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
desperate_a and_o that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o reprobation_n and_o damnation_n other_o have_v conceit_v that_o they_o be_v give_v up_o to_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n and_o they_o have_v take_v the_o disorder_n of_o imagination_n for_o certain_a sign_n of_o their_o be_v possess_v with_o a_o evil_a spirit_n and_o the_o worst_a of_o it_o be_v that_o such_o indiscreet_a discourse_n be_v more_o apt_a to_o alarm_n good_a than_o wicked_a men._n in_o fine_a i_o reckon_v among_o the_o book_n which_o fright_v man_n without_o cause_n all_o those_o which_o contain_v too_o rigid_a and_o austere_a maxim_n of_o devotion_n and_o morality_n 5._o piety_n will_v be_v better_o know_v and_o more_o esteem_v than_o it_o be_v if_o book_n of_o devotion_n be_v always_o write_v with_o judgement_n and_o good_a sense_n and_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o they_o but_o what_o upon_o a_o severe_a examination_n will_v appear_v to_o be_v strict_o true_a those_o who_o set_v about_o work_v of_o this_o nature_n do_v general_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o move_v the_o heart_n and_o to_o excite_v sentiment_n of_o piety_n this_o be_v a_o good_a design_n but_o we_o ought_v to_o know_v that_o it_o be_v the_o force_n of_o reason_n the_o evidence_n of_o proof_n the_o greatness_n of_o the_o object_n propose_v and_o the_o clearness_n and_o solidity_n of_o what_o a_o man_n say_v which_o do_v true_o affect_v the_o heart_n this_o be_v what_o judicious_a author_n chief_o mind_n and_o thereby_o many_o have_v have_v good_a success_n in_o those_o excellent_a work_n which_o they_o have_v enrich_v the_o public_a with_o but_o other_o writer_n do_v not_o consider_v this_o they_o rather_o choose_v to_o say_v tender_a and_o pathetical_a thing_n than_o to_o think_v or_o speak_v with_o exactness_n they_o consult_v imagination_n more_o than_o good_a sense_n they_o pour_v out_o every_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o the_o heat_n of_o meditation_n or_o in_o the_o fervency_n of_o their_o zeal_n seem_v to_o they_o proper_a to_o move_v to_o melt_v to_o comfort_v or_o to_o terrify_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v weak_a place_n in_o their_o book_n and_o thought_n which_o appear_v mean_a and_o even_o false_a to_o discern_a reader_n contradiction_n and_o such_o like_a defect_n for_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n they_o produce_v only_o a_o confuse_a and_o not_o a_o very_a rational_a devotion_n in_o those_o who_o read_v and_o relish_v they_o and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n they_o expose_v religion_n to_o the_o flout_n and_o contempt_n of_o libertine_n we_o be_v often_o trouble_v and_o scandalize_v to_o find_v that_o some_o man_n of_o part_n express_v but_o little_a esteem_n for_o book_n of_o piety_n we_o hear_v it_o say_v every_o day_n that_o those_o book_n be_v only_o good_a for_o woman_n and_o for_o the_o vulgar_a this_o contempt_n chief_o proceed_v from_o a_o profane_a humour_n and_o from_o libertinism_n but_o it_o spring_v likewise_o from_o the_o want_n of_o exactness_n and_o solidity_n which_o be_v observable_a in_o some_o book_n of_o devotion_n 6._o divers_a consideration_n may_v be_v offer_v here_o about_o those_o book_n which_o contain_v form_n of_o prayer_n and_o devotion_n but_o i_o shall_v confine_v myself_o to_o these_o two_o which_o appear_v to_o i_o the_o most_o material_a the_o first_o be_v that_o those_o kind_n of_o form_n make_v all_o sort_n of_o person_n indifferent_o and_o even_o good_a man_n say_v thing_n which_o can_v agree_v but_o to_o the_o great_a and_o the_o most_o notorious_a sinner_n which_o give_v people_n this_o dangerous_a notion_n that_o all_o man_n without_o except_v the_o regenerate_v be_v extreme_o corrupt_a in_o divers_a prayer_n we_o plain_o see_v that_o those_o who_o compose_v they_o have_v no_o other_o design_n than_o to_o draw_v the_o picture_n of_o the_o most_o heinous_a sinner_n and_o that_o they_o suppose_v all_o man_n engage_v in_o a_o deep_a corruption_n and_o in_o the_o most_o criminal_a disorder_n exaggeration_n and_o hyperbole_n be_v so_o little_o spare_v by_o some_o people_n upon_o this_o head_n that_o they_o utter_v absurdity_n and_o falsehood_n in_o their_o prayer_n as_o when_o they_o say_v that_o ever_o since_o we_o be_v bear_v we_o have_v be_v continual_o and_o every_o moment_n offend_v god_n by_o thought_n word_n and_o deed_n i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o such_o prayer_n may_v have_v their_o use_n provide_v nothing_o be_v say_v in_o they_o that_o be_v extravagant_a or_o contrary_a to_o truth_n and_o common_a sense_n they_o fit_v great_a number_n of_o person_n there_o be_v but_o too_o many_o of_o those_o wretched_a christian_n who_o can_v never_o sufficient_o bewail_v the_o enormity_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o the_o irregularity_n of_o their_o conduct_n i_o know_v beside_o that_o all_o man_n be_v sinner_n and_o that_o the_o best_a of_o they_o have_v reason_n to_o humble_a and_o abase_v themselves_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n out_o of_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o weakness_n and_o unworthiness_n nevertheless_o since_o the_o scripture_n make_v a_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n it_o be_v at_o least_o a_o great_a piece_n of_o imprudence_n to_o appoint_v the_o same_o language_n for_o both_o and_o to_o make_v they_o all_o speak_v as_o if_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o most_o horrid_a crime_n and_o as_o if_o there_o be_v not_o one_o good_a man_n in_o the_o world_n this_o take_v away_o the_o distinction_n between_o the_o sinner_n and_o the_o righteous_a for_o if_o these_o prayer_n be_v proper_a for_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n if_o all_o that_o be_v say_v in_o they_o be_v true_a it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o distinguish_v a_o good_a man_n from_o a_o bad_a and_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o his_o convert_v grace_n or_o to_o make_v any_o promise_n of_o amendment_n to_o he_o all_o those_o lesson_n of_o holiness_n which_o the_o gospel_n give_v we_o be_v but_o fine_a idea_n all_o man_n be_v upon_o the_o matter_n equal_o bad_a and_o they_o may_v all_o be_v the_o object_n of_o god_n mercy_n how_o irregular_a soever_o their_o deportment_n may_v be_v these_o be_v the_o inference_n which_o may_v be_v draw_v from_o those_o form_n of_o devotion_n i_o have_v mention_v and_o which_o sinner_n do_v actual_o draw_v from_o they_o from_o all_o this_o i_o conclude_v that_o in_o such_o work_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o distinguish_v person_n and_o condition_n and_o this_o according_o have_v be_v judicious_o observe_v by_o some_o author_n the_o other_o consideration_n relate_v to_o the_o form_n of_o prayer_n these_o be_v not_o always_o plain_a enough_o they_o be_v sometime_o study_v discourse_n which_o have_v more_o of_o art_n and_o wit_n than_o of_o affection_n in_o they_o and_o we_o may_v easy_o discern_v how_o far_o most_o prayer_n be_v remove_v from_o a_o due_a simplicity_n if_o we_o compare_v they_o with_o those_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o holy_a scripture_n or_o with_o the_o ancient_a way_n of_o pray_v which_o be_v receive_v in_o the_o church_n and_o of_o which_o we_o may_v judge_v by_o the_o liturgy_n which_o be_v now_o use_v or_o which_o have_v reach_v to_o we_o prayer_n be_v neither_o so_o intricate_a then_o nor_o so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v now_o long_o preamble_n be_v not_o use_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o prayer_n and_o man_n do_v not_o they_o by_o so_o many_o wind_a approach_n the_o throne_n of_o grace_n to_o confess_v their_o sin_n and_o to_o beg_v pardon_n for_o they_o prayer_n than_o be_v short_a simple_a and_o natural_a much_o fit_v to_o excite_v devotion_n to_o lift_v up_o the_o heart_n to_o god_n and_o to_o nourish_v piety_n and_o zeal_n than_o many_o form_n which_o obtain_v at_o this_o day_n 7._o of_o all_o the_o book_n of_o piety_n none_o be_v more_o careful_o read_v and_o none_o perhaps_o have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o the_o conduct_n and_o manner_n of_o christian_n than_o the_o book_n of_o preparation_n for_o the_o holy_a communion_n the_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o important_a act_n of_o religion_n and_o one_o of_o the_o most_o efficacious_a mean_n to_o promote_v piety_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o book_n which_o people_n read_v in_o order_n to_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o that_o sacred_a action_n contribute_v very_o much_o to_o the_o good_a or_o bad_a use_n of_o the_o eucharist_n and_o by_o consequence_n to_o the_o good_a or_o ill_a life_n of_o christian_n now_o what_o i_o have_v say_v of_o the_o other_o book_n of_o devotion_n may_v be_v apply_v to_o these_o some_o book_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v extraordinary_a good_a but_o there_o be_v other_o in_o which_o among_o many_o good_a thing_n some_o defect_n be_v observable_a and_o particular_o these_o three_o 1._o all_o the_o book_n of_o preparation_n for_o the_o holy_a communion_n be_v not_o instructive_a
incline_v but_o yet_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o the_o various_a circumstance_n of_o time_n plate_n and_o of_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n contribute_v much_o to_o the_o progress_n of_o piety_n or_o of_o corruption_n in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v some_o happy_a circumstance_n and_o some_o time_n very_o favourable_a to_o piety_n as_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n there_o be_v unhappy_a circumstance_n and_o time_n in_o which_o it_o be_v like_o a_o stranger_n upon_o earth_n the_o mean_n to_o promote_v it_o be_v then_o neither_o so_o effectual_a nor_o so_o frequent_a the_o design_n of_o this_o work_n oblige_v i_o to_o consider_v what_o may_v be_v think_v in_o this_o respect_n of_o the_o time_n we_o live_v in_o and_o whether_o this_o corruption_n which_o dishonour_v christianity_n do_v not_o proceed_v from_o the_o unhappiness_n of_o the_o time_n and_o from_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o religion_n but_o we_o can_v succeed_v in_o this_o enquiry_n nor_o pass_v a_o sound_a judgement_n upon_o the_o present_a state_n of_o religion_n without_o run_v back_o to_o its_o first_o origin_n and_o nature_n and_o without_o take_v a_o view_n of_o those_o age_n which_o be_v elapse_v since_o its_o first_o establishment_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o of_o history_n be_v here_o of_o great_a use_n the_o scripture_n inform_v we_o what_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n shall_v be_v and_o history_n show_v we_o the_o different_a state_n through_o which_o it_o have_v pass_v when_o we_o examine_v religion_n by_o these_o two_o rule_n we_o perceive_v that_o it_o neither_o have_v be_v nor_o will_v be_v always_o in_o the_o state_n it_o be_v now_o in_o it_o be_v fit_a in_o the_o sir_n place_n to_o seek_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o religion_n in_o scripture_n there_o it_o be_v that_o chistianity_n still_o subsist_v in_o all_o its_o beauty_n for_o neither_o the_o age_n which_o be_v past_a nor_o the_o change_n which_o have_v happen_v have_v be_v able_a to_o tarnish_v in_o the_o least_o the_o brightness_n of_o those_o native_a and_o lively_a colour_n in_o which_o our_o saviour_n religion_n be_v set_v forth_o in_o holy_a write_n we_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o four_o principal_a character_n in_o the_o â—dea_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o religion_n and_o these_o be_v truth_n holiness_n union_n and_o order_n 1._o the_o first_o and_o the_o chief_a character_n of_o this_o church_n and_o religion_n be_v the_o knowledge_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n this_o be_v what_o distinguish_v christianity_n from_o false_a religion_n the_o church_n be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n no_o long_o than_o while_o she_o retain_v the_o purity_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o evangelical_n doctrine_n it_o will_v be_v needless_a to_o prove_v this_o 2._o the_o sacred_a writer_n represent_v the_o church_n as_o a_o society_n altogether_o holy_a they_o name_v she_o ii_o she_o eph._n v._o 27._o pet_n ii_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n a_o glorious_a spouse_n have_v neither_o spot_n nor_o wrinkle_n nor_o any_o such_o thing_n but_o be_v holy_a and_o without_o blemish_n they_o call_v she_o xii_o she_o heb._n xii_o the_o house_n of_o the_o live_a god_n a_o holy_a nation_n and_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o first_o bear_v which_o be_v write_v in_o heaven_n they_o give_v to_o christian_n the_o glorious_a title_n of_o king_n priest_n saint_n elect_a child_n of_o god_n and_o new_a man_n they_o speak_v of_o they_o as_o of_o a_o people_n separate_v from_o the_o world_n and_o its_o vice_n dedicate_v to_o god_n and_o to_o good_a work_n and_o live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n temperance_n justice_n charity_n and_o all_o other_o virtue_n 3._o union_n and_o love_n be_v the_o three_o character_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n the_o scripture_n do_v not_o speak_v to_o we_o of_o many_o church_n but_o of_o one_o of_o which_o all_o the_o faithful_a be_v member_n in_o what_o place_n soever_o they_o may_v be_v st._n paul_n say_v that_o there_o be_v buâ—_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n and_o one_o god_n the_o apostle_n enjoin_v above_o all_o thing_n union_n and_o charity_n and_o they_o give_v many_o precept_n to_o maintain_v these_o and_o to_o make_v they_o flourish_v among_o christian_n 4._o as_o holiness_n and_o union_n can_v be_v preserve_v where_o there_o be_v no_o order_n so_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v a_o well_o regulate_v society_n in_o which_o every_o thing_n may_v be_v do_v in_o a_o convenient_a and_o orderly_a manner_n and_o in_o fact_n there_o be_v in_o the_o sacred_a write_n many_o law_n to_o this_o purpose_n we_o find_v there_o several_a regulation_n concern_v the_o way_n in_o which_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v govern_v and_o concern_v the_o call_n of_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n and_o the_o principal_a function_n of_o their_o office_n the_o scripture_n do_v beside_o appoint_v the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n the_o manner_n of_o proceed_v in_o relation_n to_o scandalous_a sinner_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o public_a alms._n it_o prescribe_v the_o chief_a act_n of_o religion_n and_o divine_a worship_n prayer_n fast_v sacrament_n preach_v and_o some_o other_o head_n all_o these_o law_n be_v design_v to_o establish_v order_n and_o piety_n in_o the_o church_n and_o to_o banish_v confusion_n and_o scandal_n out_o of_o it_o and_o this_o order_n can_v be_v a_o thing_n indifferent_a since_o the_o apostle_n have_v give_v we_o law_n about_o it_o it_o be_v not_o difficult_a to_o show_v that_o most_o christian_a society_n be_v hardly_o to_o be_v know_v by_o these_o mark_n but_o before_o we_o come_v to_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o observe_v the_o different_a state_n through_o which_o the_o church_n have_v pass_v from_o her_o infancy_n to_o this_o time_n ii_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o church_n in_o her_o infancy_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n be_v very_o pure_a in_o comparison_n of_o the_o follow_v but_o yet_o must_v take_v heed_n when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n that_o we_o do_v not_o form_v to_o ourselves_o too_o advantageous_a a_o idea_n of_o it_o as_o if_o christianity_n have_v be_v then_o in_o its_o utmost_a purity_n and_o perfection_n the_o church_n in_o her_o beginning_n do_v consist_v of_o jew_n and_o heathen_n these_o man_n embrace_v christianity_n do_v not_o so_o entire_o strip_v themselves_o of_o their_o prejudices_fw-la and_o custom_n but_o that_o they_o bring_v with_o they_o into_o the_o church_n some_o of_o the_o notion_n of_o judaisme_n and_o even_o of_o gentilism_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o this_o be_v the_o first_o occasion_n of_o those_o heresy_n which_o do_v stain_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o moral_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o several_a disorder_n which_o happen_v in_o the_o very_a time_n of_o the_o apostle_n beside_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o first_o minister_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o able_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o persecution_n and_o of_o the_o obstacle_n they_o meet_v with_o to_o regulate_v all_o thing_n as_o they_o will_v have_v do_v if_o the_o church_n have_v be_v in_o peace_n we_o need_v not_o therefore_o wonder_v if_o we_o find_v imperfection_n and_o defect_n apparent_a enough_o in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o it_o be_v of_o some_o importance_n to_o observe_v this_o not_o only_o that_o we_o may_v have_v true_a apprehension_n concern_v this_o matter_n but_o that_o we_o may_v beside_o obviate_v a_o unhappy_a consequence_n which_o may_v be_v draw_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o present_a corruption_n from_o what_o have_v be_v know_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n no_o doubt_n but_o there_o be_v disorder_n and_o scandal_n at_o that_o time_n but_o we_o be_v to_o remember_v that_o the_o church_n be_v then_o make_v up_o of_o man_n who_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v bear_v and_o have_v live_v in_o paganism_n and_o who_o life_n have_v be_v spend_v in_o the_o thick_a darkness_n of_o ignorance_n and_o vice_n yet_o for_o all_o that_o the_o church_n be_v then_o more_o holy_a and_o pure_a than_o she_o have_v be_v since_o or_o be_v at_o this_o day_n in_o most_o place_n this_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n which_o can_v reasonable_o be_v contest_v for_o beside_o that_o it_o may_v be_v verify_v from_o the_o testimony_n which_o the_o sacred_a and_o some_o of_o the_o heathen_a author_n bear_v to_o the_o innocency_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o that_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o man_n be_v keep_v in_o awe_n while_o the_o apostle_n be_v alive_a in_o the_o time_n of_o miracle_n besidesall_n this_o i_o say_v there_o be_v two_o considereation_n which_o prove_v that_o corrupton_n can_v not_o be_v then_o so_o great_a or_o so_o
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
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
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
thus_o swear_v drunkenness_n and_o the_o great_a of_o other_o clamorous_a sin_n may_v be_v suppress_v if_o great_a man_n please_v be_v it_o not_o observe_v beside_o that_o when_o a_o prince_n be_v devout_a devotion_n come_v into_o fashion_n it_o may_v be_v that_o this_o devotion_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o example_n of_o prince_n be_v not_o always_o sincere_a but_o at_o least_o it_o regulate_v manner_n as_o to_o the_o exterior_a and_o such_o a_o outward_a reformation_n may_v be_v a_o step_n towards_o true_a devotion_n however_o this_o show_v that_o the_o opinion_n and_o example_n of_o man_n in_o authority_n have_v a_o great_a power_n and_o sure_o if_o by_o their_o credit_n they_o can_v make_v vice_n itself_o to_o be_v honour_v will_v it_o not_o be_v much_o easy_a for_o they_o to_o make_v other_o man_n honour_v virtue_n since_o it_o be_v honourable_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o express_v of_o what_o consequence_n the_o example_n of_o great_a man_n be_v either_o for_o good_a or_o evil._n a_o prince_n who_o be_v vicious_a cruel_a dissolute_a artificious_a or_o unjust_a be_v enough_o to_o infect_v a_o whole_a state_n in_o a_o very_a little_a time_n to_o banish_v piety_n from_o it_o and_o to_o bring_v into_o repute_n drunkenness_n lewdnese_n cheat_v indevotion_n and_o all_o the_o other_o vice_n which_o he_o allow_v himself_o in_o this_o we_o find_v by_o daily_a experience_n such_o as_o the_o prince_n be_v so_o be_v those_o about_o he_o and_o from_o these_o the_o evil_a spread_v upon_o the_o whole_a people_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o credit_n and_o authority_n to_o which_o they_o be_v raise_v and_o of_o the_o influence_n they_o have_v upon_o public_a and_o private_a affair_n what_o may_v not_o be_v say_v here_o of_o the_o life_n which_o be_v lead_v in_o the_o court_n of_o prince_n except_v some_o few_o court_n where_o licentiousness_n be_v not_o suffer_v that_o kind_n of_o life_n which_o be_v follow_v at_o court_n for_o the_o generality_n agree_v little_a with_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n people_z live_v there_o altogether_o in_o a_o loose_a and_o worldly_a manner_n in_o luxury_n idleness_n pomp_n and_o pleasure_n there_o the_o strong_a and_o the_o most_o entice_a temptation_n be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o and_o the_o most_o criminal_a intrigue_n adultery_n itself_o be_v rather_o a_o matter_n of_o raillery_n than_o reproach_n it_o be_v almost_o impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o insinuate_v himself_o into_o the_o favour_n of_o prince_n and_o to_o advance_v his_o fortune_n at_o court_n unless_o he_o make_v it_o his_o maxim_n to_o dissemble_v his_o sentiment_n and_o to_o speak_v direct_o against_o his_o own_o thought_n the_o worst_a of_o it_o be_v that_o from_o thence_o corruption_n diffuse_v itself_o almost_o every_o where_n so_o that_o many_o disorder_n which_o be_v in_o vogue_n will_v be_v unknown_a or_o at_o least_o very_a rare_a in_o the_o world_n if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v introduce_v by_o that_o licentiousness_n which_o reign_v in_o the_o court_n of_o prince_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o endeavour_n which_o christian_a magistrate_n ought_v to_o use_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o revive_n of_o piety_n these_o endeavour_n relate_v either_o to_o civil_a matter_n or_o to_o religion_n 1._o in_o civil_a matter_n it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o restrain_v libertinism_n and_o corruption_n by_o regulate_v the_o manner_n of_o their_o subject_n either_o by_o repeal_n the_o law_n and_o custom_n which_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o religion_n and_o which_o engage_v the_o people_n into_o the_o violation_n of_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o by_o reform_v the_o abuse_n which_o be_v introduce_v from_o time_n to_o time_n particular_o those_o which_o creep_v into_o the_o administration_n of_o justice_n in_o relation_n to_o all_o these_o thing_n there_o be_v several_a fault_n which_o the_o church_n can_v provide_v against_o and_o which_o nothing_o can_v remedy_v but_o the_o magistrate_n authority_n 2._o the_o other_o care_n relate_v direct_o to_o religion_n 1._o prince_n and_o king_n profess_v christianity_n be_v bind_v to_o procure_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v the_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n they_o ought_v to_o set_v about_o the_o establish_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n provide_v that_o in_o order_n to_o that_o they_o use_v no_o mean_n but_o such_o as_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o gospel_n they_o ought_v by_o their_o authority_n to_o see_v that_o the_o church_n and_o religion_n want_v nothing_o of_o what_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o maintain_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n that_o divine_a service_n be_v due_o perform_v that_o there_o be_v both_o place_n for_o that_o purpose_n and_o a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o person_n to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n that_o those_o person_n may_v subsist_v honourable_o that_o they_o do_v their_o duty_n and_o keep_v themselves_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o call_v they_o must_v not_o suffer_v church_n good_n or_o revenve_n to_o be_v apply_v to_o use_n mere_o civil_a and_o when_o these_o revenue_n be_v not_o sufficient_a it_o become_v their_o piety_n and_o justice_n to_o allot_v some_o part_n of_o the_o public_a revenue_n for_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n in_o fine_a as_o to_z manner_n i_o observe_v before_o that_o they_o may_v easy_o give_v a_o stop_n to_o vice_n and_o impiety_n to_o luxury_n swear_v and_o other_o scandal_n which_o dishonour_v the_o church_n and_o if_o they_o can_v do_v this_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v it_o every_o christian_a be_v bind_v to_o do_v all_o that_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o promote_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n 2._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o magistrate_n who_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n aught_o to_o protect_v it_o to_o maintain_v the_o order_n which_o god_n have_v establish_v in_o it_o and_o not_o to_o suffer_v any_o breach_n to_o be_v make_v there_o so_o that_o though_o they_o may_v regulate_v many_o thing_n which_o concern_v religion_n and_o though_o the_o church_n owe_v they_o a_o great_a regard_n yet_o they_o can_v without_o usurpation_n and_o injustice_n arrogate_v to_o themselves_o the_o whole_a authority_n with_o relation_n to_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n they_o be_v neither_o the_o prince_n nor_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n as_o they_o be_v the_o prince_n and_o the_o head_n of_o civil_a society_n a_o authority_n superior_a to_o they_o have_v institute_v religion_n pastor_n and_o discipline_n there_o be_v a_o law_n enact_v by_o the_o king_n of_o king_n and_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n which_o clear_o determine_v the_o right_n and_o duty_n both_o of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o governor_n of_o it_o all_o these_o be_v sacred_a thing_n which_o earthly_a power_n be_v not_o to_o meddle_v with_o they_o be_v law_n which_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n do_v submit_v to_o when_o they_o become_v member_n of_o the_o church_n with_o respect_n to_o these_o i_o mean_v still_o essential_a thing_n appoint_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o have_v acquire_v no_o right_n by_o embrace_v christianity_n since_o he_o who_o become_v member_n of_o a_o society_n can_v by_o that_o acquire_v a_o right_a to_o alter_v the_o natural_a form_n and_o constitution_n of_o it_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o king_n of_o judah_n show_v that_o a_o prince_n who_o profess_v true_a religion_n may_v interpose_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o it_o but_o we_o must_v take_v care_v not_o to_o carry_v this_o instance_n too_o far_o as_o those_o do_v who_o ascribe_v to_o the_o magistrate_n a_o supreme_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n who_o allow_v he_o a_o right_a to_o order_v every_o thing_n there_o not_o except_v discipline_n the_o call_n of_o pastor_n nor_o even_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n for_o beside_o that_o under_o the_o law_n king_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n the_o judge_n of_o every_o thing_n which_o concern_v religion_n we_o be_v not_o to_o argue_v altogether_o about_o the_o christian_a religion_n from_o what_o be_v do_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n among_o â—â—e_z jew_n the_o church_n and_o the_o state_n be_v mix_v together_o and_o in_o some_o measure_n undistinguished_a from_o one_o another_o that_o mere_o spiritual_a society_n which_o be_v call_v the_o church_n and_o which_o be_v confine_v to_o no_o state_n or_o people_n or_o any_o particular_a form_n of_o civil_a government_n be_v proper_o erect_v since_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n god_n act_v among_o the_o jew_n as_o a_o civil_a magistrate_n the_o law_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n external_a law_n which_o may_v and_o ought_v to_o be_v maintain_v by_o force_n and_o authority_n the_o right_n of_o divine_a service_n and_o the_o function_n of_o priest_n be_v very_o different_a from_o the_o evangelical_n worship_n and_o from_o the_o office_n of_o christian_a pastor_n after_o all_o if_o we_o
next_o place_n that_o pastor_n shall_v discharge_v their_o duty_n with_o relation_n to_o young_a people_n and_o that_o to_o this_o end_n in_o all_o place_n and_o church_n the_o necessary_a order_n and_o method_n be_v establish_v for_o instruct_v the_o people_n and_o particular_o child_n i_o remark_n this_o because_o in_o this_o respect_n thing_n be_v not_o well_o order_v so_o that_o in_o many_o place_n such_o help_n andmean_n be_v very_o much_o want_v it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o opportunity_n of_o instruction_n and_o the_o help_n to_o piety_n be_v mighty_a scarce_o in_o the_o country_n and_o in_o village_n school_n be_v there_o manage_v at_o a_o very_a ordinary_a rate_n and_o many_o place_n have_v no_o school_n at_o all_o whereby_o it_o happen_v that_o many_o person_n can_v so_o much_o as_o read_v there_o likewise_o divine_a service_n be_v but_o seldom_o perform_v and_o very_o careless_o too_o the_o minister_n who_o be_v appoint_v in_o those_o place_n be_v general_o either_o man_n of_o little_a worth_n or_o man_n who_o do_v not_o watch_v over_o their_o flock_n as_o they_o ought_v and_o who_o be_v remiss_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o office_n these_o be_v the_o essential_a defect_n which_o shall_v be_v remedy_v by_o those_o who_o have_v authority_n in_o church_n or_o state_n above_o all_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o churchman_n shall_v have_v a_o strict_a inspection_n over_o school_n and_o family_n and_o that_o catechise_n be_v more_o frequent_a than_o they_o be_v young_a people_n ought_v to_o be_v the_o chief_a object_n of_o the_o care_n of_o pastor_n no_o part_n of_o their_o office_n be_v more_o useful_a or_o reward_v their_o labour_n with_o better_a success_n than_o that_o their_o endeavour_n to_o mend_v those_o who_o be_v come_v to_o age_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n to_o little_a purpose_n but_o what_o they_o do_v for_o child_n â—s_a of_o great_a benefit_n if_o therefore_o they_o have_v a_o zeal_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o if_o they_o wish_v to_o see_v a_o change_n in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o church_n let_v they_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o instruct_n of_o youth_n and_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o form_v a_o new_a gneration_n among_o the_o particular_a establishment_n which_o may_v be_v make_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o young_a people_n there_o be_v one_o which_o will_v be_v of_o great_a use_n and_o which_o seem_v to_o i_o absolute_o necessary_a and_o that_o be_v that_o with_o relation_n to_o child_n who_o have_v attain_v the_o age_n of_o discretion_n the_o same_o order_n shall_v be_v observe_v for_o their_o admission_n to_o the_o sacrament_n which_o be_v practise_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n when_o catechuman_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n this_o admission_n be_v very_o solemn_a a_o long_a probation_n and_o instruction_n go_v before_o it_o the_o catechuman_n be_v require_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o the_o bind_v themselves_o by_o solemn_a promise_n and_o vow_n to_o renounce_v the_o world_n and_o to_o live_v holy_a no_o such_o thing_n be_v do_v at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n because_o young_a child_n be_v baptize_v but_o what_o be_v not_o do_v at_o the_o time_n of_o baptism_n shall_v be_v do_v when_o they_o come_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n and_o true_o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o public_a and_o solemn_a profession_n a_o promise_n in_o due_a form_n on_o the_o child_n part_n i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o we_o can_v well_o answer_v what_o be_v object_v by_o some_o against_o infant-baptism_n which_o yet_o be_v a_o good_a and_o laudable_a practice_n a_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n against_o his_o will_n or_o without_o his_o knowledge_n this_o engagement_n be_v a_o personal_a thing_n be_v which_o every_o bold_a shall_v act_v and_o answer_v for_o himself_o when_o child_n be_v baptize_v they_o know_v nothing_o of_o what_o be_v do_v to_o they_o it_o be_v there_o fore_o absolute_o necessary_a that_o when_o they_o come_v to_o the_o year_n of_o reason_n they_o shall_v ratify_v and_o confirm_v the_o engagement_n they_o come_v under_o by_o their_o baptism_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v become_v member_n of_o the_o church_n out_o of_o knowledge_n and_o choice_n now_o the_o fit_a time_n for_o such_o a_o confirmation_n and_o promise_n be_v when_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n the_o order_n then_o which_o i_o mean_v be_v this_o first_o that_o when_o child_n desire_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o sacrament_n they_o shall_v be_v instruct_v for_o some_o week_n before_o and_o that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o shall_v be_v inform_v of_o the_o sacredness_n and_o importance_n of_o this_o action_n and_o of_o the_o promise_n they_o be_v to_o make_v that_o so_o they_o may_v prepare_v for_o it_o betimes_o in_o the_o next_o place_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v examine_v and_o that_o they_o shall_v public_o render_v a_o account_n of_o their_o faith_n this_o examination_n be_v over_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v require_v to_o renew_v and_o confirm_v in_o a_o public_a and_o solemn_a manner_n their_o baptismal_a vow_n to_o renounce_v the_o devil_n and_o his_o work_n the_o world_n and_o the_o pomp_n of_o it_o the_o flesh_n and_o its_o lust_n and_o to_o promise_v that_o they_o will_v live_v and_o die_v in_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o then_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o communion_n by_o benediction_n and_o prayer_n it_o will_v no_o doubt_n seem_v to_o some_o that_o i_o be_o here_o propose_v a_o novelty_n and_o that_o too_o not_o very_o necessary_a that_o there_o be_v no_o occasion_n for_o all_o this_o solemnity_n that_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o examine_v and_o exhort_v child_n in_o private_a and_o that_o this_o confirmation_n of_o the_o baptismal_a vow_n be_v include_v and_o suppose_v in_o the_o admission_n to_o the_o sacrament_n to_o this_o i_o say_v that_o the_o order_n i_o propose_v will_v be_v think_v a_o novelty_n by_o none_o but_o such_o as_o do_v not_o know_v what_o be_v ancient_o practise_v and_o who_o call_v innovation_n every_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o country_n or_o their_o church_n this_o be_v a_o imitation_n of_o the_o ancient_n and_o the_o apostolical_a order_n and_o beside_o this_o establishment_n be_v altogether_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o i_o have_v just_a now_o make_v it_o appear_v it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v reject_v as_o for_o what_o be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a if_o child_n be_v examine_v and_o admit_v in_o private_a i_o answer_v that_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o age_n we_o live_v in_o be_v so_o great_a that_o in_o many_o church_n this_o admission_n and_o the_o examination_n which_o precede_v it_o be_v but_o three_o or_o four_o hour_n work_v and_o sometime_o less_o pastor_n and_o those_o to_o who_o this_o function_n be_v commit_v do_v often_o go_v about_o it_o very_o negligent_o they_o content_v themselves_o with_o some_o question_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n relate_v only_o to_o doctrine_n and_o controversy_n the_o address_n to_o chidren_n general_a exhortation_n to_o piety_n but_o they_o take_v no_o care_n to_o instruct_v they_o in_o moral_n or_o to_o examine_v their_o conduct_n they_o do_v not_o require_v of_o they_o a_o express_a ratification_n of_o the_o baptismal_a vow_n i_o know_v there_o be_v pastor_n who_o do_v their_o duty_n but_o the_o best_a thing_n will_v be_v to_o have_v this_o form_n of_o examination_n and_o admission_n regulate_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v in_o the_o breast_n of_o every_o minister_n to_o do_v in_o this_o matter_n as_o he_o think_v fit_a and_o that_o all_o this_o may_v be_v do_v the_o more_o orderly_o it_o will_v be_v fit_v that_o according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n some_o person_n shall_v be_v appoint_v on_o purpose_n to_o instruct_v young_a people_n and_o catechuman_n what_o care_v soever_o may_v be_v take_v of_o child_n and_o whatever_o may_v be_v do_v for_o they_o in_o private_a instruction_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o public_a and_o solemn_a exhortation_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o promise_v on_o the_o other_o will_v make_v a_o much_o great_a impression_n upon_o they_o they_o will_v then_o look_v upon_o their_o admission_n with_o respect_n they_o will_v remember_v it_o all_o their_o life_n and_o this_o solemnity_n will_v prove_v as_o useful_a and_o edify_a to_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o it_o will_v be_v to_o young_a people_n i_o offer_v this_o with_o the_o great_a confidence_n because_o a_o order_n like_o this_o have_v be_v settle_v of_o late_a in_o some_o church_n and_o be_v there_o observe_v