explain_v text_n it_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v wish_v that_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n school_n and_o university_n shall_v be_v reform_v and_o that_o the_o manner_n and_o study_n of_o young_a people_n shall_v be_v better_o regulate_v in_o those_o place_n this_o reformation_n will_v not_o be_v impossible_a if_o divine_n and_o professor_n will_v use_v their_o endeavour_n about_o it_o but_o those_o kind_n of_o establishment_n be_v not_o easy_o alter_v the_o ordinary_a method_n be_v continue_v and_o thing_n be_v do_v as_o they_o be_v of_o old_a because_o man_n be_v willing_a to_o keep_v their_o place_n and_o the_o stipend_n which_o be_v annex_v to_o they_o 3._o the_o three_o and_o principal_a remedy_n will_v be_v to_o use_v great_a caution_n than_o be_v common_o do_v when_o man_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o ecclesiastical_a office_n the_o first_o qualification_n to_o which_o according_a to_o st._n paul_n regard_n be_v to_o be_v have_v be_v probity_n and_o integrity_n of_o life_n the_o person_n therefore_o who_o offer_v themselves_o shall_v in_o the_o first_o place_n be_v examine_v in_o relation_n to_o manner_n and_o to_o all_o those_o moral_a disposition_n which_o st._n paul_n require_v in_o they_o and_o those_o shall_v be_v exclude_v in_o who_o they_o be_v not_o find_v but_o this_o article_n be_v common_o slubber_v over_o and_o a_o young_a man_n must_v have_v be_v very_o dissolute_a if_o he_o be_v refuse_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o immorality_n so_o that_o the_o most_o sacred_a of_o all_o character_n be_v confer_v upon_o many_o person_n who_o according_a to_o the_o divine_a law_n aught_o to_o be_v reject_v the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o examination_n of_o canditates_fw-la relate_v to_o their_o ability_n and_o talent_n now_o in_o order_n to_o judge_v of_o their_o capacity_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o inquire_v whether_o they_o know_v their_o common-place-book_n or_o whether_o they_o can_v make_v a_o sermon_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a beside_o to_o examine_v they_o about_o the_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n about_o history_n discipline_n the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o morality_n all_o these_o be_v important_a matter_n the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o be_v of_o daily_a use_n with_o reference_n to_o practice_n and_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o sacred_a ministry_n but_o they_o be_v not_o insist_v upon_o the_o examination_n turn_v upon_o some_o trial_n about_o preach_v and_o upon_o some_o head_n of_o divinity_n which_o be_v scholastical_o handle_v by_o argument_n and_o distinction_n after_o which_o if_o the_o canditate_fw-la have_v satify_v in_o some_o measure_n ordination_n follow_v now_o when_o such_o insufficient_a person_n be_v once_o admit_v the_o mischief_n be_v do_v and_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n these_o man_n be_v afterward_o appoint_v pastor_n in_o church_n where_o for_o 30_o or_o 40_o year_n they_o destroy_v more_o than_o they_o edify_v how_o many_o church_n be_v there_o thus_o ill_o provide_v where_o the_o people_n live_v in_o gross_a ignorance_n where_o the_o youth_n be_v lose_v for_o want_n of_o instruction_n and_o where_o a_o thousand_o crime_n be_v commit_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o this_o evil_a be_v in_o the_o ordination_n of_o pastor_n it_o will_v no_o doubt_n be_v object_v that_o if_o none_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v but_o those_o who_o have_v all_o the_o necessary_a qualification_n there_o will_v not_o be_v a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o pastor_n for_o all_o the_o church_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o though_o this_o shall_v happen_v yet_o it_o be_v better_a to_o run_v into_o this_o inconvenience_n than_o to_o break_v the_o express_a law_n of_o god_n a_o small_a number_n of_o select_a pastor_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o a_o multitude_n of_o unworthy_a labourer_n we_o be_v still_o to_o do_v what_o god_n command_v and_o to_o leave_v the_o the_o event_n to_o providence_n but_o after_o all_o this_o scarcity_n of_o pastor_n be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v fear_v such_o a_o strictness_n will_v only_o discourage_v those_o who_o will_v never_o have_v be_v useful_a in_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n high_o commendable_a to_o dishearten_v such_o person_n but_o this_o exactness_n will_v encourage_v those_o who_o be_v able_a to_o do_v well_o and_o the_o ministry_n will_v be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o esteem_v and_o seek_v after_o cause_n iu._n the_o defect_n of_o christian_a prince_n and_o magistrate_n if_o it_o have_v be_v possible_a without_o a_o essential_a omission_n not_o to_o have_v detect_v this_o cause_n of_o corruption_n i_o will_v have_v pass_v it_o over_o in_o silence_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o high_a power_n but_o with_o great_a discretion_n and_o respect_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o without_o some_o kind_n of_o reluctancy_n that_o i_o suppose_v in_o the_o title_n of_o this_o chapter_n that_o one_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o corruption_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o christian_a prince_n and_o magistrate_n but_o if_o i_o have_v suppress_v this_o i_o shall_v have_v dissemble_v a_o most_o important_a truth_n and_o omit_v one_o of_o the_o head_n which_o be_v the_o most_o necessary_a to_o be_v insist_v upon_o in_o a_o work_n of_o this_o nature_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o rank_n which_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n hold_v they_o have_v always_o a_o great_a share_n in_o the_o good_a or_o ill_a manner_n of_o the_o people_n and_o so_o i_o can_v excuse_v myself_o from_o show_v that_o the_o corruption_n of_o christian_n may_v partly_o be_v impute_v to_o those_o who_o be_v ordain_v for_o the_o government_n of_o civil_a society_n in_o order_n to_o this_o i_o shall_v offer_v some_o reflection_n upon_o the_o duty_n of_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n consider_v 1._o as_o civil_a and_o 2._o as_o christian_a magistrate_n although_o the_o institution_n of_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n do_v proper_o relate_v to_o civil_a matter_n yet_o the_o manner_n of_o govern_v their_o people_n have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o the_o thing_n of_o religion_n this_o can_v be_v question_v if_o we_o suppose_v this_o principle_n that_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o religion_n be_v also_o the_o author_n of_o civil_a society_n and_o magistracy_n it_o be_v st._n paul_n doctrine_n xiii_o doctrine_n rom._n xiii_o that_o there_o be_v no_o power_n but_o of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o power_n that_o be_v be_v ordain_v of_o god_n if_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o civil_a society_n he_o be_v also_o the_o author_n of_o those_o law_n upon_o which_o both_o religion_n and_o civil_a society_n be_v found_v now_o god_n be_v always_o consistent_a with_o himself_o the_o law_n which_o be_v derive_v from_o he_o can_v contradict_v one_o another_o and_o this_o show_v already_o not_o only_o that_o there_o be_v no_o opposition_n between_o religion_n and_o civil_a society_n but_o that_o these_o two_o thing_n have_v beside_o a_o necessary_a relation_n to_o one_o another_o this_o will_v yet_o more_o clear_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v that_o religion_n do_v not_o cut_v off_o christian_n from_o the_o society_n of_o other_o man_n and_o that_o the_o church_n do_v not_o constitute_v a_o state_n by_o itself_o to_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o civil_a society_n but_o that_o those_o who_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v likewise_o member_n of_o civil_a society_n so_o that_o the_o same_o man_n be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n both_o a_o christian_n and_o a_o citizen_n but_o it_o be_v chief_o necessary_a to_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n 1._o it_o be_v to_o be_v preach_v to_o all_o man_n and_o to_o be_v receive_v by_o all_o the_o world_n without_o distinction_n of_o nation_n kingdom_n or_o state_n in_o order_n to_o this_o two_o thing_n be_v necessary_a first_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v nothing_o in_o religion_n contrary_a to_o the_o natural_a constitution_n of_o state_n and_o of_o civil_a society_n for_o else_o god_n by_o order_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v preach_v will_v have_v destroy_v his_o own_o work_n christianity_n can_v not_o have_v take_v foot_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o first_o christian_n will_v have_v be_v just_o look_v upon_o as_o seditious_a person_n but_o it_o be_v not_o less_o necessary_a on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v nothing_o repugnant_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o natural_a constitution_n of_o state_n and_o civil_a society_n otherwise_o god_n by_o establish_v society_n will_v have_v put_v a_o insuperable_a obstacle_n to_o the_o plant_n of_o the_o gospel_n unless_o the_o civil_a order_n and_o government_n have_v be_v alter_v but_o our_o saviour_n have_v assure_v we_o that_o there_o be_v to_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n by_o declare_v xviii_o declare_v john_n xviii_o that_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n and_o by_o command_v his_o follower_n xxii_o
thus_o swear_v drunkenness_n and_o the_o great_a of_o other_o clamorous_a sin_n may_v be_v suppress_v if_o great_a man_n please_v be_v it_o not_o observe_v beside_o that_o when_o a_o prince_n be_v devout_a devotion_n come_v into_o fashion_n it_o may_v be_v that_o this_o devotion_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o example_n of_o prince_n be_v not_o always_o sincere_a but_o at_o least_o it_o regulate_v manner_n as_o to_o the_o exterior_a and_o such_o a_o outward_a reformation_n may_v be_v a_o step_n towards_o true_a devotion_n however_o this_o show_v that_o the_o opinion_n and_o example_n of_o man_n in_o authority_n have_v a_o great_a power_n and_o sure_o if_o by_o their_o credit_n they_o can_v make_v vice_n itself_o to_o be_v honour_v will_v it_o not_o be_v much_o easy_a for_o they_o to_o make_v other_o man_n honour_v virtue_n since_o it_o be_v honourable_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o express_v of_o what_o consequence_n the_o example_n of_o great_a man_n be_v either_o for_o good_a or_o evil._n a_o prince_n who_o be_v vicious_a cruel_a dissolute_a artificious_a or_o unjust_a be_v enough_o to_o infect_v a_o whole_a state_n in_o a_o very_a little_a time_n to_o banish_v piety_n from_o it_o and_o to_o bring_v into_o repute_n drunkenness_n lewdnese_n cheat_v indevotion_n and_o all_o the_o other_o vice_n which_o he_o allow_v himself_o in_o this_o we_o find_v by_o daily_a experience_n such_o as_o the_o prince_n be_v so_o be_v those_o about_o he_o and_o from_o these_o the_o evil_a spread_v upon_o the_o whole_a people_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o credit_n and_o authority_n to_o which_o they_o be_v raise_v and_o of_o the_o influence_n they_o have_v upon_o public_a and_o private_a affair_n what_o may_v not_o be_v say_v here_o of_o the_o life_n which_o be_v lead_v in_o the_o court_n of_o prince_n except_v some_o few_o court_n where_o licentiousness_n be_v not_o suffer_v that_o kind_n of_o life_n which_o be_v follow_v at_o court_n for_o the_o generality_n agree_v little_a with_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n people_z live_v there_o altogether_o in_o a_o loose_a and_o worldly_a manner_n in_o luxury_n idleness_n pomp_n and_o pleasure_n there_o the_o strong_a and_o the_o most_o entice_a temptation_n be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o and_o the_o most_o criminal_a intrigue_n adultery_n itself_o be_v rather_o a_o matter_n of_o raillery_n than_o reproach_n it_o be_v almost_o impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o insinuate_v himself_o into_o the_o favour_n of_o prince_n and_o to_o advance_v his_o fortune_n at_o court_n unless_o he_o make_v it_o his_o maxim_n to_o dissemble_v his_o sentiment_n and_o to_o speak_v direct_o against_o his_o own_o thought_n the_o worst_a of_o it_o be_v that_o from_o thence_o corruption_n diffuse_v itself_o almost_o every_o where_n so_o that_o many_o disorder_n which_o be_v in_o vogue_n will_v be_v unknown_a or_o at_o least_o very_a rare_a in_o the_o world_n if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v introduce_v by_o that_o licentiousness_n which_o reign_v in_o the_o court_n of_o prince_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o endeavour_n which_o christian_a magistrate_n ought_v to_o use_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o revive_n of_o piety_n these_o endeavour_n relate_v either_o to_o civil_a matter_n or_o to_o religion_n 1._o in_o civil_a matter_n it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o restrain_v libertinism_n and_o corruption_n by_o regulate_v the_o manner_n of_o their_o subject_n either_o by_o repeal_n the_o law_n and_o custom_n which_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o religion_n and_o which_o engage_v the_o people_n into_o the_o violation_n of_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o by_o reform_v the_o abuse_n which_o be_v introduce_v from_o time_n to_o time_n particular_o those_o which_o creep_v into_o the_o administration_n of_o justice_n in_o relation_n to_o all_o these_o thing_n there_o be_v several_a fault_n which_o the_o church_n can_v provide_v against_o and_o which_o nothing_o can_v remedy_v but_o the_o magistrate_n authority_n 2._o the_o other_o care_n relate_v direct_o to_o religion_n 1._o prince_n and_o king_n profess_v christianity_n be_v bind_v to_o procure_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v the_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n they_o ought_v to_o set_v about_o the_o establish_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n provide_v that_o in_o order_n to_o that_o they_o use_v no_o mean_n but_o such_o as_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o gospel_n they_o ought_v by_o their_o authority_n to_o see_v that_o the_o church_n and_o religion_n want_v nothing_o of_o what_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o maintain_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n that_o divine_a service_n be_v due_o perform_v that_o there_o be_v both_o place_n for_o that_o purpose_n and_o a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o person_n to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n that_o those_o person_n may_v subsist_v honourable_o that_o they_o do_v their_o duty_n and_o keep_v themselves_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o call_v they_o must_v not_o suffer_v church_n good_n or_o revenve_n to_o be_v apply_v to_o use_n mere_o civil_a and_o when_o these_o revenue_n be_v not_o sufficient_a it_o become_v their_o piety_n and_o justice_n to_o allot_v some_o part_n of_o the_o public_a revenue_n for_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n in_o fine_a as_o to_z manner_n i_o observe_v before_o that_o they_o may_v easy_o give_v a_o stop_n to_o vice_n and_o impiety_n to_o luxury_n swear_v and_o other_o scandal_n which_o dishonour_v the_o church_n and_o if_o they_o can_v do_v this_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v it_o every_o christian_a be_v bind_v to_o do_v all_o that_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o promote_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n 2._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o magistrate_n who_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n aught_o to_o protect_v it_o to_o maintain_v the_o order_n which_o god_n have_v establish_v in_o it_o and_o not_o to_o suffer_v any_o breach_n to_o be_v make_v there_o so_o that_o though_o they_o may_v regulate_v many_o thing_n which_o concern_v religion_n and_o though_o the_o church_n owe_v they_o a_o great_a regard_n yet_o they_o can_v without_o usurpation_n and_o injustice_n arrogate_v to_o themselves_o the_o whole_a authority_n with_o relation_n to_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n they_o be_v neither_o the_o prince_n nor_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n as_o they_o be_v the_o prince_n and_o the_o head_n of_o civil_a society_n a_o authority_n superior_a to_o they_o have_v institute_v religion_n pastor_n and_o discipline_n there_o be_v a_o law_n enact_v by_o the_o king_n of_o king_n and_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n which_o clear_o determine_v the_o right_n and_o duty_n both_o of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o governor_n of_o it_o all_o these_o be_v sacred_a thing_n which_o earthly_a power_n be_v not_o to_o meddle_v with_o they_o be_v law_n which_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n do_v submit_v to_o when_o they_o become_v member_n of_o the_o church_n with_o respect_n to_o these_o i_o mean_v still_o essential_a thing_n appoint_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o have_v acquire_v no_o right_n by_o embrace_v christianity_n since_o he_o who_o become_v member_n of_o a_o society_n can_v by_o that_o acquire_v a_o right_a to_o alter_v the_o natural_a form_n and_o constitution_n of_o it_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o king_n of_o judah_n show_v that_o a_o prince_n who_o profess_v true_a religion_n may_v interpose_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o it_o but_o we_o must_v take_v care_v not_o to_o carry_v this_o instance_n too_o far_o as_o those_o do_v who_o ascribe_v to_o the_o magistrate_n a_o supreme_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n who_o allow_v he_o a_o right_a to_o order_v every_o thing_n there_o not_o except_v discipline_n the_o call_n of_o pastor_n nor_o even_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n for_o beside_o that_o under_o the_o law_n king_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n the_o judge_n of_o every_o thing_n which_o concern_v religion_n we_o be_v not_o to_o argue_v altogether_o about_o the_o christian_a religion_n from_o what_o be_v do_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n among_o â—â—e_z jew_n the_o church_n and_o the_o state_n be_v mix_v together_o and_o in_o some_o measure_n undistinguished_a from_o one_o another_o that_o mere_o spiritual_a society_n which_o be_v call_v the_o church_n and_o which_o be_v confine_v to_o no_o state_n or_o people_n or_o any_o particular_a form_n of_o civil_a government_n be_v proper_o erect_v since_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n god_n act_v among_o the_o jew_n as_o a_o civil_a magistrate_n the_o law_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n external_a law_n which_o may_v and_o ought_v to_o be_v maintain_v by_o force_n and_o authority_n the_o right_n of_o divine_a service_n and_o the_o function_n of_o priest_n be_v very_o different_a from_o the_o evangelical_n worship_n and_o from_o the_o office_n of_o christian_a pastor_n after_o all_o if_o we_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
ready_a to_o restore_v the_o great_a sinner_n to_o his_o favour_n when_o they_o have_v recourse_n to_o his_o mercy_n and_o that_o there_o be_v express_a promise_n in_o the_o gospel_n which_o assure_v we_o of_o this_o i_o grant_v it_o god_n never_o reject_v a_o repent_a sinner_n but_o before_o a_o man_n can_v build_v upon_o this_o the_o hope_n of_o be_v receive_v into_o god_n favour_n at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n he_o must_v be_v sure_a that_o he_o shall_v then_o sincere_o repent_v now_o i_o think_v i_o have_v demonstrate_v that_o this_o be_v what_o no_o man_n can_v depend_v upon_o as_o to_o the_o promise_n which_o be_v make_v to_o repentance_n in_o the_o gospel_n i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v apply_v in_o a_o good_a sense_n to_o all_o sinner_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o be_v make_v in_o favour_n of_o those_o who_o god_n be_v to_o call_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o chief_o in_o favour_n of_o the_o heathen_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v to_o assure_v all_o man_n that_o the_o sin_n they_o have_v commit_v shall_v not_o exclude_v they_o from_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n provide_v they_o do_v sincere_o mourn_v for_o they_o and_o part_n with_o they_o when_o the_o heathen_n come_v to_o baptism_n nothing_o else_o be_v require_v of_o they_o but_o that_o they_o shall_v repent_v and_o make_v a_o solemn_a vow_n of_o be_v holy_a for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v but_o as_o to_o christian_n it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o god_n demand_v nothing_o of_o they_o but_o repentance_n and_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n for_o he_o call_v they_o to_o holiness_n upon_o pain_n of_o damnation_n in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n preach_v repentance_n and_o by_o this_o we_o may_v know_v how_o much_o christianity_n be_v decay_v that_o repentance_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o confession_n of_o sin_n and_o in_o a_o resolution_n to_o forsake_v they_o be_v the_o duty_n at_o which_o the_o heathen_n begin_v this_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n which_o the_o apostle_n require_v of_o they_o it_o be_v preparatory_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n st._n paul_n vi._n paul_n heb._n vi._n place_v the_o doctrine_n of_o repentance_n among_o the_o fundamental_a point_n and_o the_o first_o duty_n in_o which_o the_o catechuman_n be_v instruct_v before_o baptism_n but_o now_o christian_n look_v upon_o repentance_n as_o the_o duty_n with_o which_o they_o be_v to_o end_v their_o life_n that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o design_v to_o end_v where_o the_o heathen_n begin_v and_o to_o enter_v heaven_n at_o the_o same_o gate_n which_o admit_v pagan_n into_o the_o church_n 2._o it_o will_v be_v say_v further_o that_o sometime_o man_n who_o have_v live_v in_o sin_n die_v to_o all_o appearance_n in_o very_o good_a disposition_n to_o this_o i_o reply_v that_o we_o see_v a_o great_a many_o more_o of_o those_o person_n who_o die_v in_o a_o state_n of_o insensibility_n and_o that_o by_o consequence_n a_o sinner_n who_o put_v off_o his_o repentance_n have_v more_o reason_n to_o fear_v than_o to_o hope_v for_o who_o have_v tell_v he_o that_o the_o fate_n of_o these_o last_o will_v not_o be_v his_o and_o what_o sure_a presage_v can_v there_o be_v of_o so_o tragical_a a_o death_n than_o the_o present_a hardness_n of_o his_o heart_n beside_o i_o do_v not_o know_v whether_o it_o happen_v frequent_o as_o the_o objection_n seem_v to_o suppose_v that_o person_n who_o have_v live_v ill_o be_v well_o dispose_v when_o they_o die_v if_o repentance_n can_v be_v save_v and_o effectual_a when_o it_o begin_v only_o upon_o a_o deathbed_n every_o body_n must_v own_v that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o lively_a and_o deep_a attend_v with_o demonstration_n of_o the_o most_o bitter_a sorrow_n and_o with_o all_o the_o proof_n that_o a_o die_a man_n can_v give_v of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o conversion_n but_o we_o do_v not_o see_v many_o instance_n of_o this_o nature_n there_o be_v but_o few_o great_a sinner_n who_o express_v a_o lively_a compunction_n at_o their_o death_n or_o a_o sincere_a detestation_n of_o their_o sin_n who_o have_v a_o due_a sense_n of_o their_o wickedness_n and_o endeavour_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v to_o make_v reparation_n for_o it_o who_o practice_n restitution_n and_o edify_v all_o about_o they_o by_o discharge_v the_o other_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n it_o be_v but_o seldom_o that_o we_o see_v such_o penitent_n beside_o the_o expression_n of_o devotion_n and_o repentance_n which_o be_v use_v by_o die_a man_n be_v not_o always_o sincere_a it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o their_o repentance_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o certain_a emotion_n which_o the_o necessity_n of_o die_v and_o the_o approach_n of_o god_n judgement_n must_v needs_o raise_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o every_o man_n who_o have_v his_o wit_n about_o he_o and_o have_v some_o idea_n of_o religion_n nothing_o be_v more_o deceitful_a than_o the_o judge_n of_o a_o man_n by_o what_o he_o either_o say_v or_o do_v when_o he_o be_v under_o the_o effect_n of_o fear_n or_o trouble_n it_o be_v common_o say_v of_o those_o who_o have_v give_v some_o sign_n of_o piety_n upon_o their_o deathbed_n that_o they_o have_v make_v a_o very_a christian_a end_n but_o there_o be_v often_o a_o great_a mistake_n in_o that_o judgement_n and_o to_o be_v satisfy_v of_o it_o we_o need_v but_o observe_v what_o happen_v to_o some_o who_o have_v escape_v death_n or_o some_o eminent_a danger_n while_o the_o peril_n last_v who_o can_v be_v more_o humble_a and_o holy_a than_o they_o they_o show_v so_o much_o devotion_n and_o utter_v such_o discourse_n that_o all_o the_o standard_n by_o be_v edisy_v by_o they_o their_o tear_n their_o prayer_n their_o protestation_n of_o amendment_n in_o a_o word_n their_o whole_a deportment_n have_v in_o all_o appearance_n so_o much_o of_o christian_a zeal_n in_o it_o that_o the_o beholder_n be_v strike_v with_o admiration_n but_o be_v there_o many_o of_o these_o who_o when_o the_o danger_n be_v over_o continue_v in_o the_o same_o disposition_n remember_v their_o promise_n or_o alter_v any_o thing_n in_o their_o former_a course_n of_o life_n almost_o all_o of_o they_o return_v to_o their_o old_a habit_n as_o soon_o as_o the_o calamity_n be_v past_a these_o be_v general_o the_o fruit_n of_o that_o repentance_n which_o be_v excite_v by_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n in_o those_o who_o recover_v and_o what_o effect_n then_o can_v it_o have_v in_o respect_n of_o those_o that_o dye_n i_o confess_v we_o ought_v not_o to_o condemn_v any_o body_n but_o i_o think_v we_o shall_v not_o pronounce_v a_o definitive_a sentence_n in_o favour_n of_o those_o who_o have_v lead_v a_o ill_a life_n for_o though_o man_n judgement_n make_v no_o alteration_n in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o dead_a yet_o it_o may_v have_v a_o very_a pernicious_a effect_n upon_o the_o live_n who_o conclude_v from_o it_o that_o a_o man_n may_v die_v well_o though_o he_o have_v live_v ill_o and_o while_o i_o be_o upon_o this_o subject_a i_o must_v say_v that_o nothing_o contribute_v more_o to_o the_o keep_n up_o of_o these_o dangerous_a opinion_n than_o when_o the_o minister_n of_o religion_n commend_v without_o discretion_n the_o piety_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o yet_o this_o be_v frequent_o do_v especial_o in_o great_a town_n and_o in_o the_o court_n of_o prince_n there_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o those_o place_n mean-spirited_n and_o unworthy_a preacher_n who_o prostitute_v their_o tongue_n and_o their_o pen_n to_o the_o praise_n of_o some_o person_n who_o have_v nothing_o of_o christianity_n in_o their_o life_n and_o who_o condition_n shall_v rather_o make_v a_o man_n tremble_v but_o if_o some_o remnant_n of_o shame_n restrain_v they_o from_o carry_v their_o flattery_n so_o far_o as_o to_o commend_v the_o life_n of_o those_o who_o panegyric_n they_o have_v undertake_v then_o they_o seek_v the_o matter_n of_o their_o praise_n in_o some_o sign_n of_o piety_n which_o those_o person_n give_v before_o they_o leave_v the_o world_n now_o i_o dare_v say_v that_o the_o most_o atheistical_a discourse_n and_o the_o corrupte_v maxim_n of_o libertine_n be_v not_o by_o much_o so_o subtle_a a_o poison_n as_o such_o kind_n of_o eulogy_n deliver_v before_o man_n who_o be_v engage_v in_o all_o the_o disorder_n of_o the_o age_n and_o then_o disperse_v through_o the_o world_n 3._o the_o instance_n of_o the_o convert_v thief_n who_o pray_v to_o our_o saviour_n upon_o the_o cross_n and_o be_v receive_v into_o paradise_n be_v seldom_o forget_v but_o this_o instance_n be_v general_o very_o ill_o understand_v first_o it_o be_v suppose_v without_o any_o ground_n for_o it_o that_o this_o thief_n repent_v only_o upon_o the_o cross_n and_o that_o his_o conversion_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o sudden_a inspiration_n but_o
different_a profession_n among_o man_n that_o some_o shall_v cultivate_v the_o earth_n that_o other_o shall_v apply_v themselves_o to_o art_n and_o trade_n and_o that_o other_o shall_v exercise_v magistracy_n or_o traffic_n the_o difference_n of_o sex_n age_n condition_n and_o other_o circumstance_n create_v a_o great_a variety_n in_o relation_n to_o particular_a calling_n now_o this_o diversity_n of_o employ_v and_o condition_n be_v innocent_a in_o itself_o the_o world_n subsist_v and_o society_n be_v preserve_v by_o it_o but_o yet_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o disorder_n which_o happen_v in_o the_o world_n proceed_v from_o the_o kind_n of_o life_n which_o man_n choose_v and_o from_o the_o particular_a state_n they_o be_v in_o and_o that_o because_o they_o abuse_v it_o and_o do_v not_o demean_v themselves_o in_o it_o with_o caution_n and_o prudence_n the_o proof_n of_o this_o shall_v conclude_v the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o treatise_n but_o here_o we_o be_v to_o use_v some_o distinction_n there_o be_v calling_n which_o be_v bad_a in_o themselves_o and_o other_o which_o be_v lawful_a and_o innocent_a they_o be_v not_o all_o therefore_o equal_o dangerous_a and_o some_o produce_v corruption_n more_o necessary_o than_o other_o all_o profession_n or_o calling_n be_v not_o lawful_a some_o be_v unlawful_a and_o criminal_a the_o world_n be_v full_a of_o people_n who_o make_v sin_n itself_o their_o ordinary_a call_v and_o profession_n there_o be_v infinite_a number_n who_o instead_o of_o follow_v a_o honest_a employment_n subsist_v only_o by_o the_o sin_n which_o they_o commit_v themselves_o or_o which_o they_o make_v other_o commit_v this_o may_v easy_o be_v prove_v by_o abundance_n of_o instance_n how_o many_o be_v there_o who_o trade_n be_v a_o constant_a practice_n of_o obscenity_n lewdness_n and_o debauchery_n of_o artifice_n and_o intrigue_n lie_v and_o knavery_n how_o many_o be_v there_o who_o be_v profess_v usurer_n and_o cheat_n who_o be_v always_o employ_v in_o act_n of_o injustice_n cruelty_n and_o violence_n nay_o there_o be_v society_n form_v for_o that_o purpose_n the_o trade_n of_o robe_v of_o punish_v the_o innocent_a and_o that_o by_o commit_v rapine_n by_o sea_n and_o land_n be_v erect_v into_o a_o honourable_a and_o lawful_a employment_n many_o person_n be_v suffer_v at_o this_o day_n among_o christian_n who_o profession_n be_v former_o count_v infamous_a many_o be_v tolerate_v who_o be_v only_a minister_n of_o voluptuousness_n and_o who_o only_a business_n it_o be_v to_o introduce_v licentiousness_n of_o manner_n to_o corrupt_v the_o youth_n by_o train_v they_o up_o to_o the_o love_n of_o pleasure_n and_o to_o a_o luxurious_a and_o effeminate_a life_n and_o to_o furnish_v those_o who_o be_v incline_v to_o debauchery_n sensuality_n idleness_n or_o game_n with_o the_o mean_n to_o gratify_v their_o inclination_n now_o all_o these_o profession_n be_v not_o only_o inseparable_a from_o sin_n but_o they_o likewise_o make_v way_n for_o all_o kind_n of_o vice_n among_o christian_n we_o ought_v to_o pass_v almost_o the_o same_o judgement_n upon_o the_o way_n of_o live_v of_o those_o who_o without_o make_v a_o public_a profession_n of_o vice_n propose_v no_o other_o end_n to_o themselves_o in_o this_o world_n but_o the_o please_a of_o their_o appetite_n some_o have_v no_o other_o view_n than_o to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o life_n and_o they_o level_v their_o whole_a conduct_n at_o that_o mark._n other_o desire_v to_o grow_v rich_a or_o to_o raise_v themselves_o to_o honour_n make_v no_o scruple_n of_o use_v all_o the_o mean_n which_o interest_n ambition_n and_o injustice_n have_v establish_v in_o the_o world_n they_o make_v use_v of_o fraud_n violence_n and_o extortion_n it_o be_v their_o maxim_n and_o their_o study_n to_o dissemble_v their_o sentiment_n and_o to_o do_v mischief_n to_o those_o who_o stand_v in_o their_o way_n in_o a_o word_n they_o betake_v themselves_o to_o every_o thing_n that_o may_v further_o the_o success_n of_o their_o design_n such_o a_o method_n of_o life_n be_v manifest_o contrary_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v high_o sinful_a since_o both_o the_o end_n of_o it_o and_o the_o mean_v use_v to_o obtain_v that_o end_n be_v so_o there_o be_v other_o kind_n of_o life_n which_o do_v not_o seem_v altogether_o so_o bad_a and_o yet_o be_v not_o much_o better_a this_o may_v particular_o be_v say_v of_o idleness_n the_o profession_n of_o many_o be_v to_o have_v none_o at_o all_o and_o to_o be_v as_o little_o employ_v as_o they_o can_v they_o think_v it_o the_o happy_a of_o all_o condition_n to_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v and_o to_o live_v at_o rest_n and_o free_a from_o action_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v unworthy_a of_o a_o man_n and_o much_o more_o of_o a_o christian_a to_o be_v useless_a in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o this_o idleness_n be_v shameful_a and_o culpable_a in_o itself_o it_o be_v much_o more_o so_o in_o its_o effect_n and_o consequence_n it_o betray_v man_n into_o frivolous_a or_o dangerous_a pastime_n for_o a_o man_n can_v be_v perfect_o idle_a the_o want_n of_o useful_a business_n must_v be_v supply_v with_o amusement_n and_o those_o amusement_n be_v general_o sinful_a thus_o we_o see_v multitude_n of_o people_n who_o except_v the_o time_n which_o they_o must_v needs_o bestow_v upon_o the_o necessity_n of_o nature_n and_o upon_o some_o external_a and_o indispensable_a act_n of_o religion_n consume_v the_o best_a part_n of_o their_o life_n at_o play_n or_o in_o diversion_n in_o unprofitable_a read_n and_o conversation_n in_o meet_v company_n in_o receive_v or_o return_v visit_n or_o in_o other_o such_o thing_n which_o though_o they_o be_v think_v innocent_a yet_o they_o enervate_v the_o mind_n they_o devour_v time_n they_o enslave_v a_o man_n to_o the_o opinion_n and_o mode_n of_o the_o world_n and_o they_o make_v he_o most_o frequent_o transgress_v the_o law_n of_o religion_n it_o will_v not_o be_v difficult_a to_o apply_v this_o to_o profess_a gamester_n to_o those_o who_o spend_v their_o time_n in_o trifle_a discourse_n and_o impertinent_a visit_n and_o to_o many_o other_o person_n i_o may_v easy_o show_v if_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o such_o a_o life_n have_v little_a of_o christianity_n in_o it_o and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o to_o blame_v than_o be_v common_o believe_v thus_o man_n follow_v divers_a kind_n of_o life_n which_o be_v essential_o bad_a and_o wherein_o by_o consequence_n purity_n of_o heart_n and_o innocency_n of_o life_n can_v be_v preserve_v as_o to_o those_o kind_n of_o life_n and_o occupation_n which_o be_v lawful_a i_o may_v observe_v in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n man_n be_v too_o much_o wed_v to_o they_o and_o that_o they_o common_o abuse_v they_o but_o i_o will_v not_o press_v this_o consideration_n have_v show_v already_o in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n that_o too_o great_a application_n to_o temporal_a affair_n rob_v man_n both_o of_o the_o time_n and_o of_o that_o inclination_n and_o freedom_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o mind_n spiritual_a thing_n and_o that_o it_o make_v they_o dull_a earthly-minded_n sensual_a and_o slave_n to_o their_o passion_n to_o speak_v then_o only_o of_o what_o concern_v particular_a calling_n i_o shall_v observe_v these_o two_o general_a fault_n 1._o it_o be_v a_o great_a mischief_n that_o man_n embrace_v profession_n which_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o they_o every_o profession_n require_v some_o particular_a qualification_n and_o talent_n and_o since_o all_o man_n have_v not_o those_o qualification_n it_o follow_v that_o all_o man_n be_v not_o fit_a for_o all_o employment_n and_o that_o distinction_n and_o choice_n be_v to_o be_v use_v in_o pitch_v upon_o a_o profession_n the_o welfare_n of_o society_n and_o of_o particular_a person_n do_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n depend_v upon_o that_o choice_n if_o no_o care_n be_v take_v of_o this_o employment_n must_v be_v ill_o discharge_v and_o from_o thence_o a_o great_a many_o disorder_n will_v arise_v both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n now_o if_o we_o take_v a_o survey_n of_o the_o different_a calling_n which_o man_n be_v engage_v in_o we_o will_v find_v that_o they_o be_v often_o destitute_a of_o those_o qualification_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o right_a discharge_n of_o they_o and_o the_o worst_a of_o it_o be_v that_o this_o happen_v in_o the_o most_o considerable_a employment_n and_o in_o those_o which_o may_v contribute_v most_o to_o the_o preserve_n of_o order_n and_o the_o encourage_n of_o virtue_n in_o the_o world_n as_o to_o profession_n of_o lesser_a importance_n the_o choice_n be_v much_o easy_a every_o body_n almost_o be_v capable_a of_o they_o and_o the_o fault_n which_o may_v be_v commit_v there_o be_v not_o of_o great_a consequence_n if_o a_o husbandman_n do_v not_o well_o understand_v
his_o business_n or_o a_o mechanic_n his_o trade_n no_o great_a inconveniency_n will_v ensue_v from_o thence_o in_o relation_n to_o society_n but_o when_o public_a employment_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n who_o be_v not_o qualify_v for_o they_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o tell_v how_o much_o mischief_n be_v occasion_v by_o it_o be_v it_o not_o for_o instance_n a_o lamentable_a thing_n that_o so_o many_o person_n shall_v dedicate_v themselves_o to_o the_o church_n who_o want_v the_o talent_n requisite_a for_o so_o high_a a_o function_n and_o that_o so_o many_o who_o may_v do_v great_a service_n in_o that_o profession_n do_v not_o embrace_v it_o by_o this_o it_o happen_v that_o some_o of_o those_o who_o be_v place_v at_o the_o helm_n in_o several_a church_n want_v both_o learning_n and_o probity_n and_o that_o religion_n be_v very_o ill_o administer_v so_o that_o the_o people_n be_v without_o instruction_n or_o conduct_n live_v in_o ignorance_n and_o disorder_n the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o office_n of_o magistrate_n when_o it_o be_v entrust_v to_o those_o who_o be_v not_o proper_a for_o it_o 2._o lawful_a calling_n may_v prove_v great_a occasion_n of_o corruption_n and_o disorder_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o those_o who_o embrace_v they_o and_o of_o the_o public_a when_o they_o be_v ill_o exercise_v when_o the_o duty_n annex_v to_o they_o be_v neglect_v when_o man_n do_v not_o watch_v against_o the_o temptation_n which_o be_v particular_a to_o they_o and_o when_o they_o look_v upon_o they_o only_o as_o mean_n to_o gratify_v their_o inclination_n to_o get_v money_n to_o have_v a_o rank_n to_o gain_v credit_n or_o to_o humour_v some_o other_o passion_n i_o may_v enter_v here_o upon_o many_o particular_n but_o because_o this_o will_v lead_v i_o too_o far_o i_o shall_v confine_v myself_o to_o a_o few_o instance_n it_o will_v be_v very_o proper_a to_o speak_v here_o of_o the_o profession_n of_o churchman_n and_o of_o the_o office_n of_o prince_n magistrate_n and_o judge_n and_o to_o show_v how_o pernicious_a both_o these_o kind_n of_o life_n prove_v often_o not_o only_o to_o those_o who_o be_v raise_v to_o they_o but_o likewise_o to_o church_n and_o state_n but_o these_o two_o article_n be_v of_o too_o great_a moment_n to_o be_v touch_v upon_o only_o by_o the_o by_o they_o be_v two_o general_a spring_n of_o corruption_n which_o deserve_v to_o be_v purposely_o handle_v and_o which_o be_v to_o have_v a_o place_n in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o book_n the_o profession_n of_o military_a man_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o life_n which_o corrupt_v vast_a multitude_n i_o do_v not_o condemn_v the_o profession_n in_o general_n it_o be_v lawful_a a_o man_n may_v live_v in_o it_o like_o a_o christian_a and_o there_o be_v person_n in_o military_a employment_n of_o a_o solid_a virtue_n and_o a_o exemplary_a piety_n but_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o the_o number_n of_o those_o person_n be_v not_o great_a and_o that_o for_o the_o generality_n the_o maxim_n and_o deportment_n of_o the_o man_n of_o that_o profession_n agree_v very_o little_a with_o the_o rule_n of_o christianity_n those_o who_o follow_v the_o employment_n of_o war_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n man_n of_o loose_a and_o vicious_a principle_n every_o body_n know_v that_o if_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n some_o good_a man_n be_v find_v to_o embrace_v this_o profession_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v the_o ordinary_a receptacle_n and_o the_o last_o shift_n of_o idle_a and_o debauch_a people_n and_o of_o those_o who_o be_v overwhelm_v with_o poverty_n and_o misery_n beside_o how_o do_v man_n live_v in_o that_o profession_n save_v some_o few_o disorder_n which_o military_a discipline_n do_v not_o allow_v of_o every_o thing_n be_v lawful_a there_o i_o speak_v of_o what_o be_v common_o observe_v to_o spend_v their_o life_n in_o idleness_n and_o game_n be_v the_o least_o fault_n of_o soldier_n lewdness_n be_v a_o thing_n about_o which_o no_o great_a scruple_n be_v make_v among_o they_o the_o same_o may_v almost_o be_v say_v of_o injustice_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o common_o officer_n do_v not_o thrive_v but_o the_o soldier_n pay_v for_o it_o i_o say_v nothing_o of_o unjust_a war_n nor_o of_o the_o cruelty_n and_o inhumanity_n which_o often_o attend_v that_o kind_n of_o life_n because_o i_o will_v not_o enlarge_v upon_o this_o subject_a but_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a and_o every_o consider_a person_n will_v own_v that_o after_o the_o rate_n that_o military_a man_n live_v almost_o every_o where_n war_n be_v the_o school_n of_o vice_n and_o that_o the_o prodigious_a number_n of_o those_o who_o follow_v that_o employment_n be_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a cause_n of_o corruption_n and_o debauchery_n commerce_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o lawful_a and_o necessary_a profession_n of_o life_n not_o only_o society_n but_o religion_n itself_o may_v reap_v great_a advantage_n from_o it_o but_o yet_o this_o call_v have_v its_o danger_n and_o temptation_n and_o it_o be_v exercise_v by_o many_o in_o a_o way_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o good_a conscience_n as_o the_o only_a end_n of_o traffic_n be_v gain_n and_o as_o the_o opportunity_n of_o get_v by_o unlawful_a method_n which_o may_v be_v practise_v with_o impunity_n offer_v themselves_o every_o day_n so_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o if_o a_o merchant_n have_v not_o a_o strict_a and_o well-informed_n conscience_n and_o virtue_n enough_o to_o resist_v the_o perpetual_a temptation_n to_o which_o his_o call_v expose_v he_o he_o will_v forfeit_v his_o innocence_n and_o violate_v every_o minute_n the_o rule_n of_o justice_n and_o equity_n of_o charity_n truth_n and_o honesty_n there_o be_v few_o calling_n more_o innocent_a and_o more_o suitable_a to_o the_o order_n which_o god_n do_v establish_v at_o first_o than_o the_o employment_n of_o those_o who_o exercise_n mechanic_n trade_n and_o get_v their_o livelihood_n by_o bodily_a labour_n and_o yet_o this_o kind_n of_o life_n prove_v to_o a_o great_a many_o a_o occasion_n to_o vice_n because_o they_o do_v not_o arm_v themselves_o against_o the_o temptation_n and_o sin_n which_o be_v ordinary_a in_o those_o calling_n it_o be_v almost_o the_o general_a character_n of_o this_o order_n of_o man_n to_o mind_v nothing_o but_o the_o world_n to_o labour_v only_o for_o their_o body_n and_o to_o do_v nothing_o for_o their_o soul_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v ignorant_a that_o they_o know_v their_o religion_n very_o little_a that_o they_o be_v gross_a sensual_a give_v to_o intemperance_n and_o several_a other_o excess_n they_o be_v apt_a beside_o to_o be_v unjust_a and_o false_a they_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o do_v their_o work_n ill_o of_o lie_v and_o detain_v what_o be_v not_o they_o there_o be_v a_o thousand_o petty_a fraud_n and_o little_a knavish_a trick_n use_v in_o every_o trade_n which_o be_v think_v innocent_a and_o lawful_a way_n of_o gain_n now_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o all_o this_o do_v not_o contribute_v a_o little_a towards_o corruption_n what_o i_o have_v say_v of_o the_o employment_n of_o life_n may_v be_v apply_v to_o the_o different_a state_n man_n be_v in_o with_o relation_n to_o age_n condition_n and_o their_o way_n of_o live_v all_o these_o be_v so_o many_o occasion_n and_o circumstance_n which_o may_v divert_v they_o from_o their_o duty_n thus_o youth_n have_v its_o particular_a temptation_n young_a people_n be_v vain_a presumptuous_a sensual_a give_v to_o pleasure_n violent_a and_o bold_a in_o their_o passion_n they_o be_v likewise_o imprudent_a and_o fickle_a because_o they_o want_v knowledge_n and_o experience_n be_v thus_o dispose_v at_o that_o age_n they_o will_v almost_o infallible_o unless_o prevent_v by_o a_o good_a education_n corrupt_v themselves_o and_o contract_v ill_a habit_n which_o will_v stick_v by_o they_o as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v daily_o experience_n show_v we_o that_o youth_n ill_o spend_v be_v the_o source_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o a_o great_a many_o for_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o whole_a life_n old_a people_n be_v common_o covetous_a morose_n suspicious_a wed_v to_o the_o opinion_n they_o have_v once_o embrace_v and_o most_o deep_o engage_v in_o their_o vicious_a custom_n their_o passion_n be_v not_o so_o boisterous_a but_o they_o be_v more_o last_a and_o hard_a to_o be_v cure_v than_o those_o of_o young_a people_n and_o from_o this_o we_o may_v judge_v that_o if_o reason_n and_o religion_n do_v not_o correct_v those_o fault_n of_o old_a people_n that_o age_n which_o ought_v chief_o to_o be_v employ_v in_o prepare_v for_o death_n will_v prove_v a_o obstacle_n to_o piety_n and_o salvation_n the_o rich_a as_o st._n paul_n observe_v *_o 17._o 1_o tim._n v._o 17._o be_v proud_a and_o high-minded_a they_o be_v apt_a beside_o to_o be_v slothful_a they_o love_v to_o satisfy_v their_o passion_n be_v full_a of_o self-love_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
hospitality_n from_o mind_v their_o function_n as_o they_o ought_v and_o from_o discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o it_o with_o authority_n and_o zeal_n it_o force_v they_o to_o have_v recourse_n to_o several_a mean_a or_o unlawful_a method_n to_o supply_v their_o necessity_n and_o those_o of_o their_o family_n and_o to_o do_v many_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o comport_v with_o their_o employment_n from_o thence_o proceed_v likewise_o the_o want_n of_o able_a minister_n a_o great_a many_o person_n who_o may_v have_v the_o necessary_a talent_n qualification_n and_o mean_n to_o be_v very_o useful_a in_o the_o church_n take_v a_o disgust_n at_o that_o profession_n by_o the_o fear_n of_o contempt_n or_o poverty_n as_o long_o as_o thing_n be_v in_o this_o state_n religion_n will_v be_v despise_v and_o corruption_n will_v still_o be_v in_o vogue_n it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a to_o remove_v this_o cause_n of_o corruption_n as_o it_o be_v to_o detest_v it_o the_o re-establish_a of_o order_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o thing_n extreme_o difficult_a to_o this_o end_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a that_o prince_n arid_a churchman_n shall_v act_v in_o conjunction_n but_o there_o be_v few_o christian_a prince_n who_o lay_v this_o to_o heart_n and_o divine_n have_v quite_o other_o thing_n in_o their_o thought_n their_o great_a business_n be_v to_o maintain_v what_o be_v establish_v and_o to_o dispute_v with_o those_o who_o find_v fault_n with_o it_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n knowledge_n or_o resolution_n be_v want_v and_o there_o be_v not_o enough_o of_o honesty_n or_o greatness_n of_o soul_n to_o confess_v the_o truth_n few_o writer_n have_v the_o courage_n to_o speak_v so_o impartial_o as_o the_o famous_a author_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o reformation_n in_o england_n have_v do_v in_o the_o preface_n to_o his_o second_o volume_n it_o be_v think_v by_o many_o person_n that_o all_o will_v be_v ruin_v if_o the_o least_o alteration_n be_v make_v some_o of_o those_o defect_n which_o have_v be_v mention_v in_o this_o chapter_n be_v now_o become_v inviolable_a custom_n and_o law_n every_o body_n fancy_v true_a and_o pure_a christianity_n to_o be_v that_o which_o obtain_v in_o his_o country_n or_o in_o the_o society_n he_o live_v in_o and_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o put_v to_o the_o question_n whether_o or_o not_o some_o thing_n shall_v be_v alter_v as_o long_o as_o christian_n be_v possess_v with_o these_o prejudices_fw-la we_o must_v not_o expect_v to_o see_v christianity_n restore_v to_o a_o entire_a purity_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n that_o christian_n will_v open_v their_o eye_n at_o last_o and_o that_o divine_n will_v grow_v sensible_a of_o the_o necessity_n of_o mind_v these_o thing_n the_o main_a point_n here_o be_v to_o shake_v off_o all_o prejudice_n and_o to_o consider_v thing_n in_o their_o nature_n and_o original_a our_o saviour_n have_v leave_v we_o a_o excellent_a rule_n when_o speak_v of_o the_o abuse_n which_o have_v be_v so_o long_o receive_v among_o the_o jew_n in_o reference_n to_o marriage_n he_o tell_v we_o xix_o place_v =_o foot_n n_o =_o *_o mat._n xix_o that_o from_o the_o beginning_n it_o be_v not_o so_o this_o maxim_n be_v of_o great_a use_n and_o a_o lover_n of_o truth_n and_o virtue_n shall_v always_o have_v it_o before_o his_o eye_n it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o we_o shall_v still_o appeal_v to_o it_o and_o that_o instead_o of_o govern_v ourselves_o by_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o present_a time_n we_o shall_v run_v up_o to_o the_o ancient_a constitution_n and_o compare_v what_o be_v do_v at_o this_o day_n with_o that_o which_o have_v be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v this_o will_v be_v the_o true_a way_n to_o reform_v abuse_n and_o to_o draw_v near_o to_o perfection_n and_o to_o bring_v thing_n back_o into_o the_o natural_a and_o primitive_a channel_n cause_n ii_o the_o want_n of_o discipline_n it_o be_v not_o my_o design_n in_o this_o chapter_n to_o speak_v of_o church_n discipline_n in_o general_n i_o shall_v only_o insist_v upon_o that_o part_n of_o it_o the_o end_n of_o which_o be_v to_o regulate_v the_o manner_n of_o christian_n and_o this_o be_v a_o important_a matter_n the_o want_n of_o discipline_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a imperfection_n which_o have_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o one_o of_o the_o most_o evident_a and_o general_a cause_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o christian_n but_o because_o some_o man_n have_v pretend_v that_o discipline_n such_o as_o i_o suppose_v it_o in_o this_o chapter_n be_v a_o humane_a and_o arbitrary_a institution_n the_o observation_n of_o which_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a and_o may_v be_v dangerous_a i_o think_v it_o proper_a to_o say_v something_o here_o concern_v the_o original_a and_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v certain_a in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o all_o society_n and_o body_n have_v a_o right_a to_o establish_v a_o order_n to_o regulate_v themselves_o by_o and_o to_o provide_v for_o their_o security_n and_o preservation_n when_o several_a man_n or_o people_n unite_z to_z form_n a_o body_n they_o have_v power_n to_o make_v law_n and_o regulation_n to_o which_o all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o body_n may_v be_v tie_v and_o to_o exclude_v those_o from_o their_o communion_n who_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o they_o but_o these_o law_n ought_v not_o to_o clash_v with_o other_o law_n already_o establish_v nor_o with_o just_a and_o acknowledge_v right_n i_o think_v this_o power_n which_o be_v grant_v to_o the_o mean_a of_o society_n can_v be_v deny_v to_o the_o church_n and_o this_o prove_v already_o that_o the_o church_n have_v a_o right_a to_o appoint_v a_o discipline_n to_o which_o all_o her_o member_n shall_v he_o subject_v provide_v that_o discipline_n do_v not_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n prejudice_v public_a tranquillity_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n nor_o any_o way_n contradict_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n now_o as_o discipline_n be_v not_o liable_a to_o either_o of_o these_o inconvenience_n but_o do_v rather_o perfect_o agree_v with_o the_o welfare_n of_o civil_a society_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o will_v be_v prove_v hereafter_o so_o the_o establish_n of_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v equal_o lawful_a and_o necessary_a ii_o but_o further_o discipline_n be_v a_o order_n which_o have_v god_n for_o its_o author_n we_o find_v the_o institution_n of_o it_o in_o holy_a scripture_n and_o in_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o apostle_n i_o shall_v recite_v the_o chief_a of_o these_o 1._o in_o st._n matthews_n gospel_n chap._n xviii_o 15_o 16_o 17._o we_o read_v these_o word_n if_o thy_o brother_n shall_v trespass_v against_o thou_o go_v and_o tell_v he_o of_o his_o fault_n between_o thou_o and_o he_o alone_o if_o he_o shall_v hear_v thou_o thou_o have_v gain_v thy_o brother_n but_o if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v thou_o then_o take_v with_o thou_o one_o or_o two_o more_o that_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n every_o word_n may_v be_v establish_v and_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o tell_v it_o to_o the_o church_n but_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o publican_n for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o these_o word_n we_o must_v know_v that_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o enact_v here_o a_o new_a law_n and_o that_o a_o order_n like_o that_o which_o be_v here_o prescribe_v be_v already_o observe_v among_o the_o jew_n but_o here_o as_o upon_o many_o occasion_n our_o saviour_n do_v comply_v with_o the_o custom_n and_o practice_n of_o that_o nation_n because_o he_o judge_v that_o those_o custom_n be_v good_a and_o fit_a for_o his_o view_n and_o purpose_n the_o first_o christian_n do_v the_o same_o in_o matter_n of_o order_n and_o government_n they_o do_v form_v the_o christian_a church_n upon_o the_o model_n of_o the_o jewish_a assembly_n and_o upon_o the_o method_n which_o be_v there_o observe_v this_o be_v the_o key_n of_o the_o place_n i_o have_v now_o quote_v our_o saviour_n approve_v the_o jewish_a practice_n and_o enjoin_v his_o disciple_n to_o observe_v the_o same_o order_n among_o they_o it_o can_v be_v doubt_v but_o that_o this_o be_v his_o mean_v for_o he_o speak_v to_o his_o disciple_n and_o it_o appear_v by_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o this_o passage_n and_o by_o the_o sequel_n of_o his_o discourse_n that_o he_o be_v give_v here_o a_o law_n which_o concern_v the_o christian_a church_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o he_o proper_o speak_v of_o private_a difference_n but_o what_o he_o say_v aught_o to_o apply_v to_o
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
when_o it_o be_v join_v with_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n but_o to_o think_v that_o civil_a law_n be_v sufficient_a to_o regulate_v manner_n and_o to_o reclaim_v sinner_n be_v a_o conceit_n almost_o as_o unreasonable_a as_o it_o will_v be_v ridiculous_a to_o proceed_v against_o robber_n or_o the_o other_o disturber_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n only_o by_o spiritual_a punishment_n let_v no_o man_n then_o confound_v those_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v set_v asunder_o 6._o it_o be_v far_a say_v that_o these_o rule_n of_o discipline_n be_v only_o for_o a_o time_n and_o that_o the_o time_n be_v alter_v but_o how_o can_v it_o be_v prove_v that_o the_o law_n of_o discipline_n be_v make_v only_o for_o a_o time_n be_v there_o any_o ground_n for_o this_o either_o in_o the_o scripture_n or_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o law_n be_v the_o law_n of_o discipline_n like_o those_o of_o moses_n which_o do_v no_o long_o bind_v we_o do_v the_o apostle_n make_v this_o distinction_n do_v st._n paul_n say_v upon_o this_o subject_a as_o he_o do_v in_o another_o case_n cor._n case_n 1_o cor._n i_o only_o give_v my_o judgement_n i_o have_v no_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n do_v he_o not_o speak_v positive_o of_o the_o order_n according_a to_o which_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v govern_v do_v he_o not_o command_v in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n do_v he_o not_o establish_v general_a law_n and_o maxim_n for_o all_o the_o church_n the_o apostle_n indeed_o appoint_v some_o rule_n the_o observation_n of_o which_o be_v not_o necessary_a at_o this_o day_n because_o those_o regulation_n be_v visible_o found_v upon_o particular_a reason_n which_o do_v no_o long_o subsist_v and_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o propose_v as_o general_a law_n but_o the_o reason_n upon_o which_o discipline_n be_v found_v and_o which_o be_v take_v from_o order_n and_o edification_n from_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n and_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n those_o reason_n do_v still_o subsist_v and_o consequent_o the_o rule_n of_o discipline_n be_v sacred_a and_o inviolable_a especial_o be_v deliver_v by_o way_n of_o command_n and_o repeat_v in_o so_o many_o place_n the_o christian_a church_n be_v to_o be_v diffuse_v all_o the_o world_n over_o sometime_o she_o be_v persecute_v and_o sometime_o she_o enjoy_v a_o calm_a but_o whatever_o state_n she_o may_v be_v in_o her_o nature_n do_v not_o alter_v as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n one_o church_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n so_o there_o be_v to_o be_v but_o one_o order_n at_o least_o as_o to_o essential_a thing_n and_o that_o order_n ought_v to_o be_v conformable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o else_o there_o will_v be_v as_o in_o fact_n we_o see_v there_o be_v as_o many_o different_a custom_n and_o discipline_n as_o there_o be_v kingdom_n state_n province_n nay_o town_n and_o church_n 7._o it_o be_v common_o object_v that_o the_o zeal_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v extinct_a that_o man_n be_v now_o very_o corrupt_a and_o that_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o submission_n to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n but_o that_o very_a thing_n that_o man_n be_v corrupt_a prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o discipline_n order_n be_v never_o more_o necessary_a than_o when_o all_o be_v in_o confusion_n 9_o confusion_n 1_o tim._n i._n 9_o st._n paul_n say_v that_o the_o law_n be_v not_o make_v for_o a_o righteous_a man_n but_o for_o the_o lawless_a and_o disobedient_a discipline_n seem_v more_o necessary_a now_o than_o it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o century_n because_o then_o persecution_n keep_v corruption_n out_o of_o the_o church_n but_o when_o the_o church_n be_v in_o peace_n vice_n and_o scandal_n do_v infallible_o multiply_v and_o than_o it_o be_v that_o good_a discipline_n be_v of_o excellent_a use_n but_o than_o it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o restore_v it_o consider_v the_o disposition_n man_n be_v now_o in_o i_o confess_v this_o design_n will_v meet_v with_o opposition_n those_o who_o go_v about_o to_o restore_v order_n and_o suppress_v licentiousness_n must_v still_o encounter_v difficulty_n but_o yet_o this_o may_v be_v compass_v if_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n do_v not_o oppose_v it_o if_o all_o the_o pastor_n do_v set_v about_o it_o with_o a_o zeal_n accompany_v with_o prudence_n and_o gentleness_n if_o they_o do_v careful_o instruct_v the_o people_n concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o discipline_n and_o if_o they_o do_v apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o civil_a power_n with_o equal_a vigour_n and_o respect_n they_o will_v carry_v the_o point_n at_o last_o after_o all_o the_o people_n be_v not_o in_o a_o worse_a disposition_n than_o the_o heathen_n be_v in_o before_o the_o apostle_n preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o they_o and_o there_o be_v christian_a prince_n and_o magistrate_n who_o have_v piety_n and_o zeal_n if_o then_o the_o heathen_n of_o old_a can_v be_v bring_v under_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o heathen_a magistrate_n shall_v we_o despair_v of_o subject_v christian_n to_o it_o the_o instance_n of_o those_o church_n where_o discipline_n be_v observe_v at_o least_o in_o part_n and_o where_o excommunication_n and_o public_a penance_n be_v in_o use_n show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o impossibility_n to_o succeed_v in_o this_o design_n if_o the_o thing_n be_v impossible_a god_n will_v never_o have_v commandded_a it_o 8._o in_o the_o last_o place_n here_o be_v a_o objection_n which_o be_v common_o urge_v with_o great_a force_n and_o which_o seem_v to_o have_v much_o weight_n in_o it_o it_o be_v say_v that_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o fear_v that_o discipline_n will_v bring_v tyranny_n into_o the_o church_n and_o that_o those_o who_o govern_v it_o will_v then_o assume_v too_o much_o authority_n let_v we_o see_v whether_o this_o fear_n be_v well_o ground_v and_o first_o if_o we_o suppose_v this_o principle_n that_o discipline_n be_v institute_v of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v commit_v it_o to_o the_o church_n and_o her_o governor_n which_o i_o think_v have_v be_v full_o demonstrate_v will_v it_o not_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o blasphemy_n to_o say_v that_o discipline_n be_v not_o to_o be_v suffer_v lest_o pastor_n shall_v become_v tyrant_n will_v not_o this_o reflect_v upon_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n as_o if_o they_o have_v establish_v a_o dangerous_a order_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o introduce_v tyranny_n at_o this_o rate_n the_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a christian_n do_v encroach_v upon_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o prince_n every_o christian_a will_v abhor_v this_o consequence_n and_o yet_o it_o result_v natural_o from_o the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o reject_v discipline_n for_o fear_n of_o tyranny_n beside_o suppose_v that_o christ_n have_v institute_v the_o order_n we_o speak_v of_o can_v we_o thus_o argue_v against_o it_o without_o shake_v off_o his_o yoke_n but_o man_n do_v not_o consider_v this_o they_o fancy_n that_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v grant_v to_o the_o church_n be_v grant_v to_o her_o governor_n whereas_o they_o shall_v remember_v that_o it_o be_v pay_v or_o yield_v to_o christ_n who_o right_a it_o be_v and_o who_o can_v be_v despoil_v of_o it_o without_o sacrilege_n here_o we_o may_v retort_v the_o charge_n upon_o those_o who_o bring_v it_o they_o talk_v of_o tyranny_n and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o intolerable_a piece_n of_o tyranny_n to_o oppose_v a_o divine_a law_n and_o to_o debar_v the_o church_n and_o her_o governor_n of_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o those_o right_n which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o but_o to_o come_v close_o to_o the_o objection_n nothing_o can_v be_v fear_v but_o one_o of_o these_o two_o inconvenience_n either_o a_o empire_n over_o conscience_n or_o some_o prejudice_n to_o the_o public_a tranquillity_n and_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o civil_a power_n as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o two_o inconvenience_n there_o be_v no_o great_a reason_n to_o fear_v it_o since_o the_o apostle_n who_o so_o express_o recommend_v discipline_n to_o pastor_n forbid_v they_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o assume_v a_o dominion_n over_o conscience_n provide_v discipline_n be_v use_v only_o in_o those_o case_n and_o in_o that_o manner_n which_o the_o scripture_n appoint_v and_o as_o it_o be_v practise_v by_o the_o first_o christian_n 14._o christian_n 1_o pet._n v._o 2._o 2_o cor_fw-la i._n 14._o nothing_o like_o this_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v from_o it_o the_o discipline_n we_o speak_v of_o do_v not_o meddle_v with_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o fear_v in_o this_o respect_n be_v groundless_a as_o to_o those_o case_n which_o concern_v manner_n injustice_n can_v hardly_o be_v commit_v about_o they_o the_o church_n do_v not_o judge_n of_o secret_a and_o
unknown_a fact_n she_o only_o proceed_v against_o notorious_o scandalous_a and_o impenitent_a sinner_n and_o she_o receive_v they_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o express_v their_o repentance_n and_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n of_o tyranny_n or_o danger_n in_o this_o it_o be_v proper_a to_o observe_v here_o especial_o with_o reference_n to_o excommunication_n which_o be_v think_v the_o severe_a part_n of_o discipline_n that_o when_o the_o church_n proceed_v to_o that_o extremity_n she_o do_v not_o properly_z speaking_z act_n by_o way_n of_o authority_n as_o if_o she_o have_v a_o absolute_a power_n to_o punish_v a_o sinner_n and_o to_o cut_v he_o off_o from_o her_o body_n but_o that_o sinner_n have_v already_o by_o his_o life_n cut_v himself_o off_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v no_o long_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o the_o church_n only_o declarâ—s_v that_o which_o be_v do_v and_o determine_v already_o though_o she_o shall_v not_o declare_v it_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o cause_n to_o fear_v that_o the_o public_a peace_n shall_v be_v disturb_v by_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n on_o the_o contrary_a society_n will_v be_v the_o better_o regulate_v for_o it_o for_o discipline_n do_v not_o touch_v civil_a matter_n excommunication_n itself_o do_v not_o hinder_v a_o man_n from_o be_v still_o a_o member_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n nor_o that_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o justice_n and_o humanity_n shall_v be_v discharge_v towards_o he_o as_o for_o the_o authority_n of_o civil_a power_n it_o be_v no_o way_n injure_v by_o this_o as_o evident_o appear_v from_o the_o first_o christian_n exercise_v discipline_n open_o in_o the_o fight_n of_o the_o heathen_a magistrate_n without_o any_o opposition_n from_o they_o christ_n do_v not_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o erect_v a_o temporal_a kingdom_n nor_o to_o draw_v man_n off_o from_o their_o submission_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o king_n and_o magistrate_n it_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a xxii_o christian_a mat_n xxii_o to_o render_v unto_o caesar_n the_o thing_n which_o be_v caesar_n and_o to_o god_n the_o thing_n which_o be_v god_n this_o principle_n will_v not_o deceive_v a_o man_n and_o as_o long_o as_o we_o adhere_v to_o it_o all_o thing_n will_v be_v in_o order_n religion_n be_v so_o far_o from_o give_v any_o just_a umbrage_n to_o prince_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o strengthen_v their_o authority_n submission_n to_o the_o high_a power_n be_v recommend_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o most_o earnest_a manner_n the_o christian_n of_o the_o first_o age_n who_o be_v very_o strict_a observer_n of_o discipline_n distinguish_v themselves_o by_o their_o loyalty_n to_o prince_n nay_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o their_o discipline_n which_o be_v so_o severe_a against_o sinner_n be_v as_o strict_a against_o those_o who_o be_v want_v in_o the_o fidelity_n and_o respect_n due_a to_o superior_n witness_v that_o cannon_n 84._o cannon_n can._n apost_n 84._o which_o enjoin_v the_o deposition_n of_o those_o bishop_n and_o clergyman_n who_o shall_v offer_v a_o affront_n to_o the_o prince_n or_o his_o officer_n whosoever_o will_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o weigh_v this_o matter_n will_v acknowledge_v that_o discipline_n be_v a_o distinct_a thing_n from_o the_o civil_a power_n each_o of_o these_o have_v its_o bound_n and_o limit_n the_o church_n do_v not_o touch_v the_o body_n nor_o civil_a matter_n and_o it_o be_v not_o the_o magistrate_n business_n to_o regulate_v thing_n relate_v to_o conscience_n and_o salvation_n indeed_o if_o magistrate_n imagine_v that_o they_o have_v a_o right_a to_o govern_v the_o church_n as_o they_o think_v fit_a and_o that_o they_o hold_v the_o same_o rank_n in_o it_o which_o they_o hold_v in_o the_o civil_a society_n so_o that_o the_o minister_n of_o religion_n be_v but_o their_o officer_n discipline_n may_v seem_v to_o they_o to_o lessen_v their_o authority_n but_o let_v those_o who_o entertain_v such_o thought_n see_v how_o they_o can_v reconcile_v they_o with_o the_o gospel_n and_o with_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n notwithstanding_o all_o this_o it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o churchman_n have_v be_v know_v to_o usurp_v a_o dominion_n over_o conscience_n and_o over_o king_n it_o be_v true_a churchman_n have_v abuse_v their_o authority_n but_o because_o a_o thing_n have_v be_v abuse_v be_v it_o therefore_o to_o be_v abolish_v wise_a man_n will_v rather_o say_v that_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v restore_v to_o their_o natural_a state_n and_o to_o their_o lawful_a use_n else_o the_o whole_a authority_n of_o king_n and_o magistrate_n may_v be_v pull_v down_o and_o we_o may_v argue_v thus_o monarchical_a government_n liable_a to_o great_a inconvenience_n king_n have_v be_v tyrant_n and_o usurper_n therefore_o there_o must_v be_v no_o more_o king_n magistrate_n and_o judge_n have_v be_v unjust_a covetous_a cruel_a and_o therefore_o no_o magistrate_n be_v to_o be_v endure_v will_v not_o this_o argument_n be_v extravagant_a and_o impious_a and_o yet_o the_o like_a argument_n be_v use_v against_o discipline_n in_o church_n as_o well_o as_o in_o state_n government_n there_o will_v be_v always_o some_o inconveniency_n to_o be_v fear_v this_o evil_n be_v almost_o unavoidable_a there_o be_v no_o form_n of_o government_n which_o the_o malice_n of_o man_n may_v not_o abuse_v but_o those_o abuse_n be_v without_o comparison_n a_o less_o evil_a than_o anarchy_n which_o be_v the_o most_o dangerous_a state_n of_o all_o but_o let_v we_o clear_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n upon_o which_o the_o objection_n i_o be_o now_o confute_v be_v found_v it_o be_v suppose_v that_o discipline_n do_v introduce_v tyranny_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v upon_o the_o ruin_n of_o discipline_n that_o tyranny_n be_v erect_v this_o be_v know_v to_o all_o those_o who_o have_v any_o knowledge_n of_o antiquity_n when_o do_v bishop_n and_o clergyman_n usurp_v that_o excessive_a authority_n over_o man_n estate_n person_n &_o conscience_n it_o be_v when_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o ancient_a discipline_n be_v slacken_v when_o discipline_n begin_v to_o wear_v out_o of_o use_n when_o sinner_n and_o especial_o great_a man_n be_v exempt_v for_o money_n when_o that_o which_o shall_v have_v be_v transact_v by_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v refer_v only_o to_o the_o clergy_n and_o when_o public_a confession_n be_v change_v into_o a_o private_a one_o it_o be_v by_o these_o mean_n and_o not_o by_o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o discipline_n that_o churchman_n make_v themselves_o master_n of_o all_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v then_o be_v this_o first_o to_o inquire_v what_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n in_o discipline_n and_o to_o restore_v that_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o consider_v what_o the_o salvation_n of_o sinner_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o church_n require_v and_o what_o be_v good_a and_o edify_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o order_n to_o conform_v to_o it_o and_o last_o to_o provide_v by_o good_a law_n that_o no_o man_n may_v exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o his_o call_v particular_o that_o in_o restore_v to_o the_o clergy_n their_o lawful_a authority_n all_o just_a measure_n may_v be_v take_v to_o prevent_v their_o abuse_n it_o if_o christian_a prince_n be_v bind_v to_o preserve_v the_o right_n of_o the_o church_n they_o ought_v likewise_o to_o take_v care_n that_o nothing_o be_v do_v against_o their_o own_o authority_n and_o to_o punish_v those_o who_o oppose_v it_o or_o who_o disturb_v the_o civil_a society_n whether_o ecclesiastic_n or_o layman_n this_o we_o be_v to_o treat_v of_o in_o another_o place_n beside_o when_o we_o speak_v for_o the_o re-establishment_n of_o discipline_n we_o mean_v that_o pastor_n shall_v be_v subject_v to_o it_o as_o well_o as_o their_o flock_n and_o that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o order_n in_o the_o church_n to_o regulate_v the_o manner_n of_o christian_n there_o shall_v be_v one_o also_o to_o regulate_v the_o clergy_n and_o to_o lay_v strict_a obligation_n on_o they_o to_o discharge_v their_o duty_n in_o all_o its_o part_n and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o ancient_a practice_n discipline_n ought_v to_o be_v more_o severe_a against_o the_o ecclesiastic_n who_o fail_v in_o their_o office_n than_o against_o the_o people_n but_o as_o we_o have_v complain_v in_o this_o chapter_n of_o the_o want_n of_o discipline_n with_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n in_o general_n so_o we_o be_v go_v to_o show_v in_o the_o next_o that_o this_o want_n be_v neither_o less_o observable_a nor_o less_o fatal_a in_o those_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n i_o conclude_v with_o say_v that_o in_o order_n to_o remedy_v the_o corruption_n of_o manner_n among_o christian_n it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o restore_v the_o use_n of_o discipline_n this_o be_v what_o have_v be_v and_o be_v still_o hearty_o wish_v for_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
next_o place_n that_o pastor_n shall_v discharge_v their_o duty_n with_o relation_n to_o young_a people_n and_o that_o to_o this_o end_n in_o all_o place_n and_o church_n the_o necessary_a order_n and_o method_n be_v establish_v for_o instruct_v the_o people_n and_o particular_o child_n i_o remark_n this_o because_o in_o this_o respect_n thing_n be_v not_o well_o order_v so_o that_o in_o many_o place_n such_o help_n andmean_n be_v very_o much_o want_v it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o opportunity_n of_o instruction_n and_o the_o help_n to_o piety_n be_v mighty_a scarce_o in_o the_o country_n and_o in_o village_n school_n be_v there_o manage_v at_o a_o very_a ordinary_a rate_n and_o many_o place_n have_v no_o school_n at_o all_o whereby_o it_o happen_v that_o many_o person_n can_v so_o much_o as_o read_v there_o likewise_o divine_a service_n be_v but_o seldom_o perform_v and_o very_o careless_o too_o the_o minister_n who_o be_v appoint_v in_o those_o place_n be_v general_o either_o man_n of_o little_a worth_n or_o man_n who_o do_v not_o watch_v over_o their_o flock_n as_o they_o ought_v and_o who_o be_v remiss_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o office_n these_o be_v the_o essential_a defect_n which_o shall_v be_v remedy_v by_o those_o who_o have_v authority_n in_o church_n or_o state_n above_o all_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o churchman_n shall_v have_v a_o strict_a inspection_n over_o school_n and_o family_n and_o that_o catechise_n be_v more_o frequent_a than_o they_o be_v young_a people_n ought_v to_o be_v the_o chief_a object_n of_o the_o care_n of_o pastor_n no_o part_n of_o their_o office_n be_v more_o useful_a or_o reward_v their_o labour_n with_o better_a success_n than_o that_o their_o endeavour_n to_o mend_v those_o who_o be_v come_v to_o age_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n to_o little_a purpose_n but_o what_o they_o do_v for_o child_n â—s_a of_o great_a benefit_n if_o therefore_o they_o have_v a_o zeal_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o if_o they_o wish_v to_o see_v a_o change_n in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o church_n let_v they_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o instruct_n of_o youth_n and_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o form_v a_o new_a gneration_n among_o the_o particular_a establishment_n which_o may_v be_v make_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o young_a people_n there_o be_v one_o which_o will_v be_v of_o great_a use_n and_o which_o seem_v to_o i_o absolute_o necessary_a and_o that_o be_v that_o with_o relation_n to_o child_n who_o have_v attain_v the_o age_n of_o discretion_n the_o same_o order_n shall_v be_v observe_v for_o their_o admission_n to_o the_o sacrament_n which_o be_v practise_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n when_o catechuman_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n this_o admission_n be_v very_o solemn_a a_o long_a probation_n and_o instruction_n go_v before_o it_o the_o catechuman_n be_v require_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o the_o bind_v themselves_o by_o solemn_a promise_n and_o vow_n to_o renounce_v the_o world_n and_o to_o live_v holy_a no_o such_o thing_n be_v do_v at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n because_o young_a child_n be_v baptize_v but_o what_o be_v not_o do_v at_o the_o time_n of_o baptism_n shall_v be_v do_v when_o they_o come_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n and_o true_o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o public_a and_o solemn_a profession_n a_o promise_n in_o due_a form_n on_o the_o child_n part_n i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o we_o can_v well_o answer_v what_o be_v object_v by_o some_o against_o infant-baptism_n which_o yet_o be_v a_o good_a and_o laudable_a practice_n a_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n against_o his_o will_n or_o without_o his_o knowledge_n this_o engagement_n be_v a_o personal_a thing_n be_v which_o every_o bold_a shall_v act_v and_o answer_v for_o himself_o when_o child_n be_v baptize_v they_o know_v nothing_o of_o what_o be_v do_v to_o they_o it_o be_v there_o fore_o absolute_o necessary_a that_o when_o they_o come_v to_o the_o year_n of_o reason_n they_o shall_v ratify_v and_o confirm_v the_o engagement_n they_o come_v under_o by_o their_o baptism_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v become_v member_n of_o the_o church_n out_o of_o knowledge_n and_o choice_n now_o the_o fit_a time_n for_o such_o a_o confirmation_n and_o promise_n be_v when_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n the_o order_n then_o which_o i_o mean_v be_v this_o first_o that_o when_o child_n desire_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o sacrament_n they_o shall_v be_v instruct_v for_o some_o week_n before_o and_o that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o shall_v be_v inform_v of_o the_o sacredness_n and_o importance_n of_o this_o action_n and_o of_o the_o promise_n they_o be_v to_o make_v that_o so_o they_o may_v prepare_v for_o it_o betimes_o in_o the_o next_o place_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v examine_v and_o that_o they_o shall_v public_o render_v a_o account_n of_o their_o faith_n this_o examination_n be_v over_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v require_v to_o renew_v and_o confirm_v in_o a_o public_a and_o solemn_a manner_n their_o baptismal_a vow_n to_o renounce_v the_o devil_n and_o his_o work_n the_o world_n and_o the_o pomp_n of_o it_o the_o flesh_n and_o its_o lust_n and_o to_o promise_v that_o they_o will_v live_v and_o die_v in_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o then_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o communion_n by_o benediction_n and_o prayer_n it_o will_v no_o doubt_n seem_v to_o some_o that_o i_o be_o here_o propose_v a_o novelty_n and_o that_o too_o not_o very_o necessary_a that_o there_o be_v no_o occasion_n for_o all_o this_o solemnity_n that_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o examine_v and_o exhort_v child_n in_o private_a and_o that_o this_o confirmation_n of_o the_o baptismal_a vow_n be_v include_v and_o suppose_v in_o the_o admission_n to_o the_o sacrament_n to_o this_o i_o say_v that_o the_o order_n i_o propose_v will_v be_v think_v a_o novelty_n by_o none_o but_o such_o as_o do_v not_o know_v what_o be_v ancient_o practise_v and_o who_o call_v innovation_n every_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o country_n or_o their_o church_n this_o be_v a_o imitation_n of_o the_o ancient_n and_o the_o apostolical_a order_n and_o beside_o this_o establishment_n be_v altogether_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o i_o have_v just_a now_o make_v it_o appear_v it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v reject_v as_o for_o what_o be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a if_o child_n be_v examine_v and_o admit_v in_o private_a i_o answer_v that_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o age_n we_o live_v in_o be_v so_o great_a that_o in_o many_o church_n this_o admission_n and_o the_o examination_n which_o precede_v it_o be_v but_o three_o or_o four_o hour_n work_v and_o sometime_o less_o pastor_n and_o those_o to_o who_o this_o function_n be_v commit_v do_v often_o go_v about_o it_o very_o negligent_o they_o content_v themselves_o with_o some_o question_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n relate_v only_o to_o doctrine_n and_o controversy_n the_o address_n to_o chidren_n general_a exhortation_n to_o piety_n but_o they_o take_v no_o care_n to_o instruct_v they_o in_o moral_n or_o to_o examine_v their_o conduct_n they_o do_v not_o require_v of_o they_o a_o express_a ratification_n of_o the_o baptismal_a vow_n i_o know_v there_o be_v pastor_n who_o do_v their_o duty_n but_o the_o best_a thing_n will_v be_v to_o have_v this_o form_n of_o examination_n and_o admission_n regulate_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v in_o the_o breast_n of_o every_o minister_n to_o do_v in_o this_o matter_n as_o he_o think_v fit_a and_o that_o all_o this_o may_v be_v do_v the_o more_o orderly_o it_o will_v be_v fit_v that_o according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n some_o person_n shall_v be_v appoint_v on_o purpose_n to_o instruct_v young_a people_n and_o catechuman_n what_o care_v soever_o may_v be_v take_v of_o child_n and_o whatever_o may_v be_v do_v for_o they_o in_o private_a instruction_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o public_a and_o solemn_a exhortation_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o promise_v on_o the_o other_o will_v make_v a_o much_o great_a impression_n upon_o they_o they_o will_v then_o look_v upon_o their_o admission_n with_o respect_n they_o will_v remember_v it_o all_o their_o life_n and_o this_o solemnity_n will_v prove_v as_o useful_a and_o edify_a to_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o it_o will_v be_v to_o young_a people_n i_o offer_v this_o with_o the_o great_a confidence_n because_o a_o order_n like_o this_o have_v be_v settle_v of_o late_a in_o some_o church_n and_o be_v there_o observe_v
with_o extraordinary_a success_n cause_n vi_o example_n and_o custom_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v but_o that_o birth_n education_n and_o imitation_n be_v three_o general_a principle_n of_o the_o irregularity_n of_o mons_fw-la conduct_n the_o state_n in_o which_o they_o be_v bear_v give_v they_o a_o bias_n towards_o vice_n education_n as_o have_v be_v show_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n cherish_v and_o maintain_v in_o most_o man_n that_o vicious_a inclination_n but_o custom_n and_o example_n give_v the_o finish_n strike_v to_o man_n corruption_n and_o make_v vice_n reign_v in_o the_o world_n with_o a_o sovereign_a sway._n this_o three_o principle_n be_v so_o general_a and_o so_o powerful_a that_o some_o have_v think_v it_o the_o chief_a cause_n of_o corruption_n and_o that_o we_o can_v better_o explain_v how_o sin_n be_v propagate_v and_o transmit_v from_o the_o parent_n to_o the_o child_n than_o by_o say_v that_o this_o happen_v through_o imitation_n and_o indeed_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o man_n be_v particular_o draw_v into_o evil_n by_o example_n and_o custom_n if_o this_o be_v not_o the_o primary_n or_o the_o only_a spring_n of_o corruption_n it_o be_v at_o least_o one_o of_o the_o principal_a source_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o think_v it_o proper_a to_o consider_v this_o matter_n here_o with_o some_o attention_n all_o that_o i_o be_o to_o say_v in_o this_o chapter_n be_v found_v upon_o these_o two_o supposition_n 1._o i_o suppose_v that_o man_n love_v to_o act_v by_o imitation_n and_o that_o example_n be_v one_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o have_v the_o great_a force_n upon_o their_o mind_n but_o when_o the_o example_n be_v general_a and_o support_v by_o custom_n and_o multitude_n they_o be_v yet_o more_o incline_v to_o follow_v it_o they_o not_o only_o conform_v to_o custom_n but_o they_o think_v it_o beside_o just_a and_o lawful_a to_o do_v so_o general_n use_v be_v to_o they_o instead_o of_o law_n by_o which_o they_o judge_v of_o what_o be_v innocent_a and_o forbid_a and_o that_o which_o do_v yet_o more_o forcible_o determine_v they_o to_o follow_v example_n and_o the_o great_a number_n be_v that_o they_o think_v it_o a_o disgrace_n to_o do_v otherwise_o so_o that_o the_o fear_v of_o contempt_n add_v to_o their_o inclination_n make_v they_o perfect_a slave_n to_o custom_n if_o some_o remnant_n of_o knowledge_n and_o conscience_n do_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o imagine_v that_o there_o be_v no_o hurt_v in_o comply_v in_o all_o thing_n with_o custom_n however_o they_o comfort_v themselves_o with_o the_o thought_n that_o the_o evil_a they_o do_v be_v not_o very_o great_a and_o that_o if_o they_o be_v not_o innocent_a they_o be_v excusable_a at_o least_o when_o they_o can_v plead_v example_n and_o common_a practice_n in_o their_o own_o behalf_n i_o suppose_v 2_o that_o example_n and_o custom_n be_v bad_a for_o the_o most_o part_n this_o i_o think_v needs_o not_o be_v prove_v and_o if_o it_o do_v this_o whole_a treatise_n may_v afford_v we_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o it_o since_o ignorance_n prejudices_fw-la false_a maxim_n and_o all_o the_o other_o cause_n of_o corruption_n i_o have_v mention_v be_v so_o many_o disposition_n sentiment_n and_o practice_n which_o be_v grow_v customary_a and_o be_v establish_v by_o the_o most_o general_a use_n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o needful_a to_o prove_v that_o the_o multitude_n of_o ill_a example_n be_v very_o great_a and_o that_o custom_n be_v general_o vicious_a as_o it_o be_v to_o show_v that_o under_o the_o shelter_n of_o example_n and_o custom_n corruption_n be_v still_o spread_v far_o in_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o church_n in_o order_n to_o this_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o power_n of_o custom_n and_o example_n in_o these_o three_o respect_n with_o relation_n 1._o to_o matter_n of_o faith_n 2_o to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n and_o 3_o to_o manner_n what_o i_o be_o to_o say_v upon_o these_o three_o head_n will_v discover_v the_o source_n of_o those_o three_o great_a imperfection_n which_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n i_o mean_v error_n want_v of_o order_n and_o the_o bad_a life_n of_o christian_n 1._o matter_n of_o faith_n shall_v not_o be_v subject_v to_o the_o tyranny_n of_o custom_n religion_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o man_n fancy_n and_o opinion_n the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v eternal_a truth_n it_o be_v found_v upon_o a_o immutable_a principle_n and_o it_o be_v not_o more_o liable_a to_o change_v than_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o we_o see_v but_o too_o frequent_o that_o in_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o in_o worldy_a affair_n example_n be_v more_o prevalent_a than_o either_o reason_n justice_n or_o truth_n man_n do_v scarce_o ever_o examine_v thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n but_o custom_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o sentiment_n by_o this_o rule_n the_o determine_v what_o be_v true_a of_o false_a what_o they_o be_v to_o believe_v or_o to_o reject_v and_o this_o prejudice_n be_v so_o strong_a and_o man_n have_v carry_v it_o so_o far_o that_o multitude_n and_o custom_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o proof_n and_o character_n whereby_o christian_n be_v to_o distinguish_v truth_n from_o error_n and_o to_o judge_v what_o side_n they_o be_v to_o choose_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n what_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o so_o many_o people_n do_v not_o perceive_v that_o certain_a doctrine_n be_v palpable_a error_n and_o monstrous_a tenet_n we_o wonder_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a in_o so_o learned_a and_o refine_v a_o age_n as_o this_o be_v that_o the_o gross_a fable_n and_o extravagance_n shall_v still_o go_v down_o with_o man_n of_o part_n for_o divine_a truth_n and_o adorable_a mystery_n a_o time_n will_v come_v when_o posterity_n will_v hardly_o believe_v that_o ever_o such_o opinion_n be_v receive_v or_o that_o ever_o man_n do_v in_o earnest_a dispute_n for_o or_o against_o such_o or_o such_o a_o tenet_n it_o be_v only_o the_o prejudice_n of_o example_n and_o multitude_n which_o do_v blind_a man_n at_o this_o day_n they_o have_v be_v nurse_v up_o and_o educate_v in_o those_o persuasion_n they_o see_v they_o obtain_v among_o numerous_a society_n and_o that_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o their_o obstinacy_n in_o error_n nothing_o but_o this_o inclination_n of_o man_n to_o follow_v custom_n keep_v up_o in_o the_o church_n those_o dispute_n which_o rend_v it_o into_o so_o many_o different_a sect_n the_o principle_n and_o design_n of_o most_o dispute_n be_v no_o other_o but_o that_o man_n will_v maintain_v at_o any_o rate_n the_o sentiment_n of_o their_o party_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v those_o who_o be_v in_o error_n instead_o of_o be_v undeceive_v be_v more_o and_o more_o confirm_v in_o it_o every_o body_n swallow_v without_o chew_v all_o that_o be_v profess_v in_o the_o society_n or_o communion_n in_o which_o he_o live_v and_o condemn_v without_o examination_n the_o opinion_n which_o be_v maintain_v by_o small_a number_n or_o by_o person_n of_o another_o country_n or_o society_n those_o who_o be_v prepossess_v do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o make_v it_o a_o question_n whether_o they_o may_v not_o be_v mistake_v and_o whether_o the_o truth_n may_v not_o be_v on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o allege_v to_o such_o people_n the_o most_o invincible_a reason_n to_o press_v they_o with_o express_a declaration_n of_o scripture_n or_o with_o un_fw-fr answerable_a objection_n for_o either_o they_o do_v not_o attend_v to_o all_o this_o or_o if_o they_o examine_v those_o reason_n and_o objection_n it_o be_v with_o a_o mind_n full_a of_o prejudices_fw-la and_o resolve_v beforehand_o to_o think_v they_o frivolous_a and_o not_o to_o alter_v their_o sentiment_n they_o satisfy_v themselves_o with_o some_o sorry_a argument_n or_o wretched_a answer_n if_o any_o scruple_n and_o difficulty_n remain_v they_o shake_v they_o off_o in_o a_o trice_n and_o set_v their_o conscience_n at_o rest_n with_o this_o consideration_n that_o they_o follow_v the_o common_a opinion_n they_o make_v no_o do_v doubt_n but_o that_o they_o be_v safe_a as_o long_o as_o they_o side_n with_o the_o great_a number_n beside_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o world_n which_o may_v be_v obtain_v by_o the_o adhere_n to_o the_o general_a opinion_n will_v full_o determine_v they_o if_o they_o be_v not_o determine_v before_o and_o they_o easy_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o their_o spiritual_a welfare_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o that_o party_n which_o agree_v best_a with_o their_o temporal_a interest_n 2._o custom_n be_v likewise_o the_o chief_a obstacle_n to_o the_o restore_n of_o order_n in_o the_o church_n i_o can_v here_o make_v a_o long_a article_n if_o i_o will_v mention_v all_o the_o defect_n which_o may_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o
mind_v themselves_o in_o every_o thing_n and_o be_v little_o affect_v with_o the_o misery_n of_o other_o so_o that_o riches_n may_v easy_o spoil_v those_o who_o possess_v they_o and_o do_v actual_o spoil_v many_o the_o poor_a be_v almost_o all_o of_o they_o vicious_a because_o they_o be_v ignorant_a forsake_v from_o their_o infancy_n and_o grow_v up_o in_o want_n and_o idleness_n and_o among_o bad_a company_n they_o have_v little_a religion_n they_o will_v live_v without_o work_v they_o be_v give_v to_o steal_v and_o dishonesty_n envy_n fill_v their_o heart_n and_o they_o only_o keep_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o duty_n when_o they_o can_v do_v no_o mischief_n those_o who_o live_v un-confined_n and_o much_o in_o the_o world_n have_v for_o the_o most_o part_n little_a of_o a_o christian_a character_n they_o lie_v open_a to_o abundance_n of_o temptation_n and_o what_o be_v most_o dangerous_a in_o that_o kind_n of_o life_n be_v that_o a_o man_n have_v no_o soon_o embrace_v it_o but_o he_o think_v it_o honourable_a lawful_a and_o necessary_a he_o hearken_v no_o long_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o religion_n he_o be_v ashamed_a of_o they_o and_o govern_v himself_o only_o by_o the_o maxim_n of_o the_o world_n other_o lead_v a_o retire_a life_n they_o avoid_v great_a company_n and_o they_o seldom_o appear_v in_o public_a that_o state_n may_v have_v its_o advantage_n but_o it_o have_v its_o danger_n too_o those_o who_o live_v thus_o retire_v be_v apt_a to_o think_v themselves_o much_o better_a than_o other_o man_n because_o their_o conduct_n seem_v regular_a and_o free_a from_o scandal_n and_o this_o inspire_v they_o with_o a_o secret_a pride_n a_o great_a opinion_n of_o themselves_o a_o austere_a and_o imperious_a humour_n which_o make_v they_o apt_a to_o speak_v ill_a and_o to_o judge_v rash_o of_o other_o people_n and_o this_o drive_v charity_n gentleness_n and_o humility_n out_o of_o their_o heart_n i_o think_v i_o have_v say_v enough_o to_o show_v that_o man_n various_a kind_n of_o life_n have_v a_o general_a influence_n upon_o the_o irregularity_n of_o their_o deportment_n but_o no_o make_v this_o truth_n yet_o more_o evident_a i_o shall_v add_v two_o reflection_n to_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v the_o first_o be_v that_o of_o all_o the_o temptation_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o seduce_v man_n none_o be_v more_o dangerous_a than_o those_o which_o be_v 1._o necessary_a and_o unavoidable_a 2._o ordinary_a and_o frequent_a 3._o hide_a and_o imperceptible_a now_o the_o temptation_n arise_v from_o man_n particular_a calling_n have_v these_o three_o character_n 1._o they_o be_v necessary_a and_o unavoidable_a we_o may_v withstand_v they_o but_o we_o can_v avoid_v altogether_o be_v expose_v to_o they_o 2._o they_o be_v frequent_a and_o constant_a those_o employment_n in_o which_o the_o great_a part_n of_o our_o life_n be_v spend_v offer_v they_o to_o we_o perpetual_o 3._o they_o be_v hide_v and_o imperceptible_a for_o beside_o that_o man_n reflect_v little_a upon_o what_o be_v ordinary_a and_o happen_v every_o day_n those_o temptation_n be_v varnish_v with_o the_o specious_a pretence_n of_o example_n and_o custom_n and_o even_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o call_v and_o of_o necessity_n thus_o a_o tradesman_n be_v necessary_o expose_v to_o the_o danger_n of_o wrong_v his_o neighbour_n and_o of_o transgress_v the_o rule_n of_o justice_n equity_n or_o sincerity_n the_o opportunity_n of_o do_v this_o return_n every_o minute_n and_o as_o often_o as_o he_o buy_v or_o sell_v this_o temptation_n be_v imperceptible_a and_o except_o he_o have_v a_o niceness_n of_o conscience_n he_o will_v not_o be_v sensible_a of_o it_o by_o reason_n that_o his_o profession_n be_v innocent_a that_o he_o be_v allow_v to_o get_v and_o that_o most_o of_o the_o unlawful_a way_n of_o gain_n be_v authorize_v by_o custom_n 2._o the_o second_o reflection_n be_v that_o the_o great_a and_o the_o most_o insuperable_a obstacle_n to_o piety_n proceed_v for_o the_o most_o part_n from_o a_o man_n call_v it_o be_v that_o which_o obstruct_v more_o than_o any_o thing_n else_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o man_n conversion_n we_o preach_v we_o exhort_v to_o repentance_n but_o to_o who_o do_v we_o speak_v we_o speak_v to_o man_n engage_v in_o profession_n which_o consider_v how_o they_o behave_v themselves_o in_o they_o divert_v they_o from_o piety_n and_o furnish_v they_o with_o a_o thousand_o opportunity_n of_o sin_v we_o speak_v to_o people_n who_o have_v choose_v already_o the_o course_n of_o their_o whole_a life_n who_o be_v resolve_v to_o continue_v in_o the_o state_n they_o be_v in_o and_o to_o alter_v nothing_o in_o it_o and_o who_o have_v form_v to_o themselves_o that_o scheme_n of_o employment_n which_o they_o intend_v to_o follow_v at_o any_o rate_n we_o preach_v to_o people_n who_o arc_n no_o soon_o out_o of_o the_o church_n but_o they_o meet_v at_o home_n and_o in_o their_o ordinary_a business_n with_o perpetual_a hindrance_n to_o holiness_n and_o with_o temptation_n which_o it_o be_v certain_a they_o will_v not_o withstand_v such_o hearer_n may_v be_v preach_v to_o long_a enough_o before_o they_o reap_v any_o fuit_fw-la from_o what_o they_o hear_v sermon_n be_v present_o go_v but_o the_o temptation_n arise_v from_o the_o profession_n which_o man_n choose_v be_v continual_a and_o last_o as_o long_o as_o their_o life_n they_o accompany_v a_o man_n every_o where_o he_o be_v not_o jealous_a of_o they_o he_o seek_v they_o he_o give_v up_o himself_o to_o they_o and_o he_o fancy_v he_o may_v lawful_o do_v so_o this_o be_v the_o visible_a occasion_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v so_o little_a efficacy_n upon_o man_n mind_n i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o chapter_n with_o two_o remark_n which_o may_v serve_v for_o a_o remedy_n against_o this_o source_n of_o corruption_n 1._o every_o one_o ought_v to_o examine_v the_o state_n and_o kind_a of_o life_n he_o be_v in_o that_o if_o this_o state_n have_v something_o in_o it_o that_o be_v evil_a or_o contrary_a to_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a he_o must_v alter_v and_o correct_v it_o if_o the_o profession_n be_v bad_a in_o itself_o nothing_o else_o can_v be_v do_v but_o to_o quit_v it_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a we_o must_v take_v care_v not_o to_o render_v it_o dangerous_a or_o sinful_a either_o by_o neglect_v the_o duty_n to_o which_o it_o oblige_v we_o or_o by_o not_o avoid_v the_o snare_n and_o temptation_n that_o attend_v it_o or_o by_o make_v it_o a_o occasion_n and_o pretence_n to_o satisfy_v our_o inordinate_a affection_n i_o confess_v we_o may_v meet_v here_o with_o difficulty_n it_o be_v hard_a for_o a_o man_n to_o leave_v off_o a_o profession_n to_o go_v out_o of_o his_o ordinary_a road_n of_o life_n and_o to_o renounce_v some_o engagement_n when_o they_o be_v once_o form_v and_o yet_o this_o aught_o and_o may_v be_v do_v if_o those_o engagement_n be_v not_o lawful_a it_o be_v better_a we_o shall_v offer_v some_o violence_n to_o ourselves_o by_o break_v they_o off_o or_o by_o correct_v what_o be_v amiss_o in_o they_o than_o to_o run_v ourselves_o into_o infinite_a misery_n but_o the_o benway_n be_v to_o obviate_v the_o evil_a in_o its_o beginning_n therefore_o i_o say_v 2_o that_o since_o people_n use_v to_o resolve_v upon_o a_o profession_n while_o they_o be_v young_a that_o choice_n require_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o prudence_n and_o caution_n for_o no_o less_o than_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o misery_n depend_v upon_o it_o but_o it_o be_v a_o sad_a thing_n to_o see_v how_o rash_o and_o inconsiderate_o this_o matter_n be_v go_v about_o interest_n chance_n passion_n the_o humour_n of_o parent_n or_o of_o young_a people_n be_v the_o thing_n which_o determine_v so_o important_a a_o choice_n it_o be_v not_o much_o consider_v whether_o a_o call_v be_v lawful_a or_o proper_a for_o he_o that_o embrace_v it_o little_a or_o no_o care_n be_v take_v to_o form_v the_o inclination_n of_o young_a person_n they_o be_v give_v up_o to_o their_o own_o conduct_n and_o to_o all_o the_o temptation_n of_o that_o profession_n to_o which_o they_o be_v destine_v and_o thus_o we_o need_v no_o long_o wonder_n why_o employment_n be_v ill_o discharge_v why_o most_o people_n lose_v their_o innocence_n in_o they_o and_o why_o there_o be_v a_o general_a corruption_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o all_o state_n and_o condition_n this_o be_v the_o ordinary_a effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o man_n particular_a calling_n the_o end_n of_o the_o first_o part._n a_o treatise_n concern_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o present_a corruption_n of_o christian_n and_o the_o remedy_n of_o it_o part_n ii_o cause_n i._o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o religion_n in_o general_n piety_n be_v always_o necessary_a and_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o be_v never_o impossible_a to_o those_o who_o art_n well_o