that_o they_o offend_v god_n at_o every_o foot_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v what_o man_n will_v establish_v from_o this_o maxim_n that_o the_o just_a man_n sin_n seven_o time_n a_o day_n those_o who_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o quote_v the_o scripture_n shall_v neither_o add_v to_o nor_o diminish_v from_o it_o they_o shall_v not_o alter_v the_o word_n nor_o divide_v sentence_n from_o what_o go_v before_o and_o what_o follow_v for_o otherwise_o there_o be_v no_o absurdity_n or_o impiety_n which_o may_v not_o be_v prove_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 5._o but_o our_o adversary_n will_v say_v whether_o that_o place_n be_v allege_v right_a or_o wrong_n it_o do_v not_o matter_n much_o since_o there_o be_v other_o which_z say_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o strong_a expression_n do_v not_o st._n paul_n say_v rom._n vii_o vii_o vii_o rom._n vii_o i_o be_o carnal_a sell_v under_o sin_n for_o in_o i_o dwell_v no_o good_a thing_n for_o that_o which_o i_o do_v i_o allow_v not_o and_o what_o i_o will_v that_o do_v i_o not_o but_o what_o i_o hate_v that_o do_v i._o i_o see_v a_o law_n in_o my_o member_n war_a against_o the_o law_n of_o my_o mind_n and_o bring_v i_o into_o captivity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v in_o my_o member_n o_o wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o the_o body_n of_o this_o death_n if_o st._n paul_n himself_o speak_v after_o this_o manner_n who_o can_v deny_v that_o the_o great_a saint_n fall_v into_o very_o heinous_a sin_n and_o have_v still_o a_o large_a stock_n of_o corruption_n in_o they_o those_o who_o draw_v this_o inference_n from_o the_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n make_v he_o speak_v that_o which_o be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o his_o thought_n he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o say_v any_o thing_n that_o favour_v the_o cause_n of_o sinner_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a his_o design_n be_v to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o good_a life_n and_o to_o make_v man_n sensible_a of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o reference_n to_o sanctification_n he_o have_v this_o in_o his_o view_n in_o the_o vii_o chapter_n to_o the_o roman_n where_o he_o represent_v the_o difference_n between_o a_o corrupt_a and_o a_o regenerate_v man_n and_o between_o the_o condition_n of_o man_n under_o the_o law_n and_o his_o state_n under_o the_o gospel_n so_o that_o all_o he_o say_v of_o the_o carnal_a man_n sell_v under_o sin_n etc._n etc._n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o a_o corrupt_a man_n live_v under_o the_o law_n i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a that_o divine_n otherwise_o able_a and_o pious_a man_n have_v think_v that_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o himself_o in_o this_o chapter_n and_o that_o he_o represent_v there_o what_o pass_v within_o a_o regenerate_v man_n but_o i_o know_v likewise_o that_o a_o great_a many_o orthodox_n divine_v have_v reject_v that_o exposition_n as_o contrary_a to_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o constant_a doctrine_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o h_o a_o sad_a thing_n that_o when_o a_o place_n be_v capable_a of_o two_o sense_n man_n shall_v pitch_v upon_o that_o which_o come_v near_o to_o the_o pretension_n of_o sinner_n i_o do_v not_o intend_v here_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o dispute_n nor_o to_o offend_v those_o of_o a_o contrary_a opinion_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o they_o have_v no_o design_n to_o countenance_v corruption_n but_o as_o in_o all_o thing_n we_o ought_v to_o seek_v the_o truth_n and_o as_o the_o truth_n here_o be_v of_o great_a consequence_n for_o the_o promote_a of_o piety_n so_o i_o entreat_v those_o who_o may_v have_v scruple_n concern_v those_o word_n to_o make_v these_o follow_a reflection_n 1._o let_v they_o serious_o and_o impartial_o consider_v whether_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o st._n paul_n be_v a_o carnal_a man_n fold_n under_o sin_n a_o man_n who_o do_v no_o good_a but_o evil_n and_o a_o man_n involve_v in_o death_n these_o be_v the_o strong_a expression_n which_o can_v be_v use_v and_o which_o the_o scripture_n use_v to_o give_v as_o the_o character_n of_o wicked_a and_o impious_a man_n to_o believe_v this_o of_o st._n paul_n be_v so_o very_o hard_o that_o a_o man_n must_v be_v able_a to_o digest_v any_o thing_n who_o be_v not_o startle_v at_o it_o 2._o i_o desire_v they_o to_o attend_v to_o the_o drift_n of_o st._n paul_n he_o have_v undertake_v to_o show_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n do_v not_o introduce_v licentiousness_n this_o he_o have_v prove_v in_o the_o whole_a vi_o chapter_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o the_o read_n it_o be_v it_o likely_a that_o in_o the_o vii_o chapter_n he_o shall_v overturn_v all_o that_o he_o have_v establish_v in_o the_o precede_a \_o and_o say_v that_o the_o holy_a man_n be_v captivate_v to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n if_o this_o be_v st._n paul_n doctrine_n what_o become_v of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o faith_n to_o produce_v holiness_n and_o how_o can_v he_o have_v answer_v that_o objection_n which_o he_o propose_v to_o himself_o chap._n vi_o 1._o and_o 15._o shall_v we_o continue_v in_o sin_n shall_v we_o sin_v we_o that_o be_v under_o grace_n st._n paul_n ought_v to_o have_v grant_v the_o objection_n if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o most_o regenerate_v be_v sell_v to_o sin_n but_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o in_o the_o vii_o chapter_n he_o go_v on_o to_o prove_v what_o he_o have_v lay_v down_o already_o to_o wit_n that_o the_o gospel_n sanctify_v man_n and_o not_o only_o this_o but_o that_o the_o gospel_n alone_o can_v sanctify_v man_n and_o that_o the_o law_n can_v not_o this_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o whole_a chapter_n in_o the_o very_a first_fw-mi four_o verse_n he_o show_v that_o christian_n be_v no_o long_o under_o the_o law_n nor_o consequent_o under_o sin_n and_o that_o they_o be_v dead_a to_o the_o law_n that_o they_o may_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n unto_o god_n he_o express_v himself_o more_o clear_o yet_o in_o the_o 5_o verse_n where_o he_o say_v that_o there_o be_v a_o considerable_a difference_n between_o those_o who_o be_v under_o the_o law_n and_o those_o who_o be_v in_o jesus_n christ_n he_o plain_o distinguish_v these_o two_o state_n and_o the_o time_n pass_v from_o the_o present_a when_o we_o be_v in_o the_o flesh_n say_v he_o the_o motion_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v by_o the_o law_n do_v work_v in_o our_o member_n to_o bring_v forth_o unto_o death_n but_o now_o we_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o law_n that_o we_o shall_v serve_v in_o newness_n of_o spirit_n these_o be_v the_o two_o state_n the_o sit_v pass_v be_v a_o state_n of_o corruption_n the_o presect_v state_n be_v a_o state_n of_o holiness_n but_o as_o it_o may_v have_v be_v infer_v from_o thence_o that_o the_o law_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o sin_n the_o apostle_n refute_v that_o imagination_n from_o the_o seven_o to_o the_o 14_o verse_n after_o this_o he_o describe_v the_o miserable_a condition_n of_o a_o man_n who_o be_v not_o regenerate_v by_o grace_n and_o who_o still_o be_v under_o the_o law_n he_o begin_v to_o do_v this_o from_o the_o 14_o verse_n by_o fay_v the_o law_n be_v spiritual_a but_o i_o be_o carnal_a sell_v under_o sin_n etc._n etc._n and_o here_o no_o doubt_n it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o st_n paul_n speak_v of_o himself_o and_o not_o of_o those_o who_o be_v under_o the_o law_n for_o say_v he_o i_o be_o carnal_a etc._n etc._n but_o one_o may_v easy_o see_v that_o the_o apostle_n use_v here_o a_o way_n of_o speak_v which_o be_v very_o ordidinary_a in_o discourse_n and_o by_o which_o he_o that_o speak_v put_v himself_n in_o the_o room_n of_o those_o he_o speak_v of_o and_o st._n paul_n have_v the_o more_o reason_n to_o express_v himself_o in_o this_o manner_n because_o he_o have_v be_v himself_o under_o the_o law_n before_o he_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n there_o be_v many_o instance_n in_o scripture_n of_o this_o way_n of_o speak_v and_o we_o find_v one_o in_o this_o very_a chapter_n which_o be_v beyond_o exception_n st_n paul_n say_v in_o the_o 9th_o verse_n i_o be_v alive_a without_o the_o law_n once_o etc._n etc._n if_o we_o do_v not_o admit_v here_o a_o figurative_a expression_n or_o if_o these_o word_n be_v strict_o take_v then_o we_o must_v say_v that_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o this_o apostle_n be_v without_o law_n which_o be_v both_o false_a and_o ridiculous_a as_o therefore_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o when_o he_o say_v ver._n 9th_o i_o be_v without_o law_n he_o speak_v of_o the_o state_n of_o those_o man_n to_o wliom_n the_o law_n be_v not_o give_v so_o it_o be_v unquestionalbe_n that_o when_o he_o say_v i_o be_o carnal_a etc._n etc._n he_o describe_v the_o state_n of_o a_o
give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o dispute_n with_o st._n peter_n and_o of_o his_o reprove_v he_o for_o his_o too_o great_a compliance_n with_o the_o jew_n he_o affirm_v that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o not_o by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n why_o have_v not_o than_o difference_n be_v observe_v which_o st_n paul_n make_v about_o work_n when_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n he_o call_v they_o the_o work_v of_o the_o law_n or_o bare_o work_v but_o when_o he_o treat_v of_o the_o work_n which_o the_o gospel_n prescribe_v he_o call_v they_o good_a work_n because_o they_o be_v real_o good_a holy_a and_o profitable_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n but_o this_o title_n of_o good_a work_n be_v never_o bestow_v upon_o the_o work_v of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n which_o consider_v in_o themselves_o have_v nothing_o of_o goodness_n or_o holiness_n in_o they_o in_o a_o word_n good_a work_n in_o st._n paul_n stile_n be_v quite_o another_o thing_n than_o bare_o work_v or_o the_o work_v of_o the_o law_n if_o this_o have_v be_v consider_v such_o great_a â—ains_n need_v not_o to_o have_v be_v take_v to_o make_v 3.27_o make_v rom._n 3.27_o st._n paul_n agree_v with_o st._n james_n 11.16_o james_n galat._n 11.16_o st._n paul_n say_v that_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n without_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n 11.24_o law_n jam._n 11.24_o and_o st._n james_n â—hat_n man_n be_v justify_v by_o work_n and_o not_o by_o faith_n â—nly_o there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n between_o these_o two_o apostle_n both_o follow_v one_o hypothesis_n and_o argue_v upon_o the_o same_o principle_n st._n paul_n dispute_v against_o the_o jew_n who_o will_v tie_v christian_n to_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n â—â—ffrms_n that_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v sufficient_a provide_v it_o bring_v forth_o good_a work_n be_v â—nd_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o observe_v the_o moysaicall_a rite_n st._n james_n dispute_v against_o heretic_n who_o pretend_v that_o faith_n do_v â—ave_n without_o good_a work_n and_o so_o do_v â—ntirely_o ruin_v our_o saviour_n moral_n deâ—lares_v that_o faith_n which_o do_v not_o produce_v good_a work_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o salvation_n be_v not_o this_o the_o same_o doctrine_n with_o st._n paul_n but_o instead_o of_o reconcile_a these_o two_o apostle_n some_o people_n find_v here_o great_a difficulty_n they_o do_v not_o reconcile_v st._n james_n with_o st._n paul_n but_o they_o rather_o refute_v st._n james_n by_o st._n paul_n st._n james_n be_v expound_v with_o great_a caution_n as_o if_o he_o have_v go_v too_o far_o by_o say_v that_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o work_n and_o not_o by_o faith_n only_o this_o proposition_n be_v soften_v as_o much_o as_o possible_a it_o be_v excuse_v rather_o than_o explain_v but_o as_o for_o what_o st._n paul_n say_v that_o faith_n alone_o justfiy_v without_o work_n it_o be_v take_v in_o the_o utmost_a strictness_n so_o that_o all_o be_v ascribe_v to_o faith_n and_o nothing_o to_o good_a work_n nay_o faith_n be_v set_v in_o opposition_n to_o good_a work_n and_o god_n to_o god_n himself_o the_o passage_n of_o scripture_n which_o speak_v of_o faith_n be_v bring_v out_o against_o those_o which_o relate_v to_o work_n it_o be_v true_a say_v some_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o without_o holiness_n no_o manshall_n see_v god_n but_o it_o be_v likewise_o write_v that_o we_o be_v not_o justify_v by_o our_o work_n but_o only_o by_o faith_n and_o by_o this_o way_n of_o reason_v man_n raise_v themselves_o above_o the_o reproach_n and_o accusation_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n i_o say_v it_o once_o more_o this_o be_v to_o attack_v and_o confute_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o itself_o and_o to_o charge_v the_o holy_a ghost_n with_o self-contradiction_n for_o in_o short_a if_o a_o man_n can_v be_v justify_v without_o good_a work_n he_o can_v be_v save_v without_o they_o too_o since_o the_o be_v justify_v be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o the_o be_v save_v now_o if_o a_o man_n can_v be_v save_v without_o good_a work_n he_o may_v see_v the_o face_n of_o god_n without_o holiness_n which_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o what_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o 21.14_o we_o heb._n 21.14_o that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n 2._o a_o great_a many_o people_n imagine_v that_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o privilege_n of_o christian_n not_o to_o be_v tie_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o god_n law_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v some_o mistake_a place_n give_v occasion_n to_o that_o error_n and_o particular_o this_o 6._o this_o rom._n 6._o we_o be_v no_o more_o under_o the_o law_n but_o under_o grace_n these_o word_n be_v thus_o interpret_v the_o law_n do_v prescribe_v work_n but_o the_o gospel_n require_v only_a faith_n the_o law_n do_v threaten_v but_o the_o gospel_n speak_v only_o of_o grace_n and_o pardon_n so_o that_o to_o require_v work_n at_o this_o time_n of_o day_n be_v to_o bring_v back_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o law_n there_o be_v something_o of_o truth_n in_o this_o reason_n but_o those_o who_o make_v use_v of_o it_o to_o free_v themselves_o from_o the_o observation_n of_o god_n commandment_n do_v very_o little_o understand_v either_o what_o the_o law_n or_o the_o gospel_n be_v and_o wherein_o these_o two_o dispensation_n differ_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o law_n be_v a_o dispensation_n of_o severity_n it_o do_v not_o propose_v to_o man_n remission_n of_o sin_n and_o salvation_n as_o the_o gospel_n do_v the_o law_n have_v not_o that_o power_n and_o efficacy_n to_o sanctify_v man_n which_o grace_n have_v the_o law_n lay_v upon_o the_o jew_n great_a many_o obligation_n which_o be_v not_o only_o burdensome_a and_o painful_a but_o which_o beside_o have_v no_o intrinsical_a holiness_n in_o they_o and_o those_o duty_n be_v enjoin_v under_o a_o curse_n the_o law_n itself_o be_v a_o time_n of_o severity_n and_o malediction_n in_o respect_n to_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n since_o all_o the_o while_n that_o oeconomy_n do_v subsist_v they_o be_v exclude_v from_o the_o covenant_n which_o god_n have_v make_v with_o the_o jew_n in_o these_o several_a regard_n we_o be_v not_o under_o the_o law_n but_o under_o grace_n but_o if_o from_o this_o that_o we_o be_v not_o under_o the_o law_n we_o shall_v infer_v that_o we_o be_v no_o long_o bind_v to_o do_v what_o be_v just_a this_o inference_n will_v overturn_v the_o whole_a gospel_n and_o transform_v religion_n into_o libertinism_n iâ—_n because_o we_o be_v under_o grace_n we_o ought_v to_o speak_v no_o more_o of_o work_n why_o shall_v the_o gospel_n prescribe_v work_n and_o the_o same_o work_n which_o the_o law_n enjoin_v except_v only_o the_o ceremony_n why_o shall_v this_o gospel_n call_v we_o to_o a_o holiness_n which_o exceed_v that_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o enforce_v this_o obligation_n with_o more_o terrible_a threaten_n than_o those_o of_o the_o law_n why_o do_v our_o saviour_n john_n the_o baptist_n and_o the_o apostle_n preach_v up_o repentance_n and_o enter_v upon_o their_o ministry_n with_o these_o word_n 4.4_o word_n mat._n 3.2_o and_o 4.4_o repent_v you_o according_a to_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o these_o man_n they_o shall_v have_v speak_v to_o they_o after_o this_o manner_n 11.17_o manner_n act_n 11.17_o this_o be_v the_o time_n of_o grace_n the_o law_n be_v past_a and_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n be_v abolish_v therefore_o fear_v nothing_o let_v not_o your_o sin_n trouble_v you_o for_o salvation_n be_v promise_v to_o all_o mankind_n whence_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o our_o 5.6.7_o our_o mat._n 5.6.7_o saviour_n speak_v only_o of_o work_n in_o his_o sermon_n upon_o the_o mount_n or_o that_o st._n paul_n declare_v that_o the_o natural_a intention_n and_o the_o proper_a effect_n of_o grace_n be_v to_o teach_v man_n to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o temperance_n justice_n and_o godliness_n must_v we_o say_v that_o god_n be_v alter_v that_o he_o do_v not_o love_v holiness_n so_o much_o now_o as_o he_o do_v heretofore_o of_o that_o sin_n be_v become_v less_o odious_a to_o he_o since_o it_o be_v expiate_v by_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n but_o it_o be_v say_v we_o be_v no_o more_o under_o the_o law_n what_o be_v christian_n then_o a_o lawless_a people_n on_o the_o contrary_n we_o be_v under_o the_o law_n i_o mean_v under_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n under_o 8.2_o under_o rom._n 8.2_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n which_o make_v we_o free_a from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n but_o let_v we_o hear_v st._n paul_n himself_o in_o what_o sense_n and_o respect_n do_v he_o say_v that_o we_o be_v no_o more_o under_o the_o law_n but_o under_o grace_n he_o say_v this_o precise_o to_o show_v that_o
corrupt_a man_n live_v under_o the_o law_n and_o not_o his_o own_o this_o be_v the_o key_n which_o let_v we_o into_o the_o meaning_n of_o his_o discourse_n in_o which_o the_o law_n be_v mention_v almost_o in_o every_o verse_n 3._o last_o that_o which_o make_v it_o as_o clear_a as_o the_o sun_n that_o this_o be_v his_o true_a sense_n be_v that_o when_o the_o apostle_n consider_v and_o speak_v of_o himself_o as_o a_o christian_a he_o use_v quite_o another_o language_n to_o be_v satisfy_v of_o this_o we_o need_v but_o run_v over_o this_o chapter_n and_o compare_v it_o with_o other_o place_n in_o his_o epistle_n if_o he_o say_v here_o ver_fw-la 7_o 8._o that_o concupiscence_n be_v feel_v and_o reign_v within_o a_o man_n who_o be_v under_o the_o law_n he_o declare_v gal._n v._n 24._o that_o christian_n have_v crucify_v the_o flesh_n with_o the_o lust_n of_o it_o if_o he_o say_v ver_fw-la 9_o 10._o that_o sin_n live_v within_o he_o and_o that_o he_o be_v dead_a he_o have_v say_v chap._n vi_o 2_o 11._o that_o he_o be_v dead_a unto_o sin_n and_o live_n unto_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n if_o he_o say_v ver_fw-la 14._o that_o he_o be_v carnal_a and_o sell_v under_o sin_n it_o be_v apparent_a that_o he_o do_v not_o there_o speak_v of_o himself_o since_o chap._n viii_o 1_o and_o 8._o he_o tell_v we_o that_o those_o who_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n be_v not_o in_o the_o fle_v and_o that_o those_o who_o be_v in_o the_o flesh_n can_v please_v god_n and_o have_v not_o his_o spirit_n if_o he_o say_v here_o v._o 18._o i_o know_v that_o in_o i_o dwell_v no_o good_a thing_n he_o declare_v eph._n iii_o 17._o that_o christ_n dwell_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o faith_n if_o he_o say_v ver_fw-la 19_o the_o good_a that_o i_o will_v i_o do_v not_o and_o the_o evil_n which_o i_o hate_v that_o i_o do_v he_o testify_v in_o many_o place_n that_o the_o faithful_a do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o abstain_v from_o evil_a if_o he_o complain_v ver_fw-la 21_o 22_o 23._o of_o his_o be_v captivate_v to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n he_o teach_v chap._n vi_o 17_o 22._o that_o christian_n be_v no_o long_o the_o servant_n of_o sin_n that_o they_o a_o free_v front_v it_o and_o become_v the_o servant_n of_o righteousness_n if_o he_o cry_v out_o ver_fw-la 24.0_o wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o the_o body_n of_o this_o death_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o these_o be_v not_o the_o expression_n of_o a_o man_n regenerate_v by_o jesus_n christ_n for_o he_o addâ—_n immediate_o i_o thank_v god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n there_o be_v therefore_o now_o as_o condemnation_n to_o they_o which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n who_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o law_n oft_o he_o spirit_n of_o life_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n have_v make_v i_o free_a from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n chap._n viii_o 12._o now_o let_v any_o body_n judge_n whether_o what_o be_v say_v in_o this_o chapter_n can_v be_v apply_v to_o st._n paul_n consider_v as_o a_o regenerate_v christian_n can_v it_o be_v say_v that_o concupiscence_n reign_v in_o he_o who_o have_v crucify_v it_o that_o sin_n live_v in_o he_o who_o be_v dead_a to_o sin_n that_o he_o who_o be_v not_o in_o the_o flesh_n be_v a_o carnal_a man_n that_o he_o who_o be_v free_v from_o sin_n be_v sell_v to_o sin_n that_o no_o good_a thing_n dwell_v in_o those_o in_o who_o christ_n dwell_v that_o a_o man_n be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n miserable_a and_o happy_a a_o slave_n and_o yet_o deliver_v by_o jesus_n christ_n dead_a and_o alive_a to_o say_v this_o be_v it_o not_o to_o call_v good_a evil_n and_o evil_a good_a to_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o light_n for_o darkness_n be_v it_o not_o to_o admit_v downright_a contradiction_n in_o scripture_n but_o especial_o be_v it_o not_o to_o open_v a_o door_n to_o licentiousness_n and_o to_o give_v we_o a_o strange_a notion_n of_o a_o regenerate_v man_n by_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o there_o be_v no_o remnant_n of_o corruption_n in_o those_o who_o be_v regenerate_v neither_o do_v 〈◊〉_d deny_v but_o that_o in_o those_o who_o regeneration_n be_v but_o begin_v there_o be_v some_o such_o struggle_n as_o that_o which_o be_v describe_v in_o this_o chapter_n this_o be_v musculus_n notion_n in_o his_o commentary_n upon_o the_o roman_n 118._o roman_n page_n 118._o but_o that_o this_o chapter_n shall_v be_v the_o picture_n of_o a_o regenerate_v man_n and_o of_o a_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o thing_n so_o contrary_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o all_o he_o idea_n of_o religion_n that_o one_o can_v hardly_o â—imagine_v how_o there_o can_v ever_o be_v man_n who_o believe_v it_o but_o that_o which_o corrupt_a christian_n endeavour_v to_o prove_v by_o those_o passage_n i_o have_v mention_v they_o think_v to_o put_v out_o of_o all_o question_n by_o the_o example_n of_o those_o saint_n who_o sin_n be_v record_v in_o holy_a writ_n to_o this_o purpose_n they_o allege_v noah_n lot_n abraham_n samson_n david_n solomon_n st_n paul_n st._n peter_n &c_n &c_n and_o from_o these_o instance_n they_o conclude_v that_o since_o those_o great_a saint_n fall_v into_o such_o heavy_a sin_n sin_n be_v no_o obstacle_n to_o salvation_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o piety_n if_o we_o do_v make_v a_o right_a use_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o will_v draw_v a_o quite_o contrary_a influence_n from_o these_o instance_n and_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o plead_v precedent_n against_o a_o express_a law_n if_o we_o must_v needs_o be_v govern_v by_o example_n we_o ought_v certainâ—â—_n to_o choose_v the_o good_a and_o not_o the_o bad_a one_o to_o imitate_v what_o be_v praise_v worthy_a in_o the_o saint_n and_o not_o what_o deserve_v blame_v theâ—_n fault_n be_v like_o so_o many_o beacon_n set_v 〈◊〉_d to_o keep_v we_o from_o strike_v upon_o the_o samâ—_n rock_n but_o to_o answer_v direct_o i_o say_v first_o thaâ—_n we_o be_v a_o little_a too_o apt_a to_o rank_v among_o sainâ—_n some_o illustrious_a person_n mention_v in_o the_o sacred_a history_n who_o perhaps_o be_v nothing_o less_o than_o holy_a man_n and_o who_o it_o may_v be_v diâ—perish_v in_o their_o sin_n though_o god_n think_v iâ—_n to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o to_o carry_v on_o the_o design_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o to_o deliver_v hiâ—_n people_n it_o will_v be_v a_o rash_a thing_n to_o pronounce_v upon_o any_o man_n salvation_n or_o 〈◊〉_d speak_v irreverent_o of_o those_o great_a man_n bâ—_n the_o instance_n of_o solomon_n who_o salvation_n have_v be_v at_o all_o time_n question_v by_o divine_n shall_v teach_v we_o not_o to_o be_v so_o hasty_a in_o place_v those_o among_o saint_n of_o who_o the_o scripture_n speak_v with_o some_o honour_n and_o be_v shelter_v ourselves_o under_o their_o example_n as_o to_o those_o who_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n itself_o do_v true_o fear_n god_n 〈◊〉_d may_v observe_v that_o they_o fall_v but_o once_o into_o those_o sin_n relate_v in_o the_o sacred_a history_n which_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n favour_n impenitent_a and_o habitual_a sinner_n but_o this_o answer_n do_v not_o full_o satisfy_v for_o beside_o that_o it_o appose_v a_o thing_n which_o in_o respect_n of_o several_a person_n can_v certain_o be_v know_v there_o be_v â—ome_o sin_n which_o be_v so_o black_a such_o as_o adultery_n and_o apostasy_n that_o a_o man_n can_v hardly_o comâ—it_v they_o more_o than_o once_o except_o he_o be_v alâ—gether_o sell_v to_o sin_n and_o further_o any_o one_o of_o â—ose_a sin_n be_v incompatible_a with_o a_o state_n of_o â—egeneration_n we_o must_v therefore_o frank_o own_o that_o â—hen_o those_o great_a man_n sin_v in_o that_o manâ—er_n they_o do_v not_o act_v like_o saint_n that_o they_o â—ut_v themselves_o into_o a_o state_n which_o consider_v in_o itself_o be_v a_o state_n of_o damnation_n and_o â—hat_n they_o have_v perish_v if_o they_o have_v continue_v in_o it_o for_o as_o ezekiel_n say_v chap._n xxxiii_o â—8_o when_o the_o righteous_a turn_v from_o his_o â—ighteousness_n and_o commit_v iniquity_n he_o shall_v â—ven_o die_v thereby_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o heinousness_n and_o danger_n of_o those_o sin_n by_o the_o deâ—ree_a of_o repentance_n which_o some_o of_o these_o man_n â—ave_n express_v for_o they_o and_o by_o the_o public_a acknowledgement_n they_o make_v of_o they_o what_o â—arms_n be_v david_n in_o when_o he_o compose_v he_o li_n psalm_n which_o be_v the_o psalm_n of_o his_o repentance_n what_o a_o deep_a sense_n have_v st._n peter_n of_o his_o fault_n in_o deny_v his_o master_n what_o do_v then_o such_o example_n signify_v to_o â—hose_v who_o live_v
uncertainty_n and_o obscurity_n in_o a_o religion_n where_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o controversy_n and_o different_a opinion_n the_o want_n of_o union_n be_v then_o a_o most_o considerable_a imperfection_n in_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o some_o remedy_n may_v be_v apply_v to_o so_o great_a a_o evil_a and_o that_o those_o controversy_n which_o produce_v and_o cherish_v it_o may_v be_v turn_v out_o of_o door_n the_o way_n to_o compass_v this_o will_v be_v to_o endeavour_v in_o good_a earnest_n the_o reform_v of_o manner_n and_o the_o restore_n of_o order_n this_o great_a and_o noble_a design_n will_v no_o soon_o be_v pursue_v but_o man_n will_v be_v ashamed_a of_o all_o these_o contention_n they_o will_v look_v upon_o they_o as_o trifle_a amusement_n and_o find_v no_o relish_n in_o those_o dispute_n which_o to_o say_v the_o truth_n do_v only_o employ_v such_o person_n as_o be_v conceit_v with_o vain_a learning_n and_o narrow-spirited_n man_n who_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o large_a and_o high_a view_v iv_o if_o we_o examine_v the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n with_o relation_n to_o order_n there_o we_o must_v ingenuous_o confess_v that_o great_a defect_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o matter_n of_o order_n and_o discipline_n christian_n ought_v to_o regulate_v themselves_o first_o by_o the_o law_n which_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v set_v they_o and_o then_o by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o of_o the_o pure_a antiquity_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o what_o have_v be_v practise_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n and_o do_v beside_o agree_v with_o the_o rule_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v have_v a_o great_a regard_n pay_v to_o it_o by_o all_o christian_n now_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o most_o church_n have_v considerable_o depart_v from_o that_o ancient_a order_n to_o prove_v this_o by_o some_o instance_n it_o be_v certain_a in_o fact_n that_o the_o ecclesiastical_a order_n and_o government_n which_o obtain_v in_o many_o place_n be_v not_o such_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v none_o caâ—n_v be_v ignorant_a of_o this_o but_o those_o who_o be_v altogether_o unacquainted_a with_o antiquity_n or_o who_o be_v full_a of_o prejudices_fw-la find_v what_o they_o please_v in_o scripture_n and_o church-history_n can_v it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o election_n of_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n be_v canonical_a as_o they_o be_v manage_v in_o many_o place_n arid_a that_o the_o practice_n and_o order_n establish_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v observe_v every_o where_o it_o be_v certain_a likewise_o that_o all_o church_n be_v not_o furnish_v with_o a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o person_n to_o perform_v divine-service_n and_o to_o instruct_v and_o edify_v the_o people_n when_o we_o look_v back_o upon_o the_o primitive_a church_n we_o find_v that_o though_o it_o be_v poor_a and_o persecute_v yet_o it_o have_v its_o bishop_n its_o priest_n its_o catechist_n and_o its_o widow_n at_o this_o time_n we_o see_v yet_o in_o several_a place_n that_o one_o single_a town_n maintain_v a_o great_a number_n of_o churchman_n who_o indeed_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v very_o insignificant_a but_o elsewhere_o it_o be_v quite_o otherwise_o one_o single_a man_n do_v often_o perform_v all_o the_o ecclesiastical_a function_n nay_o sometime_o many_o church_n have_v but_o one_o pastor_n this_o disorder_n as_o well_o as_o many_o other_o proceed_v partly_o from_o the_o want_n of_o necessary_a mean_n and_o fund_n to_o supply_v the_o occasion_n of_o all_o church_n here_o it_o may_v be_v proper_a to_o speak_v of_o the_o pastoral_a function_n and_o of_o the_o administration_n of_o discipline_n but_o these_o two_o head_n be_v important_a i_o reserve_v what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v about_o they_o for_o the_o two_o next_o chapter_n we_o ought_v here_o not_o to_o omit_v the_o want_n of_o union_n and_o correspondence_n among_o church_n if_o they_o have_v more_o communication_n and_o intercourse_n one_o with_o another_o great_a advantage_n will_v follow_v from_o thence_o right_o measure_n may_v be_v take_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o people_n and_o for_o the_o redress_v of_o abuse_n and_o scandal_n that_o uniformity_n which_o be_v so_o necessary_a both_o in_o worship_n and_o in_o church-government_n and_o discipline_n may_v be_v establish_v and_o that_o will_v contribute_v much_o to_o the_o honour_n and_o safety_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n the_o church_n will_v appear_v then_o like_o a_o well-ordered_a society_n and_o like_o one_o body_n of_o which_o all_o the_o part_n shall_v maintain_v a_o relation_n to_o and_o a_o strict_a dependence_n upon_o one_o another_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v a_o great_a unhappiness_n when_o church_n have_v little_a or_o no_o intercourse_n or_o communication_n one_o with_o another_o so_o that_o every_o one_o order_n its_o matter_n and_o custom_n the_o form_n of_o its_o worship_n and_o government_n within_o itself_o thus_o in_o many_o respect_n it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o show_v that_o thing_n be_v not_o altogether_o regulate_v in_o the_o church_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v with_o relation_n to_o order_n man_n be_v not_o sensible_a of_o these_o defect_n because_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o judge_v of_o religious_a matter_n by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o present_a time_n and_o by_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o respective_a country_n beside_o that_o antiquity_n be_v but_o little_o know_v and_o yet_o these_o defect_n contribute_v more_o than_o be_v common_o imagine_v to_o the_o decay_n of_o piety_n and_o zeal_n the_o want_n of_o order_n in_o any_o society_n do_v most_o certain_o bring_v confusion_n and_o licentiousness_n into_o it_o v._o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v the_o end_n and_o the_o essence_n of_o religion_n we_o can_v but_o inquire_v whether_o all_o thing_n be_v well_o regulate_v with_o relation_n to_o that_o to_o speak_v here_o only_o of_o the_o public_a worship_n it_o will_v be_v very_o necessary_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v perform_v every_o where_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o the_o people_n may_v understand_v the_o most_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o divine_a worship_n to_o be_v adoration_n praise_n and_o the_o invocation_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o discharge_n of_o these_o duty_n be_v the_o end_n of_o public_a assembly_n i_o remark_n this_o particular_o because_o in_o many_o place_n devotion_n be_v place_v only_o in_o the_o hear_n of_o sermon_n church_n be_v proper_o nothing_o else_o but_o auditory_n people_n fancy_n that_o sermon_n be_v the_o chief_a thing_n they_o meet_v for_o and_o that_o preach_v be_v the_o principle_n function_n to_o be_v exercise_v by_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n the_o prayer_n and_o the_o psalm_n be_v look_v upon_o only_a as_o preliminary_n or_o circumstance_n to_o a_o sermon_n this_o be_v a_o dangerous_a notion_n because_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n it_o make_v christian_n neglect_n divine_a service_n and_o on_o the_o other_o it_o render_v religion_n contemptible_a when_o sermon_n be_v not_o so_o edify_v as_o they_o shall_v be_v which_o happen_v but_o too_o often_o and_o therefore_o it_o will_v not_o perhaps_o be_v amiss_o if_o as_o it_o be_v practise_v in_o several_a church_n divine_a service_n be_v distinguish_v from_o sermon_n by_o some_o circumstance_n of_o time_n or_o person_n so_o that_o it_o may_v be_v one_o thing_n to_o celebrate_v divine_a service_n and_o another_o to_o hear_v sermon_n several_a reflection_n may_v be_v offer_v here_o concern_v the_o principal_a thing_n relate_v to_o public_a worship_n such_o as_o form_n of_o prayer_n liturgy_n the_o manner_n of_o praise_v god_n and_o sacred_a hymn_n it_o will_v be_v a_o question_n worth_a the_o examine_n whether_o we_o ought_v in_o christian_a church_n to_o use_v only_a psalm_n and_o canticle_n out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n among_o which_o though_o some_o be_v most_o edify_a and_o full_a of_o excellent_a expression_n of_o piety_n yet_o there_o be_v many_o which_o relate_v altogether_o to_o some_o particular_a passage_n of_o those_o time_n or_o if_o they_o speak_v of_o christ_n it_o be_v only_o in_o a_o prophetical_a style_n very_o obscure_a to_o the_o people_n one_o will_v think_v that_o christian_a hymn_n which_o shall_v be_v sing_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n chief_o to_o celebrate_v the_o wonder_n of_o our_o redemption_n may_v be_v extraordinary_a useful_a to_o nourish_v piety_n and_o to_o stir_v up_o devotion_n as_o well_o as_o more_o agreeable_a to_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n prescribe_v and_o which_o the_o primitve_n christian_n practise_v in_o their_o assembly_n will_v it_o not_o likewise_o be_v necessary_a to_o agree_v about_o give_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n to_o sick_a and_o die_a person_n and_o to_o restore_v the_o more_o frequent_a use_n of_o the_o eucharist_n acpord_v to_o the_o
unhappiness_n of_o the_o time_n and_o the_o perfecution_n this_o be_v unquestionable_a matter_n of_o fact_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v take_v it_o for_o grant_v and_o only_o say_v in_o short_a that_o then_o all_o those_o who_o embrace_v christianity_n be_v engage_v by_o a_o solemn_a vow_n to_o renounce_v the_o vice_n of_o the_o age_n and_o to_o lead_v a_o holy_a life_n that_o those_o who_o be_v baptise_a be_v not_o suffer_v to_o live_v disorderly_a that_o vicious_a person_n be_v debar_v the_o holy_a mystery_n that_o those_o who_o fall_v into_o great_a sin_n be_v excommunicate_v as_o well_o as_o those_o who_o be_v contumacious_a and_o incorrigible_a that_o such_o be_v not_o restore_v to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n but_o after_o various_a degree_n of_o penance_n and_o a_o public_a acknowledgement_n of_o their_o fault_n and_o that_o as_o to_o those_o who_o relapse_v they_o be_v receive_v only_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n very_o clear_a monument_n of_o this_o practice_n be_v still_o extant_a in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o old_a canon_n and_o decree_n of_o council_n this_o discipline_n must_v needs_o have_v be_v very_o severe_o observe_v since_o st._n ambrose_n be_v not_o afraid_a to_o put_v it_o in_o practice_n against_o the_o emperor_n theodosius_n i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a that_o the_o primitive_a church_n have_v vary_v about_o certain_a circumstance_n that_o the_o penitent_n be_v treat_v sometime_o with_o more_o and_o sometime_o with_o less_o severity_n and_o that_o the_o time_n of_o their_o penance_n be_v long_a or_o short_a but_o as_o to_o the_o main_a or_o the_o essence_n of_o discipline_n it_o do_v always_o obtain_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o it_o be_v as_o little_o question_v then_o whether_o discipline_n ought_v to_o be_v observe_v as_o whether_o christian_n shall_v be_v baptise_a this_o usage_n among_o the_o first_o christian_n be_v at_o least_o a_o strong_a presumption_n in_o favour_n of_o discipline_n but_o it_o be_v consonant_n beside_o to_o what_o we_o read_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o there_o can_v remain_v any_o doubt_n about_o this_o matter_n iv_o in_o the_o last_o place_n the_o nature_n of_o discipline_n itself_o prove_v the_o usefulness_n and_o necessity_n of_o it_o all_o those_o who_o be_v not_o blind_v with_o prejudice_n must_v own_v that_o discipline_n consider_v in_o itself_o be_v altogether_o agreeable_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n 1._o the_o honour_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o promote_a of_o christ_n kingdom_n require_v order_n in_o the_o church_n who_o do_v not_o see_v but_o that_o if_o the_o church_n do_v tolerate_v scandalous_a person_n and_o take_v they_o into_o her_o bosom_n and_o make_v no_o difference_n between_o they_o and_o the_o faithful_a she_o may_v just_o be_v charge_v with_o all_o the_o disorder_n and_o scandal_n which_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o live_v of_o bad_a christian_n and_o be_v look_v upon_o by_o infidel_n as_o a_o profane_a society_n where_o vice_n be_v permit_v but_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n be_v a_o authentic_a disow_n of_o vice_n whereby_o the_o church_n declare_v public_o that_o she_o do_v not_o allow_v of_o it_o 2._o discipline_n be_v a_o most_o efficacious_a mean_n to_o procure_v the_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n a_o man_n must_v be_v very_o much_o harden_v when_o the_o be_v remove_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o christian_n do_v not_o reclaim_v he_o but_o when_o a_o scandalous_a person_n be_v suffer_v to_o live_v in_o the_o society_n of_o the_o faithful_a when_o he_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o same_o privilege_n with_o other_o member_n of_o the_o church_n this_o give_v he_o a_o occasion_n to_o harden_v himself_o in_o sin_n and_o to_o think_v that_o he_o be_v as_o good_a a_o christian_n and_o that_o he_o have_v as_o much_o right_n to_o salvation_n as_o other_o which_o be_v a_o most_o dangerous_a but_o withal_o a_o most_o common_a imagination_n 3._o discipline_n be_v useful_a to_o the_o church_n in_o general_n many_o who_o may_v otherwise_o have_v ill_a inclination_n be_v restrain_v by_o example_n or_o shame_n or_o fear_v or_o ever_o by_o conscience_n good_a man_n be_v thereby_o double_o edify_v since_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n this_o rigour_n confirm_v they_o in_o their_o duty_n and_o that_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o make_v reparation_n for_o the_o scandal_n which_o other_o man_n sin_n give_v they_o from_o all_o this_o i_o conclude_v that_o discipline_n be_v a_o sacred_a necessary_a and_o inviolable_a order_n it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o humane_a or_o arbitrary_a establishment_n which_o may_v be_v alter_v or_o which_o be_v only_o to_o continue_v for_o a_o time_n a_o order_n which_o have_v its_o original_a in_o the_o express_a law_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o which_o be_v appoint_v in_o scripture_n as_o a_o general_a law_n a_o order_n which_o have_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n a_o order_n which_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o church_n and_o religion_n and_o which_o perfect_o agree_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n such_o a_o order_n certain_o aught_o to_o be_v follow_v as_o be_v of_o a_o necessary_a and_o indispensable_a obligation_n i_o say_v it_o again_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o positive_a than_o this_o in_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o sacrament_n discipline_n as_o well_o as_o the_o sacrament_n be_v found_v upon_o dvine_a institution_n and_o confirm_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n but_o in_o discipline_n there_o be_v one_o thing_n more_o than_o in_o the_o sacrament_n for_o whereas_o the_o sacrament_n consider_v in_o themselves_o and_o without_o respect_n to_o the_o divine_a institution_n be_v thing_n indifferent_a and_o of_o no_o use_n discipline_n in_o itself_o be_v just_a and_o useful_a agreeable_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n as_o well_o as_o to_o plain_a reason_n and_o sense_n i_o have_v perhaps_o be_v too_o large_a upon_o this_o subject_a but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v prove_v in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o discipline_n be_v necessary_a and_o institute_v by_o god_n since_o that_o be_v the_o ground_n i_o go_v upon_o in_o this_o whole_a chapter_n this_o sacred_a order_n which_o have_v be_v fettle_v in_o the_o beginning_n of_o christianity_n be_v alter_v in_o process_n of_o time_n and_o in_o this_o as_o in_o many_o other_o thing_n christian_n grow_v remiss_a this_o be_v do_v by_o degree_n for_o good_a law_n be_v not_o common_o abolish_v all_o at_o once_o but_o through_o insensible_a change_n we_o learn_v from_o ecclesiastical_a history_n that_o the_o slacken_n of_o discipline_n be_v chief_o to_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o take_v away_o some_o public_a penance_n those_o penance_n be_v convert_v into_o private_a confession_n and_o penance_n at_o first_o this_o alteration_n be_v only_o concern_v some_o sin_n which_o be_v not_o think_v to_o deserve_v the_o utmost_a rigour_n of_o discipline_n for_o as_o to_o great_a sin_n such_o as_o murder_n and_o adultery_n the_o ancient_a order_n be_v still_o in_o force_n but_o at_o last_o about_o the_o end_n of_o the_o iv_o century_n public_a penance_n be_v abolish_v first_o in_o the_o eastern_a and_o sometime_o after_o in_o the_o western_a church_n instead_o of_o penance_n private_a satisfaction_n be_v appoint_v and_o then_o man_n unhappy_o begin_v to_o be_v more_o concern_v about_o the_o exterior_a of_o penance_n than_o about_o what_o be_v spiritual_a in_o it_o and_o fit_a to_o reclaim_v sinner_n this_o be_v do_v at_o first_o by_o a_o kind_n of_o relaxation_n or_o indulgence_n but_o that_o which_o at_o the_o beginning_n be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o exception_n to_o the_o law_n succeed_v in_o the_o room_n of_o the_o law_n itself_o and_o from_o thence_o spring_v indulgence_n satisfaction_n penance_n auricular_a confession_n and_o many_o other_o practice_n which_o be_v but_o corruption_n of_o the_o ancient_a discipline_n the_o bishop_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n be_v distract_v by_o temporal_a care_n after_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o emperor_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n begin_v to_o neglect_v the_o essential_a part_n of_o their_o function_n and_o the_o conduct_n of_o their_o flock_n they_o be_v for_o humour_v great_a man_n who_o think_v it_o hard_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o public_a order_n this_o be_v a_o short_a account_n how_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v considerable_o adulterate_v in_o the_o point_n of_o discipline_n we_o be_v now_o to_o examine_v what_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o religion_n be_v with_o relation_n to_o discipline_n all_o the_o abuse_n which_o come_v up_o in_o the_o room_n of_o the_o ancient_a discipline_n do_v still_o subsist_v in_o most_o place_n both_o in_o the_o greek_a and_o in_o the_o latin_a church_n the_o canon_n and_o
christian_n ought_v to_o know_v be_v that_o god_n have_v place_v he_o in_o this_o world_n not_o to_o offend_v but_o to_o glorify_v and_o serve_v he_o the_o gospel_n tell_v we_o every_o where_o that_o this_o life_n be_v the_o time_n which_o god_n give_v we_o to_o sanctify_v ourselves_o in_o that_o this_o earth_n be_v the_o place_n where_o christian_a virtue_n be_v to_o be_v pracise_v that_o now_o be_v the_o time_n to_o labour_v to_o walk_v to_o fight_v and_o to_o sow_v if_o we_o intend_v to_o obtain_v salvation_n and_o that_o whoever_o neglect_v these_o duty_n shall_v be_v shut_v out_o of_o heaven_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v these_o opportunity_n will_v be_v over_o the_o door_n will_v be_v shut_v and_o the_o sentence_n which_o god_n shall_v pronounce_v at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n will_v be_v found_v upon_o that_o which_o man_n do_v in_o this_o life_n nay_o we_o may_v draw_v a_o argument_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o holiness_n itself_o to_o demonstrate_v that_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o be_v not_o refer_v to_o another_o life_n the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o duty_n which_o god_n prescribe_v such_o as_o repentance_n patience_n chastity_n sobriety_n almsgiving_n and_o hope_v can_v be_v practise_v in_o heaven_n here_o then_o be_v the_o time_n the_o place_n and_o the_o opportunity_n to_o perform_v these_o duty_n let_v we_o reflect_v upon_o what_o st._n paul_n say_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o titus_n chap._n 11._o there_o he_o declare_v that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v salvation_n teach_v man_n to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n that_o be_v in_o this_o life_n and_o upon_o earth_n and_o then_o he_o add_v look_v for_o that_o bless_a hope_n and_o the_o glorious_a appear_v of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n he_o make_v a_o distinction_n between_o the_o duty_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o christian_a between_o this_o world_n and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v this_o life_n be_v the_o time_n and_o this_o world_n the_o place_n wherein_o we_o ought_v to_o practice_v temperance_n justice_n and_o godliness_n it_o must_v not_o be_v ask_v where_o the_o difference_n than_o lie_v between_o this_o life_n and_o the_o other_o between_o grace_n and_o glory_n for_o the_o difference_n be_v great_a and_o sensible_a enough_o in_o other_o respect_n in_o the_o next_o life_n we_o shall_v be_v perfect_o holy_a our_o holiness_n will_v be_v of_o another_o nature_n than_o it_o be_v here_o we_o shall_v be_v like_o the_o angel_n and_o as_o we_o shall_v practice_v no_o long_o a_o great_a many_o duty_n which_o we_o practise_v here_o on_o earth_n so_o we_o shall_v exercise_v many_o virtue_n which_o can_v be_v exercise_v in_o this_o life_n 4._o i_o ought_v not_o to_o omit_v here_o another_o maxim_n which_o be_v not_o only_o very_o common_a but_o be_v likewise_o most_o pernicious_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o use_n that_o be_v make_v of_o it_o some_o say_v that_o there_o be_v always_o and_o that_o there_o will_v always_o be_v corruption_n that_o this_o be_v the_o way_n of_o the_o world_n that_o man_n will_v always_o be_v man_n and_o that_o the_o world_n will_v not_o change_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o dwell_v a_o little_a upon_o this_o maxim_n because_o it_o be_v specious_a and_o tend_v as_o well_o as_o the_o former_a to_o make_v man_n believe_v that_o corruption_n be_v necessary_a and_o unavoidable_a it_o have_v beside_o a_o general_a influence_n upon_o the_o subject_a matter_n and_o design_n of_o this_o book_n for_o it_o be_v to_o little_a purpose_n to_o descant_v upon_o the_o source_n of_o corruption_n if_o there_o be_v no_o amendment_n to_o be_v hope_v for_o i_o have_v four_o thing_n to_o say_v upon_o this_o maxim_n 1._o the_o inference_n which_o be_v make_v from_o it_o be_v absurd_a for_o though_o a_o evil_n be_v general_a it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v ourselves_o free_a from_o it_o unless_o it_o be_v a_o evil_a from_o which_o man_n can_v not_o possible_o preserve_v themselves_o there_o have_v be_v always_o and_o there_o will_v always_o be_v disease_n in_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o no_o man_n hitherto_o have_v be_v so_o weak_a as_o to_o maintain_v that_o the_o precaution_n and_o remedy_n which_o be_v use_v against_o disease_n be_v altogether_o useless_a thus_o though_o corruption_n reign_v in_o the_o world_n yet_o that_o do_v not_o hinder_v but_o that_o man_n ought_v to_o use_v their_o best_a endeavour_n to_o escape_v it_o and_o it_o do_v not_o prove_v but_o that_o they_o may_v actual_o avoid_v it_o if_o they_o use_v those_o mean_n which_o god_n afford_v they_o to_o that_o end_n 2._o this_o maxim_n be_v found_v upon_o a_o false_a supposition_n for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o there_o have_v be_v always_o and_o that_o there_o will_v always_o be_v corruption_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o this_o corruption_n be_v alike_o at_o all_o time_n or_o that_o thing_n be_v always_o to_o be_v in_o the_o same_o state_n they_o now_o be_v in_o this_o be_v a_o false_a supposition_n and_o contrary_a to_o experience_n as_o may_v easy_o be_v prove_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o time_n past_a the_o present_a and_o the_o future_a first_o when_o we_o reflect_v upon_o past_a age_n we_o can_v say_v that_o all_o time_n have_v be_v alike_o in_o reference_n to_o religion_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o before_o christ_n come_n the_o world_n be_v plunge_v in_o a_o general_a corruption_n and_o that_o the_o state_n of_o it_o have_v be_v considerable_o alter_v by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n can_v any_o one_o deny_v but_o that_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v pure_a than_o the_o church_n which_o we_o find_v in_o the_o nine_o or_o ten_o century_n at_o this_o day_n though_o there_o be_v a_o general_a dissoluteness_n yet_o there_o be_v more_o or_o less_o corruption_n in_o some_o place_n than_o in_o other_o it_o be_v true_a in_o fact_n that_o where_o the_o gospel_n be_v due_o preach_v and_o where_o there_o be_v some_o order_n and_o discipline_n leave_v there_o appear_v more_o piety_n and_o religion_n than_o in_o other_o place_n as_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v we_o must_v not_o think_v it_o impossible_a to_o restore_v thing_n to_o a_o better_a state_n or_o imagine_v that_o the_o world_n will_v always_o continue_v as_o it_o be_v though_o the_o mean_n be_v use_v which_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o reform_v it_o for_o this_o will_v no_o soon_o be_v do_v but_o corruption_n will_v abate_v as_o i_o hope_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o book_n 3._o this_o maxim_n be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o scripture_n often_o speak_v of_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o world_n but_o do_v it_o always_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o christian_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o renounce_v it_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o the_o sinful_a course_n which_o the_o world_n lie_v in_o eph._n 11._o but_o he_o suppose_v that_o the_o ephesian_n do_v no_o long_o follow_v those_o course_n after_o they_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o same_o apostle_n command_v we_o 12.2_o we_o rom._n 12.2_o not_o to_o be_v conform_v to_o this_o present_a world_n and_o st._n james_n when_o he_o describe_v the_o spirit_n and_o character_n of_o that_o 7._o that_o jam_fw-la 1.2_o 7._o pure_a and_o undefiled_a religion_n which_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n he_o tell_v we_o among_o other_o thing_n that_o it_o consist_v in_o man_n keep_v himself_o unspotted_a from_o the_o world_n 4._o in_o the_o last_o place_n this_o maxim_n be_v extreme_o dangerous_a in_o that_o sense_n and_o design_n in_o which_o it_o be_v propose_v it_o lead_v to_o impiety_n it_o rob_v religion_n of_o all_o its_o power_n and_o it_o furnish_v libertine_n with_o a_o plea_n which_o do_v entire_o justify_v they_o for_o in_o short_a either_o corruption_n may_v be_v remedy_v and_o man_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o a_o more_o christian_a life_n or_o it_o may_v not_o if_o it_o can_v be_v remedy_v this_o maxim_n be_v true_a and_o profane_a man_n be_v in_o the_o right_n but_o in_o that_o case_n i_o say_v it_o again_o religion_n be_v but_o a_o name_n for_o if_o no_o stop_n can_v be_v give_v to_o corruption_n if_o thing_n must_v still_o go_v on_o at_o the_o same_o rate_n why_o do_v we_o talk_v of_o religion_n or_o why_o do_v we_o preach_v the_o gospel_n we_o may_v teach_v and_o exhort_v as_o long_o as_o we_o please_v but_o for_o all_o that_o there_o will_v be_v neither_o more_o nor_o less_o sin_n man_n will_v always_o be_v what_o they_o be_v and_o the_o world_n will_v not_o alter_v what_o notion_n must_v this_o give_v we_o
which_o distinguish_v we_o from_o brute_n and_o a_o conscience_n which_o discern_v between_o good_a and_o evil_a we_o ought_v then_o to_o live_v according_a to_o reason_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o conscience_n and_o to_o do_v that_o which_o become_v the_o nature_n of_o man._n we_o be_v man_n and_o by_o consequence_n mortal_a we_o know_v we_o be_v not_o to_o live_v always_o in_o this_o world_n and_o know_v this_o we_o must_v either_o think_v of_o another_o life_n or_o propose_v to_o ourselves_o no_o other_o end_n than_o that_o of_o beast_n which_o follow_v their_o instinct_n while_o they_o live_v and_o then_o die_v never_o to_o live_v again_o we_o be_v man_n but_o we_o be_v not_o independent_a we_o have_v a_o creator_n and_o a_o master_n and_o as_o we_o be_v endue_v beside_o with_o understanding_n we_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o our_o action_n before_o his_o tribunal_n it_o be_v therefore_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n to_o live_v like_o a_o creature_n that_o depend_v upon_o god_n and_o that_o must_v be_v judge_v so_o that_o this_o consideration_n that_o we_o be_v man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o excuse_v that_o it_o condemn_v corruption_n but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o we_o be_v weak_a men._n this_o be_v very_o true_a our_o nature_n be_v frail_a and_o have_v beside_o a_o strong_a bias_n to_o evil_n but_o god_n speak_v to_o we_o as_o to_o weak_a man_n he_o command_v we_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v proportion_v to_o that_o state_n of_o imperfection_n we_o be_v in_o beside_o this_o excuse_n do_v not_o at_o all_o become_v christian_n to_o say_v we_o be_v weak_a man_n be_v to_o show_v we_o have_v but_o little_a sense_n of_o god_n kindness_n towards_o we_o we_o be_v not_o only_a man_n but_o we_o be_v christian_n too_o and_o this_o quality_n raise_v we_o above_o the_o natural_a condition_n of_o man_n it_o make_v we_o new_a man_n and_o new_a creature_n why_o do_v we_o then_o forget_v the_o glory_n to_o which_o god_n have_v exalt_v our_o nature_n through_o jesus_n christ_n why_o will_v we_o still_o lie_v down_o under_o the_o burden_n of_o frail_a and_o corrupt_a nature_n it_o be_v further_a say_v that_o we_o be_v not_o angel_n but_o neither_o be_v it_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o to_o do_v that_o which_o god_n command_v we_o when_o god_n give_v we_o his_o law_n he_o know_v he_o give_v they_o to_o man_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v admirable_o suit_v to_o our_o present_a condition_n in_o this_o world_n if_o we_o be_v angel_n god_n will_v give_v we_o quite_o other_o law_n the_o gospel_n will_v be_v abolish_v and_o the_o world_n shall_v continue_v no_o long_o in_o the_o state_n it_o be_v in_o it_o be_v therefore_o a_o absurd_a imagination_n to_o think_v that_o one_o can_v perform_v the_o duty_n of_o religion_n without_o be_v of_o a_o angelical_a nature_n let_v we_o then_o no_o long_o pretend_v that_o because_o we_o be_v man_n we_o be_v too_o weak_a to_o observe_v the_o duty_n which_o religion_n prescribe_v thâ—â—_n excuse_n charge_v god_n with_o injustice_n as_o if_o he_o do_v require_v from_o we_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v not_o agreeable_a with_o our_o nature_n and_o condition_n it_o be_v injurious_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n iâ—_n be_v false_a since_o the_o scripture_n declare_v that_o grace_n regenerate_v and_o strengthen_v we_o and_o that_o it_o make_v we_o able_a to_o overcome_v the_o vicious_a inclination_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o to_o free_v ourselves_o from_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n and_o last_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o experience_n for_o those_o many_o saint_n and_o good_a man_n who_o practise_v the_o most_o 5.17_o most_o jam._n 5.17_o sublime_a and_o difficult_a duty_n of_o piety_n be_v man_n as_o we_o be_v and_o as_o the_o 12.1_o the_o heb._n 12.1_o sacred_a writer_n observe_v they_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o same_o infirmitte_v with_o we_o and_o many_o of_o they_o perhaps_o have_v not_o those_o advantage_n which_o we_o have_v 2._o it_o be_v often_o allege_a as_o a_o excuse_n that_o no_o man_n be_v perfect_a and_o that_o every_o one_o have_v his_o fault_n this_o be_v say_v every_o day_n and_o some_o pretend_v with_o that_o say_n to_o excuse_v every_o thing_n excuse_n for_o the_o most_o part_n have_v something_o of_o truth_n in_o they_o this_o proposition_n that_o no_o man_n perfect_a be_v very_o true_a in_o one_o sense_n and_o altogether_o false_a in_o another_o no_o man_n certain_o be_v perfect_a in_o the_o strict_a sense_n of_o that_o word_n or_o as_o it_o import_v a_o full_a and_o accomplish_a perfection_n free_a from_o all_o defect_n such_o a_o perfection_n be_v to_o be_v have_v no_o where_o else_o but_o in_o heaven_n but_o there_o be_v a_o perfection_n commence_v or_o begin_v of_o which_o a_o man_n redeem_a and_o sanctify_a by_o jesus_n christ_n be_v capable_a if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o why_o shall_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n exhort_v we_o 5.23_o we_o mat._n 5.48_o phil._n 1.10_o 1_o thess_n 5.23_o to_o be_v perfect_a why_o shall_v they_o tell_v we_o 5.9_o we_o 1_o john_n 5.9_o that_o he_o who_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n do_v not_o sin_n and_o that_o a_o christian_n be_v 11.21_o be_v 1_o cor._n 1.8_o 2_o tim._n 11.21_o thorough_o furnish_v to_o every_o good_a work_n if_o you_o ask_v who_o those_o perfect_a man_n be_v i_o answer_v that_o they_o be_v those_o who_o aspire_v to_o perfection_n in_o who_o sin_n do_v not_o reign_n who_o do_v not_o allow_v themselves_o in_o any_o vicious_a habit_n who_o sincere_o and_o honest_o apply_v themselves_o to_o holiness_n and_o have_v accustom_v themselves_o to_o practice_v 〈…〉_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o with_o delight_n whoever_o be_v arrive_v at_o such_o a_o state_n have_v attain_v thaâ—_n perfection_n which_o be_v attainable_a in_o this_o life_n and_o to_o which_o christian_n be_v call_v by_o the_o gospel_n though_o there_o remain_v still_o in_o he_o some_o infirmity_n inseparable_a from_o humane_a nature_n and_o never_o total_o to_o be_v root_v out_o before_o he_o get_v to_o heaven_n we_o can_v be_v perfect_a in_o that_o first_o and_o strict_a sense_n i_o have_v mention_v but_o we_o may_v be_v perfect_a and_o god_n will_v have_v we_o be_v so_o in_o the_o second_o and_o evangelical_n sense_n of_o that_o word_n it_o be_v therefore_o a_o frivolous_a excuse_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o corrupt_a man_n to_o say_v that_o no_o man_n be_v perfect_a and_o that_o we_o can_v attain_v to_o the_o perfection_n or_o to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o bless_a in_o heaven_n for_o this_o be_v to_o shift_v the_o question_n because_o that_o be_v not_o the_o perfection_n which_o god_n require_v we_o ought_v not_o to_o fix_v a_o false_a and_o absurd_a sense_n upon_o god_n commandment_n that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o pretence_n not_o to_o obey_v they_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o christian_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o do_v that_o which_o god_n will_v have_v they_o do_v and_o which_o they_o be_v able_a to_o do_v in_o this_o world_n this_o be_v the_o perfection_n to_o which_o he_o call_v we_o we_o may_v apply_v very_o near_o the_o same_o answer_n to_o that_o other_o excuse_v that_o every_o body_n have_v his_o fault_n there_o be_v fault_n which_o do_v not_o destroy_v piety_n and_o god_n be_v gracious_o please_v not_o to_o impute_v such_o fault_n to_o those_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n no_o man_n â—s_v free_a from_o fault_n but_o there_o be_v another_o â—ort_n of_o fault_n which_o shall_v not_o be_v call_v bare_a fault_n or_o defect_n those_o be_v the_o vice_n and_o passion_n which_o can_v consist_v with_o piety_n the_o great_a the_o reign_v the_o habitual_a or_o deliberate_a sin_n true_a christian_n be_v free_a from_o such_o fault_n and_o those_o who_o be_v not_o free_a from_o they_o be_v not_o true_a christian_n if_o this_o maxim_n that_o every_o one_o have_v his_o fault_n be_v not_o thus_o explain_v we_o must_v speak_v no_o long_o of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n for_o this_o excuse_n will_v serve_v for_o all_o sin_n and_o acquit_v every_o body_n if_o a_o man_n be_v give_v to_o swear_v if_o he_o be_v revengeful_a passionate_a or_o false_a if_o he_o commit_v adultery_n it_o be_v but_o say_v every_o one_o have_v his_o fault_n and_o no_o man_n be_v perfect_a such_o language_n from_o a_o man_n full_a of_o vicious_a habit_n be_v unsufferable_a what_o dismal_a consequence_n will_v not_o libertine_n draw_v from_o such_o a_o principle_n we_o must_v therefore_o understand_v this_o proposition_n in_o the_o sense_n and_o with_o those_o restriction_n i_o have_v observe_v and_o then_o it_o may_v be_v useful_a to_o comfort_v good_a man_n but_o it_o will_v never_o excuse_v those_o who_o be_v vicious_a 3._o