Selected quad for the lemma: conscience_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
conscience_n eat_v idol_n weak_a 2,180 5 9.3570 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 13 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

in-consistent_a with_o the_o doctrine_n nor_o with_o the_o use_n for_o the_o 1._o we_o will_v distinguish_v three_o thing_n in_o believer_n in_o reference_n to_o their_o conscience_n 1._o something_o wherein_o their_o conscience_n may_v just_o challenge_v they_o 2_o something_o that_o their_o conscience_n without_o ground_n may_v challenge_v they_o for_o 3_o something_o that_o may_v be_v take_v for_o the_o language_n of_o conscience_n which_o indeed_o be_v not_o by_o which_o the_o conscience_n may_v come_v to_o be_v mistake_v 1._o we_o say_v that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n or_o case_n wherein_o upon_o just_a ground_n the_o believer_n conscience_n may_v challenge_v he_o and_o wherein_o he_o may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o evil_a conscience_n as_o beside_o several_a other_o in_o these_o 1._o if_o we_o take_v it_o to_o be_v one_fw-mi evil_n conscience_n that_o be_v not_o only_o silent_a and_o mute_a and_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o reprover_n for_o even_o gross_a sin_n but_o also_o when_o waken_v just_o challenge_v accuse_v and_o condemn_v for_o they_o a_o believer_n may_v fall_v under_o it_o both_o way_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o josephs_n brethren_n and_o in_o david_n who_o have_v one_fw-mi evil_a conscience_n the_o first_o way_n when_o it_o be_v a_o sleep_n and_o the_o second_o way_n after_o it_o be_v waken_v though_o one_fw-mi evil_a conscience_n consider_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o second_o way_n belong_v proper_o to_o this_o head_n 2_o if_o we_o look_v on_o one_fw-mi evil_a conscience_n as_o its_o restless_a disquiet_v and_o vex_v call_v evil_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o to_o wit_n as_o it_o speak_v evil_a so_o the_o believer_n may_v have_v one_fw-mi evil_n conscience_n in_o respect_n of_o particular_a act_n for_o which_o he_o be_v just_o challenge_v for_o he_o may_v thwart_v his_o light_n and_o may_v contract_v guilt_n and_o bring_v himself_o under_o the_o desert_n of_o wrath_n because_o of_o that_o guilt_n which_o bring_v on_o trouble_n at_o least_o inward_a in_o his_o mind_n and_o conscience_n if_o not_o outward_a also_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o david_n after_o his_o adultery_n in_o peter_n when_o he_o deny_v christ_n and_o in_o many_o other_o certain_o as_o to_o such_o particular_a practice_n believer_n may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v one_fw-mi evil_n conscience_n 3_o if_o we_o consider_v a_o believer_n state_n and_o look_v upon_o conscience_n as_o speak_v his_o be_v in_o a_o evil_a state_n though_o doubtless_o it_o can_v warrantable_o charge_v he_o with_o nor_o challenge_v he_o for_o that_o nor_o can_v it_o have_v just_a ground_n to_o say_v to_o the_o believer_n that_o his_o state_n be_v evil_a yet_o it_o may_v very_o warrantable_o and_o on_o just_a ground_n be_v silent_a as_o to_o give_v he_o a_o positive_a testimony_n as_o to_o his_o good_a state_n when_o he_o have_v in_o such_o and_o such_o particular_n provoke_v god_n and_o cause_v he_o to_o hide_v his_o face_n as_o when_o david_n fall_v so_o foul_o his_o conscience_n may_v warrantable_o withdraw_v and_o its_o like_a do_v withdraw_v its_o comfortable_a testimony_n concern_v his_o good_a state_n before_o god_n and_o though_o conscience_n here_o be_v in_o its_o duty_n in_o withhold_v its_o testimony_n from_o the_o believer_n while_o he_o be_v in_o such_o a_o case_n yet_o as_o it_o do_v withhold_v it_o and_o so_o deprive_v he_o of_o the_o comfort_n result_v therefrom_o it_o may_v in_o so_o far_o be_v call_v a_o evil_a conscience_n to_o he_o though_o it_o be_v not_o in_o itself_o and_o sinful_o so_o 2_o the_o conscience_n may_v also_o challenge_v a_o believer_n for_o some_o thing_n without_o ground_n or_o unwarrantable_o which_o we_o may_v see_v beside_o other_o in_o these_o three_o 1._o conscience_n may_v charge_v a_o believer_n with_o be_v a_o hypocrite_n even_o as_o to_o his_o state_n when_o he_o be_v it_o may_v be_v much_o overcome_v with_o the_o power_n of_o unbelief_n and_o have_v the_o evidence_n of_o his_o sincerity_n much_o darken_v and_o see_v many_o thing_n very_o contrary_a thereto_o that_o may_v seem_v to_o speak_v his_o be_v out_o of_o christ_n when_o yet_o indeed_o ●e_n be_v in_o he_o the_o many_o sad_a plunge_n and_o difficulty_n that_o believer_n have_v fall_v into_o '_o wherein_n they_o have_v be_v pu●_n to_o think_v so_o hardly_o of_o themselves_o and_o not_o against_o the_o present_a light_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n neither_o prove_v that_o conscience_n may_v speak_v so_o and_o so_o hardly_o to_o they_o concern_v their_o unsound_a and_o hypocritical_a state_n and_o yet_o without_o ground_n especial_o when_o it_o hold_v not_o at_o the_o negation_n or_o suspension_n of_o its_o comfortable_a testimony_n concern_v their_o gracious_a state_n but_o positive_o asse●eth_v the_o believer_n be_v in_o black_a nature_n still_o and_o ●o_o in_o a_o evil_n sta●e_v 2d●y_n conscience_n may_v challenge_v for_o that_o which_o be_v not_o sin_n and_o so_o for_o that_o which_o it_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o challenge_v for_o as_o we_o may_v see_v 1_o cor._n 8._o vers_fw-la 7._o compare_v with_o the_o penult_n vers_fw-la in_o the_o 7._o vers_fw-la the_o apostle_n say_v there_o be_v not_o in_o every_o man_n a_o like_a knowledge_n for_o some_o with_o conscience_n of_o the_o idol_n eat_v it_o as_o a_o thing_n offer_v to_o a_o idol_n and_o their_o conscience_n be_v weak_a be_v defile_v and_o vers_fw-la 12._o he_o say_v that_o their_o conscience_n be_v weak_a be_v wound_v their_o light_n be_v weak_a and_o suppose_v such_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v wrong_n when_o it_o be_v not_o so_o they_o be_v challenge_v by_o their_o co●cience_n without_o just_a ground_n thus_o it_o be_v very_o ordinary_o for_o young_a beginner_n in_o religion_n to_o be_v pierce_v and_o wound_v with_o challenge_n for_o many_o thing_n that_o these_o who_o be_v more_o strong_a and_o full_o grou●_n will_v not_o at_o all_o be_v trouble_v for_o neither_o have_v ground_n to_o be_v trouble_v for_o as_o these_o who_o can_v eat_v every_o ●ort_n of_o meat_n ask_v no_o question_n for_o conscience_n sake_n 3_o conscience_n may_v challenge_v for_o a_o sin_n that_o have_v be_v pardon_v as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o pardon_v yea_o it_o may_v challenge_v for_o a_o sin_n the_o pardon_n whereof_o have_v be_v intimate_v as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o david_n and_o job_n who_o be_v pardon_v and_o yet_o under_o their_o affliction_n the_o sin_n of_o their_o youth_n do_v stare_v they_o in_o the_o face_n and_o the_o conscience_n will_v ready_o challenge_v for_o old_a iniquity_n though_o pardon_v either_o when_o believer_n break_v out_o into_o some_o new_a act_n of_o gross_a si●_n as_o we_o see_v in_o david_n case_n or_o when_o they_o be_v under_o some_o extraordinary_a and_o very_o sad_o circumstantiate_v dispensation_n of_o providence_n sore_o assault_v by_o tentation_n and_o unbelief_n cry_v loud_a as_o it_o be_v all_o be_v wrong_v there_o as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o measure_n with_o holy_a job._n 3_o we_o say_v that_o some_o thing_n may_v be_v take_v for_o the_o language_n of_o conscience_n which_o be_v not_o or_o we_o may_v mistake_v conscience_n and_o think_v that_o it_o speak_v so_o and_o so_o and_o do_v challenge_v when_o it_o do_v not_o speak_v so_o nor_o challenge_v which_o may_v be_v the_o reason_n of_o man_n suppose_v the_o conscience_n to_o be_v good_a when_o it_o be_v not_o or_o contrar_o and_o this_o come_v to_o pass_v especial_o in_o two_o case_n 1._o when_o our_o inc●nation_n be_v thwart_v or_o our_o humour_n be_v to_o speak_v ●o_o grieve_v in_o which_o case_n melancholy_n or_o discontent_n or_o some_o other_o grief_n be_v ready_o take_v to_o be_v conscience_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o achab_n when_o he_o get_v not_o the_o vine-yard_n of_o naboth_n he_o lay_v himself_o down_o on_o his_o bed_n and_o will_v eat_v no_o bread_n but_o it_o be_v not_o from_o any_o challenge_n of_o his_o conscience_n but_o because_o his_o inclination_n and_o humour_n be_v cross_v some_o degree_n of_o which_o may_v be_v find_v with_o believer_n 2_o when_o conscience_n speak_v only_o as_o to_o somewhat_o in_o part_n or_o only_o concern_v such_o or_o such_o a_o particular_a and_o we_o draw_v a_o conclusion_n much_o broad_a then_o that_o which_o conscience_n do_v speak_v will_v bear_v as_o when_o it_o say_v to_o the_o believer_n in_o this_o or_o this_o particular_a thou_o be_v not_o right_a and_o he_o hence_o conclude_v that_o he_o be_v right_a in_o nothing_o and_o very_o ordinary_o it_o be_v thus_o with_o believer_n that_o be_v not_o so_o clear_a distinct_a and_o strong_a in_o their_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n when_o conscience_n say_v that_o such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v wrong_a they_o be_v ready_a to_o conclude_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v wrong_a and_o nothing_o right_a because_o one_o thing_n be_v wrong_a so_o when_o conscience_n point_v forth_o such_o
we_o will_v careful_o advert_v that_o we_o adventure_v not_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n with_o a_o unclear_a he_o sitant_n and_o doubt_a conscience_n since_o it_o be_v impossible_a in_o this_o case_n to_o do_v without_o sin_n and_o hazard_v of_o damnation_n the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v positive_o and_o plain_o tell_v we_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o do_v in_o faith_n be_v sin_n rome_n 14_o v._n last_o that_o be_v not_o only_a whatsoever_o be_v not_o do_v by_o a_o person_n in_o a_o state_n of_o faith_n without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n be_v sin_n but_o also_o &_o most_o agreeable_o to_o the_o scope_n whatsoever_o be_v not_o do_v in_o the_o faith_n &_o persuasion_n of_o the_o warrantablenesse_n theros_n be_v so_o and_o that_o he_o who_o thus_o doubt_o and_o without_o such_o faith_n and_o persuasion_n eat_v o●_n do_v be_v damn_v or_o judge_v ibid._n it_o will_v not_o assoil_v the_o doer_n doubt_o or_o the_o doubt_a doer_n from_o sin_n and_o judgement_n to_o tell_v he_o that_o his_o conscience_n be_v in_o a_o error_n and_o that_o he_o be_v not_o to_o regard_v what_o his_o erroniou_n conscience_n dictate_v to_o he_o but_o to_o act_v contrary_a to_o it_o i_o ●s_v ●ue_v indeed_o that_o a_o err_a conscience_n do_v not_o oblige_v a_o man_n to_o act_v according_a to_o its_o blind_a and_o erroneous_a dictate_v for_o a_o man_n never_o be_v neither_o can_v be_v oblige_v to_o sin_n he_o be_v rather_o bind_v to_o endeavour_v in_o god_n way_n to_o have_v his_o conscience_n when_o in_o a_o error_n un_fw-fr deceive_v and_o well_o inform_v and_o so_o to_o lay_v aside_o his_o error_n but_o yet_o while_o his_o conscience_n still_o continue_v in_o its_o error_n and_o come_v not_o to_o be_v inform_v aright_o the_o man_n be_v bind_v up_o so_o that_o he_o can_v without_o sin_n counteract_v the_o dictate_v of_o his_o err_a conscience_n which_o be_v not_o for_o the_o time_n apprehend_v by_o he_o to_o be_v in_o a_o error_n neither_o will_v it_o relieve_v the_o m●n_z who_o conscience_n doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o do_v such_o and_o such_o a_o thing_n to_o tell_v he_o that_o more_o know_v and_o conscientious_a more_o prudent_a and_o pious_a man_n than_o he_o be_v free_a and_o clear_a for_o the_o thing_n whereof_o he_o doubt_v for_o other_o man_n conscience_n can_v be_v no_o rule_n to_o he_o unless_o he_o be_v persuade_v of_o their_o infallibility_n and_o that_o their_o conscience_n can_v not_o be_v take_v with_o any_o error_n or_o mistake_n god_n have_v put_v a_o conscience_n in_o every_o man_n as_o his_o deputy_n to_o who_o dictate_v he_o be_v careful_o to_o take_v heed_n and_o have_v not_o make_v the_o conscience_n of_o any_o one_o man_n or_o society_n of_o man_n his_o depute_v over_o all_o the_o conscience_n of_o other_o man_n i_o shall_v easy_o grant_v that_o when_o the_o conscience_n of_o more_o know_v more_o tender_a and_o more_o conscientious_a man_n than_o myself_o dictat_fw-la to_o they_o the_o warrantablenesse_n of_o such_o and_o such_o a_o practice_n i_o be_o call_v to_o be_v holy_o jealous_a over_o and_o suspicious_a of_o my_o sel●_n impartial_o to_o examine_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o clearness_n and_o on_o that_o occasion_n to_o search_v very_o scrutinous_o narrow_o and_o exact_o into_o the_o ground_n of_o my_o own_o unclearnesse_n hesitation_n and_o doubt_v and_o to_o be_v much_o and_o earnest_a in_o prayer_n to_o god_n with_o unbiased_a singleness_n and_o sincerity_n for_o send_v forth_o his_o light_n &_o truth_n to_o guide_v &_o lead_v i_o but_o if_o no_o withstand_v all_o this_o my_o doubt_n still_o remain_v and_o it_o may_v be_v also_o that_o there_o be_v several_a other_o godly_a and_o judicious_a person_n that_o be_v doubtful_a and_o unclear_a with_o i_o i_o can_v in_o that_o case_n warrantable_o give_v up_o myself_o to_o be_v implicit_o determine_v by_o the_o conscience_n of_o other_o whatever_o their_o qualification_n be_v or_o whatever_o my_o veneration_n may_v be_v for_o they_o nor_o be_o i_o bind_v to_o act_v myself_o with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n since_o i_o be_o express_o fold_n by_o the_o infallible_a scripture_n of_o truth_n that_o i_o can_v act_v in_o that_o case_n without_o sin_n and_o without_o incur_v the_o hazard_n of_o damnation_n and_o that_o no_o man_n can_v keep_v i_o harmless_a in_o do_v so_o since_o every_o man_n must_v give_v a_o account_n of_o himself_o to_o god_n and_o if_o i_o shall_v do_v one_o thing_n with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n because_o 〈◊〉_d may_v be_v mistake_v and_o in_o a_o error_n or_o because_o such_o and_o such_o godly_a and_o know_a person_n be_v free_a for_o it_o what_o a_o wide_a door_n will_v this_o open_v why_o may_v i_o not_o do_v another_o thing_n of_o great_a moment_n doubt_o and_o another_o after_o that_o and_o three_o after_o that_o where_o shall_v i_o stay_v or_o stop_v and_o when_o shall_v there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o such_o conscience_n doubt_v action_n especial_o in_o time_n wherein_o trouble_n and_o tentation_n snare_n and_o offence_n do_v abound_v ●_o wherein_o as_o there_o have_v be_v so_o there_o will_v ready_o still_o be_v different_a sentiment_n and_o apprehension_n as_o to_o some_o lesser_a and_o low_a truth_n further_o remove_v from_o the_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n where_o about_o all_o be_v agree_v and_o so_o proportionable_o as_o to_o 〈◊〉_d practice_n among●_n even_o true_o godly_a man_n it_o not_o be_v to_o be_v suppose_v that_o while_n saint_n so_o journ_v and_o be_v militant_a here_o on_o earth_n the_o intellectual_n of_o all_o of_o they_o will_v be_v of_o the_o same_o size_n or_o cast_v into_o the_o same_o mould_n that_o their_o light_n will_v be_v of_o the_o same_o clearness_n and_o that_o they_o will_v be_v all_o of_o equal_a mortification_n self-denyednesse_a tenderness_n un●hy_a affedness_n fingleness_n holy_a zeal_n resolution_n courage_n and_o boldness_n which_o as_o it_o say_v that_o there_o will_v be_v more_o clearness_n and_o more_o darkness_n and_o doubt_v among_o they_o at_o least_o as_o to_o some_o remote_a thing_n so_o it_o speak_v the_o necessity_n of_o mutual_a christian_a for_o bearance_n compassion_n and_o sympathy_n and_o it_o have_v be_v a_o very_a general_o receive_v maxim_n in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n that_o in_o dubiis_fw-la tu●ius_fw-la ist_fw-mi abstinere_fw-la in_o thing_n that_o be_v doubtful_a at_o least_o as_o to_o their_o very_a substance_n to_o say_v so_o and_o not_o only_o as_o to_o somewhat_o extrinsic_a to_o they_o i●s_v safe_a to_o abstain_v eight_o we_o will_v in_o the_o case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n wherein_o we_o be_v clear_v ourselves_o and_o full_o persuade_v of_o our_o own_o christian_a liberty_n be_v very_o tender_a of_o the_o conscience_n of_o other_o who_o may_v in_o that_o respect_n he_o more_o weak_a and_o not_o so_o full_o clear_a and_o persuade_v about_o they_o lest_o we_o offend_v and_o wound_v their_o conscience_n and_o so_o indirect_o consequent_o and_o by_o the_o rebound_n offend_v &_o wound_v ou●_n ow._n conscience_n here_o the_o apostle_n direction_n assertion_n precept_n and_o practice_n rom._n 14._o 1_o cor._n 8._o 9_o and_o 10._o chapter_n be_v singular_o useful_a admirable_o apposite_a and_o excellent_a o_o that_o the_o apostolic_a primitive_a christian_n amiable_a tenderness_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o offence_n in_o the_o use_n of_o thing_n indifferent_a be_v bring_v back_o to_o and_o revive_v in_o this_o much_o decline_v and_o degenerate_v generation_n wherein_o offence_n abound_v and_o the_o love_n of_o many_o wax_v cold_a and_o wherein_o there_o be_v a_o great_a propension_n and_o readiness_n untender_o and_o uncharitable_o to_o give_v and_o to_o take_v offence_n i_o do_v not_o by_o this_o in_o the_o least_o insinuat_fw-la that_o for_o prevent_v the_o offence_n or_o rather_o displeasure_n of_o any_o we_o may_v warrantable_o do_v or_o forbear_v any_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v command_v or_o prohibit_v the_o do_v of_o or_o that_o we_o shall_v or_o may_v run_v cross_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o our_o own_o conscience_n or_o do_v any_o thing_n with_o a_o unclear_a and_o doubt_a conscience_n which_o be_v always_o sin_n and_o therefore_o never_o ●o_o be_v adventure_v on_o offend_v and_o be_v displease_v who_o will_v though_o even_o in_o that_o case_n their_o offence_n shall_v be_v a_o grief_n to_o we_o as_o it_o be_v to_o the_o apostle_n who_o exercise_n it_o be_v 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 who_o say_v who_o be_v offend_v and_o i_o burn_v not_o nine_o we_o will_v take_v heed_n to_o and_o be_v aware_a of_o pretend_v conscience_n in_o any_o thing_n about_o which_o we_o have_v no_o real_a exercise_n doubt_v or_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n as_o for_o instance_n in_o the_o first_o place_n if_o professor_n of_o religion_n shall_v pretend_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
conscience_n for_o abstain_v from_o such_o and_o such_o a_o practice_n only_o from_o long_a custom_n of_o do_v so_o from_o the_o example_n of_o other_o or_o from_o loathness_n to_o displease_v they_o or_o only_o from_o dis-inclination_n to_o or_o aversion_n from_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o will_v not_o ready_o abide_v by_o if_o any_o considerable_a suffering_n whether_o of_o emergent_a loss_n or_o cessant_fw-la gain_n be_v meet_v with_o on_o account_n thereof_o whereby_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o conscience_n and_o true_o conscientious_a person_n be_v expose_v to_o contempt_n and_o scorn_n some_o stander_n by_o and_o looker-on_n take_v occasion_n to_o think_v and_o say_v that_o such_o person_n have_v all_o the_o while_n be_v act_v by_o no_o real_a principle_n of_o conscience_n but_o only_o by_o humour_n or_o at_o best_o by_o the_o example_n of_o other_o to_o the_o great_a reproach_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o holy_a profession_n there_o of_o and_o such_o as_o have_v a_o natural_a and_o unreasonable_a prejudice_n at_o all_o serious_a godliness_n and_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n lie_v at_o the_o wait_n to_o fish_n and_o catch_v all_o advantage_n so_o fortify_v themselves_o in_o their_o prejudice_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o draw_v their_o conclusion_n not_o only_o nor_o so_o much_o against_o the_o particular_a person_n as_o against_o the_o whole_a generation_n of_o conscientious_a and_o godly_a people_n yea_o against_o godliness_n itself_o and_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n their_o prejudice_n prompt_v they_o to_o think_v and_o say_v we_o always_o think_v that_o sort_n of_o man_n be_v not_o true_o conscientious_a and_o godly_a whatsoever_o they_o profess_v and_o now_o we_o see_v and_o find_v they_o to_o be_v so_o and_o that_o we_o be_v not_o mistake_v but_o in_o the_o right_n when_o we_o think_v they_o to_o be_v such_o they_o be_v all_o such_o all_o of_o a_o piece_n act_v by_o no_o true_a principle_n of_o conscience_n but_o by_o humour_n peevishness_n or_o some_o such_o thing_n notwithstanding_o of_o all_o their_o high_a floun_a pretension_n of_o conscience_n for_o let_v they_o but_o be_v put_v a_o little_a to_o it_o and_o all_o their_o conscience-pretension_n will_v be_v quite_o relinquish_v and_o evanish_v and_o they_o will_v be_v and_o do_v like_o other_o which_o give_v ground_n to_o sober_a and_o true_o conscientious_a person_n to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v better_a and_o more_o for_o the_o advantage_n and_o credit_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o real_a plea_n of_o conscience_n that_o it_o be_v never_o pretend_v in_o such_o thing_n where_o it_o be_v only_o pretend_v i_o will_v not_o i_o there_fw-mi not_o say_v but_o a_o true_o conscienscious_a person_n may_v by_o the_o more_o close_a approach_n of_o trouble_n and_o suffering_n on_o the_o account_n of_o some_o particular_a debate_v practice_n or_o forbearance_n be_v put_v upon_o more_o narrow_a and_o exact_a inquiry_n into_o and_o examination_n of_o the_o ground_n &_o reason_n of_o that_o practice_n or_o forbearance_n and_o may_v after_o such_o inquiry_n and_o examination_n come_v from_o more_o clear_a light_n to_o have_v different_a apprehension_n about_o the_o thing_n from_o what_o he_o have_v before_o though_o the_o clearness_n win_v at_o which_o be_v wait_v with_o the_o eschew_v of_o trouble_n and_o suffering_n will_v be_v holy_o jealouse_v and_o suspect_v and_o bring_v to_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n to_o be_v thereby_o scrutinous_o accurat_o and_o impartial_o try_v least_o self-love_n in_o such_o a_o case_n bribe_v as_o it_o be_v and_o bias_n the_o person_n judgement_n and_o light_n 2_o when_o conscience_n be_v pretend_v in_o minute_n small_a petty_a and_o comparative_o inconsiderable_a thing_n while_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n little_a or_o no_o conscience_n at_o all_o be_v make_v of_o but_o vast_a and_o unlimited_a latitud_n be_v take_v in_o the_o most_o momentuous_a and_o weighty_a thing_n of_o religion_n as_o the_o pharisee_n pretend_v conscience_n in_o tithing_n the_o small_a herb_n as_o mint_n anise_v and_o rue_v while_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o pass_v over_o without_o make_v any_o bone_n of_o they_o judgement_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v strain_v at_o gnat_n and_o swallow_v of_o camel_n 3_o when_o conscience_n be_v pretend_v for_o man_n tenacious_a adhere_n to_o human_a tradition_n while_o in_o the_o meantime_n they_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o make_v void_a the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o the_o same_o pharisee_n do_v for_o which_o out_o lord_n with_o holy_a severity_n inveigh_v against_o they_o 4_o when_o conscience_n be_v pretend_v for_o not_o shed_v the_o blood_n of_o innocent_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v adventure_v on_o and_o wicked_o per-petrated_n when_o they_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o man_n worldly_a wealth_n or_o preferment_n or_o with_o the_o gratify_n of_o great_a one_o in_o order_n to_o the_o former_a as_o it_o be_v with_o pilate_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o condemn_v christ_n of_o who_o innocence_n he_o be_v thorough_o convince_v and_o according_o do_v thrice_o over_o hear_v public_a testimony_n to_o it_o yet_o when_o he_o be_v tell_v that_o if_o he_o do_v let_v he_o go_v and_o condemn_v he_o not_o to_o death_n he_o be_v not_o caesar_n friend_n he_o forthwith_o proceed_v to_o the_o condemnatory_a sentence_n and_o deliver_v he_o to_o the_o persecute_v and_o murder_v jew_n to_o be_v crucify_v and_o poor_a wretch_n he_o imagine_v that_o the_o silly_a shift_n of_o wash_v his_o hand_n in_o water_n will_v wash_v and_o purge_v his_o deep_o ●_o fill_v conscience_n from_o the_o guilt_n and_o pollution_n contract_v by_o shed_v of_o that_o innocent_a and_o most_o precious_a bloo●_n bu●_n it_o stick_v fast_o to_o and_o be_v more_o stiff_o barkn_v on_o his_o conscience_n then_o to_o be_v so_o easy_o wash_v off_o &_o with_o such_o poor_a and_o pitiful_a shift_n do_v such_o man_n think_v or_o fancy_v to_o pacify_v their_o conscience_n and_o to_o purge_v they_o from_o the_o defilement_n of_o the_o great_a most_o clamant_fw-la and_o horrid_a crime_n if_o pilate_n have_v any_o real_a demur_v in_o his_o conscience_n about_o the_o thing_n as_o very_o probable_o he_o have_v his_o counteracting_a it_o on_o so_o base_a and_o unworthy_a account_n and_o then_o foolish_o fancie_v that_o by_o such_o a_o empty_a ceremony_n as_o wash_v his_o hand_n in_o water_n he_o can_v be_v wash_v from_o the_o guilt_n of_o so_o atrocious_a a_o crime_n be_v high_a aggravation_n of_o it_o 5_o when_o man_n pretend_v conscience_n as_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o not_o commit_v the_o least_o sin_n nay_o of_o their_o not_o do_v something_n that_o be_v very_o debateable_a whether_o they_o be_v sin_n or_o not_o while_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o make_v no_o conscience_n to_o stretch_v forth_o their_o hand_n to_o ●ay_n with_o a_o high_a hand_n to_o adventure_v on_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n that_o be_v incontravertable_o very_o great_a and_o gross_a as_o the_o pharisee_n pretend_v conscience_n for_o their_o not_o go_v to_o the_o judgement_n hall_n lest_o forsooth_o they_o shall_v be_v defile_v and_o so_o unfit_a to_o eat_v the_o passover_n who_o yet_o make_v no_o scruple_n ma●ciously_o to_o imbrue_v their_o wicked_a hand_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o person_n that_o be_v god_n and_o typify_v by_o the_o passover_n 6_o when_o conscience_n or_o a_o conscientious_a regard_n be_v pretend_v for_o divine_a institution_n and_o ordinance_n mere_o and_o main_o from_o pickque_fw-mi and_o prejudice_n at_o the_o most_o tender_a and_o conscientious_a person_n as_o if_o their_o warrantable_a and_o consistent_a practice_n be_v the_o gross_a violation_n and_o great_a vi●ifyings_n of_o they_o and_o plain_a inconsistency_n with_o a_o just_a regard_n for_o they_o how_o often_o thus_o do_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n quarrel_n with_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o disciple_n as_o breaker_n and_o profaner_n of_o the_o sabbath_n because_o of_o something_n do_v by_o he_o and_o they_o thereon_o not_o in_o the_o least_o in-compatible_a with_o the_o sanctification_n thereof_o as_o if_o they_o themselves_o have_v be_v more_o tender_a of_o the_o due_a observation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n then_o either_o the_o disciple_n or_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n be_v 7_o to_o give_v no_o more_o instance_n when_o conscience_n be_v pretend_v for_o keep_v and_o not_o break_v of_o sinful_a engadgement_n vow_n and_o oath_n wherewith_o man_n have_v rash_o bind_v themselves_o as_o suppose_v a_o man_n shall_v rash_o vow_v and_o swear_v that_o he_o will_v be_v avenge_v at_o the_o high_a rate_n on_o another_o because_o of_o either_o a_o imagine_a or_o real_a a_o lesser_a or_o great_a injury_n do_v he_o and_o as_o herod_n swear_v very_o inconsiderar_o and_o rash_o that_o he_o will_v give_v the_o dance_a daughter_n of_o the_o incestuous_a mother_n herodias_n whatever_o she_o shall_v ask_v of_o he_o even_o to_o the_o
duty_n as_o it_o be_v with_o these_o of_o who_o the_o lord_n speak_v john_n 16._o 2._o the_o time_n come_v when_o whosoever_o kill_v you_o will_v think_v that_o he_o do_v god_n service_n though_o a_o err_a conscience_n be_v not_o so_o proper_o to_o be_v call_v conscience_n for_o it_o rather_o give_v offence_n then_o edify_v yet_o this_o conscience_n such_o as_o it_o be_v put_v a_o man_n into_o a_o strait_a that_o he_o can_v neither_o do_v nor_o forbear_v that_o be_v it_o necessary_o while_o it_o remain_v involve_v he_o in_o sin_n whether_o he_o do_v or_o forbear_v hence_o it_o be_v say_v of_o such_o a_o conscience_n ligat_fw-la sed_fw-la non_fw-la obligat_fw-la it_o bind_v up_o the_o man_n but_o do_v not_o oblige_v for_o the_o man_n that_o have_v th●s_o err_a conscience_n make_v he_o think_v that_o such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n when_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o be_v a_o sin_n in_o follow_v the_o impulse_n of_o his_o conscience_n sin_v against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o suppo●e_v it_o be_v in_o persecute_v or_o kill_v t●e_v servant_n of_o god_n which_o he_o think_v good_a service_n neither_o will_v the_o error_n of_o his_o conscience_n excuse_v he_o here_o because_o he_o shall_v have_v endeavour_v to_o have_v it_o better_a in●_n for_o these_o that_o sin_n in_o the_o law_n shall_v be_v judge_v by_o the_o law_n and_o if_o he_o forbear_v to_o do_v such_o a_o thing_n he_o sin_v against_o his_o conscience_n for_o he_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v god_n mind_n which_o it_o direct_v and_o his_o conscience_n be_v to_o he_o in_o place_n of_o god_n he_o be_v guilty_a as_o if_o what_o he_o do_v be_v do_v direct_o and_o immediate_o against_o god_n for_o to_o he_o it_o be_v so_o and_o he_o think_v so_o and_o thus_o through_o his_o own_o cuipable_a accession_n it_o lay_v a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v on_o he_o whether_o he_o do_v or_o forbear_v yet_o it_o never_o oblidge_v nor_o can_v oblige_v he_o to_o go_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o suppose_v he_o think_v that_o such_o a_o minister_n who_o be_v a_o honest_a and_o faithful_a man_n shall_v be_v depose_v or_o excommunicate_v it_o do_v not_o oblige_v he_o to_o persecute_v a_o innocent_a and_o honest_a man_n and_o yet_o if_o he_o endeavour_v it_o no●_n he_o sin_v against_o his_o conscience_n in_o countenance_v of_o that_o person_n which_o he_o in_o his_o misapprehension_n judge_v to_o be_v sin_n this_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v somewhat_o strange_a and_o paradoxal_a but_o it_o be_v the_o woeful_a effect_n and_o bitter_a fruit_n of_o the_o want_n of_o light_n and_o of_o a_o well-informed_n conscience_n and_o it_o flow_v not_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o conscience_n but_o from_o our_o own_o corruption_n making_n no_o use_v or_o a_o ill_a use_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o superior_a of_o the_o conscience_n so_o that_o there_o be_v hardly_o a_o worse_a thing_n than_o one_fw-mi err_v conscience_n because_o whether_o the_o man_n that_o have_v it_o forbear_v or_o do_v to_o he_o it_o be_v sin_n only_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v indifferent_a it_o oblidge_v to_o do_v or_o forbear_v for_o when_o the_o word_n determine_v not_o conscience_n though_o misinform_v cast_v the_o balance_n to_o the_o side_n which_o it_o judge_v to_o be_v necessary_a as_o for_o instance_n it_o a_o man_n think_v it_o a_o sin_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n with_o the_o head_n un-covered_n he_o be_v oblige_v to_o cover_v his_o head_n and_o contrary_o for_o conscience_n there_o cast_v the_o balance_n but_o when_o the_o thing_n be_v unlawful_a on_o the_o matter_n it_o may_v bind_v he_o up_o while_o it_o remain_v in_o a_o error_n so_o as_o he_o can_v without_o sin_n counteract_v its_o dictat_fw-la but_o it_o never_o oblidge_v he_o to_o sin_n 2._o a_o opinionative_n conscience_n be_v not_o a_o good_a guide_n that_o be_v when_o a_o man_n have_v some_o sort_n of_o light_n or_o apprehension_n of_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v duty_n yet_o fear_n that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v duty_n and_o have_v some_o 〈◊〉_d or_o 〈◊〉_d about_o the_o matter_n for_o 1._o this_o be_v not_o faith_n but_o opinion_n and_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n opinion_n can_v be_v a_o ground_n to_o rest_v upon_o therefore_o rom._n 14._o 5._o every_o man_n ●ughe_o to_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n 2._o in_o matter_n of_o practice_n the_o impulse_n of_o a_o opinionate_v conscience_n will_v not_o warrant_v we_o for_o when_o a_o man_n hesitat_v he_o can_v do_v in_o faith_n therefore_o to_o do_v it_o be_v sin_n to_o he_o because_o he_o have_v not_o persuasion_n and_o in_o this_o respect_n as_o to_o practice_n he_o be_v like_o the_o man_n that_o have_v the_o err_v conscience_n he_o can_v neither_o do_v nor_o forbear_v but_o he_o sin_v 3._o if_o it_o be_v in_o a_o truth_n not_o fundamental_a opinion_n may_v have_v weight_n with_o he_o and_o sway_n he_o to_o that_o which_o be_v most_o probable_a and_o have_v most_o conveniency_n with_o it_o though_o in_o matter_n of_o practice_n it_o be_v otherways_o and_o it_o give_v conscience_n peace_n in_o this_o respect_n when_o that_o which_o have_v most_o probability_n in_o it_o as_o i_o have_v just_a now_o say_v be_v incline_v to_o 3._o a_o doubt_v conscience_n of_o some_o affinity_n with_o the_o former_a which_o leave_v a_o man_n in_o a_o hover_a or_o suspense_n that_o he_o know_v not_o whether_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v duty_n or_o if_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v sin_n or_o not_o certain_o here_o a_o man_n be_v bind_v not_o to_o do_v doubt_o for_o he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o do_v rom._n 14._o 23._o and_o yet_o there_o be_v hazard_n in_o forbear_v if_o the_o thing_n be_v duty_n yea_o in_o this_o case_n there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v bu●_n still_o of_o the_o man_n own_o contract_n when_o there_o be_v not_o a_o mid_n but_o either_o the_o man_n must_v do_v or_o forbear_v yet_o in_o this_o case_n its_o best_a for_o a_o man_n to_o betake_v himself_o to_o the_o safe_a side_n and_o to_o hazard_v on_o suffer_v rather_o than_o on_o sin_n as_o for_o example_n a_o man_n must_v either_o do_v such_o a_o thing_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n whereof_o he_o doubt_v or_o be●n_a hazard_n of_o lose_v much_o or_o all_o that_o he_o have_v in_o the_o world_n he_o know_v that_o suffering_n simple_o consider_v be_v no_o sin_n and_o he_o be_v some_o way_n matter_n to_o say_v so_o of_o his_o own_o suffering_n but_o not_o of_o his_o do_v since_o he_o doubt_v and_o his_o doubt_v lay_v this_o obligation_n on_o he_o rather_o to_o abstain_v then_o to_o do_v and_o to_o take_v his_o hazard_n of_o suffering_n for_o in_o dubiis_fw-la tutius_fw-la est_fw-la abstine●e_fw-la and_o in_o this_o case_n no_o man_n authority_n can_v oblige_v and_o bind_v the_o conscience_n to_o a_o thing_n as_o duty_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v loose_v by_o mere_a authority_n or_o respect_n to_o man_n when_o it_o doubt_v because_o no_o man_n mere_a authority_n can_v quiet_v and_o satisfy_v the_o conscience_n nor_o keep_v the_o man_n skaithless_a before_o god_n when_o on_o such_o a_o account_n he_o do_v any_o thing_n doubt_o a_o 4._o sort_n be_v a_o scruple_a conscience_n which_o differ_v from_o the_o former_a in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v clear_a in_o the_o main_a of_o duty_n but_o scruple_v and_o be_v unclear_a in_o some_o accidental_a thing_n that_o go_v along_o with_o it_o as_o for_o instance_n when_o one_o will_v pray_v and_o apprehend_v that_o in_o pray_v he_o will_v take_v god_n name_n in_o vain_a because_o it_o may_v be_v some_o blasphemous_a thought_n be_v inject_v into_o his_o mind_n or_o when_o a_o man_n be_v about_o some_o necessary_a duty_n of_o his_o lawful_a call_n and_o have_v some_o thing_n like_o a_o impulse_n of_o conscience_n to_o pray_v which_o haunt_v and_o some_o way_n vex_v he_o this_o be_v a_o scruple_n but_o upon_o a_o light_a ground_n and_o have_v little_a or_o no_o reason_n for_o it_o yet_o it_o be_v bear_v in_o with_o violence_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o case_n a_o man_n be_v oblige_v rather_o to_o go_v over_o the_o scruple_n and_o follow_v his_o duty_n for_o although_o he_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v his_o conscience_n by_o reason_n in_o this_o case_n as_o in_o the_o former_a yet_o when_o the_o duty_n be_v clear_a he_o shall_v trample_v upon_o what_o will_v hinder_v he_o and_o go_v on_o with_o the_o duty_n and_o in_o so_o do_v he_o trample_v not_o upon_o his_o conscience_n but_o upon_o that_o which_o come_v in_o to_o mar_v he_o in_o his_o duty_n and_o follow_v or_o to_o speak_v so_o dog_v his_o conscience_n a_o 5_o sort_n be_v a_o weak_a and_o infirm_a conscience_n
show_v 1_o cor._n 19_o 19_o 7ly_n their_o error_n or_o mistake_v may_v be_v continue_v in_o long_a and_o believer_n may_v not_o only_o fall_v hasty_o or_o on_o the_o sudden_a in_o a_o error_n of_o judgement_n or_o into_o a_o wrong_a practice_n but_o they_o may_v live_v and_o lie_v long_o in_o it_o it_o be_v like_a that_o of_o job_n friend_n end_v not_o in_o a_o day_n nor_o in_o a_o month_n and_o that_o of_o the_o father_n be_v for_o many_o year_n together_o and_o that_o also_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v for_o several_a yea_o they_o may_v continue_v so_o long_o that_o they_o may_v die_v in_o it_o and_o never_o come_v to_o so_o much_o clearness_n as_o once_o to_o know_v that_o they_o be_v wrong_a though_o i_o say_v not_o that_o they_o may_v die_v in_o such_o a_o error_n and_o mistake_n un-pardoned_n yet_o they_o may_v die_v in_o unclearness_n as_o to_o the_o thing_n be_v a_o error_n yet_o without_o prejudice_n to_o their_o salvation_n have_v a_o interpretative_a and_o virtual_a repentance_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v wrong_n and_o sinful_a in_o they_o and_o so_o of_o all_o among_o the_o rest_n as_o the_o patriarch_n and_o many_o believer_n in_o paul_n time_n go_v to_o heaven_n who_o yet_o very_o probable_o do_v die_v without_o come_v to_o be_v clear_a in_o that_o particular_a wherein_o they_o be_v mistake_v or_o differ_v from_o other_o who_o be_v in_o the_o right_n shall_v we_o think_v that_o two_o godly_a man_n live_v and_o die_v in_o some_o difference_n of_o judgement_n about_o somewhat_o not_o necessary_a ●o_o salvation_n wherein_o yet_o the_o one_o of_o they_o must_v be_v wrong_a die_v not_o well_o and_o in_o the_o lord_n for_o all_o that_o god_n forbid_v neither_o can_v there_o be_v any_o reason_n give_v why_o they_o may_v not_o die_v in_o that_o wherein_o they_o live_v so_o long_o though_o indeed_o at_o death_n they_o may_v come_v to_o be_v more_o impartial_a in_o weigh_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o difference_n and_o mistake_v 8_o this_o may_v be_v for_o some_o generation_n as_o be_v that_o mistake_n of_o the_o patriarch_n and_o so_o it_o may_v continue_v not_o only_o in_o man_n own_o life-time_n but_o in_o after_o generation_n the_o mistake_n may_v be_v propagat_n as_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n some_o of_o their_o debate_n be_v not_o soon_o altogether_o hush_v and_o wear_v out_o 3_o these_o thing_n be_v wonderful_a in_o themselves_o we_o shall_v come_v now_o to_o inquire_v a_o little_a into_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o and_o they_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o some_o speak_v sinful_a infirmity_n in_o man_n even_o godly_a man_n 2_o other_o speak_v sovereignty_n in_o the_o holy_a god_n for_o the_o first_o sort_n that_o speak_v infirmity_n in_o we_o and_o be_v culpable_a cause_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o may_v be_v these_o 1._o ignorance_n and_o unclearness_n in_o the_o understanding_n and_o judgement_n for_o the_o most_o eminent_a believer_n in_o his_o best_a condition_n know_v but_o in_o part_n and_o as_o his_o judgement_n be_v mistake_v so_o ready_o will_v his_o conscience_n be_v which_o accuse_v or_o excuse_v according_a as_o the_o judgement_n be_v inform_v conscience_n pre-requireth_a and_o some_o way_n presupposeth_a knowledge_n and_o therefore_o the_o man_n that_o want_v knowledge_n be_v call_v weak_a so_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o weak_a brother_n be_v speak_v of_o rom._n 14._o and_o 1_o cor._n 8._o that_o be_v weak_a through_o want_n of_o knowledge_n 2_o the_o best_a and_o most_o eminent_a believer_n have_v a_o remainder_n of_o corruption_n in_o they_o and_o therefore_o be_v in_o hazard_n and_o in_o a_o manner_n ready_a to_o side_n with_o and_o entertain_v a_o mistake_n if_o believer_n be_v free_a of_o corruption_n it_o may_v be_v think_v impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v thus_o err_v but_o that_o will_v not_o be_v till_o the_o soul_n be_v separate_v from_o the_o body_n so_o long_o as_o corruption_n remain_v there_o will_v be_v a_o hazard_n and_o readiness_n in_o so_o far_o and_o in_o some_o thing_n to_o mistake_v and_o to_o follow_v the_o misguide_n of_o a_o misinform_v conscience_n 3_o believer_n be_v sometime_o rash_a and_o hasty_a in_o draw_v a_o sudden_a conclusion_n and_o too_o negligent_a in_o previous_a try_v take_v that_o for_o god_n mind_n which_o be_v not_o so_o indeed_o as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o samuel_n who_o take_v elia●_n for_o god_n anoint_a and_o in_o nathan_n who_o approve_v of_o david_n resolution_n to_o build_v the_o temple_n not_o only_o as_o it_o be_v a_o good_a work_n in_o itself_o but_o as_o his_o present_a duty_n much_o of_o their_o error_n flow_v from_o ha●e_n as_o he_o say_v in_o another_o case_n psal._n 116._o v_o 11._o i_o say_v in_o my_o haste_n all_o man_n be_v liar_n 4_o there_o may_v much_o of_o this_o evil_n arise_v from_o the_o suffering_n of_o a_o prejudice_n to_o sit_v down_o or_o settle_v when_o a_o believer_n be_v prejudge_v he_o may_v hear_v many_o thing_n and_o not_o take_v they_o well_o up_o so_o the_o disciple_n have_v drink_v in_o a_o prejudice_n at_o the_o cross_n and_o therefore_o when_o christ_n speak_v of_o suffer_v to_o they_o it_o be_v say_v they_o understand_v he_o not_o 5_o believer_n be_v sometime_o un-aware_a engage_v in_o a_o conclusion_n that_o byass_v their_o light_n and_o make_v their_o conscience_n partial_a as_o in_o search_v and_o find_v out_o what_o may_v clear_v they_o so_o in_o seek_v out_o ground_n to_o maintain_v their_o opinion_n by_o thus_o job_n friend_n do_v first_o apprehend_v and_o take_v up_o job_n to_o be_v a_o hypocrite_n and_o according_o think_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o bear_v in_o the_o conviction_n of_o it_o upon_o he_o and_o to_o maintain_v that_o conclusion_n they_o wrest_v god_n providence_n and_o dispensation_n not_o against_o their_o present_a light_n nor_o it_o may_v be_v from_o a_o former_a error_n so_o much_o as_o from_o the_o prejudice_n they_o have_v drink_v in_o 6_o believer_n may_v think_v themselves_o to_o be_v right_a when_o they_o be_v wrong_v because_o of_o a_o general_a custom_n or_o opinion_n of_o such_o a_o thing_n among_o other_o believer_n take_v such_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o other_o they_o engage_v in_o it_o without_o trial_n or_o debate_n which_o be_v give_v as_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o patriarch_n their_o so_o long_o continue_v in_o polygamy_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v become_v customary_a and_o habitual_a 7_o beside_o the_o instance_n we_o give_v the_o last_o day_n which_o may_v also_o be_v reason_n believer_n out_o of_o their_o respect_n and_o love_n to_o a_o good_a end_n may_v think_v that_o such_o or_o such_o a_o mid_n be_v good_a and_o warrantable_a without_o so_o particular_a examination_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o mid_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v not_o gross_o or_o manifest_o sinful_a because_o they_o think_v that_o such_o a_o end_n be_v warrantable_a as_o it_o may_v indeed_o be_v and_o yet_o every_o mid_n be_v not_o so_o though_o when_o the_o end_n be_v good_a the_o midse_n be_v often_o with_o too_o little_a care_n search_n and_o solicitude_n adventure_v on_o as_o nathan_n think_v it_o a_o warrantable_a thing_n to_o build_v a_o temple_n to_o god_n and_o so_o indeed_o it_o be_v and_o so_o question_v not_o but_o that_o it_o be_v david_n duty_n and_o here_o he_o be_v mistake_v for_o the_o second_o sort_n of_o reason_n they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v draw_v from_o god_n sovereignty_n who_o have_v some_o sovereign_a and_o holy_a end_n and_o design_n in_o such_o a_o dispensation_n viz._n in_o suffer_a believer_n to_o be_v and_o abide_v long_o under_o their_o mistake_n as_o 1._o it_o may_v be_v so_o order_v to_o humble_a all_o flesh_n and_o to_o make_v all_o know_v their_o nothingness_n and_o to_o learn_v that_o lesson_n which_o be_v teach_v isa._n 2._o ult_n ceass_n you_o from_o man_n who_o breath_n be_v in_o his_o nostril_n for_o wherein_o be_v he_o to_o be_v account_v of_o it_o will_v seem_v that_o believer_n may_v be_v lay_v weight_n upon_o and_o lipned_a to_o if_o any_o may_v be_v so_o but_o all_o flesh_n be_v grass_n say_v the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o hold_v true_a in_o some_o respect_n even_o of_o believer_n as_o well_o as_o of_o other_o this_o preach_v and_o proclaim_v man_n infirmity_n when_o most_o eminent_a believer_n be_v not_o exeme_v from_o fall_v into_o mistake_n and_o from_o continue_v therein_o 2_o it_o may_v ●e_v so_o order_v to_o make_v all_o other_o walk_v in_o fear_n and_o to_o study_v watchfulness_n the_o more_o and_o withal_o to_o lippen_n less_o to_o themselves_o and_o more_o to_o god_n these_o thing_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 10_o speak_v before_o of_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o god_n profess_v people_n from_o every_o degree_n whereof_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o say_v that_o the_o godly_a themselves_o
refuse_v to_o give_v answer_n to_o either_o by_o dream_n or_o by_o urim_n or_o by_o prophet_n so_o as_o not_o to_o give_v they_o clearness_n by_o one_o mean_n nor_o another_o neither_o from_o his_o word_n nor_o by_o their_o conscience_n as_o call_v they_o to_o such_o or_o such_o a_o particular_a thing_n it_o be_v no_o marvel_n that_o in_o such_o a_o case_n man_n be_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o that_o conscience_n keep_v itself_o silent_a yet_o two_o for_o clear_v the_o matter_n further_o you_o will_v consider_v two_o sort_n of_o cause_n that_o this_o proceed_v from_o some_z whereof_o be_v culpable_a and_o sinful_a on_o our_o part_n procure_v this_o as_o a_o just_a punishment_n of_o some_o former_a sin_n or_o of_o some_o present_a evil_n and_o sinful_a frame_n other_o some_o be_v sovereign_a on_o god_n part_n yet_o tend_v in_o his_o secret_a providence_n to_o promote_v some_o design_n of_o good_a to_o the_o person_n of_o a_o believer_n as_o to_o these_o cause_n that_o be_v sinful_a and_o culpable_a on_o our_o part_n we_o shall_v instance_n they_o in_o four_o or_o five_o case_n as_o 1._o when_o there_o be_v a_o sinful_a ignorance_n in_o the_o person_n who_o desire_v to_o be_v clear_a in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o particular_a through_o that_o their_o ignorance_n they_o be_v not_o in_o case_n clear_o and_o distinct_o but_o rather_o very_o dark_o and_o confuse_o to_o propose_v the_o matter_n to_o their_o conscience_n so_o that_o their_o conscience_n can_v give_v they_o a_o distinct_a answer_n for_o conscience_n be_v as_o i_o say_v before_o as_o a_o judge_n and_o our_o light_n be_v as_o the_o informer_n and_o as_o a_o judge_n can_v well_o decide_v in_o a_o matter_n when_o the_o case_n be_v confuse_o propose_v to_o he_o so_o no_o more_o can_v conscience_n when_o it_o want_v light_a and_o hence_o oftentimes_o person_n in_o who_o there_o be_v some_o zeal_n and_o good_a affection_n be_v leave_v much_o in_o the_o dark_a because_o to_o speak_v so_o they_o know_v not_o the_o law_n and_o practic_n on_o which_o conscience_n proceed_v therefore_o rom._n 14._o it_o be_v say_v of_o some_o that_o their_o conscience_n be_v weak_a because_o their_o light_n be_v weak_a and_o dim_a a_o second_o case_n be_v when_o man_n in_o seek_v the_o answer_n of_o their_o conscience_n do_v bind_v and_o limit_v it_o they_o either_o do_v not_o fair_o and_o full_o propose_v the_o case_n to_o conscience_n or_o they_o come_v not_o to_o it_o with_o one_fw-mi absolute_a submission_n suppose_v it_o to_o be_v thorough_o inform_v by_o the_o word_n concern_v the_o thing_n they_o will_v have_v clearness_n in_o and_o therefore_o they_o take_v the_o answer_n in_o part_n or_o but_o a_o part_n of_o the_o answer_n and_o suppose_v the_o rest_n or_o leave_v it_o to_o conscience_n to_o be_v determine_v as_o when_o man_n first_o resolve_v to_o do_v such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n and_o leave_v only_o the_o time_a of_o it_o to_o their_o conscience_n here_o the_o conscience_n may_v be_v limit_v and_o make_v indistinct_a in_o its_o answer_n because_o it_o be_v prejudge_v and_o leave_v free_a it_o may_v possible_o have_v be_v somewhat_o not_o al●gether_o unlike_a this_o that_o be_v in_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o tribe_n of_o israel_n their_o ask_n of_o god_n about_o the_o war_n against_o benjamin_n judge_n 20._o 18._o where_o they_o do_v not_o say_v at_o first_o shall_v we_o go_v up_o or_o shall_v we_o for-bear_a but_o first_o they_o say_v who_o shall_v go_v up_o a_o three_o case_n be_v when_o conscience_n be_v provoke_v by_o man_n former_a miscarriage_n than_o it_o may_v be_v silent_a and_o not_o answer_v now_o the_o conscience_n may_v be_v provoke_v these_o too_o way_n among_o other_o 1._o when_o people_n use_v not_o ordinary_o to_o consult_v conscience_n but_o at_o some_o particular_a and_o solemn_a time_n only_o and_o when_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o some_o pinch_n or_o put_v to_o a_o stand_n but_o as_o for_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o their_o life_n they_o follow_v inclination_n or_o a_o common_a light_n without_o advise_v with_o conscience_n in_o that_o case_n when_o such_o person_n come_v to_o advise_v with_o conscience_n and_o to_o seek_v clearness_n from_o it_o about_o such_o a_o thing_n the_o lord_n may_v say_v to_o they_o as_o he_o do_v to_o his_o people_n judge_n 10._o 19_o go_v and_o cry_v to_o the_o god_n who_o you_o have_v choose_v go_v advise_v with_o they_o or_o as_o elisha_n say_v to_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n 2_o king_n 3._o 3._o what_o have_v i_o to_o do_v with_o thou_o get_v thou_o to_o the_o prophet_n of_o thy_o father_n and_o to_o the_o prophet_n of_o thy_o mother_n even_o so_o if_o conscience_n be_v pass_v by_o and_o miskent_a by_o people_n in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o their_o life_n it_o will_v ready_o misken_fw-mi and_o slight_v they_o when_o they_o be_v in_o a_o strait_a and_o come_v to_o seek_v counsel_n and_o clearness_n from_o it_o and_o will_v on_o the_o matter_n say_v to_o they_o you_o follow_v the_o counsel_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n in_o your_o ordinary_a walk_n and_o course_n of_o life_n therefore_o in_o this_o particular_a i_o will_v not_o answer_v you_o go_v and_o seek_v clearness_n from_o they_o who_o you_o use_v to_o consult_v 2_o conscience_n be_v provoke_v when_o i_o have_v former_o thwart_v with_o some_o clear_a intimation_n or_o answer_n of_o conscience_n and_o have_v some_o way_n detain_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n make_v as_o it_o be_v a_o prisoner_n of_o it_o and_o set_v a_o guard_n of_o corrupt_a affection_n about_o it_o when_o such_o come_v again_o to_o inquire_v at_o conscience_n what_o they_o shall_v do_v in_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a they_o may_v just_o get_v such_o one_fw-mi answer_v as_o be_v give_v prov._n 1._o 24._o because_o i_o call_v and_o you_o refuse_v i_o stretch_v out_o my_o hand_n and_o no_o man_n regard_v but_o you_o set_v at_o nought_o all_o my_o counsel_n and_o will_v none_o of_o my_o reproof_n i_o will_v laugh_v at_o your_o calamity_n they_o shall_v call_v but_o i_o will_v not_o answer_v i_o give_v you_o answer_v before_o and_o you_o thwart_v with_o they_o therefore_o when_o you_o seek_v again_o you_o shall_v get_v none_o and_o hence_o flow_v much_o blindness_n and_o be_v nummednesse_n of_o conscience_n in_o man_n and_o woman_n because_o they_o put_v out_o the_o eye_n thereof_o and_o frequent_o repel_v and_o beat_v back_o what_o it_o say_v or_o answer_n so_o that_o it_o become_v cauterise_v and_o the_o feel_n of_o it_o wear_v almost_o if_o not_o altogether_o away_o and_o it_o speak_v very_o little_a or_o none_o at_o all_o to_o they_o be_v so_o much_o baffle_v and_o blunt_v with_o many_o repulse_n we_o may_v add_v this_o three_o way_n how_o it_o be_v provoke_v and_o that_o be_v when_o its_o asking_n be_v slight_v it_o ask_v we_o why_o we_o do_v such_o and_o such_o a_o thing_n and_o forbear_v such_o and_o such_o another_o and_o we_o slight_v what_o it_o say_v and_o lie_v still_o in_o sin_n be_v it_o not_o just_a that_o conscience_n pay_v we_o home_o in_o our_o own_o measure_n and_o refuse_v to_o answer_v we_o when_o we_o ask_v it_o a_o four_o sinful_a cause_n on_o our_o part_n of_o the_o silence_n of_o conscience_n be_v when_o man_n come_v not_o single_o and_o in_o a_o spiritual_a frame_n to_o conscience_n to_o seek_v its_o answer_n and_o advice_n but_o either_o have_v an●_n idol_n s●t_v up_o before_o their_o eye_n and_o be_v almost_o already_o determine_v in_o the_o thing_n or_o else_o they_o bring_v with_o they_o some_o one_o or_o other_o lust_n unrepented_a of_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o though_o they_o think_v themselves_o submissive_a in_o that_o particular_a and_o possible_o may_v some_o way_n be_v so_o yet_o not_o be_v absolute_o submissive_a in_o all_o conscience_n keep_v silent_a to_o the_o former_a the_o lord_n some_o way_n say_v as_o he_o do_v to_o these_o man_n by_o the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n chap._n 14._o 2_o 3._o son_n of_o man_n these_o have_v set_v up_o their_o idol_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o put_v the_o stumble_a block_n of_o their_o iniquity_n before_o their_o face_n shall_v i_o be_v inquire_v at_o all_o by_o they_o when_o man_n come_v to_o seek_v light_n and_o bring_v their_o idol_n with_o they_o the_o lord_n that_o speak_v by_o the_o conscience_n will_v some_o time_n in_o that_o case_n not_o suffer_v it_o to_o speak_v a_o word_n the_o other_o be_v like_o that_o which_o we_o have_v psal._n 66_o 8._o if_o i_o regard_v iniquity_n in_o my_o heart_n the_o lord_n will_v not_o hear_v my_o prayer_n when_o man_n come_v in_o a_o profane_a temper_n and_o frame_v of_o spirit_n to_o god_n and_o be_v not_o single_a and_o as_o i_o say_v absolute_o submissive_a conscience_n will_v not_o answer_v for_o conscience_n
external_o profitable_a to_o we_o but_o main_o as_o please_v to_o god_n and_o for_o his_o honour_n as_o conduce_v to_o the_o advance_n of_o 〈◊〉_d with_o he_o or_o conformity_n to_o he_o it_o be_v most_o divine_a the_o use_n teach_v we_o to_o lay_v more_o weight_n on_o conscience_n as_o spiritual_a and_o as_o that_o which_o take_v up_o thing_n better_a and_o be_v a_o far_o better_a discerner_n and_o judge_n of_o thing_n than_o we_o ou●_n self_n be_v 3_o obseru●_v that_o the_o attest_v of_o conscience_n be_v a_o most_o grave_a important_a and_o solemn_a thing_n ●_o business_n of_o high_a concernment_n and_o such_o as_o ought_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d great_a weight_n with_o other_o it_o be_v so_o mide_a use_n of_o here_o yea_o ●t's_n testimony_n be_v some_o way_n to_o have_v weight_n with_o we_o and_o to_o be_v respect_v as_o the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n himself_o and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n therefore_o it_o be_v here_o join_v with_o they_o in_o its_o testimony_n and_o it_o can_v be_v otherways_o god_n be_v as_o be_v say_v before_o the_o immediate_a master_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v so_o divine_a a_o thing_n none_o can_v attest_v conscience_n but_o they_o must_v needs_o attest_v god_n with_o it_o the_o use_n be_v to_o teach_v we_o to_o be_v more_o warry_a in_o attest_v conscience_n in_o a_o light_n and_o trivial_a way_n it_o be_v in_o scripture_n language_n a_o atte_a christ_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o when_o ever_o we_o there_fw-mi not_o appeal_v to_o they_o as_o witness_n we_o will_v beware_v of_o appeal_n to_o or_o of_o atte_a conscience_n or_o take_v it_o to_o be_v a_o witness_n 4_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n among_o conscience_n for_o these_o word_n my_o conscience_n bear_v i_o witness_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n import_v two_o thing_n 1._o his_o attest_v his_o conscience_n not_o simple_o but_o as_o it_o be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o spirit_n 2_o it_o not_o only_o import_v sanctification_n in_o the_o habit_n of_o it_o but_o in_o its_o exercise_n also_o for_o he_o know_v that_o a_o man_n attest_v of_o his_o mere_a natural_a conscience_n be_v not_o of_o such_o value_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v easy_o delude_v and_o go_v wrong_n but_o say_v he_o i_o attest_v my_o conscience_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o as_o act_v by_o he_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o a_o renew_a and_o unrenewed_a conscience_n and_o a_o difference_n betwixt_o a_o pure_a conscience_n and_o a_o defile_a one_o to_o the_o pure_a say_v the_o apostle_n tit._n 1._o 15._o all_o thing_n be_v pure_a but_o to_o they_o that_o be_v defile_v and_o unbelieving_a be_v nothing_o pure_a but_o even_o their_o mind_n and_o conscience_n be_v defile_v paul_n appeal_n his_o conscience_n be_v as_o it_o be_v opposite_a to_o such_o a_o conscience_n there_o be_v also_o a_o evil_a and_o a_o good_a conscience_n as_o these_o word_n late_o speak_v of_o 1_o pet._n 3._o 21_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n clear_a there_o be_v likewise_o a_o cauterised_a conscience_n and_o a_o tender_a conscience_n yea_o there_o be_v some_o difference_n of_o conscience_n among_o believer_n themselves_o some_o conscience_n be_v weak_a some_o strong_a some_o be_v sleepy_a some_o wake_v some_o be_v secure_a some_o in_o the_o lively_a exercise_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o act_v by_o the_o spirit_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o conscience_n mean_v here_o use_v this_o difference_n will_v be_v well_o observe_v for_o it_o will_v not_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o every_o conscience_n that_o will_v bear_v a_o man_n through●_n it_o must_v be_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o conscience_n sanctify_v and_o in_o that_o particular_a act_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 5_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o testimony_n of_o a_o conscience_n that_o can_v be_v satisfy_v but_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o conscience_n sanctify_v and_o in_o a_o sanctify_a frame_n therefore_o he_o think_v it_o not_o enough_o to_o say_v my_o conscience_n bear_v i_o witness_v but_o he_o add_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o in_o that_o passage_n 1_o pet._n 3._o 21._o it_o be_v not_o the_o answer_n of_o conscience_n simple_o but_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n of_o a_o wake_n tender_a spiritual_a and_o well_o enlighten_v conscience_n that_o satisfy_v use_v therefore_o ere_o man_n lay_v much_o weight_n on_o the_o testimony_n of_o their_o conscience_n they_o will_v first_o put_v it_o ●o_o proof_n and_o see_v that_o it_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o sanctify_a conscience_n and_o in_o a_o sanctify_a frame_n if_o a_o man_n be_v not_o of_o some_o credit_n his_o testimony_n will_v not_o be_v of_o much_o weight_n in_o any_o matter_n it_o be_v even_o so_o with_o conscience_n as_o to_o its_o testimony_n 6_o observe_v that_o sometime_o and_o in_o some_o case_n believer_n may_v very_o warrantable_o attest_v their_o conscience_n and_o appeal_v to_o its_o testimony_n some_o believer_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o some_o in_o the_o new_a have_v do_v it_o though_o as_o we_o say_v before_o the_o attest_v of_o conscience_n be_v a_o very_a grave_n and_o solemn_a thing_n and_o will_v not_o be_v use_v at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o case_n yet_o at_o some_o time_n and_o in_o some_o case_n it_o may_v be_v warrantable_o use_v when_o right_o go_v about_o i_o shall_v name_v three_o or_o four_o consideration_n or_o case_n from_o the_o text_n for_o clear_v of_o it_o 1._o conscience_n may_v be_v attest_v when_o the_o matter_n that_o we_o assert_v require_v such_o a_o solemn_a attest_v of_o it_o and_o these_o thing_n concur_v here_o to_o clear_v that_o the_o matter_n wherein_o he_o atte_v his_o conscience_n be_v such_o for_o 1._o it_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o concern_v god_n glory_n not_o a_o little_a that_o his_o servant_n and_o messenger_n be_v not_o walk_v according_o to_o the_o flesh_n 2._o it_o tend_v to_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o for_o if_o he_o have_v not_o remove_v the_o prejudice_n that_o the_o jew_n have_v at_o he_o it_o may_v have_v mar_v their_o receive_v the_o truth_n from_o his_o mouth_n 3._o it_o tend_v to_o his_o own_o vindication_n in_o as_o far_o as_o it_o tend_v to_o the_o former_a two_o end_n and_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v any_o blot_n to_o lie_v here_o 4._o that_o which_o he_o assert_v be_v a_o thing_n not_o obvious_a and_o can_v not_o well_o be_v otherways_o make_v out_o and_o in_o this_o so_o great_a and_o grave_a a_o matter_n he_o spare_v not_o to_o attest_v god_n and_o his_o own_o conscience_n 2._o consider_v the_o manner_n of_o his_o proceed_n it_o be_v speak_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n grave_o and_o sober_o i_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o christ_n and_o lie_v not_o my_o conscience_n bear_v i_o witness_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n he_o do_v not_o rash_o and_o abrupt_o break_v out_o in_o it_o as_o many_o do_v 3_o consider_v that_o he_o be_v most_o clear_a in_o the_o thing_n ere_o he_o attest_v his_o conscience_n he_o be_v sure_a that_o it_o be_v no_o lie_n and_o that_o he_o have_v no_o mixture_n of_o untruth_n in_o it_o yea_o he_o be_v so_o clear_a that_o he_o there_fw-mi swear_v it_o and_o take_v christ_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o witness_v in_o it_o when_o man_n there_fw-mi not_o attest_v god_n in_o a_o matter_n they_o shall_v not_o attest_v their_o own_o conscience_n in_o it_o except_o they_o think_v that_o god_n will_v say_v one_o thing_n and_o their_o conscience_n another_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o conscience_n man_n will_v say_v many_o thing_n light_o suppose_v they_o to_o be_v true_a that_o they_o will_v be_v loath_a to_o attest_v their_o conscience_n in_o till_o they_o be_v very_o clear_a and_o sure_a that_o they_o be_v true_a 4_o add_v this_o consideration_n that_o it_o be_v do_v when_o he_o be_v in_o a_o holy_a spiritual_a and_o lively_a frame_n my_o conscience_n say_v he_o bear_v i_o witness_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o attest_v conscience_n in_o a_o carnal_a frame_n be_v as_o unsuitable_a as_o to_o rush_v in_o rash_o and_o unmannerly_a before_o a_o grave_a judge_n to_o crave_v a_o sentence_n from_o he_o if_o our_o frame_n be_v not_o right_a conscience_n will_v never_o speak_v out_o a_o approve_v testimony_n to_o we_o in_o that_o particular_a which_o we_o assert_v and_o attest_v it_o in_o for_o though_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n it_o be_v true_a and_o no_o lie_n yet_o as_o to_o our_o circumstantiated_a attest_v of_o it_o in_o so_o ill_a a_o frame_n it_o will_v not_o approve_v we_o 7_o in_o the_o general_a observe_v that_o conscience_n its_o testimony_n when_o warrantable_o make_v use_v of_o be_v a_o thing_n very_o useful_a refresh_a and_o comfortable_a to_o a_o believer_n
both_o of_o they_o offer_v thing_n that_o be_v good_a and_o yet_o the_o one_o sacrifice_n be_v accept_v and_o the_o other_o reject_v that_o which_o make_v the_o difference_n be_v that_o abel_n in_o his_o offer_n exercise_v faith_n on_o christ_n sacrifice_n he_o offer_v it_o not_o as_o a_o satisfaction_n in_o itself_o to_o god_n but_o with_o respect_n to_o jesus_n christ_n typify_v by_o it_o which_o the_o other_o do_v not_o and_o proportional_o there_o be_v somewhat_o require_v of_o all_o these_o and_o more_o especial_o of_o this_o last_o in_o all_o action_n to_o make_v they_o true_o religious_a and_o christian_a action_n now_o for_o the_o second_o particular_a viz._n that_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n that_o make_v a_o action_n to_o be_v true_o religious_a conscience_n have_v somewhat_o to_o say_v and_o have_v a_o interest_n and_o concern_v to_o testify_v for_o or_o against_o the_o man_n i_o shall_v instance_n this_o in_o six●orts_n ●orts_z of_o action_n to_o which_o all_o a_o man_n action_n i_o mean_v that_o be_v proper_o human_a action_n or_o rationaly_a deliberate_a action_n may_v be_v reduce_v as_o to_o so_o many_o general_a head_n the_o first_o sort_n be_v natural_a action_n as_o eat_v drink_v sleep_v etc._n etc._n in_o which_o what_o ever_o many_o think_v to_o the_o contrary_a conscience_n have_v a_o interest_n because_o they_o require_v the_o propose_v of_o god_n glory_n as_o their_o end_n and_o he_o have_v prescribe_v a_o way_n how_o to_o go_v about_o they_o aright_o the_o second_o sort_v be_v civil_a action_n as_o man_n be_v exercise_v in_o this_o or_o that_o lawful_a employment_n trade_n call_v or_o occupation_n and_o here_o conscience_n have_v a_o interest_n for_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o plough_v of_o the_o wicked_a be_v sin_n which_o when_o go_v about_o after_o the_o right_a manner_n by_o the_o believer_n be_v service_n to_o god_n as_o well_o as_o his_o pray_n the_o 3d._a sort_n be_v moral_a action_n such_o as_o be_v do_v from_o a_o principle_n of_o moral_a honesty_n as_o for_o instance_n when_o a_o man_n barg●neth_v and_o make_v a_o promise_n anen●_n such_o and_o such_o thing_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o he_o to_o keep_v his_o word_n which_o be_v moral_o good_a yet_o be_v it_o not_o true_o religious_o and_o christianly_o good_a except_o it_o be_v do_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o honour_n and_o here_o also_o conscience_n have_v interest_n for_o as_o a_o man_n come_v short_a of_o these_o thing_n requisite_a for_o make_v it_o a_o true_o religious_a or_o christian_a action_n it_o will_v challenge_v and_o accuse_v in_o so_o far_o and_o when_o they_o be_v present_a it_o will_v excuse_v and_o commend_v he_o the_o four_o sort_n be_v external_n duty_n of_o religion_n what_o be_v it_o i_o pray_v that_o make_v the_o difference_n betwixt_o formal_a and_o hypocritical_a service_n and_o worship_n and_o that_o which_o be_v accept_v as_o service_n to_o god_n be_v it_o not_o that_o one_o person_n perform_v such_o duty_n conscionable_o and_o christianly_o according_a to_o the_o rule_v prescribe_v anent_o the_o right_n perform_v of_o they_o and_o another_o not_o the_o 5_o sort_n be_v inward_a duty_n or_o grace_n such_o as_o repentance_n faith_n love_n hope_v etc._n etc._n of_o all_o which_o there_o be_v counterfeits_n some_o thing_n very_o like_o they_o which_o yet_o be_v not_o indeed_o these_o conscience_n have_v here_o likeways_o a_o concern_v and_o make_v a_o difference_n as_o suppose_v two_o man_n be_v ●orty_fw-la for_o sin_n and_o we_o ma●_n suppose_v they_o to_o be_v someway_o alike_o or_o equal_o sorrowful_a and_o yet_o the_o sorrow_n of_o the_o one_o be_v account_v the_o grace_n of_o repentance_n and_o the_o other_o not_o because_o of_o the_o want_n of_o the_o requ●sits_n of_o gospel_n or_o gracious_a sorrow_n or_o sorrow_n after_o a_o godly_a ●ort_n as_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o 2_o cor._n 7._o v._n 11._o so_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o other_o grace_n where_o conscience_n will_v challenge_v and_o accuse_v or_o excu●e_v and_o approve_v according_o the_o 6_o sort_v of_o action_n be_v passive_a to_o speak_v so_o or_o suffering_n wherein_o conscience_n have_v a_o concern_v and_o tell_v the_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v suffer_v as_o a_o christian_a from_o such_o a_o principle_n and_o for_o such_o end_n which_o he_o through_o grace_n endeavour_v to_o do_v conscience_n speak_v peace_n to_o he_o and_o though_o another_o man_n suffer_v the_o same_o very_a thing_n yet_o he_o may_v want_v that_o testimony_n because_o he_o want_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o his_o suffering_n be_v destitute_a of_o the_o requisite_a qualification_n and_o therefore_o we_o will_v never_o think_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v of_o so_o little_a moment_n that_o conscience_n have_v no_o concern_n in_o it_o we_o can_v do_v speak_v think_v nor_o look_v but_o conscience_n have_v something_o to_o say_v of_o that_o deed_n word_n thought_n or_o look_v as_o it_o be_v circumstantiat_fw-la either_o to_o accuse_v if_o not_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v or_o to_o excuse_v and_o approve_v if_o right_a as_o to_o its_o requisit_n the_o second_o use_n be_v for_o trial_n of_o a_o sanctify_a conscience_n in_o a_o sanctified_a frame_n and_o for_o difference_v it_o from_o another_o conscience_n that_o be_v not_o so_o a_o sanctify_a conscience_n and_o in_o a_o sanctify_a frame_n be_v always_o meddle_v with_o all_o the_o man_n action_n not_o only_a when_o he_o be_v pray_v hear_v read_v or_o confer_v ●o_o a_o spiritual_a purpose_n but_o also_o when_o he_o be_v buy_v or_o sell_v eat_v or_o drink_v speak_v or_o keep_v silent_a abroad_o or_o at_o home_n alone_o or_o in_o company_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v very_o like_a that_o paul_n have_v say_v many_o thing_n when_o he_o be_v a_o pharisee_n that_o his_o conscience_n meddle_v not_o much_o with_o but_o now_o be_v a_o serious_a christian_a he_o can_v speak_v nor_o write_v but_o his_o conscience_n medle_n with_o it_o in_o a_o word_n a_o sanctify_a conscience_n be_v always_o go_v along_o with_o a_o man_n be_v still_o with_o he_o and_o let_v he_o know_v that_o it_o be_v with_o he_o and_o a_o sanctify_a man_n will_v needs_o have_v and_o love_v to_o have_v his_o conscience_n constant_o with_o he_o the_o word_n conscience_n in_o the_o original_a be_v significant_a and_o say_v this_o much_o that_o when_o it_o be_v right_a the_o christian_a and_o it_o be_v join_v together_o whereas_o a_o unsanctified_a man_n part_v company_n as_o it_o be_v with_o his_o conscience_n he_o love_v not_o to_o take_v it_o he_o will_v not_o take_v it_o with_o he_o it_o be_v a_o burden_n to_o he_o he_o will_v ●ain_o be_v rid_v of_o its_o company_n and_o it_o often_o refuse_v to_o go_v along_o with_o he_o it_o be_v never_o the_o worst_a conscience_n that_o be_v often_o meddle_v provide_v it_o be_v own_v and_o listen_v to_o when_o it_o meddle_v a_o sanctify_a conscience_n meddle_v 1._o constant_o 2._o it_o meddle_v in_o all_o sort_n of_o thing_n it_o put_v the_o man_n when_o he_o have_v speak_v to_o search_v his_o heart_n whether_o he_o think_v as_o he_o say_v 3._o it_o speak_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o interest_n itself_o on_o god_n account_n clean_o spiritual_o and_o impartial_o without_o all_o by-respect_n to_o the_o man_n the_o 3d_o use_n be_v for_o reproof_n to_o these_o that_o misken_fw-mi conscience_n and_o take_v none_o at_o all_o or_o but_o very_o little_a notice_n of_o it_o in_o the_o most_o part_n of_o their_o life_n ah_o how_o few_o be_v they_o that_o think_v and_o believe_v that_o conscience_n be_v concern_v in_o all_o their_o word_n and_o action_n and_o as_o for_o thought_n they_o be_v look_v on_o by_o such_o as_o free_v and_o therefore_o they_o never_o look_v what_o it_o say_v of_o they_o and_o so_o spoil_v themselves_o of_o its_o testimony_n and_o lose_v their_o labour_n in_o not_o respect_v it_o the_o four_o use_n be_v of_o exhortation_n and_o we_o will_v serious_o exhort_v you_o all_o to_o amend_v this_o great_a fault_n reprove_v viz._n the_o misregard_v of_o conscience_n and_o to_o respect_v conscience_n in_o every_o thing_n and_o to_o regard_v it_o more_o in_o your_o go_v out_o and_o come_n in_o in_o solitude_n and_o society_n in_o every_o thing_n you_o do_v suffer_v not_o yourselves_o to_o be_v cheat_v into_o a_o groundless_a apprehension_n that_o any_o of_o your_o action_n even_o the_o common_a as_o circumstantiat_fw-la be_v of_o so_o little_a moment_n that_o conscience_n have_v no_o concern_n in_o they_o and_o if_o it_o have_v than_o i_o beseech_v you_o take_v heed_n what_o it_o say_v and_o whether_o it_o testify_v for_o or_o against_o you_o and_o do_v not_o think_v that_o conscience_n be_v officious_a and_o medle_n in_o a_o business_n that_o concern_v
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
reflect_v on_o himself_o nor_o look_v after_o the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n yet_o in_o interval_n this_o may_v be_v win_v at_o and_o will_v be_v endeavour_v it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n some_o way_n as_o it_o be_v in_o reference_n to_o that_o command_n anent_o pray_v always_o or_o without_o cease_v though_o we_o can_v pray_v always_o actual_o or_o continual_o without_o interruption_n nor_o be_v we_o oblige_v to_o do_v so_o yet_o we_o shall_v be_v frequent_a in_o it_o and_o intermix_v all_o our_o action_n with_o short_a ejaculation_n to_o god_n and_o always_o keep_v ourselves_o in_o a_o pray_a frame_n so_o though_o we_o can_v always_o be_v actual_o put_v conscience_n to_o it_o yet_o frequent_o we_o shall_v and_o more_o especial_o if_o we_o be_v about_o a_o duty_n that_o be_v more_o difficult_a and_o tickle_a and_o wherein_o we_o be_v very_o ready_a to_o go_v wrong_n and_o so_o to_o lay_v the_o ground_n of_o a_o challenge_n or_o wherein_o god_n honour_n be_v some_o what_o more_o than_o ordinary_o concern_v 3._o it_o be_v require_v here_o that_o we_o serious_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v thing_n right_a and_o be_v weed_n out_o as_o it_o be_v what_o be_v wrong_a as_o we_o find_v conscience_n hint_v to_o we_o for_o the_o frame_n of_o our_o heart_n as_o have_v be_v say_v be_v very_o unstable_a and_o fickle_a we_o will_v therefore_o be_v often_o mend_v and_o right_v it_o as_o a_o man_n do_v with_o a_o watch_n that_o be_v easy_o distemper_v he_o often_o look_v to_o it_o and_o put_v it_o right_n or_o it_o be_v here_o as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o pilot_n who_o steer_v a_o vessel_n that_o be_v very_o easy_o by_o a_o little_a wind_n put_v by_o her_o course_n he_o bear_v up_o close_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o wind_n and_o when_o he_o find_v she_o never_o so_o little_a off_o her_o course_n he_o steer_v about_o again_o till_o he_o set_v her_o right_n or_o to_o hold_v we_o at_o the_o former_a comparison_n of_o a_o instrument_n to_o preserve_v which_o in_o tune_n it_o must_v not_o only_o be_v at_o first_o temper_v to_o a_o just_a and_o harmonious_a sound_n and_o strike_v upon_o to_o give_v out_o that_o sound_n but_o when_o a_o man_n have_v play_v a_o while_n upon_o it_o he_o must_v be_v temper_v and_o tune_v it_o among_o hand_n to_o say_v so_o screw_v up_o this_o and_o that_o and_o the_o other_o peg_n as_o the_o string_n slack_v their_o benfil_v else_o it_o will_v not_o be_v keep_v in_o tune_n even_o so_o while_o we_o be_v endeavour_v to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n some_o one_o peg_n or_o other_o so_o to_o speak_v will_v ready_o still_o be_v a-unfixing_a and_o we_o will_v study_v to_o bring_v thing_n back_o to_o their_o right_a temper_n and_o watch_v that_o carnalness_n creep_v not_o in_o upon_o we_o the_o use_n of_o the_o doctrine_n in_o a_o word_n be_v partly_o to_o reprove_v for_o neglect_v of_o this_o walk_n partly_o to_o exhort_v to_o the_o diligent_a and_o tender_a practice_n of_o it_o even_o careful_o to_o advert_v to_o conscience_n and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o be_v in_o good_a term_n with_o it_o in_o perform_v every_o action_n in_o eat_v drink_v in_o bargain_v buy_v sell_v in_o ride_v a_o journey_n in_o hear_v pray_v &c_n &c_n and_o not_o only_o to_o hear_v what_o conscience_n have_v to_o say_v but_o to_o walk_v so_o as_o conscience_n may_v speak_v good_a to_o we_o and_o give_v we_o its_o approve_v testimony_n for_o help_v we_o to_o keep_v this_o good_a correspondence_n with_o our_o conscience_n in_o all_o our_o action_n which_o have_v so_o great_a a_o stroke_n upon_o a_o christian_a walk_n upon_o a_o cheerful_a and_o solacious_a christian_a walk_n we_o will_v now_o add_v these_o follow_a direction_n to_o those_o former_o give_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n the_o 1._o whereof_o be_v that_o in_o undertake_v of_o action_n or_o duty_n we_o will_v be_v very_o deliberate_a clear_a and_o fix_a 2._o we_o will_v study_v to_o walk_v sober_o and_o composed_o and_o to_o be_v always_o in_o a_o good_a frame_n rashness_n precipitancy_n hastiness_n inadvertency_n levity_n and_o untenderness_n be_v very_o cross_a to_o these_o two_o direction_n as_o be_v also_o part_v with_o conscience_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o way_n and_o not_o bring_v it_o up_o with_o we_o 3._o we_o will_v be_v much_o in_o ejaculatory_a prayer_n frequent_v god_n throne_n much_o often_o dart_v up_o blink_v unto_o he_o and_o into_o our_o own_o self_n and_o our_o conscience_n intermix_v these_o 4_o we_o will_v be_v much_o in_o self_n examination_n this_o be_v in_o some_o respect_n the_o life_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n for_o where_o there_o be_v not self_o examination_n or_o reflection_n we_o either_o be_v not_o right_a or_o else_o know_v not_o if_o we_o be_v right_a and_o no_o thanks_o to_o we_o if_o we_o be_v not_o wrong_n 5_o we_o will_v study_v to_o have_v a_o holy_a indignation_n at_o and_o a_o strict_a watch_n set_v against_o the_o very_a first_o rise_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o may_v in_o the_o least_o offend_v conscience_n alace_o we_o oft_o time_n observe_v not_o our_o own_o declining_n and_o fall_n from_o a_o good_a frame_n nor_o the_o stir_n of_o some_o one_o lust_n and_o corruption_n or_o another_o which_o will_v be_v resist_v in_o the_o beginning_n for_o the_o one_o of_o these_o wear_v out_o the_o other_o 6_o as_o we_o will_v endeavour_v if_o we_o will_v have_v a_o good_a testimony_n from_o our_o conscience_n much_o singleness_n and_o sincerity_n in_o the_o whole_a of_o our_o walk_n and_o will_v in_o every_o duty_n endeavour_v to_o be_v set_v ourselves_o as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o under_o his_o all_o see_v eye_n nothing_o more_o mar_v the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n than_o unsinglenesse_n and_o nothing_o contribut_v more_o to_o it_o then_o singleness_n it_o be_v a_o good_a word_n that_o the_o apostle_n have_v 2_o cor._n 2._o v._n last_o we_o be_v not_o as_o many_o which_o corrupt_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o as_o of_o sincerity_n as_o of_o god_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n speak_v we_o in_o christ_n preach_v be_v a_o good_a work_n yet_o there_o be_v many_o preacher_n that_o have_v not_o a_o good_a testimony_n from_o their_o conscience_n in_o that_o good_a work_n but_o paul_n have_v it_o and_o that_o which_o make_v he_o to_o to_o have_v it_o be_v his_o sincerity_n and_o singleness_n that_o he_o speak_v as_o before_o god_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n without_o a_o bias_n or_o any_o allow_a carnalness_n in_o his_o end_n if_o we_o can_v preach_v and_o pray_v and_o live_v and_o walk_v thus_o in_o all_o our_o action_n o_o what_o sweet_a peace_n shall_v we_o have_v live_v and_o die_v and_o o_o what_o skaith_n and_o prejudice_n do_v our_o inadvertancy_n rashness_n and_o carnal_a walk_a work_n to_o we_o and_o how_o much_o do_v it_o deprive_v we_o of_o the_o benefit_n of_o this_o friend_n in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o need_n god_n help_v we_o to_o amend_v it_o sermon_n i._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 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 youward_n it_o be_v no_o great_a bussiness_n but_o a_o very_a ordinary_a thing_n for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v cheerful_a when_o he_o be_v in_o prosperity_n and_o have_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n smile_v on_o he_o though_o often_o even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o that_o laughter_n the_o heart_n be_v sorrowful_a and_o there_o be_v a_o emptiness_n and_o utter_a insufficiency_n in_o all_o these_o thing_n to_o make_v the_o heart_n true_o glad_a but_o this_o be_v a_o great_a matter_n a_o very_a rare_a thing_n and_o to_o be_v find_v but_o with_o very_a few_o viz._n in_o the_o midst_n of_o affliction_n reproach_n tribulation_n and_o persecution_n to_o be_v cheerful_a and_o rejoice_v and_o as_o it_o be_v isa._n 24._o 15._o to_o be_v glorisy_v god_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o fire_n this_o be_v paul_n practice_n and_o exercise_v here_o who_o be_v as_o the_o word_n before_o hold_v forth_o bring_v so_o near_a death_n that_o he_o even_o dispared_a of_o life_n who_o have_v to_o do_v with_o professor_n and_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o make_v it_o their_o bussine_n to_o defame_v his_o person_n and_o to_o depretiat_fw-la and_o disparage_v his_o ministry_n who_o be_v rivile_v buffet_v persecute_v and_o count_v as_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o offscouring_a of_o all_o thing_n who_o be_v always_o deliver_v unto_o death_n and_o make_v a_o gaze_a stock_n to_o the_o world_n to_o angel_n to_o man_n and_o be_v moreover_o put_v to_o wrestle_v not_o only_o
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
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