requirean_a exact_v and_o particular_a discussion_n i_o will_v first_o resume_v the_o four_o character_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o religion_n which_o be_v truth_n holiness_n union_n and_o order_n 1._o all_o christian_a society_n boast_v that_o they_o profess_v the_o truth_n and_o that_o very_a thing_n be_v enough_o to_o show_v that_o many_o of_o they_o be_v in_o error_n since_o they_o do_v not_o agree_v among_o themselves_o about_o the_o article_n to_o be_v believe_v i_o will_v not_o enlarge_v on_o this_o head_n because_o it_o will_v lead_v i_o into_o many_o particular_n and_o in_o some_o respect_n into_o controversy_n i_o shall_v only_o say_v that_o if_o we_o do_v judge_v of_o what_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v in_o religion_n by_o that_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o principle_n and_o rule_n of_o faith_n among_o christian_n i_o mean_v the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o will_v soon_o perceive_v on_o which_o side_n the_o truth_n lie_v we_o may_v observe_v in_o that_o society_n which_o vaunt_v itself_o to_o be_v the_o pure_a of_o all_o and_o which_o even_o pretend_v to_o be_v infallible_a and_o the_o only_a true_a church_n exclusive_a of_o all_o other_o absurd_a tenet_n and_o monstrous_a doctrine_n equal_o repugnant_a to_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o we_o shall_v be_v convince_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o those_o church_n which_o do_v separate_v from_o that_o society_n be_v much_o more_o consonant_a to_o the_o gospel_n 2._o we_o must_v have_v a_o very_a mean_a notion_n of_o christianity_n if_o we_o can_v believe_v that_o holiness_n which_o be_v the_o second_o character_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v find_v among_o christian_n at_o this_o time_n the_o complaint_n of_o the_o last_o age_n be_v that_o religion_n want_v to_o be_v reform_v in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o manner_n it_o be_v reform_v in_o part_n by_o the_o reject_v of_o those_o error_n and_o abuse_n which_o be_v creep_v into_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o discipline_n but_o the_o reformation_n of_o manner_n be_v still_o behind_o the_o people_n have_v not_o as_o yet_o be_v reform_v in_o this_o regard_n except_o perhaps_o in_o those_o time_n and_o place_n where_o they_o have_v be_v persecute_v as_o for_o the_o rest_n they_o have_v scarce_o change_v any_o thing_n beside_o their_o belief_n and_o worship_n this_o alone_a prove_v that_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v yet_o imperfect_a holiness_n be_v the_o scope_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v the_o chief_a character_n of_o christianity_n so_o that_o where_o holiness_n and_o purity_n of_o manner_n be_v not_o religion_n must_v be_v very_o defective_a iii_o union_n peace_n and_o charity_n as_o be_v say_v before_o be_v one_o of_o the_o essential_a mark_n of_o the_o disciple_n and_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o where_o be_v this_o character_n to_o be_v find_v the_o church_n at_o this_o day_n be_v rend_v into_o faction_n and_o party_n we_o can_v say_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n we_o must_v say_v that_o there_o be_v many_o religion_n and_o church_n christian_n divide_v not_o only_o upon_o lawful_a ground_n which_o make_v separation_n necessary_a but_o about_o thing_n of_o small_a consequence_n upon_o the_o least_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n they_o pronounce_v anathema_n against_o one_o another_o form_n different_a sect_n and_o communion_n even_o those_o church_n which_o may_v have_v a_o common_a belief_n and_o interest_n be_v not_o unite_v those_o man_n who_o by_o their_o office_n shall_v be_v the_o minister_n of_o peace_n be_v but_o too_o often_o the_o firebrand_n of_o division_n i_o desire_v no_o other_o proof_n of_o this_o but_o that_o zeal_n which_o most_o divine_v express_v about_o the_o dispute_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o little_a disposition_n which_o be_v find_v among_o they_o to_o sacrifice_v some_o opinion_n or_o expression_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n i_o do_v not_o condemn_v all_o dispute_n without_o distinction_n for_o some_o be_v necessary_a the_o apostle_n command_v the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n to_o establish_v with_o care_n pure_a doctrine_n and_o to_o confute_v those_o who_o endeavour_n to_o corrupt_v it_o they_o do_v themselves_o on_o many_o occasion_n dispute_v against_o false_a teacher_n to_o desert_v the_o truth_n when_o attack_v be_v to_o make_v but_o little_a account_n of_o it_o this_o will_v be_v a_o betray_v the_o interest_n of_o piety_n since_o piety_n be_v always_o found_v upon_o truth_n dispute_v become_v necessary_a when_o essential_a truth_n be_v to_o be_v defend_v neither_o will_v i_o reduce_v all_o profitable_a or_o lawful_a dispute_n to_o those_o only_o which_o concern_v fundamental_o there_o be_v error_n which_o though_o not_o mortal_a yet_o be_v dangerous_a and_o so_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o oppose_v they_o and_o there_o be_v truth_n which_o though_o not_o fundamental_a be_v yet_o of_o great_a use_n in_o religion_n and_o may_v serve_v to_o confirm_v the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n it_o be_v fit_a that_o such_o truth_n shall_v be_v discuss_v provide_v this_o be_v do_v with_o moderation_n and_o honesty_n i_o only_o blame_v useless_a dispute_n or_o these_o which_o though_o they_o may_v have_v their_o use_n yet_o be_v accompany_v with_o those_o passion_n and_o disorder_n which_o blind_a zeal_n inspire_v such_o controversy_n which_o be_v but_o too_o common_a be_v extreme_o fatal_a to_o religion_n we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o express_v what_o mischief_n they_o occasion_n in_o the_o church_n and_o how_o prejudicial_a they_o be_v to_o the_o progress_n of_o christianity_n in_o general_n and_o of_o piety_n in_o particular_a it_o may_v seem_v at_o first_o that_o because_o the_o people_n do_v not_o take_v cognizance_n of_o these_o contest_v they_o shall_v prove_v hurtful_a only_o to_o those_o learned_a man_n by_o who_o alone_o they_o be_v manage_v but_o yet_o the_o whole_a church_n feel_v the_o ill_a effect_n of_o they_o 1._o by_o reason_n of_o these_o dispute_n the_o people_n be_v destitute_a of_o edification_n or_o at_o least_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v all_o the_o edification_n which_o be_v necessary_a churchman_n be_v only_o full_a of_o these_o study_n and_o meditate_v upon_o nothing_o else_o in_o their_o sermon_n they_o speak_v only_o of_o these_o matter_n which_o take_v they_o up_o and_o which_o seem_v capital_a to_o they_o they_o have_v neither_o leisure_n nor_o inclination_n to_o mind_n thing_n of_o another_o nature_n and_o to_o set_v about_o reform_v the_o manner_n of_o christian_n or_o they_o do_v it_o but_o faint_o and_o careless_o whilst_o a_o minister_n be_v very_o busy_a in_o his_o study_n or_o pulpit_n about_o confute_v a_o adversary_n who_o he_o never_o see_v or_o a_o error_n which_o be_v unknown_a to_o his_o whole_a flock_n his_o sheep_n be_v lose_v his_o hearer_n remain_v possess_v with_o mortal_a error_n concern_v morality_n and_o engage_v in_o the_o most_o vicious_a habit_n this_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o most_o dispute_n they_o occasion_n the_o ruin_n rather_o than_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o hearer_n 2._o dispute_v keep_v up_o among_o christian_n false_a zeal_n hypocrisy_n and_o licentiousness_n the_o people_n learn_v by_o the_o example_n of_o their_o teacher_n to_o place_v their_o zeal_n not_o in_o oppose_a vice_n but_o in_o understand_v controversy_n in_o adhere_v to_o certain_a opinion_n and_o in_o bear_v a_o strong_a hatred_n to_o those_o who_o dissent_v from_o they_o they_o judge_v that_o what_o make_v the_o ordinary_a employment_n of_o divine_n what_o they_o insist_v most_o upon_o what_o kindle_v their_o zeal_n and_o excite_v in_o they_o the_o most_o violent_a passion_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o most_o important_a thing_n in_o religion_n 3._o sometime_o the_o people_n take_v part_n in_o the_o quarrel_n of_o their_o teacher_n from_o whence_o proceed_v unavoidable_a animosity_n and_o division_n which_o extinguish_v love_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n and_o which_o create_v insuperable_a obstacle_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o reunion_n of_o christian_n of_o this_o we_o have_v but_o too_o many_o instance_n 4._o last_o the_o little_a union_n which_o be_v in_o the_o church_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o small_a progress_n of_o christianity_n christian_n instead_o of_o make_v their_o religion_n appear_v lovely_a and_o venerable_a to_o jew_n and_o infidel_n expose_v it_o to_o their_o contempt_n instead_o of_o endeavour_v to_o propagate_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o to_o destroy_v idolatry_n they_o turn_v their_o own_o weapon_n against_o themselves_o they_o mind_v nothing_o but_o the_o promote_a the_o interest_n of_o their_o particular_a sect_n and_o they_o neglect_v that_o of_o christianity_n ingeneral_a on_o the_o other_o hand_n unbeliever_n see_v that_o christian_n be_v not_o agree_v among_o themselves_o take_v occasion_n from_o thence_o to_o question_v every_o thing_n and_o they_o judge_v that_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o but_o
behalf_n that_o these_o illusion_n will_v not_o have_v grow_v so_o common_a if_o there_o have_v not_o teen_n a_o general_a and_o in_o some_o measure_n a_o incurable_a corruption_n in_o the_o world_n but_o they_o see_v every_o where_o a_o prodigious_a decay_n of_o piety_n and_o little_a hope_n of_o amendment_n for_o what_o may_v we_o not_o say_v of_o the_o present_a state_n of_o christianity_n there_o be_v in_o many_o place_n a_o ignorant_a and_o superstitious_a clergy_n and_o people_n who_o whole_a religion_n consist_v in_o ceremony_n and_o in_o devotion_n which_o be_v mere_o external_n and_o often_o ridiculous_a above_o all_o there_o appear_v in_o those_o place_n a_o deluge_n of_o immorality_n be_v it_o then_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o that_o quietism_n and_o fanaticism_n shall_v rear_v up_o their_o head_n in_o such_o place_n these_o gross_a abuse_n do_v not_o indeed_o prevail_v everywhere_o but_o general_o speak_v there_o be_v but_o little_a of_o true_a piety_n among_o christian_n there_o be_v scarce_o any_o order_n or_o discipline_n leave_v among_o they_o man_n live_v as_o they_o please_v the_o sacrament_n be_v profane_v the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v trample_v under_o foot_n charity_n and_o honesty_n be_v almost_o entire_o banish_v no_o man_n set_v about_o the_o redress_v of_o these_o disorder_n churchman_n make_v it_o their_o capital_a business_n to_o maintain_v their_o dispute_n and_o their_o tenet_n and_o they_o apply_v themselves_o but_o faint_o to_o the_o reform_v of_o manner_n religion_n be_v upon_o this_o foot_n many_o who_o have_v good_a intention_n can_v not_o but_o perceive_v that_o this_o be_v not_o true_a and_o genuine_a christianity_n but_o because_o they_o see_v no_o likelihood_n of_o thing_n be_v bring_v to_o a_o better_a posture_n or_o because_o they_o want_v capacity_n to_o find_v out_o the_o occasion_n and_o remedy_n of_o so_o great_a a_o evil_a or_o last_o because_o they_o be_v man_n of_o weak_a part_n they_o hearken_v to_o those_o who_o propose_v to_o they_o this_o mystical_a piety_n this_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o progress_n of_o fanaticism_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o some_o person_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n be_v engage_v in_o that_o party_n and_o therefore_o the_o true_a way_n to_o reclaim_v they_o will_v be_v to_o re-establish_a order_n in_o the_o church_n and_o to_o labour_v for_o the_o reformation_n of_o manner_n as_o long_o as_o these_o be_v neglect_v all_o the_o precaution_n and_o method_n use_v against_o fanatick_n by_o the_o clergy_n or_o by_o the_o magistrate_n will_v either_o prove_v unsuccesful_a or_o be_v find_v contrary_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n but_o after_o all_o this_o spirit_n of_o fanaticism_n be_v high_o pernicious_a for_o first_o it_o open_v a_o gap_n to_o all_o manner_n of_o licentiousness_n not_o to_o mention_v the_o mischiess_n which_o may_v redound_v from_o thence_o upon_o civil_a society_n mystical_a piety_n be_v at_o large_a fountain_n of_o illusion_n it_o lead_v man_n into_o endless_a error_n and_o it_o be_v apt_a to_o turn_v all_o religion_n upside_o down_o for_o as_o it_o be_v lodge_v only_o in_o inward_a sentiment_n it_o can_v happen_v otherwise_o but_o that_o vast_a number_n of_o man_n who_o either_o want_n knowledge_n or_o strength_n of_o part_n will_v take_v the_o wander_n of_o their_o own_o fancy_n for_o divine_a inspiration_n i_o know_v that_o some_o of_o those_o contemplative_a man_n acknowledge_v the_o scripture_n for_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o read_v it_o careful_o but_o the_o mischief_n be_v that_o through_o their_o prejudices_fw-la they_o fix_v a_o wrong_a sense_n upon_o it_o so_o that_o what_o they_o read_v do_v but_o confirm_v they_o in_o their_o error_n their_o exposition_n be_v very_o singular_a they_o do_v not_o affix_v to_o word_n the_o same_o idea_n which_o other_o man_n do_v they_o forsake_v the_o literal_a sense_n to_o run_v after_o mystical_a explication_n suitable_a to_o their_o preconceive_a notion_n they_o reject_v or_o make_v very_a light_n of_o those_o help_n which_o the_o knowledge_n of_o language_n history_n and_o the_o scope_n of_o sacred_a writer_n afford_v and_o it_o be_v one_o of_o their_o principle_n that_o woman_n mechanic_n and_o the_o most_o simple_a people_n be_v able_a to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n as_o well_o if_o not_o better_o than_o the_o most_o learned_a doctor_n 2._o fanaticism_n be_v a_o evil_n which_o be_v hardly_o to_o be_v remedy_v a_o heretic_n or_o a_o profane_a person_n may_v soon_o be_v undeceive_v than_o a_o man_n intoxicate_v with_o mystical_a devotion_n for_o these_o will_v reason_n but_o the_o other_o will_v hearken_v to_o no_o reason_v so_o that_o he_o be_v proof_n against_o all_o the_o argument_n which_o can_v be_v offer_v to_o he_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o dispute_v with_o people_n who_o look_v on_o all_o those_o who_o be_v not_o of_o their_o mind_n as_o ignorant_a man_n who_o think_v themselves_o illuminate_v above_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o who_o return_v no_o other_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n urge_v against_o they_o but_o that_o they_o be_v otherwise_o persuade_v in_o their_o mind_n there_o be_v no_o good_a to_o be_v do_v upon_o they_o either_o by_o reason_v or_o by_o sense_n of_o which_o they_o make_v but_o little_a use_n or_o even_o by_o the_o scripture_n wherein_o they_o seek_v nothing_o less_o than_o the_o literal_a meaning_n 3._o though_o mystical_a man_n profess_v a_o sublime_a piety_n yet_o their_o principle_n favour_n corruption_n more_o than_o one_o may_v be_v apt_a to_o imagine_v how_o can_v we_o reconcile_v those_o maxim_n concern_v contemplation_n inanition_n and_o silence_n with_o that_o activity_n zeal_n and_o fervour_n which_o the_o scripture_n recommend_v if_o man_n be_v a_o mere_a nothing_o if_o he_o be_v to_o wait_v patient_o till_o god_n work_v his_o will_n in_o he_o and_o speak_v to_o his_o soul_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o exhort_v man_n and_o it_o will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n for_o they_o to_o use_v any_o endeavour_n on_o their_o part_n beside_o that_o contempt_n of_o outward_a mean_n which_o the_o mystic_n express_v make_v way_n for_o a_o total_a neglect_n of_o devotion_n introduce_v disorder_n and_o licentiousness_n and_o be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o god_n design_n who_o think_v fit_a to_o prescribe_v the_o use_n of_o those_o mean_n i_o may_v add_v that_o the_o principle_n of_o fanaticism_n be_v commodious_a enough_o for_o sinner_n so_o that_o i_o do_v not_o wonder_v that_o some_o of_o they_o shall_v go_v over_o to_o that_o party_n a_o devotion_n which_o consist_v in_o acknowledge_v a_o man_n own_o nothingness_n or_o in_o contemplation_n and_o silence_n be_v much_o more_o acceptable_a to_o a_o corrupt_a person_n than_o a_o exact_a morality_n which_o oblige_v a_o man_n to_o do_v act_n of_o repentance_n to_o put_v his_o own_o hand_n to_o the_o work_n and_o to_o set_v about_o the_o reform_n of_o his_o life_n and_o the_o practise_v of_o christian_a virtue_n upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n fanaticism_n make_v religion_n contemptible_a because_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n confound_v true_a with_o mystical_a piety_n they_o fancy_n that_o a_o man_n can_v be_v devout_a without_o be_v something_o visionary_a and_o enthusiastical_a and_o that_o devotion_n do_v not_o well_o agree_v with_o sense_n and_o reason_n the_o prejudices_fw-la i_o have_v mention_v in_o this_o chapter_n be_v not_o the_o only_a one_o which_o foment_n and_o cherish_v corruption_n some_o other_o may_v have_v be_v add_v but_o they_o may_v more_o convenient_o be_v range_v under_o the_o title_n of_o some_o of_o the_o follow_a chapter_n what_o i_o have_v say_v in_o this_o do_v yet_o far_o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o good_a instruction_n which_o may_v conquer_v these_o prejudices_fw-la and_o give_v man_n true_a notion_n of_o religion_n and_o piety_n cause_n iii_o the_o maxim_n and_o sentiment_n which_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o authorize_v corruption_n it_o have_v be_v show_v in_o two_o precede_a chapter_n that_o man_n be_v general_o involve_v in_o ignorance_n and_o that_o they_o entertain_v such_o notion_n concern_v religion_n and_o piety_n as_o must_v of_o necessity_n maintain_v corruption_n in_o the_o world_n but_o they_o be_v likewise_o possess_v with_o divers_a particular_a maxim_n and_o sentiment_n which_o lead_v direct_o to_o libertinism_n a_o modern_a author_n very_o well_o observe_v preface_n observe_v new_a moral_a essay_n tom._n 1._o in_o the_o preface_n that_o people_n be_v not_o only_o very_o little_o acquaint_v with_o the_o extent_n of_o that_o purity_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v but_o that_o they_o be_v beside_o full_a of_o maxim_n incomparable_o more_o pernicious_a than_o error_n of_o pure_a speculation_n these_o maxim_n do_v the_o more_o certain_o produce_v corruption_n because_o they_o be_v use_v to_o authorize_v and_o countenance_v it_o and_o in_o fact_n man_n blindness_n and_o licentiousness_n be_v come_v to_o that_o
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
incline_v but_o yet_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o the_o various_a circumstance_n of_o time_n plate_n and_o of_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n contribute_v much_o to_o the_o progress_n of_o piety_n or_o of_o corruption_n in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v some_o happy_a circumstance_n and_o some_o time_n very_o favourable_a to_o piety_n as_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n there_o be_v unhappy_a circumstance_n and_o time_n in_o which_o it_o be_v like_o a_o stranger_n upon_o earth_n the_o mean_n to_o promote_v it_o be_v then_o neither_o so_o effectual_a nor_o so_o frequent_a the_o design_n of_o this_o work_n oblige_v i_o to_o consider_v what_o may_v be_v think_v in_o this_o respect_n of_o the_o time_n we_o live_v in_o and_o whether_o this_o corruption_n which_o dishonour_v christianity_n do_v not_o proceed_v from_o the_o unhappiness_n of_o the_o time_n and_o from_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o religion_n but_o we_o can_v succeed_v in_o this_o enquiry_n nor_o pass_v a_o sound_a judgement_n upon_o the_o present_a state_n of_o religion_n without_o run_v back_o to_o its_o first_o origin_n and_o nature_n and_o without_o take_v a_o view_n of_o those_o age_n which_o be_v elapse_v since_o its_o first_o establishment_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o of_o history_n be_v here_o of_o great_a use_n the_o scripture_n inform_v we_o what_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n shall_v be_v and_o history_n show_v we_o the_o different_a state_n through_o which_o it_o have_v pass_v when_o we_o examine_v religion_n by_o these_o two_o rule_n we_o perceive_v that_o it_o neither_o have_v be_v nor_o will_v be_v always_o in_o the_o state_n it_o be_v now_o in_o it_o be_v fit_a in_o the_o sir_n place_n to_o seek_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o religion_n in_o scripture_n there_o it_o be_v that_o chistianity_n still_o subsist_v in_o all_o its_o beauty_n for_o neither_o the_o age_n which_o be_v past_a nor_o the_o change_n which_o have_v happen_v have_v be_v able_a to_o tarnish_v in_o the_o least_o the_o brightness_n of_o those_o native_a and_o lively_a colour_n in_o which_o our_o saviour_n religion_n be_v set_v forth_o in_o holy_a write_n we_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o four_o principal_a character_n in_o the_o â—dea_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o religion_n and_o these_o be_v truth_n holiness_n union_n and_o order_n 1._o the_o first_o and_o the_o chief_a character_n of_o this_o church_n and_o religion_n be_v the_o knowledge_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n this_o be_v what_o distinguish_v christianity_n from_o false_a religion_n the_o church_n be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n no_o long_o than_o while_o she_o retain_v the_o purity_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o evangelical_n doctrine_n it_o will_v be_v needless_a to_o prove_v this_o 2._o the_o sacred_a writer_n represent_v the_o church_n as_o a_o society_n altogether_o holy_a they_o name_v she_o ii_o she_o eph._n v._o 27._o pet_n ii_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n a_o glorious_a spouse_n have_v neither_o spot_n nor_o wrinkle_n nor_o any_o such_o thing_n but_o be_v holy_a and_o without_o blemish_n they_o call_v she_o xii_o she_o heb._n xii_o the_o house_n of_o the_o live_a god_n a_o holy_a nation_n and_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o first_o bear_v which_o be_v write_v in_o heaven_n they_o give_v to_o christian_n the_o glorious_a title_n of_o king_n priest_n saint_n elect_a child_n of_o god_n and_o new_a man_n they_o speak_v of_o they_o as_o of_o a_o people_n separate_v from_o the_o world_n and_o its_o vice_n dedicate_v to_o god_n and_o to_o good_a work_n and_o live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n temperance_n justice_n charity_n and_o all_o other_o virtue_n 3._o union_n and_o love_n be_v the_o three_o character_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n the_o scripture_n do_v not_o speak_v to_o we_o of_o many_o church_n but_o of_o one_o of_o which_o all_o the_o faithful_a be_v member_n in_o what_o place_n soever_o they_o may_v be_v st._n paul_n say_v that_o there_o be_v buâ—_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n and_o one_o god_n the_o apostle_n enjoin_v above_o all_o thing_n union_n and_o charity_n and_o they_o give_v many_o precept_n to_o maintain_v these_o and_o to_o make_v they_o flourish_v among_o christian_n 4._o as_o holiness_n and_o union_n can_v be_v preserve_v where_o there_o be_v no_o order_n so_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v a_o well_o regulate_v society_n in_o which_o every_o thing_n may_v be_v do_v in_o a_o convenient_a and_o orderly_a manner_n and_o in_o fact_n there_o be_v in_o the_o sacred_a write_n many_o law_n to_o this_o purpose_n we_o find_v there_o several_a regulation_n concern_v the_o way_n in_o which_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v govern_v and_o concern_v the_o call_n of_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n and_o the_o principal_a function_n of_o their_o office_n the_o scripture_n do_v beside_o appoint_v the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n the_o manner_n of_o proceed_v in_o relation_n to_o scandalous_a sinner_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o public_a alms._n it_o prescribe_v the_o chief_a act_n of_o religion_n and_o divine_a worship_n prayer_n fast_v sacrament_n preach_v and_o some_o other_o head_n all_o these_o law_n be_v design_v to_o establish_v order_n and_o piety_n in_o the_o church_n and_o to_o banish_v confusion_n and_o scandal_n out_o of_o it_o and_o this_o order_n can_v be_v a_o thing_n indifferent_a since_o the_o apostle_n have_v give_v we_o law_n about_o it_o it_o be_v not_o difficult_a to_o show_v that_o most_o christian_a society_n be_v hardly_o to_o be_v know_v by_o these_o mark_n but_o before_o we_o come_v to_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o observe_v the_o different_a state_n through_o which_o the_o church_n have_v pass_v from_o her_o infancy_n to_o this_o time_n ii_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o church_n in_o her_o infancy_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n be_v very_o pure_a in_o comparison_n of_o the_o follow_v but_o yet_o must_v take_v heed_n when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n that_o we_o do_v not_o form_v to_o ourselves_o too_o advantageous_a a_o idea_n of_o it_o as_o if_o christianity_n have_v be_v then_o in_o its_o utmost_a purity_n and_o perfection_n the_o church_n in_o her_o beginning_n do_v consist_v of_o jew_n and_o heathen_n these_o man_n embrace_v christianity_n do_v not_o so_o entire_o strip_v themselves_o of_o their_o prejudices_fw-la and_o custom_n but_o that_o they_o bring_v with_o they_o into_o the_o church_n some_o of_o the_o notion_n of_o judaisme_n and_o even_o of_o gentilism_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o this_o be_v the_o first_o occasion_n of_o those_o heresy_n which_o do_v stain_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o moral_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o several_a disorder_n which_o happen_v in_o the_o very_a time_n of_o the_o apostle_n beside_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o first_o minister_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o able_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o persecution_n and_o of_o the_o obstacle_n they_o meet_v with_o to_o regulate_v all_o thing_n as_o they_o will_v have_v do_v if_o the_o church_n have_v be_v in_o peace_n we_o need_v not_o therefore_o wonder_v if_o we_o find_v imperfection_n and_o defect_n apparent_a enough_o in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o it_o be_v of_o some_o importance_n to_o observe_v this_o not_o only_o that_o we_o may_v have_v true_a apprehension_n concern_v this_o matter_n but_o that_o we_o may_v beside_o obviate_v a_o unhappy_a consequence_n which_o may_v be_v draw_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o present_a corruption_n from_o what_o have_v be_v know_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n no_o doubt_n but_o there_o be_v disorder_n and_o scandal_n at_o that_o time_n but_o we_o be_v to_o remember_v that_o the_o church_n be_v then_o make_v up_o of_o man_n who_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v bear_v and_o have_v live_v in_o paganism_n and_o who_o life_n have_v be_v spend_v in_o the_o thick_a darkness_n of_o ignorance_n and_o vice_n yet_o for_o all_o that_o the_o church_n be_v then_o more_o holy_a and_o pure_a than_o she_o have_v be_v since_o or_o be_v at_o this_o day_n in_o most_o place_n this_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n which_o can_v reasonable_o be_v contest_v for_o beside_o that_o it_o may_v be_v verify_v from_o the_o testimony_n which_o the_o sacred_a and_o some_o of_o the_o heathen_a author_n bear_v to_o the_o innocency_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o that_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o man_n be_v keep_v in_o awe_n while_o the_o apostle_n be_v alive_a in_o the_o time_n of_o miracle_n besidesall_n this_o i_o say_v there_o be_v two_o considereation_n which_o prove_v that_o corrupton_n can_v not_o be_v then_o so_o great_a or_o so_o
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
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
preservative_n but_o these_o book_n be_v not_o much_o better_a than_o the_o other_o nay_o i_o can_v tell_v whether_o they_o be_v not_o more_o dangerous_a those_o morality_n be_v very_o ill_o place_v and_o few_o people_n be_v the_o better_a for_o they_o it_o be_v a_o very_a suspicious_a kind_n of_o morality_n which_o come_v from_o the_o pen_n of_o those_o author_n who_o write_v indifferent_o upon_o matter_n of_o love_n and_o religious_a subject_n who_o sometime_o seem_v to_o be_v libertine_n and_o sometime_o devout_a who_o after_o they_o have_v say_v a_o hundred_o licentious_a thing_n give_v you_o the_o history_n of_o a_o great_a many_o disorder_n and_o relate_v several_a scandalous_a passage_n entertain_v you_o with_o devotion_n and_o piety_n this_o be_v a_o monstrous_a mixture_n if_o those_o author_n be_v true_o religious_a they_o will_v forbear_v write_v those_o thing_n which_o religion_n condemn_v and_o which_o scandalize_v the_o public_a such_o book_n be_v particular_o fit_a to_o 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write_v what_o person_n they_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o and_o what_o notion_n knowledge_n or_o custom_n do_v then_o obtain_v but_o those_o who_o be_v ignorane_n of_o these_o thing_n set_v about_o expound_v the_o scripture_n can_v hardly_o do_v it_o with_o success_n it_o be_v a_o wonder_n if_o they_o do_v not_o miss_v the_o true_a mark_n and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o obtrude_v force_v and_o very_o often_o false_a gloss_n upon_o their_o reader_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n many_o author_n apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o examine_n of_o scripture_n with_o a_o mind_n full_a of_o prejudices_fw-la they_o explain_v in_o by_o the_o present_a notion_n of_o the_o world_n nothing_o be_v more_o usual_a with_o commentator_n than_o to_o make_v the_o faithful_a under_o the_o old_a testament_n speak_v as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v as_o well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o christian_n be_v and_o as_o if_o those_o question_n and_o dispute_n which_o be_v treat_v in_o common-place_n 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those_o place_n where_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n direct_v we_o to_o look_v for_o it_o and_o yet_o a_o great_a many_o author_n do_v almost_o entire_o forsake_v the_o literal_a sense_n to_o pursue_v mystical_a explication_n in_o their_o opinion_n every_o thing_n be_v mystical_a in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n especial_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n they_o be_v not_o content_v with_o unfolding_a the_o true_a mystery_n and_o prophecy_n which_o manifest_o relate_v to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o they_o turn_v all_o thing_n into_o figure_n they_o find_v mystery_n allegory_n type_n and_o prophecy_n every_o where_o even_o in_o the_o plain_a discourse_n this_o they_o call_v search_v and_o dive_v into_o the_o scripture_n but_o this_o way_n of_o expound_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v a_o fountain_n of_o illusion_n for_o as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v not_o explain_v those_o pretend_a mystery_n so_o they_o must_v be_v put_v to_o their_o guess_n and_o beholden_a to_o their_o imagination_n for_o the_o discovery_n of_o they_o and_o he_o that_o be_v the_o most_o copious_a or_o lucky_a in_o his_o conjecture_n be_v the_o great_a man._n now_o i_o leave_v any_o one_o to_o judge_v whether_o commentator_n who_o follow_v no_o other_o guide_n but_o their_o imagination_n can_v avoid_v be_v very_o frequent_o mistake_v and_o give_v a_o great_a many_o handle_v to_o libertine_n and_o infidel_n 3._o we_o be_v not_o to_o forget_v here_o the_o school-commentators_a the_o holy_a scripture_n shall_v be_v expound_v in_o a_o simple_a and_o popular_a manner_n and_o this_o can_v be_v deny_v if_o we_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v give_v for_o the_o instruction_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o all_o man_n and_o that_o the_o discourse_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v address_v to_o the_o common_a people_n and_o to_o such_o person_n as_o be_v far_o from_o be_v philosopher_n nothing_o therefore_o seem_v more_o repugnant_a to_o the_o
design_n of_o scripture_n than_o to_o explain_v it_o philosophical_o and_o which_o be_v worse_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o a_o false_a philosophy_n as_o divers_a commentator_n do_v they_o make_v use_v of_o the_o method_n notion_n and_o term_n of_o the_o school_n to_o find_v out_o the_o mean_v of_o the_o sacred_a write_n they_o apply_v to_o all_o subject_n the_o rule_n prescribe_v by_o the_o schoolman_n they_o careful_o distinguish_v in_o a_o text_n those_o thing_n which_o be_v call_v in_o the_o school_n materia_fw-la forma_fw-la causa_fw-la efficiens_fw-la finis_fw-la subjectum_fw-la adjunctum_fw-la etc._n etc._n they_o seek_v in_o all_o reason_v the_o major_n the_o minor_a and_o they_o conclusion_n as_o if_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o inspire_v the_o sacred_a author_n have_v follow_v the_o scheme_n of_o aristotle_n logic_n and_o have_v intend_v to_o make_v syllogism_n in_o mood_n and_o figure_n i_o say_v nothing_o here_o of_o that_o spirit_n of_o dispute_n and_o wrangle_a 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and_o insipid_a it_o may_v be_v sometime_o necessary_a to_o clear_v a_o difficulty_n to_o unfold_v a_o intricate_a mean_v and_o to_o observe_v the_o critical_a signification_n of_o word_n but_o when_o the_o sense_n be_v natural_a and_o easy_a and_o when_o the_o word_n be_v clear_a to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v a_o man_n insist_v upon_o all_o those_o illustration_n what_o need_n be_v there_o for_o he_o to_o be_v always_o press_v the_o signification_n of_o word_n to_o remark_n all_o their_o different_a acceptation_n and_o to_o explain_v what_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o the_o word_n death_n faith_n just_a every_o time_n that_o these_o term_n occur_v the_o true_a method_n be_v to_o pursue_v the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o the_o mean_v of_o a_o text_n without_o criticise_v upon_o world_n and_o circumstance_n 5._o it_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o many_o commentator_n to_o be_v prolix_a and_o too_o large_a from_o every_o verse_n nay_o from_o every_o word_n they_o take_v occasion_n to_o 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necessary_a to_o judge_v here_o upon_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o examination_n of_o all_o the_o controversy_n which_o divide_v christian_n but_o this_o i_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n take_v upon_o i_o to_o do_v it_o will_v be_v fit_a for_o i_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o those_o fault_n which_o be_v common_a to_o the_o great_a part_n of_o divinity-book_n i_o shall_v say_v nothing_o but_o what_o must_v needs_o be_v own_v by_o all_o the_o sensible_a divine_n of_o any_o party_n and_o the_o reflection_n i_o be_o to_o make_v though_o general_n may_v perhaps_o be_v of_o some_o use_n to_o direct_v our_o judgement_n concern_v the_o doctrine_n itself_o contain_v in_o those_o book_n 1._o almost_o all_o the_o author_n who_o have_v write_v of_o divinity_n have_v make_v of_o it_o upon_o the_o matter_n a_o science_n of_o mere_a speculation_n they_o establish_v certain_a doctrine_n they_o deliver_v their_o opinion_n they_o prove_v they_o as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v they_o treat_v of_o controversy_n and_o confute_v their_o adversary_n but_o they_o do_v not_o seem_v to_o have_v meditate_a much_o upon_o the_o use_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v with_o relation_n to_o piety_n and_o salvation_n they_o be_v very_o short_a upon_o this_o head_n which_o yet_o be_v the_o chief_a of_o all_o they_o be_v not_o by_o half_a so_o solicitous_a to_o assert_v the_o duty_n as_o they_o be_v to_o maintain_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n now_o this_o be_v not_o teach_v divinity_n the_o design_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o teach_v man_n how_o they_o ought_v to_o serve_v god_n and_o to_o make_v they_o holy_a and_o happy_a if_o this_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o handle_n of_o divinity_n and_o if_o care_n be_v take_v to_o show_v what_o relation_n all_o the_o part_n of_o religion_n have_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o holiness_n and_o felicity_n of_o man_n there_o will_v be_v much_o more_o piety_n than_o there_o be_v now_o among_o christian_n those_o who_o study_n divinity_n will_v learn_v betimes_o to_o direct_v it_o to_o its_o true_a end_n and_o this_o will_v likewise_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o distinguish_v material_a from_o insignificant_a point_n and_o question_n and_o to_o ease_v religion_n of_o all_o those_o needless_a dispute_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o main_a cause_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o christian_n 2._o what_o i_o have_v now_o say_v lead_v i_o to_o a_o second_o observation_n which_o be_v that_o as_o several_a thing_n may_v be_v leave_v out_o of_o divinity-book_n so_o other_o thing_n be_v want_v which_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o add_v to_o they_o for_o the_o purpose_n common-place_n do_v not_o insist_v much_o upon_o on_o the_o general_a truth_n and_o principle_n of_o religion_n they_o scarce_o give_v we_o any_o instruction_n about_o church-discipline_n and_o government_n or_o about_o the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n as_o
by_o many_o person_n of_o eminent_a learning_n and_o piety_n and_o it_o be_v that_o which_o i_o desire_v all_o those_o who_o have_v a_o zeal_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o take_v into_o their_o serious_a consideration_n cause_n iii_o the_o defect_n of_o the_o clergy_n in_o search_v after_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o decay_n of_o piety_n we_o can_v but_o inquire_v whether_o corruption_n do_v not_o proceed_v from_o the_o pastor_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n pastor_n be_v appoint_v to_o oppose_v the_o progress_n of_o vice_n and_o to_o be_v public_a fountain_n of_o instruction_n edification_n and_o good_a example_n so_o that_o in_o truth_n their_o ministry_n be_v of_o most_o excellent_a use_n when_o due_o exercise_v but_o when_o vice_n reign_v when_o scandal_n multiply_v that_o general_a corruption_n be_v if_o not_o a_o certain_a proof_n at_o least_o a_o strong_a presumption_n that_o there_o be_v some_o fault_n in_o pastor_n if_o we_o will_v be_v satisfy_v about_o this_o matter_n we_o need_v but_o reflect_v upon_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o office_n and_o upon_o their_o way_n of_o discharge_v it_o this_o be_v what_o i_o design_n to_o inquire_v into_o in_o this_o chapter_n in_o order_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v consider_v 1._o what_o function_n and_o duty_n be_v annex_v to_o the_o office_n of_o pastor_n and_o 2._o what_o qualification_n be_v requisite_a in_o they_o to_o discharge_v it_o worthy_o there_o be_v two_o principal_a function_n incumbent_a on_o pastor_n instruction_n and_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n 1._o it_o will_v be_v needless_a to_o prove_v that_o the_o office_n of_o pastor_n oblige_v they_o to_o instruct_v the_o people_n and_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n for_o this_o be_v beyond_o all_o question_n it_o will_v be_v fit_a to_o observe_v that_o the_o fruit_n of_o public_a instruction_n deliver_v in_o sermon_n depend_v upon_o two_o thing_n the_o matter_n treat_v of_o and_o the_o way_n of_o propose_v they_o so_o that_o the_o fault_n commit_v in_o sermon_n be_v either_o in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o or_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o handle_v they_o 1._o the_o matter_n handle_v in_o sermon_n be_v either_o of_o doctrine_n or_o morality_n what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o this_o treatise_n may_v serve_v to_o discover_v to_o we_o the_o defect_n in_o preach_v with_o relation_n to_o these_o two_o head_n those_o who_o preach_v the_o gospel_n do_v not_o sufficient_o instruct_v the_o people_n neither_o in_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n nor_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o as_o catechise_n be_v proper_o design_v for_o the_o explication_n of_o these_o truth_n and_o duty_n i_o think_v ignorance_n and_o corruption_n chief_o proceed_v from_o this_o that_o in_o most_o church_n thing_n be_v not_o well_o order_v with_o reference_n to_o catechise_n they_o be_v neither_o frequent_a enough_o nor_o so_o proper_a for_o instruction_n as_o they_o shall_v be_v beside_o catechise_v be_v almost_o every_o where_o neglect_v if_o not_o despise_v the_o common_a notion_n be_v that_o catechism_n be_v only_o for_o child_n and_o for_o the_o mean_a sort_n of_o people_n the_o function_n of_o a_o catechist_n which_o be_v ancient_o so_o considerable_a in_o the_o church_n be_v look_v upon_o now_o as_o a_o function_n of_o no_o great_a importance_n and_o it_o be_v usual_o commit_v to_o person_n of_o the_o least_o knowledge_n and_o experience_n these_o fault_n may_v easy_o be_v remedy_v one_o of_o the_o most_o useful_a establishment_n in_o church_n will_v be_v to_o increase_v the_o number_n of_o catechism_n and_o to_o appoint_v they_o instead_o of_o the_o sermon_n but_o to_o render_v they_o more_o useful_a and_o more_o frequent_v it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o establish_v two_o sort_n of_o they_o in_o those_o of_o the_o first_o sort_v the_o element_n of_o religion_n shall_v be_v explain_v in_o a_o easy_a and_o familiar_a manner_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o child_n and_o of_o the_o less-knowing_a part_n of_o christian_n the_o other_o shall_v be_v for_o those_o who_o have_v attain_v a_o high_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n and_o in_o these_o matter_n that_o have_v be_v propose_v but_o general_o before_o shall_v be_v more_o full_o and_o exact_o handle_v but_o if_o it_o be_v think_v that_o a_o establishment_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o that_o the_o multiply_a of_o catechise_n may_v meet_v with_o difficulty_n and_o obstruction_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a at_o least_o for_o the_o instruction_n of_o great_a number_n of_o person_n who_o never_o assist_v at_o those_o exercise_n that_o minister_n shall_v he_o oblige_v to_o preach_v upon_o the_o same_o subject_n which_o be_v common_o treat_v in_o catechism_n as_o for_o sermon_n the_o church_n will_v reap_v more_o benefit_n from_o they_o if_o preacher_n do_v always_o show_v true_a judgement_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o matter_n they_o handle_v we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o all_o sort_n of_o subject_n be_v instructive_a alike_o and_o that_o in_o order_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o speak_v of_o god_n in_o a_o sermon_n and_o to_o take_v a_o text_n out_o of_o scripture_n every_o subject_a aught_o to_o be_v propose_v and_o press_v according_a to_o its_o importance_n to_o insist_v upon_o matter_n of_o lesser_a moment_n whilst_o those_o which_o it_o most_o concern_v christian_n to_o be_v inform_v about_o be_v neglect_v be_v to_o swerve_v from_o the_o true_a intendment_n of_o preach_v but_o because_o all_o preacher_n have_v not_o the_o capacity_n to_o make_v this_o choice_n it_o will_v be_v fit_v that_o part_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o discourse_n shall_v be_v appoint_v and_o prescribe_v to_o they_o by_o a_o law_n for_o when_o they_o be_v tie_v to_o no_o rule_n when_o they_o be_v at_o liberty_n to_o preach_v upon_o any_o subject_a which_o they_o think_v fit_a to_o choose_v it_o happen_v that_o many_o instead_o of_o handle_v the_o most_o important_a thing_n in_o religion_n and_o of_o consult_v the_o present_a state_n and_o necessity_n of_o their_o flock_n apply_v themselves_o to_o various_a subject_n which_o be_v of_o no_o great_a edification_n preacher_n for_o the_o most_o part_n consult_v only_o their_o own_o inclination_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o matter_n and_o when_o they_o pitch_v upon_o a_o subject_a it_o be_v rather_o because_o it_o please_v they_o and_o because_o they_o apprehend_v a_o facility_n in_o treat_v it_o than_o out_o of_o a_o regard_n to_o the_o necessity_n of_o their_o congregation_n those_o who_o be_v fond_a of_o mystery_n and_o allegory_n apply_v their_o time_n and_o study_n to_o the_o expound_v of_o the_o prophecy_n and_o to_o the_o unfolding_n of_o the_o type_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n those_o who_o be_v give_v to_o dispute_v fill_v their_o sermon_n with_o nothing_o else_o but_o controversy_n and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o speculative_a divine_n who_o be_v conversant_a in_o the_o father_n and_o history_n they_o entertain_v the_o people_n with_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o ordinary_a subject_n of_o their_o meditation_n and_o study_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o such_o thing_n ought_v never_o to_o be_v speak_v of_o they_o may_v sometime_o be_v touch_v upon_o provide_v this_o be_v do_v judicious_o but_o they_o have_v a_o sorry_a notion_n of_o religion_n and_o preach_v who_o make_v those_o matter_n their_o main_a business_n and_o fancy_n they_o have_v entire_o fulfil_v all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o gospel_n ministry_n when_o they_o have_v preach_v upon_o type_n or_o controversy_n what_o i_o have_v now_o say_v may_v be_v apply_v to_o the_o choice_n of_o text_n 16._o text_n 2_o tim._n iii_o 16._o all_o scripture_n indeed_o as_o st._n paul_n say_v be_v profitable_a for_o instruction_n that_o divine_a book_n contain_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v useful_a but_o yet_o the_o various_a usefulness_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v distinguish_v and_o it_o must_v be_v own_v that_o some_o place_n be_v more_o useful_a and_o instructive_a than_o other_o some_o difference_n be_v to_o be_v make_v between_o those_o book_n and_o chapter_n which_o explain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o redemption_n the_o design_n of_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n or_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n and_o those_o which_o serve_v only_o to_o acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o order_n of_o time_n and_o to_o confirm_v the_o certainty_n of_o history_n these_o last_o have_v their_o use_n since_o the_o truth_n of_o history_n be_v one_o of_o the_o main_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n but_o those_o place_n be_v more_o useful_a which_o treat_v of_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v or_o to_o do_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n it_o be_v of_o another_o sort_n of_o importance_n to_o explain_v the_o gospel_n than_o to_o preach_v upon_o the_o book_n of_o joshua_n or_o ruth_n or_o upon_o some_o
place_n of_o the_o prophet_n i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a that_o some_o have_v think_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v equal_o rich_a every_o where_o that_o all_o doctrine_n may_v be_v draw_v from_o all_o text_n that_o those_o chapter_n and_o verse_n which_o seem_v the_o most_o barren_a and_o where_o there_o appear_v nothing_o extraordinary_a contain_v mystery_n and_o treasure_n which_o may_v exhaust_v even_o the_o meditation_n of_o angel_n but_o this_o conceit_n be_v so_o absurd_a and_o repugnant_a to_o sense_n that_o i_o do_v not_o think_v it_o worth_a my_o while_n to_o confute_v it_o moral_n be_v so_o essential_a a_o part_n of_o religion_n shall_v be_v very_o particular_o insist_v upon_o by_o preacher_n and_o yet_o few_o do_v it_o so_o that_o morality_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v that_o which_o be_v the_o most_o superficial_o handle_v in_o the_o great_a part_n of_o sermon_n this_o fault_n in_o preacher_n proceed_v from_o several_a cause_n some_o have_v a_o prejudice_n against_o morality_n and_o think_v it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v insist_v on_o other_o who_o be_v conceit_v with_o vain_a learning_n imagine_v that_o to_o preach_v moral_n argue_v but_o a_o ordinary_a measure_n of_o part_n and_o little_a skill_n in_o divinity_n and_o that_o it_o become_v they_o better_a to_o soar_v after_o high_a speculation_n and_o to_o dive_v into_o the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o most_o sublime_a theology_n this_o custom_n of_o insist_v more_o upon_o doctrine_n than_o moral_n proceed_v also_o from_o another_o cause_n which_o be_v that_o in_o this_o last_o age_n divine_n be_v fain_o to_o be_v continual_o explain_v and_o dispute_v and_o so_o the_o same_o method_n have_v be_v follow_v ever_o since_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v beside_o that_o many_o divine_n neglect_v morality_n because_o the_o treat_v of_o it_o be_v more_o difficult_a than_o the_o explain_v doctrinal_a matter_n let_v those_o supercilious_a and_o speculative_a divine_n say_v what_o they_o will_v the_o right_a handle_n of_o morality_n be_v the_o hard_a thing_n in_o preach_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o explain_v a_o text_n or_o a_o point_n of_o doctrine_n and_o a_o man_n must_v be_v very_o mean_o gift_v if_o with_o the_o help_n of_o a_o commentary_n or_o a_o commons-place_n he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v the_o feat_n and_o to_o furnish_v out_o his_o hour_n but_o to_o preach_v moral_n be_v quite_o another_o thing_n i_o confess_v that_o there_o be_v a_o way_n of_o preach_a morality_n which_o require_v no_o great_a pain_n if_o man_n content_v themselves_o with_o deliver_v moral_a saying_n concern_v vice_n and_o virtue_n this_o may_v be_v do_v without_o much_o labour_n but_o when_o a_o preacher_n pursue_v true_a morality_n when_o he_o be_v to_o master_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o reform_v the_o manner_n of_o a_o whole_a congregation_n to_o encounter_v the_o inclination_n of_o his_o hearer_n and_o to_o make_v they_o renounce_v their_o passion_n and_o prejudices_fw-la then_o it_o be_v that_o he_o meet_v with_o many_o and_o great_a difficulty_n this_o be_v a_o inexhaustible_a spring_n of_o labour_n and_o mediation_n and_o a_o task_n which_o few_o preacher_n care_v 〈◊〉_d take_v upon_o they_o in_o religion_n doctrine_n shall_v never_o be_v separate_v from_o morality_n nor_o one_o of_o these_o prefer_v before_o the_o other_o but_o yet_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o insist_v more_o upon_o morality_n than_o upon_o doctrine_n not_o only_o because_o the_o design_n of_o our_o whole_a religion_n be_v to_o make_v we_o good_a man_n but_o also_o because_o morality_n can_v effectual_o be_v teach_v without_o be_v much_o dwell_v upon_o it_o be_v only_o by_o enlarge_n on_o matter_n and_o enter_v into_o many_o particular_n that_o the_o two_o end_n of_o morality_n be_v to_o be_v attain_v which_o be_v instruct_v man_n in_o their_o duty_n and_o persuade_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o morality_n be_v of_o a_o vast_a extent_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o consider_v how_o many_o duty_n be_v comprise_v under_o these_o three_o head_n of_o christian_a moral_n piety_n justice_n and_o temperance_n beside_o these_o duty_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o man_n there_o be_v some_o particular_a one_o relate_v to_o the_o different_a condition_n calling_n age_n and_o state_n which_o man_n be_v in_o and_o how_o many_o thing_n be_v there_o to_o be_v consider_v upon_o all_o these_o head_n this_o be_v not_o all_o for_o these_o duty_n vary_v infinite_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o diversity_n of_o circumstance_n there_o be_v almost_o as_o many_o different_a disposition_n as_o there_o be_v person_n among_o a_o great_a multitude_n of_o man_n who_o be_v addict_v to_o the_o same_o vice_n there_o be_v hardly_o two_o who_o be_v vicious_a in_o the_o same_o degree_n and_o manner_n it_o be_v therefore_o requisite_a that_o preacher_n shall_v descend_v into_o particular_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v so_o characterise_v duty_n virtue_n and_o vice_n that_o every_o one_o may_v know_v himself_o in_o the_o description_n and_o yet_o this_o relate_v only_o to_o bare_a instruction_n now_o if_o in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o intend_v to_o engage_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o duty_n there_o new_a difficulty_n will_v arise_v and_o no_o good_a success_n can_v be_v expect_v but_o from_o assiduous_a care_n and_o constant_a labour_n there_o be_v in_o man_n heart_n so_o many_o different_a disposition_n and_o motion_n so_o many_o illusion_n and_o prejudices_fw-la so_o many_o wind_n and_o artifices_fw-la that_o a_o very_a particular_a application_n be_v require_v for_o we_o to_o insinuate_v ourselves_o into_o it_o when_o the_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v teach_v thing_n need_v not_o be_v so_o minutely_o handle_v and_o there_o be_v no_o occasion_n to_o use_v such_o mighty_a endeavour_n nay_o the_o be_v very_o particular_a may_v be_v a_o fault_n he_o that_o will_v instruct_v so_o he_o be_v clear_a shall_v rather_o be_v short_a than_o prolix_a the_o hearer_n do_v easy_o apprehend_v the_o truth_n which_o be_v propose_v to_o they_o and_o the_o most_o corrupt_a man_n be_v able_a to_o discern_v truth_n from_o error_n a_o libertine_n will_v find_v who_o be_v in_o the_o right_n or_o in_o the_o wrong_n in_o a_o dispute_n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a a_o thing_n to_o touch_v the_o heart_n or_o to_o conquer_v inveterate_a habit_n what_o tully_n say_v in_o his_o dialogue_n of_o the_o orator_n deserve_v to_o be_v insert_v here_o it_o be_v this_o possunt_fw-la this_o cicero_n de_fw-fr orat._n lib._n 2._o non_fw-la enim_fw-la sicut_fw-la argumentum_fw-la simul_fw-la atque_fw-la positum_fw-la est_fw-la arripitur_fw-la alterumque_fw-la &_o tertium_fw-la poscitur_fw-la ita_fw-la misericordiam_fw-la aut_fw-la invidiam_fw-la aut_fw-la iracundiam_fw-la simulatque_fw-la intuleris_fw-la possis_fw-la commovere_fw-la argumentam_fw-la enim_fw-la ipsa_fw-la ratione_fw-la confirmat_fw-la quae_fw-la simul_fw-la atque_fw-la emissa_fw-la est_fw-la adhaerescit_fw-la illud_fw-la autem_fw-la genus_fw-la orationis_fw-la non_fw-la cognitionem_fw-la judicis_fw-la sed_fw-la perturbationem_fw-la requirit_fw-la quam_fw-la consequi_fw-la nisi_fw-la multa_fw-la &_o varia_fw-la &_o copiosa_fw-la &_o simili_fw-la contentione_n orationis_fw-la nemo_fw-la potest_fw-la quare_fw-la qui_fw-la aut_fw-la breviter_fw-la aut_fw-la summisse_fw-la dicunt_fw-la docere_fw-la judicem_fw-la possunt_fw-la commovere_fw-la non_fw-la possunt_fw-la passion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v excite_v in_o a_o moment_n as_o a_o proof_n do_v present_o persuade_v so_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v propose_v a_o proof_n be_v confirm_v by_o reason_n and_o reason_n clear_o set_v out_o make_v a_o impression_n immediate_o but_o when_o we_o intend_v to_o raise_v the_o passion_n the_o success_n do_v not_o so_o much_o depend_v upon_o the_o conviction_n as_o upon_o the_o perturbation_n of_o the_o mind_n oratory_n can_v have_v its_o effect_n then_o without_o prolixity_n variety_n copiousness_n and_o vehemence_n of_o discourse_n those_o therefore_o who_o speak_v brief_o and_o calm_o be_v fit_a to_o instruct_v but_o not_o to_o move_v from_o these_o reflection_n it_o appear_v that_o the_o method_n of_o those_o preacher_n who_o be_v large_a upon_o the_o explication_n of_o doctrine_n and_o succinct_a upon_o moral_n be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o true_a way_n of_o preach_v and_o that_o those_o do_v very_o ill_o understand_v what_o morality_n be_v who_o either_o despise_v it_o or_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o the_o easy_a thing_n in_o preach_v we_o may_v likewise_o apprehend_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v what_o be_v the_o most_o ordinary_a fault_n of_o preacher_n when_o they_o treat_v of_o moral_n i_o shall_v observe_v three_o of_o they_o their_o morality_n be_v too_o general_a it_o be_v defective_a and_o it_o be_v sometime_o false_a 1._o many_o preacher_n be_v too_o general_a in_o handle_v morality_n this_o be_v the_o head_n which_o be_v the_o most_o slight_o touch_v upon_o they_o spend_v the_o great_a part_n of_o their_o sermon_n in_o explain_v the_o sense_n of_o a_o text_n