_v remiss_a this_o be_v do_v by_o degree_n for_o good_a law_n be_v not_o common_o abolish_v all_o at_o once_o but_o through_o insensible_a change_n we_o learn_v from_o ecclesiastical_a history_n that_o the_o slacken_n of_o discipline_n be_v chief_o to_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o take_v away_o some_o public_a penance_n those_o penance_n be_v convert_v into_o private_a confession_n and_o penance_n at_o first_o this_o alteration_n be_v only_o concern_v some_o sin_n which_o be_v not_o think_v to_o deserve_v the_o utmost_a rigour_n of_o discipline_n for_o as_o to_o great_a sin_n such_o as_o murder_n and_o adultery_n the_o ancient_a order_n be_v still_o in_o force_n but_o at_o last_o about_o the_o end_n of_o the_o iv_o century_n public_a penance_n be_v abolish_v first_o in_o the_o eastern_a and_o sometime_o after_o in_o the_o western_a church_n instead_o of_o penance_n private_a satisfaction_n be_v appoint_v and_o then_o man_n unhappy_o begin_v to_o be_v more_o concern_v about_o the_o exterior_a of_o penance_n than_o about_o what_o be_v spiritual_a in_o it_o and_o fit_a to_o reclaim_v sinner_n this_o be_v do_v at_o first_o by_o a_o kind_n of_o relaxation_n or_o indulgence_n but_o that_o which_o at_o the_o beginning_n be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o exception_n to_o the_o law_n succeed_v in_o the_o room_n of_o the_o law_n itself_o and_o from_o thence_o spring_v indulgence_n satisfaction_n penance_n auricular_a confession_n and_o many_o other_o practice_n which_o be_v but_o corruption_n of_o the_o ancient_a discipline_n the_o bishop_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n be_v distract_v by_o temporal_a care_n after_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o emperor_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n begin_v to_o neglect_v the_o essential_a part_n of_o their_o function_n and_o the_o conduct_n of_o their_o flock_n they_o be_v for_o humour_v great_a man_n who_o think_v it_o hard_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o public_a order_n this_o be_v a_o short_a account_n how_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v considerable_o adulterate_v in_o the_o point_n of_o discipline_n we_o be_v now_o to_o examine_v what_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o religion_n be_v with_o relation_n to_o discipline_n all_o the_o abuse_n which_o come_v up_o in_o the_o room_n of_o the_o ancient_a discipline_n do_v still_o subsist_v in_o most_o place_n both_o in_o the_o greek_a and_o in_o the_o latin_a church_n the_o canon_n and_o
be_v much_o advance_v as_o long_o as_o the_o evil_n be_v not_o take_v in_o its_o cause_n and_o as_o long_o as_o such_o principle_n and_o abuse_n continue_v among_o christian_n as_o be_v and_o will_v always_o be_v obstacle_n to_o the_o progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n last_o i_o consider_v that_o this_o matter_n have_v not_o yet_o be_v thorough_o handle_v by_o any_o author_n at_o least_o that_o i_o know_v of_o of_o those_o who_o have_v touch_v upon_o it_o in_o their_o book_n some_o have_v confine_v themselves_o to_o consideration_n pure_o moral_a and_o other_o to_o theological_a reflection_n upon_o the_o error_n which_o be_v in_o vogue_n or_o upon_o the_o controversy_n which_o divide_v christian_n but_o they_o have_v omit_v many_o thing_n which_o seem_v essential_a no_o doubt_n because_o they_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o treat_v this_o subject_a purposely_o or_o because_o they_o do_v not_o take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o whole_a extent_n of_o it_o as_o these_o consideration_n have_v make_v i_o wish_v for_o a_o long_a while_n that_o among_o so_o many_o able_a man_n who_o write_v about_o religion_n some_o may_v undertake_v so_o important_a a_o subject_n so_o they_o have_v determine_v i_o to_o publish_v these_o essay_n upon_o the_o cause_n of_o corruption_n hope_v that_o other_o will_v apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o full_a discussion_n of_o those_o matter_n which_o be_v here_o but_o imperfect_o hint_v at_o but_o that_o the_o scope_n of_o this_o treatise_n may_v be_v the_o better_o understand_v and_o that_o no_o body_n may_v expect_v that_o in_o it_o which_o according_a to_o the_o scheme_n i_o form_v to_o myself_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v a_o place_n here_o i_o shall_v acquaint_v the_o reader_n with_o one_o thing_n which_o he_o may_v perhaps_o have_v foresee_v from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v i_o do_v not_o propose_v to_o myself_o to_o handle_v this_o matter_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o divinity_n school_n no_o man_n therefore_o ought_v to_o wonder_n if_o i_o say_v nothing_o of_o the_o state_n in_o which_o all_o man_n be_v bear_v nor_o of_o that_o inclination_n to_o vice_n which_o be_v observe_v in_o they_o for_o though_o this_o be_v the_o first_o original_a of_o corruption_n yet_o certain_o this_o corruption_n will_v be_v much_o less_o if_o christian_n do_v use_v the_o mean_n which_o god_n afford_v they_o to_o overcome_v it_o and_o if_o there_o be_v not_o other_o source_n which_o feed_v and_o strengthen_v that_o vicious_a propensity_n beside_o i_o do_v not_o consider_v corruption_n in_o general_n as_o it_o be_v common_a to_o all_o mankind_n but_o i_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o christian_n in_o particular_a neither_o do_v i_o design_n to_o write_v a_o moral_a treatise_n so_o that_o it_o must_v not_o be_v expect_v that_o i_o shall_v discourse_v of_o self-love_n and_o pride_n and_o of_o all_o the_o other_o passion_n which_o be_v the_o ordinary_a occasion_n of_o man_n sin_n or_o that_o i_o shall_v trace_v out_o all_o the_o particular_a cause_n of_o every_o sin_n this_o will_v carry_v i_o too_o far_o and_o such_o thing_n have_v be_v often_o examine_v i_o therefore_o apply_v myself_o only_o to_o the_o general_a cause_n and_o i_o manage_v the_o the_o matter_n thus_o i_o divide_v this_o work_n into_o two_o part_n because_o the_o cause_n of_o corruption_n may_v be_v of_o two_o sort_n i_o shall_v call_v those_o of_o the_o first_o sort_n particular_a or_o internal_a because_o they_o be_v within_o we_o and_o to_o be_v find_v in_o every_o particular_a man_n that_o live_v ill_a those_o of_o the_o second_o sort_n which_o be_v more_o general_a i_o name_v external_n because_o they_o proceed_v rather_o from_o certain_a outward_a circumstance_n and_o from_o the_o unhappiness_n of_o the_o time_n than_o from_o the_o fault_n of_o particular_a person_n the_o cause_n i_o shall_v treat_v of_o in_o the_o first_o part_n be_v no_o other_o but_o the_o ill_a disposition_n in_o which_o most_o christian_n be_v and_o which_o hinder_v their_o apply_v themselves_o to_o piety_n and_o of_o these_o i_o shall_v observe_v nine_o i._o ignorance_n ii_o prejudices_fw-la and_o false_a notion_n concern_v religion_n iii_o some_o opinion_n and_o and_o maxim_n which_o be_v use_v to_o authorize_v corruption_n iv_o the_o abuse_n of_o holy_a scripture_n v._o a_o false_a modesty_n vi_o the_o delay_v repentance_n vii_o man_n sloth_n and_o negligence_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n viii_o worldly_n business_n ix_o man_n particular_a calling_n the_o cause_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o second_o part_n be_v these_o seven_o i._o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o religion_n in_o general_n ii_o the_o want_n of_o discipline_n iii_o the_o defect_n of_o the_o clergy_n iv_o the_o defect_n of_o christian_a prince_n and_o magistrate_n v._o education_n vi_o example_n and_o custom_n vii_o book_n i_o declare_v here_o that_o in_o discourse_v upon_o these_o source_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v to_o tax_v all_o christian_n without_o exception_n so_o when_o i_o speak_v of_o ignorance_n and_o of_o prejudices_fw-la common_o receive_v know_v and_o learned_a man_n be_v except_v and_o when_o i_o observe_v certain_a defect_n in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o the_o church_n and_o of_o religion_n in_o discipline_n in_o clergyman_n or_o in_o christian_a magistrate_n i_o suppose_v those_o fault_n obtain_v more_o in_o some_o place_n than_o in_o other_o in_o short_a whoever_o shall_v apply_v what_o be_v say_v in_o this_o treatise_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n and_o church_n will_v certain_o mistake_v my_o design_n and_o now_o i_o must_v desire_v those_o who_o may_v chance_v to_o see_v this_o book_n to_o examine_v serious_o what_o 〈◊〉_d propose_v in_o it_o no_o lover_n of_o truth_n or_o religion_n can_v refuse_v his_o attention_n to_o a_o subject_a of_o this_o nature_n but_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v be_v more_o particular_o welcome_a to_o churchman_n and_o divine_n who_o be_v call_v by_o their_o function_n to_o set_v themselves_o against_o corruption_n and_o to_o endeavour_v all_o they_o can_v to_o promote_v piety_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o conclude_v i_o hearty_o implore_v his_o blessing_n upon_o this_o work_n who_o put_v it_o into_o my_o heart_n to_o set_v about_o it_o and_o who_o be_v my_o witness_n with_o what_o design_n and_o intention_n i_o publish_v it_o a_o treatise_n concern_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o present_a corruption_n of_o christian_o part_n i._o cause_n i._o ignorance_n when_o a_o man_n think_v of_o the_o cause_n of_o that_o corruption_n which_o overruns_a the_o christian_a world_n the_o first_o which_o offer_v itself_o to_o his_o mind_n be_v ignorance_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v begin_v with_o it_o our_o notion_n and_o knowledge_n be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o our_o action_n we_o can_v never_o love_v a_o thing_n or_o adhere_v to_o it_o when_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o or_o when_o it_o be_v but_o imperfect_o know_v to_o we_o suppose_v then_o that_o man_n be_v ignorant_a or_o very_o little_a instruct_v in_o religion_n there_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v corrupt_a for_o they_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n when_o they_o appear_v to_o be_v extreme_o corrupt_a we_o may_v conclude_v that_o they_o want_v instruction_n i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o corruption_n proceed_v sometime_o from_o the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o heart_n which_o resist_v the_o light_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o that_o man_n frequent_o act_n against_o their_o knowledge_n but_o it_o may_v safe_o be_v say_v that_o if_o christian_n be_v well_o instruct_v they_o will_v not_o be_v so_o corrupt_a and_o that_o wherever_o a_o extraordinary_a corruption_n be_v visible_a there_o be_v likewise_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o ignorance_n this_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o scripture_n and_o by_o god_n conduct_n in_o the_o establish_n the_o christian_a religion_n when_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o those_o disorder_n wherein_o the_o heathen_n live_v before_o their_o conversion_n they_o ascribe_v they_o to_o the_o darkness_n of_o their_o mind_n 18._o mind_n eph._n iu._n 18._o the_o gentile_n say_v st._n paul_n have_v their_o understanding_n darken_v be_v alienate_v from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n through_o the_o ignorance_n that_o be_v in_o they_o because_o of_o the_o blindness_n of_o their_o heart_n the_o same_o apostle_n call_v the_o time_n which_o precede_v the_o come_v of_o of_o christ_n the_o time_n of_o ignorance_n and_o the_o first_o thing_n which_o god_n do_v to_o change_v the_o face_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o rescue_v it_o from_o corruption_n be_v to_o dispel_v the_o cloud_n of_o their_o ignorance_n and_o to_o enlighten_v they_o with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n although_o christian_n can_v be_v charge_v with_o so_o gross_a a_o ignorance_n as_o that_o of_o the_o heathen_n yet_o they_o
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
of_o the_o world_n with_o the_o full_a swing_n of_o their_o affection_n but_o as_o to_o religion_n they_o must_v be_v urge_v and_o drive_v and_o it_o be_v much_o if_o they_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o make_v some_o step_n towards_o it_o even_o good_a man_n be_v discourage_v by_o this_o excessive_a severity_n do_v not_o make_v that_o progress_n in_o sanctification_n which_o otherwise_o they_o may_v their_o conscience_n be_v disturb_v with_o troublesome_a scruple_n and_o continual_a fear_n it_o be_v therefore_o very_o necessary_a to_o remove_v this_o prejudice_n by_o represent_v virtue_n and_o piety_n under_o that_o easy_a and_o agreeable_a shape_n which_o be_v natural_a to_o they_o and_o by_o propose_v such_o idea_n of_o religion_n as_o may_v neither_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n produce_v security_n and_o lull_v man_n conscience_n asleep_a nor_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n involve_v they_o in_o groundless_a scruple_n but_o if_o man_n be_v averse_a to_o thing_n austere_a and_o painful_a they_o be_v wont_v likewise_o to_o despise_v those_o who_o they_o think_v have_v somewhat_o what_o in_o they_o that_o be_v mean_a and_o ridiculous_a and_o there_o be_v many_o who_o have_v such_o a_o opinion_n of_o piety_n which_o proceed_v first_o from_o the_o ignorance_n and_o corruption_n of_o man_n who_o because_o they_o be_v not_o well_o acquaint_v with_o religion_n or_o be_v possess_v with_o false_a notion_n of_o honour_n look_v with_o contempt_n upon_o every_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o the_o prevail_a custom_n and_o maxim_n of_o the_o world_n and_o then_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n beside_o that_o libertine_n do_v sometime_o observe_v either_o in_o that_o religion_n which_o obtain_v in_o the_o society_n wherein_o they_o live_v or_o in_o the_o deportment_n of_o those_o who_o have_v the_o reputation_n of_o be_v devout_a several_a thing_n which_o lead_v they_o into_o this_o opinion_n with_o relation_n to_o doctrine_n they_o find_v certain_a article_n which_o man_n of_o good_a sense_n can_v digest_v and_o they_o perceive_v manifest_a abuse_n in_o the_o worship_n they_o see_v the_o people_n amuse_v with_o childish_a devotion_n which_o savour_n of_o nothing_o else_o but_o superstition_n credulity_n or_o bigotry_n some_o of_o those_o who_o do_v profess_v devotion_n seem_v to_o they_o to_o hold_v opinion_n contrary_a to_o sound_v reason_n and_o to_o have_v some_o odd_a and_o ridiculous_a way_n with_o they_o they_o perhaps_o observe_v in_o the_o minister_n of_o religion_n several_a whimsy_n ignorances_n and_o weakness_n they_o do_v not_o always_o find_v the_o best_a sense_n in_o discourse_n of_o piety_n neither_o do_v they_o think_v the_o idea_n which_o be_v give_v they_o of_o religion_n and_o its_o duty_n to_o be_v true_a rational_a or_o satisfactory_a from_o all_o this_o they_o conclude_v that_o to_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o it_o will_v be_v a_o disgrace_n to_o they_o that_o it_o be_v calculate_v only_o for_o the_o vulgar_a and_o for_o weak_a mind_n and_o that_o the_o be_v neither_o pious_a nor_o devout_a argue_v a_o strength_n and_o a_o greatness_n of_o soul_n this_o certain_o be_v a_o most_o false_a and_o unjust_a prejudice_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o serious_a nor_o more_o worthy_a of_o esteem_n and_o respect_n than_o religion_n and_o it_o be_v the_o high_a pitch_n of_o injustice_n to_o take_v a_o estimate_n of_o it_o by_o the_o error_n and_o weakness_n of_o men._n but_o yet_o this_o prejudice_n be_v very_o common_a last_o we_o be_v to_o rank_v among_o the_o prejudices_fw-la and_o false_a notion_n of_o man_n concern_v religion_n the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o be_v infatuate_v with_o mystical_a piety_n and_o fanaticism_n and_o it_o be_v the_o more_o necessary_a to_o caution_n man_n against_o those_o opinion_n because_o they_o be_v grow_v of_o late_a year_n to_o be_v very_o common_a fanaticism_n spread_v very_o much_o and_o there_o be_v scarce_o a_o country_n in_o europe_n where_o it_o do_v not_o obtain_v under_o various_a denomination_n and_o where_o it_o have_v not_o occasion_v some_o disturbance_n it_o will_v be_v difficult_a to_o give_v here_o a_o exaâ—â—_n account_v of_o mystical_a piety_n and_o fanaticism_n it_o be_v a_o subject_a upon_o which_o we_o can_v speak_v very_o clear_o because_o we_o can_v hardly_o have_v perspicuous_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o it_o beside_o that_o the_o mystic_n be_v not_o agree_v among_o themselves_o they_o be_v a_o sect_n which_o be_v subdivide_v almost_o to_o infinity_o for_o not_o to_o mention_v the_o anabaptist_n the_o quaker_n the_o quietist_n and_o all_o those_o who_o come_v up_o to_o the_o height_n of_o fanatical_a extravagance_n there_o be_v many_o particular_a sect_n which_o will_v scorn_v the_o name_n and_o yet_o be_v whole_o or_o in_o part_n possess_v with_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o fanatic_n but_o in_o the_o main_a here_o be_v their_o character_n they_o be_v almost_o all_o agree_v in_o one_o thing_n which_o be_v that_o they_o make_v but_o very_o little_a count_n of_o outward_a mean_n and_o of_o those_o act_n which_o concern_v the_o exterior_a of_o religion_n such_o be_v the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n government_n discipline_n preach_v liturgy_n and_o the_o public_a exercise_n of_o devotion_n all_o these_o if_o we_o believe_v they_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o the_o first_o element_n of_o piety_n which_o be_v useful_a only_o to_o imperfect_a christian_n they_o have_v no_o great_a esteem_n neither_o for_o those_o labour_n and_o study_n by_o which_o man_n endeavour_v to_o acquire_v knowledge_n they_o reason_n little_a about_o religion_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o allege_v no_o other_o argument_n for_o the_o article_n of_o their_o belief_n but_o the_o inward_a sense_n they_o have_v of_o they_o they_o do_v not_o condemn_v morality_n and_o goodwork_n but_o among_o themselves_o they_o speak_v but_o feeble_o of_o they_o and_o in_o such_o a_o strain_n as_o lessen_v considerable_o their_o usefulness_n and_o necessity_n they_o say_v that_o our_o work_n be_v nothing_o but_o desilement_n and_o abomination_n that_o god_n do_v not_o look_v upon_o work_n and_o that_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o judge_v of_o his_o condition_n by_o they_o but_o that_o all_o depend_v upon_o faith_n and_o a_o union_n with_o god_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o those_o book_n which_o lie_v a_o great_a stress_n upon_o the_o practice_n of_o christian_a virtue_n do_v not_o relish_v best_o with_o they_o they_o prefer_v contemplation_n meditation_n and_o inward_a recollection_n before_o a_o active_a life_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o morality_n nay_o there_o be_v some_o who_o think_v that_o all_o the_o care_n which_o man_n use_v and_o all_o the_o effort_n that_o they_o make_v to_o advance_v in_o piety_n signify_v but_o little_a according_a to_o they_o the_o way_n to_o perfection_n and_o solid_a virtue_n be_v for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o inaction_n to_o go_v out_o of_o himself_o to_o annihilate_v himself_o to_o have_v neither_o thought_n nor_o desire_n nor_o will_v but_o to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v dead_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n for_o thus_o they_o express_v themselves_o in_o figurative_a and_o mysterious_a word_n under_o pretence_n of_o ascribe_v all_o to_o god_n they_o assert_v that_o man_n be_v a_o mere_a nothing_o and_o a_o abyss_n of_o misery_n that_o in_o order_n to_o be_v happy_a it_o be_v enough_o for_o we_o to_o be_v sensible_a of_o our_o nothingness_n and_o to_o wait_v in_o silence_n and_o tranquillity_n till_o god_n be_v please_v to_o work_v his_o will_n in_o we_o and_o that_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v thus_o in_o the_o state_n of_o inaction_n and_o entire_o abandon_v itself_o to_o god_n than_o it_o be_v that_o god_n speak_v to_o and_o operate_v in_o it_o what_o they_o say_v concern_v man_n nothingness_n do_v not_o hinder_v but_o that_o most_o of_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o perfection_n and_o look_v upon_o the_o rest_n of_o christian_n as_o carnal_a man_n who_o be_v yet_o in_o darkness_n and_o who_o never_o taste_v that_o which_o they_o call_v the_o heavenly_a gift_n i_o may_v relate_v here_o their_o refine_n upon_o divine_a love_n and_o upon_o prayer_n but_o what_o i_o have_v say_v be_v sufficient_a to_o discover_v the_o spirit_n and_o character_n of_o fanaticism_n i_o be_o far_o from_o charge_v all_o those_o who_o hold_v these_o opinion_n with_o hypocrisy_n and_o impiety_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o there_o be_v good_a man_n among_o they_o who_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o their_o error_n so_o that_o i_o can_v but_o blame_v the_o severity_n which_o be_v use_v towards_o they_o in_o some_o place_n and_o the_o odious_a imputation_n that_o be_v cast_v upon_o they_o in_o order_n to_o vilify_v they_o all_o without_o distinction_n if_o they_o err_v it_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n through_o weakness_n and_o prepossession_n rather_o than_o through_o malice_n nay_o it_o may_v be_v say_v in_o their_o
in_o sin_n and_o impenitency_n who_o can_v be_v sure_a that_o god_n will_v give_v he_o â—he_n grace_n to_o recover_v himself_o as_o those_o hoâ—y_a man_n do_v those_o who_o presume_v to_o sin_n as_o they_o do_v in_o hope_n that_o they_o shall_v in_o like_a manner_n wipe_v off_o their_o sin_n by_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n reason_n just_a like_o a_o man_n who_o shall_v swallow_v down_o poison_n and_o conclude_v it_o will_v not_o kill_v he_o because_o some_o who_o have_v be_v poison_v have_v escape_v death_n but_o that_o which_o deserve_v here_o our_o great_a consideration_n be_v the_o time_n which_o those_o saineâ—_n live_v in_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n between_o 〈◊〉_d christian_n and_o the_o good_a man_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n man_n before_o christ_n haâ—_n not_o by_o a_o great_a deal_n that_o light_n which_o we_o have_v and_o do_v not_o know_v as_o we_o do_v the_o duty_n of_o holiness_n our_o saviour_n teacheâ—_n we_o that_o distinction_n when_o he_o say_v 1._o say_v mat._n xii_o 1._o the_o john_n the_o baptist_n be_v the_o great_a among_o they_o who_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o woman_n but_o that_o the_o leâ—â—_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v great_a theâ—_n john_n the_o baptist_n that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o christian_n have_v a_o much_o great_a light_n than_o either_o john_n baptist_n or_o all_o the_o ancient_a prephet_n have_v now_o the_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n ought_v to_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o piety_n and_o therefore_o christian_n ought_v to_o excel_v the_o jew_n in_o holiness_n what_o god_n do_v bear_v with_o as_o that_o time_n will_v be_v in_o we_o altogether_o intoleable_a and_o how_o can_v it_o be_v lawful_a for_o we_o to_o imitate_v the_o ancient_n in_o their_o vice_n when_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o surpass_v their_o virtue_n this_o principle_n be_v of_o great_a moment_n and_o without_o it_o we_o can_v hardly_o silence_v profane_a person_n a_o libertine_n insist_v upon_o precedent_n will_v say_v that_o polygamy_n he_o keep_v of_o concubine_n murder_n divorce_v upon_o the_o slight_a pretence_n and_o such_o like_a disorder_n be_v not_o so_o criminal_a as_o they_o be_v imagine_v to_o be_v he_o will_v produce_v the_o instance_n of_o abraham_n and_o jacob_n of_o the_o judge_n of_o israel_n of_o david_n and_o the_o jew_n far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o detract_v from_o the_o honour_n and_o praise_v due_a to_o those_o ancient_a worthy_n they_o have_v do_v much_o for_o the_o time_n they_o live_v in_o but_o god_n forbid_v too_o that_o we_o shall_v lessen_v the_o glory_n and_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n if_o we_o speak_v like_o christian_n we_o will_v say_v that_o god_n in_o his_o goodness_n do_v pass_v over_o many_o thing_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o time_n and_o of_o the_o natural_a temper_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v a_o gross_a and_o carnal_a people_n our_o saviour_n answer_n to_o the_o pharisee_n coneern_v divorce_n be_v very_o much_o to_o our_o purpose_n xix_o purpose_n mat._n xix_o moses_n suffer_v you_o to_o put_v away_o your_o wife_n but_o from_o the_o beginning_n it_o be_v not_o so_o and_o then_o he_o add_v that_o whosoever_o shall_v imitate_v the_o jew_n and_o do_v that_o which_o have_v be_v do_v and_o tolerate_v till_o then_o shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o adultery_n we_o may_v easy_o apply_v this_o answer_n to_o the_o instance_n of_o st._n peter_n since_o before_o our_o saviour_n ascension_n the_o apostle_n be_v weak_a as_o yet_o and_o possess_v with_o various_a prejudices_fw-la but_o i_o think_v myself_o bind_v to_o add_v a_o word_n or_o two_o concern_v the_o example_n of_o st._n paul_n because_o it_o be_v common_o mistake_v that_o apostle_n say_v 15._o say_v 1_o tim._n i._n 13_o 15._o that_o he_o be_v a_o blasphemer_n a_o persecutor_n who_o be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v a_o apostle_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o chief_a of_o sinner_n at_o the_o first_o hear_v of_o these_o word_n many_o imagine_v that_o st._n paul_n have_v be_v a_o profligate_n man_n a_o swearer_n and_o a_o godless_a wretch_n and_o yet_o he_o mean_v nothing_o else_o but_o that_o he_o have_v once_o persecute_v the_o church_n for_o otherwise_o st._n paul_n before_o his_o conversion_n to_o christianity_n be_v a_o good_a man_n and_o his_o life_n be_v blameless_a and_o exemplary_a for_o this_o he_o appeal_v to_o god_n and_o the_o jew_n act_n xxiii_o 1._o and_o xxvi_o 4._o if_o he_o do_v persecute_v the_o church_n then_o it_o be_v through_o a_o blind_a zeal_n and_o ignorance_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n as_o he_o tell_v we_o himself_o ver_fw-la 13._o he_o obtain_v mercy_n from_o god_n be_v not_o this_o quite_o another_o case_n than_o that_o of_o those_o christian_n who_o know_o and_o wilful_o allow_v themselves_o in_o sin_n it_o be_v another_o mistake_n to_o make_v st._n paul_n say_v as_o some_o do_v that_o he_o be_v the_o great_a of_o sinner_n he_o do_v not_o say_v that_o he_o say_v only_o that_o he_o be_v the_o chief_a or_o the_o first_o of_o those_o sinner_n who_o jesus_n christ_n do_v save_v his_o meaning_n be_v that_o he_o hold_v the_o first_o rank_n among_o convert_a sinner_n that_o he_o be_v a_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n and_o that_o jesus_n have_v begin_v by_o he_o to_o show_v his_o clemency_n and_o goodness_n thus_o he_o explain_v himself_o verse_n 16._o for_o this_o cause_n say_v he_o i_o obtain_v mercy_n that_o in_o i_o first_o jesus_n christ_n may_v show_v forth_o all_o long-suffering_a for_o a_o pattern_n to_o they_o which_o shall_v hereafter_o believe_v on_o he_o this_o be_v exact_o what_o he_o mean_v for_o as_o to_o what_o some_o imagine_v that_o st._n paul_n out_o of_o humility_n acknowledge_v himself_o the_o great_a of_o all_o sinner_n i_o think_v that_o explication_n be_v wrong_a and_o that_o it_o neither_o agree_v with_o truth_n nor_o piety_n nor_o good_a sense_n a_o good_a man_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o think_v himself_o worse_o than_o the_o great_a sinner_n on_o the_o contrary_a he_o ought_v to_o bless_v god_n for_o that_o good_a which_o the_o divine_a grace_n have_v wrought_v if_o he_o but_o as_o the_o last_o refuge_n of_o sinner_n be_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n so_o they_o common_o abuse_v those_o place_n which_o set_v forth_o the_o greatness_n of_o that_o mercy_n they_o find_v this_o principal_o upon_o these_o word_n where_o sin_n do_v abound_v grace_n do_v much_o more_o abound_v under_o the_o covert_a of_o this_o short_a sentence_n the_o most_o flagitious_a sinner_n think_v themselves_o safe_a but_o the_o bare_a read_n of_o st._n paul_n discourse_n will_v soon_o convince_v we_o that_o this_o be_v to_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n into_o a_o false_a and_o pernicious_a sense_n the_o apostle_n design_n be_v to_o show_v that_o all_o man_n be_v render_v sinner_n in_o adam_n and_o by_o the_o law_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v so_o great_a that_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o save_o they_o through_o jesus_n christ_n in_o order_n to_o establish_v this_o truth_n he_o have_v prove_v thâ—_n before_o christ_n sin_n and_o death_n reign_v erery_a where_n not_o only_o among_o the_o heathen_a but_o also_o among_o the_o jew_n upon_o this_o â—â—adds_n that_o where_o sin_n do_v abound_v grace_n â—â—mercy_o more_o abound_v to_o signify_v god_n hauâ—â—â—_n mercy_n on_o they_o when_o they_o be_v involve_v in_o sin_n and_o death_n in_o a_o word_n st._n pâ—â—_n set_v the_o happy_a condition_n to_o which_o mâ—â—_n be_v advance_v by_o jesus_n christ_n in_o opposition_n to_o that_o which_o they_o be_v in_o before_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o that_o place_n and_o the_o drift_n of_o the_o whole_a epistle_n can_v any_o one_o infer_v from_o thence_o that_o now_o we_o may_v free_o sin_n and_o that_o grace_n will_v exert_v in_o self_n reward_v we_o whatever_o sin_n we_o may_v commit_v it_o be_v fit_a to_o observe_v beside_o that_o whiâ—â—_n st._n paul_n speak_v of_o grace_n he_o do_v not_o only_o mean_v the_o pardon_v but_o likewise_o the_o sanctify_a grace_n which_o destroy_v the_o pretention_n of_o the_o libertine_n the_o apoâ—â—_n himself_o confute_v it_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o vehemence_n he_o foresee_v that_o some_o will_v ague_n like_o those_o we_o now_o contend_v with_o aâ—â—_n he_o make_v this_o objection_n to_o himself_o 12._o himself_o rom._n 6.1_o 2_o 3_o 11_o 12._o whâ—â—_n then_o shall_v we_o continue_v in_o sin_n that_o grace_n may_v bound_v and_o this_o be_v his_o answer_n god_n forbid_v how_o shall_v we_o that_o be_v dead_a to_o sin_n live_v 〈◊〉_d long_o therein_o we_o who_o have_v be_v baptize_v into_o christ_n death_n that_o we_o shall_v walk_v in_o newness_n of_o life_n reckon_v you_o also_o yourselves_o dead_a unto_o sin_n but_o alive_a unto_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n let_v not_o sin_n therefore_o reign_v in_o your_o mortal_a body_n
that_o you_o shall_v obey_v it_o in_o the_o lust_n hereof_o the_o apostle_n pursue_v these_o exhortation_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n 2._o the_o promise_n and_o instance_n of_o god_n mercy_n be_v frequent_o also_o take_v in_o a_o sense_n which_o favour_v corruption_n and_o security_n all_o that_o the_o gospel_n say_v upon_o this_o head_n be_v interpret_v by_o vicious_a man_n as_o if_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o give_v man_n a_o licence_n to_o sin_n to_o this_o purpose_n the_o instance_n of_o that_o woman_n who_o be_v a_o sinner_n of_o zacheus_n and_o the_o convert_a thief_n be_v often_o allege_v as_o likewise_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o prodigal_a son_n of_o the_o publican_n and_o of_o the_o labourer_n and_o from_o these_o instance_n as_o well_o as_o from_o our_o saviour_n declaration_n 11.13_o declaration_n mat._n 11.13_o that_o he_o be_v not_o come_v to_o call_v the_o righteous_a but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n it_o be_v conclude_v that_o the_o great_a sinner_n may_v obtain_v salvation_n as_o well_o as_o the_o just_a but_o if_o those_o who_o quote_v these_o instance_n do_v narrow_o examine_v they_o they_o will_v read_v in_o they_o their_o own_o condemnation_n for_o first_o all_o these_o sinner_n mention_v in_o the_o gospel_n do_v repent_v and_o be_v convert_v that_o woman_n who_o have_v be_v a_o notorious_a sinner_n express_v the_o most_o lively_a sorrow_n the_o publican_n smite_v his_o breast_n the_o prodigal_n come_v to_o himself_o again_o and_o detest_v his_o former_a excess_n zacheus_n if_o he_o be_v a_o unjust_a man_n restore_v fourfold_a from_o these_o instance_n we_o may_v very_o well_o infer_v that_o god_n never_o reject_v return_v sinner_n but_o even_o this_o be_v a_o invincible_a argument_n that_o there_o be_v no_o mercy_n for_o those_o who_o persist_v in_o their_o sin_n and_o that_o too_o in_o hope_n of_o pardon_n beside_o we_o must_v know_v that_o our_o saviour_n design_n in_o all_o these_o parable_n and_o instance_n be_v to_o inform_v man_n that_o he_o be_v come_v to_o invite_v the_o great_a sinner_n to_o repentance_n and_o especial_o to_o let_v the_o jew_n understand_v that_o for_o all_o the_o high_a opinion_n they_o have_v of_o their_o own_o dignity_n and_o merit_n the_o heathen_n who_o live_v in_o the_o great_a corruption_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o god_n covenaâ—_n and_o to_o have_v a_o share_n in_o his_o favour_n which_o actual_o happen_v to_o all_o those_o heathen_n who_o do_v believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n these_o instance_n and_o parable_n then_o represent_v the_o stare_v man_n be_v in_o at_o that_o time_n and_o not_o the_o state_n of_o those_o who_o be_v enter_v already_o into_o the_o christian_a church_n it_o can_v never_o be_v say_v too_o much_o nor_o remember_v too_o often_o in_o the_o read_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o those_o heathen_n who_o never_o hear_v a_o word_n of_o god_n or_o jesus_n christâ—_n and_o christian_n who_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o church_n and_o live_v in_o the_o covenant_n with_o god_n thus_o i_o think_v i_o have_v examine_v those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v most_o common_o abuse_v by_o the_o libertine_n if_o i_o have_v omit_v any_o i_o hope_v what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o this_o chapter_n may_v serve_v to_o suggest_v pertinent_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o they_o cause_n v._o a_o false_a modesty_n corruption_n be_v not_o whole_o to_o be_v impute_v to_o that_o ignorance_n or_o to_o those_o prejudices_fw-la and_o loose_a opinion_n which_o prevail_v among_o christian_n for_o man_n do_v not_o always_o sin_n through_o want_n of_o knowledge_n or_o out_o of_o mere_a wantonness_n and_o libertinism_n there_o be_v many_o who_o acknowledge_v the_o viciousness_n of_o the_o age_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o good_a life_n and_o yet_o they_o neglect_v their_o dury_n entire_o or_o at_o least_o they_o be_v very_o remiss_a in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o act_v for_o the_o most_o part_n against_o their_o own_o persuasion_n there_o must_v be_v then_o other_o spring_n of_o corruption_n in_o man_n beside_o those_o which_o we_o have_v hitherto_o discover_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o search_v into_o these_o and_o to_o find_v out_o if_o possible_a why_o many_o person_n who_o want_v no_o instruction_n and_o be_v solicit_v by_o the_o motion_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n to_o embrace_v the_o side_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n do_v not_o withstand_v continue_v in_o vice_n and_o corruption_n this_o seem_v to_o proceed_v chief_o from_o two_o disposition_n which_o man_n be_v common_o iâ—_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n they_o be_v restrain_v by_o a_o ill_a shame_n from_o act_v suitable_o to_o the_o sentiment_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n they_o put_v off_o their_o conversion_n hope_v that_o they_o shall_v one_o day_n make_v up_o all_o the_o irregularity_n of_o their_o conduct_n by_o repentance_n i_o look_v upon_o these_o two_o disposition_n as_o two_o of_o the_o principal_a cause_n of_o corruption_n and_o therefore_o i_o think_v in_o may_v be_v proper_a to_o consider_v they_o both_o distinct_o i_o design_v to_o treat_v of_o false_a modesty_n in_o this_o chapter_n and_o to_o show_v 1._o the_o nature_n and_o 2._o the_o effect_n of_o it_o 1._o by_o false_a modesty_n i_o mean_v that_o shame_n which_o hinder_v man_n to_o do_v that_o which_o they_o know_v to_o be_v their_o duty_n i_o call_v this_o shame_n vicious_a or_o illl_v to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o another_o kind_n of_o shame_n which_o be_v good_a and_o commendable_a which_o consist_v in_o be_v ashamed_a to_o do_v ill_a thing_n if_o false_a shame_n be_v a_o source_n of_o corruption_n that_o other_o shame_n which_o restrain_v from_o evil_a be_v a_o principle_n of_o virtue_n and_o a_o preservative_n against_o sin_n and_o therefore_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v as_o careful_o cherish_v and_o maintain_v as_o vicious_a shame_n shall_v be_v avoid_v or_o shake_v off_o for_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o commendable_a shame_n be_v go_v innocency_n be_v irrecoverable_o lose_v it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o character_n of_o sinner_n in_o scripture_n that_o their_o wickedness_n raise_v no_o blush_a or_o confusion_n in_o they_o i_o say_v then_o that_o this_o false_a shame_n keep_v man_n from_o do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n what_o they_o know_v and_o approve_v to_o be_v their_o duty_n and_o it_o be_v under_o that_o notion_n particular_o that_o i_o be_o to_o consider_v it_o here_o it_o be_v not_o my_o design_n to_o speak_v of_o that_o shame_n which_o arise_v from_o ignorance_n or_o contempt_n and_o which_o be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o those_o profane_a and_o worldly_a man_n who_o because_o they_o do_v not_o know_v religion_n or_o judge_v it_o unworthy_a of_o their_o application_n think_v it_o a_o disgrace_n to_o follow_v its_o maxim_n i_o refer_v such_o man_n to_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o this_o book_n and_o to_o some_o further_a consideration_n which_o i_o be_o to_o insist_v upon_o elsewhere_o the_o shame_n i_o speak_v of_o at_o present_a suppose_v some_o knowledge_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o some_o value_n for_o and_o inclination_n to_o piety_n from_o whence_o it_o appear_v how_o dangerous_a the_o effect_n of_o that_o shame_n be_v and_o how_o important_a it_o be_v to_o know_v and_o observe_v they_o since_o it_o seduce_v and_o corrupt_v even_o those_o who_o be_v none_o of_o the_o worst_a man_n and_o of_o who_o otherwise_o we_o may_v reasonable_o hope_v well_o now_o to_o apprehend_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o vicious_a shame_n it_o must_v be_v observe_v that_o shame_v common_o spring_v from_o two_o cause_n sometime_o it_o proceed_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n we_o be_v ashamed_a of_o or_o from_o the_o opinion_n we_o have_v of_o it_o thus_o man_n be_v ashamed_a of_o thing_n which_o either_o be_v or_o appear_v dishonest_a in_o their_o nature_n but_o sometime_o also_o shame_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o regard_n we_o bear_v to_o other_o man_n judgement_n and_o then_o we_o be_v ashamed_a to_o do_v thing_n which_o may_v bring_v contempt_n upon_o we_o and_o disgrace_v we_o in_o the_o world_n one_o may_v soon_o perceive_v that_o the_o shame_n that_o be_v vicious_a do_v not_o arise_v from_o the_o first_o of_o these_o cause_n religion_n have_v nothing_o in_o it_o that_o be_v shameful_a arid_a dishonest_a for_o far_o from_o that_o it_o be_v of_o all_o thing_n the_o most_o comely_a and_o honourable_a and_o the_o most_o worthy_a of_o a_o man_n and_o it_o appear_v such_o even_o to_o those_o who_o by_o reason_n of_o a_o groundless_a shame_n dare_v not_o practice_v the_o rule_n of_o it_o the_o true_a cause_n then_o of_o this_o false_a modesty_n be_v a_o feeble_a regard_n to_o man_n judgement_n and_o a_o fear_n of_o fall_v under_o their_o contempt_n
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
hospitality_n from_o mind_v their_o function_n as_o they_o ought_v and_o from_o discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o it_o with_o authority_n and_o zeal_n it_o force_v they_o to_o have_v recourse_n to_o several_a mean_a or_o unlawful_a method_n to_o supply_v their_o necessity_n and_o those_o of_o their_o family_n and_o to_o do_v many_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o comport_v with_o their_o employment_n from_o thence_o proceed_v likewise_o the_o want_n of_o able_a minister_n a_o great_a many_o person_n who_o may_v have_v the_o necessary_a talent_n qualification_n and_o mean_n to_o be_v very_o useful_a in_o the_o church_n take_v a_o disgust_n at_o that_o profession_n by_o the_o fear_n of_o contempt_n or_o poverty_n as_o long_o as_o thing_n be_v in_o this_o state_n religion_n will_v be_v despise_v and_o corruption_n will_v still_o be_v in_o vogue_n it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a to_o remove_v this_o cause_n of_o corruption_n as_o it_o be_v to_o detest_v it_o the_o re-establish_a of_o order_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o thing_n extreme_o difficult_a to_o this_o end_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a that_o prince_n arid_a churchman_n shall_v act_v in_o conjunction_n but_o there_o be_v few_o christian_a prince_n who_o lay_v this_o to_o heart_n and_o divine_n have_v quite_o other_o thing_n in_o their_o thought_n their_o great_a business_n be_v to_o maintain_v what_o be_v establish_v and_o to_o dispute_v with_o those_o who_o find_v fault_n with_o it_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n knowledge_n or_o resolution_n be_v want_v and_o there_o be_v not_o enough_o of_o honesty_n or_o greatness_n of_o soul_n to_o confess_v the_o truth_n few_o writer_n have_v the_o courage_n to_o speak_v so_o impartial_o as_o the_o famous_a author_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o reformation_n in_o england_n have_v do_v in_o the_o preface_n to_o his_o second_o volume_n it_o be_v think_v by_o many_o person_n that_o all_o will_v be_v ruin_v if_o the_o least_o alteration_n be_v make_v some_o of_o those_o defect_n which_o have_v be_v mention_v in_o this_o chapter_n be_v now_o become_v inviolable_a custom_n and_o law_n every_o body_n fancy_v true_a and_o pure_a christianity_n to_o be_v that_o which_o obtain_v in_o his_o country_n or_o in_o the_o society_n he_o live_v in_o and_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o put_v to_o the_o question_n whether_o or_o not_o some_o thing_n shall_v be_v alter_v as_o long_o as_o christian_n be_v possess_v with_o these_o prejudices_fw-la we_o must_v not_o expect_v to_o see_v christianity_n restore_v to_o a_o entire_a purity_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n that_o christian_n will_v open_v their_o eye_n at_o last_o and_o that_o divine_n will_v grow_v sensible_a of_o the_o necessity_n of_o mind_v these_o thing_n the_o main_a point_n here_o be_v to_o shake_v off_o all_o prejudice_n and_o to_o consider_v thing_n in_o their_o nature_n and_o original_a our_o saviour_n have_v leave_v we_o a_o excellent_a rule_n when_o speak_v of_o the_o abuse_n which_o have_v be_v so_o long_o receive_v among_o the_o jew_n in_o reference_n to_o marriage_n he_o tell_v we_o xix_o place_v =_o foot_n n_o =_o *_o mat._n xix_o that_o from_o the_o beginning_n it_o be_v not_o so_o this_o maxim_n be_v of_o great_a use_n and_o a_o lover_n of_o truth_n and_o virtue_n shall_v always_o have_v it_o before_o his_o eye_n it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o we_o shall_v still_o appeal_v to_o it_o and_o that_o instead_o of_o govern_v ourselves_o by_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o present_a time_n we_o shall_v run_v up_o to_o the_o ancient_a constitution_n and_o compare_v what_o be_v do_v at_o this_o day_n with_o that_o which_o have_v be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v this_o will_v be_v the_o true_a way_n to_o reform_v abuse_n and_o to_o draw_v near_o to_o perfection_n and_o to_o bring_v thing_n back_o into_o the_o natural_a and_o primitive_a channel_n cause_n ii_o the_o want_n of_o discipline_n it_o be_v not_o my_o design_n in_o this_o chapter_n to_o speak_v of_o church_n discipline_n in_o general_n i_o shall_v only_o insist_v upon_o that_o part_n of_o it_o the_o end_n of_o which_o be_v to_o regulate_v the_o manner_n of_o christian_n and_o this_o be_v a_o important_a matter_n the_o want_n of_o discipline_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a imperfection_n which_o have_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o one_o of_o the_o most_o evident_a and_o general_a cause_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o christian_n but_o because_o some_o man_n have_v pretend_v that_o discipline_n such_o as_o i_o suppose_v it_o in_o this_o chapter_n be_v a_o humane_a and_o arbitrary_a institution_n the_o observation_n of_o which_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a and_o may_v be_v dangerous_a i_o think_v it_o proper_a to_o say_v something_o here_o concern_v the_o original_a and_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v certain_a in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o all_o society_n and_o body_n have_v a_o right_a to_o establish_v a_o order_n to_o regulate_v themselves_o by_o and_o to_o provide_v for_o their_o security_n and_o preservation_n when_o several_a man_n or_o people_n unite_z to_z form_n a_o body_n they_o have_v power_n to_o make_v law_n and_o regulation_n to_o which_o all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o body_n may_v be_v tie_v and_o to_o exclude_v those_o from_o their_o communion_n who_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o they_o but_o these_o law_n ought_v not_o to_o clash_v with_o other_o law_n already_o establish_v nor_o with_o just_a and_o acknowledge_v right_n i_o think_v this_o power_n which_o be_v grant_v to_o the_o mean_a of_o society_n can_v be_v deny_v to_o the_o church_n and_o this_o prove_v already_o that_o the_o church_n have_v a_o right_a to_o appoint_v a_o discipline_n to_o which_o all_o her_o member_n shall_v he_o subject_v provide_v that_o discipline_n do_v not_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n prejudice_v public_a tranquillity_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n nor_o any_o way_n contradict_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n now_o as_o discipline_n be_v not_o liable_a to_o either_o of_o these_o inconvenience_n but_o do_v rather_o perfect_o agree_v with_o the_o welfare_n of_o civil_a society_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o will_v be_v prove_v hereafter_o so_o the_o establish_n of_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v equal_o lawful_a and_o necessary_a ii_o but_o further_o discipline_n be_v a_o order_n which_o have_v god_n for_o its_o author_n we_o find_v the_o institution_n of_o it_o in_o holy_a scripture_n and_o in_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o apostle_n i_o shall_v recite_v the_o chief_a of_o these_o 1._o in_o st._n matthews_n gospel_n chap._n xviii_o 15_o 16_o 17._o we_o read_v these_o word_n if_o thy_o brother_n shall_v trespass_v against_o thou_o go_v and_o tell_v he_o of_o his_o fault_n between_o thou_o and_o he_o alone_o if_o he_o shall_v hear_v thou_o thou_o have_v gain_v thy_o brother_n but_o if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v thou_o then_o take_v with_o thou_o one_o or_o two_o more_o that_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n every_o word_n may_v be_v establish_v and_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o tell_v it_o to_o the_o church_n but_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o publican_n for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o these_o word_n we_o must_v know_v that_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o enact_v here_o a_o new_a law_n and_o that_o a_o order_n like_o that_o which_o be_v here_o prescribe_v be_v already_o observe_v among_o the_o jew_n but_o here_o as_o upon_o many_o occasion_n our_o saviour_n do_v comply_v with_o the_o custom_n and_o practice_n of_o that_o nation_n because_o he_o judge_v that_o those_o custom_n be_v good_a and_o fit_a for_o his_o view_n and_o purpose_n the_o first_o christian_n do_v the_o same_o in_o matter_n of_o order_n and_o government_n they_o do_v form_v the_o christian_a church_n upon_o the_o model_n of_o the_o jewish_a assembly_n and_o upon_o the_o method_n which_o be_v there_o observe_v this_o be_v the_o key_n of_o the_o place_n i_o have_v now_o quote_v our_o saviour_n approve_v the_o jewish_a practice_n and_o enjoin_v his_o disciple_n to_o observe_v the_o same_o order_n among_o they_o it_o can_v be_v doubt_v but_o that_o this_o be_v his_o mean_v for_o he_o speak_v to_o his_o disciple_n and_o it_o appear_v by_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o this_o passage_n and_o by_o the_o sequel_n of_o his_o discourse_n that_o he_o be_v give_v here_o a_o law_n which_o concern_v the_o christian_a church_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o he_o proper_o speak_v of_o private_a difference_n but_o what_o he_o say_v aught_o to_o apply_v to_o
all_o those_o disorder_n which_o may_v happen_v in_o the_o church_n and_o particular_o to_o scandal_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o if_o we_o may_v proceed_v in_o the_o method_n here_o enjoin_v when_o the_o case_n be_v only_o concern_v some_o difference_n between_o private_a man_n we_o have_v much_o more_o right_a to_o do_v so_o relation_n to_o with_o public_a sin_n since_o they_o be_v case_n which_o concern_v the_o whole_a church_n and_o that_o direct_o and_o which_o do_v yet_o more_o proper_o belong_v to_o her_o cognisance_n than_o the_o quarrel_n of_o private_a men._n the_o mean_v of_o christ_n be_v then_o that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o order_n in_o his_o church_n for_o the_o remove_n of_o scandal_n he_o suppose_v that_o the_o church_n have_v a_o right_a to_o interpose_v upon_o those_o occasion_n and_o he_o command_v that_o those_o who_o shall_v refuse_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o if_o they_o be_v her_o member_n no_o long_o and_o that_o communication_n with_o they_o shall_v be_v avoid_v this_o be_v the_o import_n of_o these_o word_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o publican_n 2._o the_o v._o chapter_n of_o the_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n ver_fw-la 2_o 3_o 4._o decide_v this_o matter_n st._n paul_n have_v be_v inform_v that_o there_o be_v a_o man_n among_o the_o corinthian_n who_o live_v in_o incest_n he_o write_v about_o it_o to_o that_o church_n and_o first_o he_o reprove_v they_o for_o not_o have_v cut_v off_o from_o their_o communion_n the_o person_n who_o have_v commit_v so_o infamous_a a_o action_n in_o the_o next_o place_n he_o do_v himself_o excommunicate_v that_o man_n and_o deliver_v he_o up_o to_o satan_n i_o know_v that_o perhaps_o this_o power_n of_o deliver_v up_o to_o satan_n belong_v only_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o it_o be_v likely_a that_o this_o be_v one_o of_o those_o extraordinary_a punishment_n which_o they_o have_v a_o power_n to_o inflict_v upon_o profane_a and_o rebellious_a person_n but_o as_o for_o excommunication_n it_o be_v the_o common_a and_o ordinary_a right_n of_o the_o church_n this_o right_a or_o rather_o this_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n be_v clear_o assert_v by_o the_o censure_n which_o the_o apostle_n address_v to_o the_o corinthian_n because_o they_o have_v not_o take_v that_o incestuous_a person_n from_o among_o they_o and_o because_o they_o have_v not_o observe_v the_o order_n he_o have_v give_v they_o before_o not_o to_o suffer_v fornicator_n 4._o fornicator_n ver._n 4._o i_o write_v unto_o you_o already_o not_o to_o company_n fornicator_n he_o repeat_v this_o order_n in_o these_o word_n which_o contain_v a_o express_a and_o general_a law_n against_o all_o scandalous_a sinner_n 12._o sinner_n ver._n 12._o i_o write_v it_o unto_o you_o again_o not_o to_o keep_v company_n if_o any_o man_n that_o be_v call_v a_o brother_n be_v a_o fornicator_n or_o covetous_a or_o a_o idolater_n or_o a_o railer_n or_o a_o drunkard_n or_o a_o extortioner_n with_o such_o a_o one_o no_o not_o to_o eat_v this_o be_v positive_a and_o what_o the_o apostle_n add_v do_v not_o you_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v within_o be_v a_o confirmation_n that_o the_o church_n have_v a_o right_a to_o do_v so_o with_o relation_n to_o her_o member_n last_o he_o conclude_v with_o these_o word_n 13._o word_n ver._n 13._o therefore_o put_v away_o from_o among_o yourselves_o that_o wicked_a person_n for_o thus_o this_o verse_n be_v to_o be_v render_v as_o the_o drift_n of_o the_o whole_a chapter_n of_o which_o this_o be_v the_o conclusion_n show_v it_o evident_o i_o desire_v the_o force_n of_o this_o proof_n may_v be_v consider_v it_o be_v not_o one_o single_a passage_n which_o i_o here_o produce_v it_o be_v a_o whole_a chapter_n it_o be_v a_o thread_n of_o argument_n and_o of_o express_v and_o reiterated_a injunction_n st._n paul_n describe_v those_o who_o the_o church_n ought_v not_o to_o suffer_v in_o her_o bosom_n he_o appoint_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o reference_n to_o they_o which_o be_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christian_n and_o that_o their_o company_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v there_o can_v be_v a_o clear_a and_o express_a law_n if_o this_o be_v not_o so_o 3._o there_o be_v some_o other_o place_n which_o have_v no_o ambiguity_n in_o they_o 2_o thess_n iii_o 6._o we_o command_v you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n this_o preface_n be_v remarkable_a here_o be_v a_o law_n in_o due_a form_n which_o the_o apostle_n be_v go_v to_o deliver_v he_o propose_v it_o by_o way_n of_o command_n and_o he_o interpose_v the_o auhority_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n we_o command_v you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o you_o withdraw_v yourselves_o from_o every_o brother_n that_o walk_v disorderly_a and_o not_o after_o the_o tradition_n which_o he_o receive_v of_o we_o this_o law_n be_v repeat_v for_o 14._o if_o any_o man_n obey_v not_o our_o word_n by_o this_o epistle_n note_v that_o man_n and_o have_v no_o company_n with_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v ashamed_a 4._o the_o one_a epistle_n to_o timothy_n afford_v we_o proof_n unanswerable_a the_o design_n of_o st._n paul_n in_o this_o epistle_n be_v to_o establish_v order_n and_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n to_o this_o purpose_n he_o give_v several_a precept_n to_o timothy_n he_o instruct_v he_o exact_o how_o pastor_n ought_v to_o proceed_v about_o information_n censure_n and_o the_o principal_a office_n of_o church-government_n v._n church-government_n chap._n v._n rebuke_v not_o a_o elder_a but_o instruct_v he_o as_o a_o father_n and_o the_o young_a man_n as_o brethren_n the_o elder_a woman_n as_o mother_n the_o young_a as_o sister_n with_o all_o purity_n 5._o purity_n 1_o tim._n i._n 20._o 2_o tim._n iii_o 5._o against_o a_o elder_a or_o a_o priest_n receive_v not_o a_o accusation_n but_o before_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n they_o that_o sin_n rebuke_n before_o all_o that_o other_o also_o may_v fear_v i_o charge_v thou_o before_o god_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o elect_a angel_n that_o thou_o observe_v these_o thing_n without_o prefer_v one_o before_o another_o do_v nothing_o by_o partiality_n i_o may_v add_v other_o place_n out_o of_o this_o epistle_n and_o the_o follow_v and_o out_o of_o that_o to_o titus_n 10._o titus_n tit._n iii_o 10._o here_o be_v then_o again_o a_o whole_a thread_n of_o discourse_n prescribe_v the_o order_n according_a to_o which_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v govern_v here_o be_v particular_a rule_n and_o st._n paul_n use_v a_o adjuration_n to_o oblige_v timothy_n to_o observe_v they_o these_o law_n do_v not_o concern_v timothy_n in_o particular_a but_o st._n paul_n speak_v here_o of_o the_o episcopal_a function_n and_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n we_o need_v but_o read_v the_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n and_o the_o beginning_n of_o that_o which_o he_o write_v to_o titus_n to_o be_v satisfy_v that_o he_o intend_v this_o order_n shall_v be_v settle_v in_o all_o the_o church_n either_o there_o be_v nothing_o plain_a in_o scripture_n or_o it_o appear_v from_o all_o these_o place_n that_o discipline_n be_v institute_v of_o god_n that_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o be_v commit_v to_o pastor_n that_o scandalous_a sinner_n be_v not_o to_o be_v tolerate_v in_o the_o church_n that_o private_a man_n ought_v to_o avoid_v their_o company_n and_o that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o proceed_v against_o they_o by_o private_a and_o public_a censure_n and_o even_o by_o excommunication_n if_o the_o passage_n i_o have_v cite_v do_v not_o prove_v all_o this_o we_o may_v wrangle_v about_o every_o thing_n and_o all_o argument_n from_o the_o sacred_a write_n may_v be_v elude_v the_o institution_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v not_o more_o express_v or_o positive_a iii_o but_o though_o these_o place_n be_v not_o so_o positive_a and_o so_o clear_a as_o they_o be_v yet_o we_o may_v be_v asssure_v that_o this_o be_v their_o true_a meaning_n because_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n in_o which_o the_o whole_a primitive_a church_n understand_v they_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o first_o age_n in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o apostle_n amount_v to_o a_o demonstration_n which_o can_v be_v withstand_v beside_o that_o we_o be_v to_o presume_v that_o what_o have_v be_v practise_v from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o her_o purity_n be_v settle_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o or_o by_o apostolical_a man_n so_o that_o we_o ought_v as_o much_o as_o possible_a to_o conform_v ourselves_o to_o it_o now_o we_o know_v that_o discipline_n be_v observe_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n notwithstanding_o the_o
practise_v there_o will_v be_v less_o corruption_n and_o more_o zeal_n in_o the_o church_n these_o be_v the_o sentiment_n of_o many_o doctor_n in_o the_o last_o age_n they_o see_v that_o the_o want_n of_o order_n and_o discipline_n be_v go_v to_o bring_v libertinism_n into_o the_o church_n but_o yet_o their_o endeavour_n be_v not_o altogether_o useless_a some_o church_n draw_v considerable_o near_o to_o the_o apostolical_a institution_n and_o there_o be_v some_o where_o discipline_n be_v not_o yet_o quite_o abolish_v they_o still_o make_v use_n of_o some_o part_n of_o those_o mean_n prescribe_v by_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o correction_n of_o manner_n they_o do_v not_o admit_v all_o person_n indifferent_o to_o the_o sacrament_n they_o retain_v the_o use_n of_o public_a penance_n and_o even_o in_o some_o place_n of_o excommunication_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v still_o many_o thing_n want_v in_o the_o order_n and_o government_n of_o those_o church_n as_o will_v appear_v by_o compare_v their_o present_a practice_n with_o that_o of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o with_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o ancient_a discipline_n i_o do_v not_o pretend_v that_o in_o this_o matter_n the_o practice_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n ought_v to_o be_v copy_v in_o every_o thing_n but_o certain_o in_o many_o point_v we_o ought_v to_o conform_v to_o it_o if_o we_o examine_v in_o what_o manner_n discipline_n be_v administer_v now_o a_o day_n we_o may_v observe_v several_a defect_n in_o it_o which_o be_v pretty_a considerable_a for_o instance_n we_o shall_v find_v church_n where_o excommunication_n be_v use_v about_o matter_n of_o no_o great_a importance_n where_o that_o which_o be_v call_v excommunication_n be_v rather_o a_o civil_a sentence_n or_o punishment_n than_o a_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n and_o where_o not_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n but_o civil_a judge_n excommunicate_v another_o common_a fault_n be_v that_o discipline_n be_v exercise_v only_o upon_o two_o or_o three_o sort_n of_o sinner_n fornicator_n and_o notorious_a blasphemer_n be_v indeed_o severe_o proceed_v against_o but_o a_o great_a many_o person_n be_v suffer_v in_o the_o church_n who_o have_v nothing_o of_o christianity_n in_o their_o deportment_n such_o as_o drunkard_n idle_a people_n and_o several_a other_o sinner_n who_o the_o divine_a law_n subject_a as_o much_o to_o the_o rigour_n of_o discipline_n as_o adulterer_n it_o will_v be_v altogether_o necessary_a to_o use_v discipline_n against_o those_o who_o enter_v into_o marriage_n only_o to_o conceal_v their_o shame_n and_o yet_o in_o most_o church_n no_o satisfaction_n be_v demandded_a of_o such_o people_n this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o very_o great_a moment_n there_o be_v no_o sufficient_a care_n take_v to_o be_v satisfy_v about_o the_o sincerity_n of_o sinner_n repentance_n when_o they_o be_v to_o be_v restore_v to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n the_o apostolical_a precept_n about_o avoid_v all_o familiar_a intercourse_n with_o scandalous_a sinner_n be_v out_o of_o use_n by_o all_o this_o we_o may_v see_v that_o few_o church_n can_v boast_v a_o pure_a discipline_n but_o suppose_v that_o true_a discipline_n may_v be_v find_v in_o some_o place_n yet_o how_o many_o defect_n do_v creep_v into_o the_o best_a constitute_v church_n either_o through_o the_o stubborness_n of_o sinner_n the_o opposition_n of_o corrupt_a magistrate_n or_o through_o the_o fault_n and_o carelessness_n of_o pastor_n the_o best_a law_n be_v good_a for_o nothing_o when_o they_o be_v not_o observe_v so_o that_o whether_o those_o who_o ought_v to_o exercise_v discipline_n for_o the_o give_v a_o stop_n to_o scandal_n do_v it_o not_o or_o whether_o they_o have_v not_o the_o power_n to_o do_v it_o it_o be_v still_o true_a that_o corruption_n proceed_v from_o the_o want_n of_o discipline_n what_o must_v we_o say_v then_o of_o those_o church_n where_o discipline_n be_v whole_o unknown_a where_o neither_o church_n nor_o pastor_n have_v any_o authority_n to_o govern_v or_o inspect_v where_o minister_n dare_v not_o exclude_v any_o one_o from_o the_o sacrament_n but_o admit_v all_o person_n indifferent_o to_o the_o holy_a communion_n which_o abuse_n will_v have_v be_v think_v a_o unheard_a of_o profanation_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o where_o all_o public_a penance_n be_v out_o of_o door_n i_o say_v nothing_o of_o excommunication_n if_o any_o man_n shall_v propose_v the_o restore_n of_o it_o his_o design_n will_v be_v look_v upon_o in_o many_o place_n as_o a_o unpardonable_a crime_n and_o the_o strange_a thing_n of_o all_o be_v that_o this_o want_n of_o discipline_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o church_n which_o acknowledge_v the_o scripture_n for_o the_o rule_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o there_o be_v divine_n who_o instead_o of_o promote_a the_o re-establishment_n of_o discipline_n oppose_v it_o and_o maintain_v that_o none_o be_v to_o be_v debar_v from_o the_o sacrament_n who_o can_v endure_v the_o very_a name_n of_o excommunication_n and_o who_o pretend_v that_o where_o the_o magistrate_n punish_v vice_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o other_o discipline_n those_o divine_n have_v not_o the_o great_a number_n on_o their_o side_n but_o their_o opinion_n prevail_v because_o it_o favour_v policy_n and_o licentiousness_n we_o be_v to_o impute_v to_o this_o fatal_a remissness_n the_o looseness_n and_o irregularity_n of_o the_o manner_n christian_n i_o need_v not_o insist_v more_o upon_o this_o for_o every_o one_o be_v sensible_a of_o it_o good_a order_n keep_v man_n in_o duty_n but_o where_o there_o be_v no_o order_n vice_n must_v of_o necessity_n bear_v sway_n what_o shall_v restrain_v people_n except_v some_o general_a admonition_n which_o be_v deliver_v in_o sermon_n every_o person_n be_v leave_v to_o himself_o and_o live_v as_o he_o think_v fit_a private_a man_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o conduct_n to_o any_o body_n those_o who_o lead_v the_o most_o un-christian_n life_n sweater_n covetous_a profane_a lewd_a and_o intemperate_a person_n all_o sort_n of_o people_n live_v peaceable_o in_o the_o church_n they_o be_v repute_v member_n of_o it_o they_o be_v mingle_v among_o true_a christian_n they_o enjoy_v with_o they_o the_o same_o spiritual_a privilege_n at_o least_o in_o all_o outward_a appearance_n and_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o same_o sacrament_n as_o long_o as_o thing_n be_v in_o this_o state_n we_o must_v not_o hope_v to_o see_v any_o abatement_n of_o corruption_n but_o that_o nothing_o may_v be_v omit_v which_o may_v contribute_v to_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o answer_v some_o objection_n and_o that_o which_o be_v allege_v to_o excuse_v or_o even_o to_o justify_v the_o take_n away_o of_o the_o ancient_a discipline_n 1._o against_o the_o restore_n of_o discipline_n some_o say_v which_o be_v object_v in_o the_o last_o age_n that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n that_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v preach_v in_o it_o since_o that_o be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o procure_v the_o conversion_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o men._n the_o gospel_n no_o doubt_n be_v sufficient_a to_o teach_v we_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v in_o religion_n but_o it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o god_n make_v use_v only_o of_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n for_o he_o use_v other_o mean_n beside_o as_o for_o instance_n the_o sacrament_n and_o those_o mean_n among_o which_o discipline_n be_v to_o be_v reckon_v be_v prescribe_v by_o the_o gospel_n itself_o so_o that_o whosoever_o submit_v to_o the_o gospel_n must_v likewise_o submit_v to_o that_o order_n we_o speak_v of_o but_o further_a the_o gospel_n bare_o preach_v and_o know_v be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o salvation_n nothing_o but_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v save_v a_o man_n and_o it_o be_v to_o little_a purpose_n to_o preach_v it_o if_o the_o manner_n of_o christian_n be_v not_o regulate_v and_o if_o discipline_n be_v not_o use_v to_o that_o end_n as_o a_o mean_v appoint_v of_o god_n as_o to_o preach_v it_o will_v be_v show_v in_o the_o next_o chapter_n that_o man_n ascribe_v more_o efficacy_n to_o it_o than_o it_o have_v and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o mistake_n in_o the_o opinion_n which_o they_o common_o entertain_v of_o it_o 2._o those_o who_o be_v for_o mystical_a devotion_n and_o piety_n will_v certain_o say_v that_o discipline_n be_v not_o essential_a to_o religion_n that_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o external_a order_n and_o that_o external_a thing_n be_v useful_a only_o to_o carnal_a and_o imperfect_a christian_n but_o i_o desire_v those_o who_o have_v such_o opinion_n to_o speak_v more_o reverent_o of_o a_o order_n of_o which_o god_n be_v the_o author_n and_o which_o the_o apostle_n have_v so_o express_o recommend_v it_o can_v be_v think_v that_o the_o apostle_n who_o
do_v abolish_v the_o moysaicall_a ceremony_n will_v at_o the_o same_o time_n have_v burden_v the_o church_n with_o needless_a law_n or_o that_o they_o will_v have_v interpose_v christ_n authority_n for_o the_o observation_n of_o a_o order_n which_o have_v not_o be_v necessary_a they_o be_v desire_v to_o consider_v beside_o that_o man_n have_v body_n as_o well_o as_o soul_n that_o among_o a_o great_a multiâ—â—le_n there_o be_v many_o person_n of_o a_o gross_a understanding_n who_o can_v be_v restrain_v but_o by_o external_a law_n and_o that_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o pretend_v that_o man_n can_v be_v so_o spiritualise_v as_o to_o need_v no_o long_o outward_a aid_n to_o piety_n but_o it_o be_v a_o gross_a error_n to_o look_v upon_o discipline_n as_o a_o order_n pure_o external_a for_o proper_o speak_v it_o be_v a_o order_n altogether_o spiritual_a discipline_n do_v not_o touch_n either_o man_n body_n or_o their_o estate_n it_o use_v only_o spiritual_a mean_n and_o it_o be_v efficacious_a no_o far_o than_o as_o it_o operate_v upon_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n 3._o but_o other_o will_v cast_v the_o objection_n i_o have_v now_o confute_v into_o this_o form_n they_o will_v say_v that_o in_o external_a thing_n among_o which_o discipline_n be_v to_o be_v rank_v church_n be_v at_o liberty_n to_o regulate_v themselves_o as_o they_o think_v good_a i_o grant_v that_o church_n have_v that_o liberty_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n which_o be_v not_o appoint_v by_o a_o divine_a authority_n but_o this_o can_v be_v apply_v to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n a_o establishment_n of_o divine_a institution_n can_v be_v reckon_v among_o thing_n indifferent_a do_v we_o look_v upon_o the_o sacrament_n as_o indifferent_a ceremony_n which_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o observe_v under_o pretence_n that_o they_o be_v but_o external_n rite_n and_o ordinance_n church_n indeed_o have_v a_o liberty_n where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n though_o still_o that_o liberty_n be_v to_o be_v wise_o and_o discreet_o use_v for_o fear_v of_o confusion_n but_o when_o god_n have_v settle_v a_o order_n church_n be_v not_o at_o liberty_n to_o choose_v another_o to_o make_v new_a law_n and_o to_o set_v up_o a_o new_a form_n of_o government_n such_o a_o liberty_n will_v be_v mere_a unruliness_n and_o a_o criminal_a and_o sacâ—â—egious_a presumption_n this_o will_v be_v the_o way_n to_o multiply_v sect_n and_o religion_n infinite_o 4._o the_o same_o answer_n may_v serve_v to_o refute_v those_o who_o to_o justify_v the_o practice_n of_o those_o church_n which_o do_v not_o observe_v the_o form_n of_o discipline_n use_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n make_v a_o distinction_n between_o discipline_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o exercise_v it_o they_o own_o that_o discipline_n be_v necessary_a and_o that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v order_n in_o the_o church_n but_o they_o think_v that_o the_o way_n of_o exercise_v discipline_n may_v vary_v according_a to_o time_n place_n and_o other_o circumstance_n this_o distinction_n may_v be_v receive_v when_o the_o case_n be_v only_o about_o some_o indifferent_a circumstance_n but_o it_o be_v allege_v without_o reason_n when_o the_o question_n be_v concern_v the_o substance_n or_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o the_o disorder_n we_o complain_v of_o be_v that_o what_o be_v essential_a in_o discipline_n have_v be_v take_v away_o to_o substitute_v in_o lieu_n of_o it_o another_o order_n and_o to_o set_v up_o a_o new_a discipline_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o speak_v a_o word_n now_o that_o which_o be_v most_o essential_a in_o discipline_n and_o which_o be_v not_o observe_v in_o most_o church_n be_v this_o that_o scandalous_a sinner_n be_v not_o to_o be_v suffer_v in_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v suffer_v that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v warn_v and_o reprove_v in_o private_a and_o even_o in_o public_a this_o be_v seldom_o do_v and_o in_o some_o place_n it_o be_v never_o do_v that_o christian_n ought_v to_o separate_v themselves_o from_o those_o who_o live_v disorderly_a and_o this_o be_v not_o observe_v that_o upon_o certain_a occasion_n they_o be_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o body_n of_o the_o faithful_a but_o pastor_n dare_v not_o so_o much_o as_o mention_v this_o that_o the_o administration_n of_o discipline_n belong_v to_o pastor_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o preside_v proceed_v and_o judge_v in_o all_o emergent_a case_n the_o scripture_n give_v they_o that_o right_o and_o ascribe_v to_o they_o those_o office_n but_o they_o have_v be_v devest_v of_o they_o new_a political_a body_n have_v be_v erect_v in_o which_o there_o be_v but_o one_o churchman_n or_o two_o for_o form_n sake_n who_o often_o have_v neithe_a vote_n nor_o authority_n in_o they_o it_o be_v of_o divine_a right_n that_o sinner_n shall_v give_v real_a proof_n of_o their_o repentance_n as_o for_o instance_n by_o make_v restitution_n by_o reconciliation_n by_o acknowledge_v their_o fault_n but_o this_o be_v not_o now_o require_v of_o they_o nay_o in_o some_o church_n it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o inquire_v into_o it_o be_v against_o all_o the_o law_n of_o discipline_n that_o none_o shall_v be_v exclude_v from_o the_o holy_a communion_n and_o yet_o in_o most_o place_n this_o be_v not_o regard_v last_o it_o be_v a_o apostolical_a order_n and_o practice_n that_o sinner_n shall_v not_o be_v receive_v to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n but_o after_o they_o have_v fit_v themselves_o for_o it_o by_o a_o sincere_a and_o if_o the_o case_n require_v by_o a_o public_a repentance_n but_o now_o a-days_o those_o ancient_a rule_n of_o discipline_n be_v abolish_v after_o all_o this_o can_v it_o be_v say_v that_o no_o alteration_n have_v happen_v in_o the_o essence_n of_o discipline_n but_o only_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o censure_n suspension_n excommunication_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o pastor_n be_v take_v away_o the_o government_n appoint_v by_o the_o scripture_n be_v overturn_v another_o and_o quite_o different_a form_n be_v bring_v into_o the_o room_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o people_n will_v say_v that_o the_o question_n be_v not_o about_o the_o thing_n itself_o but_o the_o manner_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o have_v any_o kind_n of_o order_n the_o order_n which_o god_n have_v prescribe_v and_o no_o other_o aught_o to_o be_v observe_v some_o circumstance_n may_v be_v vary_v according_a to_o the_o necessity_n of_o church_n but_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v unalterable_a 5._o many_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n supply_v that_o want_n of_o discipline_n and_o that_o this_o way_n be_v by_o much_o preferable_a to_o the_o other_o i_o confess_v that_o the_o punishment_n inflict_v by_o the_o magistrate_n upon_o scandalous_a liver_n be_v of_o great_a use_n that_o magistrate_n who_o use_v their_o authority_n to_o suppress_v vice_n be_v very_o commendable_a and_o that_o discipline_n be_v of_o much_o great_a force_n when_o it_o be_v support_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o civil_a power_n but_o still_o the_o divine_a institution_n be_v to_o be_v preserve_v entire_a it_o do_v neither_o belong_v to_o the_o magistrate_n nor_o to_o any_o power_n to_o alter_v that_o which_o god_n have_v command_v and_o to_o deprive_v the_o church_n of_o she_o right_o after_o all_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o magistrate_n be_v not_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n these_o be_v two_o distinct_a thing_n and_o of_o a_o quite_o different_a nature_n the_o magistrate_n use_v external_a and_o corporal_a punishment_n fines_n imprisonment_n banishment_n force_n etc._n etc._n these_o method_n be_v certain_o useful_a they_o may_v terrify_v sinner_n and_o in_o some_o respect_n keep_v they_o in_o awe_n and_o duty_n but_o beside_o this_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o work_v upon_o the_o heart_n and_o to_o bind_v the_o conscience_n by_o those_o method_n which_o discipline_n use_v or_o else_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o we_o shall_v only_o make_v hypocrite_n and_o that_o man_n will_v abstain_v from_o evil_a more_o out_o of_o the_o fear_n of_o punishment_n and_o upon_o temporal_a consideration_n than_o from_o motive_n of_o conscience_n nay_o there_o be_v people_n who_o if_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o fear_v but_o a_o fine_a or_o some_o day_n imprisonment_n will_v glad_o purchase_v at_o that_o rate_n the_o liberty_n of_o sin_v and_o fancy_n that_o provide_v satisfaction_n be_v make_v to_o the_o magistrate_n there_o be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v do_v for_o the_o clear_n of_o their_o conscience_n beside_o what_o a_o disorderly_a thing_n be_v it_o that_o a_o offender_n who_o be_v prosecute_v fine_v and_o imprison_v by_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v still_o be_v treat_v like_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o admit_v to_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n the_o magistrate_n authority_n be_v therefore_o a_o very_a efficacious_a mean_a to_o promote_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n
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
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
this_o knowledge_n ought_v to_o be_v the_o chief_a study_n of_o those_o who_o preach_v the_o gospel_n but_o the_o sure_a and_o the_o most_o compendious_a way_n to_o know_v man_n heart_n aright_o be_v to_o consult_v our_o own_o to_o reflect_v upon_o ourselves_o and_o to_o have_v a_o spotless_a conscience_n without_o this_o a_o man_n be_v still_o a_o novice_n and_o a_o bungler_n in_o preach_v and_o so_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n in_o private_a exhortation_n in_o the_o visit_n of_o the_o sick_a in_o prayer_n and_o in_o all_o other_o pastoral_n function_n there_o be_v still_o something_o defective_a when_o a_o man_n do_v not_o perform_v they_o out_o of_o a_o principle_n of_o charity_n but_o only_o to_o discharge_v the_o outward_a obligation_n which_o his_o office_n lay_v upon_o he_o pious_a and_o good_a churchman_n who_o be_v not_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n destitute_a of_o gift_n fulfil_v much_o better_a the_o duty_n of_o their_o ministry_n a_o pastor_n who_o love_v his_o profession_n who_o lay_v the_o function_n of_o it_o to_o heart_n who_o be_v thorough_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o who_o practise_v the_o rule_n of_o it_o who_o in_o private_a humble_v himself_o before_o god_n and_o ardent_o implore_v his_o blessing_n â—ho_n be_v ever_o intent_n upon_o seek_v mean_n to_o edify_v the_o church_n who_o turn_v all_o his_o meditation_n that_o way_n who_o think_v day_n and_o night_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o his_o flock_n must_v needs_o be_v successful_a he_o have_v in_o himself_o the_o principle_n of_o all_o benediction_n and_o happy_a success_n when_o he_o be_v speak_v or_o exhort_v it_o be_v his_o heart_n that_o speak_v and_o the_o language_n of_o the_o heart_n have_v a_o kind_n of_o eloquence_n and_o perswasiveness_n in_o it_o which_o be_v soon_o discern_v by_o the_o hearer_n and_o which_o always_o raise_v a_o pious_a and_o a_o zealous_a preacher_n above_o a_o mercenary_a and_o hypocritical_a one_o the_o want_n of_o piety_n in_o pastor_n be_v therefore_o the_o principal_a source_n of_o the_o fault_n they_o commit_v and_o of_o the_o mischief_n which_o proceed_v from_o their_o remissness_n whosoever_o will_v serious_o and_o without_o prejudice_n consider_v all_o that_o i_o have_v now_o say_v must_v own_v that_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o christian_n be_v chief_o to_o bâ—_n find_v in_o the_o clergy_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v to_o speak_v here_o of_o all_o churchman_n indifferent_o we_o must_v do_v right_a to_o some_o who_o distinguish_v themselves_o by_o their_o talent_n their_o zeal_n and_o the_o holiness_n of_o their_o life_n but_o the_o number_n of_o these_o be_v not_o considerable_a enough_o to_o stop_v the_o course_n of_o those_o disorder_n which_o be_v occasion_v in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o vast_a multitude_n of_o remiss_a and_o corrupt_a pastor_n these_o pull_v down_o what_o the_o other_o endeavour_v to_o build_v up_o some_o perhaps_o will_v ask_v whence_o do_v all_o these_o fault_n of_o the_o clergy_n proceed_v in_o answer_n to_o this_o question_n i_o have_v three_o thing_n to_o say_v 1._o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v think_v strange_a that_o pastor_n shall_v not_o fulfil_v all_o the_o obligation_n of_o their_o office_n as_o thing_n be_v constitute_v almost_o every_o where_n with_o relation_n to_o discipline_n to_o the_o inspection_n and_o authority_n over_o private_a person_n to_o the_o visit_v of_o the_o sick_a and_o to_o some_o other_o part_n of_o their_o employment_n they_o can_v if_o they_o will_v discharge_v their_o duty_n neither_o the_o magistrate_n nor_o the_o people_n will_v suffer_v it_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o defect_n of_o pastor_n be_v the_o consequence_n of_o the_o contempt_n and_o abasement_n which_o their_o office_n be_v bring_v under_o as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o poverty_n they_o live_v in_o this_o contempt_n and_o poverty_n discourage_v a_o great_a many_o who_o may_v otherwise_o considerable_o edify_v the_o church_n and_o they_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o multitude_n who_o have_v neither_o education_n nor_o talent_n nor_o estate_n dedicate_v themselves_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v common_o imagine_v that_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n be_v good_a enough_o for_o the_o church_n and_o whereas_o the_o jew_n do_v offer_v their_o most_o excellent_a thing_n to_o god_n among_o christian_n what_o be_v least_o value_v be_v consecrate_a to_o god_n and_o the_o church_n some_o be_v devote_v to_o the_o holy_a and_o the_o most_o exalt_a of_o all_o profession_n who_o will_v not_o be_v think_v capable_a of_o a_o employment_n of_o any_o consideration_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n if_o then_o we_o intend_v to_o remedy_v the_o fault_n of_o the_o clergy_n we_o shall_v begin_v with_o redress_v what_o be_v defective_a in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o religion_n in_o general_n 2._o many_o ecclesiastic_n fail_v in_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o call_v because_o they_o do_v not_o know_v what_o it_o oblige_v they_o to_o and_o this_o they_o do_v not_o know_v because_o it_o be_v never_o teach_v they_o there_o be_v indeed_o school_n academy_n and_o university_n which_o be_v design_v to_o instruct_v those_o young_a man_n who_o aspire_v to_o this_o profession_n but_o i_o can_v tell_v whether_o school_n and_o academy_n as_o they_o be_v order_v almost_o every_o where_o do_v not_o do_v more_o hurt_n than_o good_a for_o first_o as_o to_z manner_n young_a people_n live_v there_o licentious_o and_o be_v leave_v to_o their_o own_o conduct_n the_o care_n of_o master_n and_o professor_n do_v not_o extend_v to_o the_o regulate_v of_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o disciple_n and_o this_o disorder_n be_v so_o great_a that_o in_o several_a university_n of_o europe_n the_o scholar_n and_o student_n make_v public_a profession_n of_o dissoluteness_n they_o not_o only_o live_v there_o irregular_o but_o they_o have_v privilege_n which_o give_v they_o a_o right_a to_o commit_v with_o impunity_n all_o manner_n of_o insolence_n brutality_n and_o scandal_n and_o which_o exempt_v they_o from_o the_o magistrate_n jurisdiction_n it_o be_v a_o shame_n to_o christianity_n that_o prince_n and_o churchman_n shall_v not_o have_v yet_o abolish_v those_o custom_n and_o establishment_n which_o smell_v so_o rank_a of_o the_o ignorance_n and_o barbarism_n of_o the_o heathen_n and_o yet_o these_o university_n be_v the_o nursery_n out_o of_o which_o pastor_n doctor_n and_o professor_n be_v take_v those_o scholar_n who_o neither_o have_v birth_n nor_o sense_n of_o virtue_n or_o honour_n and_o who_o have_v spend_v their_o youth_n in_o licentiousness_n and_o debauchery_n spread_v themselves_o into_o all_o church_n and_o become_v the_o depositary_n and_o in_o some_o measure_n the_o arbitrator_n of_o religion_n as_o to_o the_o study_n which_o be_v pursue_v at_o university_n i_o observe_v in_o they_o these_o two_o fault_n the_o first_o relate_v to_o the_o method_n of_o teach_v divinity_n be_v treat_v there_o and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n explain_v in_o a_o scholastical_a and_o altogether_o speculative_a manner_n common_a place_n be_v read_v which_o be_v full_a of_o school-term_n and_o of_o question_n not_o very_o material_a there_o young_a man_n learn_v to_o dispute_v upon_o every_o thing_n and_o to_o resolve_v all_o religion_n into_o controversy_n now_o this_o method_n ruin_v they_o it_o give_v they_o intricate_a and_o false_a notion_n of_o divinity_n and_o it_o beget_v in_o they_o disposition_n direct_o opposite_a to_o those_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o find_v out_o truth_n the_o other_o fault_n be_v more_o essential_a little_a or_o no_o care_n be_v take_v in_o academy_n to_o teach_v those_o who_o dedicate_v themselves_o to_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n several_a thing_n the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o will_v be_v very_o necessary_a to_o they_o the_o study_n of_o history_n and_o of_o church_n antiquity_n be_v neglect_v there_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o most_o divine_n may_v be_v compare_v with_o people_n who_o have_v never_o travel_v know_v no_o other_o custom_n or_o way_n of_o live_v but_o those_o which_o obtain_v in_o their_o country_n as_o soon_o as_o you_o take_v these_o divine_n out_o of_o their_o common-place_n they_o be_v in_o a_o maâ—â—_n and_o every_o thing_n seem_v new_a and_o singular_a to_o they_o morality_n be_v not_o teach_v in_o divinity-school_n but_o in_o a_o superficial_a and_o scholastics_n manner_n and_o in_o many_o academy_n it_o be_v noâ—_n teach_v at_o all_o they_o seldom_o speak_v there_o of_o discipline_n they_o give_v few_o or_o no_o instruction_n concern_v the_o manner_n of_o exercise_v the_o pastoral_a care_n or_o of_o govern_v the_o church_n so_o that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o who_o be_v admit_v into_o this_o office_n enter_v into_o it_o without_o know_v wherein_o it_o consist_v all_o the_o notion_n they_o have_v of_o it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o profession_n which_o oblige_v they_o to_o preach_v and_o to_o
explain_v text_n it_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v wish_v that_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n school_n and_o university_n shall_v be_v reform_v and_o that_o the_o manner_n and_o study_n of_o young_a people_n shall_v be_v better_o regulate_v in_o those_o place_n this_o reformation_n will_v not_o be_v impossible_a if_o divine_n and_o professor_n will_v use_v their_o endeavour_n about_o it_o but_o those_o kind_n of_o establishment_n be_v not_o easy_o alter_v the_o ordinary_a method_n be_v continue_v and_o thing_n be_v do_v as_o they_o be_v of_o old_a because_o man_n be_v willing_a to_o keep_v their_o place_n and_o the_o stipend_n which_o be_v annex_v to_o they_o 3._o the_o three_o and_o principal_a remedy_n will_v be_v to_o use_v great_a caution_n than_o be_v common_o do_v when_o man_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o ecclesiastical_a office_n the_o first_o qualification_n to_o which_o according_a to_o st._n paul_n regard_n be_v to_o be_v have_v be_v probity_n and_o integrity_n of_o life_n the_o person_n therefore_o who_o offer_v themselves_o shall_v in_o the_o first_o place_n be_v examine_v in_o relation_n to_o manner_n and_o to_o all_o those_o moral_a disposition_n which_o st._n paul_n require_v in_o they_o and_o those_o shall_v be_v exclude_v in_o who_o they_o be_v not_o find_v but_o this_o article_n be_v common_o slubber_v over_o and_o a_o young_a man_n must_v have_v be_v very_o dissolute_a if_o he_o be_v refuse_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o immorality_n so_o that_o the_o most_o sacred_a of_o all_o character_n be_v confer_v upon_o many_o person_n who_o according_a to_o the_o divine_a law_n aught_o to_o be_v reject_v the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o examination_n of_o canditates_fw-la relate_v to_o their_o ability_n and_o talent_n now_o in_o order_n to_o judge_v of_o their_o capacity_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o inquire_v whether_o they_o know_v their_o common-place-book_n or_o whether_o they_o can_v make_v a_o sermon_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a beside_o to_o examine_v they_o about_o the_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n about_o history_n discipline_n the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o morality_n all_o these_o be_v important_a matter_n the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o be_v of_o daily_a use_n with_o reference_n to_o practice_n and_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o sacred_a ministry_n but_o they_o be_v not_o insist_v upon_o the_o examination_n turn_v upon_o some_o trial_n about_o preach_v and_o upon_o some_o head_n of_o divinity_n which_o be_v scholastical_o handle_v by_o argument_n and_o distinction_n after_o which_o if_o the_o canditate_fw-la have_v satify_v in_o some_o measure_n ordination_n follow_v now_o when_o such_o insufficient_a person_n be_v once_o admit_v the_o mischief_n be_v do_v and_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n these_o man_n be_v afterward_o appoint_v pastor_n in_o church_n where_o for_o 30_o or_o 40_o year_n they_o destroy_v more_o than_o they_o edify_v how_o many_o church_n be_v there_o thus_o ill_o provide_v where_o the_o people_n live_v in_o gross_a ignorance_n where_o the_o youth_n be_v lose_v for_o want_n of_o instruction_n and_o where_o a_o thousand_o crime_n be_v commit_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o this_o evil_a be_v in_o the_o ordination_n of_o pastor_n it_o will_v no_o doubt_n be_v object_v that_o if_o none_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v but_o those_o who_o have_v all_o the_o necessary_a qualification_n there_o will_v not_o be_v a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o pastor_n for_o all_o the_o church_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o though_o this_o shall_v happen_v yet_o it_o be_v better_a to_o run_v into_o this_o inconvenience_n than_o to_o break_v the_o express_a law_n of_o god_n a_o small_a number_n of_o select_a pastor_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o a_o multitude_n of_o unworthy_a labourer_n we_o be_v still_o to_o do_v what_o god_n command_v and_o to_o leave_v the_o the_o event_n to_o providence_n but_o after_o all_o this_o scarcity_n of_o pastor_n be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v fear_v such_o a_o strictness_n will_v only_o discourage_v those_o who_o will_v never_o have_v be_v useful_a in_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n high_o commendable_a to_o dishearten_v such_o person_n but_o this_o exactness_n will_v encourage_v those_o who_o be_v able_a to_o do_v well_o and_o the_o ministry_n will_v be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o esteem_v and_o seek_v after_o cause_n iu._n the_o defect_n of_o christian_a prince_n and_o magistrate_n if_o it_o have_v be_v possible_a without_o a_o essential_a omission_n not_o to_o have_v detect_v this_o cause_n of_o corruption_n i_o will_v have_v pass_v it_o over_o in_o silence_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o high_a power_n but_o with_o great_a discretion_n and_o respect_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o without_o some_o kind_n of_o reluctancy_n that_o i_o suppose_v in_o the_o title_n of_o this_o chapter_n that_o one_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o corruption_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o christian_a prince_n and_o magistrate_n but_o if_o i_o have_v suppress_v this_o i_o shall_v have_v dissemble_v a_o most_o important_a truth_n and_o omit_v one_o of_o the_o head_n which_o be_v the_o most_o necessary_a to_o be_v insist_v upon_o in_o a_o work_n of_o this_o nature_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o rank_n which_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n hold_v they_o have_v always_o a_o great_a share_n in_o the_o good_a or_o ill_a manner_n of_o the_o people_n and_o so_o i_o can_v excuse_v myself_o from_o show_v that_o the_o corruption_n of_o christian_n may_v partly_o be_v impute_v to_o those_o who_o be_v ordain_v for_o the_o government_n of_o civil_a society_n in_o order_n to_o this_o i_o shall_v offer_v some_o reflection_n upon_o the_o duty_n of_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n consider_v 1._o as_o civil_a and_o 2._o as_o christian_a magistrate_n although_o the_o institution_n of_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n do_v proper_o relate_v to_o civil_a matter_n yet_o the_o manner_n of_o govern_v their_o people_n have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o the_o thing_n of_o religion_n this_o can_v be_v question_v if_o we_o suppose_v this_o principle_n that_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o religion_n be_v also_o the_o author_n of_o civil_a society_n and_o magistracy_n it_o be_v st._n paul_n doctrine_n xiii_o doctrine_n rom._n xiii_o that_o there_o be_v no_o power_n but_o of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o power_n that_o be_v be_v ordain_v of_o god_n if_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o civil_a society_n he_o be_v also_o the_o author_n of_o those_o law_n upon_o which_o both_o religion_n and_o civil_a society_n be_v found_v now_o god_n be_v always_o consistent_a with_o himself_o the_o law_n which_o be_v derive_v from_o he_o can_v contradict_v one_o another_o and_o this_o show_v already_o not_o only_o that_o there_o be_v no_o opposition_n between_o religion_n and_o civil_a society_n but_o that_o these_o two_o thing_n have_v beside_o a_o necessary_a relation_n to_o one_o another_o this_o will_v yet_o more_o clear_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v that_o religion_n do_v not_o cut_v off_o christian_n from_o the_o society_n of_o other_o man_n and_o that_o the_o church_n do_v not_o constitute_v a_o state_n by_o itself_o to_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o civil_a society_n but_o that_o those_o who_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v likewise_o member_n of_o civil_a society_n so_o that_o the_o same_o man_n be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n both_o a_o christian_n and_o a_o citizen_n but_o it_o be_v chief_o necessary_a to_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n 1._o it_o be_v to_o be_v preach_v to_o all_o man_n and_o to_o be_v receive_v by_o all_o the_o world_n without_o distinction_n of_o nation_n kingdom_n or_o state_n in_o order_n to_o this_o two_o thing_n be_v necessary_a first_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v nothing_o in_o religion_n contrary_a to_o the_o natural_a constitution_n of_o state_n and_o of_o civil_a society_n for_o else_o god_n by_o order_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v preach_v will_v have_v destroy_v his_o own_o work_n christianity_n can_v not_o have_v take_v foot_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o first_o christian_n will_v have_v be_v just_o look_v upon_o as_o seditious_a person_n but_o it_o be_v not_o less_o necessary_a on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v nothing_o repugnant_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o natural_a constitution_n of_o state_n and_o civil_a society_n otherwise_o god_n by_o establish_v society_n will_v have_v put_v a_o insuperable_a obstacle_n to_o the_o plant_n of_o the_o gospel_n unless_o the_o civil_a order_n and_o government_n have_v be_v alter_v but_o our_o saviour_n have_v assure_v we_o that_o there_o be_v to_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n by_o declare_v xviii_o declare_v john_n xviii_o that_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n and_o by_o command_v his_o follower_n xxii_o
and_o zeal_n do_v visible_o decay_v not_o but_o that_o religion_n may_v receive_v and_o have_v actual_o receive_v great_a help_n from_o christian_a magistrate_n they_o have_v sometime_o contribute_v very_o effectual_o to_o the_o promote_a of_o piety_n and_o those_o who_o do_v so_o deserve_v immortal_a honour_n but_o it_o must_v likewise_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o vice_n and_o ill_a example_n of_o christian_a magistrate_n corrupt_v the_o church_n more_o than_o if_o it_o be_v under_o heathen_a governor_n the_o duty_n of_o christian_a prince_n and_o magistrate_n as_o well_o as_o of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v double_a they_o be_v bind_v first_o to_o serve_v god_n and_o to_o discharge_v the_o obligation_n which_o religion_n lay_v upon_o all_o man_n and_o second_o to_o take_v care_n that_o god_n may_v be_v serve_v and_o honour_v by_o all_o those_o who_o be_v subject_a to_o their_o authority_n 1._o every_o christian_n ought_v to_o serve_v god_n and_o to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o very_a thing_n then_o that_o a_o magistrate_n be_v christian_a oblige_v he_o to_o be_v a_o lover_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n it_o be_v a_o common_a notion_n especial_o among_o great_a man_n that_o piety_n and_o devotion_n do_v not_o become_v those_o who_o be_v exalt_v to_o dignity_n and_o that_o public_a person_n â—re_n not_o to_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o maxim_n of_o religion_n but_o whosoever_o maintain_v this_o opinion_n must_v deny_v the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o be_v either_o a_o atheist_n or_o a_o deist_n for_o suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n it_o be_v beyond_o all_o doubt_n that_o a_o christian_a prince_n or_o magistrate_n have_v as_o much_o need_n of_o piety_n as_o other_o man_n have_v he_o be_v bind_v to_o be_v a_o good_a man_n by_o the_o same_o duty_n and_o interest_n which_o engage_v private_a man_n to_o be_v so_o he_o have_v a_o soul_n to_o be_v save_v as_o well_o as_o they_o and_o as_o he_o be_v a_o public_a person_n he_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o conduct_n to_o that_o judge_n with_o who_o there_o be_v no_o acception_n of_o person_n and_o before_o who_o the_o great_a of_o monarch_n be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o mean_a of_o slave_n if_o the_o eminent_a station_n of_o a_o magistrate_n make_v some_o difference_n between_o he_o and_o christian_n of_o a_o low_a order_n that_o difference_n oblige_v he_o to_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o piety_n the_o character_n he_o bear_v require_v a_o great_a stock_n of_o virtue_n no_o small_a measure_n of_o probity_n be_v requisite_a to_o acquit_v himself_o worthy_o in_o that_o call_v to_o do_v no_o injustice_n not_o to_o seek_v in_o his_o dignity_n the_o mean_n to_o gratify_v his_o interest_n his_o vanity_n his_o pride_n or_o his_o other_o passion_n without_o a_o firm_a and_o solid_a virtue_n he_o can_v withstand_v those_o temptation_n which_o offer_v themselves_o every_o minute_n and_o which_o be_v the_o more_o dangerous_a and_o subtle_a because_o in_o those_o exalt_a post_n ill_a thing_n for_o the_o most_o part_n may_v be_v do_v with_o safety_n if_o we_o add_v to_o all_o this_o that_o a_o ill_a magistrate_n be_v answerable_a for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o disorder_n which_o happen_v and_o of_o the_o crime_n which_o be_v commit_v in_o society_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o magistracy_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o life_n wherein_o piety_n be_v extreme_o necessary_a and_o in_o which_o great_a circumspection_n and_o a_o sublime_a virtue_n be_v the_o only_a preservative_n against_o a_o thousand_o opportunity_n of_o transgress_v the_o duty_n of_o conscience_n and_o violate_v the_o most_o sacred_a law_n of_o religion_n and_o justice_n ii_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o christian_a prince_n and_o magistrate_n to_o labour_v for_o the_o promote_a of_o virtue_n and_o the_o suppress_n of_o vice_n among_o men._n we_o have_v show_v already_o that_o it_o be_v their_o interest_n to_o do_v so_o since_o religion_n be_v the_o sure_a foundation_n of_o their_o authority_n and_o of_o the_o fidelity_n of_o their_o people_n but_o their_o duty_n do_v beside_o indispensable_o oblige_v they_o to_o this_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o this_o obligation_n lie_v upon_o they_o since_o every_o christian_a be_v bind_v to_o advance_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o edify_v his_o neighbour_n as_o much_o as_o he_o can_v in_o that_o state_n and_o condition_n he_o be_v in_o the_o duty_n here_o be_v answerable_a to_o the_o abilitry_n so_o that_o we_o may_v apply_v to_o this_o purpose_n that_o maxim_n of_o the_o gospel_n xii_o gospel_n luke_n xii_o that_o to_o who_o soever_o much_o be_v give_v of_o he_o much_o shall_v be_v require_v private_a man_n can_v do_v much_o towards_o promote_a the_o glory_n of_o god_n their_o zeal_n and_o good_a intention_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n useless_a it_o be_v not_o in_o their_o power_n to_o hinder_v general_a disorder_n this_o aught_o therefore_o to_o be_v do_v by_o man_n of_o authority_n and_o they_o may_v do_v it_o easy_o beside_o a_o christian_a magistrate_n be_v to_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v providence_n which_o raise_v he_o to_o the_o post_n he_o be_v in_o and_o that_o by_o consequence_n he_o be_v engage_v in_o justice_n and_o gratitude_n to_o use_v his_o authority_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n last_o will_v it_o not_o be_v a_o strange_a thing_n that_o christian_a prince_n and_o magistrate_n shall_v do_v no_o service_n to_o religion_n when_o king_n and_o prince_n who_o be_v not_o christian_a can_v do_v so_o much_o hurt_v to_o it_o now_o they_o may_v advance_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o banish_v corruption_n these_o two_o way_n 1._o by_o their_o example_n 2._o by_o their_o care_n 1._o by_o their_o example_n this_o method_n be_v of_o great_a efficacy_n example_n be_v very_o forcible_a but_o their_o effect_n depend_v for_o the_o most_o part_n upon_o the_o quality_n and_o character_n of_o the_o person_n they_o come_v from_o it_o have_v be_v make_v appear_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n how_o much_o benefit_n redound_v to_o the_o church_n from_o the_o good_a life_n and_o example_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o it_o but_o the_o example_n of_o king_n prince_n and_o magistrate_n be_v in_o some_o respect_n of_o great_a weight_n when_o a_o churchman_n recommend_v virtue_n by_o a_o exemplary_a life_n it_o be_v often_o say_v that_o his_o profession_n oblige_v he_o to_o live_v so_o and_o this_o consideration_n make_v he_o to_o be_v example_n of_o little_a force_n upon_o worldly-minded_n men._n but_o when_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n be_v pious_a those_o man_n have_v no_o such_o thing_n to_o say_v the_o splendour_n and_o authority_n which_o surround_v greatness_n give_v much_o credit_n to_o every_o thing_n that_o come_v from_o great_a men._n they_o may_v sometime_o do_v more_o good_a with_o one_o word_n than_o a_o preacher_n can_v do_v by_o many_o sermon_n i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o work_n that_o one_o of_o the_o great_a obstacle_n to_o piety_n be_v a_o false_a shame_n which_o restrain_v man_n from_o do_v their_o duty_n for_o fear_v of_o be_v observe_v and_o despise_v and_o i_o be_o to_o show_v hereafter_o that_o custom_n have_v introduce_v among_o christian_n a_o great_a many_o maxim_n and_o practice_n contrary_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n these_o two_o thing_n occasion_n corruption_n and_o till_o they_o be_v remedy_v vice_n and_o impiety_n must_v still_o reign_v but_o the_o example_n of_o great_a man_n be_v sufficient_a to_o remove_v almost_o entire_o both_o these_o spring_n of_o corruption_n they_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o honour_n and_o custom_n it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n to_o make_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v repute_v shameful_a to_o be_v think_v honourable_a and_o to_o abolish_v that_o which_o be_v general_o receive_v so_o that_o how_o scarce_o and_o despesed_a soever_o piety_n may_v be_v a_o idea_n of_o honour_n will_v be_v affix_v to_o it_o if_o it_o be_v favour_v and_o profess_v by_o great_a man_n and_o that_o will_v be_v respect_v in_o they_o which_o in_o other_o be_v look_v upon_o with_o indifference_n or_o contempt_n that_o which_o have_v happen_v with_o relation_n to_o duel_n be_v a_o strong_a proof_n of_o what_o i_o say_v to_o decline_v fight_v a_o duel_n have_v be_v think_v for_o a_o long_a time_n a_o disgrace_n and_o a_o infamy_n a_o false_a notion_n of_o honour_n do_v then_o bear_v down_o the_o strong_a principle_n of_o nature_n reason_n and_o christianity_n and_o drive_v man_n to_o that_o excess_n of_o brutality_n and_o madness_n that_o they_o will_v cut_v one_o another_o throat_n for_o a_o trifle_n but_o in_o those_o place_n where_o christian_n prince_n have_v abolish_v duel_n people_n be_v now_o of_o another_o mind_n and_o think_v it_o no_o shame_n to_o refuse_v a_o challenge_n and_o
with_o extraordinary_a success_n cause_n vi_o example_n and_o custom_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v but_o that_o birth_n education_n and_o imitation_n be_v three_o general_a principle_n of_o the_o irregularity_n of_o mons_fw-la conduct_n the_o state_n in_o which_o they_o be_v bear_v give_v they_o a_o bias_n towards_o vice_n education_n as_o have_v be_v show_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n cherish_v and_o maintain_v in_o most_o man_n that_o vicious_a inclination_n but_o custom_n and_o example_n give_v the_o finish_n strike_v to_o man_n corruption_n and_o make_v vice_n reign_v in_o the_o world_n with_o a_o sovereign_a sway._n this_o three_o principle_n be_v so_o general_a and_o so_o powerful_a that_o some_o have_v think_v it_o the_o chief_a cause_n of_o corruption_n and_o that_o we_o can_v better_o explain_v how_o sin_n be_v propagate_v and_o transmit_v from_o the_o parent_n to_o the_o child_n than_o by_o say_v that_o this_o happen_v through_o imitation_n and_o indeed_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o man_n be_v particular_o draw_v into_o evil_n by_o example_n and_o custom_n if_o this_o be_v not_o the_o primary_n or_o the_o only_a spring_n of_o corruption_n it_o be_v at_o least_o one_o of_o the_o principal_a source_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o think_v it_o proper_a to_o consider_v this_o matter_n here_o with_o some_o attention_n all_o that_o i_o be_o to_o say_v in_o this_o chapter_n be_v found_v upon_o these_o two_o supposition_n 1._o i_o suppose_v that_o man_n love_v to_o act_v by_o imitation_n and_o that_o example_n be_v one_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o have_v the_o great_a force_n upon_o their_o mind_n but_o when_o the_o example_n be_v general_a and_o support_v by_o custom_n and_o multitude_n they_o be_v yet_o more_o incline_v to_o follow_v it_o they_o not_o only_o conform_v to_o custom_n but_o they_o think_v it_o beside_o just_a and_o lawful_a to_o do_v so_o general_n use_v be_v to_o they_o instead_o of_o law_n by_o which_o they_o judge_v of_o what_o be_v innocent_a and_o forbid_a and_o that_o which_o do_v yet_o more_o forcible_o determine_v they_o to_o follow_v example_n and_o the_o great_a number_n be_v that_o they_o think_v it_o a_o disgrace_n to_o do_v otherwise_o so_o that_o the_o fear_v of_o contempt_n add_v to_o their_o inclination_n make_v they_o perfect_a slave_n to_o custom_n if_o some_o remnant_n of_o knowledge_n and_o conscience_n do_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o imagine_v that_o there_o be_v no_o hurt_v in_o comply_v in_o all_o thing_n with_o custom_n however_o they_o comfort_v themselves_o with_o the_o thought_n that_o the_o evil_a they_o do_v be_v not_o very_o great_a and_o that_o if_o they_o be_v not_o innocent_a they_o be_v excusable_a at_o least_o when_o they_o can_v plead_v example_n and_o common_a practice_n in_o their_o own_o behalf_n i_o suppose_v 2_o that_o example_n and_o custom_n be_v bad_a for_o the_o most_o part_n this_o i_o think_v needs_o not_o be_v prove_v and_o if_o it_o do_v this_o whole_a treatise_n may_v afford_v we_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o it_o since_o ignorance_n prejudices_fw-la false_a maxim_n and_o all_o the_o other_o cause_n of_o corruption_n i_o have_v mention_v be_v so_o many_o disposition_n sentiment_n and_o practice_n which_o be_v grow_v customary_a and_o be_v establish_v by_o the_o most_o general_a use_n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o needful_a to_o prove_v that_o the_o multitude_n of_o ill_a example_n be_v very_o great_a and_o that_o custom_n be_v general_o vicious_a as_o it_o be_v to_o show_v that_o under_o the_o shelter_n of_o example_n and_o custom_n corruption_n be_v still_o spread_v far_o in_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o church_n in_o order_n to_o this_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o power_n of_o custom_n and_o example_n in_o these_o three_o respect_n with_o relation_n 1._o to_o matter_n of_o faith_n 2_o to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n and_o 3_o to_o manner_n what_o i_o be_o to_o say_v upon_o these_o three_o head_n will_v discover_v the_o source_n of_o those_o three_o great_a imperfection_n which_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n i_o mean_v error_n want_v of_o order_n and_o the_o bad_a life_n of_o christian_n 1._o matter_n of_o faith_n shall_v not_o be_v subject_v to_o the_o tyranny_n of_o custom_n religion_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o man_n fancy_n and_o opinion_n the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v eternal_a truth_n it_o be_v found_v upon_o a_o immutable_a principle_n and_o it_o be_v not_o more_o liable_a to_o change_v than_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o we_o see_v but_o too_o frequent_o that_o in_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o in_o worldy_a affair_n example_n be_v more_o prevalent_a than_o either_o reason_n justice_n or_o truth_n man_n do_v scarce_o ever_o examine_v thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n but_o custom_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o sentiment_n by_o this_o rule_n the_o determine_v what_o be_v true_a of_o false_a what_o they_o be_v to_o believe_v or_o to_o reject_v and_o this_o prejudice_n be_v so_o strong_a and_o man_n have_v carry_v it_o so_o far_o that_o multitude_n and_o custom_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o proof_n and_o character_n whereby_o christian_n be_v to_o distinguish_v truth_n from_o error_n and_o to_o judge_v what_o side_n they_o be_v to_o choose_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n what_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o so_o many_o people_n do_v not_o perceive_v that_o certain_a doctrine_n be_v palpable_a error_n and_o monstrous_a tenet_n we_o wonder_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a in_o so_o learned_a and_o refine_v a_o age_n as_o this_o be_v that_o the_o gross_a fable_n and_o extravagance_n shall_v still_o go_v down_o with_o man_n of_o part_n for_o divine_a truth_n and_o adorable_a mystery_n a_o time_n will_v come_v when_o posterity_n will_v hardly_o believe_v that_o ever_o such_o opinion_n be_v receive_v or_o that_o ever_o man_n do_v in_o earnest_a dispute_n for_o or_o against_o such_o or_o such_o a_o tenet_n it_o be_v only_o the_o prejudice_n of_o example_n and_o multitude_n which_o do_v blind_a man_n at_o this_o day_n they_o have_v be_v nurse_v up_o and_o educate_v in_o those_o persuasion_n they_o see_v they_o obtain_v among_o numerous_a society_n and_o that_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o their_o obstinacy_n in_o error_n nothing_o but_o this_o inclination_n of_o man_n to_o follow_v custom_n keep_v up_o in_o the_o church_n those_o dispute_n which_o rend_v it_o into_o so_o many_o different_a sect_n the_o principle_n and_o design_n of_o most_o dispute_n be_v no_o other_o but_o that_o man_n will_v maintain_v at_o any_o rate_n the_o sentiment_n of_o their_o party_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v those_o who_o be_v in_o error_n instead_o of_o be_v undeceive_v be_v more_o and_o more_o confirm_v in_o it_o every_o body_n swallow_v without_o chew_v all_o that_o be_v profess_v in_o the_o society_n or_o communion_n in_o which_o he_o live_v and_o condemn_v without_o examination_n the_o opinion_n which_o be_v maintain_v by_o small_a number_n or_o by_o person_n of_o another_o country_n or_o society_n those_o who_o be_v prepossess_v do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o make_v it_o a_o question_n whether_o they_o may_v not_o be_v mistake_v and_o whether_o the_o truth_n may_v not_o be_v on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o allege_v to_o such_o people_n the_o most_o invincible_a reason_n to_o press_v they_o with_o express_a declaration_n of_o scripture_n or_o with_o un_fw-fr answerable_a objection_n for_o either_o they_o do_v not_o attend_v to_o all_o this_o or_o if_o they_o examine_v those_o reason_n and_o objection_n it_o be_v with_o a_o mind_n full_a of_o prejudices_fw-la and_o resolve_v beforehand_o to_o think_v they_o frivolous_a and_o not_o to_o alter_v their_o sentiment_n they_o satisfy_v themselves_o with_o some_o sorry_a argument_n or_o wretched_a answer_n if_o any_o scruple_n and_o difficulty_n remain_v they_o shake_v they_o off_o in_o a_o trice_n and_o set_v their_o conscience_n at_o rest_n with_o this_o consideration_n that_o they_o follow_v the_o common_a opinion_n they_o make_v no_o do_v doubt_n but_o that_o they_o be_v safe_a as_o long_o as_o they_o side_n with_o the_o great_a number_n beside_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o world_n which_o may_v be_v obtain_v by_o the_o adhere_n to_o the_o general_a opinion_n will_v full_o determine_v they_o if_o they_o be_v not_o determine_v before_o and_o they_o easy_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o their_o spiritual_a welfare_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o that_o party_n which_o agree_v best_a with_o their_o temporal_a interest_n 2._o custom_n be_v likewise_o the_o chief_a obstacle_n to_o the_o restore_n of_o order_n in_o the_o church_n i_o can_v here_o make_v a_o long_a article_n if_o i_o will_v mention_v all_o the_o defect_n which_o may_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n and_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
design_n of_o scripture_n than_o to_o explain_v it_o philosophical_o and_o which_o be_v worse_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o a_o false_a philosophy_n as_o divers_a commentator_n do_v they_o make_v use_v of_o the_o method_n notion_n and_o term_n of_o the_o school_n to_o find_v out_o the_o mean_v of_o the_o sacred_a write_n they_o apply_v to_o all_o subject_n the_o rule_n prescribe_v by_o the_o schoolman_n they_o careful_o distinguish_v in_o a_o text_n those_o thing_n which_o be_v call_v in_o the_o school_n materia_fw-la forma_fw-la causa_fw-la efficiens_fw-la finis_fw-la subjectum_fw-la adjunctum_fw-la etc._n etc._n they_o seek_v in_o all_o reason_v the_o major_n the_o minor_a and_o they_o conclusion_n as_o if_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o inspire_v the_o sacred_a author_n have_v follow_v the_o scheme_n of_o aristotle_n logic_n and_o have_v intend_v to_o make_v syllogism_n in_o mood_n and_o figure_n i_o say_v nothing_o here_o of_o that_o spirit_n of_o dispute_n and_o wrangle_a which_o run_n through_o the_o scholastical_a commentary_n nor_o of_o the_o false_a sense_n and_o metaphysical_a explication_n which_o they_o put_v upon_o the_o scripture_n such_o book_n be_v obstacle_n rather_o than_o help_v to_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o be_v fit_v only_o to_o perplex_v what_o be_v clear_a and_o to_o spoil_v divine_n and_o preacher_n by_o take_v away_o from_o they_o that_o qualification_n they_o have_v most_o need_v of_o i_o mean_v good_a sense_n 4._o another_o very_a different_a way_n from_o that_o simplicity_n with_o which_o the_o scripture_n shall_v be_v handle_v be_v the_o method_n of_o those_o author_n who_o without_o necessity_n insist_v upon_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o a_o text_n who_o sift_v all_o the_o term_n of_o it_o as_o if_o a_o mystery_n do_v lurk_v in_o every_o word_n who_o descend_v to_o the_o minute_a thing_n and_o weary_a themselves_o in_o conjecture_n and_o question_n this_o exactness_n be_v very_o useless_a and_o insipid_a it_o may_v be_v sometime_o necessary_a to_o clear_v a_o difficulty_n to_o unfold_v a_o intricate_a mean_v and_o to_o observe_v the_o critical_a signification_n of_o word_n but_o when_o the_o sense_n be_v natural_a and_o easy_a and_o when_o the_o word_n be_v clear_a to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v a_o man_n insist_v upon_o all_o those_o illustration_n what_o need_n be_v there_o for_o he_o to_o be_v always_o press_v the_o signification_n of_o word_n to_o remark_n all_o their_o different_a acceptation_n and_o to_o explain_v what_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o the_o word_n death_n faith_n just_a every_o time_n that_o these_o term_n occur_v the_o true_a method_n be_v to_o pursue_v the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o the_o mean_v of_o a_o text_n without_o criticise_v upon_o world_n and_o circumstance_n 5._o it_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o many_o commentator_n to_o be_v prolix_a and_o too_o large_a from_o every_o verse_n nay_o from_o every_o word_n they_o take_v occasion_n to_o run_v into_o a_o common-place_n and_o to_o vent_v a_o multitude_n of_o notion_n so_o that_o they_o real_o give_v we_o sermon_n dissertation_n or_o lecture_n of_o divinity_n under_o the_o title_n of_o commentary_n i_o do_v not_o absolute_o condemn_v diffuse_v commentary_n we_o meet_v sometime_o with_o good_a thing_n in_o they_o but_o we_o find_v there_o likewise_o a_o great_a many_o which_o signify_v nothing_o when_o all_o be_v do_v brevity_n clearness_n and_o exactness_n be_v infinite_o to_o be_v prefer_v in_o a_o commentary_n before_o prolixity_n and_o copiousness_n such_o length_n breed_v obscurity_n and_o confusion_n it_o make_v preacher_n lazy_a it_o tempt_v they_o to_o fill_v their_o sermon_n with_o a_o hundred_o needless_a thing_n it_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o custom_n of_o be_v tedious_a of_o make_v digression_n and_o of_o pass_v by_o that_o which_o be_v essential_a and_o solid_a all_o which_o be_v very_o far_o from_o promote_a the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n beside_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o defect_n of_o commentary_n contribute_v very_o much_o to_o the_o corruption_n of_o christian_n the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n and_o piety_n but_o commentary_n be_v the_o store_n from_o which_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v draw_v and_o from_o which_o preacher_n common_o take_v the_o matter_n of_o their_o sermon_n few_o of_o they_o endeavour_n to_o find_v out_o the_o sense_n of_o a_o text_n by_o their_o own_o industry_n they_o consult_v their_o commentary_n like_o oracle_n and_o they_o blind_o follow_v their_o decision_n it_o be_v therefore_o high_o requisite_a that_o these_o book_n shall_v not_o lead_v into_o error_n those_o who_o have_v recourse_n to_o they_o when_o a_o bound_v man_n lead_v another_o they_o both_o fall_n into_o the_o ditch_n if_o then_o the_o guide_n to_o who_o conduct_n preacher_n give_v up_o themselves_o be_v deceitful_a and_o false_a the_o word_n of_o god_n will_v neither_o be_v well_o understand_v nor_o well_o preach_v and_o both_o preacher_n and_o people_n will_v err_v ii_o it_o be_v with_o divinity-book_n as_o with_o commentary_n some_o be_v good_a and_o other_o bad_a the_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n which_o we_o see_v among_o author_n be_v a_o proof_n of_o what_o i_o say_v some_o maintain_v as_o divine_a truth_n thing_n which_o other_o reject_v as_o false_a and_o pernicious_a sentiment_n so_o that_o there_o must_v be_v no_o small_a error_n on_o one_o side_n or_o the_o other_o all_o divine_n will_v own_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o remark_n but_o it_o be_v here_o of_o no_o use_n because_o it_o do_v not_o decide_v which_o book_n of_o divinity_n be_v good_a and_o which_o be_v bad_a every_o body_n will_v pretend_v that_o the_o bad_a book_n be_v those_o which_o teach_v a_o doctrine_n contrary_n to_o that_o which_o obtain_v in_o the_o society_n to_o which_o he_o belong_v in_o order_n to_o know_v who_o be_v in_o the_o right_n or_o in_o the_o wrong_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o judge_v here_o upon_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o examination_n of_o all_o the_o controversy_n which_o divide_v christian_n but_o this_o i_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n take_v upon_o i_o to_o do_v it_o will_v be_v fit_a for_o i_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o those_o fault_n which_o be_v common_a to_o the_o great_a part_n of_o divinity-book_n i_o shall_v say_v nothing_o but_o what_o must_v needs_o be_v own_v by_o all_o the_o sensible_a divine_n of_o any_o party_n and_o the_o reflection_n i_o be_o to_o make_v though_o general_n may_v perhaps_o be_v of_o some_o use_n to_o direct_v our_o judgement_n concern_v the_o doctrine_n itself_o contain_v in_o those_o book_n 1._o almost_o all_o the_o author_n who_o have_v write_v of_o divinity_n have_v make_v of_o it_o upon_o the_o matter_n a_o science_n of_o mere_a speculation_n they_o establish_v certain_a doctrine_n they_o deliver_v their_o opinion_n they_o prove_v they_o as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v they_o treat_v of_o controversy_n and_o confute_v their_o adversary_n but_o they_o do_v not_o seem_v to_o have_v meditate_a much_o upon_o the_o use_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v with_o relation_n to_o piety_n and_o salvation_n they_o be_v very_o short_a upon_o this_o head_n which_o yet_o be_v the_o chief_a of_o all_o they_o be_v not_o by_o half_a so_o solicitous_a to_o assert_v the_o duty_n as_o they_o be_v to_o maintain_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n now_o this_o be_v not_o teach_v divinity_n the_o design_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o teach_v man_n how_o they_o ought_v to_o serve_v god_n and_o to_o make_v they_o holy_a and_o happy_a if_o this_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o handle_n of_o divinity_n and_o if_o care_n be_v take_v to_o show_v what_o relation_n all_o the_o part_n of_o religion_n have_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o holiness_n and_o felicity_n of_o man_n there_o will_v be_v much_o more_o piety_n than_o there_o be_v now_o among_o christian_n those_o who_o study_n divinity_n will_v learn_v betimes_o to_o direct_v it_o to_o its_o true_a end_n and_o this_o will_v likewise_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o distinguish_v material_a from_o insignificant_a point_n and_o question_n and_o to_o ease_v religion_n of_o all_o those_o needless_a dispute_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o main_a cause_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o christian_n 2._o what_o i_o have_v now_o say_v lead_v i_o to_o a_o second_o observation_n which_o be_v that_o as_o several_a thing_n may_v be_v leave_v out_o of_o divinity-book_n so_o other_o thing_n be_v want_v which_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o add_v to_o they_o for_o the_o purpose_n common-place_n do_v not_o insist_v much_o upon_o on_o the_o general_a truth_n and_o principle_n of_o religion_n they_o scarce_o give_v we_o any_o instruction_n about_o church-discipline_n and_o government_n or_o about_o the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n as_o
and_o solid_a enough_o we_o find_v nothing_o else_o in_o some_o of_o they_o but_o a_o heap_n of_o thought_n which_o have_v no_o dependence_n upon_o one_o another_o of_o rhetorical_a figure_n allegory_n and_o comparison_n fetch_v from_o the_o old_a testament_n or_o from_o profane_a history_n these_o thing_n may_v have_v their_o use_n they_o may_v be_v place_n in_o a_o sermon_n but_o not_o to_o say_v that_o sometime_o those_o thought_n and_o comparison_n be_v not_o very_o apposite_a or_o suitable_a to_o the_o subject_a i_o shall_v only_o observe_v that_o something_o more_o than_o this_o be_v necessary_a to_o stir_v up_o devotion_n in_o the_o communicant_o i_o do_v but_o just_a name_n this_o because_o i_o have_v deliver_v my_o opinion_n more_o at_o large_a concern_v this_o defect_n in_o my_o three_o reflection_n upon_o book_n of_o morality_n and_o in_o the_o 5_o upon_o book_n of_o devotion_n 2._o other_o book_n of_o preparation_n be_v too_o general_a they_o only_o consider_v in_o the_o lump_n the_o duty_n of_o christian_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o communion_n they_o speak_v of_o self-examination_n repentance_n faith_n and_o charity_n but_o all_o this_o be_v of_o no_o great_a use_n to_o many_o gross_a and_o ignorant_a christian_n who_o neither_o know_v those_o duty_n nor_o how_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v perform_v beside_o all_o those_o who_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n be_v not_o in_o the_o same_o condition_n some_o be_v good_a man_n and_o other_o impious_a and_o hypocritical_a person_n there_o be_v likewise_o several_a degree_n of_o good_a man_n as_o well_o as_o of_o hypocrite_n and_o ungodly_a person_n and_o the_o same_o man_n may_v be_v better_a or_o worse_o at_o one_o time_n than_o he_o be_v at_o another_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v fit_v that_o book_n of_o preparation_n be_v compose_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o every_o reader_n may_v be_v lead_v by_o they_o into_o those_o reflection_n which_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o state_n he_o be_v in_o it_o be_v a_o gross_a error_n to_o imagine_v that_o a_o general_a preparation_n or_o discourse_n concern_v the_o receive_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v proper_a for_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n i_o confess_v that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o fault_n of_o all_o the_o book_n of_o preparation_n some_o we_o have_v which_o be_v particular_a enough_o the_o true_a character_n by_o which_o every_o man_n may_v know_v his_o own_o state_n be_v very_o exact_o describe_v by_o some_o author_n but_o it_o be_v a_o unhappiness_n that_o such_o work_n be_v not_o better_o calculate_v for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o common_a people_n 3._o i_o think_v i_o may_v safe_o say_v in_o the_o three_o place_n that_o the_o too_o severe_a notion_n which_o some_o book_n give_v of_o the_o communion_n be_v one_o of_o the_o cause_n why_o so_o many_o people_n do_v neither_o live_v nor_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n as_o they_o ought_v it_o be_v a_o sad_a thing_n that_o the_o mind_n of_o christian_n shall_v be_v fill_v with_o so_o many_o scruple_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o sacrament_n by_o inconsiderate_a discourse_n and_o over-strained_n maxim_n writer_n and_o preacher_n do_v sometime_o speak_v of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n as_o if_o every_o thing_n in_o it_o be_v full_a of_o snare_n and_o as_o if_o hell_n and_o damnation_n be_v constant_o wait_v about_o it_o they_o represent_v the_o communion_n as_o so_o extraordinary_a so_o difficult_a and_o so_o dangerous_a a_o action_n that_o those_o who_o read_v or_o hear_v those_o discourse_n be_v tempt_v to_o keep_v off_o from_o the_o holy_a table_n and_o despair_v of_o partake_v of_o it_o as_o they_o ought_v so_o that_o whereas_o there_o shall_v be_v nothing_o but_o joy_n when_o the_o eucharist_n be_v celebrate_v in_o the_o church_n many_o be_v then_o agitate_a with_o extreme_a perplexity_n and_o terror_n by_o this_o indiscreet_a severity_n it_o happen_v that_o many_o good_a man_n receive_v the_o sacrament_n without_o comfort_n because_o their_o conscience_n be_v disturb_v with_o divers_a scruple_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o read_n of_o those_o book_n there_o be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o pious_a christian_n who_o never_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n but_o with_o strange_a apprehension_n and_o dread_n in_o so_o much_o that_o several_a think_v they_o receive_v it_o to_o their_o condemnation_n nay_o this_o discourage_v likewise_o many_o sinner_n who_o have_v some_o inclination_n to_o good_a and_o some_o desire_n to_o set_v about_o the_o work_n of_o repentance_n indeed_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n not_o to_o flatter_v sinner_n in_o their_o vice_n nor_o to_o propose_v to_o they_o too_o easy_a a_o devotion_n and_o morality_n it_o be_v very_o fit_a in_o my_o judgement_n to_o give_v they_o a_o great_a idea_n of_o the_o purity_n which_o be_v require_v in_o so_o holy_a and_o solemn_a a_o action_n as_o the_o communion_n be_v and_o of_o the_o state_n which_o a_o christian_a ought_v then_o to_o be_v in_o but_o as_o this_o state_n of_o purity_n and_o holiness_n be_v attain_v only_o by_o degree_n that_o idea_n how_o true_a soever_o it_o may_v be_v be_v apt_a to_o fright_v a_o sinner_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o conversion_n because_o he_o do_v not_o find_v in_o himself_o at_o first_o all_o the_o character_n of_o true_a repentance_n and_o sincere_a regeneration_n he_o ought_v therefore_o to_o be_v inform_v that_o the_o beginning_n of_o repentance_n be_v weak_a that_o it_o have_v its_o degree_n and_o its_o progress_n and_o so_o that_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v dishearten_v that_o god_n will_v accept_v of_o his_o devotion_n and_o endeavour_n provide_v his_o repentance_n increase_v afterward_o and_o he_o forsake_v his_o sin_n honest_o the_o matter_n be_v over_o do_v in_o point_n of_o devotion_n and_o morality_n not_o only_a when_o we_o propose_v rule_n which_o be_v too_o rigid_a but_o also_o when_o we_o say_v thing_n which_o though_o true_a and_o consonant_a to_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o sufficient_o accommodate_v to_o the_o state_n of_o those_o we_o speak_v to_o these_o be_v the_o principal_a reflection_n i_o think_v fit_a to_o bestow_v both_o upon_o book_n of_o religion_n and_o upon_o bad_a book_n all_o that_o remain_v now_o be_v to_o inquire_v what_o remedy_n be_v to_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o cause_n of_o corruption_n the_o sure_a of_o all_o will_v be_v to_o exterminate_v all_o the_o ill_a book_n and_o to_o take_v care_n that_o none_o such_o shall_v be_v make_v for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v but_o as_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v hope_v the_o only_a remedy_n which_o can_v be_v try_v be_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n to_o prevent_v as_o much_o as_o we_o can_v the_o effect_n of_o bad_a book_n and_o on_o the_o other_o to_o engage_v man_n to_o read_v and_o to_o make_v a_o good_a use_n of_o good_a book_n the_o book_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o religion_n and_o good_a manner_n may_v easy_o be_v know_v but_o how_o to_o keep_v man_n from_o read_v and_o be_v corrupt_v by_o they_o be_v the_o difficulty_n and_o in_o all_o probability_n this_o be_v a_o point_n which_o will_v never_o be_v entire_o gain_v yet_o i_o think_v it_o be_v not_o impossible_a to_o prevent_v in_o some_o measure_n the_o mischief_n which_o those_o book_n occasion_n in_o the_o world_n in_o order_n to_o this_o it_o will_v be_v requisite_a to_o take_v care_n in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o young_a people_n may_v not_o read_v book_n which_o inspire_v libertinism_n to_o this_o end_n the_o author_n who_o have_v write_v thing_n repugnant_a to_o modesty_n and_o honesty_n shall_v be_v expel_v the_o school_n it_o be_v a_o surprise_v thing_n that_o the_o ecclesiastic_n who_o have_v the_o direction_n of_o academy_n and_o college_n and_o who_o be_v bind_v by_o their_o character_n to_o redress_v this_o abuse_n have_v not_o do_v it_o yet_o in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a that_o in_o family_n book_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o corrupt_v youth_n shall_v be_v take_v out_o of_o their_o way_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v indulge_v in_o dangerous_a readins_n as_o for_o the_o rest_n i_o see_v no_o other_o remedy_n but_o that_o preacher_n shall_v strong_o insist_v in_o their_o sermon_n upon_o the_o reason_n which_o ought_v to_o make_v christian_n averse_v to_o the_o read_n of_o ill_a book_n i_o i_o know_v that_o all_o these_o precaution_n will_v not_o whole_o suppress_v those_o book_n nor_o prevent_v their_o be_v read_v by_o divers_a person_n but_o we_o may_v however_o gain_v thus_o much_o that_o ill_a book_n shall_v not_o be_v so_o free_o and_o so_o common_o read_v as_o they_o be_v and_o that_o they_o shall_v do_v less_o hurt_v as_o for_o book_n of_o religion_n every_o one_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o discern_v those_o which_o be_v good_a and_o to_o make_v a_o good_a use_n of_o they_o indeed_o the_o discern_a and_o the_o choice_n of_o book_n of_o
it_o have_v be_v represent_v in_o this_o work_n the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o treatise_n this_o be_v what_o i_o have_v propose_v to_o say_v concern_v the_o cause_n of_o corruption_n i_o may_v have_v be_v large_a upon_o these_o matter_n and_o have_v add_v many_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v not_o touch_v this_o be_v a_o very_a copious_a field_n and_o a_o subject_a which_o can_v hardly_o be_v exhaust_v yet_o i_o think_v i_o have_v observe_v what_o be_v most_o material_a but_o it_o will_v be_v to_o little_a purpose_n to_o have_v detect_v the_o cause_n of_o corruption_n if_o those_o cause_n do_v still_o subsist_v and_o therefore_o i_o conclude_v this_o work_n with_o a_o earnest_a entreaty_n to_o my_o reader_n that_o they_o will_v make_v serious_a reflection_n upon_o it_o and_o that_o if_o they_o find_v that_o in_o fact_n corruption_n proceed_v from_o those_o cause_n i_o have_v mention_v they_o will_v strive_v to_o remove_v they_o the_o undertake_n will_v no_o doubt_n appear_v very_o difficult_a to_o many_o they_o will_v own_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v but_o they_o will_v look_v upon_o the_o design_n of_o oppose_v the_o corruption_n of_o the_o age_n as_o vain_a and_o chimerical_a they_o will_v say_v that_o all_o this_o be_v very_o fine_a in_o the_o theory_n but_o that_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o be_v impossible_a i_o confess_v here_o be_v some_o difficulty_n but_o yet_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o what_o i_o have_v propose_v may_v successful_o be_v do_v at_o least_o in_o some_o respect_n but_o the_o general_a cause_n of_o corruption_n can_v scarce_o be_v remedy_v but_o by_o public_a person_n i_o therefore_o apply_v myself_o here_o particular_o to_o divine_n and_o to_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o i_o conjure_v they_o to_o make_v it_o their_o serious_a business_n to_o discover_v and_o to_o stop_v the_o spring_n of_o corruption_n let_v they_o turn_v all_o their_o endeavour_n that_o way_n let_v they_o labour_n to_o dispel_v the_o ignorance_n and_o prejudices_fw-la which_o so_o many_o christian_n live_v in_o and_o to_o confute_v those_o maxim_n and_o sentiment_n which_o feed_v security_n and_o libertinism_n let_v they_o press_v with_o zeal_n the_o restore_n of_o order_n and_o discipline_n let_v they_o incessant_o lie_v before_o the_o people_n and_o the_o magistrate_n the_o necessity_n of_o redress_v several_a abuse_n which_o be_v now_o in_o vogue_n let_v they_o inculcate_v these_o thing_n and_o insist_v upon_o they_o with_o zeal_n but_o at_o the_o same_o time_n with_o prudence_n and_o charity_n let_v they_o concert_v measure_n among_o themselves_o let_v they_o act_v unanimous_o in_o so_o noble_a a_o design_n above_o all_o thing_n let_v they_o take_v care_n to_o season_v young_a people_n with_o good_a instruction_n and_o to_o inspire_v they_o with_o sentiment_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n these_o be_v the_o solicitude_n which_o become_v the_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n these_o be_v erterprise_n worthy_a of_o their_o character_n and_o their_o zeal_n and_o the_o thing_n which_o ought_v chief_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o clergy_n but_o let_v they_o not_o be_v discourage_v by_o the_o difficulty_n they_o be_v like_a to_o meet_v with_o they_o will_v still_o gain_v something_o even_o when_o they_o may_v fancy_v they_o labour_v in_o vain_a if_o they_o do_v not_o obtain_v all_o that_o they_o desire_v if_o they_o do_v not_o cure_v the_o whole_a evil_n they_o will_v remove_v at_o least_o some_o part_n of_o it_o so_o holy_a a_o enterprise_n will_v soon_o or_o late_a be_v fortunate_a in_o the_o issue_n and_o god_n will_v pour_v down_o a_o blessing_n upon_o those_o mean_n which_o he_o himself_o have_v appoint_v one_o will_v think_v that_o providence_n be_v at_o work_n to_o bring_v about_o happy_a time_n and_o that_o thing_n be_v tend_v that_o way_n this_o be_v a_o age_n of_o knowledge_n and_o religion_n be_v now_o better_o prove_v and_o explain_v than_o ever_o it_o be_v there_o be_v a_o considerable_a number_n of_o judicious_a and_o learned_a divine_n and_o pastor_n who_o be_v deep_o grieve_v to_o see_v the_o present_a face_n of_o thing_n and_o who_o be_v sensible_a how_o necessary_a it_o will_v be_v to_o oppose_v corruption_n so_o many_o book_n which_o be_v write_v on_o purpose_n to_o revive_v true_a christianity_n and_o to_o bring_v man_n to_o holiness_n seem_v to_o bode_v some_o bless_a revolution_n and_o to_o argue_v a_o general_a disposition_n towards_o it_o god_n who_o preside_v over_o all_o thing_n and_o particular_o over_o that_o which_o concern_v religion_n bless_v the_o design_n and_o endeavour_n of_o all_o those_o who_o have_v good_a intention_n and_o grant_v that_o we_o may_v quick_o see_v truth_n piety_n peace_n and_o order_n entire_o restore_v among_o christian_n finis_fw-la book_n print_v for_o r._n chiswell_n scriptorum_n ecclesiasticorum_n historia_fw-la literaria_fw-la facili_fw-la &_o prespicua_fw-la methodo_fw-la digesta_fw-la in_o 2_o vol._n fol._n authore_fw-la gul._n cave_fw-la s._n t._n p._n his_o primitive_a christianity_n 5_o edit_n 8_o his_o dissertation_n concern_v the_o government_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n by_o bishop_n metropolitan_n and_o patiâ—â—ons_n 8_o archbishop_n tenison_n conference_n with_o pulton_n the_o jesuit_n his_o nine_o sermon_n on_o several_a occasion_n seven_o volume_n of_o archbishop_n tillotson_n sermon_n publish_v from_o the_o original_n by_o dr._n barker_n vol._n one_a of_o sincerity_n and_o constancy_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n 3d_o edition_n correct_v 1700._o vol._n 2d_o and_o 3d_o on_o several_a occasion_n second_o edition_n correct_v 1700._o vol._n four_o of_o natural_a and_o institute_v religion_n etc._n etc._n second_o edition_n correct_v 1700._o vol._n 5_o prove_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n etc._n etc._n second_o edition_n correct_v 1700._o volume_n 6_o and_o seven_o upon_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n second_o edition_n correct_v 1700._o ten_o sermon_n on_o several_a occasion_n by_o bishop_n patrick_n his_o heart_n ease_n or_o remedy_n against_o all_o trouble_n the_o seven_o edition_n 1699._o his_o commentary_n on_o genesis_n exodus_fw-la leviticus_n and_o number_n in_o four_o volume_n his_o commentary_n on_o duteronomy_n 1700._o valentine_n private_a devotion_n the_o 26_o edition_n 169â—_n wharton_n sermon_n in_o lambeth-chappel_n in_o 2_o vol._n 8_o with_o his_o life_n the_o second_o edition_n 1700._o dr._n conant_n sermon_n in_o two_o vol._n 8_o publish_a bishop_n williams_n dr._n wake_v of_o preparation_n for_o death_n the_o 6_o edition_n 1699._o dr._n fryer_n nine_o year_n travel_n into_o india_n and_o persia_n illustrate_v with_o copper_n plate_n fol._n 1698._o bishop_n willams_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o worship_v god_n by_o the_o common-prayer_n with_o several_a other_o discourse_n mr._n tulley_n discourse_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o thought_n the_o 3d_o edition_n 12_o 1699._o the_o life_n of_o henry_n chichele_n archbishop_n of_o cantâ—â—â—ury_n in_o which_o there_o be_v a_o particular_a relation_n of_o many_o remarkable_a pasâ—â—â—â—_n in_o the_o reign_v of_o henry_n v._o and_o vi_o king_n of_o england_n write_a in_o latin_a by_o arthur_n duck_n l._n l._n d._n chancellor_n of_o the_o diocese_n of_o london_n and_o advocate_n of_o the_o court_n of_o honour_n now_o make_v english_a and_o a_o table_n of_o content_n annex_v 8_o 1699._o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o ancient_a jewish_a church_n against_o the_o unitarian_n in_o the_o controversy_n upon_o the_o holy_a trinity_n and_o the_o divinity_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n with_o a_o table_n of_o matter_n and_o a_o table_n of_o text_n of_o scripture_n occasional_o explain_v by_o peter_n alix_n d._n d._n short_a memorial_n of_o thomas_n lord_n fairfax_n write_v by_o himself_o publish_a 1699._o the_o life_n of_o john_n whitgift_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n in_o the_o time_n of_o queen_n elizabeth_n and_o king_n james_n i._o write_v by_o sir_n geo._n paul_n comptroler_n of_o his_o grace_n household_n to_o which_o be_v annex_v a_o treatise_n entitle_v conspiracy_n for_o pretend_a reformation_n write_v in_o the_o year_n 1591._o by_o richard_n cousin_n l._n l._n d._n dean_n of_o the_o arch_n and_o official_a principal_n to_o archbishop_n whitgift_n 8o._o 1699._o a_o exposition_n of_o the_o 39_o article_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n by_o dr._n burnet_n bishop_n of_o sarum_n fol._n 1700._o his_o sermon_n to_o the_o society_n for_o reformation_n of_o manner_n march_n 25._o 1700._o a_o practical_a discourse_n of_o religious_a assembly_n by_o dr._n william_n sherlock_n dean_n of_o st._n paul_n the_o 3d._a edition_n 1700._o ☜_o several_a discourse_n of_o repentance_n by_o the_o most_o reverend_a dr._n john_n tillotson_n late_a archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n be_v the_o eight_o volume_n publish_a by_o dr._n barker_n 1700._o in_o the_o press_n the_o four_o and_o last_o part_n of_o mr._n rvshworth_n historical_a collection_n contain_v the_o principal_a matter_n which_o happen_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o year_n 1645._o where_o the_o three_o part_n end_v to_o the_o death_n of_o king_n charles_n the_o first_o 1684._o impartial_o relate_v set_v forth_o only_o matter_n of_o fact_n in_o order_n of_o time_n without_o observation_n or_o reflection_n fit_v for_o the_o press_n in_o his_o life-time_n to_o which_o will_v be_v add_v exact_v alphabetical_a table_n