testimony_n yield_v which_o be_v fourfold_o 1._o it_o have_v with_o it_o inward_a quietness_n strength_n and_o comfort_n the_o well_o ground_v approve_v testimony_n of_o the_o conscience_n calm_v the_o heart_n amid_o all_o storm_n of_o outward_a trouble_n or_o of_o inward_a challenge_n and_o tentation_n and_o put_v they_o all_o to_o silence_n it_o do_v fortify_v the_o heart_n to_o bear_v out_o in_o what_o ever_o trial_n it_o prove_v not_o only_o comfortable_a in_o the_o hold_n off_o challenge_v but_o have_v a_o joy_n and_o refresh_n flow_v immediate_o from_o the_o very_a testimony_n itself_o even_o a_o singular_o sweet_a joy_n that_o floorish_n and_o flow_v over_o and_o above_o these_o and_o keep_v the_o heart_n in_o a_o calm_a serenity_n the_o peace_n of_o god_n say_v the_o apostle_n phil._n 4._o 7_o shall_v guard_v your_o heart_n and_o mind_n through_o christ_n jesus_n conscience_n testimony_n warrantable_o speak_v peace_n be_v like_o a_o garrison_n plant_v about_o the_o heart_n keep_v it_o as_o a_o impregnable_a and_o invincible_a strong_a hold_n or_o fort_n so_o that_o no_o trouble_n nor_o temptation_n from_o without_o nor_o stir_n of_o corruption_n or_o challenge_n from_o within_o do_v soon_o to_o say_v so_o set_v out_o their_o head_n but_o it_o overmatch_v they_o and_o preserve_v the_o heart_n quiet_a in_o despyt_n of_o they_o all_o 2_o this_o do_v also_o accompany_v this_o testimony_n as_o a_o ground_n of_o joy_n even_o the_o clear_n up_o of_o the_o person_n interest_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o sincerity_n and_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o they_o which_o be_v very_o strengthen_v and_o comfort_v when_o a_o man_n have_v put_v his_o way_n to_o the_o trial_n in_o the_o court_n of_o conscience_n and_o find_v it_o to_o be_v square_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n and_o have_v conscience_n testimony_n therein_o for_o he_o it_o sweet_o evidence_n to_o he_o his_o sincerity_n and_o so_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o interest_n in_o christ_n which_o be_v attend_v with_o unspeakable_a joy_n 3_o this_o testimony_n give_v boldness_n and_o access_n with_o confidence_n to_o god_n to_o go_v heartsom_o and_o familiar_o to_o he_o in_o prayer_n under_o the_o multitude_n of_o temptation_n cross_n and_o reproach_n and_o be_v not_o this_o ground_n of_o great_a refresh_n and_o joy_n when_o a_o man_n may_v go_v to_o god_n and_o pour_v out_o his_o very_a heart_n in_o his_o bosom_n may_v not_o only_o tell_v he_o what_o he_o needs_o but_o also_o expect_v a_o gracious_a hear_n and_o return_v from_o he_o in_o whatsoever_o be_v needful_a if_o our_o heart_n say_v john_n 1_o epistle_n chap._n 2._o v._n 22._o condemn_v we_o not_o we_o have_v confidence_n towards_o god_n and_o whatsoever_o we_o ask_v we_o receive_v of_o he_o because_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o do_v these_o thing_n that_o be_v pleasant_a in_o his_o sight_n though_o the_o man_n be_v empty-handed_n for_o the_o time_n and_o have_v not_o in_o himself_o whereupon_o he_o can_v be_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n either_o by_o suffering_n or_o do_v he_o may_v with_o humble_a boldness_n present_v his_o suit_n to_o god_n and_o expect_v from_o he_o whatsoever_o be_v good_a and_o needful_a for_o the_o man_n himself_o and_o what_o ever_o may_v be_v for_o his_o own_o honour_n in_o he_o and_o by_o he_o 4_o this_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n have_v attend_v it_o a_o clear_n &_o up-making_a fresh_a and_o lively_a hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o of_o a_o comfortable_a glorious_a and_o satisfy_a out-gate_n from_o all_o the_o difficulty_n temptation_n and_o trouble_n that_o he_o be_v in_o at_o present_a or_o may_v be_v in_o for_o the_o future_a it_o will_v make_v he_o according_a to_o his_o measure_n say_v as_o paul_n do_v 2_o tim._n 4._o 7_o 8._o i_o have_v fight_v a_o good_a fight_n i_o have_v finish_v my_o course_n i_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n hence_o forth_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o i_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n etc._n etc._n and_o by_o thus_o clear_v up_o the_o christian_n hope_v of_o eternal_a life_n a_o entrance_n be_v minister_v unto_o he_o abundant_o into_o the_o everlasting_a kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n as_o peter_n have_v it_o 2._o ep._n ch_n 1._o v_o 11._o and_o must_v it_o not_o be_v exceed_o and_o even_o unspeakable_o refresh_v and_o joyful_a to_o the_o christian_a to_o have_v all_o these_o try_v together_o in_o his_o case_n even_o while_o he_o be_v here_o sojourn_v in_o the_o earth_n doubtless_o it_o must_v the_o first_o use_v of_o this_o doctrine_n serve_v for_o exhort_v and_o beseech_v you_o all_o to_o study_v and_o be_v in_o love_n with_o a_o good_a conscience_n its_o unknown_a what_o solid_a sweet_a peace_n and_o joy_n you_o may_v have_v by_o it_o o_o endeavour_v through_o grace_n to_o be_v so_o tender_a straight_o and_o upright_o in_o your_o aim_n to_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n that_o when_o you_o reflect_v on_o your_o way_n you_o may_v have_v its_o good_a testimony_n there_o will_v most_o certain_o be_v more_o peace_n find_v in_o this_o then_o in_o the_o great_a abundance_n of_o all_o earthly_a comfort_n though_o combine_v together_o at_o their_o very_a best_a can_v any_o of_o these_o calm_a a_o man_n mind_n in_o a_o storm_n of_o challenge_n for_o sin_n and_o of_o the_o terror_n of_o death_n do_v they_o not_o often_o rather_o leave_v man_n in_o great_a anxiety_n and_o perplexity_n then_o if_o they_o have_v never_o enjoy_v they_o yea_o often_o in_o the_o very_a mean_a time_n of_o these_o enjoyment_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o carnal_a joy_n and_o laughter_n that_o result_v from_o they_o the_o heart_n be_v sad_a through_o the_o want_n of_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n therefore_o we_o exhort_v you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o you_o will_v have_v a_o pleasant_a and_o cheerful_a life_n and_o a_o comfortable_a and_o joyful_a death_n labour_v to_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n that_o when_o you_o reflect_v on_o it_o it_o may_v testify_v for_o and_o speak_v good_a of_o and_o to_o you_o this_o as_o solomon_n say_v be_v a_o continual_a feast_n in_o life_n and_o a_o sovereign_a cordial_a against_o the_o terror_n of_o death_n the_o second_o use_n serve_v to_o let_v we_o see_v the_o rise_n reason_n and_o cause_n of_o the_o great_a anxiety_n perplexity_n and_o vexation_n that_o be_v among_o most_o man_n so_o that_o they_o toil_v night_n and_o day_n and_o have_v no_o satisfaction_n it_o be_v even_o this_o that_o they_o do_v not_o seek_v after_o the_o peace_n and_o joy_n that_o be_v found_v upon_o and_o result_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n no_o wonder_n that_o such_o person_n live_v and_o die_v utter_a stranger_n to_o all_o solid_a peace_n and_o joy_n which_o only_o grow_v on_o this_o root_n this_o be_v a_o main_a cause_n also_o of_o the_o little_a peace_n and_o great_a heartlesnesse_n that_o be_v among_o even_a believer_n themselves_o that_o either_o they_o be_v not_o so_o serious_o endeavour_v to_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n or_o they_o be_v not_o so_o careful_a to_o draw_v their_o rejoice_n from_o it_o but_o be_v untender_a in_o their_o walk_n or_o be_v as_o so_o many_o bee_n flee_v from_o this_o flower_n to_o the_o other_o of_o worldly_a enjoyment_n seek_v to_o suck_v some_o sweetness_n and_o satisfaction_n from_o they_o and_o do_v not_o as_o it_o become_v they_o reflect_v on_o conscience_n that_o they_o may_v have_v a_o testimony_n of_o sincerity_n from_o it_o and_o that_o on_o that_o ground_n they_o may_v be_v quiet_a cheerful_a and_o joyful_a the_o 3d._a use_n serve_v to_o discover_v to_o we_o what_o mighty_a prejudice_n flow_v from_o and_o follow_v upon_o the_o neglect_n of_o a_o tender_a walk_n which_o lay_v the_o ground_n of_o this_o testimony_n and_o on_o the_o neglect_n of_o self-examination_n a_o main_a piece_n of_o a_o tender_a walk_n which_o help_v to_o draw_v forth_o this_o testimony_n and_o therefore_o as_o you_o will_v have_v this_o testimony_n and_o the_o refresh_a peace_n and_o joy_n that_o flow_v from_o it_o in_o life_n and_o death_n and_o as_o you_o will_v have_v a_o heart_n holy_o triumph_v over_o all_o cross_n and_o difficulty_n affliction_n and_o tribulation_n design_n and_o endeavour_v more_o through_o grace_n to_o have_v a_o tender_a walk_n that_o you_o may_v lay_v a_o ground_n for_o this_o testimony_n and_o study_v to_o be_v more_o frequent_a in_o self-examination_n that_o thereby_o you_o may_v extract_v and_o draw_v it_o forth_o clear_o and_o convince_o for_o your_o peace_n comfort_n and_o joy_n can_v many_o of_o you_o be_v but_o once_o prevail_v with_o to_o prove_v and_o make_v trial_n what_o a_o comfortable_a
refuse_v to_o give_v answer_n to_o either_o by_o dream_n or_o by_o urim_n or_o by_o prophet_n so_o as_o not_o to_o give_v they_o clearness_n by_o one_o mean_n nor_o another_o neither_o from_o his_o word_n nor_o by_o their_o conscience_n as_o call_v they_o to_o such_o or_o such_o a_o particular_a thing_n it_o be_v no_o marvel_n that_o in_o such_o a_o case_n man_n be_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o that_o conscience_n keep_v itself_o silent_a yet_o two_o for_o clear_v the_o matter_n further_o you_o will_v consider_v two_o sort_n of_o cause_n that_o this_o proceed_v from_o some_z whereof_o be_v culpable_a and_o sinful_a on_o our_o part_n procure_v this_o as_o a_o just_a punishment_n of_o some_o former_a sin_n or_o of_o some_o present_a evil_n and_o sinful_a frame_n other_o some_o be_v sovereign_a on_o god_n part_n yet_o tend_v in_o his_o secret_a providence_n to_o promote_v some_o design_n of_o good_a to_o the_o person_n of_o a_o believer_n as_o to_o these_o cause_n that_o be_v sinful_a and_o culpable_a on_o our_o part_n we_o shall_v instance_n they_o in_o four_o or_o five_o case_n as_o 1._o when_o there_o be_v a_o sinful_a ignorance_n in_o the_o person_n who_o desire_v to_o be_v clear_a in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o particular_a through_o that_o their_o ignorance_n they_o be_v not_o in_o case_n clear_o and_o distinct_o but_o rather_o very_o dark_o and_o confuse_o to_o propose_v the_o matter_n to_o their_o conscience_n so_o that_o their_o conscience_n can_v give_v they_o a_o distinct_a answer_n for_o conscience_n be_v as_o i_o say_v before_o as_o a_o judge_n and_o our_o light_n be_v as_o the_o informer_n and_o as_o a_o judge_n can_v well_o decide_v in_o a_o matter_n when_o the_o case_n be_v confuse_o propose_v to_o he_o so_o no_o more_o can_v conscience_n when_o it_o want_v light_a and_o hence_o oftentimes_o person_n in_o who_o there_o be_v some_o zeal_n and_o good_a affection_n be_v leave_v much_o in_o the_o dark_a because_o to_o speak_v so_o they_o know_v not_o the_o law_n and_o practic_n on_o which_o conscience_n proceed_v therefore_o rom._n 14._o it_o be_v say_v of_o some_o that_o their_o conscience_n be_v weak_a because_o their_o light_n be_v weak_a and_o dim_a a_o second_o case_n be_v when_o man_n in_o seek_v the_o answer_n of_o their_o conscience_n do_v bind_v and_o limit_v it_o they_o either_o do_v not_o fair_o and_o full_o propose_v the_o case_n to_o conscience_n or_o they_o come_v not_o to_o it_o with_o one_fw-mi absolute_a submission_n suppose_v it_o to_o be_v thorough_o inform_v by_o the_o word_n concern_v the_o thing_n they_o will_v have_v clearness_n in_o and_o therefore_o they_o take_v the_o answer_n in_o part_n or_o but_o a_o part_n of_o the_o answer_n and_o suppose_v the_o rest_n or_o leave_v it_o to_o conscience_n to_o be_v determine_v as_o when_o man_n first_o resolve_v to_o do_v such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n and_o leave_v only_o the_o time_a of_o it_o to_o their_o conscience_n here_o the_o conscience_n may_v be_v limit_v and_o make_v indistinct_a in_o its_o answer_n because_o it_o be_v prejudge_v and_o leave_v free_a it_o may_v possible_o have_v be_v somewhat_o not_o alâ—gether_o unlike_a this_o that_o be_v in_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o tribe_n of_o israel_n their_o ask_n of_o god_n about_o the_o war_n against_o benjamin_n judge_n 20._o 18._o where_o they_o do_v not_o say_v at_o first_o shall_v we_o go_v up_o or_o shall_v we_o for-bear_a but_o first_o they_o say_v who_o shall_v go_v up_o a_o three_o case_n be_v when_o conscience_n be_v provoke_v by_o man_n former_a miscarriage_n than_o it_o may_v be_v silent_a and_o not_o answer_v now_o the_o conscience_n may_v be_v provoke_v these_o too_o way_n among_o other_o 1._o when_o people_n use_v not_o ordinary_o to_o consult_v conscience_n but_o at_o some_o particular_a and_o solemn_a time_n only_o and_o when_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o some_o pinch_n or_o put_v to_o a_o stand_n but_o as_o for_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o their_o life_n they_o follow_v inclination_n or_o a_o common_a light_n without_o advise_v with_o conscience_n in_o that_o case_n when_o such_o person_n come_v to_o advise_v with_o conscience_n and_o to_o seek_v clearness_n from_o it_o about_o such_o a_o thing_n the_o lord_n may_v say_v to_o they_o as_o he_o do_v to_o his_o people_n judge_n 10._o 19_o go_v and_o cry_v to_o the_o god_n who_o you_o have_v choose_v go_v advise_v with_o they_o or_o as_o elisha_n say_v to_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n 2_o king_n 3._o 3._o what_o have_v i_o to_o do_v with_o thou_o get_v thou_o to_o the_o prophet_n of_o thy_o father_n and_o to_o the_o prophet_n of_o thy_o mother_n even_o so_o if_o conscience_n be_v pass_v by_o and_o miskent_a by_o people_n in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o their_o life_n it_o will_v ready_o misken_fw-mi and_o slight_v they_o when_o they_o be_v in_o a_o strait_a and_o come_v to_o seek_v counsel_n and_o clearness_n from_o it_o and_o will_v on_o the_o matter_n say_v to_o they_o you_o follow_v the_o counsel_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n in_o your_o ordinary_a walk_n and_o course_n of_o life_n therefore_o in_o this_o particular_a i_o will_v not_o answer_v you_o go_v and_o seek_v clearness_n from_o they_o who_o you_o use_v to_o consult_v 2_o conscience_n be_v provoke_v when_o i_o have_v former_o thwart_v with_o some_o clear_a intimation_n or_o answer_n of_o conscience_n and_o have_v some_o way_n detain_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n make_v as_o it_o be_v a_o prisoner_n of_o it_o and_o set_v a_o guard_n of_o corrupt_a affection_n about_o it_o when_o such_o come_v again_o to_o inquire_v at_o conscience_n what_o they_o shall_v do_v in_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a they_o may_v just_o get_v such_o one_fw-mi answer_v as_o be_v give_v prov._n 1._o 24._o because_o i_o call_v and_o you_o refuse_v i_o stretch_v out_o my_o hand_n and_o no_o man_n regard_v but_o you_o set_v at_o nought_o all_o my_o counsel_n and_o will_v none_o of_o my_o reproof_n i_o will_v laugh_v at_o your_o calamity_n they_o shall_v call_v but_o i_o will_v not_o answer_v i_o give_v you_o answer_v before_o and_o you_o thwart_v with_o they_o therefore_o when_o you_o seek_v again_o you_o shall_v get_v none_o and_o hence_o flow_v much_o blindness_n and_o be_v nummednesse_n of_o conscience_n in_o man_n and_o woman_n because_o they_o put_v out_o the_o eye_n thereof_o and_o frequent_o repel_v and_o beat_v back_o what_o it_o say_v or_o answer_n so_o that_o it_o become_v cauterise_v and_o the_o feel_n of_o it_o wear_v almost_o if_o not_o altogether_o away_o and_o it_o speak_v very_o little_a or_o none_o at_o all_o to_o they_o be_v so_o much_o baffle_v and_o blunt_v with_o many_o repulse_n we_o may_v add_v this_o three_o way_n how_o it_o be_v provoke_v and_o that_o be_v when_o its_o asking_n be_v slight_v it_o ask_v we_o why_o we_o do_v such_o and_o such_o a_o thing_n and_o forbear_v such_o and_o such_o another_o and_o we_o slight_v what_o it_o say_v and_o lie_v still_o in_o sin_n be_v it_o not_o just_a that_o conscience_n pay_v we_o home_o in_o our_o own_o measure_n and_o refuse_v to_o answer_v we_o when_o we_o ask_v it_o a_o four_o sinful_a cause_n on_o our_o part_n of_o the_o silence_n of_o conscience_n be_v when_o man_n come_v not_o single_o and_o in_o a_o spiritual_a frame_n to_o conscience_n to_o seek_v its_o answer_n and_o advice_n but_o either_o have_v anâ—_n idol_n sâ—t_v up_o before_o their_o eye_n and_o be_v almost_o already_o determine_v in_o the_o thing_n or_o else_o they_o bring_v with_o they_o some_o one_o or_o other_o lust_n unrepented_a of_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o though_o they_o think_v themselves_o submissive_a in_o that_o particular_a and_o possible_o may_v some_o way_n be_v so_o yet_o not_o be_v absolute_o submissive_a in_o all_o conscience_n keep_v silent_a to_o the_o former_a the_o lord_n some_o way_n say_v as_o he_o do_v to_o these_o man_n by_o the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n chap._n 14._o 2_o 3._o son_n of_o man_n these_o have_v set_v up_o their_o idol_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o put_v the_o stumble_a block_n of_o their_o iniquity_n before_o their_o face_n shall_v i_o be_v inquire_v at_o all_o by_o they_o when_o man_n come_v to_o seek_v light_n and_o bring_v their_o idol_n with_o they_o the_o lord_n that_o speak_v by_o the_o conscience_n will_v some_o time_n in_o that_o case_n not_o suffer_v it_o to_o speak_v a_o word_n the_o other_o be_v like_o that_o which_o we_o have_v psal._n 66_o 8._o if_o i_o regard_v iniquity_n in_o my_o heart_n the_o lord_n will_v not_o hear_v my_o prayer_n when_o man_n come_v in_o a_o profane_a temper_n and_o frame_v of_o spirit_n to_o god_n and_o be_v not_o single_a and_o as_o i_o say_v absolute_o submissive_a conscience_n will_v not_o answer_v for_o conscience_n
ignorance_n that_o may_v and_o will_v make_v we_o mistake_v conscience_n when_o it_o answer_v clear_o and_o this_o come_v to_o pass_v when_o through_o ignorance_n we_o know_v not_o nor_o can_v take_v up_o the_o voice_n of_o conscience_n as_o different_a from_o that_o of_o our_o affection_n or_o inclination_n nor_o the_o ground_n by_o which_o conscience_n do_v evidence_n its_o answer_n as_o young_a samuel_n take_v god_n voice_n at_o first_o for_o the_o voice_n of_o old_a eli_n thus_o man_n may_v have_v a_o impulse_n and_o some_o exercise_n of_o conscience_n aâ—_n out_o a_o thing_n and_o it_o may_v be_v tell_v its_o mind_n to_o they_o and_o yet_o through_o their_o ignorance_n and_o inadvertancy_n noâ—_n discern_v and_o take_v up_o what_o it_o say_v their_o exercise_n may_v continue_v and_o they_o remain_v in_o the_o dark_a anent_o the_o particular_a a_o second_o case_n wherein_o folk_n may_v remain_v unclear_a or_o mistake_v where_o conscience_n answer_v clear_o be_v when_o their_o inclination_n or_o affection_n sway_n to_o one_o side_n and_o conscience_n swey_v to_o another_o then_o ready_o the_o affection_n make_v such_o a_o noise_n and_o clamour_n and_o inclination_n and_o tentation_n so_o sway_a and_o drive_v to_o the_o contrary_a that_o the_o voice_n of_o conscience_n be_v not_o take_v up_o yea_o scarce_o hear_v even_o as_o when_o a_o case_n be_v propose_v to_o a_o judge_n and_o he_o speak_v sober_o in_o determine_v the_o same_o the_o unsatisfy_a party_n raise_v such_o a_o clamour_n and_o noise_n that_o his_o determination_n be_v not_o understand_v noâ—_n it_o may_v be_v so_o much_o as_o hear_v so_o it_o be_v when_o man_n be_v bias_v with_o their_o own_o inclination_n and_o affection_n though_o conscience_n speak_v yet_o these_o will_v speak_v out_o answer_v to_o convince_v and_o persuade_v to_o the_o contrary_a as_o it_o be_v with_o balaam_n who_o will_v not_o understand_v as_o it_o be_v nor_o take_v the_o answer_n which_o he_o get_v but_o go_v again_o and_o again_o for_o another_o or_o as_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n do_v often_o when_o the_o prophet_n tell_v they_o clear_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o lord_n yet_o they_o will_v needs_o contradict_v he_o as_o we_o see_v they_o do_v jer._n 43._o 2_o and_o say_v it_o be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o he_o be_v set_v on_o by_o some_o other_o to_o speak_v so_o their_o inclination_n and_o affection_n be_v swey_v to_o such_o a_o side_n a_o three_o case_n be_v when_o man_n own_a particular_a interest_n lie_v one_o way_n and_o the_o answer_n of_o conscience_n swey_v another_o way_n as_o suppose_v gain_n to_o be_v on_o this_o side_n and_o conscience_n speak_v duty_n to_o be_v on_o the_o other_o interest_n will_v say_v that_o such_o a_o place_n call_z or_o station_n shall_v be_v take_v and_o engage_v in_o because_o it_o have_v gain_v and_o preferment_n with_o it_o but_o conscience_n say_v it_o shall_v be_v forbear_v and_o here_o interest_n sustain_v the_o dispute_n and_o carry_v it_o on_o tough_o and_o pertinacious_o against_o conscience_n with_o plausible_a argument_n that_o side_n and_o suit_n well_o with_o and_o much_o please_v and_o gratify_v our_o flesh_n which_o yet_o may_v be_v very_o easy_o refute_v if_o interest_n have_v not_o the_o great_a hand_n in_o propose_v and_o manage_v they_o hence_o the_o apostle_n 1_o tim._n 6._o 5._o speak_v of_o some_o perverse_a dispute_n of_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n and_o destitute_a of_o the_o truth_n who_o suppose_v gain_v to_o be_v godliness_n for_o when_o gain_n present_v itself_o as_o easy_a to_o be_v find_v and_o come_v by_o in_o such_o a_o way_n it_o will_v ready_o pass_v for_o godliness_n this_o be_v very_o dangerous_a and_o make_v the_o answer_n of_o conscience_n to_o be_v either_o mistake_v or_o â—asten_v and_o reject_v a_o four_o case_n more_o ready_o incident_a to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n though_o it_o may_v be_v also_o in_o other_o be_v when_o fear_n and_o unbelief_n thwart_o conscience_n press_v to_o such_o a_o duty_n as_o suppose_v it_o be_v a_o duty_n that_o have_v many_o difficulty_n attend_v it_o as_o hazard_v of_o life_n or_o of_o state_n of_o confinment_n or_o of_o banishment_n fear_v and_o unbellef_n will_v come_v in_o and_o dispute_v that_o such_o and_o such_o a_o thing_n can_v be_v duty_n though_o conscience_n say_v the_o contrary_a so_o it_o be_v with_o achaz_n isa._n 7._o 12._o i_o will_v not_o say_v he_o ask_v neither_o will_v i_o tempt_v the_o lord_n in_o his_o fear_n and_o unbelief_n he_o will_v not_o wait_v the_o answer_n of_o conscience_n neither_o â—an_v he_o abide_v to_o take_v god_n word_n and_o direction_n but_o this_o do_v not_o only_o prevail_v with_o wicked_a never_o do-well_a achaz_n but_o it_o be_v in_o a_o measure_n in_o eminent_o godly_a moses_n exod._n 6._o 12._o who_o in_o his_o fear_n and_o unbelief_n dispute_v against_o god_n clear_a call_n and_o say_v will_v pharaoh_n hear_v i_o as_o also_o in_o jeremiah_n who_o chap._n 1._o v._n 6._o allege_v against_o god_n clear_a call_n that_o he_o be_v but_o a_o child_n and_o the_o like_a of_o such_o excuse_n and_o shift_n as_o these_o be_v make_v to_o god_n own_o call_v and_o answer_n much_o more_o may_v they_o be_v make_v to_o the_o answer_n of_o conscience_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o question_n the_o second_o question_n be_v see_v conscience_n may_v be_v silent_a or_o though_o it_o answer_v may_v not_o be_v take_v up_o nor_o understand_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o and_o the_o like_a case_n answer_v 1._o we_o shall_v aim_v to_o know_v if_o our_o unclearnesse_n in_o such_o a_o particular_a proceed_v from_o the_o silence_n of_o conscience_n or_o from_o some_o tentation_n or_o distemper_n of_o spirit_n in_o we_o 2_o whither_o it_o flow_v from_o a_o sinful_a cause_n on_o our_o part_n or_o from_o god_n sovereignty_n 3_o we_o shall_v learn_v how_o to_o apply_v ourselves_o aright_o to_o take_v up_o these_o cause_n 4thly_a what_o it_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v do_v when_o none_o of_o these_o be_v discern_v 5thly_a what_o it_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v do_v if_o our_o unclearnesse_n and_o darkness_n continue_v or_o what_o general_a ground_n may_v warrant_v we_o in_o our_o choice_n or_o how_o we_o ought_v to_o make_v use_n of_o these_o general_a ground_n when_o we_o can_v take_v up_o particular_n for_o the_o 1._o direction_n in_o such_o a_o case_n we_o say_v when_o man_n have_v unclearnesse_n they_o shall_v inquire_v 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v one_fw-mi unclearnesse_n from_o a_o silence_n in_o the_o conscience_n or_o from_o a_o tentation_n or_o distemper_n in_o themselves_o and_o if_o this_o once_o be_v know_v the_o cause_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n win_v for_o if_o it_o be_v know_v to_o be_v a_o tentation_n or_o a_o sinful_a distemper_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v stand_v on_o though_o what_o we_o be_v call_v to_o thwart_o our_o own_o inclination_n and_o affection_n and_o speak_v out_o matter_n of_o fear_n and_o hazard_n as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o case_n of_o moses_n and_o jeremiah_n when_o god_n make_v the_o man_n to_o put_v his_o hand_n into_o his_o bosom_n as_o it_o be_v as_o if_o the_o result_n be_v to_o be_v have_v there_o that_o clear_v he_o and_o he_o yield_v and_o if_o it_o flow_v not_o from_o any_o tentation_n or_o distemper_n we_o shall_v look_v forward_o and_o inquire_v from_o what_o cause_n it_o come_v but_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v here_o how_o shall_v people_n know_v whither_o their_o unclearnesse_n do_v proceed_v from_o a_o sinful_a distemper_n in_o themselves_o or_o from_o the_o silence_n of_o conscience_n not_o speak_v at_o all_o answer_v to_o find_v out_o this_o will_v be_v a_o piece_n of_o christian_a exercâ—e_n and_o will_v need_v much_o humility_n and_o self-denial_n a_o heavenly_a frame_n and_o much_o serious_a prayer_n to_o god_n and_o though_o 〈◊〉_d be_v difficult_a to_o condescend_v on_o particular_a rule_n in_o 〈◊〉_d case_n yet_o we_o shall_v give_v some_o general_a consideration_n that_o will_v help_v how_o to_o find_v it_o out_o and_o 1._o see_v iâ—_n you_o be_v indifferent_a in_o the_o thing_n if_o it_o be_v so_o in_o it_o be_v own_o nature_n for_o if_o it_o be_v a_o tentation_n or_o sinful_a distemper_n that_o prevail_v you_o will_v not_o be_v indifferent_a but_o fix_v resolute_a and_o peremptory_a inclination_n affection_n or_o interest_n will_v sway_n you_o to_o one_o side_n and_o hold_v you_o there_o and_o therefore_o your_o great_a work_n shall_v be_v to_o see_v if_o you_o be_v single_a and_o unbiased_a and_o for_o this_o end_n consider_v 1._o if_o you_o have_v your_o choice_n what_o it_o will_v be_v and_o if_o the_o heart_n confident_o adventure_v to_o make_v the_o choice_n and_o if_o you_o be_v incline_v more_o to_o the_o one_o side_n then_o to_o the_o other_o it_o be_v presumption_n
they_o we_o may_v be_v help_v clear_o to_o know_v 〈◊〉_d be_v please_v to_o he_o and_o profitable_a to_o ourselves_o concern_v which_o counsellor_n we_o may_v not_o only_o safe_o but_o with_o high_a assurance_n say_v that_o they_o be_v happy_a who_o harken_v to_o their_o advice_n and_o council_n that_o which_o we_o have_v have_v be_v speak_v of_o from_o this_o v_o be_v the_o right_a way_n of_o discern_v the_o advice_n and_o counsel_n which_o the_o conscience_n give_v that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v the_o more_o able_a clear_o and_o distinct_o to_o follow_v it_o and_o in_o prosecution_n of_o this_o you_o may_v remember_v we_o come_v to_o answer_v that_o case_n or_o question_v what_o man_n be_v call_v to_o or_o what_o maybe_o their_o duty_n when_o after_o some_o pain_n take_v to_o know_v conscience_n advice_n and_o counsel_n they_o do_v not_o discern_v and_o take_v it_o up_o see_v experience_n tell_v we_o that_o sometime_o there_o may_v be_v darkness_n even_o when_o man_n will_v have_v light_a in_o answer_v of_o this_o we_o give_v you_o this_o direction_n in_o the_o first_o place_n after_o the_o premit_v of_o some_o thing_n for_o clear_v of_o it_o that_o such_o as_o be_v thus_o in_o the_o dark_a will_v once_o put_v themselves_o to_o it_o to_o try_v whither_o their_o darkness_n proceed_v indeed_o from_o conscience_n or_o from_o some_o distemper_n and_o tentation_n within_o let_v and_o hinder_v they_o from_o take_v up_o that_o which_o conscience_n say_v till_o once_o this_o be_v clear_a man_n can_v make_v great_a progress_n for_o if_o they_o shall_v study_v to_o have_v conscience_n speak_v and_o yet_o have_v their_o own_o ear_n stop_v this_o seem_v to_o be_v but_o lose_v labour_n there_o be_v some_o other_o thing_n call_v for_o that_o once_o they_o may_v be_v in_o a_o quiet_a and_o compose_v frame_n to_o hear_v what_o conscience_n say_v to_o they_o a_o ad_fw-la direction_n for_o answer_n to_o it_o be_v when_o man_n can_v discern_v any_o temptation_n or_o distemper_n in_o themselves_o but_o that_o they_o be_v content_a to_o hear_v what_o conscience_n will_v say_v to_o they_o and_o yet_o can_v take_v it_o up_o than_o they_o will_v set_v themselves_o to_o try_v whither_o that_o silence_n proceed_v from_o some_o sinful_a cause_n in_o themselves_o just_o procure_v that_o silence_n of_o conscience_n as_o a_o punishment_n to_o they_o or_o from_o some_o sovereign_a cause_n in_o god_n order_v that_o silence_n to_o try_v they_o and_o to_o humble_v they_o and_o that_o they_o may_v by_o be_v keep_v a_o while_n in_o the_o mist_n more_o single_o give_v proof_n of_o their_o dependency_n on_o he_o for_o as_o in_o other_o affliction_n so_o in_o this_o sometime_o god_n will_v exercise_v his_o sovereignty_n and_o if_o it_o be_v once_o know_v to_o be_v for_o trial_n the_o thing_n that_o we_o be_v call_v to_o be_v sweet_o silent_a submission_n to_o god_n and_o allow_v he_o so_o to_o dispose_v of_o we_o as_o he_o please_v as_o that_o word_n isa._n 50._o v._n 10._o hold_n forth_o he_o that_o walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o see_v no_o light_n let_v he_o in_o that_o case_n stay_v himself_o on_o the_o lord_n he_o may_v be_v keep_v quiet_a and_o from_o thwart_v with_o god_n if_o he_o can_v take_v up_o that_o to_o be_v his_o design_n but_o if_o some_o sinful_a cause_n have_v procure_v this_o man_n be_v put_v to_o it_o as_o they_o will_v not_o lie_v under_o any_o effect_n of_o god_n anger_n to_o be_v deal_v with_o he_o to_o have_v that_o cause_n that_o have_v bring_v it_o on_o remove_v that_o in_o due_a time_n this_o sad_a effect_n of_o it_o may_v be_v remove_v also_o it_o be_v true_a that_o as_o in_o other_o case_n so_o in_o this_o it_o be_v not_o ordinary_a nor_o common_a for_o god_n to_o afflict_v his_o people_n with_o darkness_n without_o some_o sinful_a cause_n and_o we_o may_v easy_o know_v that_o among_o man_n who_o have_v corruption_n in_o they_o there_o be_v no_o trial_n that_o come_v on_o they_o but_o there_o be_v some_o cause_n in_o themselves_o that_o may_v procure_v it_o and_o so_o may_v keep_v they_o in_o the_o dark_a if_o god_n shall_v narrow_o mark_v it_o and_o hence_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o discern_v right_o by_o clear_a evidence_n the_o one_o of_o these_o from_o the_o other_o yet_o we_o think_v in_o every_o case_n it_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o godly_a person_n to_o conclude_v a_o design_a controversy_n for_o sin_n though_o they_o can_v never_o go_v wrong_a to_o take_v with_o sin_n albeit_o yet_o they_o will_v not_o always_o bind_v it_o on_o god_n as_o if_o he_o be_v quarrel_v for_o it_o though_o he_o may_v very_o just_o do_v so_o therefore_o we_o shall_v offer_v four_o difference_n and_o then_o qualify_v they_o and_o give_v some_o direction_n how_o to_o walk_v in_o every_o one_o of_o these_o case_n first_o then_o we_o conceive_v when_o the_o silence_n of_o conscience_n and_o god_n refuse_v to_o intimate_v his_o mind_n by_o it_o proceed_v from_o a_o sinful_a cause_n procure_v it_o in_o a_o person_n it_o will_v ready_o look_v more_o horrible_a like_o and_o will_v have_v some_o impression_n of_o anger_n on_o it_o when_o it_o come_v out_o with_o such_o a_o word_n as_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 10._o 14._o go_v and_o cry_v unto_o the_o god_n which_o you_o have_v choose_v etc._n etc._n and_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n for_o this_o that_o if_o it_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o sin_n or_o of_o anger_n for_o sin_n it_o shall_v look_v like_a anger_n then_o when_o it_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o god_n mere_a sovereignty_n which_o may_v stand_v well_o with_o his_o be_v in_o good_a term_n with_o that_o person_n who_o he_o so_o try_v second_o we_o think_v the_o hide_v of_o god_n face_n and_o silence_n of_o conscience_n when_o it_o proceed_v from_o sin_n as_o the_o cause_n ready_o point_v out_o some_o particular_a ground_n of_o challenge_n for_o which_o the_o conscience_n keep_v silence_n it_o have_v a_o word_n of_o reproof_n with_o it_o for_o some_o particular_a fault_n as_o in_o that_o same_o place_n you_o have_v do_v this_o and_o this_o say_v the_o lord_n though_o i_o have_v bring_v you_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n yet_o you_o have_v serve_v other_o god_n therefore_o now_o i_o will_v deliver_v you_o no_o more_o conscience_n though_o it_o will_v not_o in_o that_o case_n give_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v ask_v at_o it_o yet_o it_o will_v give_v a_o reason_n wherefore_o it_o answer_v not_o and_o will_v point_v at_o somewhat_o that_o may_v make_v it_o know_v that_o there_o be_v just_a ground_n for_o its_o keep_a silence_n job_n be_v thus_o smite_v in_o holy_a sovereignty_n say_v to_o god_n chap._n 10._o 2_o tell_v i_o wherefore_o thou_o contend_v with_o i_o he_o be_v indeed_o now_o somewhat_o jumble_v be_v exercise_v by_o the_o sovereign_n holy_a lord_n and_o his_o exercise_n be_v not_o so_o much_o for_o this_o and_o that_o sin_n in_o particular_a as_o to_o know_v wherefore_o god_n deal_v so_o with_o he_o 3_o when_o this_o silence_n of_o conscience_n proceed_v from_o a_o sinful_a cause_n it_o leave_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o person_n in_o a_o far_o great_a distemper_n and_o confusion_n then_o whenit_fw-la proceed_v mere_o from_o god_n sovereignty_n for_o this_o have_v its_o rise_n from_o sin_n it_o have_v the_o great_a influence_n to_o the_o stir_v of_o corruption_n therefore_o in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o man_n be_v much_o dispose_v to_o sret_v as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o saul_n and_o other_o who_o be_v ready_a when_o god_n answer_v they_o not_o to_o take_v another_o and_o sinful_a way_n of_o their_o own_o but_o when_o god_n exercise_n in_o sovereignty_n as_o the_o conscience_n have_v ready_o more_o quietness_n so_o there_o be_v more_o sweet_a submission_n and_o patience_n 4_o person_n will_v take_v a_o reflect_v look_v on_o the_o frame_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n before_o their_o darkness_n come_v on_o they_o 〈◊〉_d they_o be_v careless_a and_o carnal_a secure_a untender_a and_o remiss_a in_o stir_v up_o themselves_o to_o obtain_v light_n from_o god_n if_o darkness_n or_o any_o other_o affliction_n come_v on_o they_o in_o such_o a_o case_n it_o speak_v this_o that_o they_o be_v sad_o surprise_v in_o that_o distemper_n but_o if_o it_o come_v on_o they_o at_o such_o a_o time_n when_o they_o have_v a_o testimony_n within_o they_o that_o they_o be_v make_v conscience_n of_o their_o duty_n it_o will_v seem_v to_o say_v that_o god_n be_v not_o look_v so_o much_o at_o their_o sin_n as_o to_o some_o sovereign_a end_n â—e_z will_v bring_v abount_n by_o that_o rod_n if_o you_o consider_v holy_a joh_n who_o be_v the_o eminent_a pattern_n of_o god_n exercise_v a_o a_o man_n sovereign_o the_o case_n and_o frame_n
he_o be_v overtake_v in_o by_o his_o affliction_n be_v a_o most_o tender_a one_o rise_v in_o the_o morning_n and_o offering_n sacrifice_n for_o his_o child_n and_o as_o he_o say_v chap._n 3._o 26_o i_o be_v not_o in_o safety_n neither_o have_v i_o rest_v neither_o be_v i_o quiet_a yet_o trouble_n come_v that_o be_v if_o i_o have_v be_v secure_a and_o carnal_a i_o will_v have_v think_v the_o less_o to_o meet_v with_o such_o trouble_n but_o i_o be_v not_o at_o carnal_a ease_n but_o be_v serious_o at_o my_o duty_n it_o be_v this_o that_o make_v he_o that_o he_o can_v not_o see_v what_o it_o be_v that_o god_n point_v out_o to_o he_o for_o his_o exercise_n we_o will_v now_o in_o the_o nixt_a place_n give_v you_o these_o qualification_n 1._o that_o when_o god_n exercise_v from_o sovereignty_n yet_o even_o then_o there_o may_v be_v somewhat_o of_o terror_n reproof_n and_o challenge_v and_o somewhat_o of_o corruption_n stir_v and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o we_o have_v corruption_n in_o we_o and_o be_v not_o without_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n and_o therefore_o tentation_n have_v just_a ground_n to_o challenge_v and_o corruption_n be_v ready_a on_o every_o occasion_n to_o be_v â—ed_v and_o provoke_v we_o will_v give_v this_o as_o a_o second_o qualification_n that_o ofttimes_o god_n deal_v with_o and_o exert_v of_o his_o people_n be_v mix_v with_o some_o respect_n both_o to_o their_o sin_n and_o to_o the_o good_a end_n that_o he_o intend_v to_o bring_v about_o thereby_o to_o they_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v these_o 〈◊〉_d thing_n that_o we_o will_v look_v to_o in_o these_o case_n first_o that_o though_o corruption_n may_v stir_v yet_o comparative_o it_o 〈◊〉_d â—ar_v less_o in_o the_o one_o case_n then_o in_o the_o other_o if_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d affect_v with_o sin_n even_o when_o he_o be_v afflict_v in_o god_n sovereignty_n what_o will_v he_o have_v be_v if_o he_o have_v be_v chastise_v for_o his_o sin_n and_o surprise_v in_o a_o sinful_a distemper_n when_o his_o affliction_n come_v on_o he_o ad_o though_o it_o may_v be_v so_o for_o a_o time_n yet_o if_o god_n remove_v the_o exercise_n he_o will_v make_v it_o otherwise_o he_o will_v compose_v the_o heart_n and_o make_v the_o exercise_n effectual_a for_o that_o for_o which_o he_o send_v it_o as_o you_o see_v in_o the_o case_n of_o job_n who_o though_o he_o be_v somewhat_o discompose_v for_o a_o time_n yet_o before_o god_n leave_v he_o he_o calm_v he_o and_o make_v he_o lay_v his_o hand_n on_o his_o mouth_n chap._n 40._o and_o 42._o 3_o that_o even_o then_o though_o person_n may_v discompose_v and_o put_v themselves_o through_o other_o because_o they_o have_v not_o carry_v suitable_o and_o fair_a under_o the_o exercise_n yet_o there_o will_v be_v some_o honest_a testimony_n of_o sincerity_n when_o they_o look_v back_o to_o their_o carriage_n before_o and_o even_o in_o the_o time_n for_o sovereignty_n in_o such_o exercise_n will_v not_o prejudge_v his_o people_n interest_n in_o he_o therefore_o you_o see_v that_o job_n be_v clear_a and_o resolve_v in_o this_o that_o he_o will_v retain_v his_o integrity_n last_o we_o will_v come_v to_o show_v you_o what_o be_v meet_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n which_o though_o there_o may_v be_v considerable_a difficulty_n to_o come_v by_o yet_o a_o believer_n shall_v not_o be_v idle_a when_o his_o conscience_n keep_v silence_n therefore_o i_o will_v give_v you_o these_o three_o general_a direction_n 1._o that_o person_n will_v endeavour_v to_o compose_v and_o calm_v the_o frame_n of_o their_o own_o spirit_n under_o that_o darkness_n be_v from_o what_o cause_n it_o will_v if_o it_o be_v from_o god_n sovereignty_n exercise_v this_o be_v suitable_a that_o we_o study_v to_o comply_v and_o strick_v in_o with_o these_o end_n and_o design_n that_o god_n drive_v at_o in_o exercise_v we_o so_o such_o as_o the_o humble_v of_o we_o the_o emptie_v of_o we_o of_o all_o self-conceit_n the_o make_n of_o we_o to_o loathe_v ourselves_o so_o as_o to_o say_v with_o job_n behold_v i_o be_o vile_a the_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o our_o own_o feebleness_n and_o sinfulness_n our_o make_n great_a account_n of_o light_n and_o come_v at_o a_o more_o near_o close_a and_o constant_a dependence_n on_o god_n whatsoever_o that_o exercise_n proceed_v from_o this_o be_v always_o a_o christian_n duty_n and_o we_o have_v it_o warrant_v to_o we_o from_o job_n example_n and_o from_o the_o church_n example_n lament_v 3._o a_o second_o general_a direction_n be_v that_o whither_o god_n chastite_n for_o sin_n or_o not_o yet_o we_o will_v take_v a_o look_n of_o our_o own_o carriage_n that_o we_o may_v see_v what_o sin_n or_o sin_n we_o can_v find_v out_o that_o may_v have_v be_v ground_n for_o he_o thus_o to_o quarrel_v with_o we_o that_o so_o we_o may_v repent_v of_o they_o obtain_v his_o peace_n and_o recover_v his_o favour_n and_o friendship_n in_o reference_n to_o these_o sin_n this_o sure_a can_v be_v any_o bad_a fruit_n whatsoever_o be_v the_o cause_n from_o which_o it_o proceed_v because_o though_o god_n take_v not_o such_o narrow_a notice_n of_o our_o sin_n yet_o it_o well_o become_v we_o to_o take_v such_o notice_n of_o it_o you_o see_v job_n do_v this_o when_o he_o say_v to_o the_o lord_n thou_o make_v i_o to_o possess_v the_o sin_n of_o my_o youth_n we_o will_v look_v well_o to_o this_o and_o set_v ourselves_o serious_o to_o have_v our_o peace_n make_v up_o again_o with_o god_n and_o to_o come_v by_o the_o intimation_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o these_o particular_a sin_n that_o if_o so_o be_v our_o darkness_n continue_v we_o may_v have_v some_o quietness_n of_o conscience_n and_o this_o may_v also_o be_v the_o way_n for_o win_v to_o the_o other_o it_o be_v sure_a very_o suitable_a that_o when_o a_o person_n be_v in_o the_o dark_a as_o to_o some_o one_o particular_a duty_n sober_o to_o consider_v how_o often_o conscience_n speak_v and_o i_o take_v but_o little_a notice_n of_o it_o how_o little_a conscience_n i_o make_v to_o practice_v clear_a duty_n and_o therefore_o i_o be_o just_o bemi_v and_o in_o the_o dark_a as_o to_o this_o this_o help_n to_o humble_a there_o be_v these_o three_o thing_n we_o will_v have_v you_o to_o look_v back_o on_o when_o we_o call_v you_o to_o reflect_v in_o such_o a_o case_n on_o your_o way_n first_o look_v back_o and_o see_v if_o there_o be_v not_o something_o amiss_o before_o that_o darkness_n come_v on_o that_o may_v have_v procure_v it_o and_o draw_v on_o this_o as_o a_o chastisement_n of_o that_o and_o here_o you_o will_v go_v back_o if_o it_o be_v not_o only_o some_o few_o year_n but_o seven_o year_n and_o more_o too_o and_o see_v what_o sin_n and_o sin_n against_o light_n in_o particular_a you_o have_v fall_v in_o and_o how_o when_o conscience_n do_v challenge_v for_o the_o same_o you_o take_v but_o little_a notice_n of_o it_o if_o i_o say_v it_o be_v after_o seven_o year_n yea_o thrice_o seven_o as_o josephs_n brethren_n be_v make_v to_o do_v you_o will_v call_v these_o sin_n or_o that_o sin_n again_o to_o mind_n 2_o look_v well_o if_o you_o have_v be_v serious_a in_o search_v out_o the_o mind_n of_o conscience_n and_o if_o you_o have_v take_v pain_n to_o use_v all_o mean_n to_o get_v light_a you_o want_v light_a and_o it_o may_v be_v you_o have_v not_o study_v to_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o word_n nor_o have_v be_v single_a in_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o obtain_v of_o it_o you_o will_v also_o look_v if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o defect_n in_o advise_v with_o conscience_n or_o in_o propon_v the_o case_n to_o conscience_n and_o discover_v the_o same_o you_o will_v endeavour_v to_o amend_v it_o and_o to_o make_v a_o new_a address_n as_o it_o be_v to_o your_o conscience_n before_o god_n for_o find_v out_o light_n three_o look_v back_o on_o your_o carriage_n since_o that_o darkness_n begin_v for_o christian_n may_v possible_o have_v be_v in_o a_o tender_a frame_n when_o this_o darkness_n come_v upon_o they_o yet_o because_o they_o get_v not_o light_a so_o soon_o as_o they_o will_v have_v it_o and_o because_o the_o â—ord_n keep_v up_o himself_o for_o a_o time_n it_o may_v be_v their_o impatience_n have_v break_v out_o and_o there_o have_v be_v sinful_a wrangle_n with_o god_n in_o secret_a and_o the_o heart_n have_v be_v somewhat_o raise_v that_o he_o shall_v deal_v so_o with_o they_o especial_o â—hen_o they_o have_v find_v that_o they_o have_v be_v honest_a in_o the_o main_a somewhat_o of_o this_o be_v in_o job_n who_o take_v on_o he_o under_o his_o dark_a exercise_n as_o himself_o confess_v to_o meddle_v too_o much_o and_o too_o bold_o with_o god_n secret_n that_o be_v too_o wonderful_a for_o he_o it_o may_v be_v often_o thus_o with_o
do_v all_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v choose_v that_o state_n of_o life_n and_o call_v and_o so_o in_o other_o such_o thing_n that_o may_v conduce_v most_o to_o the_o glorify_v of_o god_n so_o we_o be_v to_o enter_v in_o the_o dispute_n or_o debate_v whither_o may_v this_o or_o that_o contribute_v most_o to_o that_o end_n and_o according_o the_o conscience_n may_v well_o rest_v quiet_a if_o it_o once_o come_v to_o any_o clearness_n that_o this_o or_o the_o other_o contribute_v most_o to_o god_n glory_n therefore_o it_o shall_v be_v follow_v the_o second_o general_n rule_n be_v 1_o cor._n 14._o 26._o let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v to_o edify_v there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o thing_n lawful_a and_o thing_n expedient_a or_o edify_v all_o thing_n be_v lawful_a for_o i_o but_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o expedient_a all_o thing_n be_v lawful_a for_o i_o but_o all_o thing_n edify_v not_o say_v the_o aposile_n 1_o cor._n 10._o v._n 23._o there_o be_v a_o expedience_n and_o regard_n to_o the_o edification_n of_o ourselves_o and_o of_o other_o that_o we_o will_v be_v swey_v with_o as_o whither_o the_o do_n of_o such_o and_o such_o a_o thing_n at_o this_o time_n or_o another_o will_v edify_v other_o most_o and_o profit_v they_o most_o as_o to_o the_o save_n of_o their_o soul_n or_o help_v ourselves_o most_o in_o the_o mortify_n of_o some_o lust_n or_o in_o further_a of_o we_o to_o some_o dâ—ie_n here_o conscience_n be_v to_o close_v with_o and_o to_o cleave_v unto_o that_o which_o be_v most_o edify_a a_o three_o general_n rule_n be_v phil._n 4._o 8._o where_o when_o the_o apostle_n be_v show_v they_o a_o way_n how_o to_o walk_v as_o we_o suppose_v in_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o thing_n whatsoever_o thing_n say_v he_o be_v true_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v just_a pure_a lovely_a and_o of_o good_a report_n to_o wit_n with_o those_o that_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v aâ—ight_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v so_o think_v on_o these_o thing_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n lawful_a that_o be_v not_o honest_a many_o thing_n lawful_a may_v not_o have_v a_o good_a report_n and_o many_o thing_n that_o be_v lawful_a may_v not_o be_v lovely_a now_o when_o two_o lawful_a thing_n be_v before_o we_o we_o will_v consider_v which_o of_o the_o two_o be_v most_o christianly_o honest_a and_o most_o lovely_a which_o of_o they_o have_v the_o best_a report_n and_o be_v best_a thought_n of_o among_o they_o that_o can_v discern_v best_a and_o though_o a_o thing_n be_v lawful_a in_o itself_o yet_o if_o it_o be_v not_o honest_a and_o of_o a_o good_a report_n it_o may_v give_v cause_n of_o ill_a speak_n that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v allow_v as_o for_o instance_n suppose_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o marriage_n there_o be_v two_o single_a people_n it_o be_v lawful_a for_o they_o to_o marie_n yet_o suppose_v they_o to_o be_v unequal_a as_o to_o their_o rank_n and_o quality_n the_o one_o a_o great_a man_n the_o other_o a_o poor_a woman_n and_o despicable_a or_o contrary_o or_o vast_o unequal_a as_o to_o age_n or_o part_n and_o accomplishment_n and_o that_o such_o a_o match_n be_v not_o honest_o report_v of_o or_o be_v not_o count_v gracious_a and_o tender_a like_a in_o a_o professor_n of_o religion_n man_n or_o woman_n though_o it_o may_v be_v simple_o lawful_a yet_o in_o that_o case_n he_o or_o she_o be_v to_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o apostle_n rule_n even_o according_a to_o this_o rule_n particular_a circumstance_n i_o grant_v will_v very_o much_o vary_v the_o the_o case_n yet_o that_o rule_n will_v be_v still_o tender_o look_v to_o a_o four_o general_n rule_n be_v 1_o cor._n 7._o 17_o and_o 20._o as_o the_o lord_n 〈◊〉_d call_v every_o one_o â—o_o let_v they_o walk_v let_v every_o man_n abide_v in_o the_o same_o call_n wherein_o he_o be_v call_v which_o suppose_v that_o christian_n be_v once_o clear_a that_o the_o lord_n have_v call_v they_o to_o be_v in_o such_o calling_n and_o station_n and_o to_o sustain_v such_o relation_n as_o of_o magistrate_n minister_n merchant_n and_o tradesman_n husband_n wife_n master_n servant_n they_o shall_v for_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n continue_v quiet_a and_o satisfy_v in_o they_o without_o cover_v pre-posterous_o or_o itch_a curious_o to_o be_v out_o of_o they_o and_o without_o dare_v to_o move_v from_o they_o without_o a_o clear_a and_o convince_a call_n from_o god_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v make_v conscience_n to_o discharge_v the_o respective_a duty_n incumbent_a on_o they_o by_o virtue_n of_o these_o station_n and_o relation_n while_o they_o be_v in_o they_o the_o other_o thing_n we_o propose_v be_v some_o help_n towards_o the_o right_a application_n of_o these_o rule_n and_o here_o there_o be_v great_a need_n to_o look_v very_o narrow_o to_o our_o own_o way_n of_o proceed_v i_o shall_v name_v four_o thing_n in_o reference_n to_o this_o the_o first_o whereof_o be_v that_o though_o we_o walk_v according_a to_o a_o particular_a rule_n yet_o we_o must_v have_v a_o special_a respect_n to_o circumstance_n that_o may_v have_v great_a influence_n upon_o varie_v of_o the_o case_n and_o will_v therefore_o be_v well_o observe_v for_o case_n at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o person_n be_v not_o a_o like_a there_o be_v a_o time_n say_v the_o wise_a man_n eccles._n â—3_n for_o every_o thing_n under_o the_o sun_n sometime_o folk_n ought_v to_o speak_v and_o sometime_o they_o ought_v to_o keep_v silence_n sometime_o to_o laugh_v sometime_o to_o weep_v sometime_o to_o get_v and_o sometime_o to_o 〈◊〉_d and_o so_o of_o every_o thing_n under_o the_o sun_n and_o here_o we_o will_v consider_v the_o person_n who_o do_v such_o a_o thing_n it_o may_v be_v honest_a in_o one_o person_n and_o not_o in_o â—other_a thus_o nehemiah_n say_v shall_v such_o a_o man_n as_o â—_o 〈◊〉_d especial_o more_o note_a christian_n shall_v look_v to_o this_o then_o we_o shall_v consider_v the_o place_n wherein_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v do_v and_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v do_v we_o will_v also_o consider_v the_o consequence_n that_o may_v follow_v on_o the_o do_n of_o such_o a_o thing_n both_o as_o to_o the_o person_n self_n that_o his_o own_o peace_n be_v not_o mart_v and_o as_o to_o other_o that_o they_o be_v no_o way_n stumble_v or_o make_v worse_o we_o can_v apply_v such_o or_o such_o a_o particular_a practice_n suitable_o and_o aright_o to_o the_o rule_n except_o we_o present_v and_o offer_v the_o case_n to_o be_v try_v by_o the_o rule_n according_a to_o all_o its_o circumstance_n a_o general_a view_n of_o such_o and_o such_o a_o case_n and_o of_o the_o rule_n will_v not_o do_v the_o turn_n here_o a_o second_o help_v for_o make_v application_n of_o the_o general_n rule_n be_v that_o we_o will_v look_v well_o to_o god_n dispensation_n and_o to_o these_o thing_n in_o his_o way_n of_o deal_n with_o we_o inward_o and_o in_o his_o providence_n to_o we_o outward_o that_o will_v seem_v to_o point_v out_o â—o_o we_o one_o thing_n rather_o than_o another_o this_o rather_o than_o that_o providence_n it_o be_v true_a can_v never_o make_v a_o new_a dutte_n or_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v sinful_a to_o be_v lawful_a but_o providence_n may_v tell_v a_o man_n when_o he_o be_v call_v to_o put_v in_o practice_n such_o and_o such_o a_o positive_a duty_n as_o for_o instance_n where_o he_o shall_v live_v and_o in_o what_o state_n of_o life_n because_o providence_n may_v sometime_o shut_v such_o a_o door_n that_o he_o can_v win_v out_o and_o open_v another_o he_o will_v in_o this_o case_n take_v the_o way_n that_o god_n in_o his_o providence_n offer_v and_o point_n out_o to_o he_o as_o suppose_v a_o person_n undertake_v a_o journey_n or_o voyage_n about_o his_o lawful_a affair_n and_o he_o know_v not_o well_o what_o â—ellow_a traveller_n or_o what_o fellowvoyager_n he_o may_v have_v such_o a_o fair_a occasion_n be_v offer_v and_o it_o may_v be_v not_o another_o for_o go_v to_o such_o a_o place_n he_o may_v quiet_o take_v that_o occasion_n as_o that_o which_o providence_n seem_v to_o point_v out_o to_o he_o thus_o the_o apostle_n paul_n act_v 21._o find_v a_o ship_n go_v to_o or_o near_o the_o place_n whither_o he_o be_v bind_v step_n in_o without_o ask_v what_o company_n be_v in_o she_o such_o case_n be_v frequent_o incident_a when_o either_o on_o the_o one_o side_n god_n in_o his_o providence_n open_v this_o or_o this_o way_n and_o door_n and_o not_o another_o or_o on_o the_o other_o side_n when_o he_o seem_v to_o open_v two_o way_n and_o they_o be_v both_o lawful_a and_o alike_o obvious_a then_o we_o will_v look_v which_o of_o these_o contribut_v most_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o which_o of_o these_o seem_v to_o
the_o instrument_n and_o another_o thing_n to_o have_v they_o all_o in_o tune_n when_o it_o be_v not_o right_o tune_v though_o it_o have_v on_o all_o the_o string_n it_o can_v give_v a_o sweet_a nor_o harmonious_a sound_n so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o conscience_n the_o use_n be_v for_o exhortation_n to_o watchful_a advertance_n in_o every_o thing_n to_o conscience_n it_o be_v testimony_n see_v there_o be_v many_o that_o do_v good_a on_o the_o matter_n who_o yet_o want_v its_o testimony_n it_o become_v we_o to_o be_v the_o more_o watchful_a to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o see_v that_o conscience_n its_o speak_v for_o a_o man_n and_o give_v he_o its_o approbative_a testimony_n and_o his_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a on_o the_o matter_n be_v not_o only_o separable_a but_o be_v often_o actual_o separate_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o not_o only_a in_o natural_a but_o even_o in_o regenerate_a man_n as_o frequent_a experience_n put_v beyond_o debate_n we_o have_v need_v i_o say_v to_o be_v the_o more_o watchful_a both_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n and_o manner_n of_o our_o do_v lest_o we_o be_v at_o a_o lose_v of_o the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n for_o we_o and_o none_o will_v think_v it_o to_o be_v as_o easy_a a_o business_n to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o perform_v of_o duty_n as_o it_o be_v to_o do_v so_o â—s_v to_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o how_o many_o come_v to_o the_o church_n but_o without_o due_a preparation_n and_o without_o have_v a_o heart_n ready_a to_o hear_v what_o god_n will_v say_v to_o they_o and_o meddle_v with_o with_o other_o duty_n without_o regard_v the_o due_a manner_n of_o perform_v they_o we_o â—ight_a instance_n it_o in_o all_o these_o six_o sort_n of_o action_n we_o speak_v of_o the_o other_o day_n in_o all_o which_o there_o be_v a_o propensnes_n iâ—_n we_o natural_o to_o degenerate_v and_o go_v beside_o the_o rule_n as_o namely_o 1._o in_o natural_a action_n of_o eat_v and_o drink_v or_o of_o love_a husband_n or_o wife_n or_o child_n man_n may_v be_v very_o carnal_a degenerate_a and_o become_v like_o very_a beast_n 2._o in_o civil_a action_n as_o buy_v and_o bargane_v wherein_o man_n maâ—_n turn_v base_o covetous_a selfie_v and_o seek_v their_o own_o thing_n and_o not_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n noâ—_n the_o good_a and_o advantage_n of_o other_o 3_o in_o moral_a action_n as_o speak_v truth_n deal_v fair_o and_o honest_o wherein_o man_n may_v turn_v legal_a proud_a and_o vain_a and_o seek_v to_o establish_v a_o self-righteousnesse_n thereby_o to_o themselves_o 4._o in_o external_a religious_a action_n as_o hear_v the_o word_n pray_v etc._n etc._n wherein_o man_n may_v turn_v hypocritical_a and_o formal_a have_v a_o show_n without_o substance_n and_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n without_o the_o power_n of_o it_o 5._o in_o inward_a duty_n as_o repentance_n contentment_n etc._n etc._n wherein_o man_n may_v turn_v worldly_a and_o carnal_a therefore_o a_o worldly_a repentance_n from_o fear_n of_o punishment_n or_o of_o shame_n in_o the_o world_n or_o worldly_a sorrow_n that_o cause_v death_n be_v speak_v of_o 2_o cor._n 7._o v._n 10._o so_o theâ—e_n be_v a_o worldly_a contentment_n 6._o in_o passive_a action_n or_o suffering_n some_o may_v suffer_v from_o inevitable_a necessity_n and_o have_v no_o thanks_o for_o it_o as_o it_o be_v 1_o pet._n 2._o 20._o we_o may_v from_o the_o unstraightnesse_n of_o the_o end_n to_o which_o from_o the_o unsoundnesse_n of_o the_o principle_n from_o which_o from_o the_o unsuitablenesse_n of_o the_o motive_n by_o which_o duty_n be_v do_v and_o several_a otherways_o prejudge_v ourselves_o of_o the_o approve_v testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n which_o we_o will_v careful_o advert_v to_o that_o we_o divide_v not_o betwixt_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o a_o good_a turn_v action_n or_o duty_n but_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v here_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v so_o difficult_a to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o to_o carry_v it_o along_o with_o we_o in_o the_o very_a interim_n mean_v time_n and_o nick_n of_o perform_v the_o action_n above_o and_o beyond_o what_o it_o be_v either_o to_o deliberat_fw-la and_o advise_v with_o it_o before_o we_o do_v or_o to_o reflect_v after_o we_o have_v do_v i_o answer_v and_o give_v these_o two_o or_o three_o reason_n of_o it_o the_o first_o whereof_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o necessary_a concurrence_n of_o so_o many_o thing_n that_o must_v go_v together_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o a_o action_n which_o make_v it_o easy_a to_o resolve_v before_o do_v or_o to_o reflect_v after_o do_v then_o to_o perform_v the_o second_o be_v because_o there_o be_v such_o a_o ticklenesse_n in_o the_o frame_n ol_fw-mi our_o heart_n that_o they_o be_v unstable_a as_o water_n stable_n in_o nothing_o there_o be_v three_o distemper_n of_o heart_n that_o we_o be_v subject_a to_o which_o all_o hold_v forth_o this_o difficulty_n 1._o a_o decline_a humour_n to_o say_v so_o or_o distemper_n whereby_o we_o be_v give_v to_o backslide_v or_o turn_v aside_o like_o a_o deceitful_a bow_n that_o keep_v bensel_n while_o the_o arrow_n be_v a_o draw_v and_o when_o it_o be_v at_o or_o in_o the_o very_o let_v off_o starteth_z aside_o 2_o a_o levity_n and_o unsettledness_n even_o such_o that_o the_o weather_n cock_n be_v not_o soon_o and_o more_o easy_o whirl_v about_o by_o the_o least_o wind_n than_o we_o be_v by_o the_o least_o breathe_v of_o the_o air_n of_o tentation_n so_o that_o be_v we_o just_a now_o in_o a_o good_a and_o suitable_a frame_n for_o duty_n ere_o we_o be_v aware_a we_o fall_v off_o and_o a_o good_a conscience_n require_v a_o composedness_n and_o staidness_n of_o frame_n 3_o a_o rashness_n and_o hastiness_n or_o precipitance_n which_o make_v we_o that_o so_o soon_o as_o we_o be_v clear_a in_o the_o thing_n to_o rush_v forward_o and_o to_o think_v all_o be_v do_v that_o be_v requisite_a so_o that_o we_o wait_v not_o to_o carry_v conscience_n along_o with_o we_o in_o our_o performance_n which_o rash_a precipitant_n and_o hasty_a humour_n or_o distemper_n make_v we_o often_o miscarry_v as_o david_n say_v of_o himself_o psal._n 116_o i_o say_v in_o my_o haste_n that_o all_o man_n be_v liar_n and_o i_o say_v in_o my_o haste_n that_o i_o be_o cut_v off_o from_o thy_o presence_n psal._n 31._o so_o believer_n often_o mar_v the_o composedness_n of_o their_o own_o frame_n by_o their_o hâ—steing_a and_o not_o take_v heed_n to_o what_o conscience_n say_v while_o they_o be_v in_o perform_v duty_n thus_o many_o post_n as_o it_o be_v through_o their_o prayer_n speak_v of_o many_o good_a thing_n in_o they_o from_o light_n but_o not_o endeavour_v to_o carry_v conscience_n its_o testimony_n along_o with_o they_o of_o their_o sincerity_n they_o spoil_v and_o mar_v that_o which_o be_v well_o intend_v and_o begin_v by_o they_o a_o four_o ground_n reason_n or_o cause_n of_o this_o be_v the_o great_a difficulty_n that_o there_o be_v to_o maintain_v and_o keep_v up_o a_o right_a frame_n of_o heart_n for_o any_o considerable_a time_n and_o a_o man_n will_v never_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n along_o particular_a duty_n if_o he_o maintain_v not_o a_o right_a frame_n of_o heart_n though_o a_o thing_n good_a in_o itself_o be_v never_o so_o fair_o floore_v to_o speak_v so_o and_o its_o ground_n never_o so_o well_o take_v up_o yet_o the_o least_o bias_n or_o rub_v easy_o put_v it_o by_o and_o make_v it_o go_v out_o all_o which_o shall_v in_o reason_n make_v we_o study_v the_o more_o watchfulness_n 5thly_a observe_v which_o will_v help_v to_o the_o use_v of_o the_o former_a and_o be_v of_o some_o affinity_n with_o the_o first_o particular_a observation_n that_o person_n will_v endeavour_v to_o walk_v in_o every_o particular_a duty_n or_o action_n so_o as_o they_o may_v not_o only_o advert_v to_o what_o conscience_n say_v of_o it_o but_o may_v also_o carry_v it_o along_o with_o they_o in_o it_o and_o have_v the_o positive_a approve_v testimony_n thereof_o all_o alongst_o the_o do_n of_o it_o which_o may_v be_v though_o there_o be_v not_o reflect_v on_o it_o every_o moment_n that_o be_v not_o only_a will_v they_o before_o they_o undertake_v any_o thing_n be_v clear_a that_o it_o be_v a_o warrantable_a duty_n as_o be_v mark_v before_o but_o further_a when_o they_o have_v do_v this_o they_o will_v so_o carry_v conscience_n along_o with_o they_o in_o it_o as_o they_o may_v have_v its_o testimony_n that_o they_o go_v about_o it_o conscientious_o therefore_o paul_n ask_v not_o only_o what_o conscience_n say_v of_o the_o action_n as_o to_o its_o matter_n and_o as_o to_o his_o sincerity_n in_o undertake_v it_o but_o he_o bring_v it_o out_o speak_v for_o he_o while_o he_o be_v do_v it_o my_o conscience_n say_v he_o
mistake_v and_o reproach_v many_o time_n man_n care_v but_o little_a for_o a_o good_a conscience_n but_o when_o all_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v come_v in_o a_o man_n top_n the_o confidence_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v a_o excellent_a and_o none-such_a friend_n and_o companion_n it_o have_v great_a weight_n with_o paul_n here_o and_o be_v a_o sufficient_a counter-poise_n to_o all_o the_o reproach_n and_o calumny_n they_o can_v load_v he_o with_o though_o he_o be_v look_v on_o even_o as_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o off-scouring_n of_o all_o thing_n 4_o observe_v that_o when_o man_n meet_v with_o many_o reproach_n and_o walk_v in_o a_o way_n that_o be_v attend_v with_o a_o multitude_n of_o snare_n they_o need_v more_o than_o a_o guess_v or_o a_o conjectural_a un_fw-fr certainty_n as_o to_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n anent_o their_o be_v right_a even_o a-well-grounded_n certainty_n and_o persuasion_n paul_n do_v not_o say_v here_o we_o suppose_v or_o hope_v as_o many_o of_o you_o understand_v hope_n but_o we_o trust_v or_o be_v firm_o persuade_v man_n will_v study_v always_o to_o be_v clear_a in_o what_o they_o do_v but_o more_o especial_o when_o their_o way_n may_v be_v offend_v at_o and_o they_o reproach_v on_o account_n thereof_o and_o most_o especial_o as_o to_o that_o part_n of_o their_o way_n that_o be_v like_a to_o be_v most_o offend_v at_o more_o particular_o from_o these_o word_n consider_v as_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o foregoing_a exhortation_n to_o pray_v for_o he_o observe_v 1._o that_o a_o man_n who_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o be_v most_o clear_a in_o it_o do_v ordinary_o lie_v most_o weight_n on_o prayer_n and_o be_v most_o in_o love_n with_o that_o sweet_a exercise_n so_o that_o he_o will_v not_o only_o pray_v for_o himself_o but_o will_v also_o desire_v other_o to_o pray_v for_o he_o its_o never_o a_o good_a conscience_n in_o a_o man_n that_o make_v he_o slight_a prayer_n himself_o or_o the_o prayer_n of_o other_o for_o he_o 2_o observe_v that_o a_o man_n that_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n will_v desire_v and_o think_v himself_o concern_v to_o endeavour_v not_o to_o be_v mistake_v by_o other_o he_o will_v not_o boast_v of_o his_o good_a conscience_n not_o care_v what_o other_o think_v or_o say_v of_o he_o but_o will_v seek_v to_o remove_v any_o offence_n that_o may_v be_v take_v at_o his_o way_n or_o that_o may_v give_v any_o the_o least_o ground_n to_o make_v his_o integrity_n to_o be_v call_v in_o question_n as_o paul_n do_v here_o and_o 2_o cor._n 12._o where_o he_o say_v v_o 11._o i_o be_o become_v a_o fool_n in_o glory_v but_o add_v v_o 19_o but_o we_o do_v all_o thing_n and_o so_o this_o among_o the_o rest_n dear_o belove_v for_o your_o edify_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o a_o man_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n will_v not_o only_o study_v to_o be_v tender_a in_o his_o walk_n so_o as_o himself_o may_v have_v peace_n within_o but_o will_v also_o have_v regard_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o other_o that_o they_o may_v not_o stumble_v and_o sin_n nor_o the_o way_n of_o god_n suffer_v when_o he_o may_v prevent_v it_o and_o it_o be_v a_o sure_a evidence_n of_o a_o â—ntender_a conscience_n when_o man_n care_v not_o who_o stumble_v at_o their_o way_n or_o how_o other_o account_v and_o esteem_v of_o they_o 3_o observe_v which_o be_v of_o affinity_n with_o the_o former_a that_o a_o man_n that_o endeavour_n to_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o to_o be_v clear_a that_o it_o be_v so_o indeed_o will_v be_v very_o desirous_a to_o have_v a_o room_n in_o the_o prayer_n of_o other_o of_o god_n people_n or_o such_o a_o man_n be_v one_o that_o will_v not_o lippen_n to_o &_o lay_v weight_n upon_o his_o own_o prayer_n only_o but_o will_v also_o high_o prize_n christian_n fellowship_n and_o desire_v to_o have_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o prayer_n of_o other_o christian_n paul_n seldom_o miss_v this_o in_o his_o epistle_n so_o rom._n 15._o eph._n 6._o col._n 4._o and_o philip._n 1._o he_o be_v much_o in_o put_v and_o press_v they_o to_o pray_v and_o to_o pray_v and_o strive_v for_o he_o together_o in_o prayer_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o a_o man_n of_o a_o tender_a conscience_n have_v a_o kindly_a sense_n of_o his_o own_o infirmity_n and_o a_o great_a desire_n to_o be_v forward_o in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n and_o at_o much_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n and_o will_v therefore_o â—ain_o have_v a_o lift_n from_o every_o one_o that_o can_v help_v he_o such_o a_o man_n have_v a_o native_a exercise_n in_o pursue_v not_o only_o after_o fellowship_n with_o god_n but_o also_o with_o his_o people_n whereof_o this_o be_v a_o main_a part_n and_o though_o these_o may_v be_v look_v at_o but_o as_o little_a thing_n yet_o if_o we_o compare_v ourselves_o with_o the_o rule_n and_o with_o the_o practice_n of_o tender_a christian_n we_o will_v find_v considerable_a defect_n as_o to_o a_o good_a conscience_n in_o they_o there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o disdain_n or_o shame_n in_o many_o to_o seek_v the_o help_n of_o other_o prayer_n as_o if_o it_o suppose_v their_o be_v assault_v with_o some_o un_fw-we couth_a temptation_n or_o the_o prevail_a of_o some_o gross_a corruption_n or_o the_o lie_v on_o of_o some_o extraordinary_a and_o un_fw-fr hear_v of_o cross_n and_o affliction_n but_o the_o single_a design_n of_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o of_o get_v it_o entertain_v will_v put_v we_o not_o only_o to_o pray_v ourselves_o but_o also_o to_o desire_v the_o help_n of_o the_o prayer_n of_o other_o always_o this_o be_v a_o most_o certain_a truth_n that_o as_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v not_o attain_v without_o prayer_n so_o it_o be_v not_o entertain_v but_o by_o prayer_n and_o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o wonder_n how_o many_o can_v boast_v of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o yet_o neglect_v prayer_n themselves_o and_o undervalue_v the_o prayer_n of_o other_o for_o they_o but_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v here_o 1._o what_o influence_n have_v a_o christian_n good_a conscience_n in_o lay_v on_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n on_o other_o for_o he_o 2._o what_o influence_n have_v a_o good_a conscience_n to_o persuade_v other_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n for_o the_o person_n that_o have_v it_o more_o than_o for_o other_o our_o speak_v a_o little_a to_o these_o two_o will_v lead_v we_o in_o to_o the_o discovery_n of_o some_o notable_a advantage_n that_o attend_v a_o good_a conscience_n as_o for_o the_o first_o we_o say_v in_o general_a that_o a_o good_a coâ—_n science_n have_v a_o notable_a influence_n on_o prayer_n and_o put_v other_o to_o pray_v for_o we_o or_o there_o be_v a_o strong_a connexion_n betwixt_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o the_o advantage_n of_o prayer_n 1._o there_o be_v a_o connexion_n betwixt_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o liberty_n and_o boldness_n in_o prayer_n as_o it_o be_v clear_a 1_o john_n 3._o 21._o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o we_o have_v confidence_n towards_o god_n a_o man_n that_o have_v a_o evil_a conscience_n or_o a_o accuse_v and_o challenge_v conscience_n have_v a_o sort_n of_o â—ing_v at_o and_o at_o best_a much_o discouragement_n in_o prayer_n so_o that_o he_o can_v lift_v up_o his_o face_n without_o blush_v &_o shame_n but_o a_o good_a conscience_n on_o the_o contrary_a help_n to_o boldness_n in_o prayer_n and_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n in_o god_n as_o a_o father_n so_o that_o he_o can_v bold_o say_v our_o father_n 2_o a_o good_a conscience_n have_v influence_n on_o or_o a_o connexion_n with_o ouâ—_n obtain_v a_o hear_n in_o prayer_n and_o on_o our_o be_v confident_a that_o we_o shall_v get_v a_o hear_n for_o we_o know_v say_v that_o poor_a man_n john_n 9_o v_o 31._o that_o god_n hear_v not_o sinner_n but_o if_o any_o man_n do_v his_o will_n â—e_n hear_v he_o and_o david_n say_v psal._n 66._o v_o 18._o if_o i_o regard_v iniquity_n in_o my_o heart_n the_o lord_n will_v not_o â—ear_v i_o and_o it_o be_v say_v 1_o john_n 3._o 22._o whatsoever_o we_o ask_v we_o receive_v of_o he_o because_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o do_v these_o thing_n that_o be_v pleaâ—ing_v in_o his_o sight_n a_o good_a conscience_n be_v not_o indeed_o a_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o the_o hear_n of_o prayer_n yet_o god_n have_v establish_v a_o connexion_n betwixt_o it_o and_o his_o hear_n of_o prayer_n and_o it_o have_v influence_n on_o our_o expect_v a_o hear_n and_o on_o our_o know_v that_o we_o shall_v get_v a_o hear_n 3_o and_o more_o particular_o as_o to_o the_o scripture_n now_o before_o we_o a_o man_n that_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n may_v be_v confident_a to_o put_v other_o to_o pray_v for_o he_o which_o another_o can_v h