because_o in_o the_o end_n our_o worst_a enemy_n will_v be_v that_o in_o our_o own_o bosom_n but_o there_o be_v three_o case_n especial_o wherein_o it_o high_o concern_v man_n to_o have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n i._n first_o in_o case_n of_o public_a danger_n when_o the_o face_n of_o the_o world_n look_v uncomfortable_a and_o dismal_a seldom_o do_v the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n continue_v at_o a_o stay_n the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o world_n ever_o and_o anon_o alter_v either_o by_o mean_n of_o the_o different_a interest_n and_o design_n of_o man_n who_o labour_n still_o to_o turn_v the_o wheel_n about_o or_o by_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n for_o people_n wantonness_n and_o ingratitude_n in_o time_n of_o outward_a prosperity_n now_o when_o circumstance_n be_v full_a of_o threat_n and_o terror_n they_o will_v soon_o show_v what_o the_o inside_n of_o man_n be_v conscience_n which_o in_o such_o a_o case_n be_v apt_a to_o tell_v guilty_a wretch_n their_o own_o will_v possess_v they_o with_o fearful_a apprehension_n that_o god_n be_v their_o enemy_n and_o that_o they_o have_v no_o just_a reason_n to_o hope_v for_o protection_n from_o heaven_n and_o what_o do_v this_o natural_o tend_v to_o but_o to_o put_v they_o on_o the_o rack_n when_o their_o fear_n and_o their_o sin_n both_o haunt_v they_o whereas_o a_o inoffensive_a conscience_n give_v a_o man_n all_o the_o peace_n and_o security_n imaginable_a for_o these_o be_v the_o sure_a principle_n on_o which_o he_o build_v his_o satisfaction_n that_o god_n preside_v over_o the_o world_n superintend_v and_o govern_v all_o affair_n here_o below_o that_o not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o little_a bird_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n without_o his_o permission_n that_o the_o very_a hair_n of_o a_o good_a man_n head_n be_v all_o number_v that_o though_o here_o we_o meet_v with_o tribulation_n yet_o christ_n have_v overcome_v the_o world_n that_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v tempt_v above_o what_o we_o be_v able_a and_o that_o though_o extremity_n shall_v happen_v yet_o if_o we_o suffer_v with_o christ_n we_o shall_v also_o reign_v with_o he_o together_o however_o some_o be_v so_o hardy_a as_o to_o scoff_n at_o religion_n and_o strive_v to_o wear_v out_o of_o their_o mind_n the_o sense_n of_o god_n yet_o nothing_o can_v carry_v a_o man_n out_o in_o the_o day_n of_o trial_n but_o such_o principle_n as_o these_o and_o whoever_o he_o be_v that_o rely_v upon_o these_o principle_n and_o upon_o examine_v his_o action_n find_v good_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o his_o heart_n be_v sincere_a and_o upright_a he_o must_v needs_o be_v danger-proof_n in_o a_o very_a high_a degree_n you_o have_v a_o instance_n here_o in_o st._n paul_n though_o the_o jew_n have_v bind_v themselves_o under_o a_o curse_n that_o they_o will_v kill_v he_o though_o ananias_n use_v his_o authority_n and_o tertullus_n his_o eloquence_n against_o he_o though_o man_n and_o devil_n conspire_v to_o destroy_v he_o yet_o his_o rejoice_v be_v this_o that_o his_o constant_a exercise_n be_v to_o have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man._n it_o be_v true_a such_o evil_a day_n and_o time_n of_o danger_n every_o one_o of_o we_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o put_v far_o off_o from_o himself_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o they_o for_o as_o they_o may_v so_o perhaps_o they_o may_v not_o happen_v and_o every_o one_o out_o of_o fondness_n to_o himself_o be_v willing_a to_o hope_v they_o will_v not_o come_v at_o least_o in_o his_o time_n but_o then_o ii_o second_o there_o be_v another_o case_n which_o every_o day_n occur_v against_o which_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v be_v well_o provide_v the_o case_n of_o sickness_n when_o we_o shall_v have_v little_a else_o to_o do_v but_o to_o trim_v up_o our_o lamp_n and_o exercise_v our_o grace_n and_o so_o to_o repose_v ourselves_o in_o the_o bosom_n of_o a_o faithful_a god_n and_o a_o merciful_a redeemer_n now_o he_o that_o make_v a_o conscience_n of_o his_o way_n and_o study_n to_o carry_v himself_o without_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n will_v at_o that_o time_n have_v nothing_o in_o comparison_n to_o do_v but_o to_o wait_v god_n pleasure_n for_o as_o he_o foresee_v that_o such_o a_o day_n will_v come_v so_o he_o prepare_v for_o it_o beforehand_o he_o be_v wise_a than_o to_o leave_v the_o great_a and_o heavy_a work_n of_o eradicate_v sinful_a habit_n and_o of_o change_v the_o whole_a frame_n and_o inclination_n of_o his_o heart_n to_o be_v do_v upon_o a_o sick_a bed_n but_o take_v a_o early_a care_n to_o die_v to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o himself_o daily_o upon_o this_o account_n though_o a_o disease_n may_v be_v very_o troublesome_a and_o painful_a and_o part_v of_o those_o old_a acquaintance_n the_o soul_n and_o the_o body_n may_v be_v attend_v with_o violent_a natural_a struggle_n yet_o his_o spirit_n must_v needs_o be_v full_a of_o peace_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o course_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n shall_v bring_v in_o any_o bitter_a remembrance_n at_o the_o last_o it_o be_v the_o prayer_n of_o hezekiah_n when_o he_o be_v bid_v to_o set_v his_o house_n in_o order_n isai_n 38._o remember_v now_o o_o lord_n i_o beseech_v thou_o how_o i_o have_v walk_v before_o thou_o in_o truth_n and_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n and_o have_v do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a in_o thy_o sight_n what_o unconsionable_a man_n be_v there_o in_o the_o world_n that_o dare_v say_v to_o god_n in_o his_o languish_n it_o can_v be_v unless_o his_o conscience_n be_v utter_o fear_v but_o his_o heart_n must_v ache_v and_o his_o bowel_n must_v be_v full_a of_o gall_n and_o wormwood_n and_o his_o soul_n must_v be_v ruffle_v with_o many_o dismal_a apprehension_n of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v because_o his_o conscience_n which_o will_v then_o awake_v and_o will_v speak_v loud_a and_o home_o to_o he_o must_v needs_o tell_v he_o that_o if_o he_o die_v he_o be_v undo_v to_o all_o eternity_n tertullian_n have_v right_o observe_v that_o god_n have_v tincture_v all_o wickedness_n with_o a_o natural_a shame_n and_o fear_n and_o certain_o there_o be_v nothing_o like_o to_o a_o evil_a conscience_n to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o coward_n especial_o when_o he_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o appear_v before_o the_o just_a judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n to_o who_o vengeance_n belong_v it_o be_v no_o marvel_n if_o when_o a_o man_n be_v trouble_v with_o the_o qualm_n of_o a_o sourc_n conscience_n he_o be_v more_o sick_a of_o his_o sin_n than_o his_o disease_n if_o when_o he_o see_v hell_n open_a before_o he_o he_o turn_v his_o face_n away_o from_o that_o frightful_a spectacle_n and_o if_o he_o be_v bring_v to_o that_o miserable_a pass_n that_o though_o he_o must_v not_o stay_v any_o long_o in_o this_o world_n yet_o he_o know_v not_o how_o to_o venture_v into_o another_o these_o be_v the_o necessary_a and_o natural_a reward_n of_o a_o ill_a man_n though_o in_o time_n of_o health_n and_o gaity_n he_o may_v drink_v down_o melancholy_a thought_n or_o roar_v his_o conscience_n into_o silence_n or_o endeavour_v by_o lewd_a principle_n to_o confirm_v and_o harden_v his_o mind_n against_o religion_n yet_o when_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n come_v and_o touch_v he_o to_o the_o quick_a that_o busy_a thing_n in_o his_o breast_n will_v stir_v and_o rage_n and_o give_v he_o a_o very_a bitter_a do_v and_o uneasy_a pillow_n iii_o there_o be_v another_o case_n yet_o which_o i_o must_v mention_v because_o from_o the_o high_a to_o the_o low_a we_o must_v every_o one_o of_o of_o we_o come_v to_o it_o in_o our_o order_n for_o it_o be_v appoint_v unto_o all_o man_n once_o to_o die_v and_o after_o death_n to_o go_v to_o judgement_n and_o will_v we_o be_v so_o provident_a as_o notwithstanding_o the_o splendour_n and_o charm_n of_o this_o world_n to_o call_v our_o thought_n home_o every_o day_n and_o to_o sequester_v some_o time_n for_o such_o serious_a consideration_n as_o these_o what_o be_v it_o to_o die_v of_o what_o infinite_a importance_n be_v it_o to_o die_v well_o what_o will_v become_v of_o we_o when_o we_o be_v dead_a and_o go_v what_o eternity_n that_o great_a thing_n eternity_n mean_n how_o unalterable_a every_o one_o state_n will_v be_v and_o how_o impossible_a it_o must_v be_v for_o we_o to_o live_v over_o our_o life_n again_o to_o rectify_v those_o miscarriage_n we_o be_v such_o fool_n to_o be_v guilty_a of_o now_o such_o religious_a meditation_n will_v prove_v very_o powerful_a restraint_n to_o keep_v man_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o their_o duty_n according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o son_n of_o sirach_n think_v on_o thy_o latter_a end_n and_o thou_o shall_v never_o do_v amiss_o what_o admirable_a effect_n of_o such_o retirement_n will_v you_o
not_o find_v when_o your_o last_o hour_n shall_v come_v for_o how_o slight_o soever_o some_o have_v speak_v of_o mortality_n i_o be_o confident_a no_o man_n ever_o yet_o repent_v of_o it_o on_o his_o deathbed_n nor_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v a_o great_a comfort_n to_o a_o man_n at_o the_o last_o than_o to_o consider_v that_o the_o care_n of_o his_o life_n have_v be_v to_o keep_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n it_o be_v a_o comfort_n that_o will_v stick_v to_o he_o to_o endless_a age_n some_o of_o the_o primitive_a writer_n have_v mention_v a_o few_o occasional_a expression_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n which_o we_o do_v not_o find_v record_v in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o sacred_a history_n of_o his_o life_n how_o they_o come_v by_o they_o be_v not_o material_a for_o we_o to_o inquire_v but_o justin_n martyr_n tell_v we_o this_o be_v one_o of_o his_o say_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d according_a as_o i_o find_v you_o at_o your_o death_n so_o i_o shall_v judge_v you_o it_o be_v like_a that_o of_o solomon_n eccles_n 11._o 3._o in_o the_o place_n where_o the_o tree_n fall_v there_o it_o shall_v be_v if_o a_o man_n do_v diligent_o endeavour_v to_o perform_v his_o duty_n in_o that_o manner_n and_o to_o that_o extent_n which_o the_o law_n of_o religion_n do_v require_v his_o work_n will_v bear_v he_o company_n to_o heaven_n and_o crown_v he_o with_o unspeakable_a comfort_n to_o all_o eternity_n a_o good_a conscience_n be_v part_n of_o that_o banquet_n upon_o which_o we_o shall_v feast_v with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o so_o be_v a_o guilty_a conscience_n part_n of_o those_o torment_n which_o be_v the_o sad_a portion_n of_o the_o damn_a for_o there_o be_v no_o halfway_n house_n between_o hell_n and_o heaven_n for_o man_n to_o shift_v themselves_o from_o those_o pollution_n wherein_o they_o die_v nor_o do_v death_n so_o alter_v the_o state_n of_o a_o man_n as_o that_o the_o sense_n of_o gild_n and_o sting_n of_o conscience_n do_v therefore_o cease_v no_o the_o power_n and_o capacity_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v raise_v and_o enlarge_v upon_o its_o separation_n from_o the_o body_n and_o conscience_n become_v more_o quick_a and_o sensible_a than_o while_o it_o be_v srifle_v and_o immure_v in_o a_o heap_n of_o flesh_n so_o that_o instead_o of_o be_v lose_v or_o abate_v the_o torment_n of_o conscience_n be_v aggravate_v and_o heighten_v and_o be_v there_o no_o other_o fire_n in_o hell_n yet_o that_o in_o one_o own_o breast_n will_v yield_v a_o smoke_n that_o will_v ascend_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o there_o the_o worm_n die_v not_o say_v our_o saviour_n which_o may_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o gnawing_n of_o conscience_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o fearful_a visitation_n of_o a_o angry_a and_o just_a god_n these_o thing_n be_v due_o consider_v what_o can_v be_v so_o adviseable_a for_o we_o for_o the_o secure_n of_o our_o best_a and_o dear_a interest_n our_o peace_n in_o this_o world_n and_o in_o the_o next_o what_o can_v be_v so_o necessary_a for_o we_o as_o to_o have_v a_o care_n of_o our_o conscience_n and_o in_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n to_o have_v our_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n alas_o we_o have_v no_o abide_v place_n here_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n will_v soon_o slip_v out_o of_o our_o hand_n that_o little_a good_a there_o be_v in_o this_o world_n we_o shall_v lose_v in_o a_o short_a time_n nor_o can_v we_o carry_v hence_o any_o thing_n with_o we_o but_o the_o remembrance_n of_o what_o we_o have_v do_v and_o that_o the_o remembrance_n thereof_o may_v not_o be_v painful_a i_o crave_v the_o liberty_n to_o offer_v brief_o these_o few_o thing_n the_o point_n be_v altogether_o practical_a 1._o that_o we_o give_v all_o moral_a diligence_n to_o inform_v our_o conscience_n right_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o all_o we_o do_v this_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o st._n paul_n before_o his_o conversion_n that_o he_o take_v thing_n upon_o trust_n and_o go_v upon_o presumption_n have_v he_o diligent_o examine_v the_o christian_a institution_n and_o consider_v all_o the_o reason_n and_o argument_n on_o its_o side_n he_o may_v have_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o without_o a_o miracle_n from_o heaven_n but_o he_o take_v for_o grant_v that_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n in_o all_o its_o part_n be_v to_o continue_v for_o ever_o and_o so_o he_o persecute_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n as_o apostate_n from_o the_o law_n not_o look_v upon_o all_o this_o as_o injurious_a deal_v but_o as_o condign_a punishment_n he_o very_o think_v himself_o bind_v to_o do_v those_o thing_n and_o what_o a_o chargeable_a thought_n be_v that_o to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n what_o a_o expense_n of_o blood_n do_v it_o put_v they_o to_o what_o imprisonment_n and_o other_o suffering_n do_v it_o not_o cost_v they_o that_o one_o think_v of_o he_o therefore_o to_o have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o use_v all_o proper_a mean_n for_o the_o remove_n and_o cure_v of_o mistake_v such_o as_o unprejudiced_a meditation_n read_v of_o good_a book_n conference_n with_o skilful_a and_o upright_a teacher_n and_o the_o like_a for_o though_o we_o be_v all_o subject_n to_o mistake_n by_o reason_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o though_o there_o be_v few_o who_o be_v not_o at_o all_o mistake_v in_o one_o particular_a or_o other_o yet_o as_o long_o as_o a_o mistake_n be_v not_o wilful_a proceed_v from_o the_o neglect_n of_o proper_a mean_n the_o man_n be_v acquit_v though_o he_o be_v erroneous_a god_n himself_o the_o searcher_n of_o heart_n and_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n do_v pardon_n involuntary_a ignorances_n upon_o a_o general_a repentance_n and_o this_o shall_v ever_o be_v a_o fix_a rule_n for_o our_o charity_n to_o one_o another_o where_o our_o opinion_n be_v different_a to_o bear_v like_o brethren_n with_o each_o other_o infirmity_n as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v tolerable_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o man_n heart_n be_v sincere_a and_o honest_a and_o their_o error_n involuntary_a however_o though_o we_o live_v in_o a_o uncharitable_a and_o censorious_a world_n yet_o we_o shall_v be_v sure_a not_o to_o miss_v of_o peace_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o our_o own_o mind_n if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o in_o our_o endeavour_n to_o inform_v our_o judgement_n right_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o a_o error_n be_v not_o thing_n inconsistent_a i_o be_o sure_a our_o apostle_n error_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n wilful_a and_o yet_o he_o obtain_v mercy_n because_o what_o he_o have_v do_v he_o do_v through_o ignorance_n 2._o our_o endeavour_n be_v thus_o honest_o employ_v the_o next_o way_n to_o have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n be_v to_o follow_v its_o dictate_v great_a be_v the_o power_n which_o every_o one_o conscience_n have_v over_o he_o and_o those_o who_o speak_v so_o slight_o of_o its_o obligation_n either_o have_v no_o conscience_n themselves_o or_o else_o understand_v not_o what_o the_o office_n and_o power_n of_o it_o be_v it_o have_v by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n himself_o the_o immediate_a government_n of_o we_o so_o that_o the_o very_a word_n of_o god_n do_v not_o otherwise_o guide_v we_o than_o by_o the_o light_n which_o it_o afford_v the_o conscience_n though_o the_o divine_a will_v be_v the_o supreme_a rule_n yet_o conscience_n be_v the_o inward_a and_o immediate_a measure_n of_o our_o action_n and_o on_o that_o account_n the_o command_n be_v so_o peremptory_a that_o every_o one_o be_v to_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o the_o determination_n be_v so_o positive_a that_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n hence_o it_o evident_o follow_v that_o conscience_n must_v be_v obey_v for_o if_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o act_n without_o some_o conviction_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o action_n what_o a_o sin_n be_v it_o to_o act_n quite_o contrary_a to_o one_o conviction_n against_o one_o judgement_n and_o persuasion_n and_o in_o spite_n of_o all_o the_o dictate_v and_o outcry_n of_o conscience_n touch_v the_o direct_a unlawfulness_n of_o what_o a_o man_n do_v all_o agree_v that_o this_o be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o a_o good_a conscience_n nay_o some_o learned_a casuist_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v far_o less_o a_o criminal_a who_o commit_v evil_a when_o he_o think_v it_o to_o be_v good_a than_o he_o be_v who_o do_v good_a when_o he_o think_v it_o to_o be_v evil_a for_o in_o the_o former_a case_n the_o intention_n be_v good_a but_o in_o the_o latter_a the_o heart_n be_v obstinate_a and_o perfect_o malicious_a as_o well_o as_o the_o conscience_n erroneous_a iii_o to_o despise_v the_o world_n when_o it_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o our_o duty_n be_v another_o sure_a way_n to_o keep_v one_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n because_o nothing_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o corrupt_v man_n mind_n and_o to_o rifle_v they_o of_o their_o integrity_n than_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n though_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n it_o will_v be_v the_o most_o foolish_a exchange_n to_o part_v with_o one_o soul_n though_o to_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n be_v a_o acquest_n of_o that_o nature_n possible_a iu._n and_o so_o to_o resist_v the_o first_o temptation_n unto_o sin_n to_o get_v such_o a_o mastery_n over_o our_o own_o will_n as_o to_o arm_v ourselves_o with_o firm_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n against_o it_o to_o pray_v daily_a and_o hearty_o unto_o god_n not_o to_o lead_v we_o into_o temptation_n and_o above_o all_o to_o have_v god_n always_o before_o our_o eye_n to_o possess_v our_o soul_n with_o a_o true_a fear_n of_o he_o to_o entertain_v reverend_a and_o awful_a thought_n of_o his_o omniscience_n and_o justice_n that_o he_o be_v a_o spectator_n of_o all_o our_o action_n that_o he_o search_v the_o very_a reign_n and_o that_o he_o look_v into_o all_o the_o recess_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o that_o a_o time_n will_v infallible_o come_v when_o he_o will_v un-case_n we_o and_o lay_v we_o open_a and_o reward_v every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o work_n and_o judge_v even_o the_o secret_n of_o man_n by_o jesus_n christ_n this_o alone_a will_v be_v a_o excellent_a mean_n to_o make_v man_n keep_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n for_o they_o will_v not_o dare_v to_o presume_v in_o any_o kind_n do_v but_o the_o true_a fear_n of_o god_n rule_n in_o their_o heart_n kind_o because_o this_o must_v be_v grant_v by_o all_o who_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o god_n that_o though_o they_o may_v deceive_v themselves_o with_o lie_v hope_n and_o the_o unthinking_a populace_n with_o a_o specious_a outside_n yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o deceive_v the_o god_n of_o heaven_n nor_o can_v we_o suppose_v any_o man_n to_o be_v so_o careless_a of_o his_o own_o safety_n and_o self-preservation_n as_o to_o damn_v himself_o if_o he_o do_v very_o believe_v that_o damnation_n will_v be_v the_o end_n of_o his_o evil_a work_n and_o that_o for_o all_o those_o thing_n god_n will_v bring_v he_o to_o judgement_n in_o short_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v just_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v pure_a and_o lovely_a and_o of_o good_a report_n if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n if_o there_o be_v any_o praise_n let_v we_o think_v of_o those_o thing_n and_o the_o very_a god_n of_o peace_n sanctify_v we_o whole_o that_o our_o whole_a spirit_n soul_n and_o body_n may_v be_v preserve_v blameless_a unto_o the_o come_v of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n now_o and_o ever_o amen_n finis_fw-la
a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o king_n &_o queen_n at_o whitehall_n december_n 13_o 1691._o by_o edward_n pell_v d._n d._n chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o their_o majesty_n publish_a by_o her_o majesty_n special_a command_n london_n print_v for_o john_n everingham_n at_o the_o star_n near_o the_o west_n end_v of_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1692._o a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o king_n and_z queen_n act_v xxiv_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 these_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o great_a apostle_n st._n paul_n when_o he_o be_v arraign_v at_o caesarea_n when_o ananias_n and_o the_o elder_n be_v party_n to_o accuse_v he_o when_o the_o eloquent_a tertullus_n be_v counsel_n to_o prosecute_v he_o when_o felix_n be_v the_o judge_n and_o many_o desperate_a witness_n be_v ready_a to_o depose_v the_o false_a thing_n against_o he_o in_o circumstance_n so_o dangerous_a that_o no_o way_n seem_v open_a for_o innocence_n to_o escape_v this_o be_v the_o apostle_n defence_n and_o comfort_n the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n this_o say_v he_o i_o confess_v that_o after_o the_o way_n which_o the_o jew_n call_v heresy_n so_o worship_v i_o the_o god_n of_o my_o father_n believe_v all_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o have_v hope_n towards_o god_n which_o they_o themselves_o also_o allow_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a 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 that_o we_o may_v right_o understand_v this_o matter_n we_o must_v consider_v a_o little_a what_o it_o be_v to_o have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o apostle_n plea_n conscience_n in_o general_n signify_v a_o man_n judgement_n or_o opinion_n as_o it_o relate_v to_o action_n that_o noble_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o understanding_n when_o it_o look_v and_o inquire_v into_o thing_n whether_o they_o be_v true_a or_o false_a be_v fu_o call_v the_o speculative_a judgement_n but_o when_o it_o be_v employ_v about_o something_o that_o be_v to_o be_v do_v and_o examine_v will_v they_o in_o he_o good_a or_o evil_a it_o be_v call_v by_o moralist_n the_o practic_n judgement_n and_o by_o divine_n conscience_n and_o the_o office_n of_o conscience_n be_v twofold_a to_o direct_v one_o in_o act_v and_o then_o to_o pass_v a_o censure_n up_o on_o his_o action_n before_o the_o thing_n be_v do_v conscience_n serve_v as_o a_o tutor_n to_o advise_v and_o teach_v and_o after_o the_o fact_n be_v over_o it_o serve_v as_o a_o judge_n either_o to_o acquit_v or_o to_o condemn_v he_o for_o it_o so_o that_o to_o have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n be_v in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n to_o be_v powerful_o govern_v by_o one_o conscience_n in_o the_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o so_o to_o follow_v the_o light_n which_o be_v in_o his_o understanding_n as_o not_o to_o fall_v into_o any_o know_a sin_n nor_o to_o act_v any_o thing_n which_o will_v gall_v and_o wound_v his_o mind_n in_o the_o consequence_n when_o a_o man_n be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o that_o according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o his_o endeavour_n he_o have_v be_v careful_a to_o express_v his_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o man_n when_o his_o conscience_n govern_v he_o right_o and_o make_v he_o cheerful_a when_o it_o give_v he_o true_a advice_n and_o spiritual_a comfort_n when_o it_o be_v honest_a in_o its_o direction_n and_o delightful_a in_o its_o reward_n then_o he_o may_v be_v right_o say_v to_o have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n this_o the_o apostle_n protest_v now_o in_o open_a court_n be_v his_o constant_a exercise_n but_o this_o must_v be_v understand_v chief_o of_o the_o time_n after_o his_o conversion_n to_o christianity_n for_o while_o he_o be_v yet_o a_o jew_n and_o a_o zealous_a pharisee_fw-mi his_o conscience_n be_v not_o void_a of_o all_o offence_n we_o know_v what_o his_o sin_n be_v and_o with_o what_o penitence_n and_o freedom_n he_o lament_v they_o afterward_o yet_o this_o be_v to_o be_v say_v on_o his_o behalf_n that_o for_o aught_o we_o find_v he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o sincere_a intention_n all_o along_o though_o he_o be_v zealous_a for_o the_o law_n and_o persecute_v christianity_n and_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o proto-martyr_n st._n stephen_n yet_o in_o all_o this_o he_o follow_v his_o judgement_n at_o that_o time_n his_o great_a fault_n be_v not_o so_o much_o in_o his_o will_n as_o in_o his_o understanding_n his_o prejudices_fw-la be_v strong_a and_o powerful_a his_o education_n carry_v a_o mighty_a hand_n over_o he_o and_o the_o concurrent_a zeal_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o elder_n do_v very_o much_o help_v to_o inflame_v he_o still_o so_o that_o he_o think_v in_o his_o conscience_n he_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n as_o he_o serious_o and_o solemn_o profess_v act._n 26._o 9_o he_o be_v a_o sad_a example_n of_o humane_a infirmity_n and_o as_o we_o learn_v by_o it_o to_o extend_v our_o charity_n and_o compassion_n to_o those_o who_o conscience_n be_v mislead_v after_o that_o manner_n so_o he_o himself_o become_v a_o great_a object_n of_o god_n compassion_n his_o error_n serve_v to_o lessen_v his_o gild_n and_o he_o obtain_v mercy_n because_o he_o sin_v ignorant_o in_o unbelief_n 1_o tim._n 1._o 13._o but_o when_o he_o come_v to_o be_v thorough_o enlighten_v by_o the_o son_n of_o righteousness_n and_o his_o conscience_n be_v set_v to_o right_n it_o be_v his_o steadfast_a resolution_n and_o fix_a endeavour_n to_o keep_v it_o more_o in_o charity_n than_o the_o apple_n of_o his_o eye_n as_o a_o man_n that_o have_v once_o break_v his_o bone_n by_o chance_n be_v very_o careful_a lest_o he_o slip_v again_o so_o be_v the_o apostle_n after_o his_o conversion_n industrious_o bend_v upon_o keep_v his_o conscience_n from_o every_o the_o least_o wound_n or_o blow_v he_o value_v no_o stripe_n as_o long_o as_o they_o do_v not_o touch_v that_o tender_a part._n defamation_n imprisonment_n the_o grime_a danger_n the_o great_a difficulty_n death_n itself_o with_o all_o its_o ghastly_a and_o frightful_a retinue_n all_o be_v welcome_a to_o he_o as_o long_o as_o he_o can_v keep_v that_o darling_n in_o his_o bosom_n his_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man._n and_o this_o show_v we_o all_o what_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o great_a care_n and_o business_n of_o our_o whole_a life_n in_o every_o particular_a still_o to_o have_v a_o very_a tender_a regard_n and_o care_n of_o our_o conscience_n and_o whatever_o we_o neglect_v or_o forget_v amid_o the_o hurry_v of_o this_o troublesome_a world_n never_o to_o let_v this_o great_a care_n slip_v out_o of_o our_o mind_n for_o whether_o conscience_n be_v well_o or_o ill_o keep_v a_o man_n shall_v be_v sure_a to_o hear_v of_o it_o at_o last_o he_o will_v certain_o find_v the_o issue_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o at_o home_n let_v he_o take_v what_o course_n he_o please_v his_o conscience_n will_v bear_v he_o company_n and_o in_o the_o end_n prove_v his_o comfort_n or_o his_o plague_n it_o be_v true_a a_o man_n conscience_n may_v not_o accuse_v he_o or_o fly_v upon_o he_o present_o how_o evil_a soever_o it_o be_v it_o may_v lie_v quiet_a for_o a_o time_n perhaps_o he_o may_v not_o for_o some_o considerable_a long_a space_n feel_v any_o throe_n any_o luctation_n any_o ruffling_n within_o he_o but_o his_o land_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v at_o rest_n either_o he_o may_v not_o inquire_v at_o all_o into_o his_o state_n or_o he_o may_v abuse_v and_o delude_v himself_o with_o a_o false_a account_n of_o his_o condition_n or_o he_o may_v harden_v his_o mind_n with_o loose_a atheistical_a principle_n or_o he_o may_v bear_v down_o his_o conscience_n with_o a_o violent_a hand_n and_o so_o for_o a_o time_n it_o may_v be_v still_o and_o quiet_a like_o a_o clock_n that_o stand_v when_o the_o weight_n be_v down_o but_o one_o time_n or_o other_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n will_v wind_v it_o up_o again_o and_o then_o every_o wheel_n and_o movement_n will_v stir_v to_o purpose_n the_o eye_n will_v mourn_v the_o forehead_n will_v blush_v the_o heart_n will_v bleed_v and_o be_v very_o sore_o and_o yet_o perhaps_o the_o sense_n of_o what_o he_o have_v do_v will_v not_o lead_v he_o to_o true_a repentance_n but_o throw_v he_o at_o last_o into_o the_o very_a gulf_n of_o desperation_n and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v so_o confident_a of_o our_o own_o self_n as_o to_o do_v a_o ill_a thing_n we_o shall_v not_o trust_v no_o not_o our_o own_o heart_n