uncertainty_n and_o obscurity_n in_o a_o religion_n where_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o controversy_n and_o different_a opinion_n the_o want_n of_o union_n be_v then_o a_o most_o considerable_a imperfection_n in_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o some_o remedy_n may_v be_v apply_v to_o so_o great_a a_o evil_a and_o that_o those_o controversy_n which_o produce_v and_o cherish_v it_o may_v be_v turn_v out_o of_o door_n the_o way_n to_o compass_v this_o will_v be_v to_o endeavour_v in_o good_a earnest_n the_o reform_v of_o manner_n and_o the_o restore_n of_o order_n this_o great_a and_o noble_a design_n will_v no_o soon_o be_v pursue_v but_o man_n will_v be_v ashamed_a of_o all_o these_o contention_n they_o will_v look_v upon_o they_o as_o trifle_a amusement_n and_o find_v no_o relish_n in_o those_o dispute_n which_o to_o say_v the_o truth_n do_v only_o employ_v such_o person_n as_o be_v conceit_v with_o vain_a learning_n and_o narrow-spirited_n man_n who_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o large_a and_o high_a view_v iv_o if_o we_o examine_v the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n with_o relation_n to_o order_n there_o we_o must_v ingenuous_o confess_v that_o great_a defect_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o matter_n of_o order_n and_o discipline_n christian_n ought_v to_o regulate_v themselves_o first_o by_o the_o law_n which_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v set_v they_o and_o then_o by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o of_o the_o pure_a antiquity_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o what_o have_v be_v practise_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n and_o do_v beside_o agree_v with_o the_o rule_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v have_v a_o great_a regard_n pay_v to_o it_o by_o all_o christian_n now_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o most_o church_n have_v considerable_o depart_v from_o that_o ancient_a order_n to_o prove_v this_o by_o some_o instance_n it_o be_v certain_a in_o fact_n that_o the_o ecclesiastical_a order_n and_o government_n which_o obtain_v in_o many_o place_n be_v not_o such_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v none_o caâ—n_v be_v ignorant_a of_o this_o but_o those_o who_o be_v altogether_o unacquainted_a with_o antiquity_n or_o who_o be_v full_a of_o prejudices_fw-la find_v what_o they_o please_v in_o scripture_n and_o church-history_n can_v it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o election_n of_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n be_v canonical_a as_o they_o be_v manage_v in_o many_o place_n arid_a that_o the_o practice_n and_o order_n establish_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v observe_v every_o where_o it_o be_v certain_a likewise_o that_o all_o church_n be_v not_o furnish_v with_o a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o person_n to_o perform_v divine-service_n and_o to_o instruct_v and_o edify_v the_o people_n when_o we_o look_v back_o upon_o the_o primitive_a church_n we_o find_v that_o though_o it_o be_v poor_a and_o persecute_v yet_o it_o have_v its_o bishop_n its_o priest_n its_o catechist_n and_o its_o widow_n at_o this_o time_n we_o see_v yet_o in_o several_a place_n that_o one_o single_a town_n maintain_v a_o great_a number_n of_o churchman_n who_o indeed_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v very_o insignificant_a but_o elsewhere_o it_o be_v quite_o otherwise_o one_o single_a man_n do_v often_o perform_v all_o the_o ecclesiastical_a function_n nay_o sometime_o many_o church_n have_v but_o one_o pastor_n this_o disorder_n as_o well_o as_o many_o other_o proceed_v partly_o from_o the_o want_n of_o necessary_a mean_n and_o fund_n to_o supply_v the_o occasion_n of_o all_o church_n here_o it_o may_v be_v proper_a to_o speak_v of_o the_o pastoral_a function_n and_o of_o the_o administration_n of_o discipline_n but_o these_o two_o head_n be_v important_a i_o reserve_v what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v about_o they_o for_o the_o two_o next_o chapter_n we_o ought_v here_o not_o to_o omit_v the_o want_n of_o union_n and_o correspondence_n among_o church_n if_o they_o have_v more_o communication_n and_o intercourse_n one_o with_o another_o great_a advantage_n will_v follow_v from_o thence_o right_o measure_n may_v be_v take_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o people_n and_o for_o the_o redress_v of_o abuse_n and_o scandal_n that_o uniformity_n which_o be_v so_o necessary_a both_o in_o worship_n and_o in_o church-government_n and_o discipline_n may_v be_v establish_v and_o that_o will_v contribute_v much_o to_o the_o honour_n and_o safety_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n the_o church_n will_v appear_v then_o like_o a_o well-ordered_a society_n and_o like_o one_o body_n of_o which_o all_o the_o part_n shall_v maintain_v a_o relation_n to_o and_o a_o strict_a dependence_n upon_o one_o another_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v a_o great_a unhappiness_n when_o church_n have_v little_a or_o no_o intercourse_n or_o communication_n one_o with_o another_o so_o that_o every_o one_o order_n its_o matter_n and_o custom_n the_o form_n of_o its_o worship_n and_o government_n within_o itself_o thus_o in_o many_o respect_n it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o show_v that_o thing_n be_v not_o altogether_o regulate_v in_o the_o church_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v with_o relation_n to_o order_n man_n be_v not_o sensible_a of_o these_o defect_n because_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o judge_v of_o religious_a matter_n by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o present_a time_n and_o by_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o respective_a country_n beside_o that_o antiquity_n be_v but_o little_o know_v and_o yet_o these_o defect_n contribute_v more_o than_o be_v common_o imagine_v to_o the_o decay_n of_o piety_n and_o zeal_n the_o want_n of_o order_n in_o any_o society_n do_v most_o certain_o bring_v confusion_n and_o licentiousness_n into_o it_o v._o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v the_o end_n and_o the_o essence_n of_o religion_n we_o can_v but_o inquire_v whether_o all_o thing_n be_v well_o regulate_v with_o relation_n to_o that_o to_o speak_v here_o only_o of_o the_o public_a worship_n it_o will_v be_v very_o necessary_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v perform_v every_o where_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o the_o people_n may_v understand_v the_o most_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o divine_a worship_n to_o be_v adoration_n praise_n and_o the_o invocation_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o discharge_n of_o these_o duty_n be_v the_o end_n of_o public_a assembly_n i_o remark_n this_o particular_o because_o in_o many_o place_n devotion_n be_v place_v only_o in_o the_o hear_n of_o sermon_n church_n be_v proper_o nothing_o else_o but_o auditory_n people_n fancy_n that_o sermon_n be_v the_o chief_a thing_n they_o meet_v for_o and_o that_o preach_v be_v the_o principle_n function_n to_o be_v exercise_v by_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n the_o prayer_n and_o the_o psalm_n be_v look_v upon_o only_a as_o preliminary_n or_o circumstance_n to_o a_o sermon_n this_o be_v a_o dangerous_a notion_n because_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n it_o make_v christian_n neglect_n divine_a service_n and_o on_o the_o other_o it_o render_v religion_n contemptible_a when_o sermon_n be_v not_o so_o edify_v as_o they_o shall_v be_v which_o happen_v but_o too_o often_o and_o therefore_o it_o will_v not_o perhaps_o be_v amiss_o if_o as_o it_o be_v practise_v in_o several_a church_n divine_a service_n be_v distinguish_v from_o sermon_n by_o some_o circumstance_n of_o time_n or_o person_n so_o that_o it_o may_v be_v one_o thing_n to_o celebrate_v divine_a service_n and_o another_o to_o hear_v sermon_n several_a reflection_n may_v be_v offer_v here_o concern_v the_o principal_a thing_n relate_v to_o public_a worship_n such_o as_o form_n of_o prayer_n liturgy_n the_o manner_n of_o praise_v god_n and_o sacred_a hymn_n it_o will_v be_v a_o question_n worth_a the_o examine_n whether_o we_o ought_v in_o christian_a church_n to_o use_v only_a psalm_n and_o canticle_n out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n among_o which_o though_o some_o be_v most_o edify_a and_o full_a of_o excellent_a expression_n of_o piety_n yet_o there_o be_v many_o which_o relate_v altogether_o to_o some_o particular_a passage_n of_o those_o time_n or_o if_o they_o speak_v of_o christ_n it_o be_v only_o in_o a_o prophetical_a style_n very_o obscure_a to_o the_o people_n one_o will_v think_v that_o christian_a hymn_n which_o shall_v be_v sing_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n chief_o to_o celebrate_v the_o wonder_n of_o our_o redemption_n may_v be_v extraordinary_a useful_a to_o nourish_v piety_n and_o to_o stir_v up_o devotion_n as_o well_o as_o more_o agreeable_a to_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n prescribe_v and_o which_o the_o primitve_n christian_n practise_v in_o their_o assembly_n will_v it_o not_o likewise_o be_v necessary_a to_o agree_v about_o give_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n to_o sick_a and_o die_a person_n and_o to_o restore_v the_o more_o frequent_a use_n of_o the_o eucharist_n acpord_v to_o the_o
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
and_o zeal_n do_v visible_o decay_v not_o but_o that_o religion_n may_v receive_v and_o have_v actual_o receive_v great_a help_n from_o christian_a magistrate_n they_o have_v sometime_o contribute_v very_o effectual_o to_o the_o promote_a of_o piety_n and_o those_o who_o do_v so_o deserve_v immortal_a honour_n but_o it_o must_v likewise_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o vice_n and_o ill_a example_n of_o christian_a magistrate_n corrupt_v the_o church_n more_o than_o if_o it_o be_v under_o heathen_a governor_n the_o duty_n of_o christian_a prince_n and_o magistrate_n as_o well_o as_o of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v double_a they_o be_v bind_v first_o to_o serve_v god_n and_o to_o discharge_v the_o obligation_n which_o religion_n lay_v upon_o all_o man_n and_o second_o to_o take_v care_n that_o god_n may_v be_v serve_v and_o honour_v by_o all_o those_o who_o be_v subject_a to_o their_o authority_n 1._o every_o christian_n ought_v to_o serve_v god_n and_o to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o very_a thing_n then_o that_o a_o magistrate_n be_v christian_a oblige_v he_o to_o be_v a_o lover_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n it_o be_v a_o common_a notion_n especial_o among_o great_a man_n that_o piety_n and_o devotion_n do_v not_o become_v those_o who_o be_v exalt_v to_o dignity_n and_o that_o public_a person_n â—re_n not_o to_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o maxim_n of_o religion_n but_o whosoever_o maintain_v this_o opinion_n must_v deny_v the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o be_v either_o a_o atheist_n or_o a_o deist_n for_o suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n it_o be_v beyond_o all_o doubt_n that_o a_o christian_a prince_n or_o magistrate_n have_v as_o much_o need_n of_o piety_n as_o other_o man_n have_v he_o be_v bind_v to_o be_v a_o good_a man_n by_o the_o same_o duty_n and_o interest_n which_o engage_v private_a man_n to_o be_v so_o he_o have_v a_o soul_n to_o be_v save_v as_o well_o as_o they_o and_o as_o he_o be_v a_o public_a person_n he_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o conduct_n to_o that_o judge_n with_o who_o there_o be_v no_o acception_n of_o person_n and_o before_o who_o the_o great_a of_o monarch_n be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o mean_a of_o slave_n if_o the_o eminent_a station_n of_o a_o magistrate_n make_v some_o difference_n between_o he_o and_o christian_n of_o a_o low_a order_n that_o difference_n oblige_v he_o to_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o piety_n the_o character_n he_o bear_v require_v a_o great_a stock_n of_o virtue_n no_o small_a measure_n of_o probity_n be_v requisite_a to_o acquit_v himself_o worthy_o in_o that_o call_v to_o do_v no_o injustice_n not_o to_o seek_v in_o his_o dignity_n the_o mean_n to_o gratify_v his_o interest_n his_o vanity_n his_o pride_n or_o his_o other_o passion_n without_o a_o firm_a and_o solid_a virtue_n he_o can_v withstand_v those_o temptation_n which_o offer_v themselves_o every_o minute_n and_o which_o be_v the_o more_o dangerous_a and_o subtle_a because_o in_o those_o exalt_a post_n ill_a thing_n for_o the_o most_o part_n may_v be_v do_v with_o safety_n if_o we_o add_v to_o all_o this_o that_o a_o ill_a magistrate_n be_v answerable_a for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o disorder_n which_o happen_v and_o of_o the_o crime_n which_o be_v commit_v in_o society_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o magistracy_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o life_n wherein_o piety_n be_v extreme_o necessary_a and_o in_o which_o great_a circumspection_n and_o a_o sublime_a virtue_n be_v the_o only_a preservative_n against_o a_o thousand_o opportunity_n of_o transgress_v the_o duty_n of_o conscience_n and_o violate_v the_o most_o sacred_a law_n of_o religion_n and_o justice_n ii_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o christian_a prince_n and_o magistrate_n to_o labour_v for_o the_o promote_a of_o virtue_n and_o the_o suppress_n of_o vice_n among_o men._n we_o have_v show_v already_o that_o it_o be_v their_o interest_n to_o do_v so_o since_o religion_n be_v the_o sure_a foundation_n of_o their_o authority_n and_o of_o the_o fidelity_n of_o their_o people_n but_o their_o duty_n do_v beside_o indispensable_o oblige_v they_o to_o this_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o this_o obligation_n lie_v upon_o they_o since_o every_o christian_a be_v bind_v to_o advance_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o edify_v his_o neighbour_n as_o much_o as_o he_o can_v in_o that_o state_n and_o condition_n he_o be_v in_o the_o duty_n here_o be_v answerable_a to_o the_o abilitry_n so_o that_o we_o may_v apply_v to_o this_o purpose_n that_o maxim_n of_o the_o gospel_n xii_o gospel_n luke_n xii_o that_o to_o who_o soever_o much_o be_v give_v of_o he_o much_o shall_v be_v require_v private_a man_n can_v do_v much_o towards_o promote_a the_o glory_n of_o god_n their_o zeal_n and_o good_a intention_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n useless_a it_o be_v not_o in_o their_o power_n to_o hinder_v general_a disorder_n this_o aught_o therefore_o to_o be_v do_v by_o man_n of_o authority_n and_o they_o may_v do_v it_o easy_o beside_o a_o christian_a magistrate_n be_v to_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v providence_n which_o raise_v he_o to_o the_o post_n he_o be_v in_o and_o that_o by_o consequence_n he_o be_v engage_v in_o justice_n and_o gratitude_n to_o use_v his_o authority_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n last_o will_v it_o not_o be_v a_o strange_a thing_n that_o christian_a prince_n and_o magistrate_n shall_v do_v no_o service_n to_o religion_n when_o king_n and_o prince_n who_o be_v not_o christian_a can_v do_v so_o much_o hurt_v to_o it_o now_o they_o may_v advance_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o banish_v corruption_n these_o two_o way_n 1._o by_o their_o example_n 2._o by_o their_o care_n 1._o by_o their_o example_n this_o method_n be_v of_o great_a efficacy_n example_n be_v very_o forcible_a but_o their_o effect_n depend_v for_o the_o most_o part_n upon_o the_o quality_n and_o character_n of_o the_o person_n they_o come_v from_o it_o have_v be_v make_v appear_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n how_o much_o benefit_n redound_v to_o the_o church_n from_o the_o good_a life_n and_o example_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o it_o but_o the_o example_n of_o king_n prince_n and_o magistrate_n be_v in_o some_o respect_n of_o great_a weight_n when_o a_o churchman_n recommend_v virtue_n by_o a_o exemplary_a life_n it_o be_v often_o say_v that_o his_o profession_n oblige_v he_o to_o live_v so_o and_o this_o consideration_n make_v he_o to_o be_v example_n of_o little_a force_n upon_o worldly-minded_n men._n but_o when_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n be_v pious_a those_o man_n have_v no_o such_o thing_n to_o say_v the_o splendour_n and_o authority_n which_o surround_v greatness_n give_v much_o credit_n to_o every_o thing_n that_o come_v from_o great_a men._n they_o may_v sometime_o do_v more_o good_a with_o one_o word_n than_o a_o preacher_n can_v do_v by_o many_o sermon_n i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o work_n that_o one_o of_o the_o great_a obstacle_n to_o piety_n be_v a_o false_a shame_n which_o restrain_v man_n from_o do_v their_o duty_n for_o fear_v of_o be_v observe_v and_o despise_v and_o i_o be_o to_o show_v hereafter_o that_o custom_n have_v introduce_v among_o christian_n a_o great_a many_o maxim_n and_o practice_n contrary_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n these_o two_o thing_n occasion_n corruption_n and_o till_o they_o be_v remedy_v vice_n and_o impiety_n must_v still_o reign_v but_o the_o example_n of_o great_a man_n be_v sufficient_a to_o remove_v almost_o entire_o both_o these_o spring_n of_o corruption_n they_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o honour_n and_o custom_n it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n to_o make_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v repute_v shameful_a to_o be_v think_v honourable_a and_o to_o abolish_v that_o which_o be_v general_o receive_v so_o that_o how_o scarce_o and_o despesed_a soever_o piety_n may_v be_v a_o idea_n of_o honour_n will_v be_v affix_v to_o it_o if_o it_o be_v favour_v and_o profess_v by_o great_a man_n and_o that_o will_v be_v respect_v in_o they_o which_o in_o other_o be_v look_v upon_o with_o indifference_n or_o contempt_n that_o which_o have_v happen_v with_o relation_n to_o duel_n be_v a_o strong_a proof_n of_o what_o i_o say_v to_o decline_v fight_v a_o duel_n have_v be_v think_v for_o a_o long_a time_n a_o disgrace_n and_o a_o infamy_n a_o false_a notion_n of_o honour_n do_v then_o bear_v down_o the_o strong_a principle_n of_o nature_n reason_n and_o christianity_n and_o drive_v man_n to_o that_o excess_n of_o brutality_n and_o madness_n that_o they_o will_v cut_v one_o another_o throat_n for_o a_o trifle_n but_o in_o those_o place_n where_o christian_n prince_n have_v abolish_v duel_n people_n be_v now_o of_o another_o mind_n and_o think_v it_o no_o shame_n to_o refuse_v a_o challenge_n and_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
essence_n of_o religion_n that_o it_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v take_v away_o and_o in_o proportion_n as_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o good_a life_n be_v weaken_v so_o much_o be_v the_o power_n and_o beauty_n of_o that_o holy_a religion_n which_o christ_n bring_v into_o the_o world_n lessen_v religion_n contain_v doctrine_n precept_n promise_n and_o threaten_n it_o do_v altogether_o depend_v upon_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o another_o life_n and_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v but_o if_o you_o banish_v out_o of_o religion_n the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o good_a work_n you_o attack_v it_o in_o all_o its_o part_n and_o you_o undermine_v its_o very_a foundation_n for_o this_o make_v the_o knowledge_n of_o its_o doctrine_n vain_a and_o needless_a it_o turn_v its_o precept_n into_o bare_a counsel_n the_o promise_v of_o it_o which_o be_v conditional_a and_o suppose_v obedience_n cease_v to_o be_v promise_n the_o threat_n which_o god_n denounce_v against_o sinner_n be_v but_o empty_a menace_n which_o god_n make_v only_o to_o fright_v man_n but_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o execute_v this_o destroy_v the_o chief_a and_o strong_a proof_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n and_o of_o another_o life_n it_o ruin_v that_o great_a argument_n for_o religion_n which_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o difference_n between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n and_o from_o the_o desert_n of_o both_o and_o it_o contradict_v the_o necessity_n the_o nature_n and_o justice_n of_o the_o last_o judgement_n all_o this_o may_v easy_o be_v demonstrate_v this_o necessity_n of_o good_a work_n may_v likewise_o be_v prove_v from_o the_o plain_a declaration_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o it_o may_v be_v show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n more_o clear_o and_o frequent_o inculcate_v than_o this_o in_o holy_a writ_n but_o not_o to_o engage_v in_o these_o particular_n which_o do_v not_o proper_o belong_v to_o my_o purpose_n i_o shall_v take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o a_o holy_a life_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o either_o that_o be_v true_a or_o there_o be_v nothing_o true_a in_o religion_n yet_o how_o clear_a soever_o this_o truth_n may_v be_v it_o be_v but_o little_o know_v and_o man_n be_v not_o much_o persuade_v of_o it_o no_o man_n indeed_o do_v flat_o and_o without_o some_o preamble_n deny_v the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n every_o teacher_n profess_v that_o to_o be_v his_o doctrine_n all_o christian_n in_o show_n at_o least_o be_v agree_v about_o it_o but_o when_o they_o come_v to_o explain_v their_o mean_v clear_o concern_v this_o necessity_n when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o application_n or_o to_o practice_n or_o when_o they_o establish_v other_o doctrine_n they_o contradict_v themselves_o they_o hesitate_n upon_o the_o matter_n or_o they_o explain_v it_o with_o certain_a restriction_n which_o sooth_n man_n in_o security_n and_o dispose_v they_o to_o believe_v that_o salvation_n may_v be_v obtain_v without_o good_a work_n which_o overthrow_v their_o necessity_n nay_o some_o frame_n to_o themselves_o such_o a_o notion_n of_o religion_n as_o even_o exclude_v good_a work_n this_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o though_o this_o entire_a and_o indispensable_a necessity_n of_o a_o good_a life_n be_v not_o suppose_v yet_o this_o will_v not_o present_o open_v a_o door_n to_o licentiousness_n since_o there_o remain_v other_o sufficient_a motive_n to_o holiness_n such_o as_o those_o which_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o justice_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n from_o the_o gratitude_n and_o love_n we_o owe_v to_o god_n from_o the_o edification_n of_o our_o neighbour_n and_o from_o our_o call_v and_o duty_n i_o answer_v that_o these_o motive_n be_v very_o just_a and_o press_a and_o that_o they_o necessary_o enter_v into_o that_o obedience_n which_o all_o true_a christian_n pay_v to_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n i_o acknowledge_v beside_o that_o they_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o inspire_v all_o man_n with_o the_o love_n of_o virtue_n if_o they_o do_v all_o govern_v themselves_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o right_a reason_n and_o justice_n but_o these_o be_v not_o the_o only_a motive_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v urge_v god_n propose_v other_o beside_o he_o promise_v he_o threaten_v he_o declare_v 14._o declare_v heb._n xii_o 14._o that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v his_o face_n which_o import_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n and_o sure_o as_o man_n general_o be_v there_o be_v many_o of_o they_o upon_o who_o those_o motive_n take_v from_o decency_n justice_n gratitude_n duty_n or_o the_o edification_n of_o our_o neighbour_n will_v have_v very_o little_a force_n the_o most_o honourable_a motive_n be_v not_o always_o the_o most_o effectual_a man_n be_v so_o corrupt_a be_v so_o many_o way_n and_o by_o so_o strong_a a_o bias_n carry_v towards_o evil_n that_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o he_o without_o a_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o abstain_v from_o it_o but_o how_o much_o less_o will_v he_o refrain_v from_o sin_n if_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o control_v his_o inclination_n and_o to_o confine_v himself_o to_o a_o kind_n of_o life_n which_o appear_v unpleasant_a and_o melancholy_a to_o he_o now_o as_o this_o be_v the_o disposition_n in_o which_o most_o people_n be_v we_o need_v no_o long_o wonder_n why_o there_o be_v so_o little_a religion_n and_o piety_n among_o men._n 2._o if_o it_o be_v difficult_a to_o practice_v those_o duty_n which_o we_o do_v not_o think_v necessary_a especial_o when_o they_o cross_v our_o inclination_n it_o be_v yet_o hard_o to_o practice_v they_o when_o we_o do_v not_o know_v they_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o do_v good_a or_o to_o avoid_v evil_a if_o we_o do_v not_o know_v the_o good_a that_o we_o shall_v do_v and_o the_o evil_n we_o ought_v to_o shun_v now_o in_o this_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n want_v instruction_n every_o body_n speak_v of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n but_o few_o man_n know_v what_o they_o be_v the_o common_a people_n be_v little_o acquaint_v with_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n or_o the_o rule_n of_o christian_a moral_n this_o must_v be_v confess_v and_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n require_v that_o we_o shall_v ingenuous_o own_v it_o i_o can_v but_o enter_v here_o into_o some_o particular_n to_o prove_v this_o ignorance_n 1._o there_o be_v some_o essential_a duty_n unknown_a to_o a_o great_a number_n of_o christian_n and_o which_o be_v never_o think_v of_o by_o a_o infinity_n of_o men._n i_o will_v allege_v for_o a_o instance_n one_o of_o the_o plain_a and_o of_o the_o most_o necessary_a duty_n of_o morality_n and_o that_o be_v restitution_n though_o the_o scripture_n shall_v not_o express_o enjoin_v it_o we_o need_v but_o consult_v reason_n and_o natural_a justice_n to_o be_v convince_v that_o he_o who_o have_v do_v a_o injury_n to_o another_o man_n by_o take_v from_o he_o any_o part_n of_o his_o property_n be_v bind_v to_o make_v up_o that_o damage_n by_o restore_v to_o he_o whatever_o he_o have_v wrong_v he_o of_o there_o be_v every_o day_n occasion_n enough_o to_o make_v restitution_n nothing_o be_v more_o common_a than_o for_o one_o man_n to_o appropriate_v to_o himself_o by_o unlawful_a mean_n what_o belong_v to_o another_o and_o yet_o in_o many_o place_n restitution_n be_v a_o thing_n without_o precedent_n but_o this_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o wonder_v at_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v thousand_o of_o christian_n who_o never_o hear_v a_o word_n of_o this_o duty_n this_o matter_n be_v so_o little_o know_v and_o the_o people_n be_v so_o little_o instruct_v about_o it_o that_o a_o treatise_n concern_v restitution_n write_v by_o mr._n la_o placette_n have_v be_v publish_v some_o year_n since_o it_o have_v be_v read_v as_o a_o very_a singular_a book_n the_o subject_a whereof_o be_v new_a and_o curious_a nay_o some_o have_v go_v so_o far_o as_o to_o censure_v this_o doctrine_n of_o restitution_n pretend_v that_o it_o be_v novel_a and_o too_o severe_a such_o a_o pitch_n of_o ignorance_n be_v man_n arrive_v at_o in_o matter_n of_o morality_n and_o this_o be_v not_o the_o only_a duty_n which_o be_v not_o understand_v there_o be_v many_o other_o beside_o either_o among_o those_o which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o man_n or_o among_o those_o which_o be_v particular_a to_o every_o call_v and_o which_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o man_n be_v ever_o teach_v or_o ever_o make_v the_o least_o reflection_n upon_o now_o a_o man_n must_v needs_o neglect_v the_o duty_n that_o he_o do_v not_o know_v 2._o there_o be_v divers_a sin_n which_o be_v not_o common_o rank_v among_o sin_n or_o which_o man_n do_v not_o think_v to_o be_v damn_v sin_n of_o this_o number_n be_v lie_v and_o unsincerity_n either_o in_o discourse_n or_o in_o deal_n among_o these_o
we_o may_v also_o reckon_v luxury_n sloth_n a_o soft_a and_o voluptuous_a life_n many_o indirect_a practice_n to_o grow_v rich_a which_o be_v establish_v and_o authorize_v by_o custom_n drunkenness_n which_o in_o some_o country_n be_v not_o esteem_v a_o vice_n and_o all_o those_o sin_n which_o be_v only_o commit_v by_o our_o thought_n christian_n now_o a-days_o think_v themselves_o innocent_a so_o they_o do_v not_o do_v thing_n manifest_o criminal_a they_o conceive_v that_o murder_n be_v a_o crime_n but_o they_o do_v not_o think_v themselves_o guilty_a for_o pass_v a_o rash_a judgement_n upon_o their_o neighbour_n or_o take_v up_o unjust_a suspicion_n of_o they_o they_o believe_v uncleanness_n to_o be_v a_o sin_n though_o even_o some_o be_v very_o indulgent_a to_o themselves_o upon_o this_o head_n but_o impure_a thought_n or_o sensuality_n go_v for_o nothing_o with_o they_o thus_o there_o be_v many_o sin_n which_o man_n be_v not_o instruct_v about_o and_o what_o wonder_n be_v it_o then_o if_o they_o commit_v they_o without_o scruple_n and_o if_o there_o be_v so_o much_o corruption_n in_o their_o manner_n 3._o there_o be_v some_o general_a maxim_n in_o morality_n without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o have_v a_o solid_a piety_n and_o yet_o these_o be_v almost_o universal_o unknown_a especial_o these_o two_o which_o describe_v to_o we_o the_o character_n of_o true_a holiness_n the_o first_o be_v that_o a_o habit_n of_o sin_n be_v a_o infallible_a token_n of_o a_o corrupt_a man_n and_o that_o any_o one_o habitual_a sin_n which_o a_o man_n do_v not_o forsake_v especial_o when_o he_o be_v warn_v of_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o shut_v he_o out_o of_o heaven_n this_o maxim_n be_v understand_v but_o by_o very_a few_o people_n most_o man_n be_v engage_v in_o vicious_a habit_n such_o as_o pray_v without_o attention_n swear_v fall_v into_o a_o passion_n or_o the_o like_a these_o habit_n grow_v strong_a with_o age_n man_n live_v and_o die_v in_o they_o and_o yet_o they_o think_v they_o die_v in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n the_o other_o maxim_n which_o be_v neither_o less_o important_a nor_o better_o know_v be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o sin_n and_o sin_n and_o between_o sinner_n and_o sinner_n that_o the_o frailty_n of_o good_a man_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o the_o great_a and_o wilful_a sin_n of_o bad_a man_n another_o thing_n if_o man_n do_v not_o apprehend_v this_o difference_n they_o will_v confound_v virtue_n with_o vice_n and_o good_a man_n with_o impious_a wretch_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v little_o observe_v it_o be_v common_o believe_v that_o all_o man_n be_v sinner_n they_o be_v all_o upon_o the_o matter_n in_o the_o same_o condition_n and_o do_v sin_n all_o alike_o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o great_a odds_o between_o they_o such_o notion_n must_v needs_o make_v way_n for_o libertinism_n 4_o if_o christian_n have_v some_o knowledge_n concern_v the_o duty_n of_o morality_n yet_o that_o knowledge_n be_v too_o general_a and_o superficial_a they_o know_v perhaps_o in_o the_o main_a that_o some_o sin_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v and_o some_o virtue_n to_o be_v practise_v but_o that_o they_o only_o know_v confuse_o they_o content_v themselves_o with_o some_o general_a idea_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n prove_v useless_a and_o insignificant_a the_o design_n of_o morality_n be_v to_o regulate_v man_n action_n in_o all_o the_o circumstance_n they_o may_v be_v in_o and_o to_o teach_v they_o how_o they_o ought_v to_o behave_v themselves_o in_o all_o the_o different_a case_n and_o emergency_n of_o life_n now_o as_o these_o case_n and_o circumstance_n be_v infinite_o various_a it_o be_v necessary_a that_o man_n shall_v know_v their_o duty_n with_o some_o exactness_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v rule_n at_o hand_n applicable_a to_o all_o particular_a case_n by_o the_o help_n of_o which_o they_o may_v discern_v what_o be_v lawful_a from_o what_o be_v not_o for_o here_o superficial_a knowledge_n and_o general_a idea_n will_v not_o serve_v the_o turn_n because_o they_o do_v not_o determine_v particular_a case_n the_o principle_n of_o morality_n be_v clear_a but_o it_o be_v requisite_a to_o make_v a_o just_a application_n of_o they_o and_o to_o draw_v right_a consequence_n from_o they_o every_o body_n acknowledge_v that_o wrong_n be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v to_o any_o man_n but_o few_o know_v what_o the_o do_v of_o wrong_n be_v there_o be_v innumerable_a way_n of_o violate_v justice_n in_o relation_n to_o our_o neighbour_n or_o of_o get_v money_n which_o be_v sinful_a and_o yet_o these_o be_v make_v use_n of_o every_o day_n and_o people_n think_v there_o be_v no_o harm_n in_o they_o and_o so_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o cheat_v extortion_n and_o injustice_n and_o they_o do_v not_o know_v it_o whence_o do_v this_o proceed_v but_o from_o ignorance_n or_o from_o those_o general_a and_o superficial_a notion_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o reason_n why_o some_o book_n and_o discourse_n of_o piety_n produce_v so_o little_a effect_n they_o handle_v thing_n only_o in_o the_o lump_n they_o treat_v of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n of_o temperance_n of_o covetousness_n and_o injustice_n they_o exhort_v and_o threaten_v but_o they_o usual_o go_v no_o further_o than_o generality_n and_o they_o seldom_o descend_v to_o those_o particular_n which_o be_v so_o necessary_a to_o inform_v and_o direct_v the_o conscience_n 5_o man_n be_v no_o less_o ignorant_a concern_v the_o degree_n than_o they_o be_v concern_v the_o part_n of_o holiness_n christian_n be_v not_o only_o oblige_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o many_o virtue_n but_o they_o ought_v beside_o that_o to_o practice_v they_o in_o the_o most_o perfect_a manner_n our_o saviour_n do_v not_o require_v in_o his_o disciple_n a_o mean_a and_o ordinary_a degree_n of_o holiness_n but_o he_o call_v they_o to_o perfection_n he_o demand_v that_o they_o shall_v â—arry_v virtue_n much_o far_o than_o either_o the_o heathen_n or_o the_o jew_n do_v that_o they_o shall_v practice_v charity_n even_o to_o the_o love_a of_o â—heir_a enemy_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o paâ—ient_a as_o to_o think_v it_o their_o happiness_n to_o suffer_v so_o humble_a as_o cheerful_o to_o bear_v contempt_n and_o injustice_n so_o pure_a as_o to_o banish_v â—ll_a uncleanness_n from_o their_o very_a thought_n â—nd_v so_o of_o all_o the_o other_o virtue_n but_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o christian_n be_v stranger_n â—o_o these_o idea_n of_o perfection_n they_o never_o â—new_v the_o extent_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o christiaâ—ity_n they_o have_v neither_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n nor_o elevate_a sentiment_n about_o morality_n they_o think_v they_o do_v much_o if_o â—hey_n observe_v that_o which_o be_v most_o simple_a â—nd_v easy_a in_o every_o virtue_n they_o confine_v themselves_o to_o that_o and_o aim_v at_o no_o other_o perfection_n so_o that_o sublime_a virtue_n and_o â—iety_n be_v not_o to_o be_v seek_v for_o among_o they_o 6_o last_o man_n ignorance_n do_v not_o â—nly_o appear_v in_o that_o they_o do_v not_o know_v their_o â—uty_n but_o it_o do_v likewise_o discover_v itself_o 〈◊〉_d this_o that_o they_o do_v not_o know_v themselves_o the_o knowledge_n of_o one_o self_n be_v a_o capital_a â—oint_n in_o religion_n for_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o 〈◊〉_d be_v inform_v of_o one_o duty_n every_o one_o â—ust_z know_v beside_o whether_o he_o observe_v it_o â—â—r_n not_o whether_o he_o real_o have_v religion_n â—nd_a piety_n for_o upon_o this_o depend_v the_o judgement_n he_o be_v to_o make_v of_o himself_o and_o of_o his_o own_o condition_n now_o people_n be_v as_o much_o in_o the_o dark_a about_o this_o article_n as_o about_o the_o other_o i_o have_v mention_v the_o great_a part_n of_o man_n live_v without_o reflect_v upon_o themselves_o and_o in_o a_o prodigious_a unconcernedness_n about_o their_o spiritual_a state_n they_o do_v not_o trouble_v themselves_o to_o inquire_v whether_o they_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o good_a or_o bad_a man_n whether_o they_o be_v in_o a_o state_v of_o grace_n or_o of_o damnation_n or_o not_o or_o if_o at_o any_o time_n they_o take_v this_o into_o consideration_n they_o most_o common_o flatter_v themselves_o by_o pronounce_v too_o favourable_a a_o judgement_n upon_o their_o own_o condition_n there_o be_v many_o who_o bold_o rank_n themselves_o among_o good_a man_n and_o yet_o be_v not_o able_a to_o give_v a_o solid_a reason_n of_o that_o opinion_n they_o have_v conceive_v of_o their_o own_o probity_n and_o virtue_n nay_o they_o be_v perhaps_o actual_o engage_v in_o vice_n and_o impiety_n if_o they_o be_v but_o free_a from_o noisy_a and_o scandalous_a sin_n if_o they_o feel_v now_o and_o then_o some_o good_a motion_n if_o they_o have_v some_o good_a quality_n or_o a_o inclination_n to_o some_o virtue_n or_o a_o abhorrence_n of_o some_o vice_n that_o
be_v enough_o to_o fill_v they_o with_o a_o good_a opinion_n of_o themselves_o now_o when_o man_n be_v thus_o blind_v by_o self-love_n and_o do_v not_o know_v themselves_o there_o be_v but_o little_a hope_n of_o they_o and_o they_o will_v undoubted_o fall_v into_o a_o state_n of_o security_n these_o consideration_n plain_o show_v if_o i_o â—m_n not_o mistake_v that_o man_n for_o the_o most_o â—art_n live_v in_o very_o great_a ignorance_n but_o i_o â—hink_v myself_o bind_v to_o answer_v a_o objection_n which_o may_v be_v offer_v against_o what_o have_v â—een_n say_v some_o will_v think_v no_o doubt_n â—â—at_v it_o be_v very_o difficult_a for_o man_n to_o be_v so_o â—ell_o instruct_v as_o i_o suppose_v they_o ought_v to_o â—e_v and_o that_o the_o people_n be_v not_o capable_a â—f_n such_o a_o exact_a kowledge_v of_o morality_n to_o satisfy_v those_o who_o make_v this_o objection_n and_o to_o clear_v this_o matter_n full_o i_o observe_v first_o that_o by_o all_o i_o have_v say_v i_o do_v â—â—y_o no_o mean_n pretend_v that_o all_o christian_n â—â—an_z or_o aught_o to_o be_v equal_o instruct_v i_o â—now_v that_o there_o be_v degree_n of_o knowledge_n â—nd_v that_o in_o morality_n as_o well_o as_o in_o doctrine_n divine_n and_o man_n of_o part_n go_v a_o â—reat_a way_n beyond_o the_o bulk_n of_o mankind_n it_o 〈◊〉_d sufficient_a for_o every_o one_o to_o be_v instruct_v accord_v to_o his_o capacity_n and_o his_o condition_n â—ut_v after_o all_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o morality_n â—s_v necssary_a to_o every_o body_n or_o else_o we_o must_v â—â—rike_v several_a precept_n out_o of_o the_o gospel_n â—nless_a we_o imagine_v that_o those_o precept_n be_v intend_v only_o for_o a_o small_a number_n of_o learned_a and_o subtle_a man_n which_o be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o our_o saviour_n word_n who_o say_v that_o his_o doctrine_n be_v design_v for_o all_o mankind_n for_o the_o little_a one_o and_o the_o simple_a rather_o than_o for_o 8._o for_o mat._n xi_o 25_o 1_o cor._n x._o john_n vi_o 45._o 1_o thess_n v._o 20._o phil._n iu._n 8._o 2_o pet._n ii_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a there_o be_v no_o christian_a but_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o spiritual_a man_n and_o teach_v of_o god_n when_o st._n paul_n say_v prove_v all_o thing_n hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v just_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v pure_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v lovely_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o good_a report_n if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n if_o there_o be_v any_o praise_n think_v on_o these_o thing_n when_o st._n peter_n exhort_v christian_n to_o add_v to_o their_o faith_n all_o christian_a virtue_n to_o grow_v and_o abound_v in_o all_o these_o virtue_n such_o exhortation_n do_v belong_v equal_o to_o all_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n it_o must_v not_o be_v say_v that_o there_o be_v man_n in_o the_o world_n of_o very_a dull_a and_o shallow_a capacity_n and_o that_o country_n people_n and_o mechanic_n can_v comprehend_v all_o these_o maxim_n of_o morality_n this_o be_v not_o so_o difficult_a as_o it_o be_v imagine_v the_o duty_n of_o morality_n be_v clear_a they_o present_o affect_v a_o man_n because_o they_o be_v consonant_n to_o the_o common_a notice_n and_o sentiment_n of_o conscience_n choose_v what_o part_n of_o morality_n you_o please_v and_o you_o may_v with_o due_a endeavour_n make_v either_o a_o handy-crafts-man_n or_o a_o day-labourer_n apprehend_v it_o so_o you_o confine_v yourself_o to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o those_o duty_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o such_o people_n in_o their_o several_a calling_n be_v there_o any_o thing_n more_o subtle_a or_o difficult_a in_o the_o rule_n of_o morality_n than_o there_o be_v in_o a_o hundred_o dexterity_n and_o shift_n which_o be_v practise_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n and_o which_o common_a people_n can_v attain_v to_o without_o any_o great_a pain_n if_o therefore_o man_n understanding_n be_v so_o gross_a and_o stupid_a in_o moral_a matter_n be_v not_o because_o these_o matter_n be_v above_o their_o reach_n but_o because_o they_o be_v never_o teach_v they_o â—or_a never_o apply_v themselves_o to_o they_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o judge_v of_o what_o man_n may_v be_v by_o what_o they_o be_v the_o best_a ground_n become_v barren_a when_o it_o be_v not_o cultivate_v if_o thing_n be_v well_o order_v among_o christian_n in_o relation_n especial_o to_o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o people_n and_o the_o education_n of_o child_n the_o generality_n of_o they_o will_v not_o be_v so_o stupid_a and_o ignorant_a as_o they_o be_v we_o may_v therefore_o conclude_v that_o ignorance_n be_v one_o of_o the_o general_a cause_n of_o corruption_n christian_n be_v ill_o inform_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o duty_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o want_v instruction_n both_o as_o to_o faith_n and_o manner_n they_o must_v needs_o live_v in_o a_o great_a neglect_n of_o religious_a matter_n it_o may_v be_v ask_v whence_o do_v this_o ignorance_n proceed_v i_o shall_v observe_v three_o principal_a cause_n of_o it_o the_o first_o be_v education_n the_o way_n in_o which_o child_n be_v breed_v up_o do_v infallible_o lead_v to_o ignorance_n the_o second_o be_v the_o want_n of_o mean_n to_o get_v good_a instruction_n and_o particular_o the_o defect_n of_o those_o instruction_n which_o be_v deliver_v to_o christian_n in_o sermon_n catechism_n and_o book_n the_o three_o be_v the_o sloth_n and_o carelessness_n of_o man_n who_o will_v be_v at_o no_o pain_n to_o acquire_v necessary_a knowledge_n we_o may_v bestow_v very_o weighty_a consideration_n upon_o every_o one_o of_o these_o three_o head_n but_o since_o they_o will_v again_o come_v in_o our_o way_n in_o the_o sequel_n of_o this_o treatise_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o have_v point_v at_o they_o in_o this_o place_n as_o the_o three_o main_a source_n of_o ignorance_n in_o truth_n if_o man_n be_v ill_o educate_v if_o they_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o necessary_a mean_n of_o instruction_n and_o take_v no_o care_n about_o it_o whence_o shall_v they_o have_v sufficient_a knowledge_n unless_o they_o be_v instruct_v by_o miracle_n by_o revelation_n and_o inspiration_n they_o can_v but_o be_v ignorant_a and_o corrupt_a but_o now_o if_o ignorance_n be_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o corruption_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o first_o remedy_n to_o be_v use_v against_o corruption_n be_v the_o remove_v that_o ignorance_n it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v to_o begin_v at_o if_o we_o will_v bring_v back_o christian_n to_o a_o life_n worthy_a of_o the_o religion_n they_o profess_v exhortation_n censure_n and_o all_o other_o such_o method_n will_v signify_v nothing_o as_o long_o as_o man_n mind_n be_v not_o prepare_v by_o proper_a instruction_n from_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v in_o this_o chapter_n it_o may_v be_v gather_v that_o the_o right_a way_n to_o instruct_v man_n be_v before_o all_o thing_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o make_v they_o sensible_a that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o certain_a or_o of_o great_a consequence_n in_o the_o world_n than_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n the_o belief_n of_o the_o general_a truth_n ought_v especial_o to_o be_v well_o fix_v in_o their_o mind_n as_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n a_o providence_n a_o judgement_n and_o another_o life_n after_o this_o we_o must_v proceed_v to_o the_o particular_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o as_o we_o go_v on_o in_o explain_v they_o we_o ought_v to_o show_v what_o influence_n those_o truth_n have_v upon_o holiness_n and_o salvation_n but_o the_o most_o important_a thing_n of_o all_o when_o these_o truth_n be_v settle_v be_v to_o show_v that_o the_o bare_a knowledge_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v not_o able_a to_o make_v man_n happy_a that_o the_o scope_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o make_v man_n true_o good_a and_o that_o without_o piety_n and_o good_a work_n there_o be_v no_o salvation_n it_o will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o recommend_v sanctification_n in_o general_n but_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o must_v beside_o be_v distinct_o explain_v it_o must_v be_v show_v which_o be_v the_o general_a and_o particular_a obligation_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n and_o what_o sin_n be_v contrary_a to_o these_o and_o here_o those_o who_o business_n it_o be_v to_o instruct_v the_o people_n aught_o to_o be_v as_o particular_a as_o possible_o they_o can_v show_v upon_o each_o virtue_n and_o vice_n what_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o be_v and_o what_o be_v the_o several_a character_n kind_n and_o degree_n of_o it_o and_o propose_v likewise_o the_o motive_n which_o shall_v discourage_v man_n from_o those_o vice_n and_o prompt_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o opposite_a virtue_n as_o also_o the_o
direction_n which_o may_v facilitate_v the_o performance_n of_o all_o these_o duty_n when_o teacher_n shall_v go_v thus_o to_o work_v they_o will_v soon_o perceive_v some_o amendment_n god_n blessing_n will_v accompany_v the_o use_n of_o those_o mean_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v christian_n be_v right_o inform_v will_n of_o their_o own_o accord_n apply_v themselves_o virtue_n to_o corruption_n will_v lessen_v by_o degree_n and_o christianity_n recover_v its_o ancient_a lustre_n will_v begin_v to_o appear_v with_o another_o face_n than_o it_o do_v at_o this_o day_n cause_n ii_o prejudices_fw-la and_o false_a notion_n concern_v religion_n how_o ignorant_a and_o corrupt_a soever_o man_n may_v be_v they_o can_v live_v absolute_o without_o religion_n very_o few_o at_o least_o can_v go_v so_o far_o if_o they_o be_v hinder_v by_o their_o corruption_n to_o know_v and_o practice_v pure_a christianity_n yet_o a_o remnant_n of_o light_n and_o conscience_n within_o they_o do_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o run_v themselves_o whole_o into_o irreligion_n and_o to_o lay_v aside_o all_o thought_n of_o salvation_n but_o to_o reconcile_v these_o two_o principle_n of_o which_o one_o draw_v they_o off_o from_o religion_n and_o the_o other_o lead_v they_o to_o it_o they_o form_n to_o themselves_o such_o idea_n of_o religion_n as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o their_o inclination_n and_o flatter_v their_o security_n and_o be_v possess_v with_o those_o idea_n they_o confirm_v themselves_o more_o and_o more_o in_o their_o corruption_n these_o false_a notion_n and_o prejudices_fw-la be_v worse_o than_o ignorance_n and_o prove_v a_o great_a obstacle_n to_o the_o revive_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n it_o be_v better_a to_o deal_v with_o man_n who_o be_v simple_o ignorant_a than_o with_o people_n who_o have_v wrong_a apprehension_n and_o be_v full_a of_o prejudices_fw-la the_o former_a being_n not_o prepossess_v may_v more_o easy_o be_v reclaim_v but_o it_o be_v much_o hard_a to_o prevail_v upon_o preingage_v person_n especial_o in_o point_n of_o religion_n because_o while_o they_o maintain_v their_o error_n they_o fancy_v they_o defend_v the_o truth_n and_o that_o they_o promote_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n false_a notion_n and_o prejudices_fw-la in_o religion_n be_v therefore_o one_o of_o those_o cause_n of_o corruption_n which_o it_o concern_v we_o most_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o point_v at_o the_o chief_a of_o they_o in_o this_o chapter_n the_o first_o i_o shall_v name_v be_v the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o think_v that_o religion_n be_v intend_v only_o to_o comfort_v man_n and_o to_o render_v they_o happy_a and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o man_n shall_v common_o resolve_v all_o religion_n into_o this_o the_o desire_n of_o happiness_n be_v natural_a to_o man_n and_o as_o they_o be_v sensible_a upon_o serious_a consideration_n that_o perfect_a happiness_n be_v not_o to_o be_v obtain_v in_o this_o world_n if_o it_o be_v for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o that_o they_o must_v die_v they_o seek_v in_o religion_n some_o consolation_n and_o remedy_n against_o that_o fatal_a necessity_n of_o quit_v all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o advantage_n of_o this_o present_a life_n indeed_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o corruption_n shall_v restrain_v they_o from_o flatter_v themselves_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o salvation_n but_o they_o rely_v upon_o the_o assurance_n of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n which_o religion_n give_v to_o man_n and_o they_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o their_o sin_n will_v not_o obstruct_v their_o felicity_n this_o be_v proper_o the_o notion_n which_o man_n entertain_v of_o religion_n and_o that_o which_o they_o think_v it_o be_v good_a for_o but_o that_o religion_n shall_v indispensable_o oblige_v man_n to_o fear_n god_n and_o to_o live_v well_o and_o that_o without_o this_o there_o be_v neither_o true_a religion_n nor_o happiness_n be_v that_o which_o be_v not_o common_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o that_o the_o design_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o comfort_v man_n and_o to_o lead_v they_o to_o happiness_n this_o be_v god_n purpose_n in_o send_v his_o son_n to_o redeem_v the_o world_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o only_a end_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v intend_v beside_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o sanctification_n of_o man_n and_o it_o do_v proper_o consist_v in_o the_o service_n and_o obedience_n which_o be_v pay_v to_o god_n salvation_n be_v a_o consequence_n of_o this_o service_n and_o a_o gratuitous_a reward_n which_o god_n be_v please_v to_o bestow_v upon_o those_o who_o honour_n and_o fear_v he_o nothing_o therefore_o be_v more_o absurd_a than_o the_o conceit_n of_o those_o who_o look_v only_o upon_o that_o side_n of_o religion_n which_o promise_v comfort_n and_o salvation_n and_o nothing_o be_v more_o dangerous_a or_o more_o apt_a to_o make_v man_n remiss_a and_o careless_a in_o their_o duty_n yet_o this_o imagination_n be_v very_o common_a and_o if_o i_o be_v to_o define_v religion_n by_o the_o ordinary_a apprehension_n which_o man_n have_v of_o it_o i_o will_v say_v that_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o mean_a to_o bring_v sinner_n to_o heaven_n and_o to_o make_v man_n eternal_o happy_a whatsoever_o their_o course_n and_o manner_n of_o life_n may_v be_v but_o man_n will_v not_o so_o easy_o promise_v themselves_o salvation_n if_o they_o have_v not_o very_o mean_a and_o imperfect_a idea_n of_o religion_n i_o shall_v therefore_o observe_v second_o that_o man_n common_o place_n christianity_n either_o in_o bare_a knowledge_n or_o in_o a_o external_a profession_n or_o in_o confidence_n but_o holiness_n do_v not_o make_v a_o part_n of_o their_o notion_n of_o religion_n or_o at_o best_o it_o make_v but_o a_o very_a inconsiderable_a part_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o knowledge_n be_v essential_a to_o religion_n and_o that_o as_o it_o hold_v the_o first_o rank_n in_o it_o so_o it_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o it_o all_o nay_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o engage_v man_n to_o holiness_n without_o lay_v first_o in_o they_o the_o foundation_n of_o good_a and_o sound_a doctrine_n this_o i_o have_v prove_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o this_o treatise_n a_o outward_a and_o public_a profession_n be_v likewise_o essential_a to_o religion_n for_o one_o can_v be_v a_o christian_n without_o it_o and_o further_o it_o be_v beyond_o all_o doubt_n that_o religion_n inspire_v confidence_n peace_n and_o joy_n the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o salvation_n he_o have_v procure_v for_o we_o must_v natural_o produce_v these_o effect_n knowledge_n profession_n and_o confidence_n be_v therefore_o include_v in_o the_o idea_n of_o religion_n but_o as_o necessary_a as_o they_o be_v yet_o they_o be_v not_o sufficient_a knowledge_n be_v not_o the_o whole_a of_o religion_n since_o the_o gospel_n as_o well_o as_o experience_n teach_v we_o that_o it_o may_v be_v find_v in_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n it_o be_v not_o therefore_o a_o save_a knowledge_n but_o when_o it_o produce_v piety_n and_o charity_n the_o definition_n which_o st._n paul_n give_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n according_a to_o godliness_n we_o may_v read_v what_o the_o same_o apostle_n tell_v we_o concern_v that_o knowledge_n which_o be_v void_a of_o charity_n 1_o cor._n xiii_o as_o for_o a_o outward_a profession_n it_o be_v altogether_o useless_a without_o sanctity_n a_o hypocrite_n may_v live_v in_o the_o church_n and_o perform_v even_o with_o applause_n the_o external_a duty_n of_o piety_n this_o we_o may_v likewise_o learn_v from_o scripture_n and_o daily_a experience_n last_o all_o confidence_n which_o be_v not_o support_v by_o piety_n be_v vain_a and_o deceitful_a the_o bare_a persuasion_n that_o one_o shall_v be_v save_v give_v no_o man_n a_o right_n to_o salvation_n a_o very_a wicked_a person_n may_v without_o any_o ground_n rely_v upon_o god_n mercy_n and_o this_o be_v what_o divine_v call_v presumption_n and_o security_n 1._o *_o tit._n i._o 1._o but_o though_o all_o this_o be_v very_o plain_a both_o from_o scripture_n and_o good_a sense_n yet_o man_n entertain_v opinion_n contrary_a to_o it_o a_o great_a many_o think_v themselves_o christian_n because_o they_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n i_o do_v not_o inquire_v here_o whether_o all_o those_o who_o think_v they_o know_v religion_n do_v real_o know_v it_o but_o howsoever_o this_o knowledge_n true_a or_o false_a make_v many_o judge_n most_o favourable_o of_o themselves_o it_o do_v so_o puff_n they_o up_o that_o they_o look_v on_o themselves_o as_o the_o stay_v and_o supporter_n of_o religion_n other_o of_o who_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a number_n imagine_v that_o so_o they_o profess_v the_o true_a religion_n they_o need_v not_o fear_v any_o thing_n concern_v their_o salvation_n especial_o if_o this_o outward_a profession_n be_v attend_v with_o some_o apparent_a
be_v betray_v into_o the_o speak_a or_o write_v of_o such_o thing_n either_o through_o some_o prejudice_n or_o through_o the_o heat_n of_o dispute_n but_o after_o all_o if_o these_o proposition_n be_v strict_o take_v and_o set_v out_o in_o their_o true_a colour_n they_o can_v not_o but_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o false_a rash_a scandalous_a and_o capable_a of_o produce_v most_o dismal_a effect_n especial_o be_v assert_v by_o divine_n and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o judge_v charitable_o of_o the_o intention_n of_o their_o author_n we_o may_v just_o say_v that_o those_o who_o dare_v disparage_v morality_n and_o insinuate_v that_o the_o press_v it_o be_v a_o mark_n of_o heresy_n do_v themselves_o publish_v a_o most_o pernicious_a heresy_n can_v it_o be_v a_o mark_n of_o heresy_n to_o insist_v upon_o that_o which_o our_o saviour_n have_v so_o vehement_o press_v which_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n he_o inâ—â—â—â—â—â—s_v in_o his_o sermon_n upon_o the_o mount_n 7._o mount_n mat._n 5.6_o 7._o which_o the_o apostle_n perpetual_o â—â—ge_v in_o their_o epistle_n 3.8_o epistle_n 1_o tim._n â—_o 5_o â—_o john_n 3.8_o and_o declare_v to_o be_v the_o end_n of_o our_o whole_a religion_n and_o the_o character_n whereby_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v discriminate_v from_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o without_o which_o both_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n assure_v we_o 12.14_o we_o mat._n 7.21_o heb._n 12.14_o that_o no_o man_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n by_o this_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n be_v as_o much_o strike_v at_o and_o injure_v as_o piety_n itself_o it_o give_v one_o a_o indignation_n to_o see_v that_o the_o honour_n of_o defend_v virtue_n and_o piety_n shall_v be_v yield_v up_o to_o heretic_n to_o say_v that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n heretic_n be_v strong_a upon_o the_o head_n of_o morality_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n to_o give_v up_o the_o cause_n it_o be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o confirm_v they_o in_o their_o error_n and_o it_o do_v base_o to_o ascribe_v that_o to_o heresy_n which_o belong_v to_o true_a religion_n and_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o it_o it_o will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o allege_v that_o some_o heretic_n have_v write_v upon_o morality_n with_o good_a success_n for_o grant_v this_o to_o be_v true_a it_o be_v not_o a_o token_n of_o their_o heresy_n on_o the_o contrary_a so_o far_o they_o be_v orthodox_n some_o orthodox_n christian_n have_v recommend_v morality_n as_o much_o and_o better_a than_o the_o heretic_n because_o they_o have_v establish_v it_o upon_o the_o foundation_n and_o motive_n which_o pure_a doctrine_n afford_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n there_o have_v always_o be_v heretic_n who_o do_v subvert_v and_o ruin_v morality_n as_o for_o instance_n those_o who_o be_v describe_v by_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o 2d_o to_o timothy_n and_o by_o st._n peter_n in_o his_o second_o epistle_n it_o be_v then_o very_a unreasonable_a to_o say_v that_o a_o thing_n which_o neither_o agree_v to_o all_o heretic_n nor_o to_o heretic_n alone_o be_v a_o mark_n of_o heresy_n there_o be_v much_o more_o reason_n to_o charge_v those_o who_o speak_v so_o injurious_o of_o morality_n with_o maintain_v a_o heresy_n which_o come_v very_o near_o that_o of_o the_o gnostic_n who_o be_v oppose_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o condemn_v and_o detest_a by_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o corrupter_n of_o the_o moral_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o though_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n reject_v the_o opinion_n i_o have_v now_o mention_v and_o acknowledge_v the_o excellency_n of_o morality_n yet_o they_o form_n to_o themselves_o too_o easy_a a_o notion_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o this_o be_v another_o prejudice_n which_o do_v not_o a_o little_a contribute_v to_o that_o neglect_n of_o piety_n they_o live_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o those_o who_o think_v that_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n be_v easy_a be_v true_a in_o the_o main_a 5.3_o main_a 1_o jâ—hn_n 5.3_o god_n commandment_n be_v not_o grievous_a 11.30_o grievous_a mat._n 11.30_o and_o christ_n yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n we_o shall_v therefore_o always_o suppose_v that_o it_o be_v not_o difficult_a to_o lead_v a_o good_a life_n and_o to_o work_v out_o one_o salvation_n but_o the_o error_n lie_v in_o imagine_v too_o great_a a_o easiness_n in_o this_o and_o in_o not_o consider_v aright_o the_o nature_n and_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o morality_n there_o be_v but_o few_o who_o notion_n in_o this_o matter_n come_v up_o to_o the_o standard_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o that_o perfection_n which_o christian_n be_v to_o aim_v at_o few_o understand_v to_o what_o degree_n the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n be_v to_o be_v carry_v as_o for_o the_o purpose_n what_o sort_n of_o justice_n equity_n honesty_n disinterestedness_n purity_n or_o charity_n become_v a_o professor_n of_o christ_n religion_n instead_o of_o rise_v up_o to_o that_o high_a and_o sublime_a pitch_n of_o morality_n which_o the_o gospel_n demand_v and_o instead_o of_o be_v act_v by_o noble_a view_n and_o design_n worthy_a of_o christianity_n man_n common_o take_v up_o with_o mean_a and_o slight_a apprehension_n of_o it_o according_a to_o the_o general_a opinion_n a_o very_a extraordinary_a and_o elevate_a virtue_n be_v not_o requisite_a in_o order_n to_o be_v a_o good_a man._n it_o be_v enough_o for_o a_o man_n if_o he_o be_v not_o a_o notorious_a villain_n or_o a_o profligate_n wretch_n and_o if_o he_o observe_v some_o of_o those_o duty_n which_o have_v a_o show_n of_o sanctity_n thus_o holiness_n be_v reduce_v to_o the_o low_a degree_n of_o virtue_n or_o rather_o to_o the_o least_o degree_n of_o sin_n it_o be_v bring_v to_o very_o little_a and_o yet_o that_o little_a be_v often_o neglect_v for_o man_n never_o go_v so_o far_o in_o practice_n as_o they_o do_v in_o speculation_n they_o always_o do_v less_o than_o they_o think_v themselves_o bind_v to_o do_v so_o that_o their_o action_n still_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o idea_n which_o they_o form_n of_o their_o duty_n 6._o what_o judgement_n then_o be_v we_o to_o make_v of_o christian_n now_o a-days_o though_o they_o shall_v act_n suitable_o to_o their_o notion_n of_o piety_n and_o morality_n yet_o they_o will_v discharge_v their_o duty_n but_o very_o indifferent_o because_o that_o notion_n be_v but_o low_a and_o defective_a but_o yet_o as_o mean_v and_o imperfect_a as_o it_o be_v their_o practice_n do_v not_o reach_v it_o they_o frequent_o allow_v themselves_o in_o thing_n which_o be_v against_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o though_o they_o violate_v the_o clear_a and_o the_o easy_a rule_n of_o virtue_n yet_o they_o fancy_v those_o to_o be_v sin_n from_o which_o no_o man_n be_v free_a and_o which_o will_v however_o be_v forgive_v at_o this_o rate_n corruption_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o great_a but_o as_o man_n often_o form_n to_o themselves_o too_o easy_a a_o notion_n of_o piety_n so_o they_o have_v sometime_o too_o severe_a a_o idea_n of_o it_o it_o may_v perhaps_o seem_v at_o first_o sight_n that_o it_o be_v not_o very_o necessary_a to_o remark_n and_o confute_v this_o prejudice_n the_o general_a depravation_n of_o manner_n seem_v to_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o the_o notion_n which_o prevail_v at_o this_o time_n be_v not_o the_o rigid_a one_o and_o that_o man_n do_v not_o much_o trouble_v themselves_o about_o the_o rule_n of_o too_o austere_a a_o devotion_n or_o morality_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v usual_a enough_o for_o man_n to_o run_v into_o this_o other_o extreme_a and_o such_o a_o excessive_a severity_n be_v not_o so_o inconsistent_a as_o it_o may_v be_v think_v with_o the_o corruption_n of_o manner_n for_o though_o many_o frame_n to_o themselves_o too_o hard_o and_o rigid_a a_o notion_n 〈◊〉_d piety_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o think_v themselves_o bind_v to_o live_v according_a to_o it_o but_o â—â—ey_n leave_v those_o maxim_n to_o the_o devout_a use_v they_o imagine_v that_o so_o much_o piety_n be_v â—ot_n necessary_a so_o that_o they_o fashion_n to_o themselves_o a_o commodious_a religion_n and_o â—â—ch_a a_o morality_n as_o have_v nothing_o that_o be_v troublesome_a or_o difficult_a in_o it_o howsoever_o there_o be_v many_o who_o look_v â—pon_o piety_n as_o a_o austere_a thing_n they_o conâ—â—ive_v it_o to_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o all_o joy_n and_o that_o 〈◊〉_d debar_v man_n of_o all_o pleasure_n so_o that_o it_o â—roduces_v nothing_o but_o sadness_n and_o melancholy_a and_o they_o be_v beside_o possess_v â—ith_n this_o error_n that_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o be_v sleasie_a and_o difficult_a or_o even_o impossible_a â—ut_fw-la why_o do_v man_n judge_v of_o piety_n with_o so_o â—uch_o prepossession_n and_o injustice_n this_o procee_v from_o two_o cause_n the_o first_o be_v their_o carnal_a disposition_n they_o be_v incapable_a of_o relish_v any_o other_o pleasure_n but_o those_o of_o the_o
body_n or_o of_o this_o present_a life_n because_o they_o be_v accustom_v â—o_o be_v govern_v only_o by_o their_o sense_n and_o â—hat_n be_v enough_o to_o represent_v piety_n to_o they_o â—s_v sour_a and_o distaful_a not_o only_o because_o it_o â—oes_v not_o procure_v to_o they_o those_o gross_a pleasure_n but_o because_o it_o do_v likewise_o in_o many_o â—ases_v oblige_v they_o to_o renounce_v they_o the_o second_o reason_n why_o man_n entertain_v this_o prejudice_n against_o piety_n be_v that_o it_o 〈◊〉_d not_o represent_v to_o they_o in_o its_o true_a shapâ—_n and_o here_o first_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o he_o do_v by_o the_o false_a pretender_n to_o devotion_n who_o affect_v a_o mournful_a and_o severe_a outward_a appearance_n and_o who_o behaviour_n be_v ofteâ—_n intolerable_o stern_a and_o savage_a in_o the_o nexâ—_n place_n profane_a man_n contribute_v to_o this_o mischief_n for_o as_o they_o neither_o know_v nor_o louâ—_n religion_n so_o they_o make_v odious_a picture_n oâ—_n it_o and_o they_o take_v a_o delight_n in_o carry_v the_o notion_n of_o devotion_n too_o far_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v ridiculous_a three_o there_o be_v several_a well-meaning_a person_n who_o zeal_n be_v not_o regulate_v and_o soften_v by_o a_o discreet_a and_o prudent_a knowledge_n give_v a_o occasion_n to_o those_o unfavourable_a judgement_n which_o the_o world_n pass_v upon_o piety_n such_o people_n think_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o devout_a person_n never_o to_o be_v see_v but_o in_o a_o austere_a appearance_n and_o with_o a_o deject_a look_n they_o be_v continual_o censure_v and_o never_o please_v their_o zeal_n be_v either_o superstitious_a scrupulous_a or_o ignorant_a sharp_a or_o unseasonable_a and_o so_o it_o be_v extreme_o apt_a to_o alienate_v man_n mind_n from_o devotion_n and_o piety_n four_o some_o divine_n and_o moralist_n confirm_v this_o prejudice_n by_o their_o way_n of_o recommend_v the_o practice_n of_o piety_n both_o in_o their_o public_a discourse_n and_o in_o their_o â—ooks_n religion_n and_o its_o duty_n be_v ofâ—en_o propose_v to_o the_o people_n from_o the_o pulpit_n in_o such_o a_o severe_a and_o frightful_a manner_n â—s_a be_v not_o very_o fit_a to_o make_v it_o appear_v lovely_a â—o_o man_n who_o for_o the_o most_o part_n have_v already_o a_o prejudice_n against_o it_o we_o find_v too_o rigid_a a_o morality_n and_o several_a strain_a maxim_n in_o many_o sermon_n and_o book_n of_o devotion_n and_o it_o may_v perhaps_o be_v of_o some_o â—â—se_n to_o give_v here_o some_o instance_n of_o this_o â—ind_n when_o worldly-minded_n man_n be_v tell_v â—hat_n salvation_n be_v a_o most_o difficult_a thing_n â—nd_v that_o whoever_o will_v obtain_v it_o aught_o to_o â—pend_v his_o life_n in_o perpetual_a mourning_n this_o be_v no_o great_a attractive_a to_o gain_v they_o â—o_o the_o love_n of_o religion_n such_o maxim_n may_v be_v true_a in_o some_o respect_n but_o they_o be_v false_a and_o extravagant_a when_o they_o be_v propose_v without_o distinction_n or_o explication_n by_o the_o description_n which_o be_v sometime_o make_v of_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o devotion_n one_o will_v think_v that_o a_o man_n can_v live_v like_o a_o christian_a without_o lay_v aside_o all_o secular_a concern_v and_o business_n and_o give_v up_o himself_o to_o solitude_n and_o retirement_n now_o this_o be_v what_o few_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o beside_o it_o be_v against_o the_o order_n of_o providence_n which_o have_v place_v we_o in_o the_o world_n to_o live_v and_o labour_v in_o it_o and_o to_o enjoy_v the_o good_a thing_n which_o the_o divine_a liberality_n have_v provide_v for_o we_o that_o which_o be_v assert_v by_o some_o moralist_n concern_v the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o their_o zeal_n for_o his_o glory_n suppose_v that_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o think_v actual_o upon_o god_n at_o all_o time_n and_o to_o have_v a_o positive_a intention_n to_o promote_v his_o glory_n in_o all_o the_o action_n of_o their_o life_n but_o such_o morality_n to_o say_v no_o more_o be_v absurd_a and_o impossible_a to_o be_v reduce_v to_o practice_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o have_v god_n always_o in_o his_o thought_n and_o to_o make_v pious_a reflection_n upon_o every_o step_n he_o take_v or_o every_o word_n he_o speak_v and_o there_o be_v such_o action_n in_o life_n which_o can_v without_o profanation_n be_v refer_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n by_o a_o direct_a intention_n st._n paul_n indeed_o enjoin_v we_o 31._o we_o 1_o cor._n x._o 31._o to_o do_v all_o thing_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n but_o this_o rule_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v in_o the_o utmost_a strictness_n nor_o extend_v to_o all_o particular_a action_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o have_v a_o sincere_a and_o general_a intention_n to_o procure_v god_n glory_n and_o to_o do_v one_o duty_n upon_o all_o occasion_n in_o order_n to_o which_o these_o four_o thing_n be_v necessary_a 1._o that_o we_o shall_v not_o fail_v to_o think_v of_o god_n actual_o in_o all_o those_o action_n that_o require_v it_o 2._o that_o if_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o present_a state_n we_o be_v in_o we_o can_v think_v on_o god_n at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o our_o action_n we_o shall_v at_o least_o think_v often_o upon_o he_o and_o make_v frequent_a reflection_n upon_o our_o own_o conduct_n 3._o that_o in_o indifferent_a action_n we_o shall_v not_o abuse_v our_o liberty_n but_o demean_v ourselves_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n which_o the_o gospel_n prescribe_v and_o that_o we_o shall_v especial_o have_v a_o great_a regard_n to_o the_o edification_n of_o our_o neighbour_n it_o be_v particular_o in_o that_o sense_n that_o this_o commandment_n of_o do_v all_o thing_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v 4._o that_o we_o shall_v love_v god_n above_o all_o thing_n and_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v our_o chief_a care_n and_o endeavour_n to_o obey_v he_o and_o to_o advance_v his_o glory_n to_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o power_n how_o many_o scruple_n have_v be_v infuse_v into_o man_n mind_n by_o strain_v the_o sense_n of_o this_o declaration_n of_o our_o saviour_n 36._o saviour_n mat._n xii_o 36._o man_n shall_v give_v a_o account_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n of_o every_o idle_a word_n that_o they_o shall_v speak_v what_o inference_n have_v not_o be_v draw_v from_o this_o place_n to_o fill_v good_a man_n with_o dread_n and_o terror_n it_o be_v expound_v as_o if_o all_o discourse_n which_o neither_o contribute_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n nor_o to_o the_o edification_n of_o our_o neighbour_n nor_o to_o the_o promote_a of_o our_o own_o salvation_n be_v those_o idle_a word_n of_o which_o man_n be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n to_o god_n and_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o word_n pure_o idle_a be_v always_o sinful_a or_o that_o they_o deserve_v the_o severe_a threaten_n which_o our_o saviour_n denounce_v here_o we_o can_v forbear_v talk_v every_o day_n of_o many_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o hold_v several_a discourse_n which_o do_v neither_o good_a nor_o harm_n indeed_o if_o this_o shall_v grow_v into_o a_o habit_n if_o we_o shall_v for_o the_o most_o part_n speak_v only_o of_o trifle_v and_o frivolous_a thing_n it_o will_v be_v a_o sin_n but_o i_o do_v not_o apprehend_v what_o hurt_n there_o can_v be_v in_o talk_v now_o and_o then_o of_o news_n of_o rain_n or_o of_o the_o wether_n certain_o these_o be_v not_o the_o word_n which_o be_v mean_v in_o this_o declaration_n the_o place_n where_o we_o find_v it_o and_o the_o term_n in_o which_o it_o be_v conceive_v do_v manifest_o show_v our_o saviour_n meaning_n to_o be_v this_o that_o man_n shall_v give_v a_o account_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n of_o all_o the_o wicked_a and_o impious_a word_n which_o they_o have_v speak_v and_o that_o the_o pharisee_n particular_o shall_v be_v answerable_a to_o god_n for_o the_o blasphemy_n which_o they_o utter_v against_o his_o miracle_n these_o strain_a maxim_n produce_v very_o pernicious_a effect_n they_o expose_v piety_n to_o the_o flout_n and_o contempt_n of_o libertine_n and_o they_o discourage_v great_a number_n from_o it_o young_a people_n especial_o be_v by_o this_o mean_v disgu_v with_o religion_n and_o they_o take_v up_o a_o aversion_n to_o it_o which_o they_o seldom_o shake_v off_o afterward_o they_o accustom_v themselves_o in_o that_o age_n which_o be_v so_o sensible_a of_o pleasure_n to_o look_v upon_o piety_n under_o a_o austere_a and_o melancholy_a form_n whilst_o on_o the_o side_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o their_o passion_n they_o see_v nothing_o but_o sweetness_n and_o charm_n between_o these_o two_o object_n one_o of_o which_o be_v so_o entice_a and_o the_o other_o so_o disgustful_a it_o be_v easy_a to_o imagine_v which_o side_n they_o will_v choose_v they_o run_v into_o the_o embrace_n
of_o their_o duty_n be_v that_o they_o do_v not_o profess_v devotion_n and_o piety_n this_o be_v the_o ordinary_a plea_n of_o man_n of_o business_n of_o worldling_n of_o young_a people_n of_o courtier_n of_o military_a man_n and_o of_o a_o great_a many_o beside_o in_o all_o condition_n we_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o devotion_n they_o cry_v we_o be_v engage_v in_o the_o world_n and_o with_o this_o shift_n they_o not_o only_o think_v themselves_o excusable_a for_o neglect_v piety_n but_o they_o fancy_v they_o have_v a_o right_a to_o neglect_v it_o and_o that_o they_o do_v a_o great_a deal_n if_o they_o observe_v some_o of_o the_o external_n duty_n of_o it_o one_o can_v hardly_o believe_v that_o these_o person_n be_v in_o carnest_n when_o they_o make_v such_o a_o excuse_n it_o astonish_v a_o man_n to_o find_v christian_n who_o have_v the_o confidence_n to_o say_v that_o piety_n be_v not_o their_o business_n that_o they_o be_v of_o another_o profession_n and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o at_o leisure_n to_o be_v devout_a i_o fancy_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o deceive_v those_o who_o who_o allege_v this_o excuse_n 1._o that_o they_o do_v not_o well_o understand_v what_o devotion_n be_v they_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o very_a austere_a and_o singular_a way_n of_o live_v from_o whence_o they_o conclude_v that_o but_o few_o people_n be_v able_a to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o it_o and_o so_o they_o turn_v it_o over_o to_o the_o clergy_n to_o woman_n or_o to_o those_o who_o have_v much_o leisure_n i_o have_v observe_v already_o the_o falseness_n of_o this_o prejudice_n and_o show_v that_o piety_n be_v neither_o singular_a nor_o austere_a 2._o the_o other_o cause_n of_o their_o error_n seem_v to_o be_v this_o that_o they_o do_v not_o consider_v that_o piety_n be_v every_o body_n business_n and_o that_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o that_o it_o may_v be_v practise_v by_o all_o men._n not_o but_o that_o secular_a occupation_n and_o calling_n do_v frequent_o obstruct_v piety_n and_o engage_v man_n in_o vice_n and_o therefore_o a_o christian_a shall_v never_o be_v so_o take_v up_o with_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n as_o thereby_o to_o disable_v himself_o from_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o christianity_n but_o after_o all_o a_o man_n may_v live_v like_o a_o good_a christian_a in_o any_o lawful_a call_v and_o in_o that_o sense_n proper_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v salvation_n have_v appear_v unto_o all_o man_n teach_v they_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n 11._o world_n tit._n ii_o 11._o do_v those_o who_o plead_v it_o for_o a_o excuse_n that_o they_o do_v not_o profess_v devotion_n imagine_v that_o there_o be_v two_o way_n to_o go_v to_o heaven_n the_o one_o for_o devour_v and_o the_o other_o for_o worldly_a man_n the_o one_o narrow_a and_o the_o other_o broad_a do_v they_o think_v that_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n do_v not_o concern_v all_o man_n that_o there_o be_v respect_n of_o person_n with_o god_n or_o that_o he_o dispense_v with_o his_o own_o law_n how_o can_v they_o prove_v these_o distinction_n be_v not_o we_o all_o christian_n have_v not_o we_o all_o be_v baptise_v do_v not_o god_n give_v we_o all_o the_o same_o law_n or_o have_v some_o more_o reason_n to_o love_n god_n than_o other_o and_o ought_v not_o the_o great_a concern_v of_o our_o salvation_n to_o be_v equal_o dear_a to_o we_o all_o i_o grant_v that_o those_o who_o have_v great_a opportunity_n and_o more_o leisure_n than_o other_o aught_o to_o make_v use_n of_o these_o advantage_n but_o i_o maintain_v at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o none_o stand_v in_o great_a need_n of_o piety_n than_o those_o who_o say_v we_o be_v engage_v in_o the_o world_n we_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o devotion_n it_o be_v because_o they_o be_v not_o devout_a that_o their_o condition_n be_v very_o sad_a and_o the_o more_o they_o be_v engage_v in_o the_o world_n the_o great_a be_v the_o temptation_n and_o distraction_n to_o which_o they_o be_v liable_a now_o he_o that_o be_v expose_v to_o a_o storm_n have_v need_n take_v more_o care_n than_o he_o who_o enjoy_v a_o calm_a these_o be_v the_o principal_a maxim_n and_o sentiment_n which_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o authorize_v corruption_n whoever_o take_v notice_n of_o what_o be_v say_v and_o do_v in_o the_o world_n must_v needs_o acknowledge_v that_o these_o and_o the_o like_a maxim_n be_v vent_v abroad_o every_o day_n so_o that_o in_o order_n to_o obstruct_v the_o progress_n of_o corruption_n it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o undeceive_v man_n in_o reference_n to_o these_o sentiment_n and_o to_o oppose_v that_o criminal_a boldness_n which_o shameful_o corrup_n the_o truth_n of_o reilgion_n and_o turn_n impiety_n into_o religious_a maxim_n and_o article_n of_o faith_n cause_n iu._n the_o abuse_n of_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v a_o dare_a piece_n of_o confidence_n to_o authorize_v corruption_n with_o maxim_n borrow_v from_o religion_n but_o it_o be_v the_o last_o degree_n of_o audaciousness_n and_o impiety_n to_o turn_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o such_o a_o scandalous_a use_n and_o to_o seek_v in_o that_o divine_a book_n pretence_n and_o apology_n for_o vice_n and_o yet_o the_o extravagance_n and_o temerity_n of_o many_o bad_a christian_n come_v up_o to_o this_o pitch_n several_a declaration_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v make_v by_o they_o as_o many_o maxim_n under_o which_o they_o think_v to_o shelter_v themselves_o and_o if_o we_o believe_v they_o there_o be_v nothing_o either_o in_o their_o practice_n or_o opinion_n but_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o will_n and_o intention_n of_o god_n himself_o this_o abuse_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o design_v to_o show_v in_o this_o chapter_n to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o corruption_n and_o it_o can_v he_o too_o serious_o consider_v the_o passage_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v abuse_v to_o this_o purpose_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o four_o head_n the_o first_o comprehend_v the_o place_n which_o be_v bring_v against_o the_o necessity_n of_o good_a work_n under_o the_o second_o we_o will_v examine_v those_o declaration_n of_o scripture_n by_o which_o some_o endeavour_n to_o prove_v that_o all_o man_n without_o exception_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o corruption_n which_o subject_n they_o to_o sin_n in_o the_o three_o place_n we_o shall_v answer_v the_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o example_n of_o those_o saint_n who_o sin_n be_v record_v in_o scripture_n and_o last_o we_o shall_v make_v some_o reflection_n upon_o those_o scrippture_n in_o which_o the_o divine_a mercy_n be_v promise_v to_o the_o great_a sinner_n there_o be_v divers_a passage_n in_o scripture_n which_o be_v ill_o understand_v lead_v many_o into_o this_o persuasion_n that_o good_a work_n be_v not_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n and_o first_o nothing_o be_v more_o confident_o allege_v to_o this_o purpose_n than_o what_o we_o read_v in_o many_o place_n etc._n place_n rom._n iii_o etc._n etc._n that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o our_o work_n no_o doctrine_n be_v more_o clear_o and_o express_o deliver_v in_o the_o gospel_n than_o that_o of_o justification_n by_o faith_n but_o it_o be_v a_o pervert_v of_o this_o doctrine_n to_o conclude_v from_o it_o that_o salvation_n may_v be_v obtain_v without_o good_a work_n this_o conclusion_n must_v needs_o be_v false_a since_o the_o gospel_n enjoin_v good_a work_n as_o a_o necessary_a condition_n in_o order_n to_o salvation_n st_o paul_n tell_v we_o that_o 14._o that_o heb._n xx._n 14._o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v god_n and_o do_v not_o that_o import_n that_o none_o shall_v be_v save_v without_o holiness_n and_o good_a work_n the_o same_o apostle_n teach_v we_o that_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n when_o man_n shall_v be_v admit_v into_o or_o exclude_v from_o heaven_n god_n will_v have_v a_o regard_n to_o their_o work_n to_o the_o good_a or_o evil_n which_o they_o shall_v have_v do_v 6._o do_v rom._n 11._o 6._o god_n will_v render_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o work_n 10._o work_n 2_o cor._n v._o 10._o we_o must_v all_o appear_v before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n that_o we_o may_v receive_v according_a to_o what_o we_o have_v do_v whether_o good_a or_o bad_a this_o be_v very_o positive_a and_o therefore_o since_o there_o can_v be_v no_o contradiction_n in_o scripture_n here_o be_v enough_o already_o to_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n have_v nothing_o in_o it_o which_o destroy_v the_o necessity_n of_o good_a work_n but_o it_o will_v appear_v yet_o less_o difficult_a to_o reconcile_v these_o two_o doctrine_n if_o we_o suppose_v that_o which_o no_o man_n can_v reasonable_o contest_v
not_o be_v very_o large_a upon_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o man_n take_v little_a care_n of_o be_v instruct_v and_o of_o get_v information_n and_o knowledge_n about_o religion_n the_o far_o great_a part_n either_o can_v read_v or_o never_o apply_v themselves_o to_o any_o useful_a instructive_a read_n few_o harken_v to_o the_o instruction_n that_o be_v give_v they_o and_o few_o yet_o examine_v or_o reflect_v upon_o they_o carnal_a lust_n and_o secular_a business_n do_v so_o engross_v they_o that_o they_o seldom_o or_o never_o give_v themselves_o to_o search_v the_o truth_n they_o general_o have_v a_o aversion_n to_o spiritual_a thing_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n they_o will_v rather_o believe_v implicit_o what_o be_v tell_v they_o than_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n of_o inquire_v whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o not_o and_o they_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o careless_a about_o exercise_n of_o devotion_n many_o will_v think_v it_o a_o punishment_n if_o they_o be_v make_v to_o read_v or_o to_o meditate_v they_o never_o do_v those_o thing_n but_o with_o reluctancy_n and_o as_o seldom_o as_o they_o can_v they_o go_v about_o prayer_n especial_o with_o a_o strange_a indifference_n and_o a_o criminal_a indevotion_n in_o short_a very_o few_o take_v the_o necessary_a care_n to_o preserve_v themselves_o from_o vice_n and_o to_o behave_v themselves_o with_o regularity_n and_o caution_n very_o few_o seek_v the_o opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a and_o avoid_v the_o temptation_n to_o which_o the_o common_a condition_n of_o man_n or_o their_o own_o particular_a circumstance_n expose_v they_o and_o the_o great_a number_n be_v slave_n to_o their_o body_n and_o whole_o take_v up_o with_o earthly_a thing_n one_o of_o the_o most_o sensible_a and_o fatal_a effect_n of_o this_o negligence_n be_v that_o those_o person_n use_v no_o manner_n of_o endeavour_n to_o know_v themselves_o it_o be_v very_o seldom_o if_o ever_o that_o they_o reflect_v upon_o what_o pass_v within_o they_o upon_o their_o thought_n their_o inclination_n the_o motion_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o the_o principle_n they_o act_n upon_o or_o that_o they_o take_v a_o review_n of_o their_o word_n and_o action_n they_o do_v not_o consider_v whether_o they_o have_v within_o they_o the_o character_n of_o good_a man_n or_o of_o wicked_a and_o hypocritical_a person_n in_o a_o word_n almost_o all_o of_o they_o live_v without_o reflection_n man_n carelessness_n about_o religion_n be_v there_o fore_o extreme_o great_a but_o they_o proceed_v otherwise_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n about_o which_o they_o be_v as_o active_a and_o laborious_a as_o they_o be_v lazy_a and_o cold_a in_o reference_n to_o true_a piety_n they_o will_v do_v every_o thing_n for_o their_o body_n and_o nothing_o for_o their_o soul_n they_o spare_v no_o industry_n or_o diligence_n they_o omit_v nothing_o to_o promote_v their_o temporal_a concern_v if_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v by_o their_o conduct_n we_o will_v think_v that_o the_o supreme_a good_a be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o earthly_a advantage_n and_o that_o salvation_n be_v the_o least_o important_a of_o all_o thing_n i_o need_v not_o say_v what_o effect_n such_o a_o negligence_n must_v produce_v the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n be_v ignorant_a in_o their_o duty_n have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o themselves_o decline_v the_o use_n of_o those_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v and_o without_o which_o he_o declare_v that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v save_v and_o wear_v out_o their_o life_n in_o this_o ignorance_n and_o sloth_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o they_o can_v have_v any_o religion_n or_o piety_n and_o so_o there_o must_v be_v a_o general_a corruption_n among_o they_o i_o say_v it_o must_v be_v so_o unless_o god_n shall_v work_v miracle_n or_o rather_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o invert_v the_o order_n and_o the_o law_n which_o he_o have_v establish_v but_o because_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o christian_n do_v not_o live_v like_o atheist_n and_o that_o their_o negligence_n be_v not_o so_o great_a as_o i_o represent_v it_o let_v we_o consider_v a_o little_a what_o sort_n of_o care_n they_o bestow_v upon_o the_o concern_v of_o their_o soul_n certain_o there_o be_v some_o person_n who_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o this_o negligence_n but_o except_v these_o what_o be_v it_o which_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n do_v in_o order_n to_o their_o salvation_n very_o little_a or_o nothing_o they_o pray_v they_o assist_v sometime_o at_o divine_a service_n and_o at_o the_o public_a exercise_n of_o religion_n they_o hear_v sermon_n they_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o they_o perform_v some_o other_o duty_n of_o this_o nature_n this_o be_v all_o which_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o great_a part_n amount_v to_o but_o first_o these_o be_v not_o only_o the_o duty_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v practise_v there_o be_v other_o which_z be_v not_o less_o essential_a and_o which_o yet_o be_v general_o neglect_v such_o as_o meditation_n read_v self-examination_n to_o say_v nothing_o here_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o sanctificatification_n so_o that_o if_o some_o act_n of_o religion_n be_v perform_v other_o be_v quite_o omit_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o proceed_v may_v easy_o be_v discover_v there_o be_v a_o law_n and_o a_o custom_n which_o oblige_v all_o person_n to_o some_o act_n of_o religion_n to_o pray_v to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o to_o go_v now_o and_o then_o to_o church_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v entire_o neglect_v these_o external_a duty_n he_o will_v be_v think_v a_o atheist_n but_o there_o be_v neither_o custom_n nor_o law_n nor_o worldly_a decency_n which_o oblige_v a_o man_n to_o meditate_v to_o examine_v his_o own_o conscience_n or_o to_o watch_v over_o his_o conduct_n and_o therefore_o these_o duty_n be_v leave_v to_o every_o one_o direction_n be_v very_o little_o observe_v as_o to_o the_o other_o duty_n which_o christian_n form_n in_o some_o measure_n the_o want_n of_o sincerity_n in_o they_o do_v most_o common_o turn_v they_o into_o so_o many_o act_n of_o hypocrisy_n they_o perhaps_o say_v some_o prayer_n in_o the_o morning_n but_o this_o be_v do_v without_o devotion_n hasty_o with_o distraction_n and_o weariness_n and_o only_o to_o get_v rid_v of_o it_o after_o they_o think_v no_o more_o of_o god_n all_o the_o day_n but_o be_v altogether_o busy_v about_o the_o world_n and_o their_o passion_n and_o in_o the_o evening_n they_o pray_v with_o great_a wander_a of_o thought_n than_o in_o the_o morning_n if_o it_o so_o fall_v out_o that_o they_o go_v to_o church_n or_o hear_v a_o sermon_n they_o do_v not_o give_v a_o quarter_n of_o a_o hour_n close_a attention_n to_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v say_v or_o do_v in_o the_o public_a assembly_n in_o many_o place_n the_o whole_a devotion_n of_o the_o people_n consist_v in_o be_v present_a at_o some_o sermon_n which_o be_v as_o little_a insructive_a as_o they_o be_v mind_v or_o hearken_v to_o the_o use_n which_o be_v make_v of_o the_o sacrament_n especial_o of_o the_o eucharist_n convert_v they_o into_o vain_a ceremony_n and_o make_v they_o rather_o obstacle_n than_o help_v to_o salvation_n as_o to_o the_o mortify_n of_o the_o body_n by_o reasonable_a abstinence_n fast_v and_o retirement_n it_o be_v a_o unknown_a duty_n the_o indifference_n of_o christian_n be_v therefore_o but_o too_o palpable_a what_o they_o do_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o religion_n be_v very_o little_a and_o yet_o they_o do_v that_o little_a so_o ill_a that_o it_o be_v not_o much_o more_o beneficial_a to_o they_o than_o if_o they_o do_v nothing_o at_o all_o and_o now_o what_o may_v not_o be_v say_v if_o after_o have_v thus_o show_v that_o what_o man_n do_v for_o their_o salvation_n be_v next_o to_o nothing_o i_o shall_v undertake_v to_o prove_v that_o they_o do_v almost_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a for_o their_o damnation_n and_o that_o they_o be_v as_o zealous_a and_o industrious_a for_o their_o ruin_n as_o they_o be_v slothful_a and_o negligent_a in_o what_o be_v requisite_a to_o preserve_v they_o there_o be_v mean_n to_o corrupt_a as_o well_o as_o to_o sanctify_v ourselves_o the_o mean_n of_o corruption_n and_o perdition_n be_v ignorance_n want_v of_o attention_n neglect_v of_o devotion_n the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o flesh_n unruly_a passion_n temptation_n and_o ill_a example_n now_o suppose_v that_o a_o man_n be_v so_o monstrous_o frantic_a as_o to_o form_v the_o design_n of_o damn_v himself_o what_o will_v such_o a_o man_n do_v he_o will_v neglect_v the_o exercise_n of_o devotion_n he_o will_v not_o pray_v at_o all_o or_o he_o will_v pray_v only_o with_o his_o lip_n he_o will_v profane_v the_o sacrament_n by_o a_o unsanctify_v use_n of_o they_o he_o will_v only_o mind_v his_o body_n and_o this_o present_a life_n he_o will_v give_v loose_a reins_o to_o
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 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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
practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o the_o primitive_a church_n fast_v being_n enjoin_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o establish_v by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o by_o the_o universal_a practice_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n and_o of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n for_o several_a age_n there_o be_v reason_n to_o wonder_v that_o in_o some_o place_n this_o duty_n shall_v be_v almost_o out_o of_o date_n for_o as_o to_o solemn_a fast_n which_o be_v celebrate_v from_o time_n to_o time_n and_o seldom_o enough_o those_o be_v not_o proper_o the_o fast_n of_o which_o the_o gospel_n speak_v and_o which_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o ancient_n they_o be_v act_n of_o public_a humiliation_n design_v for_o time_n of_o calamity_n or_o of_o extraordinary_a devotion_n and_o the_o use_n of_o these_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v too_o frequent_a because_o custom_n be_v apt_a to_o lessen_v their_o effect_n but_o i_o mean_v those_o fast_n which_o be_v help_n to_o devotition_n and_o holiness_n and_o mean_n to_o mortify_v the_o body_n and_o to_o dispose_v man_n to_o humiliation_n and_o repentance_n uniformity_n in_o divine_a worship_n will_v be_v another_o very_a necessary_a establishment_n it_o will_v show_v the_o unity_n of_o faith_n it_o will_v render_v religion_n venerable_a and_o prevent_v those_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n which_o be_v inevitable_a when_o rite_n and_o practice_n quite_o different_a nay_o sometime_o contrary_a to_o one_o another_o be_v observe_v in_o several_a church_n last_o care_n shall_v be_v take_v that_o divine_a service_n may_v be_v perform_v every_o where_o in_o a_o orderly_a grave_n and_o decent_a manner_n the_o exterior_a of_o religion_n have_v a_o great_a influence_n than_o we_o imagine_v upon_o the_o essence_n of_o it_o beside_o that_o we_o save_v a_o express_a law_n 40._o law_n 1_o cor._n fourteen_o 40._o which_o say_v that_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n indeed_o pageantry_n and_o pomp_n the_o great_a number_n of_o ceremony_n and_o whatever_o savour_v of_o superstition_n aught_o to_o be_v avoid_v as_o well_o as_o every_o thing_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o essence_n of_o evangelical_n worship_n and_o it_o be_v better_a to_o fall_v into_o a_o excess_n of_o simplicity_n than_o to_o clog_n religion_n with_o too_o many_o ceremony_n but_o yet_o under_o pretence_n of_o simplicity_n we_o be_v not_o to_o run_v into_o confusion_n and_o to_o neglect_v the_o external_o of_o religion_n and_o divine_a service_n if_o we_o shall_v examine_v by_o this_o rule_n what_o be_v do_v in_o some_o church_n with_o relation_n for_o instance_n to_o the_o law_n and_o form_n of_o public_a assembly_n to_o the_o celebration_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o the_o sacrament_n and_o to_o the_o person_n who_o receive_v the_o communion_n and_o who_o officiate_n we_o may_v find_v there_o several_a thing_n to_o be_v rectify_v and_o it_o will_v be_v very_o useful_a to_o take_v this_o into_o consideration_n for_o the_o want_n of_o gravity_n and_o decency_n and_o a_o dry_a and_o careless_a perform_v of_o public_a worship_n render_v religion_n despicable_a and_o make_v the_o people_n who_o common_o judge_v of_o thing_n by_o their_o outside_n to_o entertain_v a_o mean_a notion_n of_o divine_a service_n which_o produce_v the_o contempt_n of_o religion_n and_o by_o consequence_n ill_a manner_n vi_o this_o contempt_n of_o religion_n be_v another_o fault_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v pass_v over_o in_o silence_n it_o have_v be_v always_o the_o general_a sense_n of_o mankind_n that_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v honour_v and_o respect_v the_o heathen_a religion_n as_o false_a as_o they_o be_v do_v attract_v the_o veneration_n of_o the_o people_n and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v see_v at_o this_o day_n among_o the_o several_a nation_n of_o infidel_n certain_o then_o the_o christian_a religion_n deserve_v all_o the_o veneration_n and_o respect_n which_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o but_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o in_o many_o place_n it_o be_v fall_v of_o late_a into_o a_o very_a great_a outward_a meanness_n man_n be_v accustom_v themselves_o to_o look_v with_o indifference_n and_o with_o haughtiness_n and_o scorn_n upon_o every_o thing_n which_o have_v some_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n or_o to_o religion_n this_o appear_v especial_o in_o the_o contempt_n which_o be_v express_v towards_o the_o clergy_n though_o the_o scripture_n represent_v their_o office_n as_o a_o most_o excellent_a and_o honourable_a employment_n though_o it_o enjoin_v christian_n to_o 13._o to_o heb._n xiii_o 27._o 1_o thess_n v._o 13._o honour_n love_n and_o reverence_n those_o who_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o they_o yet_o the_o ecclesiastical_a order_n be_v general_o but_o little_o honour_v and_o what_o be_v more_o surprise_v it_o be_v most_o depress_a and_o abase_v in_o those_o church_n which_o otherwise_o profess_v a_o pure_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n than_o other_o christian_a society_n i_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o all_o church_n in_o general_a but_o whoever_o see_v what_o be_v practise_v in_o many_o place_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n to_o strip_v the_o clergy_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n and_o of_o every_o thing_n that_o may_v render_v they_o venerable_a to_o the_o people_n and_o to_o set_v they_o upon_o a_o low_a and_o contemptible_a foot_n their_o character_n be_v become_v abject_a if_o not_o odious_a and_o it_o become_v so_o more_o and_o more_o every_o day_n that_o which_o make_v it_o more_o despicable_a be_v the_o poverty_n which_o many_o of_o they_o be_v force_v to_o live_v in_o it_o be_v not_o difficult_a to_o find_v out_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o contempt_n it_o may_v be_v just_o charge_v upon_o the_o clergy_n themselves_o their_o character_n be_v become_v vile_a because_o they_o support_v it_o but_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o man_n have_v a_o right_a to_o despise_v they_o all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v do_v be_v to_o endeavour_v the_o reclaim_n of_o they_o if_o under_o pretence_n of_o person_n be_v unworthy_a or_o of_o some_o abuse_n in_o office_n it_o be_v lawful_a to_o despise_v the_o profession_n themselves_o will_v not_o even_o magistracy_n be_v often_o the_o vile_a of_o all_o employment_n may_v we_o not_o say_v beside_o that_o churchman_n do_v not_o well_o maintain_v their_o character_n because_o they_o be_v despise_v a_o office_n which_o be_v slight_v will_v never_o be_v well_o discharge_v it_o be_v seldom_o that_o great_a worth_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o a_o post_n which_o be_v little_o honour_v or_o rather_o much_o despise_v the_o chief_a cause_n of_o this_o contempt_n be_v the_o manner_n in_o which_o thing_n be_v order_v in_o the_o last_o century_n persecution_n poverty_n and_o the_o opposition_n of_o the_o high_a power_n be_v at_o first_o great_a obstacle_n to_o the_o establish_n of_o good_a order_n prince_n and_o great_a man_n do_v possess_v themselves_o of_o the_o revenue_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n nothing_o be_v leave_v to_o churchman_n but_o the_o care_n of_o make_v sermon_n and_o of_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n they_o be_v turn_v into_o bare_a preacher_n a_o character_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v not_o very_o fit_a to_o create_v respect_n i_o say_v nothing_o here_o of_o the_o discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n because_o i_o be_o to_o speak_v of_o these_o more_o large_o by_o and_o by_o this_o abasement_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o ministry_n be_v a_o visible_a cause_n of_o corruption_n as_o soon_o as_o sacred_a thing_n be_v disregard_v impiety_n must_v needs_o prevail_v especial_o if_o the_o minister_n of_o religion_n be_v despise_v than_o religion_n can_v have_v no_o great_a force_n upon_o man_n mind_n the_o master_n can_v be_v honour_v when_o his_o servant_n be_v slight_v man_n who_o be_v without_o authority_n can_v contain_v the_o people_n in_o their_o duty_n whatsoever_o come_v from_o a_o abject_a person_n who_o be_v neither_o belove_v nor_o esteem_v can_v never_o be_v receive_v with_o submission_n the_o contempt_n of_o pastor_n draw_v of_o necessity_n after_o it_o the_o contempt_n of_o divine_a service_n of_o preach_v and_o of_o other_o sacred_a function_n the_o poverty_n of_o churchman_n be_v not_o much_o less_o fatal_a to_o the_o church_n than_o the_o immense_a and_o excessive_a riches_n which_o do_v former_o corrupt_v the_o clergy_n for_o beside_o that_o in_o those_o time_n and_o place_n in_o which_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v predominant_a and_o profess_v by_o person_n of_o quality_n poverty_n make_v the_o minister_n of_o religion_n contemptible_a to_o the_o people_n and_o even_o to_o great_a man_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o in_o those_o circumstance_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o minister_n shall_v live_v with_o some_o credit_n beside_o this_o i_o say_v that_o poverty_n disable_v they_o from_o exercise_v
all_o those_o disorder_n which_o may_v happen_v in_o the_o church_n and_o particular_o to_o scandal_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o if_o we_o may_v proceed_v in_o the_o method_n here_o enjoin_v when_o the_o case_n be_v only_o concern_v some_o difference_n between_o private_a man_n we_o have_v much_o more_o right_a to_o do_v so_o relation_n to_o with_o public_a sin_n since_o they_o be_v case_n which_o concern_v the_o whole_a church_n and_o that_o direct_o and_o which_o do_v yet_o more_o proper_o belong_v to_o her_o cognisance_n than_o the_o quarrel_n of_o private_a men._n the_o mean_v of_o christ_n be_v then_o that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o order_n in_o his_o church_n for_o the_o remove_n of_o scandal_n he_o suppose_v that_o the_o church_n have_v a_o right_a to_o interpose_v upon_o those_o occasion_n and_o he_o command_v that_o those_o who_o shall_v refuse_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o if_o they_o be_v her_o member_n no_o long_o and_o that_o communication_n with_o they_o shall_v be_v avoid_v this_o be_v the_o import_n of_o these_o word_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o publican_n 2._o the_o v._o chapter_n of_o the_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n ver_fw-la 2_o 3_o 4._o decide_v this_o matter_n st._n paul_n have_v be_v inform_v that_o there_o be_v a_o man_n among_o the_o corinthian_n who_o live_v in_o incest_n he_o write_v about_o it_o to_o that_o church_n and_o first_o he_o reprove_v they_o for_o not_o have_v cut_v off_o from_o their_o communion_n the_o person_n who_o have_v commit_v so_o infamous_a a_o action_n in_o the_o next_o place_n he_o do_v himself_o excommunicate_v that_o man_n and_o deliver_v he_o up_o to_o satan_n i_o know_v that_o perhaps_o this_o power_n of_o deliver_v up_o to_o satan_n belong_v only_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o it_o be_v likely_a that_o this_o be_v one_o of_o those_o extraordinary_a punishment_n which_o they_o have_v a_o power_n to_o inflict_v upon_o profane_a and_o rebellious_a person_n but_o as_o for_o excommunication_n it_o be_v the_o common_a and_o ordinary_a right_n of_o the_o church_n this_o right_a or_o rather_o this_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n be_v clear_o assert_v by_o the_o censure_n which_o the_o apostle_n address_v to_o the_o corinthian_n because_o they_o have_v not_o take_v that_o incestuous_a person_n from_o among_o they_o and_o because_o they_o have_v not_o observe_v the_o order_n he_o have_v give_v they_o before_o not_o to_o suffer_v fornicator_n 4._o fornicator_n ver._n 4._o i_o write_v unto_o you_o already_o not_o to_o company_n fornicator_n he_o repeat_v this_o order_n in_o these_o word_n which_o contain_v a_o express_a and_o general_a law_n against_o all_o scandalous_a sinner_n 12._o sinner_n ver._n 12._o i_o write_v it_o unto_o you_o again_o not_o to_o keep_v company_n if_o any_o man_n that_o be_v call_v a_o brother_n be_v a_o fornicator_n or_o covetous_a or_o a_o idolater_n or_o a_o railer_n or_o a_o drunkard_n or_o a_o extortioner_n with_o such_o a_o one_o no_o not_o to_o eat_v this_o be_v positive_a and_o what_o the_o apostle_n add_v do_v not_o you_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v within_o be_v a_o confirmation_n that_o the_o church_n have_v a_o right_a to_o do_v so_o with_o relation_n to_o her_o member_n last_o he_o conclude_v with_o these_o word_n 13._o word_n ver._n 13._o therefore_o put_v away_o from_o among_o yourselves_o that_o wicked_a person_n for_o thus_o this_o verse_n be_v to_o be_v render_v as_o the_o drift_n of_o the_o whole_a chapter_n of_o which_o this_o be_v the_o conclusion_n show_v it_o evident_o i_o desire_v the_o force_n of_o this_o proof_n may_v be_v consider_v it_o be_v not_o one_o single_a passage_n which_o i_o here_o produce_v it_o be_v a_o whole_a chapter_n it_o be_v a_o thread_n of_o argument_n and_o of_o express_v and_o reiterated_a injunction_n st._n paul_n describe_v those_o who_o the_o church_n ought_v not_o to_o suffer_v in_o her_o bosom_n he_o appoint_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o reference_n to_o they_o which_o be_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christian_n and_o that_o their_o company_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v there_o can_v be_v a_o clear_a and_o express_a law_n if_o this_o be_v not_o so_o 3._o there_o be_v some_o other_o place_n which_o have_v no_o ambiguity_n in_o they_o 2_o thess_n iii_o 6._o we_o command_v you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n this_o preface_n be_v remarkable_a here_o be_v a_o law_n in_o due_a form_n which_o the_o apostle_n be_v go_v to_o deliver_v he_o propose_v it_o by_o way_n of_o command_n and_o he_o interpose_v the_o auhority_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n we_o command_v you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o you_o withdraw_v yourselves_o from_o every_o brother_n that_o walk_v disorderly_a and_o not_o after_o the_o tradition_n which_o he_o receive_v of_o we_o this_o law_n be_v repeat_v for_o 14._o if_o any_o man_n obey_v not_o our_o word_n by_o this_o epistle_n note_v that_o man_n and_o have_v no_o company_n with_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v ashamed_a 4._o the_o one_a epistle_n to_o timothy_n afford_v we_o proof_n unanswerable_a the_o design_n of_o st._n paul_n in_o this_o epistle_n be_v to_o establish_v order_n and_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n to_o this_o purpose_n he_o give_v several_a precept_n to_o timothy_n he_o instruct_v he_o exact_o how_o pastor_n ought_v to_o proceed_v about_o information_n censure_n and_o the_o principal_a office_n of_o church-government_n v._n church-government_n chap._n v._n rebuke_v not_o a_o elder_a but_o instruct_v he_o as_o a_o father_n and_o the_o young_a man_n as_o brethren_n the_o elder_a woman_n as_o mother_n the_o young_a as_o sister_n with_o all_o purity_n 5._o purity_n 1_o tim._n i._n 20._o 2_o tim._n iii_o 5._o against_o a_o elder_a or_o a_o priest_n receive_v not_o a_o accusation_n but_o before_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n they_o that_o sin_n rebuke_n before_o all_o that_o other_o also_o may_v fear_v i_o charge_v thou_o before_o god_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o elect_a angel_n that_o thou_o observe_v these_o thing_n without_o prefer_v one_o before_o another_o do_v nothing_o by_o partiality_n i_o may_v add_v other_o place_n out_o of_o this_o epistle_n and_o the_o follow_v and_o out_o of_o that_o to_o titus_n 10._o titus_n tit._n iii_o 10._o here_o be_v then_o again_o a_o whole_a thread_n of_o discourse_n prescribe_v the_o order_n according_a to_o which_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v govern_v here_o be_v particular_a rule_n and_o st._n paul_n use_v a_o adjuration_n to_o oblige_v timothy_n to_o observe_v they_o these_o law_n do_v not_o concern_v timothy_n in_o particular_a but_o st._n paul_n speak_v here_o of_o the_o episcopal_a function_n and_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n we_o need_v but_o read_v the_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n and_o the_o beginning_n of_o that_o which_o he_o write_v to_o titus_n to_o be_v satisfy_v that_o he_o intend_v this_o order_n shall_v be_v settle_v in_o all_o the_o church_n either_o there_o be_v nothing_o plain_a in_o scripture_n or_o it_o appear_v from_o all_o these_o place_n that_o discipline_n be_v institute_v of_o god_n that_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o be_v commit_v to_o pastor_n that_o scandalous_a sinner_n be_v not_o to_o be_v tolerate_v in_o the_o church_n that_o private_a man_n ought_v to_o avoid_v their_o company_n and_o that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o proceed_v against_o they_o by_o private_a and_o public_a censure_n and_o even_o by_o excommunication_n if_o the_o passage_n i_o have_v cite_v do_v not_o prove_v all_o this_o we_o may_v wrangle_v about_o every_o thing_n and_o all_o argument_n from_o the_o sacred_a write_n may_v be_v elude_v the_o institution_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v not_o more_o express_v or_o positive_a iii_o but_o though_o these_o place_n be_v not_o so_o positive_a and_o so_o clear_a as_o they_o be_v yet_o we_o may_v be_v asssure_v that_o this_o be_v their_o true_a meaning_n because_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n in_o which_o the_o whole_a primitive_a church_n understand_v they_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o first_o age_n in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o apostle_n amount_v to_o a_o demonstration_n which_o can_v be_v withstand_v beside_o that_o we_o be_v to_o presume_v that_o what_o have_v be_v practise_v from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o her_o purity_n be_v settle_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o or_o by_o apostolical_a man_n so_o that_o we_o ought_v as_o much_o as_o possible_a to_o conform_v ourselves_o to_o it_o now_o we_o know_v that_o discipline_n be_v observe_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n notwithstanding_o the_o
unhappiness_n of_o the_o time_n and_o the_o perfecution_n this_o be_v unquestionable_a matter_n of_o fact_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v take_v it_o for_o grant_v and_o only_o say_v in_o short_a that_o then_o all_o those_o who_o embrace_v christianity_n be_v engage_v by_o a_o solemn_a vow_n to_o renounce_v the_o vice_n of_o the_o age_n and_o to_o lead_v a_o holy_a life_n that_o those_o who_o be_v baptise_a be_v not_o suffer_v to_o live_v disorderly_a that_o vicious_a person_n be_v debar_v the_o holy_a mystery_n that_o those_o who_o fall_v into_o great_a sin_n be_v excommunicate_v as_o well_o as_o those_o who_o be_v contumacious_a and_o incorrigible_a that_o such_o be_v not_o restore_v to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n but_o after_o various_a degree_n of_o penance_n and_o a_o public_a acknowledgement_n of_o their_o fault_n and_o that_o as_o to_o those_o who_o relapse_v they_o be_v receive_v only_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n very_o clear_a monument_n of_o this_o practice_n be_v still_o extant_a in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o old_a canon_n and_o decree_n of_o council_n this_o discipline_n must_v needs_o have_v be_v very_o severe_o observe_v since_o st._n ambrose_n be_v not_o afraid_a to_o put_v it_o in_o practice_n against_o the_o emperor_n theodosius_n i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a that_o the_o primitive_a church_n have_v vary_v about_o certain_a circumstance_n that_o the_o penitent_n be_v treat_v sometime_o with_o more_o and_o sometime_o with_o less_o severity_n and_o that_o the_o time_n of_o their_o penance_n be_v long_a or_o short_a but_o as_o to_o the_o main_a or_o the_o essence_n of_o discipline_n it_o do_v always_o obtain_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o it_o be_v as_o little_o question_v then_o whether_o discipline_n ought_v to_o be_v observe_v as_o whether_o christian_n shall_v be_v baptise_a this_o usage_n among_o the_o first_o christian_n be_v at_o least_o a_o strong_a presumption_n in_o favour_n of_o discipline_n but_o it_o be_v consonant_n beside_o to_o what_o we_o read_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o there_o can_v remain_v any_o doubt_n about_o this_o matter_n iv_o in_o the_o last_o place_n the_o nature_n of_o discipline_n itself_o prove_v the_o usefulness_n and_o necessity_n of_o it_o all_o those_o who_o be_v not_o blind_v with_o prejudice_n must_v own_v that_o discipline_n consider_v in_o itself_o be_v altogether_o agreeable_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n 1._o the_o honour_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o promote_a of_o christ_n kingdom_n require_v order_n in_o the_o church_n who_o do_v not_o see_v but_o that_o if_o the_o church_n do_v tolerate_v scandalous_a person_n and_o take_v they_o into_o her_o bosom_n and_o make_v no_o difference_n between_o they_o and_o the_o faithful_a she_o may_v just_o be_v charge_v with_o all_o the_o disorder_n and_o scandal_n which_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o live_v of_o bad_a christian_n and_o be_v look_v upon_o by_o infidel_n as_o a_o profane_a society_n where_o vice_n be_v permit_v but_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n be_v a_o authentic_a disow_n of_o vice_n whereby_o the_o church_n declare_v public_o that_o she_o do_v not_o allow_v of_o it_o 2._o discipline_n be_v a_o most_o efficacious_a mean_n to_o procure_v the_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n a_o man_n must_v be_v very_o much_o harden_v when_o the_o be_v remove_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o christian_n do_v not_o reclaim_v he_o but_o when_o a_o scandalous_a person_n be_v suffer_v to_o live_v in_o the_o society_n of_o the_o faithful_a when_o he_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o same_o privilege_n with_o other_o member_n of_o the_o church_n this_o give_v he_o a_o occasion_n to_o harden_v himself_o in_o sin_n and_o to_o think_v that_o he_o be_v as_o good_a a_o christian_n and_o that_o he_o have_v as_o much_o right_n to_o salvation_n as_o other_o which_o be_v a_o most_o dangerous_a but_o withal_o a_o most_o common_a imagination_n 3._o discipline_n be_v useful_a to_o the_o church_n in_o general_n many_o who_o may_v otherwise_o have_v ill_a inclination_n be_v restrain_v by_o example_n or_o shame_n or_o fear_v or_o ever_o by_o conscience_n good_a man_n be_v thereby_o double_o edify_v since_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n this_o rigour_n confirm_v they_o in_o their_o duty_n and_o that_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o make_v reparation_n for_o the_o scandal_n which_o other_o man_n sin_n give_v they_o from_o all_o this_o i_o conclude_v that_o discipline_n be_v a_o sacred_a necessary_a and_o inviolable_a order_n it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o humane_a or_o arbitrary_a establishment_n which_o may_v be_v alter_v or_o which_o be_v only_o to_o continue_v for_o a_o time_n a_o order_n which_o have_v its_o original_a in_o the_o express_a law_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o which_o be_v appoint_v in_o scripture_n as_o a_o general_a law_n a_o order_n which_o have_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n a_o order_n which_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o church_n and_o religion_n and_o which_o perfect_o agree_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n such_o a_o order_n certain_o aught_o to_o be_v follow_v as_o be_v of_o a_o necessary_a and_o indispensable_a obligation_n i_o say_v it_o again_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o positive_a than_o this_o in_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o sacrament_n discipline_n as_o well_o as_o the_o sacrament_n be_v found_v upon_o dvine_a institution_n and_o confirm_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n but_o in_o discipline_n there_o be_v one_o thing_n more_o than_o in_o the_o sacrament_n for_o whereas_o the_o sacrament_n consider_v in_o themselves_o and_o without_o respect_n to_o the_o divine_a institution_n be_v thing_n indifferent_a and_o of_o no_o use_n discipline_n in_o itself_o be_v just_a and_o useful_a agreeable_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n as_o well_o as_o to_o plain_a reason_n and_o sense_n i_o have_v perhaps_o be_v too_o large_a upon_o this_o subject_a but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v prove_v in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o discipline_n be_v necessary_a and_o institute_v by_o god_n since_o that_o be_v the_o ground_n i_o go_v upon_o in_o this_o whole_a chapter_n this_o sacred_a order_n which_o have_v be_v fettle_v in_o the_o beginning_n of_o christianity_n be_v alter_v in_o process_n of_o time_n and_o in_o this_o as_o in_o many_o other_o thing_n christian_n grow_v remiss_a this_o be_v do_v by_o degree_n for_o good_a law_n be_v not_o common_o abolish_v all_o at_o once_o but_o through_o insensible_a change_n we_o learn_v from_o ecclesiastical_a history_n that_o the_o slacken_n of_o discipline_n be_v chief_o to_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o take_v away_o some_o public_a penance_n those_o penance_n be_v convert_v into_o private_a confession_n and_o penance_n at_o first_o this_o alteration_n be_v only_o concern_v some_o sin_n which_o be_v not_o think_v to_o deserve_v the_o utmost_a rigour_n of_o discipline_n for_o as_o to_o great_a sin_n such_o as_o murder_n and_o adultery_n the_o ancient_a order_n be_v still_o in_o force_n but_o at_o last_o about_o the_o end_n of_o the_o iv_o century_n public_a penance_n be_v abolish_v first_o in_o the_o eastern_a and_o sometime_o after_o in_o the_o western_a church_n instead_o of_o penance_n private_a satisfaction_n be_v appoint_v and_o then_o man_n unhappy_o begin_v to_o be_v more_o concern_v about_o the_o exterior_a of_o penance_n than_o about_o what_o be_v spiritual_a in_o it_o and_o fit_a to_o reclaim_v sinner_n this_o be_v do_v at_o first_o by_o a_o kind_n of_o relaxation_n or_o indulgence_n but_o that_o which_o at_o the_o beginning_n be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o exception_n to_o the_o law_n succeed_v in_o the_o room_n of_o the_o law_n itself_o and_o from_o thence_o spring_v indulgence_n satisfaction_n penance_n auricular_a confession_n and_o many_o other_o practice_n which_o be_v but_o corruption_n of_o the_o ancient_a discipline_n the_o bishop_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n be_v distract_v by_o temporal_a care_n after_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o emperor_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n begin_v to_o neglect_v the_o essential_a part_n of_o their_o function_n and_o the_o conduct_n of_o their_o flock_n they_o be_v for_o humour_v great_a man_n who_o think_v it_o hard_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o public_a order_n this_o be_v a_o short_a account_n how_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v considerable_o adulterate_v in_o the_o point_n of_o discipline_n we_o be_v now_o to_o examine_v what_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o religion_n be_v with_o relation_n to_o discipline_n all_o the_o abuse_n which_o come_v up_o in_o the_o room_n of_o the_o ancient_a discipline_n do_v still_o subsist_v in_o most_o place_n both_o in_o the_o greek_a and_o in_o the_o latin_a church_n the_o canon_n and_o
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
do_v abolish_v the_o moysaicall_a ceremony_n will_v at_o the_o same_o time_n have_v burden_v the_o church_n with_o needless_a law_n or_o that_o they_o will_v have_v interpose_v christ_n authority_n for_o the_o observation_n of_o a_o order_n which_o have_v not_o be_v necessary_a they_o be_v desire_v to_o consider_v beside_o that_o man_n have_v body_n as_o well_o as_o soul_n that_o among_o a_o great_a multiâ—â—le_n there_o be_v many_o person_n of_o a_o gross_a understanding_n who_o can_v be_v restrain_v but_o by_o external_a law_n and_o that_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o pretend_v that_o man_n can_v be_v so_o spiritualise_v as_o to_o need_v no_o long_o outward_a aid_n to_o piety_n but_o it_o be_v a_o gross_a error_n to_o look_v upon_o discipline_n as_o a_o order_n pure_o external_a for_o proper_o speak_v it_o be_v a_o order_n altogether_o spiritual_a discipline_n do_v not_o touch_n either_o man_n body_n or_o their_o estate_n it_o use_v only_o spiritual_a mean_n and_o it_o be_v efficacious_a no_o far_o than_o as_o it_o operate_v upon_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n 3._o but_o other_o will_v cast_v the_o objection_n i_o have_v now_o confute_v into_o this_o form_n they_o will_v say_v that_o in_o external_a thing_n among_o which_o discipline_n be_v to_o be_v rank_v church_n be_v at_o liberty_n to_o regulate_v themselves_o as_o they_o think_v good_a i_o grant_v that_o church_n have_v that_o liberty_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n which_o be_v not_o appoint_v by_o a_o divine_a authority_n but_o this_o can_v be_v apply_v to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n a_o establishment_n of_o divine_a institution_n can_v be_v reckon_v among_o thing_n indifferent_a do_v we_o look_v upon_o the_o sacrament_n as_o indifferent_a ceremony_n which_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o observe_v under_o pretence_n that_o they_o be_v but_o external_n rite_n and_o ordinance_n church_n indeed_o have_v a_o liberty_n where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n though_o still_o that_o liberty_n be_v to_o be_v wise_o and_o discreet_o use_v for_o fear_v of_o confusion_n but_o when_o god_n have_v settle_v a_o order_n church_n be_v not_o at_o liberty_n to_o choose_v another_o to_o make_v new_a law_n and_o to_o set_v up_o a_o new_a form_n of_o government_n such_o a_o liberty_n will_v be_v mere_a unruliness_n and_o a_o criminal_a and_o sacâ—â—egious_a presumption_n this_o will_v be_v the_o way_n to_o multiply_v sect_n and_o religion_n infinite_o 4._o the_o same_o answer_n may_v serve_v to_o refute_v those_o who_o to_o justify_v the_o practice_n of_o those_o church_n which_o do_v not_o observe_v the_o form_n of_o discipline_n use_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n make_v a_o distinction_n between_o discipline_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o exercise_v it_o they_o own_o that_o discipline_n be_v necessary_a and_o that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v order_n in_o the_o church_n but_o they_o think_v that_o the_o way_n of_o exercise_v discipline_n may_v vary_v according_a to_o time_n place_n and_o other_o circumstance_n this_o distinction_n may_v be_v receive_v when_o the_o case_n be_v only_o about_o some_o indifferent_a circumstance_n but_o it_o be_v allege_v without_o reason_n when_o the_o question_n be_v concern_v the_o substance_n or_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o the_o disorder_n we_o complain_v of_o be_v that_o what_o be_v essential_a in_o discipline_n have_v be_v take_v away_o to_o substitute_v in_o lieu_n of_o it_o another_o order_n and_o to_o set_v up_o a_o new_a discipline_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o speak_v a_o word_n now_o that_o which_o be_v most_o essential_a in_o discipline_n and_o which_o be_v not_o observe_v in_o most_o church_n be_v this_o that_o scandalous_a sinner_n be_v not_o to_o be_v suffer_v in_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v suffer_v that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v warn_v and_o reprove_v in_o private_a and_o even_o in_o public_a this_o be_v seldom_o do_v and_o in_o some_o place_n it_o be_v never_o do_v that_o christian_n ought_v to_o separate_v themselves_o from_o those_o who_o live_v disorderly_a and_o this_o be_v not_o observe_v that_o upon_o certain_a occasion_n they_o be_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o body_n of_o the_o faithful_a but_o pastor_n dare_v not_o so_o much_o as_o mention_v this_o that_o the_o administration_n of_o discipline_n belong_v to_o pastor_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o preside_v proceed_v and_o judge_v in_o all_o emergent_a case_n the_o scripture_n give_v they_o that_o right_o and_o ascribe_v to_o they_o those_o office_n but_o they_o have_v be_v devest_v of_o they_o new_a political_a body_n have_v be_v erect_v in_o which_o there_o be_v but_o one_o churchman_n or_o two_o for_o form_n sake_n who_o often_o have_v neithe_a vote_n nor_o authority_n in_o they_o it_o be_v of_o divine_a right_n that_o sinner_n shall_v give_v real_a proof_n of_o their_o repentance_n as_o for_o instance_n by_o make_v restitution_n by_o reconciliation_n by_o acknowledge_v their_o fault_n but_o this_o be_v not_o now_o require_v of_o they_o nay_o in_o some_o church_n it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o inquire_v into_o it_o be_v against_o all_o the_o law_n of_o discipline_n that_o none_o shall_v be_v exclude_v from_o the_o holy_a communion_n and_o yet_o in_o most_o place_n this_o be_v not_o regard_v last_o it_o be_v a_o apostolical_a order_n and_o practice_n that_o sinner_n shall_v not_o be_v receive_v to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n but_o after_o they_o have_v fit_v themselves_o for_o it_o by_o a_o sincere_a and_o if_o the_o case_n require_v by_o a_o public_a repentance_n but_o now_o a-days_o those_o ancient_a rule_n of_o discipline_n be_v abolish_v after_o all_o this_o can_v it_o be_v say_v that_o no_o alteration_n have_v happen_v in_o the_o essence_n of_o discipline_n but_o only_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o censure_n suspension_n excommunication_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o pastor_n be_v take_v away_o the_o government_n appoint_v by_o the_o scripture_n be_v overturn_v another_o and_o quite_o different_a form_n be_v bring_v into_o the_o room_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o people_n will_v say_v that_o the_o question_n be_v not_o about_o the_o thing_n itself_o but_o the_o manner_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o have_v any_o kind_n of_o order_n the_o order_n which_o god_n have_v prescribe_v and_o no_o other_o aught_o to_o be_v observe_v some_o circumstance_n may_v be_v vary_v according_a to_o the_o necessity_n of_o church_n but_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v unalterable_a 5._o many_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n supply_v that_o want_n of_o discipline_n and_o that_o this_o way_n be_v by_o much_o preferable_a to_o the_o other_o i_o confess_v that_o the_o punishment_n inflict_v by_o the_o magistrate_n upon_o scandalous_a liver_n be_v of_o great_a use_n that_o magistrate_n who_o use_v their_o authority_n to_o suppress_v vice_n be_v very_o commendable_a and_o that_o discipline_n be_v of_o much_o great_a force_n when_o it_o be_v support_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o civil_a power_n but_o still_o the_o divine_a institution_n be_v to_o be_v preserve_v entire_a it_o do_v neither_o belong_v to_o the_o magistrate_n nor_o to_o any_o power_n to_o alter_v that_o which_o god_n have_v command_v and_o to_o deprive_v the_o church_n of_o she_o right_o after_o all_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o magistrate_n be_v not_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n these_o be_v two_o distinct_a thing_n and_o of_o a_o quite_o different_a nature_n the_o magistrate_n use_v external_a and_o corporal_a punishment_n fines_n imprisonment_n banishment_n force_n etc._n etc._n these_o method_n be_v certain_o useful_a they_o may_v terrify_v sinner_n and_o in_o some_o respect_n keep_v they_o in_o awe_n and_o duty_n but_o beside_o this_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o work_v upon_o the_o heart_n and_o to_o bind_v the_o conscience_n by_o those_o method_n which_o discipline_n use_v or_o else_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o we_o shall_v only_o make_v hypocrite_n and_o that_o man_n will_v abstain_v from_o evil_a more_o out_o of_o the_o fear_n of_o punishment_n and_o upon_o temporal_a consideration_n than_o from_o motive_n of_o conscience_n nay_o there_o be_v people_n who_o if_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o fear_v but_o a_o fine_a or_o some_o day_n imprisonment_n will_v glad_o purchase_v at_o that_o rate_n the_o liberty_n of_o sin_v and_o fancy_n that_o provide_v satisfaction_n be_v make_v to_o the_o magistrate_n there_o be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v do_v for_o the_o clear_n of_o their_o conscience_n beside_o what_o a_o disorderly_a thing_n be_v it_o that_o a_o offender_n who_o be_v prosecute_v fine_v and_o imprison_v by_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v still_o be_v treat_v like_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o admit_v to_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n the_o magistrate_n authority_n be_v therefore_o a_o very_a efficacious_a mean_a to_o promote_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n
they_o speak_v of_o when_o they_o be_v obscure_a in_o themselves_o but_o at_o other_o time_n this_o obscurity_n proceed_v from_o their_o not_o have_v distinct_a idea_n of_o the_o subject_n they_o treat_v their_o style_n and_o language_n do_v also_o contribute_v much_o to_o make_v they_o dark_a some_o use_n scholastical_a word_n and_o term_n of_o art_n which_o be_v arabic_a to_o the_o people_n other_o delight_v in_o figurative_a and_o improper_a expression_n which_o present_a false_a idea_n to_o the_o mind_n now_o they_o may_v avoid_v all_o these_o fault_n if_o they_o do_v not_o forsake_v nature_n and_o simplicity_n but_o some_o preacher_n affect_v the_o say_n new_a and_o singular_a thing_n and_o they_o will_v be_v sorry_a if_o they_o have_v make_v use_n of_o simple_a and_o common_a idea_n reason_v and_o expression_n which_o yet_o be_v the_o clear_a and_o the_o best_a 3._o false_a eloquence_n proceed_v from_o the_o same_o source_n preacher_n common_o aim_v at_o eloquence_n and_o it_o be_v to_o compass_v this_o end_n that_o they_o take_v such_o pain_n in_o the_o compose_n and_o delivery_n of_o their_o sermon_n and_o that_o they_o affect_v a_o style_n a_o pronunciation_n and_o gesture_n which_o become_v a_o stage-player_n or_o a_o profane_a orator_n much_o better_a than_o a_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n i_o may_v remark_n here_o that_o this_o affection_n of_o eloquence_n be_v not_o very_o suitable_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o piety_n which_o shall_v animate_v a_o clergyman_n but_o not_o to_o moralize_v upon_o this_o i_o shall_v observe_v that_o these_o preacher_n miss_v their_o mark_n by_o make_v so_o much_o work_n and_o by_o use_v such_o mighty_a endeavour_n to_o hit_v it_o true_a eloquence_n the_o force_n of_o a_o discourse_n a_o elevate_a and_o sublime_a style_n consist_v in_o follow_v nature_n nothing_o admit_v of_o great_a vehemence_n and_o loftiness_n than_o the_o subject_n which_o religion_n afford_v let_v a_o preacher_n be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o these_o let_v he_o go_v about_o they_o in_o a_o easy_a and_o natural_a way_n but_o especial_o let_v he_o feel_v and_o be_v thorough_o affect_v with_o they_o and_o he_o need_v not_o trouble_v himself_o about_o any_o other_o help_v he_o will_v despise_v all_o the_o false_a sparkle_a and_o the_o vain_a ornament_n of_o insipid_a and_o boyish_a eloquence_n and_o he_o will_v not_o be_v capable_a of_o speak_v like_o a_o gramar_n scholar_n or_o a_o declaimer_n all_o that_o which_o cost_v preacher_n so_o much_o labour_n flight_n of_o wit_n refine_a thought_n ingenuous_a description_n polite_a language_n all_o that_o i_o say_v be_v very_o mean_v by_o such_o thing_n they_o may_v raise_v at_o most_o a_o vain_a admiration_n but_o they_o will_v never_o instruct_v nor_o convert_v a_o sinner_n one_o dram_n of_o good_a sense_n be_v worth_a more_o than_o all_o that_o 4._o some_o preacher_n run_v into_o another_o extreme_a their_o way_n of_o preach_v be_v neglect_v and_o course_n they_o think_v to_o justify_v themselves_o by_o say_v that_o they_o be_v simple_a and_o popular_a that_o they_o speak_v natural_o and_o without_o art_n but_o they_o swerve_v as_o much_o from_o nature_n as_o the_o other_o and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o fault_n to_o be_v affect_v it_o be_v another_o to_o be_v flat_a homely_a and_o barbarous_a it_o be_v as_o much_o against_o nature_n to_o use_v ridiculous_a and_o offensive_a gesture_n tone_n and_o way_n or_o to_o stand_v without_o motion_n or_o action_n in_o the_o pulpit_n as_o it_o be_v to_o play_v the_o declaimer_n there_o i_o may_v add_v other_o consideration_n about_o the_o manner_n in_o which_o the_o gospel_n ought_v to_o be_v preach_v but_o i_o shall_v engage_v too_o far_o in_o this_o subject_a we_o may_v judge_v now_o whether_o ignorance_n and_o corruption_n do_v not_o proceed_v from_o the_o defect_n of_o those_o who_o preach_v the_o gospel_n the_o people_n have_v scarce_o any_o notion_n of_o religion_n but_o what_o they_o gather_v from_o sermon_n if_o sermon_n then_o be_v not_o instructive_a and_o edify_v either_o because_o all_o the_o truth_n and_o duty_n of_o christianity_n not_o be_v propose_v in_o they_o or_o because_o they_o be_v ill_o propose_v the_o people_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v very_o much_o in_o the_o dark_a i_o shall_v say_v one_o word_n more_o concern_v the_o instruction_n which_o pastor_n owe_v their_o flock_n public_a instruction_n how_o useful_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v be_v not_o sufficient_a the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n require_v that_o upon_o certain_a occasion_n pastor_n shall_v likewise_o instruct_v in_o private_a this_o necessity_n of_o private_a instruction_n may_v be_v prove_v by_o the_o follow_a argument_n 1._o if_o there_o be_v none_o but_o public_a instruction_n and_o exhortation_n what_o instruction_n can_v a_o great_a many_o person_n receive_v who_o either_o do_v not_o frequent_v or_o do_v not_o hearken_v to_o sermon_n what_o will_v become_v of_o those_o who_o hear_v but_o do_v not_o understand_v what_o they_o hear_v or_o who_o understand_v it_o but_o forget_v it_o present_o and_o so_o do_v not_o practice_v it_o 2._o all_o thing_n can_v be_v say_v in_o sermon_n how_o particular_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v yet_o still_o many_o thing_n remain_v untouched_a nay_o there_o be_v matter_n which_o a_o preacher_n can_v bring_v into_o the_o pulpit_n can_v he_o enumerate_v all_o the_o case_n in_o which_o injustice_n may_v be_v commit_v or_o restitution_n be_v to_o be_v make_v can_v he_o specify_v those_o infinite_a fraud_n which_o be_v practise_v in_o man_n several_a calling_n and_o trade_n can_v all_o case_n of_o conscience_n about_o which_o the_o hearer_n want_v instruction_n be_v decide_v in_o a_o sermon_n dare_v we_o insist_v in_o the_o pulpit_n upon_o the_o head_n of_o impurity_n and_o may_v not_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o reason_n why_o that_o sin_n be_v so_o common_a if_o christian_n then_o have_v no_o opportunity_n to_o be_v instruct_v in_o private_a about_o these_o article_n they_o will_v be_v ignorant_a with_o relation_n to_o they_o as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v 3._o in_o order_n to_o good_a instruction_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o teacher_n and_o those_o who_o be_v teach_v shall_v communicate_v their_o thought_n to_o one_o another_o for_o the_o hearer_n may_v have_v their_o doubt_n they_o may_v sometime_o be_v at_o a_o stand_n by_o reason_n of_o something_o which_o they_o do_v not_o know_v or_o of_o some_o difficulty_n which_o start_v up_o in_o their_o mind_n some_o have_v be_v hear_v sermon_n for_o these_o twenty_o or_o thirty_o year_n who_o yet_o entertain_v scruple_n and_o doubt_n concern_v the_o fundamental_o of_o religiom_n if_o such_o person_n receive_v no_o other_o information_n they_o will_v not_o be_v move_v by_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v say_v in_o public_a but_o they_o will_v retain_v their_o scruple_n to_o their_o die_a day_n all_o this_o show_v that_o private_a instruction_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o pastoral_n care_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o will_v certain_o be_v very_o useful_a not_o only_o for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o people_n but_o also_o to_o keep_v the_o clergy_n from_o grow_v remiss_a and_o to_o make_v they_o more_o diligent_a in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n for_o when_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o preach_v sermon_n it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v fear_v consider_v man_n propension_n to_o laziness_n that_o they_o will_v become_v negligent_a it_o be_v therefore_o a_o unhappiness_n that_o private_a instruction_n shall_v be_v almost_o out_o of_o use_n and_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v so_o little_a communication_n about_o religious_a matter_n between_o the_o people_n and_o their_o minister_n we_o have_v no_o instruction_n remain_v but_o what_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o pulpit_n and_o that_o will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a even_o though_o sermon_n be_v such_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v but_o when_o private_a instruction_n be_v want_v and_o when_o sermon_n be_v defective_a beside_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n be_v destitute_a of_o necessary_a information_n and_o aid_n must_v live_v in_o corruption_n ii_o the_o second_o function_n of_o pastor_n which_o shall_v perhaps_o be_v name_v in_o the_o first_o place_n be_v the_o conduct_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o this_o i_o observe_v first_o that_o those_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o pastoral_n office_n who_o confine_v it_o to_o preach_v there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o preach_v be_v quite_o lay_v aside_o and_o when_o churchman_n do_v only_o perform_v divine_a service_n but_o now_o a-days_o in_o many_o church_n the_o whole_a ministry_n be_v place_v in_o the_o business_n of_o sermon_n and_o the_o ecclesiastic_n be_v look_v upon_o not_o as_o pastor_n but_o preacher_n as_o man_n who_o office_n it_o be_v upon_o certain_a day_n and_o hour_n to_o speak_v in_o the_o
church_n preach_v be_v be_v without_o dispute_n a_o part_n of_o the_o office_n of_o pastor_n but_o it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n to_o think_v that_o god_n have_v appoint_v they_o only_o to_o preach_v for_o they_o be_v entrust_v beside_o with_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o part_n of_o their_o employment_n be_v at_o least_o as_o essential_a as_o preach_v it_o be_v remarkable_a that_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o pastor_n in_o divers_a place_n and_o that_o the_o title_n it_o give_v they_o and_o the_o function_n it_o ascribe_v to_o they_o relate_v chief_o to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n this_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n priest_n or_o elder_n guide_n and_o pastor_n st._n paul_n have_v write_v concern_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o ministry_n if_o we_o examine_v what_o he_o say_v of_o the_o function_n of_o that_o charge_n and_o of_o the_o qualification_n of_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o it_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o he_o be_v much_o large_a upon_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n than_o upon_o preach_v to_o this_o purpose_n the_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n may_v be_v consult_v but_o further_a all_o churchman_n be_v not_o call_v to_o preach_v the_o apostle_n distinguish_v their_o function_n they_o tell_v we_o 17._o we_o see_v 1_o cor._n xii_o 4_o 5_o 6._o 28_o 29_o 30._o act._n vi_o 2_o etc._n etc._n rom._n xii_o 6_o 7_o 8._o 1_o tim._n v._o 17._o that_o all_o be_v not_o doctor_n that_o all_o do_v not_o interpret_v that_o all_o do_v not_o administer_v the_o word_n that_o all_o do_v not_o teach_v and_o exhort_v that_o some_o be_v appoint_v to_o instruct_v to_o exhort_v and_o to_o expound_v the_o scripture_n other_o to_o govern_v and_o other_o to_o do_v work_n of_o charity_n though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o which_o relate_v to_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n confer_v upon_o the_o first_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o the_o order_n which_o be_v then_o observe_v yet_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o these_o place_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o gift_n and_o function_n of_o ordinary_a pastor_n this_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o principal_a and_o the_o most_o general_a function_n of_o pastor_n then_o be_v the_o inspection_n and_o govern_n of_o the_o church_n preach_v be_v not_o neglect_v but_o all_o churchman_n be_v not_o preacher_n this_o province_n be_v commit_v to_o those_o who_o be_v fit_a for_o it_o will_v to_o god_n this_o distinction_n be_v still_o observe_v the_o church_n will_v be_v better_o govern_v and_o the_o gospel_n better_o preach_v than_o it_o be_v there_o be_v talent_n requisite_a to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n which_o every_o body_n have_v not_o and_o other_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o church_n and_o all_o these_o gift_n seldom_o meet_v in_o one_o person_n if_o then_o no_o regard_n be_v have_v to_o different_a gift_n and_o function_n if_o without_o distinction_n ever_o thing_n be_v commit_v to_o one_o person_n it_o be_v visible_a that_o the_o church_n will_v be_v ill_o edify_v beside_o that_o i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o this_o second_o part_n that_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a notion_n which_o restrain_v the_o ministry_n to_o preach_v but_o to_o remove_v this_o inconveniency_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a that_o a_o competent_a number_n of_o ecclesiastic_n shall_v be_v have_v in_o every_o church_n 1._o to_o express_v my_o thought_n more_o particular_o concern_v the_o office_n of_o pastor_n with_o relation_n to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n i_o observe_v first_o that_o discipline_n be_v wear_v out_o of_o use_n as_o i_o have_v show_v at_o large_a in_o a_o chapter_n upon_o that_o subject_a it_o be_v true_a that_o this_o defect_n be_v not_o whole_o to_o be_v impute_v to_o pastor_n if_o they_o do_v not_o govern_v the_o church_n by_o a_o good_a discipline_n it_o be_v because_o they_o have_v be_v deprive_v of_o their_o authority_n many_o of_o they_o be_v sensible_a of_o this_o disorder_n and_o lament_v it_o but_o what_o can_v they_o do_v when_o they_o exercise_v their_o ministry_n in_o place_n where_o their_o hand_n be_v tie_v up_o where_o they_o dare_v not_o refuse_v the_o sacrament_n to_o a_o adulterer_n and_o where_o they_o shall_v bring_v themselves_o into_o great_a trouble_n and_o perhaps_o be_v depose_v if_o they_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o observe_v the_o apostolical_a discipline_n they_o be_v force_v to_o confine_v themselves_o to_o preach_v which_o when_o it_o be_v not_o back_v with_o discipline_n can_v never_o have_v that_o effect_n which_o it_o will_v produce_v in_o conjunction_n with_o it_o there_o be_v nothing_o leave_v to_o pastor_n but_o what_o can_v not_o be_v take_v from_o they_o without_o abolish_n the_o whole_a ministry_n all_o that_o remain_v be_v only_o preach_v and_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o clergy_n may_v just_o be_v charge_v with_o that_o fault_n we_o complain_v of_o and_o with_o that_o corruption_n of_o the_o people_n which_o be_v a_o consequence_n of_o it_o since_o there_o be_v those_o among_o they_o who_o oppose_v the_o restoration_n of_o discipline_n and_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o indifferent_a order_n and_o other_o who_o be_v place_v in_o church_n where_o some_o form_n of_o discipline_n be_v leave_v render_v the_o exercise_n of_o it_o ineffectual_a either_o through_o imprudence_n and_o excessive_a severity_n or_o through_o a_o shameful_a remissness_n and_o a_o cowardly_a indulgence_n 2._o beside_o the_o public_a there_o be_v a_o private_a discipline_n which_o consist_v in_o inspect_v the_o life_n of_o private_a person_n in_o visit_v family_n in_o exhortation_n warning_n reconciliation_n and_o in_o all_o those_o other_o care_n which_o a_o pastor_n ought_v to_o take_v of_o those_o over_o who_o he_o be_v constitute_v for_o neither_o general_a exhortation_n nor_o public_a discipline_n can_v answer_v all_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v certain_a disorder_n which_o pastor_n neither_o can_v nor_o aught_o to_o repress_v open_o and_o which_o yet_o ought_v to_o be_v remedy_v by_o they_o in_o such_o case_n private_a admonition_n be_v to_o be_v use_v the_o concern_v of_o man_n salvation_n require_v this_o and_o it_o become_v the_o pastoral_a carefulness_n to_o seek_v the_o the_o stray_a sheep_n and_o not_o to_o let_v the_o wicked_a perish_v for_o want_v of_o warn_v but_o these_o be_v care_n to_o which_o some_o pastor_n do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v they_o content_v themselves_o with_o admonish_a sinner_n from_o the_o pulpit_n there_o be_v very_o little_a intercourse_n between_o pastor_n and_o those_o who_o be_v commit_v to_o their_o charge_n private_a person_n live_v without_o be_v accountable_a for_o their_o conduct_n to_o any_o body_n and_o except_o they_o commit_v the_o great_a enormity_n they_o fancy_v no_o man_n have_v a_o right_a to_o inquire_v into_o their_o action_n nothing_o reach_v they_o but_o sermon_n and_o these_o they_o mind_n as_o much_o and_o as_o little_a as_o they_o please_v this_o must_v needs_o produce_v licentiousness_n the_o visit_n of_o sick_a and_o die_a person_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o important_a function_n of_o the_o office_n of_o pastor_n but_o when_o it_o be_v not_o perform_v with_o exactness_n and_o zeal_n it_o contribute_v as_o much_o as_o can_v be_v imagine_v to_o the_o keep_n up_o of_o security_n every_o one_o must_v needs_o see_v of_o what_o consequence_n this_o part_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v if_o he_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v at_o the_o end_n of_o life_n that_o we_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v and_o that_o our_o eternal_a state_n depend_v upon_o the_o condition_n we_o die_v in_o and_o if_o we_o reflect_v at_o the_o same_o time_n upon_o what_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o 10._o we_o 2_o cor._n v._o 10._o that_o we_o shall_v receive_v in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v according_a to_o the_o good_a or_o evil_n we_o have_v do_v in_o this_o we_o will_v easy_o apprehend_v what_o minister_n ought_v to_o do_v when_o they_o visit_v sick_a and_o die_a person_n their_o chief_a business_n shall_v be_v to_o discover_v what_o state_n those_o person_n be_v in_o that_o they_o may_v suit_v their_o exhortation_n to_o it_o then_o be_v it_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o speak_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o sinner_n and_o to_o persuade_v they_o by_o all_o possible_a mean_n to_o examine_v their_o life_n and_o the_o disposition_n they_o be_v in_o in_o reference_n to_o their_o salvation_n and_o when_o a_o minister_n meet_v as_o it_o happen_v too_o frequent_o with_o sick_a person_n who_o be_v engage_v and_o harden_v in_o vicious_a habit_n or_o who_o repentance_n may_v just_o be_v question_v it_o be_v then_o that_o
he_o have_v need_n use_v all_o his_o skill_n and_o prudence_n all_o his_o zeal_n and_o endeavour_n to_o save_v soul_n which_o be_v in_o so_o great_a danger_n upon_o such_o occasion_n both_o the_o minister_n and_o the_o sick_a person_n have_v need_n of_o time_n leisure_n and_o freedom_n and_o a_o hasty_a discourse_n or_o prayer_n signify_v nothing_o and_o now_o we_o may_v judge_v whether_o a_o man_n discharge_v the_o office_n of_o a_o pastor_n who_o only_o in_o general_n exhort_v die_v person_n to_o acknowledge_v themselves_o miserable_a sinner_n and_o back_n those_o exhortation_n with_o assurance_n of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n through_o jesus_n christ_n or_o who_o only_o read_v some_o form_n of_o exhortation_n and_o prayer_n as_o the_o custom_n be_v in_o some_o place_n this_o method_n be_v fit_a to_o lay_v asleep_a than_o to_o awaken_v a_o guilty_a conscience_n and_o this_o way_n of_o ex-exercising_a the_o ministry_n overturn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n and_o most_o 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administer_v to_o they_o wholesome_a counsel_n and_o exhortation_n these_o i_o think_v be_v the_o most_o essential_a defect_n of_o pastor_n both_o in_o the_o instruction_n and_o in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n have_v thus_o far_o treat_v of_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o pastoral_n charge_n i_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v those_o qualification_n with_o which_o pastor_n ought_v to_o be_v endue_v and_o these_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n first_o the_o endowment_n of_o the_o mind_n by_o which_o i_o mean_v those_o ability_n and_o talent_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o instruction_n and_o conduct_n of_o the_o church_n and_o second_o the_o qualification_n of_o the_o heart_n by_o which_o i_o mean_v probity_n and_o integrity_n of_o life_n 1._o no_o man_n question_n but_o that_o ability_n and_o talent_n be_v requisite_a in_o those_o who_o exercise_v the_o office_n of_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n first_o some_o be_v necessary_a for_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o for_o the_o right_n expound_v of_o scripture_n preach_v require_v a_o great_a extent_n of_o knowledge_n than_o be_v common_o imagine_v to_o preach_v well_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v well_o skill_v in_o language_n history_n divinity_n and_o morality_n he_o shall_v be_v acquaint_v with_o man_n heart_n he_o shall_v be_v of_o a_o sagacious_a and_o discern_a spirit_n and_o above_o all_o thing_n he_o shall_v have_v a_o true_a and_o exact_a judgement_n to_o say_v nothing_o of_o some_o other_o qualification_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o every_o man_n who_o speak_v in_o public_a neither_o be_v these_o endowment_n sufficient_a particular_a talent_n be_v requisite_a for_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o church_n to_o guide_v a_o flock_n and_o to_o be_v accountable_a for_o the_o salvation_n of_o a_o great_a number_n of_o soul_n be_v no_o small_a charge_n nor_o a_o employment_n which_o every_o body_n be_v fit_a for_o a_o man_n to_o who_o the_o government_n of_o a_o church_n be_v commit_v in_o who_o hand_n the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n be_v lodge_v who_o duty_n it_o be_v both_o to_o exhort_v and_o reprove_v both_o in_o public_a and_o in_o private_a and_o who_o ought_v to_o supply_v all_o the_o occasion_n of_o a_o flock_n and_o to_o be_v provide_v for_o all_o emergency_n such_o a_o man_n have_v need_n of_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o knowledge_n zeal_n and_o firmness_n as_o well_o as_o of_o much_o wisdom_n and_o prudence_n moderation_n and_o charity_n that_o all_o these_o qualification_n be_v requisite_a in_o a_o pastor_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o office_n and_o st._n paul_n teach_v it_o when_o he_o appoint_v that_o none_o shall_v be_v admit_v to_o this_o employment_n but_o those_o in_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v find_v what_o effect_v then_o can_v the_o ministry_n have_v when_o it_o be_v exercise_v by_o man_n who_o want_v these_o qualification_n or_o perhaps_o have_v the_o quite_o contrary_a who_o be_v ignorant_a who_o know_v nothing_o in_o matter_n of_o discipline_n and_o morality_n who_o can_v give_v no_o account_n of_o a_o great_a many_o thing_n contain_v in_o scripture_n and_o who_o whole_a learning_n be_v confine_v to_o a_o commentary_n who_o can_v neither_o reason_n true_a nor_o speak_v clear_o who_o be_v either_o indiscreet_a negligent_a or_o remiss_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o office_n but_o i_o do_v not_o wonder_v that_o these_o qualification_n be_v want_v in_o most_o clergyman_n vast_a number_n who_o be_v not_o cut_v out_o for_o this_o employment_n aspire_v to_o it_o and_o beside_o these_o ability_n be_v not_o to_o be_v acquire_v without_o labour_n and_o application_n now_o many_o churchman_n be_v shameful_o idle_a they_o look_v upon_o their_o profession_n as_o a_o mean_a to_o live_v easy_a so_o that_o decline_v the_o duty_n of_o their_o place_n they_o content_v themselves_o with_o the_o income_n of_o it_o those_o who_o be_v to_o preach_v be_v more_o employ_v but_o their_o sermon_n be_v almost_o their_o whole_a business_n their_o work_n consist_v for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o copy_v some_o commentary_n and_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o have_v acquire_v a_o little_a habit_n and_o facility_n of_o speak_v in_o public_a almost_o all_o of_o they_o give_v over_o study_n and_o labour_n we_o may_v almost_o make_v the_o same_o judgement_n of_o those_o ecclesiastic_n who_o though_o they_o study_v hard_a yet_o do_v not_o direct_v their_o study_n to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n the_o learning_n and_o the_o study_n of_o divine_n i_o speak_v of_o those_o chief_o who_o have_v cure_n of_o soul_n be_v often_o vain_a and_o of_o no_o use_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o their_o flock_n they_o apply_v themselves_o to_o thing_n suitable_a to_o their_o inclination_n and_o their_o study_n be_v but_o their_o amusement_n or_o their_o diversion_n now_o he_o who_o neglect_v the_o duty_n of_o his_o call_v and_o pursue_v other_o employment_n differ_v very_o little_a from_o he_o who_o do_v nothing_o at_o all_o ii_o probity_n be_v not_o less_o necessary_a to_o pastor_n than_o knowledge_n and_o ability_n and_o this_o probity_n ought_v to_o have_v three_o degree_n 1._o the_o first_o be_v that_o pastor_n give_v no_o ill_a example_n and_o that_o their_o life_n be_v blameless_a this_o be_v the_o first_o qualification_n which_o st._n paul_n require_v in_o those_o who_o aspire_v to_o this_o holy_a office_n iii_o office_n 1_o tim._n iii_o let_v a_o bishop_n say_v he_o be_v blameless_a that_o be_v his_o manner_n ought_v to_o be_v such_o that_o he_o may_v not_o just_o be_v charge_v with_o any_o vice_n or_o give_v any_o scandal_n then_o the_o apostle_n specify_v the_o fault_n from_o which_o a_o pastor_n ought_v to_o be_v free_a i._n free_a tit._n i._n not_o give_v to_o wine_n no_o striker_n not_o greedy_a of_o filthy_a lucre_n but_o patient_a not_o a_o brawler_n not_o covetous_a one_o that_o rule_v well_o his_o own_o house_n have_v his_o
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
follower_n mat._n xxii_o to_o render_v to_o caesar_n the_o thing_n which_o be_v caesar_n 2._o one_o of_o the_o chief_a precept_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v xiii_o be_v rom._n xiii_o that_o all_o man_n shall_v obey_v and_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o high_a power_n now_o this_o precept_n can_v not_o possible_o be_v observe_v if_o in_o the_o natural_a establishment_n of_o civil_a society_n there_o be_v something_o incompatible_a with_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n vi_o christianity_n mat._n vi_o no_o man_n can_v serve_v two_o master_n when_o they_o command_v contrary_a thing_n but_o st._n paul_n go_v further_a he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o preservation_n of_o king_n and_o the_o submit_v to_o their_o authory_n be_v a_o mean_a for_o christian_n *_o to_o lead_v a_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a life_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n 3._o it_o be_v remarkable_a that_o whatever_o be_v good_a and_o just_a in_o the_o civil_a be_v so_o likewise_o in_o the_o religious_a society_n and_o that_o whatever_o be_v prescribe_v by_o religion_n be_v just_a and_o even_o beneficial_a to_o civil_a society_n the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o civil_a law_n be_v confirm_v by_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o do_v perfect_o agree_v with_o the_o principle_n and_o moral_n of_o the_o gospel_n a_o evident_a proof_n of_o this_o be_v that_o when_o christian_a emperor_n and_o lawgiver_n do_v set_v about_o the_o make_n of_o law_n and_o constitution_n they_o retain_v the_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n receive_v among_o the_o roman_n and_o the_o greek_n in_o the_o time_n of_o heathenism_n and_o to_o this_o day_n the_o old_a roman_a law_n be_v follow_v among_o christian_n except_v some_o law_n which_o have_v be_v alter_v or_o abrogate_a either_o because_o they_o be_v contrary_a to_o natural_a justice_n and_o equity_n or_o because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o a_o general_a and_o necessary_a use_n 4._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o religion_n and_o civil_a society_n do_v mutual_o support_v one_o another_o when_o both_o be_v well_o regulate_v religion_n contribute_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o society_n by_o render_v the_o authority_n of_o prince_n more_o sacred_a and_o inviolable_a and_o the_o good_a order_n of_o society_n contribute_v to_o the_o welfare_n and_o the_o progress_n of_o religion_n let_v we_o suppose_v a_o magistrate_n who_o love_v piety_n and_o justice_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o at_o the_o same_o i_o that_o he_o promote_v the_o interest_n of_o religion_n ii_o religion_n 1_o tim._n ii_o he_o strengthen_v the_o welfare_n of_o society_n and_o that_o he_o can_v procure_v the_o good_a of_o society_n without_o advance_v the_o interest_n of_o religion_n if_o we_o suppose_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n a_o magistrate_n who_o do_v not_o act_n by_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o justice_n it_o be_v visible_a that_o by_o suffer_a religion_n to_o be_v violate_v or_o despise_v he_o shake_v the_o sure_a foundation_n of_o his_o own_o authority_n and_o of_o public_a tranquillity_n and_o that_o by_o fail_v in_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o office_n and_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o justice_n he_o make_v the_o people_n grow_v vicious_a and_o neglect_v the_o duty_n of_o piety_n from_o these_o consideration_n it_o do_v manifest_o appear_v that_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n may_v either_o procure_v great_a advantage_n to_o religion_n or_o do_v it_o a_o considerable_a prejudice_n and_o that_o they_o be_v in_o part_n the_o author_n of_o the_o corruption_n which_o reign_v in_o the_o world_n when_o civil-society_n be_v well_o govern_v man_n be_v dispose_v by_o that_o very_a thing_n to_o practice_v the_o duty_n of_o christianity_n in_o proportion_n as_o the_o people_n be_v well_o order_v they_o be_v more_o tractable_a and_o susceptible_a of_o the_o impression_n of_o piety_n as_o they_o be_v use_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o magistrate_n they_o do_v the_o more_o easy_o submit_v to_o the_o holy_a discipline_n of_o christ_n yea_o and_o by_o obey_v civil-law_n they_o do_v already_o discharge_v some_o part_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n but_o when_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n either_o through_o ignorance_n or_o want_v of_o probity_n and_o virtue_n give_v way_n to_o the_o violation_n of_o justice_n and_o good_a order_n it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o religion_n must_v suffer_v by_o it_o for_o beside_o that_o the_o people_n can_v break_v the_o civil-law_n without_o violate_v the_o principle_n of_o religion_n how_o can_v they_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o christianity_n when_o they_o do_v not_o discharge_v those_o of_o nature_n it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o persuade_v people_n to_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o do_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o law_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o justice_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o man_n who_o do_v not_o order_v their_o outward_a action_n aright_o shall_v regulate_v their_o thought_n and_o resist_v their_o passion_n or_o that_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o first_o element_n of_o virtue_n they_o shall_v come_v up_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o most_o sublime_a precept_n of_o christian_a moral_n beside_o the_o want_n of_o order_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o justice_n and_o government_n draw_v after_o it_o all_o kind_n of_o disorder_n with_o relation_n to_o manner_n such_o as_o dishonesty_n and_o what_o be_v most_o dangerous_a a_o spirit_n of_o libertinism_n and_o independence_n which_o make_v man_n untoward_a and_o refractory_a to_o good_a discipline_n we_o be_v to_o observe_v here_o that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o man_n life_n be_v take_v up_o with_o civil_a matter_n all_o person_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v the_o magistrate_n and_o few_o be_v altogether_o free_a from_o law-suit_n and_o business_n so_o that_o when_o the_o people_n be_v not_o well_o govern_v with_o relation_n to_o civil_a thing_n they_o do_v so_o accustom_v themselves_o to_o live_v without_o rule_n of_o restraint_n that_o religion_n can_v no_o long_o have_v any_o power_n over_o they_o the_o neglect_n and_o remissness_n of_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n do_v occasion_n all_o this_o mischief_n but_o if_o the_o bare_a carelessness_n of_o magistrate_n be_v so_o fatal_a to_o society_n how_o must_v it_o be_v when_o they_o themselves_o be_v vicious_a and_o unjust_a either_o in_o their_o own_o particular_a conduct_n or_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o office_n the_o great_a unhappiness_n that_o can_v befall_v any_o people_n be_v when_o those_o who_o be_v invest_v with_o the_o supreme_a authority_n favour_n injustice_n and_o vice_n it_o may_v be_v say_v then_o that_o the_o public_a fountain_n be_v poison_v the_o whole_a state_n be_v order_v by_o the_o sovereign_n they_o be_v those_o from_o who_o the_o law_n receive_v their_o force_n who_o appoint_v judge_n and_o magistrate_n and_o who_o regulate_v the_o administration_n of_o justice_n when_o inferior_a magistrate_n prevaricate_v this_o may_v be_v remedy_v by_o the_o sovereign_n but_o when_o the_o sovereign_n himself_o fail_v in_o his_o duty_n no_o redress_n can_v be_v expect_v not_o but_o that_o subordinate_a officer_n and_o magistrate_n may_v likewise_o occasion_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o mischief_n if_o we_o suppose_v in_o a_o province_n or_o a_o town_n magistrate_n and_o judge_n who_o want_v integrity_n who_o consult_v only_o their_o profit_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o office_n who_o be_v not_o proof_n against_o bribe_n who_o administer_v justice_n from_o a_o principle_n of_o covetousness_n or_o passion_n who_o act_n by_o recommendation_n or_o favour_n and_o who_o be_v full_a of_o artifice_n and_o dissimulation_n this_o be_v enough_o to_o introduce_v and_o authorise_v wickedness_n throughout_o their_o whole_a jurisdiction_n to_o pervert_v right_o to_o banish_v justice_n and_o honesty_n from_o all_o court_n to_o make_v way_n for_o knavery_n and_o litigiousness_n for_o the_o protract_n of_o suit_n the_o abuse_n and_o violation_n of_o oath_n and_o many_o other_o disorder_n then_o it_o be_v that_o vice_n be_v in_o fashion_n and_o repute_n that_o virtue_n and_o innocency_n be_v oppress_v and_o that_o the_o people_n grow_v corrupt_a now_o all_o this_o be_v a_o direct_a undermine_v of_o religion_n and_o piety_n let_v any_o body_n judge_n whether_o i_o have_v not_o reason_n to_o say_v that_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o age_n may_v be_v impute_v to_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n but_o all_o these_o evil_n be_v yet_o more_o unavoidable_a when_o the_o prince_n or_o magistrate_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n a_o heathen_a magistrate_n have_v not_o by_o much_o that_o influence_n upon_o religion_n and_o manner_n that_o a_o christian_n have_v the_o church_n be_v pure_a and_o more_o separate_v from_o the_o world_n when_o the_o superior_a power_n be_v contrary_a to_o it_o but_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o emperor_n have_v embrace_v christianity_n piety_n
eye_n of_o some_o wise_a person_n who_o may_v observe_v their_o deportment_n i_o do_v not_o enlarge_v upon_o these_o consideration_n because_o they_o will_v carry_v i_o too_o far_o neither_o do_v i_o speak_v here_o of_o encouragement_n correction_n and_o example_n nor_o of_o some_o other_o mean_n which_o may_v be_v very_o useful_o take_v in_o hand_n for_o regulate_v the_o conduct_n of_o child_n because_o these_o have_v be_v speak_v to_o already_o there_o be_v ground_n enough_o to_o conclude_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o corruption_n proceed_v primary_o and_o chief_o from_o the_o ill_a education_n of_o youth_n the_o ordinary_a education_n of_o child_n be_v not_o christian_n what_o wonder_n be_v it_o that_o true_a christianity_n and_o folid_a virtue_n shall_v be_v so_o scarce_o the_o first_o impression_n be_v the_o strong_a the_o principle_n which_o have_v be_v imbibe_v in_o the_o first_o year_n of_o life_n do_v not_o wear_v out_o afterward_o and_o those_o who_o have_v not_o a_o good_a education_n be_v not_o often_o know_v to_o be_v wise_a and_o regular_a in_o their_o conduct_n let_v it_o not_o be_v object_v here_o what_o many_o be_v wont_a to_o allege_v upon_o this_o subject_a that_o the_o error_n of_o education_n be_v not_o so_o considerable_a but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v correct_v afterward_o and_o that_o wisdom_n come_v with_o year_n thus_o those_o man_n reason_n who_o only_o examine_v thing_n superficial_o but_o such_o person_n do_v never_o serious_o reflect_v upon_o man_n temper_n upon_o the_o manner_n how_o ill_a habit_n be_v form_v or_o upon_o experience_n almost_o all_o good_a or_o ill_a habit_n begin_v in_o infancy_n and_o they_o grow_v strong_a afterward_o the_o age_n which_o succeed_v youth_n be_v so_o far_o from_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o education_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o long_o a_o man_n live_v the_o more_o difficult_a it_o be_v for_o he_o to_o return_v to_o virtue_n if_o he_o do_v not_o set_v out_o well_o at_o first_o for_o beside_o that_o habit_n be_v then_o strong_a and_o deep_o root_v business_n do_v also_o come_v with_o age_n and_o people_n have_v no_o long_o that_o leisure_n and_o freedom_n which_o they_o have_v when_o they_o be_v young_a those_o therefore_o who_o do_v not_o take_v right_a measure_n early_o and_o who_o launch_v into_o the_o world_n with_o ill_a principle_n be_v still_o grow_v worse_a instead_o of_o amend_v this_o be_v verify_v by_o daily_a experience_n age_n seldom_o alter_v man_n for_o the_o better_a i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o people_n who_o be_v neglect_v in_o their_o infancy_n or_o who_o youth_n have_v be_v unruly_a be_v sometime_o know_v to_o change_v their_o manner_n and_o their_o conduct_n when_o they_o come_v to_o a_o ripe_a age._n but_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v how_o this_o change_n happen_v and_o what_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o be_v in_o some_o it_o be_v a_o thorough_a change_n and_o a_o sincere_a return_n to_o virtue_n god_n sometime_o work_v conversion_n in_o the_o great_a sinner_n and_o he_o do_v this_o common_o by_o affliction_n sickness_n and_o pain_n but_o such_o kind_n of_o conversion_n be_v not_o very_o frequent_a the_o change_n which_o we_o think_v we_o observe_v both_o in_o ourselves_o and_o other_o be_v not_o always_o sincere_a it_o be_v often_o no_o more_o than_o a_o effect_n of_o age_n of_o the_o state_n we_o be_v in_o or_o of_o custom_n age_n do_v two_o thing_n it_o deaden_v the_o passion_n and_o it_o change_v they_o in_o the_o heat_n of_o youth_n passion_n be_v violent_a and_o make_v a_o great_a stir_n when_o the_o prime_a of_o life_n be_v over_o a_o man_n perhaps_o be_v no_o long_o a_o libertine_n or_o a_o deboshee_n but_o his_o exterior_a only_a be_v reform_v the_o same_o principle_n of_o corruption_n remain_v in_o his_o heart_n he_o that_o be_v sensual_a and_o give_v to_o lewdness_n moderate_v himself_o but_o still_o his_o heart_n and_o his_o imagination_n be_v defile_v he_o that_o be_v profane_a and_o impious_a do_v no_o long_o profess_v libertinism_n open_o he_o practise_v some_o duty_n of_o religion_n but_o for_o all_o that_o he_o have_v no_o more_o devotion_n or_o faith_n than_o before_o age_n do_v likewise_o change_v man_n passion_n and_o inclination_n young_a people_n have_v their_o passion_n and_o suppose_v these_o shall_v abate_v about_o forty_o or_o fifty_o or_o even_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v quite_o leave_v off_o which_o yet_o happen_v but_o seldom_o there_o be_v other_o passion_n which_o succeed_v those_o of_o youth_n and_o which_o work_n the_o strong_a because_o they_o be_v not_o so_o much_o mistrust_v and_o because_o they_o make_v less_o noise_n and_o be_v hide_v under_o the_o pretence_n of_o a_o lawful_a call_v thus_o we_o see_v often_o that_o libertine_n and_o deboshee_n end_n with_o ambition_n and_o covetousness_n the_o world_n call_v the_o change_n which_o be_v observe_v in_o those_o man_n conversion_n and_o amendment_n a_o man_n be_v say_v to_o be_v reclaim_v from_o the_o error_n of_o his_o young_a day_n when_o his_o conduct_n be_v no_o long_o scandalous_a or_o manifest_o criminal_a but_o if_o he_o be_v free_a from_o the_o fault_n of_o his_o youth_n he_o be_v guilty_a of_o other_o which_o he_o have_v not_o then_o he_o be_v no_o long_o dissolute_a but_o he_o be_v a_o slave_n to_o ambition_n he_o be_v covetous_a unjust_a and_o wed_v to_o the_o world_n more_o than_o ever_o nay_o all_o thing_n well_o consider_v he_o be_v worse_a than_o he_o be_v in_o his_o youth_n since_o he_o have_v run_v from_o one_o vice_n into_o another_o and_o load_v himself_o with_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o several_a stage_n of_o life_n we_o be_v not_o to_o imagine_v that_o every_o alteration_n which_o age_n make_v in_o man_n conduct_n and_o manner_n be_v a_o true_a conversion_n the_o various_a state_n calling_n and_o profession_n of_o man_n do_v likewise_o put_v many_o of_o they_o upon_o alter_v their_o way_n of_o live_v and_o make_v they_o give_v over_o those_o excess_n to_o which_o they_o have_v be_v addict_v for_o some_o time_n as_o soon_o as_o a_o man_n come_v to_o be_v the_o master_n of_o a_o family_n or_o to_o be_v prefer_v to_o place_n he_o must_v of_o hecessity_n grow_v more_o regular_a in_o his_o conduct_n and_o forsake_v several_a disorder_n which_o he_o allow_v himself_o in_o before_o he_o become_v more_o â—erious_a he_o apply_v himself_o close_a to_o labour_n â—e_v life_n more_o retire_v and_o he_o take_v leave_v of_o â—he_n amusement_n of_o youth_n honour_n decency_n interest_n the_o necessity_n of_o make_v a_o family_n and_o other_o consideration_n oblige_v he_o to_o â—his_n but_o religion_n have_v not_o always_o a_o share_n in_o â—his_fw-la change_n lasty_a a_o habit_n of_o sin_v do_v often_o blind_a â—nd_n hard_a man_n to_o that_o degree_n that_o they_o imagine_v there_o be_v a_o sincere_a amendment_n in_o â—hem_n when_o there_o be_v none_o at_o all_o nay_o when_o â—hey_n be_v more_o corrupt_a than_o when_o they_o be_v young_a man_n at_o first_o be_v sensible_a of_o their_o fault_n conscience_n check_v they_o for_o the_o sin_n â—hey_n commit_v but_o in_o process_n of_o time_n they_o perceive_v they_o no_o more_o conscience_n grow_v sear_v â—nd_v they_o sin_n without_o be_v aware_a of_o it_o habit_n seldom_o fail_v to_o produce_v this_o effect_n of_o which_o we_o see_v a_o thousand_o instance_n in_o old_a sinner_n all_o this_o show_v that_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o conduct_n of_o our_o whole_a life_n be_v lay_v in_o youth_n â—nd_v that_o the_o chief_a reason_n why_o man_n live_v ill_a be_v because_o they_o have_v not_o be_v well_o educate_v i_o do_v not_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o mention_v the_o remedy_n of_o this_o cause_n of_o corruption_n i_o have_v observe_v they_o all_o along_o in_o show_v the_o fault_n which_o be_v commit_v in_o the_o education_n of_o youth_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v before_o i_o dismiss_v the_o subject_a that_o all_o this_o do_v proper_o concern_v master_n of_o family_n and_o pastor_n it_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v wish_v in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o parent_n will_v take_v more_o care_n than_o they_o do_v to_o breed_v their_o child_n well_o and_o that_o in_o this_o they_o will_v proceed_v by_o the_o rule_n which_o reason_n and_o religion_n prescribe_v they_o be_v mistake_v if_o they_o think_v they_o may_v excuse_v themselves_o from_o this_o obligation_n which_o both_o nature_n and_o piety_n lie_v upon_o they_o and_o which_o can_v be_v neglect_v without_o a_o sin_n but_o the_o carelessness_n of_o parent_n in_o this_o point_n may_v very_o just_o be_v wonder_v at_o the_o education_n of_o their_o child_n be_v general_o that_o of_o all_o thing_n which_o they_o mind_v the_o least_o and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v that_o they_o themselves_o want_v religion_n and_o piety_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a in_o the_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
of_o religion_n with_o relation_n to_o order_n but_o have_v do_v this_o already_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o second_o part_n i_o shall_v only_o say_v in_o general_a that_o nothing_o contribute_v so_o much_o to_o the_o maintain_n of_o disorder_n as_o custom_n do_v the_o most_o beneficial_a law_n and_o institution_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o dangerous_a innovation_n when_o they_o be_v not_o authorize_v by_o practice_n man_n dare_v not_o so_o much_o as_o attempt_v to_o introduce_v they_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n useless_a or_o ill_a practice_n be_v think_v sacred_a establishment_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v confirm_v by_o time_n and_o custom_n if_o man_n do_v but_o endeavour_v to_o lay_v aside_o some_o ceremony_n to_o make_v some_o alteration_n in_o a_o liturgy_n or_o in_o the_o form_n of_o divine-service_n it_o seem_v to_o many_o that_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o religion_n be_v strike_v at_o thus_o it_o happen_v that_o abuse_n which_o be_v palpable_a and_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o man_n of_o sense_n subsist_v for_o whole_a age_n and_o can_v be_v reform_v the_o difficulty_n of_o revive_v the_o apostolical_a discipline_n and_o of_o restore_a church-government_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o pastor_n to_o the_o state_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o proceed_v from_o the_o same_o cause_n because_o a_o certain_a form_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n and_o discipline_n obtain_v in_o a_o country_n it_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o perfect_a in_o which_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v alter_v and_o those_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o hear_v who_o propose_v the_o establish_n of_o another_o if_o any_o one_o think_v it_o a_o fault_n to_o suffer_v scandalous_a sinner_n in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o church_n if_o he_o think_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v excommunicate_v and_o that_o christian_n ought_v to_o maintain_v no_o familiar_a intercourse_n with_o they_o though_o such_o a_o man_n have_v the_o law_n of_o the_o apostle_n on_o his_o side_n yet_o he_o shall_v be_v call_v a_o innovator_n though_o he_o shall_v plain_o show_v the_o inconvenience_n of_o the_o ordinary_a practice_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o discipline_n from_o scripture_n from_o the_o pattern_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n age_n and_o by_o the_o most_o convince_a argument_n yet_o custom_n will_v still_o be_v urge_v against_o he_o the_o divine_a law_n shall_v give_v place_n to_o common_a usage_n and_o the_o present_a practice_n shall_v prevail_v above_o that_o of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n iii_o example_n and_o custom_n have_v a_o great_a force_n especial_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o concern_v manner_n man_n be_v not_o altogether_o such_o slave_n to_o custom_n in_o matter_n of_o opinion_n about_o religion_n because_o opinion_n be_v shut_v up_o within_o the_o heart_n but_o in_o practical_a thing_n and_o in_o manner_n there_o be_v few_o man_n who_o be_v not_o carry_v away_o by_o the_o stream_n of_o the_o multitude_n people_z think_v themselves_o excuse_v from_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o plain_a and_o the_o most_o sacred_a duty_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o can_v observe_v they_o without_o depart_v from_o custom_n and_o so_o they_o conform_v to_o the_o common_a use_n how_o bad_a soever_o it_o may_v be_v those_o who_o condemn_v the_o vicious_a and_o corrupt_a manner_n of_o the_o age_n and_o practise_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o for_o instance_n abstain_v from_o swear_v and_o reprove_v those_o who_o do_v it_o who_o make_v scruple_n of_o lie_v and_o of_o transgress_v the_o rule_n of_o their_o duty_n be_v look_v upon_o in_o the_o world_n as_o homoursome_a people_n and_o stigmatise_v with_o odious_a name_n and_o imputation_n if_o they_o plead_v the_o express_a command_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n instead_o of_o give_v up_o the_o cause_n man_n will_v strain_v the_o scripture_n and_o by_o force_n explication_n and_o impious_a gloss_n endeavour_v to_o fix_v a_o sense_n upon_o it_o which_o may_v favour_v the_o ordinary_a practice_n while_o piety_n dare_v not_o show_v itself_o vice_n be_v respect_v and_o bad_a man_n carry_v it_o bold_o every_o where_n because_o the_o number_n be_v of_o their_o side_n maxim_n direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o moral_a precept_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o only_o receive_v and_o tolerate_v but_o they_o be_v defend_v as_o innocent_a for_o this_o single_a reason_n that_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n approve_v and_o practice_v they_o this_o may_v be_v confirm_v by_o innumerable_a instance_n we_o can_v hardly_o imagine_v any_o thing_n more_o contrary_a to_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o that_o worldly_a life_n which_o be_v lead_v by_o many_o christian_n they_o spend_v their_o whole_a time_n in_o the_o care_n of_o the_o body_n they_o wear_v out_o their_o life_n in_o idleness_n game_n pleasure_n and_o divertisement_n they_o deny_v themselves_o nothing_o they_o make_v it_o their_o study_n to_o live_v luxurious_o and_o to_o gratify_v themselves_o this_o kind_n of_o life_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o piety_n but_o because_o it_o obtain_v among_o person_n of_o the_o high_a rank_n it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o persuade_v those_o who_o follow_v it_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o quit_v it_o it_o be_v by_o allege_v common_a practice_n that_o man_n defend_v a_o soft_a and_o effeminate_a life_n fashion_n contrary_a to_o chastity_n and_o modesty_n the_o too_o great_a familiarity_n of_o the_o young_a person_n of_o both_o sex_n the_o read_n of_o ill_a book_n the_o play_n which_o will_v honesty_n and_o religion_n scandalous_a diversion_n and_o those_o assembly_n where_o the_o most_o entice_a bait_n and_o allurement_n to_o vice_n be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o and_o where_o the_o mind_n of_o young_a people_n receive_v the_o most_o dangerous_a impression_n all_o these_o thing_n i_o say_v be_v defend_v by_o custom_n so_o that_o when_o luxury_n and_o expensiveness_n and_o state_n in_o apparel_n eat_v or_o furniture_n be_v once_o establish_v we_o endeavour_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o christian_a moderation_n and_o to_o banish_v that_o multitude_n of_o scandal_n and_o vice_n which_o must_v needs_o attend_v such_o kind_n of_o excess_n thus_o in_o some_o nation_n where_o drunkeness_n be_v in_o vogue_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o oppose_v so_o vicious_a a_o custom_n in_o spite_n of_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v against_o drunkenness_n and_o intemperance_n people_n be_v so_o far_o from_o part_v with_o that_o vice_n that_o they_o fancy_v there_o be_v no_o sin_n in_o be_v drink_v to_o put_v up_o no_o injury_n to_o indulge_v revenge_n to_o be_v tender_a and_o nice_a upon_o the_o point_n of_o false_a honour_n to_o stick_v at_o nothing_o that_o can_v promote_v one_o fortune_n to_o assume_v all_o shape_v to_o disguise_v one_o sentiment_n and_o to_o supplant_v other_o all_o these_o be_v maxim_n which_o be_v follow_v without_o scruple_n because_o they_o be_v authorize_v by_o use_n and_o by_o the_o false_a opinion_n of_o men._n it_o will_v signify_v nothing_o to_o allege_v to_o those_o who_o be_v possess_v with_o such_o sentiment_n what_o the_o gospel_n enjoin_v we_o concern_v patience_n forgive_a of_o injury_n humility_n sincerity_n justice_n and_o charity_n such_o moral_n will_v not_o be_v so_o much_o as_o hearken_v to_o because_o these_o matter_n be_v otherwise_o determine_v by_o custom_n by_o the_o same_o reason_n it_o it_o pretend_v that_o in_o office_n in_o trade_n in_o art_n and_o in_o the_o various_a profession_n of_o life_n every_o thing_n which_o be_v usual_o practise_v by_o man_n in_o those_o several_a calling_n may_v lawful_o be_v do_v nay_o even_o a_o oath_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o undeceive_v people_n most_o man_n explain_v their_o oath_n and_o regulate_v their_o conscience_n by_o the_o example_n of_o other_o they_o use_v all_o the_o method_n of_o gain_n which_o custom_n have_v introduce_v without_o inquire_v whether_o they_o be_v justifiable_a or_o not_o when_o i_o speak_v here_o of_o custom_n and_o example_n i_o do_v not_o only_o mean_v that_o which_o be_v establish_v by_o general_a use_n but_o that_o likewise_o which_o be_v authorize_v by_o man_n in_o credit_n the_o quality_n of_o person_n produce_v the_o same_o effect_n that_o great_a number_n do_v one_o single_a example_n have_v sometime_o as_o much_o force_n as_o the_o unite_a example_n of_o a_o multitude_n all_o that_o be_v do_v and_o approve_v of_o by_o prince_n great_a man_n magistrate_n and_o person_n of_o quality_n be_v a_o law_n to_o a_o great_a many_o people_n a_o small_a number_n of_o considerable_a person_n who_o join_v their_o endeavour_n to_o bring_v a_o practice_n into_o fashion_n be_v enough_o to_o make_v it_o in_o a_o little_a time_n to_o be_v general_o follow_v how_o bad_a soever_o it_o may_v be_v this_o be_v so_o common_o see_v that_o i_o think_v it_o needless_a to_o give_v instance_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v add_v three_o consideration_n which_o deserve_v a_o
very_a particular_a attention_n i_o have_v already_o touch_v they_o by_o the_o by_o but_o i_o will_v propose_v they_o more_o distinct_o here_o 1._o that_o common_a opinion_n that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o embrace_v the_o sentiment_n and_o the_o way_n of_o live_v which_o be_v receive_v in_o the_o world_n be_v that_o which_o make_v corruption_n spread_v and_o insinuate_v itself_o every_o where_n man_n make_v it_o a_o law_n to_o themselves_o and_o repute_v it_o honourable_a to_o comply_v with_o custom_n it_o be_v lay_v down_o for_o a_o maxim_n that_o we_o must_v live_v as_o other_o do_v and_o accommodate_v ourselves_o to_o the_o fashion_n which_o be_v establish_v and_o that_o it_o will_v make_v we_o ridiculous_a if_o in_o behaviour_n and_o manner_n we_o shall_v differ_v from_o the_o age_n and_o the_o place_n we_o live_v in_o i_o do_v not_o absolute_o reject_v this_o maxim_n because_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o very_a good_a sense_n a_o christian_n shall_v not_o profess_v a_o unsociable_a piety_n he_o may_v lawful_o observe_v certain_a decence_n and_o comply_v to_o a_o certain_a degree_n with_o the_o opinion_n and_o manner_n of_o those_o he_o converse_v with_o nay_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v this_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n and_o piety_n but_o such_o a_o compliance_n and_o such_o regard_n become_v criminal_a when_o they_o engage_v he_o to_o act_v against_o duty_n and_o conscience_n if_o the_o custom_n be_v bad_a he_o ought_v to_o depart_v from_o it_o and_o to_o do_v in_o spite_n of_o it_o whatsoever_o god_n command_v he_o do_v not_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o a_o christian_a who_o have_v not_o the_o courage_n to_o do_v this_o and_o yet_o few_o people_n be_v capable_a of_o this_o resolution_n the_o great_a part_n be_v overcome_v by_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o multitude_n the_o regard_n they_o bear_v to_o the_o example_n and_o judgement_n of_o other_o produces_z in_o they_o a_o false_a shame_n which_o hinder_v they_o from_o do_v their_o duty_n and_o prompt_v they_o to_o evil_a notwithstanding_o all_o the_o check_n of_o conscience_n and_o nothing_o be_v so_o fatal_a and_o pernicious_a in_o the_o state_n of_o those_o who_o thus_o comply_v with_o custom_n as_o that_o they_o become_v such_o habitual_a slave_n to_o it_o that_o they_o be_v no_o more_o able_a to_o alter_v their_o conduct_n when_o a_o man_n be_v once_o get_v into_o a_o certain_a course_n of_o life_n in_o the_o world_n he_o pursue_v it_o and_o he_o be_v still_o engage_v deep_o into_o it_o till_o at_o last_o he_o come_v under_o a_o kind_n of_o impossibility_n of_o leave_v it_o though_o he_o will_v because_o in_o order_n to_o that_o he_o must_v break_v off_o those_o tie_n and_o engagement_n which_o he_o have_v be_v contract_v for_o a_o great_a while_n he_o must_v withdraw_v from_o divers_a company_n and_o enter_v quite_o upon_o another_o way_n of_o live_v now_o it_o be_v very_o seldom_o if_o ever_o that_o people_n can_v resolve_v upon_o all_o this_o 2._o even_o those_o person_n who_o be_v well_o dispose_v be_v shake_v by_o example_n and_o custom_n i_o say_v something_o of_o this_o in_o the_o chapter_n of_o false-shame_n a_o great_a many_o be_v satisfy_v that_o the_o side_n of_o the_o multitude_n be_v not_o the_o best_a and_o that_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o age_n do_v not_o agree_v with_o religion_n but_o they_o dare_v not_o swerve_v from_o custom_n the_o fear_n of_o be_v hate_v reproach_v or_o despise_v restrain_v they_o and_o frequent_o extort_v sinful_a compliance_n from_o they_o i_o shall_v take_v notice_n to_o this_o purpose_n of_o what_o happen_v every_o day_n to_o young_a people_n who_o parent_n have_v endeavour_v to_o breed_v up_o to_o piety_n and_o good_a manner_n when_o they_o first_o go_v out_o of_o their_o father_n house_n they_o be_v ashamed_a and_o afraid_a of_o do_v ill_a thing_n sin_n raise_v some_o kind_n of_o horror_n in_o they_o with_o these_o disposition_n they_o launch_v into_o the_o world_n they_o be_v place_v either_o in_o the_o army_n or_o at_o court._n and_o there_o they_o do_v not_o find_v those_o maxim_n of_o piety_n practise_v which_o have_v be_v infuse_v into_o they_o but_o they_o have_v only_o ill_a example_n before_o their_o eye_n they_o see_v there_o person_n who_o have_v be_v recommend_v to_o they_o for_o behave_v themselves_o upon_o who_o their_o promotion_n and_o fortune_n depend_v and_o who_o be_v repute_v honest_a man_n they_o see_v such_o person_n i_o say_v live_v in_o a_o licentious_a manner_n this_o at_o first_o surprise_v and_o trouble_v they_o their_o conscience_n hold_v out_o for_o a_o while_n but_o example_n do_v insensible_o lessen_v in_o they_o the_o aborrence_n of_o vice_n their_o good_a disposition_n vanish_v in_o a_o little_a time_n and_o at_o last_o they_o swim_v with_o the_o stream_n they_o embolden_v themselves_o in_o ill_a thing_n and_o they_o become_v finish_v libertine_n they_o do_v in_o like_a manner_n drink_v in_o the_o atheistical_a sentiment_n which_o common_o be_v in_o fashion_n among_o person_n of_o quality_n if_o they_o be_v but_o tell_v that_o man_n of_o wit_n and_o quality_n do_v not_o believe_v a_o thing_n or_o that_o they_o entertain_v any_o opinion_n that_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v they_o embrace_v that_o opinion_n and_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n 3._o in_o the_o last_o place_n man_n be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o if_o custom_n do_v not_o justify_v it_o do_v at_o least_o excuse_n vice_n and_o that_o if_o they_o do_v amiss_o in_o the_o follow_v the_o general_a practice_n it_o be_v but_o a_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n which_o god_n will_v not_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o be_v the_o last_o refuge_n of_o a_o great_a many_o person_n they_o will_v own_v that_o man_n manner_n be_v very_o much_o deprave_v and_o that_o there_o be_v little_a of_o true_a piety_n among_o they_o but_o they_o will_v say_v this_o be_v the_o fashion_n now_o a-days_o this_o be_v the_o way_n of_o the_o world_n and_o he_o can_v be_v very_o guilty_a who_o do_v only_o what_o other_o do_v nay_o several_a man_n who_o be_v not_o libertine_n and_o who_o see_v what_o shall_v be_v do_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o promote_a of_o piety_n fancy_n themselves_o under_o no_o obligation_n to_o oppose_v custom_n their_o excuse_n be_v that_o it_o signify_v nothing_o to_o strive_v against_o a_o torrent_n so_o that_o sloth_n and_o timorousness_n together_o magnify_v the_o difficulty_n which_o their_o imagination_n represent_v to_o they_o they_o make_v no_o effort_n and_o they_o let_v thing_n go_v on_o at_o the_o usual_a rate_n while_o custom_n corrupt_v and_o blind_v some_o it_o intimidate_n and_o discourage_v other_o and_o thus_o vice_n and_o disorder_n be_v still_o take_v deep_a root_n now_o two_o sort_n of_o remedy_n may_v be_v apply_v to_o this_o cause_n of_o corruption_n to_o wit_n particular_a and_o general_a remedy_n the_o particular_a remedy_n be_v those_o caution_n which_o every_o body_n ought_v to_o use_v to_o prevent_v his_o be_v seduce_v by_o example_n and_o custom_n there_o be_v two_o principal_a mean_n for_o a_o man_n to_o keep_v himself_o free_a from_o this_o seduction_n the_o first_o be_v to_o avoid_v ill_a example_n as_o much_o as_o possible_a to_o withdraw_v from_o those_o conversation_n and_o to_o abstain_v from_o those_o employment_n which_o draw_v man_n into_o sin_n and_o to_o choose_v a_o kind_n of_o life_n which_o may_v not_o engage_v we_o too_o far_o into_o the_o world_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a to_o seek_v after_o good_a example_n and_o to_o be_v conversant_a with_o virtuous_a person_n end_n person_n see_v part._n i._n cause_n iii_o artic._n ii_o 4._o etc._n etc._n cause_n v._o art_n two_o about_o the_o end_n but_o as_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o circumspection_n we_o can_v avoid_v be_v often_o tempt_v by_o ill_a example_n so_o we_o ought_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o arm_n and_o fortify_v ourselves_o against_o this_o temptation_n by_o strong_o possess_v our_o mind_n with_o the_o sentiment_n which_o religion_n inspire_v i_o have_v show_v elsewhere_o what_o judgement_n a_o christian_n ought_v to_o make_v of_o custom_n and_o man_n opinion_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o god_n have_v set_v we_o a_o law_n by_o which_o he_o will_v judge_v we_o and_o have_v give_v we_o the_o knowledge_n of_o that_o law_n and_o powerful_a encouragement_n to_o make_v it_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o deportment_n neither_o example_n nor_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o world_n can_v any_o way_n excuse_v we_o from_o do_v what_o god_n command_v or_o deliver_v we_o from_o the_o punishment_n which_o our_o disobedience_n deserve_v those_o who_o have_v a_o great_a regard_n to_o custom_n than_o to_o their_o duty_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o inexcusable_a because_o the_o gospel_n express_o forbid_v we_o to_o govern_v ourselves_o by_o the_o practice_n or_o example_n of_o