requirean_a exact_v and_o particular_a discussion_n i_o will_v first_o resume_v the_o four_o character_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o religion_n which_o be_v truth_n holiness_n union_n and_o order_n 1._o all_o christian_a society_n boast_v that_o they_o profess_v the_o truth_n and_o that_o very_a thing_n be_v enough_o to_o show_v that_o many_o of_o they_o be_v in_o error_n since_o they_o do_v not_o agree_v among_o themselves_o about_o the_o article_n to_o be_v believe_v i_o will_v not_o enlarge_v on_o this_o head_n because_o it_o will_v lead_v i_o into_o many_o particular_n and_o in_o some_o respect_n into_o controversy_n i_o shall_v only_o say_v that_o if_o we_o do_v judge_v of_o what_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v in_o religion_n by_o that_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o principle_n and_o rule_n of_o faith_n among_o christian_n i_o mean_v the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o will_v soon_o perceive_v on_o which_o side_n the_o truth_n lie_v we_o may_v observe_v in_o that_o society_n which_o vaunt_v itself_o to_o be_v the_o pure_a of_o all_o and_o which_o even_o pretend_v to_o be_v infallible_a and_o the_o only_a true_a church_n exclusive_a of_o all_o other_o absurd_a tenet_n and_o monstrous_a doctrine_n equal_o repugnant_a to_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o we_o shall_v be_v convince_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o those_o church_n which_o do_v separate_v from_o that_o society_n be_v much_o more_o consonant_a to_o the_o gospel_n 2._o we_o must_v have_v a_o very_a mean_a notion_n of_o christianity_n if_o we_o can_v believe_v that_o holiness_n which_o be_v the_o second_o character_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v find_v among_o christian_n at_o this_o time_n the_o complaint_n of_o the_o last_o age_n be_v that_o religion_n want_v to_o be_v reform_v in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o manner_n it_o be_v reform_v in_o part_n by_o the_o reject_v of_o those_o error_n and_o abuse_n which_o be_v creep_v into_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o discipline_n but_o the_o reformation_n of_o manner_n be_v still_o behind_o the_o people_n have_v not_o as_o yet_o be_v reform_v in_o this_o regard_n except_o perhaps_o in_o those_o time_n and_o place_n where_o they_o have_v be_v persecute_v as_o for_o the_o rest_n they_o have_v scarce_o change_v any_o thing_n beside_o their_o belief_n and_o worship_n this_o alone_a prove_v that_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v yet_o imperfect_a holiness_n be_v the_o scope_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v the_o chief_a character_n of_o christianity_n so_o that_o where_o holiness_n and_o purity_n of_o manner_n be_v not_o religion_n must_v be_v very_o defective_a iii_o union_n peace_n and_o charity_n as_o be_v say_v before_o be_v one_o of_o the_o essential_a mark_n of_o the_o disciple_n and_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o where_o be_v this_o character_n to_o be_v find_v the_o church_n at_o this_o day_n be_v rend_v into_o faction_n and_o party_n we_o can_v say_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n we_o must_v say_v that_o there_o be_v many_o religion_n and_o church_n christian_n divide_v not_o only_o upon_o lawful_a ground_n which_o make_v separation_n necessary_a but_o about_o thing_n of_o small_a consequence_n upon_o the_o least_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n they_o pronounce_v anathema_n against_o one_o another_o form_n different_a sect_n and_o communion_n even_o those_o church_n which_o may_v have_v a_o common_a belief_n and_o interest_n be_v not_o unite_v those_o man_n who_o by_o their_o office_n shall_v be_v the_o minister_n of_o peace_n be_v but_o too_o often_o the_o firebrand_n of_o division_n i_o desire_v no_o other_o proof_n of_o this_o but_o that_o zeal_n which_o most_o divine_v express_v about_o the_o dispute_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o little_a disposition_n which_o be_v find_v among_o they_o to_o sacrifice_v some_o opinion_n or_o expression_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n i_o do_v not_o condemn_v all_o dispute_n without_o distinction_n for_o some_o be_v necessary_a the_o apostle_n command_v the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n to_o establish_v with_o care_n pure_a doctrine_n and_o to_o confute_v those_o who_o endeavour_n to_o corrupt_v it_o they_o do_v themselves_o on_o many_o occasion_n dispute_v against_o false_a teacher_n to_o desert_v the_o truth_n when_o attack_v be_v to_o make_v but_o little_a account_n of_o it_o this_o will_v be_v a_o betray_v the_o interest_n of_o piety_n since_o piety_n be_v always_o found_v upon_o truth_n dispute_v become_v necessary_a when_o essential_a truth_n be_v to_o be_v defend_v neither_o will_v i_o reduce_v all_o profitable_a or_o lawful_a dispute_n to_o those_o only_o which_o concern_v fundamental_o there_o be_v error_n which_o though_o not_o mortal_a yet_o be_v dangerous_a and_o so_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o oppose_v they_o and_o there_o be_v truth_n which_o though_o not_o fundamental_a be_v yet_o of_o great_a use_n in_o religion_n and_o may_v serve_v to_o confirm_v the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n it_o be_v fit_a that_o such_o truth_n shall_v be_v discuss_v provide_v this_o be_v do_v with_o moderation_n and_o honesty_n i_o only_o blame_v useless_a dispute_n or_o these_o which_o though_o they_o may_v have_v their_o use_n yet_o be_v accompany_v with_o those_o passion_n and_o disorder_n which_o blind_a zeal_n inspire_v such_o controversy_n which_o be_v but_o too_o common_a be_v extreme_o fatal_a to_o religion_n we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o express_v what_o mischief_n they_o occasion_n in_o the_o church_n and_o how_o prejudicial_a they_o be_v to_o the_o progress_n of_o christianity_n in_o general_n and_o of_o piety_n in_o particular_a it_o may_v seem_v at_o first_o that_o because_o the_o people_n do_v not_o take_v cognizance_n of_o these_o contest_v they_o shall_v prove_v hurtful_a only_o to_o those_o learned_a man_n by_o who_o alone_o they_o be_v manage_v but_o yet_o the_o whole_a church_n feel_v the_o ill_a effect_n of_o they_o 1._o by_o reason_n of_o these_o dispute_n the_o people_n be_v destitute_a of_o edification_n or_o at_o least_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v all_o the_o edification_n which_o be_v necessary_a churchman_n be_v only_o full_a of_o these_o study_n and_o meditate_v upon_o nothing_o else_o in_o their_o sermon_n they_o speak_v only_o of_o these_o matter_n which_o take_v they_o up_o and_o which_o seem_v capital_a to_o they_o they_o have_v neither_o leisure_n nor_o inclination_n to_o mind_n thing_n of_o another_o nature_n and_o to_o set_v about_o reform_v the_o manner_n of_o christian_n or_o they_o do_v it_o but_o faint_o and_o careless_o whilst_o a_o minister_n be_v very_o busy_a in_o his_o study_n or_o pulpit_n about_o confute_v a_o adversary_n who_o he_o never_o see_v or_o a_o error_n which_o be_v unknown_a to_o his_o whole_a flock_n his_o sheep_n be_v lose_v his_o hearer_n remain_v possess_v with_o mortal_a error_n concern_v morality_n and_o engage_v in_o the_o most_o vicious_a habit_n this_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o most_o dispute_n they_o occasion_n the_o ruin_n rather_o than_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o hearer_n 2._o dispute_v keep_v up_o among_o christian_n false_a zeal_n hypocrisy_n and_o licentiousness_n the_o people_n learn_v by_o the_o example_n of_o their_o teacher_n to_o place_v their_o zeal_n not_o in_o oppose_a vice_n but_o in_o understand_v controversy_n in_o adhere_v to_o certain_a opinion_n and_o in_o bear_v a_o strong_a hatred_n to_o those_o who_o dissent_v from_o they_o they_o judge_v that_o what_o make_v the_o ordinary_a employment_n of_o divine_n what_o they_o insist_v most_o upon_o what_o kindle_v their_o zeal_n and_o excite_v in_o they_o the_o most_o violent_a passion_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o most_o important_a thing_n in_o religion_n 3._o sometime_o the_o people_n take_v part_n in_o the_o quarrel_n of_o their_o teacher_n from_o whence_o proceed_v unavoidable_a animosity_n and_o division_n which_o extinguish_v love_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n and_o which_o create_v insuperable_a obstacle_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o reunion_n of_o christian_n of_o this_o we_o have_v but_o too_o many_o instance_n 4._o last_o the_o little_a union_n which_o be_v in_o the_o church_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o small_a progress_n of_o christianity_n christian_n instead_o of_o make_v their_o religion_n appear_v lovely_a and_o venerable_a to_o jew_n and_o infidel_n expose_v it_o to_o their_o contempt_n instead_o of_o endeavour_v to_o propagate_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o to_o destroy_v idolatry_n they_o turn_v their_o own_o weapon_n against_o themselves_o they_o mind_v nothing_o but_o the_o promote_a the_o interest_n of_o their_o particular_a sect_n and_o they_o neglect_v that_o of_o christianity_n ingeneral_a on_o the_o other_o hand_n unbeliever_n see_v that_o christian_n be_v not_o agree_v among_o themselves_o take_v occasion_n from_o thence_o to_o question_v every_o thing_n and_o they_o judge_v that_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o but_o
direction_n which_o may_v facilitate_v the_o performance_n of_o all_o these_o duty_n when_o teacher_n shall_v go_v thus_o to_o work_v they_o will_v soon_o perceive_v some_o amendment_n god_n blessing_n will_v accompany_v the_o use_n of_o those_o mean_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v christian_n be_v right_o inform_v will_n of_o their_o own_o accord_n apply_v themselves_o virtue_n to_o corruption_n will_v lessen_v by_o degree_n and_o christianity_n recover_v its_o ancient_a lustre_n will_v begin_v to_o appear_v with_o another_o face_n than_o it_o do_v at_o this_o day_n cause_n ii_o prejudices_fw-la and_o false_a notion_n concern_v religion_n how_o ignorant_a and_o corrupt_a soever_o man_n may_v be_v they_o can_v live_v absolute_o without_o religion_n very_o few_o at_o least_o can_v go_v so_o far_o if_o they_o be_v hinder_v by_o their_o corruption_n to_o know_v and_o practice_v pure_a christianity_n yet_o a_o remnant_n of_o light_n and_o conscience_n within_o they_o do_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o run_v themselves_o whole_o into_o irreligion_n and_o to_o lay_v aside_o all_o thought_n of_o salvation_n but_o to_o reconcile_v these_o two_o principle_n of_o which_o one_o draw_v they_o off_o from_o religion_n and_o the_o other_o lead_v they_o to_o it_o they_o form_n to_o themselves_o such_o idea_n of_o religion_n as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o their_o inclination_n and_o flatter_v their_o security_n and_o be_v possess_v with_o those_o idea_n they_o confirm_v themselves_o more_o and_o more_o in_o their_o corruption_n these_o false_a notion_n and_o prejudices_fw-la be_v worse_o than_o ignorance_n and_o prove_v a_o great_a obstacle_n to_o the_o revive_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n it_o be_v better_a to_o deal_v with_o man_n who_o be_v simple_o ignorant_a than_o with_o people_n who_o have_v wrong_a apprehension_n and_o be_v full_a of_o prejudices_fw-la the_o former_a being_n not_o prepossess_v may_v more_o easy_o be_v reclaim_v but_o it_o be_v much_o hard_a to_o prevail_v upon_o preingage_v person_n especial_o in_o point_n of_o religion_n because_o while_o they_o maintain_v their_o error_n they_o fancy_v they_o defend_v the_o truth_n and_o that_o they_o promote_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n false_a notion_n and_o prejudices_fw-la in_o religion_n be_v therefore_o one_o of_o those_o cause_n of_o corruption_n which_o it_o concern_v we_o most_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o point_v at_o the_o chief_a of_o they_o in_o this_o chapter_n the_o first_o i_o shall_v name_v be_v the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o think_v that_o religion_n be_v intend_v only_o to_o comfort_v man_n and_o to_o render_v they_o happy_a and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o man_n shall_v common_o resolve_v all_o religion_n into_o this_o the_o desire_n of_o happiness_n be_v natural_a to_o man_n and_o as_o they_o be_v sensible_a upon_o serious_a consideration_n that_o perfect_a happiness_n be_v not_o to_o be_v obtain_v in_o this_o world_n if_o it_o be_v for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o that_o they_o must_v die_v they_o seek_v in_o religion_n some_o consolation_n and_o remedy_n against_o that_o fatal_a necessity_n of_o quit_v all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o advantage_n of_o this_o present_a life_n indeed_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o corruption_n shall_v restrain_v they_o from_o flatter_v themselves_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o salvation_n but_o they_o rely_v upon_o the_o assurance_n of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n which_o religion_n give_v to_o man_n and_o they_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o their_o sin_n will_v not_o obstruct_v their_o felicity_n this_o be_v proper_o the_o notion_n which_o man_n entertain_v of_o religion_n and_o that_o which_o they_o think_v it_o be_v good_a for_o but_o that_o religion_n shall_v indispensable_o oblige_v man_n to_o fear_n god_n and_o to_o live_v well_o and_o that_o without_o this_o there_o be_v neither_o true_a religion_n nor_o happiness_n be_v that_o which_o be_v not_o common_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o that_o the_o design_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o comfort_v man_n and_o to_o lead_v they_o to_o happiness_n this_o be_v god_n purpose_n in_o send_v his_o son_n to_o redeem_v the_o world_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o only_a end_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v intend_v beside_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o sanctification_n of_o man_n and_o it_o do_v proper_o consist_v in_o the_o service_n and_o obedience_n which_o be_v pay_v to_o god_n salvation_n be_v a_o consequence_n of_o this_o service_n and_o a_o gratuitous_a reward_n which_o god_n be_v please_v to_o bestow_v upon_o those_o who_o honour_n and_o fear_v he_o nothing_o therefore_o be_v more_o absurd_a than_o the_o conceit_n of_o those_o who_o look_v only_o upon_o that_o side_n of_o religion_n which_o promise_v comfort_n and_o salvation_n and_o nothing_o be_v more_o dangerous_a or_o more_o apt_a to_o make_v man_n remiss_a and_o careless_a in_o their_o duty_n yet_o this_o imagination_n be_v very_o common_a and_o if_o i_o be_v to_o define_v religion_n by_o the_o ordinary_a apprehension_n which_o man_n have_v of_o it_o i_o will_v say_v that_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o mean_a to_o bring_v sinner_n to_o heaven_n and_o to_o make_v man_n eternal_o happy_a whatsoever_o their_o course_n and_o manner_n of_o life_n may_v be_v but_o man_n will_v not_o so_o easy_o promise_v themselves_o salvation_n if_o they_o have_v not_o very_o mean_a and_o imperfect_a idea_n of_o religion_n i_o shall_v therefore_o observe_v second_o that_o man_n common_o place_n christianity_n either_o in_o bare_a knowledge_n or_o in_o a_o external_a profession_n or_o in_o confidence_n but_o holiness_n do_v not_o make_v a_o part_n of_o their_o notion_n of_o religion_n or_o at_o best_o it_o make_v but_o a_o very_a inconsiderable_a part_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o knowledge_n be_v essential_a to_o religion_n and_o that_o as_o it_o hold_v the_o first_o rank_n in_o it_o so_o it_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o it_o all_o nay_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o engage_v man_n to_o holiness_n without_o lay_v first_o in_o they_o the_o foundation_n of_o good_a and_o sound_a doctrine_n this_o i_o have_v prove_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o this_o treatise_n a_o outward_a and_o public_a profession_n be_v likewise_o essential_a to_o religion_n for_o one_o can_v be_v a_o christian_n without_o it_o and_o further_o it_o be_v beyond_o all_o doubt_n that_o religion_n inspire_v confidence_n peace_n and_o joy_n the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o salvation_n he_o have_v procure_v for_o we_o must_v natural_o produce_v these_o effect_n knowledge_n profession_n and_o confidence_n be_v therefore_o include_v in_o the_o idea_n of_o religion_n but_o as_o necessary_a as_o they_o be_v yet_o they_o be_v not_o sufficient_a knowledge_n be_v not_o the_o whole_a of_o religion_n since_o the_o gospel_n as_o well_o as_o experience_n teach_v we_o that_o it_o may_v be_v find_v in_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n it_o be_v not_o therefore_o a_o save_a knowledge_n but_o when_o it_o produce_v piety_n and_o charity_n the_o definition_n which_o st._n paul_n give_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n according_a to_o godliness_n we_o may_v read_v what_o the_o same_o apostle_n tell_v we_o concern_v that_o knowledge_n which_o be_v void_a of_o charity_n 1_o cor._n xiii_o as_o for_o a_o outward_a profession_n it_o be_v altogether_o useless_a without_o sanctity_n a_o hypocrite_n may_v live_v in_o the_o church_n and_o perform_v even_o with_o applause_n the_o external_a duty_n of_o piety_n this_o we_o may_v likewise_o learn_v from_o scripture_n and_o daily_a experience_n last_o all_o confidence_n which_o be_v not_o support_v by_o piety_n be_v vain_a and_o deceitful_a the_o bare_a persuasion_n that_o one_o shall_v be_v save_v give_v no_o man_n a_o right_n to_o salvation_n a_o very_a wicked_a person_n may_v without_o any_o ground_n rely_v upon_o god_n mercy_n and_o this_o be_v what_o divine_v call_v presumption_n and_o security_n 1._o *_o tit._n i._o 1._o but_o though_o all_o this_o be_v very_o plain_a both_o from_o scripture_n and_o good_a sense_n yet_o man_n entertain_v opinion_n contrary_a to_o it_o a_o great_a many_o think_v themselves_o christian_n because_o they_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n i_o do_v not_o inquire_v here_o whether_o all_o those_o who_o think_v they_o know_v religion_n do_v real_o know_v it_o but_o howsoever_o this_o knowledge_n true_a or_o false_a make_v many_o judge_n most_o favourable_o of_o themselves_o it_o do_v so_o puff_n they_o up_o that_o they_o look_v on_o themselves_o as_o the_o stay_v and_o supporter_n of_o religion_n other_o of_o who_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a number_n imagine_v that_o so_o they_o profess_v the_o true_a religion_n they_o need_v not_o fear_v any_o thing_n concern_v their_o salvation_n especial_o if_o this_o outward_a profession_n be_v attend_v with_o some_o apparent_a
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
incline_v but_o yet_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o the_o various_a circumstance_n of_o time_n plate_n and_o of_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n contribute_v much_o to_o the_o progress_n of_o piety_n or_o of_o corruption_n in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v some_o happy_a circumstance_n and_o some_o time_n very_o favourable_a to_o piety_n as_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n there_o be_v unhappy_a circumstance_n and_o time_n in_o which_o it_o be_v like_o a_o stranger_n upon_o earth_n the_o mean_n to_o promote_v it_o be_v then_o neither_o so_o effectual_a nor_o so_o frequent_a the_o design_n of_o this_o work_n oblige_v i_o to_o consider_v what_o may_v be_v think_v in_o this_o respect_n of_o the_o time_n we_o live_v in_o and_o whether_o this_o corruption_n which_o dishonour_v christianity_n do_v not_o proceed_v from_o the_o unhappiness_n of_o the_o time_n and_o from_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o religion_n but_o we_o can_v succeed_v in_o this_o enquiry_n nor_o pass_v a_o sound_a judgement_n upon_o the_o present_a state_n of_o religion_n without_o run_v back_o to_o its_o first_o origin_n and_o nature_n and_o without_o take_v a_o view_n of_o those_o age_n which_o be_v elapse_v since_o its_o first_o establishment_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o of_o history_n be_v here_o of_o great_a use_n the_o scripture_n inform_v we_o what_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n shall_v be_v and_o history_n show_v we_o the_o different_a state_n through_o which_o it_o have_v pass_v when_o we_o examine_v religion_n by_o these_o two_o rule_n we_o perceive_v that_o it_o neither_o have_v be_v nor_o will_v be_v always_o in_o the_o state_n it_o be_v now_o in_o it_o be_v fit_a in_o the_o sir_n place_n to_o seek_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o religion_n in_o scripture_n there_o it_o be_v that_o chistianity_n still_o subsist_v in_o all_o its_o beauty_n for_o neither_o the_o age_n which_o be_v past_a nor_o the_o change_n which_o have_v happen_v have_v be_v able_a to_o tarnish_v in_o the_o least_o the_o brightness_n of_o those_o native_a and_o lively_a colour_n in_o which_o our_o saviour_n religion_n be_v set_v forth_o in_o holy_a write_n we_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o four_o principal_a character_n in_o the_o â—dea_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o religion_n and_o these_o be_v truth_n holiness_n union_n and_o order_n 1._o the_o first_o and_o the_o chief_a character_n of_o this_o church_n and_o religion_n be_v the_o knowledge_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n this_o be_v what_o distinguish_v christianity_n from_o false_a religion_n the_o church_n be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n no_o long_o than_o while_o she_o retain_v the_o purity_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o evangelical_n doctrine_n it_o will_v be_v needless_a to_o prove_v this_o 2._o the_o sacred_a writer_n represent_v the_o church_n as_o a_o society_n altogether_o holy_a they_o name_v she_o ii_o she_o eph._n v._o 27._o pet_n ii_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n a_o glorious_a spouse_n have_v neither_o spot_n nor_o wrinkle_n nor_o any_o such_o thing_n but_o be_v holy_a and_o without_o blemish_n they_o call_v she_o xii_o she_o heb._n xii_o the_o house_n of_o the_o live_a god_n a_o holy_a nation_n and_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o first_o bear_v which_o be_v write_v in_o heaven_n they_o give_v to_o christian_n the_o glorious_a title_n of_o king_n priest_n saint_n elect_a child_n of_o god_n and_o new_a man_n they_o speak_v of_o they_o as_o of_o a_o people_n separate_v from_o the_o world_n and_o its_o vice_n dedicate_v to_o god_n and_o to_o good_a work_n and_o live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n temperance_n justice_n charity_n and_o all_o other_o virtue_n 3._o union_n and_o love_n be_v the_o three_o character_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n the_o scripture_n do_v not_o speak_v to_o we_o of_o many_o church_n but_o of_o one_o of_o which_o all_o the_o faithful_a be_v member_n in_o what_o place_n soever_o they_o may_v be_v st._n paul_n say_v that_o there_o be_v buâ—_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n and_o one_o god_n the_o apostle_n enjoin_v above_o all_o thing_n union_n and_o charity_n and_o they_o give_v many_o precept_n to_o maintain_v these_o and_o to_o make_v they_o flourish_v among_o christian_n 4._o as_o holiness_n and_o union_n can_v be_v preserve_v where_o there_o be_v no_o order_n so_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v a_o well_o regulate_v society_n in_o which_o every_o thing_n may_v be_v do_v in_o a_o convenient_a and_o orderly_a manner_n and_o in_o fact_n there_o be_v in_o the_o sacred_a write_n many_o law_n to_o this_o purpose_n we_o find_v there_o several_a regulation_n concern_v the_o way_n in_o which_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v govern_v and_o concern_v the_o call_n of_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n and_o the_o principal_a function_n of_o their_o office_n the_o scripture_n do_v beside_o appoint_v the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n the_o manner_n of_o proceed_v in_o relation_n to_o scandalous_a sinner_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o public_a alms._n it_o prescribe_v the_o chief_a act_n of_o religion_n and_o divine_a worship_n prayer_n fast_v sacrament_n preach_v and_o some_o other_o head_n all_o these_o law_n be_v design_v to_o establish_v order_n and_o piety_n in_o the_o church_n and_o to_o banish_v confusion_n and_o scandal_n out_o of_o it_o and_o this_o order_n can_v be_v a_o thing_n indifferent_a since_o the_o apostle_n have_v give_v we_o law_n about_o it_o it_o be_v not_o difficult_a to_o show_v that_o most_o christian_a society_n be_v hardly_o to_o be_v know_v by_o these_o mark_n but_o before_o we_o come_v to_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o observe_v the_o different_a state_n through_o which_o the_o church_n have_v pass_v from_o her_o infancy_n to_o this_o time_n ii_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o church_n in_o her_o infancy_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n be_v very_o pure_a in_o comparison_n of_o the_o follow_v but_o yet_o must_v take_v heed_n when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n that_o we_o do_v not_o form_v to_o ourselves_o too_o advantageous_a a_o idea_n of_o it_o as_o if_o christianity_n have_v be_v then_o in_o its_o utmost_a purity_n and_o perfection_n the_o church_n in_o her_o beginning_n do_v consist_v of_o jew_n and_o heathen_n these_o man_n embrace_v christianity_n do_v not_o so_o entire_o strip_v themselves_o of_o their_o prejudices_fw-la and_o custom_n but_o that_o they_o bring_v with_o they_o into_o the_o church_n some_o of_o the_o notion_n of_o judaisme_n and_o even_o of_o gentilism_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o this_o be_v the_o first_o occasion_n of_o those_o heresy_n which_o do_v stain_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o moral_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o several_a disorder_n which_o happen_v in_o the_o very_a time_n of_o the_o apostle_n beside_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o first_o minister_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o able_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o persecution_n and_o of_o the_o obstacle_n they_o meet_v with_o to_o regulate_v all_o thing_n as_o they_o will_v have_v do_v if_o the_o church_n have_v be_v in_o peace_n we_o need_v not_o therefore_o wonder_v if_o we_o find_v imperfection_n and_o defect_n apparent_a enough_o in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o it_o be_v of_o some_o importance_n to_o observe_v this_o not_o only_o that_o we_o may_v have_v true_a apprehension_n concern_v this_o matter_n but_o that_o we_o may_v beside_o obviate_v a_o unhappy_a consequence_n which_o may_v be_v draw_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o present_a corruption_n from_o what_o have_v be_v know_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n no_o doubt_n but_o there_o be_v disorder_n and_o scandal_n at_o that_o time_n but_o we_o be_v to_o remember_v that_o the_o church_n be_v then_o make_v up_o of_o man_n who_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v bear_v and_o have_v live_v in_o paganism_n and_o who_o life_n have_v be_v spend_v in_o the_o thick_a darkness_n of_o ignorance_n and_o vice_n yet_o for_o all_o that_o the_o church_n be_v then_o more_o holy_a and_o pure_a than_o she_o have_v be_v since_o or_o be_v at_o this_o day_n in_o most_o place_n this_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n which_o can_v reasonable_o be_v contest_v for_o beside_o that_o it_o may_v be_v verify_v from_o the_o testimony_n which_o the_o sacred_a and_o some_o of_o the_o heathen_a author_n bear_v to_o the_o innocency_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o that_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o man_n be_v keep_v in_o awe_n while_o the_o apostle_n be_v alive_a in_o the_o time_n of_o miracle_n besidesall_n this_o i_o say_v there_o be_v two_o considereation_n which_o prove_v that_o corrupton_n can_v not_o be_v then_o so_o great_a or_o so_o
general_a as_o it_o be_v now_o these_o consideration_n be_v found_v upon_o two_o undeniable_a fact_n 1._o that_o the_o church_n be_v then_o persecute_v and_o 2._o that_o discipline_n be_v then_o exercise_v in_o it_o these_o be_v two_o powerful_a mean_n to_o remove_v vice_n and_o scandal_n from_o the_o church_n we_o may_v easy_o imagine_v that_o man_n who_o love_v the_o world_n and_o their_o sin_n will_v not_o have_v embrace_v christiany_n at_o a_o time_n when_o whosoever_o become_v a_o christian_a do_v by_o that_o very_a thing_n expose_v himself_o to_o persecution_n torment_n and_o death_n this_o do_v fright_v away_o the_o great_a number_n of_o wicked_a and_o impious_a person_n but_o if_o any_o of_o these_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n discipline_n for_o the_o most_o part_n drive_v they_o out_o when_o they_o make_v themselves_o notorious_a by_o a_o scandalous_a life_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o judge_v that_o in_o such_o circumstance_n there_o be_v more_o piety_n at_o that_o time_n than_o we_o observe_v now_o in_o the_o church_n the_o first_o christian_n be_v sincere_a in_o their_o profession_n be_v instruct_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o apostolical_a man_n they_o place_v the_o christian_a religion_n chief_o in_o a_o good_a life_n to_o which_o they_o do_v solemn_o engage_v themselves_o by_o baptism_n they_o be_v unite_v among_o themselves_o they_o govern_v themselves_o in_o matter_n of_o order_n and_o discipline_n by_o the_o prescript_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o much_o as_o the_o persecution_n give_v they_o leave_v and_o they_o do_v with_o courage_n lie_v down_o their_o life_n for_o the_o truth_n such_o be_v the_o christianity_n of_o the_o first_o age_n but_o the_o church_n do_v not_o continue_v long_o in_o that_o state_n before_o this_o zeal_n of_o those_o primitive_a christians_n begin_v to_o cool_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n persecution_n cease_v and_o on_o the_o other_o the_o ancient_a discipline_n be_v slacken_v these_o two_o fence_n be_v pluck_v up_o and_o the_o emperor_n turn_v christian_n the_o corruption_n of_o the_o world_n break_v in_o upon_o the_o church_n divers_a abuse_n creep_v into_o doctrine_n discipline_n worship_n and_o manner_n till_o the_o church_n fall_v at_o last_o into_o such_o a_o dismal_a darkness_n of_o ignorance_n superstition_n and_o vice_n that_o christianity_n seem_v almost_o quite_o extinct_a and_o destroy_v all_o those_o who_o have_v any_o true_a sense_n of_o religiion_n do_v lament_v this_o they_o complain_v open_o of_o it_o and_o they_o long_v for_o a_o good_a reformation_n this_o be_v the_o state_n which_o the_o church_n and_o religion_n be_v in_o for_o some_o century_n it_o do_v not_o please_v god_n that_o those_o time_n of_o ignorance_n shall_v last_v for_o ever_o that_o darkness_n begin_v to_o be_v disperse_v in_o the_o last_o century_n then_o it_o be_v that_o learning_n and_o language_n revive_v and_o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o have_v be_v for_o a_o great_a while_n a_o book_n unknown_a to_o the_o people_n be_v rescue_v out_o of_o that_o obscurity_n in_o which_o the_o barbarism_n of_o former_a age_n have_v bury_v it_o man_n do_v perceive_v that_o divers_a error_n have_v be_v introduce_v into_o religion_n they_o discover_v several_a abuse_n they_o go_v about_o to_o redress_v they_o and_o they_o succeed_v so_o far_o that_o in_o this_o respect_n christianity_n be_v restore_v to_o its_o purity_n but_o that_o great_a work_n can_v not_o be_v finish_v so_o that_o at_o this_o day_n they_o church_n and_o religion_n be_v not_o yet_o bring_v to_o that_o state_n of_o perfection_n which_o they_o may_v be_v in_o iii_o for_o to_o come_v now_o to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v certain_a first_o that_o many_o christian_a church_n be_v still_o very_o near_o in_o the_o same_o darkness_n man_n be_v in_o some_o age_n ago_o i_o shall_v say_v nothing_o of_o the_o sink_n of_o christianity_n in_o asia_n and_o africa_n there_o be_v more_o knowledge_n in_o europe_n but_o yet_o in_o many_o place_n we_o may_v observe_v almost_o all_o those_o disorder_n which_o prevail_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gross_a ignorance_n nay_o our_o age_n be_v more_o unhappy_a than_o the_o precedent_n in_o that_o those_o abuse_n have_v be_v confirm_v and_o authorize_v by_o law_n and_o be_v now_o support_v by_o force_n how_o many_o country_n and_o church_n be_v there_o where_o the_o people_n know_v almost_o nothing_o of_o the_o gospel_n where_o religion_n be_v reduce_v to_o childish_a and_o superstitious_a devotion_n and_o practice_n where_o the_o most_o ridiculous_a thing_n be_v believe_v and_o the_o most_o shameful_a error_n receive_v where_o the_o looseness_n of_o manner_n may_v almost_o be_v parallel_v with_o heathenism_n where_o the_o most_o execrable_a crime_n be_v commit_v in_o a_o word_n where_o the_o ignorance_n both_o of_o the_o people_n and_o clergy_n be_v general_a except_v only_o some_o few_o understand_a man_n who_o be_v sensible_a of_o these_o disorder_n but_o be_v restrain_v by_o fear_n from_o discover_v their_o sentiment_n from_o those_o place_n corruption_n spread_v to_o other_o and_o it_o will_v not_o be_v difficult_a to_o show_v by_o several_a instance_n that_o the_o cause_n of_o impiety_n ignorance_n and_o vice_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o those_o place_n which_o shall_v be_v the_o fountain_n of_o piety_n and_o religion_n what_o i_o have_v now_o say_v be_v not_o to_o be_v apply_v to_o all_o church_n for_o some_o there_o be_v where_o religion_n be_v not_o so_o corrupt_v and_o where_o a_o pure_a christianity_n be_v profess_v but_o yet_o let_v we_o inquire_v in_o the_o second_o place_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o christian_a society_n where_o nothing_o be_v want_v or_o to_o be_v desire_v in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o religion_n and_o where_o it_o will_v not_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v some_o alteration_n and_o constitution_n in_o order_n to_o come_v near_o to_o perfection_n this_o deserve_v to_o be_v examine_v with_o care_n and_o without_o prepossession_n we_o ought_v here_o to_o lay_v aside_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o party_n and_o ingenuous_o to_o acknowledge_v defect_n where_o they_o be_v for_o else_o if_o every_o one_o be_v wed_v to_o the_o society_n of_o which_o he_o be_v a_o member_n nothing_o can_v ever_o be_v remedy_v for_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v defect_n what_o remedy_n can_v be_v use_v if_o we_o be_v all_o possess_v with_o this_o prejudice_n that_o all_o be_v perfect_a in_o our_o society_n be_v not_o this_o the_o way_n to_o canonize_v abuse_n and_o to_o prevent_v the_o restore_n of_o order_n and_o first_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o wonder_v if_o there_o shall_v still_o be_v imperfection_n in_o the_o pure_a society_n it_o will_v be_v a_o kind_n of_o miracle_n if_o there_o be_v none_o remain_v god_n do_v not_o always_o think_v fit_a to_o finish_v his_o work_n all_o at_o once_o unless_o he_o have_v make_v use_n of_o inspire_a man_n such_o as_o the_o prophet_n or_o the_o apostle_n be_v it_o be_v impossible_a so_o to_o attain_v perfection_n and_o to_o provide_v for_o every_o thing_n at_o first_o dash_n that_o nothing_o more_o shall_v be_v desire_v beside_o circumstance_n be_v so_o much_o alter_v that_o it_o seemâ—_n necessary_a to_o change_v several_a thing_n that_o be_v leave_v in_o the_o last_o age._n it_o be_v further_a to_o be_v consider_v that_o though_o christian_n do_v long_o for_o a_o good_a reformation_n yet_o great_a difficulty_n be_v to_o be_v overcome_v to_o bring_v it_o about_o man_n mind_n be_v not_o much_o enlighten_v they_o be_v just_a creep_v out_o of_o darkness_n and_o a_o long_a custom_n have_v almost_o obliterated_a the_o true_a idea_n of_o religion_n almost_o all_o those_o who_o be_v in_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n do_v obstinate_o defend_v the_o abuse_n which_o all_o good_a man_n think_v it_o necessary_a to_o redress_v extreme_a severity_n be_v use_v towards_o those_o who_o desire_v this_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n all_o this_o do_v terrify_v a_o great_a many_o well-meaning_a person_n and_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o in_o several_a place_n those_o who_o have_v courage_n enough_o to_o condemn_v the_o abuse_n open_o be_v not_o able_a for_o want_v of_o mean_n to_o do_v all_o that_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n require_v they_o be_v fain_o in_o those_o place_n to_o yield_v something_o to_o the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o time_n and_o to_o settle_v thing_n as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v till_o a_o more_o favourable_a oppotunity_n some_o church_n come_v near_o to_o perfection_n than_o other_o but_o howsoever_o if_o we_o will_v pass_v a_o right_a judgement_n upon_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o religion_n we_o ought_v to_o examine_v the_o thing_n in_o itself_o and_o without_o partiality_n upon_o this_o i_o shall_v offer_v here_o some_o general_a consideration_n and_o refer_v to_o the_o follow_a chapter_n some_o head_n which_o will_v
practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o the_o primitive_a church_n fast_v being_n enjoin_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o establish_v by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o by_o the_o universal_a practice_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n and_o of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n for_o several_a age_n there_o be_v reason_n to_o wonder_v that_o in_o some_o place_n this_o duty_n shall_v be_v almost_o out_o of_o date_n for_o as_o to_o solemn_a fast_n which_o be_v celebrate_v from_o time_n to_o time_n and_o seldom_o enough_o those_o be_v not_o proper_o the_o fast_n of_o which_o the_o gospel_n speak_v and_o which_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o ancient_n they_o be_v act_n of_o public_a humiliation_n design_v for_o time_n of_o calamity_n or_o of_o extraordinary_a devotion_n and_o the_o use_n of_o these_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v too_o frequent_a because_o custom_n be_v apt_a to_o lessen_v their_o effect_n but_o i_o mean_v those_o fast_n which_o be_v help_n to_o devotition_n and_o holiness_n and_o mean_n to_o mortify_v the_o body_n and_o to_o dispose_v man_n to_o humiliation_n and_o repentance_n uniformity_n in_o divine_a worship_n will_v be_v another_o very_a necessary_a establishment_n it_o will_v show_v the_o unity_n of_o faith_n it_o will_v render_v religion_n venerable_a and_o prevent_v those_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n which_o be_v inevitable_a when_o rite_n and_o practice_n quite_o different_a nay_o sometime_o contrary_a to_o one_o another_o be_v observe_v in_o several_a church_n last_o care_n shall_v be_v take_v that_o divine_a service_n may_v be_v perform_v every_o where_o in_o a_o orderly_a grave_n and_o decent_a manner_n the_o exterior_a of_o religion_n have_v a_o great_a influence_n than_o we_o imagine_v upon_o the_o essence_n of_o it_o beside_o that_o we_o save_v a_o express_a law_n 40._o law_n 1_o cor._n fourteen_o 40._o which_o say_v that_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n indeed_o pageantry_n and_o pomp_n the_o great_a number_n of_o ceremony_n and_o whatever_o savour_v of_o superstition_n aught_o to_o be_v avoid_v as_o well_o as_o every_o thing_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o essence_n of_o evangelical_n worship_n and_o it_o be_v better_a to_o fall_v into_o a_o excess_n of_o simplicity_n than_o to_o clog_n religion_n with_o too_o many_o ceremony_n but_o yet_o under_o pretence_n of_o simplicity_n we_o be_v not_o to_o run_v into_o confusion_n and_o to_o neglect_v the_o external_o of_o religion_n and_o divine_a service_n if_o we_o shall_v examine_v by_o this_o rule_n what_o be_v do_v in_o some_o church_n with_o relation_n for_o instance_n to_o the_o law_n and_o form_n of_o public_a assembly_n to_o the_o celebration_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o the_o sacrament_n and_o to_o the_o person_n who_o receive_v the_o communion_n and_o who_o officiate_n we_o may_v find_v there_o several_a thing_n to_o be_v rectify_v and_o it_o will_v be_v very_o useful_a to_o take_v this_o into_o consideration_n for_o the_o want_n of_o gravity_n and_o decency_n and_o a_o dry_a and_o careless_a perform_v of_o public_a worship_n render_v religion_n despicable_a and_o make_v the_o people_n who_o common_o judge_v of_o thing_n by_o their_o outside_n to_o entertain_v a_o mean_a notion_n of_o divine_a service_n which_o produce_v the_o contempt_n of_o religion_n and_o by_o consequence_n ill_a manner_n vi_o this_o contempt_n of_o religion_n be_v another_o fault_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v pass_v over_o in_o silence_n it_o have_v be_v always_o the_o general_a sense_n of_o mankind_n that_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v honour_v and_o respect_v the_o heathen_a religion_n as_o false_a as_o they_o be_v do_v attract_v the_o veneration_n of_o the_o people_n and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v see_v at_o this_o day_n among_o the_o several_a nation_n of_o infidel_n certain_o then_o the_o christian_a religion_n deserve_v all_o the_o veneration_n and_o respect_n which_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o but_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o in_o many_o place_n it_o be_v fall_v of_o late_a into_o a_o very_a great_a outward_a meanness_n man_n be_v accustom_v themselves_o to_o look_v with_o indifference_n and_o with_o haughtiness_n and_o scorn_n upon_o every_o thing_n which_o have_v some_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n or_o to_o religion_n this_o appear_v especial_o in_o the_o contempt_n which_o be_v express_v towards_o the_o clergy_n though_o the_o scripture_n represent_v their_o office_n as_o a_o most_o excellent_a and_o honourable_a employment_n though_o it_o enjoin_v christian_n to_o 13._o to_o heb._n xiii_o 27._o 1_o thess_n v._o 13._o honour_n love_n and_o reverence_n those_o who_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o they_o yet_o the_o ecclesiastical_a order_n be_v general_o but_o little_o honour_v and_o what_o be_v more_o surprise_v it_o be_v most_o depress_a and_o abase_v in_o those_o church_n which_o otherwise_o profess_v a_o pure_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n than_o other_o christian_a society_n i_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o all_o church_n in_o general_a but_o whoever_o see_v what_o be_v practise_v in_o many_o place_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n to_o strip_v the_o clergy_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n and_o of_o every_o thing_n that_o may_v render_v they_o venerable_a to_o the_o people_n and_o to_o set_v they_o upon_o a_o low_a and_o contemptible_a foot_n their_o character_n be_v become_v abject_a if_o not_o odious_a and_o it_o become_v so_o more_o and_o more_o every_o day_n that_o which_o make_v it_o more_o despicable_a be_v the_o poverty_n which_o many_o of_o they_o be_v force_v to_o live_v in_o it_o be_v not_o difficult_a to_o find_v out_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o contempt_n it_o may_v be_v just_o charge_v upon_o the_o clergy_n themselves_o their_o character_n be_v become_v vile_a because_o they_o support_v it_o but_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o man_n have_v a_o right_a to_o despise_v they_o all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v do_v be_v to_o endeavour_v the_o reclaim_n of_o they_o if_o under_o pretence_n of_o person_n be_v unworthy_a or_o of_o some_o abuse_n in_o office_n it_o be_v lawful_a to_o despise_v the_o profession_n themselves_o will_v not_o even_o magistracy_n be_v often_o the_o vile_a of_o all_o employment_n may_v we_o not_o say_v beside_o that_o churchman_n do_v not_o well_o maintain_v their_o character_n because_o they_o be_v despise_v a_o office_n which_o be_v slight_v will_v never_o be_v well_o discharge_v it_o be_v seldom_o that_o great_a worth_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o a_o post_n which_o be_v little_o honour_v or_o rather_o much_o despise_v the_o chief_a cause_n of_o this_o contempt_n be_v the_o manner_n in_o which_o thing_n be_v order_v in_o the_o last_o century_n persecution_n poverty_n and_o the_o opposition_n of_o the_o high_a power_n be_v at_o first_o great_a obstacle_n to_o the_o establish_n of_o good_a order_n prince_n and_o great_a man_n do_v possess_v themselves_o of_o the_o revenue_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n nothing_o be_v leave_v to_o churchman_n but_o the_o care_n of_o make_v sermon_n and_o of_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n they_o be_v turn_v into_o bare_a preacher_n a_o character_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v not_o very_o fit_a to_o create_v respect_n i_o say_v nothing_o here_o of_o the_o discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n because_o i_o be_o to_o speak_v of_o these_o more_o large_o by_o and_o by_o this_o abasement_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o ministry_n be_v a_o visible_a cause_n of_o corruption_n as_o soon_o as_o sacred_a thing_n be_v disregard_v impiety_n must_v needs_o prevail_v especial_o if_o the_o minister_n of_o religion_n be_v despise_v than_o religion_n can_v have_v no_o great_a force_n upon_o man_n mind_n the_o master_n can_v be_v honour_v when_o his_o servant_n be_v slight_v man_n who_o be_v without_o authority_n can_v contain_v the_o people_n in_o their_o duty_n whatsoever_o come_v from_o a_o abject_a person_n who_o be_v neither_o belove_v nor_o esteem_v can_v never_o be_v receive_v with_o submission_n the_o contempt_n of_o pastor_n draw_v of_o necessity_n after_o it_o the_o contempt_n of_o divine_a service_n of_o preach_v and_o of_o other_o sacred_a function_n the_o poverty_n of_o churchman_n be_v not_o much_o less_o fatal_a to_o the_o church_n than_o the_o immense_a and_o excessive_a riches_n which_o do_v former_o corrupt_v the_o clergy_n for_o beside_o that_o in_o those_o time_n and_o place_n in_o which_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v predominant_a and_o profess_v by_o person_n of_o quality_n poverty_n make_v the_o minister_n of_o religion_n contemptible_a to_o the_o people_n and_o even_o to_o great_a man_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o in_o those_o circumstance_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o minister_n shall_v live_v with_o some_o credit_n beside_o this_o i_o say_v that_o poverty_n disable_v they_o from_o exercise_v
all_o those_o disorder_n which_o may_v happen_v in_o the_o church_n and_o particular_o to_o scandal_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o if_o we_o may_v proceed_v in_o the_o method_n here_o enjoin_v when_o the_o case_n be_v only_o concern_v some_o difference_n between_o private_a man_n we_o have_v much_o more_o right_a to_o do_v so_o relation_n to_o with_o public_a sin_n since_o they_o be_v case_n which_o concern_v the_o whole_a church_n and_o that_o direct_o and_o which_o do_v yet_o more_o proper_o belong_v to_o her_o cognisance_n than_o the_o quarrel_n of_o private_a men._n the_o mean_v of_o christ_n be_v then_o that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o order_n in_o his_o church_n for_o the_o remove_n of_o scandal_n he_o suppose_v that_o the_o church_n have_v a_o right_a to_o interpose_v upon_o those_o occasion_n and_o he_o command_v that_o those_o who_o shall_v refuse_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o if_o they_o be_v her_o member_n no_o long_o and_o that_o communication_n with_o they_o shall_v be_v avoid_v this_o be_v the_o import_n of_o these_o word_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o publican_n 2._o the_o v._o chapter_n of_o the_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n ver_fw-la 2_o 3_o 4._o decide_v this_o matter_n st._n paul_n have_v be_v inform_v that_o there_o be_v a_o man_n among_o the_o corinthian_n who_o live_v in_o incest_n he_o write_v about_o it_o to_o that_o church_n and_o first_o he_o reprove_v they_o for_o not_o have_v cut_v off_o from_o their_o communion_n the_o person_n who_o have_v commit_v so_o infamous_a a_o action_n in_o the_o next_o place_n he_o do_v himself_o excommunicate_v that_o man_n and_o deliver_v he_o up_o to_o satan_n i_o know_v that_o perhaps_o this_o power_n of_o deliver_v up_o to_o satan_n belong_v only_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o it_o be_v likely_a that_o this_o be_v one_o of_o those_o extraordinary_a punishment_n which_o they_o have_v a_o power_n to_o inflict_v upon_o profane_a and_o rebellious_a person_n but_o as_o for_o excommunication_n it_o be_v the_o common_a and_o ordinary_a right_n of_o the_o church_n this_o right_a or_o rather_o this_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n be_v clear_o assert_v by_o the_o censure_n which_o the_o apostle_n address_v to_o the_o corinthian_n because_o they_o have_v not_o take_v that_o incestuous_a person_n from_o among_o they_o and_o because_o they_o have_v not_o observe_v the_o order_n he_o have_v give_v they_o before_o not_o to_o suffer_v fornicator_n 4._o fornicator_n ver._n 4._o i_o write_v unto_o you_o already_o not_o to_o company_n fornicator_n he_o repeat_v this_o order_n in_o these_o word_n which_o contain_v a_o express_a and_o general_a law_n against_o all_o scandalous_a sinner_n 12._o sinner_n ver._n 12._o i_o write_v it_o unto_o you_o again_o not_o to_o keep_v company_n if_o any_o man_n that_o be_v call_v a_o brother_n be_v a_o fornicator_n or_o covetous_a or_o a_o idolater_n or_o a_o railer_n or_o a_o drunkard_n or_o a_o extortioner_n with_o such_o a_o one_o no_o not_o to_o eat_v this_o be_v positive_a and_o what_o the_o apostle_n add_v do_v not_o you_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v within_o be_v a_o confirmation_n that_o the_o church_n have_v a_o right_a to_o do_v so_o with_o relation_n to_o her_o member_n last_o he_o conclude_v with_o these_o word_n 13._o word_n ver._n 13._o therefore_o put_v away_o from_o among_o yourselves_o that_o wicked_a person_n for_o thus_o this_o verse_n be_v to_o be_v render_v as_o the_o drift_n of_o the_o whole_a chapter_n of_o which_o this_o be_v the_o conclusion_n show_v it_o evident_o i_o desire_v the_o force_n of_o this_o proof_n may_v be_v consider_v it_o be_v not_o one_o single_a passage_n which_o i_o here_o produce_v it_o be_v a_o whole_a chapter_n it_o be_v a_o thread_n of_o argument_n and_o of_o express_v and_o reiterated_a injunction_n st._n paul_n describe_v those_o who_o the_o church_n ought_v not_o to_o suffer_v in_o her_o bosom_n he_o appoint_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o reference_n to_o they_o which_o be_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christian_n and_o that_o their_o company_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v there_o can_v be_v a_o clear_a and_o express_a law_n if_o this_o be_v not_o so_o 3._o there_o be_v some_o other_o place_n which_o have_v no_o ambiguity_n in_o they_o 2_o thess_n iii_o 6._o we_o command_v you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n this_o preface_n be_v remarkable_a here_o be_v a_o law_n in_o due_a form_n which_o the_o apostle_n be_v go_v to_o deliver_v he_o propose_v it_o by_o way_n of_o command_n and_o he_o interpose_v the_o auhority_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n we_o command_v you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o you_o withdraw_v yourselves_o from_o every_o brother_n that_o walk_v disorderly_a and_o not_o after_o the_o tradition_n which_o he_o receive_v of_o we_o this_o law_n be_v repeat_v for_o 14._o if_o any_o man_n obey_v not_o our_o word_n by_o this_o epistle_n note_v that_o man_n and_o have_v no_o company_n with_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v ashamed_a 4._o the_o one_a epistle_n to_o timothy_n afford_v we_o proof_n unanswerable_a the_o design_n of_o st._n paul_n in_o this_o epistle_n be_v to_o establish_v order_n and_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n to_o this_o purpose_n he_o give_v several_a precept_n to_o timothy_n he_o instruct_v he_o exact_o how_o pastor_n ought_v to_o proceed_v about_o information_n censure_n and_o the_o principal_a office_n of_o church-government_n v._n church-government_n chap._n v._n rebuke_v not_o a_o elder_a but_o instruct_v he_o as_o a_o father_n and_o the_o young_a man_n as_o brethren_n the_o elder_a woman_n as_o mother_n the_o young_a as_o sister_n with_o all_o purity_n 5._o purity_n 1_o tim._n i._n 20._o 2_o tim._n iii_o 5._o against_o a_o elder_a or_o a_o priest_n receive_v not_o a_o accusation_n but_o before_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n they_o that_o sin_n rebuke_n before_o all_o that_o other_o also_o may_v fear_v i_o charge_v thou_o before_o god_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o elect_a angel_n that_o thou_o observe_v these_o thing_n without_o prefer_v one_o before_o another_o do_v nothing_o by_o partiality_n i_o may_v add_v other_o place_n out_o of_o this_o epistle_n and_o the_o follow_v and_o out_o of_o that_o to_o titus_n 10._o titus_n tit._n iii_o 10._o here_o be_v then_o again_o a_o whole_a thread_n of_o discourse_n prescribe_v the_o order_n according_a to_o which_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v govern_v here_o be_v particular_a rule_n and_o st._n paul_n use_v a_o adjuration_n to_o oblige_v timothy_n to_o observe_v they_o these_o law_n do_v not_o concern_v timothy_n in_o particular_a but_o st._n paul_n speak_v here_o of_o the_o episcopal_a function_n and_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n we_o need_v but_o read_v the_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n and_o the_o beginning_n of_o that_o which_o he_o write_v to_o titus_n to_o be_v satisfy_v that_o he_o intend_v this_o order_n shall_v be_v settle_v in_o all_o the_o church_n either_o there_o be_v nothing_o plain_a in_o scripture_n or_o it_o appear_v from_o all_o these_o place_n that_o discipline_n be_v institute_v of_o god_n that_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o be_v commit_v to_o pastor_n that_o scandalous_a sinner_n be_v not_o to_o be_v tolerate_v in_o the_o church_n that_o private_a man_n ought_v to_o avoid_v their_o company_n and_o that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o proceed_v against_o they_o by_o private_a and_o public_a censure_n and_o even_o by_o excommunication_n if_o the_o passage_n i_o have_v cite_v do_v not_o prove_v all_o this_o we_o may_v wrangle_v about_o every_o thing_n and_o all_o argument_n from_o the_o sacred_a write_n may_v be_v elude_v the_o institution_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v not_o more_o express_v or_o positive_a iii_o but_o though_o these_o place_n be_v not_o so_o positive_a and_o so_o clear_a as_o they_o be_v yet_o we_o may_v be_v asssure_v that_o this_o be_v their_o true_a meaning_n because_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n in_o which_o the_o whole_a primitive_a church_n understand_v they_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o first_o age_n in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o apostle_n amount_v to_o a_o demonstration_n which_o can_v be_v withstand_v beside_o that_o we_o be_v to_o presume_v that_o what_o have_v be_v practise_v from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o her_o purity_n be_v settle_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o or_o by_o apostolical_a man_n so_o that_o we_o ought_v as_o much_o as_o possible_a to_o conform_v ourselves_o to_o it_o now_o we_o know_v that_o discipline_n be_v observe_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n notwithstanding_o the_o
practise_v there_o will_v be_v less_o corruption_n and_o more_o zeal_n in_o the_o church_n these_o be_v the_o sentiment_n of_o many_o doctor_n in_o the_o last_o age_n they_o see_v that_o the_o want_n of_o order_n and_o discipline_n be_v go_v to_o bring_v libertinism_n into_o the_o church_n but_o yet_o their_o endeavour_n be_v not_o altogether_o useless_a some_o church_n draw_v considerable_o near_o to_o the_o apostolical_a institution_n and_o there_o be_v some_o where_o discipline_n be_v not_o yet_o quite_o abolish_v they_o still_o make_v use_n of_o some_o part_n of_o those_o mean_n prescribe_v by_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o correction_n of_o manner_n they_o do_v not_o admit_v all_o person_n indifferent_o to_o the_o sacrament_n they_o retain_v the_o use_n of_o public_a penance_n and_o even_o in_o some_o place_n of_o excommunication_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v still_o many_o thing_n want_v in_o the_o order_n and_o government_n of_o those_o church_n as_o will_v appear_v by_o compare_v their_o present_a practice_n with_o that_o of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o with_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o ancient_a discipline_n i_o do_v not_o pretend_v that_o in_o this_o matter_n the_o practice_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n ought_v to_o be_v copy_v in_o every_o thing_n but_o certain_o in_o many_o point_v we_o ought_v to_o conform_v to_o it_o if_o we_o examine_v in_o what_o manner_n discipline_n be_v administer_v now_o a_o day_n we_o may_v observe_v several_a defect_n in_o it_o which_o be_v pretty_a considerable_a for_o instance_n we_o shall_v find_v church_n where_o excommunication_n be_v use_v about_o matter_n of_o no_o great_a importance_n where_o that_o which_o be_v call_v excommunication_n be_v rather_o a_o civil_a sentence_n or_o punishment_n than_o a_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n and_o where_o not_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n but_o civil_a judge_n excommunicate_v another_o common_a fault_n be_v that_o discipline_n be_v exercise_v only_o upon_o two_o or_o three_o sort_n of_o sinner_n fornicator_n and_o notorious_a blasphemer_n be_v indeed_o severe_o proceed_v against_o but_o a_o great_a many_o person_n be_v suffer_v in_o the_o church_n who_o have_v nothing_o of_o christianity_n in_o their_o deportment_n such_o as_o drunkard_n idle_a people_n and_o several_a other_o sinner_n who_o the_o divine_a law_n subject_a as_o much_o to_o the_o rigour_n of_o discipline_n as_o adulterer_n it_o will_v be_v altogether_o necessary_a to_o use_v discipline_n against_o those_o who_o enter_v into_o marriage_n only_o to_o conceal_v their_o shame_n and_o yet_o in_o most_o church_n no_o satisfaction_n be_v demandded_a of_o such_o people_n this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o very_o great_a moment_n there_o be_v no_o sufficient_a care_n take_v to_o be_v satisfy_v about_o the_o sincerity_n of_o sinner_n repentance_n when_o they_o be_v to_o be_v restore_v to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n the_o apostolical_a precept_n about_o avoid_v all_o familiar_a intercourse_n with_o scandalous_a sinner_n be_v out_o of_o use_n by_o all_o this_o we_o may_v see_v that_o few_o church_n can_v boast_v a_o pure_a discipline_n but_o suppose_v that_o true_a discipline_n may_v be_v find_v in_o some_o place_n yet_o how_o many_o defect_n do_v creep_v into_o the_o best_a constitute_v church_n either_o through_o the_o stubborness_n of_o sinner_n the_o opposition_n of_o corrupt_a magistrate_n or_o through_o the_o fault_n and_o carelessness_n of_o pastor_n the_o best_a law_n be_v good_a for_o nothing_o when_o they_o be_v not_o observe_v so_o that_o whether_o those_o who_o ought_v to_o exercise_v discipline_n for_o the_o give_v a_o stop_n to_o scandal_n do_v it_o not_o or_o whether_o they_o have_v not_o the_o power_n to_o do_v it_o it_o be_v still_o true_a that_o corruption_n proceed_v from_o the_o want_n of_o discipline_n what_o must_v we_o say_v then_o of_o those_o church_n where_o discipline_n be_v whole_o unknown_a where_o neither_o church_n nor_o pastor_n have_v any_o authority_n to_o govern_v or_o inspect_v where_o minister_n dare_v not_o exclude_v any_o one_o from_o the_o sacrament_n but_o admit_v all_o person_n indifferent_o to_o the_o holy_a communion_n which_o abuse_n will_v have_v be_v think_v a_o unheard_a of_o profanation_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o where_o all_o public_a penance_n be_v out_o of_o door_n i_o say_v nothing_o of_o excommunication_n if_o any_o man_n shall_v propose_v the_o restore_n of_o it_o his_o design_n will_v be_v look_v upon_o in_o many_o place_n as_o a_o unpardonable_a crime_n and_o the_o strange_a thing_n of_o all_o be_v that_o this_o want_n of_o discipline_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o church_n which_o acknowledge_v the_o scripture_n for_o the_o rule_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o there_o be_v divine_n who_o instead_o of_o promote_a the_o re-establishment_n of_o discipline_n oppose_v it_o and_o maintain_v that_o none_o be_v to_o be_v debar_v from_o the_o sacrament_n who_o can_v endure_v the_o very_a name_n of_o excommunication_n and_o who_o pretend_v that_o where_o the_o magistrate_n punish_v vice_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o other_o discipline_n those_o divine_n have_v not_o the_o great_a number_n on_o their_o side_n but_o their_o opinion_n prevail_v because_o it_o favour_v policy_n and_o licentiousness_n we_o be_v to_o impute_v to_o this_o fatal_a remissness_n the_o looseness_n and_o irregularity_n of_o the_o manner_n christian_n i_o need_v not_o insist_v more_o upon_o this_o for_o every_o one_o be_v sensible_a of_o it_o good_a order_n keep_v man_n in_o duty_n but_o where_o there_o be_v no_o order_n vice_n must_v of_o necessity_n bear_v sway_n what_o shall_v restrain_v people_n except_v some_o general_a admonition_n which_o be_v deliver_v in_o sermon_n every_o person_n be_v leave_v to_o himself_o and_o live_v as_o he_o think_v fit_a private_a man_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o conduct_n to_o any_o body_n those_o who_o lead_v the_o most_o un-christian_n life_n sweater_n covetous_a profane_a lewd_a and_o intemperate_a person_n all_o sort_n of_o people_n live_v peaceable_o in_o the_o church_n they_o be_v repute_v member_n of_o it_o they_o be_v mingle_v among_o true_a christian_n they_o enjoy_v with_o they_o the_o same_o spiritual_a privilege_n at_o least_o in_o all_o outward_a appearance_n and_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o same_o sacrament_n as_o long_o as_o thing_n be_v in_o this_o state_n we_o must_v not_o hope_v to_o see_v any_o abatement_n of_o corruption_n but_o that_o nothing_o may_v be_v omit_v which_o may_v contribute_v to_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o answer_v some_o objection_n and_o that_o which_o be_v allege_v to_o excuse_v or_o even_o to_o justify_v the_o take_n away_o of_o the_o ancient_a discipline_n 1._o against_o the_o restore_n of_o discipline_n some_o say_v which_o be_v object_v in_o the_o last_o age_n that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n that_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v preach_v in_o it_o since_o that_o be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o procure_v the_o conversion_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o men._n the_o gospel_n no_o doubt_n be_v sufficient_a to_o teach_v we_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v in_o religion_n but_o it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o god_n make_v use_v only_o of_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n for_o he_o use_v other_o mean_n beside_o as_o for_o instance_n the_o sacrament_n and_o those_o mean_n among_o which_o discipline_n be_v to_o be_v reckon_v be_v prescribe_v by_o the_o gospel_n itself_o so_o that_o whosoever_o submit_v to_o the_o gospel_n must_v likewise_o submit_v to_o that_o order_n we_o speak_v of_o but_o further_a the_o gospel_n bare_o preach_v and_o know_v be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o salvation_n nothing_o but_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v save_v a_o man_n and_o it_o be_v to_o little_a purpose_n to_o preach_v it_o if_o the_o manner_n of_o christian_n be_v not_o regulate_v and_o if_o discipline_n be_v not_o use_v to_o that_o end_n as_o a_o mean_v appoint_v of_o god_n as_o to_o preach_v it_o will_v be_v show_v in_o the_o next_o chapter_n that_o man_n ascribe_v more_o efficacy_n to_o it_o than_o it_o have_v and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o mistake_n in_o the_o opinion_n which_o they_o common_o entertain_v of_o it_o 2._o those_o who_o be_v for_o mystical_a devotion_n and_o piety_n will_v certain_o say_v that_o discipline_n be_v not_o essential_a to_o religion_n that_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o external_a order_n and_o that_o external_a thing_n be_v useful_a only_o to_o carnal_a and_o imperfect_a christian_n but_o i_o desire_v those_o who_o have_v such_o opinion_n to_o speak_v more_o reverent_o of_o a_o order_n of_o which_o god_n be_v the_o author_n and_o which_o the_o apostle_n have_v so_o express_o recommend_v it_o can_v be_v think_v that_o the_o apostle_n who_o
church_n preach_v be_v be_v without_o dispute_n a_o part_n of_o the_o office_n of_o pastor_n but_o it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n to_o think_v that_o god_n have_v appoint_v they_o only_o to_o preach_v for_o they_o be_v entrust_v beside_o with_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o part_n of_o their_o employment_n be_v at_o least_o as_o essential_a as_o preach_v it_o be_v remarkable_a that_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o pastor_n in_o divers_a place_n and_o that_o the_o title_n it_o give_v they_o and_o the_o function_n it_o ascribe_v to_o they_o relate_v chief_o to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n this_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n priest_n or_o elder_n guide_n and_o pastor_n st._n paul_n have_v write_v concern_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o ministry_n if_o we_o examine_v what_o he_o say_v of_o the_o function_n of_o that_o charge_n and_o of_o the_o qualification_n of_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o it_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o he_o be_v much_o large_a upon_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n than_o upon_o preach_v to_o this_o purpose_n the_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n may_v be_v consult_v but_o further_a all_o churchman_n be_v not_o call_v to_o preach_v the_o apostle_n distinguish_v their_o function_n they_o tell_v we_o 17._o we_o see_v 1_o cor._n xii_o 4_o 5_o 6._o 28_o 29_o 30._o act._n vi_o 2_o etc._n etc._n rom._n xii_o 6_o 7_o 8._o 1_o tim._n v._o 17._o that_o all_o be_v not_o doctor_n that_o all_o do_v not_o interpret_v that_o all_o do_v not_o administer_v the_o word_n that_o all_o do_v not_o teach_v and_o exhort_v that_o some_o be_v appoint_v to_o instruct_v to_o exhort_v and_o to_o expound_v the_o scripture_n other_o to_o govern_v and_o other_o to_o do_v work_n of_o charity_n though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o which_o relate_v to_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n confer_v upon_o the_o first_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o the_o order_n which_o be_v then_o observe_v yet_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o these_o place_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o gift_n and_o function_n of_o ordinary_a pastor_n this_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o principal_a and_o the_o most_o general_a function_n of_o pastor_n then_o be_v the_o inspection_n and_o govern_n of_o the_o church_n preach_v be_v not_o neglect_v but_o all_o churchman_n be_v not_o preacher_n this_o province_n be_v commit_v to_o those_o who_o be_v fit_a for_o it_o will_v to_o god_n this_o distinction_n be_v still_o observe_v the_o church_n will_v be_v better_o govern_v and_o the_o gospel_n better_o preach_v than_o it_o be_v there_o be_v talent_n requisite_a to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n which_o every_o body_n have_v not_o and_o other_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o church_n and_o all_o these_o gift_n seldom_o meet_v in_o one_o person_n if_o then_o no_o regard_n be_v have_v to_o different_a gift_n and_o function_n if_o without_o distinction_n ever_o thing_n be_v commit_v to_o one_o person_n it_o be_v visible_a that_o the_o church_n will_v be_v ill_o edify_v beside_o that_o i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o this_o second_o part_n that_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a notion_n which_o restrain_v the_o ministry_n to_o preach_v but_o to_o remove_v this_o inconveniency_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a that_o a_o competent_a number_n of_o ecclesiastic_n shall_v be_v have_v in_o every_o church_n 1._o to_o express_v my_o thought_n more_o particular_o concern_v the_o office_n of_o pastor_n with_o relation_n to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n i_o observe_v first_o that_o discipline_n be_v wear_v out_o of_o use_n as_o i_o have_v show_v at_o large_a in_o a_o chapter_n upon_o that_o subject_a it_o be_v true_a that_o this_o defect_n be_v not_o whole_o to_o be_v impute_v to_o pastor_n if_o they_o do_v not_o govern_v the_o church_n by_o a_o good_a discipline_n it_o be_v because_o they_o have_v be_v deprive_v of_o their_o authority_n many_o of_o they_o be_v sensible_a of_o this_o disorder_n and_o lament_v it_o but_o what_o can_v they_o do_v when_o they_o exercise_v their_o ministry_n in_o place_n where_o their_o hand_n be_v tie_v up_o where_o they_o dare_v not_o refuse_v the_o sacrament_n to_o a_o adulterer_n and_o where_o they_o shall_v bring_v themselves_o into_o great_a trouble_n and_o perhaps_o be_v depose_v if_o they_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o observe_v the_o apostolical_a discipline_n they_o be_v force_v to_o confine_v themselves_o to_o preach_v which_o when_o it_o be_v not_o back_v with_o discipline_n can_v never_o have_v that_o effect_n which_o it_o will_v produce_v in_o conjunction_n with_o it_o there_o be_v nothing_o leave_v to_o pastor_n but_o what_o can_v not_o be_v take_v from_o they_o without_o abolish_n the_o whole_a ministry_n all_o that_o remain_v be_v only_o preach_v and_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o clergy_n may_v just_o be_v charge_v with_o that_o fault_n we_o complain_v of_o and_o with_o that_o corruption_n of_o the_o people_n which_o be_v a_o consequence_n of_o it_o since_o there_o be_v those_o among_o they_o who_o oppose_v the_o restoration_n of_o discipline_n and_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o indifferent_a order_n and_o other_o who_o be_v place_v in_o church_n where_o some_o form_n of_o discipline_n be_v leave_v render_v the_o exercise_n of_o it_o ineffectual_a either_o through_o imprudence_n and_o excessive_a severity_n or_o through_o a_o shameful_a remissness_n and_o a_o cowardly_a indulgence_n 2._o beside_o the_o public_a there_o be_v a_o private_a discipline_n which_o consist_v in_o inspect_v the_o life_n of_o private_a person_n in_o visit_v family_n in_o exhortation_n warning_n reconciliation_n and_o in_o all_o those_o other_o care_n which_o a_o pastor_n ought_v to_o take_v of_o those_o over_o who_o he_o be_v constitute_v for_o neither_o general_a exhortation_n nor_o public_a discipline_n can_v answer_v all_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v certain_a disorder_n which_o pastor_n neither_o can_v nor_o aught_o to_o repress_v open_o and_o which_o yet_o ought_v to_o be_v remedy_v by_o they_o in_o such_o case_n private_a admonition_n be_v to_o be_v use_v the_o concern_v of_o man_n salvation_n require_v this_o and_o it_o become_v the_o pastoral_a carefulness_n to_o seek_v the_o the_o stray_a sheep_n and_o not_o to_o let_v the_o wicked_a perish_v for_o want_v of_o warn_v but_o these_o be_v care_n to_o which_o some_o pastor_n do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v they_o content_v themselves_o with_o admonish_a sinner_n from_o the_o pulpit_n there_o be_v very_o little_a intercourse_n between_o pastor_n and_o those_o who_o be_v commit_v to_o their_o charge_n private_a person_n live_v without_o be_v accountable_a for_o their_o conduct_n to_o any_o body_n and_o except_o they_o commit_v the_o great_a enormity_n they_o fancy_v no_o man_n have_v a_o right_a to_o inquire_v into_o their_o action_n nothing_o reach_v they_o but_o sermon_n and_o these_o they_o mind_n as_o much_o and_o as_o little_a as_o they_o please_v this_o must_v needs_o produce_v licentiousness_n the_o visit_n of_o sick_a and_o die_a person_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o important_a function_n of_o the_o office_n of_o pastor_n but_o when_o it_o be_v not_o perform_v with_o exactness_n and_o zeal_n it_o contribute_v as_o much_o as_o can_v be_v imagine_v to_o the_o keep_n up_o of_o security_n every_o one_o must_v needs_o see_v of_o what_o consequence_n this_o part_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v if_o he_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v at_o the_o end_n of_o life_n that_o we_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v and_o that_o our_o eternal_a state_n depend_v upon_o the_o condition_n we_o die_v in_o and_o if_o we_o reflect_v at_o the_o same_o time_n upon_o what_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o 10._o we_o 2_o cor._n v._o 10._o that_o we_o shall_v receive_v in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v according_a to_o the_o good_a or_o evil_n we_o have_v do_v in_o this_o we_o will_v easy_o apprehend_v what_o minister_n ought_v to_o do_v when_o they_o visit_v sick_a and_o die_a person_n their_o chief_a business_n shall_v be_v to_o discover_v what_o state_n those_o person_n be_v in_o that_o they_o may_v suit_v their_o exhortation_n to_o it_o then_o be_v it_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o speak_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o sinner_n and_o to_o persuade_v they_o by_o all_o possible_a mean_n to_o examine_v their_o life_n and_o the_o disposition_n they_o be_v in_o in_o reference_n to_o their_o salvation_n and_o when_o a_o minister_n meet_v as_o it_o happen_v too_o frequent_o with_o sick_a person_n who_o be_v engage_v and_o harden_v in_o vicious_a habit_n or_o who_o repentance_n may_v just_o be_v question_v it_o be_v then_o that_o
he_o have_v need_n use_v all_o his_o skill_n and_o prudence_n all_o his_o zeal_n and_o endeavour_n to_o save_v soul_n which_o be_v in_o so_o great_a danger_n upon_o such_o occasion_n both_o the_o minister_n and_o the_o sick_a person_n have_v need_n of_o time_n leisure_n and_o freedom_n and_o a_o hasty_a discourse_n or_o prayer_n signify_v nothing_o and_o now_o we_o may_v judge_v whether_o a_o man_n discharge_v the_o office_n of_o a_o pastor_n who_o only_o in_o general_n exhort_v die_v person_n to_o acknowledge_v themselves_o miserable_a sinner_n and_o back_n those_o exhortation_n with_o assurance_n of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n through_o jesus_n christ_n or_o who_o only_o read_v some_o form_n of_o exhortation_n and_o prayer_n as_o the_o custom_n be_v in_o some_o place_n this_o method_n be_v fit_a to_o lay_v asleep_a than_o to_o awaken_v a_o guilty_a conscience_n and_o this_o way_n of_o ex-exercising_a the_o ministry_n overturn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n and_o most_o of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n a_o minister_n speak_v to_o a_o sick_a person_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o his_o sin_n he_o exhort_v he_o to_o leave_v the_o world_n with_o joy_n he_o discourse_v to_o he_o of_o the_o happiness_n of_o another_o life_n and_o fill_v he_o with_o the_o most_o comfortable_a hope_n and_o perhaps_o this_o sick_a person_n be_v a_o man_n load_v with_o gild_n a_o wretch_n who_o have_v live_v like_o a_o atheist_n who_o have_v commit_v divers_a sin_n for_o which_o he_o have_v make_v no_o satisfaction_n who_o have_v not_o practise_v restitution_n who_o never_o know_v his_o religion_n and_o who_o be_v actual_o impenitent_a such_o a_o man_n ought_v to_o tremble_v and_o yet_o such_o consolation_n from_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o pastor_n make_v he_o think_v that_o he_o die_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n but_o if_o this_o way_n of_o visit_v and_o comfort_v the_o sick_a betray_v they_o into_o security_n it_o have_v the_o same_o effect_n upon_o the_o stander_n by_o who_o when_o they_o hear_v the_o consolation_n which_o be_v administer_v to_o person_n who_o every_o body_n know_v not_o to_o have_v lead_v very_a christian_a life_n make_v a_o tacit_n inference_n that_o the_o same_o thing_n will_v be_v say_v to_o they_o and_o that_o their_o death_n will_v be_v happy_a whatsoever_o their_o past_a life_n may_v have_v be_v beside_o the_o want_n of_o ability_n and_o zeal_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o hinder_v pastor_n from_o discharge_v towards_o die_a people_n the_o important_a duty_n to_o which_o their_o office_n oblige_v they_o the_o one_o be_v that_o common_o pastor_n visit_v the_o sick_a only_o in_o case_n of_o extremity_n and_o the_o other_o be_v that_o they_o have_v too_o little_a communication_n with_o their_o flock_n and_o no_o sufficient_a knowledge_n of_o the_o life_n and_o conduct_v of_o private_a person_n so_o that_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o state_n and_o occasion_n of_o the_o sick_a they_o can_v at_o the_o approach_n of_o death_n administer_v to_o they_o wholesome_a counsel_n and_o exhortation_n these_o i_o think_v be_v the_o most_o essential_a defect_n of_o pastor_n both_o in_o the_o instruction_n and_o in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n have_v thus_o far_o treat_v of_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o pastoral_n charge_n i_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v those_o qualification_n with_o which_o pastor_n ought_v to_o be_v endue_v and_o these_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n first_o the_o endowment_n of_o the_o mind_n by_o which_o i_o mean_v those_o ability_n and_o talent_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o instruction_n and_o conduct_n of_o the_o church_n and_o second_o the_o qualification_n of_o the_o heart_n by_o which_o i_o mean_v probity_n and_o integrity_n of_o life_n 1._o no_o man_n question_n but_o that_o ability_n and_o talent_n be_v requisite_a in_o those_o who_o exercise_v the_o office_n of_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n first_o some_o be_v necessary_a for_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o for_o the_o right_n expound_v of_o scripture_n preach_v require_v a_o great_a extent_n of_o knowledge_n than_o be_v common_o imagine_v to_o preach_v well_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v well_o skill_v in_o language_n history_n divinity_n and_o morality_n he_o shall_v be_v acquaint_v with_o man_n heart_n he_o shall_v be_v of_o a_o sagacious_a and_o discern_a spirit_n and_o above_o all_o thing_n he_o shall_v have_v a_o true_a and_o exact_a judgement_n to_o say_v nothing_o of_o some_o other_o qualification_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o every_o man_n who_o speak_v in_o public_a neither_o be_v these_o endowment_n sufficient_a particular_a talent_n be_v requisite_a for_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o church_n to_o guide_v a_o flock_n and_o to_o be_v accountable_a for_o the_o salvation_n of_o a_o great_a number_n of_o soul_n be_v no_o small_a charge_n nor_o a_o employment_n which_o every_o body_n be_v fit_a for_o a_o man_n to_o who_o the_o government_n of_o a_o church_n be_v commit_v in_o who_o hand_n the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n be_v lodge_v who_o duty_n it_o be_v both_o to_o exhort_v and_o reprove_v both_o in_o public_a and_o in_o private_a and_o who_o ought_v to_o supply_v all_o the_o occasion_n of_o a_o flock_n and_o to_o be_v provide_v for_o all_o emergency_n such_o a_o man_n have_v need_n of_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o knowledge_n zeal_n and_o firmness_n as_o well_o as_o of_o much_o wisdom_n and_o prudence_n moderation_n and_o charity_n that_o all_o these_o qualification_n be_v requisite_a in_o a_o pastor_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o office_n and_o st._n paul_n teach_v it_o when_o he_o appoint_v that_o none_o shall_v be_v admit_v to_o this_o employment_n but_o those_o in_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v find_v what_o effect_v then_o can_v the_o ministry_n have_v when_o it_o be_v exercise_v by_o man_n who_o want_v these_o qualification_n or_o perhaps_o have_v the_o quite_o contrary_a who_o be_v ignorant_a who_o know_v nothing_o in_o matter_n of_o discipline_n and_o morality_n who_o can_v give_v no_o account_n of_o a_o great_a many_o thing_n contain_v in_o scripture_n and_o who_o whole_a learning_n be_v confine_v to_o a_o commentary_n who_o can_v neither_o reason_n true_a nor_o speak_v clear_o who_o be_v either_o indiscreet_a negligent_a or_o remiss_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o office_n but_o i_o do_v not_o wonder_v that_o these_o qualification_n be_v want_v in_o most_o clergyman_n vast_a number_n who_o be_v not_o cut_v out_o for_o this_o employment_n aspire_v to_o it_o and_o beside_o these_o ability_n be_v not_o to_o be_v acquire_v without_o labour_n and_o application_n now_o many_o churchman_n be_v shameful_o idle_a they_o look_v upon_o their_o profession_n as_o a_o mean_a to_o live_v easy_a so_o that_o decline_v the_o duty_n of_o their_o place_n they_o content_v themselves_o with_o the_o income_n of_o it_o those_o who_o be_v to_o preach_v be_v more_o employ_v but_o their_o sermon_n be_v almost_o their_o whole_a business_n their_o work_n consist_v for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o copy_v some_o commentary_n and_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o have_v acquire_v a_o little_a habit_n and_o facility_n of_o speak_v in_o public_a almost_o all_o of_o they_o give_v over_o study_n and_o labour_n we_o may_v almost_o make_v the_o same_o judgement_n of_o those_o ecclesiastic_n who_o though_o they_o study_v hard_a yet_o do_v not_o direct_v their_o study_n to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n the_o learning_n and_o the_o study_n of_o divine_n i_o speak_v of_o those_o chief_o who_o have_v cure_n of_o soul_n be_v often_o vain_a and_o of_o no_o use_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o their_o flock_n they_o apply_v themselves_o to_o thing_n suitable_a to_o their_o inclination_n and_o their_o study_n be_v but_o their_o amusement_n or_o their_o diversion_n now_o he_o who_o neglect_v the_o duty_n of_o his_o call_v and_o pursue_v other_o employment_n differ_v very_o little_a from_o he_o who_o do_v nothing_o at_o all_o ii_o probity_n be_v not_o less_o necessary_a to_o pastor_n than_o knowledge_n and_o ability_n and_o this_o probity_n ought_v to_o have_v three_o degree_n 1._o the_o first_o be_v that_o pastor_n give_v no_o ill_a example_n and_o that_o their_o life_n be_v blameless_a this_o be_v the_o first_o qualification_n which_o st._n paul_n require_v in_o those_o who_o aspire_v to_o this_o holy_a office_n iii_o office_n 1_o tim._n iii_o let_v a_o bishop_n say_v he_o be_v blameless_a that_o be_v his_o manner_n ought_v to_o be_v such_o that_o he_o may_v not_o just_o be_v charge_v with_o any_o vice_n or_o give_v any_o scandal_n then_o the_o apostle_n specify_v the_o fault_n from_o which_o a_o pastor_n ought_v to_o be_v free_a i._n free_a tit._n i._n not_o give_v to_o wine_n no_o striker_n not_o greedy_a of_o filthy_a lucre_n but_o patient_a not_o a_o brawler_n not_o covetous_a one_o that_o rule_v well_o his_o own_o house_n have_v his_o
this_o knowledge_n ought_v to_o be_v the_o chief_a study_n of_o those_o who_o preach_v the_o gospel_n but_o the_o sure_a and_o the_o most_o compendious_a way_n to_o know_v man_n heart_n aright_o be_v to_o consult_v our_o own_o to_o reflect_v upon_o ourselves_o and_o to_o have_v a_o spotless_a conscience_n without_o this_o a_o man_n be_v still_o a_o novice_n and_o a_o bungler_n in_o preach_v and_o so_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n in_o private_a exhortation_n in_o the_o visit_n of_o the_o sick_a in_o prayer_n and_o in_o all_o other_o pastoral_n function_n there_o be_v still_o something_o defective_a when_o a_o man_n do_v not_o perform_v they_o out_o of_o a_o principle_n of_o charity_n but_o only_o to_o discharge_v the_o outward_a obligation_n which_o his_o office_n lay_v upon_o he_o pious_a and_o good_a churchman_n who_o be_v not_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n destitute_a of_o gift_n fulfil_v much_o better_a the_o duty_n of_o their_o ministry_n a_o pastor_n who_o love_v his_o profession_n who_o lay_v the_o function_n of_o it_o to_o heart_n who_o be_v thorough_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o who_o practise_v the_o rule_n of_o it_o who_o in_o private_a humble_v himself_o before_o god_n and_o ardent_o implore_v his_o blessing_n â—ho_n be_v ever_o intent_n upon_o seek_v mean_n to_o edify_v the_o church_n who_o turn_v all_o his_o meditation_n that_o way_n who_o think_v day_n and_o night_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o his_o flock_n must_v needs_o be_v successful_a he_o have_v in_o himself_o the_o principle_n of_o all_o benediction_n and_o happy_a success_n when_o he_o be_v speak_v or_o exhort_v it_o be_v his_o heart_n that_o speak_v and_o the_o language_n of_o the_o heart_n have_v a_o kind_n of_o eloquence_n and_o perswasiveness_n in_o it_o which_o be_v soon_o discern_v by_o the_o hearer_n and_o which_o always_o raise_v a_o pious_a and_o a_o zealous_a preacher_n above_o a_o mercenary_a and_o hypocritical_a one_o the_o want_n of_o piety_n in_o pastor_n be_v therefore_o the_o principal_a source_n of_o the_o fault_n they_o commit_v and_o of_o the_o mischief_n which_o proceed_v from_o their_o remissness_n whosoever_o will_v serious_o and_o without_o prejudice_n consider_v all_o that_o i_o have_v now_o say_v must_v own_v that_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o christian_n be_v chief_o to_o bâ—_n find_v in_o the_o clergy_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v to_o speak_v here_o of_o all_o churchman_n indifferent_o we_o must_v do_v right_a to_o some_o who_o distinguish_v themselves_o by_o their_o talent_n their_o zeal_n and_o the_o holiness_n of_o their_o life_n but_o the_o number_n of_o these_o be_v not_o considerable_a enough_o to_o stop_v the_o course_n of_o those_o disorder_n which_o be_v occasion_v in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o vast_a multitude_n of_o remiss_a and_o corrupt_a pastor_n these_o pull_v down_o what_o the_o other_o endeavour_v to_o build_v up_o some_o perhaps_o will_v ask_v whence_o do_v all_o these_o fault_n of_o the_o clergy_n proceed_v in_o answer_n to_o this_o question_n i_o have_v three_o thing_n to_o say_v 1._o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v think_v strange_a that_o pastor_n shall_v not_o fulfil_v all_o the_o obligation_n of_o their_o office_n as_o thing_n be_v constitute_v almost_o every_o where_n with_o relation_n to_o discipline_n to_o the_o inspection_n and_o authority_n over_o private_a person_n to_o the_o visit_v of_o the_o sick_a and_o to_o some_o other_o part_n of_o their_o employment_n they_o can_v if_o they_o will_v discharge_v their_o duty_n neither_o the_o magistrate_n nor_o the_o people_n will_v suffer_v it_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o defect_n of_o pastor_n be_v the_o consequence_n of_o the_o contempt_n and_o abasement_n which_o their_o office_n be_v bring_v under_o as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o poverty_n they_o live_v in_o this_o contempt_n and_o poverty_n discourage_v a_o great_a many_o who_o may_v otherwise_o considerable_o edify_v the_o church_n and_o they_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o multitude_n who_o have_v neither_o education_n nor_o talent_n nor_o estate_n dedicate_v themselves_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v common_o imagine_v that_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n be_v good_a enough_o for_o the_o church_n and_o whereas_o the_o jew_n do_v offer_v their_o most_o excellent_a thing_n to_o god_n among_o christian_n what_o be_v least_o value_v be_v consecrate_a to_o god_n and_o the_o church_n some_o be_v devote_v to_o the_o holy_a and_o the_o most_o exalt_a of_o all_o profession_n who_o will_v not_o be_v think_v capable_a of_o a_o employment_n of_o any_o consideration_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n if_o then_o we_o intend_v to_o remedy_v the_o fault_n of_o the_o clergy_n we_o shall_v begin_v with_o redress_v what_o be_v defective_a in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o religion_n in_o general_n 2._o many_o ecclesiastic_n fail_v in_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o call_v because_o they_o do_v not_o know_v what_o it_o oblige_v they_o to_o and_o this_o they_o do_v not_o know_v because_o it_o be_v never_o teach_v they_o there_o be_v indeed_o school_n academy_n and_o university_n which_o be_v design_v to_o instruct_v those_o young_a man_n who_o aspire_v to_o this_o profession_n but_o i_o can_v tell_v whether_o school_n and_o academy_n as_o they_o be_v order_v almost_o every_o where_o do_v not_o do_v more_o hurt_n than_o good_a for_o first_o as_o to_z manner_n young_a people_n live_v there_o licentious_o and_o be_v leave_v to_o their_o own_o conduct_n the_o care_n of_o master_n and_o professor_n do_v not_o extend_v to_o the_o regulate_v of_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o disciple_n and_o this_o disorder_n be_v so_o great_a that_o in_o several_a university_n of_o europe_n the_o scholar_n and_o student_n make_v public_a profession_n of_o dissoluteness_n they_o not_o only_o live_v there_o irregular_o but_o they_o have_v privilege_n which_o give_v they_o a_o right_a to_o commit_v with_o impunity_n all_o manner_n of_o insolence_n brutality_n and_o scandal_n and_o which_o exempt_v they_o from_o the_o magistrate_n jurisdiction_n it_o be_v a_o shame_n to_o christianity_n that_o prince_n and_o churchman_n shall_v not_o have_v yet_o abolish_v those_o custom_n and_o establishment_n which_o smell_v so_o rank_a of_o the_o ignorance_n and_o barbarism_n of_o the_o heathen_n and_o yet_o these_o university_n be_v the_o nursery_n out_o of_o which_o pastor_n doctor_n and_o professor_n be_v take_v those_o scholar_n who_o neither_o have_v birth_n nor_o sense_n of_o virtue_n or_o honour_n and_o who_o have_v spend_v their_o youth_n in_o licentiousness_n and_o debauchery_n spread_v themselves_o into_o all_o church_n and_o become_v the_o depositary_n and_o in_o some_o measure_n the_o arbitrator_n of_o religion_n as_o to_o the_o study_n which_o be_v pursue_v at_o university_n i_o observe_v in_o they_o these_o two_o fault_n the_o first_o relate_v to_o the_o method_n of_o teach_v divinity_n be_v treat_v there_o and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n explain_v in_o a_o scholastical_a and_o altogether_o speculative_a manner_n common_a place_n be_v read_v which_o be_v full_a of_o school-term_n and_o of_o question_n not_o very_o material_a there_o young_a man_n learn_v to_o dispute_v upon_o every_o thing_n and_o to_o resolve_v all_o religion_n into_o controversy_n now_o this_o method_n ruin_v they_o it_o give_v they_o intricate_a and_o false_a notion_n of_o divinity_n and_o it_o beget_v in_o they_o disposition_n direct_o opposite_a to_o those_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o find_v out_o truth_n the_o other_o fault_n be_v more_o essential_a little_a or_o no_o care_n be_v take_v in_o academy_n to_o teach_v those_o who_o dedicate_v themselves_o to_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n several_a thing_n the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o will_v be_v very_o necessary_a to_o they_o the_o study_n of_o history_n and_o of_o church_n antiquity_n be_v neglect_v there_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o most_o divine_n may_v be_v compare_v with_o people_n who_o have_v never_o travel_v know_v no_o other_o custom_n or_o way_n of_o live_v but_o those_o which_o obtain_v in_o their_o country_n as_o soon_o as_o you_o take_v these_o divine_n out_o of_o their_o common-place_n they_o be_v in_o a_o maâ—â—_n and_o every_o thing_n seem_v new_a and_o singular_a to_o they_o morality_n be_v not_o teach_v in_o divinity-school_n but_o in_o a_o superficial_a and_o scholastics_n manner_n and_o in_o many_o academy_n it_o be_v noâ—_n teach_v at_o all_o they_o seldom_o speak_v there_o of_o discipline_n they_o give_v few_o or_o no_o instruction_n concern_v the_o manner_n of_o exercise_v the_o pastoral_a care_n or_o of_o govern_v the_o church_n so_o that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o who_o be_v admit_v into_o this_o office_n enter_v into_o it_o without_o know_v wherein_o it_o consist_v all_o the_o notion_n they_o have_v of_o it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o profession_n which_o oblige_v they_o to_o preach_v and_o to_o
shall_v go_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o minister_n of_o religion_n be_v invest_v with_o civil_a authority_n and_o a_o very_a great_a authority_n too_o the_o jewish_a priest_n hold_v a_o considerable_a rank_n in_o the_o state_n as_o well_o as_o in_o religion_n if_o upon_o some_o occasion_n king_n have_v depose_v priest_n upon_o other_o occasion_n priest_n have_v oppose_v king_n and_o alter_v the_o government_n xxvi_o government_n see_v chron._n xxiii_o and_o xxvi_o so_o that_o without_o press_v too_o much_o those_o instance_n out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o best_a way_n be_v to_o consult_v the_o new_a and_o to_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o whosoever_o examine_v without_o prejudice_n those_o sacred_a book_n which_o have_v be_v write_v since_o the_o come_v of_o our_o saviour_n will_v acknowledge_v that_o thing_n be_v now_o alter_v and_o that_o magistrate_n have_v but_o a_o limit_a authority_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v remarkable_a that_o the_o scripture_n never_o mention_n they_o when_o it_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o government_n of_o it_o 3_o and_o yet_o as_o the_o authority_n of_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n be_v derive_v from_o god_n it_o ought_v still_o to_o subsist_v entire_a and_o therefore_o they_o have_v a_o unquestionable_a right_n to_o take_v care_n that_o nothing_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o their_o lawful_a authority_n and_o of_o public_a tranquillity_n and_o that_o the_o minister_n of_o religion_n do_v not_o stretch_v their_o authority_n beyond_o spiritual_a thing_n the_o honour_n and_o the_o safety_n of_o religion_n require_v that_o this_o principle_n shall_v be_v lay_v down_o for_o religion_n as_o be_v say_v before_o ought_v not_o to_o disturb_v society_n and_o true_a religion_n will_v never_o disturb_v it_o if_o then_o any_o christian_n or_o churchman_n under_o pretence_n of_o religion_n shall_v break_v in_o upon_o the_o civil_a government_n and_o the_o public_a peace_n king_n and_o prince_n have_v a_o right_a to_o restrain_v they_o and_o then_o they_o do_v not_o oppose_v religion_n but_o those_o only_o who_o abuse_n and_o dishonour_v it_o after_o these_o consideration_n i_o think_v any_o man_n be_v able_a to_o judge_v whether_o the_o decay_n of_o piety_n and_o religion_n be_v not_o in_o part_n to_o be_v impute_v to_o christian_a prince_n and_o magistrate_n we_o need_v but_o inquire_v whether_o both_o in_o civil_a and_o religious_a matter_n they_o observe_v the_o duty_n i_o have_v now_o describe_v i_o say_v no_o more_o of_o this_o because_o every_o body_n be_v able_a to_o make_v the_o application_n but_o i_o must_v add_v that_o if_o the_o want_n of_o zeal_n in_o magistrate_n be_v enough_o to_o introduce_v confusion_n and_o vice_n into_o the_o church_n the_o mischief_n be_v much_o great_a when_o not_o only_o they_o do_v not_o what_o they_o ought_v for_o the_o good_a of_o religion_n but_o when_o they_o use_v their_o authority_n beside_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o it_o i_o can_v forbear_v mention_v here_o two_o great_a abuse_n the_o first_o be_v when_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n assume_v the_o whole_a authority_n to_o themselves_o so_o that_o except_o preach_v and_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n they_o will_v do_v every_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n when_o they_o presume_v to_o determine_v article_n of_o faith_n to_o rule_v the_o conscience_n of_o their_o subject_n and_o to_o force_v they_o to_o embrace_v one_o persuasion_n rather_o than_o another_o when_o they_o will_v by_o all_o mean_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o call_v pastor_n without_o regard_n to_o that_o right_n of_o the_o church_n and_o churchman_n which_o be_v establish_v in_o scripture_n and_o confirn_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n when_o they_o seize_v upon_o church-estate_n though_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o fear_v that_o wealth_n shall_v corrupt_v their_o clergy_n and_o though_o such_o revenue_n may_v be_v apply_v to_o several_a pious_a uses_n and_o particular_o to_o the_o relief_n of_o country-churche_n most_o of_o which_o be_v not_o sufficient_o edify_v for_o want_v of_o necessary_a endowment_n and_o fund_n a_o great_a deal_n may_v be_v say_v about_o that_o which_o be_v do_v in_o the_o last_o century_n with_o relation_n to_o church-revenue_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o people_n have_v be_v a_o little_a more_o scrupulous_a than_o they_o be_v when_o they_o invade_v the_o possession_n of_o the_o church_n and_o confound_v they_o with_o the_o revenue_n of_o the_o state_n beside_o this_o the_o magistrate_n authority_n be_v fatal_a to_o the_o church_n when_o he_o hinder_v the_o exercise_n of_o true_a discipline_n and_o when_o he_o substitute_n such_o regulation_n as_o he_o think_v fit_a in_o the_o room_n of_o apostolical_a law_n this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a obstruction_n to_o the_o restore_n of_o apostolical_a discipline_n though_o the_o church_n and_o her_o pastor_n shall_v be_v willing_a to_o observe_v the_o ancient_a order_n and_o to_o oppose_v corruption_n by_o those_o mean_n which_o the_o gospel_n enjoin_v yet_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v if_o those_o who_o have_v the_o authority_n in_o their_o hand_n will_v not_o give_v way_n to_o it_o the_o church_n be_v not_o in_o a_o condition_n to_o resist_v and_o to_o make_v head_n against_o the_o magistrate_n when_o he_o use_v force_n and_o she_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v it_o if_o she_o can_v the_o second_o abuse_n be_v when_o the_o magistrate_n make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o abase_v religion_n in_o the_o person_n of_o its_o minister_n by_o despoil_v they_o as_o much_o as_o he_o can_v of_o every_o thing_n that_o may_v procure_v they_o respect_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n this_o policy_n be_v as_o contrary_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o the_o promote_a of_o piety_n as_o it_o be_v common_a now_o adays_o in_o several_a christian_a dominion_n it_o be_v well_o do_v of_o the_o magistrate_n to_o preserve_v his_o authority_n and_o to_o keep_v the_o clergy_n from_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o their_o call_v but_o from_o thence_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o he_o ought_v to_o trample_v they_o under_o foot_n to_o bring_v they_o under_o a_o general_a contempt_n and_o to_o vilify_v their_o character_n which_o after_o all_o be_v sacred_a and_o venerable_a this_o be_v to_o sacrifice_v religion_n to_o policy_n and_o pride_n and_o this_o proceed_v be_v a_o manifest_a cause_n of_o the_o contempt_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o corruption_n which_o necessary_o follow_v that_o contempt_n since_o common_o nothing_o be_v more_o despise_v in_o the_o world_n than_o that_o which_o great_a man_n despise_v i_o declare_v it_o once_o more_o by_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v i_o do_v not_o mean_v to_o detract_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o respect_n due_a to_o civil_a power_n neither_o do_v i_o speak_v of_o all_o christian_a prince_n and_o magistrate_n among_o who_o there_o be_v some_o who_o have_v piety_n and_o zeal_n and_o who_o labour_n with_o success_n for_o the_o good_a of_o religion_n but_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n require_v that_o we_o shall_v speak_v the_o truth_n so_o that_o i_o can_v not_o but_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o cause_n of_o corruption_n upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v that_o if_o christian_a magistrate_n will_v be_v please_v to_o make_v serious_a reflection_n upon_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o shall_v soon_o see_v a_o end_n of_o some_o of_o these_o disorder_n and_o that_o a_o happy_a time_n will_v come_v when_o they_o will_v use_v their_o authority_n to_o advance_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o to_o restore_v truth_n piety_n and_o peace_n among_o christian_n cause_n v._o education_n nothing_o be_v more_o natural_a than_o to_o look_v for_o the_o original_a of_o corruption_n in_o the_o time_n at_o which_o it_o begin_v i_o mean_v in_o the_o first_o year_n of_o life_n it_o be_v not_o only_a when_o man_n have_v attain_v to_o a_o ripeness_n of_o age_n that_o they_o be_v incline_v to_o vice_n but_o that_o inclination_n discover_v itself_o from_o their_o youth_n the_o root_n of_o that_o ignorance_n of_o those_o prejudices_fw-la and_o of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o ill_a disposition_n they_o be_v in_o may_v be_v find_v in_o their_o tender_a year_n we_o have_v need_v then_o look_v back_o upon_o the_o beginning_n of_o life_n and_o seek_v in_o youth_n and_o in_o infancy_n itself_o the_o source_n of_o corruption_n when_o we_o enter_v upon_o this_o enquiry_n and_o consider_v that_o man_n if_o nothing_o restrain_v they_o will_v run_v into_o vice_n from_o their_o youth_n out_o of_o a_o propension_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o we_o can_v but_o perceive_v at_o first_o sight_n that_o there_o must_v be_v in_o
design_n of_o scripture_n than_o to_o explain_v it_o philosophical_o and_o which_o be_v worse_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o a_o false_a philosophy_n as_o divers_a commentator_n do_v they_o make_v use_v of_o the_o method_n notion_n and_o term_n of_o the_o school_n to_o find_v out_o the_o mean_v of_o the_o sacred_a write_n they_o apply_v to_o all_o subject_n the_o rule_n prescribe_v by_o the_o schoolman_n they_o careful_o distinguish_v in_o a_o text_n those_o thing_n which_o be_v call_v in_o the_o school_n materia_fw-la forma_fw-la causa_fw-la efficiens_fw-la finis_fw-la subjectum_fw-la adjunctum_fw-la etc._n etc._n they_o seek_v in_o all_o reason_v the_o major_n the_o minor_a and_o they_o conclusion_n as_o if_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o inspire_v the_o sacred_a author_n have_v follow_v the_o scheme_n of_o aristotle_n logic_n and_o have_v intend_v to_o make_v syllogism_n in_o mood_n and_o figure_n i_o say_v nothing_o here_o of_o that_o spirit_n of_o dispute_n and_o wrangle_a which_o run_n through_o the_o scholastical_a commentary_n nor_o of_o the_o false_a sense_n and_o metaphysical_a explication_n which_o they_o put_v upon_o the_o scripture_n such_o book_n be_v obstacle_n rather_o than_o help_v to_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o be_v fit_v only_o to_o perplex_v what_o be_v clear_a and_o to_o spoil_v divine_n and_o preacher_n by_o take_v away_o from_o they_o that_o qualification_n they_o have_v most_o need_v of_o i_o mean_v good_a sense_n 4._o another_o very_a different_a way_n from_o that_o simplicity_n with_o which_o the_o scripture_n shall_v be_v handle_v be_v the_o method_n of_o those_o author_n who_o without_o necessity_n insist_v upon_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o a_o text_n who_o sift_v all_o the_o term_n of_o it_o as_o if_o a_o mystery_n do_v lurk_v in_o every_o word_n who_o descend_v to_o the_o minute_a thing_n and_o weary_a themselves_o in_o conjecture_n and_o question_n this_o exactness_n be_v very_o useless_a and_o insipid_a it_o may_v be_v sometime_o necessary_a to_o clear_v a_o difficulty_n to_o unfold_v a_o intricate_a mean_v and_o to_o observe_v the_o critical_a signification_n of_o word_n but_o when_o the_o sense_n be_v natural_a and_o easy_a and_o when_o the_o word_n be_v clear_a to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v a_o man_n insist_v upon_o all_o those_o illustration_n what_o need_n be_v there_o for_o he_o to_o be_v always_o press_v the_o signification_n of_o word_n to_o remark_n all_o their_o different_a acceptation_n and_o to_o explain_v what_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o the_o word_n death_n faith_n just_a every_o time_n that_o these_o term_n occur_v the_o true_a method_n be_v to_o pursue_v the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o the_o mean_v of_o a_o text_n without_o criticise_v upon_o world_n and_o circumstance_n 5._o it_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o many_o commentator_n to_o be_v prolix_a and_o too_o large_a from_o every_o verse_n nay_o from_o every_o word_n they_o take_v occasion_n to_o run_v into_o a_o common-place_n and_o to_o vent_v a_o multitude_n of_o notion_n so_o that_o they_o real_o give_v we_o sermon_n dissertation_n or_o lecture_n of_o divinity_n under_o the_o title_n of_o commentary_n i_o do_v not_o absolute_o condemn_v diffuse_v commentary_n we_o meet_v sometime_o with_o good_a thing_n in_o they_o but_o we_o find_v there_o likewise_o a_o great_a many_o which_o signify_v nothing_o when_o all_o be_v do_v brevity_n clearness_n and_o exactness_n be_v infinite_o to_o be_v prefer_v in_o a_o commentary_n before_o prolixity_n and_o copiousness_n such_o length_n breed_v obscurity_n and_o confusion_n it_o make_v preacher_n lazy_a it_o tempt_v they_o to_o fill_v their_o sermon_n with_o a_o hundred_o needless_a thing_n it_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o custom_n of_o be_v tedious_a of_o make_v digression_n and_o of_o pass_v by_o that_o which_o be_v essential_a and_o solid_a all_o which_o be_v very_o far_o from_o promote_a the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n beside_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o defect_n of_o commentary_n contribute_v very_o much_o to_o the_o corruption_n of_o christian_n the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n and_o piety_n but_o commentary_n be_v the_o store_n from_o which_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v draw_v and_o from_o which_o preacher_n common_o take_v the_o matter_n of_o their_o sermon_n few_o of_o they_o endeavour_n to_o find_v out_o the_o sense_n of_o a_o text_n by_o their_o own_o industry_n they_o consult_v their_o commentary_n like_o oracle_n and_o they_o blind_o follow_v their_o decision_n it_o be_v therefore_o high_o requisite_a that_o these_o book_n shall_v not_o lead_v into_o error_n those_o who_o have_v recourse_n to_o they_o when_o a_o bound_v man_n lead_v another_o they_o both_o fall_n into_o the_o ditch_n if_o then_o the_o guide_n to_o who_o conduct_n preacher_n give_v up_o themselves_o be_v deceitful_a and_o false_a the_o word_n of_o god_n will_v neither_o be_v well_o understand_v nor_o well_o preach_v and_o both_o preacher_n and_o people_n will_v err_v ii_o it_o be_v with_o divinity-book_n as_o with_o commentary_n some_o be_v good_a and_o other_o bad_a the_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n which_o we_o see_v among_o author_n be_v a_o proof_n of_o what_o i_o say_v some_o maintain_v as_o divine_a truth_n thing_n which_o other_o reject_v as_o false_a and_o pernicious_a sentiment_n so_o that_o there_o must_v be_v no_o small_a error_n on_o one_o side_n or_o the_o other_o all_o divine_n will_v own_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o remark_n but_o it_o be_v here_o of_o no_o use_n because_o it_o do_v not_o decide_v which_o book_n of_o divinity_n be_v good_a and_o which_o be_v bad_a every_o body_n will_v pretend_v that_o the_o bad_a book_n be_v those_o which_o teach_v a_o doctrine_n contrary_n to_o that_o which_o obtain_v in_o the_o society_n to_o which_o he_o belong_v in_o order_n to_o know_v who_o be_v in_o the_o right_n or_o in_o the_o wrong_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o judge_v here_o upon_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o examination_n of_o all_o the_o controversy_n which_o divide_v christian_n but_o this_o i_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n take_v upon_o i_o to_o do_v it_o will_v be_v fit_a for_o i_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o those_o fault_n which_o be_v common_a to_o the_o great_a part_n of_o divinity-book_n i_o shall_v say_v nothing_o but_o what_o must_v needs_o be_v own_v by_o all_o the_o sensible_a divine_n of_o any_o party_n and_o the_o reflection_n i_o be_o to_o make_v though_o general_n may_v perhaps_o be_v of_o some_o use_n to_o direct_v our_o judgement_n concern_v the_o doctrine_n itself_o contain_v in_o those_o book_n 1._o almost_o all_o the_o author_n who_o have_v write_v of_o divinity_n have_v make_v of_o it_o upon_o the_o matter_n a_o science_n of_o mere_a speculation_n they_o establish_v certain_a doctrine_n they_o deliver_v their_o opinion_n they_o prove_v they_o as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v they_o treat_v of_o controversy_n and_o confute_v their_o adversary_n but_o they_o do_v not_o seem_v to_o have_v meditate_a much_o upon_o the_o use_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v with_o relation_n to_o piety_n and_o salvation_n they_o be_v very_o short_a upon_o this_o head_n which_o yet_o be_v the_o chief_a of_o all_o they_o be_v not_o by_o half_a so_o solicitous_a to_o assert_v the_o duty_n as_o they_o be_v to_o maintain_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n now_o this_o be_v not_o teach_v divinity_n the_o design_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o teach_v man_n how_o they_o ought_v to_o serve_v god_n and_o to_o make_v they_o holy_a and_o happy_a if_o this_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o handle_n of_o divinity_n and_o if_o care_n be_v take_v to_o show_v what_o relation_n all_o the_o part_n of_o religion_n have_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o holiness_n and_o felicity_n of_o man_n there_o will_v be_v much_o more_o piety_n than_o there_o be_v now_o among_o christian_n those_o who_o study_n divinity_n will_v learn_v betimes_o to_o direct_v it_o to_o its_o true_a end_n and_o this_o will_v likewise_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o distinguish_v material_a from_o insignificant_a point_n and_o question_n and_o to_o ease_v religion_n of_o all_o those_o needless_a dispute_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o main_a cause_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o christian_n 2._o what_o i_o have_v now_o say_v lead_v i_o to_o a_o second_o observation_n which_o be_v that_o as_o several_a thing_n may_v be_v leave_v out_o of_o divinity-book_n so_o other_o thing_n be_v want_v which_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o add_v to_o they_o for_o the_o purpose_n common-place_n do_v not_o insist_v much_o upon_o on_o the_o general_a truth_n and_o principle_n of_o religion_n they_o scarce_o give_v we_o any_o instruction_n about_o church-discipline_n and_o government_n or_o about_o the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n as_o
religion_n be_v attend_v with_o some_o difficulty_n the_o general_a rule_n be_v to_o choose_v those_o which_o be_v instructive_a and_o edify_a every_o body_n will_v own_v this_o to_o be_v a_o good_a rule_n but_o all_o man_n do_v not_o agree_v in_o the_o application_n of_o it_o what_o seem_v edify_v to_o some_o appear_v quite_o otherwise_o to_o other_o in_o point_n of_o religion_n all_o man_n shall_v be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n since_o they_o be_v all_o bind_v to_o believe_v the_o same_o truth_n and_o practice_v the_o same_o duty_n but_o their_o taste_n be_v different_a because_o many_o of_o they_o have_v a_o vitiate_a palate_n to_o speak_v my_o mind_n upon_o this_o subject_a i_o think_v that_o christian_n shall_v chief_o stick_v to_o those_o book_n which_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o which_o establish_v by_o solid_a argument_n the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o to_o those_o which_o give_v a_o clear_a and_o exact_a view_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o morality_n to_o these_o it_o may_v be_v useful_a to_o add_v the_o work_n in_o which_o we_o find_v the_o example_n of_o person_n eminent_a for_o their_o piety_n and_o virtue_n such_o example_n be_v very_o efficacious_a to_o excite_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o what_o be_v good_a and_o they_o prove_v a_o great_a preservative_n against_o the_o scandal_n occasion_v by_o bad_a example_n and_o against_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o age._n but_o not_o to_o enlarge_v further_o upon_o the_o choice_n of_o book_n i_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o this_o chapter_n a_o judicious_a choice_n of_o book_n be_v once_o make_v the_o next_o thing_n be_v to_o make_v a_o good_a use_n of_o they_o and_o here_o two_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v 1._o a_o man_n shall_v read_v with_o judgement_n and_o 2._o he_o shall_v read_v in_o order_n to_o practice_n 1._o what_o book_n soever_o we_o read_v it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o read_v it_o with_o discretion_n and_o judgement_n we_o be_v command_v in_o scripture_n i._n scripture_n 1_o thes_n v._o xxi_o 1_o joh._n iu_o i._n to_o prove_v all_o thing_n and_o to_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a to_o try_v the_o spirit_n and_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n this_o caution_n be_v to_o be_v use_v lest_o we_o fall_v into_o error_n since_o every_o author_n be_v a_o man_n and_o by_o consequence_n may_v sometime_o be_v mistake_v the_o common_a people_n do_v particular_o need_v this_o advice_n because_o they_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o believe_v that_o whatsoever_o be_v read_v in_o book_n especial_o in_o book_n of_o devotion_n be_v true_a but_o though_o a_o book_n shall_v contain_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v good_a discretion_n be_v necessary_a to_o make_v a_o just_a application_n of_o the_o content_n of_o it_o to_o out_o self_n because_o that_o which_o be_v proper_a for_o some_o be_v not_o suitable_a to_o other_o the_o not_o observe_v this_o rule_n be_v the_o reason_n why_o some_o reader_n who_o have_v a_o pure_a but_o a_o timorous_a and_o shortsighted_a conscience_n be_v terrify_v without_o cause_n and_o apply_v to_o themselves_o what_o be_v say_v only_o of_o wicked_a man_n when_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n harden_a sinner_n deceive_v themselves_o with_o vain_a hope_n by_o adapt_a to_o themselves_o what_o relate_v only_o to_o good_a men._n 2._o we_o ought_v to_o read_v in_o order_n to_o practice_n and_o that_o we_o may_v grow_v better_a this_o be_v the_o more_o important_a rule_n of_o the_o two_o and_o that_o which_o distinguish_v true_a from_o hypocritical_a devotion_n many_o be_v very_o regular_a and_o constant_a in_o read_v and_o they_o seldom_o fail_v to_o do_v it_o morning_n and_o evening_n but_o the_o deportment_n of_o those_o person_n who_o be_v so_o assiduous_a in_o the_o peruse_n of_o good_a book_n be_v not_o always_o agreeable_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o devotion_n and_o piety_n when_o they_o be_v but_o just_a come_v from_o their_o read_n we_o find_v they_o often_o sour_a peevish_a and_o passionate_a after_o they_o have_v read_v in_o the_o morning_n they_o spend_v the_o day_n in_o slander_v game_n or_o idleness_n and_o they_o avoid_v only_o the_o grosser_n and_o the_o more_o noisy_a sin_n there_o be_v reader_n of_o another_o character_n they_o read_v and_o even_o delight_n in_o the_o read_n of_o book_n of_o religion_n they_o like_v well_o enough_o those_o work_n which_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o treat_v of_o moral_n they_o speak_v of_o they_o advantageous_o and_o they_o will_v say_v fine_a thing_n concern_v the_o abuse_n which_o be_v creep_v into_o religion_n and_o upon_o the_o necessity_n and_o the_o beauty_n of_o moral_n but_o all_o this_o terminate_v only_o in_o a_o vain_a and_o fruitless_a approbation_n which_o they_o give_v to_o the_o truth_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o after_o all_o they_o reform_v nothing_o in_o their_o life_n such_o readins_n be_v but_o mere_a amusement_n and_o they_o be_v good_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o rock_v conscience_n into_o a_o most_o dangerous_a sleep_n the_o end_n of_o read_v as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o all_o religion_n aught_o to_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n i._o shall_v here_o observe_v last_o of_o all_o that_o christian_n have_v a_o book_n which_o alone_o may_v suffice_v to_o preserve_v they_o from_o the_o danger_n of_o ill_a book_n and_o to_o secure_v they_o against_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o age_n if_o they_o do_v use_v it_o as_o they_o ought_v i_o mean_v the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v the_o best_a of_o all_o book_n a_o work_n divine_o inspire_v which_o contain_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v most_o excellent_a and_o true_a and_o wherein_o we_o find_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o instruct_v and_o to_o sanctify_v men._n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v 1._o that_o the_o translation_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o people_n shall_v be_v render_v more_o perfect_a so_o that_o they_o may_v express_v the_o sense_n of_o sacred_a author_n with_o all_o possible_a exactness_n all_o those_o who_o have_v study_v the_o original_a text_n of_o the_o bible_n will_v own_v that_o this_o be_v a_o necessary_a work_n and_o that_o the_o translation_n need_v some_o amendment_n and_o so_o we_o see_v according_o that_o now_o and_o then_o divine_n and_o translator_n apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o correct_v of_o they_o 2._o it_o will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o have_v exact_a translation_n of_o scripture_n if_o man_n can_v not_o read_v it_o i_o have_v already_o remark_v it_o elsewhere_o as_o a_o cry_n and_o shameful_a abuse_n that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o read_v this_o abuse_n shall_v have_v be_v reform_v long_o ago_o and_o this_o may_v easy_o be_v do_v if_o every_o pastor_n do_v endeavour_v it_o in_o his_o own_o church_n and_o if_o the_o magistrate_n do_v lend_v a_o help_a hand_n towards_o it_o 3._o the_o holy_a scripture_n shall_v be_v read_v more_o than_o it_o be_v and_o man_n shall_v make_v that_o use_n of_o it_o for_o which_o it_o be_v give_v other_o book_n be_v only_a stream_n but_o when_o we_o read_v the_o scripture_n we_o drink_v at_o the_o very_a fountainhead_n humane_a book_n have_v their_o fault_n and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v read_v with_o great_a discretion_n but_o this_o divine_a book_n be_v most_o perfect_a it_o be_v a_o guide_n to_o who_o conduct_n we_o may_v give_v up_o ourselves_o without_o fear_n or_o danger_n this_o be_v certain_a be_v it_o not_o strange_a that_o the_o best_a of_o all_o book_n shall_v be_v the_o most_o neglect_a in_o many_o country_n the_o bible_n be_v a_o book_n unknown_a to_o the_o people_n in_o other_o place_n the_o read_n of_o it_o be_v permit_v but_o with_o great_a caution_n as_o if_o it_o be_v dangerous_a for_o christian_n to_o reveal_v a_o book_n by_o which_o god_n be_v please_v to_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o men._n in_o those_o place_n where_o christian_n have_v a_o entire_a liberty_n to_o read_v the_o scripture_n great_a multitude_n make_v no_o advantage_n of_o that_o freedom_n many_o that_o be_v addict_v to_o read_v leave_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o other_o book_n in_o a_o word_n very_o few_o read_v it_o with_o suitable_a disposition_n and_o with_o a_o sincere_a design_n of_o learning_n the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o of_o grow_v the_o better_a by_o it_o and_o thus_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n be_v destitute_a of_o the_o most_o efficacious_a mean_a and_o remedy_n which_o the_o divine_a goodness_n have_v afford_v to_o man_n to_o preserve_v they_o from_o the_o contagion_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o make_v they_o happy_a and_o so_o we_o need_v not_o wonder_v that_o the_o corruption_n of_o christian_n shall_v be_v such_o as_o
it_o have_v be_v represent_v in_o this_o work_n the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o treatise_n this_o be_v what_o i_o have_v propose_v to_o say_v concern_v the_o cause_n of_o corruption_n i_o may_v have_v be_v large_a upon_o these_o matter_n and_o have_v add_v many_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v not_o touch_v this_o be_v a_o very_a copious_a field_n and_o a_o subject_a which_o can_v hardly_o be_v exhaust_v yet_o i_o think_v i_o have_v observe_v what_o be_v most_o material_a but_o it_o will_v be_v to_o little_a purpose_n to_o have_v detect_v the_o cause_n of_o corruption_n if_o those_o cause_n do_v still_o subsist_v and_o therefore_o i_o conclude_v this_o work_n with_o a_o earnest_a entreaty_n to_o my_o reader_n that_o they_o will_v make_v serious_a reflection_n upon_o it_o and_o that_o if_o they_o find_v that_o in_o fact_n corruption_n proceed_v from_o those_o cause_n i_o have_v mention_v they_o will_v strive_v to_o remove_v they_o the_o undertake_n will_v no_o doubt_n appear_v very_o difficult_a to_o many_o they_o will_v own_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v but_o they_o will_v look_v upon_o the_o design_n of_o oppose_v the_o corruption_n of_o the_o age_n as_o vain_a and_o chimerical_a they_o will_v say_v that_o all_o this_o be_v very_o fine_a in_o the_o theory_n but_o that_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o be_v impossible_a i_o confess_v here_o be_v some_o difficulty_n but_o yet_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o what_o i_o have_v propose_v may_v successful_o be_v do_v at_o least_o in_o some_o respect_n but_o the_o general_a cause_n of_o corruption_n can_v scarce_o be_v remedy_v but_o by_o public_a person_n i_o therefore_o apply_v myself_o here_o particular_o to_o divine_n and_o to_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o i_o conjure_v they_o to_o make_v it_o their_o serious_a business_n to_o discover_v and_o to_o stop_v the_o spring_n of_o corruption_n let_v they_o turn_v all_o their_o endeavour_n that_o way_n let_v they_o labour_n to_o dispel_v the_o ignorance_n and_o prejudices_fw-la which_o so_o many_o christian_n live_v in_o and_o to_o confute_v those_o maxim_n and_o sentiment_n which_o feed_v security_n and_o libertinism_n let_v they_o press_v with_o zeal_n the_o restore_n of_o order_n and_o discipline_n let_v they_o incessant_o lie_v before_o the_o people_n and_o the_o magistrate_n the_o necessity_n of_o redress_v several_a abuse_n which_o be_v now_o in_o vogue_n let_v they_o inculcate_v these_o thing_n and_o insist_v upon_o they_o with_o zeal_n but_o at_o the_o same_o time_n with_o prudence_n and_o charity_n let_v they_o concert_v measure_n among_o themselves_o let_v they_o act_v unanimous_o in_o so_o noble_a a_o design_n above_o all_o thing_n let_v they_o take_v care_n to_o season_v young_a people_n with_o good_a instruction_n and_o to_o inspire_v they_o with_o sentiment_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n these_o be_v the_o solicitude_n which_o become_v the_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n these_o be_v erterprise_n worthy_a of_o their_o character_n and_o their_o zeal_n and_o the_o thing_n which_o ought_v chief_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o clergy_n but_o let_v they_o not_o be_v discourage_v by_o the_o difficulty_n they_o be_v like_a to_o meet_v with_o they_o will_v still_o gain_v something_o even_o when_o they_o may_v fancy_v they_o labour_v in_o vain_a if_o they_o do_v not_o obtain_v all_o that_o they_o desire_v if_o they_o do_v not_o cure_v the_o whole_a evil_n they_o will_v remove_v at_o least_o some_o part_n of_o it_o so_o holy_a a_o enterprise_n will_v soon_o or_o late_a be_v fortunate_a in_o the_o issue_n and_o god_n will_v pour_v down_o a_o blessing_n upon_o those_o mean_n which_o he_o himself_o have_v appoint_v one_o will_v think_v that_o providence_n be_v at_o work_n to_o bring_v about_o happy_a time_n and_o that_o thing_n be_v tend_v that_o way_n this_o be_v a_o age_n of_o knowledge_n and_o religion_n be_v now_o better_o prove_v and_o explain_v than_o ever_o it_o be_v there_o be_v a_o considerable_a number_n of_o judicious_a and_o learned_a divine_n and_o pastor_n who_o be_v deep_o grieve_v to_o see_v the_o present_a face_n of_o thing_n and_o who_o be_v sensible_a how_o necessary_a it_o will_v be_v to_o oppose_v corruption_n so_o many_o book_n which_o be_v write_v on_o purpose_n to_o revive_v true_a christianity_n and_o to_o bring_v man_n to_o holiness_n seem_v to_o bode_v some_o bless_a revolution_n and_o to_o argue_v a_o general_a disposition_n towards_o it_o god_n who_o preside_v over_o all_o thing_n and_o particular_o over_o that_o which_o concern_v religion_n bless_v the_o design_n and_o endeavour_n of_o all_o those_o who_o have_v good_a intention_n and_o grant_v that_o we_o may_v quick_o see_v truth_n piety_n peace_n and_o order_n entire_o restore_v among_o christian_n finis_fw-la book_n print_v for_o r._n chiswell_n scriptorum_n ecclesiasticorum_n historia_fw-la literaria_fw-la facili_fw-la &_o prespicua_fw-la methodo_fw-la digesta_fw-la in_o 2_o vol._n fol._n authore_fw-la gul._n cave_fw-la s._n t._n p._n his_o primitive_a christianity_n 5_o edit_n 8_o his_o dissertation_n concern_v the_o government_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n by_o bishop_n metropolitan_n and_o patiâ—â—ons_n 8_o archbishop_n tenison_n conference_n with_o pulton_n the_o jesuit_n his_o nine_o sermon_n on_o several_a occasion_n seven_o volume_n of_o archbishop_n tillotson_n sermon_n publish_v from_o the_o original_n by_o dr._n barker_n vol._n one_a of_o sincerity_n and_o constancy_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n 3d_o edition_n correct_v 1700._o vol._n 2d_o and_o 3d_o on_o several_a occasion_n second_o edition_n correct_v 1700._o vol._n four_o of_o natural_a and_o institute_v religion_n etc._n etc._n second_o edition_n correct_v 1700._o vol._n 5_o prove_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n etc._n etc._n second_o edition_n correct_v 1700._o volume_n 6_o and_o seven_o upon_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n second_o edition_n correct_v 1700._o ten_o sermon_n on_o several_a occasion_n by_o bishop_n patrick_n his_o heart_n ease_n or_o remedy_n against_o all_o trouble_n the_o seven_o edition_n 1699._o his_o commentary_n on_o genesis_n exodus_fw-la leviticus_n and_o number_n in_o four_o volume_n his_o commentary_n on_o duteronomy_n 1700._o valentine_n private_a devotion_n the_o 26_o edition_n 169â—_n wharton_n sermon_n in_o lambeth-chappel_n in_o 2_o vol._n 8_o with_o his_o life_n the_o second_o edition_n 1700._o dr._n conant_n sermon_n in_o two_o vol._n 8_o publish_a bishop_n williams_n dr._n wake_v of_o preparation_n for_o death_n the_o 6_o edition_n 1699._o dr._n fryer_n nine_o year_n travel_n into_o india_n and_o persia_n illustrate_v with_o copper_n plate_n fol._n 1698._o bishop_n willams_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o worship_v god_n by_o the_o common-prayer_n with_o several_a other_o discourse_n mr._n tulley_n discourse_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o thought_n the_o 3d_o edition_n 12_o 1699._o the_o life_n of_o henry_n chichele_n archbishop_n of_o cantâ—â—â—ury_n in_o which_o there_o be_v a_o particular_a relation_n of_o many_o remarkable_a pasâ—â—â—â—_n in_o the_o reign_v of_o henry_n v._o and_o vi_o king_n of_o england_n write_a in_o latin_a by_o arthur_n duck_n l._n l._n d._n chancellor_n of_o the_o diocese_n of_o london_n and_o advocate_n of_o the_o court_n of_o honour_n now_o make_v english_a and_o a_o table_n of_o content_n annex_v 8_o 1699._o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o ancient_a jewish_a church_n against_o the_o unitarian_n in_o the_o controversy_n upon_o the_o holy_a trinity_n and_o the_o divinity_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n with_o a_o table_n of_o matter_n and_o a_o table_n of_o text_n of_o scripture_n occasional_o explain_v by_o peter_n alix_n d._n d._n short_a memorial_n of_o thomas_n lord_n fairfax_n write_v by_o himself_o publish_a 1699._o the_o life_n of_o john_n whitgift_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n in_o the_o time_n of_o queen_n elizabeth_n and_o king_n james_n i._o write_v by_o sir_n geo._n paul_n comptroler_n of_o his_o grace_n household_n to_o which_o be_v annex_v a_o treatise_n entitle_v conspiracy_n for_o pretend_a reformation_n write_v in_o the_o year_n 1591._o by_o richard_n cousin_n l._n l._n d._n dean_n of_o the_o arch_n and_o official_a principal_n to_o archbishop_n whitgift_n 8o._o 1699._o a_o exposition_n of_o the_o 39_o article_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n by_o dr._n burnet_n bishop_n of_o sarum_n fol._n 1700._o his_o sermon_n to_o the_o society_n for_o reformation_n of_o manner_n march_n 25._o 1700._o a_o practical_a discourse_n of_o religious_a assembly_n by_o dr._n william_n sherlock_n dean_n of_o st._n paul_n the_o 3d._a edition_n 1700._o ☜_o several_a discourse_n of_o repentance_n by_o the_o most_o reverend_a dr._n john_n tillotson_n late_a archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n be_v the_o eight_o volume_n publish_a by_o dr._n barker_n 1700._o in_o the_o press_n the_o four_o and_o last_o part_n of_o mr._n rvshworth_n historical_a collection_n contain_v the_o principal_a matter_n which_o happen_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o year_n 1645._o where_o the_o three_o part_n end_v to_o the_o death_n of_o king_n charles_n the_o first_o 1684._o impartial_o relate_v set_v forth_o only_o matter_n of_o fact_n in_o order_n of_o time_n without_o observation_n or_o reflection_n fit_v for_o the_o press_n in_o his_o life-time_n to_o which_o will_v be_v add_v exact_v alphabetical_a table_n