Selected quad for the lemma: conscience_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
conscience_n child_n spirit_n witness_v 1,106 5 9.8469 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A37045 Heaven upon earth in the serene tranquillity and calm composure, in the sweet peace and solid joy of a good conscience sprinkled with the blood of Jesus and exercised always to be void of offence toward God and toward men : brought down and holden forth in XXII very searching sermons on several texts of Scripture ... / by James Durham. Durham, James, 1622-1658.; J. C. 1685 (1685) Wing D2815; ESTC R24930 306,755 418

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eye_n behind_o intimate_v that_o tender_a christian_n shall_v have_v and_o in_o some_o measure_n indeed_o have_v a_o eye_n as_o we_o use_v to_o speak_v of_o very_o watchful_a and_o accurat_o observe_v person_n in_o their_o neck_n look_v to_o what_o stick_v and_o cleave_v to_o their_o heel_n as_o it_o be_v when_o they_o have_v pass_v any_o action_n or_o duty_n as_o the_o word_n be_v psal._n 49._o 5._o where_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v of_o the_o iniquity_n of_o his_o heel_n compass_v he_o about_o as_o know_v well_o that_o in_o every_o step_n of_o his_o way_n he_o leave_v some_o ●oul_a vestige_n or_o print_v behind_o he_o and_o therefore_o look_v back_o on_o it_o this_o than_o we_o propose_v as_o a_o piece_n and_o a_o special_a piece_n of_o a_o tender_a walk_n viz._n that_o christian_n not_o only_o deliberat_fw-la before_o they_o do_v and_o look_v to_o conscience_n while_o they_o be_v adoing_o but_o that_o also_o they_o reflect_v and_o look_v back_o upon_o the_o action_n when_o it_o be_v do_v and_o pass_v to_o clear_v this_o a_o little_a further_o there_o be_v three_o main_a thing_n that_o a_o believer_n be_v call_v to_o in_o reference_n to_o what_o be_v past_a 1._o examination_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o way_n 2._o lay_v of_o himself_o and_o his_o way_n to_z and_o before_o his_o conscience_n inform_v by_o the_o word_n 3._o judge_v of_o himself_o according_a as_o he_o find_v eth_z his_o way_n to_o be_v when_o he_o have_v lay_v it_o before_o his_o conscience_n we_o need_v not_o curious_o and_o nice_o difference_n these_o for_o they_o go_v always_o together_o when_o a_o man_n be_v right_a his_o examination_n of_o himself_o and_o of_o his_o way_n the_o examination_n of_o his_o way_n by_o his_o conscience_n and_o his_o self-judging_a yet_o they_o may_v be_v some_o way_n difference_v self-examination_n be_v more_o large_a and_o extensive_a take_v in_o the_o whole_a that_o a_o man_n be_v concern_v in_o his_o recklessness_n and_o his_o need_n as_o well_o as_o his_o sinfulness_n but_o reflect_v on_o conscience_n consider_v a_o man_n way_n as_o sinful_a or_o not_o sinful_a only_o self-examination_n be_v a_o gather_v as_o it_o be_v of_o thing_n together_o but_o reflect_v on_o conscience_n be_v a_o lay_n of_o they_o to_o the_o rule_n a_o put_n of_o they_o to_o the_o touchstone_n self-examination_n be_v the_o mid_n conscience-reflection_n be_v the_o end_n and_o if_o any_o shall_v offer_v to_o divide_v they_o the_o gather_n of_o thing_n together_o by_o self-examination_n will_v not_o signify_v much_o except_o they_o be_v try_v by_o conscience_n self-examination_n be_v antecedent_n to_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o judge_n self-judging_a be_v subsequent_a as_o a_o ratification_n of_o that_o which_o conscience_n have_v say_v when_o we_o have_v examine_v and_o find_v out_o thing_n and_o when_o conscience_n have_v on_o reflection_n agreeable_o to_o the_o rule_n give_v its_o sense_n and_o sentence_n our_o judge_v of_o ourselves_o be_v our_o homologate_a or_o own_v apply_v and_o take_v home_o to_o we_o the_o sentence_n that_o conscience_n have_v past_a as_o it_o be_v from_o our_o own_o mouth_n somewhat_o like_o that_o word_n rom._n 8._o 16._o the_o spirit_n itself_o bear_v witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o ourselves_o examination_n and_o judge_v we_o be_v active_a but_o in_o conscience_n its_o pass_a sentence_n we_o be_v passive_a as_o be_v therein_o 〈◊〉_d before_o the_o judge_n and_o when_o conscience_n have_v say_v we_o say_v however_o we_o put_v they_o together_o and_o have_v mark_v it_o for_o this_o reason_n because_o ofttimes_o when_o we_o examine_v and_o take_v a_o look_n of_o ourselves_o and_o of_o our_o way_n we_o be_v dispose_v to_o think_v that_o we_o have_v do_v enough_o and_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o indictment_n be_v read_v we_o run_v away_o from_o the_o bar_n and_o do_v not_o abide_v and_o stay_v for_o conscience_n its_o decision_n as_o if_o we_o know_v what_o it_o will_v say_v before_o hand_n again_o sometime_o we_o be_v dispose_v to_o judge_n ourselves_o and_o to_o pass_v or_o leap_v over_o both_o examination_n and_o conscience_n sentence_n be_v thus_o precipitant_a and_o preposterous_a to_o prevent_v any_o trouble_n and_o apprehend_v horror_n that_o may_v attend_v the_o sentence_n of_o conscience_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o say_v that_o we_o know_v not_o what_o it_o will_v say_v before_o it_o be_v put_v to_o the_o ●ryal_n and_o this_o be_v a_o reason_n why_o many_o will_v take_v with_o a_o conviction_n but_o it_o have_v no_o weight_n with_o they_o nor_o 〈◊〉_d to_o they_o because_o it_o be_v their_o own_o as_o it_o be_v and_o not_o conscience_n its_o sentence_n therefore_o you_o will_v by_o all_o mean_n join_v together_o these_o three_o use_v self-examination_n judge_n and_o pass_v sentence_n on_o yourselves_o as_o we_o be_v will_v 1_o cor._n 11._o 28._o 31._o but_o miss_v not_o this_o cuple_n viz_o reflect_v upon_o and_o observe_v of_o what_o conscience_n have_v to_o ●ay_n for_o this_o 〈◊〉_d the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o together_o and_o if_o they_o be_v no●_n thus_o knit_v they_o will_v fall_v asunder_o and_o come_v to_o nothing_o the_o second_o use_n be_v for_o trial_n take_v it_o then_o for_o a_o evidence_n and_o mark_n of_o a_o tender_a christian_a thus_o to_o reflect_v on_o a_o person_n walk_v and_o action_n when_o he_o have_v do_v they_o the_o tender_a christian_a will_v thus_o reflect_v on_o his_o way_n and_o action_n do_v though_o it_o be_v for_o many_o year_n past_a and_o will_v judge_v impartial_o according_a to_o what_o conscience_n have_v to_o say_v of_o they_o they_o here_o behave_v like_a unto_o faithful_a ambassador_n or_o messenger_n who_o be_v commissionat_a in_o some_o business_n and_o have_v go_v about_o it_o will_v sist_z themselves_z before_o these_o that_o give_v they_o the_o commission_n to_o hear_v their_o judgement_n and_o sentence_n of_o their_o management_n of_o the_o business_n commit_v to_o they_o 〈◊〉_d they_o be_v unfaithful_a that_o receive_v such_o a_o commission_n and_o never_o give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o discharge_n of_o it_o nor_o wait_v for_o the_o sentence_n of_o its_o giver_n even_o so_o tender_a christian_n will_v not_o only_o consult_v with_o and_o take_v direction_n from_o conscience_n what_o and_o how_o to_o do_v but_o will_v also_o turn_v back_o and_o see_v i●_n conscience_n do_v approve_v of_o what_o they_o have_v do_v and_o of_o their_o manner_n of_o do_v now_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o this_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o it_o be_v always_o the_o mark_n of_o a_o tender_a christian_a that_o the_o man_n have_v conscience_n speak_v for_o he_o for_o conscience_n may_v be_v mislead_v and_o its_o testimony_n in_o that_o case_n signify_v little_a but_o this_o we_o say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o mark_n of_o a_o tender_a christian_a to_o be_v always_o single_o try_v whether_o it_o be_v for_o he_o or_o against_o he_o and_o it_o will_v be_v find_v in_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o tender_a christian_n whereas_o these_o that_o walk_v at_o random_n without_o all_o circumspection_n look_v not_o thus_o to_o conscience_n yea_o even_o believer_n themselves_o when_o in_o a_o untender_a frame_n desire_v not_o much_o to_o come_v in_o conscience_n its_o sight_n to_o speak_v ●o_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o as_o it_o be_v joh._n 3._o v._n 20_o 21._o every_o one_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v but_o he_o that_o do_v truth_n come_v to_o the_o light_n to_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n and_o of_o his_o conscience_n inform_v by_o the_o word_n that_o his_o deed_n may_v be_v manifest_a that_o they_o be_v wrought_v in_o god_n it_o be_v no_o ●mal_a part_n i_o say_v of_o this_o light_n even_a conscience_n it_o be_v testimony_n and_o it_o say_v that_o the_o sincer_n man_n desire_v to_o know_v if_o he_o be_v right_a or_o wrong_n and_o that_o he_o like_v not_o to_o entertain_v the_o thought_n of_o any_o practice_n or_o deed_n of_o he_o to_o be_v right_a when_o it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o truth_n and_o that_o withal_o he_o allow_v not_o himself_o to_o judge_v of_o his_o deed_n mere_o by_o himself_o but_o to_o submit_v they_o to_o the_o sentence_n of_o his_o conscience_n according_a to_o the_o word_n to_o clear_v this_o a_o little_a we_o shall_v point_v at_o some_o character_n of_o a_o person_n that_o be_v suitable_o serious_a and_o tender_a in_o reflect_v on_o his_o conscience_n and_o that_o 1._o in_o respect_n of_o its_o extent_n and_o then_o 2_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o first_o then_o as_o to_o the_o extent_n 1._o he_o reflect_v on_o and_o try_v all_o his_o action_n even_o the_o whole_a tract_n and_o current_n of_o his_o life_n as_o paul_n do_v here_o his_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n
external_o profitable_a to_o we_o but_o main_o as_o please_v to_o god_n and_o for_o his_o honour_n as_o conduce_v to_o the_o advance_n of_o 〈◊〉_d with_o he_o or_o conformity_n to_o he_o it_o be_v most_o divine_a the_o use_n teach_v we_o to_o lay_v more_o weight_n on_o conscience_n as_o spiritual_a and_o as_o that_o which_o take_v up_o thing_n better_a and_o be_v a_o far_o better_a discerner_n and_o judge_n of_o thing_n than_o we_o ou●_n self_n be_v 3_o obseru●_v that_o the_o attest_v of_o conscience_n be_v a_o most_o grave_a important_a and_o solemn_a thing_n ●_o business_n of_o high_a concernment_n and_o such_o as_o ought_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d great_a weight_n with_o other_o it_o be_v so_o mide_a use_n of_o here_o yea_o ●t's_n testimony_n be_v some_o way_n to_o have_v weight_n with_o we_o and_o to_o be_v respect_v as_o the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n himself_o and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n therefore_o it_o be_v here_o join_v with_o they_o in_o its_o testimony_n and_o it_o can_v be_v otherways_o god_n be_v as_o be_v say_v before_o the_o immediate_a master_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v so_o divine_a a_o thing_n none_o can_v attest_v conscience_n but_o they_o must_v needs_o attest_v god_n with_o it_o the_o use_n be_v to_o teach_v we_o to_o be_v more_o warry_a in_o attest_v conscience_n in_o a_o light_n and_o trivial_a way_n it_o be_v in_o scripture_n language_n a_o atte_a christ_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o when_o ever_o we_o there_fw-mi not_o appeal_v to_o they_o as_o witness_n we_o will_v beware_v of_o appeal_n to_o or_o of_o atte_a conscience_n or_o take_v it_o to_o be_v a_o witness_n 4_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n among_o conscience_n for_o these_o word_n my_o conscience_n bear_v i_o witness_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n import_v two_o thing_n 1._o his_o attest_v his_o conscience_n not_o simple_o but_o as_o it_o be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o spirit_n 2_o it_o not_o only_o import_v sanctification_n in_o the_o habit_n of_o it_o but_o in_o its_o exercise_n also_o for_o he_o know_v that_o a_o man_n attest_v of_o his_o mere_a natural_a conscience_n be_v not_o of_o such_o value_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v easy_o delude_v and_o go_v wrong_n but_o say_v he_o i_o attest_v my_o conscience_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o as_o act_v by_o he_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o a_o renew_a and_o unrenewed_a conscience_n and_o a_o difference_n betwixt_o a_o pure_a conscience_n and_o a_o defile_a one_o to_o the_o pure_a say_v the_o apostle_n tit._n 1._o 15._o all_o thing_n be_v pure_a but_o to_o they_o that_o be_v defile_v and_o unbelieving_a be_v nothing_o pure_a but_o even_o their_o mind_n and_o conscience_n be_v defile_v paul_n appeal_n his_o conscience_n be_v as_o it_o be_v opposite_a to_o such_o a_o conscience_n there_o be_v also_o a_o evil_a and_o a_o good_a conscience_n as_o these_o word_n late_o speak_v of_o 1_o pet._n 3._o 21_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n clear_a there_o be_v likewise_o a_o cauterised_a conscience_n and_o a_o tender_a conscience_n yea_o there_o be_v some_o difference_n of_o conscience_n among_o believer_n themselves_o some_o conscience_n be_v weak_a some_o strong_a some_o be_v sleepy_a some_o wake_v some_o be_v secure_a some_o in_o the_o lively_a exercise_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o act_v by_o the_o spirit_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o conscience_n mean_v here_o use_v this_o difference_n will_v be_v well_o observe_v for_o it_o will_v not_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o every_o conscience_n that_o will_v bear_v a_o man_n through●_n it_o must_v be_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o conscience_n sanctify_v and_o in_o that_o particular_a act_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 5_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o testimony_n of_o a_o conscience_n that_o can_v be_v satisfy_v but_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o conscience_n sanctify_v and_o in_o a_o sanctify_a frame_n therefore_o he_o think_v it_o not_o enough_o to_o say_v my_o conscience_n bear_v i_o witness_v but_o he_o add_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o in_o that_o passage_n 1_o pet._n 3._o 21._o it_o be_v not_o the_o answer_n of_o conscience_n simple_o but_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n of_o a_o wake_n tender_a spiritual_a and_o well_o enlighten_v conscience_n that_o satisfy_v use_v therefore_o ere_o man_n lay_v much_o weight_n on_o the_o testimony_n of_o their_o conscience_n they_o will_v first_o put_v it_o ●o_o proof_n and_o see_v that_o it_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o sanctify_a conscience_n and_o in_o a_o sanctify_a frame_n if_o a_o man_n be_v not_o of_o some_o credit_n his_o testimony_n will_v not_o be_v of_o much_o weight_n in_o any_o matter_n it_o be_v even_o so_o with_o conscience_n as_o to_o its_o testimony_n 6_o observe_v that_o sometime_o and_o in_o some_o case_n believer_n may_v very_o warrantable_o attest_v their_o conscience_n and_o appeal_v to_o its_o testimony_n some_o believer_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o some_o in_o the_o new_a have_v do_v it_o though_o as_o we_o say_v before_o the_o attest_v of_o conscience_n be_v a_o very_a grave_n and_o solemn_a thing_n and_o will_v not_o be_v use_v at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o case_n yet_o at_o some_o time_n and_o in_o some_o case_n it_o may_v be_v warrantable_o use_v when_o right_o go_v about_o i_o shall_v name_v three_o or_o four_o consideration_n or_o case_n from_o the_o text_n for_o clear_v of_o it_o 1._o conscience_n may_v be_v attest_v when_o the_o matter_n that_o we_o assert_v require_v such_o a_o solemn_a attest_v of_o it_o and_o these_o thing_n concur_v here_o to_o clear_v that_o the_o matter_n wherein_o he_o atte_v his_o conscience_n be_v such_o for_o 1._o it_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o concern_v god_n glory_n not_o a_o little_a that_o his_o servant_n and_o messenger_n be_v not_o walk_v according_o to_o the_o flesh_n 2._o it_o tend_v to_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o for_o if_o he_o have_v not_o remove_v the_o prejudice_n that_o the_o jew_n have_v at_o he_o it_o may_v have_v mar_v their_o receive_v the_o truth_n from_o his_o mouth_n 3._o it_o tend_v to_o his_o own_o vindication_n in_o as_o far_o as_o it_o tend_v to_o the_o former_a two_o end_n and_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v any_o blot_n to_o lie_v here_o 4._o that_o which_o he_o assert_v be_v a_o thing_n not_o obvious_a and_o can_v not_o well_o be_v otherways_o make_v out_o and_o in_o this_o so_o great_a and_o grave_a a_o matter_n he_o spare_v not_o to_o attest_v god_n and_o his_o own_o conscience_n 2._o consider_v the_o manner_n of_o his_o proceed_n it_o be_v speak_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n grave_o and_o sober_o i_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o christ_n and_o lie_v not_o my_o conscience_n bear_v i_o witness_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n he_o do_v not_o rash_o and_o abrupt_o break_v out_o in_o it_o as_o many_o do_v 3_o consider_v that_o he_o be_v most_o clear_a in_o the_o thing_n ere_o he_o attest_v his_o conscience_n he_o be_v sure_a that_o it_o be_v no_o lie_n and_o that_o he_o have_v no_o mixture_n of_o untruth_n in_o it_o yea_o he_o be_v so_o clear_a that_o he_o there_fw-mi swear_v it_o and_o take_v christ_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o witness_v in_o it_o when_o man_n there_fw-mi not_o attest_v god_n in_o a_o matter_n they_o shall_v not_o attest_v their_o own_o conscience_n in_o it_o except_o they_o think_v that_o god_n will_v say_v one_o thing_n and_o their_o conscience_n another_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o conscience_n man_n will_v say_v many_o thing_n light_o suppose_v they_o to_o be_v true_a that_o they_o will_v be_v loath_a to_o attest_v their_o conscience_n in_o till_o they_o be_v very_o clear_a and_o sure_a that_o they_o be_v true_a 4_o add_v this_o consideration_n that_o it_o be_v do_v when_o he_o be_v in_o a_o holy_a spiritual_a and_o lively_a frame_n my_o conscience_n say_v he_o bear_v i_o witness_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o attest_v conscience_n in_o a_o carnal_a frame_n be_v as_o unsuitable_a as_o to_o rush_v in_o rash_o and_o unmannerly_a before_o a_o grave_a judge_n to_o crave_v a_o sentence_n from_o he_o if_o our_o frame_n be_v not_o right_a conscience_n will_v never_o speak_v out_o a_o approve_v testimony_n to_o we_o in_o that_o particular_a which_o we_o assert_v and_o attest_v it_o in_o for_o though_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n it_o be_v true_a and_o no_o lie_n yet_o as_o to_o our_o circumstantiated_a attest_v of_o it_o in_o so_o ill_a a_o frame_n it_o will_v not_o approve_v we_o 7_o in_o the_o general_a observe_v that_o conscience_n its_o testimony_n when_o warrantable_o make_v use_v of_o be_v a_o thing_n very_o useful_a refresh_a and_o comfortable_a to_o a_o believer_n
all_o man_n and_o more_o especial_o of_o believer_n to_o walk_v so_o as_o they_o may_v always_o keep_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n yea_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o duty_n but_o we_o may_v look_v on_o it_o as_o a_o excellent_a mean_n for_o advance_v of_o holiness_n the_o six_o be_v where_o man_n honest_o aim_v to_o keep_v a_o conscience_n always_o void_a of_o offence_n it_o will_v be_v a_o exercise_v and_o uptake_v thing_n the_o seven_o be_v where_o this_o exercise_n be_v neglect_v and_o not_o serious_o carry_v on_o the_o conscience_n be_v leave_v to_o stumble_v at_o and_o to_o abound_v with_o offence_n as_o for_o the_o first_o that_o there_o be_v many_o kind_n of_o offence_n which_o people_n be_v subject_a to_o towards_o god_n and_o man_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n uncontroverted_a by_o all_o and_o we_o need_v say_v little_a of_o it_o only_o first_o there_o be_v sin_n against_o the_o first_o table_n which_o be_v offence_n towards_o god_n be_v immediate_o against_o he_o and_o there_o be_v sin_n against_o the_o second_o table_n which_o although_o they_o be_v against_o god_n yet_o immediate_o they_o touch_v and_o reflect_v on_o man_n 2._o there_o be_v sin_n against_o god_n that_o be_v secret_a which_o god_n only_o be_v witness_n to_o and_o there_o be_v open_a sin_n which_o scandalize_v man_n paul_n endeavour_v to_o eschew_v all_o these_o for_o all_o be_v ●ins_n against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o wound_a of_o the_o conscience_n the_o second_o be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o conscience_n within_o every_o man_n which_o take_v notice_n of_o every_o piece_n of_o his_o carriage_n and_o be_v according_o affect_v with_o it_o and_o affect_v he_o for_o it_o this_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o that_o follow_v and_o have_v need_v to_o be_v more_o particular_o speak_v unto_o this_o truth_n than_o contain_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o conscience_n in_o every_o man_n that_o take_v notice_n of_o every_o piece_n of_o his_o way_n and_o walk_v hence_o it_o be_v say_v to_o bear_v witness_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 12._o this_o be_v our_o rejoice_v the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n etc._n etc._n and_o it_o be_v also_o say_v to_o accuse_v or_o excuse_v rom._n 2._o 15._o it_o witness_n for_o man_n and_o excuse_n and_o comfort_v they_o when_o they_o do_v well_o and_o witness_v against_o they_o accuse_v and_o reprove_v they_o when_o they_o do_v evil_a and_o so_o be_v to_o they_o as_o a_o check_n captor_n or_o censor_n the_o apostle_n aim_v to_o have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n suppon_n that_o he_o and_o every_o man_n have_v a_o conscience_n and_o that_o it_o take_v notice_n of_o every_o thing_n and_o will_v take_v offence_n if_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o thwart_v with_o it_o we_o shall_v not_o in_o this_o place_n stand_v to_o debate_v what_o conscience_n be_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o power_n or_o a_o faculty_n a_o habit_n or_o a_o act_n which_o as_o it_o will_v not_o be_v much_o for_o your_o edification_n so_o it_o will_v transcend_v the_o reach_n of_o many_o of_o you_o only_o in_o the_o general_n we_o may_v call_v it_o a_o power_n wherewith_o god_n have_v endue_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o all_o his_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n 2._o we_o say_v ●ts_n according_o affect_v with_o every_o thing_n when_o the_o man_n do_v right_v it_o be_v please_v and_o when_o he_o do_v wrong_v its_o offend_a and_o wound_v as_o we_o may_v see_v 1_o cor._n 8._o 10_o 11._o so_o 1_o sam._n 24._o 5._o it_o be_v say_v david_n heart_n smite_v he_o and_o prov._n 18._o 14._o this_o be_v call_v a_o wound_a spirit_n 3._o as_o it_o be_v affect_v so_o it_o affect_v the_o person_n when_o a_o man_n have_v do_v well_o it_o excuse_n and_o clear_v he_o and_o when_o he_o have_v do_v evil_a and_o wrong_v it_o it_o challenge_v and_o accuse_v he_o in_o which_o respect_n conscience_n be_v call_v a_o judge_n pronounce_v sentence_n by_o absolve_v or_o condemn_v man_n scripture_n and_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o people_n and_o time_n clear_a and_o prove_v this_o 1._o the_o scripture_n say_v of_o heathen_n rom._n 2._o 15._o that_o their_o conscience_n bear_v they_o witness_v and_o their_o thought_n the_o mean_a while_n accuse_v or_o excuse_v one_o another_o it_o hold_v out_o this_o to_o have_v be_v in_o adam_n who_o immediate_o after_o the_o fall_n gen._n 3._o 10._o say_v i_o hear_v thy_o voice_n and_o be_v afraid_a terror_n seize_v on_o he_o it_o mention_n this_o also_o to_o have_v be_v in_o josephs_n brethren_n who_o gen._n 42._o 21._o say_v we_o be_v very_o guilty_a concern_v our_o brother_n and_o in_o david_n in_o that_o forecited_a 1_o of_o sam._n 24._o 5._o where_o its_o say_a that_o his_o heart_n smite_v he_o it_o be_v clear_o also_o suppose_v 1_o john_n 3._o 19_o 20_o 21._o where_o the_o apostle_n say_v if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o god_n be_v great_a than_o our_o heart_n and_o know_v all_o thing_n if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n where_o we_o will_v take_v notice_n that_o what_o be_v here_o and_o sometime_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n call_v the_o heart_n be_v in_o the_o text_n and_o elsewhere_a call_v the_o conscience_n which_o suppose_v this_o to_o be_v in_o every_o man_n it_o be_v further_a clear_a from_o the_o daily_a experience_n of_o all_o in_o all_o time_n for_o sometime_o it_o be_v pouse_v to_o duty_n sometime_o it_o be_v challenge_v for_o the_o omission_n of_o duty_n or_o for_o commission_n of_o the_o contrary_a evil_n sometime_o it_o be_v speak_v peace_n sometime_o it_o be_v mar_v peace_n and_o denounce_v war_n as_o it_o be_v all_o which_o plain_o evidence_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n in_o man_n so_o herod_n when_o he_o hear_v of_o christ_n miracle_n his_o conscience_n put_v he_o in_o mind_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n who_o he_o have_v behead_v and_o disquiet_v he_o with_o fear_n that_o john_n may_v have_v be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a something_o of_o it_o appear_v likewise_o in_o achab_n when_o it_o put_v he_o to_o put_v on_o sackcloth_n all_o which_o i_o say_v plain_o evidence_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n in_o man_n and_o beside_o full_a scripture-proof_n there_o be_v none_o but_o if_o they_o observe_v they_o will_v find_v their_o thought_n the_o mean_a while_n either_o accuse_v or_o else_o excuse_v they_o for_o further_o clear_v of_o this_o we_o shall_v speak_v a_o little_a first_o to_o what_o this_o conscience_n be_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a satisfy_o to_o explain_v it_o 2._o to_o the_o use_n and_o end_n of_o it_o and_o why_o god_n have_v place_v this_o in_o man_n where_o we_o shall_v show_v the_o several_a sort_n of_o conscience_n that_o be_v in_o man_n good_a and_o evil_n for_o the_o first_o to_o wit_n what_o conscience_n be_v we_o may_v for_o come_v at_o the_o understanding_n of_o it_o consider_v the_o name_n conscience_n which_o signify_v a_o co-knowledge_n or_o a_o knowledge_n go_v along_o with_o our_o knowledge_n which_o we_o may_v consider_v first_o as_o look_v to_o god_n knowledge_n go_v alongst_o with_o we_o and_o we_o go_n alongst_o with_o he_o and_o thus_o it_o imply_v as_o his_o knowledge_n of_o all_o our_o thought_n word_n and_o way_n so_o our_o knowledge_n together_o with_o his_o of_o these_o or_o our_o take_a notice_n of_o they_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o knowledge_n 2._o we_o may_v consider_v it_o as_o reflex-knowledge_n join_v with_o a_o direct_a knowledge_n as_o for_o instance_n when_o a_o man_n have_v a_o direct_a knowledge_n of_o prayer_n as_o his_o duty_n and_o a_o reflex_n knowledge_n go_v along_o with_o the_o practice_n or_o exercise_v of_o the_o duty_n whereby_o he_o see_v and_o discern_v himself_o either_o to_o behave_v suitable_o in_o it_o or_o to_o be_v faulty_a in_o this_o respect_n conscience_n be_v a_o practical_a knowledge_n take_v notice_n by_o a_o reflex_n act_n of_o a_o man_n way_n 3._o we_o may_v consider_v it_o as_o comprehend_v a_o knowledge_n of_o god_n law_n and_o then_o it_o signify_v a_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o compare_v with_o the_o law_n it_o have_v knowledge_n of_o the_o rule_n and_o so_o of_o what_o be_v duty_n and_o what_o be_v sin_n and_o withal_o it_o have_v in_o it_o the_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o and_o of_o our_o conformity_n or_o disconformity_n to_o the_o rule_n conscience_n then_o in_o this_o respect_n be_v a_o man_n knowledge_n of_o god_n will_v and_o of_o himself_o as_o compare_v with_o it_o 4._o we_o may_v consider_v this_o co_z knowledge_n as_o it_o suppose_v beside_o the_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o the_o knowledge_n of_o something_o take_v notice_n of_o we_o or_o of_o something_o depute_v in_o we_o by_o god_n to_o keep_v a_o record_n
natural_a conscience_n and_o not_o only_o do_v thing_n sinful_a but_o take_v pleasure_n in_o they_o that_o do_v they_o therefore_o they_o be_v give_v up_o to_o do_v great_a thing_n without_o check_n or_o challenge_v hence_o it_o be_v thus_o in_o part_n at_o least_o with_o many_o professor_n within_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o thwart_v with_o conscience_n and_o indeed_o a_o silent_a and_o dumb_a conscience_n be_v a_o great_a plague_n for_o if_o it_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o reprover_n and_o speak_v not_o man_n nay_o even_o godly_a man_n may_v and_o will_v sleep_v on_o as_o david_n after_o the_o go_v over_o the_o belly_n of_o his_o light_n and_o blunt_v the_o edge_n of_o his_o conscience_n sleep_v long_o enough_o till_o conscience_n at_o last_o rouse_v he_o up_o hence_o also_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o some_o conscience_n which_o be_v sear_v with_o a_o hot_a iron_n which_o be_v not_o so_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o conscience_n be_v flesh_n or_o of_o a_o fleshly_a substance_n only_o he_o make_v the_o comparison_n that_o as_o a_o man_n flesh_n be_v sensible_a of_o and_o affect_v with_o the_o prick_n of_o a_o pin_n so_o be_v conscience_n with_o sin_n while_o tender_a but_o as_o the_o flesh_n of_o a_o man_n or_o beast_n when_o it_o be_v sear_v or_o burn_v a_o considerable_a thirst_n will_v not_o much_o if_o at_o all_o affect_v it_o so_o be_v conscience_n when_o stupefy_v and_o make_v senseless_a by_o multiply_a sin_n against_o light_n it_o grow_v so_o cauterise_v and_o sear_v that_o hardly_o any_o sin_n or_o challenge_v for_o sin_n be_v feel_v 3._o man_n want_v not_o a_o conscience_n though_o they_o hear_v it_o not_o always_o speak_v for_o conscience_n may_v often_o be_v speak_v when_o they_o take_v not_o head_n to_o it_o as_o be_v abundant_o clear_a in_o david_n and_o josephs_n brethren_n for_o that_o which_o be_v the_o death_n evil_a of_o a_o natural_a man_n may_v sometime_o be_v the_o sore_a and_o dangerous_a sickness_n and_o distemper_n of_o a_o child_n of_o god_n and_o though_o conscience_n may_v speak_v but_o soft_o for_o a_o time_n yet_o thereafter_o it_o will_v speak_v loud_o and_o make_v it_o know_v that_o it_o speak_v when_o it_o be_v not_o listen_v unto_o the_o day_n come_v when_o the_o book_n will_v be_v open_v and_o conscience_n will_v speak_v plain_o smart_o and_o home_n and_o it_o concern_v you_o all_o to_o know_v that_o conscience_n be_v not_o absent_a when_o it_o be_v quiet_a but_o that_o it_o will_v speak_v and_o speak_v to_o purpose_n in_o due_a time_n and_o that_o as_o a_o party_n with_o who_o there_o be_v no_o try_v till_o it_o come_v before_o the_o great_a judge_n and_o then_o it_o will_v give_v in_o what_o it_o have_v to_o say_v and_o it_o will_v then_o be_v evident_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o conscience_n in_o the_o profane_v person_n who_o most_o cauterise_v it_o by_o go_v over_o the_o belly_n of_o its_o light_n and_o suggestion_n the_o 2._o use_n speak_v to_o you_o that_o live_v at_o random_n take_v great_a liberty_n and_o latitude_n to_o yourselves_o beside_o the_o rule_n o_o do_v you_o believe_v and_o remember_v that_o there_o be_v a_o conscience_n within_o you_o and_o that_o it_o will_v call_v you_o to_o a_o reckon_a sure_o if_o you_o do_v in_o good_a earnest_n you_o will_v be_v other_o manner_n of_o man_n it_o be_v general_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v a_o conscience_n in_o all_o and_o the_o profane_v will_n have_v conscience_n often_o in_o their_o mouth_n and_o indeed_o their_o conscience_n be_v little_a worth_n when_o they_o stand_v in_o no_o awe_n of_o it_o but_o rather_o trample_v on_o it_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o the_o great_a light_n you_o have_v and_o the_o more_o mean_n and_o warning_n you_o be_v privilege_v with_o the_o great_a will_v be_v the_o aggravation_n of_o your_o guilt_n and_o the_o more_o dreadful_a will_v be_v your_o ditty_n and_o doom_n from_o god_n and_o from_o your_o own_o conscience_n if_o conscience_n will_v be_v a_o impartial_a witness_n and_o severe_a judge_n against_o all_o even_o heathen_n who_o never_o hear_v the_o gospel_n o_o then_o what_o access_n will_v it_o have_v terrible_o to_o reprove_v condemn_v smite_v and_o gnaw_v you_o that_o live_v under_o the_o gospel_n and_o hear_v the_o word_n daily_o many_o of_o you_o have_v some_o stickle_a and_o stir_v of_o conscience_n within_o you_o but_o alace_o you_o know_v not_o what_o it_o mean_v and_o will_v be_v quite_o of_o it_o but_o from_o this_o word_n be_v exhort_v to_o know_v who_o have_v appoint_v it_o and_o for_o what_o end_v it_o be_v appoint_v and_o make_v use_n of_o its_o warn_n 〈◊〉_d for_o other_o that_o know_v it_o and_o go_v on_o sleep_v secure_o in_o your_o sin_n i_o must_v say_v this_o to_o you_o that_o the_o more_o knowledge_n you_o have_v of_o it_o it_o will_v certain_o make_v you_o to_o have_v the_o more_o dreadful_a waken_n when_o all_o the_o kindred_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v howl_v at_o the_o see_v of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o stand_v tremble_a at_o his_o presence_n o_o what_o a_o scrich_n and_o cry_n will_v conscience_n have_v in_o that_o day_n loud_o i_o conceive_v in_o some_o respect_n than_o the_o trumpet_n itself_o set_v home_o the_o truth_n of_o challenge_n bear_v witness_n of_o the_o fact_n and_o represent_v the_o horror_n terror_n and_o torment_n abide_v they_o therefore_o think_v on_o it_o o_o think_v on_o it_o all_o you_o who_o continue_v in_o sin_n and_o will_v not_o be_v reclaim_v who_o mock_v at_o all_o warning_n and_o break_v all_o bond_n and_o will_v not_o be_v subject_a to_o discipline_n you_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o shake_v off_o the_o bo●d_n of_o conscience_n but_o it_o shall_v bind_v you_o as_o the_o colar_n of_o your_o coat_n and_o keep_v you_o bind_v till_o you_o be_v ●isted_v before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o god_n use_v 3_o see_v you_o have_v a_o conscience_n let_v it_o not_o be_v silent_a idle_a and_o usle●_n but_o put_v it_o to_o speak_v and_o do_v you_o hear_v what_o it_o say_v and_o take_v you_o warning_n from_o it_o it_o will_v not_o be_v bribe_v bud_a nor_o boast_v it_o be_v a_o sore_a matter_n to_o have_v a_o conscience_n and_o never_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o nor_o of_o what_o it_o say_v i_o shall_v now_o only_o see_v there_o be_v some_o good_a and_o some_o evil_a conscience_n as_o they_o be_v or_o be_v not_o inform_v beseech_v you_o to_o study_v to_o have_v a_o well_o inform_v conscience_n especial_o since_o where_o it_o be_v well_o inform_v it_o can_v easy_o be_v bud_v nor_o soon_o prevail_v with_o to_o suffer_v thing_n to_o come_v under_o debate_n and_o controversy_n wherein_o it_o be_v clear_a a_o just_a regard_n too_o and_o the_o right_n use-making_a of_o conscience_n will_v notable_o promove_v holiness_n and_o nothing_o ready_o do_v more_o obstruct_v it_o then_o the_o not_o take_v heed_n to_o conscience_n and_o not_o lay_v due_a weight_n on_o what_o it_o say_v though_o many_o of_o you_o do_v now_o look_v on_o it_o as_o nothing_o or_o a_o thing_n of_o little_a moment_n yet_o you_o will_v find_v it_o to_o be_v a_o great_o momentanious_a thing_n o_o that_o god_n who_o have_v give_v we_o conscience_n may_v be_v gracious_o please_v to_o give_v the_o right_a use_n of_o they_o sermon_n ii_o act_n 24._o 16._o herein_o do_v i_o exercise_v myself_o to_o have_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n if_o we_o take_v a_o view_n of_o and_o look_v through_o christian_n and_o professor_n of_o religion_n that_o may_v have_v the_o root_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o they_o and_o may_v in_o charity_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v effectual_o call_v there_o will_v be_v find_v as_o great_a a_o gradual_a difference_n among_o they_o as_o among_o man_n of_o any_o other_o call_v whatsoever_o and_o if_o we_o will_v compare_v they_o general_o with_o the_o apostle_n as_o to_o the_o constant_a vigorous_a drive_v of_o this_o notable_a and_o noble_a design_n there_o will_v be_v find_v great_a in-equality_n and_o much_o lamentable_a un-likness_a herein_o say_v he_o do_v i_o exercise_v myself_o to_o have_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o toward_a man_n this_o be_v his_o great_a work_n and_o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o sweet_a work_n yea_o a_o short_a sum_n and_o compend_v of_o a_o christian_n life_n when_o we_o discourse_v last_o from_o this_o text_n and_o have_v draw_v some_o general_a doctrine_n from_o it_o for_o clear_v the_o word_n we_o speak_v more_o particular_o to_o this_o doctrine_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v in_o all_o man_n and_o woman_n a_o conscience_n that_o take_v notice_n of_o every_o piece_n of_o their_o carriage_n and_o be_v according_o affect_v with_o and_o affect_v man_n for_o it_o some_o thing_n
suspicious-like_a when_o the_o conscience_n be_v overwell_n please_v and_o when_o conscience_n and_o man_n humour_n be_v both_o please_v together_o and_o when_o corruption_n do_v not_o side_n and_o take_v part_n against_o it_o this_o i_o say_v be_v a_o shrewd_a evidence_n that_o conscience_n be_v err_v for_o when_o a_o man_n be_v go_v aright_o about_o his_o duty_n corruption_n will_v be_v against_o he_o but_o when_o all_o be_v silent_a it_o be_v no_o good_a token_n when_o paul_n be_v a_o delight_v himself_o in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n there_o be_v a_o law_n in_o his_o member_n rebel_a against_o the_o law_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o lead_v he_o captive_a to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n in_o his_o member_n 2._o it_o may_v be_v know_v by_o this_o when_o conscience_n have_v more_o contentment_n and_o peace_n and_o great_a delight_n and_o fainness_n in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o particular_a suppose_a duty_n then_o in_o all_o other_o duty_n as_o for_o instance_n when_o a_o man_n think_v nothing_o of_o but_o undervalu_v infant-baptism_n and_o must_v needs_o be_v baptize_v over_o again_o and_o when_o he_o be_v rebaptise_v he_o have_v more_o satisfaction_n and_o as_o he_o think_v more_o comfort_n in_o that_o duty_n and_o ordinance_n then_o in_o all_o other_o duty_n he_o go_v about_o though_o his_o rebaptise_v be_v indeed_o no_o duty_n call_v for_o from_o he_o that_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o a_o err_a conscience_n for_o if_o it_o be_v the_o peace_n comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o a_o well_o inform_v conscience_n he_o will_v have_v comfort_n if_o not_o alike_o comfort_v in_o all_o duty_n and_o ordinance_n so_o when_o some_o man_n have_v more_o delight_n in_o make_v other_o to_o become_v antinomian_o or_o separatist_n or_o quaker_n they_o be_v of_o such_o a_o judgement_n porswasion_n and_o sect_n themselves_o then_o in_o gain_v man_n fre●_n popery_n to_o be_v protestant_n or_o it_o may_v be_v from_o be_v mere_o natural_a man_n to_o be_v in_o good_a earnest_n exercise_v to_o godliness_n and_o like_o the_o pharisee_n will_v compass_v sea_n and_o land_n for_o that_o end_n not_o to_o make_v they_o child_n of_o god_n but_o to_o proselyte_n they_o strong_a to_o their_o own_o sect_n that_o be_v a_o shrewd_a token_n that_o its_o man_n particular_a interest_n and_o humour_n that_o sway_v they_o more_o than_o conscience_n do_v or_o if_o conscience_n have_v influence_n here_o it_o be_v a_o erroneous_a and_o mistake_a one_o 3._o it_o may_v be_v know_v by_o a_o man_n more_o common_a and_o ordinary_a frame_n and_o way_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o say_v that_o conscience_n put_v a_o man_n to_o such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n and_o to_o change_v his_o way_n in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o particular_a indeed_o to_o the_o better_a when_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o set_v he_o on_o endeavour_n in_o the_o strength_n of_o grace_n to_o change_v his_o way_n and_o life_n in_o the_o general_a tract_n of_o it_o for_o as_o true_a grace_n be_v uniform_a so_o a_o well_o inform_v and_o true_o good_a conscience_n make_v a_o man_n endeavour_v a_o universal_a and_o uniform_a change_n in_o his_o way_n and_o without_o all_o doubt_n it_o be_v as_o clear_v a_o duty_n to_o pray_v to_o search_v his_o conscience_n to_o walk_v without_o give_v offence_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n to_o meditate_v thereon_o to_o injure_v no_o man_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o he_o will_v be_v strict_a in_o such_o a_o particular_a but_o pray_v no_o more_o wait_v no_o more_o upon_o ordinance_n no_o better_o than_o he_o have_v wont_a to_o do_v etc._n etc._n this_o look_v very_a like_o a_o err_a conscience_n for_o as_o i_o say_v just_a now_o conscience_n make_v not_o a_o man_n to_o change_v in_o one_o thing_n only_o but_o it_o put_v he_o to_o endeavour_v also_o a_o change_n in_o all_o therefore_o beware_v of_o such_o deceit_n for_o conscience_n be_v much_o abuse_v in_o this_o time_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o excellent_a thing_n to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o void_a of_o offence_n but_o it_o be_v a_o desperate_a thing_n to_o make_v a_o shoe-horn_n or_o stalking-horss_n of_o conscience_n to_o make_v it_o subserve_v our_o own_o humour_n and_o the_o carry_v on_o of_o our_o own_o particular_a interest_n or_o to_o leave_v the_o word_n and_o to_o pretend_v conscience_n and_o to_o be_v sway_v by_o interest_n under_o pretext_n of_o conscience_n there_o be_v great_a need_n then_o to_o look_v well_o to_o the_o word_n and_o to_o have_v the_o word_n and_o conscience_n go_v hand_n in_o hand_n together_o to_o keep_v near_o god_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o holy_a fear_n that_o conscience_n have_v not_o any_o thing_n wherewith_o it_o may_v charge_v we_o just_o sermon_n iii_o act_n 24._o 16._o and_o herein_o do_v i_o exercise_v myself_o to_o have_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n there_o be_v many_o sad_a mistake_n about_o a_o christian_a life_n and_o the_o serious_a and_o zealous_a follow_v of_o holiness_n for_o man_n either_o diminish_v from_o holiness_n as_o to_o the_o extent_n of_o it_o or_o dispense_v with_o and_o take_v a_o liberty_n and_o latitude_n to_o themselves_o in_o the_o follow_n of_o it_o in_o this_o text_n we_o have_v a_o short_a and_o sweet_a sum_n of_o paul_n life_n a_o excellent_a copy_n and_o pattern_n of_o a_o christian_a walk_n and_o conversation_n wherein_o he_o give_v we_o a_o view_n of_o these_o two_o 1._o of_o his_o aim_n and_o design_n to_o walk_v so_o as_o he_o may_v have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o toward_a man_n and_o that_o in_o a_o universal_a extent_n always_o or_o at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n 2._o of_o his_o manner_n of_o prosecute_a it_o herein_o say_v he_o do_v i_o exercise_v myself_o he_o be_v serious_o take_v up_o with_o it_o it_o be_v his_o great_a business_n his_o one_o thing_n as_o he_o call_v it_o phil._n 3._o 13._o we_o speak_v of_o these_o two_o general_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v in_o all_o man_n and_o woman_n a_o conscience_n that_o take_v notice_n of_o their_o action_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o be_v offend_v with_o their_o miscarriage_n 2._o that_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o more_o especial_o believer_n ought_v so_o to_o live_v and_o if_o tender_a will_v aim_v so_o to_o live_v as_o they_o may_v be_v friend_n with_o their_o conscience_n and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v good_a term_n and_o a_o good_a understanding_n betwixt_o they_o and_o their_o conscience_n that_o their_o conscience_n may_v have_v no_o challenge_n against_o they_o in_o any_o thing_n of_o their_o walk_n either_o towards_o god_n or_o toward_a man_n this_o be_v clear_o and_o convince_o hold_v out_o in_o paul_n practice_n here_o who_o great_a aim_n design_n and_o endeavour_n be_v to_o walk_v so_o as_o his_o conscience_n may_v have_v nothing_o to_o say_v against_o he_o in_o duty_n relate_v either_o to_o god_n or_o to_o man_n in_o secret_a in_o private_a or_o in_o public_a this_o we_o prosecute_v a_o little_a and_o show_v you_o that_o there_o be_v a_o tie_n and_o obligation_n lie_v on_o man_n so_o to_o walk_v and_o to_o follow_v not_o a_o err_a and_o delude_a conscience_n but_o conscience_n right_o inform_v pouse_v accuse_v or_o excuse_v according_a to_o the_o word_n for_o it_o be_v conscience_n so_o qualify_v that_o be_v the_o rule_n subordinate_a to_o the_o infallible_o regulate_v rule_n of_o the_o word_n the_o use_v of_o the_o doctrine_n as_o we_o show_v be_v four_o the_o 1._o for_o instruction_n the_o 2._o for_o trial_n the_o 3._o for_o conviction_n or_o reproof_n the_o 4._o for_o exhortation_n we_o speak_v a_o little_a to_o the_o use_v of_o instruction_n the_o last_o day_n to_o which_o now_o we_o add_v that_o if_o man_n shall_v so_o walk_v as_o their_o conscience_n may_v have_v nothing_o to_o charge_v they_o with_o nor_o to_o cast_v up_o to_o they_o wherein_o they_o have_v thwart_v with_o it_o then_o every_o man_n design_n in_o his_o christian_a walk_n ought_v to_o be_v as_o extensive_a as_o his_o conscience_n be_v in_o its_o office_n either_o in_o direct_v or_o in_o accuse_v or_o excuse_v otherways_o he_o can_v have_v peace_n in_o his_o way_n if_o he_o disperise_v with_o himself_o in_o any_o thing_n which_o his_o conscience_n do_v not_o dispense_v with_o he_o in_o and_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o have_v solid_a peace_n if_o he_o do_v otherways_o so_o than_o the_o walk_n of_o a_o christian_a ought_v to_o be_v equal_o and_o exact_o extend_v no_o less_o than_o be_v the_o conscience_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n beside_o what_o we_o say_v on_o this_o before_o anent_o have_v clearness_n from_o the_o word_n in_o the_o judgement_n and_o harken_v to_o the_o voice_n of_o conscience_n right_o inform_v we_o shall_v instance_n the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o a_o
and_o be_v fond_a on_o they_o a_o 5_o character_n be_v that_o a_o delude_a conscience_n i●_n ordinary_o bitter_a and_o cruel_a in_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v proud_a and_o vain_a so_o it_o will_v persecute_v to_o the_o death_n they_o it_o differ_v from_o hence_o be_v the_o persecution_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o paul_n especial_o and_o we_o have_v see_v it_o in_o poor_a delude_a soul_n who_o have_v think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o slay_v all_o that_o be_v against_o they_o or_o differ_v from_o they_o in_o these_o their_o delusion_n some_o what_o of_o this_o bitterspirit_n accompany_v the_o delusion_n of_o the_o galatian_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n say_v to_o they_o chap._n 5._o 15._o if_o you_o bite_v and_o devour_v one_o another_o etc._n etc._n and_o james_n speak_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n of_o such_o person_n chap._n 3._o 14._o if_o you_o have_v bitter_a envy_v and_o strife_n in_o your_o heart_n glory_v not_o and_o lie_v not_o against_o the_o truth_n this_o wisdom_n descend_v not_o from_o above_o bitter_a zeal_n and_o strife_n be_v a_o evil_a token_n and_o a_o bitter_a conscience_n be_v ready_o no_o good_a conscience_n when_o a_o man_n suppose_v himself_o to_o be_v in_o the_o right_n be_v carry_v on_o with_o a_o spirit_n of_o bitterness_n though_o in_o other_o case_n bitterness_n through_o the_o power_n of_o corruption_n may_v kith_v yet_o it_o be_v native_a to_o delusion_n it_o flow_v from_o pride_n in_o such_o person_n exalt_v themselves_o above_o all_o other_o therefore_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v delude_v &_o go_v wrong_a they_o must_v have_v a_o church_n by_o themselves_o and_o will_v join_v with_o no_o other_o person_n in_o christian_a communion_n but_o such_o as_o be_v of_o their_o mistake_a opinion_n but_o a_o three_o question_n arise_v here_o on_o occasion_n of_o the_o former_a viz._n whether_o believer_n in_o christ_n need_v to_o be_v afraid_a of_o a_o delude_a conscience_n and_o whether_o they_o may_v not_o be_v persuade_v and_o that_o with_o a_o sort_n of_o delight_n and_o satisfaction_n that_o they_o be_v right_a when_o yet_o they_o be_v wrong_v the_o latter_a branch_n of_o the_o question_n necessary_o suppose_v the_o former_a which_o need_v not_o therefore_o to_o be_v particular_o speak_v to_o we_o answer_v with_o a_o distinction_n that_o a_o believer_n may_v be_v mistake_v and_o delude_v in_o a_o particular_a but_o can_v be_v delude_v as_o to_o his_o gracious_a state_n because_o be_v indeed_o a_o believer_n it_o be_v a_o most_o true_a and_o certain_a conclusion_n which_o he_o draw_v concern_v his_o be_v in_o a_o gracious_a state_n though_o possible_o as_o to_o some_o of_o the_o ground_n whence_o he_o deduce_v it_o he_o may_v be_v mistake_v or_o he_o may_v draw_v it_o from_o wrong_a ground_n yet_o i_o say_v in_o some_o particular_n he_o may_v be_v delude_v as_o in_o take_v such_o or_o such_o a_o error_n to_o be_v a_o truth_n and_o so_o the_o first_o three_o ground_n and_o rise_v of_o a_o delude_a conscience_n which_o we_o form_n er_o assign_v may_v agree_v to_o he_o as_o he_o may_v lay_v too_o much_o weight_n on_o carnal_a reason_n and_o on_o common_a gift_n as_o some_o of_o the_o galaians_n do_v and_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v in_o hazard_n to_o do_v and_o therefore_o our_o lord_n say_v to_o they_o luke_o 10._o 20._o rejoice_v not_o in_o this_o that_o the_o spirit_n be_v subject_a to_o you_o but_o that_o your_o name_n be_v write_v in_o heaven_n he_o may_v also_o lay_v too_o much_o weight_n on_o sense_n or_o comfort_n and_o the_o reason_n may_v be_v because_o when_o god_n gracious_o condescend_v to_o give_v they_o now_o and_o then_o some_o proof_n that_o he_o love_v they_o they_o be_v in_o so_o far_o desert_v draw_v a_o conclusion_n quite_o cross_a to_o the_o design_n and_o end_n of_o that_o manifestation_n as_o if_o he_o approve_v they_o in_o that_o particular_a wherein_o they_o be_v mistake_v for_o as_o a_o believer_n when_o he_o be_v right_o may_v think_v himself_o to_o be_v wrong_n because_o of_o the_o want_n of_o sense_n so_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o contrary_n he_o may_v think_v himself_o to_o be_v right_a because_o he_o have_v much_o sense_n when_o yet_o he_o may_v be_v wrong_a i_o shall_v for_o further_a clear_v instance_n it_o in_o five_o or_o six_o case_n as_o 1._o when_o a_o believer_n have_v be_v in_o some_o tender_a frame_n pray_v to_o god_n sincere_o and_o have_v get_v a_o hear_n and_o when_o some_o smile_a providence_n meet_v he_o and_o invit_v he_o to_o side_n with_o such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n he_o be_v ready_a to_o think_v that_o god_n call_v he_o to_o that_o thing_n or_o it_o may_v be_v the_o christian_n after_o prayer_n meet_v with_o a_o scripture_n that_o hold_v out_o that_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v be_v pray_v for_o whence_o he_o rash_o draw_v the_o conclusion_n that_o he_o will_v obtain_v it_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o think_v that_o therein_o he_o walk_v according_a to_o reason_n if_o the_o thing_n look_v rational_a like_o to_o he_o and_o suit_v the_o matter_n of_o his_o prayer_n we_o may_v see_v something_o of_o this_o or_o very_o like_v it_o in_o samuel_n if_o we_o compare_v the_o 15._o and_o 16._o chapter_n of_o the_o first_o book_n of_o samuel_n together_o in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o 15._o chapter_n he_o have_v very_o probable_o be_v pray_v when_o he_o mourn_v and_o chap._n 16._o v._n 1._o he_o be_v send_v by_o god_n to_o bethlehem_n to_o anoint_v one_o of_o jesses_n son_n to_o be_v king_n and_o when_o vers_n 6._o he_o look_v on_o eliah_n he_o present_o and_o somewhat_o rash_o yet_o very_o confident_o say_v sure_o the_o lord_n anointed_n be_v before_o he_o he_o have_v be_v pray_v and_o the_o thing_n look_v so_o rational_a and_o purpose-like_a be_v persuade_v that_o he_o be_v right_a but_o the_o lord_n reprove_v he_o and_o say_v to_o he_o look_v not_o on_o his_o countenance_n nor_o on_o the_o height_n of_o his_o stature_n because_o i_o have_v refuse_v he_o for_o the_o lord_n see_v not_o ●s_a man_n see_v for_o man_n look_v on_o the_o outward_a appearance_n but_o the_o lord_n look_v on_o the_o heart_n how_o o●t_n may_v a_o tryst_n of_o providence_n be_v mistake_v i_o be_v in_o prayer_n and_o such_o a_o word_n meet_v i_o and_o such_o a_o providence_n occur_v to_o i_o and_o do_v cast_v the_o balance_n a_o ●_o d._n case_n be_v when_o a_o thing_n represent_v itself_o to_o the_o believer_n not_o only_o as_o lawful_a and_o honest_a but_o as_o conduce_v much_o to_o god_n glory_n and_o to_o the_o good_a of_o his_o work_n and_o he_o mean_v well_o in_o it_o how_o ready_a be_v he_o hence_o to_o conclude_v that_o he_o be_v certain_o call_v to_o such_o a_o thing_n and_o that_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n when_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o we_o may_v see_v something_o of_o this_o in_o david_n who_o 2_o sam._n 7._o 1_o 2_o 3_o and_o 4._o have_v a_o purpose_n to_o build_v a_o house_n to_o god_n propose_v the_o matter_n to_o nathan_n the_o prophet_n who_o without_o consult_v god_n off-hand_n say_v to_o 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religious_a man_n in_o some_o thing_n that_o they_o may_v get_v a_o dispensation_n to_o themselves_o in_o other_o thing_n but_o none_o of_o these_o will_v be_v find_v law-byding_a when_o god_n come_v to_o reckon_v 6_o people_n in_o a_o sort_n bargain_n with_o their_o conscience_n like_o these_o speak_v of_o isa._n 28._o 15._o they_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o death_n and_o be_v at_o agreement_n with_o hell_n and_o like_a naaman_n if_o that_o be_v indeed_o his_o meaning_n they_o will_v yield_v conscience_n such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n but_o no_o more_o they_o must_v have_v a_o dispensation_n in_o and_o a_o liberty_n of_o make_v reservation_n and_o exception_n of_o some_o one_o or_o more_o thing_n though_o this_o may_v not_o always_o be_v do_v distinct_o formal_o and_o explicit_o yet_o it_o be_v so_o on_o the_o matter_n implicit_o and_o interpretative_o but_o that_o covenant_n with_o death_n however_o make_v direct_o or_o indirect_o shall_v be_v break_v and_o that_o agreement_n 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pray_v or_o to_o be_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o other_o command_v duty_n that_o will_v not_o quiet_a the_o conscience_n if_o you_o study_v not_o to_o be_v right_a in_o the_o manner_n and_o to_o do_v it_o for_o the_o right_a end_n the_o want_n of_o these_o requisite_a qualification_n of_o acceptable_a duty_n will_v make_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v lawful_a on_o the_o matter_n turn_v to_o be_v ground_n of_o challenge_n from_o the_o conscience_n but_o somewhat_o to_o this_o purpose_n have_v be_v speak_v of_o before_o therefore_o it_o have_v now_o be_v but_o touch_v 2_o for_o motive_n 1._o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o be_v a_o more_o clear_a duty_n it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o by_o nature_n heathen_n have_v it_o engrave_v on_o their_o heart_n as_o we_o see_v rom._n 2._o 15._o their_o conscience_n bear_v they_o witness_v and_o their_o thought_n excuse_v or_o accuse_v one_o another_o and_o they_o have_v call_v it_o a_o brazen_a wall_n to_o have_v a_o good_a 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particular_o it_o be_v a_o sweet_a and_o sovereign_a cordial_n when_o death_n approach_v hezekiah_n can_v say_v then_o remember_v lord_n how_o i_o have_v walk_v before_o thou_o in_o truth_n and_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n it_o put_v the_o soul_n in_o a_o posture_n of_o die_v somewhat_o like_o old_a simeon_n and_o give_v some_o ground_n to_o say_v with_o he_o now_o let_v thou_o thy_o servant_n depart_v in_o peace_n for_o my_o eye_n have_v see_v thy_o salvation_n the_o necessity_n of_o it_o will_v yet_o further_o appear_v if_o on_o the_o other_o side_n we_o look_v to_o the_o disadvantage_n that_o wait_v the_o want_n of_o it_o though_o man_n can_v be_v content_a to_o live_v a_o heartless_a life_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 a●_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 no●_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 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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 ●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 ●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 exerc●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 i●_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
lie_v to_o bring_v about_o some_o good_a to_o or_o to_o divert_v some_o notable_a evil_n from_o themselves_o or_o other_o and_o lie_v in_o sport_n to_o make_v other_o merry_a and_o all_o temerarious_a rash_a lie_v through_o customary_a looseness_n and_o 〈◊〉_d call_v it_o seem_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o way_n of_o lie_v and_o the_o more_o that_o man_n abhor_v lie_v and_o love_n to_o speak_v the_o truth_n they_o be_v in_o so_o f●r_v the_o 〈◊〉_d like_o god_n and_o the_o more_o unlike_o the_o devil_n who_o abide_v not_o in_o the_o truth_n because_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n in_o he_o and_o who_o when_o be_v speak_v a_o li●_n speak_v it_o of_o his_o own_o its_o 〈◊〉_d and_o sole_o his_o own_o and_o none_o of_o god_n for_o he_o be_v a_o li●r_n and_o the_o father_n of_o it_o we_o will_v therefore_o watchful_o guard_v against_o all_o lie_a under_o whatsoever_o pretext_n and_o look_v well_o that_o we_o always_o speak_v truth_n especial_o when_o we_o interpose_v conscience_n and_o yet_o more_o especial_o when_o we_o appeal_v to_o god_n as_o witness_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o say_v or_o affirm_v according_a to_o the_o practice_n o●_n the_o apostle_n here_o who_o be_v one_o that_o exercise_v himself_o to_o have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n no_o doubt_n make_v conscience_n always_o to_o speak_v truth_n more_o especial_o when_o he_o have_v use_v any_o more_o than_o ordinary_a solemn_a prote●ation_n or_o attestation_n as_o he_o do_v in_o these_o word_n the_o scope_n whereof_o be_v to_o roll_v away_o all_o ground_n o●_n stumble_v from_o his_o countryman_n the_o jew_n and_o from_o any_o other_o who_o may_v think_v because_o of_o some_o of_o his_o discourse_n concern_v they_o that_o he_o regard_v they_o not_o and_o that_o he_o be_v very_o indifferent_a whether_o they_o be_v save_v or_o perish_v and_o to_o conciliar_a their_o affection_n and_o respect_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o his_o person_n for_o the_o gospel_n and_o thei●_n own_o soul_n sake_n in_o which_o word_n we_o have_v 1._o his_o assertion_n concern_v the_o heaviness_n and_o sorrow_n of_o his_o heart_n for_o they_o his_o brethren_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n which_o he_o set_v down_o first_o positive_o i_o speak_v the_o truth_n then_o negative_o i_o lie_v not_o two_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o assertion_n which_o to_o make_v it_o the_o more_o solemn_a weighty_a and_o convince_a and_o if_o it_o may_v be_v the_o more_o gain_v of_o the_o jew_n be_v threefold_a 1._o it_o be_v in_o christ_n insinuate_v thereby_o that_o he_o be_v a_o believer_n in_o christ_n that_o assert_v this_o truth_n and_o one_o that_o draw_v strength_n from_o ch●ist_n to_o enable_v he_o to_o what_o he_o assert_n and_o refer_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n as_o his_o main_a end_n in_o it_o and_o withal_o expect_v god_n acceptation_n of_o he_o therein_o on_o christ_n account_n and_o for_o his_o sake_n the_o 2._o be_v my_o conscience_n an_o upright_o impartial_a and_o tender_a thing_n when_o right_a bear_v i_o wittness_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o assert_v the_o 3._o be_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o be_v it_o be_v affirm_v by_o one_o who_o ha●h_v a_o enlighten_v and_o habitual_o sanctify_a conscience_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o one_o who_o be_v act_v by_o he_o and_o in_o a_o sanctify_a frame_n for_o the_o present_a nay_o by_o one_o infallible_o guide_v and_o inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o his_o penman_n in_o write_v this_o as_o a_o piece_n and_o passage_n of_o divine_a scripture_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o speak_v particular_o to_o all_o the_o point_n of_o doctrine_n that_o may_v be_v deduce_v from_o these_o word_n but_o to_o such_o only_a as_o make_v for_o clea●ing_v the_o purpose_n that_o we_o have_v in_o hand_n and_o that_o be_v the_o particular_a influence_n that_o conscience_n have_v on_o a_o man_n in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o act_n and_o the_o particular_a respect_n that_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v to_o his_o conscience_n in_o carry_v it_o along_o with_o he_o in_o his_o action_n yet_o we_o shall_v pass_o point_v at_o and_o little_a more_o than_o name_n some_o general_a observation_n and_o then_o come_v to_o the_o particular_n that_o we_o main_o aim_v at_o and_o 1._o we_o observe_v this_o that_o a_o man_n conscience_n be_v some_o way_n different_a from_o himself_o as_o in_o some_o respect_n to_o speak_v so_o another_o party_n i_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o christ_n i_o lie_v not_o my_o conscience_n also_o bear_v i_o witness_n i_o and_o i_o be_v one_o thing_n and_o conscience_n as_o it_o be_v another_o and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n a_o three_o all_o which_o he_o join_v together_o yet_o so_o as_o he_o make_v they_o different_a party_n conscience_n i_o say_v consider_v as_o conscience_n and_o more_o especial_o as_o it_o be_v renew_v well_o inform_v and_o tender_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o its_o duty_n differ_v from_o the_o man_n himself_o 1._o in_o respect_n of_o its_o place_n of_o more_o direct_a and_o immediate_a subjection_n to_o god_n himself_o as_o it_o be_v master_n to_o receive_v i●'s_n order_n from_o he_o whereas_o the_o man_n be_v more_o direct_o and_o immediate_o subject_a to_o conscience_n by_o which_o as_o his_o deputy_n god_n rule_v he_o 2_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o office_n viz._n to_o dictat_fw-la to_o man_n what_o he_o shall_v do_v and_o what_o he_o shall_v not_o do_v and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o light_n that_o it_o have_v from_o god_n in_o his_o reveal_v will_n and_o word_n whereas_o man_n be_v not_o to_o dictat_fw-la to_o his_o conscience_n but_o to_o obey_v its_o dictate_v in_o ●o_o far_o as_o they_o agree_v with_o god_n reveal_v will_n and_o word_n 3_o in_o that_o by_o its_o office_n also_o it_o be_v to_o tell_v the_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v direct_v all_o his_o action_n to_o the_o right_a end_n viz._n the_o glory_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v office_n be_v not_o only_o to_o dictat_fw-la our_o way_n but_o to_o enjoin_v to_o we_o our_o end_n man_n have_v not_o a_o power_n or_o liberty_n allow_v to_o he_o to_o propose_v to_o himself_o what_o end_n he_o please_v such_o as_o profit_v pleasure_n or_o credit_n as_o his_o main_a end_n but_o be_v oblige_v to_o eye_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n as_o such_o which_o conscience_n by_o virtue_n of_o its_o office_n and_o act_v i●'s_n part_n aright_o though_o alace_o it_o often_o prove_v defective_a therein_o be_v corrupt_v and_o defile_v by_o sin_n enjoin_v he_o to_o do_v 4_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o different_a consideration_n and_o sense_n of_o thing_n it_o will_v often_o he_o displease_v accuse_v and_o condemn_v when_o the_o man_n himself_o will_v be_v well_o please_v it_o will_v judge_v a_o thing_n unworthy_a to_o be_v entertain_v which_o the_o man_n will_v judge_v worthy_a 〈◊〉_d entertain_v and_o so_o conscience_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v though_o have_v its_o 〈◊〉_d in_o man_n yet_o in_o many_o respect_n as_o some_o way_n different_a from_o he_o and_o 〈◊〉_d as_o it_o be_v to_o he_o and_o set_v over_o he_o as_o 〈◊〉_d hint_v before_o to_o be_v a_o guardian_n witness_n 〈◊〉_d or_o sensor_n to_o take_v notice_n o●_n he_o in_o all_o his_o action_n and_o carriage_n let_v no_o man_n then_o as_o the_o use_v of_o i●_n think_v that_o ever_o he_o be_v or_o can_v be_v alone_o so_o long_o as_o he_o have_v a_o conscience_n within_o he_o for_o he_o have_v still_o something_o to_o testify_v for_o or_o against_o he_o to_o reprove_v he_o for_o what_o be_v wrong_a and_o to_o commend_v he_o for_o that_o which_o be_v right_a and_o though_o many_o poor_a wretch_n be_v ready_a to_o think_v and_o 〈◊〉_d to_o fancy_v themselves_o to_o be_v quiet_a and_o well_o when_o they_o bli●_n or_o c●erize_v or_o bribe_v thei●_n conscience_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v still_o wait_v on_o they_o and_o watch_v they_o be_v all_o they_o do_v 2_o observe_v that_o conscience_n be_v a_o most_o divine_a thing_n therefore_o paul_n take_v it_o to_o be_v more_o impartial_a than_o himself_o and_o join_v it_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o testify_v if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o some_o respect_n a_o more_o divine_a thing_n th●_n the_o man_n himself_o such_o weight_n will_v not_o be_v lay_v on_o it_o and_o its_o testimony_n and_o if_o we_o look_v to_o these_o thing_n hint_v at_o in_o the_o forego_n observation_n viz._n to_o the_o immediate_a master_n of_o it_o god_n to_o the_o rul●_n that_o it_o walk_v by_o his_o will_n reveal_v in_o his_o word_n to_o the_o end_n it_o direct_v to_o or_o enjoin_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o whole_a way_n of_o of_o its_o consider_v and_o judge_v of_o thing_n not_o only_o as_o pleasant_a or_o
there_o be_v nothing_o ready_o that_o more_o comfort_v he_o in_o a_o strait_n it_o be_v asleep_o singular_o good_a backfriend_n therefore_o when_o paul_n have_v few_o other_o friend_n he_o make_v use_v of_o this_o and_o find_v much_o peace_n and_o comfort_n from_o it_o and_o hence_o he_o say_v 2_o cor._n 1._o 12._o our_o rejoice_v be_v this_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n etc._n etc._n to_o clear_v this_o in_o a_o word_n further_o it_o be_v in_o these_o three_o case_n exceed_v useful_a 1._o in_o the_o case_n of_o reproach_n i_o have_v say_v paul_n act_v 23._o 1._o live_v in_o all_o good_a conscience_n before_o god_n until_o this_o day_n and_o 2_o tim_n 1._o 3._o i_o thank_v god_n who_o i_o serve_v with_o pure_a conscience_n from_o my_o forefather_n 2_o in_o the_o case_n of_o some_o notable_a cross_n when_o christian_n be_v bring_v very_o low_a in_o a_o great_a measure_n outward_o afflict_v or_o under_o great_a persecution_n this_o be_v say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o pet._n 2._o 19_o 20._o thank_v worthy_a if_o a_o man_n for_o conscience_n towards_o god_n endure_v grief_n suffer_v wrongful_o for_o what_o glory_n be_v it_o if_o when_o you_o be_v buffet_v for_o your_o fault_n you_o shall_v take_v it_o patient_o but_o if_o when_o you_o do_v well_o and_o suffer_v for_o it_o and_o take_v it_o patient_o this_o be_v acceptable_a with_o god_n 3_o it_o be_v useful_a and_o comfortable_a as_o to_o our_o own_o peace_n in_o the_o case_n of_o challenge_n for_o guilt_n it_o silence_v and_o shoulder_n out_o all_o challenge_n and_o give_v holy_a boldness_n if_o our_o heart_n or_o conscience_n condemn_v we_o not_o say_v john_n 1_o ep._n chap_n 3._o v._n 21._o then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n the_o use_n serve_v to_o teach_v we_o to_o be_v much_o in_o love_n with_o such_o a_o way_n as_o we_o may_v have_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n in_o it_o and_o to_o be_v much_o in_o love_n with_o such_o a_o conscience_n as_o may_v give_v we_o such_o a_o comfortable_a testimony_n in_o all_o our_o strait_n and_o difficulty_n more_o particular_o we_o shall_v speak_v to_o that_o which_o we_o main_o aim_v at_o in_o these_o four_o or_o five_o observation_n consider_v then_o first_o what_o paul_n be_v about_o here_o he_o be_v assert_v a_o truth_n viz._n that_o he_o be_v in_o great_a beavines_n for_o his_o brethren_n and_o kinsman_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n and_o he_o atte_v his_o conscience_n that_o it_o be_v so_o and_o that_o he_o be_v honest_a and_o sincere_a in_o assert_v it_o whence_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o action_n of_o a_o man_n life_n but_o conscience_n have_v a_o concern_v in_o it_o and_o have_v something_o to_o say_v to_o he_o concern_v it_o if_o it_o be_v but_o the_o speak_n of_o a_o word_n let_v be_v the_o do_v of_o any_o bussiness_n conscience_n have_v always_o something_o to_o say_v for_o he_o or_o against_o he_o so_o that_o we_o may_v confident_o say_v there_o be_v no_o action_n of_o so_o little_a moment_n in_o thought_n word_n or_o deed_n as_o whither_o a_o man_n be_v call_v to_o do_v or_o forbear_v to_o speak_v or_o to_o be_v silent_a but_o in_o all_o these_o conscience_n have_v a_o sense_n and_o consideration_n of_o it_o and_o a_o testimony_n to_o give_v for_o or_o against_o the_o man_n about_o it_o i_o be_o not_o now_o speak_v of_o thing_n sinful_a or_o unlawful_a on_o the_o matter_n but_o of_o such_o thing_n as_o on_o the_o matter_n be_v lawful_a as_o when_o a_o man_n speak_v truth_n whither_o he_o speak_v it_o true_o and_o with_o a_o honest_a intention_n or_o not_o therefore_o when_o paul_n be_v speak_v a_o truth_n here_o he_o look_v to_o his_o conscience_n and_o hearken_v what_o it_o say_v put_v these_o four_o together_o and_o you_o will_v find_v it_o clear_a that_o a_o sanctify_a conscience_n in_o a_o sanctify_a and_o good_a frame_n will_v always_o have_v something_o to_o say_v for_o or_o against_o a_o man_n in_o every_o thing_n that_o he_o go_v about_o i_o say_v a_o sanctify_a conscience_n in_o a_o sanctify_a frame_n because_o that_o be_v the_o conscience_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o and_o the_o conscience_n that_o most_o complete_o discharge_v its_o duty_n 1_o if_o we_o consider_v this_o that_o there_o be_v no_o humane_a action_n but_o god_n have_v give_v man_n a_o rule_n direct_v how_o it_o shall_v be_v order_v how_o he_o shall_v eat_v and_o how_o he_o shall_v drink_v how_o he_o shall_v plough_v pray_v hear_v read_v confer_v how_o he_o shall_v walk_v in_o company_n and_o out_o of_o company_n how_o he_o shall_v go_v about_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o call_v and_o it_o prescribe_v the_o manner_n of_o do_v these_o thing_n as_o well_o as_o the_o matter_n therefore_o 1_o tim._n 3._o 16_o 1●_n it_o be_v say_v all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n and_o for_o correction_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v unto_o every_o good_a work_n it_o furnish_v he_o with_o light_n and_o direction_n not_o only_a in_o the_o matter_n as_o ●_o say_v but_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v 2._o 〈◊〉_d that_o a_o man_n in_o all_o his_o action_n be_v either_o walk_v according_a and_o agreeable_o to_o t●at_a rule_n or_o not_o his_o action_n be_v ei●her_o conform_v or_o disconform_v to_o the_o rule_n there_o be_v not_o a_o mid_n he_o either_o do_v according_a to_o it_o or_o he_o do_v not_o according_a to_o it_o if_o he_o do_v the_o action_n as_o the_o word_n prescribe_v conscience_n have_v something_o to_o say_v for_o he_o if_o no●_n it_o have_v something_o to_o say_v against_o he_o 3._o 〈◊〉_d that_o in_o all_o action_n as_o they_o be_v ●one_n or_o perform_v and_o as_o 〈◊〉_d god_n be_v either_o please_v or_o displease_v if_o the_o action_n be_v do_v according_a to_o his_o will_n he_o be_v please_v if_o it_o be_v not_o do_v according_a to_o his_o will_n he_o be_v displease_v 4._o con●ider_v that_o a_o sanctify_a conscience_n take_v up_o a_o man_n action_n and_o consider_v he_o in_o they_o not_o according_a to_o the_o matter_n only_o bu●_n also_o as_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o rule_n for_o the_o manner_n principle_n motive_n and_o end_n and_o testifi_v of_o they_o according_o so_o that_o if_o god_n have_v a_o interest_n in_o all_o a_o man_n action_n a_o sanctify_a conscience_n have_v also_o a_o interest_n in_o they_o i_o say_v a_o sanctify_a conscience_n because_o it_o most_o single_o plea●eth_v god_n interest_n this_o be_v true_a also_o of_o a_o natural_a conscience_n according_a to_o its_o light_n for_o even_o such_o a_o conscience_n as_o it_o be_v say_v rom._n 2._o 5._o bear_v witness_v and_o the_o gentile_n show_v the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heat●s_n their_o conscience_n also_o bear_v witness_n and_o their_o thought_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n accuse_v or_o else_o excuse_v one_o another_o and_o there_o be_v no_o natural_a man_n if_o he_o take_v heed_n to_o his_o conscience_n in_o the_o do_n of_o any_o action_n but_o will_v find_v conscience_n according_a to_o its_o light_n speak_v either_o for_o he_o or_o against_o he_o either_o accuse_v or_o else_o excuse_v he_o but_o this_o be_v much_o more_o to_o be_v find_v be_v a_o sanctify_a conscience_n because_o it_o have_v much_o more_o light_n and_o much_o more_o tenderness_n to_o act_v according_a ●o_o that_o light_n and_o therefore_o it_o will_v find_v itself_o much_o more_o concern_v in_o the_o action_n of_o a_o believer_n the_o first_o use_n be_v for_o information_n and_o instruction_n in_o a_o ma●n_n practical_a point_n of_o religion_n relate_v to_o man_n conversation_n most_o man_n 〈◊〉_d think_v that_o conscience_n be_v not_o concern_v except_o in_o some_o great_a thing_n some_o palpable_o sinful_a thing_n or_o some_o thing_n immediate_o relate_v to_o religion_n and_o that_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n they_o may_v live_v as_o they_o like_v without_o take_v notice_n of_o conscience_n but_o ●_o s●y_o and_o have_v clear_v it_o that_o conscience_n have_v ●n_v 〈◊〉_d and_o concern_v in_o every_o action_n not_o only_o as_o to_o put_v man_n to_o undertake_v it_o whereof_o we_o speak_v before_o but_o also_o as_o to_o their_o manner_n of_o perform_v the_o same_o it_o not_o only_o put_v a_o man_n to_o think_v speak_v or_o do_v but_o it_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o think_n speak_a and_o do_v conscience_n in_o every_o one_o of_o these_o have_v somewhat_o to_o say_v viz._n that_o we_o be_v either_o right_a or_o wrong_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o all_o a_o christian_a man_n action_n may_v be_v take_v up_o in_o a_o twofold_a respect_n or_o under_o a_o twofold_a consideration_n 1._o
in_o respect_n of_o the_o external_a action_n itself_o or_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o even_o though_o we_o consider_v they_o as_o indifferent_a as_o whether_o a_o man_n stay_v at_o home_n or_o go_v abroad_o eat_v now_o or_o for_o bear_v eat_v etc._n etc._n 2._o as_o these_o action_n be_v christian_n in_o which_o respect_n man_n be_v not_o only_o to_o look_v on_o the_o action_n ●t_a self_n mater●ally_o consider_v but_o they_o be_v also_o to_o look_v to_o the_o rule_v give_v to_o direct_v they_o how_o to_o walk_v christianly_o in_o that_o action_n for_o there_o be_v many_o action_n good_a in_o themselves_o or_o in_o the_o first_o respect_n that_o will_v not_o be_v find_v to_o be_v christianly_o and_o religious_o good_a or_o good_a in_o this_o second_o respect_n the_o christian_a shall_v love_v god_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n soul_n strength_n and_o mind_n mat._n 22._o 37._o he_o be_v not_o his_o own_o he_o be_v buy_v with_o a_o price_n and_o therefore_o shall_v glorify_v go●_n in_o his_o body_n and_o spirit_n which_o be_v god_n 1_o cor._n 6._o 20._o ●hether_o he_o eat_v or_o drink_v or_o whatever_o he_o do_v he_o shall_v do_v all_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 10._o 30._o which_o three_o general_a precept_n show_v that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o level_v our_o action_n as_o mere_o natural_a m●n_z do_v but_o as_o it_o become_v christian_n to_o level_v they_o at_o his_o glory_n as_o the_o great_a end_n and_o scope_n of_o they_o that_o to_o we_o to_o live_v may_v be_v christ_n that_o we_o may_v live_v to_o he_o and_o glorify_v he_o who_o have_v buy_v we_o and_o that_o from_o a_o principle_n of_o love_n to_o he_o who_o have_v love_v we_o now_o conscience_n come_v not_o in_o formal_o to_o deal_v on_o the_o first_o account_n that_o be_v as_o the_o action_n be_v good_a in_o itself_o or_o on_o the_o matter_n there_o reason_n and_o judgement_n come_v in_o rather_o and_o tell_v when_o a_o man_n do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a or_o 〈◊〉_d on_o the_o matter_n but_o conscience_n come_v in_o on_o the_o second_o account_v and_o tell_v he_o when_o his_o action_n be_v do_v christianly_o 〈◊〉_d wi●_n in_o due_a manner_n from_o a_o right_a principle_n and_o to_o a_o right_a 〈◊〉_d to_o make_v this_o out_o it_o will_v be_v needful_a that_o we_o short_o speak_v a_o word_n to_o these_o two_o 1._o we_o shall_v show_v what_o make_v a_o action_n true_o christian_n and_o religious_a 2._o we_o shall_v show_v that_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n that_o make_v a_o action_n such_o conscience_n have_v something_o to_o say_v to_o man_n whether_o ●t_a be_v so_o with_o they_o as_o for_o the_o first_o i_o speak_v no●_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o action_n or_o what_o make_v it_o good_a in_o that_o respect_n as_o that_o it_o be_v warrantable_a and_o in_o nothing_o sinful_a as_o to_o the_o matter_n such_o as_o be_v ●aring_v drink_v hear_v read_v pray_v etc._n etc._n beside_o this_o there_o be_v these_o four_o which_o must_v be_v present_a and_o careful_o carry_v along_o in_o every_o action_n by_o the_o man_n that_o will_v act_v christianly_o and_o glorify_v god_n therein_o the_o want_n of_o which_o or_o o●_n any_o of_o these_o will_v make_v conscience_n to_o have_v something_o to_o say_v against_o he_o as_o ground_n of_o challenge_n as_o the_o have_v of_o they_o will_v make_v conscience_n to_o ●ay_n for_o he_o and_o approve_v he_o the_o 1._o of_o these_o be_v that_o a_o man_n action_n be_v level_v at_o a_o high_a end_n than_o himself_o and_o that_o be_v god_n honour_n and_o the_o ●fication_n of_o other_o as_o for_o instance_n man_n even_o in_o their_o eat_n and_o drink_v be_v not_o to_o satisfy_v themselves_o or_o to_o gratify_v their_o appetite_n only_o but_o they_o be_v to_o make_v their_o eat_n and_o drink_v a_o mean_a to_o promove_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n as_o the_o great_a and_o ultimat_fw-la end_n sit_v down_o on_o a_o ●our_n end_n will_v furnish_v a_o ground_n of_o challenge_n to_o the_o conscience_n against_o the_o person_n the_o second_o be_v that_o it_o be_v from_o a_o cleanly_a motive_n that_o not_o only_o it_o be_v a_o lawful_a and_o good_a thing_n which_o we_o do_v but_o that_o it_o be_v do_v out_o of_o conscience_n to_o god_n and_o as_o service_n to_o he_o for_o a_o man_n may_v do_v a_o good_a action_n and_o not_o do_v it_o as_o such_o as_o for_o instance_n one_o man_n may_v give_v alm_n and_o sin_n in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o and_o another_o in_o give_v may_v off●r_v a_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n to_o god_n therefore_o christ_n say_v math._n 10._o 42_o and_o mark_v 9_o 41._o whosoever_o give_v to_o drink_v to_o one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o a_o cup_n of_o cold_a water_n in_o the_o name_n as_o a_o disciple_n viz._n consider_v he_o as_o such_o and_o give_v it_o to_o he_o as_o such_o a_o one_o or_o in_o the_o name_n of_o and_o because_o he_o belong_v to_o 〈◊〉_d on_o that_o account_n and_o under_o that_o consideration_n and_o be_v swey_v by_o that_o as_o his_o motive_n very_o he_o shall_v in_o no_o way_n loss_n his_o reward_n this_o two_o man_n may_v suffer_v both_o a_o like_a unjust_o from_o a_o churlish_a master_n or_o superior_a the_o one_o of_o who_o may_v have_v no_o thanks_o nor_o peace_n in_o his_o suffering_n when_o the_o other_o suffer_v christianly_o out_o of_o conscience_n to_o god_n and_o in_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n that_o call_v he_o to_o it_o be_v accept_v and_o have_v peace_n this_o be_v thank_v worthy_a say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o pet._n 2._o 19_o if_o a_o man_n for_o conscience_n sake_n endure_v grief_n and_o suffer_v wrongful_o so_o in_o the_o love_n of_o a_o husband_n to_o his_o wife_n and_o of_o a_o parent_n to_o he_o or_o her_o child_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o love_v on_o a_o mere_a natural_a account_n and_o another_o thing_n to_o love_v such_o a_o relation_n christianly_o and_o out_o of_o conscience_n to_o god_n though_o the_o former_a be_v not_o condemn_v yet_o it_o be_v this_o latter_a that_o make_v it_o to_o be_v a_o conscientious_a and_o acceptable_a love_n before_o god_n the_o 3_o be_v that_o the_o action_n be_v go_v about_o in_o the_o right_a manner_n as_o such_o a_o particular_a action_n or_o duty_n be_v command_v to_o be_v do_v as_o for_o instance_n if_o it_o be_v a_o word_n of_o instruction_n or_o admonition_n give_v by_o we_o to_o another_o that_o it_o be_v give_v prudent_o love_o and_o tender_o or_o what_o ever_o the_o action_n be_v in_o reference_n to_o other_o that_o our_o manner_n of_o go_v about_o it_o be_v such_o as_o may_v adorn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o make_v the_o action_n to_o shine_v the_o more_o convince_o to_o other_o because_o of_o our_o suitable_a way_n of_o discharge_v it_o that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o testimony_n in_o their_o conscience_n and_o may_v gain_v they_o or_o further_o gain_v they_o to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o godliness_n but_o this_o can_v be_v so_o well_o instance_a in_o particular_n because_o several_a duty_n require_v their_o own_o suitable_a way_n of_o perform_v of_o they_o the_o four_o thing_n that_o must_v go_v along_o with_o every_o action_n be_v that_o it_o be_v mix_v with_o faith_n heb._n 4._o 2._o not_o only_o the_o faith_n of_o such_o a_o action_n be_v good_a and_o lawful_a in_o itself_o for_o that_o be_v always_o presuppose_v but_o these_o two_o thing_n here_o be_v further_a requisite_a 1._o that_o the_o action_n or_o duty_n be_v go_v about_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o jesus_n christ_n so_o that_o it_o may_v have_v a_o superior_a spiritual_a principle_n to_o wit_n god_n strength_n act_v in_o it_o and_o not_o our_o own_o simple_o that_o crowd_n of_o witness_n chronicle_v heb._n 11._o be_v say_v to_o do_v all_o they_o do_v this_o way_n viz._n by_o faith_n that_o be_v not_o only_o by_o faith_n exercise_v on_o christ_n for_o accept_v of_o they_o but_o also_o by_o faith_n exercise_v on_o the_o strength_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v bear_v through_o in_o the_o do_n of_o what_o they_o do_v 2._o that_o not_o only_a faith_n be_v exercise_v for_o divine_a strength_n in_o do_v and_o that_o the_o doer_n be_v deny_v to_o their_o own_o strength_n but_o that_o there_o be_v also_o a_o rest_v on_o christ_n for_o the_o acceptation_n of_o their_o person_n and_o performance_n and_o this_o be_v al●e_o requisite_a as_o any_o of_o the_o former_a because_o though_o a_o person_n do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a in_o itself_o and_o have_v all_o the_o other_o requisit_n to_o the_o action_n yet_o if_o there_o be_v a_o fall_n in_o this_o conscience_n will_v not_o speak_v peace_n by_o faith_n it_o be_v say_v heb._n 11._o 4_o 5._o that_o abel_n offer_v a_o more_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n than_o cain_n
it_o not_o except_o you_o think_v that_o there_o be_v some_o part_n of_o your_o life_n that_o shall_v not_o at_o all_o be_v religious_a but_o that_o you_o be_v leave_v in_o they_o to_o live_v as_o you_o list_v it_o be_v ofttimes_o our_o fault_n that_o we_o limit_v conscience_n to_o this_o and_o that_o particular_a action_n that_o be_v of_o some_o considerable_a concernment_n and_o some_o way_n shut_v it_o out_o as_o have_v no_o concern_n in_o these_o of_o lesser_a moment_n and_o many_o alace_o shoulder_n it_o out_o from_o the_o tract_n of_o their_o life_n and_o current_n of_o their_o action_n o_o let_v this_o by_o any_o mean_n be_v amend_v sermon_n ii_o rome_n 9_o 1._o i_o say_v the_o truth_n in_o christ_n i_o lie_v not_o my_o conscience_n also_o bear_v i_o witness_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n christian_n who_o have_v such_o a_o vigilant_a and_o constant_a attendant_n as_o conscience_n wait_v on_o they_o have_v much_o need_n of_o watchfulness_n that_o they_o may_v be_v keep_v in_o some_o suitableness_n of_o frame_n for_o entertain_v that_o companion_n conscience_n its_o work_n be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v advise_v and_o deliberate_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v but_o also_o to_o be_v wait_v on_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o act_n and_o perform_v of_o what_o it_o have_v be_v advise_v to_o and_o it_o be_v indeed_o no_o less_o practic_a to_o carry_v conscience_n along_o in_o the_o perform_n of_o duty_n than_o it_o be_v in_o take_v some_o pain_n to_o consult_v it_o and_o advise_v with_o it_o at_o the_o undertake_n thereof_o so_o as_o we_o may_v be_v answerable_a to_o conscience_n as_o to_o both_o ofttimes_o some_o pain_n will_v be_v take_v in_o deliberate_v and_o advise_v with_o conscience_n what_o and_o when_o we_o shall_v do_v when_o we_o will_v exceed_o relent_v in_o take_v it_o along_o with_o we_o in_o the_o performance_n whence_o it_o frequent_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o we_o lose_v the_o peace_n we_o gain_v in_o advise_v with_o conscience_n at_o our_o 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conscience_n and_o study_v to_o carry_v it_o along_o with_o he_o in_o the_o very_a time_n of_o his_o act_n our_o heart_n be_v like_a to_o a_o distemper_a clock_n or_o watch_n which_o be_v just_a now_o set_v never_o so_o right_a ere_o we_o be_v aware_a it_o will_v go_v wrong_a it_o will_v point_v the_o hour_n aright_o now_o and_o within_o a_o little_a it_o be_v quite_o out_o of_o course_n because_o there_o be_v some_o defect_n or_o fault_n within_o the_o wheel_n not_o be_v even_o or_o the_o balance_n not_o just_o poise_v or_o some_o other_o such_o cause_n even_o so_o though_o our_o heart_n be_v in_o a_o suitable_a frame_n just_a now_o present_o and_o ere_o we_o turn_v we_o about_o as_o it_o be_v it_o be_v out_o of_o frame_n so_o that_o we_o can_v well_o take_v our_o aim_n from_o it_o it_o be_v so_o very_o deceitful_a that_o it_o abide_v not_o in_o frame_n 3_o consider_v that_o unless_o this_o reflect_v on_o conscience_n in_o the_o time_n of_o perform_v the_o action_n or_o duty_n be_v a_o man_n will_v be_v at_o a_o loss_n of_o one_o of_o these_o two_o he_o will_v either_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n as_o to_o his_o ●ober_a compose_a and_o holy_a frame_n and_o turn_v carnal_a which_o be_v frequent_o and_o ready_o incident_a even_o to_o believer_n or_o he_o will_v be_v at_o a_o loss_n as_o to_o the_o confidence_n boldness_n and_o peace_n that_o he_o may_v otherwise_o have_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o such_o a_o action_n or_o duty_n for_o suppose_v a_o person_n to_o be_v in_o a_o good_a frame_n after_o he_o have_v resolve_v on_o a_o duty_n let_v it_o be_v for_o instance_n speak_v to_o edification_n go_v about_o prayer_n or_o the_o make_n of_o some_o lawful_a bargain_n or_o the_o like_a and_o he_o have_v abundant_a light_n and_o clearness_n in_o his_o call_n to_o the_o thing_n yet_o if_o he_o look_v not_o to_o and_o reflect_v not_o on_o conscience_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o that_o duty_n when_o a_o challenge_n come_v on_o the_o back_n of_o it_o as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v 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a_o civil_a action_n such_o as_o buy_v and_o sell_v a_o religious_a action_n such_o as_o pray_v or_o hear_v etc._n etc._n he_o will_v look_v that_o in_o they_o all_o he_o be_v single_a that_o his_o eat_v and_o drink_v be_v to_o fit_v he_o to_o serve_v god_n that_o in_o his_o buy_v and_o sell_v he_o seek_v not_o only_o his_o own_o thing_n but_o the_o good_a of_o his_o neighbour_n as_o well_o as_o his_o own_o good_a that_o in_o his_o pray_v or_o hear_v he_o be_v sincere_a that_o it_o be_v in_o faith_n and_o according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n 2_o he_o will_v reflect_v on_o himself_o in_o the_o perform_n of_o his_o action_n that_o he_o be_v in_o a_o right_a frame_n that_o he_o be_v tender_a and_o sincere_a that_o some_o awe_n of_o god_n and_o of_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v on_o he_o that_o his_o spirit_n be_v sober_a and_o compose_v that_o a_o carnal_a frame_n steal_v not_o in_o upon_o he_o in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o do_v a_o warrantable_a action_n or_o a_o command_v duty_n because_o that_o will_v mar_v it_o 3_o he_o will_v reflect_v upon_o his_o conscience_n that_o he_o may_v hear_v what_o it_o say_v of_o the_o action_n he_o will_v not_o as_o it_o be_v take_v his_o testimony_n from_o himself_o but_o conscience_n be_v as_o a_o distinct_a thing_n some_o way_n from_o himself_o he_o will_v hear_v what_o it_o say_v as_o paul_n do_v here_o it_o be_v truth_n which_o he_o speak_v and_o he_o speak_v it_o in_o the_o right_a manner_n and_o yet_o he_o take_v a_o look_n of_o his_o conscience_n if_o he_o be_v do_v so_o in_o very_a deed_n to_o wit_n sincere_o as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n yea_o more_o he_o take_v the_o testimony_n of_o his_o conscience_n if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o and_o thus_o here_o he_o look_v not_o to_o nor_o reflect_v on_o his_o conscience_n to_o alter_v any_o piece_n of_o his_o way_n but_o to_o have_v its_o sense_n of_o that_o piece_n of_o it_o he_o gather_v that_o the_o action_n be_v good_a from_o the_o word_n and_o he_o inquire_v if_o he_o be_v and_o collect_v that_o he_o be_v right_a in_o the_o performance_n from_o his_o conscience_n testify_v according_a to_o the_o word_n so_o that_o he_o will_v not_o trust_v himself_o but_o go_v to_o conscience_n as_o be_v more_o impartial_a to_o take_v its_o testimony_n the_o reason_n then_o as_o i_o say_v before_o why_o few_o christian_n have_v solid_a peace_n be_v this_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o action_n be_v good_a and_o if_o they_o can_v answer_v their_o light_n therein_o they_o reflect_v but_o little_a on_o their_o conscience_n in_o the_o perform_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o want_v much_o of_o the_o peace_n and_o consolation_n that_o may_v otherwise_o accompany_v they_o in_o their_o action_n and_o when_o they_o be_v do_v and_o over_o and_o this_o evidence_n of_o tenderness_n kythe_n rather_o when_o a_o man_n be_v in_o the_o act_n then_o either_o before_o or_o after_o for_o fear_n or_o awe_n may_v make_v a_o man_n seek_v light_a before_o a_o action_n and_o a_o challenge_n may_v put_v he_o to_o reflect_v and_o examine_v when_o he_o have_v do_v but_o here_o main_o lie_v the_o evidence_n of_o sincerity_n and_o tenderness_n when_o in_o every_o step_n all_o along_o the_o action_n or_o duty_n so_o far_o as_o be_v requisite_a and_o humane_a infirmity_n will_v admit_v he_o take_v heed_n what_o he_o be_v do_v and_o as_o we_o say_v the_o other_o day_n that_o it_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o a_o tender_a conscience_n to_o be_v always_o meddle_v in_o every_o thing_n that_o a_o man_n do_v so_o we_o say_v now_o that_o it_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o a_o tender_a man_n to_o listen_v and_o hear_v what_o censure_n his_o conscience_n pass_v on_o he_o in_o perform_v his_o action_n the_o 2d_o use_v be_v for_o reproof_n ah_o may_v we_o not_o find_v but_o by_o overly_o reflection_n if_o we_o do_v advise_v with_o conscience_n at_o our_o undertake_n of_o such_o a_o work_n or_o duty_n that_o yet_o in_o the_o time_n of_o do_v it_o there_o be_v but_o little_o reflect_v on_o our_o conscience_n if_o it_o do_v bear_v we_o witness_v of_o our_o sincerity_n in_o go_v about_o it_o how_o many_o time_n will_v man_n and_o woman_n be_v find_v eat_v drink_v buy_v sell_v go_v or_o ride_v a_o lawful_a journey_n speak_v of_o a_o sermon_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o in_o these_o action_n but_o seldom_o or_o never_o look_v in_o if_o they_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o their_o conscience_n that_o they_o be_v right_a in_o their_o go_v about_o of_o these_o thing_n can_v this_o i_o pray_v speak_v a_o tender_a frame_n that_o be_v so_o
neglective_a of_o conscience_n it_o be_v certain_o a_o evidence_n of_o one_fw-mi untender_a frame_n in_o believer_n and_o where_o ever_o it_o be_v habitual_a and_o regnant_a it_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o a_o evil_a state_n for_o if_o one_o be_v a_o tender_a christian_a when_o shall_v his_o conscience_n be_v tender_a if_o not_o in_o the_o nick_n of_o the_o performance_n of_o a_o action_n for_o that_o be_v the_o time_n when_o he_o will_v or_o shall_v be_v level_v lest_o he_o miss_v the_o mark_n and_o know_v how_o fickle_a and_o unconstant_a he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o have_v a_o heart_n like_o a_o unsteady_a hand_n how_o shall_v he_o guard_v against_o its_o levity_n and_o unstablenesse_n the_o 3d._n use_v be_v of_o exhortation_n to_o advert_v more_o to_o this_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n in_o perform_v duty_n o_o learn_v to_o reflect_v on_o yourselves_o in_o every_o thing_n and_o to_o ask_v yourselves_o what_o you_o be_v do_v that_o you_o may_v know_v if_o you_o be_v right_a or_o wrong_n if_o wrong_n that_o you_o may_v take_v with_o it_o and_o be_v humble_v for_o it_o if_o right_a that_o you_o may_v be_v comfort_v in_o it_o we_o conceive_v this_o will_v be_v a_o notable_a guard_n to_o tenderness_n and_o keep_v communion_n with_o god_n and_o a_o sovereign_a help_n to_o prevent_v many_o sin_n and_o much_o hypocrisy_n in_o our_o way_n of_o do_v thing_n even_o to_o be_v take_v exact_a notice_n if_o we_o be_v indeed_o do_v that_o which_o we_o profess_v to_o be_v do_v if_o we_o be_v speak_v to_o edification_n if_o we_o be_v pray_v in_o earnest_n when_o we_o pretend_v to_o be_v pray_v etc._n etc._n 2_o observe_v that_o when_o conscience_n be_v well_o satisfy_v in_o a_o particular_a action_n or_o duty_n it_o can_v signify_v its_o sense_n thereof_o to_o the_o man_n that_o perform_v it_o and_o speak_v a_o good_a word_n for_o he_o this_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o paul_n con_n science_n do_v here_o he_o be_v sincere_a in_o the_o thing_n that_o he_o assert_n and_o it_o bear_v he_o witness_v of_o his_o sincerity_n when_o he_o advert_v to_o it_o first_o i_o say_v conscience_n can_v signify_v its_o mind_n and_o sense_n of_o a_o particular_a action_n or_o duty_n if_o it_o be_v well_o please_v and_o can_v speak_v a_o good_a word_n for_o the_o man_n it_o can_v signify_v its_o mind_n at_o any_o time_n but_o when_o it_o be_v well_o plea●ed_v it_o signify_v it_o by_o testify_v for_o the_o man_n and_o 2_o i_o say_v that_o not_o only_o do_v it_o testify_v its_o satisfaction_n with_o the_o action_n but_o with_o every_o thing_n in_o it_o when_o there_o be_v a_o right_a end_n a_o right_a motive_n and_o a_o right_a manner_n of_o performance_n when_o christ_n be_v due_o respect_v in_o it_o and_o make_v use_v of_o for_o strength_n and_o acceptance_n and_o 3_o i_o add_v this_o if_o man_n advert_v to_o it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v because_o it_o have_v something_o to_o say_v always_o yet_o man_n will_v not_o hear_v nor_o know_v what_o it_o say_v except_o they_o advert_v well_o and_o reflect_v and_o take_v good_a heed_n to_o it_o 3_o observe_v that_o it_o be_v very_o strengthen_v confirm_v comfort_a refresh_a and_o satisfy_v to_o a_o man_n in_o a_o particular_a action_n to_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o his_o conscience_n for_o he_o this_o bear_v paul_n through_o here_o amid_o all_o challenge_n that_o may_v have_v be_v raise_v from_o seek_v of_o himself_o or_o from_o follow_v revenge_n in_o what_o he_o assert_n there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n say_v he_o my_o conscience_n bear_v i_o witness_v of_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v not_o a_o man_n action_n simple_o that_o will_v give_v he_o boldness_n confidence_n and_o comfort_n for_o several_a person_n may_v concur_v in_o one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o good_a action_n on_o the_o matter_n and_o yet_o some_o may_v have_v a_o good_a 〈◊〉_d other_o a_o evil_a conscience_n in_o it_o be_v it_o but_o as_o to_o a_o man_n thought_n and_o opinion_n of_o himself_o for_o it_o be_v not_o he_o that_o commend_v himself_o but_o he_o who_o god_n commend_v that_o be_v approven_v when_o conscience_n i_o say_v bear_v witness_n for_o a_o man_n it_o be_v a_o very_a strengthen_n confirm_v and_o satisfy_v thing_n the_o reason_n be_v 1._o because_o conscience_n be_v the_o more_o single_a and_o impartial_a judge_n and_o witness_n and_o therefore_o a_o man_n may_v lay_v the_o more_o weight_n on_o it_o 2_o because_o conscience_n speak_v and_o bear_v witness_n with_o respect_n to_o god_n and_o when_o it_o testify_v on_o solid_a ground_n it_o be_v god_n testimony_n now_o when_o a_o debate_n arise_v in_o a_o man_n about_o any_o of_o his_o action_n the_o man_n himself_o be_v the_o party_n arraign_v the_o challenge_n or_o tentation_n be_v the_o party_n accuse_v and_o conscience_n be_v as_o the_o witness_n or_o judge_n that_o decide_v and_o be_v unbiased_n it_o bear_v witness_n and_o pass_v the_o sentence_n true_o and_o impartial_o it_o as_o it_o be_v say_v it_o be_v true_a he_o say_v such_o and_o such_o a_o thing_n and_o that_o sincere_o and_o i_o know_v that_o his_o thought_n and_o intention_n be_v honest_a and_o thus_o conscience_n decide_v the_o debate_n in_o his_o favour_n if_o so_o be_v he_o have_v it_o on_o his_o side_n and_o so_o confirm_v and_o comfort_v he_o the_o use_n be_v to_o exhort_v you_o to_o lay_v more_o weight_n on_o conscience_n and_o on_o its_o testimony_n and_o less_o weight_n on_o any_o other_o thing_n for_o it_o will_v not_o be_v your_o good_a meaning_n nor_o good_a hope_n as_o you_o use_v to_o speak_v but_o a_o sanctify_a conscience_n in_o a_o sanctify_a frame_n that_o will_v be_v find_v fit_a to_o decide_v in_o any_o action_n 4_o observe_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n speak_v ing_z for_o a_o man_n and_o his_o perform_n of_o a_o good_a action_n on_o the_o matter_n be_v separable_a that_o be_v a_o man_n may_v do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a in_o itself_o and_o yet_o not_o have_v a_o positive_a and_o approbative_a testimony_n from_o his_o conscience_n concern_v it_o otherways_o paul_n need_v not_o to_o have_v attest_v his_o conscience_n if_o he_o have_v not_o know_v that_o conscience_n its_o testimony_n may_v have_v be_v separate_a from_o what_o he_o speak_v it_o be_v well_o enough_o know_v that_o he_o be_v say_v his_o heart_n be_v grieve_v for_o the_o rejection_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o the_o question_n be_v if_o he_o have_v say_v it_o honest_o and_o sincere_o and_o he_o assert_n that_o he_o have_v conscience_n its_o testimony_n for_o that_o as_o a_o distinct_a thing_n there_o be_v but_o too_o many_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v there_o not_o many_o who_o speak_v good_a word_n and_o do_v good_a deed_n on_o the_o matter_n who_o yet_o have_v not_o a_o good_a conscience_n in_o the_o speak_n and_o do_v of_o they_o as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o amaziah_n 2_o chro●_n 25._o 2._o he_o do_v that_o which_o be_v right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o not_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n so_o it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o many_o other_o that_o they_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a for_o the_o matter_n but_o they_o want_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o this_o will_v be_v further_a clear_a if_o we_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n that_o concur_v to_o make_v a_o action_n true_o and_o christianly_o good_a such_o as_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o other_o day_n many_o care_n for_o no_o more_o but_o that_o the_o action_n be_v good_a for_o the_o matter_n but_o it_o be_v moreover_o requisite_a that_o it_o be_v good_a as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o performance_n that_o it_o be_v from_o a_o right_a motive_n to_o a_o right_a end_n do_v in_o faith_n by_o strength_n draw_v from_o christ_n and_o with_o a_o eye_n to_o acceptance_n on_o his_o account_n a_o corrupt_a end_n in_o prayer_n in_o come_v to_o the_o church_n to_o hear_v in_o read_v the_o word_n or_o in_o any_o other_o duty_n will_v spoil_v the_o action_n 2_o that_o there_o be_v different_a rule_n to_o try_v these_o by_o there_o be_v one_o rule_n to_o regulat_fw-la we_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o action_n and_o another_o to_o regulat_fw-la our_o manner_n of_o go_v about_o they_o and_o a_o good_a conscience_n look_v to_o both_o these_o rule_n and_o if_o anyof_o the_o requisite_a qualification_n to_o the_o suitable_a and_o acceptable_a performance_n of_o they_o be_v absent_a and_o want_v in_o so_o far_o conscience_n will_v withhold_v its_o positive_a approve_v testimony_n a_o good_a conscience_n its_o testimony_n be_v like_o the_o harmony_n of_o a_o well_o tune_a instrument_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o have_v all_o the_o string_n on_o
now_o be_v and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v that_o the_o great_a difficulty_n shall_v not_o fright_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d nor_o faint_v we_o in_o the_o vigorous_a constant_a and_o close_a pursuit_n of_o it_o we_o shall_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o this_o piece_n of_o godliness_n in_o particular_a that_o lie_v in_o the_o conscientious_o tender_a order_n and_o disposal_n of_o all_o our_o action_n in_o order_n to_o win_v at_o the_o joyful_a testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n concern_v they_o have_v much_o difficulty_n in_o it_o as_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o natural_a levity_n waver_v and_o instability_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o mighty_o oppose_v by_o satan_n as_o greedy_a prejudicial_a to_o his_o interest_n in_o the_o soul_n yet_o it_o be_v so_o very_o excellent_a and_o so_o exceed_o useful_a and_o profitable_a to_o the_o christian_a as_o we_o make_v appear_v from_o our_o last_o discourse_n on_o these_o word_n that_o all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o it_o may_v be_v the_o more_o easy_o digest_v it_o have_v as_o the_o other_o duty_n of_o religion_n have_v when_o right_o go_v about_o its_o reward_n in_o the_o bosom_n thereof_o o_o what_o sweet_a peace_n what_o strong_a consolation_n and_o what_o unspeakable_a joy_n have_v the_o apostle_n here_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o his_o conscience_n after_o discover_v his_o action_n to_o be_v so_o order_v by_o this_o serious_a self-reflection_n and_o examination_n whereof_o special_a notice_n will_v be_v take_v we_o shall_v therefore_o now_o proceed_v to_o observe_v some_o thing_n more_o particular_o from_o the_o text_n to_o this_o purpose_n first_o then_o observe_v that_o when_o conscience_n be_v well_o please_v with_o a_o man_n way_n it_o will_v give_v a_o testimony_n for_o he_o or_o when_o conscience_n have_v put_v a_o man_n way_n to_o proof_n it_o will_v not_o only_o in_o the_o general_n speak_v its_o sense_n but_o when_o his_o way_n be_v well_o order_v and_o square_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o he_o in_o his_o design_n be_v find_v straight_o and_o to_o have_v take_v his_o aim_n right_a conscience_n will_v after_o examination_n excuse_n and_o bear_v he_o witness_v to_o his_o joy_n thus_o be_v paul_n deal_v with_o here_o by_o his_o conscience_n this_o be_v our_o rejoice_v say_v he_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n which_o be_v not_o simple_o conscience_n speak_v but_o conscience_n speak_v for_o vindicate_v he_o from_o these_o aspersion_n that_o be_v cast_v upon_o he_o or_o excuse_v he_o as_o the_o word_n be_v rom._n 2._o 15._o and_o testify_v that_o he_o be_v not_o the_o man_n that_o some_o man_n count_v he_o to_o be_v he_o have_v this_o testimony_n that_o in_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n not_o with_o fleshly_a wisdom_n but_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n he_o have_v his_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o more_o abundant_o towards_o they_o in_o corinth_n which_o after_o search_n he_o find_v to_o be_v so_o that_o which_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o conscience_n make_v this_o out_o for_o conscience_n when_o right_a speak_v of_o thing_n as_o they_o indeed_o be_v and_o hold_v forth_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o give_v sentence_n according_a to_o it_o when_o he_o be_v well_o please_v to_o declare_v and_o pronounce_v pardon_n and_o peace_n and_o when_o he_o be_v displease_v to_o declare_v anger_n and_o as_o it_o be_v to_o denunce_v war._n whereof_o we_o will_v make_v this_o use_n even_o to_o learn_v not_o only_o to_o study_v to_o know_v take_v up_o and_o discern_v the_o work_n 〈◊〉_d conscience_n in_o challenge_v and_o accuse_v which_o for_o ●ost_o part_v it_o do_v have_v so_o much_o ground_n to_o do_v so_o but_o ●so_o its_o work_n in_o absolve_v excuse_v and_o give_v a_o good_a testimony_n 2_o observe_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n or_o its_o bear_a witness_n for_o a_o man_n after_o reflect_v upon_o and_o search_v of_o his_o way_n be_v exceed_v refreshful_a comfortable_a and_o joyous_a this_o be_v our_o rejoice_v say_v the_o apostle_n the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o heartsome_a refresh_v and_o cheer_v to_o a_o tender_a walker_n neither_o can_v there_o ready_o be_v any_o thing_n on_o this_o side_n heaven_n more_o solacious_a and_o joyous_a to_o he_o then_o when_o he_o have_v examine_v his_o conscience_n to_o find_v it_o testify_v for_o he_o this_o be_v the_o great_a ground_n of_o paul_n joy_n and_o rejoice_v though_o he_o live_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o manifold_a temptation_n and_o tribulation_n and_o be_v account_v to_o be_v the_o most_o contemptible_a of_o man_n even_o as_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o offscouring_a of_o all_o thing_n yet_o he_o have_v solid_a peace_n and_o joy_n on_o this_o ground_n that_o when_o he_o look_v back_o on_o his_o way_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o his_o ministry_n his_o conscience_n bear_v he_o witness_v that_o he_o have_v be_v single_a and_o faithful_a therein_o and_o as_o it_o be_v thus_o with_o paul_n so_o it_o have_v be_v with_o many_o of_o the_o lord_n people_n who_o have_v humble_o boast_v and_o rejoice_v in_o this_o testimony_n of_o their_o conscience_n within_o when_o man_n have_v speak_v evil_a of_o they_o reproach_v and_o revile_v they_o without_o for_o further_o clear_v of_o this_o point_n we_o will_v consider_v a_o little_a 1._o some_o particular_a case_n wherein_o this_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n prove_v in_o a_o special_a manner_n refresh_v and_o rejoice_v 2_o we_o will_v consider_v the_o particular_a ground_n and_o attendant_n of_o this_o refresh_n and_o joy_n whereby_o we_o will_v easy_o see_v that_o this_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n for_o a_o man_n upon_o the_o search_n of_o his_o way_n be_v a_o singular_o good_a thing_n for_o before_o a_o man_n search_v his_o way_n he_o can_v solid_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o testimony_n that_o conscience_n give_v of_o it_o nor_o can_v look_v on_o it_o as_o well_o ground_v because_o he_o be_v not_o nor_o can_v be_v sure_a whether_o there_o be_v any_o ground_n and_o warrant_n for_o it_o or_o not_o whereas_o when_o he_o have_v suitable_o search_v for_o the_o ground_n and_o warrant_n where_o they_o be_v they_o will_v ready_o discover_v themselves_o to_o he_o as_o to_o the_o particular_a case_n wherein_o this_o testimony_n prove_v singular_o refresh_v and_o joyous_a they_o be_v these_o and_o the_o like_a 1._o in_o a_o case_n of_o external_a cross_n and_o trouble_n in_o the_o world_n none_o of_o these_o much_o move_v a_o man_n that_o have_v this_o testimony_n of_o his_o conscience_n it_o give_v he_o sweet_a peace_n amid_o they_o all_o we_o see_v what_o mighty_a trouble_v paul_n be_v under_o chap._n 11._o v._n 25_o 26_o 27._o yet_o he_o can_v and_o do_v rejoice_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o 2._o when_o external_a cross_n and_o loss_n have_v sad_a aggravation_n attend_v they_o such_o as_o the_o contempt_n and_o reproach_n of_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n when_o he_o be_v calumnious_o represent_v as_o one_o that_o turn_v the_o world_n up_o side_n down_o and_o who_o be_v deserve_o so_o deal_v with_o conscience_n its_o testimony_n in_o that_o case_n give_v he_o peace_n quietness_n and_o joy_n which_o be_v the_o very_a case_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n here_o rejoice_v on_o this_o account_n a_o 3d._a case_n be_v when_o inward_a challenge_n and_o temptation_n accompany_v outward_a affliction_n when_o these_o be_v muster_v up_o before_o and_o make_v a_o assault_n on_o the_o poor_a afflict_a man_n and_o when_o there_o be_v some_o fearful_a apprehension_n of_o god_n displeasure_n bear_v in_o upon_o he_o then_o o_o than_o conscience_n testimony_n give_v wonderful_a quietness_n as_o we_o may_v see_v it_o do_v to_o holy_a job_n who_o say_v in_o this_o case_n chap._n 27._o v._n 6._o my_o heart_n shall_v not_o reproach_v i_o so_o long_o as_o i_o live_v so_o chap._n 31._o throughout_o and_o sure_o it_o must_v be_v solid_a and_o well-grounded_n quietness_n rest_n and_o repose_v of_o soul_n that_o calm_v a_o man_n in_o this_o case_n 4_o when_o the_o person_n draw_v near_o unto_o death_n and_o when_o this_o king_n of_o terror_n formidable_o muster_v all_o his_o force_n and_o when_o there_o be_v no_o escape_v out_o of_o his_o hand_n and_o when_o all_o comfort_n fail_v and_o stand_v by_o as_o so_o many_o mut_n not_o have_v one_o word_n to_o say_v for_o the_o die_a man_n relief_n or_o ease_v this_o testimony_n do_v then_o ready_o come_v forth_o in_o its_o strength_n towards_o the_o quiet_v refresh_v and_o rejoice_v of_o his_o heart_n and_o make_v he_o bold_o and_o without_o 〈◊〉_d fear_n encounter_v death_n as_o the_o experience_n of_o hezekiah_n and_o many_o other_o of_o the_o saint_n record_v in_o the_o scripture_n make_v clear_a 2_o consider_v whence_o this_o joy_n come_v or_o the_o ground_n and_o attendant_n of_o the_o joy_n which_o this_o
wherewith_o he_o be_v surprise_v against_o which_o he_o fight_v and_o wrestle_v seek_v after_o and_o long_v for_o victory_n over_o they_o and_o with_o which_o he_o admit_v of_o no_o truce_n even_o when_o they_o prevail_v as_o for_o other_o ●ins_v they_o will_v very_o ready_o mar_v the_o believer_n peace_n and_o tranquillity_n the_o doctrine_n be_v thus_o qualify_v and_o guard_v on_o all_o hand_n we_o shall_v now_o at_o length_n proceed_v to_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o which_o be_v that_o wherever_o there_o be_v a_o sincere_a willingness_n to_o be_v universal_o honest_a in_o our_o life_n and_o conversation_n there_o be_v good_a ground_n for_o peace_n and_o calmness_n of_o conscience_n or_o it_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o a_o companion_n of_o it_o it_o may_v be_v confirm_v from_o these_o ground_n 1._o either_o we_o must_v say_v that_o no_o believer_n have_v ever_o have_v tranquillity_n and_o calmness_n of_o conscience_n which_o be_v absurd_a or_o we_o must_v say_v that_o these_o who_o have_v it_o do_v attain_v to_o perfect_a holiness_n and_o need_v no_o repentance_n which_o the_o forename_a instance_n of_o most_o eminent_a saint_n as_o of_o david_n and_o peter_n will_v confute_v or_o if_o we_o can_v say_v none_o of_o these_o two_o we_o must_v needs_o assert_v the_o three_o viz._n that_o a_o believer_n on_o his_o sincere_a design_n to_o live_v honest_o in_o all_o thing_n though_o he_o come_v not_o up_o the_o full_a length_n he_o shall_v be_v at_o may_v have_v peace_n 2._o that_o which_o have_v quiet_v many_o believer_n before_o we_o may_v be_v a_o ground_n of_o calmness_n and_o quietness_n to_o we_o for_o as_o the_o ground_n and_o cause_n be_v common_a the_o effect_n must_v also_o be_v common_a but_o on_o this_o ground_n many_o believer_n have_v be_v quiet_v before_o we_o therefore_o we_o may_v likewise_o on_o it_o quiet_v ourselves_o if_o we_o look_v through_o the_o scripture_n we_o will_v find_v the_o saint_n thus_o quiet_v and_o comfort_v themselves_o what_o be_v the_o ground_n that_o david_n comfort_v himself_o on_o psal._n 18._o 21_o 22_o 23._o be_v it_o not_o on_o this_o i_o have_v keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o have_v not_o wicked_o depart_v from_o my_o god_n this_o sure_a be_v not_o absolute_a perfection_n that_o he_o mean_v of_o for_o we_o know_v he_o have_v many_o defect_n and_o fail_n but_o sincerity_n for_o say_v he_o all_z his_o judgement_n be_v before_o i_o he_o have_v honest_o design_v the_o keep_n of_o they_o all_o i_o do_v not_o put_v away_o his_o statute_n from_o i_o he_o balk_v none_o of_o god_n statute_n i_o be_v also_o upright_o before_o he_o and_o i_o keep_v myself_o from_o my_o iniquity_n the_o strain_n of_o his_o way_n be_v honest_a and_o his_o slip_n and_o fail_n be_v hitherto_o its_o like_a of_o infirmity_n and_o therefore_o he_o have_v peace_n we_o may_v see_v that_o it_o be_v thus_o also_o with_o hezekiah_n isa._n 38._o with_o job_n chap._n 31._o and_o with_o paul_n phil._n 3._o who_o be_v not_o perfect_a already_o but_o press_v hard_o towards_o it_o a_o 3._o ground_n of_o confirmation_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o scripture_n give_v such_o character_n and_o description_n of_o believer_n and_o affirm_v such_o qualification_n of_o they_o on_o account_n of_o which_o they_o have_v a_o testimony_n from_o god_n and_o ground_n of_o holy_a boldness_n in_o their_o plead_n with_o he_o all_o which_o look_v to_o their_o honest_a willingness_n and_o sincere_a endeavour_n after_o perfection_n and_o not_o to_o their_o attainment_n of_o it_o as_o we_o see_v in_o nehemiah_n who_o thus_o speak_v to_o god_n chap._n 1._o let_v thy_o ear_n be_v attentive_a to_o the_o prayer_n of_o thy_o servant_n and_o of_o thy_o servant_n who_o desire_v to_o fear_v thy_o name_n where_o we_o have_v the_o assert_v of_o a_o interest_n in_o god_n and_o of_o a_o kindly_a relation_n to_o he_o with_o holy_a boldness_n and_o yet_o they_o plead_v not_o a_o perfection_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n but_o a_o desire_n to_o fear_v he_o their_o desire_n design_n resolution_n and_o endeavour_n be_v to_o fear_v he_o so_o matth_n 5._o vers_fw-la 6._o they_o be_v pronounce_v by_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v bless_v who_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n which_o speak_v plain_o no_o absolute_a perfection_n and_o say_v they_o psal._n 44._o all_o this_o be_v come_v upon_o we_o yet_o have_v we_o not_o forsake_v thou_o nor_o deal_v false_o in_o thy_o covenant_n though_o they_o have_v many_o infirmity_n and_o fail_n which_o they_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o take_v with_o yet_o they_o humble_o avouch_v adherence_n to_o god_n and_o to_o his_o covenant_n so_o as_o they_o do_v not_o forsake_v he_o nor_o deal_v treacherous_o in_o it_o they_o assert_v their_o sincerity_n in_o cleave_v to_o he_o notwithstanding_o of_o all_o that_o come_v upon_o they_o this_o ground_n be_v frequent_o make_v use_n of_o psal._n 119._o and_o particular_o vers_fw-la 6._o where_o the_o psalmist_n say_v then_o shall_v i_o not_o be_v ashamed_a when_o i_o have_v respect_n unto_o all_o thy_o commandment_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v my_o conscience_n shall_v not_o blush_v nor_o be_v confound_v but_o have_v confidence_n and_o quietness_n though_o there_o be_v not_o a_o perfect_a up_o come_v in_o obedience_n to_o all_o thing_n command_v if_o i_o have_v a_o respect_n to_o all_o and_o a_o honest_a design_n and_o purpose_n to_o be_v at_o all_o 4._o it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o conscience_n will_v and_o must_v be_v calm_a and_o quiet_a when_o god_n accept_v of_o a_o man_n way_n now_o though_o there_o be_v not_o absolute_a perfection_n yet_o if_o there_o be_v reality_n and_o sincerity_n and_o no_o short-coming_a allow_v approven_v nor_o consent_v to_o but_o wrestle_v against_o and_o oppose_v god_n will_v accept_v of_o our_o way_n it_o be_v say_v 2_o cor._n 8._o vers_fw-la 9_o 10._o that_o god_n accept_v of_o a_o willing_a mind_n according_a to_o that_o which_o a_o man_n have_v and_o not_o according_a to_o that_o which_o he_o have_v not_o if_o a_o man_n improve_v well_o serious_o and_o sincere_o the_o outward_a thing_n give_v he_o though_o there_o be_v some_o providential_a obstruction_n to_o the_o performance_n yet_o on_o account_n of_o his_o honest_o willing_a mind_n he_o be_v gracious_o accept_v which_o hold_v proportionable_o in_o other_o point_n and_o part_n of_o obedience_n thus_o the_o lord_n say_v mal._n 3._o 17._o i_o will_v spare_v they_o as_o a_o man_n spare_v his_o son_n that_o serve_v he_o and_o psal._n 103._o 13._o like_a as_o a_o father_n pity_v his_o child_n so_o do_v the_o lord_n these_o that_o fear_v he_o the_o force_n of_o the_o comparison_n show_v that_o thing_n be_v not_o at_o perfection_n in_o they_o for_o then_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o spare_v or_o pity_n but_o as_o there_o be_v such_o compassion_n in_o a_o father_n that_o though_o his_o son_n can_v perform_v thing_n command_v he_o exact_o and_o perfect_o yet_o if_o he_o be_v ready_o and_o honest_o do_v what_o he_o thou_fw-mi he_o will_v spare_v and_o pity_v he_o and_o he_o will_v be_v a_o unnatural_a father_n that_o shall_v do_v otherwise_o so_o will_v i_o do_v say_v the_o lord_n with_o my_o son_n that_o serve_v i_o and_o in_o this_o respect_n the_o ground_n of_o a_o man_n peace_n and_o calmness_n be_v not_o any_o absolute_a perfection_n in_o himself_o but_o god_n covenant_n and_o free_a grace_n and_o his_o way_n of_o deal_n with_o his_o own_o child_n who_o will_v in_o some_o case_n say_v nothing_o against_o they_o and_o conscience_n be_v not_o allow_v to_o say_v any_o thing_n where_o he_o say_v nothing_o now_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v how_o this_o come_v to_o pass_v we_o answer_v that_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n that_o accompany_v real_a willingness_n that_o contribute_v to_o and_o give_v ground_n of_o peace_n even_o though_o there_o be_v fail_n 1._o a_o real_a hatred_n and_o abhorrence_n of_o the_o sin_n psal._n 119._o 128._o i_o hate_v every_o false_a way_n there_o be_v a_o keep_n at_o a_o distance_n with_o conscience_n waste_v sin_n so_o that_o the_o man_n not_o only_o abstain_v from_o act_v they_o but_o out_o of_o conscience_n towards_o god_n from_o filial_a awe_n and_o reverence_n from_o love_n and_o respect_n to_o he_o hate_v that_o which_o he_o hate_v do_v not_o not_o i_o say_v davia_n psal._n 139._o hate_v they_o that_o hate_v thou_o i_o hate_v they_o with_o a_o perfect_a hatred_n 2_o real_a willingness_n keep_v off_o conscience_n wasting-aggravations_a so_o that_o believer_n fall_v not_o in_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n with_o full_a deliberation_n neither_o do_v they_o allow_v or_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o lie_v still_o in_o they_o now_o it_o be_v such_o as_o these_o that_o especial_o wound_v the_o conscience_n and_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 ●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 ●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 i●_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 ma●_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 no●_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 the●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 h●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
bear_v i_o witness_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o doctrine_n be_v because_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o hear_v what_o conscience_n say_v for_o it_o may_v accuse_v as_o well_o as_o excuse_v but_o we_o will_v endeavour_v to_o carry_v so_o as_o we_o may_v have_v a_o good_a testimony_n from_o it_o which_o it_o will_v not_o give_v nor_o speak_v peace_n to_o we_o if_o we_o study_v not_o to_o take_v it_o with_o we_o all_o along_o the_o action_n this_o be_v a_o notable_a way_n to_o curb_v sin_n to_o mortify_v lust_n to_o make_v we_o accurate_a in_o duty_n to_o keep_v we_o from_o post_v to_o speak_v so_o through_o our_o prayer_n from_o scutch_v through_o a_o chapter_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o from_o trifle_v in_o other_o duty_n why_o because_o we_o have_v our_o conscience_n to_o answer_v to_o and_o its_o good_a testimony_n to_o wait_v for_o this_o be_v that_o which_o give_v holy_a boldness_n to_o a_o christian_a when_o 1._o he_o know_v that_o what_o he_o do_v be_v right_n for_o the_o matter_n 2._o when_o he_o take_v good_a heed_n to_o what_o conscience_n faith_n and_o 3._o when_o he_o have_v its_o good_a and_o approbative_a testimony_n and_o we_o think_v that_o this_o be_v much_o of_o what_o that_o text_n act_n 24._o v_o 16._o aim_n at_o and_o be_v the_o main_a thing_n a_o christian_n shall_v exercise_v himself_o in_o even_o to_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o his_o conscience_n for_o he_o in_o this_o and_o that_o and_o the_o other_o duty_n nay_o in_o every_o duty_n to_o have_v its_o good_a testimony_n when_o he_o begin_v when_o he_o go_v on_o in_o it_o or_o in_o the_o time_n of_o it_o and_o when_o he_o have_v close_v it_o this_o be_v it_o as_o i_o have_v often_o say_v which_o furnish_v he_o with_o holy_a boldness_n and_o confidence_n and_o give_v he_o much_o sweet_a peace_n and_o serenity_n in_o his_o mind_n that_o who_o ever_o and_o what_o ever_o speak_v against_o he_o he_o be_v at_o a_o point_n that_o he_o be_v right_a have_v the_o well_o ground_a testimony_n of_o his_o conscience_n for_o it_o but_o it_o may_v be_v question_v here_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o carry_v a_o testimony_n of_o his_o conscience_n along_o with_o he_o in_o every_o action_n can_v he_o always_o be_v reflect_v on_o every_o word_n he_o speak_v and_o on_o every_o action_n he_o put_v his_o hand_n unto_o for_o answer_v we_o will_v first_o distinguish_v betwixt_o a_o explicit_a and_o actual_a inquire_v at_o and_o reflect_v on_o conscience_n and_o a_o implicit_a and_o habitual_a inquire_v at_o and_o reflect_v on_o it_o and_o betwixt_o a_o explicit_a and_o actual_a and_o a_o implicit_a and_o habitual_a testimony_n of_o the_o conscience_n and_o then_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o particular_a answer_n that_o then_o be_v a_o explicit_a testimony_n of_o conscience_n when_o it_o do_v actual_o express_o and_o downright_o speak_v its_o mind_n and_o that_o be_v a_o actual_a and_o explicit_a reflect_v on_o conscience_n when_o a_o man_n do_v indeed_o express_o and_o downright_o put_v himself_o to_o it_o to_o inquire_v conscience_n sense_n of_o his_o action_n a_o implicit_a and_o habitual_a testimony_n of_o conscience_n be_v when_o conscience_n be_v not_o always_o actual_o observable_o and_o express_o speak_v by_o a_o positive_a approbation_n yet_o it_o be_v so_o indirect_o virtual_o and_o on_o the_o matter_n and_o be_v ready_a actual_o to_o do_v so_o when_o put_v to_o it_o and_o a_o implicit_a and_o habitual_a reflect_v on_o conscience_n be_v when_o man_n be_v not_o always_o actual_o and_o express_o ask_v their_o conscience_n what_o it_o say_v when_o yet_o they_o do_v it_o implicit_o virtual_o and_o on_o the_o matter_n and_o be_v in_o a_o readiness_n to_o do_v it_o actual_o when_o put_v to_o it_o which_o may_v be_v illustrate_v by_o the_o similitude_n make_v use_v of_o before_o the_o habitual_a and_o explicit_a testimony_n of_o conscience_n and_o reflect_v on_o it_o be_v like_o the_o put_n of_o a_o instrument_n of_o music_n in_o a_o right_a tune_n and_o then_o we_o say_v it_o be_v in_o tune_n though_o none_o be_v play_v on_o it_o because_o it_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v a_o distinct_a and_o harmonious_a sound_n have_v all_o the_o string_n right_a in_o tune_n a_o explicit_a and_o actual_a testimony_n and_o reflect_v be_v like_o a_o man_n strike_v or_o play_v on_o the_o well_o tune_a instrument_n and_o bring_v out_o actual_o the_o just_a musical_a sound_n that_o be_v habitual_o in_o the_o tune_a instrument_n before_o now_o to_o apply_v this_o particular_o in_o answer_n to_o the_o question_n we_o say_v 1._o that_o in_o three_o case_n a_o actual_a and_o explicit_a testimony_n of_o conscience_n and_o reflect_v on_o it_o be_v necessary_a 1._o as_o to_o a_o man_n undertake_v of_o any_o action_n or_o duty_n that_o he_o be_v clear_a in_o it_o that_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n 2_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o thing_n when_o do_v because_o it_o be_v that_o which_o give_v he_o peace_n for_o a_o man_n reflect_v on_o conscience_n and_o its_o testimony_n here_o be_v like_o play_v on_o the_o instrument_n 3._o it_o be_v necessary_a as_o to_o a_o man_n stare_n but_o 2._o we_o say_v a_o explicit_a testimony_n and_o actual_a inquire_v at_o conscience_n be_v not_o simple_o necessary_a always_o along_o the_o action_n or_o duty_n or_o it_o be_v not_o simple_o necessary_a that_o a_o man_n actual_o reflect_v and_o have_v a_o testimony_n from_o his_o conscience_n always_o or_o in_o all_o difference_n of_o time_n along_o the_o action_n though_o habitual_o and_o implicit_o he_o ought_v for_o the_o keep_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v like_a to_o that_o general_a precept_n speak_v of_o before_o anent_o do_v what_o ever_o we_o do_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n at_o the_o principal_a end_n of_o all_o our_o action_n and_o that_o be_v found_v on_o this_o where_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o all_o along_o the_o action_n or_o duty_n in_o all_o difference_n of_o time_n or_o in_o every_o moment_n as_o i_o just_a now_o say_v we_o shall_v have_v actual_a and_o explicit_a thought_n of_o this_o end_n viz._n god_n glory_n but_o if_o this_o end_n be_v intend_v in_o the_o whole_a current_n of_o our_o life_n habitual_o and_o actual_o in_o the_o entry_n of_o every_o particular_a action_n or_o duty_n though_o there_o be_v not_o actual_a and_o explicit_a thought_n of_o it_o always_o along_o the_o action_n we_o may_v warrantable_o expect_v on_o christ_n account_n god_n approbation_n as_o do_v to_o his_o glory_n so_o be_v it_o here_o as_o when_o a_o man_n undertake_v a_o journey_n to_o such_o a_o place_n it_o be_v sufficient_a before_o he_o set_v out_o he_o actual_o and_o explicit_o mind_v that_o place_n and_o that_o he_o do_v so_o now_o and_o then_o by_o the_o way_n and_o especial_o if_o he_o observe_v any_o turn_n off_o or_o hazard_v of_o go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n or_o if_o he_o have_v not_o often_o go_v that_o way_n before_o though_o he_o have_v not_o actual_a thought_n of_o it_o all_o along_o everystep_n of_o the_o way_n but_o to_o clear_v this_o in_o a_o word_n or_o two_o further_a we_o conceive_v that_o these_o three_o particular_o be_v necessary_a for_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n 1._o the_o habitual_a testimony_n of_o conscience_n that_o be_v that_o a_o man_n conicience_n be_v always_o in_o a_o readiness_n to_o give_v he_o a_o good_a testimony_n which_o import_v three_o thing_n 1._o that_o he_o be_v right_a in_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o practice_n that_o it_o be_v nothing_o sinful_a that_o he_o be_v about_o 2._o that_o he_o be_v right_a in_o the_o frame_n of_o his_o spirit_n spiritual_a stay_v and_o compose_v 3._o that_o he_o be_v careful_o watchful_a to_o prevent_v what_o ever_o may_v ma●_n his_o peace_n and_o to_o guard_v against_o what_o may_v distemper_v and_o discompose_v his_o spirit_n and_o that_o withal_o he_o be_v studious_a to_o keep_v his_o conscience_n in_o a_o good_a temper_n or_o tune_n to_o speak_v so_o that_o it_o may_v be_v in_o readiness_n to_o give_v he_o a_o testimony_n when_o he_o call_v for_o it_o these_o three_o be_v necessary_a i_o say_v in_o every_o particular_a action_n for_o keep_v of_o a_o good_a conscience_n that_o a_o man_n be_v in_o a_o thing_n that_o for_o the_o matter_n be_v right_a that_o he_o be_v in_o a_o compose_a and_o suitable_a frame_n and_o that_o he_o be_v watchful_a against_o any_o thing_n that_o may_v hinder_v or_o distemper_v he_o in_o prosecute_a that_o action_n 2._o though_o a_o explicit_a and_o actual_a testimony_n and_o reflect_v be_v not_o always_o or_o in_o all_o difference_n of_o time_n necessary_a yet_o it_o will_v be_v frequent_a and_o the_o more_o frequent_a ready_o the_o better_a though_o for_o instance_n in_o every_o word_n of_o prayer_n one_o can_v actual_o