and_o mean_n a_o unblameable_a conversation_n in_o those_o duty_n that_o look_v towards_o god_n those_o of_o devotion_n piety_n and_o godliness_n or_o of_o those_o duty_n that_o look_v towards_o man_n those_o of_o justice_n and_o honesty_n particular_o so_o call_v or_o 2._o god_n and_o man_n here_o may_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o have_v both_o to_o do_v in_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n god_n law_n and_o man_n be_v also_o that_o be_v the_o just_a law_n of_o lawful_a superior_n both_o oblige_a it_o and_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o do_v not_o only_o not_o offend_v god_n nor_o man_n in_o that_o which_o god_n command_v to_o be_v do_v to_o himself_o and_o to_o the_o neighbour_n but_o such_o also_o as_o do_v not_o offend_v in_o what_o man_n the_o lawful_a governor_n command_n for_o to_o these_o we_o must_v needs_o be_v subject_n not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o conscience_n sake_n 3._o here_o be_v the_o season_n which_o this_o conscience_n do_v respect_n and_o they_o be_v all_o season_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d always_o 4._o the_o interest_n st_n paul_n do_v seek_v after_o in_o this_o condition_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o this_o jexercise_n myself_o as_o on_o one_o side_n it_o be_v not_o fancy_v or_o opine_v often_o hear_v no_o nor_o talk_v of_o conscience_n but_o exercise_n and_o do_v for_o the_o christian_n life_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o constant_a exercise_n and_o that_o be_v at_o once_o his_o duty_n and_o profession_n here_o so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o be_v not_o perfect_a possession_n of_o this_o state_n there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o perfection_n in_o this_o life_n but_o labour_v towards_o it_o in_o handle_v which_o part_n i_o shall_v thus_o proceed_v 1._o have_v in_o word_n explain_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o shall_v inquire_v what_o be_v those_o offence_n that_o must_v be_v remove_v in_o order_n to_o that_o state_n that_o be_v here_o describe_v and_o have_v clear_v the_o conscience_n of_o those_o 2_o view_n the_o latitude_n and_o extent_n of_o its_o obligation_n see_v how_o it_o respect_v both_o god_n and_o man_n both_o as_o the_o rule_n and_o object_n of_o its_o act_n and_o as_o we_o go_v along_o we_o shall_v direct_v the_o practice_n of_o that_o duty_n which_o st_n paul_n do_v labour_n in_o how_o we_o must_v exercise_v ourselves_o that_o we_o may_v be_v in_o such_o a_o state_n which_o be_v the_o 3_o thing_n and_o the_o application_n of_o all_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d may_v be_v understand_v from_o the_o use_n of_o that_o word_n as_o it_o be_v take_v either_o passive_o phil._n 1._o 10._o that_o you_o may_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d without_o offence_n not_o lead_v into_o evil_n by_o mistake_n of_o what_o be_v good_a or_o any_o other_o colour_n whatsoever_o or_o else_o as_o it_o be_v take_v active_o 1_v cor._n 10._o 32._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d give_v no_o offence_n to_o any_o man_n which_o as_o the_o context_n prove_n be_v but_o the_o same_o and_o mean_n let_v nothing_o that_o you_o do_v be_v such_o as_o may_v induce_v another_o man_n to_o sin_n lay_v not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d rock_n of_o offence_n or_o stumble_a block_n in_o any_o christian_n course_n and_o therefore_o in_o my_o text_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v such_o a_o conscience_n as_o do_v not_o induce_v the_o man_n himself_o to_o any_o sin_n against_o god_n or_o man_n and_o a_o life_n that_o be_v not_o lead_v into_o it_o a_o conversation_n that_o be_v according_a to_o such_o a_o conscience_n be_v that_o which_o st_n paul_n aim_v to_o have_v and_o which_o that_o we_o may_v have_v all_o such_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o remove_v which_o what_o they_o be_v i_o tell_v you_o be_v to_o be_v my_o first_o inquiry_n and_o the_o first_o be_v error_n of_o judgement_n which_o make_v a_o err_a conscience_n such_o a_o one_o as_o give_v false_a information_n of_o duty_n which_o either_o tell_v i_o that_o i_o may_v or_o must_v do_v that_o which_o god_n law_n or_o some_o other_o law_n in_o force_n upon_o i_o say_v i_o must_v not_o do_v or_o else_o tell_v i_o i_o must_v not_o do_v that_o which_o i_o may_v or_o be_o perhaps_o bind_v to_o do_v a_o rock_n of_o offence_n this_o upon_o which_o many_o man_n do_v split_v and_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o which_o be_v worse_a error_n of_o judgement_n call_v by_o some_o new_a light_n be_v such_o a_o light_n indeed_o so_o place_v between_o the_o rock_n as_o must_v needs_o guide_v the_o mariner_n upon_o they_o make_v it_o necessary_a for_o he_o to_o be_v wreck_v for_o in_o this_o case_n sin_n lie_v on_o the_o right_n and_o the_o left_a hand_n which_o way_n soever_o he_o do_v turn_v he_o fall_v upon_o it_o for_o first_o if_o this_o man_n act_n against_o his_o err_a conscience_n he_o sin_n although_o the_o law_n of_o god_n do_v not_o make_v the_o act_n sin_n rom._n 14._o 14._o to_o he_o that_o esteem_v any_o thing_n unclean_a to_o he_o it_o be_v unclean_a although_o st_n paul_n say_v there_o he_o know_v it_o be_v not_o in_o itself_o unclean_a yet_o so_o it_o be_v to_o he_o and_o that_o to_o such_o a_o height_n that_o the_o man_n who_o example_n wrought_v with_o any_o one_o to_o eat_v against_o the_o persuasion_n of_o his_o mind_n spy_v he_o v_o 15._o it_o be_v therefore_o a_o destroy_a sin_n to_o do_v a_o thing_n against_o the_o express_a judgement_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n for_o since_o good_a or_o evil_n do_v not_o nor_o can_v move_v the_o will_n as_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o such_o but_o as_o apprehend_v and_o according_a to_o the_o notion_n we_o have_v of_o they_o in_o the_o mind_n it_o be_v certain_a therefore_o every_o motion_n of_o the_o will_v to_o good_a or_o evil_n consequent_o every_o good_a or_o evil_a action_n must_v be_v formal_o account_v such_o from_o good_a or_o evil_a thing_n not_o in_o themselves_o but_o in_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o mind_n that_o be_v according_a as_o our_o conscience_n dictate_v to_o we_o they_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n and_o indeed_o no_o law_n of_o god_n or_o man_n no_o rule_n of_o duty_n can_v be_v apply_v to_o we_o but_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o conscience_n for_o till_o that_o tell_v i_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v command_v and_o my_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o i_o as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o command_n and_o it_o be_v not_o my_o duty_n for_o till_o then_o i_o be_o not_o conscious_a it_o be_v know_v nothing_o of_o it_o this_o alone_a therefore_o do_v propose_v and_o apply_v duty_n to_o we_o and_o consequent_o whether_o that_o which_o it_o propose_v be_v my_o real_a duty_n in_o itself_o or_o no_o yet_o i_o must_v needs_o look_v on_o it_o as_o so_o as_o have_v no_o direction_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o what_o to_o do_v or_o forbear_v but_o what_o my_o conscience_n some_o way_n instruct_v tell_v i_o god_n or_o my_o governor_n require_v while_o therefore_o that_o do_v absolute_o tell_v i_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v unlawful_a whether_o it_o be_v so_o or_o no_o while_o that_o persuasion_n last_v the_o soul_n yet_o judge_n it_o unlawful_a and_o consequent_o if_o the_o heart_n embrace_v it_o than_o it_o do_v deliberate_o embrace_v unlawfulness_n which_o though_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o thing_n be_v yet_o in_o the_o choice_n i_o like_v and_o follow_v that_o which_o in_o my_o judgement_n be_v vicious_a and_o be_v it_o in_o itself_o what_o it_o will_v it_o be_v so_o to_o i_o it_o be_v evident_a the_o inclination_n and_o action_n pursue_v vice_n when_o they_o pursue_v that_o which_o they_o can_v look_v upon_o but_o as_o vice_n and_o therefore_o st_n paul_n say_v 23._o what_o soever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n whatsoever_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o persuasion_n or_o judgement_n of_o lawfulness_n i._n e._n in_o other_o word_n what_o be_v against_o conscience_n be_v sin_n conscience_n therefore_o be_v the_o rule_n from_o which_o it_o be_v sin_n to_o recede_v but_o you_o will_v tell_v i_o where_o the_o conscience_n err_v the_o rule_n be_v false_a and_o crooked_a and_o so_o must_v not_o be_v follow_v but_o the_o rule_n of_o this_o rule_n god_n law_n and_o not_o the_o conscience_n must_v be_v obey_v good_a counsel_n if_o it_o can_v be_v follow_v for_o certain_o if_o the_o man_n know_v what_o god_n law_n do_v require_v of_o he_o in_o that_o case_n his_o conscience_n do_v not_o err_v if_o he_o do_v not_o know_v what_o god_n word_n require_v how_o then_o can_v he_o follow_v it_o against_o that_o which_o his_o conscience_n tell_v he_o god_n require_v and_o
it_o be_v not_o this_o but_o how_o to_o secure_v government_n against_o it_o to_o rectify_v the_o err_a conscience_n i_o will_v speak_v to_o and_o if_o the_o sense_n of_o any_o sacred_a obligation_n if_o the_o calamity_n of_o church_n or_o state_n that_o cry_v aloud_o bemoan_v the_o effect_n of_o conscience_n thus_o let_v loose_a call_v upon_o he_o to_o consider_v and_o at_o least_o suggest_v the_o duty_n of_o examine_v his_o conscience_n than_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o of_o the_o text_n the_o exercise_n that_o be_v like_a to_o have_v a_o influence_n upon_o he_o beside_o humble_a prayer_n to_o almighty_a god_n for_o a_o right_a judgement_n in_o all_o thing_n together_o with_o a_o hearty_a resolution_n not_o to_o suffer_v any_o principle_n or_o interest_n so_o to_o engage_v he_o to_o a_o practice_n or_o opinion_n but_o that_o if_o god_n will_v please_v to_o show_v he_o light_n he_o will_v follow_v it_o straight_o and_o utter_o forsake_v those_o path_n to_o which_o he_o be_v misguide_v by_o the_o error_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o so_o begin_v to_o act_v according_o as_o well_o as_o he_o can_v now_o such_o a_o resolution_n have_v a_o promise_n 17._o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o not_o beside_o this_o i_o say_v let_v he_o thus_o exercise_v himself_o when_o any_o thing_n offer_v itself_o to_o practice_n and_o get_v this_o holy_a advocate_n of_o its_o side_n bring_v conscience_n to_o plead_v than_o i_o will_v search_v and_o examine_v strict_o that_o same_o action_n first_o undress_v it_o quite_o see_v what_o it_o be_v naked_a by_o itself_o and_o then_o ask_v not_o what_o fine_a motive_n what_o good_a end_n it_o have_v but_o where_o the_o rule_n be_v for_o it_o if_o it_o be_v in_o thing_n mere_o spiritual_a then_o what_o law_n of_o god_n but_o if_o in_o other_o thing_n what_o law_n of_o man_n what_o just_a subordination_n to_o god_n will_v be_v there_o for_o this_o action_n for_o law_n not_o zeal_n do_v make_v the_o rule_n for_o conscience_n for_o conscience_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o full_a persuasion_n judgement_n dictate_v that_o a_o thing_n be_v either_o duty_n under_o obligation_n be_v according_a to_o a_o law_n that_o do_v command_v it_o or_o else_o be_v unlawful_a be_v against_o a_o law_n if_o conscience_n shall_v tell_v i_o such_o a_o thing_n i_o be_o bind_v to_o do_v but_o i_o have_v no_o law_n of_o god_n or_o man_n for_o it_o or_o else_o such_o a_o thing_n i_o must_v forbear_v it_o be_v a_o sin_n absolute_o unlawful_a but_o true_o i_o can_v bring_v no_o law_n in_o force_n against_o it_o sure_o i_o shall_v easy_o reject_v the_o clamour_n of_o this_o conscience_n for_o it_o talk_v contradiction_n for_o nothing_o can_v be_v unlawful_a but_o what_o be_v against_o a_o law_n if_o though_o there_o be_v not_o express_a law_n to_o forbid_v or_o command_v yet_o i_o see_v ground_n that_o stagger_v i_o and_o several_a hard_a thing_n which_o incline_v to_o my_o opinion_n this_o do_v not_o make_v the_o err_a conscience_n for_o that_o be_v dogmatical_a and_o positive_a and_o must_v have_v law_n doctrine_n and_o ground_n of_o probability_n those_o only_o make_v a_o doubt_n the_o next_o offence_n i_o mean_v to_o name_n a_o offence_n this_o that_o whosoever_o stumble_v at_o do_v fall_v into_o the_o low_a pit_n for_o he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v rom._n 14._o 23._o now_o the_o state_n of_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n be_v this_o either_o the_o man_n in_o himself_o real_o believe_v the_o thing_n he_o do_v consult_v of_o be_v forbid_v but_o yet_o see_v the_o example_n of_o some_o man_n he_o have_v esteem_n for_o or_o else_o hear_v some_o good_a probable_a ground_n to_o the_o contrary_a do_v entertain_v some_o doubt_n whether_o it_o be_v so_o bad_a and_o upon_o that_o without_o be_v resolve_v yea_o think_v still_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n yet_o venture_v on_o it_o in_o this_o case_n though_o the_o man_n may_v have_v some_o hope_n it_o may_v not_o be_v a_o sin_n yet_o judge_v in_o himself_o it_o be_v and_o choose_v notwithstanding_o it_o be_v plain_a he_o do_v not_o only_o venture_v at_o but_o choose_v sin_n and_o therefore_o sin_n this_o be_v the_o very_a case_n of_o the_o weak_a christian_n in_o relation_n to_o eat_v thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n which_o st_n paul_n there_o speak_v of_o or_o second_o if_o he_o do_v not_o absolute_o in_o himself_o judge_v it_o a_o sin_n yet_o real_o do_v doubt_v it_o be_v and_o without_o endeavour_v to_o be_v true_o satisfy_v by_o all_o appoint_a fit_a mean_n do_v it_o howsoever_o this_o man_n do_v as_o much_o as_o resolve_v i_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v i_o be_o about_o to_o do_v i_o doubt_v it_o be_v sin_n but_o i_o resolve_v to_o do_v it_o though_o it_o be_v so_o now_o this_o be_v a_o wicked_a resolution_n and_o the_o consequent_a action_n must_v be_v so_o too_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o say_n i_o resolve_v to_o venture_v god_n displeasure_n rather_o than_o loose_v the_o satisfaction_n of_o that_o action_n now_o whatsoever_o otherwise_o the_o action_n be_v yet_o such_o a_o resolution_n stain_v it_o with_o a_o vicious_a tincture_n by_o infusion_n of_o that_o wicked_a purpose_n to_o bring_v this_o to_o our_o own_o concern_v if_o my_o lawful_a superior_a command_n a_o thing_n by_o a_o establish_a law_n which_o yet_o either_o by_o some_o obscure_a place_n of_o scripture_n or_o by_o the_o silence_n of_o scripture_n or_o some_o inference_n of_o my_o own_o from_o other_o have_v put_v that_o action_n to_o a_o evil_a use_n or_o the_o infusion_n of_o some_o teacher_n of_o who_o holiness_n i_o have_v a_o opinion_n i_o doubt_v whether_o i_o may_v do_v it_o or_o no_o and_o can_v satisfy_v myself_o in_o this_o case_n if_o the_o man_n that_o doubt_v comply_v without_o acquire_v any_o satisfaction_n do_v it_o mere_o too_o because_o he_o will_v not_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o the_o penalty_n of_o law_n it_o be_v clear_a he_o do_v it_o with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n and_o so_o sin_n but_o if_o he_o thus_o discourse_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o such_o a_o conscience_n to_o remove_v this_o offence_n i_o be_o sure_a god_n have_v command_v i_o to_o obey_v the_o lawful_a command_n of_o my_o lawful_a superior_n now_o be_o i_o sure_a this_o be_v not_o lawful_a no_o that_o i_o be_o not_o for_o i_o only_o doubt_v why_o then_o i_o must_v needs_o also_o doubt_v it_o may_v be_v lawful_a therefore_o i_o must_v needs_o doubt_v god_n have_v command_v i_o to_o obey_v they_o in_o this_o and_o then_o if_o i_o refuse_v i_o must_v needs_o do_v that_o with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n for_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v lawful_a i_o be_o sure_a i_o sin_n in_o not_o obey_v and_o i_o doubt_v it_o may_v be_v so_o and_o so_o not_o do_v will_v have_v the_o same_o guilt_n which_o by_o not_o do_v i_o endeavour_v to_o avoid_v now_o if_o whatever_o the_o action_n be_v as_o long_o as_o i_o know_v not_o certain_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o unlawful_a in_o itself_o i_o shall_v have_v equal_a guilt_n in_o the_o refusal_n although_o there_o be_v no_o scandal_n or_o contemt_fw-mi as_o i_o can_v fancy_v to_o myself_o in_o do_v and_o if_o i_o can_v satisfy_v my_o doubt_n myself_o since_o i_o have_v then_o no_o other_o way_n to_o seek_v for_o resolution_n but_o from_o those_o who_o god_n have_v set_v over_o i_o shall_v not_o the_o reason_n and_o command_v of_o my_o superior_n the_o example_n of_o all_o those_o that_o be_v obedient_a weigh_v as_o much_o with_o i_o as_o the_o opinion_n of_o some_o who_o i_o think_v holy_a or_o some_o little_a colour_n which_o can_v only_o make_v i_o doubt_v if_o i_o be_v not_o sure_a it_o be_v unlawful_a and_o be_o perfect_o assure_v of_o my_o duty_n to_o my_o superior_n this_o certain_o aught_o to_o suspend_v my_o other_o doubt_n and_o in_o so_o do_v i_o be_o sure_a i_o take_v far_o the_o more_o probable_a and_o safe_a course_n and_o he_o that_o do_v so_o can_v have_v the_o guilt_n of_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n for_o the_o resolution_n of_o that_o be_v clean_o another_o thing_n i_o doubt_v there_o may_v be_v sin_n in_o it_o however_o i_o will_v do_v it_o whereas_o this_o man_n that_o he_o may_v take_v the_o safe_a course_n to_o avoid_v sin_n resolve_v thus_o mere_o for_o fear_v there_o may_v be_v guilt_n in_o my_o refusal_n i_o do_v that_o which_o otherwise_o true_o i_o will_v not_o do_v i_o can_v pass_v by_o this_o reflection_n here_o how_o there_o will_v come_v a_o time_n when_o it_o shall_v be_v more_o tolerable_a for_o the_o err_a or_o the_o doubt_a conscience_n notwithstanding_o their_o sad_a consequence_n than_o for_o
by_o except_o we_o will_v walk_v on_o in_o darkness_n unto_o the_o land_n of_o utter_a darkness_n but_o as_o a_o lantern_n be_v no_o guidance_n to_o the_o blind_a and_o a_o light_n be_v of_o use_n only_o where_o there_o be_v a_o eye_n so_o god_n commandment_n can_v have_v no_o influence_n upon_o nor_o give_v direction_n or_o assistance_n to_o our_o way_n except_o this_o eye_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v enlighten_v by_o they_o for_o it_o be_v conscience_n that_o be_v the_o conveyance_n to_o all_o duty_n to_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n that_o can_v set_v up_o obedience_n but_o as_o the_o conscience_n do_v press_v it_o on_o it_o that_o convey_v the_o immediate_a obligation_n my_o conscience_n tell_v i_o this_o i_o must_v forbear_v that_o i_o must_v practice_v yea_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n to_o give_v direction_n the_o eye_n of_o conscience_n look_v over_o the_o frame_n of_o man_n a_o creature_n reasonable_a in_o his_o make_n can_v straight_o see_v a_o necessity_n of_o do_v thing_n agreeable_a to_o right_a reason_n and_o view_v the_o material_n of_o the_o pile_n see_v he_o be_v build_v of_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o body_n of_o of_o a_o immortal_a spirit_n as_o well_o as_o a_o carnal_a part_n know_v that_o his_o life_n be_v to_o be_v order_v to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o flesh_n and_o more_o indeed_o that_o be_v the_o better_a part_n and_o easy_o can_v gather_v hence_o that_o man_n be_v not_o to_o serve_v his_o low_a brutish_a part_n the_o body_n so_o as_o to_o discompose_v his_o soul_n and_o when_o it_o do_v so_o do_v condemn_v he_o for_o the_o do_v of_o it_o and_o upon_o this_o s._n paul_n affirm_v rom._n 2._o 14_o 15._o when_o the_o gentile_n that_o have_v not_o the_o law_n do_v by_o nature_n the_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o law_n they_o have_v not_o the_o law_n be_v a_o law_n unto_o themselves_o which_o show_v the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n write_v on_o their_o heart_n their_o conscience_n bear_v they_o witness_n which_o say_v that_o though_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n have_v not_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_n and_o law_n as_o the_o jew_n have_v yet_o from_o the_o dictate_v of_o their_o reason_n and_o the_o notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n implant_v in_o they_o their_o conscience_n do_v oblige_v they_o unto_o the_o performance_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o law_n require_v and_o upon_o such_o performance_n or_o omission_n without_o any_o other_o law_n do_v either_o excuse_v they_o as_o man_n that_o do_v not_o culpable_o wander_v out_o of_o those_o path_n which_o the_o light_n and_o eye_n that_o god_n have_v plant_v in_o they_o do_v direct_v they_o in_o or_o else_o accuse_v they_o as_o transgressor_n and_o render_v they_o obnoxious_a to_o punishment_n and_o so_o it_o do_v before_o the_o law_n so_o rom._n 5._o 13_o 14._o for_o until_o the_o law_n sin_n be_v in_o the_o world_n but_o sin_n be_v not_o impute_v where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n nevertheless_o death_n reign_v from_o adam_n to_o moses_n even_o over_o they_o that_o have_v not_o sin_v after_o the_o similitude_n of_o adam_n transgression_n first_o after_o adam_n time_n till_o moses_n before_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n man_n fine_v and_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o sin_n be_v not_o charge_v to_o punishment_n but_o where_o there_o be_v a_o law_n to_o forbid_v it_o under_o that_o penalty_n and_o therefore_o it_o may_v be_v think_v that_o sin_n without_o the_o law_n will_v not_o have_v bring_v death_n into_o the_o world_n yet_o from_o adam_n till_o moses_n death_n reign_v man_n die_v that_o have_v not_o sin_v as_o adam_n do_v against_o a_o express_a actual_a precept_n promulgate_v as_o he_o be_v and_o establish_v with_o a_o positive_a threat_n of_o death_n but_o die_v because_o they_o have_v sin_v against_o the_o law_n of_o their_o nature_n the_o principle_n of_o duty_n that_o be_v put_v into_o their_o make_n which_o conscience_n press_v upon_o their_o practice_n and_o who_o guidance_n they_o will_v not_o follow_v they_o pull_v death_n upon_o themselves_o in_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n it_o be_v by_o the_o equity_n of_o this_o that_o when_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n grow_v great_a in_o the_o earth_n the_o flood_n grow_v so_o too_o a_o inundation_n of_o water_n overspread_v it_o when_o sin_n have_v once_o do_v so_o and_o iniquity_n against_o the_o dictate_v of_o conscience_n strike_v all_o the_o world_n at_o once_o with_o death_n except_o eight_o person_n conscience_n therefore_o where_o there_o be_v law_n and_o also_o where_o there_o be_v none_o be_v the_o great_a director_n of_o our_o action_n and_o to_o this_o i_o shall_v apply_v our_o savior_n discourse_v divide_v not_o the_o text_n but_o conscience_n and_o in_o the_o several_a member_n verify_v what_o our_o saviour_n he_o reaffirm_v 1._o conscience_n either_o respect_v action_n to_o be_v do_v or_o action_n already_o do_v first_o as_o it_o respect_v action_n to_o be_v do_v tell_v we_o this_o we_o must_v do_v that_o we_o must_v forbear_v so_o first_o as_o it_o answer_v to_o the_o single_a eye_n it_o denote_v the_o pure_a conscience_n the_o enlighten_v eye_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o s._n paul_n call_v it_o that_o be_v a_o true_o well_o inform_v conscience_n a_o conscience_n that_o judge_n according_a to_o its_o rule_n and_o to_o this_o i_o shall_v first_o tell_v you_o what_o be_v the_o entire_a rule_n of_o conscience_n and_o consequent_o when_o it_o be_v dictate_v be_v right_a when_o it_o inform_v i_o true_o this_o i_o must_v do_v that_o i_o must_v forbear_v 2._o prove_v to_o you_o that_o all_o our_o action_n that_o be_v regulate_v by_o such_o a_o well_o inform_v conscience_n be_v good_a and_o honest_a so_o that_o if_o this_o eye_n be_v single_a the_o whole_a body_n shall_v be_v full_a of_o light_n if_o the_o conscience_n be_v pure_a the_o man_n holy_a and_o so_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o text_n be_v prove_v 2._o as_o it_o answer_v to_o the_o evil_a eye_n so_o it_o denote_v a_o evil_a conscience_n a_o conscience_n that_o do_v not_o give_v true_a judgement_n of_o duty_n ill_o inform_v and_o this_o either_o first_o whole_o so_o and_o then_o it_o be_v reprobate_a sense_n such_o as_o that_o of_o they_o that_o call_v good_a evil_n and_o evil_n good_a from_o which_o man_n be_v style_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1_o tim._n 4._o 2._o or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v phavorinus_n rom._n 1._o 31._o or_o second_o but_o in_o part_n and_o then_o it_o be_v either_o first_o a_o err_a conscience_n or_o second_o a_o doubtful_a conscience_n or_o three_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n to_o which_o also_o several_a other_o will_v fall_v in_o and_o i_o shall_v show_v you_o how_o every_o of_o these_o do_v mislead_v a_o man_n into_o the_o dark_a the_o scrupulous_a raise_v cloud_n and_o mist_n about_o he_o dark_a error_n and_o discomfort_n too_o the_o doubtful_a do_v instead_o of_o guide_n leave_v he_o so_o puzzle_v that_o he_o know_v not_o which_o way_n to_o betake_v himself_o and_o the_o err_a conscience_n light_v he_o into_o the_o pit_n take_v he_o by_o the_o hand_n to_o thrust_v he_o down_o guide_v he_o into_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o no_o conscience_n the_o reprobate_a sense_n it_o be_v a_o darkness_n somewhat_o worse_o than_o that_o the_o blackness_n of_o hell_n here_o all_o this_o i_o shall_v do_v in_o order_n upon_o the_o other_o part_n conscience_n as_o it_o relate_v to_o action_n already_o do_v so_o it_o do_v testify_v and_o in_o so_o do_v either_o excuse_n or_o accuse_v rom._n 2._o 15._o now_o though_o conscience_n in_o the_o other_o former_a respect_n have_v indeed_o the_o great_a influence_n upon_o our_o practice_n and_o so_o to_o it_o the_o text_n do_v more_o direct_o answer_v yet_o this_o latter_a have_v some_o also_o in_o order_n to_o the_o make_v future_a action_n holy_a by_o repentance_n for_o when_o once_o the_o soul_n have_v shipwreck_v on_o a_o sin_n and_o she_o be_v ready_a to_o sink_v and_o perish_v there_o be_v no_o plank_n on_o which_o she_o can_v escape_v but_o repentance_n now_o it_o be_v this_o eye_n that_o must_v look_v out_o for_o that_o it_o be_v a_o accuse_a conscience_n that_o must_v set_v he_o upon_o repentance_n this_o hurry'_v he_o about_o and_o will_v not_o let_v he_o rest_n till_o he_o get_v upon_o the_o plank_n that_o be_v fasten_v to_o the_o anchor_n even_o the_o anchor_n of_o hope_n by_o which_o until_o it_o be_v secure_v a_o good_a conscience_n never_o be_v at_o quiet_a because_o i_o intend_v to_o say_v but_o little_a to_o this_o i_o shall_v dispatch_v it_o now_o and_o that_o in_o order_n to_o its_o action_n excuse_v and_o accuse_v and_o first_o if_o conscience_n be_v the_o
in_o conscience_n to_o that_o superior_a to_o depart_v from_o their_o own_o judgement_n and_o to_o yield_v and_o sign_n their_o assent_n to_o his_o determination_n witness_v the_o matter_n of_o jansenius_n yea_o their_o great_a cardinal_n be_v positive_a that_o ultima_fw-la if_o the_o pope_n can_v err_v so_o far_o as_o to_o call_v evil_a good_a good_a evil_n to_o prohibit_v virtue_n or_o command_v vice_n the_o church_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o believe_v those_o vice_n good_a and_o honest_a and_o those_o virtue_n evil_a so_o far_o he_o indeed_o if_o that_o church_n be_v the_o mother_n and_o nurse_n of_o all_o christian_n it_o be_v from_o her_o breast_n only_o they_o must_v seek_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n now_o that_o she_o be_v so_o they_o must_v take_v her_o word_n as_o child_n do_v their_o parent_n word_n that_o they_o be_v so_o and_o indeed_o this_o be_v proper_o to_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n as_o a_o little_a child_n not_o judge_n nor_o reason_n not_o examine_v but_o believe_v it_o and_o such_o legendary_a doctrine_n as_o well_o as_o history_n which_o they_o deliver_v be_v most_o fit_a to_o be_v receive_v by_o such_o as_o child_n yet_o as_o if_o this_o have_v be_v the_o proper_a method_n among_o christian_n always_o in_o s._n augustine_n time_n we_o find_v the_o manichee_n deride_v christianity_n that_o discipline_n of_o faith_n because_o by_o 14._o that_o man_n be_v command_v to_o believe_v and_o be_v not_o teach_v how_o to_o distinguish_v truth_n from_o falsehood_n by_o clear_a reason_n and_o again_o that_o it_o imperari_fw-la require_v we_o to_o assent_v before_o we_o have_v a_o reason_n for_o it_o and_o long_o before_o that_o 1._o celsus_n do_v advise_v the_o christian_n to_o receive_v no_o doctrine_n but_o on_o the_o account_n of_o reason_n credulity_n be_v the_o inlet_n to_o deceit_n say_v they_o that_o without_o ground_n believe_v be_v like_o those_o that_o admire_v and_o â—e_v satisfy_v with_o juggler_n and_o take_v appearance_n and_o sleight_n of_o hand_n for_o truth_n add_v many_o of_o the_o christian_n neither_o will_v receive_v nor_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o their_o faith_n but_o use_v to_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v not_o you_o examine_v but_o believe_v it_o be_v your_o faith_n shall_v save_v you_o and_o as_o if_o from_o the_o beginning_n it_o be_v so_o we_o can_v but_o have_v hear_v the_o story_n of_o that_o man_n that_o read_v genesis_n where_o moses_n say_v in_o the_o beginning_n god_n create_v the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n and_o he_o say_v let_v there_o be_v light_n and_o there_o be_v light_a etc._n etc._n swear_v at_o he_o say_v this_o barbarian_a only_o assert_v bold_o but_o prove_v nothing_o as_o if_o argument_n and_o reason_n never_o have_v place_n in_o the_o jewish_a or_o the_o christian_a religion_n only_o those_o who_o be_v the_o inâ—titutors_n of_o each_o religion_n do_v deliver_v it_o other_o have_v no_o more_o to_o do_v but_o to_o believe_v it_o that_o be_v to_o receive_v it_o as_o a_o little_a child_n whether_o these_o reproach_n and_o the_o oath_n of_o these_o know_a enemy_n may_v go_v for_o proof_n that_o it_o be_v so_o i_o shall_v not_o now_o inquire_v but_o it_o be_v certain_a on_o the_o other_o side_n s._n paul_n require_v of_o his_o new_a christian_a 20._o corinthian_n that_o they_o be_v not_o child_n in_o understanding_n that_o they_o be_v in_o malice_n child_n but_o in_o understanding_n men._n now_o a_o man_n and_o a_o child_n differ_v not_o in_o this_o that_o the_o one_o have_v a_o understanding_n reasonable_a soul_n and_o the_o other_o have_v not_o but_o in_o that_o the_o one_o can_v use_v his_o understanding_n or_o his_o reason_n and_o the_o other_o where_o he_o act_v as_o man_n do_v so_o that_o our_o religion_n in_o require_v that_o we_o be_v in_o understand_a man_n do_v require_v of_o we_o that_o we_o use_v our_o reason_n in_o it_o and_o since_o assent_v to_o a_o thing_n as_o truth_n be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o high_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n as_o it_o be_v proper_o and_o true_o reasonable_a namely_o as_o it_o understand_v and_o judge_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a a_o man_n shall_v real_o believe_v a_o thing_n unless_o he_o satisfy_v himself_o that_o he_o have_v reason_n for_o so_o do_v yea_o whether_o that_o be_v true_a or_o not_o which_o many_o man_n so_o eager_o contend_v for_o that_o the_o will_n though_o free_a be_v bind_v and_o can_v choose_v but_o will_v that_o which_o appear_v best_a at_o that_o time_n it_o will_v yet_o it_o be_v sure_a that_o he_o who_o with_o his_o understanding_n which_o be_v not_o free_a in_o her_o apprehension_n and_o judgement_n but_o must_v necessary_o embrace_v that_o which_o have_v most_o evidence_n of_o truth_n he_o i_o say_v who_o real_o assent_v to_o any_o proposition_n do_v satisfy_v himself_o that_o he_o have_v better_a and_o more_o cogent_a reason_n for_o that_o then_o the_o contrary_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o man_n can_v very_o believe_v a_o thing_n which_o he_o be_v thorough_o convince_v be_v contrary_a to_o clear_v and_o evident_a right_a reason_n for_o he_o can_v have_v a_o better_a reason_n for_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v so_o and_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o believe_v so_o there_o can_v be_v neither_o ground_n nor_o rule_n for_o such_o a_o one_o belief_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n so_o false_a and_o so_o absurd_a although_o he_o be_v assure_v it_o be_v so_o but_o he_o may_v assent_v to_o it_o for_o whatever_o demonstration_n can_v be_v offer_v why_o he_o shall_v not_o yet_o it_o seem_v he_o may_v believe_v against_o acknowledge_v evident_a truth_n and_o reason_n but_o this_o be_v only_o wish_v or_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n not_o belief_n and_o to_o prevent_v such_o childish_a weak_a credulity_n be_v the_o great_a work_n and_o care_n of_o christ_n so_o far_o be_v he_o from_o require_v we_o shall_v be_v as_o child_n in_o this_o kind_n for_o when_o he_o be_v ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n he_o give_v some_o apostle_n some_o evangelist_n some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n he_o shed_v down_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o his_o gift_n that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v as_o child_n toss_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n eph._n 4._o 14._o first_o for_o want_v of_o rational_a ground_n instable_n in_o our_o faith_n as_o child_n be_v in_o body_n and_o in_o judgement_n also_o take_v all_o appearance_n for_o truth_n if_o man_n be_v only_o to_o believe_v there_o must_v needs_o be_v as_o great_a variety_n of_o religion_n as_o of_o teacher_n and_o though_o god_n have_v appoint_v that_o some_o church_n shall_v be_v as_o perfect_o infalliable_a as_o that_o of_o rome_n pretend_v to_o be_v yet_o since_o there_o be_v so_o many_o church_n and_o the_o true_a one_o therefore_o can_v be_v know_v no_o otherwise_o then_o by_o some_o mark_n there_o must_v be_v disquisition_n before_o faith_n and_o man_n must_v reason_n and_o examine_v ere_o they_o can_v believe_v upon_o good_a ground_n for_o be_v they_o to_o receive_v religion_n as_o a_o little_a child_n be_v nurse_v up_o with_o the_o doctrine_n as_o with_o milk_n a_o child_n we_o know_v may_v suck_v infection_n from_o the_o poison_a breast_n of_o a_o unwholesome_a mother_n or_o some_o other_o person_n for_o it_o know_v not_o to_o distinguish_v and_o so_o may_v be_v nurse_v to_o death_n a_o soul_n like_o they_o that_o be_v but_o rasa_fw-la tâ—bula_fw-la white_a paper_n be_v as_o fit_v to_o receive_v the_o mark_n of_o the_o beast_n as_o the_o inscription_n of_o the_o live_a god_n just_a as_o the_o first_o hand_n shall_v impress_v therefore_o we_o be_v bid_v 1._o not_o to_o believe_v every_o spirit_n not_o every_o teacher_n though_o he_o come_v with_o gift_n pretend_v and_o seem_v to_o be_v inspire_v but_o try_v they_o and_o our_o 24._o saviour_n forewarn_v the_o jew_n of_o false_a christ_n that_n shall_v come_v with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n something_o therefore_o must_v be_v know_v first_o and_o secure_v before_o the_o understanding_n can_v be_v thus_o oblige_v to_o give_v up_o its_o assent_n and_o 5._o captivate_v every_o thought_n into_o obedience_n as_o s._n paul_n direct_v now_o what_o that_o be_v here_o to_o the_o hearer_n in_o the_o text_n be_v easy_o collect_v namely_o that_o he_o be_v the_o christ_n that_o do_v require_v it_o and_o s._n paul_n express_v it_o in_o the_o forecited_a place_n where_o he_o say_v we_o must_v bring_v into_o captivity_n every_o thought_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n to_o wit_n of_o that_o christ_n who_o as_o he_o do_v himself_o profess_v that_o if_o he_o have_v not_o do_v among_o they_o the_o work_n which_o no_o other_o have_v do_v they_o have_v not_o have_v sin_n john_n 15._o 24._o if_o his_o
eye_n then_o a_o clear_a single_a eye_n be_v a_o clear_a conscience_n and_o then_o of_o that_o it_o must_v be_v true_a that_o it_o do_v make_v the_o man_n full_a of_o light_n and_o so_o it_o do_v indeed_o as_o light_n do_v signify_v joy_n and_o gladness_n and_o so_o it_o often_o do_v in_o scripture_n psalm_n 4._o 6_o 7._o and_o true_o the_o applaud_v of_o a_o honest_a undeceive_a heart_n that_o be_v conscious_a to_o itself_o of_o cordial_a endeavour_n after_o good_a and_o know_v it_o neither_o have_v ill_a end_n nor_o ill_a mean_n they_o shed_v comfort_n beyond_o all_o that_o the_o earth_n can_v give_v they_o shed_v the_o peace_n of_o god_n that_o pass_v understanding_n if_o my_o conscience_n be_v clear_a let_v my_o condition_n be_v never_o so_o overcast_v never_o so_o dark_a and_o cloudy_a yet_o do_v i_o live_v in_o shine_n this_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o make_v every_o estate_n gladsome_a if_o my_o condition_n be_v low_o press_v adversity_n yet_o if_o my_o conscience_n assure_v i_o it_o be_v not_o my_o fault_n that_o throw_v i_o down_o into_o it_o my_o sin_n do_v not_o put_v out_o the_o light_n of_o god_n candle_n of_o prosperity_n that_o before_o shine_v about_o i_o but_o rather_o because_o i_o will_v hold_v fast_o my_o duty_n and_o will_v not_o let_v go_v a_o good_a conscience_n therefore_o i_o be_v throw_v down_o with_o they_o into_o deep_a affliction_n here_o my_o conscience_n assure_v i_o i_o be_o in_o a_o case_n which_o s._n james_n bid_v i_o count_v all_o joy_n jam._n 1._o 2._o and_o which_o our_o saviour_n do_v call_v bless_v matth._n 5._o 11._o s._n peter_n tell_v i_o if_o you_o be_v reproach_v for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v so_o for_o all_o duty_n happy_a be_v you_o for_o the_o spirit_n of_o glory_n and_o of_o god_n rest_v on_o you_o 1_o pet._n 14._o 14._o what_o if_o i_o be_v in_o the_o place_n of_o dragon_n my_o conscience_n do_v assure_v i_o it_o be_v my_o duty_n not_o guilt_n do_v put_v i_o there_o that_o be_v god_n bring_v i_o thither_o and_o he_o be_v with_o i_o there_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n rest_v on_o you_o what_o if_o i_o be_v in_o darknesss_n and_o dimness_n of_o anguish_n encompass_v with_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n the_o spirit_n of_o glory_n rest_v on_o i_o and_o then_o sure_a a_o clear_a conscience_n make_v the_o man_n full_a of_o light_n when_o it_o make_v he_o full_a of_o glory_n when_o in_o his_o dark_a solitude_n there_o do_v break_v in_o the_o light_n of_o god_n countenance_n let_v they_o be_v sad_a with_o affliction_n who_o understand_v no_o delight_n but_o in_o carnality_n who_o soul_n be_v marry_v to_o some_o little_a comfort_n of_o this_o world_n adversity_n indeed_o sweep_v all_o their_o joy_n away_o at_o once_o a_o cross_z throws_z black_n upon_o they_o straight_o their_o heart_n be_v in_o mourning_n instant_o but_o he_o that_o understand_v the_o comfort_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o know_v where_o to_o find_v they_o and_o have_v a_o treasure_n of_o they_o in_o his_o breast_n will_v soon_o be_v able_a to_o allay_v the_o other_o sadness_n what_o can_v i_o want_v while_o i_o have_v a_o continual_a feast_n for_o so'is_n a_o good_a conscience_n it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o word_n to_o express_v the_o happiness_n of_o this_o blissful_a state_n it_o be_v the_o peace_n of_o god_n which_o pass_v all_o understanding_n phil._n 4._o 7._o and_o though_o felicity_n seem_v to_o be_v measure_v by_o our_o perception_n of_o it_o here_o we_o be_v happy_a beyond_o the_o scanty_a limit_n of_o our_o narrow_a apprehension_n do_v not_o take_v in_o the_o beatific_a object_n but_o be_v ourselves_o enclose_v and_o enter_v into_o the_o joy_n of_o our_o lord_n matt._n 25._o 23._o 2._o in_o order_n to_o the_o second_o act_n accuse_v if_o conscience_n be_v a_o eye_n than_o the_o well_o qualify_a eye_n be_v the_o tender_a conscience_n i_o mean_v not_o in_o the_o modern_a sense_n not_o only_o as_o it_o be_v accompany_v with_o but_o as_o it_o be_v but_o another_o word_n for_o a_o weak_a judgement_n and_o a_o proud_a heart_n sturdy_a oppose_a private_a opinion_n or_o fancy_n against_o public_a authority_n and_o whereas_o conscience_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n a_o tender_a conscience_n have_v the_o sme_n importance_n in_o this_o case_n as_o when_o we_o call_v a_o blear_a or_o bloudshot_a a_o tender_a eye_n a_o gentle_a word_n for_o a_o troublesome_a malady_n the_o innocent_a importance_n of_o the_o word_n be_v that_o which_o denote_v beside_o weakness_n in_o judge_v quickness_n in_o perception_n for_o conscience_n be_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o mind_n concern_v action_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v tender_a be_v weak_a but_o a_o conscience_n which_o be_v such_o as_o tender_a thing_n be_v always_o be_v sensible_a of_o every_o the_o least_o touch_n of_o guilt_n check_v at_o whatsoever_o we_o do_v amiss_o the_o least_o thing_n we_o do_v be_v a_o wound_n to_o it_o this_o be_v the_o tender_a conscience_n such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v deep_o sensible_a of_o the_o majesty_n and_o power_n and_o justice_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o the_o fatal_o provoke_v guilt_n of_o sin_n fear_n always_o doubt_n and_o tremble_v forego_v lawful_a enjoyment_n lest_o they_o shall_v prove_v to_o be_v unlawful_a and_o fly_v from_o every_o not_o only_o approach_v but_o even_o appearance_n of_o evil_n this_o be_v a_o uneasy_a state_n but_o the_o inconvenience_n be_v abundant_o repay_v by_o the_o safety_n it_o procure_v whilst_o this_o flame_a sword_n that_o turn_v every_o way_n guard_v both_o our_o paradise_n and_o we_o and_o suspicion_n render_v we_o secure_v but_o if_o my_o heart_n grow_v hard_o not_o tender_a and_o my_o conscience_n insensible_a there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o cure_n i_o shall_v content_v myself_o with_o this_o one_o instance_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o evil_a eye_n as_o it_o relate_v to_o both_o these_o action_n of_o accuse_v and_o excuse_v though_o i_o may_v also_o name_v the_o conscience_n that_o accuse_v to_o despair_v this_o be_v a_o evil_a eye_n indeed_o that_o entertain_v itself_o with_o the_o terror_n of_o utter_a darkness_n in_o their_o own_o shape_n that_o see_v nothing_o but_o fiend_n those_o spirit_n of_o the_o dark_a nor_o will_v see_v any_o other_o a_o eye_n that_o will_v not_o endure_v but_o hate_v the_o least_o light_n of_o instruction_n or_o comfort_n a_o darkness_n this_o out_o of_o which_o the_o grave_n have_v be_v count_v a_o escape_n the_o dark_v of_o death_n a_o refuge_n yea_o to_o avoid_v the_o horror_n they_o have_v run_v into_o the_o shade_n of_o hell_n and_o oh_o how_o great_a how_o insupportable_a be_v this_o darkness_n but_o god_n know_v in_o this_o age_n we_o see_v little_a cause_n to_o fear_v nor_o reason_n to_o endeavour_v to_o prevent_v this_o some_o little_a beginning_n of_o it_o will_v be_v mercy_n to_o most_o man_n the_o danger_n now_o a_o day_n be_v in_o the_o insensibleness_n of_o conscience_n the_o heart_n that_o never_o do_v accuse_v of_o its_o commission_n in_o earnest_n nay_o rather_o do_v find_v out_o excuse_n it_o do_v not_o check_v or_o sting_v they_o to_o the_o quick_a but_o rather_o tickle_v they_o good_a god_n the_o heathen_n have_v a_o much_o more_o tender_a constitution_n of_o soul._n the_o poet_n say_v of_o guilty_a soul_n ad_fw-la omne_fw-la fulgâ—ra_fw-la pallent_fw-la cum_fw-la â—onat_fw-la exanimes_fw-la primo_fw-la quoque_fw-la murmune_fw-la coeli_fw-la they_o that_o know_v not_o there_o be_v a_o hell_n to_o recompense_v iniquity_n nor_o know_v that_o god_n threaten_v it_o with_o plague_n yet_o when_o they_o hear_v it_o thunder_n their_o guilt_n do_v strike_v they_o like_o the_o thunderbolt_n their_o soul_n do_v faint_a as_o it_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n pronounce_v wrath_n to_o their_o iniquity_n as_o if_o its_o lightning_n be_v the_o flash_n of_o that_o brimstone_n in_o who_o eternal_a burn_n sin_n must_v dwell_v this_o conscience_n do_v in_o they_o when_o know_v christian_n can_v stand_v unappaled_a we_o read_v of_o man_n of_o sear_a conscience_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 2._o and_o such_o indeed_o can_v be_v tender_a sear_v do_v make_v insensible_a of_o prick_n or_o little_a touch_n that_o you_o may_v lance_n and_o gash_n and_o it_o will_v not_o perceive_v and_o so_o it_o seem_v be_v some_o man_n conscience_n and_o you_o will_v find_v there_o some_o other_o qualification_n of_o such_o man_n they_o depart_v from_o the_o faith_n they_o give_v heed_n to_o seduce_a spirit_n and_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n and_o it_o will_v be_v no_o wonder_n if_o they_o desert_n the_o holy_a christian_a faith_n who_o have_v put_v themselves_o under_o the_o tutorage_n of_o satan_n and_o have_v imbibe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n who_o with_o his_o institution_n have_v receive_v his_o flame_n who_o conscience_n be_v fear_v
that_o feel_v no_o stripe_n from_o their_o commission_n and_o be_v such_o who_o sin_n do_v not_o wound_n we_o read_v of_o a_o strange_a evil_a eye_n matth._n 7_o 3._o see_v not_o the_o beam_n that_o be_v in_o thy_o own_o eye_n a_o beam_n upon_o the_o eye_n must_v needs_o make_v all_o dark_a but_o the_o insensibleness_n of_o such_o a_o eye_n that_o do_v not_o feel_v a_o beam_n be_v strange_a beyond_o imagination_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o fit_a to_o word_n a_o conscience_n that_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o the_o guilt_n of_o wilful_a gross_a deliberate_a sin_n it_o be_v like_o a_o eye_n that_o under_o the_o dead_a weight_n of_o a_o mighty_a beam_n yet_o roll_v and_o feel_v no_o pressure_n a_o much_o worse_o than_o fear_a conscience_n this_o that_o which_o be_v sear_v though_o it_o will_v not_o shrink_v for_o a_o prick_n or_o gash_n yet_o it_o will_v shrink_v under_o load_n but_o this_o feel_v no_o degree_n of_o weight_n but_o though_o it_o be_v that_o weak_a and_o tender_a part_n the_o eye_n yet_o be_v this_o without_o feel_n under_o that_o which_o the_o whole_a body_n can_v stand_v under_o nothing_o but_o pillar_n can_v support_v the_o character_n of_o such_o a_o conscience_n and_o its_o dark_a consequence_n to_o fit_v it_o to_o my_o text_n be_v give_v by_o s._n paul_n eph._n 4._o 18_o 19_o you_o see_v here_o a_o blind_a heart_n like_o a_o evil_a eye_n create_v a_o darkness_n such_o as_o make_v they_o alien_n to_o the_o life_n of_o god_n for_o indeed_o they_o lead_v the_o life_n of_o fiend_n the_o inhabitant_n of_o darkness_n and_o they_o do_v quick_o grow_v to_o a_o estate_n past_o feeling_n and_o then_o they_o commit_v evil_a with_o greediness_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v very_o easy_a for_o i_o to_o show_v how_o this_o do_v grow_v by_o dead_v the_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n at_o the_o first_o by_o fortify_v against_o its_o check_n and_o prick_n by_o seek_v little_a excuse_n to_o allay_v and_o palliate_v the_o sore_n either_o christ_n do_v not_o mean_a so_o strict_o or_o get_v other_o principle_n to_o set_v against_o the_o strictness_n as_o custom_n of_o the_o age_n or_o honour_n or_o the_o like_a god_n know_v thing_n that_o will_v not_o be_v principle_n nor_o be_v allow_v in_o any_o least_o degree_n when_o he_o come_v to_o examine_v but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o do_v stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o do_v so_o frequent_o together_o with_o the_o conversation_n of_o sin_n do_v clear_a take_v off_o the_o horror_n and_o the_o aversation_n and_o by_o degree_n the_o senseâ—_n the_o mind_n first_o leave_v to_o be_v afraid_a and_o startle_v at_o it_o and_o then_o leave_v to_o check_v for_o it_o all_o this_o i_o can_v deduce_v at_o large_a but_o that_o i_o hasten_v to_o the_o other_o remain_v consideration_n of_o conscience_n as_o it_o respect_v action_n to_o be_v do_v as_o it_o signify_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o mind_n inform_v we_o what_o we_o may_v or_o must_v do_v or_o what_o we_o must_v forbear_v and_o so_o i_o tell_v you_o as_o it_o answer_v to_o the_o single_a eye_n so_o it_o denote_v the_o pure_a conscience_n the_o enlighten_v eye_n of_o the_o mind_n that_o be_v a_o true_o well_o inform_v conscience_n a_o conscience_n that_o judge_n according_a to_o its_o rule_n and_o to_o this_o i_o must_v what_o i_o promise_v tell_v you_o first_o what_o be_v the_o entire_a rule_n of_o conscience_n that_o so_o we_o may_v know_v when_o conscience_n do_v inform_v we_o true_o this_o we_o must_v do_v that_o not_o for_o conscience_n be_v not_o itself_o supreme_a director_n it_o have_v a_o god_n above_o it_o that_o conscience_n may_v be_v right_a it_o must_v be_v according_a to_o its_o rule_n therefore_o we_o must_v inquire_v of_o that_o and_o first_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o force_n as_o all_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o we_o christian_n particular_o that_o of_o these_o chapter_n that_o contain_v christ_n sermon_n on_o the_o mount_n repentance_n self-denial_n charity_n forgive_a injury_n humility_n etc._n etc._n be_v a_o rule_n of_o conscience_n and_o here_o i_o will_v suppose_v that_o i_o do_v not_o speak_v to_o antinomian_o and_o that_o i_o need_v not_o to_o prove_v that_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o do_v what_o god_n by_o his_o command_n have_v enjoin_v and_o that_o whether_o the_o mandate_n terminat_fw-la in_o duty_n to_o himself_o or_o to_o our_o fellow_n man_n especial_o his_o vicegerent_n upon_o earth_n the_o lawful_a magistrate_n there_o be_v some_o man_n i_o know_v who_o will_v acquit_v themselves_o to_o their_o governor_n if_o they_o be_v content_a to_o suffer_v in_o case_n of_o disobedience_n but_o unless_o there_o be_v guilt_n in_o the_o neglect_n of_o active_a obedience_n it_o will_v be_v very_o unjust_a to_o enforce_v passive_a especial_o when_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o all_o the_o apostle_n arguing_n rom._n 13._o do_v prove_v a_o obligation_n to_o active_a duty_n 1._o because_o the_o magistrate_n have_v commission_n from_o god_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o will_v not_o yield_v active_a obedience_n to_o their_o lawful_a constitution_n will_v not_o obey_v the_o lord_n commission_n v._n 2._o and_o then_o 4._o he_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n his_o officer_n and_o he_o that_o do_v refuse_v obedience_n to_o those_o constitution_n of_o a_o officer_n which_o his_o superior_a have_v impower_v he_o to_o make_v he_o do_v refuse_v it_o to_o that_o superior_a and_o out_o of_o these_o he_o than_o infer_v wherefore_o you_o must_v needs_o be_v subject_a yea_o indeed_o if_o the_o just_a law_n of_o such_o governor_n do_v not_o oblige_v the_o conscience_n neither_o can_v many_o of_o god_n law_n to_o instance_n god_n have_v command_v i_o i_o shall_v not_o steal_v and_o i_o think_v myself_o bind_v in_o conscience_n not_o to_o do_v it_o but_o what_o be_v it_o to_o steal_v to_o take_v that_o which_o of_o right_n be_v another_o man_n against_o his_o will_n and_o what_o do_v give_v a_o right_a but_o human_a law_n it_o be_v according_a to_o that_o any_o thing_n be_v thou_o or_o i_o christ_n do_v not_o interpose_v in_o settle_v right_n for_o when_o the_o man_n will_v have_v have_v he_o speak_v to_o his_o brother_n to_o divide_v the_o inheritance_n with_o he_o answers_z man_n who_o make_v i_o a_o judge_n or_o a_o divider_n among_o you_o let_v the_o law_n do_v it_o that_o inheritance_n which_o here_o a_o man_n do_v claim_v as_o elder_a in_o other_o place_n of_o this_o very_a nation_n the_o young_a shall_v have_v only_o right_a too_o where_o the_o tenure_n of_o burrough_n english_a take_v place_n and_o again_o in_o other_o place_n each_o brother_n shall_v have_v equal_a right_a to_o by_o gavelkind_n and_o in_o some_o other_o nation_n as_o in_o denmark_n for_o example_n no_o child_n of_o any_o second_o wife_n have_v any_o right_n according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o abraham_n yet_o all_o these_o several_a way_n of_o right_n be_v one_o as_o just_a as_o another_o and_o in_o one_o place_n the_o one_o have_v as_o true_a a_o right_a as_o the_o other_o have_v in_o the_o other_o establish_v law_n therefore_o do_v give_v the_o only_a right_n and_o by_o those_o human_a law_n thou_o have_v a_o right_a in_o conscience_n to_o that_o which_o they_o make_v thou_o for_o otherwise_o how_o can_v it_o be_v a_o sin_n against_o my_o conscience_n to_o take_v that_o from_o thou_o which_o neither_o thou_o nor_o any_o man_n else_o have_v a_o right_a in_o conscience_n to_o such_o human_a law_n therefore_o do_v oblige_v the_o conscience_n or_o else_o god_n eight_o and_o ten_o commandment_n can_v 3._o there_o be_v yet_o another_o branch_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n and_o that_o be_v the_o law_n of_o scandal_n in_o thing_n that_o both_o by_o god_n and_o by_o man_n law_n be_v free_a to_o i_o to_o do_v or_o not_o if_o yet_o by_o do_v any_o of_o they_o or_o by_o not_o do_v i_o see_v other_o will_v be_v ensnare_v in_o sin_n i_o be_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o avoid_v either_o such_o action_n or_o omission_n 1_o cor._n 8._o from_o v_o 8._o rom._n 14._o and_o here_o i_o will_v not_o wonder_v how_o barefaced_a temtation_n to_o vice_n and_o press_a sin_n upon_o a_o man_n with_o all_o the_o art_n of_o friendship_n or_o of_o treachery_n or_o force_n shall_v grow_v to_o be_v civility_n and_o kindness_n when_o a_o innocent_a lawful_a action_n be_v so_o ill_o character_v because_o it_o may_v prove_v a_o stumble_a block_n but_o i_o will_v only_o sum_v up_o what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o one_o word_n the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n i_o be_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o do_v what_o god_n will_v have_v and_o so_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o just_a law_n of_o our_o just_a governor_n which_o
that_o we_o shall_v submit_v too_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n say_v s._n peter_n and_o the_o law_n of_o scandal_n be_v the_o full_a and_o entire_a rule_n of_o conscience_n whatsoever_o they_o prescribe_v or_o forbid_v that_o my_o conscience_n if_o it_o be_v right_o inform_v will_v tell_v i_o i_o must_v do_v or_o forbear_v and_o if_o i_o act_v according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o a_o conscience_n so_o inform_v my_o action_n will_v be_v good_a and_o honest_a and_o such_o a_o single_a eye_n make_v my_o whole_a body_n full_a of_o light_n which_o be_v the_o second_o thing_n now_o this_o be_v prove_v in_o one_o word_n that_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o good_a life_n which_o be_v regulate_v by_o a_o good_a conscience_n because_o all_o good_a life_n be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n 1_o tim._n 1._o 19_o this_o be_v s._n paul_n whole_a charge_n to_o timothy_n hold_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n there_o be_v the_o belief_n and_o duty_n that_o be_v the_o whole_a so_o 1_o pet._n 3._o 16._o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v explain_v by_o a_o good_a conversation_n in_o christ_n and_o plain_a yet_o heb._n 13._o 18._o we_o trust_v we_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n willing_a in_o all_o thing_n to_o live_v honest_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o obey_v the_o conscience_n in_o every_o thing_n not_o boggle_n with_o it_o accept_v the_o person_n of_o duty_n and_o be_v very_o conscientious_a in_o some_o thing_n but_o take_v liberty_n in_o other_o bribe_v my_o conscience_n to_o wink_v like_o a_o evil_a eye_n and_o leave_v i_o in_o the_o dark_a as_o to_o some_o action_n this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v conscientious_a he_o be_v so_o only_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o live_v honest_o in_o all_o thing_n and_o to_o do_v so_o be_v matter_n for_o the_o apostle_n confidence_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o also_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o s._n paul_n himself_o endeavour_v after_o act_n 24._o 16._o and_o herein_o do_v i_o exercise_v myself_o to_o have_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n he_o have_v no_o strict_a aim_n here_o be_v the_o height_n of_o his_o religion_n these_o be_v his_o exercise_n and_o the_o ancient_a father_n clemens_n alex._n strom._n 6._o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o what_o will_v any_o man_n have_v more_o yea_o it_o be_v apparent_a from_o the_o very_a term_n for_o if_o thy_o conscience_n true_o inform_v thou_o of_o all_o thy_o duty_n and_o thou_o do_v according_o than_o thou_o do_v all_o thy_o duty_n or_o which_o be_v all_o that_o we_o can_v do_v so_o far_o as_o thy_o hearty_a endeavour_n be_v to_o this_o so_o far_o be_v thy_o life_n good_a and_o acceptable_a and_o here_o i_o have_v a_o hint_n for_o application_n by_o conviction_n of_o those_o who_o guide_v their_o conscience_n and_o consequent_o their_o life_n by_o humour_n and_o fancy_n and_o not_o by_o the_o certain_a rule_n of_o conscience_n the_o law_n i_o have_v assign_v some_o man_n will_v call_v that_o conscience_n which_o be_v their_o inclination_n though_o they_o do_v not_o examine_v whence_o the_o inclination_n spring_v from_o god_n or_o from_o suggestion_n of_o a_o interest_n or_o a_o affliction_n and_o think_v they_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v or_o may_v do_v that_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o do_v some_o man_n rash_a heat_n that_o have_v something_o like_o zeal_n and_o it_o may_v be_v that_o have_v good_a intention_n in_o they_o be_v straight_o the_o dictate_v of_o their_o conscience_n and_o they_o must_v actuate_v those_o animosity_n and_o heat_n for_o they_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n some_o man_n be_v advise_v by_o their_o fear_n and_o that_o will_v look_v like_o conscience_n in_o a_o little_a time_n some_o man_n imagination_n promt_v by_o loose_a and_o libertine_n interpretation_n of_o scripture_n or_o false_a infusion_n be_v straight_o their_o conscience_n and_o then_o their_o conscience_n tell_v they_o they_o must_v act_v according_o but_o where_o be_v the_o law_n for_o these_o conscience_n be_v i_o tell_v you_o god_n vicegerent_n possess_v his_o throne_n in_o man_n and_o be_v his_o deputy_n prescribe_v to_o all_o man_n action_n and_o take_v cognizance_n of_o they_o and_o according_o do_v sentence_n and_o will_v a_o man_n have_v humour_n give_v the_o law_n to_o god_n vicegerent_n or_o vain_a imagination_n rule_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o god_n within_o we_o as_o the_o ancient_n call_v it_o set_v fancy_n on_o the_o throne_n or_o i_o may_v second_o complain_v of_o they_o that_o will_v divide_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n and_o pick_v and_o choose_v and_o take_v but_o part_n of_o it_o the_o immediate_a law_n of_o god_n they_o will_v think_v themselves_o bind_v to_o but_o for_o the_o law_n of_o scandal_n they_o regard_v it_o little_a who_o do_v make_v they_o the_o keeper_n of_o their_o brother_n soul_n if_o other_o by_o misunderstanding_n of_o their_o action_n be_v draw_v to_o sin_n at_o their_o own_o peril_n be_v it_o and_o at_o so_o little_a rate_n they_o value_v the_o salvation_n of_o that_o soul_n which_o christ_n think_v worth_a his_o blood_n that_o for_o their_o meat_n or_o drink_n as_o s._n paul_n word_n it_o they_o will_v let_v their_o brother_n perish_v for_o who_o christ_n die_v do_v action_n for_o their_o interest_n or_o security_n under_o a_o close_a and_o secret_a sense_n of_o their_o own_o which_o be_v not_o understand_v by_o other_o weak_a soul_n that_o look_v on_o their_o example_n with_o some_o reverence_n they_o be_v lead_v to_o sin_n and_o to_o perdition_n but_o much_o less_o do_v they_o think_v a_o law_n of_o man_n a_o rule_n for_o conscience_n according_a to_o the_o spartan_a method_n to_o be_v find_v out_o be_v transgress_v the_o law_n the_o crafty_a performance_n be_v merit_n and_o virtue_n and_o whereas_o only_a almighty_a god_n have_v cognizance_n of_o the_o heart_n his_o law_n alone_o can_v reach_v design_n and_o the_o abortive_a issue_n of_o the_o thought_n or_o those_o reserve_a enormity_n that_o be_v commit_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o without_o the_o privity_n of_o a_o witness_n here_o be_v a_o subject_n for_o a_o sad_a complaint_n but_o that_o i_o have_v occasion_n for_o a_o worse_o and_o that_o be_v of_o the_o conscience_n that_o answer_v to_o the_o evil_a eye_n the_o other_o subject_n of_o the_o parable_n that_o be_v a_o evil_a conscience_n a_o conscience_n that_o do_v not_o give_v true_a judgement_n of_o duty_n ill_o inform_v and_o first_o that_o which_o be_v total_o or_o for_o the_o most_o so_o and_o of_o that_o but_o a_o word_n for_o it_o be_v not_o pleasant_a sure_a to_o rake_v in_o such_o a_o sink_n we_o read_v in_o scripture_n of_o man_n give_v up_o to_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n or_o sense_n rom._n 1._o 28._o and_o to_o every_o good_a work_n reprobate_a tim._n 1._o 16._o man_n who_o against_o all_o the_o check_n of_o conscience_n and_o in_o despite_n of_o all_o its_o opposition_n have_v choose_v and_o pursue_v forbid_a interest_n and_o pleasure_n so_o long_o till_o custom_n of_o they_o have_v make_v they_o a_o part_n not_o only_o of_o their_o family_n but_o themselves_o and_o they_o do_v nothing_o now_o but_o prosecute_v they_o by_o contrivance_n and_o action_n and_o have_v do_v this_o till_o conscience_n be_v stupefy_v and_o as_o pleasure_n be_v especial_o say_v aristotle_n corruptive_a of_o principle_n from_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n they_o have_v conceive_v of_o they_o they_o think_v they_o little_a sin_n and_o from_o a_o long_a practice_n none_o at_o all_o these_o man_n be_v so_o far_o in_o a_o reprobate_a ense_fw-mi their_o heart_n give_v a_o false_a judgement_n as_o false_a indeed_o as_o satan_n will_v have_v they_o give_v and_o false_a much_o than_o he_o can_v give_v himself_o of_o thing_n of_o religion_n who_o believe_v and_o tremble_v for_o they_o stick_v not_o to_o think_v those_o terror_n clergy_n man_n do_v talk_v of_o be_v but_o mormo'_v vizard_n of_o fear_n only_o religious_a spectres_n shade_n of_o terror_n those_o strictness_n of_o virtue_n and_o of_o the_o mean_n of_o practise_v it_o but_o the_o dream_n of_o bigot_n foolish_a self_n injury_n and_o those_o thing_n we_o with_o so_o much_o eager_a zeal_n call_v sin_n the_o only_a and_o not_o dangerous_a enjoyment_n it_o be_v the_o apostle_n asseveration_n and_o it_o be_v justify_v by_o every_o day_n unhappy_a experience_n that_o evil_a man_n and_o seducer_n wax_v worse_o and_o worse_o deceive_v and_o be_v deceive_v 2_o tim._n 3._o 13._o habit_n of_o ill_a emprove_v gradual_o as_o those_o of_o virtue_n only_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o the_o growth_n be_v more_o sudden_a and_o prosperous_a like_o that_o of_o weed_n and_o noxious_a plant_n in_o respect_n of_o those_o which_o be_v medicinal_a there_o be_v no_o opinion_n nor_o no_o practice_n so_o bad_a
which_o man_n by_o degree_n can_v make_v plausible_a as_o custom_n render_v vice_n necessary_a so_o by_o familiarity_n it_o become_v acceptable_a the_o first_o horror_n be_v soon_o wear_v off_o and_o as_o it_o fare_v in_o war_n the_o enemy_n be_v make_v a_o servant_n and_o after_o grow_v up_o to_o be_v a_o favourite_n and_o be_v at_o length_n a_o master_n the_o progress_n from_o bad_a to_o worse_o be_v like_o that_o of_o heavy_a body_n downward_o the_o native_a weight_n gain_v fresh_a accession_n from_o the_o decent_a already_o make_v and_o the_o motion_n be_v continue_v grow_v still_o more_o rapid_a and_o irresistible_a that_o fool_n who_o say_v in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n ever_o long_o emprove_v into_o a_o wit_n and_o loud_o say_v there_o neither_o be_v or_o can_v be_v one_o conscience_n gall_v with_o perpetual_a ill_a usage_n contract_v a_o callow_n hardness_n and_o become_v utter_o insensible_a and_o by_o these_o unhappy_a step_n ungodly_a man_n be_v dead_a while_o they_o live_v 1_o tim._n 5._o 6._o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n eph._n 2._o 1._o o_o thou_o the_o dayspring_n from_o on_o high_a that_o come_v to_o visit_v we_o who_o sit_v in_o darkness_n and_o in_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n in_o ignorance_n and_o sin_n and_o in_o the_o suburb_n of_o eternal_a darkness_n shed_v thy_o light_n in_o our_o heart_n we_o beseech_v thou_o and_o by_o the_o illumination_n of_o thy_o holy_a spirit_n give_v we_o enlighten_v mind_n and_o sanctify_a will_n and_o affection_n thou_o have_v place_v conscience_n in_o thy_o stead_n within_o we_o to_o do_v thy_o office_n and_o to_o be_v thy_o vicegerent_n to_o lay_v thy_o law_n to_o we_o for_o our_o direction_n and_o to_o watch_v over_o all_o our_o action_n to_o teach_v we_o to_o convince_v we_o to_o correct_v or_o comfort_v we_o furnish_v we_o beseech_v thou_o then_o this_o thy_o commissioner_n within_o we_o with_o all_o qualification_n necessary_a for_o thy_o office_n endue_v it_o with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o thy_o will_n that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o right_a judgement_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o then_o endue_v we_o with_o obsequious_a heart_n that_o may_v be_v always_o ready_a to_o obey_v the_o dictate_v of_o our_o conscience_n willing_a to_o live_v pious_o and_o honest_o in_o all_o thing_n exercise_v ourselves_o always_o in_o this_o to_o have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n and_o when_o the_o good_a lord_n deliver_v we_o from_o this_o sad_a state_n and_o the_o occasion_n of_o it_o and_o if_o at_o any_o time_n we_o do_v rebel_n against_o thy_o officer_n our_o conscience_n lord_n arm_v it_o with_o thy_o terror_n that_o it_o may_v whip_v and_o lash_v we_o back_o again_o into_o our_o duty_n and_o sting_n and_o goad_n and_o never_o let_v we_o rest_n till_o we_o return_v to_o our_o obedience_n and_o persevere_v therein_o unto_o the_o end_n then_o shall_v we_o have_v the_o bless_a comfort_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n here_o and_o the_o gladsome_a light_n of_o a_o clear_a heart_n in_o this_o world_n and_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v light_n and_o glory_n with_o the_o in_o thy_o kingdom_n etc._n etc._n sermon_n xx._n the_o light_n of_o the_o body_n be_v the_o eye_n matt._n 6._o 22_o 23._o the_o light_n of_o the_o body_n be_v the_o eye_n if_o therefore_o thy_o eye_n be_v single_a thy_o whole_a body_n shall_v be_v full_a of_o light_n but_o if_o thy_o eye_n be_v evil_a thy_o whole_a body_n shall_v be_v full_a of_o darkness_n if_o therefore_o the_o light_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o be_v darkness_n how_o great_a be_v that_o darkness_n i_o have_v draw_v you_o the_o parallel_n betwixt_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o conscience_n to_o several_a of_o their_o object_n and_o use_n show_v you_o how_o the_o clear_a eye_n be_v not_o a_o better_a guide_n to_o a_o man_n walk_n nor_o find_v more_o pleasure_n in_o the_o prospect_n of_o those_o beauty_n that_o be_v make_v to_o temt_a and_o entertain_v the_o sight_n than_o a_o pure_a conscience_n do_v find_v in_o look_v over_o the_o landshape_n of_o a_o life_n lead_v righteous_o sober_o and_o godly_a which_o it_o must_v needs_o if_o it_o follow_v the_o guidance_n of_o this_o single_a eye_n this_o well-informed_a conscience_n i_o have_v lead_v you_o also_o to_o the_o confine_n of_o that_o more_o dismal_a prospect_n the_o dark_a of_o that_o sad_a state_n which_o a_o evil_a conscience_n do_v lead_v into_o this_o i_o have_v do_v in_o one_o and_o that_o in_o the_o worst_a consideration_n that_o of_o a_o sear_a reprobate_a conscience_n there_o remain_v three_o that_o i_o propose_v to_o consideration_n the_o first_o that_o of_o a_o err_a conscience_n second_o doubtful_a three_o scrupulous_a and_o now_o i_o be_o to_o show_v how_o each_o of_o these_o do_v lead_v a_o man_n into_o the_o dark_a the_o scrupulons_a raise_v a_o dust_n about_o he_o lead_v into_o error_n and_o discomfort_n too_o the_o doubtful_a do_v instead_o of_o guide_v he_o leave_v he_o so_o puzzle_v that_o he_o know_v not_o which_o way_n to_o betake_v himself_o and_o the_o err_a conscience_n light_v he_o into_o the_o pit_n and_o take_v he_o by_o the_o hand_n only_o to_o thrust_v he_o down_o if_o in_o any_o of_o these_o way_n the_o eye_n be_v evil_a the_o whole_a body_n shall_v be_v full_a of_o darkness_n of_o these_o in_o their_o order_n 2._o a_o err_a conscience_n a_o conscience_n that_o give_v false_a information_n of_o duty_n that_o either_o tell_v i_o i_o may_v or_o i_o must_v do_v that_o which_o either_o god_n law_n or_o some_o law_n in_o force_n upon_o i_o tell_v i_o i_o must_v not_o do_v or_o else_o tell_v i_o must_v not_o do_v that_o which_o i_o be_o bind_v to_o do_v or_o at_o the_o least_o may_v do_v now_o that_o this_o be_v a_o light_n indeed_o like_o those_o deceitful_a one_o that_o lead_v man_n over_o precipice_n into_o dark_a ruin_n like_o such_o light_n that_o be_v so_o place_v between_o the_o rock_n as_o to_o guide_v the_o mariner_n into_o a_o shipwreck_n to_o make_v it_o necessary_a for_o he_o to_o be_v dash_v against_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o be_v most_o certain_a for_o so_o it_o be_v here_o there_o be_v scarce_o such_o another_o infelicity_n as_o that_o this_o man_n lie_v under_o who_o conscience_n tell_v he_o one_o thing_n when_o god_n law_n or_o that_o which_o be_v any_o way_n his_o duty_n do_v require_v the_o contrary_a for_o if_o he_o do_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n he_o act_v against_o his_o conscience_n and_o so_o sin_n and_o if_o he_o act_v according_a to_o his_o conscience_n he_o sin_n against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n poor_a soul_n sin_n lie_v on_o the_o right_n and_o on_o the_o left_a hand_n which_o way_n soever_o he_o do_v turn_v it_o seize_v on_o he_o and_o all_o this_o i_o shall_v prove_v 1._o that_o if_o he_o act_v against_o his_o conscience_n he_o sin_n though_o the_o law_n of_o god_n make_v it_o no_o sin_n scripture_n and_o reason_n shall_v make_v good_a rom._n 14._o 14._o i_o know_v and_o be_o persuade_v by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o unclean_a of_o itself_o but_o to_o he_o that_o esteem_v any_o thing_n unclean_a to_o he_o it_o be_v unclean_a god_n have_v once_o forbid_v such_o and_o such_o meat_n under_o pain_n of_o sin_n to_o the_o jew_n by_o moses_n law_n and_o make_v they_o unclean_a that_o be_v unlawful_a to_o their_o use_n now_o christ_n have_v take_v off_o this_o obligation_n and_o make_v all_o meat_n lawful_a for_o any_o man_n s._n paul_n say_v that_o he_o know_v so_o i_o be_o assure_v that_o christ_n have_v so_o remove_v all_o obligation_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n that_o to_o a_o christian_n no_o meat_n be_v unlawful_a to_o be_v eat_v but_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o he_o who_o think_v it_o still_o prohibit_v and_o if_o his_o err_a conscience_n tell_v he_o he_o ought_v not_o eat_v it_o though_o by_o christ_n certain_a law_n he_o may_v he_o sin_n if_o he_o do_v eat_v against_o his_o conscience_n and_o that_o to_o such_o a_o height_n that_o he_o who_o example_n wrought_v with_o he_o to_o eat_v against_o the_o persuasion_n of_o his_o mind_n destroy_v the_o man_n v_o 15._o destroy_v not_o he_o with_o thy_o meat_n for_o who_o christ_n die_v it_o be_v therefore_o a_o destroy_a sin_n to_o do_v a_o lawful_a thing_n against_o a_o man_n conscience_n the_o reason_n of_o all_o this_o be_v clear_a because_o no_o law_n of_o god_n or_o man_n no_o rule_n of_o duty_n can_v be_v apply_v unto_o we_o but_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o conscience_n for_o till_o my_o conscience_n lay_v it_o to_o my_o heart_n and_o tell_v i_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v command_v and_o my_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o i_o as_o if_o there_o be_v
another_o occasion_n for_o god_n remit_v he_o not_o from_o his_o conscience_n which_o may_v alleviate_v the_o fault_n but_o by_o his_o be_v by_o the_o horror_n of_o his_o sin_n a_o great_a instance_n of_o god_n wonderful_a grace_n in_o forgive_n v_o 16._o howbeit_o for_o this_o cause_n i_o obtain_v mercy_n that_o in_o i_o first_o jesus_n christ_n may_v show_v forth_o all_o long-suffering_a for_o a_o pattern_n to_o they_o which_o shall_v hereafter_o believe_v in_o he_o to_o life_n everlasting_a god_n deal_v most_o merciful_o with_o i_o call_v i_o from_o heaven_n whilst_o i_o be_v persecute_v he_o to_o be_v a_o prime_a object_n of_o his_o patience_n and_o longanimity_n and_o in_o order_n of_o time_n the_o first_o that_o be_v so_o miraculous_o call_v that_o so_o the_o wicked_a of_o the_o gentile_n may_v in_o i_o have_v a_o example_n of_o hope_n of_o mercy_n if_o they_o shall_v come_v in_o to_o christ._n and_o will_v it_o now_o be_v fit_a my_o brethren_n with_o this_o of_o s._n paul_n who_o notwithstanding_o such_o true_a plea_n of_o conscience_n be_v force_v to_o seek_v out_o for_o such_o motive_n of_o forgiveness_n and_o plead_v hard_a ignorance_n and_o unbelief_n and_o yet_o confess_v himself_o the_o chief_n of_o sinner_n with_o this_o i_o say_v to_o parallel_v some_o action_n of_o our_o day_n that_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n which_o too_o have_v no_o law_n as_o that_o of_o s._n paul_n have_v though_o then_o outdate_v will_v justify_v forbid_a action_n even_o against_o repentance_n man_n will_v not_o ask_v forgiveness_n where_o they_o can_v pretend_v conscience_n i_o can_v instance_n in_o a_o strange_a particular_a of_o one_o of_o my_o remembrance_n and_o my_o knowledge_n of_o the_o person_n and_o the_o story_n sufficient_o notorious_a who_o because_o the_o papist_n believe_v that_o to_o be_v christ_n which_o indeed_o be_v bread_n worship_v it_o therefore_o think_v in_o his_o conscience_n all_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n idolatry_n and_o to_o that_o error_n add_v the_o command_n deut._n 13._o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o cut_v off_o his_o brother_n and_o his_o mother_n head_n yea_o and_o when_o condemn_v to_o death_n by_o sentence_n of_o law_n for_o the_o action_n will_v not_o be_v beat_v from_o his_o hold_n but_o on_o the_o strength_n of_o that_o mistake_a place_n go_v as_o bold_o with_o that_o blood_n on_o his_o hand_n and_o his_o soul_n to_o face_v the_o judgement_n seat_n as_o he_o can_v have_v do_v have_v he_o be_v wash_v in_o christ_n own_o blood_n and_o of_o this_o resolute_a fury_n the_o zealot_n of_o our_o neighbour_n country_n of_o scotland_n have_v make_v many_o recent_a instance_n in_o their_o revive_a ravilliac_n see_v the_o sad_a issue_n of_o a_o err_a conscience_n a_o action_n who_o horror_n fiend_n will_v startle_v at_o such_o a_o persuasion_n do_v make_v meritorious_a and_o yet_o god_n know_v that_o err_a conscience_n have_v bring_v the_o parent_n of_o a_o nation_n a_o thing_n of_o much_o dire_a guilt_n to_o the_o same_o state_n and_o yet_o that_o conscience_n must_v be_v admit_v a_o excuse_n when_o god_n know_v jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n have_v be_v all_o the_o ground_n and_o all_o the_o rule_n for_o their_o determination_n of_o conscience_n and_o yet_o on_o that_o stock_n alone_o they_o can_v misjudge_v and_o censure_v speak_v evil_a of_o and_o revile_v the_o action_n of_o just_a governor_n and_o do_v that_o which_o i_o dare_v not_o say_v when_o against_o all_o law_n both_o of_o god_n and_o man_n all_o tie_v sacred_a and_o civil_a obligation_n of_o oath_n and_o duty_n that_o it_o may_v be_v impossible_a to_o plead_v ignorance_n man_n yet_o will_v act_v under_o the_o banner_n of_o such_o a_o thin_a conscience_n that_o never_o can_v produce_v any_o law_n of_o god_n for_o its_o direction_n or_o its_o quiet_a and_o yet_o think_v themselves_o secure_a when_o a_o confident_a persuasion_n of_o heart_n god_n know_v how_o take_v up_o shall_v quite_o annual_a that_o command_n of_o christ_n of_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n and_o change_v that_o state_n which_o he_o call_v bless_v suffer_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n change_v it_o into_o so_o great_a a_o curse_n as_o man_n will_v rather_o embowel_v themselves_o in_o their_o brother_n heart_n involve_v a_o nation_n in_o blood_n and_o misery_n in_o guilt_n and_o ruin_n than_o not_o throw_v off_o the_o cross_n from_o off_o their_o shoulder_n and_o now_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o observe_v that_o when_o perjury_n and_o sacrilege_n and_o breach_n of_o almost_o every_o commandment_n in_o the_o decalogue_n shall_v not_o only_o become_v tolerable_a but_o be_v the_o only_a character_n of_o a_o godly_a side_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o thing_n call_v conscience_n sure_o s._n paul_n be_v a_o weak_a man_n that_o when_o he_o have_v do_v some_o such_o thing_n out_o of_o a_o good_a and_o pure_a conscience_n yet_o call_v himself_o the_o chief_a of_o sinner_n in_o like_a manner_n in_o the_o church_n new_a religious_a fancy_n be_v bold_a to_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o holy_a face_n of_o conscience_n and_o then_o to_o quicken_v man_n into_o schism_n and_o all_o uncharitable_a separation_n and_o faction_n withdraw_v they_o from_o the_o obedience_n of_o they_o that_o have_v the_o spiritual_a rule_n over_o they_o not_o at_o all_o submit_v themselves_o to_o they_o who_o by_o god_n appointment_n watch_v over_o their_o soul_n but_o rather_o fly_v in_o their_o face_n at_o once_o with_o open_a disobedience_n loud_a reproach_n bitter_a censure_n and_o severe_a condemnation_n other_o by_o have_v have_v man_n person_n in_o admiration_n and_o consequent_o their_o opinion_n suffer_v their_o model_n to_o be_v stamp_v upon_o their_o conscience_n and_o then_o that_o must_v justify_v ecclesiastical_a parricide_n destroy_v their_o own_o father_n that_o beget_v they_o to_o the_o church_n and_o at_o once_o cut_v off_o the_o whole_a line_n of_o those_o progenitor_n that_o can_v derive_v their_o race_n from_o christ_n a_o fair_a stem_n and_o pedigree_n than_o most_o can_v show_v but_o alas_o my_o brethren_n if_o we_o shall_v grant_v that_o these_o opinion_n real_o possess_v their_o soul_n and_o that_o in_o the_o uprightness_n of_o their_o heart_n they_o do_v pursue_v they_o that_o neither_o interest_n nor_o faction_n nor_o have_v be_v disoblige_v or_o have_v suffer_v have_v puff_v up_o a_o passion_n into_o conscience_n but_o that_o it_o be_v all_o sincerity_n yet_o we_o have_v see_v thou_o can_v bear_v we_o out_o in_o such_o commission_n it_o be_v but_o a_o err_a conscience_n still_o that_o animate_v a_o man_n into_o any_o breach_n of_o duty_n and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o law_n to_o warrant_v action_n the_o conscience_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v able_a to_o justify_v they_o that_o while_o it_o err_v it_o but_o entangle_v a_o man_n in_o the_o necessity_n of_o sin_v lead_v he_o into_o such_o labyrinth_n of_o guilt_n that_o whatever_o he_o do_v he_o offend_v on_o one_o side_n if_o he_o do_v what_o his_o err_a conscience_n dictate_v to_o he_o he_o sin_n against_o god_n law_n on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o he_o forbear_v he_o sin_n against_o god_n vicegerent_n his_o own_o conscience_n there_o be_v the_o guilt_n of_o his_o deed_n here_o be_v the_o guilt_n of_o his_o heart_n which_o do_v oblige_v a_o man_n to_o follow_v that_o which_o it_o be_v sin_n to_o follow_v and_o which_o make_v he_o he_o must_v and_o aught_o to_o do_v that_o which_o he_o must_v not_o nor_o aught_o to_o do_v and_o sure_a my_o brethren_n the_o only_a application_n to_o such_o a_o conscience_n be_v to_o advise_v the_o lay_v it_o aside_o to_o rectify_v the_o error_n good_a counsel_n that_o indeed_o but_o the_o hard_a to_o be_v take_v in_o the_o world_n for_o that_o a_o man_n may_v rectify_v he_o must_v know_v himself_o in_o a_o error_n and_o if_o he_o know_v that_o than_o he_o have_v not_o a_o err_a conscience_n this_o when_o it_o be_v strong_o so_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o doubt_v of_o his_o opinion_n and_o while_o he_o do_v not_o doubt_n what_o temptation_n have_v he_o so_o much_o as_o to_o set_v upon_o the_o rectify_v i_o shall_v but_o name_v some_o mean_n the_o first_o will_v be_v prayer_n for_o divine_a illumination_n s._n james_n have_v direct_v this_o if_o any_o man_n lack_v wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v of_o god_n that_o give_v to_o all_o man_n liberal_o and_o upbraid_v not_o c._n 1._o 5._o and_o our_o saviour_n have_v promise_v that_o he_o will_v give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o luke_n 11._o 13._o who_o office_n we_o know_v be_v to_o lead_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n john_n 16._o 13._o the_o second_o mean_n will_v be_v not_o to_o be_v want_v to_o ourselves_o not_o to_o shut_v our_o eye_n against_o or_o resist_v the_o truth_n act_v 28._o 27._o
2_o tim._n 3._o 8._o nor_o by_o a_o wretchless_n unconcerndness_n take_v up_o with_o slight_a appearance_n and_o receive_v a_o vulgar_a error_n for_o a_o sacred_a revelation_n and_o have_v man_n person_n in_o admiration_n judas_n 16._o believe_v as_o doctrine_n the_o device_n or_o commandment_n of_o man_n matt._n 15._o 9_o not_o to_o consider_v what_o this_o celebrate_a teacher_n or_o this_o sect_n and_o party_n say_v but_o make_v our_o resort_n to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testament_n what_o law_n of_o god_n there_o be_v for_o or_o against_o this_o action_n for_o in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v most_o true_a there_o be_v one_o lawgiver_n who_o can_v save_v and_o destroy_v james_n 4._o 12._o and_o if_o sin_n be_v the_o transgression_n of_o a_o law_n 1_o john_n 3._o 4._o it_o inevitable_o follow_v that_o where_o no_o law_n be_v there_o be_v no_o transgression_n rom._n 4._o 15._o and_o yet_o it_o be_v strange_a to_o see_v how_o man_n amuse_v and_o embarras_n themselves_o in_o thing_n that_o have_v no_o bottom_n or_o foundation_n in_o scripture_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n omit_v the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o the_o law_n judgement_n mercy_n and_o faith_n three_o if_o i_o have_v be_v engage_v in_o any_o practice_n of_o which_o by_o the_o contrary_a practice_n of_o other_o sober_a rational_a man_n i_o see_v there_o may_v be_v reason_n if_o not_o to_o doubt_v yet_o to_o search_v into_o they_o then_o i_o will_v take_v the_o same_o course_n in_o order_n to_o the_o settle_n or_o the_o rectify_v of_o my_o judgement_n and_o especial_o if_o any_o obligation_n to_o the_o contrary_n have_v get_v possession_n of_o i_o if_o obedience_n and_o meekness_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o state_n or_o church_n or_o any_o sacred_a bond_n in_o a_o word_n if_o any_o command_n of_o superior_n or_o engagement_n to_o they_o seem_v strong_a for_o the_o other_o side_n than_o nothing_o but_o clear_a law_n of_o god_n or_o my_o superior_n shall_v fix_v i_o four_o where_o thing_n be_v not_o absolute_o convince_a on_o either_o side_n and_o there_o be_v no_o clear_a law_n on_o neither_o or_o else_o so_o much_o like_o law_n on_o both_o side_n here_o as_o i_o must_v suspend_v if_o possible_a my_o action_n for_o these_o must_v needs_o make_v doubt_n so_o if_o i_o be_v necessitate_v to_o act_v on_o one_o side_n or_o other_o then_o if_o my_o conscience_n do_v mistake_v according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o my_o diligence_n in_o examine_v so_o will_v be_v the_o degree_n of_o my_o guilt_n if_o i_o have_v search_v to_o my_o utmost_a and_o so_o offend_v out_o of_o a_o ignorance_n i_o can_v not_o overcome_v it_o be_v the_o constant_a doctrine_n of_o all_o that_o the_o mercy_n of_o our_o god_n by_o the_o tenure_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v not_o impute_v the_o error_n to_o a_o person_n otherwise_o of_o holy_a life_n but_o if_o there_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o know_v that_o either_o heat_n or_o any_o other_o thing_n do_v hurry_v i_o from_o a_o sufficient_a consideration_n thereof_o according_a to_o my_o mean_n so_o be_v my_o sin_n abimelech_n have_v a_o competent_a ground_n to_o think_v that_o sarah_n be_v not_o abraham_n wife_n when_o both_o herself_o and_o he_o have_v tell_v he_o so_o and_o upon_o that_o he_o say_v he_o take_v she_o to_o he_o in_o the_o integrity_n of_o his_o heart_n his_o conscience_n reasonable_o well-informed_a tell_v he_o that_o he_o may_v do_v it_o and_o yet_o god_n punish_v his_o haste_n he_o determine_v too_o speedy_o his_o desire_n be_v too_o quick_a do_v not_o proceed_v by_o those_o slow_a step_n that_o a_o good_a careful_a conscience_n do_v move_v with_o that_o will_v examine_v with_o all_o strictness_n where_o he_o discern_v there_o will_v be_v gross_a sin_n on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o jew_n have_v a_o strong_a prejudice_n against_o christ_n reformation_n of_o the_o law_n by_o those_o so_o many_o promise_n of_o scripture_n that_o their_o sacrifice_n shall_v be_v eternal_a and_o when_o for_o many_o age_n they_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o a_o religion_n so_o own_a by_o god_n and_o be_v so_o harden_v in_o that_o religion_n by_o all_o their_o teacher_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n they_o reject_v the_o apostle_n preach_v out_o of_o conscience_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n paul_n himself_o have_v do_v so_o and_o yet_o god_n give_v they_o up_o to_o final_a induration_n for_o it_o because_o they_o have_v sufficient_a mean_n of_o know_v christ_n be_v send_v by_o god_n to_o reform_v their_o religion_n for_o have_v they_o not_o hear_v rom._n 10._o 18._o thy_o diligence_n therefore_o shall_v alleviate_v the_o fault_n and_o where_o it_o be_v use_v in_o a_o good_a measure_n probable_o will_v not_o suffer_v the_o conscience_n to_o be_v long_o positive_a and_o peremptory_a in_o a_o mistake_n but_o at_o the_o most_o will_v let_v it_o only_o be_v a_o doubt_a conscience_n which_o how_o far_o it_o be_v a_o evil_a eye_n and_o how_o we_o be_v to_o guide_v ourselves_o out_o of_o that_o darkness_n it_o do_v lead_v into_o we_o must_v now_o show_v a_o doubt_a conscience_n may_v be_v either_o in_o thing_n of_o very_a little_a moment_n and_o also_o where_o there_o be_v very_o little_a light_n to_o guide_v it_o and_o then_o we_o only_o call_v it_o scrupulous_a or_o else_o in_o thing_n of_o consequence_n and_o of_o these_o we_o now_o treat_v and_o the_o position_n be_v that_o he_o that_o act_v according_a to_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n sin_n and_o this_o evil_a eye_n lead_v into_o utter_a darkness_n the_o aphorism_n be_v a_o certain_a revel_v pronunce_v truth_n he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v rom._n 14._o 23._o however_o sacred_a the_o tribunal_n of_o conscience_n can_v be_v think_v to_o be_v it_o must_v not_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o throne_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o oblige_v we_o to_o do_v that_o which_o the_o divine_a command_n have_v interdict_v or_o to_o leave_v that_o undo_v the_o do_v of_o which_o he_o have_v express_o charge_v upon_o we_o it_o be_v think_v to_o be_v a_o tyrannous_a hardship_n which_o the_o egyptian_a taskmaster_n put_v upon_o the_o israelite_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v beat_v because_o they_o make_v not_o brick_n when_o they_o have_v no_o straw_n to_o make_v it_o with_o but_o it_o will_v seem_v a_o more_o tyrannous_a cruelty_n to_o punish_v they_o if_o they_o make_v and_o also_o to_o punish_v if_o they_o do_v not_o make_v it_o but_o so_o it_o be_v he_o who_o choose_v to_o do_v that_o which_o his_o conscience_n suggest_v he_o ought_v to_o avoid_v as_o be_v ill_a and_o resolve_v to_o omit_v that_o which_o he_o judge_n or_o believe_v he_o ought_v to_o do_v as_o be_v good_a have_v all_o the_o inordination_n of_o mind_n that_o constitute_v the_o most_o flagrant_a guilt_n he_o pursue_v evil_a and_o turn_v away_o from_o good_a apprehend_v to_o be_v such_o and_o so_o have_v that_o depravation_n of_o mind_n that_o constitute_v a_o devil_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n our_o opinion_n can_v alter_v the_o real_a nature_n of_o thing_n nor_o will_v my_o belief_n that_o my_o act_n be_v laudable_a make_v it_o to_o be_v so_o any_o more_o than_o my_o fancy_n that_o poison_n be_v wholesome_a food_n will_v free_v they_o from_o their_o noxious_a venom_n and_o render_v they_o restorative_n and_o cordial_n in_o like_a manner_n my_o adventure_n on_o a_o action_n which_o i_o think_v be_v bad_a upon_o the_o cold_a reserve_n of_o a_o possibility_n that_o it_o may_v be_v otherwise_o involve_v the_o desperate_a resolution_n of_o do_v it_o howsoever_o which_o differ_v very_o little_a from_o do_v it_o though_o i_o know_v it_o to_o be_v certain_o unlawful_a but_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n admit_v of_o a_o counterpoise_n from_o a_o contrary_a doubt_n and_o there_o be_v fear_n of_o sin_n as_o on_o the_o one_o so_o also_o on_o the_o other_o part_n i_o be_o uncertain_a whether_o i_o may_v not_o do_v ill_o in_o act_v and_o yet_o whether_o i_o may_v not_o do_v worse_o in_o forbear_v or_o thus_o i_o be_o not_o sure_a that_o what_o i_o enterprise_n be_v lawful_a but_o yet_o i_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o believe_v it_o be_v unlawful_a now_o from_o this_o exigent_n thus_o declare_v i_o may_v deduce_v resolution_n in_o many_o case_n of_o our_o life_n as_o 1._o when_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n to_o build_v a_o certain_a judgement_n on_o of_o either_o side_n but_o it_o be_v only_o probable_a the_o thing_n be_v not_o sin_n and_o consequent_o i_o can_v be_v sure_a it_o be_v not_o yet_o if_o upon_o that_o probability_n i_o act_n this_o be_v clear_a different_a from_o the_o state_n of_o the_o doubt_a conscience_n for_o though_o i_o may_v have_v some_o doubt_n it_o be_v possible_a the_o thing_n may_v not_o be_v good_a yet_o have_v honest_o examine_v it_o i_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v it_o