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
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
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
or_o cast_v off_o ever_o the_o more_o upon_o that_o account_n now_o this_o imply_v two_o thing_n first_o it_o suppose_v that_o conscience_n may_v be_v abuse_v nay_o actual_o have_v be_v so_o and_o that_o to_o very_o ill_a purpose_n and_o this_o be_v too_o great_a a_o truth_n ever_o to_o be_v deny_v and_o which_o sad_a experience_n do_v every_o day_n give_v we_o too_o manifest_a and_o undeniable_a a_o proof_n of_o to_o instance_n only_o in_o general_n many_o there_o be_v and_o god_n know_v how_o few_o among_o we_o can_v plead_v not_o guilty_a in_o this_o respect_n who_o have_v cry_v up_o religion_n and_o plead_v conscience_n yet_o have_v have_v no_o regard_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o one_o or_o rule_n of_o the_o other_o who_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v never_o take_v any_o pain_n to_o examine_v and_o search_v into_o the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o their_o action_n whether_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n or_o have_v any_o command_n of_o he_o to_o warrant_n and_o authorize_v they_o conscience_n in_o such_o person_n have_v never_o regard_v to_o any_o law_n but_o that_o of_o their_o own_o passion_n and_o interest_n which_o have_v put_v they_o upon_o many_o notorious_a and_o foul_a impiety_n and_o which_o have_v be_v first_o practise_v then_o excuse_v and_o at_o length_n arrive_v at_o that_o height_n of_o confidence_n as_o public_o to_o be_v maintain_v and_o justify_v in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o that_o under_o the_o name_n and_o plea_n of_o conscience_n notwithstanding_o they_o be_v direct_o oppose_v to_o the_o common_a dictate_v of_o nature_n and_o express_v law_n of_o christian_a religion_n thus_o among_o the_o heathen_a conscience_n through_o blindness_n and_o superstition_n have_v mislead_v they_o to_o many_o vile_a and_o unnatural_a piece_n of_o wickedness_n and_o among_o christian_n who_o ought_v to_o have_v know_v and_o do_v better_a it_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o little_a less_o the_o most_o tragical_a crime_n that_o ever_o come_v upon_o the_o stage_n have_v be_v act_v under_o this_o veil_n and_o disguise_v with_o this_o pretence_n this_o it_o be_v which_o put_v agamemnon_n upon_o sacrifice_v his_o daughter_n and_o urge_v his_o son_n orestes_n to_o revenge_v his_o father_n death_n in_o the_o murder_n of_o his_o mother_n this_o move_v the_o carthaginian_n to_o the_o slaughter_n of_o two_o 100_o young_a nobleman_n at_o a_o time_n to_o appease_v their_o surly_a god_n saturn_n after_o a_o notable_a defeat_n receive_v from_o their_o enemy_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n it_o become_v a_o common_a practice_n among_o several_a nation_n to_o offer_v up_o their_o child_n in_o sacrifice_n to_o their_o idol_n which_o abomination_n of_o the_o heathen_a as_o the_o holy_a scripture_n call_v it_o be_v afterward_o imitate_v by_o the_o backslide_a israelite_n who_o burn_v their_o child_n to_o moloch_n and_o make_v they_o pass_v through_o the_o fire_n in_o the_o valley_n of_o hinnon_n 2_o chr._n 28.3_o and_o it_o be_v conscience_n mingle_v with_o spite_n and_o malice_n that_o move_v their_o countryman_n in_o after-age_n to_o crucify_v the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o put_v he_o to_o open_a shame_n and_o death_n for_o say_v they_o we_o have_v a_o law_n and_o by_o that_o law_n he_o ought_v to_o die_v etc._n etc._n john_n 19.7_o and_o well_o have_v it_o be_v if_o this_o abomination_n have_v be_v confine_v to_o the_o heathen_a world_n or_o pass_v no_o further_o than_o the_o border_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n but_o which_o be_v more_o to_o be_v aggravate_v and_o lament_v too_o christian_n of_o almost_o all_o party_n and_o persuasion_n have_v not_o come_v behind_o the_o very_o worst_a of_o the_o heathen_n act_v over_o again_o all_o the_o extravagancy_n of_o a_o pagan_a superstition_n and_o that_o for_o religion_n and_o conscience_n sake_n if_o they_o may_v be_v believe_v this_o have_v create_v faction_n and_o sow_o sedition_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n invade_v kingdom_n from_o abroad_o and_o incite_v to_o rebellion_n at_o home_n contrive_v plot_n and_o hatch_v conspiracy_n act_v treason_n and_o commit_v massacre_n and_o absolve_v subject_n from_o their_o allegiance_n and_o make_v they_o cast_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o obedience_n to_o their_o lawful_a sovereign_n whatever_o mischief_n or_o wickedness_n be_v or_o can_v be_v employ_v in_o the_o name_n of_o rebellion_n and_o murder_n sacrilege_n or_o treason_n ambition_n and_o revenge_n they_o have_v all_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o some_o man_n conscience_n and_o proceed_v from_o the_o oracle_n of_o a_o delude_a and_o mistake_v religion_n under_o this_o pretence_n ill_a man_n have_v cherish_v their_o natural_a infirmity_n let_v loose_v their_o passion_n vent_v their_o spleen_n disguise_v their_o ambition_n promote_v their_o own_o private_a interest_n to_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o public_a and_o carry_v on_o the_o worst_a design_n of_o a_o spiteful_a nature_n and_o discontent_a faction_n now_o conscience_n in_o such_o man_n as_o these_o be_v legibus_fw-la soluta_fw-la have_v no_o respect_n to_o law_n unless_o it_o be_v to_o break_v and_o violate_v they_o be_v lawless_a and_o disobedient_a etc._n etc._n 1_o tim._n 1.9_o such_o a_o conscience_n as_o this_o can_v as_o easy_o break_v all_o band_n and_o cut_v in_o sunder_o all_o the_o cord_n of_o obedience_n as_o samson_n do_v the_o cord_n wherewith_o his_o enemy_n have_v bind_v he_o and_o when_o once_o the_o tie_v of_o conscience_n be_v lose_v or_o break_v little_a hope_n of_o their_o be_v hold_v by_o any_o other_o but_o we_o know_v very_o well_o from_o whence_o the_o principle_n of_o such_o a_o conscience_n come_v at_o first_o and_o what_o mischief_n and_o confusion_n it_o have_v wrought_v in_o all_o part_n of_o christendom_n ever_o since_o whoever_o therefore_o be_v act_v thereby_o whether_o they_o know_v it_o or_o no_o yet_o for_o certain_a they_o be_v no_o better_a than_o factour_n for_o popery_n the_o tool_n and_o engine_n of_o a_o jesuit_n and_o the_o very_a spawn_n of_o the_o fisherman_n of_o rome_n actuate_v by_o a_o spirit_n whole_o opposite_a to_o that_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n a_o spirit_n that_o like_o the_o evil_a one_o be_v ever_o restless_a and_o unquiet_a which_o have_v be_v former_o at_o work_n and_o no_o doubt_n be_v so_o still_o though_o like_o their_o predecessor_n in_o the_o powder-plot_n they_o dig_v under_o ground_n in_o a_o more_o secret_a and_o clandestine_v manner_n endeavour_v not_o only_a to_o create_v jealousy_n and_o discontent_n but_o contrive_v and_o lay_v snare_n to_o involve_v we_o in_o the_o like_o unnatural_a gild_n and_o treachery_n with_o themselves_o for_o it_o be_v well_o know_v the_o papist_n have_v leaven_v most_o of_o our_o sect_n and_o under_o their_o mask_n and_o disguise_n have_v oppugn_v our_o church_n sow_v the_o tare_n of_o faction_n and_o dissension_n among_o we_o and_o arm_v her_o bosom_n friend_n which_o be_v evermore_o the_o worst_a of_o enemy_n with_o weapon_n and_o argument_n to_o undermine_v and_o weaken_v she_o and_o real_o when_o i_o consider_v the_o great_a imposture_n of_o that_o corrupt_a church_n and_o the_o vast_a number_n that_o have_v be_v crafty_o seduce_v and_o mislead_v by_o she_o who_o under_o the_o plea_n of_o conscience_n and_o outcry_n of_o religion_n have_v act_v so_o many_o barbarous_a and_o unhuman_a cruelty_n it_o be_v enough_o methinks_v to_o make_v a_o serious_a man_n to_o forswear_v all_o conscience_n and_o for_o ever_o abjure_v all_o thought_n of_o religion_n be_v he_o not_o very_o well_o assure_v of_o the_o abuse_n of_o the_o one_o and_o innocence_n of_o the_o other_o and_o how_o none_o but_o the_o very_o worst_a of_o man_n have_v make_v those_o holy_a pretence_n a_o retreat_n for_o their_o wicked_a and_o abominable_a practice_n good_a god_n that_o any_o who_o pretend_v to_o conscience_n and_o religion_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o to_o conscience_n in_o its_o great_a strictness_n and_o to_o religion_n in_o its_o high_a purity_n shall_v yet_o so_o notorious_o abuse_v the_o one_o prostitute_v the_o other_o and_o act_n in_o contradiction_n to_o both_o if_o this_o be_v to_o make_v conscience_n of_o our_o action_n it_o be_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o no_o good_a man_n will_v be_v desirous_a of_o and_o if_o this_o be_v religion_n i_o plain_o declare_v i_o have_v none_o of_o this_o kind_n and_o do_v hearty_o wish_v i_o never_o may_v if_o conscience_n and_o consequent_o christianity_n be_v the_o refuge_n of_o treason_n and_o sanctuary_n of_o rebellion_n if_o the_o holy_a jesus_n come_v as_o one_o will_v think_v by_o some_o man_n practice_n he_o do_v to_o sanctify_v murder_n and_o canonize_v those_o man_n who_o hand_n be_v full_a of_o blood_n to_o licence_n sacrilege_n and_o sedition_n or_o legitimate_a the_o most_o lewd_a and_o infamous_a impiety_n i_o shall_v choose_v rather_o to_o be_v a_o disciple_n of_o honest_a
christain_n doctrine_n and_o comprehensive_a of_o the_o most_o material_a article_n of_o our_o belief_n and_o second_o matter_n of_o practice_n which_o be_v less_o controvert_v than_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n and_o be_v agree_v unto_o on_o all_o hand_n and_o to_o which_o all_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n ought_v to_o refer_v and_o be_v no_o further_o necessary_a than_o they_o do_v so_o for_o all_o notion_n and_o opinion_n be_v but_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o themselves_o it_o matter_n not_o whether_o they_o be_v true_a or_o false_a if_o they_o pass_v no_o further_o than_o the_o brain_n and_o be_v of_o no_o other_o use_n than_o to_o gratify_v a_o muse_v genius_n and_o speculative_a fancy_n for_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n if_o we_o live_v without_o he_o in_o the_o world_n but_o they_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n and_o concern_v in_o relation_n to_o practice_n so_o far_o as_o they_o pass_v from_o the_o head_n to_o the_o heart_n and_o have_v a_o influence_n upon_o our_o life_n truth_n therefore_o be_v valuable_a and_o aught_o to_o be_v high_o prize_v because_o of_o its_o near_a relation_n to_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n and_o error_n to_o be_v shun_v and_o avoid_v in_o regard_n of_o its_o vicious_a contagion_n and_o the_o ill_a effect_n it_o have_v upon_o our_o moral_n conscience_n therefore_o be_v concern_v principal_o about_o such_o thing_n in_o religion_n as_o be_v solid_a and_o substantial_a plain_a and_o evident_a necessary_a to_o be_v do_v certain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v know_v and_o such_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v the_o agenda_fw-la or_o matter_n of_o practice_n which_o take_v in_o all_o the_o instance_n of_o our_o duty_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n and_o branch_n themselves_o forth_o into_o the_o great_a command_n of_o lead_v a_o godly_a righteous_a and_o sober_a life_n as_o for_o the_o more_o ignorant_a sort_n of_o people_n and_o such_o as_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n we_o shall_v press_v upon_o they_o the_o great_a and_o necessary_a duty_n of_o religion_n and_o morality_n such_o as_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n loyalty_n to_o their_o king_n love_n to_o their_o neighbour_n honesty_n in_o their_o deal_n temperance_n and_o sobriety_n towards_o themselves_o a_o thankful_a use_n and_o acknoledgment_n of_o mercy_n and_o a_o patient-bearing_a and_o improvement_n of_o affliction_n these_o we_o ought_v daily_o to_o press_v upon_o our_o people_n rather_o than_o amuse_v they_o with_o curious_a notion_n or_o receive_v they_o to_o doubtful_a disputation_n which_o oft_o stagger_v more_o than_o they_o confirm_v and_o shake_v their_o faith_n instead_o of_o settle_v it_o and_o though_o the_o apostle_n bid_v we_o prove_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a thessaly_n 5.21_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o speak_v to_o all_o indifferent_o it_o belong_v not_o to_o the_o ordinary_a and_o less_o know_v of_o christian_n who_o be_v usual_o uncapable_a of_o such_o a_o inquiry_n but_o to_o such_o who_o have_v leisure_n and_o opportunity_n to_o make_v the_o trial_n judgement_n and_o skill_n to_o go_v through_o with_o it_o or_o to_o do_v it_o to_o better_a purpose_n and_o with_o less_o danger_n to_o themselves_o and_o other_o but_o for_o the_o generality_n of_o people_n where_o they_o be_v satisfy_v that_o no_o sin_n be_v impose_v on_o their_o practice_n nor_o dangerous_a error_n on_o their_o belief_n where_o they_o have_v the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n afford_v they_o constant_a hour_n of_o devotion_n and_o state_v time_n of_o public_a worship_n where_o they_o have_v the_o liberty_n and_o encouragement_n to_o be_v as_o holy_a and_o devout_a as_o they_o will_v as_o virtuous_a and_o strict_a in_o their_o moral_n as_o they_o please_v themselves_o in_o this_o case_n which_o god_n be_v praise_v be_v we_o people_n ought_v to_o rest_v satisfy_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o such_o a_o church_n without_o trouble_v themselves_o with_o needless_a scruple_n uncomfortable_a dolbt_n or_o superstitious_a curiosity_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o take_v up_o too_o much_o of_o their_o time_n and_o thought_n that_o may_v be_v better_o employ_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o well_o know_v and_o necessary_a duty_n and_o improve_n themselves_o in_o the_o happy_a progress_n of_o a_o good_a and_o virtuous_a life_n and_o if_o such_o a_o church_n will_v not_o satisfy_v they_o i_o know_v not_o all_o thing_n consider_v where_o they_o can_v find_v a_o better_a for_o no_o church_n under_o the_o sun_n be_v absolute_o perfect_a and_o free_a from_o corruption_n and_o defect_n nor_o can_v ever_o hope_v to_o be_v so_o as_o long_o as_o it_o be_v make_v up_o of_o man_n that_o be_v of_o person_n frail_a and_o fallible_a and_o of_o like_a passion_n and_o infirmity_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n though_o i_o do_v believe_v this_o church_n of_o we_o have_v as_o few_o of_o they_o as_o any_o other_o under_o the_o cope_n of_o heaven_n nay_o i_o shall_v not_o mistake_v if_o i_o say_v much_o few_o conscience_n then_o be_v more_o to_o be_v heed_v in_o reference_n to_o our_o act_n than_o opinion_n and_o it_o be_v more_o safe_a and_o easy_a to_o govern_v our_o ation_n in_o respect_n of_o practice_n than_o to_o chufe_v for_o ourselves_o in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n if_o a_o man_n hold_v no_o doctrine_n that_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o holiaess_a and_o a_o good_a life_n he_o need_v not_o be_v much_o trouble_v about_o other_o thing_n that_o be_v too_o high_a for_o he_o and_o above_o his_o reach_n i_o dare_v adventure_n to_o say_v it_o be_v safe_a for_o he_o to_o err_v with_o modesty_n and_o humility_n out_o of_o love_n to_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o in_o submission_n to_o its_o authority_n than_o to_o be_v sound_a and_o orthodox_n in_o his_o judgement_n and_o withal_o of_o a_o stubbom_n refractory_a and_o contentious_a spirit_n and_o a_o humble_a modest_a peaceable-minded_n man_n be_v more_o acceptable_a with_o his_o error_n and_o fail_n in_o judgement_n than_o a_o proud_a and_o obstinate_a person_n though_o he_o chance_v to_o have_v truth_n on_o his_o side_n therefore_o according_a to_o the_o common_a use_n and_o acceptation_n of_o the_o word_n he_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o most_o conscientious_a who_o live_v best_a and_o not_o who_o know_v most_o who_o be_v just_a and_o honest_a in_o his_o moral_n not_o who_o be_v sound_a and_o right_o in_o his_o apprehension_n he_o that_o live_v well_o though_o he_o know_v not_o very_o much_o have_v more_o of_o conscience_n than_o he_o that_o know_v more_o and_o yet_o live_v a_o great_a deal_n worse_o for_o conscience_n be_v not_o so_o much_o a_o speculative_a as_o practical_a thing_n and_o many_o time_n there_o be_v more_o of_o it_o find_v among_o the_o simple_a honest_a and_o well-meaning_a fort_n of_o christian_n than_o among_o the_o more_o deep_o learn_v and_o profound_a speculati_fw-la this_o show_v the_o too_o great_a folly_n and_o perverseness_n of_o many_o of_o our_o people_n who_o seem_v to_o be_v eat_v up_o with_o zeal_n and_o plead_v conscience_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o do_v not_o well_o understand_v and_o it_o may_v be_v never_o will_v whereas_o a_o meek_a humble_a and_o teachable_a spirit_n will_v better_o become_v they_o and_o tend_v much_o more_o to_o their_o own_o praise_n and_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o great_a end_n of_o religion_n for_o they_o may_v soon_o hope_v to_o be_v the_o one_o than_o the_o other_o that_o be_v they_o may_v become_v humble_a and_o meek_n when_o they_o can_v be_v skilled_a in_o all_o the_o point_n of_o religion_n or_o matter_n controvert_v and_o under_o dispute_n conscience_n then_o be_v most_o proper_o exercise_v about_o the_o more_o plain_a and_o necessary_a duty_n of_o religion_n namely_o matter_n of_o practice_n and_o such_o doctrine_n as_o tend_v more_o immediate_o towards_o the_o lead_n of_o a_o godly_a righteous_a and_o sober_a life_n and_o thus_o have_v i_o do_v with_o the_o four_o general_n head_n and_o which_o i_o chief_o intend_v in_o the_o draw_v up_o of_o this_o discourse_n it_o remain_v now_o that_o in_o the_o 5_o and_o last_o place_n to_o offer_v a_o few_o thing_n by_o way_n of_o advice_n concern_v the_o well-governing_a ourselves_o with_o relation_n to_o our_o conscience_n and_o the_o first_o be_v this_o that_o you_o be_v very_o careful_a to_o get_v conscience_n right_o inform_v and_o well_o instruct_v that_o you_o may_v arrive_v at_o a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a apprehension_n of_o your_o duty_n in_o all_o capacity_n and_o under_o all_o relation_n whatever_a and_o do_v this_o with_o all_o the_o faithfulness_n and_o impartiality_n in_o the_o world_n be_v sway_v by_o passion_n bias_v by_o interest_n and_o carry_v away_o with_o prejudice_n as_o little_a as_o may_v be_v labour_v to_o know_v and_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o
not_o faction_n or_o peevishness_n that_o make_v the_o difference_n there_o our_o charity_n be_v as_o much_o due_a to_o they_o as_o it_o be_v owe_v from_o they_o to_o we_o upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n for_o in_o this_o case_n there_o be_v but_o one_o rule_n for_o they_o and_o we_o to_o walk_v and_o judge_v by_o therefore_o let_v a_o man_n be_v never_o so_o much_o in_o the_o right_a let_v his_o zeal_n for_o truth_n be_v never_o so_o great_a yet_o if_o his_o zeal_n do_v devour_v his_o charity_n sour_a and_o corrupt_a his_o spirit_n embitter_v and_o provoke_v he_o beyond_o what_o be_v seemly_a and_o convenient_a let_v his_o cause_n be_v never_o so_o good_a his_o argument_n never_o so_o strong_a if_o they_o fail_v in_o this_o all_o the_o rest_n signify_v not_o much_o the_o lack_n of_o this_o one_o thing_n make_v all_o the_o rest_n defective_a and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n unsuccessful_a for_o let_v i_o appeal_v to_o the_o most_o zealous_a boarnarge_n of_o they_o all_o can_v any_o man_n who_o believe_v the_o scripture_n read_v the_o 13_o chapter_n of_o st._n paul_n fiâ—st_a epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n which_o treat_v purposely_o on_o the_o necessity_n and_o commendation_n of_o this_o most_o excellent_a grace_n of_o charity_n i_o say_v can_v he_o read_v that_o and_o yet_o think_v it_o possible_a to_o be_v a_o good_a christian_a or_o discharge_v a_o good_a conscience_n without_o it_o for_o do_v he_o not_o prefer_v it_o to_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n to_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n and_o work_v of_o miracle_n nay_o do_v he_o not_o prefer_v charity_n before_o the_o most_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n miraculous_a faith_n liberal_a alms-deed_n and_o voluntary_a martyrdom_n 1_o cor._n 3.1_o etc._n etc._n though_o i_o speak_v with_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n or_o angel_n though_o i_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n and_o understand_v all_o mystery_n and_o all_o knowledge_n and_o though_o i_o have_v all_o faith_n and_o though_o i_o bestow_v all_o my_o good_n to_o feed_v the_o poor_a and_o though_o i_o give_v my_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v and_o have_v not_o charity_n it_o profit_v i_o nothing_o now_o the_o excellency_n and_o advantage_n which_o charity_n have_v over_o all_o other_o gift_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n be_v prove_v at_o large_a from_o the_o wonderful_a good_a office_n and_o effect_n thereof_o charity_n suffer_v long_o and_o be_v kind_a envy_v not_o vaunt_v not_o itself_o be_v not_o puff_v up_o nor_o easy_o provoke_v it_o rejoice_v in_o nothing_o but_o the_o truth_n it_o bear_v believe_v hope_n and_o endure_v all_o thing_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o conclusion_n he_o give_v charity_n the_o preference_n of_o all_o other_o verse_n 13._o now_o abide_v faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n these_o three_o but_o the_o great_a of_o these_o be_v charity_n our_o religion_n and_o consequent_o our_o church_n though_o she_o condemn_v division_n and_o separation_n in_o all_o those_o that_o leave_v off_o and_o depart_v from_o her_o communion_n yet_o do_v not_o whole_o exclude_v they_o from_o her_o charity_n and_o therefore_o neither_o shall_v we_o from_o we_o mere_o upon_o the_o difference_n of_o opinion_n and_o especial_o if_o this_o difference_n be_v for_o conscience_n sake_n and_o not_o out_o of_o faction_n and_o frowardness_n as_o i_o say_v before_o and_o will_v always_o be_v understand_v and_o that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v think_v to_o speak_v without_o book_n or_o affirm_v more_o than_o our_o church_n will_v own_v i_o shall_v refer_v you_o to_o that_o excellent_a piece_n call_v the_o moderation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n out_o of_o which_o i_o have_v collect_v a_o few_o passage_n some_o whereof_o i_o have_v repeat_v more_o at_o large_a queen_n elizabeth_z in_o her_o injunction_n 1559._o declare_v that_o her_o majesty_n be_v most_o desirous_a of_o all_o other_o earthly_a thing_n thaâ—_n her_o people_n shall_v live_v in_o charity_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man_n and_o therein_o abound_v in_o good_a work_n will_n and_o straight_o command_v all_o her_o subject_n to_o forbear_v all_o vain_a and_o contentious_a disputation_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o not_o to_o use_v in_o despite_n or_o rebuke_v of_o any_o person_n these_o convitious_a or_o revile_v word_n of_o papist_n heretic_n satismatick_a or_o sacramentary_a or_o any_o such_o like_a expression_n of_o reproach_n that_o be_v we_o ought_v not_o to_o use_v these_o or_o the_o like_a expression_n in_o way_n of_o reproach_n or_o vilify_n of_o one_o another_o as_o some_o in_o the_o heat_n of_o their_o wrangle_n and_o contention_n be_v very_o apt_a to_o do_v to_o the_o exasperate_n rather_o than_o convince_a of_o gainsayer_n and_o king_n james_n that_o learned_a and_o judicious_a prince_n forbid_v pulpit_n to_o be_v make_v pasquil_n and_o give_v in_o charge_n to_o the_o archbishop_n that_o no_o preacher_n of_o any_o denomination_n whatsoever_o shall_v presume_v to_o fall_v into_o bitter_a invective_n and_o undecent_a rail_n against_o the_o person_n of_o either_o papist_n or_o puritan_n but_o modest_o and_o grave_o when_o they_o be_v occasion_v by_o their_o text_n free_a both_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n from_o the_o aspersion_n of_o the_o adversary_n to_o which_o we_o may_v add_v that_o memorable_a passage_n out_o of_o archbishop_n laud._n the_o church_n of_o england_n say_v he_o be_v not_o such_o a_o shrew_n to_o her_o child_n as_o to_o deny_v her_o blessing_n ordenounce_v a_o anathema_n against_o they_o if_o some_o peaceable_o dissent_v in_o some_o particular_n remote_a from_o the_o foundation_n and_o in_o the_o homily_n against_o contention_n serm._n 1_o we_o be_v exhort_v therein_o so_o to_o read_v the_o scripture_n that_o by_o read_v thereof_o we_o may_v be_v make_v the_o better_a liver_n rather_o than_o the_o more_o contentious_a disputer_n and_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v teach_v reason_v and_o dispute_v let_v we_o do_v it_o with_o all_o meekness_n softness_n and_o lenity_n etc._n etc._n for_o it_o be_v better_a to_o give_v place_n meek_o then_o to_o win_v the_o victory_n with_o the_o breach_n of_o charity_n etc._n etc._n and_o again_o we_o can_v be_v join_v to_o christ_n our_o head_n except_o we_o be_v glue_v with_o concord_n and_o charity_n one_o to_o another_o for_o he_o that_o be_v not_o of_o this_o unity_n be_v not_o of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v a_o congregation_n or_o unity_n together_o and_o not_o a_o division_n etc._n etc._n but_o for_o the_o reader_n further_a satisfaction_n therein_o if_o he_o desire_v it_o i_o shall_v refer_v he_o to_o the_o book_n itself_o above_o mention_v where_o the_o learned_a author_n give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o church_n great_a charity_n and_o moderation_n throughout_o all_o the_o part_n and_o branch_n of_o her_o constitution_n which_o bespeak_v she_o of_o a_o true_o christian_n and_o primitive_a temper_n wherein_o i_o wish_v all_o her_o child_n will_v follow_v and_o imitate_v she_o and_o thereby_o set_v a_o example_n to_o all_o those_o that_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v or_o dissent_v from_o our_o church_n in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o instance_n of_o their_o duty_n for_o methinks_v those_o that_o will_v set_v up_o for_o serious_a conscientious_a person_n ought_v not_o to_o break_v the_o bond_n of_o christian_a charity_n nor_o pass_v the_o bound_n of_o the_o church_n moderation_n by_o indulge_v their_o passion_n or_o give_v way_n to_o a_o peevish_a froward_a and_o invidious_a humour_n against_o all_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n or_o pure_o out_o of_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n for_o i_o can_v never_o yet_o be_v persuade_v that_o rail_a and_o ill_a language_n against_o papist_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n or_o dissenter_n on_o the_o other_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o distinguish_a character_n of_o a_o true_o loyal_a son_n of_o the_o church_n special_o when_o i_o consider_v that_o most_o of_o those_o that_o be_v addict_v thereunto_o be_v least_o capable_a of_o convince_a they_o otherways_o or_o if_o they_o be_v yet_o this_o seem_v the_o most_o unlikely_a way_n they_o can_v take_v for_o the_o do_v of_o it_o for_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o the_o wrath_n of_o man_n work_v not_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n james_n 1.20_o now_o if_o you_o will_v see_v the_o indecency_n and_o unseemlyness_n of_o ill_a language_n and_o reproachful_a speech_n i_o need_v but_o remind_v you_o of_o the_o rude_a and_o slovenly_a expression_n that_o be_v common_o use_v and_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o venom_n spit_v in_o the_o face_n of_o our_o church_n they_o can_v hardly_o find_v any_o other_o name_n for_o a_o surpliss_n than_o that_o of_o a_o superstitious_a rag_n and_o relic_n of_o popery_n though_o there_o may_v be_v more_o popery_n and_o superstition_n in_o their_o conceit_n about_o it_o
then_o in_o the_o thing_n itself_o for_o superstition_n be_v not_o in_o the_o object_n but_o only_o in_o the_o mind_n or_o conceit_n of_o the_o person_n that_o think_v so_o thus_o they_o have_v accustom_v to_o revile_v our_o liturgy_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o english_a mass-book_n the_o bishop_n and_o governor_n of_o our_o church_n be_v brand_v for_o limb_n of_o antichrist_n and_o the_o church_n herself_o repute_v for_o little_a better_o than_o antichristian_a and_o idolatrous_a neither_o have_v they_o learn_v to_o stop_v here_o but_o have_v adventure_v to_o fly_v in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o civil_a government_n as_o well_o as_o the_o ecclesiastical_a against_o both_o which_o they_o have_v shoot_v their_o venomous_a arrow_n even_o bitier_n word_n psalm_n 64.3_o but_o now_o i_o appeal_v to_o any_o sober_a and_o serious_a person_n be_v he_o of_o what_o persuasion_n he_o will_v whether_o this_o be_v according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v profess_a in_o common_a by_o we_o all_o or_o whether_o it_o be_v pure_o conscience_n which_o put_v they_o upon_o such_o unseemly_a practice_n or_o be_v this_o language_n fit_a to_o be_v bestow_v upon_o one_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a and_o famous_a among_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o who_o without_o vanity_n be_v it_o speak_v have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a bulwork_n against_o popery_n and_o champion_n for_o the_o reformation_n and_o i_o hope_v and_o pray_v daily_o it_o will_v continue_v to_o be_v so_o as_o long_o as_o god_n shall_v be_v please_v to_o continue_v she_o or_o himself_o a_o church_n upon_o earth_n now_o if_o language_n of_o this_o nature_n though_o arise_v from_o the_o great_a and_o extraordinary_a zeal_n of_o our_o adversary_n be_v so_o unhandsome_a and_o ill_a become_v in_o they_o towards_o we_o why_o shall_v we_o think_v it_o any_o whit_n the_o more_o commendable_a and_o seemly_a in_o we_o towards_o they_o or_o out_o of_o our_o mouth_n then_o out_o of_o they_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o offensive_a in_o itself_o be_v and_o will_v be_v so_o let_v who_o will_v be_v guilty_a of_o it_o wherefore_o methinks_v it_o will_v be_v more_o like_a christian_a and_o make_v more_o for_o the_o credit_n of_o religion_n and_o honour_n of_o our_o church_n if_o we_o have_v more_o charity_n and_o kindness_n one_o for_o another_o even_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o we_o differ_v so_o they_o be_v not_o factious_a or_o scandalous_a nor_o have_v a_o ill_a influence_n on_o our_o life_n and_o manner_n rather_o than_o imitate_v the_o example_n of_o some_o of_o our_o hotheaded_a dissenter_n in_o some_o of_o their_o worst_a quality_n to_o wit_n in_o their_o uncharitable_a censure_n and_o unchristian_a revile_n and_o calumny_n for_o the_o bitter_a and_o fiery_a spirit_n of_o a_o jewish_a zealot_n be_v very_o unagreeable_a to_o the_o meek_a and_o gentle_a disposition_n of_o a_o true_a follower_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o st._n luke_n 9.54_o 55._o and_o when_o his_o disciple_n james_n and_o john_n see_v this_o they_o say_v lord_z will_v thou_o that_o we_o command_v fire_n to_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o consume_v they_o even_o as_o elias_n do_v but_o he_o turn_v and_o rebuke_v they_o and_o say_v you_o know_v not_o what_o manner_n of_o spirit_n you_o be_v of_o and_o i_o shall_v be_v behold_v to_o any_o man_n that_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o make_v out_o any_o other_o sense_n and_o meaning_n thereof_o 5th_o a_o good_a christian_n ought_v to_o live_v according_a to_o his_o own_o conscience_n rather_o than_o according_a to_o the_o opinion_n of_o other_o men._n besure_n that_o man_n live_v with_o the_o most_o comfort_n and_o content_v to_o himself_o who_o walk_v by_o the_o constant_a rule_n of_o god_n word_n and_o not_o by_o that_o of_o the_o world_n which_o consist_v chief_o in_o humour_n and_o opinion_n and_o alter_v almost_o every_o day_n and_o upon_o the_o least_o occasion_n whereas_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v a_o sure_a and_o stand_a rule_n which_o be_v diligent_o heed_v and_o attend_v unto_o will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o go_v wrong_a or_o mistake_v our_o way_n it_o be_v impossible_a a_o man_n shall_v live_v so_o regular_a in_o all_o respect_n or_o carry_v himself_o so_o universal_o blameless_a and_o inoffensive_a as_o to_o gain_v the_o good_a word_n and_o opinion_n of_o all_o man_n though_o he_o shall_v make_v it_o his_o chief_a study_n or_o sole_a business_n to_o do_v so_o for_o man_n humour_n and_o interest_n be_v so_o different_a and_o many_o time_n so_o contrary_a that_o which_o like_v one_o do_v not_o like_o another_o and_o what_o this_o man_n commend_v another_o may_v be_v apt_a to_o find_v fault_n withal_o nay_o one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n be_v not_o always_o consistent_a with_o himself_o nor_o can_v keep_v long_o in_o the_o same_o mind_n his_o thought_n and_o judgement_n of_o thing_n do_v often_o alter_v with_o his_o affection_n and_o interest_n and_o notwithstanding_o the_o reason_n of_o thing_n remain_v one_o and_o the_o same_o yet_o his_o opinion_n of_o they_o may_v not_o do_v so_o and_o then_o they_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o pass_v their_o censure_n on_o man_n person_n and_o action_n according_a as_o they_o be_v in_o good_a or_o bad_a humour_n or_o as_o they_o judge_v may_v make_v most_o for_o their_o present_a interest_n now_o he_o undertake_v a_o hard_a task_n indeed_o who_o study_v to_o please_v those_o who_o mind_n be_v so_o fickle_a and_o waver_a and_o who_o humour_n be_v make_v up_o of_o such_o sudden_a conradiction_n the_o people_n of_o the_o world_n be_v master_n or_o our_o credit_n and_o reputation_n which_o they_o may_v give_v or_o take_v from_o we_o at_o pleasure_n as_o many_o time_n they_o do_v upon_o very_o slight_a or_o no_o ground_n at_o all_o they_o depend_v upon_o the_o opinion_n which_o man_n be_v please_v to_o conceive_v of_o we_o which_o they_o may_v alter_v when_o they_o listen_v whether_o we_o give_v cause_n for_o it_o or_o no._n but_o now_o no_o man_n or_o number_n of_o man_n can_v be_v master_n of_o our_o conscience_n we_o may_v keep_v they_o innocent_a and_o in_o peace_n let_v the_o world_n say_v or_o do_v what_o she_o can_v for_o though_o the_o deserve_a commendation_n of_o a_o virtuous_a action_n depend_v upon_o the_o good_a will_n of_o other_o yet_o the_o satisfaction_n it_o inward_o create_v be_v a_o good_a they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v withal_o and_o can_v never_o deprive_v we_o of_o though_o they_o will_v it_o concern_v we_o therefore_o to_o take_v all_o the_o care_n we_o can_v of_o our_o conscience_n and_o study_v rather_o to_o pprove_v ourselves_o to_o they_o than_o to_o the_o multitude_n the_o one_o be_v practicable_a when_o the_o other_o be_v not_o not_o that_o i_o will_v have_v any_o man_n careless_a of_o his_o credit_n and_o good_a name_n for_o he_o that_o be_v not_o tender_a of_o his_o fame_n will_v hardly_o be_v so_o of_o his_o conscience_n and_o the_o reputation_n which_o be_v give_v to_o virtuous_a deed_n aught_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o no_o small_a incitement_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o but_o my_o meaning_n be_v no_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v so_o studious_a of_o popular_a applause_n or_o affect_v the_o good_a opinion_n of_o the_o world_n by_o such_o mean_a and_o unworthy_a art_n as_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o injure_v of_o his_o conscience_n or_o prejudice_n of_o his_o duty_n which_o he_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o the_o church_n to_o his_o prince_n or_o country_n but_o let_v a_o man_n do_v what_o he_o think_v in_o his_o conscience_n he_o ought_v to_o do_v let_v he_o provide_v thing_n honest_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o man_n run_v into_o no_o open_a scandal_n give_v no_o just_a or_o wilful_a cause_n of_o offence_n and_o avoid_v as_o much_o as_o he_o can_v all_o temptation_n or_o provocation_n to_o evil_a and_o then_o he_o ought_v not_o he_o need_v not_o value_v the_o talk_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o speech_n of_o people_n a_o wise_a man_n which_o in_o solomon_n sense_n be_v a_o prudent_a good_a man_n shall_v first_o take_v care_n of_o do_v his_o duty_n and_o then_o live_v above_o the_o spiteful_a talk_n and_o report_n of_o the_o vulgar_a or_o regard_v their_o censure_n no_o otherwise_o than_o the_o moon_n in_o the_o fable_n do_v the_o bark_n of_o a_o dog_n which_o neither_o obscure_v her_o light_n nor_o make_v she_o alter_v her_o course_n no_o no_o the_o inward_a content_n which_o a_o man_n receive_v in_o the_o do_n of_o a_o good_a action_n be_v infinite_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o credit_n and_o reputation_n which_o it_o gain_v he_o abroad_o a_o unwise_a man_n seek_v his_o reward_n and_o satisfaction_n where_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v namely_o from_o without_o in_o the_o good_n and_o possession_n in_o the_o
mode_n and_o opinion_n of_o the_o world_n but_o a_o good_a man_n find_v it_o within_o himself_o in_o the_o right_a order_n and_o government_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o passion_n and_o in_o the_o testimony_n and_o approbation_n of_o god_n and_o his_o own_o conscience_n 2d_o again_o it_o concern_v we_o not_o only_o to_o live_v but_o to_o value_v ourselves_o and_o judge_v of_o our_o estate_n towards_o god_n according_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n rather_o than_o by_o the_o fancy_n or_o opinion_n which_o man_n be_v please_v to_o conceive_v of_o we_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n esteem_v and_o value_v themselves_o according_a to_o the_o good_a or_o evil_a that_o befall_v they_o in_o the_o world_n and_o happen_v to_o they_o in_o their_o outward_a concern_v if_o they_o be_v sick_a or_o in_o pain_n in_o poverty_n or_o distress_n under_o misfortune_n or_o disgrace_n they_o common_o bemoan_v their_o condition_n lament_v their_o miserable_a estate_n and_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v themselves_o the_o most_o unfortunate_a wretch_n of_o all_o other_o when_o as_o all_o this_o have_v befall_v the_o very_o best_a of_o man_n who_o yet_o have_v be_v happy_a amid_o the_o great_a outward_a misfortune_n as_o long_o as_o they_o keep_v safe_a their_o innocence_n answer_v the_o end_n of_o affliction_n and_o make_v a_o entire_a resignation_n of_o themselves_o and_o their_o concern_v unto_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o so_o long_o as_o a_o man_n do_v this_o he_o can_v never_o be_v miserable_a neither_o shall_v he_o think_v himself_o so_o let_v thing_n go_v never_o so_o cross_a let_v the_o world_n censure_v never_o so_o hard_a or_o reflect_v never_o so_o spiteful_a and_o severe_a alas_o happiness_n and_o misery_n be_v not_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o good_a or_o evil_a that_o befall_v the_o body_n by_o prosperity_n or_o adversity_n by_o good_a report_n or_o bad_a report_n otherwise_o who_o will_v be_v innocent_a or_o where_o shall_v we_o find_v a_o good_a man_n upon_o earth_n who_o have_v escape_v the_o lash_n of_o the_o tongue_n or_o have_v not_o be_v ill_o treat_v and_o misrepresent_v in_o one_o kind_n or_o other_o i_o never_o yet_o do_v hear_v of_o such_o a_o person_n and_o quite_o despair_n of_o ever_o do_v so_o and_o yet_o if_o mere_a calumny_n and_o reproach_n can_v make_v a_o man_n guilty_a than_o our_o bless_a saviour_n must_v have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o vile_a creature_n upon_o earth_n for_o no_o man_n can_v be_v more_o heavy_o charge_v and_o spiteful_o revile_v and_o yet_o deserve_v it_o less_o than_o he_o do_v and_o all_o this_o from_o his_o own_o malicious_a countryman_n the_o jew_n and_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o religion_n too_o but_o god_n be_v praise_v these_o thing_n be_v not_o the_o measure_n of_o gild_n of_o innocence_n the_o best_a man_n will_v be_v most_o hard_o deal_v withal_o be_v it_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o dispense_v out_o their_o reward_n or_o punishment_n gild_n and_o unhappiness_n do_v not_o hang_v upon_o the_o scandalous_a tongue_n of_o man_n nor_o soar_v upon_o the_o wing_n of_o fame_n neither_o do_v they_o flow_v from_o the_o invidious_a talk_n of_o rash_a and_o prejudice_v people_n but_o they_o have_v their_o seat_n and_o abide_v in_o the_o mind_n as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v peace_n in_o the_o conscience_n and_o innocence_n in_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n or_o any_o thing_n under_o the_o sun_n to_o make_v such_o a_o person_n better_o or_o worse_o more_o or_o less_o innocent_a or_o guilty_a happy_a or_o miserable_a for_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o ill_a thing_n that_o may_v be_v say_v or_o think_v of_o such_o a_o one_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v able_a to_o make_v amends_o for_o all_o and_o notwithstanding_o the_o reproach_n of_o the_o wicked_a may_v fall_v upon_o he_o yet_o this_o be_v a_o continual_a feast_n ever_o at_o hand_n to_o welcome_a and_o entertain_v he_o a_o rich_a cordial_n to_o cheer_n and_o revive_v he_o be_v moreover_o the_o pledge_n and_o earnest_n of_o a_o more_o ample_a reward_n which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n prepare_v we_o for_o and_o bring_v we_o unto_o in_o his_o own_o due_a time_n and_o that_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o belove_a son_n and_o our_o most_o bless_a redeemer_n christ_n jesus_n the_o righteous_a to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o holy_a spirit_n be_v ascribe_v as_o be_v most_o due_a all_o honour_n and_o glory_n praise_n and_o adoration_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o more_o amen_o amen_n finis_fw-la