Selected quad for the lemma: conscience_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
conscience_n day_n keep_v sabbath_n 1,672 5 10.1381 5 true
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

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

There are 27 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

of_o all_o our_o carriage_n and_o particular_a action_n and_o so_o it_o be_v look_v on_o as_o some_o way_n different_a from_o we_o hence_o it_o be_v call_v a_o testimony_n the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n hence_o also_o a_o man_n will_v appeal_v to_o his_o conscience_n and_o it_o do_v when_o in_o any_o measure_n in_o exercise_n impartial_o and_o incorrupt_o bear_v witness_n and_o a_o man●_n conscience_n will_v speak_v against_o he_o as_o if_o it_o be_v at_o all_o no_o part_n of_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o command_v it_o silence_n however_o than_o we_o call_v it_o it_o be_v a_o power_n depute_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o god_n take_v order_n from_o he_o and_o f●om_n his_o reveal_v will_n and_o word_n and_o accuse_v or_o excuse_v the_o man_n as_o he_o direct_v it_o be_v call_v prov._n 20._o 27._o the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n it_o be_v above_o man_n in_o its_o sentence_n and_o accuse_v and_o will_v not_o be_v command_v by_o he_o to_o clear_v it_o yet_o a_o little_a further_o there_o be_v in_o conscience_n these_o three_o thing_n 1._o there_o be_v the_o lay_v down_o of_o some_o ground_n such_o as_o the_o law_n or_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o which_o it_o put_v a_o man_n to_o trial_n which_o be_v that_o we_o call_v the_o major_a or_o first_o proposition_n of_o the_o argument_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o judas_n when_o his_o conscience_n waken_v it_o lay_v down_o this_o ground_n which_o be_v do_v by_o light_n he_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o innoceat_a blood_n have_v break_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o may_v expect_v horrible_a wrath._n 2._o there_o be_v a_o assume_v which_o be_v the_o minor_a or_o second_o proposition_n of_o the_o argument_n or_o the_o assumption_n if_o the_o man_n be_v guilty_a of_o such_o and_o such_o sin_n as_o thus_o but_o i_o judas_n be_o guilty_a of_o innocent_a blood_n and_o have_v break_v the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o this_o the_o conscience_n by_o its_o testimony_n confirm_v then_o 3._o it_o draw_v the_o conclusion_n and_o speak_v forth_o the_o man_n lot_n and_o give_v out_o his_o doom_n what_o he_o may_v expect_v as_o in_o the_o present_a instance_n thou_o judas_n may_v expect_v horrible_a wrath_n from_o god_n this_o conscience_n apply_v and_o lay_v home_o unto_o he_o every_o conscience_n have_v these_o three_o in_o less_o or_o more_o the_o way_n of_o conscience_n its_o reason_v and_o conclude_v be_v different_a from_o a_o man_n knowledge_n and_o light_n for_o a_o man_n may_v see_v sin_n and_o not_o be_v touch_v with_o it_o it_o d●ffers_v likewise_o from_o the_o memory_n for_o a_o man_n may_v remember_v that_o which_o affect_v he_o not_o it_o differ_v from_o self-examination_n for_o that_o if_o it_o be_v mee●_n examination_n bring_v a_o man_n only_o to_o know_v that_o he_o lie_v under_o such_o and_o such_o sin_n so_o and_o so_o circumstantiate_v though_o it_o make_v use_v of_o all_o these_o three_o as_o its_o instrument_n yet_o it_o go●_n beyond_o they_o and_o have_v a_o prick_a sting_a pain_n power_n it_o accuse_v sentence_v smite_v and_o sharp_o censure_v whereas_o before_o conscience_n act_v its_o part_n a_o man_n may_v look_v often_o on_o his_o sin_n and_o yet_o but_o overlook_v they_o and_o as_o to_o thing_n that_o be_v right_a conscience_n do_v not_o only_o or_o bare_o look_v on_o they_o but_o it_o have_v a_o approve_v testimony_n which_o prove_v comfortable_a there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o this_o in_o every_o one_o of_o you_o which_o will_v let_v nothing_o pass_v but_o more_o or_o less_o will_v take_v notice_n of_o it_o and_o either_o accuse_v or_o excuse_v you_o for_o it_o as_o to_o the_o 2d_o the_o use_n of_o conscience_n or_o the_o end_n wherefore_o god_n have_v put_v this_o in_o man_n and_o woman_n which_o i_o shall_v draw_v to_o three_o head_n that_o may_v be_v as_o so_o many_o reason_n of_o the_o doctrine_n 1._o he_o have_v do_v so_o for_o this_o end_n that_o by_o it_o he_o may_v keep_v up_o his_o sovereignty_n power_n and_o terribleness_n and_o keep_v man_n under_o the_o awe_n and_o dread_v thereof_o for_o this_o which_o be_v call_v conscience_n will_v make_v the_o stole_v to_o tremble_v it_o will_v write_v and_o impress_n so_o u●vely_o and_o deep_o these_o great_a truth_n that_o none_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o blot_v they_o out_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o there_o be_v a_o judgement_n to_o come_v and_o that_o all_o will_v be_v call_v to_o reckon_a which_o none_o will_v get_v eschew_v it_o will_v fix_v and_o fasten_v such_o self-convictions_a on_o sinner_n as_o will_v make_v they_o avoidable_o condemn_v themselves_o so_o john_n 8._o 9_o 10._o when_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n bring_v a_o woman_n take_v in_o adultery_n to_o christ_n intend_v thereby_o to_o trap_n and_o ensnare_v he_o he_o say_v he_o that_o be_v without_o sin_n among_o you_o let_v he_o cast_v the_o first_o stone_n at_o she_o whereby_o their_o conscience_n be_v make_v to_o bear_v such_o faithful_a testimony_n against_o they_o and_o to_o carry_v such_o terror_n with_o it_o that_o they_o be_v all_o force_a to_o steal_v away_o one_o by_o one_o and_o yet_o they_o need_v not_o to_o have_v think_v shame_n on_o account_n of_o any_o thing_n we_o hear_v man_n can_v have_v challenge_v they_o for_o but_o conscience_n have_v such_o a_o awe_n and_o force_v on_o they_o that_o there_o be_v no_o resist_n of_o it_o scripture-history_n do_v also_o tell_v we_o that_o such_o be_v the_o power_n and_o force_v of_o conscience_n when_o it_o be_v awake_v that_o it_o will_v make_v the_o knee_n to_o smite_v one_o against_o another_o even_o of_o a_o belshazzar_n and_o will_v make_v a_o governor_n fellix_fw-la to_o tremble_v a_o second_o end_n be_v that_o god_n may_v hold_v man_n and_o woman_n at_o their_o duty_n in_o go_v about_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v command_v and_o prescribe_v by_o he_o and_o in_o abstain_v from_o forbid_a sin_n for_o if_o there_o be_v not_o some_o awe_n from_o conscience_n what_o extravagancy_n will_v they_o loose_o run_v into_o who_o have_v no_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o word_n and_o thus_o conscience_n have_v a_o force_n to_o put_v man_n to_o duty_n in_o these_o respect_n 1_o it_o discover_v duty_n and_o hold_v it_o before_o they_o when_o the_o lord_n have_v command_v to_o pray_v read_v the_o scripture_n to_o keep_v the_o church_n and_o wait_v upon_o ordinance_n dispense_v there_o to_o keep_v holy_a the_o sabbath_n day_n etc._n etc._n conscience_n put_v a_o man_n in_o mind_n of_o these_o and_o when_o he_o neglect_v any_o one_o of_o they_o will_v say_v to_o he_o thou_o shall_v be_v in_o another_o place_n or_o about_o other_o work_n so_o when_o david_n heart_n smite_v he_o it_o help_v he_o to_o see_v his_o duty_n 2._o there_o be_v a_o obligation_n to_o duty_n lay_v on_o by_o conscience_n so_o that_o the_o man_n can_v shift_v it_o he_o can_v he_o dare_v not_o say_v such_o a_o thing_n be_v not_o my_o duty_n for_o conscience_n bear_v it_o in_o and_o lay_v it_o on_o he_o convince_o 3._o there_o be_v a_o efficacy_n in_o conscience_n to_o pouss_n to_o duty_n from_o this_o come_v that_o restlessness_n and_o disquiet_n that_o be_v often_o in_o man_n and_o woman_n when_o duty_n be_v omit_v that_o they_o can_v have_v no_o peace_n till_o it_o be_v go_v about_o 4._o conscience_n invit_v to_o duty_n by_o promise_a peace_n upon_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n conscience_n have_v influence_n to_o restrain_v from_o sin_n 1._o by_o discover_v such_o and_o such_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v sin_n and_o though_o the_o soul_n will_v notwithstanding_o endeavour_v to_o digest_v it_o yet_o conscience_n make_v a_o challenge_n to_o go_v down_o with_o it_o 2._o by_o threaten_v the_o sinner_n when_o it_o be_v warning_n be_v neglect_v and_o not_o take_v tell_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v repent_v it_o one_o day_n and_o that_o it_o will_v make_v he_o repent_v i●_n 3._o by_o take_v away_o the_o sweetness_n of_o sin_n and_o leave_v a_o sting_n in_o place_n of_o it_o as_o when_o achab_n kill_v naboth_n it_o say_v have_v thou_o kill_v and_o also_o take_v possession_n and_o from_o this_o arise_v challenge_n and_o fear_n of_o the_o execution_n of_o threaten_a judgement_n which_o quite_o mar_v the_o comfort_n the_o man_n expect_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o such_o and_o such_o a_o thing_n in_o all_o which_o it_o keep_v a_o majestic_a and_o stately_a divine_a way_n become_v god_n deputy_n and_o bear_v witness_n for_o he_o against_o the_o sinner_n a_o 3d._a end_n be_v to_o abbreviat_v as_o it_o be_v god_n process_n in_o judge_a man_n to_o justify_v and_o clear_v he_o and_o to_o make_v way_n for_o his_o sentence_n whatever_o it_o be_v 1._o it_o conduce_v 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v to_o
to_o come_v at_o it_o if_o you_o shall_v incline_v it_o how_o can_v you_o shift_v this_o conviction_n conscience_n may_v be_v silent_a for_o a_o time_n but_o it_o will_v speak_v and_o speak_v loud_a when_o sickness_n and_o the_o cross_n come_v as_o we_o see_v it_o do_v in_o josephs_n brethren_n in_o such_o a_o case_n many_o of_o you_o will_v find_v that_o conscience_n have_v be_v much_o slight_v o_o when_o death_n shall_v come_v and_o stair_n you_o in_o the_o face_n what_o a_o terrible_a thing_n will_v a_o guilty_a conscience_n be_v find_v then_o to_o be_v the_o terror_n of_o mad_a dog_n of_o wild_a boar_n of_o felrce_a lion_n and_o tiger_n will_v not_o be_v so_o terrible_a as_o a_o evil_a conscience_n will_v be_v when_o awaken_v and_o have_v death_n at_o its_o back_n nay_o suppose_v that_o conscience_n shall_v not_o be_v awaken_v while_o you_o be_v alive_a and_o in_o this_o world_n but_o that_o you_o shall_v slip_v and_o sleep_v away_o like_a lamb_n have_v no_o band_n in_o your_o death_n and_o that_o you_o shall_v die_v applaud_v of_o all_o man_n yet_o what_o will_v you_o do_v with_o your_o conscience_n or_o how_o will_v you_o stand_v before_o it_o when_o you_o shall_v be_v sist_v before_o god_n tribunal_n and_o when_o the_o book_n shall_v be_v lay_v open_a be_v there_o not_o many_o now_o in_o hell_n who_o if_o we_o can_v hear_v their_o language_n will_v very_o ready_o bid_v we_o beware_v to_o thwart_v with_o our_o conscience_n and_o to_o make_v it_o our_o enemy_n wo_n to_o they_o that_o take_v a_o evil_a conscience_n with_o they_o to_o their_o grave_n it_o will_v be_v a_o worm_n that_o will_v gnaw_v eternal_o and_o a_o inward_a poison_n and_o venom_n sting_a burn_a and_o inflame_v the_o very_a bowel_n as_o it_o be_v and_o all_o that_o be_v within_o the_o man_n beyond_o what_o be_v here_o conceivable_a we_o will_v therefore_o earnest_o beseech_v and_o obtest_v you_o sober_o to_o think_v on_o it_o for_o there_o be_v many_o of_o you_o who_o this_o challenge_n and_o reproof_n will_v reach_v and_o if_o we_o shall_v say_v otherwise_o to_o you_o who_o never_o have_v it_o for_o your_o aim_n to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o who_o be_v never_o exercise_v to_o nor_o serious_o take_v up_o with_o religion_n we_o will_v but_o cheat_v and_o beguile_v you_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o you_o can_v thwart_v with_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o not_o also_o thwart_v with_o your_o own_o conscience_n or_o can_v you_o thwart_v with_o your_o light_n and_o your_o conscience_n be_v still_o silent_a or_o shall_v the_o have_v and_o keep_v of_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v one_fw-mi exercise_n to_o paul_n and_o do_v you_o think_v to_o come_v so_o easy_o and_o without_o all_o labour_n to_o it_o these_o and_o other_o such_o be_v palpable_a evidence_n of_o a_o ill_a conscience_n it_o be_v not_o sure_a a_o good_a conscience_n that_o yield_v you_o peace_n and_o quietness_n in_o such_o a_o case_n but_o it_o be_v your_o deep_a security_n and_o your_o be_v regardless_o of_o wh●_n conscience_n say_v that_o lull_v and_o rock_v you_o a_o sleep_n for_o the_o second_o how_o come_v this_o to_o pass_v or_o how_o can_v it_o be_v that_o man_n and_o woman_n thus_o thwart_v with_o their_o conscience_n answer_n 1._o it_o need_v not_o at_o all_o to_o seem_v strange_a see_v god_n and_o his_o word_n be_v thwart_v with_o will_v they_o think_v we_o stand_v in_o awe_n of_o conscience_n who_o stand_v not_o in_o awe_n of_o god_n and_o who_o do_v not_o lay_v weight_n on_o his_o word_n to_o regulate_v their_o conscience_n by_o it_o this_o be_v the_o great_a ground_n of_o people_n thwart_v with_o their_o conscience_n and_o of_o their_o regardlesness_n of_o it_o even_o their_o not_o stand_v in_o awe_n of_o god_n two_o the_o most_o part_n never_o consider_v their_o obligation_n to_o conscience_n nor_o what_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o thwart_v with_o or_o of_o go_v cross_a to_o their_o conscience_n therefore_o it_o be_v that_o they_o care_v not_o what_o conscience_n say_v be_v there_o any_o considerable_a number_n of_o person_n who_o think_v that_o thwart_a their_o conscience_n be_v such_o a_o terrible_a thing_n at_o it_o be_v indeed_o and_o as_o one_o day_n it_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v many_o have_v rather_o have_v a_o very_a little_a money_n in_o their_o hand_n than_o the_o testimony_n of_o their_o conscience_n and_o this_o regardlesness_n arise_v from_o the_o ignorance_n of_o it_o and_o of_o what_o great_a concernment_n it_o be_v 3_o man_n even_o by_o accustom_v and_o habituate_a themselves_o to_o thwart_v with_o their_o conscience_n in_o lesser_a thing_n do_v by_o little_a and_o little_o stupify_v and_o in_o a_o manner_n put_v out_o the_o life_n of_o their_o conscience_n and_o ●s_v the_o apostle_n have_v the_o word_n they_o cauterise_n or_o fear_v it_o as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o hot_a iron_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o when_o some_o true_o tender_a christian_n be_v trouble_v with_o and_o have_v for_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o exercise_n any_o little_a thing_n or_o thing_n that_o have_v in_o they_o but_o the_o least_o appearance_n of_o evil_n other_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o pray_v to_o be_v save_v from_o such_o madness_n and_o folly_n because_o they_o be_v never_o accustom_v to_o nor_o acquaint_v with_o any_o challenge_n or_o exercise_v of_o that_o kind_n but_o have_v teach_v themselves_o a_o way_n of_o stepe_v over_o their_o conscience_n and_o this_o provock_v god_n to_o give_v they_o up_o to_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n to_o do_v thing_n which_o be_v not_o convenient_a they_o harden_v themselves_o by_o resist_v the_o challenge_n of_o the_o word_n and_o rod_n of_o god_n and_o of_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o be_v judicial_o harden_v so_o that_o either_o conscience_n say_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o they_o or_o they_o do_v not_o at_o all_o value_n what_o it_o say_v thence_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o the_o profane_v have_v most_o ordinary_o few_o challenge_n and_o these_o few_o that_o they_o have_v they_o trample_v on_o they_o and_o stifle_v they_o as_o but_o un-regardable_a and_o trifle_a thing_n whereas_o the_o most_o tender_a conscience_n have_v ready_o manye_v challenge_n though_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o sometime_o challenge_n will_v bear_v in_o themselves_o irresistible_o on_o the_o profane_v of_o man_n but_o they_o be_v to_o such_o very_a un-welcomeguests_a and_o they_o endeavour_v quick_o to_o smother_v they_o or_o to_o drive_v they_o out_o again_o 4_o many_o bias_n their_o own_o conscience_n and_o teach_v themselves_o shift_n not_o so_o much_o to_o satisfy_v their_o conscience_n as_o how_o to_o answer_v it_o and_o to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o it_o and_o to_o please_v their_o own_o humour_n if_o they_o can_v give_v a_o reason_n for_o such_o and_o such_o a_o thing_n such_o as_o it_o be_v to_o their_o conscience_n they_o think_v they_o do_v very_o well_o thus_o deceive_v themselves_o and_o be_v deceive_v for_o a_o deceive_v heart_n have_v lead_v they_o aside_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o in_o some_o thing_n man_n take_v as_o much_o pain_n to_o bias_n their_o conscience_n and_o to_o have_v it_o say_v as_o they_o say_v as_o one_o man_n will_v take_v on_o another_o to_o satisfy_v he_o and_o to_o bring_v he_o over_o to_o be_v of_o his_o mind_n in_o any_o matter_n hence_o also_o be_v the_o debate_n and_o struggle_a exercise_n that_o some_o will_v have_v within_o themselves_o before_o they_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o a_o ingenuous_a confession_n of_o that_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o 5_o people_z seek_v to_o please_v their_o conscience_n when_o they_o can_v bias_n it_o and_o when_o conscience_n challenge_v they_o will_v make_v amends_o as_o it_o may_v be_v they_o will_v pray_v when_o they_o be_v go_v to_o commit_v such_o or_o such_o a_o sin_n as_o some_o profane_a man_n will_v do_v when_o they_o be_v go_v to_o fight_v a_o combat_n or_o duel_n this_o be_v to_o bribe_v the_o conscience_n thus_o many_o papist_n when_o they_o have_v do_v a_o evil_a turn_n will_v give_v so_o much_o to_o the_o poor_a or_o dot_v so_o much_o to_o some_o pious_a work_n or_o use_v as_o they_o judge_v to_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o recompense_n what_o else_o be_v this_o but_o to_o bribe_v conscience_n in_o one_o thing_n to_o hold_v its_o tongue_n in_o another_o thing_n so_o some_o though_o they_o tipple_v all_o the_o day_n think_v they_o do_v well_o if_o they_o have_v be_v a_o while_n in_o the_o church_n and_o will_v seek_v to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o their_o conscience_n with_o that_o at_o night_n for_o they_o can_v not_o at_o all_o keep_v quarter_n to_o speak_v so_o with_o their_o conscience_n if_o they_o have_v not_o some_o form_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o they_o will_v to_o speak_v so_o be_v brave_a
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 with_o hell_n shall_v not_o stand_v and_o the_o hail_n of_o god_n wrath_n will_v sweep_v away_o the_o refuge_n of_o lie_n and_o conscience_n will_v speak_v at_o last_o but_o not_o with_o or_o under_o such_o cover_v of_o figleaf_n that_o man_n now_o wrap_v themselves_o in_o therefore_o i_o beseech_v you_o dally_v not_o with_o conscience_n for_o it_o be_v a_o fearful_a thing_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o it_o when_o it_o be_v waken_v as_o it_o be_v a_o fearful_a thing_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_a god_n who_o act_v in_o and_o by_o that_o conscience_n the_o four_o and_o last_o use_v be_v a_o use_n of_o exhortation_n see_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o man_n and_o more_o especial_o of_o believer_n to_o walk_v so_o as_o in_o nothing_o they_o offend_v their_o conscience_n we_o exhort_v you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o you_o will_v order_v your_o conversation_n so_o as_o in_o nothing_o your_o conscience_n may_v have_v a_o challenge_n against_o you_o you_o will_v all_o ready_o think_v that_o this_o be_v very_o reasonable_a and_o indeed_o if_o we_o prevail_v not_o in_o this_o wherein_o can_v we_o expect_v to_o prevail_v with_o you_o we_o seek_v no_o more_o of_o you_o but_o that_o you_o will_v so_o walk_v as_o that_o live_a and_o die_v your_o conscience_n may_v not_o flee_v in_o your_o face_n but_o may_v give_v you_o this_o testimony_n that_o you_o have_v aim_v to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o to_o live_v honest_o you_o may_v possible_o think_v that_o this_o be_v a_o fair_a general_n and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o very_a gross_a and_o profane_a man_n that_o will_v deny_v it_o and_o yet_o we_o will_v think_v that_o many_o of_o you_o be_v come_v a_o great_a length_n in_o religion_n if_o we_o can_v prevail_v with_o you_o but_o this_o far_o as_o that_o in_o all_o thing_n live_v and_o die_v as_o we_o say_v you_o may_v study_v to_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o this_o be_v no_o controvert_v nor_o debeatable_a thing_n we_o may_v with_o the_o more_o confidence_n press_v it_o upon_o you_o especial_o see_v it_o be_v the_o very_a soul_n and_o life_n of_o religion_n and_o where_o that_o be_v not_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o truth_n in_o religion_n that_o this_o exhortation_n may_v be_v the_o more_o clear_a and_o cogent_a we_o shall_v speak_v a_o word_n to_o these_o three_o 1._o to_o what_o this_o be_v to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o your_o walk_n 2._o to_o some_o motive_n to_o stir_v you_o up_o to_o it_o 3._o to_o some_o help_n to_o it_o for_o the_o 1._o it_o include_v these_o four_o which_o shall_v go_v along_o in_o your_o walk_n 1._o that_o you_o commit_v no_o know_a sin_n for_o there_o will_v be_v no_o good_a conscience_n if_o that_o be_v adventure_v on_o you_o who_o know_v that_o you_o shall_v not_o take_v liberty_n in_o drink_v drink_v in_o swear_v in_o profane_a or_o idle_a speak_n etc._n etc._n walk_v so_o as_o you_o may_v not_o thwart_v your_o knowledge_n 2_o it_o take_v in_o this_o that_o as_o you_o will_v commit_v no_o know_a sin_n so_o you_o will_v ommit_v no_o know_a duty_n because_o though_o every_o sin_n do_v wrong_v the_o conscience_n yet_o the_o sin_n that_o we_o know_v and_o yet_o commit_v and_o the_o duty_n that_o we_o know_v and_o yet_o omit_v do_v more_o direct_o strict_a against_o conscience_n you_o who_o know_v that_o the_o sabbath_n shall_v be_v keep_v holy_a that_o you_o shall_v pray_v in_o secret_a and_o in_o your_o family_n that_o you_o shall_v not_o offend_v one_o another_o etc._n etc._n beware_v of_o hazard_v on_o these_o contrary_n to_o your_o light_n 3_o it_o take_v in_o and_o suppose_v that_o you_o do_v nothing_o doubt_o for_o rom._n 14._o he_o that_o doubt_v and_o do_v be_v damn_v he_o be_v sentence_v and_o judge_v as_o to_o that_o particular_a 4_o it_o include_v this_o to_o endeavour_v to_o be_v right_a in_o the_o manner_n o●_n perform_v all_o duty_n and_o to_o have_v a_o single_a end_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o 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 conscience_n as_o to_o a_o sound_a walk_n in_o their_o moral_a sense_n 2_o there_o be_v many_o and_o great_a advantage_n attend_v it_o as_o namely_o 1._o it_o give_v a_o man_n much_o boldness_n in_o approach_v to_o god_n 1_o john_n 3._o 20._o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o then_o have_v we_o boldness_n towards_o god_n when_o we_o go_v to_o pray_v 2._o it_o give_v ground_n also_o to_o expect_v one_fw-mi hearing_n 1_o john_n 3._o 22._o whatsoever_o we_o ask_v we_o receive_v of_o he_o because_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o do_v these_o thing_n that_o be_v please_v in_o his_o sight_n and_o cross_v not_o our_o light_n and_o conscience_n in_o neglect_v any_o of_o they_o 3_o it_o keep_v a_o man_n from_o much_o sin_n and_o be_v that_o think_v you_o little_a advantage_n to_o have_v little_a comparative_o at_o least_o on_o a_o man_n score_n to_o reckon_v for_o 4thly_a it_o make_v a_o man_n life_n cheerful_a so_o prov._n 15._o 15._o he_o that_o be_v of_o a_o merry_a heart_n have_v a_o continual_a feast_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o heart_n cheerful_a in_o god_n from_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o this_o be_v it_o on_o the_o matter_n which_o guard_v the_o the_o heart_n and_o mind_n so_o that_o no_o care_n can_v considerable_o disquiet_v it_o as_o we_o have_v it_o phil._n 4._o 7._o the_o heart_n be_v guard_v yea_o garison_v as_o the_o word_n be_v with_o peace_n that_o there_o be_v no_o storm_v nor_o intake_v of_o it_o by_o outward_a trouble_n it_o be_v the_o joy_n that_o stranger_n inter_v meddle_v not_o with_o 5thly_a it_o be_v a_o sweet_a and_o strong_a cordial_a in_o affliction_n when_o christian_n be_v persecute_v by_o stranger_n or_o by_o false_a brethren_n be_v in_o sickness_n in_o prison_n in_o peril_n by_o sea_n or_o land_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v our_o rejoice_v the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n say_v the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 12._o in_o the_o midst_n of_o affliction_n six_o and_o more_o 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
trouble_v himself_o little_a with_o any_o devotion_n arise_v from_o it_o 3_o that_o there_o be_v no_o distinction_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a action_n but_o by_o the_o civil_a law_n which_o be_v unto_o he_o the_o measure_n thereof_o though_o this_o distinction_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n be_v deep_o and_o indeleble_o engrave_v on_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n as_o a_o native_a and_o necessary_a result_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n as_o the_o supreme_a rectitude_n 4_o that_o there_o be_v no_o ultramundan_a or_o eternal_a reward_n or_o punishment_n nor_o any_o beyond_o or_o beside_o these_o that_o be_v bestow_v or_o inflict_v by_o the_o civil_a power_n in_o this_o present_a life_n though_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n throughout_o all_o age_n experience_n have_v give_v in_o full_a demonstrative_a &_o undeniable_a evidence_n that_o man_n have_v be_v mighty_o impel_v and_o encourage_v to_o do_v good_a by_o the_o hope_n of_o future_a eternal_a reward_n and_o proportionable_o restrain_v pull_v back_o and_o deter_v from_o do_v evil_a by_o the_o fear_n of_o future_a and_o eternal_a punishment_n if_o i_o say_v we_o once_o suppose_v these_o thing_n we_o quite_o ruin_v and_o r●ze_v the_o great_a foundation_n not_o only_a of_o reveal_v and_o supernatural_a but_o also_o of_o natural_a religion_n without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o government_n among_o man_n can_v have_v any_o sure_a or_o firm_a basis_n to_o rest_v on_o but_o must_v needs_o according_a to_o the_o prevalency_n of_o their_o selfinterests_n cromble_o into_o piece_n and_o end_n in_o anarchy_n and_o confusion_n it_o be_v not_o altogether_o unworthy_a of_o remark_n here_o that_o hobbs_n run_v quite_o cross_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o fame_a matchiavel_n that_o prodigy_n of_o profound_a policy_n though_o but_o a_o very_a coarse_a divine_a who_o labour_v much_o in_o his_o prince_n to_o persuade_v sovereign_a civil_a power_n of_o the_o necessity_n and_o advantage_n for_o the_o supportance_n of_o government_n of_o dissemble_v and_o pretend_v at_o least_o a_o great_a regard_n and_o veneration_n to_o religion_n in_o comparison_n of_o who_o the_o other_o be_v but_o a_o impolitic_a puny_a and_o a_o far_o worse_a divine_a even_o if_o it_o involve_v not_o a_o repugnancy_n a_o diabolick_a one_o five_o we_o will_v take_v heed_n that_o we_o do_v not_o supine_o and_o careless_o neglect_v and_o slight_a the_o check_n challenge_n rebuke_n and_o accusation_n of_o our_o conscience_n in_o lesser_a thing_n or_o in_o matter_n of_o comparative_o small_a moment_n wherein_o yet_o conscience_n have_v a_o concern_v as_o it_o have_v in_o all_o our_o moral_a action_n neither_o be_v many_o even_o of_o our_o natural_a action_n as_o circumstantiate_v quite_o exclude_v from_o its_o concern_n for_o that_o insensible_o weaken_v the_o voice_n check_n and_o rebuke_n of_o conscience_n in_o more_o momentuous_a matter_n and_o may_v pre-dispose_a and_o prepare_v to_o trifle_v with_o it_o in_o these_o too_o and_o may_v provoke_v god_n who_o deputy_n conscience_n be_v to_o enj●n_v it_o silence_n and_o to_o suffer_v the_o man_n to_o go_v on_o secure_o in_o sin_n without_o check_n or_o challenge_v while_o yet_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n he_o secret_o command_v it_o to_o write_v up_o and_o keep_v a_o record_n of_o all_o these_o item_n against_o he_o and_o in_o due_a time_n to_o set_v they_o all_o in_o order_n to_o marshal_v as_o it_o be_v and_o draw_v they_o up_o in_o rank_n and_o file_v before_o he_o in_o a_o terrible_a manner_n and_o to_o give_v he_o at_o once_o a_o most_o furious_a charge_n challenge_n and_o accusation_n of_o conscience_n that_o have_v be_v smother_v for_o the_o time_n and_o slight_v after_o lie_v long_o silent_a have_v in_o some_o notable_a strait_n and_o difficulty_n arisen_a and_o get_v up_o upon_o man_n many_o year_n thereafter_o as_o these_o of_o josephs_n brethren_n do_v on_o they_o full_a twenty_o year_n at_o least_o after_o their_o pitielesse_a cruel_a un-natural_a inhuman_a and_o barbarous_a usage_n of_o their_o poor_a innocent_a young_a brother_n a_o secure_a silent_a and_o none-challenging_a ill_a conscience_n be_v among_o the_o worst_a of_o ill_a conscience_n and_o in_o some_o respect_n worse_o than_o a_o turbulent_a stormy_a and_o roar_a ill_a conscience_n if_o it_o come_v not_o to_o the_o height_n of_o despair_n because_o dispose_v the_o man_n athiestical_o to_o think_v that_o because_o god_n by_o himself_o and_o his_o deputy_n the_o conscience_n keep_v silence_n he_o be_v therefore_o like_a unto_o the_o man_n himself_o and_o that_o neither_o he_o nor_o his_o deputy_n will_v ever_o speak_v again_o nor_o reprove_v for_o those_o thing_n but_o that_o he_o have_v quite_o forget_v they_o all_o and_o will_v not_o any_o more_o call_v to_o a_o reckon_n for_o they_o o_o that_o such_o as_o forget_v god_n and_o s●ight_v his_o challenge_n and_o reproof_n by_o their_o own_o conscience_n will_v consider_v this_o lest_o he_o tear_v they_o in_o piece_n when_o there_o will_v be_v none_o to_o deliver_v it_o may_v also_o provoke_v he_o to_o speak_v that_o very_o angry_a and_o terrible_a word_n hos._n 4._o v._n 17._o more_o terrible_a some_o way_n than_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v famine_n fire_n sword_z pestilence_n and_o wild_a beast_n fail_v on_o the_o man_n he_o be_v join_v to_o his_o idol_n and_o so_o strait_o join_v that_o he_o will_v listen_v to_o no_o challenge_n of_o his_o conscience_n check_v he_o for_o maintain_v the_o conjunction_n nor_o to_o any_o suggestion_n of_o it_o persuade_v he_o to_o divorce_v from_o they_o or_o to_o un●le_a any_o of_o the_o knot_n of_o that_o curse_a conjunction_n let_v he_o alone_o let_v he_o sin_v on_o and_o by_o sin_v treasure_n up_o to_o himself_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n and_o revelation_n of_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n beside_o that_o such_o a_o silent_a sleep_v and_o stupefy_v conscience_n through_o often_o trade_v challenge_n under_o foot_n will_v at_o last_o waken_v and_o flee_v in_o the_o ungodly_a man_n face_n and_o as_o a_o fierce_a mastive_a dog_n or_o raven_a wolf_n take_v he_o by_o the_o throat_n and_o become_v his_o burrio_fw-la and_o tormenter_n and_o perhaps_o for_o evit_v the_o trouble_n and_o terror_n of_o it_o put_v he_o though_o a_o poor_a and_o pitiful_a desperate_a and_o distract_a shift_n to_o be_v his_o own_o murderer_n and_o executioner_n or_o if_o it_o shall_v keep_v silence_n to_o death_n and_o even_o then_o not_o disqulet_n he_o yet_o it_o will_v in_o hell_n as_o a_o never_o die_a worm_n gnaw_v the_o heart_n of_o he_o and_o as_o a_o ravenous_a vulture_n tear_v out_o as_o it_o be_v his_o very_a bowel_n and_o by_o its_o yell_a and_o roar_v by_o its_o bite_n and_o rent_v the_o very_a c●ul_n of_o his_o heart_n make_v he_o a_o hell_n to_o himself_o in_o hell_n and_o so_o make_v a_o double_a hell_n to_o he_o alas_o even_o the_o godly_a themselves_o may_v by_o somewhat_o of_o this_o guilt_n raise_v great_a storm_n of_o trouble_n and_o disquiet_v in_o their_o own_o conscience_n sixthly_a we_o will_v by_o all_o mean_n guard_v against_o counteracting_a and_o run_a cross_n to_o the_o plain_a and_o downright_o dictate_v of_o our_o conscience_n especial_o when_o clear_o inform_v by_o the_o word_n for_o this_o be_v a_o high_a dare_a malepert_a affront_a desplse_v and_o disow_v of_o god_n deputy_n and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o violent_a put_v he_o off_o the_o bench_n the_o language_n whereof_o be_v that_o if_o god_n himself_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o conscience_n be_v or_o can_v possible_o be_v as_o much_o in_o the_o man_n reverence_n as_o he_o suppose_v his_o conscience_n to_o be_v he_o will_v deal_v with_o he_o at_o the_o same_o rate_n and_o serve_v he_o with_o the_o same_o measure_n this_o bring_v on_o dedolency_n stupidity_n and_o caurerize_n of_o conscience_n make_v stout_a against_o god_n hold_v and_o impudent_a in_o sin_v it_o make_v the_o man_n heart_n hard_o than_o a_o adamant_n it_o make_v he_o to_o be_v of_o a_o brazen_a brow_n and_o to_o put_v on_o a_o whore_n forehead_n so_o that_o he_o will_v not_o at_o all_o think_v shame_n nay_o not_o so_o much_o as_o blush_v but_o confident_o wipe_v his_o mouth_n and_o say_v what_o have_v i_o do_v and_o very_o ready_o it_o bring_v on_o all_o the_o dreadful_a effect_n mention_v in_o the_o forego_n caution_n and_o fill_v the_o world_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n with_o prodigle_v of_o profanitie_n and_o monster_n of_o mischief_n and_o even_o in_o a_o manner_n bringsup_n hell_n upon_o earth_n when_o it_o become_v habitual_a and_o when_o god_n judicial_o give_v man_n up_o to_o their_o own_o heart_n luft_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o their_o own_o counsel_n without_o all_o regard_n to_o what_o he_o say_v to_o they_o by_o his_o word_n without_o they_o and_o by_o their_o own_o conscience_n within_o they_o seven_o
the_o open_n of_o the_o book_n to_o the_o sist_z and_o put_v of_o all_o person_n in_o a_o posture_n before_o he_o to_o be_v sentence_v by_o he_o it_o do_v in_o a_o manner_n all_o so_o that_o god_n have_v little_a or_o nothing_o to_o do_v as_o it_o be_v for_o it_o discover_v to_o a_o man_n what_o be_v his_o duty_n and_o his_o sin_n 2._o it_o cit_v he_o to_o compear_v and_o answer_v for_o neglect_v such_o and_o such_o a_o duty_n and_o commit_v such_o and_o such_o a_o sin_n and_o he_o can_v possible_o shift_v compearance_n 3._o when_o he_o do_v compear_v it_o give_v in_o a_o l●bell_n of_o accusation_n against_o the_o man_n and_o a_o catalogue_n of_o all_o his_o sin_n in_o thought_n word_n and_o deed_n this_o and_o this_o will_v it_o aweful_o say_v thou_o do_v at_o such_o and_o such_o a_o time_n in_o such_o and_o such_o a_o place_n aggravate_v by_o such_o and_o such_o circumstance_n 4._o it_o serve_v to_o be_v a_o witness_n yea_o in_o place_n of_o a_o thousand_o witness_n and_o there_o be_v no_o deny_v or_o shift_v of_o what_o ever_o it_o bear_v witness_v to_o all_o which_o we_o may_v see_v in_o josephs_n brethren_n gen._n 42._o 21._o who_o say_v one_o to_o another_o we_o be_v very_o guilty_a concern_v our_o brother_n in_o that_o we_o see_v the_o anguish_n of_o his_o soul_n when_o he_o beseech_v we_o and_o we_o will_v not_o hear_v therefore_o be_v this_o distress_n come_v upon_o we_o the_o law_n discover_v that_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n conscience_n challenge_v and_o accuse_v they_o be_v cite_v the_o accusation_n be_v give_v in_o and_o prove_v this_o and_o this_o they_o do_v and_o do_v it_o with_o all_o these_o circumstance_n not_o a_o pitiful_a word_n that_o joseph_n speak_v nor_o a_o tear_n that_o he_o shed_v in_o the_o anguish_n of_o his_o soul_n beseech_v they_o to_o desist_v but_o they_o remember_v it_o now_o and_o there_o be_v no_o shift_v of_o the_o challenge_n and_o accusation_n nor_o cover_v of_o it_o as_o they_o have_v do_v before_o to_o their_o age_a father_n jacob_n but_o they_o must_v needs_o now_o take_v with_o all_o and_o confess_v we_o have_v sin_v and_o be_v very_o guilty_a concern_v our_o brother_n etc._n etc._n 5._o it_o pass_v sentence_n and_o in_o this_o respect_n the_o heart_n be_v say_v to_o condemn_v when_o the_o thing_n be_v evil_a and_o to_o absolve_v or_o not_o condemn_v when_o the_o thing_n be_v good_a 1_o john_n 3_o 20_o 21._o 6._o when_o it_o have_v sentence_v and_o condemn_v it_o leave_v not_o the_o man_n so_o but_o go_v on_o and_o execute_v the_o sentence_n and_o turn_v a_o gnaw_a worm_n to_o bite_v and_o gnaw_v and_o as_o a_o executioner_n to_o buffe●_n and_o smite_v to_o damp_n and_o torment_v the_o man_n thus_o you_o may_v see_v how_o useful_a conscience_n be_v to_o help_v forward_o god_n judgement_n and_o to_o vindicat_fw-la him_z in_o his_o sentence_n and_o as_o it_o be_v thus_o with_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n so_o it_o be_v with_o a_o conscience_n absolve_v it_o will_v absolve_v when_o man_n condemn_v as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o paul_n here_o when_o man_n give_v in_o a_o lybel_n and_o accuse_v it_o will_v discharge_v as_o act_n 23._o 1._o man_n and_o brethren_n i_o have_v live_v in_o all_o good_a conscience_n before_o god_n until_o this_o day_n and_o when_o conscience_n have_v absolve_v it_o make_v cheerful_a as_o 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 and_o 1_o john_n 3._o 20._o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n so_o than_o we_o see_v conscience_n have_v these_o three_o great_a use_n and_o end_n 1._o to_o keep_v people_n in_o awe_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o greatness_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o mind_n that_o they_o must_v give_v a_o account_n to_o he_o 2._o to_o hold_v they_o at_o their_o duty_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v very_o loath_a to_o contradict_v it_o 3._o if_o duty_n be_v neglect_v to_o record_v all_o their_o fault_n and_o to_o accuse_v and_o sentence_v they_o therefore_o and_o never_o to_o leave_v pursue_v they_o for_o conscience_n will_v continue_v as_o a_o worm_n in_o hell_n gnaw_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o the_o first_o use_n serve_v to_o bear_v in_o this_o truth_n on_o you_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o conscience_n the_o most_o ignorant_a and_o profane_a and_o haughty_a of_o you_o all_o whether_o young_a or_o old_a one_o and_o other_o of_o you_o have_v a_o conscience_n that_o take_v particular_a notice_n of_o every_o thing_n in_o your_o walk_n that_o record_v all_o that_o accuse_v or_o excuse_v and_o though_o you_o take_v not_o head_n to_o it_o now_o you_o will_v one_o day_n be_v make_v to_o know_v it_o take_v it_o therefore_o for_o a_o certain_a truth_n that_o you_o have_v such_o a_o thing_n within_o you_o that_o you_o have_v a_o knowledge_n with_o your_o knowledge_n even_o a_o conscience_n that_o remember_v when_o you_o will_v forget_v the_o mind_v of_o this_o be_v useful_a 1._o to_o make_v people_n cast_v out_o with_o sin_n rather_o than_o with_o their_o conscience_n 2._o to_o make_v they_o wary_a that_o they_o take_v not_o liberty_n in_o secret_a to_o sin_n 3._o to_o make_v they_o take_v kind_o with_o reproof_n for_o sin_n remember_v therefore_o that_o there_o be_v a_o conscience_n in_o every_o one_o of_o you_o you_o will_v possible_o think_v it_o needless_a to_o press_v this_o and_o i_o wish_v it_o be_v so_o but_o we_o may_v short_o point_v at_o these_o evidence_n to_o prove_v that_o many_o on_o the_o matter_n think_v they_o have_v not_o a_o conscience_n the_o first_o be_v that_o they_o take_v so_o little_a pain_n to_o prevent_v a_o quarrel_n from_o their_o conscience_n how_o many_o omit_v balk_v and_o step_v over_o duty_n and_o go_v on_o in_o sin_n which_o they_o dare_v not_o do_v if_o they_o believe_v that_o they_o have_v a_o conscience_n 2._o the_o few_o challenge_v that_o most_o have_v under_o many_o sin_n and_o their_o live_n in_o such_o peace_n and_o security_n as_o if_o they_o have_v not_o a_o conscience_n to_o disquiet_v they_o many_o man_n and_o woman_n know_v and_o be_v as_o little_o acquaint_v with_o challenge_n and_o conviction_n and_o stand_v in_o as_o little_a awe_n of_o conscience_n as_o if_o they_o have_v none_o at_o all_o hence_o we_o use_v to_o say_v that_o such_o a_o man_n have_v not_o a_o conscience_n because_o though_o he_o have_v it_o he_o regard_v it_o not_o and_o such_o a_o m●n_z have_v a_o conscience_n because_o he_o make_v use_v of_o it_o and_o listen_v to_o what_o it_o say_v 3._o that_o people_n seek_v more_o to_o approve_v themselves_o in_o outward_a and_o see_v duty_n than_o in_o inward_a and_o secret_a one_o and_o look_v more_o after_o man_n approbation_n then_o god_n and_o lean_v more_o to_o and_o lay_v more_o weight_n on_o outward_a testimony_n from_o man_n then_o to_o and_o on_o inward_a one_o from_o their_o own_o conscience_n if_o conscience_n be_v real_o believe_v to_o be_v there_o will_v be_v as_o great_a awe_n of_o god_n and_o as_o great_a loathness_n to_o sin_n in_o secret_a as_o before_o many_o witness_n but_o you_o will_v object_n and_o say_v see_v every_o one_o have_v a_o conscience_n what_o can_v be_v the_o reason_n that_o many_o care_n so_o little_a for_o conscience_n answer_v 1._o what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o man_n care_v so_o little_a for_o god_n if_o they_o care_v not_o for_o the_o lord_n and_o master_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n they_o care_v so_o little_a for_o the_o deputy_n and_o servant_n shall_v we_o therefore_o think_v that_o there_o be_v not_o such_o a_o thing_n at_o all_o as_o a_o conscience_n in_o such_o no_o by_o no_o mean_n it_o will_v prove_v indeed_o that_o they_o slight_a conscience_n but_o not_o that_o they_o want_v a_o conscience_n 2._o there_o be_v in_o many_o man_n a_o contend_v with_o and_o provock_v of_o conscience_n which_o in_o god_n righteous_a judgement_n make_v a_o silent_a conscience_n when_o the_o lord_n make_v conscience_n quick_a and_o set_v it_o on_o to_o reprove_v and_o check_v for_o sin_n and_o man_n do_v not_o listen_v to_o its_o check_n and_o reproof_n conscience_n offend_v and_o will_v not_o reprove_v conscience_n be_v god_n deputy_n take_v order_n from_o he_o and_o when_o god_n will_v ●ot_n vouchsafe_v a_o word_n of_o reproof_n on_o a_o man_n neither_o will_v it_o ephraim_n be_v join_v to_o idol_n let_v he_o alone_o save_v the_o lord_n hos._n 4._o 17._o and_o from_o rom._n 1._o 20_o 21._o we_o may_v see_v the_o cause_n why_o god_n give_v up_o the_o heathen_a to_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n to_o do_v thing_n that_o be_v not_o convenient_a to_o be_v their_o go_v cross_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o their_o
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
which_o affect_v they_o as_o it_o be_v affect_v if_o their_o carriage_n be_v good_a it_o speak_v good_a to_o they_o if_o evil_a it_o speak_v evil_a to_o they_o hence_o it_o be_v say_v rom._n 2._o 15._o their_o conscience_n bear_v witness_n and_o their_o thought_n the_o meanwhile_n accuse_v or_o else_o excuse_v one_o another_o something_o also_o be_v speak_v to_o what_o conscience_n be_v and_o what_o be_v its_o office_n we_o shall_v now_o add_v a_o three_o doctrine_n though_o it_o be_v not_o the_o three_o in_o the_o order_n that_o we_o propose_v the_o doctrine_n at_o first_o which_o be_v this_o that_o christian_n ought_v so_o to_o walk_v yea_o if_o they_o be_v tender_a they_o will_v aim_v and_o endeavour_v so_o to_o walk_v as_o in_o nothing_o they_o may_v give_v their_o conscience_n offence_n the_o forego_v doctrine_n be_v common_a to_o all_o viz._n to_o have_v a_o conscience_n but_o this_o to_o walk_v friendly_a with_o the_o conscience_n so_o as_o not_o to_o offend_v or_o wrong_v it_o be_v not_o common_a to_o all_o but_o peculiar_a to_o he_o who_o be_v a_o christian_n in_o earnest_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o himself_o in_o the_o preecee_a chapter_n ver_fw-la 1._o man_n and_o brethren_n i_o have_v live_v before_o god_n in_o all_o good_a conscience_n until_o this_o day_n suppose_v he_o to_o mean_v since_o his_o conversion_n and_o 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 and_o heb._n 13._o 18._o we_o trust_v we_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n willing_a to_o live_v honest_o and_o his_o pitch_v on_o this_o as_o a_o great_a ground_n of_o his_o consolation_n in_o strait_n be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o common_a thing_n but_o peculiar_a to_o the_o tender_a christian_a hence_o be_v the_o confident_a approach_n of_o the_o saint_n to_o god_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o david_n through_o the_o psalm_n in_o hezekiah_n isa._n 38._o 3._o remember_v i_o beseech_v thou_o 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 and_o in_o job_n chap._n 27._o vers_fw-la 6._o so_o 1_o john_n 3_o 21._o belove_a if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n for_o further_o clear_v of_o this_o point_n we_o shall_v show_v first_o what_o it_o be_v not_o to_o offend_v the_o conscience_n 2._o that_o a_o believer_n ought_v to_o walk_v and_o if_o he_o be_v tender_a will_v walk_v so_o as_o he_o may_v not_o offend_v his_o conscience_n and_o 3._o make_v use_n of_o the_o doctrine_n for_o clear_v of_o the_o first_o we_o shall_v show_v 1._o what_o offend_v the_o conscience_n 2._o what_o it_o be_v not_o to_o offend_v conscience_n the_o first_o of_o these_o may_v be_v comprise_v in_o these_o three_o general_n 1._o that_o whatever_o be_v sin_n against_o god_n offen_v the_o conscience_n for_o conscience_n be_v god_n deputy_n substitute_n by_o he_o and_o sustain_v his_o place_n and_o vicê_n in_o a_o manner_n in_o the_o soul_n to_o give_v sentence_n for_o he_o whatever_o offend_v and_o wrong_v god_n must_v also_o offend_v and_o wrong_v the_o conscience_n and_o though_o every_o sin_n do_v not_o always_o at_o present_a sensible_o and_o feel_o affect_v the_o conscience_n yet_o it_o make_v way_n for_o that_o and_o prove_v to_o be_v a_o offence_n and_o wrong_n do_v to_o it_o in_o that_o it_o lay_v the_o ground_n of_o a_o challenge_n 2._o that_o be_v a_o offence_n and_o wrong_n to_o the_o conscience_n which_o be_v against_o light_n and_o knowledge_n and_o though_o the_o impulse_n of_o conscience_n according_a to_o that_o light_n be_v not_o always_o so_o vigorous_a yet_o where_o there_o be_v a_o thwar_n with_o light_n there_o be_v a_o dare_v of_o conscience_n and_o a_o contradict_v of_o it_o and_o as_o it_o be_v rem_fw-la 14_o 22._o a_o man_n then_o condemn_v himself_o in_o that_o which_o he_o allow_v and_o lay_v the_o ground_n of_o a_o challenge_n against_o himself_o in_o that_o wherein_o he_o have_v light_a and_o clearness_n 3._o conscience_n be_v offend_v or_o wrong_v when_o any_o thing_n be_v adventure_v on_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o impulse_n of_o it_o as_o when_o conscience_n say_v that_o such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v do_v and_o we_o notwithstanding_o leave_v ●t_a undo_v or_o when_o it_o say_v such_o and_o such_o a_o thing_n ought_v ●ot_n to_o be_v do_v and_o yet_o we_o do_v it_o since_o conscience_n as_o we_o say_v before_o take_v notice_n of_o all_o a_o man_n thought_n purpose_n word_n and_o way_n to_o give_v in_o a_o word_n for_o god_n when_o that_o which_o it_o say_v for_o he_o be_v slight_v it_o can_v but_o be_v offend_v and_o wrong_v second_o not_o to_o offend_v but_o to_o keep_v friendship_n and_o a_o good_a understanding_n with_o the_o conscience_n suppose_v and_o take_v in_o these_o thing_n 1._o to_o have_v the_o judgement_n clear_o inform_v anent_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n for_o though_o conscience_n be_v above_o we_o yet_o it_o be_v under_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v inform_v from_o his_o word_n and_o we_o lie_v a_o stumbling-block_n before_o it_o when_o we_o endeavour_v not_o to_o have_v the_o eye_n single_a as_o the_o lord_n speak_v and_o the_o understanding_n clear_a 2._o to_o listen_v and_o lend_v the_o ear_n to_o hear_v what_o conscience_n say_v and_o after_o deliberation_n to_o be_v swey_v and_o determine_v according_a to_o what_o it_o say_v in_o do_v or_o forbear_v for_o unless_o we_o take_v heed_n to_o the_o voice_n of_o conscience_n we_o know_v not_o when_o we_o please_v or_o displease_v it_o 3._o to_o ply_v and_o steer_v a_o straight_a course_n according_a to_o the_o dictate_v and_o direction_n of_o conscience_n to_o take_v order_n to_o speak_v so_o from_o it_o so_o as_o when_o conscience_n point_v at_o such_o and_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o evil_n to_o stand_v and_o sist_z there_o without_o dare_v to_o meddle_v with_o it_o or_o move_v towards_o it_o and_o when_o it_o hold_v forth_o such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v a_o duty_n straight_a way_n to_o give_v obedience_n to_o it_o herein_o main_o consist_v a_o good_a conscience_n consider_v it_o with_o respect_n to_o its_o exercise_n when_o once_o make_v good_a to_o have_v our_o conscience_n say_v nothing_o against_o we_o and_o without_o have_v ground_n to_o say_v any_o thing_n against_o we_o when_o it_o can_v challenge_v we_o and_o say_v that_o it_o enjoin_v we_o to_o do_v such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n and_o that_o yet_o we_o do_v it_o not_o or_o that_o it_o enjoin_v we_o to_o forbear_v such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n and_o that_o yet_o we_o go_v on_o to_o the_o do_v of_o it_o so_o that_o when_o we_o come_v before_o god_n it_o may_v have_v nothing_o to_o reprove_v or_o challenge_v we_o for_o nothing_o to_o condemn_v we_o in_o but_o as_o it_o hold_v out_o our_o duty_n to_o we_o from_o the_o word_n just_o so_o to_o endeavour_v to_o behave_v in_o all_o thing_n for_o the_o second_o thing_n propose_v to_o be_v speak_v to_o viz._n that_o a_o believer_n ought_v and_o if_o he_o be_v tender_a will_v walk_v so_o as_o he_o may_v not_o offend_v his_o conscience_n these_o three_o thing_n will_v confirm_v it_o 1._o the_o very_a nature_n and_o office_n of_o his_o conscience_n if_o so_o be_v that_o conscience_n speak_v for_o god_n and_o be_v appoint_v by_o he_o as_o his_o deputy_n to_o be_v a_o remembrancer_n of_o duty_n and_o a_o restrainer_n from_o sin_n than_o the_o awe_n of_o god_n and_o love_n to_o he_o will_v make_v a_o man_n that_o be_v tender_a walk_v according_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o conscience_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o rom._n 13._o 5._o the_o command_n that_o be_v lay_v on_o for_o god_n sake_n be_v also_o lay_v on_o for_o conscience_n sake_n wherefore_o say_v he_o you_o must_v needs_o be_v subject_n not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o also_o for_o conscience_n sake_n that_o be_v from_o the_o awe_n of_o god_n that_o put_v we_o to_o our_o duty_n and_o from_o respect_n to_o conscience_n his_o deputy_n in_o this_o respect_n the_o voice_n of_o conscience_n be_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n for_o as_o a_o man_n can_v be_v tender_a who_o refuse_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o neither_o can_v he_o be_v tender_a who_o refuse_v to_o comply_v with_o the_o direction_n of_o his_o conscience_n speak_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n to_o he_o a_o second_o reason_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o great_a advantage_n that_o flow_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n it_o give_v much_o quietness_n and_o sweet_a peace_n in_o all_o strait_n and_o trouble_n and_o much_o confidence_n and_o holy_a boldness_n in_o approach_v to_o god_n if_o our_o conscience_n condemn_v we_o not_o say_v
get_v no_o rest_n until_o the_o ●ll_a turn_n be_v do_v under_o pretext_n of_o keep_v his_o oath_n herod_n be_v predominant_o sway_v by_o these_o who_o sit_v at_o table_n with_o he_o and_o will_v have_v it_o think_v that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v excuse_v because_o otherways_o he_o can_v not_o forsooth_o keep_v his_o oath_n who_o yet_o have_v break_v many_o a_o oath_n and_o make_v no_o bone_n of_o they_o for_o the_o second_o question_n how_o may_v the_o impulse_n of_o conscience_n be_v know_v and_o discern_v from_o the_o impulse_n of_o credit_n interest_n inclination_n will_n and_o affection_n answer_v by_o the_o word_n to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n isa._n 8._o 20_o conscience_n be_v subject_a to_o that_o and_o conscience_n never_o ready_o pouse_v against_o duty_n hold_v out_o by_o the_o word_n conscience_n will_v never_o bid_v heroa_fw-la take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o a_o innocent_a man_n 2._o if_o a_o man_n be_v dark_a and_o doubtful_a in_o a_o particular_a conscience_n as_o conscience_n be_v always_o single_a but_o credit_n interest_n and_o th●_n like_a have_v always_o some_o by-respect_n which_o steal_v in_o and_o drown_v conscience_n represent_v to_o it_o that_o such_o and_o such_o loss_n or_o prejudice_n will_v follow_v on_o such_o a_o thing_n interest_n and_o reputation_n will_v make_v a_o man_n say_v i_o will_v no●_n do_v such_o a_o thing_n if_o i_o can_v do_v otherways_o but_o shall_v i_o hazard_v all_o my_o estate_n and_o possible_o my_o life_n also_o this_o i_o may_v not_o do_v and_o when_o interest_n and_o particularity_n prevail_v they_o make_v he_o to_o step_v over_o conscience_n and_o to_o think_v that_o he_o do_v no_o fault_n when_o it_o be_v some_o particular_a hazard_n that_o sway_v he_o interest_n be_v satisfy_v from_o a_o suppose_a necessity_n but_o conscience_n acknowledge_v not_o that_o rule_n in_o outward_a thing_n when_o the_o man_n can_v do_v no_o other_o way_n it_o will_v put_v he_o to_o choose_v suffer_v 3._o when_o credit_n interest_n and_o the_o like_a pouss_n their_o impulse_n be_v partial_a and_o violent_a but_o the_o impulse_n of_o conscience_n be_v impartial_a and_o sober_a conscience_n sway_v the_o man_n pouse_v he_o from_o the_o awe_n of_o god_n and_o from_o love_n to_o he_o and_o to_o all_o that_o be_v know_v to_o be_v duty_n impartial_o as_o to_o pray_v read_v meditate_v confer_v etc._n etc._n but_o when_o interest_n credit_n or_o inclination_n sway_n he_o they_o will_v drive_v he_o to_o one_o thing_n and_o not_o to_o another_o and_o more_o especial_o to_o that_o which_o may_v satisfy_v his_o humour_n and_o that_o violent_o but_o for_o the_o more_o exercise_v duty_n of_o religion_n as_o to_o humble_v himself_o before_o god_n to_o repent_v of_o sin_n to_o meditate_v etc._n etc._n it_o do_v not_o pouss_n or_o but_o very_o cold_o and_o slow_o as_o some_o man_n will_v have_v a_o impulse_n to_o provide_v for_o their_o family_n and_o they_o will_v ride_v and_o run_v for_o that_o but_o if_o any_o object_n of_o charity_n offer_v or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o hazard_n of_o loss_n for_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n sake_n these_o will_v be_v silent_a there_o or_o if_o conscience_n mutter_v it_o will_v not_o be_v much_o regard_v in_o what_o it_o say_v now_o if_o conscience_n swey_v the_o man_n here_o there_o will_v be_v a_o impartial_a respect_n have_v to_o one_o duty_n as_o well_o as_o to_o another_o 4._o where_o interest_n credit_n inclination_n or_o affection_n pour_v they_o drive_v not_o only_o violent_o and_o partial_o but_o irrational_o and_o can_v stay_v nor_o endure_v to_o reason_n and_o debate_v thing_n or_o to_o be_v dissuade_v from_o the_o thing_n towards_o which_o there_o be_v a_o inclination_n and_o will_n neither_o will_v give_v a_o hear_n to_o what_o may_v be_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_a but_o conscience_n in_o its_o impulse_n be_v rational_a and_o sober_a go_v to_o the_o word_n and_o will_v ha●e_v matter_n calm_o season_v and_o debate_v and_o be_v the_o better_o satisfy_v the_o better_a the_o business_n be_v debate_v and_o clear_v because_o it_o like_v and_o love_v rational_a service_n rom._n 12._o 1._o and_o therefore_o lay_v every_o thing_n to_o the_o rule_n and_o ready_o content_v with_o corruption_n with_o which_o inclination_n side_v 5._o when_o credit_n interest_n and_o inclination_n in_o their_o impulse_n be_v thwart_v they_o storm_v they_o vex_v and_o torture_v the_o man_n but_o when_o the_o impulse_n of_o conscience_n be_v thwart_v it_o have_v a_o kindly_a prick_n and_o stound_a the_o impulse_n of_o interest_n or_o inclination_n be_v thwart_v con●useth_v and_o put_v through_o other_o to_o spe●k_v so_o and_o be_v but_o a_o carnal_a fit_n of_o passion_n make_v ●rothy_a light_a and_o distempered_o passionate_a but_o it_o the_o impulse_n of_o conscience_n be_v thwart_v it_o weight_v and_o sting_v deep_o 6._o the_o impulse_n of_o conscience_n affect_v constant_o and_o chop_v even_o though_o sometime_o in_o its_o chap_a it_o will_v be_v more_o quick_a then_o at_o another_o time_n yet_o where_o it_o sway_v it_o leave_v not_o off_o but_o continue_v chap_a this_o year_n and_o the_o next_o and_o account_v a_o thing_n evil_a or_o good_a in_o another_o as_o well_o as_o in_o a_o man_n self_n and_o in_o himself_o as_o well_o as_o in_o another_o and_o at_o all_o time_n but_o when_o a_o man_n be_v pouss_v by_o credit_n interest_n inclination_n or_o affection_n he_o be_v like_o a_o distemper_a man_n in_o a_o fever_n who_o pulse_n beat_v not_o even_o he_o be_v not_o constant_a and_o equal_a but_o up_o or_o down_o as_o the_o particular_a that_o affect_v he_o 〈◊〉_d his_o humour_n or_o come_v near_o he_o as_o for_o instance_n a_o man_n sway_v by_o his_o interest_n will_v dispute_v for_o the_o government_n of_o such_o a_o person_n this_o year_n and_o for_o the_o government_n of_o another_o the_o next_o for_o such_o a_o interest_n this_o year_n and_o for_o a_o contrary_a one_o the_o next_o for_o one_o sort_n of_o government_n in_o church_n or_o state_n as_o best_a this_o year_n and_o for_o another_o as_o best_a the_o next_o because_o his_o own_o particular_a interest_n come_v in_o to_o side_n with_o it_o and_o so_o he_o change_v his_o principle_n according_a to_o his_o interest_n and_o dispute_v for_o one_o thing_n to_o day_n and_o for_o the_o contrary_a the_o next_o thus_o his_o interest_n forge_v and_o frame_v principle_n to_o maintain_v it_o which_o be_v a_o evidence_n that_o such_o man_n great_a principle_n be_v their_o interest_n and_o that_o they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d sway_v from_o a_o native_a principle_n of_o conscience_n else_o they_o will_v be_v more_o even_o and_o constant_a therefore_o beware_v to_o take_v every_o impulse_n for_o the_o impulse_n of_o conscience_n many_o man_n woeful_o abuse_v conscience_n by_o their_o pretension_n to_o it_o as_o if_o some_o weighty_a nay_o some_o extraordinary_a bond_n be_v on_o their_o conscience_n when_o as_o indeed_o inclination_n or_o affection_n or_o some_o other_o such_o thing_n pouss_v they_o on_o the_o three_o question_n be_v may_v not_o even_a conscience_n sometime_o err_v and_o go_v wrong_n may_v it_o not_o pouse_v to_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o sinful_a and_o shall_v it_o then_o be_v follow_v ans._n conscience_n may_v err_v or_o go_v wrong_v two_o way_n 1._o in_o respect_n of_o light_n by_o think_v that_o which_o be_v wrong_a to_o be_v right_a 2._o in_o respect_n of_o practice_n in_o application_n of_o the_o rule_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o speak_v a_o word_n for_o clear_v of_o both_o and_o first_o in_o the_o general_a when_o we_o say_v that_o man_n shall_v walk_v according_a to_o their_o conscience_n we_o understand_v it_o of_o a_o conscience_n well_o inform_v and_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o duty_n as_o know_v its_o master_n will_v and_o do_v it_o for_o a_o wicked_a man_n may_v have_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o respect_n of_o light_a to_o tell_v he_o what_o he_o shall_v do_v and_o to_o challenge_v he_o when_o he_o do_v wrong_a though_o yet_o he_o will_v not_o obey_v it_o therefore_o we_o say_v for_o a_o man_n to_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n be_v to_o have_v a_o well_o inform_v conscience_n and_o do_v duty_n according_o for_o further_o clear_v of_o this_o there_o be_v ten_o sort_n of_o conscience_n that_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v guide_v by_o whereof_o five_o fail_v in_o the_o major_n or_o first_o proposition_n in_o respect_n of_o light_n and_o other_o five_o fa●l_n in_o the_o minor_a or_o second_o proposition_n in_o respect_n of_o practice_n or_o application_n the_o five_o sort_n that_o fail_v in_o the_o major_a proposition_n or_o in_o respect_n of_o light_n be_v these_o 1._o a_o err_v conscience_n when_o the_o judgement_n be_v misinform_v and_o account_v duty_n to_o to_o be_v sin_n and_o sin_n to_o be_v
which_o especial_o in_o indifferent_a thing_n hinder_v a_o man_n to_o use_v his_o liberty_n as_o rom._n 14._o 2._o one_o believe_v that_o he_o may_v eat_v all_o thing_n another_o that_o be_v weak_a eat_v herb_n he_o will_v not_o take_v the_o liberty_n that_o god_n allow_v he_o as_o it_o be_v with_o many_o in_o the_o primo_fw-la primitive_a time_n who_o think_v not_o all_o mea●s_n to_o be_v a_o like_a lawful_a as_o to_o their_o use_n though_o this_o sort_n of_o conscience_n shall_v be_v inform_v in_o order_n to_o its_o be_v bring_v up_o to_o the_o use_n of_o its_o lawful_a liberty_n yet_o while_o it_o be_v infirm_a and_o have_v not_o clearness_n in_o the_o thing_n it_o ought_v to_o lay_v on_o band_n for_o abstention_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o cor._n 8._o and_o last_o if_o meat_n make_v my_o brother_n to_o offend_v i_o will_v not_o eat_v flesh_n while_o the_o world_n stand_v lest_o i_o make_v my_o brother_n to_o offend_v because_o by_o the_o example_n of_o his_o eat_n as_o he_o say_v before_o his_o weak_a brother_n be_v embolden_v to_o eat_v also_o and_o so_o his_o conscience_n be_v weak_a be_v wound_v all_o which_o say_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o study_v to_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o conscience_n may_v be_v right_o inform_v thereby_o second_o there_o be_v other_o five_o sort_n of_o conscience_n that_o fail_v in_o practice_n or_o application_n of_o the_o rule_n which_o ought_v no_o more_o to_o be_v lay_v weight_n upon_o in_o practice_n then_o the_o former_a the_o 1._o be_v a_o too_o narrow_a conscience_n that_o challenge_v too_o soon_o with_o which_o many_o in_o these_o day_n be_v not_o much_o trouble_v but_o rather_o run_v on_o the_o contrary_a extremity_n as_o when_o a_o man_n light_n be_v not_o clear_a in_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v indifferent_a as_o the_o weak_a conscience_n be_v wound_v for_o eat_v a_o little_a flesh_n thus_o one_fw-mi infirm_a conscience_n will_v ready_o challenge_v and_o heighten_v a_o si●_n without_o ground_n which_o be_v especial_o to_o be_v find_v among_o new_a beginner_n who_o use_v to_o have_v a_o number_n of_o challenge_n for_o this_o and_o that_o which_o yet_o can_v well_o abide_v the_o trial_n several_a particular_n may_v be_v instance_a in_o as_o they_o will_v be_v sometime_o challenge_v and_o disquiet_v for_o come_v into_o such_o a_o company_n which_o yet_o 〈◊〉_d may_v have_v do_v warrantable_o for_o not_o speak_v when_o possible_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o hold_v their_o tongue_n ●or_a speak_n when_o yet_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o speak_v for_o take_v so_o much_o meat_n and_o drink_n which_o yet_o be_v but_o sufficient_a for_o the_o sustentation_n of_o nature_n though_o they_o question_v not_o such_o 〈◊〉_d and_o drink_n to_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o kind_n yet_o they_o be_v challenge_v and_o trouble_v without_o ground_n as_o to_o the_o measure_n and_o quantity_n 2._o a_o too_o large_a and_o gross_a conscience_n which_o we_o fear_v be_v the_o ●orest_n and_o rife_a sickness_n among_o conscience_n a_o conscience_n that_o can_v easy_o digest_v many_o thing_n which_o be_v lay_v to_o the_o rule_n will_v be_v find_v sinful_a a_o gross_a conscience_n be_v opposite_a to_o tenderness_n and_o can_v hear_v of_o sin_n threaten_v without_o fear_n which_o it_o be_v lie_v under_o it_o stand_v not_o on_o the_o offence_n of_o other_o as_o in_o corinth_n there_o be_v some_o that_o go_v on_o in_o the_o use_n of_o their_o liberty_n without_o regard_n of_o their_o weak_a brethren_n not_o care_v whether_o they_o offend_v they_o or_o not_o it_o regard_v not_o other_o folk_n conscience_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n it_o will_v not_o only_o confident_o come_v near_o to_o ill_a but_o hazard_v on_o ill_o whereas_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_n shall_v be_v abstain_v from_o it_o be_v a_o narrow_a conscience_n abide_v over_o far_o a_o back_n so_o a_o gross_a conscience_n come_v over_o near_o it_o will_v put_v person_n to_o eat_v to_o drink_v and_o to_o be_v clothe_v too_o liberal_o prodigal_o and_o vain_o because_o these_o thing_n be_v la●ful_a the_o follow_v 3d_o four_o 5_o sort_v of_o conscience_n be_v degree_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o kind_n some_o whereof_o be_v incident_a to_o believer_n some_o not_o the_o 3d_o be_v a_o sleepy_a conscience_n such_o as_o be_v in_o david_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n when_o he_o ●ell_o in_o adultery_n murder_n and_o in_o the_o sin_n of_o vain_a number_v the_o people_n opposite_a to_o this_o be_v a_o waken_a conscience_n that_o cry_v loud_a and_o knock_v hard_a the_o more_o sleepy_a and_o drowsy_a that_o conscience_n have_v be_v it_o rap_v the_o loud_a and_o hard_o when_o it_o be_v waken_v therefore_o man_n have_v need_v to_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o awar_n of_o the_o f●rmer_a gross_a conscience_n that_o it_o draw_v not_o on_o a_o sleepy_a conscience_n and_o when_o conscience_n speak_v not_o but_o be_v silent_a now_o know_v that_o for_o the_o time_n there_o be_v ground_n to_o fear_v its_o be_v fall_v a_o sleep_n a_o four_o sort_n be_v a_o harden_a conscience_n which_o be_v when_o not_o only_o the_o conscience_n be_v sleep_v but_o the_o life_n be_v much_o put_v out_o of_o it_o by_o habitual_a sin_v and_o when_o man_n thus_o put_v out_o the_o light_n and_o life_n of_o their_o conscience_n by_o sin_v god_n be_v provoke_v to_o put_v it_o out_o by_o judicial_a harden_v as_o we_o see_v in_o pharaoh_n that_o no_o challenge_n bit_n on_o they_o there_o be_v lesser_a measure_n and_o low_a degree_n of_o this_o that_o be_v incident_a even_o to_o the_o godly_a and_o not_o only_o to_o several_a reprobat_n which_o come_v not_o to_o pharaoh_n his_o height_n a_o 5_o sort_v it_o a_o cauterised_a conscience_n that_o be_v say_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v sea●ed_v as_o with_o a_o hot_a iron_n this_o harden_v in_o a_o very_a high_a degree_n when_o a_o man_n run_v over_o the_o belly_n of_o his_o conscience_n trample_v on_o it_o and_o do_v all_o in_o a_o manner_n that_o he_o can_v to_o make_v it_o senseless_a and_o benumn●d_a so_o that_o he_o be_v no_o more_o sensible_a of_o a_o prick_n from_o it_o then_o dead_a flesh_n be_v of_o the_o thirst_n of_o a_o pin_n or_o of_o a_o knife_n habitual_a sin_v and_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n join_v together_o bring_v on_o this_o which_o be_v call_v rom._n 1._o 28_o give_v up_o to_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n so_o that_o as_o it_o be_v 32._o though_o they_o know_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n that_o they_o who_o commit_v such_o thing_n be_v worthy_a of_o death_n yet_o not_o only_o do_v the_o same_o but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o they_o that_o do_v they_o it_o be_v not_o of_o these_o conscience_n that_o we_o mean_v when_o we_o say_v that_o you_o shall_v so_o walk_v as_o you_o give_v not_o offence_n to_o your_o conscience_n in_o any_o thing_n the_o conscience_n of_o many_o speak_v but_o alace_o they_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o it_o therefore_o take_v every_o sort_n of_o conscience_n to_o the_o word_n and_o suspect_v that_o conscience_n that_o be_v silent_a when_o the_o word_n speak_v a_o four_o question_n be_v whether_o a_o man_n that_o have_v a_o err_a conscience_n may_v not_o have_v peace_n and_o quietness_n if_o so_o how_o may_v that_o peace_n and_o quietness_n be_v discern_v from_o true_a peace_n of_o conscience_n where_o also_o the_o 5_o question_n be_v somewhat_o at_o least_o indirect_o touch_v on_o answer_v a_o conscience_n may_v be_v please_v while_o it_o be_v err_v and_o in_o a_o wrong_a course_n but_o it_o can_v have_v true_a peace_n even_o as_o we_o may_v please_v our_o brother_n when_o we_o flatter_v he_o in_o his_o sin_n and_o please_v he_o not_o to_o his_o edification_n so_o a_o man_n may_v have_v not_o only_a quietness_n but_o a_o sort_n of_o delight_n and_o sainness_n in_o a_o err_a conscience_n but_o no_o true_a peace_n because_o it_o want_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o its_o ground_n even_o as_o a_o harden_a conscience_n may_v have_v quierness_n and_o yet_o want_v true_a solid_a peace_n as_o when_o conscience_n be_v mistake_v or_o in_o a_o error_n and_o agree_v well_o with_o the_o mistake_n or_o error_n it_o will_v be_v well_o please_v so_o when_o it_o be_v humour_v and_o applaud_v it_o be_v well_o please_v and_o will_v make_v the_o man_n think_v that_o he_o do_v god_n good_a service_n while_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n he_o be_v do_v nothing_o less_o yea_o it_o will_v have_v a_o sort_n of_o delight_n and_o fainness_n flow_v from_o the_o delusion_n of_o its_o light_n and_o will_v make_v the_o poor_a man_n to_o be_v well_o please_v and_o satisfy_v when_o he_o get_v that_o which_o he_o be_v seek_v to_o succeed_v and_o go_v with_o he_o but_o how_o shall_v it_o be_v discern_v answer_v 1_o it_o be_v
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
bless_v what_o you_o have_v hear_v through_o jesus_n christ._n sermon_n iu._n 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 a_o good_a conscience_n be_v a_o excellent_a and_o very_a sovereign_a cordial_n to_o be_v carry_v about_o and_o along_o with_o we_o in_o all_o condition_n and_o more_o especial_o in_o afflict_v one_o but_o as_o excellent_a thing_n be_v usual_o come_v at_o with_o the_o great_a difficulty_n so_o be_v it_o in_o this_o matter_n there_o be_v so_o many_o so_o various_a and_o so_o great_a difficulty_n in_o the_o way_n of_o take_v up_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o aright_o and_o in_o the_o attain_n and_o mainta_v of_o it_o and_o there_o be_v so_o very_a many_o who_o claim_v to_o it_o most_o unwarrantable_o and_o unjust_o though_o poor_a deluded_a soul_n they_o be_v dispose_v to_o think_v that_o they_o do_v so_o on_o good_a and_o warrantable_a ground_n all_o which_o make_v this_o doctrine_n concern_v the_o exercise_n and_o practice_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o be_v exceed_o difficult_a and_o tickle_a you_o may_v remember_v the_o point_n we_o speak_v a_o little_a to_o last_o day_n be_v that_o believer_n ought_v and_o when_o they_o be_v right_a will_v have_v it_o for_o their_o exercise_n and_o study_v to_o have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o toward_a man_n whence_o we_o draw_v this_o use_n that_o it_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o a_o sound_a believer_n when_o right_a and_o in_o a_o good_a frame_n even_o to_o be_v thus_o exercise_v a_o tender_a lively_a and_o good_a frame_n of_o soul_n ●ay_v be_v know_v by_o this_o that_o the_o person_n aim_v sing_o and_o endeavour_v serious_o to_o have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n in_o clear_v of_o this_o use_n there_o be_v some_o doubt_n that_o arise_v on_o the_o one_o side_n when_o conscience_n speak_v good_a to_o a_o person_n without_o a_o warrant_n in_o which_o case_n it_o be_v very_o dangerous_a to_o take_v direction_n from_o it_o and_o some_o doubt_n arise_v also_o on_o the_o other_o side_n when_o conscience_n do_v challenge_v and_o condemn_v when_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o it_o something_o therefore_o must_v be_v speak_v for_o clear_v and_o solve_v both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o the_o last_o thing_n we_o leave_v at_o be_v that_o see_v some_o natural_a man_n civil_a moral_a man_n and_o hypocrite_n may_v think_v they_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n that_o they_o be_v right_a and_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o it_o how_o shall_v that_o testimony_n be_v discern_v or_o wherein_o do_v it_o differ_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o true_o good_a conscience_n that_o give_v a_o believer_n ground_n to_o draw_v this_o conclusion_n from_o it_o that_o he_o be_v real_a and_o sincere_a in_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n for_o clear_v of_o this_o matter_n relate_v to_o these_o conscience_n that_o speak_v good_a when_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o it_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o person_n that_o fall_v here_o and_o be_v thereby_o culpable_o accessary_a to_o this_o delusion_n of_o and_o from_o their_o own_o conscience_n 1._o some_o fail_n in_o mistake_v duty_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o duty_n suppose_v that_o to_o be_v a_o acceptable_a duty_n which_o be_v but_o the_o shadow_n and_o appearance_n of_o duty_n and_o this_o make_v all_o self_n righteous-man_n and_o legal-hypocrite_n who_o thwart_v not_o the_o dark_a or_o dim_a light_n of_o their_o conscience_n but_o rather_o follow_v and_o comply_v with_o it_o to_o think_v that_o they_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n as_o it_o be_v with_o paul_n before_o his_o conversion_n a_o second_o sort_n be_v these_o who_o take_v with_o sin_n but_o think_v that_o they_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o on_o this_o ground_n their_o conscience_n speak_v peace_n to_o they_o though_o it_o have_v no_o warrant_n to_o do_v so_o suppose_v themselves_o to_o be_v believer_n on_o that_o ground_n conscience_n speak_v peace_n to_o they_o when_o it_o have_v no_o warrant_n nor_o be_v they_o believer_n indeed_o and_o thus_o alace_o many_o that_o be_v repute_v by_o themselves_o and_o other_o to_o be_v believer_n fail_v these_o be_v presumptuous_a hypocrite_n as_o the_o other_o be_v legal_a hypocrite_n and_o this_o kind_n of_o conscience_n may_v be_v call_v a_o presumptuous_a conscience_n that_o speak_v peace_n and_o apply_v mercy_n when_o it_o have_v no_o ground_n for_o either_o in_o answer_v then_o to_o the_o question_n we_o shall_v give_v some_o difference_v character_n or_o characteristic_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o believer_n good_a conscience_n and_o these_o other_o sort_n of_o conscience_n some_o whereof_o agree_n more_o to_o the_o one_o sort_n and_o some_o more_o to_o the_o other_o and_o some_o to_o both_o but_o take_v they_o together_o the_o character_n be_v these_o 1._o a_o real_o good_a conscience_n be_v not_o easy_o attain_v nor_o maintain_v it_o put_v a_o man_n to_o considerable_a exercise_n ●re_n he_o come_v at_o it_o and_o to_o no_o less_o how_o to_o keep_v it_o herein_o do_v i_o exercise_v myself_o etc._n etc._n say_v the_o apostle_n security_n and_o negligence_n be_v no_o good_a token_n there_o be_v these_o two_o thing_n that_o a_o man_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v exercise_v in_o 1._o to_o prevent_v the_o ground_n of_o a_o challenge_n from_o his_o conscience_n by_o endeavour_v to_o give_v it_o no_o offence_n against_o which_o the_o presumptuous_a hypocrite_n sin_v who_o fanci_v that_o he_o have_v peace_n and_o it_o may_v be_v think_v much_o of_o it_o and_o yet_o be_v not_o trouble_v nor_o take_v up_o how_o to_o prevent_v the_o give_n of_o offence_n to_o his_o conscience_n nor_o his_o meeting_n with_o a_o challenge_n from_o it_o the_o legal_a hypocrite_n also_o sin_v here_o in_o bound_v and_o limit_v his_o holiness_n to_o such_o or_o such_o a_o small_a measure_n of_o it_o without_o so_o much_o as_o aim_v any_o further_o 2._o he_o be_v exercise_v to_o satisfy_v his_o conscience_n when_o it_o be_v offend_v hence_o be_v the_o application_n to_o the_o blood_n of_o sprinkle_v the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n the_o self-loathing_a and_o sharpness_n of_o challenge_n that_o conscience_n have_v with_o it_o until_o it_o recover_v even_o such_o exercise_n as_o will_n in_o a_o manner_n break_v the_o bone_n and_o turn_v the_o moisture_n into_o the_o drought_n of_o summer_n as_o it_o be_v psal._n 51._o and_o psal._n 32._o this_o good_a conscience_n can_v look_v on_o sin_n and_o not_o be_v trouble_v and_o therefore_o they_o who_o ordinary_o and_o habitual_o can_v look_v on_o sin_n without_o trouble_n or_o sorrow_n and_o judge_v it_o a_o very_a easy_a business_n to_o quiet_a and_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o their_o conscience_n who_o speak_v peace_n to_o themselves_o when_o lie_v still_o under_o guilt_n unrepented_a of_o and_o unremoved_a carry_v about_o with_o they_o a_o shrewd_a token_n of_o no_o good_a conscience_n the_o second_o character_n whereby_o it_o may_v be_v know_v be_v the_o mean_a and_o way_n that_o a_o man_n take_v to_o quiet_v his_o conscience_n when_o it_o be_v waken_v a_o good_a conscience_n as_o it_o yield_v a_o man_n peaceand_v testify_v well_o concern_v his_o state_n so_o that_o peace_n rise_v not_o so_o much_o from_o this_o that_o he_o have_v no_o sin_n as_o from_o his_o fly_v to_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n he_o may_v have_v peace_n as_o to_o his_o sincere_a and_o universal_a aim_n at_o holiness_n and_o as_o to_o his_o honest_a and_o serious_a endeavour_n to_o abstain_v from_o every_o know_a sin_n as_o it_o be_v with_o david_n psal._n 18._o 20_o 21_o 22._o but_o as_o to_o the_o satisfy_n of_o divine_a justice_n he_o have_v have_v no_o peace_n but_o in_o rest_v on_o christ_n satisfaction_n alone_o for_o though_o his_o way_n may_v be_v and_o be_v good_a in_o respect_n of_o his_o single_a follow_v of_o duty_n for_o he_o read_v pray_v meditate_v etc._n etc._n yet_o corruption_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n pollute_v all_o these_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o he_o as_o to_o the_o acceptation_n of_o they_o on_o their_o own_o account_n and_o for_o themselves_o he_o find_v that_o they_o be_v in_o some_o respect_n but_o dead_a as_o want_v much_o of_o the_o soul_n and_o life_n of_o they_o neither_o can_v he_o have_v peace_n till_o he_o betake_v himself_o to_o christ_n blood_n though_o he_o be_v communicate_v every_o day_n pray_v every_o hour_n etc._n etc._n yet_o he_o have_v no_o peace_n in_o these_o till_o christ_n blood_n speak_v peace_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o david_n who_o though_o he_o have_v peace_n intimate_v by_o nathan_n yet_o be_v not_o thorough_o quiet_a for_o all_o that_o and_o therefore_o he_o pray_v psal._n 51._o cause_v i_o to_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o joy_n and_o gladness_n
be_v most_o countenance_v by_o divine_a providence_n most_o feasible_a and_o likely_a to_o to_o make_v the_o end_n effectual_a a_o 3d._n help_v be_v in_o our_o singleness_n in_o our_o motion_n and_o in_o our_o yield_v to_o that_o which_o after_o examination_n and_o deliberation_n we_o have_v ●ound_v or_o suppose_v to_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n 〈◊〉_d that_o when_o conscience_n have_v propose_v the_o case_n it_o have_v a_o testimony_n in_o itself_o that_o it_o have_v make_v that_o proposal_n sincere_o and_o impartia_o that_o respect_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o main_o swey_v we_o and_o in●ned_v we_o to_o this_o or_o that_o hand_n and_o that_o we_o apprehend_v this_o way_n to_o be_v most_o conduce_v to_o that_o end_n in_o this_o case_n though_o conscience_n speak_v no●_n so_o direct_o for_o the_o clearness_n of_o such_o a_o thing_n yet_o it_o can_v ready_o quarrel_v with_o a_o person_n who_o have_v single_o endeavour_v before_o hand_n to_o satisfy_v it_o and_o who_o have_v its_o testimony_n that_o god_n glory_n be_v the_o thing_n that_o main_o swey_v he_o and_o nothing_o else_o this_o w●_n conceive_v be_v that_o whereof_o the_o apo●ile_n speak_v 2_o cor._n 1._o v._n 12._o this_o be_v our_o rejoice_v the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o our_o conscience_n etc._n etc._n these_o three_o thing_n be_v put_v together_o the_o conscience_n may_v have_v peace_n the_o thing_n itself_o be_v lawful_a because_o this_o general_a rule_n will_v bear_v it_o out_o in_o scripture-reason_n which_o conscience_n will_v not_o speak_v against_o there_o be_v only_o one_o word_n further_o i_o will_v speak_v to_o this_o purpose_n christian_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o think_v that_o all_o the_o difficulty_n lie_v here_o even_o in_o be_v single_a and_o sincere_a and_o indeed_o it_o do_v so_o for_o the_o want_n of_o it_o ma●s_v peace_n and_o the_o have_v of_o it_o gives_z great_a ground_n of_o peace_n i_o shall_v give_v you_o therefore_o three_o qualifications_n whereby_o you_o may_v try_v your_o sincerity_n first_o consider_v and_o try_v what_o frame_n of_o heart_n you_o be_v in_o for_o if_o you_o be_v not_o in_o a_o good_a frame_n of_o heart_n it_o can_v hardly_o be_v say_v that_o sincerity_n sweye_v you_o there_o will_v therefore_o much_o tenderness_n be_v study_v and_o to_o have_v a_o deep_a impression_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n of_o the_o awe_n and_o dread_n of_o he_o and_o of_o his_o word_n on_o our_o spirit_n 2_o look_v what_o weight_n challenge_v for_o by_o go_v neglect_n o●_n 〈◊〉_d performance_n of_o duty_n or_o un-straightness_n in_o any_o of_o they_o have_v with_o you_o for_o sincerity_n be_v never_o ready_o more_o evident_a then_o when_o we_o have_v distinct_a reflection_n upon_o our_o way_n and_o the_o suitable_a sense_n of_o some_o bygon_n sin_n in_o that_o case_n we_o will_v no●_n be_v in_o such_o hazard_n to_o give_v way_n to_o or_o to_o comply_v with_o what_o may_v breed_v a_o challenge_n afterward_o 3_o try_v it_o by_o what_o conscience_n you_o make_v of_o present_a know_v and_o clear_a duty_n it_o be_v a_o good_a token_n that_o person_n be_v 〈◊〉_d when_o there_o be_v no_o clear_a duty_n but_o they_o make_v conscience_n of_o it_o labour_v to_o be_v universal_a and_o equal_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o know_a duty_n and_o when_o they_o ●ar_v not_o hazard_v on_o any_o thing_n without_o clearness_n but_o when_o a_o person_n be_v clear_o convince_v that_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v sin_n and_o continue_v still_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o that_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v duty_n and_o continue_v in_o the_o neglect_n o●_n it_o and_o yet_o think_v that_o he_o be_v swey_v by_o sincerity_n such_o a_o one_o must_v needs_o be_v delude_v since_o in_o such_o a_o case_n no_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v for_o it_o i_o be_o ●old_a hear_v to_o say_v that_o in_o the_o great_a day_n there_o shall_v never_o man_n no●_n woman_n be_v ●ound_v to_o have_v a_o testimony_n from_o their_o conscience_n of_o sincerity_n who_o have_v not_o aim_v and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v universal_o sincere_a the_o four_o help_v be_v that_o christian_n will_v endeavour_v to_o be_v in_o a_o very_a tender_a frame_n in_o the_o near_a communion_n with_o god_n and_o in_o the_o great_a measure_n of_o heart-melting_a and_o of_o ●ouring_v it_o out_o before_o god_n that_o may_v be_v win_v at_o though_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o christian_n to_o mistake_v even_o in_o such_o a_o frame_n but_o my_o meaning_n be_v that_o the_o rule_n will_v be_v look_v to_o and_o lay_v before_o we_o and_o that_o we_o will_v study_v to_o make_v application_n of_o it_o with_o the_o least_o by-respect_n and_o with_o the_o great_a singleness_n and_o that_o then_o we_o may_v with_o some_o safety_n conclude_v what_o side_n to_o sway_a to_o i_o will_v not_o in_o all_o this_o have_v we_o debate_v duty_n but_o our_o particular_a call_n to_o duty_n this_o may_v be_v look_v at_o by_o many_o as_o a_o very_a great_a and_o hard_a work_n and_o they_o may_v think_v that_o all_o this_o make_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o business_n about_o keep_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n and_o it_o do_v so_o indeed_o i_o will_v have_v you_o consider_v 〈◊〉_d three_o word_n for_o answer_v such_o thought_n 1._o that_o 〈◊〉_d great_a and_o difficult_a work_n to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o you_o will_v find_v it_o that_o 〈◊〉_d i●_n now_o one_o day_n to_o your_o cost_n to_o have_v be_v a_o great_a work_n and_o ●n_o up-taking_a exercise_n yet_o we_o will_v not_o think_v the_o worse_a of_o it_o for_o that_o since_o there_o be_v nothing_o excellent_a that_o have_v not_o difficulty_n in_o it_o 2_o i_o will_v say_v this_o that_o you_o will_v consider_v that_o though_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n indifferent_a in_o themselves_o as_o eat_v and_o drink_v marry_v live_v here_o or_o there_o etc._n etc._n yet_o to_o we_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o and_o as_o they_o be_v circumstantiate_v they_o be_v not_o indifferent_a but_o when_o do_v they_o be_v either_o sinful_a as_o not_o be_v according_o to_o the_o rule_n or_o approven_v and_o acceptable_a as_o be_v according_a to_o it_o we_o will_v therefore_o be_v very_o watchful_a and_o tender_a in_o our_o do_v and_o use_v of_o thing_n in_o themselves_o lawful_a nam_fw-la perimus_fw-la licitis_fw-la 3_o let_v i_o say_v that_o i_o do_v not_o intend_v by_o what_o i_o have_v say_v to_o put_v your_o conscience_n on_o the_o rack_n or_o to_o stint_v and_o limit_v you_o by_o art_n as_o it_o be_v to_o find_v out_o light_a for_o i_o know_v these_o thing_n be_v not_o always_o explicit_a even_o in_o many_o conscientious_a person_n but_o that_o which_o i_o design_v and_o drive_v at_o by_o this_o discourse_n be_v that_o you_o may_v serious_o mind_n and_o look_v after_o the_o thing_n and_o endeavour_v to_o walk_v according_a to_o these_o rule_n on_o the_o matter_n and_o to_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o your_o conscience_n that_o it_o be_v these_o rule_v you_o allow_v yourselves_o in_o such_o case_n to_o be_v swey_v and_o guide_v by_o this_o will_v give_v you_o peace_n and_o nothing_o less_o will_v do_v it_o sermon_n i._n 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 the_o lord_n our_o god_n be_v the_o true_a god_n a_o god_n of_o truth_n even_o truth_n itself_o the_o first_o great_a original_n and_o eternal_a truth_n who_o by_o the_o most_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o his_o incomprehensible_o bless_a nature_n be_v infinite_o remove_v as_o from_o all_o possibility_n of_o be_v 〈◊〉_d or_o impose_v on_o by_o a_o lie_n himself_o so_o from_o all_o possibility_n of_o deceive_v or_o lie_v to_o other_o and_o to_o say_v as_o some_o dare_a man_n of_o late_a have_v do_v that_o god_n may_v deceive_v if_o he_o will_v be_v not_o only_o of_o harsh_a sound_n in_o christian_a ear_n but_o to_o be_v explode_v and_o execrate_v as_o insinuate_v that_o the_o glorious_a majesty_n of_o god_n might_n if_o he_o will_v and_o so_o please_v cease_v to_o be_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n or_o a_o true_a god_n which_o consider_v the_o identification_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o attribute_n be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v that_o he_o may_v if_o he_o will_v cease_v to_o be_v god_n as_o the_o strength_n of_o israel_n can_v lie_v neither_o be_v he_o a_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v lie_v so_o he_o love_v truth_n in_o the_o inward_a part_n and_o command_v man_n to_o speak_v truth_n every_o one_o to_o his_o neighbour_n and_o peremptory_o prohibi●eth_v all_o lie_v not_o only_o all_o pernicious_a lie_v on_o design_n to_o hurt_v but_o also_o all_o officious_a
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
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 wrong_n he_o can_v well_o answer_v nor_o repel_v it_o his_o be_v right_o be_v to_o he_o in_o that_o case_n in_o some_o respect_n little_a or_o no_o better_a than_o if_o he_o have_v be_v wrong_n because_o he_o observe_v not_o conscience_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o action_n and_o this_o be_v one_o great_a reason_n no_o doubt_n why_o believer_n have_v so_o little_a positive_a peace_n when_o they_o have_v do_v a_o good_a turn_n because_o they_o do_v not_o advert_v what_o conscience_n say_v to_o they_o in_o their_o go_n about_o it_o they_o be_v hereby_o also_o great_o at_o a_o lose_v as_o to_o many_o sweet_a experience_n of_o god_n kindness_n and_o condescend_v in_o assist_v they_o and_o of_o their_o own_o singleness_n win_v at_o through_o grace_n in_o the_o perform_n of_o duty_n and_o we_o think_v also_o that_o christian_n live_v so_o much_o by_o a_o negative_a peace_n to_o speak_v so_o flow_v much_o from_o this_o ground_n viz._n their_o little_a reflect_v in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o do_v duty_n if_o once_o they_o be_v clear_a in_o the_o thing_n whither_o they_o be_v suitable_o serious_a and_o sincere_a in_o it_o and_o so_o let_v the_o opportunity_n go_v by_o they_o be_v not_o so_o thorough_o clear_a in_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v evidence_n of_o a_o positive_a peace_n in_o do_v of_o such_o a_o duty_n right_o as_o they_o may_v otherways_o be_v the_o first_a use_n serve_v to_o give_v you_o a_o evidence_n and_o mark_v of_o a_o tender_a walk_n and_o of_o a_o man_n that_o be_v tender_a in_o his_o walk_n he_o be_v such_o a_o man_n that_o will_v not_o only_o ask_v his_o conscience_n ere_o he_o begin_v a_o action_n but_o when_o he_o be_v a_o do_v of_o it_o what_o it_o think_v of_o it_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n that_o a_o tender_a christian_a will_v reflect_v upon_o in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o do_v a_o action_n or_o duty_n 1._o he_o will_v reflect_v upon_o his_o manner_n of_o perform_v it_o whither_o it_o be_v a_o natural_a action_n such_o as_o eat_v and_o drink_v 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
carry_v with_o due_a reverence_n to_o he_o when_o man_n think_v little_a of_o god_n himself_o they_o think_v little_a of_o conscience_n his_o depute_v and_o on_o the_o contrary_a a_o tender_a conscience_n make_v god_n very_o awful_a dreadful_a and_o majestic_a therefore_o job_n give_v this_o for_o a_o reason_n why_o he_o dare_v not_o contend_v with_o his_o servant_n because_o the_o terror_n of_o god_n make_v he_o afraid_a his_o carry_v along_o with_o he_o conscience_n it_o be_v sense_n of_o his_o way_n do_v mighty_o elevat_fw-la his_o thought_n of_o god_n 8._o he_o have_v many_o earand_n to_o god_n in_o christ_n he_o see_v many_o thing_n amiss_o that_o need_n to_o be_v amend_v he_o daily_o discover_v much_o guilt_n which_o necessi●ats_v he_o to_o run_v to_o god_n for_o absolution_n grace_n both_o for_o pardon_v of_o his_o iniquity_n and_o for_o heal_v of_o his_o disease_n be_v always_o lovely_a sweet_a and_o fresh_a to_o he_o and_o to_o hear_v of_o it_o be_v like_o a_o box_n of_o precious_a fragran●ly_a smell_a ointment_n break_v like_o oil_n pour_v into_o a_o smart_a wound_n and_o as_o good_a news_n from_o a_o far_a country_n by_o all_o which_o in_o a_o word_n you_o may_v see_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v a_o desirable_a thing_n to_o live_v and_o walk_v tender_o 2_o that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o necessary_a thing_n in_o order_n to_o come_v by_o many_o choice_a advantage_n 3_o that_o it_o be_v bu●_n a_o very_a rare_a thing_n and_o to_o be_v find_v with_o but_o few_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v many_o rare_a and_o excellent_a effect_n 4_o that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a hard_a and_o difficult_a thing_n to_o be_v a_o tender_a christian_a and_o in_o this_o frame_n of_o true_a tenderness_n of_o conscience_n consult_v it_o carrying_z it_o along_o and_o reflect_v on_o it_o in_o all_o action_n that_o be_v the_o principle_n that_o keep_v tender_a in_o they_o all_o sermon_n ii_o 2_o cor._n 1._o 12._o for_o our_o rejoice_v be_v this_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_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 we_o have_v have_v our_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o more_o abundant_o to_o you_o ward_v there_o be_v many_o very_a sad_a and_o prejudicial_a practical_a error_n and_o mistake_v concern_v a_o tender_a christian_n walk_v whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o most_o person_n lay_v the_o great_a stress_n thereof_o on_o thing_n that_o will_v not_o bear_v it_o while_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o neglect_v and_o overlook_v those_o principal_a and_o weighty_a duty_n wherein_o it_o main_o consist_v that_o make_v less_o noise_n and_o show_v before_o man_n that_o be_v less_o subject_a to_o be_v counterfeit_v and_o tend_v more_o to_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o godliness_n than_o these_o other_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o more_o high_a esteem_n with_o man_n among_o which_o this_o duty_n of_o often_o reflect_v on_o a_o man_n conscience_n and_o try_v of_o his_o way_n at_o its_o ba●_n that_o he_o may_v know_v its_o sense_n and_o receive_v its_o testimony_n thereof_o be_v one_o and_o not_o the_o least_o and_o be_v as_o we_o conceive_v one_o of_o the_o piece_n of_o a_o christian_a tender_a walk_n that_o come_v as_o near_o to_o the_o very_a soul_n and_o life_n of_o religion_n and_o have_v as_o much_o influence_n on_o tenderness_n therein_o as_o either_o much_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n prayer_n conference_n and_o the_o like_a have_v to_o which_o when_o this_o be_v join_v theyare_n very_o useful_a but_o when_o it_o be_v utter_o want_v they_o be_v useless_a it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o important_a duty_n in_o itself_o but_o also_o very_o helpful_a to_o other_o duty_n contribute_v much_o to_o the_o reap_v of_o those_o advantage_n that_o be_v to_o be_v have_v by_o they_o we_o observe_v the_o other_o day_n from_o these_o word_n that_o a_o tender_a christian_a will_v be_v often_o reflect_v on_o his_o way_n and_o take_v notice_n what_o conscience_n say_v of_o it_o and_o speak_v somewhat_o to_o two_o use_n of_o the_o point_n as_o it_o clear_v a_o notable_a duty_n and_o give_v a_o evidence_n and_o proof_n of_o a_o tender_a man_n we_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o speak_v to_o other_o two_o the_o first_o and_o principal_a whereof_o be_v this_o if_o it_o be_v a_o main_a plece_n of_o a_o tender_a christian_a walk_n to_o be_v often_o examiningour_n self_n and_o try_v what_o sense_n conscience_n have_v of_o our_o way_n and_o action_n than_o it_o serve_v for_o exhortation_n to_o all_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o will_v live_v tender_o to_o be_v put_v this_o in_o practice_n as_o a_o main_a piece_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o tender_a walk_n as_o a_o main_a duty_n call_v for_o from_o they_o and_o as_o a_o main_a evidence_n of_o their_o tenderness_n that_o be_v to_o be_v often_o serious_o reflect_v on_o their_o by-gone_a way_n to_o be_v often_o bring_v their_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n before_o the_o tribunal_n of_o conscience_n for_o this_o end_n that_o they_o may_v know_v what_o it_o say_v of_o they_o not_o only_o to_o be_v deliberate_v and_o advise_v with_o conscience_n before_o they_o undertake_v any_o action_n and_o to_o be_v watchful_a in_o go_v about_o it_o but_o to_o be_v reflect_v when_o it_o be_v do_v if_o it_o be_v right_o do_v and_o so_o as_o conscience_n may_v testify_v for_o they_o concern_v the_o same_o this_o be_v paul_n practice_n here_o this_o be_v say_v he_o our_o rejoice_v the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n which_o suppose_v that_o he_o have_v be_v lay_v his_o way_n before_o conscience_n try_v what_o it_o say_v of_o it_o and_o that_o he_o have_v receive_v conscience_n its_o testimony_n concern_v it_o that_o which_o we_o will_v in_o a_o word_n here_o commend_v to_o you_o be_v that_o man_n and_o woman_n will_v ●ake_v a_o back-look_a of_o and_o reflect_v upon_o all_o their_o action_n word_n and_o thought_n and_o of_o and_o upon_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o same_o and_o that_o they_o will_v so_o reflect_v upon_o they_o as_o they_o may_v endeavour_v to_o know_v wherein_o they_o have_v conscience_n its_o testimony_n for_o they_o or_o wherein_o it_o stand_v up_o to_o speak_v against_o they_o that_o be_v that_o they_o will_v not_o only_o study_v to_o gather_v into_o their_o memory_n their_o action_n which_o be_v presuppose_v and_o to_o lay_v they_o before_o the_o word_n but_o further_o when_o their_o action_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n be_v lay_v together_o to_o hear_v conscience_n its_o sentence_n anent_o their_o perform_n of_o the_o same_o we_o shall_v not_o insist_v in_o particular_a explication_n of_o this_o duty_n you_o have_v hear_v somewhat_o speak_v of_o it_o these_o day_n past_a if_o we_o can_v but_o gain_v this_o much_o of_o you_o as_o to_o have_v you_o thorough_o convince_v that_o somewhat_o lie_v on_o you_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o examination_n of_o your_o heart_n and_o way_n as_o to_o thing_n that_o be_v past_a and_o to_o get_v you_o in_o good_a earnest_n engage_v to_o make_v more_o conscience_n of_o this_o duty_n for_o time_n to_o come_v it_o be_v the_o great_a thing_n we_o aim_v at_o and_o if_o your_o conscience_n be_v once_o due_o convince_v and_o clear_v of_o the_o necessity_n and_o usefulness_n of_o the_o duty_n and_o you_o bring_v to_o be_v in_o love_n with_o it_o you_o will_v through_o grace_n be_v easy_o lead_v on_o to_o the_o particular_n requisite_a to_o the_o right_a way_n of_o perform_v it_o seriousness_n in_o and_o affection_n to_o the_o thing_n will_v supply_v the_o room_n of_o many_o direction_n and_o therefore_o we_o will_v now_o earnest_o press_v it_o upon_o you_o to_o take_v sometime_o for_o this_o duty_n of_o self-searching_a and_o examination_n as_o well_o as_o for_o prayer_n hear_v conference_n and_o other_o such_o duty_n and_o to_o be_v as_o holy_o solicitous_a and_o desirous_a to_o know_v when_o you_o have_v do_v any_o action_n or_o duty_n whether_o it_o be_v right_a or_o wrong_n as_o you_o think_v you_o shall_v be_v careful_a to_o advise_v before_o you_o do_v it_o that_o it_o be_v good_a upon_o the_o matter_n sure_o the_o awe_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o of_o your_o conscience_n his_o depute_v and_o a_o just_a regard_n to_o your_o own_o peace_n shall_v incline_v sway_n and_o determine_v you_o to_o the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o other_o what_o we_o will_v further_o say_v in_o this_o matter_n shall_v be_v to_o show_v you_o what_o you_o shall_v aim_v at_o in_o this_o self_n examination_n as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o go_v about_o it_o for_o we_o much_o mar_v and_o wound_v our_o own_o peace_n by_o formality_n and_o overliness_n in_o this_o as_o in_o other_o duty_n which_o you_o may_v take_v up_o in_o these_o four_o 1._o
in_o this_o matter_n a_o second_o evidence_n may_v be_v take_v from_o the_o sad_a effect_n that_o in_o our_o way_n follow_v the_o neglect_n or_o overly_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n which_o when_o find_v they_o may_v let_v we_o know_v and_o convince_v we_o that_o it_o be_v either_o much_o slight_v or_o quite_o neglect_v and_o 1._o we_o will_v ask_v you_o how_o many_o be_v acquaint_v with_o and_o see_v in_o their_o own_o soul_n condition_n or_o can_v on_o distinct_a ground_n as_o have_v examine_v and_o try_v their_o heart_n and_o way_n pass_v sentence_n upon_o their_o case_n and_o say_v thus_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o i_o and_o if_o you_o be_v un_fw-we acquaint_v with_o your_o own_o case_n do_v not_o that_o say_v undeniable_o that_o you_o walk_v by_o guess_n as_o it_o be_v and_o not_o according_a to_o this_o rule_n 2_o what_o mean_v the_o exceed_a great_a security_n presumption_n and_o self-conceit_n that_o many_o be_v in_o and_o under_o concern_v themselves_o and_o their_o way_n which_o not_o flow_v from_o a_o well-grounded_n persuasion_n of_o the_o straightness_n thereof_o must_v it_o not_o necessary_o flow_v from_o their_o neglect_n of_o this_o self-reflection_n and_o trial_n and_o whence_o i_o pray_v be_v it_o that_o there_o be_v so_o little_a repentance_n for_o sin_n be_v it_o because_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n nor_o ground_n of_o quarrel_n no_o certain_o it_o must_v therefore_o be_v from_o man_n not_o review_v of_o and_o reflect_v on_o themselves_o and_o their_o way_n that_o they_o may_v find_v it_o out_o which_o plain_o say_v that_o this_o evil_n be_v predominant_a 3_o ●ook_v to_o the_o abound_v of_o sin_n to_o the_o little_a growth_n of_o mortification_n to_o the_o liveliness_n of_o lust_n to_o the_o room_n that_o idol_n have_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o its_o gade_v after_o they_o will_v not_o these_o declare_v that_o most_o person_n but_o very_o seldom_o bring_v themselves_o before_o the_o tribunal_n of_o their_o conscience_n otherways_o lust_n dare_v not_o set_v up_o their_o head_n as_o they_o do_v this_o king_n will_v scatter_v away_o all_o evil_n with_o his_o eye_n and_o man_n will_v not_o have_v such_o delight_n in_o they_o if_o they_o be_v often_o arraign_v they_o at_o this_o bar._n 4_o what_o mean_v the_o little_a solid_a peace_n and_o rejoice_v in_o god_n that_o most_o professor_n have_v and_o their_o live_n in_o such_o a_o fluctuate_a and_o conjectural_a way_n be_v it_o not_o from_o this_o that_o they_o do_v not_o examine_v and_o put_v to_o the_o trial_n the_o ground_n of_o their_o peace_n and_o joy_n now_o all_o these_o sad_a and_o woeful_a evidence_n and_o effect_n be_v put_v together_o it_o be_v beyond_o all_o doubt_n that_o there_o be_v at_o this_o time_n among_o we_o much_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o self-examination_n by_o the_o conscientious_a discharge_n whereof_o these_o dreadful_a effect_n may_v be_v remove_v these_o evidence_n of_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v palpable_a we_o come_v now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n close_o to_o the_o reproof_n of_o it_o and_o expostulation_n for_o it_o and_o be_v there_o not_o just_a ground_n for_o both_o i_o there_fw-mi say_v if_o many_o of_o you_o be_v alk_v about_o this_o duty_n it_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v a_o unknown_a duty_n to_o you_o a_o duty_n that_o you_o walk_v not_o under_o the_o conviction_n of_o its_o necessity_n a_o duty_n that_o you_o be_v not_o mourn_v for_o the_o neglect_n of_o nor_o employ_v jesus_n christ_n for_o grace_n to_o get_v it_o suitable_o perform_v and_o can_v that_o think_v you_o be_v a_o tender_a walk_n that_o be_v so_o very_o short_a and_o defective_a in_o so_o main_a a_o duty_n and_o in_o so_o great_a a_o piece_n and_o part_n of_o a_o tender_a walk_n when_o especial_o person_n be_v not_o due_o sensible_a of_o it_o nor_o suitable_o affect_v with_o it_o let_v i_o but_o ask_v such_o of_o you_o who_o make_v little_a account_n of_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n these_o few_o question_n 1._o do_v you_o think_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n within_o you_o as_o a_o conscience_n and_o if_o you_o think_v you_o have_v conscience_n have_v you_o they_o for_o no_o end_n nor_o use_n or_o will_v you_o let_v they_o as_o it_o be_v be_v in_o you_o and_o lie_v by_o you_o as_o thing_n give_v you_o to_o no_o purpose_n 2_o i_o ask_v you_o be_v there_o nothing_o in_o your_o case_n or_o way_n that_o need_v a_o review_n be_v all_o right_a and_o nothing_o out_o of_o order_n will_v you_o own_o these_o to_o be_v truth_n if_o not_o ought_v not_o this_o mean_a to_o be_v use_v for_o help_v you_o to_o find_v out_o what_o be_v wrong_a and_o what_o be_v right_a if_o any_o thing_n be_v right_a it_o be_v a_o strange_a thing_n for_o a_o profess_a christian_a to_o think_v or_o say_v that_o he_o be_v altogether_o right_a and_o that_o he_o need_v not_o to_o examine_v himself_o and_o yet_o he_o must_v either_o think_v this_o or_o else_o he_o say_v on_o the_o matter_n that_o he_o ear_n not_o whether_o he_o be_v right_a or_o wrong_n which_o indeed_o the_o practice_n of_o many_o say_v plain_o or_o he_o must_v examine_v to_o find_v out_o what_o be_v right_a and_o what_o be_v wrong_a 3_o i_o will_v ask_v you_o do_v you_o think_v that_o your_o conscience_n will_v be_v always_o quiet_a because_o you_o command_v it_o not_o to_o speak_v or_o rather_o be_v there_o not_o a_o time_n come_v when_o it_o will_v speak_v whether_o you_o will_v or_o not_o or_o do_v you_o think_v because_o you_o have_v no_o remembrance_n of_o your_o fault_n that_o your_o forget_v of_o they_o now_o will_v blot_v they_o out_o of_o your_o conscience_n register_n or_o rather_o shall_v you_o not_o judge_v yourselves_o that_o you_o may_v not_o be_v judge_v according_a to_o the_o apostle_n word_n 1_o cor._n 11._o v._n 31._o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a shall_v you_o not_o think_v that_o if_o you_o do_v not_o judge_v yourselves_o you_o will_v most_o certain_o be_v judge_v 4_o i_o will_v ask_v you_o be_v it_o not_o better_a to_o put_v your_o conscience_n to_o speak_v in_o time_n when_o thing_n may_v be_v right_v and_o amend_v then_o to_o let_v they_o lie_v over_o and_o sleep_v till_o they_o be_v pass_v remedy_n o_o when_o will_v you_o consider_v and_o lay_v to_o heart_n what_o trouble_n terror_n and_o confusion_n reach_v and_o take_v hold_v on_o the_o conscience_n of_o many_o at_o death_n and_o will_v do_v so_o much_o more_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o much_o better_a in_o time_n to_o try_v thing_n and_o find_v out_o what_o be_v right_a and_o what_o be_v wrong_a that_o conscience_n may_v not_o have_v a_o just_a ground_n of_o challenge_n against_o you_o in_o that_o day_n and_o may_v not_o have_v it_o to_o say_v to_o you_o you_o never_o own_v i_o when_o you_o be_v live_v in_o the_o world_n and_o now_o i_o will_v read_v to_o you_o a_o fearful_a indictment_n and_o dittay_n that_o have_v stand_v long_o on_o record_n against_o you_o and_o upon_o this_o arise_v the_o horror_n and_o gnaw_a worm_n that_o never_o die_v hence_o be_v the_o fire_n blow_v that_o never_o be_v quench_v all_o which_o i_o say_v flow_v from_o conscience_n represent_v to_o man_n and_o woman_n in_o a_o most_o formidable_a manner_n their_o way_n which_o before_o they_o will_v never_o believe_v nor_o once_o serious_o put_v the_o matter_n to_o the_o trial_n whether_o it_o will_v do_v so_o or_o not_o in_o further_a prosecution_n of_o this_o use_n and_o to_o make_v that_o the_o more_o plain_a which_o we_o will_v main_o be_v at_o in_o it_o we_o shall_v 1._o speak_v a_o little_a to_o several_a sort_n of_o person_n who_o we_o suppose_v be_v guilty_a of_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n 2._o a_o little_a to_o the_o evil_n that_o follow_v and_o flow_v from_o the_o guilt_n of_o this_o neglect_n 3._o to_o the_o cause_n o●_n their_o continue_v in_o this_o sinful_a neglect_n 4._o a_o little_a to_o what_o may_v direct_v towards_o the_o facilitating_a and_o make_v easy_a the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o to_o the_o make_n of_o it_o profitable_a and_o useful_a for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o viz._n the_o several_a sort_n of_o person_n that_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o utter_a neglect_n of_o the_o duty_n or_o of_o much_o short-coming_a and_o overlinesse_n in_o perform_v it_o they_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o six_o the_o 1._o soft_a be_v they_o that_o make_v no_o conscience_n at_o all_o of_o any_o thing_n in_o religion_n that_o never_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o make_v conscience_n to_o pray_v read_v the_o word_n confer_v on_o it_o repent_v or_o of_o any_o other_o duty_n
testimony_n yield_v which_o be_v fourfold_o 1._o it_o have_v with_o it_o inward_a quietness_n strength_n and_o comfort_n the_o well_o ground_v approve_v testimony_n of_o the_o conscience_n calm_v the_o heart_n amid_o all_o storm_n of_o outward_a trouble_n or_o of_o inward_a challenge_n and_o tentation_n and_o put_v they_o all_o to_o silence_n it_o do_v fortify_v the_o heart_n to_o bear_v out_o in_o what_o ever_o trial_n it_o prove_v not_o only_o comfortable_a in_o the_o hold_n off_o challenge_v but_o have_v a_o joy_n and_o refresh_n flow_v immediate_o from_o the_o very_a testimony_n itself_o even_o a_o singular_o sweet_a joy_n that_o floorish_n and_o flow_v over_o and_o above_o these_o and_o keep_v the_o heart_n in_o a_o calm_a serenity_n the_o peace_n of_o god_n say_v the_o apostle_n phil._n 4._o 7_o shall_v guard_v your_o heart_n and_o mind_n through_o christ_n jesus_n conscience_n testimony_n warrantable_o speak_v peace_n be_v like_o a_o garrison_n plant_v about_o the_o heart_n keep_v it_o as_o a_o impregnable_a and_o invincible_a strong_a hold_n or_o fort_n so_o that_o no_o trouble_n nor_o temptation_n from_o without_o nor_o stir_n of_o corruption_n or_o challenge_n from_o within_o do_v soon_o to_o say_v so_o set_v out_o their_o head_n but_o it_o overmatch_v they_o and_o preserve_v the_o heart_n quiet_a in_o despyt_n of_o they_o all_o 2_o this_o do_v also_o accompany_v this_o testimony_n as_o a_o ground_n of_o joy_n even_o the_o clear_n up_o of_o the_o person_n interest_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o sincerity_n and_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o they_o which_o be_v very_o strengthen_v and_o comfort_v when_o a_o man_n have_v put_v his_o way_n to_o the_o trial_n in_o the_o court_n of_o conscience_n and_o find_v it_o to_o be_v square_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n and_o have_v conscience_n testimony_n therein_o for_o he_o it_o sweet_o evidence_n to_o he_o his_o sincerity_n and_o so_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o interest_n in_o christ_n which_o be_v attend_v with_o unspeakable_a joy_n 3_o this_o testimony_n give_v boldness_n and_o access_n with_o confidence_n to_o god_n to_o go_v heartsom_o and_o familiar_o to_o he_o in_o prayer_n under_o the_o multitude_n of_o temptation_n cross_n and_o reproach_n and_o be_v not_o this_o ground_n of_o great_a refresh_n and_o joy_n when_o a_o man_n may_v go_v to_o god_n and_o pour_v out_o his_o very_a heart_n in_o his_o bosom_n may_v not_o only_o tell_v he_o what_o he_o needs_o but_o also_o expect_v a_o gracious_a hear_n and_o return_v from_o he_o in_o whatsoever_o be_v needful_a if_o our_o heart_n say_v john_n 1_o epistle_n chap._n 2._o v._n 22._o condemn_v we_o not_o we_o have_v confidence_n towards_o god_n and_o whatsoever_o we_o ask_v we_o receive_v of_o he_o because_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o do_v these_o thing_n that_o be_v pleasant_a in_o his_o sight_n though_o the_o man_n be_v empty-handed_n for_o the_o time_n and_o have_v not_o in_o himself_o whereupon_o he_o can_v be_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n either_o by_o suffering_n or_o do_v he_o may_v with_o humble_a boldness_n present_v his_o suit_n to_o god_n and_o expect_v from_o he_o whatsoever_o be_v good_a and_o needful_a for_o the_o man_n himself_o and_o what_o ever_o may_v be_v for_o his_o own_o honour_n in_o he_o and_o by_o he_o 4_o this_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n have_v attend_v it_o a_o clear_n &_o up-making_a fresh_a and_o lively_a hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o of_o a_o comfortable_a glorious_a and_o satisfy_a out-gate_n from_o all_o the_o difficulty_n temptation_n and_o trouble_n that_o he_o be_v in_o at_o present_a or_o may_v be_v in_o for_o the_o future_a it_o will_v make_v he_o according_a to_o his_o measure_n say_v as_o paul_n do_v 2_o tim._n 4._o 7_o 8._o i_o have_v fight_v a_o good_a fight_n i_o have_v finish_v my_o course_n i_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n hence_o forth_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o i_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n etc._n etc._n and_o by_o thus_o clear_v up_o the_o christian_n hope_v of_o eternal_a life_n a_o entrance_n be_v minister_v unto_o he_o abundant_o into_o the_o everlasting_a kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n as_o peter_n have_v it_o 2._o ep._n ch_n 1._o v_o 11._o and_o must_v it_o not_o be_v exceed_o and_o even_o unspeakable_o refresh_v and_o joyful_a to_o the_o christian_a to_o have_v all_o these_o try_v together_o in_o his_o case_n even_o while_o he_o be_v here_o sojourn_v in_o the_o earth_n doubtless_o it_o must_v the_o first_o use_v of_o this_o doctrine_n serve_v for_o exhort_v and_o beseech_v you_o all_o to_o study_v and_o be_v in_o love_n with_o a_o good_a conscience_n its_o unknown_a what_o solid_a sweet_a peace_n and_o joy_n you_o may_v have_v by_o it_o o_o endeavour_v through_o grace_n to_o be_v so_o tender_a straight_o and_o upright_o in_o your_o aim_n to_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n that_o when_o you_o reflect_v on_o your_o way_n you_o may_v have_v its_o good_a testimony_n there_o will_v most_o certain_o be_v more_o peace_n find_v in_o this_o then_o in_o the_o great_a abundance_n of_o all_o earthly_a comfort_n though_o combine_v together_o at_o their_o very_a best_a can_v any_o of_o these_o calm_a a_o man_n mind_n in_o a_o storm_n of_o challenge_n for_o sin_n and_o of_o the_o terror_n of_o death_n do_v they_o not_o often_o rather_o leave_v man_n in_o great_a anxiety_n and_o perplexity_n then_o if_o they_o have_v never_o enjoy_v they_o yea_o often_o in_o the_o very_a mean_a time_n of_o these_o enjoyment_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o carnal_a joy_n and_o laughter_n that_o result_v from_o they_o the_o heart_n be_v sad_a through_o the_o want_n of_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n therefore_o we_o exhort_v you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o you_o will_v have_v a_o pleasant_a and_o cheerful_a life_n and_o a_o comfortable_a and_o joyful_a death_n labour_v to_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n that_o when_o you_o reflect_v on_o it_o it_o may_v testify_v for_o and_o speak_v good_a of_o and_o to_o you_o this_o as_o solomon_n say_v be_v a_o continual_a feast_n in_o life_n and_o a_o sovereign_a cordial_a against_o the_o terror_n of_o death_n the_o second_o use_n serve_v to_o let_v we_o see_v the_o rise_n reason_n and_o cause_n of_o the_o great_a anxiety_n perplexity_n and_o vexation_n that_o be_v among_o most_o man_n so_o that_o they_o toil_v night_n and_o day_n and_o have_v no_o satisfaction_n it_o be_v even_o this_o that_o they_o do_v not_o seek_v after_o the_o peace_n and_o joy_n that_o be_v found_v upon_o and_o result_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n no_o wonder_n that_o such_o person_n live_v and_o die_v utter_a stranger_n to_o all_o solid_a peace_n and_o joy_n which_o only_o grow_v on_o this_o root_n this_o be_v a_o main_a cause_n also_o of_o the_o little_a peace_n and_o great_a heartlesnesse_n that_o be_v among_o even_a believer_n themselves_o that_o either_o they_o be_v not_o so_o serious_o endeavour_v to_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n or_o they_o be_v not_o so_o careful_a to_o draw_v their_o rejoice_n from_o it_o but_o be_v untender_a in_o their_o walk_n or_o be_v as_o so_o many_o bee_n flee_v from_o this_o flower_n to_o the_o other_o of_o worldly_a enjoyment_n seek_v to_o suck_v some_o sweetness_n and_o satisfaction_n from_o they_o and_o do_v not_o as_o it_o become_v they_o reflect_v on_o conscience_n that_o they_o may_v have_v a_o testimony_n of_o sincerity_n from_o it_o and_o that_o on_o that_o ground_n they_o may_v be_v quiet_a cheerful_a and_o joyful_a the_o 3d._a use_n serve_v to_o discover_v to_o we_o what_o mighty_a prejudice_n flow_v from_o and_o follow_v upon_o the_o neglect_n of_o a_o tender_a walk_n which_o lay_v the_o ground_n of_o this_o testimony_n and_o on_o the_o neglect_n of_o self-examination_n a_o main_a piece_n of_o a_o tender_a walk_n which_o help_v to_o draw_v forth_o this_o testimony_n and_o therefore_o as_o you_o will_v have_v this_o testimony_n and_o the_o refresh_a peace_n and_o joy_n that_o flow_v from_o it_o in_o life_n and_o death_n and_o as_o you_o will_v have_v a_o heart_n holy_o triumph_v over_o all_o cross_n and_o difficulty_n affliction_n and_o tribulation_n design_n and_o endeavour_v more_o through_o grace_n to_o have_v a_o tender_a walk_n that_o you_o may_v lay_v a_o ground_n for_o this_o testimony_n and_o study_v to_o be_v more_o frequent_a in_o self-examination_n that_o thereby_o you_o may_v extract_v and_o draw_v it_o forth_o clear_o and_o convince_o for_o your_o peace_n comfort_n and_o joy_n can_v many_o of_o you_o be_v but_o once_o prevail_v with_o to_o prove_v and_o make_v trial_n what_o a_o comfortable_a
thing_n it_o be_v to_o have_v conscience_n by_o this_o testimony_n smile_v on_o you_o you_o will_v be_v more_o in_o love_n with_o it_o and_o with_o the_o serious_a exercise_n of_o godliness_n and_o particular_o with_o self-examination_n that_o make_v way_n for_o it_o however_o we_o be_v persuade_v that_o ere_o long_o the_o day_n will_v come_v wherein_o many_o of_o youshall_n be_v make_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o this_o in_o your_o sad_a experience_n when_o death_n shall_v stair_n you_o grim_o in_o the_o face_n and_o when_o you_o shall_v neither_o be_v able_a to_o send_v nor_o to_o flee_v o_o of_o what_o excellent_a worth_n will_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n then_o be_v find_v to_o be_v hear_v witness_n to_o man_n concern_v their_o honesty_n sincerity_n uprightness_n and_o the_o tenderness_n of_o their_o walk_n many_o of_o you_o will_v find_v it_o though_o you_o believe_v it_o not_o now_o when_o you_o shall_v be_v eternal_o deprive_v of_o such_o a_o testimony_n you_o shall_v then_o be_v make_v to_o know_v to_o your_o everlasting_a cost_n that_o the_o rejoice_v of_o heart_n flow_v from_o this_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v infinite_o preferable_a to_o all_o the_o worldly_a enjoyment_n and_o delight_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n i_o will_v beseech_v such_o of_o you_o as_o think_v yourselves_o to_o be_v wise_a in_o this_o world_n to_o study_v to_o be_v wise_a in_o this_o great_a point_n of_o wisdom_n if_o you_o want_v this_o testimony_n when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o last_o reckon_n you_o will_v be_v for_o ever_o undo_v and_o will_v never_o through_o all_o eternity_n once_o smile_v for_o joy_n but_o weep_v and_o gnash_v your_o tooth_n for_o the_o gnaw_a pain_n that_o the_o never_o die_a worm_n of_o a_o evil_a conscience_n shall_v cause_v to_o you_o 3_o observe_v that_o a_o man_n that_o will_v be_v thorough_o acquaint_v with_o his_o way_n and_o clear_a in_o the_o testimony_n of_o his_o conscience_n concern_v it_o will_v be_v particular_a in_o the_o examination_n thereof_o or_o thus_o he_o will_v not_o content_v himself_o with_o a_o general_a confuse_a trial_n of_o it_o altogether_o at_o once_o and_o in_o the_o bulk_n but_o he_o will_v try_v it_o by_o part_n and_o parcel_n thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o apostle_n here_o when_o he_o say_v that_o he_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o his_o conscience_n that_o his_o conversation_n be_v not_o with_o fleshly_a wisdom_n but_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n he_o subjoin_v and_o more_o abundant_o to_o youward_n and_o so_o descend_v to_o the_o particular_a that_o be_v in_o controversy_n betwixt_o he_o and_o these_o big_a talk_a doctor_n that_o make_v it_o their_o great_a business_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n to_o derogat_v from_o the_o just_a repute_n of_o his_o person_n and_o ministry_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o his_o conscience_n concern_v his_o upright_a and_o faithful_a carriage_n in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o they_o in_o particular_a when_o i_o say_v that_o person_n will_v try_v their_o way_n by_o part_n or_o piece_n i_o mean_v that_o they_o will_v try_v their_o particular_a action_n and_o behaviour_n in_o such_o and_o such_o place_n at_o such_o and_o such_o particular_a time_n of_o their_o life_n because_o by_o this_o mean_n they_o come_v to_o a_o more_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o their_o carriage_n and_o way_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a other_o way_n when_o man_n take_v up_o their_o way_n together_o by_o the_o lump_n as_o it_o be_v that_o they_o can_v win_v to_o distinctnes_n which_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v at_o in_o some_o measure_n ere_o they_o have_v a_o well_o ground_a testimony_n of_o their_o conscience_n from_o solid_a and_o 〈◊〉_d ground_n again_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n wherein_o a_o man_n can_v have_v a_o good_a testimony_n from_o his_o conscience_n 〈◊〉_d when_o he_o reflect_v under_o strong_a temptation_n on_o the_o 〈◊〉_d wise_a and_o sovereign_a providence_n of_o god_n as_o if_o he_o ●ed_v not_o the_o world_n and_o his_o people_n therein_o aright_o as_o abihu_n charge_v job_n some_o way_n to_o have_v do_v when_o he_o say●_n to_o he_o chap._n 33._o v._n 12._o behold_v in_o this_o thou_o 〈◊〉_d not_o just_a though_o job_n will_v not_o take_v with_o it_o that_o he_o be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d yet_o he_o be_v silent_a as_o to_o this_o part_n of_o the_o charge_n be_v its_o like_a convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o as_o also_o a_o man_n may_v have_v many_o thing_n very_o blame-worthy_a in_o his_o life_n and_o yet_o may_v be_v in_o one_o or_o more_o particular_n wherewith_o he_o be_v charge_v clear_a and_o innocent_a as_o it_o be_v with_o david_n who_o say_v psal._n 7._o 3._o if_o i_o have_v do_v this_o etc._n etc._n he_o have_v many_o blemish_n yet_o in_o this_o particular_a he_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o his_o conscience_n for_o he_o therefore_o man_n will_v try_v their_o way_n by_o piece_n and_o part_n that_o they_o may_v disallow_v of_o these_o thing_n wherein_o they_o can_v have_v a_o good_a testimony_n from_o their_o conscience_n and_o may_v accept_v of_o its_o testimony_n in_o that_o wherein_o they_o be_v right_a that_o they_o may_v reject_v a_o challenge_n when_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o it_o and_o entertain_v it_o where_o there_o be_v ground_n a_o confuse_a general_a way_n of_o self-examination_n have_v two_o bad_a effect_n 1._o it_o keep_v person_n indistinct_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o condition_n wherein_o they_o have_v a_o confuse_a fight_n of_o somewhat_o right_a and_o of_o somewhat_o wrong_a but_o know_v not_o what_o it_o i●_n in_o particular_a because_o they_o rest_v and_o sit_v down_o upon_o that_o general_a confuse_a look_n of_o their_o case_n and_o way_n and_o come_v not_o to_o condescend_v on_o particular_n 2_o person_n ready_o either_o absolve_v themselves_o as_o to_o the_o more_o general_a tract_n of_o their_o life_n because_o they_o see_v some_o thing_n honest_a like_o therein_o which_o keep_v they_o from_o take_v with_o just●_n challenge_v or_o else_o they_o condemn_v the_o whole_a of_o their_o life_n because_o they_o see_v something_n wrong_v in_o it_o which_o keep_v they_o from_o comfort_v themselves_o in_o the_o testimony_n of_o their_o conscience_n as_o to_o what_o be_v right_a therefore_o we_o will_v be_v particular_a in_o try_v our_o way_n as_o i_o say_v by_o part_n that_o every_o thing_n may_v have_v its_o own_o place_n and_o weight_n with_o u●_n 4_o consider_v these_o word_n as_o speak_v by_o paul_n who_o take_v much_o pain_n to_o prove_v and_o clear_v his_o condition_n and_o speak_v of_o this_o testimony_n as_o of_o a_o great_a matter_n he_o have_v attain_v to_o observe_v that_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a but_o very_o difficult_a even_o for_o a_o man_n that_o have_v take_v pain_n in_o search_v himself_o to_o obtain_v the_o testimony_n of_o his_o conscience_n for_o he_o in_o a_o particular_a it_o be_v not_o so_o small_a a_o matter_n nor_o so_o easy_a a_o business_n as_o many_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o great_a and_o difficult_a business_n to_o follow_v the_o search_n right_o but_o it_o be_v so_o likeways_o to_o find_v thing_n right_a and_o to_o win_v at_o the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n as_o to_o this_o and_o that_o and_o the_o other_o particular_a if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o great_a and_o difficult_a business_n paul_n will_v not_o lay_v such_o weight_n on_o it_o as_o he_o do_v now_o when_o i_o say_v its_o a_o great_a and_o difficult_a business_n i_o mean_v ●_o that_o it_o be_v a_o rare_a thing_n and_o such_o as_o every_o one_o do_v not_o attain_v to_o nay_o every_o believer_n have_v it_o not_o as_o to_o every_o part_n and_o piece_n of_o his_o carriage_n 2_o that_o it_o call_v for_o much_o tenderness_n and_o sincerity_n in_o the_o whole_a of_o a_o man_n practice_n to_o reach_v it_o it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o coarse_a and_o ordinary_a walk_n and_o frame_v of_o heart_n that_o will_v give_v a_o man_n ground_n for_o this_o refresh_a testimony_n of_o his_o conscience_n but_o it_o require_v much_o seriousness_n and_o sincerity_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o godliness_n as_o be_v clear_a here_o 3_o that_o beside_o much_o seriousness_n and_o sincerity_n in_o the_o universal_a exercise_n of_o godliness_n and_o much_o circumspection_n in_o the_o man_n personal_a walk_n and_o conversation_n much_o diligence_n be_v call_v for_o in_o search_v to_o find_v out_o and_o to_o come_v by_o this_o testimony_n of_o his_o conscience_n for_o a_o man_n may_v have_v matter_n and_o ground_n for_o conscience_n its_o testimony_n and_o yet_o through_o the_o neglect_n of_o suitable_a serious_a and_o narrow_a self-examination_n he_o may_v be_v at_o a_o great_a loss_n as_o to_o its_o joyful_a testimony_n for_o he_o even_o as_o one_o may_v be_v
guilty_a of_o many_o sin_n and_o yet_o be_v but_o very_o little_a or_o not_o at_o all_o challenge_v for_o they_o through_o the_o neglect_n of_o self-examination_n 4_o that_o it_o require_v much_o singleness_n in_o try_v of_o conscience_n testimony_n whether_o it_o be_v well_o ground_v or_o not_o for_o a_o man_n that_o have_v his_o peace_n and_o joy_n to_o build_v on_o this_o testimony_n must_v not_o take_v every_o show_n and_o appearance_n of_o such_o a_o testimony_n for_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o peace_n and_o joy_n but_o conscience_n will_v be_v put_v to_o speak_v distinct_o and_o on_o good_a ground_n for_o it_o that_o in_o this_o and_o that_o and_o the_o other_o thing_n there_o be_v some_o sincerity_n and_o this_o must_v be_v put_v to_o the_o proof_n and_o exact_o try_v by_o the_o word_n whether_o it_o be_v so_o or_o not_o as_o we_o see_v here_o the_o apostle_n do_v he_o try_v his_o way_n and_o conversation_n and_o find_v it_o to_o have_v be_v 〈◊〉_d simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n etc._n etc._n from_o which_o premise_n to_o speak_v so_o he_o draw_v the_o refresh_a conclusion_n of_o his_o joy_n and_o rejoice_v now_o if_o we_o look_v to_o all_o these_o or_o to_o any_o one_o of_o they_o whether_o to_o the_o rarity_n of_o it_o among_o most_o man_n yea_o even_o among_o believer_n in_o some_o respect_n or_o to_o the_o exactness_n and_o tenderness_n of_o walk_n that_o be_v requisite_a to_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o or_o to_o the_o great_a difficulty_n that_o a_o man_n will_v find_v in_o come_v at_o a_o through_o search_n of_o his_o way_n or_o to_o the_o diligence_n and_o single●_n that_o be_v call_v for_o in_o the_o trial_n of_o conscience_n its_o testimony_n we_o will_v find_v it_o to_o be_v a_o most_o clear_a and_o certain_a truth_n that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o ordinary_a nor_o easy_a business_n but_o very_o difficult_a to_o obtain_v the_o well_o ground_a good_a and_o joyful_a testimony_n of_o conscience_n as_o to_o our_o more_o general_a and_o particular_a conversation_n if_o it_o be_v so_o which_o be_v the_o ●se_n of_o the_o doctrine_n be_v it_o not_o a_o wonder_n from_o whence_o the_o peace_n that_o many_o pretend_v to_o comes_z be_v it_o not_o a_o wonder_n that_o the_o most_o part_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n can_v so_o easy_o affirm_v the_o testimony_n of_o their_o conscience_n to_o be_v for_o they_o when_o there_o be_v neither_o exactness_n of_o life_n not_o tenderness_n of_o walk_n nor_o diligence_n in_o self-searching_a nor_o holy_a jealousy_n nor_o impartial_a and_o single_a try_v whether_o it_o be_v well_o ground_v or_o not_o and_o yet_o they_o will_v at_o the_o very_a first_o confident_o pretend_v to_o conscience_n its_o testimony_n if_o many_o of_o you_o be_v put_v to_o it_o can_v you_o give_v such_o evidence_n or_o ground_n for_o its_o testimony_n as_o paul_n do_v here_o if_o not_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o you_o be_v so_o ready_a confident_o to_o lay_v claim_n to_o it_o and_o yet_o ala●e_v there_o be_v nothing_o more_o ordinary_a in_o the_o generality_n of_o these_o that_o be_v most_o carnal_a and_o secure_a then_o bold_o to_o assert_v that_o they_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o a_o honest_a heart_n be_v not_o this_o very_a strange_a wonderful_a and_o even_o 〈◊〉_d that_o under_o the_o clear_a sunshine_n of_o gospel_n light_n satan_n shall_v get_v so_o great_a advantage_n as_o thus_o 〈◊〉_d harden_v the_o heart_n and_o blind_a the_o conscience_n of_o so_o many_o poor_a wretched_a creature_n and_o at_o this_o rate_n to_o de●ude_v and_o 〈◊〉_d they_o as_o to_o prevail_v with_o they_o confident_o to_o assert_v and_o maintain_v that_o which_o they_o call_v their_o honesty_n which_o yet_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o rotten-hearted_a 〈◊〉_d and_o to_o 〈◊〉_d their_o peace_n of_o conscience_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o soul-murthe●ng_a and_o damn_v 〈◊〉_d for_o further_o clear_v of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o enlarge_n of_o its_o ●se_n and_o for_o help_v you_o to_o judge_v aright_o of_o conscience_n its_o testimony_n in_o your_o search_n after_o it_o we_o shall_v propose_v some_o question_n from_o the_o requisite_a qualification_n of_o a_o well_o ground_v and_o refresh_a testimony_n of_o a_o man_n 〈◊〉_d for_o he_o which_o must_v all_o be_v answer_v in_o some_o measure_n affirmative_o and_o these_o answer_n solid_o and_o well_o prove_v and_o make_v ou●_n before_o you_o can_v quiet_o and_o confident_o rest_v on_o conscience_n testimony_n as_o to_o any_o part_n or_o piece_n of_o your_o way_n whether_o it_o be_v in_o reference_n to_o the_o sanctification_n of_o the_o sabbath_n to_o confer_v on_o a_o spiritual_a subject_n to_o prayer_n to_o praise_v to_o read_v to_o hear_v to_o eat_v to_o drink_v to_o buy_v to_o sell_v to_o building_n to_o plant_v etc._n etc._n but_o we_o shall_v here_o restrict_n the_o inquiry_n most_o at_o least_o to_o religious_a thing_n or_o action_n that_o be_v religious_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n first_o then_o conscience_n must_v be_v satisfy_v in_o this_o whether_o that_o which_o you_o have_v do_v be_v on_o the_o matter_n approven_v of_o god_n or_o not_o it_o be_v certain_o true_a you_o will_v say_v that_o prayer_n in_o itself_o be_v approven_v and_o so_o it_o be_v but_o be_v such_o and_o such_o a_o expression_n that_o you_o utter_v and_o such_o a_o word_n that_o you_o speak_v and_o the_o argument_n that_o you_o make_v use_v of_o in_o prayer_n right_a before_o god_n if_o the_o matter_n be_v not_o right_a conscience_n can_v speak_v for_o you_o though_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v as_o warry_a and_o circumspect_a as_o may_v be_v in_o cheat_v circumven_o ●ing_v and_o deceive_v of_o his_o neighbour_n its_o impossible_a for_o conscience_n to_o give_v he_o a_o good_a testimony_n anent_o it_o or_o any_o other_o such_o action_n because_o it_o be_v on_o the_o matter_n sinful_a you_o must_v once_o then_o be_v sure_a and_o clear_a in_o this_o that_o what_o you_o speak_v or_o do_v in_o prayer_n or_o any_o other_o thing_n be_v as_o to_o its_o matter_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n 2_o conscience_n must_v be_v satisfy_v in_o this_o not_o only_o whether_o the_o thing_n be_v lawful_a in_o itself_o but_o also_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n lawful_a to_o you_o at_o such_o a_o time_n and_o that_o to_o which_o you_o be_v particular_o call_v for_o many_o thing_n be_v lawful_a which_o be_v not_o expedient_a and_o many_o thing_n may_v be_v expedient_a at_o one_o time_n which_o will_v not_o be_v expedient_a at_o another_o take_v it_o in_o the_o instance_n of_o prayer_n wherein_o conscience_n will_v not_o approve_v we_o though_o we_o be_v right_a in_o it_o on_o the_o matter_n if_o it_o be_v not_o right_o time_v or_o if_o we_o be_v not_o then_o call_v to_o it_o this_o be_v to_o be_v take_v heed_n to_o especial_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v on_o the_o matter_n indifferent_a and_o in_o the_o time_v of_o such_o command_v duty_n to_o which_o god_n have_v not_o set_v and_o fix_v a_o particular_a precise_a time_n but_o leave_v they_o to_o christian_a prudence_n to_o be_v go_v about_o by_o person_n at_o these_o time_n which_o be_v most_o seasonable_a and_o as_o they_o be_v call_v to_o they_o 3_o when_o you_o be_v thus_o clear_a as_o to_o the_o matter_n season_n and_o time_n and_o as_o to_o god_n call_v you_o to_o such_o and_o such_o a_o duty_n whether_o do_v you_o acknowledge_v god_n in_o your_o undertake_n of_o the_o duty_n be_v he_o look_v to_o for_o direction_n and_o guide_v in_o it_o and_o for_o his_o blessing_n on_o it_o and_o depend_v on_o for_o throwbearing_a according_a to_o that_o notable_a word_n prov._n 3._o 16._o in_o all_o thy_o way_n acknowledge_v he_o and_o he_o shall_v direct_v thy_o path_n in_o this_o also_o conscience_n must_v have_v satisfaction_n 4_o what_o motive_n do_v set_v you_o on_o to_o such_o and_o such_o a_o duty_n and_o from_o what_o principle_n do_v you_o do_v it_o for_o a_o duty_n or_o action_n may_v be_v right_a on_o the_o matter_n and_o you_o may_v also_o be_v call_v to_o it_o and_o yet_o if_o you_o be_v not_o swey_v to_o it_o from_o a_o right_a motive_n and_o principle_n it_o will_v mar_v your_o peace_n and_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o conscience_n testify_v for_o you_o that_o be_v though_o you_o shall_v do_v a_o thing_n that_o be_v right_a if_o you_o be_v not_o swey_v to_o it_o out_o of_o conscience_n from_o the_o awe_n of_o god_n from_o love_n to_o he_o and_o from_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n it_o be_v faulty_a in_o so_o far_o and_o you_o can_v in_o so_o far_o have_v peace_n nor_o the_o approve_v testimony_n of_o your_o conscience_n therein_o but_o if_o a_o man_n endure_v grief_n and_o suffer_v wrongful_o for_o conscience_n towards_o god_n it_o be_v thank_v worthy_a ●aith_o the_o
〈◊〉_d sinner_n can_v never_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n nor_o any_o the_o least_o measure_n of_o that_o solid_a joy_n or_o peace_n that_o flow_v from_o it_o for_o as_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n say_v chap._n 57_o v._n last_o there_o be_v no_o peace_n to_o the_o wicked_a say_v my_o god_n sermon_n v._n 2_o cor._n 1._o 12._o for_o our_o rejoice_v be_v this_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n that_o in_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n notwith_o fleshly_a wisdom_n but_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o have_v ha●_n our_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o mor●_n abundant_o to_o youward_n there_o be_v many_o duty_n and_o piece_n of_o christianity_n whereof_o the_o world_n neither_o know_v the_o excellency_n nor_o the_o difficulty_n man_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n dispose_v to_o think_v that_o religion_n be_v a_o thing_n of_o very_o little_a worth_n and_o very_o easy_o come_v by_o when_o they_o shall_v find_v it_o convenient_a for_o they_o to_o look_v after_o somewhat_o of_o it_o because_o they_o never_o set_v themselves_o serious_o and_o in_o good_a earnest_n to_o practice_v it_o nor_o to_o experience_n the_o choice_n and_o excellent_a advantage_n that_o come_v by_o it_o and_o we_o very_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v not_o two_o thing_n in_o religion_n less_o know_v and_o believe_v than_o the_o difficulty_n of_o attain_v to_o a_o well-grounded_n testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o the_o unspeakable_a excellency_n of_o it_o with_o the_o great_a advantage_n that_o come_v by_o it_o when_o it_o be_v attain_v and_o entertain_v we_o speak_v before_o to_o you_o of_o the_o great_a refresh_n and_o joy_n which_o the_o well_o ground_v testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n yield_v and_o of_o the_o great_a difficulty_n that_o there_o be_v to_o attain_v and_o come_v by_o it_o as_o be_v the_o result_n of_o much_o diligence_n labour_n and_o pain_n in_o solid_a answer_v of_o many_o question_n before_o we_o proceed_v any_o further_a there_o may_v arise_v here_o a_o doubt_n or_o objection_n which_o will_v be_v clear_v and_o answer_v viz._n if_o a_o particular_a search_n and_o examination_n as_o to_o every_o action_n and_o duty_n be_v necessary_a yea_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a ere_o the_o conscience_n can_v give_v a_o good_a testimony_n and_o if_o so_o how_o a_o person_n can_v possible_o have_v peace_n in_o reference_n to_o his_o by-gone_a way_n when_o in_o seek_v to_o review_v it_o and_o to_o reflect_v upon_o it_o he_o find_v it_o impossible_a to_o examine_v every_o action_n and_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o we_o conceive_v it_o to_o be_v necessary_a to_o answer_v this_o doubt_n or_o objection_n though_o we_o confess_v it_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o do_v it_o to_o full_a satisfaction_n there_o be_v especial_o extreme_n upon_o both_o side_n some_o be_v ready_a to_o take_v a_o undue_a liberty_n and_o latitude_n to_o themselves_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n when_o any_o allow_a qualification_n be_v offer_v and_o other_o be_v in_o hazard_n to_o faint_v and_o be_v discourage_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o the_o matter_n be_v keep_v in_o a_o peremptory_a state_n without_o due_a qualification_n and_o caution_n and_o yet_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o right_n preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n if_o we_o can_v win_v at_o it_o will_v neither_o louse_n reins_o to_o lawless_a and_o sinsul_n liberty_n to_o carnal_a person_n nor_o make_v sad_a the_o heart_n of_o these_o that_o eat_v gracious_a and_o tender_a nor_o put_v they_o on_o the_o rack_n nor_o involve_v they_o into_o a_o labyrinth_n of_o inextricable_a intricacy_n and_o perplexity_n for_o answer_v then_o to_o the_o doubt_n or_o objection_n 1._o it_o be_v indeed_o expedient_a so_o far_o as_o a_o believer_n can_v win_v in_o self-examination_n to_o reach_v his_o particular_a action_n and_o the_o particular_a step_n and_o circumstance_n of_o they_o wherein_o job_n and_o other_o of_o the_o saint_n have_v win_v a_o great_a length_n and_o the_o expediency_n if_o not_o necessity_n of_o it_o appear_v from_o this_o because_o by_o this_o mean_n believer_n win_v to_o more_o distinctnesse_n and_o staidness_n in_o up-taking_a of_o their_o case_n 2_o we_o think_v that_o the_o distinct_a examination_n of_o all_o particular_n in_o a_o man_n life_n and_o of_o the_o several_a question_n that_o conscience_n may_v propose_v concern_v they_o be_v not_o possible_a in_o itself_o and_o therefore_o not_o simple_o necessary_a as_o to_o the_o make_v of_o this_o duty_n practicable_a for_o if_o we_o can_v possible_o as_o we_o can_v go_v through_o all_o our_o action_n and_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o they_o through_o out_o our_o whole_a way_n it_o will_v take_v up_o more_o of_o our_o time_n to_o examine_v than_o we_o have_v for_o practice_n if_o we_o shall_v be_v put_v to_o reflect_v particular_o on_o every_o thing_n that_o we_o have_v do_v on_o what_o have_v be_v commit_v and_o on_o what_o have_v be_v omit_v and_o the_o several_a aggravation_n and_o circumstance_n of_o every_o one_o of_o these_o and_o to_o go_v through_o every_o one_o of_o they_o according_a to_o the_o exact_a rule_n it_o will_v take_v we_o many_o day_n yea_o if_o the_o conscience_n shall_v give_v way_n to_o scruplousness_n in_o this_o there_o shall_v always_o be_v a_o examination_n of_o our_o examination_n which_o yet_o may_v and_o in_o some_o case_n ought_v to_o be_v and_o so_o on_o in_o infinitum_fw-la that_o there_o shall_v never_o be_v a_o end_n of_o this_o work_n to_o the_o exclusion_n of_o other_o clear_o call_v for_o which_o can_v be_v that_o be_v not_o then_o we_o conceive_v the_o lord_n end_n in_o press_v on_o we_o this_o duty_n of_o self-examination_n whereby_o he_o design_v to_o extricat_fw-la the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n out_o of_o disquietness_n and_o not_o to_o involve_v they_o further_o in_o it_o yet_o 3_o we_o say_v that_o its_o necessary_a as_o to_o believer_n peace_n in_o their_o duty_n that_o they_o examine_v the_o series_n of_o their_o way_n though_o they_o can_v reach_v every_o particular_a action_n or_o all_o its_o circumstance_n and_o that_o they_o think_v no_o duty_n to_o be_v so_o clear_a nor_o any_o sin_n to_o be_v so_o little_a as_o resolve_o to_o pass_v it_o without_o reflect_v on_o it_o so_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a and_o in_o examine_v the_o series_n and_o tract_n of_o their_o way_n they_o will_v consider_v 1._o the_o matter_n of_o their_o action_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a and_o approven_v of_o god_n or_o not_o 2._o the_o manner_n of_o they_o whether_o they_o have_v endeavour_v to_o do_v thing_n after_o the_o due_a order_n and_o in_o the_o prescribe_a manner_n 3._o what_o they_o propose_v to_o themselves_o as_o the_o general_a main_a end_n and_o scope_n of_o their_o action_n whether_o it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n o●_n not_o we_o find_v much_o of_o the_o saint_n testimony_n of_o their_o conscience_n to_o be_v found_v upon_o this_o as_o we_o may_v see_v here_o in_o paul_n we_o have_v have_v say_v he_o our_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o more_o abundant_o to_o you_o ward_n not_o with_o fleshly_a wisdom_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o david_n who_o 〈◊〉_d psal._n 119_o 59_o i_o think_v on_o my_o way_n and_o turn_v my_o f●et_n into_o thy_o testimony_n there_o be_v great_a difference_n betwixt_o a_o man_n way_n or_o path_n and_o every_o particular_a step_n of_o his_o way_n or_o path_n david_n propose_v to_o himself_o the_o series_n of_o his_o way_n to_o be_v examine_v and_o wherein_o he_o find_v himself_o faulty_a he_o make_v haste_n to_o go_v out_o of_o it_o and_o turn_v his_o foot_n into_o god_n testimony_n he_o be_v endeavour_v to_o be_v watchful_a in_o every_o step_n of_o his_o way_n while_o it_o be_v before_o he_o to_o have_v it_o right_n but_o when_o he_o reflect_v it_o be_v impossible_a as_o we_o have_v say_v to_o look_v on_o every_o step_n of_o his_o way_n and_o to_o examine_v it_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n he_o look_v upon_o the_o series_n of_o it_o on_o the_o matter_n manner_n and_o end_n of_o his_o walk_n in_o the_o tract_n of_o his_o life_n and_o in_o this_o respect_n he_o say_v psal._n 18._o 21._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 as_o job_n chap._n 23._o also_o do_v my_o soot_n have_v hold_v his_o step_n his_o way_n have_v i_o keep_v and_o not_o decline_v 4_o believer_n will_v not_o only_o look_v to_o their_o way_n but_o there_o be_v some_o action_n and_o step_n of_o their_o way_n at_o some_o special_a time_n that_o they_o will_v be_v more_o particular_a in_o the_o examination_n of_o then_o at_o other_o time_n and_o of_o every_o action_n though_o they_o will_v not_o design_o seclude_v any_o as_o god_n in_o providence_n call_v they_o to_o it_o and_o
to_o speak_v of_o i_o shall_v only_o say_v that_o if_o we_o compare_v the_o universality_n of_o the_o command_n with_o our_o obedience_n thereto_o and_o try_v if_o the_o one_o be_v as_o universal_a as_o the_o other_o be_v if_o there_o be_v a_o respect_n have_v to_o all_o the_o com●nds_n to_o these_o of_o the_o first_o as_o well_o as_o to_o these_o of_o the_o second_o table_n of_o the_o law_n to_o these_o of_o the_o gospel_n as_o well_o as_o to_o these_o of_o the_o law_n and_o if_o we_o take_v a_o view_n of_o our_o conversation_n in_o whole_a and_o in_o the_o part_n of_o it_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o worship_n and_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o our_o particular_a calling_n station_n and_o relation_n if_o a_o good_a conscience_n have_v be_v single_o aim_v at_o in_o all_o these_o at_o all_o time_n sabbath-day_n and_o weekday_n in_o all_o condition_n in_o prosperity_n and_o adversity_n in_o all_o place_n at_o home_o and_o abroad_o in_o the_o shop_n and_o in_o the_o family_n in_o journey_n by_o land_n and_o voyage_n by_o sea_n for_o conscience_n come_v in_o as_o concern_v in_o all_o place_n and_o in_o all_o company_n and_o will_v put_v the_o question_n whether_o we_o be_v call_v to_o go_v to_o such_o a_o place_n and_o to_o be_v in_o such_o a_o company_n or_o not_o and_o will_v expect_v a_o answer_n as_o to_o all_o these_o thing_n condition_n time_n place_n and_o company_n if_o i_o say_v we_o try_v conscience_n as_o to_o all_o these_o we_o will_v find_v that_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v a_o very_a rare_a thing_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_o either_o attain_v or_o entertain_v as_o many_o imagine_v it_o to_o be_v and_o that_o withal_o its_o evident_a and_o undeniable_a hence_o that_o the_o conscience_n of_o most_o man_n and_o woman_n be_v not_o so_o good_a as_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o aver_v they_o to_o be_v which_o they_o will_v one_o day_n find_v if_o a_o gracious_a change_n prevent_v not_o to_o their_o unspeakable_a and_o irreparable_a loss_n and_o prejudice_n sermon_n ii_o heb._n 13._o v_o 18._o pray_v for_o we_o for_o we_o trust_v we_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n willing_a to_o live_v honest_o true_a religion_n and_o godliness_n consist_v not_o only_o in_o the_o illumination_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o in_o the_o conception_n and_o contemplation_n of_o the_o truth_n concern_v god_n and_o the_o gospel_n but_o also_o and_o main_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o know_a duty_n thereof_o and_o very_o ordinary_o there_o be_v more_o of_o the_o concern_v of_o conscience_n and_o of_o its_o solid_a peace_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o more_o common_a and_o well_o know_v duty_n that_o be_v even_o at_o our_o hand_n then_o in_o the_o speculation_n of_o and_o painful_a search_n after_o thing_n that_o be_v more_o mysterious_a and_o obscure_a we_o will_v decry_v none_o of_o these_o nor_o dissuade_v any_o from_o a_o sober_a inquiry_n after_o they_o who_o be_v more_o call_v to_o it_o than_o other_o yet_o we_o will_v give_v every_o one_o of_o they_o their_o own_o due_a place_n and_o will_v by_o all_o mean_n take_v heed_n that_o we_o separate_v and_o divide_v not_o the_o power_n and_o practice_v of_o religion_n from_o the_o theory_n thereof_o and_o that_o we_o prefer_v not_o the_o search_n after_o some_o more_o cryptick_a and_o dark_a thing_n in_o religion_n to_o the_o serious_a practice_n of_o the_o more_o plain_a and_o obvious_a truth_n thereof_o for_o the_o prevent_n whereof_o as_o by_o other_o mean_n so_o we_o find_v the_o apostle_n very_o ordinary_o in_o the_o close_a of_o his_o epistle_n after_o more_o doctrinal_a discourse_n subjoyn_v some_o plain_a and_o familiar_a direction_n concern_v the_o practice_n of_o such_o duty_n that_o be_v general_o know_v and_o acknowledge_v among_o which_o this_o be_v one_o viz._n prayer_n for_o one_o another_o and_o more_o particular_o and_o especial_o for_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n pray_v for_o we_o faith_n he_o in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o verse_n we_o will_v then_o learn_v conscientious_o to_o improve_v our_o light_n and_o knowledge_n towards_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o most_o of_o these_o that_o be_v most_o necessary_a and_o particular_o we_o will_v learn_v to_o lay_v due_a weight_n on_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n minister_n will_v neither_o disdain_v nor_o think_v shame_n to_o call_v for_o the_o help_n of_o the_o people_n prayer_n neither_o will_v people_n neglect_v nor_o think_v it_o needless_a or_o a_o burden_n to_o they_o to_o take_v a_o serious_a lift_n of_o their_o minister_n in_o their_o prayer_n to_o god_n when_o we_o press_v obedience_n in_o all_o thing_n as_o the_o evidence_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n we_o will_v press_v obedience_n to_o this_o among_o the_o rest_n which_o whoever_o neglect_n will_v in_o so_o far_o mar_v the_o peace_n of_o their_o conscience_n before_o god_n for_o they_o can_v have_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n if_o they_o neglect_v or_o flight_v this_o piece_n of_o their_o duty_n therefore_o without_o further_a insist_v in_o it_o we_o exhort_v you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n pray_v for_o we_o the_o other_o thing_n in_o the_o verse_n whereof_o we_o begin_v to_o speak_v the_o last_o day_n be_v the_o reason_n or_o motive_n whereby_o paul_n press_v they_o to_o this_o duty_n by_o which_o a_o objection_n be_v obviate_v they_o may_v belike_o say_v at_o least_o think_v that_o he_o be_v a_o asperse_v reproach_v and_o ill-spoken_a of_o man_n and_o that_o therefore_o they_o have_v but_o small_a ground_n of_o encouragement_n to_o pray_v for_o he_o no_o say_v he_o notwithstanding_o these_o aspersion_n which_o be_v false_a and_o groundless_a pray_v for_o we_o for_o we_o trust_v we_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o because_o this_o assertion_n may_v look_v big_a he_o qualify_v it_o in_o the_o word_n follow_v wherein_o he_o clear_v what_o he_o mean_v and_o prove_v that_o he_o speak_v not_o at_o random_n we_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n will_v in_o all_o thing_n say_v he_o to_o live_v honest_o we_o may_v and_o do_v fail_v and_o come_v short_a as_o to_o the_o length_n we_o shall_v be_v 〈◊〉_d but_o it_o beside_o our_o purpose_n our_o desire_n design_n and_o endeavour_n be_v faithful_o to_o approve_v ourselves_o to_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n observe_v 1._o here_o that_o a_o honest_a and_o good_a life_n or_o walk_v and_o a_o honest_a and_o good_a conscience_n go_v together_o there_o be_v always_o a_o suitableness_n betwixt_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o person_n conscience_n within_o and_o the_o order_n of_o his_o walk_n and_o conversation_n without_o or_o thus_o as_o a_o man_n life_n be_v so_o be_v his_o conscience_n if_o the_o life_n and_o conversation_n be_v honest_a than_o a_o man_n may_v have_v and_o have_v a_o honest_a and_o good_a conscience_n but_o if_o his_o life_n and_o conversation_n be_v untender_a dishonest_a profane_a and_o louse_n he_o can_v possible_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n as_o the_o apostle_n plain_o affirm_v titus_n 1._o 15._o and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v clear_a because_o conscience_n well_o ground_v testimony_n must_v be_v according_a to_o truth_n and_o speak_v out_o the_o thing_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v and_o as_o when_o the_o thing_n be_v ill_a and_o wrong_n it_o can_v speak_v peace_n and_o good_a so_o when_o the_o thing_n be_v right_a it_o will_v not_o speak_v ill_o for_o use_v of_o it_o do_v not_o separat_fw-la these_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v conjoin_v think_v never_o to_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n when_o you_o have_v not_o a_o honest_a conversation_n it_o may_v be_v find_v without_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o a_o very_a diligent_a search_n that_o many_o do_v presumptuous_o and_o groundless_o speak_v and_o boast_v of_o a_o good_a conscience_n when_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o their_o conversation_n that_o look_v like_o it_o let_v be_v warrant_n it_o but_o if_o you_o will_v certain_o know_v the_o companion_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n take_v it_o from_o paul_n it_o be_v even_o a_o live_n honest_o i_o will_v only_o here_o have_v you_o to_o take_v this_o caveat_n in_o the_o by_o when_o we_o say_v that_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o a_o honest_a life_n or_o walk_n go_v together_o we_o will_v not_o have_v you_o to_o look_v to_o the_o connexion_n of_o these_o two_o so_o severe_o and_o rigid_o as_o if_o there_o can_v not_o be_v a_o good_a conscience_n but_o where_o there_o be_v a_o honest_a walk_n in_o its_o perfection_n without_o all_o slip_n or_o fail_n for_o we_o be_v now_o speak_v of_o a_o deliberate_a fix_v and_o settle_a purpose_n and_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o live_v and_o walk_v honest_o which_o may_v consist_v with_o slip_n and_o fall_n of_o infirmity_n this_o willingness_n to_o live_v
eat_v out_o the_o very_a life_n and_o feel_n of_o the_o conscience_n though_o it_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v a_o conscience_n still_o and_o a_o conscience_n that_o will_v speak_v and_o speak_v aloud_o one_o day_n albeit_o in_o god_n righteous_a judgement_n it_o be_v silent_a now_o 3._o we_o may_v also_o see_v here_o the_o reason_n why_o many_o person_n be_v so_o very_o filthy_a that_o sin_n become_v a_o delight_n to_o they_o so_o that_o the_o sin_n that_o other_o can_v not_o sleep_v with_o they_o can_v sleep_v till_o they_o get_v it_o commit_v because_o through_o a_o custom_n of_o and_o continuance_n in_o sin_v their_o mind_n and_o conscience_n be_v defile_v 2_o observe_v that_o a_o man_n before_o he_o be_v purge_v by_o christ_n blood_n have_v his_o conscience_n whole_o defile_v not_o only_o in_o part_n as_o we_o say_v of_o the_o believer_n but_o whole_o before_o he_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o be_v purge_v by_o his_o blood_n he_o be_v like_o that_o wretched_a infant_n describe_v ezek._n 16._o 5._o which_o description_n set_v forth_o to_o the_o life_n what_o these_o people_n be_v before_o god_n enter_v in_o covenant_n with_o they_o cast_v out_o in_o the_o open_a field_n to_o the_o loathe_n of_o their_o person_n unsalted_a and_o unswadle_v with_o their_o navil_n uncut_v wallow_v in_o their_o own_o blood_n and_o have_v no_o eye_n to_o pity_v they_o and_o thus_o be_v all_o man_n and_o woman_n without_o exception_n before_o they_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n they_o be_v whole_o in_o a_o state_n of_o irreconciliation_n and_o enmity_n with_o god_n who_o law_n do_v not_o only_o condemn_v this_o and_o that_o work_n or_o deed_n of_o they_o but_o all_o of_o they_o as_o but_o dead_a work_n their_o very_a state_n and_o person_n be_v condemn_v their_o peace_n if_o they_o have_v any_o be_v no_o solid_a peace_n none_o of_o god_n peace_n for_o there_o be_v no_o peace_n nor_o ground_n of_o peace_n to_o the_o wicked_a say_v my_o god_n isai._n 57_o their_o inclination_n be_v whole_o deprave_a and_o corrupt_v all_o their_o thought_n and_o imagination_n be_v evil_a only_o evil_a and_o continual_o evil_a as_o it_o be_v gen._n 6._o 5._o and_o as_o that_o often_o cite_v emphatic_a word_n be_v tit._n 1_o 15._o to_o he_o that_o be_v defile_v and_o unbelieving_a there_o be_v nothing_o pure_a every_o practice_n of_o he_o &_o the_o use_n of_o every_o thing_n be_v to_o he_o impure_a and_o his_o very_a mind_n and_o conscience_n be_v total_o defile_v and_o this_o will_v be_v yet_o more_o clear_a if_o we_o consider_v 1._o the_o case_n that_o the_o man_n be_v in_o who_o be_v not_o in_o christ_n he_o be_v without_o god_n without_o hope_n under_o his_o curse_n and_o the_o condemnatory_a sentence_n of_o his_o law_n and_o can_v a_o man_n possible_o have_v a_o clear_a conscience_n that_o be_v under_o god_n curse_n and_o have_v the_o sentence_n of_o his_o law_n stand_v over_o his_o head_n unrepealed_a therefore_o he_o be_v say_v john_n 3._o to_o be_v condemn_v already_o and_o to_o have_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n abide_v on_o he_o 2._o if_o we_o consider_v that_o a_o man_n in_o this_o condition_n be_v under_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n he_o be_v a_o captive_a of_o it_o and_o of_o the_o devil_n at_o his_o will_n as_o it_o be_v 2_o tim_n 2._o 26_o so_o that_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o motion_n or_o temptation_n to_o sin_n but_o he_o hearken_v to_o it_o and_o comply_v with_o it_o his_o heart_n be_v open_a to_o swarm_n of_o lust_n and_o as_o a_o cage_n to_o unclean_a and_o foul_a spirit_n legion_n of_o devil_n in_o a_o manner_n haunt_v he_o now_o if_o such_o a_o man_n can_v have_v a_o clear_a conscience_n you_o may_v easy_o judge_v and_o yet_o such_o be_v the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o every_o man_n by_o nature_n and_o therefore_o when_o christ_n speak_v of_o the_o renovation_n of_o a_o man_n he_o sometime_o call_v it_o the_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o devil_n import_v thereby_o that_o every_o man_n in_o nature_n be_v a_o common_a receptacle_n as_o it_o be_v to_o devil_n the_o 1._o use_v of_o this_o serve_v to_o teach_v we_o how_o we_o ought_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n to_o loathe_v the_o state_n of_o nature_n and_o how_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o ought_v to_o love_n and_o long_a after_o a_o state_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n by_o who_o only_o our_o natural_a state_n can_v be_v change_v be_v it_o not_o a_o wonder_n that_o so_o many_o rational_a man_n and_o woman_n can_v live_v and_o lie_v still_o in_o their_o natural_a state_n without_o mind_v or_o look_v after_o a_o change_n consider_v that_o this_o stand_v record_v of_o and_o against_o they_o that_o their_o very_a mind_n and_o conscience_n be_v defile_v and_o that_o with_o dead_a work_n and_o that_o all_o who_o be_v not_o in_o christ_n be_v so_o defile_v vile_a and_o abominable_a that_o the_o most_o stink_a dunghill_n be_v not_o so_o loathsome_a as_o the_o conscience_n of_o such_o person_n be_v o_o what_o heap_n and_o dunghill_n of_o lust_n what_o puddle_n and_o mire_n what_o kennel_n and_o sink_n of_o pollution_n and_o noisome_a and_o poisonable_a filthiness_n be_v there_o what_o noisome_a and_o poisonable_a sin_n be_v drink_v down_o with_o pleasure_n as_o so_o much_o sweet_a wine_n all_o which_o be_v keep_v in_o retentis_fw-la by_o the_o conscience_n never_o one_o of_o they_o be_v forget_v though_o for_o the_o time_n the_o conscience_n by_o its_o silence_n be_v suppose_v to_o have_v forget_v they_o yet_o it_o will_v set_v they_o all_o in_o order_n marshal_v they_o all_o as_o it_o be_v in_o rank_n and_o file_v against_o the_o person_n who_o shall_v be_v find_v out_o of_o christ_n in_o a_o most_o formidable_a manner_n it_o will_v not_o suffer_v one_o sin_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o one_o aggravate_v circumstance_n of_o any_o sin_n to_o be_v forget_v it_o will_v bring_v forth_o all_o and_o charge_v they_o home_o furious_o and_o irresistable_o this_o in_o god_n holy_a justice_n will_v be_v the_o use_n of_o conscience_n to_o all_o such_o person_n it_o be_v not_o like_o a_o conduit_n or_o pipe_n that_o take_v in_o at_o the_o one_o end_n and_o le_fw-fr we_o out_o at_o the_o other_o but_o like_o a_o stand_a sink_n that_o still_o retain_v all_o that_o come_v into_o it_o o_o than_o what_o a_o foul_a and_o filthy_a bag_n to_o speak_v ●o_o be_v the_o conscience_n of_o many_o a_o man_n and_o woman_n so_o that_o no_o botch_n boul_n or_o imposthume_n have_v such_o vile_a filthy_a and_o abominable_a matter_n in_o it_o as_o it_o have_v o_o what_o a_o noisome_a and_o vi●ely_a stink_a smell_n will_v that_o putrid_a matter_n send_v forth_o when_o god_n prick_v it_o this_o shall_v make_v you_o all_o to_o loath_a live_n in_o your_o natural_a state_n and_o to_o long_o without_o linger_v to_o be_v out_o of_o it_o it_o be_v like_a that_o many_o take_v it_o ill_o ●o_o have_v such_o thing_n say_v or_o think_v of_o they_o but_o i_o assure_v you_o all_o that_o be_v out_o of_o christ_n whether_o you_o have_v a_o more_o full_a or_o empty_a purse_n about_o you_o you_o have_v this_o filthy_a bag_n full_a of_o sin_n within_o you_o and_o while_o you_o secure_o heap_v sin_n upon_o sin_n you_o be_v treasure_v up_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n and_o of_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n the_o 2_o use_n serve_v to_o let_v we_o see_v what_o a_o poor_a and_o sorry_a ground_n the_o most_o part_n have_v for_o their_o peace_n of_o conscience_n we_o may_v in_o truth_n wonder_v how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o many_o of_o you_o can_v have_v any_o peace_n have_v such_o a_o puddle_n of_o filthiness_n within_o you_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o your_o mind_n and_o conscience_n be_v defile_v which_o be_v the_o best_a thing_n you_o have_v and_o one_o day_n will_v clear_o and_o convince_o make_v discovery_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o o_o how_o much_o hypocrisy_n and_o presumption_n will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v among_o you_o in_o stead_n of_o true_a and_o solid_a peace_n with_o which_o you_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v so_o long_o as_o these_o whoredom_n and_o witchcraft_n to_o say_v so_o of_o filthy_a sin_n be_v with_o you_o unpurged_a away_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ._n the_o 3._o use_n serve_v to_o demonstrat_fw-la and_o clear_o to_o hold_v forth_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o transcendent_a worth_n and_o matchless_a excellency_n that_o be_v in_o he_o that_o even_o when_o a_o man_n be_v thus_o defile_v and_o pollute_v by_o sin_n these_o dead_a work_n there_o be_v access_n by_o his_o blood_n to_o get_v the_o conscience_n purge_v and_o this_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o we_o will_v main_o point_v at_o from_o these_o word_n and_o which_o we_o intend_v god_n
house_n beside_o it_o we_o will_v not_o say_v but_o many_o filthy_a thing_n may_v be_v in_o a_o pure_a conscience_n but_o it_o do_v not_o comport_v well_o with_o they_o nor_o digest_v they_o they_o be_v as_o lukewarm-water_n to_o a_o man_n stomach_n that_o he_o can_v keep_v but_o must_v needs_o vomit_v up_o again_o and_o he_o be_v sick_a till_o he_o do_v so_o 5._o it_o be_v a_o good_a token_n of_o a_o pure_a conscience_n when_o the_o man_n can_v endure_v to_o be_v at_o a_o distance_n from_o christ_n but_o have_v many_o errand_n to_o he_o will_v fain_o be_v near_o he_o yea_o will_v fain_o abide_v constant_o with_o he_o as_o well_o as_o in_o he_o by_o faith_n when_o he_o will_v lie_v beside_o he_o as_o beside_o the_o fountain_n to_o be_v bleatched_a there_o so_o to_o speak_v because_o he_o k●ws_v that_o no_o soon_o will_v he_o go_v from_o he_o but_o his_o conscience_n will_v be_v defile_v and_o he_o love_v so_o well_o to_o be_v clean_o and_o love_v christ_n so_o well_o that_o make_v he_o clean_o that_o he_o like_v well_o to_o be_v always_o near_o he_o this_o be_v a_o good_a token_n of_o a_o person_n that_o have_v a_o pure_a conscience_n because_o as_o it_o betoken_v a_o great_a loathe_n of_o filthiness_n so_o it_o betoken_v a_o great_a respect_n to_o christ_n on_o this_o account_n as_o to_o the_o maker_n and_o keeper_n of_o the_o conscience_n clean_o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v a_o very_a evil_a token_n when_o person_n will_v pretend_v to_o a_o pure_a conscience_n when_o yet_o they_o will_v not_o go_v to_o the_o fountain_n for_o a_o very_a long_a time_n if_o at_o all_o and_o when_o they_o go_v if_o we_o may_v speak_v so_o they_o scarce_o give_v their_o conscience_n a_o dip_v or_o a_o little_a sprinkle_n or_o syne_v as_o we_o use_v to_o speak_v but_o they_o be_v away_o and_o go_v again_o but_o a_o serious_a tender_a and_o purge_v soul_n will_v no_o soon_o perceive_v a_o ●oul_a stain_n or_o spot_n but_o it_o repair_v quick_o to_o the_o fountain_n of_o christ_n blood_n to_o get_v it_o wash_v out_o and_o o_o but_o its_o precious_a to_o he_o and_o he_o never_o think_v himself_o to_o be_v right_a and_o well_o but_o when_o he_o be_v there_o and_o near_o to_o he_o it_o be_v true_a he_o can_v always_o be_v in_o prayer_n or_o in_o other_o duty_n of_o worship_n yet_o he_o endeavour_v to_o be_v in_o the_o habitual_a exercise_n of_o faith_n correspond_v with_o he_o for_o attain_v and_o keep_v a_o clean_a and_o undefiled_a conscience_n sermon_n ii_o heb._n 9_o v_o 14._o and_o 10_o v_o 22._o how_o much_o more_o shall_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n who_o through_o the_o eternal_a spirit_n offer_v himself_o without_o spot_n to_o god_n purge_v your_o conscience_n from_o dead_a work_n to_o serve_v the_o live_a god_n chap._n 10._o v._n 22._o let_v we_o draw_v near_o with_o a_o true_a heart_n in_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n have_v our_o heart_n sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n and_o our_o body_n wash_v with_o pure_a water_n if_o we_o know_v what_o sort_n of_o conscience_n we_o natural_o have_v and_o be_v suitable_o sensible_a of_o the_o evil_a state_n of_o they_o it_o will_v be_v to_o we_o as_o good_a news_n from_o a_o far_a country_n to_o hear_v how_o they_o may_v be_v get_v purge_v and_o make_v good_a and_o how_o little_a soever_o man_n think_v of_o this_o now_o and_o how_o ever_o easy_a they_o fancy_v it_o to_o be_v to_o get_v their_o conscience_n solid_o quiet_v and_o calm_v there_o be_v a_o day_n come_v when_o sleep_v and_o secure_a conscience_n will_v be_v awake_v and_o when_o it_o will_v be_v find_v more_o easy_a to_o endure_v the_o great_a toil_n and_o the_o most_o exquisite_a torment_n on_o earth_n then_o to_o wrestle_v with_o and_o to_o be_v close_o pursue_v and_o constant_o haunt_v by_o the_o terror_n of_o a_o evil_a and_o awake_v conscience_n which_o will_v roar_v against_o man_n as_o a_o lion_n and_o tear_v as_o it_o be_v the_o very_a cawl_n of_o their_o heart_n then_o o_o then_o they_o who_o will_v never_o be_v persuade_v before_o to_o believe_v what_o a_o evil_a and_o defile_a conscience_n be_v nor_o what_o the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o peace_n with_o god_n and_o in_o the_o conscience_n be_v shall_v be_v make_v to_o their_o eternal_a prejudice_n to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o both_o in_o both_o these_o place_n now_o read_v in_o your_o hear_n the_o apostle_n scope_n be_v to_o commend_v the_o transcendent_a worth_n and_o matchless_a excellency_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o incomparable_a efficacy_n of_o his_o most_o precious_a blood_n from_o this_o noble_a notable_a and_o non-such_a effect_n of_o it_o viz._n that_o when_o nothing_o else_o can_v lay_v or_o allay_v the_o storm_n and_o tempest_n of_o a_o evil_a conscience_n nor_o purge_v it_o from_o these_o defile_n dead_a work_n this_o blood_n can_v do_v it_o to_o purpose_n and_o effectual_o when_o apply_v by_o faith_n when_o no_o legal_a sacrifice_n nor_o wash_n that_o sanctify_v only_o to_o the_o purify_n of_o the_o flesh_n can_v reach_v perfyte_v the_o comer_n thereto_o as_o pertain_v to_o the_o conscience_n as_o it_o be_v say_v chap._n 9_o v._n 9_o neither_o can_v deliver_v he_o from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n and_o give_v he_o confidence_n and_o boldness_n in_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n over_o the_o belly_n of_o many_o quarrel_n and_o ground_n of_o challenge_n the_o blood_n of_o christ_n can_v as_o it_o be_v chap._n 10._o v._n 22._o we_o leave_v the_o other_o day_n at_o speak_v somewhat_o to_o that_o natural_a pollution_n that_o thorough_o affect_v the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o all_o man_n before_o they_o be_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n purge_v and_o the_o apostle_n take_v such_o pain_n to_o hold_v out_o this_o show_v plain_o that_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a concernment_n to_o christian_n to_o know_v the_o way_n how_o to_o get_v their_o conscience_n purge_v from_o that_o deep_a defilement_n of_o sin_n wherewith_o they_o be_v pollute_v for_o be_v it_o not_o his_o manner_n to_o insist_v in_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o of_o concernment_n to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n who_o will_v ready_o from_o the_o sad_a and_o doleful_a experience_n of_o their_o own_o pollution_n be_v induce_v to_o think_v that_o this_o truth_n be_v such_o and_o aught_o to_o be_v esteem_v so_o by_o they_o 2_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o christian_n shall_v more_o aim_v at_o and_o endeavour_v more_o to_o be_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o then_o to_o be_v follow_v that_o way_n whereby_o they_o may_v get_v their_o conscience_n purge_v and_o more_o particular_o these_o who_o have_v have_v their_o conscience_n again_o defile_v after_o that_o they_o be_v once_o purge_v no_o main_n infect_v with_o the_o borch_n or_o plague_n have_v more_o need_n of_o cleanse_v from_o it_o than_o the_o man_n who_o conscience_n be_v infect_v and_o defile_v with_o the_o dead_a work_n of_o sin_n needs_o to_o have_v it_o purge_v from_o they_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ._n we_o shall_v but_o very_o brief_o to_o make_v way_n for_o that_o which_o we_o will_v main_o be_v at_o hint_n at_o two_o or_o three_o observation_n from_o both_o these_o verse_n now_o read_v put_v together_o first_o than_o observe_v from_o chap._n 10._o v._n 22._o that_o a_o conscience_n not_o purge_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o very_a evil_a thing_n which_o we_o will_v find_v to_o be_v a_o very_a sad_a truth_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o unpurged_a conscience_n either_o as_o it_o be_v awake_v or_o as_o it_o be_v not_o awake_v but_o asleep_o which_o be_v ill_a both_o way_n it_o be_v ill_a if_o it_o be_v awake_v and_o the_o terror_n of_o god_n be_v fresh_a upon_o it_o who_o can_v express_v or_o adequat_o conceive_v the_o terribleness_n of_o such_o a_o case_n the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n may_v sustain_v his_o infirmity_n and_o wrestle_v through_o many_o cross_n but_o a_o wound_a a_o wrath-wounded_n spirit_n or_o a_o ill_a conscience_n rouse_v by_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o almighty_a god_n who_o can_v bear_v this_o have_v make_v some_o with_o judas_n the_o trai_fw-fr tour_fw-fr rather_o to_o choice_n death_n a_o violent_a death_n inflict_v by_o their_o own_o wretched_a hand_n on_o themselves_o than_o life_n whereby_o they_o have_v desperate_o run_v themselves_o under_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n to_o the_o full_a o_o poor_a silly_a miserable_a shift_n and_o evasion_n to_o flee_v from_o some_o small_a fore-party_n as_o it_o be_v of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n on_o earth_n into_o the_o very_a strength_n and_o main_a battle_n of_o it_o eternal_o in_o hell_n this_o be_v infinite_o worse_a than_o to_o leap_v out_o of_o the_o water_n into_o the_o fire_n nay_o some_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a
we_o will_v have_v the_o ●aith_n of_o this_o great_a truth_n well_o fix_v and_o rivet_v that_o every_o man_n conscience_n whether_o awake_v or_o not_o be_v still_o de●iled_v and_o pollute_v till_o it_o be_v cleanse_v and_o purge_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o bodily_a or_o outward_a exercise_n profit_v not_o as_o to_o this_o so_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o conscience_n will_v not_o be_v stop_v till_o it_o get_v of_o this_o blood_n so_o that_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v who_o will_v lay_v ●ny_a thing_n to_o the_o charge_n of_o ●ods_n elect_v as_o it_o be_v rom._n 8._o the_o conscience_n will_v answer_v i_o have_v many_o thing_n to_o lay_v to_o their_o charge_n till_o that_o sweet_a word_n that_o be_v subjoin_v be_v speak_v to_o it_o for_o stop_v its_o mouth_n it_o be_v christ_n who_o die_v shed_v his_o blood_n or_o rather_o be_v rise_v again_o then_o and_o never_o till_o then_o will_v it_o be_v quiet_a in_o further_a prosecution_n of_o the_o use_n of_o this_o doctrine_n we_o will_v have_v you_o to_o know_v that_o there_o be_v four_o way_n that_o man_n be_v ready_a to_o take_v for_o cleanse_v and_o purge_v of_o the_o conscience_n some_o one_o and_o some_o another_o of_o they_o which_o be_v all_o if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o ineffectual_a for_o reach_v the_o real_a purge_n and_o solid_a satisfaction_n of_o the_o conscience_n which_o you_o will_v therefore_o be_v aware_a of_o as_o 1._o some_o endeavour_n to_o divert_v their_o conscience_n and_o to_o seek_v a_o suspension_n of_o its_o pur●ing_n the_o quarrel_n against_o they_o pretend_v some_o other_o uptake_v business_n as_o felix_n do_v act_v 24._o who_o find_v himself_o beginning_n to_o tremble_v at_o the_o apostle_n search_v and_o powerful_a discourse_n and_o unable_a to_o stand_v before_o his_o own_o awaken_v conscience_n he_o seek_v as_o it_o be_v a_o suspension_n from_o it_o for_o a_o time_n say_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o to_o 〈◊〉_d conscience_n on_o the_o matter_n go_v thy_o way_n for_o this_o time_n and_o i_o will_v call_v for_o thou_o when_o i_o have_v a_o convenient_a season_n hence_o when_o some_o person_n be_v in_o heaviness_n or_o in_o some_o ●it_n of_o exercise_n of_o conscience_n they_o will_v 〈◊〉_d to_o some_o 〈◊〉_d and_o ●cund_a friend_n or_o to_o some_o game_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ●way_n o●_n possible_o to_o a_o four_o hour_n to_o drink_v it_o down_o and_o the_o devil_n be_v as_o busy_a to_o 〈◊〉_d on_o the_o divertion●_n if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o friend_n to_o make_v a_o visit_n he_o help_v they_o to_o 〈◊〉_d it_o over_o and_o to_o b●nish_v that_o melancholious_a 〈◊〉_d and_o so_o to_o bring_v the_o person_n to_o bear_v down_o this_o trouble_n of_o his_o conscience_n as_o a_o silly_a despicable_a fancy_n and_o as_o if_o it_o be_v for_o their_o good_a to_o do_v so_o i_o beseech_v you_o beware_v of_o bind_v up_o your_o conscience_n thus_o else_o it_o may_v grow_v worse_o on_o your_o hand_n it_o be_v even_o as_o 〈◊〉_d a_o man_n that_o have_v a_o sore_a and_o aik_a hand_n shall_v cut_v it_o off_o or_o as_o if_o a_o part_n of_o his_o flesh_n be_v pain_v and_o he_o shall_v clap_v a_o hot_a burn_a iron_n on_o it_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v a_o way_n that_o be_v very_o frequent_o take_v by_o man_n who_o can_v endure_v to_o converse_v with_o their_o disquiet_v conscience_n and_o therefore_o they_o labour_v to_o quash_n and_o quench_v any_o begin_v exercise_n in_o it_o whether_o under_o sickness_n or_o any_o other_o cross_a dispensation_n or_o at_o a_o preach_a or_o communion_n it_o may_v be_v that_o many_o of_o you_o have_v have_v some_o such_o thing_n and_o it_o have_v be_v drive_v or_o it_o have_v wear_v away_o and_o you_o can_v tell_v how_o 2_o another_o way_n be_v also_o too_o ryff_fw-mi and_o ordinary_a and_o that_o be_v by_o seek_v to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o conscience_n by_o some_o other_o thing_n then_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n hence_o some_o under_o terrible_a conviction_n will_v promise_v and_o vow_n i●_n they_o drink_v excessive_o before_o that_o they_o will_v do_v so_o no_o more_o that_o they_o will_v not_o go_v to_o such_o a_o tavern_n nor_o to_o such_o a_o company_n for_o this_o and_o that_o long_a time_n some_o will_n it_o may_v be_v after_o the_o commit_n of_o such_o or_o such_o a_o gros●_n sin_n vow_v no●_n to_o ea●_n flesh_n on_o such_o a_o day_n of_o the_o week_n throughout_o their_o whole_a life_n they_o will_v it_o may_v be_v vow_v to_o be_v more_o religious_a but_o so_o soon_o as_o the_o conviction_n or_o trouble_n be_v over_o they_o remain_v still_o the_o same_o and_o their_o conscience_n let_v they_o alone_o they_o take_v their_o own_o sinful_a latitud_n and_o be_v find_v to_o have_v be_v all_o along_o and_o still_o the_o same_o old_a carnal_a man_n because_o they_o aim_v nor_o single_o at_o peace_n with_o god_n through_o christ_n blood_n but_o for_o the_o ●ime_n to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o their_o conscience_n 3_o some_o se●k_n to_o compense_v the_o conscience_n or_o to_o compense_v sin_n to_o the_o conscience_n and_o not_o to_o purge_v it_o they_o will_v it_o may_v be_v take_v some_o penance_n on_o themselves_o and_o this_o be_v it_o that_o lead_v not_o only_a papist_n to_o their_o pennance_n whip_n pilgrimage_n etc._n etc._n but_o many_o ignorant_a protestant_n to_o make_v peace_n with_o their_o conscience_n by_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n they_o will_v pray_v and_o seek_v after_o tear_n in_o prayer_n they_o will_v invite_v in_o a_o manner_n themselves_o to_o mourn_v they_o will_v give_v some_o thing_n by_o ordinary_a to_o the_o poor_a and_o set_v themselves_o to_o amend_v some_o thing_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o yet_o the_o defilement_n and_o pollution_n of_o conscience_n ●yes_v on_o still_o unremoved_a because_o they_o never_o be-took_a themselves_o to_o the_o right_a fountain_n to_o wash_v at_o to_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v purge_v hence_o the_o jew_n ordinary_o betake_v themselves_o to_o their_o sacrifice_n and_o legal_a wa●hings_n and_o purifying_n when_o they_o sin_v if_o they_o bring_v a_o bullock_n calf_n lamb_n or_o a_o goat_n they_o think_v they_o have_v do_v enough_o and_o therein_o have_v a_o sort_n of_o peace_n s●ch_o as_o i●_n be_v but_o say_v the_o apostle_n it_o be_v not_o that_o which_o make_v they_o 〈◊〉_d as_o pertain_v to_o the_o conscience_n none_o of_o these_o nor_o all_o of_o these_o can_v purge_v or_o true_o pac●sy_v it_o because_o they_o can_v not_o take_v away_o the_o quarrel_n betwixt_o god_n and_o they_o and_o thus_o many_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n betake_v teemselve_n to_o external_a ordinance_n or_o outward_a performance_n of_o duty_n and_o rest_v on_o these_o i_o do_v not_o condemn_v nor_o dissuade_v from_o these_o duty_n which_o be_v good_a in_o themselves_o because_o command_v by_o god_n but_o your_o rest_v on_o they_o and_o will_v have_v you_o to_o put_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o sound_v your_o peace_n on_o they_o and_o the_o sound_n of_o it_o on_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n apply_v to_o the_o conscience_n by_o faith_n o_o seek_v not_o thus_o to_o bribe_v the_o conscience_n for_o as_o it_o will_v not_o be_v boast_v so_o neither_o will_v it_o be_v bribe_v 4_o there_o be_v another_o way_n that_o be_v right_o make_v use_n of_o have_v its_o own_o commendableness_n in_o it_o which_o be_v when_o person_n be_v under_o some_o trouble_n or_o disquiet_v of_o conscience_n they_o betake_v themselves_o to_o conference_n it_o may_v be_v with_o some_o exercise_v christian_n hold_v ou●_n their_o case_n to_o they_o for_o some_o ease_n and_o quietness_n which_o as_o i_o say_v be_v good_a and_o commendable_a in_o itself_o and_o may_v through_o god_n blessing_n do_v good_a if_o the_o end_n be_v to_o be_v help_v thereby_o to_o go_v to_o the_o fountain_n of_o christ_n blood_n and_o wash_v there_o but_o it_o be_v our_o fault_n when_o in_o the_o use_n of_o this_o mean_a of_o conference_n we_o seek_v to_o have_v our_o conscience_n quiet_v by_o argument_n while_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o by_o faith_n have_v recourse_n to_o for_o cleanse_v and_o calm_v of_o it_o i_o suppose_v the_o able_a of_o man_n whether_o private_a christian_n or_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v speak_v to_o we_o never_o so_o convince_o and_o comfortable_o and_o be_v hold_v out_o evidence_n to_o we_o sound_v in_o themselves_o of_o a_o good_a stare_n if_o as_o i_o just_a now_o say_v there_o be_v not_o believe_v application_n make_v to_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n for_o take_v away_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o quarrel_n betwixt_o god_n and_o we_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n nor_o evidence_n whatsoever_o that_o will_v or_o can_v give_v a_o well_o ground_a peace_n to_o the_o conscience_n
and_o repentance_n for_o sin_n nor_o of_o challenge_n on_o that_o account_n these_o may_v and_o shall_v be_v where_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v make_v use_n of_o and_o apply_v by_o faith_n to_o the_o person_n conscience_n they_o will_v not_o mar_v this_o confidence_n and_o boldness_n nor_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n that_o we_o speak_v of_o but_o rather_o further_o it_o as_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o draw_v near_o of_o the_o saint_n to_o god_n record_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o for_o instance_n in_o that_o woman_n speak_v of_o luke_n 7._o 38._o who_o weep_v and_o weep_v so_o abundant_o that_o she_o wash_v the_o lord_n foot_n with_o her_o tear_n yet_o she_o draw_v near_o to_o he_o with_o confidence_n nay_o this_o draw_v near_o with_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n do_v not_o remove_v all_o fear_n look_v on_o fear_n as_o it_o carry_v along_o with_o it_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o infinite_a distance_n and_o dis-proportion_n that_o be_v betwixt_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o a_o finit_a seckless_a and_o sinful_a creature_n nor_o that_o holy_a awe_n and_o fillal_a reverence_n that_o be_v due_a to_o he_o and_o well_o consistent_a with_o this_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n nay_o inseparable_a from_o the_o lively_a and_o kind_o exercise_v of_o it_o but_o it_o suppose_v these_o four_o 1._o that_o the_o believer_n flee_v to_o the_o blood_n of_o sprinkle_v may_v bold_o go_v to_o god_n in_o prayer_n as_o if_o his_o friendship_n with_o he_o in_o adam_n have_v never_o be_v break_v as_o the_o apostle_n insinuat_v v_o 19_o while_o he_o say_v have_v therefore_o brethren_n boldness_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o holl_a etc._n etc._n there_o be_v a_o liberty_n and_o boldness_n as_o i_o just_a now_o say_v allow_v he_o to_o call_v god_n father_n as_o if_o the_o former_a covenant_n have_v never_o be_v break_v by_o a_o son_n turn_v a_o rebel_n and_o traitor_n the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n under_o the_o bond_n of_o which_o he_o be_v bring_v as_o god_n confederate_a make_v the_o relation_n to_o he_o as_o near_o straight_o kind_o firm_a and_o sure_a as_o it_o be_v in_o that_o other_o with_o considerable_a superadded_a advantage_n 2_o that_o he_o may_v meddle_v with_o and_o make_v use_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o pardon_n of_o sin_n of_o sanctification_n of_o throwbearing_a in_o affliction_n of_o quicken_a of_o peace_n of_o comfort_n etc._n etc._n according_a as_o he_o stand_v in_o need_n with_o confidence_n and_o may_v draw_v near_o with_o full_a assurance_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n faithfulness_n as_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o in_o his_o own_o measure_n manner_n and_o time_n so_o that_o if_o the_o believer_n can_v as_o full_o and_o strong_o exercise_v his_o faith_n on_o the_o promise_n as_o he_o have_v warrant_n to_o do_v he_o may_v with_o as_o much_o confidence_n and_o fullness_n of_o assurance_n cast_v himself_o on_o they_o ●s_a adam_n in_o innocency_n do_v on_o the_o promise_n of_o life_n in_o the_o first_o covenant_n because_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n apply_v by_o faith_n give_v as_o real_a just_a and_o legal_a a_o right_n to_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o adam_n have_v to_o the_o promise_n of_o life_n by_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n the_o condition_n of_o that_o covenant_n viz._n perfect_a holiness_n and_o obedience_n be_v fulfil_v by_o christ_n in_o our_o name_n and_o room_n 3_o that_o the_o sprinkle_n of_o the_o conscience_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n give_v the_o believer_n a_o well_o ground_a hope_n of_o heaven_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o of_o glory_n even_o of_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o promise_n therefore_o heb._n 6._o 11._o the_o apostle_n exhort_v christian_n thus_o show_v forth_o the_o same_o diligence_n to_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o hope_n to_o the_o end_n and_o be_v follower_n of_o they_o who_o through_o faith_n and_o patience_n have_v inherit_v the_o promise_n the_o lively_a application_n of_o faith_n to_o christ_n blood_n reach_v to_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o the_o hope_n of_o all_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o promise_n and_o if_o the_o promise_n be_v a_o solid_a and_o firm_a ground_n and_o if_o faith_n lean_a realy_a and_o strong_o to_o it_o hope_n may_v well_o expect_v the_o great_a thing_n in_o it_o 4_o the_o believer_n who_o have_v his_o conscience_n sprinkle_v with_o this_o blo●_n 〈◊〉_d expect_v full_a and_o through_o publication_n of_o absolution_n and_o justification_n in_o the_o court_n and_o before_o the_o tribunal_n of_o god_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n as_o the_o divine_a historian_n give_v ground_n of_o hope_n act_v 3._o v_o 19_o and_o in_o the_o court_n of_o the_o word_n and_o of_o his_o own_o conscience_n here_o in_o this_o life_n he_o have_v ground_n with_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 8._o to_o say_v nay_o triumphant_o to_o boast_n and_o bid_v a_o eternal_a defiance_n to_o all_o that_o will_v offer_v at_o it_o who_o shall_v lay_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o charge_n of_o god_n elect_v it_o be_v god_n that_o justify_v who_o be_v he_o that_o condemn_v he_o may_v say_v that_o indeed_o he_o be_v owe_v and_o a_o debtor_n once_o but_o they_o can_v crave_v payment_n of_o and_o satisfaction_n for_o the_o debt_n from_o he_o now_o because_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v acquit_v for_o it_o be_v christ_n who_o have_v die_v yea_o rather_o be_v rise_v again_o who_o be_v at_o the_o right-hand_a of_o god_n make_v intercession_n for_o we_o the_o believe_v elect_v make_v the_o right_a use_n of_o this_o blood_n of_o this_o most_o precious_a blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n may_v humble_o and_o confident_o expect_v all_o these_o thing_n from_o and_o by_o it_o o_o great_a and_o glorious_a expectation_n as_o for_o the_o 2d_o thing_n how_o or_o after_o what_o manner_n or_o by_o what_o mean_v this_o unspeakable_o excellent_a privilege_n of_o draw_v 〈◊〉_d with_o full_a assurance_n o●_n faith_n with_o holy_a boldness_n and_o confidence_n to_o obtain_v all_o these_o great_a thing_n may_v be_v attain_v and_o win_v at_o it_o be_v answer_v in_o the_o word_n go_v a_o little_a before_o have_v therefore_o boldness_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a by_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n let_v we_o draw_v near_o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v suppose_v 〈◊〉_d that_o there_o be_v a_o flee_v to_o christ_n for_o satisfy_v of_o divine_a justice_n 2_o that_o application_n be_v make_v to_o he_o for_o age_v pacify_v and_o satisfy_v the_o conscience_n 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v with_o the_o conscience_n in_o this_o case_n as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o sea_n after_o a_o great_a storm_n which_o after_o the_o cease_n of_o the_o storm_n will_n fro_o some_o time_n have_v its_o wave_n much_o toss_v and_o 〈◊〉_d in_o great_a agitation_n so_o after_o divine_a justice_n be_v pacify_v and_o ●almed_v ●o_o speak_v so_o by_o the_o soul_n flee_v to_o christ_n for_o satisfy_v thereof_o there_o may_v remain_v still_o for_o a_o while_n short_a or_o long_o as_o he_o shall_v think_v fit_a some_o rage_a as_o it_o be_v some_o trouble_n toss_v and_o agitation_n in_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o believer_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o that_o instance_n of_o david_n who_o after_o the_o prophet_n nath●_n have_v make_v intimation_n of_o pardon_n to_o he_o yet_o be_v still_o in_o considerable_a disquiet_n and_o agitation_n of_o his_o conscience_n as_o the_o 51._o psal._n give_v we_o a_o account_n now_o as_o for_o the_o attainin_n of_o calmness_n tranquillity_n and_o peace_n to_o the_o conscience_n we_o will_v say_v that_o whatever_o be_v necessary_a and_o requisite_a ing_z the_o application_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n for_o make_v of_o our_o peace_n with_o god_n the_o same_o be_v needful_a to_o calm_v and_o give_v peace_n to_o the_o conscience_n what_o be_v that_o will_v you_o say_v see_v rom._n 4._o 5._o to_o he_o that_o work_v not_o but_o believe_v on_o he_o who_o justify_v the_o ungodly_a his_o faith_n be_v count_v for_o righteousness_n which_o be_v join_v with_o the_o word_n in_o the_o text_n say_v that_o the_o way_n to_o this_o peace_n and_o calmness_n be_v first_o not_o for_o person_n to_o staift_n or_o refuse_v their_o debt_n but_o to_o take_v with_o it_o 2_o to_o renounce_v and_o disclaim_v all_o possibility_n to_o satisfy_v divine_a justice_n themselves_o 3_o to_o flee_v to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o through_o virtue_n of_o his_o satisfaction_n and_o blood_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o rest_v on_o he_o for_o pardon_n to_o believe_v on_o he_o though_o someway_o ungodly_a who_o justify_v the_o ungodly_a for_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o take_v with_o our_o debt_n and_o to_o quit_v and_o renounce_v the_o covenant_n of_o work_n except_o we_o actual_o rest_v on_o christ_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n this_o be_v it_o
excellency_n and_o efficacy_n of_o it_o shine_v forth_o in_o the_o tenderness_n of_o the_o person_n that_o apply_v the_o remedy_n to_o such_o a_o loathsome_a sickness_n and_o otherways_o insutable_a disease_n or_o by_o any_o other_o hand_n but_o christ_n have_v say_v the_o apostle_n such_o a_o high_a priest_n over_o the_o house_n of_o god_n ●et_v we_o draw_v near_o the_o physician_n be_v jesus_n christ_n himself_o his_o blood_n be_v the_o cure_n and_o he_o also_o be_v the_o applyer_n of_o the_o cure_n and_o o_o how_o very_a tender_a dexterous_a and_o simpathize_v be_v he_o he_o even_o excel_v in_o such_o cure_n to_o admiration_n he_o be_v a_o high_a priest_n that_o be_v holy_a harmless_a undefiled_a separate_a from_o sinner_n and_o high_a than_o the_o heaven_n he_o be_v holy_a and_o harmless_a himself_o he_o love_v these_o quality_n and_o be_v able_a and_o willing_a to_o work_v they_o in_o these_o that_o come_v to_o he_o and_o such_o a_o high_a priest_n become_v we_o he_o be_v one_o that_o have_v compassion_n on_o the_o ignorant_a and_o such_o as_o be_v out_o of_o the_o way_n who_o be_v in_o all_o point_v tempt_v as_o we_o yet_o without_o sin_n that_o he_o may_v from_o his_o own_o experience_n the_o more_o kind_o and_o strong_o sympathize_v with_o his_o people_n and_o succour_v they_o in_o all_o their_o temptation_n a_o high_a priest_n that_o be_v touch_v with_o the_o feel_n of_o their_o infirmity_n the_o a●king_n of_o the_o least_o finger_n or_o toe_n in_o his_o mystical_a body_n stound_n up_o as_o it_o be_v to_o the_o very_a heart_n of_o he_o who_o be_v the_o head_n thereof_o and_o chap._n 2._o it_o behove_v he_o to_o be_v make_v like_o to_o his_o brethren_n that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o merciful_a and_o faithful_a high_a priest_n etc._n etc._n 4_o the_o excellency_n and_o efficacy_n of_o it_o appear_v in_o this_o even_o in_o the_o exceed_a great_a freeness_n of_o his_o apply_v this_o cure_n there_o be_v no_o more_o require_v but_o to_o come_v and_o receive_v it_o to_o come_v however_o unclean_a and_o be_v sprinkle_v with_o his_o blood_n to_o confess_v the_o debt_n of_o guilt_n and_o draw_v out_o a_o extract_n of_o the_o discharge_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o payment_n thereof_o and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o pollution_n in_o the_o conscience_n any_o challenge_n or_o sore_o whatever_o it_o be_v he_o furnish_v the_o remedy_n and_o cure_v free_o and_o frank_o now_o a_o word_n to_o the_o 2d_o thing_n viz._n the_o necessity_n of_o this_o blood_n of_o sprinkle_v if_o it_o be_v so_o as_o we_o have_v say_v if_o it_o be_v so_o virtuous_a and_o efficacious_a be_v there_o not_o here_o a_o encouragement_n for_o the_o guilty_a to_o flee_v to_o this_o blood_n and_o be_v there_o not_o a_o necessity_n to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o a_o very_a press_n and_o vehement_o urge_v necessity_n for_o as_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o the_o man_n slayer_n to_o stand_v with_o safety_n before_o the_o avenger_n of_o blood_n out_o of_o the_o city_n of_o refuge_n so_o no_o more_o can_v the_o guilty_a sinner_n stand_v before_o his_o own_o conscience_n and_o far_o less_o before_o the_o tribunal_n of_o god_n who_o be_v great_a than_o the_o conscience_n till_o this_o blood_n be_v flee_v unto_o and_o till_o he_o get_v his_o conscience_n sprinkle_v with_o it_o and_o therefore_o see_v you_o have_v conscience_n and_o guilty_a conscience_n many_o sin_n on_o your_o score_n and_o though_o the_o conscience_n now_o sleep_v it_o will_v most_o certain_o once_o awake_v and_o turn_v a_o hot_a and_o hard_o pursuer_fw-mi far_o beyond_o what_o ever_o any_o avenger_n of_o blood_n be_v and_o the_o long_o that_o it_o sleep_v it_o will_v pursue_v the_o hard_a and_o see_v christ_n jesus_n be_v as_o a_o city_n of_o refuge_n to_o who_o you_o may_v now_o flee_v and_o be_v sase_a consider_v o_o consider_v these_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n act_n 13._o 38_o 39_o which_o we_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n say_v over_o again_o to_o you_o be_v it_o know_v unto_o you_o man_n and_o brethren_n that_o through_o this_o man_n be_v preach_v unto_o you_o forgivenaess_a of_o sin_n and_o by_o he_o all_o that_o believe_v be_v justify_v from_o all_o thing_n from_o which_o you_o can_v not_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o it_o be_v the_o great_a end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n ●o_o proclaim_v the_o mercat_n of_o grace_n and_o to_o make_v this_o offer_n unto_o you_o sinner_n free_o see_v i_o say_v all_o this_o be_v o_o takewith_o and_o be_v humble_v under_o the_o sense_n of_o your_o guilt_n from_o which_o you_o can_v be_v pessible_o deliver_v any_o other_o way_n and_o come_v forward_o and_o make_v use_n of_o it_o and_o be-think_a yourselves_o serious_o i_o beseech_v you_o if_o this_o day_n of_o salvation_n be_v sit_v and_o if_o this_o offer_n of_o grace_n be_v despise_v your_o conscience_n may_v and_o will_v certain_o waken_v upon_o you_o yea_o war_n upon_o you_o most_o terrible_o and_o you_o will_v never_o get_v it_o quiet_v but_o if_o you_o will_v now_o in_o time_n embrace_v and_o make_v use_n of_o the_o off●r_n we_o dare_v confident_o say_v to_o the_o commendation_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o this_o precious_a blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o the_o sinner_n can_v never_o lay_v before_o christ_n that_o sin_n with_o what_o ever_o aggravation_n of_o it_o nor_o the_o disease_n how_o filthy_a and_o loathsome_a soever_o it_o be_v but_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n apply_v by_o faith_n can_v abundant_o satisfy_v god_n justify_v for_o it_o and_o pacify_v and_o purge_v the_o conscience_n from_o the_o guilt_n and_o defilement_n of_o it_o and_o if_o god_n be_v pacify_v the_o conscience_n be_v his_o deputy_n there_fw-mi no_o more_o challenge_n and_o pursue_v to_o death_n no_o more_o than_o the_o avenger_n of_o blood_n can_v the_o manslayer_n when_o once_o get_v within_o the_o city_n of_o refuge_n or_o the_o destroy_a angel_n who_o smite_v all_o the_o first-born_a of_o egypt_n can_v or_o do_v destroy_v the_o israelit_n who_o house_n be_v be-sprinkled_n with_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o passove_a lamb._n the_o 3d_o use_n be_v for_o strong_a consolation_n to_o believer_n in_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v threefold_a 1._o under_o the_o rise_n of_o a_o challenge_n when_o the_o conscience_n pursue_v because_o there_o be_v here_o a_o city_n of_o refuge_n to_o run_v unto_o a_o mediator_n for_o sinner_n a_o shield_n or_o targe_n to_o keep_v off_o such_o a_o da●_n and_o to_o quench_v or_o ward_v off_o the_o deadly_a wound_n of_o it_o let_v we_o make_v the_o supposition_n and_o blessed_v eterna_o be_v god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v but_o a_o supposition_n what_o if_o this_o have_v not_o be_v how_o dreadful_a will_v the_o very_a apprehension_n of_o a_o challenge_n let_v be_v of_o the_o vindictive_a wrath_n of_o god_n have_v be_v 2_o to_o the_o sinner_n that_o flee_v to_o this_o city_n there_o be_v strong_a consolation_n in_o this_o respect_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v make_v welcome_a and_o therefore_o the_o believer_n need_v not_o scar_n to_o make_v use_n of_o christ_n nor_o to_o come_v to_o this_o blood_n of_o sprinkle_v for_o he_o wait_v for_o employment_n and_o its_o the_o more_o to_o the_o praise_n of_o his_o exquisite_a skill_n the_o more_o be_v cleanse_v and_o cure_v by_o he_o through_o the_o virtue_n thereof_o you_o may_v therefore_o come_v and_o not_o only_o so_o but_z come_v with_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n of_o attain_v whatever_o you_o want_v and_o will_v have_v come_v therefore_o believer_n bold_o to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n that_o ●e_n may_v find_v mercy_n and_o obtain_v grace_n to_o help_v in_o time_n of_o need_n as_o on_o this_o ground_n the_o apostle_n exhort_v heb._n 4._o 3ly_n these_o that_o have_v flee_v to_o this_o city_n of_o refuge_n may_v quiet_v themselves_o they_o be_v at_o peace_n with_o god_n and_o with_o their_o own_o conscience_n their_o peace_n be_v as_o sure_a as_o god_n covenant_n that_o can_v be_v annul_v nor_o alter_v be_v and_o as_o christ_n purchase_n be_v of_o worth_n and_o efficacy_n if_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v firm_a and_o sure_a and_o if_o this_o blood_n of_o sprinkle_v be_v of_o value_n and_o efficacy_n they_o have_v certain_o solid_a ground_n of_o peace_n and_o consolation_n and_o therefore_o we_o exhort_v believer_n in_o christ_n on_o all_o occasion_n to_o flee_v to_o this_o city_n to_o renew_v your_o application_n by_o faith_n to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o after_o every_o defilement_n to_o be-sprinkle_a your_o conscience_n with_o this_o blood_n and_o then_o comfort_v yourselves_o in_o it_o and_o bless_v god_n who_o allow_v such_o large_a and_o strong_a consolation_n on_o you_o and_o the_o mediator_n who_o have_v purchase_v it_o for_o you_o by_o
this_o his_o own_o most_o precious_a blood_n but_o some_o tender_a and_o exercise_v soul_n will_v belike_o here_o object_n and_o say_v be_v it_o not_o presumption_n for_o i_o to_o comfort_v myself_o under_o challenge_n for_o sin_n i_o answer_v no_o thou_o take_v with_o the_o challenge_n and_o be_v humble_v for_o the_o sin_n that_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o and_o betake_v thyself_o to_o this_o blood_n of_o sprinkle_v for_o pardon_n and_o purge_n because_o the_o apostle_n command_v thou_o to_o comfort_v thyself_o and_o sure_o he_o command_v none_o to_o presume_v to_o who_o i_o pray_v be_v it_o that_o he_o speak_v here_o be_v it_o not_o to_o they_o that_o have_v a_o evil_a conscience_n at_o least_o in_o part_n and_o what_o say_v he_o to_o they_o let_v we_o draw_v near_o in_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n and_o on_o what_o ground_n have_v our_o heart_n sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n when_o the_o conscience_n through_o guilt_n challenge_v we_o be_v call_v to_o flee_v to_o this_o blood_n and_o have_v sprinkle_v it_o there_o with_o we_o have_v warrant_n to_o draw_v near_o and_o it_o be_v not_o presumption_n to_o do_v so_o nay_o rest_a on_o christ_n and_o comfort_v ourselves_o in_o he_o under_o challenge_n take_v with_o argue_v strong_a faith_n wherein_o he_o have_v great_a complacency_n and_o whereby_o he_o be_v much_o glorify_v for_o presumption_n will_v never_o stand_v before_o a_o evil_a conscience_n nor_o credit_n christ_n when_o conscience_n sharp_o challenge_v so_o that_o if_o you_o come_v by_o this_o new_a and_o live_a way_n it_o be_v not_o presumption_n to_o lean_a to_o christ_n but_o that_o be_v presumption_n to_o lean_a to_o any_o other_o thing_n nay_o the_o more_o humble_a boldness_n and_o confidence_n there_o be_v under_o challenge_n it_o argue_v as_o i_o just_a now_o say_v the_o more_o and_o the_o strong_a faith_n because_o it_o be_v the_o more_o sickerly_o found_v on_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n and_o on_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o give_v god_n most_o glory_n when_o the_o difficulty_n be_v great_a it_o be_v no_o great_a practic_a to_o calm_v the_o conscience_n when_o there_o be_v no_o storm_n but_o then_o indeed_o it_o be_v so_o when_o there_o be_v many_o wave_n and_o billow_n of_o challenge_n and_o discouragement_n rise_v and_o swell_v high_a in_o the_o way_n to_o go_v over_o all_o these_o and_o to_o grip_v hard_o to_o this_o rope_n cast_v out_o by_o he_o and_o confident_o though_o humble_o and_o in_o fear_n to_o make_v use_n of_o this_o remedy_n which_o he_o have_v gracious_o propose_v it_o will_v never_o be_v account_v presumption_n by_o he_o for_o serious_a soul_n to_o take_v to_o themselves_o god_n allowance_n on_o they_o which_o be_v strong_a consolation_n to_o they_o who_o be_v hot_o pursue_v and_o fly_v to_o this_o city_n of_o refuge_n but_o it_o may_v very_o ready_o be_v account_v presumption_n to_o cast_v at_o his_o allowance_n he_o know_v well_o who_o have_v the_o tongue_n of_o the_o learned_a when_o to_o give_v a_o word_n of_o consolation_n and_o to_o who_o and_o we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v wi●er_a than_o he_o the_o four_o use_n be_v for_o advertisement_n and_o warning_n to_o other_o who_o be_v not_o believer_n but_o lie_v still_o in_o unbelief_n and_o slight_a our_o bless_a lord_n jesus_n o_o what_o a_o dreadful_a disadvantage_n and_o praemunire_n to_o speak_v so_o will_v you_o fall_v under_o your_o condition_n be_v fearful_a beyond_o what_o word_n can_v express_v or_o thought_n full_o comprehend_v though_o your_o conscience_n sleep_v now_o it_o will_v up_o upon_o you_o and_o the_o long_o it_o sleep_v it_o will_v to_o speak_v so_o waken_v the_o hungry_a and_o g●aw_v the_o sore●_n this_o o_o this_o be_v your_o great_a prejudice_n you_o make_v yourselves_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o fierce_a wrath_n of_o the_o almighty_a god_n and_o to_o the_o bite_v challenge_n and_o torment_a accusatson_n of_o your_o own_o evil_a conscience_n which_o will_v be_v more_o terrible_a to_o you_o then_o if_o hill_n and_o mountain_n do_v fall_v on_o you_o the_o one_o will_v be_v call_v and_o cry_v for_o as_o a_o favour_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o other_o it_o will_v in_o that_o day_n appear_v that_o a_o evil_a conscience_n be_v and_o be_v a_o dreadful_o evil_a thing_n and_o you_o will_v have_v this_o aggravation_n of_o your_o guilt_n even_o the_o despise_v of_o the_o redeemer_n and_o of_o the_o dear_a price_n of_o his_o precious_a blood_n pave_v for_o the_o ransom_n of_o sinner_n of_o the_o physician_n that_o offer_v perfect_o at_o his_o own_o cost_n to_o cure_v you_o and_o of_o the_o cautioner_n that_o offer_v free_o and_o frank_o to_o pay_v your_o debt_n ●nd_v this_o will_v wait_v upon_o you_o to_o make_v the_o pricking_n and_o peircing_n the_o wound_n and_o stounding_n the_o ga●lings_n and_o gnawin●s_n of_o the_o conscience_n mo●e_n deep_a and_o intolerable_a therefore_o let_v ●e_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v in_o earnest_n with_o you_o and_o we_o desire_v according_a to_o our_o measure_n to_o be_v in_o earnest_n with_o you_o warn_v you_o to_o flee_v from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v o_o know_v that_o you_o have_v conscience_n and_o that_o they_o as_o i_o say_v before_o will_v once_o awake_v and_o when_o they_o shall_v begin_v to_o be_v rouse_v o_o but_o they_o will_v challenge_v and_o accuse_v in_o a_o dreadful_a manner_n lay_v your_o account_n to_o meet_v with_o such_o un_fw-fr answerable_a challenge_n and_o confound_a accusation_n and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o ground_n whereon_o you_o can_v with_o safety_n bottom_n the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o your_o immortal_a soul_n but_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n if_o nothing_o can_v possible_o purge_v and_o pacify_v cleanse_v and_o calm_v the_o conscience_n but_o come_v to_o and_o wash_v at_o this_o fountain_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n o_o come_v in_o time_n if_o you_o can_v wash_v yourselves_o put_v he_o to_o it_o as_o david_n do_v psal._n 51._o when_o he_o cry_v wash_v i_o cleanse_v i_o purge_v i_o wash_v i_o thorough_o from_o my_o iniquity_n it_o will_v be_v no_o excuse_n i_o assure_v you_o it_o will_v be_v no_o plea_n nor_o apology_n for_o you_o in_o the_o great_a day_n to_o allege_v that_o you_o can_v not_o do_v it_o since_o he_o offer_v himself_o as_o a_o fountain_n to_o wash_v at_o and_o to_o wash_v you_o all_o in_o particular_a that_o hear_v i_o this_o day_n and_o be_v do_v so_o very_o serious_o just_a now_o if_o you_o will_v employ_v and_o put_v he_o to_o it_o consider_v that_o sad_a word_n jer._n 13._o 27._o wo_n unthee_o o_o jerusalem_n will_v thou_o not_o be_v make_v clean_o when_o shall_v it_o once_o be_v it_o be_v not_o can_v thou_o not_o make_v thyself_o clean_o but_o will_v thou_o not_o be_v make_v clean_o to_o wit_n by_o i_o who_o be_o able_a to_o do_v it_o and_o offer_v to_o do_v it_o free_o if_o thou_o be_v but_o honest_o willing_a this_o will_v be_v the_o loud_a and_o terrible_a voice_n wherewith_o god_n and_o the_o conscience_n will_v in_o that_o day_n cry_v to_o many_o a_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o live_v under_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v this_o offer_n woe_n to_o thou_o thou_o will_v not_o be_v make_v clean_o thou_o will_v not_o make_v use_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n of_o this_o blood_n of_o sprinkle_v when_o it_o be_v in_o thy_o offer_n thou_o will_v not_o come_v to_o he_o that_o thou_o may_v have_v life_n thou_o will_v not-take_a he_o for_o a_o physician_n to_o hea●_n thou_o but_o choose_v rather_o to_o lie_v still_o wallow_v in_o thy_o filthiess_n and_o to_o rot_v away_o and_o die_v in_o thy_o sore_n and_o wound_n then_o to_o come_v to_o he_o to_o be_v cleanse_v and_o cure_v by_o he_o though_o he_o offer_v to_o do_v both_o very_o free_o among_o all_o the_o w●es_v that_o will_v be_v denounce_v then_o and_o execute_v against_o sinner_n those_o against_o profess_v christian_n who_o live_v under_o this_o gospel_n and_o refuse_v to_o come_v to_o jesus_n christ_n for_o life_n and_o neglect_v so_o great_a a_o salvation_n will_v be_v the_o loud_a and_o most_o terrible_a the_o woe_n of_o chora●in_n and_o bethsaida_n and_o of_o capernaum_n will_v be_v more_o intolerable_a in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n than_o those_o of_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n yea_o the●_n those_o of_o sodom_n and_o gommorrah_n how_o yet_o more_o terrible_a and_o intolerable_a suppose_v you_o will_v be_v the_o woe_n and_o judgement_n of_o they_o that_o live_v now_o under_o the_o clear_a and_o bright_a sunshine_n of_o gospel-light_n let_v i_o therefore_o once_o more_o earnest_o beseech_v and_o obtest_v you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o the_o love_n you_o profess_v to_o bear_v to_o your_o own_o immortal_a soul_n to_o take_v with_o your_o sin_n and_o to_o flee_v and_o speedy_o to_o flee_v to_o this_o city_n of_o refuge_n set_v open_a before_o you_o lest_o the_o avenger_n of_o blood_n the_o great_a avenger_n of_o this_o despise_a and_o trample_v on_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n this_o blood_n of_o sprinkle_v overtake_v you_o if_o you_o seek_v not_o to_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n by_o this_o new_a and_o live_a way_n but_o live_v and_o die_v under_o your_o defilement_n and_o at_o distance_n from_o he_o woe_n upon_o woe_n wo_n upon_o woe_n will_v eternal_o take_v hold_n of_o you_o finis_fw-la exod._n 22._o 28._o ps._n 82._o v._n 1._o 6._o john_n 10._o 34_o 35._o math._n 22._o v._n 21._o 1_o pet._n 2._o v._n 17._o rom._n 13._o v._n 1._o 5._o 1_o pet._n 2._o v._n 13._o 14._o 15._o tit._n 3._o v._n 1._o ●_o tit._n ●_o v_o 1_o 2_o it_o will_v be_v advert_v here_o at_o what_o time_n the_o author_n preach_v these_o sermon_n least_o several_a of_o his_o instance_n shall_v not_o seem_v so_o pertinent_a it_o be_v when_o temptation_n to_o these_o thing_n be_v strong_a this_o be_v in_o a_o time_n when_o place_n of_o power_n and_o trust_v be_v seek_v after_o offer_v and_o embrace_v under_o the_o usurper_n usurper_n the_o black-stone_n be_v a_o seat_n whereon_o in_o some_o of_o our_o university_n young_a scholar_n use_v to_o be_v set_v ordinary_o not_o without_o great_a bot●_n reluctation_n and_o fear_n when_o they_o be_v to_o ●e_v examine_v public_o by_o all_o the_o master_n anent_o their_o proficiency_n in_o learning_n