(4) And not to multiply Arguments in so plain a Case, if we take a view of the great Diversity of People in the Land, Divisions would multiply, Profaneness and Barbarity, Tares and wild Grapes would in a short time over-run the Field and Vineyard, if there were not able and faithful Parochial Pastors. Let us observe, 1. The great Numbers of those who are persuaded of this Way of Worship, that it is not only lawful, but acceptable to God, and safe and profitable to them; why should not care be taken of them, that they may enjoy the Liberty of their Judgment, and be provided for. 2. Here are those who are educated in this Way, to whom it is become familiar, and who are prejudiced against other Ways, with which they are unacquainted: If respect were not had to these, they would suffer Loss, and be in danger of Temptation and Seduction. 3. Here are ⟨p. 48⟩O how many grossly ignorant, profane, stupid, negligent! and these would yet degenerate into a worse kind of Men than now they are, as bad as they are, if there were not a Face, Profession, and Exercise of Religion maintained among them. Fear, Shame, Custom, Conscience, Conformity to others, do sometimes bring these to sit under God's Ordinances, which may be successful upon them, to work them to some Knowledge of God, and Eternal Life by Christ, and to keep them in Awe of God, from running out into Paganism, or brutish Atheism. But if there were no Inspection or Care taken of them, they would grow more careless of God and themselves, and plead the Negligence of Ministers, for their gross Negligence of themselves, and the Things of God. They little care what becomes of them already, and retain but a little sense of God and Godliness now; but they would quickly throw off all, if they were left out of the Ministerial Care. 4. Here are many young and aged, weak, impotent, lame, sickly, that cannot go abroad to seek the Bread of Life; if it were not brought to them, they would also perish. 5. Here are many (tho alas too few) sober, awakened, careful, diligent, and holy Souls, both weak, and confirmed in this Way, that would suffer great Loss, make less proficiency, decay and languish, and be in danger of Temptations peculiar to them, if the Lord's Day were not constantly spent, and each part of it filled up with Ordinances, at a convenient distance from them, or nearness to them.
(4) And not to multiply Arguments in so plain a Case, if we take a view of the great Diversity of People in the Land, Divisions would multiply, Prophaneness and Barbarity, Tares and wild Grapes would in a short time over-run the Field and Vineyard, if there were not able and faithful Parochial Pastors. Let us observe, 1. The great Numbers of those who are persuaded of this Way of Worship, that it is not only lawful, but acceptable to God, and safe and profitable to them; why should not care be taken of them, that they may enjoy the Liberty of their Judgment, and be provided for. 2. Here are those who are educated in this Way, to whom it is become familiar, and who are prejudiced against other Ways, with which they are unacquainted: If respect were not had to these, they would suffer Loss, and be in danger of Temptation and Seduction. 3. Here are ⟨p. 48⟩O how many grosly ignorant, prophane, stupid, negligent! and these would yet degenerate into a worse kind of Men than now they are, as bad as they are, if there were not a Face, Profession, and Exercise of Religion maintained among them. Fear, Shame, Custom, Conscience, Conformity to others, do sometimes bring these to sit under God's Ordinances, which may be successful upon them, to work them to some Knowledg of God, and Eternal Life by Christ, and to keep them in Awe of God, from running out into Paganism, or brutish Atheism. But if there were no Inspection or Care taken of them, they would grow more careless of God and themselves, and plead the Negligence of Ministers, for their gross Negligence of themselves, and the Things of God. They little care what becomes of them already, and retain but a little sense of God and Godliness now; but they would quickly throw off all, if they were left out of the Ministerial Care. 4. Here are many young and aged, weak, impotent, lame, sickly, that cannot go abroad to seek the Bread of Life; if it were not brought to them, they would also perish. 5. Here are many (tho alas too few) sober, awakened, careful, diligent, and holy Souls, both weak, and confirmed in this Way, that would suffer great Loss, make less proficiency, decay and languish, and be in danger of Temptations peculiar to them, if the Lord's Day were not constantly spent, and each part of it filled up with Ordinances, at a convenient distance from them, or nearness to them.
