For Application to the Case.

The Word of God interpreted and apply'd by preaching in this providential way, is a choice Mercy and Gift, wherewith God hath blessed this Nation for many Years, to the Conversion and Edification of many thousands. The Governors thereof have successively, accord∣ing to their Light, made divers good Laws and Statutes for improving this Mercy for the best advantage of the Nation, as appears in that,

• 1. There are Schools and Universities maintained for the bringing up of Persons in Learning; also there is a constant setled Maintenance for encouraging of such as shall be sent out to the several parts of the Nation in this great Work.
• 2. There is a sum of Doctrinal Truths, which in the Enlargement and Application, are sufficient both for Conversion and Edification, to which the Preachers are to assent; and there is provision made by our Laws, that such Persons only who are sound in the Faith be imployed therein.
• 3. The Inhabitants of this Nation, are required to be present, and to give attendance to Instruction, that they may Learn the Fear of the Lord.

Assertion.

These things being so, although some of us do enjoy the Instruction of our Pastors being in a Church-Relation, yet it is a Duty that we and our Families frequent also (as we have Liberty and Opportunity) the more Publick and National Ministry, for these Reasons.

Reason 1.

Where the Lord hath appointed various Ways and Methods, in which he will draw near to us, and manifest himself, we ought to make use of all in their place and season. This is a several and distinct way or appointment of God, not only in respect of God's Works and our Consciences, but also in respect of the teachings of Church Officers; as ap∣pears in these Particulars.

• 1. The one is Cultus Naturalis, from the first Commandment, dire∣cted by the Light of Nature; and the other is Cultus Institutus, and a Duty of the second Commandment; and our direction herein is only from Gospel Light.
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• 2. In respect of the Persons that are the primary Object of each Prophesying, that is, Church-Preaching, serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe. It is principally for building: for a Church-State supposeth them Believers, though such preaching hath occasionally its efficacy in converting the Weak, and more directly in re∣lation to the Children of Members. This National or Providential Preaching, is principally for Conversion, and hath for its primary and main Object, Persons in their natural Condition; such a Preacher was Noah, 2 Pet. 2.5. 1 Pet. 4.6. Mat. 16.3. Preaching is before Believing, and Believing before any Church-Ordinance: There were Preachers in all Nations, and in every City, before there were Churches in every City.
• 3. The one is from Gifts only as necessarily requisite, but Church-Instruction supposeth the Person to be not only of some eminency in Gifts, but Grace also, and set apart to Office according to Christ's ap∣pointment.

And now having seen the difference of these two Methods, the Con∣sequence will follow; they ought to be attended with due reverence each of them.

Reason 2.

As we are Members of Churches, so we are Subjects and Members of this Common-Wealth, and are obliged thereby to observe the lawful Command of our Governors, and to be Examples therein to others. As Members also of this Civil Body, we ought to join with it in a thankful acknowledging this happy Providence of God, by which we, and our Children after us, may be instructed; which may be a means to have it continued, and a neglect thereof would give just cause to fear the contrary.

Reason 3.

If Church-Members, or any one Godly Man hath a Warrant to forbear hearing such Ministers upon this account of unlawfulness; then all Godly Men ought at all times so to do; and if so, the Examples of the Godly to the generality being very leading in the Matters of God, this Ordinance thereby will be little frequented, and of less efficacy to those that do come to it. And by asserting it unlawful to hear such Ministers, we imply, it were better for the Nation there were no preaching but in particular Churches: and if so, what can we expect will become of many thousands in an ordinary way of Salvation, that have no benefit at all by our Church-Instructions? We are to walk wise∣ly, yea, mercifully towards them that are without.