they_o design_v against_o his_o angel-guest_n and_o it_o be_v the_o malicious_a supposal_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o if_o respect_n be_v give_v to_o christ_n person_n it_o will_v so_o credit_v his_o doctrine_n that_o all_o will_v be_v in_o danger_n to_o believe_v it_o and_o to_o prevent_v this_o they_o seek_v to_o beat_v down_o his_o reputation_n by_o call_v he_o drunkard_n glutton_n madman_n and_o deceiver_n of_o the_o people_n and_o so_o unreasonable_a be_v lust_n and_o sin_n and_o so_o charm_v therewith_o be_v man_n heart_n that_o those_o who_o by_o the_o powerful_a countercharm_n of_o god_n word_n be_v willing_a to_o disenchant_v they_o be_v no_o better_o treat_v than_o christ_n by_o the_o demoniac_a who_o when_o he_o come_v to_o cure_v cry_v out_o that_o he_o be_v come_v to_o torment_v he_o the_o gospel_n be_v quick_a and_o powerful_a vital_a and_o operative_a pierce_v even_o to_o the_o divide_v of_o soul_n and_o spirit_n and_o of_o the_o joint_n and_o marrow_n and_o able_a to_o 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nor_o yet_o dare_v open_o to_o blaspheme_v the_o instrument_n of_o the_o same_o detection_n their_o only_a refuge_n be_v to_o lessen_v both_o the_o efficacy_n and_o credit_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o lessen_v the_o esteem_n of_o those_o who_o preach_v it_o but_o too_o right_o apprehend_v that_o god_n word_n and_o his_o minister_n be_v such_o near_a ally_n that_o the_o disrepute_n of_o the_o one_o fall_v upon_o the_o other_o now_o when_o the_o clergy_n according_a to_o their_o obligation_n go_v about_o to_o cut_v the_o wing_n of_o pride_n and_o to_o take_v off_o the_o wheel_n of_o lust_n to_o decry_v those_o sinful_a course_n which_o corrupt_a nature_n most_o magnify_v and_o to_o propagate_v those_o virtue_n to_o which_o these_o contemner_n have_v the_o great_a antipathy_n and_o averseness_n when_o in_o a_o word_n the_o clergy_n zealous_o recommend_v to_o our_o most_o cordial_a practice_n those_o very_a duty_n which_o we_o most_o dislike_n they_o can_v hope_v by_o this_o way_n to_o procure_v any_o great_a esteem_n with_o those_o against_o who_o vice_n they_o thus_o direct_o set_v themselves_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o be_v to_o expect_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o great_a enemy_n by_o all_o such_o who_o they_o thus_o tell_v the_o truth_n and_o indeed_o it_o have_v ever_o be_v the_o policy_n of_o the_o malicious_a to_o lessen_v their_o credit_n who_o service_n they_o will_v render_v insuccessful_a and_o to_o imbibe_n mean_v thought_n of_o all_o those_o who_o interrupt_v they_o in_o their_o vice_n but_o without_o drive_v this_o particular_a any_o further_o it_o be_v undeniable_o evident_a to_o the_o world_n that_o one_o main_a cause_n of_o the_o clergy_n contempt_n may_v be_v resolve_v into_o that_o apology_n christ_n upon_o the_o same_o occasion_n make_v for_o himself_o viz._n the_o world_n hate_v i_o because_o i_o testify_v that_o the_o work_v thereof_o be_v evil_a nor_o do_v that_o part_n of_o the_o clergy_n function_n consist_v in_o the_o instruction_n of_o all_o man_n in_o their_o respective_a duty_n occasion_n some_o of_o they_o more_o obloquy_n than_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o sacred_a discipline_n do_v other_o for_o this_o latter_a have_v a_o direct_a aim_n and_o tendency_n to_o suppress_v our_o darling_n sin_n and_o to_o put_v we_o to_o shame_v for_o their_o commission_n we_o labour_v to_o beat_v it_o down_o with_o the_o same_o engine_n that_o those_o factionist_n in_o numb_a 16_o use_v against_o the_o priesthood_n namely_o as_o a_o thing_n useless_a and_o unnecessary_a they_o indeed_o do_v so_o upon_o the_o pretence_n of_o their_o own_o sanctity_n but_o we_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o our_o stubborness_n i_o know_v alas_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n excommunication_n or_o church-censure_n be_v become_v very_o contemptible_a and_o sink_v so_o low_a in_o some_o man_n opinion_n that_o they_o rise_v not_o above_o the_o estimate_n of_o artificial_a fire_n or_o mere_a noisy_a thunder_n but_o yet_o in_o their_o original_a institution_n and_o primitive_a practice_n nothing_o be_v more_o high_a and_o dreadful_a and_o it_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o great_a mercy_n in_o god_n and_o a_o singular_a honour_n for_o the_o clergy_n to_o confer_v upon_o they_o no_o less_o a_o power_n than_o to_o deliver_v obstinate_a sinner_n over_o unto_o satan_n to_o take_v full_a possession_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o to_o sentence_v they_o to_o the_o everlasting_a pain_n of_o hell_n and_o likewise_o a_o power_n to_o release_v penitent_a soul_n from_o the_o chain_n of_o darkness_n and_o bondage_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o to_o restore_v they_o to_o the_o glorious_a liberty_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n whereby_o they_o be_v make_v heir_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o yet_o this_o power_n whereof_o angel_n will_v be_v ambitious_a christ_n confer_v upon_o the_o clergy_n when_o he_o say_v unto_o his_o apostle_n who_o soever_o sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v unto_o they_o and_o who_o soever_o sin_n you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v and_o as_o these_o word_n give_v a_o power_n of_o public_a exclusion_n out_o of_o the_o church_n for_o scandalous_a enormity_n and_o readmission_n into_o it_o upon_o repentance_n it_o undoubted_o belong_v to_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n as_o they_o be_v pure_o clergy_n and_o to_o none_o else_o whatsoever_o as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o first_o collation_n of_o this_o power_n in_o st._n john_n 20.22_o and_o the_o exercise_n of_o these_o censure_n be_v so_o much_o the_o work_n of_o church-governers_a that_o st._n paul_n call_v they_o the_o weapon_n of_o their_o spiritual_a warfare_n by_o which_o they_o cast_v down_o imagination_n and_o every_o high_a thing_n that_o exalt_v itself_o against_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o bring_v into_o captivity_n every_o thought_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 10.4_o 5._o and_o this_o power_n in_o its_o first_o derivation_n be_v execute_v with_o signal_n severity_n such_o as_o this_o age_n will_v hardly_o be_v induce_v to_o believe_v and_o that_o too_o when_o there_o be_v no_o temporal_a sword_n to_o assist_v these_o spiritual_a weapon_n but_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o advise_v what_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v in_o such_o a_o state_n of_o the_o church_n as_o we_o be_v wherein_o the_o enormity_n of_o some_o give_v they_o a_o sort_n of_o impunity_n who_o have_v separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o church_n be_v also_o in_o their_o own_o esteem_n at_o least_o get_v out_o of_o the_o power_n of_o its_o censure_n and_o as_o to_o many_o of_o those_o who_o stay_v within_o the_o church_n through_o a_o long_a forbearance_n of_o this_o rod_n they_o be_v grow_v too_o heady_a to_o be_v bring_v under_o correction_n and_o both_o principle_n of_o liberty_n and_o a_o long_o vncorrect_v wickedness_n be_v ready_a to_o dispute_v all_o ecclesiastical_a restraint_n and_o will_v rather_o have_v no_o church_n at_o all_o than_o one_o with_o censure_n but_o as_o this_o do_v no_o way_n evacuate_v the_o power_n so_o neither_o shall_v it_o rebate_v its_o exercise_n but_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o more_o prudent_o assert_v be_v thus_o unjust_o gainsay_v however_o it_o will_v not_o unbecome_v such_o as_o be_v chief_o concern_v in_o the_o management_n of_o the_o church-censure_n by_o no_o lukewarm_a execution_n thereof_o to_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o mere_a bruta_n fulmina_fw-la and_o no_o such_o proper_a remedy_n to_o cure_v the_o offence_n in_o christianity_n as_o they_o be_v pretend_v and_o if_o religion_n can_v but_o get_v such_o countenance_n by_o a_o watchful_a menage_n of_o church-censure_n as_o to_o strike_v the_o open_a sinner_n with_o fear_n of_o be_v turn_v out_o of_o christian_a company_n and_o to_o be_v avoid_v as_o unfit_a for_o conversation_n if_o not_o conscience_n yet_o reputation_n will_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n restrain_v they_o not_o to_o be_v think_v fit_a
the_o world_n have_v revile_v under_o the_o most_o hateful_a and_o ignominious_a title_n it_o be_v but_o reason_n for_o his_o minister_n to_o expect_v to_o be_v proportionable_o deal_v with_o in_o their_o respective_a order_n and_o place_n and_o as_o christ_n exhort_v his_o first_o clergy_n not_o to_o despond_v or_o be_v terrify_v by_o any_o thing_n shall_v befall_v they_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a to_o be_v courageous_a and_o undaunted_a in_o their_o ministry_n so_o the_o regular_a clergy_n of_o our_o own_o church_n ought_v not_o to_o let_v their_o present_a contempt_n damp_n their_o spirit_n depress_v their_o courage_n dishearten_v their_o industry_n or_o weaken_v their_o hand_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o due_o consider_v this_o do_v altogether_o oblige_v they_o to_o a_o more_o signal_n care_n that_o through_o this_o cloud_n of_o ignominy_n and_o contempt_n their_o innocency_n may_v break_v forth_o as_o the_o light_n and_o their_o just_a deal_n as_o the_o noonday_n and_o with_o a_o great_a zeal_n they_o shall_v now_o assert_v the_o sacredness_n and_o honour_n of_o their_o call_v against_o the_o affront_v and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o a_o unpropitious_a and_o gainsay_v world_n it_o be_v true_a the_o contempt_n we_o speak_v of_o be_v able_a to_o vie_v antiquity_n with_o the_o best_a thing_n but_o the_o person_n that_o now_o use_v it_o have_v no_o more_o cause_n to_o glory_n in_o this_o antiquity_n than_o in_o murder_n and_o lie_v which_o be_v no_o less_o ancient_a than_o the_o old_a serpent_n nor_o will_v they_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o vindicate_v themselves_o upon_o the_o quality_n of_o their_o predecessor_n when_o they_o shall_v see_v they_o to_o have_v be_v person_n of_o corrupt_a judgement_n factious_a schismatical_a and_o apostate_n man_n of_o the_o great_a vice_n and_o base_a interest_n of_o the_o worst_a principle_n and_o most_o ill-governed_a passion_n rash_a inconsiderate_a and_o foolish_a in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n rage_v wave_n of_o the_o sea_n foam_v out_o their_o own_o shame_n the_o rest_n of_o who_o character_n may_v be_v make_v out_o of_o st._n judas_n one_o main_a end_n of_o who_o epistle_n be_v to_o acquaint_v the_o world_n what_o kind_n of_o person_n those_o be_v who_o speak_v evil_a of_o dignity_n or_o deal_v contumelious_o with_o the_o clergy_n and_o st._n peter_n speak_v of_o the_o same_o subject_a describe_v the_o contemner_n to_o be_v a_o bold_a insolent_a sort_n of_o man_n 2_o pet._n 2.10_o etc._n etc._n chap._n ix_o a_o survey_n of_o the_o pretence_n for_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o clergy_n first_o want_v of_o example_n the_o first_o pretence_n which_o with_o great_a speciousness_n and_o plausibility_n be_v bring_v to_o adjust_a the_o contempt_n of_o the_o clergy_n be_v the_o faultiness_n of_o their_o carriage_n for_o this_o be_v once_o surmise_v we_o quick_o find_v they_o reflect_v upon_o with_o a_o physician_n cure_v thyself_o pluck_v the_o beam_n out_o of_o thy_o own_o eye_n thou_o that_o teach_v other_o why_o do_v thou_o not_o teach_v thy_o self_n thou_o that_o say_v another_o shall_v not_o steal_v do_v thou_o commit_v sacrilege_n turpe_fw-la est_fw-la doctori_fw-la etc._n etc._n such_o as_o these_o be_v the_o usual_a topic_n whence_o contempt_n be_v pour_v upon_o the_o clergy_n in_o general_n especial_o by_o those_o who_o by_o a_o uncharitable_a synecdoche_n impute_v unto_o all_o the_o failure_n of_o a_o very_a few_o make_v the_o whole_a twelve_o to_o be_v unfaithful_a because_o one_o of_o they_o betray_v his_o master_n and_o yet_o be_v this_o accusation_n as_o true_a as_o it_o be_v manifest_o otherwise_o and_o that_o the_o clergy_n be_v as_o ill-governed_a man_n as_o those_o usual_o be_v who_o despise_v they_o yet_o those_o who_o reflect_v man_n bad_a example_n when_o they_o may_v possible_o happen_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o their_o call_v seem_v either_o not_o right_o to_o understand_v or_o not_o due_o to_o consider_v what_o that_o be_v which_o with_o so_o much_o noise_n they_o make_v use_v of_o for_o if_o they_o do_v either_o clear_o apprehend_v or_o mature_o weigh_v the_o nature_n and_o importance_n of_o example_n they_o will_v certain_o confess_v that_o the_o bad_a be_v utter_o to_o be_v avoid_v and_o the_o goodâ—ever_n â—ever_z to_o be_v make_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o our_o action_n but_o that_o the_o best_a example_n be_v chief_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o helps_z and_o furtherance_n spur_n and_o incentives_n to_o well-doing_n and_o that_o when_o we_o grow_v dull_a and_o unactive_a flat_a and_o drowsy_a in_o our_o duty_n we_o may_v rouse_v and_o awaken_v ourselves_o to_o a_o great_a vigour_n and_o fervency_n by_o reflect_v upon_o the_o zeal_n and_o industry_n of_o other_o it_o be_v true_a example_n be_v a_o very_a short_a and_o plain_a way_n of_o instruction_n but_o it_o be_v true_a also_o that_o as_o our_o action_n at_o the_o last_o shall_v be_v examine_v try_v and_o sentence_v so_o they_o be_v now_o to_o be_v direct_v only_o by_o divine_a precept_n he_o therefore_o just_o incur_v the_o imputation_n of_o obey_v man_n rather_o than_o god_n who_o in_o this_o case_n follow_v example_n and_o not_o the_o cammandment_n those_o who_o upon_o this_o account_n assault_v the_o clergy_n with_o no_o less_o clamour_n than_o i_o be_o afraid_a ill-will_n seem_v not_o always_o to_o be_v man_n of_o so_o much_o justice_n and_o ingenuity_n as_o to_o afford_v that_o good_a example_n they_o so_o loud_o call_v for_o notwithstanding_o that_o every_o one_o from_o the_o spade_n to_o the_o sceptre_n be_v as_o much_o oblige_v to_o a_o exemplary_a conversation_n as_o those_o of_o the_o priesthood_n for_o as_o to_o the_o influence_n of_o example_n it_o be_v proportionable_o the_o same_o in_o all_o rank_n of_o man_n and_o at_o the_o great_a impartial_a audit_n account_v thereof_o will_v undoubted_o be_v exact_v without_o respect_n of_o person_n and_o the_o people_n as_o strict_o reckon_v with_o as_o the_o priest_n the_o quality_n of_o person_n can_v make_v no_o alteration_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n nor_o render_v that_o a_o vice_n or_o virtue_n in_o one_o man_n which_o be_v none_o in_o another_o and_o when_o man_n of_o any_o rank_n or_o condition_n high_a or_o low_o become_v defective_a in_o that_o exemplariness_n of_o life_n which_o the_o quality_n and_o relation_n wherein_o they_o stand_v require_v from_o they_o then_o i_o conceive_v that_o all_o those_o coal_n may_v be_v heap_v upon_o their_o head_n which_o with_o so_o great_a impetuousness_n be_v cast_v upon_o the_o clergy_n it_o will_v also_o high_o import_v those_o who_o contemn_v the_o clergy_n upon_o the_o account_n we_o now_o speak_v of_o to_o be_v sober_o careful_a lest_o by_o give_v too_o much_o to_o their_o personal_a concernment_n they_o make_v not_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o god_n ordinance_n to_o depend_v upon_o the_o holiness_n of_o those_o who_o dispense_v they_o and_o if_o in_o some_o measure_n man_n be_v not_o taint_v with_o this_o error_n they_o will_v fix_v their_o eye_n upon_o god_n and_o his_o institution_n and_o look_v upon_o the_o minister_n of_o his_o word_n and_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n as_o the_o greek_a church_n do_v in_o the_o euchologue_n already_o mention_v wherein_o she_o praise_v god_n that_o of_o his_o infinite_a condescension_n he_o have_v give_v they_o master_n and_o teacher_n not_o only_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o like_a infirmity_n with_o themselves_o but_o also_o of_o like_a guilt_n and_o under_o the_o same_o condemnation_n and_o we_o have_v no_o small_a obligation_n to_o be_v true_o thankful_a to_o the_o almighty_a that_o he_o have_v place_v in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n such_o to_o offer_v spiritual_a oblation_n and_o sacrifice_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o people_n as_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o their_o infirmity_n and_o who_o in_o themselves_o know_v the_o burden_n and_o subtlety_n of_o sin_n to_o who_o our_o access_n may_v be_v the_o more_o free_a and_o easy_a and_o who_o we_o be_v to_o value_v according_a to_o their_o office_n and_o employment_n for_o who_o be_v paul_n or_o who_o be_v apollo_n but_o minister_n by_o who_o we_o believe_v even_o as_o god_n give_v to_o every_o man_n paul_n may_v plant_v and_o apollo_n water_n but_o neither_o be_v he_o that_o plant_v any_o thing_n neither_o he_o that_o water_v but_o god_n that_o give_v the_o increase_n if_o the_o eloquent_a apollo_n or_o learned_a paul_n live_v the_o holy_a lesson_n they_o teach_v it_o be_v their_o crown_n &_o praise_n and_o likewise_o of_o great_a moment_n to_o the_o people_n who_o out_o of_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n be_v hardly_o bring_v to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v not_o attest_v by_o the_o example_n and_o practice_n of_o those_o who_o preach_v it_o but_o still_o the_o water_n be_v the_o same_o and_o as_o full_a of_o cool_v and_o
the_o contemner_n shall_v be_v so_o far_o move_v with_o what_o have_v be_v say_v as_o to_o quit_v this_o first_o pretence_n of_o their_o contempt_n yet_o their_o great_a desire_n to_o finish_v what_o they_o have_v begin_v will_v quick_o furnish_v they_o with_o other_o pretence_n and_o here_o it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o suppose_v they_o assault_v the_o credit_n of_o the_o clergy_n with_o the_o old_a accusation_n of_o idleness_n which_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o vice_n of_o so_o debase_v a_o quality_n that_o it_o may_v just_o lessen_v the_o reputation_n of_o any_o man_n who_o therewith_o be_v infect_v and_o it_o be_v likewise_o so_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o work_n or_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n that_o i_o be_o persuade_v there_o be_v none_o of_o that_o call_v can_v thereof_o be_v guilty_a or_o at_o least_o not_o to_o that_o degree_n which_o a_o malign_v world_n will_v render_v they_o for_o if_o we_o may_v suppose_v the_o present_a clergy_n to_o be_v man_n of_o so_o much_o understanding_n as_o to_o know_v the_o nature_n of_o idleness_n and_o industry_n that_o according_a to_o a_o prophet_n of_o their_o own_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o troublesome_a to_o a_o good_a mind_n than_o to_o do_v nothing_o that_o idleness_n be_v no_o less_o devoid_a of_o comfort_n than_o of_o profit_n while_o both_o be_v the_o genâ—â—n_a income_n of_o industry_n that_o beside_o the_o furtherance_n of_o their_o estate_n the_o mind_n do_v both_o delight_n and_o better_v itself_o by_o exercise_n that_o it_o fare_v with_o most_o as_o with_o the_o man_n after_o god_n own_o heart_n who_o no_o temptation_n dare_v assail_v while_o he_o be_v take_v up_o with_o business_n of_o importance_n and_o the_o public_a care_n of_o state_n etc._n etc._n when_o this_o and_o infinite_a more_o become_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o clergyman_n thought_n or_o indeed_o of_o any_o he_o can_v but_o have_v all_o idleness_n and_o sloth_n not_o only_o under_o a_o jealous_a but_o a_o detestable_a aspect_n and_o yet_o its_o sordid_a nature_n do_v not_o render_v it_o fit_a for_o our_o avoidance_n than_o its_o consequence_n which_o though_o to_o all_o be_v very_o pernicious_a yet_o to_o none_o more_o than_o to_o the_o clergy_n as_o may_v be_v collect_v from_o those_o fearful_a commination_n so_o frequent_o denounce_v against_o such_o pastor_n as_o through_o their_o idleness_n destroy_v and_o scatter_v the_o sheep_n of_o god_n pasture_n to_o who_o the_o lord_n say_v express_o i_o will_v visit_v you_o for_o the_o wickedness_n of_o your_o work_n and_o the_o remnant_n of_o my_o sheep_n will_v i_o gather_v together_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o their_o fold_n and_o i_o will_v set_v up_o shepherd_n over_o they_o that_o will_v feed_v they_o and_o the_o threaten_a reach_n all_o those_o shepherd_n who_o take_v more_o care_n to_o feed_v themselves_o than_o the_o flock_n who_o eat_v the_o fat_a and_o clothe_v themselves_o with_o the_o wool_n but_o look_v not_o to_o the_o strengthen_n of_o the_o weak_a the_o heal_n of_o the_o sick_a to_o bind_v up_o the_o break_a to_o bring_v home_o again_o that_o which_o be_v drive_v away_o and_o to_o inquire_v after_o that_o which_o be_v lose_v all_o which_o sheep_n the_o lord_n have_v swear_v to_o require_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o such_o careless_a shepherd_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o jer._n 23._o and_o ezek._n 34._o a_o great_a part_n of_o which_o chapter_n be_v inspire_v to_o this_o purpose_n to_o this_o may_v be_v add_v st._n paul_n advice_n to_o the_o asian_a clergy_n act._n 20.28_o take_v heed_n to_o yourselves_o and_o to_o all_o the_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o overseer_n to_o feed_v the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n and_o 2_o tim._n 4.1_o i_o charge_v thou_o before_o god_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o shall_v judge_v the_o quick_a and_o the_o dead_a when_o he_o appear_v in_o his_o kingdom_n preach_v the_o word_n be_v instant_a in_o season_n out_o of_o season_n reprove_v rebuke_n exhort_v with_o all_o lenity_n and_o diligent_a instruction_n now_o if_o it_o be_v safe_a for_o we_o to_o presume_v the_o clergy_n both_o to_o read_v and_o weigh_v those_o dreadful_a menace_n so_o frequent_o utter_v from_o god_n by_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o prophet_n against_o sloth_n and_o carelessness_n in_o his_o messenger_n or_o those_o many_o earnest_a exhortation_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n for_o its_o prevention_n and_o amendment_n we_o may_v charitable_o conclude_v that_o they_o will_v not_o dare_v to_o take_v part_n therewith_o not_o only_o for_o fear_n of_o man_n contempt_n but_o the_o consume_a wrath_n of_o god_n and_o if_o we_o may_v further_o presume_v that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o understanding_n yet_o leave_v in_o the_o clergy_n as_o to_o enable_v they_o to_o apprehend_v the_o greatness_n of_o their_o task_n and_o how_o it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o to_o raise_v up_o the_o fall_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o demolish_v that_o of_o satan_n etc._n etc._n and_o how_o that_o the_o fruit_n of_o so_o do_v be_v no_o mean_a than_o the_o save_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o they_o too_o of_o who_o they_o have_v take_v the_o charge_n and_o one_o day_n must_v give_v a_o account_n if_o we_o may_v yet_o further_o presume_v that_o the_o clergy_n do_v in_o some_o tolerable_a manner_n comprehend_v the_o importance_n of_o those_o several_a title_n with_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v invest_v they_o and_o how_o that_o they_o be_v as_o so_o many_o memorial_n and_o monitor_n of_o labour_n diligence_n and_o care_n in_o short_a if_o we_o may_v presume_v the_o clergy_n like_o other_o man_n to_o wear_v their_o eye_n in_o their_o head_n and_o apprehend_v and_o consider_v such_o obvious_a and_o plain_a thing_n as_o we_o now_o speak_v it_o may_v be_v hope_v upon_o the_o stock_n of_o common_a ingenuity_n that_o they_o will_v never_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o run_v to_o moss_n or_o let_v god_n house_n drop_v through_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o idleness_n of_o their_o hand_n or_o endure_v to_o see_v the_o flock_n depend_v upon_o their_o feed_n to_o grow_v cold_a in_o their_o zeal_n droop_v in_o their_o courage_n faint_v in_o their_o spiritual_a strength_n and_o enfeeble_v in_o all_o their_o grace_n and_o all_o this_o to_o please_v a_o vice_n which_o be_v unmanly_a in_o itself_o foul_o derogatory_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o their_o call_v contradictory_n of_o their_o title_n and_o in_o they_o of_o more_o dreadful_a consequence_n than_o it_o can_v possible_o be_v in_o any_o other_o in_o the_o last_o place_n if_o we_o may_v suppose_v the_o clergy_n to_o remember_v and_o make_v conscience_n of_o that_o promise_n of_o faithful_a diligence_n which_o they_o make_v to_o god_n and_o the_o church_n when_o they_o be_v receive_v into_o holy_a order_n this_o alone_a will_v be_v sucffiient_a effectual_o to_o bind_v they_o to_o bend_v their_o whole_a endeavour_n without_o fraud_n or_o sophistication_n to_o the_o due_a discharge_n of_o their_o office_n be_v well_o assure_v that_o small_a benefit_n will_v accrue_v to_o the_o church_n from_o their_o ability_n if_o they_o be_v not_o faithful_a for_o the_o clergy_n can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o their_o sufficiency_n without_o endeavour_n to_o do_v that_o good_a which_o their_o place_n require_v be_v no_o better_a than_o wrap_v the_o talon_n in_o a_o napkin_n industry_n with_o lesser_a part_n be_v more_o serviceable_a to_o religion_n than_o great_a learning_n without_o it_o and_o a_o idle_a be_v little_o better_a than_o a_o blind_a guide_n and_o be_v persuade_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o clergy_n serious_a meditation_n i_o can_v imagine_v they_o shall_v ever_o be_v guilty_a of_o that_o idleness_n which_o so_o malapert_o be_v lay_v at_o their_o door_n but_o i_o be_o rather_o induce_v to_o believe_v that_o that_o which_o in_o they_o bear_v this_o odious_a name_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o regular_a performance_n of_o their_o duty_n partly_o occasion_v by_o their_o carriage_n who_o prefer_v the_o please_a of_o some_o man_n caprice_n before_o the_o observation_n of_o their_o rule_n in_o which_o rank_n it_o may_v be_v no_o great_a iniquity_n to_o place_v all_o those_o who_o make_v all_o other_o part_n of_o the_o church_n tributary_n to_o the_o pulpit_n by_o which_o they_o have_v occasion_v a_o capricious_a sort_n of_o people_n to_o conclude_v all_o public_a service_n to_o be_v preach_v and_o to_o esteem_v all_o those_o to_o be_v dumb_a dog_n who_o open_v not_o as_o often_o as_o they_o please_v and_o in_o a_o sense_n different_a to_o the_o apostle_n preach_v the_o word_n in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n but_o as_o for_o my_o own_o part_n when_o i_o observe_v our_o clergy_n to_o pray_v preach_v and_o catechise_v as_o the_o church_n enjoin_v and_o direct_v they_o
abuse_n creep_v into_o the_o indulgence_n of_o plurality_n if_o those_o who_o be_v so_o forward_o to_o enjoy_v it_o will_v remember_v what_o in_o duty_n and_o conscience_n towards_o god_n and_o the_o church_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o perform_v for_o they_o can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o those_o to_o who_o plurality_n of_o chuch-preferment_n be_v grant_v be_v bind_v to_o requite_v that_o grant_v by_o a_o industry_n answerable_a to_o that_o plurality_n and_o that_o they_o be_v to_o excel_v as_o much_o in_o labour_n as_o in_o dignity_n and_o benefit_n and_o therefore_o unless_o they_o faithful_o answer_v the_o church_n expectation_n in_o bend_v their_o labour_n to_o sow_v as_o well_o as_o reap_v and_o to_o make_v their_o pain_n as_o far_o to_o exceed_v their_o brethren_n as_o their_o preferment_n and_o income_n in_o a_o word_n unless_o they_o perform_v those_o office_n to_o which_o the_o very_a accpetance_n of_o plural_a preferment_n and_o benefice_n do_v formal_o bind_v let_v they_o be_v well_o assure_v say_v my_o pious_a and_o learned_a author_n that_o the_o honey_n which_o they_o eat_v by_o fraud_n shall_v turn_v in_o the_o end_n to_o gall_n and_o that_o which_o be_v nutriment_n in_o the_o mouth_n shall_v prove_v gravel_n in_o the_o bowel_n and_o though_o their_o subtle_a and_o colourable_a deal_n herein_o may_v not_o be_v take_v in_o the_o walk_n of_o humane_a justice_n yet_o he_o the_o sacred_a image_n of_o who_o wisdom_n appear_v in_o the_o law_n of_o man_n will_v at_o last_o severe_o punish_v it_o and_o now_o the_o only_a apology_n that_o can_v be_v make_v for_o the_o clergy_n in_o this_o concern_n will_v be_v their_o own_o speedy_a endeavour_n to_o grow_v innocent_a by_o avoid_v all_o those_o thing_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v which_o may_v occasion_v offend_v and_o use_v no_o method_n in_o the_o obtain_n church_n benefice_n but_o such_o as_o be_v just_a ingenuous_a and_o canonical_a and_o wave_v all_o those_o privilege_n which_o contrary_a to_o the_o primitive_a canon_n give_v leave_n to_o hold_v church-preferment_n in_o more_o diocese_n than_o one_o a_o abuse_n as_o one_o have_v well_o observe_v bring_v in_o by_o the_o papacy_n when_o the_o see_v of_o rome_n seek_v benefice_n all_o over_o christendom_n grant_v privilege_n to_o dissolve_v the_o ancient_a discipline_n on_o purpose_n to_o enrich_v themselves_o and_o their_o favourite_n but_o this_o which_o be_v now_o speak_v have_v no_o design_n to_o lay_v covetousness_n and_o therewith_o contempt_n at_o the_o door_n of_o any_o who_o be_v studious_a first_o to_o deserve_v and_o next_o to_o obtain_v plural_a preferment_n upon_o the_o term_n we_o have_v now_o mention_v nor_o yet_o to_o blame_v those_o who_o the_o scantiness_n of_o their_o present_a fortune_n move_v to_o seek_v for_o large_a on_o purpose_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o perform_v more_o singular_a service_n for_o god_n and_o the_o church_n but_o what_o have_v be_v say_v respect_v those_o especial_o who_o look_v not_o to_o be_v furnish_v with_o such_o qualification_n as_o be_v suppose_v by_o that_o indulgence_n of_o the_o law_n which_o they_o so_o hazardous_o make_v use_n of_o to_o their_o own_o spiritual_a danger_n detriment_n of_o the_o deserve_a clergy_n and_o reproach_n of_o the_o whole_a profession_n etc._n etc._n and_o though_o what_o have_v be_v already_o suggest_v may_v with_o unbiased_a judgement_n suffice_v to_o evince_v the_o falseness_n and_o iniquity_n of_o their_o carriage_n who_o pretend_v idleness_n pride_n and_o covetousness_n in_o the_o clergy_n to_o be_v the_o reason_n for_o which_o they_o be_v move_v to_o contemn_v they_o yet_o we_o may_v safe_o suppose_v that_o those_o who_o be_v most_o active_a in_o this_o contempt_n will_v be_v no_o otherwise_o though_o the_o clergy_n be_v as_o blameless_a therein_o as_o the_o star_n and_o angel_n to_o which_o they_o be_v compare_v and_o in_o particular_n as_o innocent_a as_o be_v once_o the_o man_n without_o a_o navel_n for_o where_o the_o credit_n and_o reverence_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v once_o concern_v it_o be_v not_o what_o they_o be_v but_o what_o prejudice_n represent_v they_o and_o beside_o all_o this_o the_o contemner_n know_v themselves_o herein_o to_o be_v safe_a while_o they_o be_v not_o ignorant_a how_o the_o fortitude_n of_o the_o clergy_n be_v whole_o passive_a and_o that_o they_o be_v naked_a of_o all_o other_o weapon_n but_o prayer_n and_o patience_n and_o indeed_o what_o but_o lowliness_n &_o meekness_n can_v become_v his_o substitute_n who_o be_v revile_v revile_v not_o again_o and_o who_o enjoin_v his_o proselyte_n in_o general_a to_o recompense_v evil_a with_o good_a and_o curse_v with_o blessing_n so_o that_o these_o contemner_n find_v themselves_o out_o of_o danger_n not_o only_o of_o duel_n and_o challenge_n but_o also_o of_o recrimination_n and_o revile_v they_o heroical_o manage_v their_o province_n of_o disgrace_n and_o contempt_n whet_v their_o tongue_n and_o in_o a_o harsh_a metaphor_n then_o wound_v therewith_o by_o reproach_n those_o who_o they_o know_v will_v never_o answer_v they_o at_o that_o weapon_n and_o indeed_o these_o contemner_n fall_v under_o the_o clergy_n christian_a consideration_n will_v be_v find_v fit_a object_n of_o their_o pity_n than_o anger_n and_o more_o proper_a to_o be_v pray_v for_o than_o reproach_v and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o clergy_n do_v zealous_o pray_v for_o their_o contemner_n as_o their_o great_a master_n do_v for_o his_o crucifier_n father_n forgive_v they_o for_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o do_v chap._n xiii_o a_o survey_n of_o some_o of_o the_o real_a ground_n of_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o clergy_n have_v make_v this_o brief_a research_n into_o the_o more_o usual_a and_o tread_a pretence_n of_o the_o contempt_n of_o our_o present_a clergy_n and_o find_v they_o to_o be_v but_o mere_a pretence_n arise_v chief_o from_o prejudice_n and_o mistake_n the_o next_o part_n of_o our_o province_n be_v to_o inquire_v into_o such_o ground_n of_o this_o contempt_n as_o seem_v more_o genuine_a and_o real_a not_o that_o i_o suppose_v any_o true_a reason_n can_v be_v render_v why_o the_o clergy_n as_o such_o shall_v at_o all_o be_v contemn_v any_o more_o than_o god_n and_o christ_n who_o share_n with_o they_o in_o the_o contempt_n according_a to_o st._n luke_n 10.16_o etc._n etc._n 1_o thes_n 4.8_o but_o that_o the_o true_a ground_n of_o this_o contempt_n be_v not_o the_o personal_a lapse_n of_o the_o clergy_n as_o be_v pretend_v but_o the_o nature_n and_o management_n of_o their_o function_n as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o function_n it_o be_v well_o know_v to_o consist_v in_o turn_v man_n from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n and_o to_o teach_v all_o those_o who_o undertake_v christianity_n to_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a all_o the_o time_n of_o their_o be_v here_o on_o earth_n and_o as_o to_o the_o management_n of_o those_o thing_n wherein_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o ministry_n consist_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v zealous_a and_o impartial_a for_o as_o the_o clergy_n be_v the_o steward_n of_o the_o divine_a mystery_n they_o be_v by_o that_o title_n oblige_v to_o be_v faithful_a which_o they_o can_v pretend_v to_o be_v shall_v they_o cry_v peace_n peace_n to_o those_o who_o they_o see_v in_o open_a hostility_n against_o the_o prince_n of_o peace_n but_o their_o carriage_n must_v be_v like_o balaam_n who_o though_o a_o false_a prophet_n a_o houseful_a of_o gold_n and_o silver_n can_v not_o have_v hire_v to_o go_v one_o jot_n beyond_o the_o command_n of_o the_o lord_n now_o when_o the_o present_a clergy_n shall_v pursue_v the_o duty_n of_o their_o call_v with_o that_o integrity_n &_o faithfulness_n which_o god_n require_v at_o their_o hand_n ill-governed_n man_n usual_o deal_v with_o they_o as_o ahab_n with_o the_o prophet_n who_o with_o a_o loyal_a sincerity_n foretell_v the_o great_a disaster_n shall_v befall_v he_o for_o his_o wicked_a conversation_n we_o read_v of_o herod_n listen_v to_o the_o austere_a baptist_n and_o of_o the_o many_o good_a thing_n he_o do_v at_o his_o exhortation_n and_o how_o he_o have_v he_o in_o no_o small_a veneration_n till_o he_o tell_v he_o of_o his_o filthy_a association_n with_o another_o man_n wife_n and_o s._n paul_n meet_v with_o no_o other_o interruption_n in_o his_o discourse_n till_o he_o come_v to_o a_o close_a reason_n of_o continence_n before_o he_o who_o live_v in_o unlawful_a concubinage_n and_o long_o before_o this_o too_o we_o find_v a_o friendly_a and_o pious_a advice_n turn_v to_o the_o reproach_n of_o he_o that_o give_v it_o as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o lot_n who_o the_o filthy_a sodomite_n accuse_v of_o pragmaticalness_n because_o he_o meek_o advise_v they_o to_o desist_v from_o that_o more_o than_o brutal_a violence_n and_o impurity_n which_o