be_v ambulatory_a and_o the_o holy_a office_n consign_v to_o the_o first-born_a or_o chief_a of_o each_o family_n for_o the_o priesthood_n do_v not_o begin_v in_o aaron_n but_o be_v translate_v and_o confer_v upon_o his_o family_n before_o his_o consecration_n for_o those_o young_a man_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n which_o offer_v burnt-offering_n and_o sacrifice_v peace-offering_n of_o ox_n unto_o the_o lord_n exod._n 24.5_o as_o they_o be_v priest_n so_o without_o question_n they_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o first-born_a to_o who_o the_o priesthood_n do_v belong_v but_o as_o soon_o as_o god_n begin_v to_o constitute_v a_o church_n he_o begin_v also_o to_o fix_v the_o priesthood_n and_o appoint_v aaron_n to_o minister_v the_o public_a service_n and_o during_o the_o levitical_a dispensation_n the_o succession_n of_o the_o priesthood_n be_v continue_v in_o aaron_n posterity_n and_o the_o high-priesthood_n tie_v to_o the_o line_n of_o his_o first-born_a the_o rest_n of_o his_o posterity_n be_v simple_o term_v priest_n or_o priest_n of_o the_o second_o order_n now_o what_o be_v here_o chief_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o be_v aaron_n call_v to_o the_o priesthood_n which_o we_o be_v assure_v be_v from_o god_n so_o that_o neither_o aaron_n do_v at_o first_o nor_o any_o after_o he_o can_v legal_o take_v this_o honour_n to_o himself_o but_o all_o be_v call_v of_o god_n and_o this_o truth_n we_o find_v miraculous_o attest_v in_o the_o sudden_a and_o fearful_a destruction_n of_o those_o who_o undervalue_v the_o priest_n and_o factious_o usurp_v their_o office_n it_o be_v true_a aaron_n priesthood_n be_v but_o temporary_a and_o at_o the_o appoint_a season_n to_o expire_v and_o determine_v yet_o as_o long_o as_o it_o do_v continue_v it_o be_v lawful_a for_o none_o but_o those_o of_o his_o line_n to_o undertake_v it_o because_o god_n have_v so_o ordain_v and_o this_o divine_a ordinance_n of_o the_o priesthood_n be_v such_o a_o inviolable_a observation_n that_o even_o christ_n when_o he_o come_v to_o give_v himself_o a_o offer_v and_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n for_o a_o sweet-smelling_a savour_n and_o by_o the_o oblation_n of_o his_o own_o body_n make_v a_o atonement_n for_o our_o sin_n when_o christ_n i_o say_v become_v a_o aaronical_a priest_n and_o put_v a_o end_n to_o that_o sort_n of_o priesthood_n when_o he_o also_o become_v a_o priest_n according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o melchizedeck_v which_o last_v for_o ever_o both_o be_v by_o divine_a appointment_n as_o the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n distinct_o argue_v out_o of_o the_o second_o and_o the_o hundred_o and_o ten_o psalm_n but_o here_o it_o be_v worthy_a our_o remark_n that_o jesus_n be_v anoint_v with_o the_o unction_n of_o aaron_n to_o the_o sacerdotal_a office_n and_o not_o call_v after_o the_o order_n of_o aaron_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o our_o lord_n spring_v out_o of_o judah_n of_o which_o tribe_n moses_n speak_v nothing_o concern_v priesthood_n heb._n 7.14_o or_o that_o no_o priest_n shall_v come_v of_o that_o tribe_n but_o jesus_n be_v make_v a_o priest_n after_o a_o more_o ancient_a order_n according_a to_o the_o prediction_n of_o the_o psalmist_n the_o lord_n have_v swear_v and_o will_v not_o repent_v thou_o be_v a_o priest_n for_o ever_o after_o the_o order_n of_o melchizedeck_v but_o though_o he_o be_v of_o another_o order_n yet_o whatsoever_o aaron_n do_v as_o a_o priest_n be_v whole_o typical_a and_o to_o be_v fulfil_v in_o the_o messiah_n as_o he_o be_v a_o priest_n to_o which_o he_o have_v a_o double_a title_n the_o one_o of_o primogeniture_n as_o the_o first-begotten_a of_o god_n the_o other_o of_o unction_n as_o be_v anoint_v unto_o that_o office_n now_o if_o christ_n do_v not_o glorify_v himself_o to_o become_v a_o highpriest_n if_o as_o man_n he_o do_v not_o advance_v himself_o to_o that_o dignity_n but_o be_v thereunto_o advance_v by_o god_n then_o be_v the_o priesthood_n a_o office_n to_o who_o undertake_v more_o be_v require_v than_o personal_a ability_n and_o which_o none_o of_o right_n can_v undertake_v but_o either_o by_o god_n immediate_a or_o mediate_a call_n for_o though_o the_o meetness_n of_o the_o person_n ought_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o by_o man_n yet_o we_o can_v prescribe_v unto_o god_n or_o tell_v he_o who_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v hear_v by_o he_o in_o behalf_n of_o the_o people_n or_o who_o he_o ought_v to_o entertain_v in_o religious_a address_n nor_o be_v we_o able_a to_o yield_v a_o reason_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n why_o god_n shall_v accept_v of_o aaron_n more_o than_o of_o abiram_n or_o the_o mediation_n of_o any_o one_o man_n for_o many_o except_o the_o free_a pleasure_n of_o he_o that_o make_v the_o choice_n but_o to_o return_v if_o the_o more_o solemn_a institution_n of_o the_o clergy_n bear_v date_n only_o from_o the_o consecration_n of_o aaron_n yet_o it_o plain_o appear_v to_o be_v divine_a or_o of_o god_n own_o appointment_n and_o during_o the_o time_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a oeconomy_n be_v so_o sacred_a and_o inviolable_a that_o none_o can_v invade_v it_o under_o a_o gentle_a penance_n than_o sudden_a death_n or_o a_o leprosy_n and_o long_o before_o this_o too_o i_o mean_v before_o the_o erect_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n or_o temple_n and_o institution_n of_o priesthood_n when_o god_n be_v serve_v within_o private_a wall_n and_o the_o right_n of_o priesthood_n in_o every_o family_n be_v annex_v to_o the_o primogeniture_n so_o that_o the_o first-born_a be_v priest_n we_o read_v but_o of_o one_o contrary_a to_o custom_n who_o aspire_v unto_o it_o who_o ambition_n therein_o will_v have_v be_v utter_o inexcusable_a if_o the_o whole_a disposal_n of_o the_o matter_n have_v not_o be_v from_o god_n who_o love_v jacob_n but_o hate_v esau_n and_o make_v the_o elder_a to_o serve_v the_o young_a rom._n 9.12_o 13._o but_o though_o the_o levitick_a or_o aaronical_a priesthood_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n yet_o be_v whole_o typical_a and_o consequent_o to_o determine_v and_o because_o it_o be_v already_o past_a and_o go_v we_o be_v next_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o that_o clergy_n which_o succeed_v it_o chap._n v._o of_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o evangelical_n clergy_n when_o the_o great_a fulfiller_n of_o the_o law_n even_o the_o bless_a author_n of_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n in_o a_o most_o excellent_a manner_n make_v good_a that_o title_n and_o be_v draw_v to_o the_o last_o stage_n of_o his_o life_n and_o together_o with_o it_o to_o put_v a_o full_a end_n to_o the_o mosaic_a dispensation_n and_o abolish_v both_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o priesthood_n in_o that_o of_o himself_o when_o without_o a_o figure_n the_o immutable_a clergy_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o succeed_v into_o the_o mutable_a clergy_n of_o the_o law_n he_o call_v those_o apostle_n of_o who_o at_o first_o he_o make_v choice_n and_o give_v they_o power_n to_o erect_v and_o constitute_v a_o church_n and_o to_o transmit_v such_o power_n unto_o other_o as_o be_v proper_a for_o the_o continuance_n and_o propagation_n of_o the_o same_o now_o the_o commission_n which_o christ_n give_v to_o the_o apostle_n to_o empower_n they_o to_o this_o end_n be_v the_o chief_a thing_n to_o be_v consider_v and_o we_o meet_v with_o it_o at_o large_a as_o it_o be_v sign_v by_o our_o saviour_n immediate_o upon_o his_o ascension_n in_o s._n matth._n 28._o 18._o all_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o i_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n 19_o go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v or_o make_v all_o nation_n disciple_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 20._o teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n in_o which_o word_n christ_n first_o assert_n and_o declare_v his_o own_o commission_n show_v his_o apostle_n that_o what_o he_o do_v be_v not_o the_o result_n of_o his_o own_o private_a judgement_n but_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o authority_n which_o be_v give_v he_o of_o his_o father_n who_o have_v consign_v unto_o he_o a_o full_a power_n of_o order_v and_o dispose_v whatsoever_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n of_o which_o he_o be_v make_v the_o prince_n and_o head_n upon_o his_o rise_n from_o the_o grave_a and_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o relation_n stand_v oblige_v to_o provide_v for_o the_o preservation_n and_o increase_v thereof_o but_o how_o this_o shall_v be_v do_v be_v the_o doubt_n to_o be_v satisfy_v for_o christ_n in_o his_o own_o person_n can_v not_o make_v this_o provision_n for_o the_o church_n because_o as_o to_o his_o humane_a nature_n he_o be_v short_o to_o remove_v to_o heaven_n and_o there_o to_o abide_v until_o his_o come_n to_o
clergy_n in_o all_o age_n have_v undergo_v contempt_n the_o character_n of_o their_o contemner_n etc._n etc._n before_o we_o inquire_v into_o the_o pretence_n which_o be_v common_o bring_v for_o the_o contempt_n we_o speak_v of_o it_o will_v be_v expedient_a to_o consider_v that_o the_o despise_n of_o the_o clergy_n have_v be_v the_o unhappy_a carriage_n of_o other_o age_n as_o well_o as_o our_o own_o which_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o deplorable_o manifest_a that_o we_o need_v not_o much_o insist_v either_o upon_o its_o proof_n or_o declaration_n for_o if_o we_o sober_o consult_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n they_o will_v yield_v we_o undeniable_a attestation_n that_o to_o contemn_v the_o steward_n of_o mystery_n be_v a_o disease_n so_o epidemical_a in_o respect_n of_o time_n that_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v be_v entail_v upon_o the_o several_a generation_n of_o mankind_n as_o gehazi_n leprosy_n be_v upon_o his_o child_n for_o if_o we_o begin_v with_o enoch_n who_o be_v but_o the_o seven_o from_o adam_n and_o the_o first_o clergy_n the_o scripture_n mention_n though_o he_o be_v one_o who_o upright_a conversation_n obviate_v all_o exception_n as_o walk_v with_o god_n and_o please_a he_o and_o one_o who_o become_v a_o example_n of_o religiousness_n to_o all_o generation_n yet_o for_o all_o this_o he_o in_o his_o own_o person_n meet_v with_o obloquy_n and_o hard_a speech_n and_o prophesy_v of_o man_n who_o will_v so_o treat_v the_o clergy_n until_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n upon_o who_o god_n at_o last_o shall_v send_v his_o holy_a myriad_n infinite_a army_n of_o angel_n to_o take_v vengeance_n nor_o do_v it_o fare_v better_a herein_o with_o noah_n notwithstanding_o that_o he_o also_o walk_v with_o god_n and_o please_v he_o and_o be_v a_o pledge_n of_o the_o world_n and_o a_o preacher_n of_o righteousness_n and_o so_o want_v nothing_o to_o recommend_v he_o to_o the_o respect_n and_o reverence_n of_o his_o age._n yet_o for_o many_o year_n he_o be_v so_o far_o despise_v that_o none_o take_v notice_n of_o his_o sermon_n unless_o to_o deride_v and_o pervert_v they_o for_o we_o read_v not_o of_o any_o who_o be_v reclaim_v by_o his_o preach_n but_o that_o all_o remain_v in_o as_o much_o carnal_a supineness_n obstinacy_n and_o disobedience_n as_o if_o noah_n have_v never_o tell_v they_o of_o their_o imminent_a danger_n and_o destruction_n by_o a_o deluge_n and_o by_o his_o build_n of_o a_o ark_n give_v they_o a_o sensible_a demonstration_n of_o what_o he_o foretell_v for_o they_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o follow_v their_o old_a trade_n of_o take_v strange_a woman_n to_o their_o wife_n and_o regard_v not_o till_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o sweep_v they_o all_o away_o if_o i_o may_v here_o insert_v moses_n among_o the_o priest_n because_o he_o be_v send_v from_o god_n to_o preach_v deliverance_n to_o israel_n we_o shall_v find_v he_o every_o where_o vilify_v and_o contemn_v the_o first_o essay_n of_o his_o message_n be_v entertain_v with_o a_o petulant_a question_n of_o his_o authority_n who_o make_v thou_o a_o judge_n over_o we_o and_o through_o the_o whole_a sacred_a legend_n of_o his_o life_n we_o find_v he_o continual_o oppose_v and_o speak_v against_o by_o conjurer_n factious_a and_o gainsaying_n zealot_n and_o the_o humoursome_a and_o uncertain_a multitude_n and_o as_o to_o the_o first_o highpriest_n the_o behaviour_n of_o corah_n and_o his_o adherent_n towards_o he_o be_v a_o sufficient_a testimony_n and_o illustration_n in_o this_o case_n and_o let_v pass_v the_o ancient_a patriarch_n who_o have_v no_o part_n of_o their_o life_n free_a from_o contumely_n and_o reproach_n if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o time_n of_o the_o prophet_n we_o may_v learn_v the_o lot_n of_o they_o all_o from_o that_o of_o jeremy_n who_o be_v mock_v jeer_v and_o droll_v upon_o mere_o for_o be_v a_o prophet_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o we_o need_v not_o fasten_v upon_o particular_n because_o we_o find_v by_o the_o general_a account_n give_v of_o the_o prophet_n suffering_n that_o they_o be_v no_o less_o than_o cruel_a mock_n &_o scourge_n band_n and_o imprisonment_n and_o the_o most_o exquisite_a kind_n of_o martyrdom_n be_v destitute_a afflict_a and_o torment_v nor_o be_v the_o clergy_n better_o deal_v with_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o in_o the_o year_n of_o its_o great_a efficacy_n when_o the_o apostle_n preach_v it_o with_o the_o pure_a zeal_n noble_a industry_n wise_a courage_n and_o in_o the_o true_a evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n they_o be_v traduce_v for_o the_o vile_a offender_n and_o account_v no_o better_o than_o the_o offscouring_a &_o laughing-game_n catharmata_fw-la ac_fw-la ludibria_fw-la as_o a_o modern_a apologist_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n we_o find_v one_o of_o they_o stone_v to_o death_n by_o those_o who_o be_v not_o able_a to_o resist_v the_o wisdom_n and_o the_o spirit_n by_o which_o he_o speak_v at_o one_o place_n a_o sorcerer_n at_o another_o a_o mechanic_n and_o at_o a_o three_o a_o sect_n of_o restless_a fanatic_n revile_v st._n paul_n at_o ephesus_n the_o tradesman_n impeach_v he_o in_o asia_n a_o sort_n of_o vile_a apostate_n utter_o deny_v his_o power_n and_o we_o can_v be_v ignorant_a how_o reverendly_a the_o apostle_n be_v treat_v by_o the_o virtuoso_n at_o athens_n when_o they_o call_v he_o spermologus_n a_o empty_a idle_a talkative_a fellow_n but_o the_o one_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n ought_v to_o supersede_n all_o other_o in_o this_o concern_v who_o be_v despise_v and_o reject_v of_o man_n and_o not_o esteem_v of_o in_o the_o world_n who_o kindred_n say_v he_o be_v beside_o himself_o and_o many_o say_v he_o have_v a_o devil_n and_o be_v mad_a who_o by_o some_o be_v call_v enchanter_n sorcerer_n and_o by_o other_o samaritan_n beelzebub_n glutton_n drunkard_n and_o to_o accomplish_v their_o slander_n of_o his_o credit_n they_o unjust_o scourge_v and_o most_o cruel_o crucify_a his_o person_n and_o put_v he_o to_o open_a shame_n and_o to_o leave_v they_o without_o any_o colour_n of_o reply_n they_o act_v all_o this_o villainy_n against_o christ_n when_o he_o be_v preach_v the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o salvation_n and_o therein_o lay_v down_o such_o rule_n of_o life_n as_o be_v more_o enlighten_v of_o the_o mind_n more_o advance_v of_o humane_a nature_n and_o more_o direct_o tend_v to_o the_o introduction_n and_o settlement_n of_o piety_n justice_n and_o goodwill_n among_o man_n than_o be_v contain_v either_o in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n or_o the_o institution_n of_o philosopher_n now_o if_o the_o prophet_n apostle_n and_o our_o lord_n himself_o be_v vex_v and_o interrupt_v with_o rebuke_n revile_n despite_n contumely_n etc._n etc._n while_o they_o press_v the_o world_n to_o believe_v and_o practice_v the_o truth_n it_o be_v then_o abundant_o clear_a that_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o clergy_n be_v no_o new_a invention_n nor_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o as_o the_o monster_n of_o the_o present_a age_n but_o that_o it_o have_v ever_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o unreasonable_a man_n for_o there_o be_v no_o place_n or_o time_n to_o be_v meet_v with_o since_o the_o plant_n or_o growth_n of_o religion_n wherein_o its_o minister_n have_v not_o by_o some_o be_v contemptuous_o entreat_v and_o we_o have_v no_o great_a hope_n to_o meet_v herein_o with_o amendment_n who_o live_v in_o those_o latter_a day_n in_o which_o st._n peter_n st._n paul_n and_o st._n judas_n with_o one_o mouth_n assure_v we_o that_o there_o shall_v not_o only_o be_v a_o departure_n from_o the_o faith_n but_o also_o scoffer_n and_o cruel_a mocker_n both_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o its_o minister_n and_o a_o race_n of_o ungodly_a man_n who_o will_v make_v the_o gospel_n itself_o matter_n of_o obloquy_n and_o shame_n to_o those_o who_o preach_v it_o of_o which_o sort_n be_v those_o miscreant_n who_o put_v st._n paul_n upon_o the_o apology_n i_o be_o not_o ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n for_o it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n to_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v to_o the_o jew_n first_o and_o also_o to_o the_o greek_a and_o therefore_o the_o present_a clergy_n ought_v not_o to_o repine_v or_o murmur_v to_o see_v themselves_o so_o bad_o deal_v with_o by_o the_o world_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o recollect_v as_o to_o consider_v that_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n it_o have_v also_o deal_v with_o the_o prophet_n apostle_n and_o christ_n himself_o and_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o the_o disciple_n that_o he_o be_v as_o his_o master_n and_o the_o servant_n as_o his_o lord_n if_o they_o have_v call_v the_o master_n of_o the_o house_n beelzebub_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v they_o call_v those_o of_o his_o household_n the_o most_o that_o a_o disciple_n or_o servant_n can_v aspire_v to_o be_v to_o come_v to_o his_o master_n perfection_n who_o if_o
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
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