a_o discourse_n about_o conscience_n relate_v to_o the_o present_a difference_n among_o we_o in_o opposition_n to_o both_o extreme_n of_o popery_n and_o fanaticism_n london_n print_v for_o william_n crook_n at_o the_o green_a dragon_n without_o temple_n bar_n next_o devereux_n court_n 1684._o a_o discourse_n about_o conscience_n etc._n etc._n the_o design_n of_o this_o short_a discourse_n be_v to_o treat_v about_o the_o nature_n and_o office_n of_o conscience_n how_o or_o in_o what_o respect_v it_o do_v oblige_v which_o as_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o some_o man_n lay_v claim_n thereunto_o haâ—h_v be_v either_o gross_o mistake_v or_o wilful_o abuse_v but_o be_v it_o either_o one_o way_n or_o other_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o have_v be_v make_v the_o common_a cloak_n and_o excuse_v for_o some_o of_o the_o great_a disorder_n and_o unwarrantable_a proceed_n not_o only_o against_o the_o peaceable_a communion_n of_o our_o church_n but_o the_o legal_a and_o well-established_n government_n of_o the_o state_n now_o if_o these_o few_o line_n charitable_o offer_v may_v conduce_v any_o thing_n towards_o the_o rectify_v of_o such_o mistake_v and_o consequent_o the_o prevent_v the_o like_a abuse_n in_o any_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v undeceive_v i_o have_v all_o the_o end_v i_o aim_v at_o if_o not_o i_o shall_v have_v however_o this_o satisfaction_n that_o what_o i_o have_v here_o offer_v towards_o it_o be_v do_v with_o all_o the_o kindness_n and_o charity_n that_o possible_o i_o can_v without_o betray_v the_o cause_n i_o have_v undertake_v or_o do_v injury_n to_o that_o church_n who_o communion_n i_o have_v here_o take_v occasion_n to_o recommend_v and_o plead_v for_o and_o therefore_o without_o any_o tedious_a preface_n or_o fruitless_a apology_n i_o shall_v address_v myself_o to_o the_o subject_a in_o hand_n and_o that_o in_o a_o very_a plain_a and_o impartial_a manner_n now_o in_o my_o discourse_n hereupon_o i_o shall_v show_v you_o first_o what_o conscience_n be_v or_o what_o be_v include_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o it_o second_o what_o it_o be_v to_o live_v up_o to_o conscience_n three_o that_o notwithstanding_o conscience_n by_o many_o person_n pretend_v to_o it_o have_v be_v and_o be_v still_o abuse_v yet_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v neglect_v or_o lay_v aside_o four_o what_o thing_n conscience_n ought_v chief_o to_o be_v concern_v for_o or_o exercise_v about_o five_o to_o offer_v a_o few_o thing_n by_o way_n of_o advice_n concern_v the_o govern_n of_o ourselves_o with_o relation_n to_o our_o conscience_n from_o whence_o you_o may_v perceive_v that_o i_o intend_v to_o speak_v of_o conscience_n not_o so_o much_o as_o it_o relate_v to_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o practice_n not_o how_o it_o ought_v to_o form_v our_o judgement_n and_o model_n our_o opinion_n as_o how_o it_o ought_v to_o direct_v our_o life_n and_o govern_v our_o action_n which_o be_v much_o more_o necessary_a of_o the_o two_o 1._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o conscience_n which_o be_v almost_o in_o every_o one_o mouth_n and_o have_v create_v so_o much_o noise_n and_o bustle_n in_o the_o world_n conscience_n be_v that_o power_n or_o faculty_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o judge_n of_o our_o action_n according_a to_o a_o right_a rule_n whether_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o it_o or_o not_o or_o it_o be_v the_o reflex_n act_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o understanding_n respect_v the_o goodness_n or_o badness_n of_o our_o action_n so_o that_o conscience_n be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o but_o another_o name_n for_o reason_n it_o be_v reason_n exercise_v about_o the_o lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n of_o what_o we_o do_v or_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o mind_n acquit_v or_o condemn_v we_o in_o our_o own_o thought_n in_o which_o description_n of_o conscience_n we_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o these_o follow_a thing_n which_o enter_v the_o definition_n and_o constitute_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o first_o conscience_n suppose_v a_o rule_n by_o which_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v direct_v and_o govern_v in_o all_o its_o act_n for_o conscience_n be_v no_o lordly_a nor_o lawless_a principle_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o leave_v at_o liberty_n to_o think_v or_o do_v what_o it_o listen_v to_o act_v rash_o and_o at_o all_o adventure_n no_o conscience_n be_v under_o authority_n and_o restraint_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v keep_v within_o bound_n and_o not_o suffer_v to_o run_v out_o into_o a_o unaccountable_a extravagancy_n or_o violent_a extreme_a to_o keep_v its_o eye_n daily_o on_o the_o rule_n and_o take_v advice_n from_o thence_o in_o what_o it_o do_v for_o god_n who_o will_n ought_v to_o be_v a_o law_n in_o this_o case_n and_o none_o else_o and_o that_o be_v sure_a be_v a_o rule_n large_a enough_o for_o conscience_n to_o walk_v by_o and_o which_o together_o with_o judgement_n and_o discretion_n in_o the_o application_n thereof_o be_v sufficient_a to_o direct_v a_o christian_a upon_o all_o occasion_n second_o there_o must_v be_v a_o knowledge_n of_o this_o rule_n otherwise_o conscience_n be_v not_o concern_v the_o very_a notion_n of_o the_o word_n according_a to_o the_o letter_n and_o derivation_n of_o it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o greek_a and_o conscientia_fw-la in_o latin_a import_v as_o much_o there_o can_v be_v conscientia_fw-la without_o scientia_fw-la no_o conscience_n without_o knowledge_n if_o i_o be_o whole_o ignorant_a of_o the_o rule_n or_o law_n it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o i_o as_o if_o there_o be_v none_o at_o all_o and_o oblige_v i_o no_o further_o than_o i_o have_v or_o may_v have_v any_o knowledge_n or_o information_n thereof_o in_o this_o sense_n quod_fw-la non_fw-la apparet_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la it_o be_v all_o one_o not_o to_o be_v as_o not_o to_o appear_v so_o i_o must_v therefore_o know_v what_o my_o duty_n be_v or_o what_o it_o be_v the_o law_n require_v of_o i_o before_o i_o can_v think_v myself_o oblige_v thereby_o and_o till_o i_o know_v it_o or_o have_v the_o mean_n of_o arrive_v at_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o i_o lie_v under_o no_o obligation_n from_o thence_o for_o a_o blind_a man_n may_v with_o as_o much_o reason_n be_v oblige_v to_o walk_v steady_o in_o a_o straight_a line_n or_o narrow_a path_n though_o he_o can_v see_v one_o step_n of_o his_o way_n as_o that_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v oblige_v in_o conscience_n to_o any_o law_n whereof_o he_o be_v total_o ignorant_a or_o deprive_v of_o the_o mean_n of_o know_v of_o it_o i_o speak_v here_o of_o invincible_a not_o affect_v ignorance_n there_o be_v as_o much_o difference_n between_o they_o two_o as_o between_o natural_a and_o wilful_a blindness_n between_o a_o man_n have_v no_o eye_n at_o all_o and_o another_o that_o shut_v they_o close_o and_o will_v not_o open_a or_o make_v use_n of_o they_o to_o see_v his_o way_n the_o former_a excuse_v indeed_o but_o the_o late_a never_o do_v and_o never_o will_n for_o instance_n those_o miserable_o blind_a heathen_a who_o sit_v in_o darkness_n and_o see_v no_o light_n who_o never_o hear_v of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n nor_o once_o have_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o salvation_n preach_v unto_o they_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v and_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n under_o the_o penalty_n of_o damnation_n as_o we_o be_v who_o enjoy_v the_o mean_n and_o daily_o sit_v under_o the_o joyful_a sound_n thereof_o all_o that_o they_o be_v to_o do_v be_v to_o comply_v with_o the_o rational_a dictate_v of_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o conform_v to_o that_o part_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n which_o be_v write_v upon_o their_o heart_n and_o to_o live_v up_o to_o the_o light_n of_o natural_a religion_n the_o ground_n or_o reason_n of_o which_o hypothesis_n be_v take_v from_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 2.14_o 15._o for_o when_o the_o gentile_n which_o have_v not_o the_o law_n do_v by_o nature_n the_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o law_n these_o have_v not_o a_o law_n be_v a_o law_n unto_o themselves_o which_o show_v the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n their_o conscience_n also_o bear_v they_o witness_n and_o their_o thought_n in_o the_o mran_a time_n accuse_v or_o excuse_v one_o another_o now_o according_a to_o this_o of_o the_o apostle_n if_o the_o gentile_n do_v by_o nature_n the_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o law_n and_o their_o conscience_n thereupon_o excuse_v and_o bear_v witness_n on_o their_o behalf_n as_o be_v here_o express_o affirm_v why_o shall_v we_o be_v so_o uncharitable_a as_o to_o pass_v sentence_n against_o those_o who_o be_v acquit_v by_o their_o own_o conscience_n or_o think_v that_o the_o great_a and_o good_a god_n who_o be_v the_o maker_n of_o we_o all_o will_v be_v as_o partial_a and_o severe_a as_o we_o be_v wont_v to_o be_v in_o our_o censure_n of_o they_o no_o for_o we_o be_v tell_v in_o every_o nation_n
truth_n for_o truths-sake_n not_o so_o much_o to_o set_v your_o head_n as_o your_o heart_n right_o not_o to_o furnish_v you_o with_o matter_n or_o talk_v and_o dispute_v which_o evermore_o engender_v strife_n and_o envy_n but_o to_o understand_v your_o duty_n in_o order_n to_o the_o faithful_a practice_n and_o performance_n of_o it_o now_o this_o you_o must_v do_v before_o you_o can_v safe_o follow_v the_o dictate_v of_o conscience_n or_o rely_v upon_o the_o testimony_n thereof_o in_o order_n hereunto_o you_o ought_v to_o consider_v the_o nature_n and_o extent_n of_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o conscience_n be_v to_o be_v govern_v and_o direct_v in_o all_o her_o action_n and_o undertake_n and_o this_o i_o tell_v you_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o lay_v aside_o all_o prejudice_n and_o partiality_n you_o ought_v diligent_o to_o take_v heed_n and_o attend_v unto_o and_o where_o doubt_n and_o difficulty_n may_v arise_v to_o consult_v and_o advise_v with_o your_o teacher_n who_o god_n have_v set_v over_o you_o or_o with_o any_o other_o who_o you_o have_v reason_n to_o judge_v most_o eminent_a for_o their_o piety_n learning_n prudence_n and_o integrity_n to_o beg_v their_o assistance_n and_o receive_v their_o instruction_n with_o that_o modesty_n and_o respect_n as_o become_v learner_n and_o disciple_n who_o desire_v nothing_o more_o than_o to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v for_o want_v of_o this_o care_n conscience_n have_v be_v strange_o mist_v and_o run_v itself_o into_o many_o gross_a error_n and_o foul_a mistake_v thus_o many_o have_v be_v prompt_v to_o very_o ill_a thing_n one_o while_o by_o passion_n another_o while_n by_o prejudice_n and_o a_o three_o by_o a_o corrupt_a and_o self-interest_n and_o yet_o have_v think_v they_o have_v be_v lead_v by_o zeal_n and_o act_v by_o conscience_n all_o the_o while_n when_o as_o upon_o strict_a enquiry_n they_o have_v find_v their_o zeal_n be_v not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n and_o what_o they_o call_v conscience_n in_o no_o wise_a agreeable_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o religion_n for_o the_o avoid_n of_o which_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v to_o get_v our_o conscience_n well_o inform_v and_o to_o use_v the_o mean_n in_o order_n thereunto_o second_o if_o you_o will_v have_v conscience_n to_o be_v right_o inform_v you_o must_v endeavour_v after_o a_o humble_a meek_a and_o teacheable_a spirit_n for_o it_o be_v say_v the_o meek_a will_v he_o guide_v in_o judgement_n and_o the_o week_n he_o will_v teach_v his_o way_n psalm_n 25.9_o and_o it_o be_v say_v god_n resist_v the_o proud_a but_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a 1_o pet._n 5.5_o now_o the_o meek_a and_o humble_a stand_v high_a in_o god_n grace_n and_o favour_n and_o therefore_o more_o likely_a to_o be_v make_v acquaint_v with_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n nay_o they_o be_v natural_o most_o capable_a of_o instruction_n and_o best_a fit_v for_o it_o as_o be_v most_o desirous_a to_o know_v their_o duty_n and_o submit_v to_o it_o when_o they_o have_v do_v whereas_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n pride_n and_o passion_n and_o self-conceit_n be_v apt_a to_o puff_n man_n up_o prejudice_v they_o against_o thetruth_n and_o fill_v they_o with_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o best_a counsel_n and_o advice_n in_o the_o world_n a_o peevish_a and_o froward_a disposition_n make_v man_n impatient_a of_o contradiction_n and_o to_o mis-judge_n every_o thing_n that_o thwart_v their_o particular_a sentiment_n insomuch_o as_o the_o best_a advice_n be_v common_o lose_v and_o throw_v away_o upon_o such_o perverse_a temper_n though_o offer_v in_o never_o so_o kind_a and_o charitable_a a_o manner_n three_o after_o conscience_n be_v well_o inform_v keep_v it_o close_o to_o its_o rule_n and_o do_v not_o suffer_v it_o wilful_o or_o wanton_o to_o swerve_v from_o it_o upon_o any_o account_n or_o under_o any_o pretence_n whatever_o otherwise_o it_o may_v be_v in_o danger_n to_o seduce_v and_o deceive_v conscience_n be_v chief_o exercise_v about_o good_a or_o evil_n the_o do_v of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o avoid_n of_o the_o other_o now_o though_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o great_a stand_a rule_n according_a to_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o take_v our_o principal_a measure_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a yet_o this_o difference_n be_v more_o early_o teach_v we_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o suggestion_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o appear_v a_o sin_n or_o be_v universal_o condemn_v for_o such_o by_o that_o law_n conscience_n must_v needs_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v a_o sin_n too_o and_o believe_v it_o condemn_v likewise_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o no_o natural_a or_o rather_o unnatural_a crime_n can_v possible_o commence_v a_o religious_a duty_n and_o to_o think_v otherwise_o be_v to_o lie_v under_o one_o of_o the_o gross_a delusion_n and_o scandalous_a mistake_v for_o hereby_o we_o set_v the_o two_o law_n to_o wit_n that_o of_o nature_n and_o revelatron_n in_o opposition_n to_o one_o another_o yea_o we_o make_v they_o absolute_o inconsistent_a and_o contradictory_n though_o both_o of_o they_o at_o first_o come_v from_o god_n conscience_n therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o plead_v for_o or_o encourage_v the_o practice_n of_o any_o sin_n namely_o which_o appear_v to_o be_v so_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o religion_n and_o therefore_o all_o treason_n and_o rebellion_n murder_n and_o conspiracy_n sacrilege_n and_o perjury_n be_v great_a sin_n and_o such_o as_o be_v discern_v to_o be_v so_o by_o natural_a light_n and_o therefore_o can_v never_o become_v otherwise_o however_o they_o may_v be_v palliate_v or_o plead_v for_o never_o think_v that_o the_o plea_n of_o conscience_n religion_n or_o reformation_n can_v justify_v a_o wicked_a or_o immoral_a action_n such_o as_o rebellion_n and_o perjury_n which_o all_o mankind_n do_v natural_o acknowledge_v and_o condemn_v for_o such_o now_o every_o man_n almost_o have_v so_o much_o of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n yet_o leave_v within_o he_o as_o to_o discern_v the_o great_a evil_n of_o such_o thing_n though_o not_o always_o to_o shun_v yet_o to_o condemn_v the_o gild_n thereof_o what_o ever_o nature_n tell_v we_o be_v a_o sin_n conscience_n for_o that_o very_a reason_n must_v disapprove_v of_o it_o too_o because_o the_o religion_n of_o christ_n be_v but_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n perfect_v and_o improve_v and_o therefore_o no_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n draw_v from_o scripture_n can_v make_v that_o to_o be_v lawful_a or_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o sin_n which_o be_v so_o before_o now_o if_o god_n law_n oblige_v not_o to_o sin_n much_o less_o the_o private_a dictate_v or_o impulse_n of_o conscience_n which_o ought_v evermore_o to_o make_v that_o her_o rule_n and_o fetch_v all_o her_o direction_n from_o thence_o for_o a_o man_n therefore_o to_o allow_v himself_o in_o the_o commission_n of_o such_o crime_n as_o all_o law_n and_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n must_v needs_o condemn_v as_o impious_a and_o wicked_a pray_v what_o conscience_n have_v such_o a_o man_n but_o then_o to_o plead_v conscience_n in_o favour_n of_o such_o thing_n be_v so_o much_o the_o worse_o still_o and_o render_v his_o crime_n infinite_o more_o wicked_a and_o abominable_a such_o a_o man_n be_v never_o to_o be_v excuse_v in_o what_o he_o do_v of_o this_o nature_n for_o his_o excuse_n instead_o of_o extenuate_a do_v but_o add_v to_o his_o gild_n and_o mighty_o aggravate_v the_o heinousness_n thereof_o four_o that_o while_o i_o be_o plead_v for_o conscience_n i_o may_v impartial_o discharge_v my_o own_o conscience_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v separate_a from_o charity_n any_o more_o than_o from_o truth_n love_n charity_n and_o goodwill_n be_v the_o chief_a gospel-precept_n and_o stand_a principle_n of_o christ_n religion_n and_o all_o zeal_n for_o the_o church_n or_o state_n nay_o for_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o general_n or_o reform_a religion_n in_o particular_a if_o void_a of_o charity_n be_v little_a worth_n charity_n i_o mean_v not_o only_o for_o those_o of_o our_o own_o communion_n but_o even_o towards_o they_o that_o differ_v from_o we_o for_o so_o far_o as_o they_o do_v it_o pure_o on_o the_o account_n of_o conscience_n and_o no_o otherwise_o we_o ought_v to_o retain_v some_o charity_n for_o they_o be_v they_o of_o what_o church_n or_o communion_n they_o will_n indeed_o where_o conscience_n be_v manifest_o abuse_v and_o carry_v they_o to_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v wicked_a and_o unlawful_a where_o any_o sin_n or_o immorality_n be_v countenance_v or_o encourage_v under_o the_o notion_n or_o plea_n of_o conscience_n there_o we_o must_v leave_v they_o and_o deserve_o too_o to_o the_o public_a censure_n of_o the_o church_n and_o punishment_n of_o the_o state_n but_o where_o it_o be_v mere_a conscience_n and_o
he_o that_o fear_v god_n and_o work_v righteousness_n shall_v be_v accept_v act_v 10.35_o this_o proposition_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v no_o doubt_n true_a in_o every_o age_n as_o well_o before_o as_o after_o christ_n time_n there_o be_v but_o one_o way_n of_o salvation_n both_o for_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o but_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n who_o be_v call_v the_o saviour_n of_o all_o man_n though_o more_o especial_o of_o such_o as_o believe_v i._n e._n of_o christian_n no_o other_o name_n be_v give_v among_o man_n no_o other_o mediator_n be_v constitute_v throughout_o the_o world_n beside_o he_o where_o by_o they_o can_v hope_v to_o be_v save_v act_v 4.12_o though_o how-and_a in_o what_o manner_n the_o merit_n of_o christ_n be_v apply_v unto_o they_o that_o have_v no_o explicit_a knowledge_n or_o faith_n in_o he_o be_v a_o mystery_n too_o high_a for_o our_o reach_n and_o therefore_o as_o a_o secret_a thing_n belong_v only_o to_o god_n the_o meaning_n of_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o this_o particular_a be_v in_o short_a this_o that_o there_o must_v be_v not_o only_o a_o rule_n but_o a_o knowledge_n of_o that_o rule_n before_o it_o can_v oblige_v conscience_n three_o there_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o mind_n concern_v our_o action_n a_o judge_v of_o they_o by_o a_o know_a rule_n of_o what_o kind_a or_o nature_n they_o be_v whether_o good_a or_o bad_a well_o or_o ill_o do_v agreeable_a to_o the_o intent_n of_o the_o law_n or_o not_o from_o whence_o arise_v in_o the_o four_o place_n the_o giving_z or_o pass_v sentence_n upon_o ourselves_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n of_o our_o action_n the_o acquit_v or_o condemn_v ourselves_o in_o our_o own_o breast_n and_o judge_v of_o our_o spiritual_a state_n or_o moral_a condition_n whether_o we_o be_v able_a to_o approve_v ourselves_o unto_o god_n who_o be_v the_o strict_a observer_n and_o supreme_a judge_n of_o all_o our_o action_n and_o from_o these_o two_o last_o act_n result_v the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n which_o if_o it_o vote_v on_o our_o behalf_n yield_v we_o matter_n of_o comfort_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o our_o suffering_n enable_v we_o to_o hold_v up_o our_o head_n with_o joy_n and_o give_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n whereby_o we_o may_v draw_v near_o with_o a_o true_a heart_n in_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n have_v our_o heart_n sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a assurance_n and_o our_o body_n wash_v with_o pure_a water_n heb._n 10.22_o and_o again_o beloved_n if_o our_o heart_n that_o be_v our_o conscience_n condemn_v we_o not_o then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n 1_o john_n 3.21_o but_o if_o the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n make_v against_o we_o than_o it_o can_v choose_v but_o afflict_v and_o disquiet_v we_o make_v our_o countenance_n to_o fall_v and_o cause_v sad_a thought_n to_o arise_v within_o we_o which_o in_o some_o man_n be_v attend_v with_o great_a horror_n than_o in_o other_o according_a as_o conscience_n be_v awaken_v or_o lay_v to_o sleep_v the_o whole_a transaction_n of_o conscience_n in_o this_o affair_n be_v sometime_o represent_v by_o way_n of_o syllogism_n in_o three_o proposition_n that_o which_o form_n the_o first_o proposition_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o make_v report_n of_o the_o law_n and_o draw_v its_o medium_fw-la or_o argument_n from_o thence_o that_o which_o form_n the_o minor_a be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o conscience_n this_o make_v a_o particular_a application_n of_o the_o law_n or_o rule_n unto_o a_o man_n be_v own_o self_n or_o bring_v it_o home_o to_o his_o own_o case_n the_o three_o infer_v the_o conclusion_n from_o both_o and_o be_v therefore_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o conscience_n upon_o the_o whole_a whereby_o a_o man_n be_v able_a to_o judge_v of_o his_o action_n and_o pass_v sentence_n upon_o himself_o either_o of_o absolution_n or_o condemnation_n have_v resolve_v the_o first_o enquiry_n what_o conscience_n be_v it_o will_v from_o hence_o more_o easy_o appear_v in_o the_o next_o place_n 2._o what_o it_o be_v to_o make_v conscience_n of_o our_o action_n or_o to_o live_v according_a to_o conscience_n negative_o it_o be_v not_o to_o do_v what_o we_o listen_v to_o walk_v at_o large_a or_o live_v at_o random_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v transport_v with_o humour_n or_o passion_n or_o discontent_n it_o be_v not_o to_o act_v in_o conformity_n to_o the_o opinion_n of_o other_o man_n or_o of_o a_o particular_a sect_n or_o party_n as_o such_o no_o nor_o always_o to_o follow_v the_o dictate_v and_o persuasion_n of_o our_o own_o prejudice_v and_o misinform_v mind_n whereof_o notwithstanding_o some_o people_n be_v so_o very_o fond_a as_o to_o make_v no_o difference_n between_o conscience_n and_o prejudice_n wherefore_o positive_o to_o act_v according_a to_o conscience_n be_v to_o walk_v by_o rule_n and_o live_v according_a to_o law_n to_o frame_v all_o our_o action_n according_a to_o the_o will_n and_o direction_n of_o our_o maker_n who_o have_v absolute_a authority_n over_o we_o and_o claim_v a_o great_a share_n in_o we_o than_o we_o can_v in_o ourselves_o for_o conscience_n be_v under_o authority_n tie_v to_o a_o rule_n and_o must_v have_v a_o law_n for_o its_o direction_n and_o governance_n now_o when_o we_o perform_v our_o action_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o may_v be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o rule_n which_o be_v give_v we_o for_o the_o right_a government_n thereof_o and_o when_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o our_o life_n bear_v some_o proportion_n thereunto_o this_o be_v to_o make_v conscience_n of_o our_o way_n and_o to_o approve_v ourselves_o to_o ourselves_o in_o so_o do_v that_o man_n therefore_o that_o have_v no_o respect_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o action_n nor_o take_v any_o care_n to_o render_v they_o in_o some_o good_a measure_n answerable_a to_o it_o such_o a_o one_o let_v his_o plea_n and_o pretence_n be_v never_o so_o specious_a and_o demure_a make_v no_o conscience_n how_o he_o live_v and_o consequent_o can_v never_o expect_v the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n on_o his_o side_n much_o less_o be_v able_a to_o rejoice_v in_o it_o now_o the_o chief_a rule_n or_o law_n that_o be_v to_o direct_v conscience_n and_o govern_v our_o action_n be_v the_o canon_n of_o holy_a scripture_n the_o write_a word_n or_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n this_o lay_v the_o strong_a nay_o the_o only_a obligation_n upon_o conscience_n which_o can_v acquit_v we_o no_o far_o than_o our_o action_n be_v correspondent_a to_o this_o rule_n and_o unto_o which_o all_o other_o be_v subordinate_a and_o may_v be_v apply_v so_o that_o to_o live_v according_a to_o conscience_n be_v to_o measure_v out_o our_o action_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n to_o conform_v the_o general_n practice_n and_o course_n of_o our_o life_n unto_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a rule_n of_o righteousness_n that_o be_v or_o can_v be_v give_v we_o and_o unto_o which_o all_o other_o ought_v to_o refer_v it_o be_v to_o live_v in_o obedience_n to_o a_o divine_a command_n and_o to_o subject_n ourselves_o entire_o to_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o he_o who_o have_v the_o absolute_a dispose_n and_o government_n of_o our_o conscience_n and_o to_o who_o we_o owe_v all_o the_o duty_n and_o service_n we_o be_v capable_a of_o he_o that_o do_v otherwise_o do_v amiss_o and_o can_v never_o be_v able_a to_o justify_v himself_o unto_o his_o own_o mind_n much_o less_o answer_v it_o to_o god_n when_o he_o can_v do_v it_o to_o his_o own_o conscience_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o appear_v that_o conscience_n be_v as_o i_o say_v before_o no_o lawless_a or_o ungovernable_a principle_n no_o prejudice_v or_o discontent_a passion_n no_o affect_a or_o superstitious_a impulse_n etc._n etc._n as_o some_o will_v make_v we_o believe_v it_o be_v no_o tyrannical_a or_o despotic_a lord_n so_o as_o to_o impose_v its_o own_o private_a dictate_v for_o divine_a command_n much_o less_o the_o wild_a extravagancy_n and_o enthusiastic_a conceit_n of_o this_o or_o that_o sect_n under_o pretence_n of_o religion_n whereof_o instance_n have_v not_o be_v want_v in_o this_o nation_n and_o age_n of_o we_o conscience_n be_v god_n substitute_n and_o vicegerent_n and_o can_v act_v or_o impose_v no_o further_o than_o it_o have_v warrant_n or_o authority_n from_o he_o so_o to_o do_v to_o do_v more_o than_o this_o be_v to_o exceed_v its_o commission_n and_o to_o do_v that_o which_o all_o the_o fine_a pretence_n in_o the_o world_n will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v we_o out_o in_o 3._o notwithstanding_o conscience_n by_o many_o person_n pretend_v to_o it_o have_v be_v wretched_o abuse_v yet_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v slight_v
or_o cast_v off_o ever_o the_o more_o upon_o that_o account_n now_o this_o imply_v two_o thing_n first_o it_o suppose_v that_o conscience_n may_v be_v abuse_v nay_o actual_o have_v be_v so_o and_o that_o to_o very_o ill_a purpose_n and_o this_o be_v too_o great_a a_o truth_n ever_o to_o be_v deny_v and_o which_o sad_a experience_n do_v every_o day_n give_v we_o too_o manifest_a and_o undeniable_a a_o proof_n of_o to_o instance_n only_o in_o general_n many_o there_o be_v and_o god_n know_v how_o few_o among_o we_o can_v plead_v not_o guilty_a in_o this_o respect_n who_o have_v cry_v up_o religion_n and_o plead_v conscience_n yet_o have_v have_v no_o regard_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o one_o or_o rule_n of_o the_o other_o who_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v never_o take_v any_o pain_n to_o examine_v and_o search_v into_o the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o their_o action_n whether_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n or_o have_v any_o command_n of_o he_o to_o warrant_n and_o authorize_v they_o conscience_n in_o such_o person_n have_v never_o regard_v to_o any_o law_n but_o that_o of_o their_o own_o passion_n and_o interest_n which_o have_v put_v they_o upon_o many_o notorious_a and_o foul_a impiety_n and_o which_o have_v be_v first_o practise_v then_o excuse_v and_o at_o length_n arrive_v at_o that_o height_n of_o confidence_n as_o public_o to_o be_v maintain_v and_o justify_v in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o that_o under_o the_o name_n and_o plea_n of_o conscience_n notwithstanding_o they_o be_v direct_o oppose_v to_o the_o common_a dictate_v of_o nature_n and_o express_v law_n of_o christian_a religion_n thus_o among_o the_o heathen_a conscience_n through_o blindness_n and_o superstition_n have_v mislead_v they_o to_o many_o vile_a and_o unnatural_a piece_n of_o wickedness_n and_o among_o christian_n who_o ought_v to_o have_v know_v and_o do_v better_a it_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o little_a less_o the_o most_o tragical_a crime_n that_o ever_o come_v upon_o the_o stage_n have_v be_v act_v under_o this_o veil_n and_o disguise_v with_o this_o pretence_n this_o it_o be_v which_o put_v agamemnon_n upon_o sacrifice_v his_o daughter_n and_o urge_v his_o son_n orestes_n to_o revenge_v his_o father_n death_n in_o the_o murder_n of_o his_o mother_n this_o move_v the_o carthaginian_n to_o the_o slaughter_n of_o two_o 100_o young_a nobleman_n at_o a_o time_n to_o appease_v their_o surly_a god_n saturn_n after_o a_o notable_a defeat_n receive_v from_o their_o enemy_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n it_o become_v a_o common_a practice_n among_o several_a nation_n to_o offer_v up_o their_o child_n in_o sacrifice_n to_o their_o idol_n which_o abomination_n of_o the_o heathen_a as_o the_o holy_a scripture_n call_v it_o be_v afterward_o imitate_v by_o the_o backslide_a israelite_n who_o burn_v their_o child_n to_o moloch_n and_o make_v they_o pass_v through_o the_o fire_n in_o the_o valley_n of_o hinnon_n 2_o chr._n 28.3_o and_o it_o be_v conscience_n mingle_v with_o spite_n and_o malice_n that_o move_v their_o countryman_n in_o after-age_n to_o crucify_v the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o put_v he_o to_o open_a shame_n and_o death_n for_o say_v they_o we_o have_v a_o law_n and_o by_o that_o law_n he_o ought_v to_o die_v etc._n etc._n john_n 19.7_o and_o well_o have_v it_o be_v if_o this_o abomination_n have_v be_v confine_v to_o the_o heathen_a world_n or_o pass_v no_o further_o than_o the_o border_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n but_o which_o be_v more_o to_o be_v aggravate_v and_o lament_v too_o christian_n of_o almost_o all_o party_n and_o persuasion_n have_v not_o come_v behind_o the_o very_o worst_a of_o the_o heathen_n act_v over_o again_o all_o the_o extravagancy_n of_o a_o pagan_a superstition_n and_o that_o for_o religion_n and_o conscience_n sake_n if_o they_o may_v be_v believe_v this_o have_v create_v faction_n and_o sow_o sedition_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n invade_v kingdom_n from_o abroad_o and_o incite_v to_o rebellion_n at_o home_n contrive_v plot_n and_o hatch_v conspiracy_n act_v treason_n and_o commit_v massacre_n and_o absolve_v subject_n from_o their_o allegiance_n and_o make_v they_o cast_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o obedience_n to_o their_o lawful_a sovereign_n whatever_o mischief_n or_o wickedness_n be_v or_o can_v be_v employ_v in_o the_o name_n of_o rebellion_n and_o murder_n sacrilege_n or_o treason_n ambition_n and_o revenge_n they_o have_v all_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o some_o man_n conscience_n and_o proceed_v from_o the_o oracle_n of_o a_o delude_a and_o mistake_v religion_n under_o this_o pretence_n ill_a man_n have_v cherish_v their_o natural_a infirmity_n let_v loose_v their_o passion_n vent_v their_o spleen_n disguise_v their_o ambition_n promote_v their_o own_o private_a interest_n to_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o public_a and_o carry_v on_o the_o worst_a design_n of_o a_o spiteful_a nature_n and_o discontent_a faction_n now_o conscience_n in_o such_o man_n as_o these_o be_v legibus_fw-la soluta_fw-la have_v no_o respect_n to_o law_n unless_o it_o be_v to_o break_v and_o violate_v they_o be_v lawless_a and_o disobedient_a etc._n etc._n 1_o tim._n 1.9_o such_o a_o conscience_n as_o this_o can_v as_o easy_o break_v all_o band_n and_o cut_v in_o sunder_o all_o the_o cord_n of_o obedience_n as_o samson_n do_v the_o cord_n wherewith_o his_o enemy_n have_v bind_v he_o and_o when_o once_o the_o tie_v of_o conscience_n be_v lose_v or_o break_v little_a hope_n of_o their_o be_v hold_v by_o any_o other_o but_o we_o know_v very_o well_o from_o whence_o the_o principle_n of_o such_o a_o conscience_n come_v at_o first_o and_o what_o mischief_n and_o confusion_n it_o have_v wrought_v in_o all_o part_n of_o christendom_n ever_o since_o whoever_o therefore_o be_v act_v thereby_o whether_o they_o know_v it_o or_o no_o yet_o for_o certain_a they_o be_v no_o better_a than_o factour_n for_o popery_n the_o tool_n and_o engine_n of_o a_o jesuit_n and_o the_o very_a spawn_n of_o the_o fisherman_n of_o rome_n actuate_v by_o a_o spirit_n whole_o opposite_a to_o that_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n a_o spirit_n that_o like_o the_o evil_a one_o be_v ever_o restless_a and_o unquiet_a which_o have_v be_v former_o at_o work_n and_o no_o doubt_n be_v so_o still_o though_o like_o their_o predecessor_n in_o the_o powder-plot_n they_o dig_v under_o ground_n in_o a_o more_o secret_a and_o clandestine_v manner_n endeavour_v not_o only_a to_o create_v jealousy_n and_o discontent_n but_o contrive_v and_o lay_v snare_n to_o involve_v we_o in_o the_o like_o unnatural_a gild_n and_o treachery_n with_o themselves_o for_o it_o be_v well_o know_v the_o papist_n have_v leaven_v most_o of_o our_o sect_n and_o under_o their_o mask_n and_o disguise_n have_v oppugn_v our_o church_n sow_v the_o tare_n of_o faction_n and_o dissension_n among_o we_o and_o arm_v her_o bosom_n friend_n which_o be_v evermore_o the_o worst_a of_o enemy_n with_o weapon_n and_o argument_n to_o undermine_v and_o weaken_v she_o and_o real_o when_o i_o consider_v the_o great_a imposture_n of_o that_o corrupt_a church_n and_o the_o vast_a number_n that_o have_v be_v crafty_o seduce_v and_o mislead_v by_o she_o who_o under_o the_o plea_n of_o conscience_n and_o outcry_n of_o religion_n have_v act_v so_o many_o barbarous_a and_o unhuman_a cruelty_n it_o be_v enough_o methinks_v to_o make_v a_o serious_a man_n to_o forswear_v all_o conscience_n and_o for_o ever_o abjure_v all_o thought_n of_o religion_n be_v he_o not_o very_o well_o assure_v of_o the_o abuse_n of_o the_o one_o and_o innocence_n of_o the_o other_o and_o how_o none_o but_o the_o very_o worst_a of_o man_n have_v make_v those_o holy_a pretence_n a_o retreat_n for_o their_o wicked_a and_o abominable_a practice_n good_a god_n that_o any_o who_o pretend_v to_o conscience_n and_o religion_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o to_o conscience_n in_o its_o great_a strictness_n and_o to_o religion_n in_o its_o high_a purity_n shall_v yet_o so_o notorious_o abuse_v the_o one_o prostitute_v the_o other_o and_o act_n in_o contradiction_n to_o both_o if_o this_o be_v to_o make_v conscience_n of_o our_o action_n it_o be_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o no_o good_a man_n will_v be_v desirous_a of_o and_o if_o this_o be_v religion_n i_o plain_o declare_v i_o have_v none_o of_o this_o kind_n and_o do_v hearty_o wish_v i_o never_o may_v if_o conscience_n and_o consequent_o christianity_n be_v the_o refuge_n of_o treason_n and_o sanctuary_n of_o rebellion_n if_o the_o holy_a jesus_n come_v as_o one_o will_v think_v by_o some_o man_n practice_n he_o do_v to_o sanctify_v murder_n and_o canonize_v those_o man_n who_o hand_n be_v full_a of_o blood_n to_o licence_n sacrilege_n and_o sedition_n or_o legitimate_a the_o most_o lewd_a and_o infamous_a impiety_n i_o shall_v choose_v rather_o to_o be_v a_o disciple_n of_o honest_a
church_n and_o security_n of_o the_o government_n under_o which_o we_o live_v second_o conscience_n i_o tell_v you_o include_v knowledge_n as_o much_o in_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o thing_n as_o composition_n of_o the_o word_n where_o there_o be_v no_o knowledge_n there_o can_v be_v no_o conscience_n because_o in_o such_o a_o case_n it_o be_v withwhat_o to_o do_v or_o how_o to_o govern_v itself_o and_o judge_v aright_o whereupon_o conscience_n be_v not_o so_o much_o concern_v about_o thing_n that_o be_v uncertain_a whereof_o we_o can_v have_v no_o sure_a proof_n or_o clear_a evidence_n either_o from_o sense_n reason_n or_o revelation_n which_o be_v the_o three_o only_a way_n of_o attain_v knowledge_n or_o arrive_v at_o the_o certainty_n of_o any_o thing_n thus_o in_o matter_n of_o school_n question_n or_o controversial_a divinity_n which_o be_v band_v to_o and_o fro_o with_o probable_a argument_n on_o both_o side_n for_o instance_n whether_o the_o fire_n in_o hell_n be_v material_a or_o metaphorical_a true_a in_o the_o letter_n or_o in_o a_o figure_n so_o we_o do_v but_o believe_v there_o be_v such_o a_o place_n as_o hell_n reserve_v for_o the_o punishment_n of_o wicked_a man_n as_o scripture_n do_v assure_v we_o conscience_n as_o to_o the_o rest_n be_v not_o concern_v to_o believe_v either_o one_o way_n or_o other_o because_o scripture_n be_v silent_a in_o the_o case_n and_o the_o argument_n from_o reason_n on_o either_o hand_n be_v alike_o probable_a and_o if_o i_o be_o induce_v to_o believe_v one_o part_n of_o the_o question_n rather_o than_o the_o other_o this_o can_v arise_v no_o high_o than_o to_o a_o private_a opinion_n of_o my_o own_o not_o a_o public_a article_n of_o my_o christian_a faith_n wherein_o my_o private_a judgement_n not_o my_o conscience_n be_v concern_v that_o christ_n be_v bear_v of_o a_o pure_a virgin_n be_v matter_n of_o faith_n and_o consequent_o of_o conscience_n to_o believe_v because_o scripture_n do_v affirm_v it_o but_o whether_o she_o remain_v so_o all_o her_o life_n long_o be_v not_o so_o indeed_o it_o have_v be_v a_o opinion_n in_o the_o church_n that_o she_o do_v but_o however_o there_o be_v no_o other_o argument_n but_o that_o of_o piè_fw-fr credimus_fw-la that_o can_v induce_v we_o to_o be_v of_o that_o mind_n in_o like_a manner_n the_o descent_n of_o christ_n into_o hell_n so_o we_o do_v not_o deny_v the_o thing_n which_o have_v for_o many_o age_n be_v a_o receive_a article_n of_o the_o apostle_n creed_n though_o leave_v out_o in_o some_o other_o it_o matter_n not_o great_o whether_o it_o be_v local_a or_o virtual_a metaphorical_a or_o metonymical_a for_o in_o all_o these_o several_a sense_n it_o have_v be_v take_v by_o learned_a and_o pious_a man_n but_o in_o which_o of_o these_o we_o need_v not_o be_v overmuch_o concern_v for_o this_o article_n be_v not_o express_o reveal_v or_o clear_o deliver_v in_o scripture_n we_o believe_v it_o chief_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o apostle_n creed_n who_o antiquity_n ought_v to_o command_v our_o reverence_n and_o respect_n though_o i_o think_v it_o can_v strict_o oblige_v my_o conscience_n especial_o when_o the_o church_n have_v not_o determine_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o case_n any_o more_o than_o scripture_n but_o leave_v i_o at_o liberty_n to_o judge_v either_o way_n as_o i_o see_v cause_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o saint_n depart_v with_o many_o other_o which_o for_o brevity_n sake_n i_o now_o omit_v three_o some_o thing_n there_o be_v though_o for_o certain_a reveal_v yet_o be_v obscure_a and_o vnintelligible_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n cannt_n so_o immediate_o oblige_v our_o conscience_n as_o those_o that_o be_v more_o plain_a and_o obvious_a the_o decree_n of_o god_n arcana_fw-la of_o providence_n the_o great_a and_o stupendous_a mystery_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n and_o incomprehensible_a union_n of_o the_o two_o nature_n in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n these_o be_v in_o many_o thing_n above_o our_o reach_n and_o capacity_n and_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v above_o we_o belong_v not_o to_o we_o a_o modest_a and_o humble_a faith_n be_v here_o requisite_a and_o all_o that_o be_v expect_v from_o the_o common_a and_o ordinary_a sort_n of_o christian_n a_o too_o curious_a search_n and_o inquiry_n into_o these_o venerable_a mystery_n be_v not_o convenient_a for_o all_o nor_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o any_o a_o particular_a explication_n of_o they_o concern_v my_o faith_n no_o further_o than_o as_o it_o be_v consonant_a to_o sacred_a scripture_n and_o agreeable_a to_o what_o be_v more_o plain_o reveal_v in_o holy_a writ_n or_o else_o by_o natural_a and_o genuine_a consequence_n may_v be_v deduce_v therefrom_o but_o now_o as_o for_o other_o difficulty_n that_o may_v arise_v from_o thence_o i_o be_o not_o bind_v to_o pin_v my_o faith_n on_o any_o one_o man_n sleeve_n nor_o receive_v his_o scheme_n or_o hypothesis_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o inspire_a doctrine_n no_o nor_o for_o truth_n neither_o any_o further_a than_o he_o can_v confirm_v it_o by_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o sole_a infallible_a test_n of_o divine_a truth_n all_o that_o in_o this_o case_n i_o be_o oblige_v to_o do_v be_v to_o guide_v my_o conscience_n by_o scripture_n and_o my_o judgement_n by_o the_o catholic_a determination_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v i_o be_o oblige_v in_o conscience_n to_o believe_v all_o that_o the_o scripture_n reveal_v and_o make_v that_o the_o rule_n of_o my_o faith_n and_o obedience_n but_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n where_o difficulty_n may_v arise_v and_o scripture_n be_v either_o total_o silent_a or_o very_o obscure_a here_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v mistake_v i_o not_o i_o do_v not_o speak_v it_o in_o a_o popish_a sense_n which_o set_v up_o the_o traditien_n of_o the_o church_n in_o opposition_n to_o scripture_n and_o in_o a_o impious_a manner_n prefer_v they_o before_o it_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n but_o my_o meaning_n be_v that_o i_o and_o every_o body_n else_o in_o matter_n dubious_a and_o obscure_a aught_o to_o be_v so_o modest_a as_o to_o mistrust_v our_o own_o particular_a judgement_n rather_o than_o that_o of_o the_o church_n and_o submit_v our_o private_a opinion_n to_o her_o public_a determination_n if_o not_o yet_o the_o least_o that_o in_o this_o case_n we_o ought_v to_o do_v be_v to_o keep_v our_o persuasion_n to_o ourselves_o rather_o than_o disturb_v the_o peace_n or_o oppose_v the_o receive_a doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n out_o of_o a_o indiscreet_a zeal_n for_o any_o fond_a or_o affect_v opinion_n of_o our_o own_o for_o pray_v consider_v can_v it_o be_v any_o other_o than_o pride_n or_o self-conceit_n to_o call_v it_o no_o worse_o for_o a_o few_o private_a person_n to_o oppose_v their_o particular_a sentiment_n to_o the_o catholic_n faith_n and_o what_o they_o decry_v in_o their_o governor_n to_o practice_v more_o unjust_o themselves_o by_o prescribe_v to_o their_o superior_n in_o matter_n dubious_a and_o uncertain_a and_o which_o be_v perpetual_o controvert_v on_o all_o hand_n in_o all_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n conscience_n oblige_v i_o to_o be_v humble_a and_o modest_a rather_o than_o positive_a and_o peremptory_a and_o therefore_o it_o will_v better_o become_v we_o to_o receive_v our_o faith_n from_o than_o impose_v we_o upon_o the_o church_n in_o who_o communion_n we_o live_v and_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o who_o doctrine_n we_o be_v satisfy_v in_o the_o main_a as_o the_o dissent_v brethren_n be_v general_o with_o we_o but_o however_o if_o they_o see_v reason_n to_o dissent_n in_o their_o private_a thought_n from_o the_o establish_v faith_n they_o ought_v to_o keep_v their_o judgement_n to_o themselves_o and_o not_o disturb_v her_o peace_n on_o that_o account_n in_o this_o sense_n let_v they_o remember_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n he_o that_o have_v faith_n let_v he_o have_v it_o to_o himself_o and_o he_o that_o keep_v it_o there_o way_n keep_v it_o safe_a enough_o and_o out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o humane_a power_n and_o compulsion_n for_o conscience_n while_o it_o keep_v within_o its_o due_a bound_n can_v ought_v not_o to_o be_v compel_v by_o any_o power_n upon_o earth_n for_o in_o that_o respect_n it_o be_v free_a and_o never_o to_o be_v force_v but_o second_o and_o positive_o conscience_n be_v chief_o and_o more_o immediate_o concern_v about_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v more_o necessary_a and_o substantial_a plain_a and_o obvious_a in_o religion_n and_o these_o in_o the_o first_o place_n be_v the_o main_a fundamental_a article_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n which_o constitute_v the_o great_a part_n of_o our_o creed_n and_o have_v a_o immediate_a influence_n on_o our_o life_n and_o they_o be_v those_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o our_o several_a creed_n which_o be_v the_o brief_a summary_n of_o the_o
then_o in_o the_o thing_n itself_o for_o superstition_n be_v not_o in_o the_o object_n but_o only_o in_o the_o mind_n or_o conceit_n of_o the_o person_n that_o think_v so_o thus_o they_o have_v accustom_v to_o revile_v our_o liturgy_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o english_a mass-book_n the_o bishop_n and_o governor_n of_o our_o church_n be_v brand_v for_o limb_n of_o antichrist_n and_o the_o church_n herself_o repute_v for_o little_a better_o than_o antichristian_a and_o idolatrous_a neither_o have_v they_o learn_v to_o stop_v here_o but_o have_v adventure_v to_o fly_v in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o civil_a government_n as_o well_o as_o the_o ecclesiastical_a against_o both_o which_o they_o have_v shoot_v their_o venomous_a arrow_n even_o bitier_n word_n psalm_n 64.3_o but_o now_o i_o appeal_v to_o any_o sober_a and_o serious_a person_n be_v he_o of_o what_o persuasion_n he_o will_v whether_o this_o be_v according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v profess_a in_o common_a by_o we_o all_o or_o whether_o it_o be_v pure_o conscience_n which_o put_v they_o upon_o such_o unseemly_a practice_n or_o be_v this_o language_n fit_a to_o be_v bestow_v upon_o one_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a and_o famous_a among_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o who_o without_o vanity_n be_v it_o speak_v have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a bulwork_n against_o popery_n and_o champion_n for_o the_o reformation_n and_o i_o hope_v and_o pray_v daily_o it_o will_v continue_v to_o be_v so_o as_o long_o as_o god_n shall_v be_v please_v to_o continue_v she_o or_o himself_o a_o church_n upon_o earth_n now_o if_o language_n of_o this_o nature_n though_o arise_v from_o the_o great_a and_o extraordinary_a zeal_n of_o our_o adversary_n be_v so_o unhandsome_a and_o ill_a become_v in_o they_o towards_o we_o why_o shall_v we_o think_v it_o any_o whit_n the_o more_o commendable_a and_o seemly_a in_o we_o towards_o they_o or_o out_o of_o our_o mouth_n then_o out_o of_o they_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o offensive_a in_o itself_o be_v and_o will_v be_v so_o let_v who_o will_v be_v guilty_a of_o it_o wherefore_o methinks_v it_o will_v be_v more_o like_a christian_a and_o make_v more_o for_o the_o credit_n of_o religion_n and_o honour_n of_o our_o church_n if_o we_o have_v more_o charity_n and_o kindness_n one_o for_o another_o even_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o we_o differ_v so_o they_o be_v not_o factious_a or_o scandalous_a nor_o have_v a_o ill_a influence_n on_o our_o life_n and_o manner_n rather_o than_o imitate_v the_o example_n of_o some_o of_o our_o hotheaded_a dissenter_n in_o some_o of_o their_o worst_a quality_n to_o wit_n in_o their_o uncharitable_a censure_n and_o unchristian_a revile_n and_o calumny_n for_o the_o bitter_a and_o fiery_a spirit_n of_o a_o jewish_a zealot_n be_v very_o unagreeable_a to_o the_o meek_a and_o gentle_a disposition_n of_o a_o true_a follower_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o st._n luke_n 9.54_o 55._o and_o when_o his_o disciple_n james_n and_o john_n see_v this_o they_o say_v lord_z will_v thou_o that_o we_o command_v fire_n to_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o consume_v they_o even_o as_o elias_n do_v but_o he_o turn_v and_o rebuke_v they_o and_o say_v you_o know_v not_o what_o manner_n of_o spirit_n you_o be_v of_o and_o i_o shall_v be_v behold_v to_o any_o man_n that_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o make_v out_o any_o other_o sense_n and_o meaning_n thereof_o 5th_o a_o good_a christian_n ought_v to_o live_v according_a to_o his_o own_o conscience_n rather_o than_o according_a to_o the_o opinion_n of_o other_o men._n besure_n that_o man_n live_v with_o the_o most_o comfort_n and_o content_v to_o himself_o who_o walk_v by_o the_o constant_a rule_n of_o god_n word_n and_o not_o by_o that_o of_o the_o world_n which_o consist_v chief_o in_o humour_n and_o opinion_n and_o alter_v almost_o every_o day_n and_o upon_o the_o least_o occasion_n whereas_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v a_o sure_a and_o stand_a rule_n which_o be_v diligent_o heed_v and_o attend_v unto_o will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o go_v wrong_a or_o mistake_v our_o way_n it_o be_v impossible_a a_o man_n shall_v live_v so_o regular_a in_o all_o respect_n or_o carry_v himself_o so_o universal_o blameless_a and_o inoffensive_a as_o to_o gain_v the_o good_a word_n and_o opinion_n of_o all_o man_n though_o he_o shall_v make_v it_o his_o chief_a study_n or_o sole_a business_n to_o do_v so_o for_o man_n humour_n and_o interest_n be_v so_o different_a and_o many_o time_n so_o contrary_a that_o which_o like_v one_o do_v not_o like_o another_o and_o what_o this_o man_n commend_v another_o may_v be_v apt_a to_o find_v fault_n withal_o nay_o one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n be_v not_o always_o consistent_a with_o himself_o nor_o can_v keep_v long_o in_o the_o same_o mind_n his_o thought_n and_o judgement_n of_o thing_n do_v often_o alter_v with_o his_o affection_n and_o interest_n and_o notwithstanding_o the_o reason_n of_o thing_n remain_v one_o and_o the_o same_o yet_o his_o opinion_n of_o they_o may_v not_o do_v so_o and_o then_o they_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o pass_v their_o censure_n on_o man_n person_n and_o action_n according_a as_o they_o be_v in_o good_a or_o bad_a humour_n or_o as_o they_o judge_v may_v make_v most_o for_o their_o present_a interest_n now_o he_o undertake_v a_o hard_a task_n indeed_o who_o study_v to_o please_v those_o who_o mind_n be_v so_o fickle_a and_o waver_a and_o who_o humour_n be_v make_v up_o of_o such_o sudden_a conradiction_n the_o people_n of_o the_o world_n be_v master_n or_o our_o credit_n and_o reputation_n which_o they_o may_v give_v or_o take_v from_o we_o at_o pleasure_n as_o many_o time_n they_o do_v upon_o very_o slight_a or_o no_o ground_n at_o all_o they_o depend_v upon_o the_o opinion_n which_o man_n be_v please_v to_o conceive_v of_o we_o which_o they_o may_v alter_v when_o they_o listen_v whether_o we_o give_v cause_n for_o it_o or_o no._n but_o now_o no_o man_n or_o number_n of_o man_n can_v be_v master_n of_o our_o conscience_n we_o may_v keep_v they_o innocent_a and_o in_o peace_n let_v the_o world_n say_v or_o do_v what_o she_o can_v for_o though_o the_o deserve_a commendation_n of_o a_o virtuous_a action_n depend_v upon_o the_o good_a will_n of_o other_o yet_o the_o satisfaction_n it_o inward_o create_v be_v a_o good_a they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v withal_o and_o can_v never_o deprive_v we_o of_o though_o they_o will_v it_o concern_v we_o therefore_o to_o take_v all_o the_o care_n we_o can_v of_o our_o conscience_n and_o study_v rather_o to_o pprove_v ourselves_o to_o they_o than_o to_o the_o multitude_n the_o one_o be_v practicable_a when_o the_o other_o be_v not_o not_o that_o i_o will_v have_v any_o man_n careless_a of_o his_o credit_n and_o good_a name_n for_o he_o that_o be_v not_o tender_a of_o his_o fame_n will_v hardly_o be_v so_o of_o his_o conscience_n and_o the_o reputation_n which_o be_v give_v to_o virtuous_a deed_n aught_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o no_o small_a incitement_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o but_o my_o meaning_n be_v no_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v so_o studious_a of_o popular_a applause_n or_o affect_v the_o good_a opinion_n of_o the_o world_n by_o such_o mean_a and_o unworthy_a art_n as_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o injure_v of_o his_o conscience_n or_o prejudice_n of_o his_o duty_n which_o he_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o the_o church_n to_o his_o prince_n or_o country_n but_o let_v a_o man_n do_v what_o he_o think_v in_o his_o conscience_n he_o ought_v to_o do_v let_v he_o provide_v thing_n honest_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o man_n run_v into_o no_o open_a scandal_n give_v no_o just_a or_o wilful_a cause_n of_o offence_n and_o avoid_v as_o much_o as_o he_o can_v all_o temptation_n or_o provocation_n to_o evil_a and_o then_o he_o ought_v not_o he_o need_v not_o value_v the_o talk_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o speech_n of_o people_n a_o wise_a man_n which_o in_o solomon_n sense_n be_v a_o prudent_a good_a man_n shall_v first_o take_v care_n of_o do_v his_o duty_n and_o then_o live_v above_o the_o spiteful_a talk_n and_o report_n of_o the_o vulgar_a or_o regard_v their_o censure_n no_o otherwise_o than_o the_o moon_n in_o the_o fable_n do_v the_o bark_n of_o a_o dog_n which_o neither_o obscure_v her_o light_n nor_o make_v she_o alter_v her_o course_n no_o no_o the_o inward_a content_n which_o a_o man_n receive_v in_o the_o do_n of_o a_o good_a action_n be_v infinite_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o credit_n and_o reputation_n which_o it_o gain_v he_o abroad_o a_o unwise_a man_n seek_v his_o reward_n and_o satisfaction_n where_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v namely_o from_o without_o in_o the_o good_n and_o possession_n in_o the_o
mode_n and_o opinion_n of_o the_o world_n but_o a_o good_a man_n find_v it_o within_o himself_o in_o the_o right_a order_n and_o government_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o passion_n and_o in_o the_o testimony_n and_o approbation_n of_o god_n and_o his_o own_o conscience_n 2d_o again_o it_o concern_v we_o not_o only_o to_o live_v but_o to_o value_v ourselves_o and_o judge_v of_o our_o estate_n towards_o god_n according_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n rather_o than_o by_o the_o fancy_n or_o opinion_n which_o man_n be_v please_v to_o conceive_v of_o we_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n esteem_v and_o value_v themselves_o according_a to_o the_o good_a or_o evil_a that_o befall_v they_o in_o the_o world_n and_o happen_v to_o they_o in_o their_o outward_a concern_v if_o they_o be_v sick_a or_o in_o pain_n in_o poverty_n or_o distress_n under_o misfortune_n or_o disgrace_n they_o common_o bemoan_v their_o condition_n lament_v their_o miserable_a estate_n and_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v themselves_o the_o most_o unfortunate_a wretch_n of_o all_o other_o when_o as_o all_o this_o have_v befall_v the_o very_o best_a of_o man_n who_o yet_o have_v be_v happy_a amid_o the_o great_a outward_a misfortune_n as_o long_o as_o they_o keep_v safe_a their_o innocence_n answer_v the_o end_n of_o affliction_n and_o make_v a_o entire_a resignation_n of_o themselves_o and_o their_o concern_v unto_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o so_o long_o as_o a_o man_n do_v this_o he_o can_v never_o be_v miserable_a neither_o shall_v he_o think_v himself_o so_o let_v thing_n go_v never_o so_o cross_a let_v the_o world_n censure_v never_o so_o hard_a or_o reflect_v never_o so_o spiteful_a and_o severe_a alas_o happiness_n and_o misery_n be_v not_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o good_a or_o evil_a that_o befall_v the_o body_n by_o prosperity_n or_o adversity_n by_o good_a report_n or_o bad_a report_n otherwise_o who_o will_v be_v innocent_a or_o where_o shall_v we_o find_v a_o good_a man_n upon_o earth_n who_o have_v escape_v the_o lash_n of_o the_o tongue_n or_o have_v not_o be_v ill_o treat_v and_o misrepresent_v in_o one_o kind_n or_o other_o i_o never_o yet_o do_v hear_v of_o such_o a_o person_n and_o quite_o despair_n of_o ever_o do_v so_o and_o yet_o if_o mere_a calumny_n and_o reproach_n can_v make_v a_o man_n guilty_a than_o our_o bless_a saviour_n must_v have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o vile_a creature_n upon_o earth_n for_o no_o man_n can_v be_v more_o heavy_o charge_v and_o spiteful_o revile_v and_o yet_o deserve_v it_o less_o than_o he_o do_v and_o all_o this_o from_o his_o own_o malicious_a countryman_n the_o jew_n and_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o religion_n too_o but_o god_n be_v praise_v these_o thing_n be_v not_o the_o measure_n of_o gild_n of_o innocence_n the_o best_a man_n will_v be_v most_o hard_o deal_v withal_o be_v it_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o dispense_v out_o their_o reward_n or_o punishment_n gild_n and_o unhappiness_n do_v not_o hang_v upon_o the_o scandalous_a tongue_n of_o man_n nor_o soar_v upon_o the_o wing_n of_o fame_n neither_o do_v they_o flow_v from_o the_o invidious_a talk_n of_o rash_a and_o prejudice_v people_n but_o they_o have_v their_o seat_n and_o abide_v in_o the_o mind_n as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v peace_n in_o the_o conscience_n and_o innocence_n in_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n or_o any_o thing_n under_o the_o sun_n to_o make_v such_o a_o person_n better_o or_o worse_o more_o or_o less_o innocent_a or_o guilty_a happy_a or_o miserable_a for_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o ill_a thing_n that_o may_v be_v say_v or_o think_v of_o such_o a_o one_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v able_a to_o make_v amends_o for_o all_o and_o notwithstanding_o the_o reproach_n of_o the_o wicked_a may_v fall_v upon_o he_o yet_o this_o be_v a_o continual_a feast_n ever_o at_o hand_n to_o welcome_a and_o entertain_v he_o a_o rich_a cordial_n to_o cheer_n and_o revive_v he_o be_v moreover_o the_o pledge_n and_o earnest_n of_o a_o more_o ample_a reward_n which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n prepare_v we_o for_o and_o bring_v we_o unto_o in_o his_o own_o due_a time_n and_o that_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o belove_a son_n and_o our_o most_o bless_a redeemer_n christ_n jesus_n the_o righteous_a to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o holy_a spirit_n be_v ascribe_v as_o be_v most_o due_a all_o honour_n and_o glory_n praise_n and_o adoration_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o more_o amen_o amen_n finis_fw-la