he_o that_o fear_v god_n and_o work_v righteousness_n shall_v be_v accept_v act_v 10.35_o this_o proposition_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v no_o doubt_n true_a in_o every_o age_n as_o well_o before_o as_o after_o christ_n time_n there_o be_v but_o one_o way_n of_o salvation_n both_o for_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o but_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n who_o be_v call_v the_o saviour_n of_o all_o man_n though_o more_o especial_o of_o such_o as_o believe_v i._n e._n of_o christian_n no_o other_o name_n be_v give_v among_o man_n no_o other_o mediator_n be_v constitute_v throughout_o the_o world_n beside_o he_o where_o by_o they_o can_v hope_v to_o be_v save_v act_v 4.12_o though_o how-and_a in_o what_o manner_n the_o merit_n of_o christ_n be_v apply_v unto_o they_o that_o have_v no_o explicit_a knowledge_n or_o faith_n in_o he_o be_v a_o mystery_n too_o high_a for_o our_o reach_n and_o therefore_o as_o a_o secret_a thing_n belong_v only_o to_o god_n the_o meaning_n of_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o this_o particular_a be_v in_o short_a this_o that_o there_o must_v be_v not_o only_o a_o rule_n but_o a_o knowledge_n of_o that_o rule_n before_o it_o can_v oblige_v conscience_n three_o there_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o mind_n concern_v our_o action_n a_o judge_v of_o they_o by_o a_o know_a rule_n of_o what_o kind_a or_o nature_n they_o be_v whether_o good_a or_o bad_a well_o or_o ill_o do_v agreeable_a to_o the_o intent_n of_o the_o law_n or_o not_o from_o whence_o arise_v in_o the_o four_o place_n the_o giving_z or_o pass_v sentence_n upon_o ourselves_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n of_o our_o action_n the_o acquit_v or_o condemn_v ourselves_o in_o our_o own_o breast_n and_o judge_v of_o our_o spiritual_a state_n or_o moral_a condition_n whether_o we_o be_v able_a to_o approve_v ourselves_o unto_o god_n who_o be_v the_o strict_a observer_n and_o supreme_a judge_n of_o all_o our_o action_n and_o from_o these_o two_o last_o act_n result_v the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n which_o if_o it_o vote_v on_o our_o behalf_n yield_v we_o matter_n of_o comfort_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o our_o suffering_n enable_v we_o to_o hold_v up_o our_o head_n with_o joy_n and_o give_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n whereby_o we_o may_v draw_v near_o with_o a_o true_a heart_n in_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n have_v our_o heart_n sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a assurance_n and_o our_o body_n wash_v with_o pure_a water_n heb._n 10.22_o and_o again_o beloved_n if_o our_o heart_n that_o be_v our_o conscience_n condemn_v we_o not_o then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n 1_o john_n 3.21_o but_o if_o the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n make_v against_o we_o than_o it_o can_v choose_v but_o afflict_v and_o disquiet_v we_o make_v our_o countenance_n to_o fall_v and_o cause_v sad_a thought_n to_o arise_v within_o we_o which_o in_o some_o man_n be_v attend_v with_o great_a horror_n than_o in_o other_o according_a as_o conscience_n be_v awaken_v or_o lay_v to_o sleep_v the_o whole_a transaction_n of_o conscience_n in_o this_o affair_n be_v sometime_o represent_v by_o way_n of_o syllogism_n in_o three_o proposition_n that_o which_o form_n the_o first_o proposition_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o make_v report_n of_o the_o law_n and_o draw_v its_o medium_fw-la or_o argument_n from_o thence_o that_o which_o form_n the_o minor_a be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o conscience_n this_o make_v a_o particular_a application_n of_o the_o law_n or_o rule_n unto_o a_o man_n be_v own_o self_n or_o bring_v it_o home_o to_o his_o own_o case_n the_o three_o infer_v the_o conclusion_n from_o both_o and_o be_v therefore_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o conscience_n upon_o the_o whole_a whereby_o a_o man_n be_v able_a to_o judge_v of_o his_o action_n and_o pass_v sentence_n upon_o himself_o either_o of_o absolution_n or_o condemnation_n have_v resolve_v the_o first_o enquiry_n what_o conscience_n be_v it_o will_v from_o hence_o more_o easy_o appear_v in_o the_o next_o place_n 2._o what_o it_o be_v to_o make_v conscience_n of_o our_o action_n or_o to_o live_v according_a to_o conscience_n negative_o it_o be_v not_o to_o do_v what_o we_o listen_v to_o walk_v at_o large_a or_o live_v at_o random_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v transport_v with_o humour_n or_o passion_n or_o discontent_n it_o be_v not_o to_o act_v in_o conformity_n to_o the_o opinion_n of_o other_o man_n or_o of_o a_o particular_a sect_n or_o party_n as_o such_o no_o nor_o always_o to_o follow_v the_o dictate_v and_o persuasion_n of_o our_o own_o prejudice_v and_o misinform_v mind_n whereof_o notwithstanding_o some_o people_n be_v so_o very_o fond_a as_o to_o make_v no_o difference_n between_o conscience_n and_o prejudice_n wherefore_o positive_o to_o act_v according_a to_o conscience_n be_v to_o walk_v by_o rule_n and_o live_v according_a to_o law_n to_o frame_v all_o our_o action_n according_a to_o the_o will_n and_o direction_n of_o our_o maker_n who_o have_v absolute_a authority_n over_o we_o and_o claim_v a_o great_a share_n in_o we_o than_o we_o can_v in_o ourselves_o for_o conscience_n be_v under_o authority_n tie_v to_o a_o rule_n and_o must_v have_v a_o law_n for_o its_o direction_n and_o governance_n now_o when_o we_o perform_v our_o action_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o may_v be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o rule_n which_o be_v give_v we_o for_o the_o right_a government_n thereof_o and_o when_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o our_o life_n bear_v some_o proportion_n thereunto_o this_o be_v to_o make_v conscience_n of_o our_o way_n and_o to_o approve_v ourselves_o to_o ourselves_o in_o so_o do_v that_o man_n therefore_o that_o have_v no_o respect_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o action_n nor_o take_v any_o care_n to_o render_v they_o in_o some_o good_a measure_n answerable_a to_o it_o such_o a_o one_o let_v his_o plea_n and_o pretence_n be_v never_o so_o specious_a and_o demure_a make_v no_o conscience_n how_o he_o live_v and_o consequent_o can_v never_o expect_v the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n on_o his_o side_n much_o less_o be_v able_a to_o rejoice_v in_o it_o now_o the_o chief_a rule_n or_o law_n that_o be_v to_o direct_v conscience_n and_o govern_v our_o action_n be_v the_o canon_n of_o holy_a scripture_n the_o write_a word_n or_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n this_o lay_v the_o strong_a nay_o the_o only_a obligation_n upon_o conscience_n which_o can_v acquit_v we_o no_o far_o than_o our_o action_n be_v correspondent_a to_o this_o rule_n and_o unto_o which_o all_o other_o be_v subordinate_a and_o may_v be_v apply_v so_o that_o to_o live_v according_a to_o conscience_n be_v to_o measure_v out_o our_o action_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n to_o conform_v the_o general_n practice_n and_o course_n of_o our_o life_n unto_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a rule_n of_o righteousness_n that_o be_v or_o can_v be_v give_v we_o and_o unto_o which_o all_o other_o ought_v to_o refer_v it_o be_v to_o live_v in_o obedience_n to_o a_o divine_a command_n and_o to_o subject_n ourselves_o entire_o to_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o he_o who_o have_v the_o absolute_a dispose_n and_o government_n of_o our_o conscience_n and_o to_o who_o we_o owe_v all_o the_o duty_n and_o service_n we_o be_v capable_a of_o he_o that_o do_v otherwise_o do_v amiss_o and_o can_v never_o be_v able_a to_o justify_v himself_o unto_o his_o own_o mind_n much_o less_o answer_v it_o to_o god_n when_o he_o can_v do_v it_o to_o his_o own_o conscience_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o appear_v that_o conscience_n be_v as_o i_o say_v before_o no_o lawless_a or_o ungovernable_a principle_n no_o prejudice_v or_o discontent_a passion_n no_o affect_a or_o superstitious_a impulse_n etc._n etc._n as_o some_o will_v make_v we_o believe_v it_o be_v no_o tyrannical_a or_o despotic_a lord_n so_o as_o to_o impose_v its_o own_o private_a dictate_v for_o divine_a command_n much_o less_o the_o wild_a extravagancy_n and_o enthusiastic_a conceit_n of_o this_o or_o that_o sect_n under_o pretence_n of_o religion_n whereof_o instance_n have_v not_o be_v want_v in_o this_o nation_n and_o age_n of_o we_o conscience_n be_v god_n substitute_n and_o vicegerent_n and_o can_v act_v or_o impose_v no_o further_o than_o it_o have_v warrant_n or_o authority_n from_o he_o so_o to_o do_v to_o do_v more_o than_o this_o be_v to_o exceed_v its_o commission_n and_o to_o do_v that_o which_o all_o the_o fine_a pretence_n in_o the_o world_n will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v we_o out_o in_o 3._o notwithstanding_o conscience_n by_o many_o person_n pretend_v to_o it_o have_v be_v wretched_o abuse_v yet_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v slight_v
give_v no_o particular_a command_n either_o for_o or_o against_o and_o upon_o that_o account_n become_v of_o a_o middle_a nature_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a as_o be_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v if_o therefore_o not_o command_v they_o do_v not_o oblige_v conscience_n in_o point_n of_o obedience_n if_o not_o forbid_v they_o offend_v not_o conscience_n in_o point_n of_o gild_n this_o be_v the_o true_a and_o easy_a notion_n of_o thing_n indifferent_a as_o come_v under_o no_o immediate_a injunction_n or_o prohibition_n and_o therefore_o leave_v free_a as_o to_o the_o performance_n or_o omission_n unless_o prudence_n shall_v otherwise_o direct_v or_o lawful_a authority_n interpose_v but_o some_o there_o be_v who_o will_v admit_v nothing_o for_o indifferent_a but_o what_o scripture_n do_v express_o warrant_v and_o affirm_v to_o be_v so_o but_o then_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o call_v indifferent_a in_o the_o world_n because_o there_o be_v no_o text_n throughout_o the_o whole_a bible_n that_o speak_v any_o thing_n to_o this_o purpose_n or_o make_v mention_n of_o what_o be_v indifferent_a and_o what_o not_o and_o yet_o that_o some_o thing_n in_o or_o about_o religion_n be_v indifferent_a and_o may_v be_v do_v or_o not_o do_v without_o sin_n we_o have_v the_o general_a consent_n of_o most_o of_o our_o reform_a divine_n taederet_fw-la calv._n beza_n bucer_n pola_n p._n martyr_n cum_fw-la plurimis_fw-la aliis_fw-la quos_fw-la omnes_fw-la enumerare_fw-la jam_fw-la taederet_fw-la and_o that_o as_o well_o of_o foreign_a church_n as_o of_o our_o own_o it_o be_v therefore_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o i_o to_o judge_v any_o thing_n indifferent_a whereof_o the_o scripture_n be_v whole_o silent_a and_o make_v no_o mention_n at_o all_o either_o one_o way_n or_o other_o as_o in_o matter_n of_o external_n rite_n and_o ceremony_n the_o outward_a mode_n and_o circumstance_n of_o divine_a worship_n which_o be_v all_o of_o they_o of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n and_o wherein_o there_o be_v no_o religion_n or_o sin_n at_o all_o as_o consider_v absolute_o in_o themselves_o and_o strip_v of_o all_o other_o circumstance_n which_o may_v alter_v the_o case_n indifferent_a thing_n therefore_o be_v neither_o good_a nor_o evil_a in_o themselves_o may_v be_v do_v or_o not_o do_v without_o sin_v against_o god_n or_o offend_a conscience_n but_o when_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v indifferent_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n do_v either_o tend_v to_o or_o come_v under_o the_o general_n rule_v of_o order_n and_o decency_n and_o have_v withal_o the_o addition_n of_o lawful_a authority_n to_o re-commend_a they_o then_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o become_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o in_o that_o respect_n necessary_a though_o they_o remain_v still_o indifferent_a as_o to_o their_o own_o nature_n i_o say_v though_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o be_v not_o change_v by_o the_o superaddition_n of_o lawful_a authority_n but_o remain_v indifferent_a as_o before_o yet_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o be_v no_o long_o so_o but_o become_v a_o necessary_a instance_n of_o our_o obedience_n and_o therefore_o obstinacy_n in_o refuse_v to_o comply_v with_o such_o injunction_n can_v excuse_v from_o gild_n except_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o disobedience_n to_o the_o lawful_a command_n of_o the_o magistrate_n be_v no_o sin_n and_o the_o study_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o quiet_n be_v no_o duty_n for_o the_o clear_a illustration_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v instance_n but_o in_o one_o ceremony_n at_o present_a which_o by_o many_o be_v scruple_v at_o but_o i_o think_v without_o any_o ground_n either_o from_o scripture_n or_o reason_n and_o that_o be_v kneel_v at_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n which_o be_v the_o only_a ceremony_n that_o be_v enjoin_v or_o require_v from_o the_o laity_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n without_o some_o gesture_n which_o be_v natural_a to_o every_o action_n whether_o it_o be_v sit_v stand_v kneel_v or_o lean_v i._n e._n incline_v the_o body_n on_o one_o side_n which_o be_v general_o think_v to_o be_v the_o posture_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o disciple_n at_o the_o first_o institution_n thereof_o according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o east_n each_o of_o these_o posture_n consider_v in_o themselves_o be_v equal_o indifferent_a and_o one_o to_o be_v scruple_v no_o more_o than_o another_o because_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o natural_a to_o bodily_a action_n kneel_v therefore_o in_o the_o first_o place_n be_v not_o forbid_v in_o scripture_n be_v no_o more_o unlawful_a than_o sit_v or_o stand_v and_o be_v a_o natural_a gesture_n of_o the_o body_n be_v as_o indifferent_a as_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n but_o than_o second_o as_o it_o be_v a_o devout_a posture_n and_o expressive_a of_o great_a reverence_n and_o humility_n than_o that_o of_o sit_v or_o stand_v so_o it_o may_v be_v prefer_v as_o more_o convenient_a and_o suitable_a to_o the_o piety_n and_o devotion_n of_o that_o holy_a ordinance_n than_o any_o other_o gesture_n but_o three_o as_o it_o be_v enjoin_v by_o the_o authority_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o power_n in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n some_o man_n be_v unwilling_a to_o understand_v so_o it_o become_v more_o necessary_a and_o bind_v as_o to_o the_o use_v thereof_o what_o be_v indifferent_a before_o in_o one_o respect_n become_v convenient_a in_o another_o and_o necessary_a in_o a_o three_o it_o be_v indifferent_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n because_o not_o forbid_v it_o be_v convenient_a in_o regard_n of_o its_o natural_a significancy_n as_o betoken_v more_o reverence_n and_o devotion_n and_o it_o be_v necessary_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o command_n of_o our_o governor_n as_o a_o instance_n of_o our_o obedience_n to_o they_o which_o god_n have_v make_v our_o duty_n and_o that_o for_o conscience_n sake_n that_o action_n therefore_o which_o be_v natural_a and_o indifferent_a convenient_a and_o reverend_a and_o upon_o those_o account_n command_v and_o enjoin_v i_o will_v fain_o know_v where_o do_v the_o vnlawfulness_n of_o it_o lie_v or_o where_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o such_o a_o action_n to_o be_v find_v they_o therefore_o that_o shall_v scruple_n kneel_v at_o the_o s._n sacrament_n especial_o since_o our_o church_n have_v assure_v they_o that_o there_o be_v no_o intention_n of_o adore_v the_o element_n or_o the_o suppose_a presence_n of_o christ_n body_n i_o fear_v understand_v not_o what_o reverence_n and_o devotion_n be_v so_o well_o as_o they_o ought_v but_o discover_v something_o of_o a_o temper_n which_o if_o leave_v loose_a will_v be_v troublesome_a and_o uneasy_a under_o all_o government_n and_o discipline_n though_o never_o so_o so_o pure_a and_o primitive_a notwithstanding_o they_o seem_v such_o zealous_a contender_n for_o it_o but_o pray_v why_o shall_v a_o lawful_a authority_n be_v blame_v for_o do_v that_o which_o particular_a man_n and_o private_a teacher_n do_v daily_o practice_v in_o their_o several_a meeting_n and_o illegal_a assemble_v namely_o impose_v upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n and_o require_v their_o submission_n to_o several_a thing_n which_o they_o have_v no_o express_a rule_n for_o in_o scripture_n and_o yet_o make_v this_o the_o great_a objection_n against_o the_o worship_n and_o discipline_n of_o our_o church_n in_o which_o respect_n they_o be_v no_o less_o magisterial_a if_o not_o more_o than_o our_o governor_n who_o upon_o all_o occasion_n they_o arraign_v as_o such_o for_o without_o any_o authority_n from_o god_n or_o the_o magistrate_n they_o exercise_v a_o arbitrary_a dominion_n over_o the_o conscience_n of_o those_o man_n who_o have_v weakness_n enough_o to_o listen_v themselves_o into_o their_o party_n they_o take_v away_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o make_v some_o thing_n necessary_a which_o be_v not_o so_o before_o and_o some_o thing_n they_o can_v dispense_v withal_o as_o indifferent_a which_o be_v necessary_o require_v to_o the_o ensnare_a of_o people_n conscience_n who_o otherwise_o it_o may_v be_v mean_v well_o and_o be_v too_o honest_a to_o suspect_v the_o bottom_n of_o their_o design_n as_o i_o may_v instance_n both_o in_o the_o classical_a and_o congregational_a way_n whereas_o our_o church_n never_o pretend_v to_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n either_o necessary_a and_o essential_a to_o religion_n or_o only_o accidental_a and_o indifferent_a but_o leave_v they_o as_o they_o be_v she_o only_o direct_v the_o practice_n of_o they_o so_o far_o as_o they_o tend_v to_o order_n and_o decency_n be_v expressive_a of_o reverence_n and_o devoition_n and_o become_v a_o proof_n of_o obedience_n and_o submission_n to_o lawful_a authority_n a_o duty_n which_o i_o can_v think_v so_o mean_o of_o as_o some_o do_v consider_v how_o peremptory_o it_o be_v enjoin_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o great_a influence_n it_o have_v upon_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o
truth_n for_o truths-sake_n not_o so_o much_o to_o set_v your_o head_n as_o your_o heart_n right_o not_o to_o furnish_v you_o with_o matter_n or_o talk_v and_o dispute_v which_o evermore_o engender_v strife_n and_o envy_n but_o to_o understand_v your_o duty_n in_o order_n to_o the_o faithful_a practice_n and_o performance_n of_o it_o now_o this_o you_o must_v do_v before_o you_o can_v safe_o follow_v the_o dictate_v of_o conscience_n or_o rely_v upon_o the_o testimony_n thereof_o in_o order_n hereunto_o you_o ought_v to_o consider_v the_o nature_n and_o extent_n of_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o conscience_n be_v to_o be_v govern_v and_o direct_v in_o all_o her_o action_n and_o undertake_n and_o this_o i_o tell_v you_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o lay_v aside_o all_o prejudice_n and_o partiality_n you_o ought_v diligent_o to_o take_v heed_n and_o attend_v unto_o and_o where_o doubt_n and_o difficulty_n may_v arise_v to_o consult_v and_o advise_v with_o your_o teacher_n who_o god_n have_v set_v over_o you_o or_o with_o any_o other_o who_o you_o have_v reason_n to_o judge_v most_o eminent_a for_o their_o piety_n learning_n prudence_n and_o integrity_n to_o beg_v their_o assistance_n and_o receive_v their_o instruction_n with_o that_o modesty_n and_o respect_n as_o become_v learner_n and_o disciple_n who_o desire_v nothing_o more_o than_o to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v for_o want_v of_o this_o care_n conscience_n have_v be_v strange_o mist_v and_o run_v itself_o into_o many_o gross_a error_n and_o foul_a mistake_v thus_o many_o have_v be_v prompt_v to_o very_o ill_a thing_n one_o while_o by_o passion_n another_o while_n by_o prejudice_n and_o a_o three_o by_o a_o corrupt_a and_o self-interest_n and_o yet_o have_v think_v they_o have_v be_v lead_v by_o zeal_n and_o act_v by_o conscience_n all_o the_o while_n when_o as_o upon_o strict_a enquiry_n they_o have_v find_v their_o zeal_n be_v not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n and_o what_o they_o call_v conscience_n in_o no_o wise_a agreeable_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o religion_n for_o the_o avoid_n of_o which_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v to_o get_v our_o conscience_n well_o inform_v and_o to_o use_v the_o mean_n in_o order_n thereunto_o second_o if_o you_o will_v have_v conscience_n to_o be_v right_o inform_v you_o must_v endeavour_v after_o a_o humble_a meek_a and_o teacheable_a spirit_n for_o it_o be_v say_v the_o meek_a will_v he_o guide_v in_o judgement_n and_o the_o week_n he_o will_v teach_v his_o way_n psalm_n 25.9_o and_o it_o be_v say_v god_n resist_v the_o proud_a but_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a 1_o pet._n 5.5_o now_o the_o meek_a and_o humble_a stand_v high_a in_o god_n grace_n and_o favour_n and_o therefore_o more_o likely_a to_o be_v make_v acquaint_v with_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n nay_o they_o be_v natural_o most_o capable_a of_o instruction_n and_o best_a fit_v for_o it_o as_o be_v most_o desirous_a to_o know_v their_o duty_n and_o submit_v to_o it_o when_o they_o have_v do_v whereas_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n pride_n and_o passion_n and_o self-conceit_n be_v apt_a to_o puff_n man_n up_o prejudice_v they_o against_o thetruth_n and_o fill_v they_o with_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o best_a counsel_n and_o advice_n in_o the_o world_n a_o peevish_a and_o froward_a disposition_n make_v man_n impatient_a of_o contradiction_n and_o to_o mis-judge_n every_o thing_n that_o thwart_v their_o particular_a sentiment_n insomuch_o as_o the_o best_a advice_n be_v common_o lose_v and_o throw_v away_o upon_o such_o perverse_a temper_n though_o offer_v in_o never_o so_o kind_a and_o charitable_a a_o manner_n three_o after_o conscience_n be_v well_o inform_v keep_v it_o close_o to_o its_o rule_n and_o do_v not_o suffer_v it_o wilful_o or_o wanton_o to_o swerve_v from_o it_o upon_o any_o account_n or_o under_o any_o pretence_n whatever_o otherwise_o it_o may_v be_v in_o danger_n to_o seduce_v and_o deceive_v conscience_n be_v chief_o exercise_v about_o good_a or_o evil_n the_o do_v of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o avoid_n of_o the_o other_o now_o though_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o great_a stand_a rule_n according_a to_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o take_v our_o principal_a measure_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a yet_o this_o difference_n be_v more_o early_o teach_v we_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o suggestion_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o appear_v a_o sin_n or_o be_v universal_o condemn_v for_o such_o by_o that_o law_n conscience_n must_v needs_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v a_o sin_n too_o and_o believe_v it_o condemn_v likewise_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o no_o natural_a or_o rather_o unnatural_a crime_n can_v possible_o commence_v a_o religious_a duty_n and_o to_o think_v otherwise_o be_v to_o lie_v under_o one_o of_o the_o gross_a delusion_n and_o scandalous_a mistake_v for_o hereby_o we_o set_v the_o two_o law_n to_o wit_n that_o of_o nature_n and_o revelatron_n in_o opposition_n to_o one_o another_o yea_o we_o make_v they_o absolute_o inconsistent_a and_o contradictory_n though_o both_o of_o they_o at_o first_o come_v from_o god_n conscience_n therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o plead_v for_o or_o encourage_v the_o practice_n of_o any_o sin_n namely_o which_o appear_v to_o be_v so_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o religion_n and_o therefore_o all_o treason_n and_o rebellion_n murder_n and_o conspiracy_n sacrilege_n and_o perjury_n be_v great_a sin_n and_o such_o as_o be_v discern_v to_o be_v so_o by_o natural_a light_n and_o therefore_o can_v never_o become_v otherwise_o however_o they_o may_v be_v palliate_v or_o plead_v for_o never_o think_v that_o the_o plea_n of_o conscience_n religion_n or_o reformation_n can_v justify_v a_o wicked_a or_o immoral_a action_n such_o as_o rebellion_n and_o perjury_n which_o all_o mankind_n do_v natural_o acknowledge_v and_o condemn_v for_o such_o now_o every_o man_n almost_o have_v so_o much_o of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n yet_o leave_v within_o he_o as_o to_o discern_v the_o great_a evil_n of_o such_o thing_n though_o not_o always_o to_o shun_v yet_o to_o condemn_v the_o gild_n thereof_o what_o ever_o nature_n tell_v we_o be_v a_o sin_n conscience_n for_o that_o very_a reason_n must_v disapprove_v of_o it_o too_o because_o the_o religion_n of_o christ_n be_v but_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n perfect_v and_o improve_v and_o therefore_o no_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n draw_v from_o scripture_n can_v make_v that_o to_o be_v lawful_a or_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o sin_n which_o be_v so_o before_o now_o if_o god_n law_n oblige_v not_o to_o sin_n much_o less_o the_o private_a dictate_v or_o impulse_n of_o conscience_n which_o ought_v evermore_o to_o make_v that_o her_o rule_n and_o fetch_v all_o her_o direction_n from_o thence_o for_o a_o man_n therefore_o to_o allow_v himself_o in_o the_o commission_n of_o such_o crime_n as_o all_o law_n and_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n must_v needs_o condemn_v as_o impious_a and_o wicked_a pray_v what_o conscience_n have_v such_o a_o man_n but_o then_o to_o plead_v conscience_n in_o favour_n of_o such_o thing_n be_v so_o much_o the_o worse_o still_o and_o render_v his_o crime_n infinite_o more_o wicked_a and_o abominable_a such_o a_o man_n be_v never_o to_o be_v excuse_v in_o what_o he_o do_v of_o this_o nature_n for_o his_o excuse_n instead_o of_o extenuate_a do_v but_o add_v to_o his_o gild_n and_o mighty_o aggravate_v the_o heinousness_n thereof_o four_o that_o while_o i_o be_o plead_v for_o conscience_n i_o may_v impartial_o discharge_v my_o own_o conscience_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v separate_a from_o charity_n any_o more_o than_o from_o truth_n love_n charity_n and_o goodwill_n be_v the_o chief_a gospel-precept_n and_o stand_a principle_n of_o christ_n religion_n and_o all_o zeal_n for_o the_o church_n or_o state_n nay_o for_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o general_n or_o reform_a religion_n in_o particular_a if_o void_a of_o charity_n be_v little_a worth_n charity_n i_o mean_v not_o only_o for_o those_o of_o our_o own_o communion_n but_o even_o towards_o they_o that_o differ_v from_o we_o for_o so_o far_o as_o they_o do_v it_o pure_o on_o the_o account_n of_o conscience_n and_o no_o otherwise_o we_o ought_v to_o retain_v some_o charity_n for_o they_o be_v they_o of_o what_o church_n or_o communion_n they_o will_n indeed_o where_o conscience_n be_v manifest_o abuse_v and_o carry_v they_o to_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v wicked_a and_o unlawful_a where_o any_o sin_n or_o immorality_n be_v countenance_v or_o encourage_v under_o the_o notion_n or_o plea_n of_o conscience_n there_o we_o must_v leave_v they_o and_o deserve_o too_o to_o the_o public_a censure_n of_o the_o church_n and_o punishment_n of_o the_o state_n but_o where_o it_o be_v mere_a conscience_n and_o
socrates_n and_o content_v myself_o to_o be_v virtuous_a at_o the_o rate_n of_o a_o heathen_a than_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o such_o a_o religion_n but_o bless_v be_v god_n we_o know_v better_a thing_n and_o have_v be_v teach_v quite_o otherwise_o we_o have_v not_o thus_o learned_a christ_n his_o religion_n be_v pure_a religion_n and_o undefiled_a his_o command_n be_v holy_a just_a and_o good_a he_o countenance_v no_o sort_n of_o immorality_n but_o encourage_v the_o universal_a practice_n of_o all_o virtue_n it_o threaten_v damnation_n to_o such_o as_o resist_v authority_n which_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o affirm_v the_o damnation_n of_o those_o man_n to_o be_v just_a who_o think_v to_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v of_o it_o rom._n 3.8_o it_o make_v it_o as_o necessary_a for_o subject_n to_o submit_v i_o do_v not_o say_v always_o to_o obey_v but_o to_o submit_v to_o their_o governor_n as_o for_o child_n to_o be_v obedient_a to_o their_o parent_n and_o for_o servant_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o their_o master_n and_o he_o that_o go_v about_o to_o take_v off_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o one_o may_v upon_o the_o same_o term_n take_v away_o all_o duty_n in_o child_n towards_o parent_n and_o all_o faithfulness_n in_o servant_n towards_o master_n for_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n to_o civil_a government_n be_v as_o natural_a and_o sacred_a as_o that_o which_o be_v exercise_v in_o family_n and_o keep_v up_o in_o a_o man_n be_v own_o house_n i_o have_v insist_v the_o long_a on_o this_o not_o so_o much_o to_o look_v backward_o as_o forward_o to_o undeceive_v people_n by_o open_v their_o eye_n and_o discover_v those_o pious_a fraud_n profane_a cheat_n and_o hypocritical_a abuse_n which_o for_o a_o long_a time_n have_v pass_v cleverly_o with_o some_o man_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o conscience_n and_o religion_n and_o to_o show_v you_o what_o spirit_n such_o man_n be_v of_o thereby_o to_o caution_n you_o for_o the_o future_a against_o all_o such_o lewd_a principle_n and_o pretence_n how_o specious_o soever_o they_o may_v be_v gild_v over_o and_o that_o you_o take_v heed_n that_o you_o suffer_v not_o yourselves_o to_o be_v cheat_v out_o of_o a_o peaceable_a loyal_a and_o well-tempered_a religion_n by_o any_o bold_a incendiary_n or_o cunning_a hypocrite_n of_o they_o all_o be_v they_o of_o what_o party_n or_o faction_n they_o will_v whether_o foreign_a or_o domestic_a at_o home_o or_o abroad_o but_o yet_o in_o the_o second_o place_n notwithstanding_o conscience_n have_v be_v so_o gross_o mistake_v and_o abuse_v yet_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v slight_v much_o less_o cast_v off_o upon_o that_o account_n any_o more_o than_o religion_n which_o have_v often_o meet_v with_o the_o like_a hard_a fate_n or_o civil_a government_n which_o have_v be_v usurp_v by_o those_o that_o have_v no_o right_a to_o it_o and_o manage_v quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o primitive_a end_n and_o institution_n thereof_o now_o if_o the_o abuse_n of_o government_n and_o religion_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o our_o reject_v of_o they_o no_o more_o be_v it_o for_o the_o lay_v aside_o of_o conscience_n because_o the_o great_a abuse_n can_v never_o be_v make_v a_o argument_n for_o the_o total_a abandon_v thereof_o for_o if_o you_o come_v once_o to_o cast_v off_o conscience_n you_o throw_v off_o with_o it_o all_o obligation_n to_o duty_n you_o take_v away_o all_o sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a all_o difference_n between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n right_o and_o wrong_n and_o thereby_o reduce_v mankind_n into_o the_o rank_n of_o brute-beast_n without_o regard_n to_o conscience_n you_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o religion_n nor_o of_o the_o ordinary_a duty_n of_o morality_n we_o can_v do_v one_o good_a action_n without_o it_o nor_o rejoice_v in_o the_o witness_n and_o testimony_n thereof_o there_o will_v be_v then_o no_o peace_n in_o private_a family_n nor_o good_a government_n in_o public_a society_n no_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n nor_o subjection_n to_o authority_n no_o man_n then_o will_v either_o fear_n god_n or_o honour_n the_o king_n or_o do_v their_o duty_n one_o towards_o another_o all_o which_o be_v yet_o enjoin_v and_o bind_v express_o upon_o our_o conscience_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n conscience_n then_o be_v useful_a and_o necessary_a in_o that_o it_o imply_v a_o obligation_n to_o duty_n and_o lay_v upon_o we_o the_o strong_a bond_n of_o obedience_n there_o be_v no_o argument_n or_o persuasive_a like_o it_o it_o be_v strong_a than_o all_o our_o little_a hope_n and_o fear_n in_o this_o world_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v compel_v by_o force_n nor_o bribe_v by_o interest_n nor_o fright_v by_o all_o the_o terror_n and_o apprehension_n of_o death_n and_o the_o grave_a insomuch_o as_o conscience_n though_o daily_o abuse_v by_o ill_a man_n to_o ill_a design_n be_v yet_o of_o excellent_a use_n where_o right_o inform_v due_o apply_v and_o careful_o heed_v and_o attend_v unto_o where_o it_o be_v reverence_v and_o regard_v as_o it_o ought_v it_o tend_v mighty_o to_o the_o make_v man_n thorough_o good_a and_o virtuous_a just_a in_o their_o pretence_n honest_a in_o their_o intention_n upright_a and_o sincere_a in_o all_o their_o promise_n and_o profession_n all_o which_o where_o man_n make_v no_o scruple_n of_o any_o thing_n must_v needs_o be_v false_a dissemble_v and_o treacherous_a where_o man_n be_v willing_a to_o exercise_v a_o good_a conscience_n or_o keep_v it_o void_a of_o offence_n they_o will_v not_o put_v trick_n and_o cheat_n upon_o themselves_o or_o other_o they_o will_v not_o go_v about_o to_o mock_v god_n and_o deceive_v their_o own_o soul_n they_o will_v scorn_v to_o do_v a_o ill_a action_n and_o afterward_o colour_v it_o over_o with_o a_o plausible_a excuse_n or_o hypocritical_a evasion_n but_o will_v endeavour_v after_o the_o practice_n of_o unfeignee_n goodness_n a_o hearty_a compliance_n with_o their_o whole_a duty_n have_v their_o conversation_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n and_o not_o with_o fleshly_a wisdom_n 2_o cor._n 1.12_o in_o a_o word_n he_o will_v strive_v to_o approve_v himself_o to_o god_n as_o well_o as_o man_n and_o to_o man_n as_o well_o as_o god_n that_o he_o may_v become_v as_o good_a as_o possible_o he_o can_v that_o be_v as_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o his_o own_o honest_a endeavour_n will_v enable_v he_o to_o be_v that_o man_n therefore_o that_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o any_o thing_n he_o do_v or_o say_v can_v never_o become_v so_o good_a as_o he_o ought_v he_o can_v be_v no_o true_a and_o last_a friend_n either_o to_o church_n or_o state_n to_o his_o king_n or_o country_n and_o consequent_o unsafe_a to_o be_v trust_v by_o either_o but_o he_o that_o shall_v go_v about_o to_o debauch_v and_o prostitute_n his_o conscience_n be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o very_o worst_a and_o no_o sinner_n to_o the_o conscientious_a sinner_n who_o can_v sin_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v of_o it_o who_o damnation_n as_o it_o be_v most_o just_a so_o their_o reclaim_n be_v most_o difficult_a as_o be_v obstinate_a in_o their_o prejudices_fw-la against_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v or_o can_v be_v offer_v for_o their_o conviction_n and_o thus_o you_o see_v the_o great_a use_n and_o necessity_n of_o conscience_n where_o it_o be_v regard_v and_o value_v as_o it_o ought_v and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v decry_v for_o the_o ill_a use_n make_v thereof_o for_o to_o cast_v off_o conscience_n be_v in_o effect_n to_o cast_v off_o all_o religion_n with_o it_o to_o banish_v all_o true_a goodness_n common_a honesty_n and_o moral_a virtue_n out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o consequent_o all_o that_o order_n pence_n union_n and_o civil_a society_n which_o result_v from_o thence_o and_o wherein_o the_o happiness_n of_o this_o life_n do_v chief_o consist_v i_o proceed_v now_o in_o the_o four_o place_n to_o show_v in_o or_o about_o what_o thing_n conscience_n ought_v principal_o to_o be_v concern_v or_o exercise_v first_o for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o which_o i_o must_v remind_v you_o a_o little_a of_o what_o i_o have_v already_o hint_v in_o the_o description_n of_o conscience_n namely_o that_o conscience_n presuppose_v a_o rule_n or_o law_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o particular_o concern_v about_o thing_n indifferent_a as_o such_o which_o come_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o no_o rule_n nor_o within_o the_o limit_n of_o any_o command_n or_o prohibition_n for_o conscience_n be_v no_o further_o concern_v about_o any_o thing_n or_o action_n than_o as_o it_o be_v a_o instance_n of_o obedience_n to_o or_o transgression_n of_o a_o law_n now_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n no_o nor_o obedience_n neither_o now_o the_o thing_n we_o call_v indifferent_a be_v such_o as_o god_n have_v