( 206 ) That the Church of England in the Generality of its (aroclial Affemblies, and in itfelf, ftands in need of Reformation, by reafonofthe woful degeneracy of the Generality of its Members, that is, the Inhabitants of the Land, from the Rule ofthe Gofpel and Commands of Chrift, as unto Spiritual Light, Faith, Love, Holinefs, Charity, and abounding in the fruits of Righteoufnefs unto the Praife ofGod, by Jefus Chrift. There things are the immediateends ofChurch Societies, the princi- pal means whereby God is glorified in the World. Where they are neglected, where they are not attained, where they are not duely improved by the Generality ofthe Members of anyChurch, that Church I think, ftands in needofReformation. This Affertion may feem fomewhat importuneand fe- vere. But when the fins of a Church or Nation are come to that height in all Ranks, Sorts, and Degrees of Men, that all Perlons of Sobriety do fear daily that de- folating Judgements fromGod will break in upon us, it cannot be unfeafonable to makemention ofthem, when it is done with no other defign but only to fhew the NeceffityofReformation, or how neceffary it is for fome, ifall will not comply therewith. For ifaCitybe on fire, it is fùrely lawful for any of the Citizens, to fave and preferve, if they can, their own houles, though the Mayor and .,Aldermen íhouldneglect the Prefervation of thewhole City in General. It might be eafily demónftrated what great numbers among( us, (z.) Who have imbibed Atheiflical Opinions, and either vent them, or (peak prefumptuoufly according unto
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