Selected quad for the lemma: conscience_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
conscience_n	godly_a	rejoice_v	simplicity_n	1,031	5	9.5439	5	false

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A62629	Sermons preach'd upon several occasions By John Tillotson, D.D. Dean of Canterbury, preacher to the Honourable Society of Lincolns-Inn, and one of His Majesties chaplains in ordinary. The second volume.	Tillotson, John, 1630-1694.	1678 (1678)	Wing T1260BA; ESTC R222222	128,450	338

of_o any_o duty_n faithful_o discharge_v the_o memory_n of_o any_o good_a we_o have_v do_v do_v refresh_v the_o soul_n with_o a_o strange_a kind_n of_o pleasure_n and_o joy_n our_o rejoice_v be_v this_o say_v st._n paul_n the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n that_o in_o all_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n we_o have_v have_v our_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o course_n of_o a_o vicious_a life_n all_o act_n of_o impiety_n to_o god_n of_o malice_n and_o injustice_n to_o man_n of_o intemperance_n and_o excess_n in_o reference_n to_o ourselves_o do_v certain_o leave_v a_o sting_n behind_o they_o and_o whatever_o pleasure_n there_o may_v be_v in_o the_o present_a act_n of_o they_o the_o memory_n of_o they_o be_v so_o torment_v that_o man_n be_v glad_a to_o use_v all_o the_o art_n of_o diversion_n to_o fence_v off_o the_o thought_n of_o they_o one_o of_o the_o great_a trouble_n in_o the_o world_n to_o a_o bad_a man_n be_v to_o look_v into_o himself_o and_o to_o remember_v how_o he_o have_v live_v i_o appeal_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n whether_o this_o be_v not_o true_a and_o be_v not_o here_o now_o a_o mighty_a difference_n between_o these_o two_o course_n of_o life_n that_o when_o we_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a if_o there_o be_v any_o trouble_n in_o it_o it_o be_v soon_o over_o but_o the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o be_v perpetual_a when_o we_o do_v a_o wicked_a action_n the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o be_v short_a and_o transient_a but_o the_o trouble_n and_o sting_v of_o it_o remain_v for_o ever_o the_o reflection_n upon_o the_o good_a we_o have_v do_v give_v a_o last_a satisfaction_n to_o our_o mind_n but_o the_o remembrance_n of_o any_o evil_n commit_v by_o we_o leave_v a_o perpetual_a discontent_n and_o which_o be_v yet_o more_o considerable_a a_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a course_n of_o life_n do_v then_o yield_v most_o peace_n and_o comfort_n when_o we_o most_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o it_o in_o time_n of_o affliction_n and_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n when_o a_o man_n fall_v into_o any_o great_a calamity_n there_o be_v no_o comfort_n in_o the_o world_n like_v to_o that_o of_o a_o good_a conscience_n this_o make_v all_o calm_a and_o serene_a within_o when_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o cloud_n and_o darkness_n about_o he_o so_o david_n observe_v of_o the_o good_a man_n psal_n 112.4_o unto_o the_o upright_a there_o arise_v light_n in_o darkness_n all_o the_o pious_a and_o virtuous_a action_n that_o we_o do_v be_v so_o many_o seed_n of_o peace_n and_o comfort_n sow_v in_o our_o conscience_n which_o will_v spring_v up_o and_o flourish_v most_o in_o time_n of_o outward_a trouble_n and_o distress_n light_n be_v sow_v for_o the_o righteous_a and_o gladness_n for_o the_o upright_a in_o heart_n and_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n the_o righteous_a have_v hope_n in_o his_o death_n say_v solomon_n and_o what_o a_o seasonable_a refreshment_n be_v it_o to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n when_o the_o pang_n of_o death_n be_v ready_a to_o take_v hold_n of_o he_o and_o he_o be_v just_o step_v into_o the_o other_o world_n to_o be_v able_a to_o look_v back_o with_o satisfaction_n upon_o a_o religious_a and_o well-spent_a life_n then_o if_o ever_o the_o comfort_n of_o a_o good_a man_n do_v overflow_v and_o a_o kind_n of_o heaven_n spring_v up_o in_o his_o mind_n and_o he_o rejoice_v in_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o that_o be_v a_o true_a and_o solid_a comfort_n indeed_o which_o will_v stand_v by_o we_o in_o the_o day_n of_o adversity_n and_o stick_v close_o to_o we_o when_o we_o have_v most_o need_n of_o it_o but_o with_o the_o ungodly_a it_o be_v not_o so_o his_o guilt_n lie_v in_o wait_n for_o he_o especial_o against_o such_o time_n and_o be_v never_o more_o fierce_a and_o rage_a than_o in_o the_o day_n of_o distress_n so_o that_o according_a as_o his_o trouble_n without_o be_v multiply_v so_o be_v his_o sting_n within_o and_o sure_o affliction_n be_v then_o grievous_a indeed_o when_o it_o fall_v upon_o a_o gall_a and_o uneasy_a mind_n be_v it_o not_o for_o this_o outward_a affliction_n may_v be_v tolerable_a the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n may_v bear_v his_o infirmity_n but_o a_o wound_a spirit_n who_o can_v bear_v but_o especial_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n how_o do_v the_o guilt_n of_o his_o wicked_a life_n then_o stare_v he_o in_o the_o face_n what_o storm_n and_o tempest_n be_v raise_v in_o his_o soul_n which_o make_v it_o like_o the_o trouble_a sea_n when_o it_o can_v rest_v when_o eternity_n that_o fearful_a and_o amaze_a sight_n present_v itself_o to_o his_o mind_n and_o he_o feel_v himself_o sink_v into_o the_o region_n of_o darkness_n and_o be_v every_o moment_n in_o a_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o meeting_n with_o the_o just_a reward_n of_o his_o deed_n with_o what_o regret_n do_v he_o then_o remember_v the_o sin_n of_o his_o life_n and_o how_o full_a of_o rage_n and_o indignation_n be_v he_o against_o himself_o for_o have_v neglect_v to_o know_v when_o he_o have_v so_o many_o opportunity_n of_o know_v they_o the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o his_o peace_n and_o which_o because_o he_o have_v neglect_v they_o be_v now_o and_o likely_a to_o be_v for_o ever_o hide_v from_o his_o eye_n and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o true_a case_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o wicked_a man_n i_o need_v not_o multiply_v word_n but_o may_v leave_v it_o to_o any_o man_n thought_n in_o which_o of_o these_o condition_n he_o will_v be_v and_o sure_o the_o difference_n between_o they_o be_v so_o very_a plain_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o difficulty_n in_o the_o choice_n but_o now_o though_o this_o discourse_n be_v very_o true_a yet_o for_o the_o full_a clear_n of_o this_o matter_n it_o will_v be_v but_o fair_a to_o consider_v what_o may_v be_v say_v on_o the_o other_o side_n and_o the_o rather_o because_o there_o be_v several_a objection_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v countenance_v from_o experience_n which_o be_v enough_o to_o overthrow_v the_o most_o plausible_a speculation_n as_o 1._o that_o wicked_a man_n seem_v to_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pleasure_n and_o contentment_n in_o their_o vice_n 2._o that_o religion_n impose_v many_o harsh_a and_o grievous_a thing_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o that_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n i_o have_v speak_v of_o 3._o that_o those_o who_o be_v religious_a be_v many_o time_n very_o disconsolate_a and_o full_a of_o trouble_n to_o the_o first_o i_o deny_v not_o that_o wicked_a man_n have_v some_o pleasure_n in_o their_o vice_n but_o when_o all_o thing_n be_v right_o compute_v and_o just_a abatement_n make_v it_o will_v amount_v to_o very_o little_a for_o it_o be_v the_o low_a and_o mean_a kind_n of_o pleasure_n it_o be_v chief_o the_o pleasure_n of_o our_o body_n and_o our_o sense_n of_o our_o worst_a part_n the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o beast_n and_o not_o of_o the_o man_n that_o which_o least_o become_v we_o and_o which_o we_o be_v least_o of_o all_o make_v for_o those_o sensual_a pleasure_n which_o be_v lawful_a be_v much_o inferior_a to_o the_o least_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o when_o they_o be_v unlawful_a they_o be_v always_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o and_o what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v if_o to_o gain_v a_o little_a sensual_a pleasure_n he_o lose_v the_o peace_n of_o his_o soul_n can_v we_o find_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o call_v that_o pleasure_n which_o rob_v we_o of_o a_o far_o great_a and_o high_a satisfaction_n than_o it_o bring_v the_o delight_n of_o sense_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o chief_a pleasure_n for_o which_o god_n design_v we_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_a he_o intend_v we_o shall_v take_v our_o chief_a pleasure_n in_o the_o restrain_v and_o moderate_v of_o our_o sensual_a appetite_n and_o desire_n and_o in_o keep_v they_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n and_o then_o it_o be_v not_o a_o last_a pleasure_n those_o fit_n of_o mirth_n which_o wicked_a man_n have_v how_o soon_o be_v they_o over_o like_o a_o sudden_a blaze_n which_o after_o a_o little_a flash_n and_o noise_n be_v present_o go_v it_o be_v the_o comparison_n of_o a_o very_a great_a and_o experience_a man_n in_o these_o matter_n like_o the_o crackle_n of_o thorn_n under_o a_o pot_n say_v solomon_n so_o be_v the_o laughter_n of_o the_o fool_n that_o be_v the_o mirth_n of_o the_o wicked_a man_n it_o may_v be_v loud_a but_o it_o last_v not_o but_o which_o be_v most_o considerable_a of_o all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n bear_v no_o proportion_n to_o that_o long_a and_o black_a train_n of_o misery_n and_o inconvenience_n which_o they_o draw_v after_o they_o many_o time_n poverty_n and_o reproach_n pain_n and_o disease_n upon_o our_o

that_o we_o be_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o do_v what_o in_o reason_n we_o ought_v to_o do_v that_o which_o best_o become_v we_o and_o which_o according_a to_o the_o primitive_a intention_n of_o our_o be_v be_v most_o natural_a for_o whatever_o be_v natural_a be_v pleasant_a now_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n towards_o god_n and_o of_o every_o other_o grace_n and_o virtue_n which_o religion_n teach_v we_o be_v thing_n reasonable_a in_o themselves_o and_o what_o god_n when_o he_o make_v we_o intend_v we_o shall_v do_v and_o a_o man_n be_v then_o please_v with_o himself_o and_o his_o own_o action_n when_o he_o do_v what_o he_o be_v convince_v he_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o be_v then_o offend_v with_o himself_o when_o he_o go_v against_o the_o light_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n by_o neglect_v his_o duty_n or_o do_v contrary_a to_o it_o for_o than_o his_o conscience_n check_v he_o and_o there_o be_v something_o within_o he_o that_o be_v uneasy_a and_o put_v he_o into_o disorder_n as_o when_o a_o man_n eat_v or_o drink_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v unwholesome_a it_o offend_v his_o stomach_n and_o put_v his_o body_n into_o a_o unnatural_a and_o a_o restless_a state_n for_o every_o thing_n be_v then_o at_o rest_n and_o peace_n when_o it_o be_v in_o that_o state_n in_o which_o nature_n intend_v it_o to_o be_v and_o be_v violent_o force_v out_o of_o it_o it_o be_v never_o quiet_a till_o it_o recover_v it_o again_o now_o religion_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o its_o virtue_n be_v the_o natural_a state_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o condition_n to_o which_o god_n design_v it_o as_o god_n make_v man_n a_o reasonable_a creature_n so_o all_o the_o act_n of_o religion_n be_v reasonable_a and_o suitable_a to_o our_o nature_n and_o our_o soul_n be_v then_o in_o health_n when_o we_o be_v what_o the_o law_n of_o religion_n require_v we_o to_o be_v and_o do_v what_o they_o command_v we_o to_o do_v and_o as_o we_o find_v a_o unexpressible_a ease_n and_o pleasure_n when_o our_o body_n be_v in_o its_o perfect_a state_n of_o health_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a every_o distemper_n cause_v pain_n and_o uneasiness_n so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o soul_n when_o religion_n govern_v all_o our_o inclination_n and_o action_n and_o the_o temper_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o course_n of_o our_o life_n be_v conformable_a to_o the_o precept_n of_o it_o all_o be_v at_o peace_n but_o when_o we_o be_v otherwise_o and_o live_v in_o any_o vicious_a practice_n how_o can_v there_o be_v peace_n so_o long_o as_o we_o act_v unreasonable_o and_o do_v those_o thing_n whereby_o we_o necessary_o create_v trouble_v and_o disturbance_n to_o ourselves_o how_o can_v we_o hope_v to_o be_v at_o ease_n so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v in_o a_o sick_a and_o disease_a condition_n till_o the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o we_o be_v wrought_v out_o our_o spirit_n will_v be_v in_o a_o perpetual_a tumult_n and_o fermentation_n and_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a for_o we_o to_o enjoy_v the_o peace_n and_o serenity_n of_o our_o mind_n as_o it_o be_v for_o a_o sick_a man_n to_o be_v at_o ease_n he_o may_v use_v what_o art_n of_o diversion_n he_o will_v and_o change_v from_o one_o place_n and_o posture_n to_o another_o but_o still_o he_o be_v restless_a because_o there_o be_v that_o within_o he_o which_o give_v he_o pain_n and_o disturbance_n there_o be_v no_o peace_n say_v my_o god_n to_o the_o wicked_a such_o man_n may_v dissemble_v their_o condition_n and_o put_v on_o the_o face_n and_o appearance_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o contentment_n but_o god_n who_o see_v all_o the_o secret_n of_o man_n heart_n know_v it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o with_o they_o there_o be_v no_o peace_n say_v my_o god_n to_o the_o wicked_a 2._o another_o ground_n of_o peace_n which_o the_o religious_a man_n have_v be_v that_o he_o have_v make_v god_n his_o friend_n now_o friendship_n be_v peace_n and_o pleasure_n both_o it_o be_v mutual_a love_n and_o that_o be_v a_o double_a pleasure_n and_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o say_v which_o be_v the_o great_a the_o pleasure_n of_o love_a god_n or_o of_o know_v that_o he_o love_v we_o now_o whoever_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o please_v god_n may_v rest_v perfect_o assure_v that_o god_n have_v no_o displeasure_n against_o he_o for_o the_o righteous_a lord_n love_v righteousness_n and_o his_o countenance_n shall_v behold_v the_o upright_a that_o be_v he_o will_v be_v favourable_a to_o such_o person_n as_o he_o hate_v the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n so_o he_o take_v pleasure_n in_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o in_o such_o as_o keep_v his_o covenant_n and_o remember_v his_o commandment_n to_o do_v they_o and_o be_v assure_v of_o his_o favour_n we_o be_v secure_v against_o the_o great_a danger_n and_o the_o great_a fear_n and_o may_v say_v with_o david_n return_v then_o unto_o thy_o rest_n o_o my_o soul_n for_o the_o lord_n have_v deal_v bountiful_o with_o thou_o the_o lord_n be_v my_o light_n and_o my_o salvation_n who_o shall_v i_o fear_v the_o lord_n be_v the_o strength_n of_o my_o life_n of_o who_o shall_v i_o be_v afraid_a what_o can_v reasonable_o trouble_v or_o discontent_n that_o man_n who_o have_v make_v his_o peace_n with_o god_n and_o be_v restore_v to_o his_o favour_n who_o be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o powerful_a friend_n and_o can_v be_v the_o sore_a and_o most_o dangerous_a enemy_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n 3._o by_o be_v religious_a we_o do_v most_o effectual_o consult_v our_o own_o interest_n and_o happiness_n a_o great_a part_n of_o religion_n consist_v in_o moderate_v our_o appetite_n and_o passion_n and_o this_o natural_o tend_v to_o the_o composure_n of_o our_o mind_n he_o that_o live_v pious_o and_o virtuous_o act_v according_a to_o reason_n and_o in_o so_o do_v maintain_v the_o present_a peace_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o he_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o his_o future_a happiness_n to_o all_o eternity_n for_o religion_n give_v a_o man_n the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o all_o pleasure_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o present_a enjoyment_n there_o be_v a_o mighty_a pleasure_n also_o in_o the_o firm_a belief_n and_o expectation_n of_o a_o future_a good_a and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o great_a and_o a_o last_a good_a it_o will_v support_v a_o man_n under_o a_o great_a many_o present_a evil_n if_o religion_n be_v certain_o the_o way_n to_o avoid_v the_o great_a evil_n and_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o happiness_n at_o last_o we_o may_v content_o bear_v a_o great_a many_o affliction_n for_o its_o sake_n for_o though_o all_o suffering_n be_v grievous_a yet_o it_o be_v pleasant_a to_o escape_v great_a danger_n and_o to_o come_v to_o the_o possession_n of_o a_o mighty_a good_a though_o it_o be_v with_o great_a difficulty_n and_o inconvenience_n to_o ourselves_o and_o when_o we_o come_v to_o heaven_n if_o ever_o we_o be_v so_o happy_a as_o to_o get_v thither_o it_o will_v be_v a_o new_a and_o a_o great_a pleasure_n to_o we_o to_o remember_v the_o pain_n and_o trouble_n whereby_o we_o be_v save_v and_o make_v happy_a so_o that_o all_o these_o put_v together_o be_v a_o firm_a foundation_n of_o peace_n and_o comfort_n to_o a_o good_a man_n there_o be_v a_o great_a satisfaction_n in_o the_o very_o do_v of_o our_o duty_n and_o act_v reasonable_o though_o there_o may_v happen_v to_o be_v some_o present_a trouble_n and_o inconvenience_n in_o it_o but_o when_o we_o do_v not_o only_o satisfy_v ourselves_o in_o so_o do_v but_o likewise_o please_v he_o who_o favour_n be_v better_a than_o life_n and_o who_o frown_n be_v more_o terrible_a than_o death_n when_o in_o do_v our_o duty_n we_o direct_o promote_v our_o own_o happiness_n and_o in_o serve_v god_n do_v most_o effectual_o serve_v our_o own_o interest_n what_o can_v be_v imagine_v to_o minister_v more_o peace_n and_o pleasure_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n this_o be_v the_o second_o thing_n religion_n furnish_v we_o with_o all_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n three_o the_o reflection_n upon_o a_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a course_n of_o life_n do_v afterward_o yield_v a_o mighty_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n and_o what_o can_v commend_v religion_n more_o to_o we_o than_o that_o the_o remembrance_n of_o any_o pious_a and_o virtuous_a action_n give_v we_o so_o much_o contentment_n and_o delight_n so_o that_o whatever_o difficulty_n and_o reluctancy_n we_o may_v find_v in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o to_o be_v sure_a there_o be_v peace_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o look_a back_n upon_o it_o no_o man_n ever_o reflect_v upon_o himself_o with_o regret_n for_o have_v do_v his_o duty_n to_o god_n or_o man_n for_o have_v live_v sober_o or_o righteous_o or_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n nay_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o conscience_n

he_o have_v it_o and_o according_o good_a and_o holy_a man_n in_o scripture_n do_v every_o where_o with_o great_a confidence_n and_o assurance_n appeal_v to_o god_n concern_v the_o integrity_n and_o sincerity_n of_o their_o heart_n towards_o he_o job_n and_o david_n hezekiah_n and_o nehemiah_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o in_o the_o new_a st._n paul_n for_o himself_o and_o timothy_n make_v this_o solemn_a profession_n of_o their_o sincerity_n 2_o cor._n 1.12_o our_o rejoice_v be_v this_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n that_o in_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n we_o have_v our_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o i_o can_v call_v to_o mind_n so_o much_o as_o any_o one_o passage_n in_o scripture_n from_o whence_o it_o can_v be_v collect_v that_o any_o good_a man_n ever_o doubt_v of_o his_o own_o sincerity_n and_o to_o say_v the_o truth_n it_o will_v not_o be_v modesty_n but_o impudence_n in_o any_o man_n to_o declare_v that_o he_o suspect_v himself_o of_o hypocrisy_n good_a man_n have_v always_o abhor_v the_o thought_n of_o it_o you_o have_v hear_v of_o the_o patience_n of_o job_n and_o yet_o he_o can_v not_o bear_v to_o have_v his_o integrity_n question_v it_o be_v a_o brave_a and_o a_o generous_a speech_n of_o he_o till_o i_o die_v i_o will_v not_o remove_v my_o integrity_n from_o i_o and_o yet_o it_o have_v so_o happen_v that_o this_o be_v become_v a_o very_a common_a doubt_n among_o religious_a people_n and_o they_o have_v be_v so_o unreasonable_o cherish_v in_o it_o as_o to_o have_v it_o make_v a_o considerable_a evidence_n of_o a_o man_n sincerity_n to_o doubt_v of_o it_o himself_o it_o be_v indeed_o say_v in_o scripture_n jer._n 17.9_o that_o the_o heart_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n and_o desperate_o wicked_a who_o can_v know_v it_o which_o be_v true_a concern_v our_o future_a intention_n and_o action_n no_o man_n know_v how_o his_o mind_n may_v change_v hereafter_o little_o do_v hazael_n think_v that_o ever_o he_o shall_v do_v those_o thing_n which_o the_o prophet_n foretell_v he_o but_o though_o this_o be_v true_a in_o itself_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o the_o meaning_n of_o that_o text._n for_o the_o prophet_n in_o that_o chapter_n plain_o make_v use_v of_o this_o consideration_n of_o the_o falsehood_n and_o deceitfulness_n of_o man_n heart_n as_o a_o argument_n to_o take_v off_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n from_o trust_v in_o the_o arm_n of_o flesh_n and_o in_o those_o promise_n which_o be_v make_v to_o they_o of_o foreign_a assistance_n from_o egypt_n because_o man_n may_v pretend_v fair_a and_o yet_o deceive_v those_o that_o rely_v upon_o they_o for_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v deceitful_a and_o desperate_o wicked_a and_o none_o but_o god_n know_v whether_o man_n inward_a intention_n be_v answerable_a to_o their_o outward_a profession_n for_o he_o search_v the_o heart_n and_o try_v the_o reins_o and_o this_o i_o very_o believe_v be_v all_o that_o the_o prophet_n here_o intend_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o fraud_n and_o deceit_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o bad_a man_n so_o that_o no_o man_n can_v rely_v upon_o their_o promise_n and_o profession_n but_o god_n know_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n but_o now_o because_o god_n alone_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n and_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o intention_n towards_o one_o another_o do_v it_o from_o hence_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n either_o impossible_a or_o very_a difficult_a for_o any_o man_n to_o know_v the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o own_o present_a intention_n and_o action_n to_o make_v any_o such_o conclusion_n be_v to_o condemn_v the_o generation_n of_o god_n child_n those_o holy_a and_o excellent_a man_n in_o scripture_n job_n and_o david_n and_o hezekiah_n and_o st._n paul_n who_o do_v so_o frequent_o appeal_v to_o god_n concern_v their_o own_o integrity_n and_o sure_o when_o the_o apostle_n say_v no_o man_n know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n which_o be_v in_o he_o he_o plain_o suppose_v that_o every_o man_n be_v conscious_a to_o the_o motion_n and_o intention_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n i_o have_v insist_v the_o long_a upon_o this_o that_o i_o may_v from_o the_o very_a foundation_n destroy_v a_o imagination_n which_o be_v not_o only_o untrue_a in_o itself_o but_o have_v likewise_o be_v a_o very_a great_a hindrance_n to_o the_o peace_n and_o comfort_n of_o many_o good_a man_n iii_o let_v we_o inquire_v whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o notwithstanding_o this_o so_o many_o person_n be_v at_o so_o great_a uncertainty_n about_o their_o spiritual_a condition_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o matter_n we_o will_v distinct_o consider_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o false_a hope_n and_o confidence_n of_o man_n real_o bad_a concern_v their_o good_a condition_n second_o the_o causeless_a doubt_n and_o jealousy_n of_o man_n real_o good_a concern_v their_o bad_a condition_n and_o three_o the_o just_a cause_n of_o doubt_v in_o other_o as_o for_o the_o trouble_n and_o fear_n of_o man_n who_o be_v notorious_o bad_a and_o live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o know_a vice_n these_o do_v not_o fall_v under_o our_o consideration_n if_o they_o be_v trouble_v about_o their_o condition_n it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o if_o they_o be_v only_o doubtful_a of_o it_o it_o be_v less_o than_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v to_o person_n in_o this_o condition_n there_o be_v only_a counsel_n to_o be_v give_v to_o leave_v their_o sin_n and_o become_v better_o but_o no_o comfort_n to_o be_v administer_v to_o they_o till_o first_o they_o have_v follow_v that_o counsel_n for_o till_o they_o reform_v if_o they_o think_v themselves_o to_o be_v in_o a_o bad_a condition_n they_o think_v just_a as_o they_o ought_v and_o as_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n and_o no_o body_n shall_v go_v about_o to_o persuade_v they_o otherwise_o first_o then_o we_o will_v consider_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o false_a hope_n and_o confidence_n of_o man_n real_o bad_a concern_v their_o good_a condition_n i_o do_v not_o now_o mean_v the_o worst_a of_o man_n but_o such_o as_o make_v some_o show_n and_o appearance_n of_o goodness_n it_o be_v very_o unpleasing_a to_o man_n to_o fall_v under_o the_o hard_a opinion_n and_o censure_n of_o other_o but_o the_o most_o grievous_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v condemn_v by_o himself_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o man_n use_v all_o manner_n of_o shift_n to_o avoid_v so_o great_a a_o inconvenience_n as_o be_v the_o ill_a opinion_n of_o a_o man_n self_n concern_v himself_o and_o his_o own_o condition_n some_o therefore_o rely_v upon_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o their_o be_v baptize_v into_o it_o but_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o exemption_n from_o a_o good_a life_n that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a and_o most_o solemn_a obligation_n to_o it_o do_v thou_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n thou_o of_o all_o man_n be_v inexcusable_a if_o thou_o allow_v thyself_o in_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n other_o trust_v to_o their_o external_a devotion_n they_o frequent_v the_o church_n and_o serve_v god_n constant_o they_o pray_v to_o he_o and_o hear_v his_o word_n and_o receive_v the_o bless_a sacrament_n but_o let_v we_o not_o deceive_v ourselves_o god_n be_v not_o mock_v all_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o make_v amends_o for_o the_o impiety_n of_o our_o life_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o impiety_n of_o our_o life_n spoil_v all_o the_o acceptance_n of_o our_o devotion_n he_o that_o turn_v away_o his_o ear_n from_o hear_v the_o law_n that_o be_v from_o obey_v it_o even_o his_o prayer_n shall_v be_v a_o abomination_n other_o who_o be_v sensible_a they_o be_v very_o bad_a depend_v very_o much_o upon_o their_o repentance_n especial_o if_o they_o set_v solemn_a time_n apart_o for_o it_o and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o a_o sincere_a repentance_n will_v put_v a_o man_n into_o a_o good_a condition_n but_o than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o no_o repentance_n be_v sincere_a but_o that_o which_o produce_v a_o real_a change_n and_o reformation_n in_o our_o life_n for_o we_o have_v not_o repent_v to_o purpose_n if_o we_o return_v again_o to_o our_o sin_n it_o be_v well_o thou_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n sensible_a of_o thy_o miscarriage_n but_o thou_o be_v never_o safe_a till_o thou_o have_v forsake_v thy_o sin_n thy_o estate_n and_o condition_n towards_o god_n be_v not_o change_v till_o thou_o have_v real_o alter_v thyself_o and_o the_o course_n of_o thy_o life_n other_o satisfy_v themselves_o with_o the_o exercise_n of_o some_o particular_a grace_n and_o virtue_n justice_n and_o liberality_n and_o charity_n and_o be_v it_o not_o