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
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
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
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
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