CXI propositions concerning the ministry and government of the ChurchCXI propositions concerning the ministerie and government of the Church

Finally, all those who are more averse from Ecclesiastic Discipline, or ill affected against it, are to be admonished and entreated through our Lord Jesus Christ, that they be no longer entangled and inveigled with carnal prejudice, to give place in this thing to humane affections, ⟨p. 31⟩and to measure by their own corrupt reason spiritual Discipline, but that they do seriously think with themselves and consider in their minds, how much better it were, that the lusts of the flesh were as with a bridle tamed, and that the repentance, amendment, and gaining of vicious men unto salvation may be sought, then that sinners be left to their own disposition, and be permitted to follow their own lusts without controlment, and by their evil example to draw others headlong into ruin with themselves; and seeing either the keys of Discipline must take no rust, or the manners of Christians will certainly contract much rust; what is here to be chosen, and what is to be shunned, let the Wise and Godly, who alone take to heart the safety of the Church, judge.

Finally, all those who are more averse from Ecclesiastick Discipline, or ill affected against it, are to be admonished and intreated through our Lord Jesus Christ, that they bee no longer entangled and enveagled with carnall prejudice, to give place in this thing to humane affections, ⟨p. 31⟩and to measure by their owne corrupt reason spirituall Discipline, but that they doe seriously think with themselves and consider in their mindes, how much better it were, that the lusts of the flesh were as with a bridle tamed, and that the repentance, amendment, and gaining of vicious men unto salvation may be sought, then that sinners bee left to their own disposition, and bee permitted to follow their owne lusts without controllment, and by their evill example to draw others headlong into ruine with themselves; and seeing either the keyes of Discipline must take no ruste, or the manners of Christians will certainly contract much ruste; what is here to be chosen, and what is to bee shunned, let the Wise and Godly, who alone take to heart the safety of the Church, judge.