A continuation of the exposition of the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the…

If this be not done, a Reproach is cast upon his Institutions as insufficient unto the End for which they were designed. It is therefore incumbent on all who have any true Zeal for the Glory and Honour of Christ, to manifest their Exemplary Obedience and Fruitfulness in this matter; whereby it may appear that it is not any defect in the Appointments of Christ, but the stubborn Disobedience and Unbelief of Men, that is the cause of any Disorder. (3.) Seeing there is such a Degeneracy among Christians, as that they will not be wrought upon unto a Voluntary Discharge of their Duty in this matter, it may be enquired what hath been the Cause or at least the principal Occasion thereof. Now if this should be found and appear to be, the Coldness, Remissness, Neglect, Ignorance, Sloth, Ambition, and Worldliness of those who have been their Guides and Leaders, their Officers and Ministers in most Ages, it will evince how little Reason some have to complain that the People are backward and Negligent in the discharge of their Duty. And if it be true, as indeed it is, that the Care of Religion that it be preserved, thrive and flourish, not only in themselves but in the whole Church be committed unto those Persons, there can be no such Apostasy as is complained of among the People, but that the Guilt of it will be at their Doors. And if it be so, it is to be enquired whether it be the Duty of Ministers absolutely to comply with them in their Degeneration, and suffer them to Live in the neglect of their Duty in this matter, only providing for themselves some other way; or whether they ought not rather by all ways and means to endeavour their Recovery into their pristine Condition. If it be said, that whatever men pretend, yet it is a thing impossible to work the People unto a due Discharge of their Duty in this matter; I grant it is, whilst that is only or principally intended. But if men would not consider themselves or their Interest in the first place, but really endeavour their Recovery unto Faith, Love, Obedience, and Holiness, and that by their own Example as well as Teaching, it may well be hoped that this Duty would revive again in the Company of others; for it is certain it will never stand alone by it self. But we must proceed with our Apostle.

If this be not done, a Reproach is cast upon his Institutions as insufficient unto the End for which they were designed. It is therefore incumbent on all who have any true Zeal for the Glory and Honour of Christ, to manifest their Exemplary Obedience and Fruitfulness in this matter; whereby it may appear that it is not any defect in the Appointments of Christ, but the stubborn Disobedience and Unbelief of Men, that is the cause of any Disorder. (3.) Seeing there is such a Degeneracy among Christians, as that they will not be wrought upon unto a Voluntary Discharge of their Duty in this matter, it may be enquired what hath been the Cause or at least the principal Occasion thereof. Now if this should be found and appear to be, the Coldness, Remisseness, Neglect, Ignorance, Sloth, Ambition, and Worldliness of those who have been their Guides and Leaders, their Officers and Ministers in most Ages, it will evince how little Reason some have to complain that the People are backward and Negligent in the discharge of their Duty. And if it be true, as indeed it is, that the Care of Religion that it be preserved, thrive and flourish, not only in themselves but in the whole Church be committed unto those Persons, there can be no such Apostacy as is complained of among the People, but that the Guilt of it will be at their Doors. And if it be so, it is to be enquired whether it be the Duty of Ministers absolutely to comply with them in their Degeneration, and suffer them to Live in the neglect of their Duty in this matter, only providing for themselves some other way; or whether they ought not rather by all ways and means to endeavour their Recovery into their pristine Condition. If it be said, that whatever men pretend, yet it is a thing impossible to work the People unto a due Discharge of their Duty in this matter; I grant it is, whilst that is only or principally intended. But if men would not consider themselves or their Interest in the first place, but really endeavour their Recovery unto Faith, Love, Obedience, and Holiness, and that by their own Example as well as Teaching, it may well be hoped that this Duty would revive again in the Company of others; for it is certain it will never stand alone by it self. But we must proceed with our Apostle.