the_o fit_a engine_n to_o get_v into_o power_n by_o which_o by_o the_o way_n when_o they_o be_v once_o possess_v of_o they_o general_o manage_v with_o as_o little_a tenderness_n as_o they_o do_v with_o conscience_n of_o which_o we_o have_v have_v but_o too_o much_o experience_n already_o and_o it_o will_v be_v but_o ill_o venture_v upon_o more_o in_o a_o word_n conscience_n not_o act_v by_o and_o under_o a_o law_n be_v a_o boundless_a dare_a and_o presumptuous_a thing_n and_o for_o any_o one_o by_o virtue_n thereof_o to_o challenge_v to_o himself_o a_o privilege_n of_o do_v what_o he_o will_v and_o of_o be_v unaccountable_a for_o what_o he_o do_v be_v in_o all_o reason_n too_o much_o either_o for_o man_n or_o angel_n to_o pretend_v to_o 3_o lie_n the_o three_o and_o last_o property_n of_o conscience_n which_o i_o shall_v mention_v and_o which_o make_v the_o verdict_n of_o it_o so_o authentic_a be_v its_o great_a and_o rigorous_a impartiality_n for_o as_o its_o wonderful_a apprehensiveness_n make_v that_o it_o can_v not_o easy_o be_v deceive_v so_o this_o make_v that_o it_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n deceive_v a_o judge_n you_o know_v may_v be_v skilful_a in_o understand_v a_o cause_n and_o yet_o partial_a in_o give_v sentence_n but_o it_o be_v much_o otherwise_o with_o conscience_n no_o artifice_n can_v induce_v it_o to_o accuse_v the_o innocent_a or_o to_o absolve_v the_o guilty_a no_o we_o may_v as_o well_o bribe_v the_o light_n and_o the_o day_n to_o represent_v white_a thing_n black_a or_o black_a white_a what_o pitiful_a thing_n be_v power_n rhetoric_n or_o riches_n when_o they_o will_v terrify_v dissuade_v or_o buy_v off_o conscience_n from_o pronounce_v sentence_n according_a to_o the_o merit_n of_o a_o man_n action_n for_o still_o as_o we_o have_v show_v conscience_n be_v a_o copy_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o though_o judge_n may_v be_v bribe_v or_o frighten_v yet_o law_n can_v the_o law_n be_v impartial_a and_o inflexible_a it_o have_v no_o passion_n or_o affection_n and_o consequent_o never_o accept_v person_n nor_o dispense_v with_o itself_o for_o let_v the_o most_o potent_a sinner_n upon_o earth_n speak_v out_o and_o tell_v we_o whether_o he_o can_v command_v down_o the_o clamour_n and_o revile_n of_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n and_o impose_v silence_n upon_o that_o bold_a reprover_n he_o may_v perhaps_o for_o a_o while_n put_v on_o a_o high_a and_o a_o big_a look_v but_o can_v he_o for_o all_o that_o look_v conscience_n out_o of_o countenance_n and_o he_o may_v also_o dissemble_v a_o little_a force_a jollity_n that_o be_v he_o may_v court_v his_o mistress_n and_o quaff_v his_o cup_n and_o perhaps_o sprinkle_v they_o now_o and_o then_o with_o a_o few_o dammee_n but_o who_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n beside_o his_o own_o wretched_a miserable_a self_n know_v of_o those_o secret_n bitter_a infusion_n which_o that_o terrible_a thing_n call_v conscience_n make_v into_o all_o his_o draught_n believe_v it_o most_o of_o the_o appear_a mirth_n in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o mirth_n but_o art_n the_o wound_a spirit_n be_v not_o see_v but_o walk_v under_o a_o disguise_n and_o still_o the_o less_o you_o see_v of_o it_o the_o better_a it_o look_v on_o the_o contrary_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o virtuous_a person_n let_v he_o declare_v free_o whether_o ever_o his_o conscience_n check_v he_o for_o his_o innocence_n or_o upbraid_v he_o for_o a_o action_n of_o duty_n do_v it_o ever_o bestow_v any_o of_o its_o hide_a lash_n or_o conceal_v bite_v on_o a_o mind_n severe_o pure_a chaste_a and_o religious_a but_o when_o conscience_n shall_v complain_v cry_v out_o and_o recoil_v let_v a_o man_n descend_v into_o himself_o with_o too_o just_a a_o suspicion_n that_o all_o be_v not_o right_o within_o for_o sure_o that_o hue_n and_o cry_n be_v not_o raise_v upon_o he_o for_o nothing_o the_o spoil_n of_o a_o rifle_a innocence_n be_v bear_v away_o and_o the_o man_n have_v steal_v something_o from_o his_o own_o soul_n for_o which_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v pursue_v and_o will_v at_o last_o certain_o be_v over-took_a let_v every_o one_o therefore_o attend_v the_o sentence_n of_o his_o conscience_n for_o he_o may_v be_v sure_a it_o will_v not_o dawb_v nor_o flatter_v it_o be_v as_o severe_a as_o law_n as_o impartial_a as_o truth_n it_o will_v neither_o conceal_v nor_o pervert_v what_o it_o know_v and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o three_o of_o those_o four_o particular_n at_o first_o propose_v and_o show_v whence_o and_o upon_o what_o account_v it_o be_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n concern_v our_o spiritual_a estate_n come_v to_o be_v so_o authentic_a and_o so_o much_o to_o be_v rely_v upon_o namely_o for_o that_o it_o be_v full_o empower_v and_o commission_v to_o this_o great_a office_n by_o god_n himself_o and_o withal_o that_o it_o be_v extreme_o quicksighted_n to_o apprehend_v and_o discern_v and_o moreover_o very_o tender_a and_o sensible_a of_o every_o thing_n that_o concern_v the_o soul_n and_o last_o that_o it_o be_v most_o exact_o and_o severe_o impartial_a in_o judge_v of_o whatsoever_o come_v before_o it_o every_o one_o of_o which_o qualification_n just_o contribute_v to_o the_o credit_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o sentence_n which_o shall_v be_v pass_v by_o it_o and_o so_o we_o be_v at_o length_n arrive_v at_o the_o four_o and_o last_o thing_n propose_v from_o the_o word_n which_o be_v to_o assign_v some_o particular_a case_n or_o instance_n in_o which_o this_o confidence_n towards_o god_n suggest_v by_o a_o right_o inform_v conscience_n do_v most_o eminent_o show_v and_o exert_v itself_o i_o shall_v mention_v three_o 1._o in_o our_o address_n to_o god_n by_o prayer_n when_o a_o man_n shall_v presume_v to_o come_v and_o place_n himself_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o great_a searcher_n of_o heart_n and_o to_o ask_v something_o of_o he_o while_o his_o conscience_n be_v all_o the_o while_n smite_v he_o on_o the_o face_n and_o tell_v he_o what_o a_o rebel_n and_o a_o traitor_n he_o be_v to_o the_o majesty_n which_o he_o supplicate_v sure_o such_o a_o one_o shall_v think_v with_o himself_o that_o the_o god_n who_o he_o pray_v to_o be_v great_a than_o his_o conscience_n and_o pierce_v into_o all_o the_o filth_n and_o baseness_n of_o his_o heart_n with_o a_o much_o clear_a and_o more_o severe_a inspection_n and_o if_o so_o will_v he_o not_o likewise_o resent_v the_o provocation_n more_o deep_o and_o revenge_v it_o upon_o he_o more_o terrible_o if_o repentance_n do_v not_o divert_v the_o blow_n every_o such_o prayer_n be_v big_a with_o impiety_n and_o contradiction_n and_o make_v as_o odious_a a_o noise_n in_o the_o ear_n of_o god_n as_o the_o harangue_n of_o one_o of_o those_o rebel_n fast_n or_o humiliation_n in_o the_o year_n forty_o one_o invoke_v the_o blessing_n of_o heaven_n upon_o such_o action_n and_o design_n as_o nothing_o but_o hell_n can_v reward_v one_o of_o the_o most_o peculiar_a qualification_n of_o a_o heart_n right_o dispose_v for_o prayer_n be_v a_o well_o ground_a confidence_n of_o a_o man_n fitness_n for_o that_o duty_n in_o heb._n 10._o 22._o let_v we_o draw_v near_o with_o a_o true_a heart_n in_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n say_v the_o apostle_n but_o whence_o must_v this_o assurance_n spring_n why_o we_o be_v tell_v in_o the_o very_a next_o word_n of_o the_o same_o verse_n have_v our_o heart_n sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n otherwise_o the_o voice_n of_o a_o impure_a conscience_n will_v cry_v much_o loud_a than_o our_o prayer_n and_o speak_v more_o effectual_o against_o we_o than_o these_o can_v intercede_v for_o we_o and_o now_o if_o prayer_n be_v the_o great_a conduit_n of_o mercy_n by_o which_o the_o blessing_n of_o heaven_n be_v derive_v upon_o the_o creature_n and_o the_o noble_a instrument_n of_o converse_n between_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n then_o sure_o that_o which_o render_v it_o ineffectual_a and_o loathsome_a to_o god_n must_v needs_o be_v of_o the_o most_o mischievous_a and_o destructive_a consequence_n to_o mankind_n imaginable_a and_o consequent_o to_o be_v remove_v with_o all_o that_o earnestness_n and_o concern_v with_o which_o a_o man_n will_v rid_v himself_o of_o a_o plague_n or_o a_o moral_a infection_n for_o it_o taint_v and_o pollute_v every_o prayer_n it_o turn_v a_o oblation_n into_o a_o affront_n and_o the_o odour_n of_o a_o sacrifice_n into_o the_o exhalation_n of_o a_o carcase_n and_o in_o a_o word_n make_v the_o heaven_n over_o we_o brass_n deny_v all_o passage_n either_o to_o descend_v mercy_n or_o ascend_a petition_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n when_o a_o man_n breast_n be_v clear_a and_o the_o same_o heart_n which_o endite_v do_v also_o encourage_v his_o prayer_n when_o his_o innocence_n push_v on_o the_o attempt_n and_o vouch_v the_o success_n such_o a_o one_o go_v bold_o to_o
which_o be_v out_o of_o the_o compass_n of_o any_o man_n power_n be_v to_o that_o man_n impossible_a he_o therefore_o who_o exert_v all_o the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o ply_v all_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n in_o the_o search_n of_o truth_n which_o god_n have_v vouchsafe_v he_o may_v rest_v upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o his_o conscience_n so_o inform_v as_o a_o warrantable_a guide_n of_o those_o action_n which_o he_o must_v account_v to_o god_n for_o and_o if_o by_o follow_v such_o a_o guide_n he_o fall_v into_o the_o ditch_n the_o ditch_n shall_v never_o drown_v he_o or_o if_o it_o shall_v the_o man_n perish_v not_o by_o his_o sin_n but_o by_o his_o misfortune_n in_o a_o word_n he_o who_o endeavour_v to_o know_v the_o utmost_a of_o his_o duty_n that_o he_o can_v and_o practice_n the_o utmost_a that_o he_o know_v have_v the_o equity_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o great_a god_n to_o stand_v as_o a_o mighty_a wall_n or_o rampart_n between_o he_o and_o damnation_n for_o any_o error_n or_o infirmity_n which_o the_o frailty_n of_o his_o condition_n have_v invincible_o and_o therefore_o inculpable_o expose_v he_o to_o and_o if_o a_o conscience_n thus_o qualify_v and_o inform_v be_v not_o the_o measure_n by_o which_o a_o man_n may_v take_v a_o true_a estimate_n of_o his_o absolution_n before_o the_o tribunal_n of_o god_n all_o the_o understanding_n of_o humane_a nature_n can_v find_v out_o any_o ground_n for_o the_o sinner_n to_o pitch_v the_o sole_a of_o his_o foot_n upon_o or_o rest_v his_o conscience_n with_o any_o assurance_n but_o be_v leave_v in_o the_o plunge_v of_o infinite_a doubt_n and_o uncertainty_n suspicion_n and_o misgiving_n both_o as_o to_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o present_a duty_n and_o the_o final_a issue_n of_o his_o future_a reward_n let_v this_o conclusion_n therefore_o stand_v as_o the_o firm_a result_n of_o the_o forego_n discourse_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o what_o be_v to_o follow_v that_o such_o a_o conscience_n as_o have_v not_o be_v want_v to_o itself_o in_o endeavour_v to_o get_v the_o utmost_a and_o clear_a information_n about_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o its_o power_n advantage_n and_o opportunity_n can_v afford_v it_o be_v that_o great_a internal_a judge_n who_o absolution_n be_v a_o rational_a and_o sure_a ground_n of_o confidence_n towards_o god_n and_o so_o i_o pass_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n propose_v which_o be_v to_o show_v how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v we_o may_v get_v our_o heart_n or_o conscience_n thus_o inform_v and_o afterward_o preserve_v and_o keep_v it_o so_o in_o order_n to_o which_o among_o many_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v allege_v as_o high_o useful_a and_o conduce_v to_o this_o great_a work_n i_o shall_v insist_v upon_o these_o four_o as_o 1._o let_v a_o man_n careful_o attend_v to_o the_o voice_n of_o his_o reason_n and_o all_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a morality_n so_o as_o by_o no_o mean_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o they_o for_o though_o reason_n be_v not_o to_o be_v rely_v upon_o as_o a_o guide_n universal_o sufficient_a to_o direct_v we_o what_o to_o do_v yet_o it_o be_v general_o to_o be_v rely_v upon_o and_o obey_v where_o it_o tell_v we_o what_o we_o be_v not_o to_o do_v it_o be_v indeed_o but_o a_o weak_a and_o diminutive_a light_n compare_v to_o revelation_n but_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o disparagement_n to_o a_o star_n that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o sun_n nevertheless_o as_o weak_a and_o as_o small_a as_o it_o be_v it_o be_v a_o light_n always_o at_o hand_n and_o though_o enclose_v as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o dark_a lantern_n may_v yet_o be_v of_o singular_a use_n to_o prevent_v many_o a_o foul_a step_n and_o to_o keep_v we_o from_o many_o a_o dangerous_a fall_n and_o every_o man_n bring_v such_o a_o degree_n of_o this_o light_n into_o the_o world_n with_o he_o that_o though_o it_o can_v bring_v he_o to_o heaven_n yet_o if_o he_o be_v true_a to_o it_o it_o will_v carry_v he_o a_o great_a way_n indeed_o so_o far_o that_o if_o he_o follow_v it_o faithful_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o he_o shall_v meet_v with_o another_o light_n which_o shall_v carry_v he_o quite_o through_o how_o far_o it_o may_v be_v improve_v be_v evident_a from_o that_o high_a and_o refine_a morality_n which_o shine_v forth_o both_o in_o the_o life_n and_o write_n of_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_a heathen_n who_o yet_o have_v no_o other_o light_n but_o this_o both_o to_o live_v and_o to_o write_v by_o for_o how_o great_a a_o man_n in_o virtue_n be_v cato_n of_o who_o the_o historian_n give_v this_o glorious_a character_n esse_fw-la quam_fw-la videri_fw-la bone_fw-la malebat_fw-la and_o of_o what_o a_o impregnable_a integrity_n be_v fabricius_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v that_o a_o man_n may_v as_o well_o attempt_v to_o turn_v the_o sun_n out_o of_o his_o course_n as_o to_o bring_v fabricius_n to_o do_v a_o base_a or_o a_o dishonest_a action_n and_o then_o for_o their_o write_n what_o admirable_a thing_n occur_v in_o the_o remain_v of_o pythagoras_n and_o the_o book_n of_o plato_n and_o of_o several_a other_o philosopher_n short_a i_o confess_v of_o the_o rule_n of_o christianity_n but_o general_o above_o the_o life_n of_o christian_n which_o be_v so_o ought_v not_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n to_o be_v look_v upon_o by_o we_o as_o a_o rich_a and_o a_o noble_a talon_n and_o such_o a_o one_o as_o we_o must_v account_v to_o god_n for_o for_o it_o be_v certain_o from_o he_o it_o be_v a_o ray_n of_o divinity_n dart_v into_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o solomon_n call_v it_o and_o god_n never_o light_v we_o up_o a_o candle_n either_o to_o put_v out_o or_o to_o sleep_v by_o if_o it_o be_v make_v conscious_a to_o a_o work_n of_o darkness_n it_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o discover_v and_o reprove_v it_o and_o therefore_o the_o check_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v revere_v as_o the_o echo_n of_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n for_o whatsoever_o conscience_n bind_v here_o on_o earth_n will_v be_v certain_o bind_v there_o too_o and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a vanity_n to_o hope_v or_o imagine_v that_o either_o law_n or_o gospel_n will_v absolve_v what_o natural_a conscience_n condemn_v no_o man_n ever_o yet_o offend_v his_o own_o conscience_n but_o first_o or_o last_o it_o be_v revenge_v upon_o he_o for_o it_o so_o that_o it_o will_v concern_v a_o man_n to_o treat_v this_o great_a principle_n awful_o and_o wary_o by_o still_o observe_v what_o it_o command_v but_o especial_o what_o it_o forbid_v and_o if_o he_o will_v have_v it_o always_o a_o faithful_a and_o sincere_a monitor_n to_o he_o let_v he_o be_v sure_a never_o to_o turn_v a_o deaf_a ear_n to_o it_o for_o not_o to_o hear_v it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o silence_v it_o let_v he_o strict_o observe_v the_o first_o stir_n and_o intimation_n the_o first_o hint_n and_o whisper_v of_o good_a and_o evil_a that_o pass_v in_o his_o heart_n and_o this_o will_v keep_v conscience_n so_o quick_a and_o vigilant_a and_o ready_a to_o give_v a_o man_n true_a alarm_n upon_o the_o least_o approach_v of_o his_o spiritual_a enemy_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v hardly_o capable_a of_o a_o great_a surprise_n on_o the_o contrary_a if_o a_o man_n accustom_n himself_o to_o slight_a or_o pass_v over_o these_o first_o motion_n to_o good_a or_o shrink_n of_o his_o conscience_n from_o evil_a which_o original_o be_v as_o natural_a to_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n as_o the_o appetite_n of_o hunger_n and_o thirst_v be_v to_o the_o stomach_n conscience_n will_v by_o degree_n grow_v dull_a and_o unconcerned_a and_o from_o not_o spy_v out_o mote_n come_v at_o length_n to_o overlook_a beam_n from_o carelessness_n it_o shall_v fall_v into_o a_o slumber_n and_o from_o a_o slumber_n it_o shall_v settle_v into_o a_o deep_a and_o long_a sleep_n till_o at_o last_o perhaps_o it_o sleep_v itself_o into_o a_o lethargy_n and_o that_o such_o a_o one_o that_o nothing_o but_o hell_n and_o judgement_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o awaken_v it_o for_o long_a disuse_n of_o any_o thing_n make_v for_o action_n will_v in_o time_n take_v away_o the_o very_a use_n of_o it_o as_o i_o have_v read_v of_o one_o who_o have_v for_o a_o disguise_n keep_v one_o of_o his_o eye_n a_o long_a time_n cover_v when_o he_o take_v off_o the_o cover_v find_v his_o eye_n indeed_o where_o it_o be_v but_o his_o sight_n be_v go_v he_o who_o will_v keep_v his_o conscience_n awake_a must_v be_v careful_a to_o keep_v it_o stir_v 2._o let_v a_o man_n be_v very_o tender_a and_o regardful_a of_o every_o pious_a motion_n and_o suggestion_n make_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o his_o heart_n i_o do_v not_o hereby_o go_v about_o to_o establish_v enthusiasm_n or_o such_o fantastic_a pretence_n
of_o intercourse_n with_o god_n as_o papist_n and_o fanatic_n who_o in_o most_o thing_n copy_v from_o one_o another_o as_o well_o as_o rail_v at_o one_o another_o do_v usual_o boast_v of_o but_o certain_o if_o the_o evil_a spirit_n may_v and_o often_o do_v suggest_v wicked_a and_o vile_a thought_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o all_o do_v and_o must_v grant_v and_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v from_o the_o devil_n be_v put_v it_o into_o the_o heart_n of_o judas_n to_o betray_v christ_n john_n 13._o 2._o and_o his_o fill_v the_o heart_n of_o ananias_n to_o lie_v to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n act_v 5._o 3._o it_o can_v after_o this_o with_o any_o colour_n of_o reason_n be_v doubt_v but_o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n who_o power_n and_o influence_n to_o good_a be_v much_o great_a than_o that_o of_o the_o wicked_a spirit_n to_o evil_a do_v frequent_o inject_v into_o and_o imprint_v upon_o the_o soul_n many_o bless_a motion_n and_o impulse_n to_o duty_n and_o many_o powerful_a 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hardness_n which_o be_v yet_o worse_o than_o the_o other_o so_o that_o god_n shall_v withdraw_v from_o such_o a_o heart_n and_o the_o spirit_n be_v grieve_v shall_v depart_v and_o these_o bless_a motion_n shall_v cease_v and_o affect_v and_o visit_v it_o no_o more_o the_o consequence_n of_o which_o be_v very_o terrible_a as_o render_v a_o man_n past_o feeling_n and_o then_o the_o less_o he_o feel_v in_o this_o world_n the_o more_o he_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o feel_v in_o the_o next_o but_o 3._o because_o the_o light_n of_o natural_a conscience_n be_v in_o many_o thing_n defective_a and_o dimn_v and_o the_o internal_a voice_n of_o god_n spirit_n not_o always_o distinguishable_a above_o all_o let_v a_o man_n attend_v to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n utter_v in_o his_o reveal_v word_n i_o say_v his_o reveal_v word_n by_o which_o i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o mysterious_a extraordinary_a and_o of_o late_a so_o much_o study_v book_n call_v the_o revelation_n and_o which_o perhaps_o the_o more_o it_o be_v study_v the_o less_o it_o be_v understand_v as_o general_o either_o find_v a_o man_n crack_v or_o make_v he_o so_o but_o i_o mean_v those_o other_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n which_o exhibit_v to_o we_o a_o plain_a sure_a perfect_a and_o intelligible_a rule_n a_o rule_n that_o will_v neither_o fail_v nor_o distract_v such_o as_o make_v use_n of_o it_o a_o rule_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o two_o former_a rule_n by_o for_o nothing_o that_o contradict_v the_o reveal_v word_n of_o god_n be_v either_o the_o voice_n of_o right_a reason_n or_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n nor_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o without_o god_n contradict_v himself_o and_o therefore_o we_o see_v what_o high_a eulogy_n be_v give_v to_o the_o write_a word_n by_o the_o inspire_a penman_n of_o both_o testament_n it_o give_v understanding_n to_o the_o simple_a say_v david_n in_o psalm_n 119._o 130._o and_o that_o you_o will_v say_v be_v no_o such_o easy_a matter_n to_o do_v it_o be_v able_a to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a say_v st._n paul_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 17._o it_o be_v quick_a and_o powerful_a and_o sharp_a than_o any_o two-edged_n sword_n pierce_v even_o to_o the_o divide_v asunder_o of_o the_o soul_n and_o spirit_n and_o be_v a_o discerner_n of_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o heart_n heb._n 4._o 12._o now_o what_o a_o force_n and_o fullness_n what_o a_o vigour_n and_o emphasis_n be_v there_o in_o all_o these_o expression_n enough_o one_o will_v think_v to_o recommend_v and_o endear_v the_o scripture_n even_o to_o the_o papist_n themselves_o for_o if_o as_o the_o text_n say_v they_o give_v understanding_n to_o the_o simple_a i_o know_v none_o more_o concern_v to_o read_v and_o study_v they_o than_o their_o pope_n wherefore_o since_o the_o light_n and_o energy_n of_o the_o write_a word_n be_v so_o mighty_a let_v a_o man_n bring_v and_o hold_v his_o conscience_n to_o this_o steady_a rule_n the_o unalterable_a rectitude_n of_o which_o will_v infallible_o discover_v the_o rectitude_n or_o obliquity_n of_o whatsoever_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o a_o rule_n both_o to_o instruct_v we_o what_o to_o do_v and_o to_o assure_v we_o in_o what_o we_o have_v do_v for_o though_o natural_a conscience_n ought_v to_o be_v listen_v to_o yet_o it_o be_v revelation_n alone_o that_o be_v to_o be_v rely_v upon_o as_o we_o may_v observe_v in_o the_o work_v of_o art_n a_o judicious_a artist_n will_v indeed_o use_v his_o eye_n but_o he_o will_v trust_v only_o to_o his_o rule_n there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o action_n whatsoever_o which_o a_o man_n ought_v to_o do_v or_o to_o forbear_v but_o the_o scripture_n will_v give_v he_o a_o clear_a precept_n or_o prohibition_n for_o it_o so_o that_o if_o a_o man_n will_v commit_v such_o rule_n to_o his_o memory_n and_o stock_n his_o mind_n with_o portion_n of_o scripture_n answerable_a to_o all_o the_o head_n of_o duty_n and_o practice_n his_o conscience_n can_v 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much_o out_o of_o date_n with_o some_o as_o christ_n divinity_n and_o satisfaction_n i_o say_v let_v a_o man_n consider_v these_o and_o the_o like_a virtue_n together_o with_o the_o contrary_a sin_n and_o vice_n that_o do_v oppose_v they_o and_o then_o as_o out_o of_o a_o full_a armoury_n or_o magazine_n let_v he_o furnish_v his_o conscience_n with_o text_n of_o scripture_n particular_o enjoin_v the_o one_o and_o forbid_v or_o threaten_v the_o other_o and_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o he_o shall_v stuff_v his_o mind_n like_o the_o margin_n of_o some_o author_n with_o chapter_n and_o verse_n heap_v together_o at_o all_o adventure_n but_o only_o that_o he_o shall_v sortifie_v it_o with_o some_o few_o text_n which_o be_v home_n and_o apposite_a to_o his_o case_n and_o a_o conscience_n thus_o supply_v will_v be_v like_o a_o man_n arm_v at_o all_o point_n and_o always_o ready_a either_o to_o receive_v or_o to_o attack_v his_o enemy_n otherwise_o it_o be_v not_o a_o man_n have_v arm_n in_o his_o house_n no_o nor_o yet_o his_o have_a courage_n and_o skill_n to_o use_v they_o but_o it_o be_v his_o have_v they_o still_o about_o he_o which_o must_v both_o secure_v he_o from_o be_v set_v upon_o and_o defend_v he_o when_o he_o be_v according_o man_n must_v know_v that_o without_o take_v the_o forementioned_a course_n all_o that_o they_o do_v in_o this_o matter_n be_v but_o lose_a labour_n and_o that_o they_o read_v the_o scripture_n to_o as_o little_a purpose_n as_o some_o use_n to_o quote_v they_o much_o read_n be_v like_o much_o eat_v whole_o useless_a without_o digestion_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o digest_v his_o meat_n without_o also_o retain_v it_o till_o man_n get_v what_o they_o read_v into_o their_o mind_n and_o fix_v it_o in_o their_o memory_n they_o keep_v their_o religion_n as_o they_o use_v to_o do_v their_o bibles_n only_o in_o their_o closet_n or_o carry_v it_o in_o their_o pocket_n and_o that_o you_o may_v imagine_v must_v improve_v and_o affect_v the_o soul_n just_a as_o much_o as_o a_o man_n have_v plenty_n of_o provision_n only_o in_o his_o store_n will_v nourish_v and_o support_v his_o body_n when_o man_n forget_v the_o word_n hear_v or_o read_v by_o they_o the_o devil_n be_v say_v to_o steal_v it_o out_o of_o their_o heart_n luke_n 8._o 12._o and_o for_o this_o cause_n we_o do_v with_o as_o much_o reason_n as_o propriety_n of_o speech_n call_v the_o commit_v of_o a_o thing_n to_o memory_n the_o get_v it_o by_o heart_n for_o it_o be_v the_o memory_n that_o must_v transmit_v it_o to_o the_o heart_n and_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o expect_v that_o the_o heart_n shall_v keep_v its_o hold_n of_o any_o truth_n when_o the_o memory_n have_v let_v it_o go_v 4._o the_o four_o and_o last_o way_n that_o i_o shall_v mention_v for_o the_o get_n of_o the_o conscience_n right_o inform_v and_o afterward_o keep_v it_o so_o be_v frequent_o and_o impartial_o to_o account_v with_o it_o it_o be_v with_o a_o man_n and_o his_o 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to_o finish_v but_o let_v a_o man_n apply_v to_o this_o work_n by_o frequent_a return_v and_o short_a interval_n while_o the_o heap_n be_v small_a and_o the_o particular_n few_o and_o he_o will_v find_v it_o easy_a and_o conquerable_a and_o his_o conscience_n like_o a_o faithful_a steward_n shall_v give_v he_o in_o a_o plain_a open_a and_o entire_a account_n of_o himself_o and_o hide_v nothing_o from_o he_o whereas_o we_o know_v if_o a_o steward_n or_o cashier_n be_v suffer_v to_o run_v on_o from_o year_n to_o year_n without_o bring_v he_o to_o a_o reckon_a it_o be_v odds_o but_o such_o a_o sottish_a forbearance_n will_n in_o time_n teach_v he_o to_o shuffle_v and_o strong_o tempt_v he_o to_o be_v a_o cheat_n if_o not_o also_o make_v he_o so_o for_o as_o the_o account_n run_v on_o general_o the_o accountant_a go_v backward_o and_o for_o this_o cause_n some_o judge_n it_o adviseable_a for_o a_o man_n to_o account_v with_o his_o heart_n every_o day_n and_o this_o no_o doubt_n be_v the_o best_a and_o sure_a course_n for_o still_o the_o often_o the_o better_a and_o some_o prescribe_v account_v once_o a_o week_n long_a than_o which_o it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n safe_a to_o delay_v it_o for_o a_o man_n shall_v find_v his_o heart_n deceitful_a and_o his_o memory_n weak_a and_o nature_n extreme_o averse_a from_o seek_v narrow_o after_o that_o which_o it_o be_v unwilling_a to_o find_v and_o be_v find_v will_v assure_o disturb_v it_o so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n it_o be_v infinite_o absurd_a to_o think_v that_o conscience_n can_v be_v keep_v in_o order_n without_o frequent_a examination_n if_o a_o man_n will_v have_v his_o conscience_n deal_v clear_o with_o he_o he_o must_v deal_v severe_o with_o that_o often_o scour_v and_o cleanse_v it_o will_v make_v it_o bright_a and_o when_o it_o be_v so_o he_o may_v see_v himself_o in_o it_o and_o if_o he_o see_v any_o thing_n amiss_o let_v this_o satisfy_v he_o that_o no_o man_n be_v or_o can_v be_v the_o worse_a for_o 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be_v in_o who_o heart_n be_v in_o such_o confusion_n such_o darkness_n and_o such_o a_o settle_a blindness_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o tell_v he_o so_o much_o as_o one_o true_a word_n of_o himself_o flatter_v he_o it_o may_v i_o confess_v as_o those_o be_v general_o good_a at_o flatter_v who_o be_v good_a for_o nothing_o else_o but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o poor_a man_n be_v leave_v under_o the_o fatal_a necessity_n of_o a_o remediless_a delusion_n for_o in_o judge_v of_o a_o man_n self_n if_o conscience_n either_o can_v or_o will_v not_o inform_v he_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a thing_n call_v self-love_n that_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o deceive_v he_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v show_v in_o four_o several_a particular_n what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v both_o for_o the_o get_n and_o keep_v of_o the_o conscience_n so_o inform_v as_o that_o it_o may_v be_v able_a to_o give_v we_o a_o rational_a confidence_n towards_o god_n as_o 1._o that_o the_o voice_n of_o reason_n in_o all_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a morality_n ought_v careful_o to_o be_v attend_v to_o by_o a_o strict_a observance_n of_o what_o it_o command_v but_o especial_o of_o what_o it_o forbid_v 2._o that_o every_o pious_a motion_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n ought_v tender_o to_o be_v cherish_v and_o by_o no_o mean_n check_v or_o quench_v either_o by_o resistance_n or_o neglect_v 3._o that_o conscience_n be_v to_o be_v keep_v close_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o write_a word_n 4_o lie_n and_o last_o that_o it_o be_v frequent_o to_o be_v examine_v and_o severe_o account_v with_o and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o a_o conscience_n thus_o discipline_v shall_v give_v
inward_o rejoice_v and_o after_o a_o godly_a sort_n no_o doubt_n to_o see_v another_o guilty_a of_o it_o but_o they_o delight_v in_o the_o mischief_n and_o disaster_n which_o they_o know_v it_o will_v assure_o bring_v upon_o he_o who_o they_o hate_v and_o wish_v ill_a to_o they_o rejoice_v not_o in_o it_o as_o in_o a_o delightful_a object_n but_o as_o in_o a_o cause_n and_o mean_n of_o their_o neighbour_n ruin_n so_o grateful_a nay_o so_o delicious_a be_v even_o the_o horride_v villainy_n commit_v by_o other_o to_o the_o pharisaical_a piety_n of_o some_o who_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n can_v be_v whole_o unconcern_v for_o the_o reproach_n bring_v thereby_o upon_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o religion_n so_o long_o as_o by_o the_o same_o their_o sanctify_a spleen_n be_v gratify_v in_o their_o brother_n infamy_n and_o destruction_n this_o therefore_o we_o may_v reckon_v upon_o that_o scarce_o any_o man_n pass_v to_o a_o like_n of_o sin_n in_o other_o but_o by_o first_o practise_v it_o himself_o and_o consequent_o may_v take_v it_o for_o a_o shrewd_a indication_n and_o sign_n whereby_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o manner_n of_o those_o who_o have_v sin_v with_o too_o much_o art_n and_o caution_n to_o suffer_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n to_o charge_v some_o sin_n direct_o upon_o their_o conversation_n for_o though_o such_o kind_n of_o man_n have_v live_v never_o so_o much_o upon_o the_o reserve_v as_o to_o their_o personal_a behaviour_n yet_o if_o they_o be_v observe_v to_o have_v a_o particular_a delight_n in_o and_o fondness_n for_o person_n note_v for_o any_o sort_n of_o sin_n it_o be_v ten_o to_o one_o but_o there_o be_v a_o communication_n in_o the_o sin_n before_o there_o be_v so_o in_o affection_n the_o man_n have_v by_o this_o direct_v we_o to_o a_o copy_n of_o himself_o and_o though_o we_o can_v always_o come_v to_o a_o sight_n of_o the_o original_a yet_o by_o a_o true_a copy_n we_o may_v know_v all_o that_o be_v in_o it_o 2_o lie_n a_o second_o cause_n that_o bring_v a_o man_n to_o take_v pleasure_n in_o other_o man_n sin_n be_v not_o only_o a_o commission_n of_o those_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o person_n but_o also_o a_o commission_n of_o they_o against_o the_o full_a light_n and_o conviction_n of_o his_o conscience_n for_o this_o also_o be_v express_v in_o the_o text_n where_o the_o person_n charge_v with_o this_o wretched_a disposition_n of_o mind_n be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v such_o as_o know_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n that_o they_o who_o commit_v such_o thing_n be_v worthy_a of_o death_n they_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o righteous_a and_o a_o search_a law_n direct_o forbid_v such_o practice_n and_o they_o know_v that_o it_o carry_v with_o it_o the_o divine_a stamp_n that_o it_o be_v the_o law_n of_o god_n they_o know_v also_o that_o the_o sanction_n of_o it_o be_v under_o the_o great_a and_o dreadful_a of_o all_o penalty_n death_n and_o this_o sure_o one_o will_v think_v be_v knowledge_n enough_o to_o have_v open_v both_o a_o man_n eye_n and_o his_o heart_n too_o his_o eye_n to_o see_v and_o his_o heart_n to_o consider_v the_o intolerable_a mischief_n that_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o sin_n set_v before_o he_o must_v infallible_o plunge_v he_o into_o nevertheless_o the_o person_n here_o mention_v be_v resolve_v to_o venture_v and_o to_o commit_v the_o sin_n even_o while_o conscience_n stand_v protest_v against_o it_o they_o be_v such_o as_o break_v through_o all_o mound_n of_o law_n such_o as_o laugh_v at_o the_o sword_n of_o vengeance_n which_o divine_a justice_n brandish_v in_o their_o face_n for_o we_o must_v know_v that_o god_n have_v set_v a_o flame_a sword_n not_o only_o before_o paradise_n but_o before_o hell_n itself_o also_o to_o keep_v man_n out_o of_o this_o as_o well_o as_o out_o of_o the_o other_o and_o conscience_n be_v the_o angel_n into_o who_o hand_n this_o sword_n be_v put_v but_o if_o now_o the_o sinner_n shall_v not_o only_o wrestle_v with_o this_o angel_n but_o throw_v he_o too_o and_o win_v so_o complete_a a_o victory_n over_o his_o conscience_n that_o all_o these_o consideration_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o strike_v no_o terror_n into_o his_o mind_n lay_v no_o restraint_n upon_o his_o lust_n no_o controll_n upon_o his_o appetite_n he_o be_v certain_o too_o strong_a for_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o his_o heart_n lie_v open_a like_o a_o broad_a and_o high_a road_n for_o all_o the_o sin_n and_o villainy_n in_o the_o world_n free_o to_o pass_v through_o the_o truth_n be_v if_o we_o impartial_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o these_o sin_n against_o conscience_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o such_o strange_a paradox_n that_o a_o man_n must_v balk_v all_o common_a principle_n and_o act_v contrary_a to_o the_o natural_a way_n and_o motive_n of_o all_o humane_a action_n in_o the_o commission_n of_o they_o for_o that_o which_o natural_o move_v a_o man_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n must_v be_v the_o apprehension_n and_o expectation_n of_o some_o good_a from_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o be_v about_o to_o do_v and_o that_o which_o natural_o keep_v a_o man_n from_o do_v of_o a_o thing_n must_v be_v the_o apprehension_n and_o fear_n of_o some_o mischief_n likely_a to_o ensue_v from_o that_o thing_n or_o action_n that_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o engage_v in_o but_o now_o for_o a_o man_n to_o do_v a_o thing_n while_o his_o conscience_n the_o best_a light_n that_o he_o have_v to_o judge_v by_o assure_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v infinite_o unsupportable_o miserable_a if_o he_o do_v it_o this_o be_v certain_o unnatural_a and_o one_o will_v imagine_v impossible_a and_o therefore_o so_o far_o as_o one_o may_v judge_v while_o a_o man_n act_n against_o his_o conscience_n he_o act_v by_o a_o principle_n of_o direct_a infidelity_n and_o do_v not_o real_o believe_v that_o those_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v thus_o threaten_v shall_v ever_o come_v to_o pass_v for_o though_o he_o may_v yield_v a_o general_n faint_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o proposition_n as_o they_o stand_v record_v in_o scripture_n yet_o for_o a_o through_o practical_a belief_n that_o those_o general_a proposition_n shall_v be_v particular_o make_v good_a upon_o his_o person_n no_o doubt_n for_o the_o time_n that_o he_o be_v sin_v against_o conscience_n such_o a_o belief_n have_v no_o place_n in_o his_o mind_n which_o be_v so_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o conceive_v how_o ready_a and_o dispose_v this_o must_v needs_o leave_v the_o soul_n to_o admit_v of_o any_o even_o the_o most_o horrid_a unnatural_a proposal_n that_o the_o devil_n himself_o can_v suggest_v for_o conscience_n be_v once_o extinct_a and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n withdraw_v which_o never_o stay_v with_o a_o man_n when_o conscience_n have_v once_o leave_v he_o the_o soul_n like_o the_o first_o matter_n to_o all_o form_n have_v a_o universal_a propensity_n to_o all_o lewdness_n for_o every_o violation_n of_o conscience_n proportionable_o wear_v off_o something_o of_o its_o native_a tenderness_n which_o tenderness_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o that_o anguish_n and_o remorse_n that_o it_o feel_v upon_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n it_o follow_v that_o when_o by_o degree_n it_o come_v to_o have_v wear_v off_o all_o this_o tenderness_n the_o sinner_n will_v find_v no_o trouble_n of_o mind_n upon_o his_o do_v the_o very_o wicked_a and_o worst_a of_o action_n and_o consequent_o that_o this_o be_v the_o most_o direct_a and_o effectual_a introduction_n to_o all_o sort_n and_o degree_n of_o sin_n for_o which_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o i_o allege_v sin_v against_o conscience_n for_o one_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o vile_a temper_n and_o habit_n of_o mind_n which_o we_o be_v now_o discourse_v of_o not_o that_o it_o have_v any_o special_a productive_a efficiency_n of_o this_o particular_a sort_n of_o sin_v more_o than_o of_o any_o other_o but_o that_o it_o be_v a_o general_a cause_n of_o this_o as_o of_o all_o other_o great_a vice_n and_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o a_o man_n must_v have_v first_o pass_v this_o notable_a stage_n and_o get_v his_o conscience_n thorough_o debauch_v and_o harden_v before_o he_o can_v arrive_v to_o the_o height_n of_o sin_n which_o i_o account_v the_o delight_v in_o other_o man_n sin_n to_o be_v 3_o lie_n a_o three_o cause_n of_o this_o villainous_a disposition_n of_o mind_n beside_o a_o man_n personal_a commission_n of_o such_o and_o such_o sin_n and_o his_o commission_n of_o they_o against_o conscience_n must_v be_v also_o his_o continuance_n in_o they_o for_o god_n forbid_v that_o every_o single_a commission_n of_o a_o sin_n though_o great_a for_o its_o kind_a and_o withal_o act_v against_o conscience_n for_o its_o aggravation_n shall_v so_o far_o deprave_v the_o soul_n and_o bring_v it_o to_o such_o a_o reprobate_a sense_n and_o condition_n
as_o to_o take_v pleasure_n in_o other_o man_n sin_n for_o we_o know_v what_o a_o foul_a sin_n david_n commit_v and_o what_o a_o crime_n st._n peter_n himself_o fall_v into_o both_o of_o they_o no_o doubt_n full_o and_o clear_o against_o the_o dictate_v of_o their_o conscience_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o either_o of_o they_o be_v thereby_o bring_v to_o such_o a_o impious_a frame_n of_o heart_n as_o to_o delight_v in_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o much_o less_o in_o other_o man_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o every_o sinful_a violation_n of_o conscience_n that_o can_v quench_v the_o spirit_n to_o such_o a_o degree_n as_o we_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o but_o it_o must_v be_v a_o long_a inveterate_a course_n and_o custom_n of_o sin_v after_o this_o manner_n that_o at_o length_n produce_v and_o end_v in_o such_o a_o curse_a effect_n for_o this_o be_v so_o great_a a_o masterpiece_n in_o sin_n that_o no_o man_n begin_v with_o it_o he_o must_v have_v pass_v his_o tyrocinium_fw-la or_o novitiate_v in_o sin_v before_o he_o can_v come_v to_o this_o be_v he_o never_o so_o quick_a a_o proficient_a no_o man_n can_v mount_v so_o fast_o as_o to_o set_v his_o foot_n upon_o the_o high_a step_n of_o the_o ladder_n at_o first_o before_o a_o man_n can_v come_v to_o be_v please_v with_o a_o sin_n because_o he_o see_v his_o neighbour_n commit_v it_o he_o must_v have_v have_v such_o a_o long_a acquaintance_n with_o it_o himself_o as_o to_o create_v a_o kind_n of_o intimacy_n or_o friendship_n between_o he_o and_o that_o and_o then_o we_o know_v a_o man_n be_v natural_o glad_a to_o see_v his_o old_a friend_n not_o only_o at_o his_o own_o house_n but_o wheresoever_o he_o meet_v he_o it_o be_v general_o the_o property_n of_o a_o old_a sinner_n to_o find_v a_o delight_n in_o re-viewing_a his_o own_o villainy_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o other_o man_n to_o see_v his_o sin_n and_o himself_o as_o it_o be_v in_o reversion_n and_o to_o find_v a_o great_a satisfaction_n in_o behold_v he_o who_o succeed_v he_o in_o his_o vice_n than_o he_o who_o be_v to_o succeed_v he_o in_o his_o estate_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o sin_n age_n make_v a_o great_a change_n upon_o the_o soul_n than_o it_o do_v or_o can_v upon_o the_o body_n and_o as_o in_o this_o if_o we_o compare_v the_o picture_n of_o a_o man_n draw_v at_o the_o year_n of_o seventeen_o or_o eighteen_o with_o the_o picture_n of_o the_o same_o person_n at_o threescore_o and_o ten_o hardly_o the_o least_o trace_v or_o similitude_n of_o one_o face_n can_v be_v find_v in_o the_o other_o so_o for_o the_o soul_n the_o difference_n of_o the_o disposition_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o inner_a man_n will_v be_v find_v much_o great_a compare_v the_o harmlesness_n the_o credulity_n the_o tenderness_n the_o modesty_n and_o the_o ingenuous_a pliableness_n to_o virtuous_a counsel_n which_o be_v in_o youth_n as_o it_o come_v fresh_a and_o untainted_a out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o nature_n with_o the_o mischievousness_n the_o slyness_n the_o craft_n the_o impudence_n the_o falsehood_n and_o the_o confirm_a obstinacy_n in_o most_o sort_n of_o sin_n that_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o a_o age_a long-practised_n sinner_n and_o you_o will_v confess_v the_o complexion_n and_o hue_n of_o his_o soul_n to_o be_v alter_v more_o than_o that_o of_o his_o face_n age_n have_v give_v he_o another_o body_n and_o custom_n another_o mind_n all_o those_o seed_n of_o virtue_n and_o good_a morality_n that_o be_v the_o natural_a endowment_n of_o our_o first_o year_n be_v lose_v and_o dead_a for_o ever_o and_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o native_a innocence_n of_o childhood_n no_o man_n through_o old_a age_n become_v twice_o a_o child_n the_o vice_n of_o old_a age_n have_v in_o they_o the_o stiffness_n of_o it_o too_o and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o unfit_a time_n to_o learn_v in_o so_o the_o unfitness_n of_o it_o to_o unlearn_v will_v be_v find_v much_o great_a which_o consideration_n join_v with_o that_o of_o its_o imbecility_n make_v it_o the_o proper_a season_n for_o a_o super-annuated_n sinner_n to_o enjoy_v the_o delight_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o rebound_v and_o to_o supply_v the_o impotence_n of_o practice_n by_o the_o airy_a fantastic_a pleasure_n of_o memory_n and_o reflection_n for_o all_o that_o can_v be_v allow_v he_o now_o be_v to_o refresh_v his_o decrepit_a effete_a sensuality_n with_o the_o transcript_n and_o history_n of_o his_o former_a life_n recognize_v and_o read_v over_o by_o he_o in_o the_o vicious_a rant_v of_o the_o vigorous_a youthful_a debauchee_n of_o the_o present_a time_n who_o with_o a_o odd_a kind_n of_o passion_n mix_v of_o pleasure_n and_o envy_n too_o he_o see_v flourish_v in_o all_o the_o bravery_n and_o prime_n of_o their_o age_n and_o vice_n a_o old_a wrestler_n love_v to_o look_v on_o and_o to_o be_v near_o the_o list_n though_o feebleness_n will_v not_o let_v he_o offer_v at_o the_o prize_n a_o old_a huntsman_n find_v a_o music_n in_o the_o noise_n of_o hound_n though_o he_o can_v follow_v the_o chase_n a_o old_a drunkard_n love_v a_o tavern_n though_o he_o can_v go_v to_o it_o but_o as_o he_o be_v support_v and_o lead_v by_o another_o just_a as_o some_o be_v observe_v to_o come_v from_o thence_o and_o a_o old_a wanton_n will_v be_v dote_v upon_o woman_n when_o he_o can_v scarce_o see_v they_o without_o spectacle_n and_o to_o show_v the_o true_a love_n and_o faithful_a allegiance_n that_o the_o old_a servant_n and_o subject_n of_o vice_n ever_o after_o bear_v to_o it_o nothing_o be_v more_o usual_a and_o frequent_a than_o to_o hear_v that_o such_o as_o have_v be_v strumpet_n in_o their_o youth_n turn_v procurer_n in_o their_o age._n their_o great_a concern_v be_v that_o the_o vice_n may_v still_o go_v on_o 4_o lie_n a_o four_o cause_n of_o man_n take_a pleasure_n in_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o be_v from_o that_o meanness_n and_o poor-spiritedness_a that_o natural_o and_o inseparable_o accompany_v all_o gild_n whosoever_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o of_o sin_n feel_v in_o himself_o whether_o he_o will_v own_v it_o or_o no_o a_o proportionable_a shame_n and_o a_o secret_a depression_n of_o spirit_n thereupon_o and_o this_o be_v so_o irksome_a and_o uneasy_a to_o man_n mind_n that_o he_o be_v restless_a to_o relieve_v and_o rid_v himself_o from_o it_o for_o which_o he_o find_v no_o way_n so_o effectual_a as_o to_o get_v company_n in_o the_o same_o sin_n for_o company_n in_o any_o action_n give_v both_o credit_n to_o that_o and_o countenance_n to_o the_o agent_n and_o so_o much_o as_o the_o sinner_n get_v of_o this_o so_o much_o he_o cast_v off_o of_o shame_n singularity_n in_o sin_n put_v it_o out_o of_o fashion_n since_o to_o be_v alone_o in_o any_o practice_n seem_v to_o make_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o world_n against_o it_o but_o the_o concurrence_n of_o other_o be_v a_o tacit_fw-la approbation_n of_o that_o in_o which_o they_o concur_v solitude_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o nakedness_n and_o the_o result_n of_o that_o we_o know_v be_v shame_n it_o be_v company_n only_o that_o can_v bear_v a_o man_n out_o in_o a_o ill_a thing_n and_o he_o who_o be_v to_o encounter_v and_o fight_v the_o law_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o need_v a_o second_o no_o wonder_n therefore_o if_o some_o take_v delight_n in_o the_o immorality_n and_o baseness_n of_o other_o for_o nothing_o can_v support_v their_o mind_n droop_v and_o sneak_v and_o inward_o reproach_v they_o from_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o guilt_n but_o to_o see_v other_o as_o bad_a as_o themselves_o to_o be_v vicious_a among_o the_o virtuous_a be_v a_o double_a disgrace_n and_o misery_n but_o where_o the_o whole_a company_n be_v vicious_a and_o debauch_v they_o present_o like_v or_o at_o least_o easy_o pardon_v one_o another_o and_o as_o it_o be_v observe_v by_o some_o that_o there_o be_v none_o so_o homely_a but_o love_v a_o looking-glass_n so_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v no_o man_n so_o vicious_a but_o delight_n to_o see_v the_o image_n of_o his_o vice_n reflect_v upon_o he_o from_o one_o who_o exceed_v or_o at_o least_o equal_v he_o in_o the_o same_o sin_n in_o itself_o be_v not_o only_o shameful_a but_o also_o weak_a and_o it_o seek_v a_o remedy_n for_o both_o in_o society_n for_o it_o be_v this_o that_o must_v give_v it_o both_o colour_n and_o support_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a how_o great_a and_o as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v how_o self-sufficient_a a_o thing_n be_v virtue_n it_o need_v no_o credit_n from_o abroad_o no_o countenance_n from_o the_o multitude_n be_v there_o but_o one_o virtuous_a man_n in_o the_o world_n he_o will_v hold_v up_o his_o head_n with_o confidence_n and_o honour_n he_o will_v shame_v the_o world_n and_o not_o the_o world_n he_o for_o according_a to_o
will_v condemn_v he_o in_o the_o other_o and_o consequent_o he_o who_o place_n his_o salvation_n upon_o this_o ground_n will_v find_v himself_o like_o a_o imprison_a and_o condemn_a malefactor_n who_o in_o the_o night_n dream_n that_o he_o be_v release_v but_o in_o the_o morning_n find_v himself_o lead_v to_o the_o gallow_n 4_o lie_n and_o last_o no_o advantage_n from_o external_n church-membership_n or_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n can_v of_o themselves_o give_v a_o man_n confidence_n towards_o god_n and_o yet_o perhaps_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o one_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n which_o man_n in_o all_o age_n have_v general_o more_o cheat_v themselves_o with_o the_o jew_n be_v a_o eminent_a instance_n of_o this_o who_o because_o they_o be_v the_o son_n of_o abraham_n as_o it_o be_v ready_o acknowledge_v by_o our_o saviour_n john_n 8._o 37._o and_o because_o they_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n rom._n 3._o 2._o together_o with_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o promise_n rom._n 9_o 4._o that_o be_v in_o other_o word_n because_o they_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o professor_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n while_o all_o the_o world_n about_o they_o lay_v wallow_v in_o ignorance_n heathenism_n and_o idolatry_n they_o conclude_v from_o hence_o that_o god_n be_v so_o fond_a of_o they_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o their_o villainy_n and_o immorality_n they_o be_v still_o the_o darling_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o only_a heir_n apparent_a of_o salvation_n they_o think_v it_o seem_v god_n and_o themselves_o link_v together_o in_o so_o fast_o but_o withal_o so_o strange_a a_o covenant_n that_o although_o they_o never_o perform_v their_o part_n of_o it_o god_n be_v yet_o bind_v to_o make_v good_a every_o tittle_n of_o he_o and_o this_o make_v john_n the_o baptist_n set_v himself_o with_o so_o much_o acrimony_n and_o indignation_n to_o baffle_v this_o senseless_a arrogant_a conceit_n of_o they_o which_o make_v they_o huff_v at_o the_o doctrine_n of_o repentance_n as_o a_o thing_n below_o they_o and_o not_o at_o all_o belong_v to_o they_o in_o matth._n 3._o v._n 9_o think_v not_o say_v he_o to_o say_v within_o yourselves_o we_o have_v abraham_n to_o our_o father_n this_o he_o know_v lay_v deep_a in_o their_o heart_n and_o be_v still_o in_o their_o mouth_n and_o keep_v they_o insolent_a and_o impenitent_a under_o sin_n of_o the_o high_a and_o most_o clamorous_a gild_n though_o our_o saviour_n himself_o also_o not_o long_o after_o this_o assure_v they_o that_o they_o be_v of_o a_o very_a different_a stock_n and_o parentage_n from_o that_o which_o they_o boast_v of_o and_o that_o whosoever_o be_v their_o father_n upon_o the_o natural_a account_n the_o devil_n be_v certain_o so_o upon_o a_o moral_a in_o like_a manner_n how_o vain_o do_v the_o romanist_n pride_n and_o value_v themselves_o upon_o the_o name_n of_o catholic_n of_o the_o catholic_n religion_n and_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n though_o a_o title_n no_o more_o applicable_a to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n than_o a_o man_n finger_n when_o it_o be_v swell_v and_o putrefy_a can_v be_v call_v his_o whole_a body_n a_o church_n which_o allow_v salvation_n to_o none_o without_o it_o nor_o award_v damnation_n to_o almost_o any_o within_o it_o and_o therefore_o as_o the_o former_a empty_a plea_n serve_v the_o sottish_a jew_n so_o no_o wonder_n if_o this_o equal_o serve_v these_o to_o put_v they_o into_o a_o fool_n paradise_n by_o feed_v their_o hope_n without_o change_v their_o life_n and_o as_o a_o excellent_a expedient_a first_o to_o assure_v they_o of_o heaven_n and_o then_o to_o bring_v they_o easy_o to_o it_o and_o so_o in_o a_o word_n to_o save_v both_o their_o soul_n and_o their_o sin_n too_o and_o to_o show_v how_o the_o same_o cheat_n run_v through_o all_o profession_n though_o not_o in_o the_o same_o dress_n none_o be_v more_o powerful_o and_o gross_o under_o it_o than_o another_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o on_o the_o contrary_a place_v their_o whole_a acceptance_n with_o god_n and_o indeed_o their_o whole_a religion_n upon_o a_o mighty_a zeal_n or_o rather_o outcry_n against_o popery_n and_o superstition_n verbal_o indeed_o utter_v against_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o real_o mean_v against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o which_o sort_v of_o person_n i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o but_o this_o and_o that_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o meekness_n namely_o that_o zeal_n and_o noise_n against_o popery_n and_o real_a service_n for_o it_o be_v no_o such_o inconsistent_a thing_n as_o some_o may_v imagine_v indeed_o no_o more_o than_o invective_n against_o papist_n and_o solemn_a address_n of_o thanks_o to_o they_o for_o that_o very_a thing_n by_o which_o they_o will_v have_v bring_v in_o popery_n upon_o we_o and_o if_o those_o of_o the_o separation_n do_v not_o yet_o know_v so_o much_o thanks_o to_o they_o for_o it_o we_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v and_o so_o may_v they_o themselves_o too_o in_o due_a time_n i_o speak_v not_o this_o by_o way_n of_o sarcasm_n to_o reproach_v they_o i_o leave_v that_o to_o their_o own_o conscience_n which_o will_v do_v it_o more_o effectual_o but_o by_o way_n of_o charity_n to_o warn_v they_o for_o let_v they_o be_v assure_v that_o this_o whole_a scene_n and_o practice_n of_o they_o be_v as_o real_o superstition_n and_o as_o false_a a_o bottom_n to_o rest_v their_o soul_n upon_o as_o either_o the_o jew_n allege_v abraham_n for_o their_o father_n while_o the_o devil_n claim_v they_o for_o his_o child_n or_o the_o papist_n rely_v upon_o their_o indulgence_n their_o saint_n merit_n and_o supererogation_n and_o such_o other_o foppery_n as_o can_v never_o settle_v nor_o indeed_o so_o much_o as_o reach_v the_o conscience_n and_o much_o less_o recommend_v it_o to_o that_o judge_n who_o be_v not_o to_o be_v flam_v off_o with_o word_n and_o phrase_n and_o name_n though_o take_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o nay_o and_o i_o shall_v proceed_v yet_o further_o it_o be_v not_o a_o man_n be_v of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n itself_o though_o undoubted_o the_o pure_a and_o best_a reform_a church_n in_o the_o world_n indeed_o so_o well_o reform_v that_o it_o will_v be_v find_v a_o much_o easy_a work_n to_o alter_v than_o to_o better_v its_o constitution_n i_o say_v it_o be_v not_o a_o man_n be_v even_o of_o this_o excellent_a church_n which_o can_v of_o itself_o clear_a account_n between_o god_n and_o his_o conscience_n since_o bare_a communion_n with_o a_o good_a church_n can_v never_o alone_o make_v a_o good_a man_n for_o if_o it_o can_v i_o be_o sure_a we_o shall_v have_v no_o bad_a one_o in_o we_o and_o much_o less_o such_o as_o will_v betray_v it_o so_o that_o we_o see_v here_o that_o it_o be_v but_o too_o manifest_a that_o man_n of_o all_o church_n sect_n and_o persuasion_n be_v strange_o apt_a to_o flatter_v and_o deceive_v themselves_o with_o what_o they_o believe_v and_o what_o they_o profess_v and_o if_o we_o thorough_o consider_v the_o matter_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o fallacy_n to_o lie_v in_o this_o that_o those_o religious_a institution_n which_o god_n design_v only_o for_o mean_n help_n and_o advantage_n to_o promote_v and_o further_a man_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n they_o look_v upon_o rather_o as_o a_o privilege_n to_o serve_v they_o instead_o of_o it_o and_o real_o to_o commute_v for_o it_o this_o be_v the_o very_a case_n and_o a_o fatal_a self-imposture_n it_o be_v certain_o and_o such_o a_o one_o as_o defeat_v the_o design_n and_o destroy_v the_o force_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v show_v four_o several_a uncertain_a and_o deceitful_a rule_n which_o man_n be_v prone_a to_o judge_v of_o their_o spiritual_a estate_n by_o but_o now_o have_v we_o any_o better_a or_o more_o certain_a to_o substitute_n and_o recommend_v in_o the_o room_n of_o they_o why_o yes_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o apostle_n a_o man_n be_v own_o heart_n or_o conscience_n be_v that_o which_o above_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v able_a to_o give_v he_o confidence_n towards_o god_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o heart_n know_v that_o by_o itself_o which_o nothing_o in_o the_o world_n beside_o can_v give_v it_o any_o knowledge_n of_o and_o without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o it_o can_v have_v no_o foundation_n to_o build_v any_o true_a confidence_n upon_o conscience_n under_o god_n be_v the_o only_a competent_a judge_n of_o what_o the_o soul_n have_v do_v and_o what_o it_o have_v not_o do_v what_o gild_n it_o have_v contract_v and_o what_o it_o have_v not_o as_o it_o be_v in_o 1_o corinth_n 2._o 11._o what_o man_n know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n save_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n which_o be_v in_o he_o conscience_n be_v its_o own_o counsellor_n the_o sole_a master_n of_o its_o own_o
secret_n and_o it_o be_v the_o privilege_n of_o our_o nature_n that_o every_o man_n shall_v keep_v the_o key_n of_o his_o own_o breast_n now_o for_o the_o further_a prosecution_n of_o the_o word_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o four_o thing_n 1._o i_o shall_v show_v how_o the_o heart_n or_o conscience_n ought_v to_o be_v inform_v in_o order_n to_o its_o sound_n in_o we_o a_o rational_a confidence_n towards_o god_n 2._o i_o shall_v show_v how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v we_o may_v get_v it_o thus_o inform_v and_o afterward_o preserve_v and_o keep_v it_o so_o 3._o i_o shall_v show_v whence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n thus_o inform_v come_v to_o be_v so_o authentic_a and_o so_o much_o to_o be_v rely_v upon_o and_o 4_o lie_n and_o last_o i_o shall_v assign_v some_o particular_a case_n or_o instance_n in_o which_o the_o confidence_n suggest_v by_o it_o do_v most_o eminent_o show_v and_o exert_v itself_o 1._o and_o first_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o how_o the_o heart_n or_o conscience_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v certain_a that_o no_o man_n can_v have_v any_o such_o confidence_n towards_o god_n only_o because_o his_o heart_n tell_v he_o a_o lie_n and_o that_o it_o may_v do_v so_o be_v altogether_o as_o certain_a for_o there_o be_v the_o erroneous_a as_o well_o as_o the_o right_o inform_v conscience_n and_o if_o the_o conscience_n happen_v to_o be_v delude_v and_o thereupon_o to_o give_v false_a direction_n to_o the_o will_n so_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o those_o direction_n it_o be_v betray_v into_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n sin_n do_v not_o therefore_o cease_v to_o be_v sin_n because_o a_o man_n commit_v it_o conscientious_o if_o conscience_n come_v to_o be_v pervert_v so_o far_o as_o to_o bring_v a_o man_n under_o a_o persuasion_n that_o it_o be_v either_o lawful_a or_o his_o duty_n to_o resist_v the_o magistrate_n to_o seize_v upon_o his_o neighbour_n just_a right_n or_o estate_n to_o worship_v stock_n and_o stone_n or_o to_o lie_v equivocate_a and_o the_o like_a this_o will_v not_o absolve_v he_o before_o god_n since_o error_n which_o be_v in_o itself_o evil_a can_v never_o make_v another_o thing_n good_n he_o who_o do_v a_o unwarrantable_a action_n through_o a_o false_a information_n which_o information_n he_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v believe_v can_v in_o reason_n make_v the_o gild_n of_o one_o sin_n the_o excuse_n of_o another_o conscience_n therefore_o must_v be_v right_o inform_v before_o the_o testimony_n of_o it_o can_v be_v authentic_a in_o what_o it_o pronounce_v concern_v the_o estate_n of_o the_o soul_n it_o must_v proceed_v by_o the_o two_o grand_a rule_n of_o right_a reason_n and_o scripture_n these_o be_v the_o compass_n which_o it_o must_v steer_v by_o for_o conscience_n come_v formal_o to_o oblige_v only_o as_o it_o be_v the_o messenger_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n which_o he_o have_v reveal_v to_o he_o partly_o by_o the_o impression_n of_o certain_a notion_n and_o maxim_n upon_o the_o practical_a understanding_n and_o partly_o by_o the_o declare_a oracle_n of_o his_o word_n so_o far_o therefore_o as_o conscience_n report_v any_o thing_n agreeable_a to_o or_o deducible_a from_o these_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hearken_v to_o as_o the_o great_a conveyer_n of_o truth_n to_o the_o soul_n but_o when_o it_o report_v any_o thing_n dissonant_n to_o these_o it_o oblige_v no_o more_o than_o the_o falsehood_n report_v by_o it_o but_o since_o there_o be_v none_o who_o follow_v a_o erroneous_a conscience_n but_o do_v so_o because_o he_o think_v it_o true_a and_o moreover_o think_v it_o true_a because_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o it_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o two_o forementioned_a rule_n of_o scripture_n and_o right_a reason_n how_o shall_v a_o man_n be_v able_a to_o satisfy_v himself_o when_o his_o conscience_n be_v right_o inform_v and_o when_o possess_v with_o a_o error_n for_o to_o affirm_v that_o the_o sentence_n pass_v by_o a_o right_o inform_v conscience_n give_v a_o man_n a_o rational_a confidence_n towards_o god_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n not_o to_o assign_v any_o mean_n possible_a by_o which_o he_o may_v know_v when_o his_o conscience_n be_v thus_o right_o inform_v and_o when_o not_o it_o must_v equal_o bereave_v he_o of_o such_o a_o confidence_n as_o place_v the_o condition_n upon_o which_o it_o depend_v whole_o out_o of_o his_o knowledge_n here_o therefore_o be_v the_o knot_n here_o the_o difficulty_n how_o to_o state_n some_o rule_n of_o certainty_n by_o which_o infallible_o to_o distinguish_v when_o the_o conscience_n be_v right_a and_o to_o be_v rely_v upon_o when_o erroneous_a and_o to_o be_v disinherit_v in_o the_o testimony_n it_o give_v about_o the_o sincerity_n and_o safety_n of_o a_o man_n spiritual_a condition_n for_o the_o resolution_n of_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o rightness_n of_o his_o conscience_n by_o such_o a_o infallible_a certainty_n of_o persuasion_n as_o amount_n to_o the_o clearness_n of_o a_o demonstration_n but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a if_o he_o know_v it_o upon_o ground_n of_o such_o a_o convince_a probability_n as_o shall_v exclude_v all_o rational_a ground_n of_o doubt_v of_o it_o for_o i_o can_v think_v that_o the_o confidence_n here_o speak_v of_o rises_z so_o high_a as_o to_o assurance_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o it_o be_v manifest_o such_o a_o confidence_n as_o be_v common_a to_o all_o sincere_a christian_n which_o yet_o assurance_n we_o all_o know_v be_v not_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o word_n in_o the_o original_a which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v proper_o freedom_n or_o boldness_n of_o speech_n though_o the_o latin_a translation_n render_v it_o by_o fiducia_n and_o so_o correspond_v with_o the_o english_a which_o render_v it_o by_o confidence_n but_o whether_o fiducia_n or_o confidence_n reach_v the_o full_a sense_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d may_v very_o well_o be_v dispute_v however_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o neither_o the_o word_n in_o the_o original_a nor_o yet_o in_o the_o translation_n import_v assurance_n for_o freedom_n or_o boldness_n of_o speech_n i_o be_o sure_a do_v not_o and_o fiducia_n or_o confidence_n signify_v only_o a_o man_n be_v actual_o persuade_v of_o a_o thing_n upon_o better_a argument_n for_o it_o than_o any_o that_o he_o can_v see_v against_o it_o which_o he_o may_v very_o well_o be_v and_o yet_o not_o be_v assure_v of_o it_o from_o all_o which_o i_o conclude_v that_o the_o confidence_n here_o mention_v in_o the_o text_n amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o a_o rational_a well_o ground_a hope_n such_o a_o one_o as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o in_o rom._n 5._o 5._o make_v not_o ashamed_a and_o upon_o these_o term_n i_o affirm_v that_o such_o a_o conscience_n as_o have_v employ_v the_o utmost_a of_o its_o ability_n to_o give_v itself_o the_o best_a information_n and_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o its_o duty_n that_o it_o can_v be_v a_o rational_a ground_n for_o a_o man_n to_o build_v such_o a_o hope_n upon_o and_o consequent_o for_o he_o to_o confide_v in_o there_o be_v a_o innate_a light_n in_o every_o man_n discover_v to_o he_o the_o first_o line_n of_o duty_n in_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a which_o by_o cultivation_n and_o improvement_n may_v be_v advance_v to_o high_a and_o bright_a discovery_n and_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o schoolman_n and_o moralist_n admit_v not_o of_o any_o ignorantia_fw-la juris_fw-la speak_v of_o natural_a moral_a right_n to_o give_v excuse_n to_o sin_n since_o all_o such_o ignorance_n be_v voluntary_a and_o therefore_o culpable_a for_o as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v in_o every_o man_n power_n to_o have_v prevent_v it_o by_o a_o due_a improvement_n of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o moral_a honesty_n sow_v in_o his_o heart_n if_o it_o be_v here_o demand_v whether_o a_o man_n may_v not_o remain_v ignorant_a of_o his_o duty_n after_o he_o have_v use_v the_o utmost_a mean_n to_o inform_v himself_o of_o it_o i_o answer_v that_o so_o much_o of_o duty_n as_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o save_v he_o he_o shall_v upon_o the_o use_n of_o such_o a_o course_n come_v to_o know_v and_o that_o which_o he_o continue_v ignorant_a of_o have_v do_v the_o utmost_a lie_v in_o his_o power_n that_o he_o may_v not_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o shall_v never_o damn_v he_o which_o assertion_n be_v prove_v thus_o the_o gospel_n damn_v no_o body_n for_o be_v ignorant_a of_o that_o which_o he_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o know_v but_o that_o which_o upon_o the_o improvement_n of_o a_o man_n utmost_a power_n he_o can_v know_v he_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o know_v for_o that_o otherwise_o he_o will_v be_v oblige_v to_o a_o impossibility_n since_o that_o
a_o man_n such_o a_o faithful_a account_n of_o himself_o as_o shall_v never_o shame_v nor_o lurch_v the_o confidence_n which_o he_o shall_v take_v up_o from_o it_o nevertheless_o to_o prevent_v all_o mistake_n in_o so_o critical_a a_o case_n and_o so_o high_a a_o concern_v i_o shall_v close_v up_o the_o forego_n particular_n with_o this_o twofold_a caution_n first_o let_v no_o man_n think_v that_o every_o doubt_v or_o mis-giving_a about_o the_o safety_n of_o his_o spiritual_a estate_n over-throws_a the_o confidence_n hitherto_o speak_v of_o for_o as_o i_o show_v before_o the_o confidence_n mention_v in_o the_o text_n be_v not_o proper_o assurance_n but_o only_o a_o rational_a wellgrounded_n hope_n and_o therefore_o may_v very_o well_o consist_v with_o some_o return_v of_o doubt_v for_o we_o know_v in_o that_o pious_a and_o excellent_a confession_n and_o prayer_n make_v by_o the_o poor_a man_n to_o our_o saviour_n in_o mark_n 9_o 24._o ho_o in_o the_o very_a same_o breath_n in_o which_o he_o say_v lord_n i_o believe_v he_o say_v also_o lord_n help_v my_o unbelief_n so_o that_o we_o see_v here_o that_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o confidence_n will_v not_o secure_v we_o against_o all_o vicissitude_n of_o waver_a or_o distrust_n indeed_o no_o more_o than_o a_o strong_a athletic_a constitution_n of_o body_n will_v secure_v a_o man_n always_o against_o heat_n and_o cold_n and_o rheum_n and_o suchlike_a indisposition_n and_o one_o great_a reason_n of_o this_o be_v because_o such_o a_o faith_n or_o confidence_n as_o we_o have_v be_v treat_v of_o reside_v in_o the_o soul_n or_o conscience_n as_o a_o habit._n and_o habit_n we_o know_v be_v by_o no_o mean_n either_o inconsistent_a with_o or_o destroy_v by_o every_o contrary_a act._n but_o especial_o in_o the_o case_n now_o before_o we_o where_o the_o truth_n and_o strength_n of_o our_o confidence_n towards_o god_n do_v not_o consist_v so_o much_o in_o the_o present_a act_n by_o which_o it_o exert_v itself_o no_o nor_o yet_o in_o the_o habit_n produce_v this_o act_n as_o it_o do_v in_o the_o ground_n or_o reason_n which_o this_o confidence_n be_v build_v upon_o which_o be_v the_o stand_a sincerity_n of_o a_o man_n heart_n though_o the_o present_a act_n be_v interrupt_v as_o no_o doubt_n through_o infirmity_n or_o temptation_n it_o may_v be_v very_o often_o yet_o so_o long_o as_o that_o sincerity_n upon_o which_o this_o confidence_n be_v first_o found_v do_v continue_v as_o soon_o as_o the_o temptation_n be_v remove_v and_o go_v the_o forementioned_a faith_n or_o affiance_n will_n by_o renew_v vigorous_a and_o fresh_a act_n recover_v and_o exert_v itself_o and_o with_o great_a comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n give_v a_o man_n confidence_n towards_o god_n which_o though_o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o low_a and_o a_o lesser_a thing_n than_o assurance_n yet_o as_o to_o all_o the_o purpose_n of_o a_o pious_a life_n may_v for_o aught_o i_o see_v prove_v much_o more_o useful_a as_o both_o afford_v a_o man_n due_a comfort_n and_o yet_o leave_v room_n for_o due_a caution_n too_o which_o be_v two_o of_o the_o principal_n use_v that_o religion_n serve_v for_o in_o this_o world_n 2._o the_o other_o caution_n with_o reference_n to_o the_o forego_n discourse_n be_v this_o let_v no_o man_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v reckon_v a_o bare_a silence_n of_o conscience_n in_o not_o accuse_v or_o disturb_v he_o a_o sufficient_a argument_n for_o confidence_n towards_o god_n for_o such_o a_o silence_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v always_o so_o that_o it_o be_v usual_o worse_a than_o the_o fierce_a and_o loud_a accusation_n since_o it_o may_v and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n do_v proceed_v from_o a_o kind_n of_o numbness_n or_o stupidity_n of_o conscience_n and_o a_o absolute_a dominion_n obtain_v by_o sin_n over_o the_o soul_n so_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o so_o much_o as_o dare_v to_o complain_v or_o make_v a_o stir_n for_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v luke_n 11._o 21._o while_n the_o strong_a man_n arm_v keep_v his_o palace_n his_o good_n be_v in_o peace_n so_o while_o sin_n rule_v and_o govern_v with_o a_o strong_a hand_n and_o have_v whole_o subdue_v the_o conscience_n to_o a_o slavish_a subjection_n to_o its_o tyrannical_a yoke_n the_o soul_n shall_v be_v at_o peace_n such_o a_o false_a peace_n as_o it_o be_v but_o for_o that_o very_a cause_n worse_o a_o great_a deal_n and_o more_o destructive_a than_o when_o by_o continual_a alarm_n and_o assault_n it_o give_v a_o man_n neither_o peace_n nor_o truce_n quiet_n nor_o intermission_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o remarkable_a that_o the_o text_n express_v the_o sound_a estate_n of_o the_o heart_n or_o the_o conscience_n here_o speak_v of_o not_o bare_o by_o its_o not_o accuse_v but_o by_o it_o be_v not_o condemn_v we_o which_o word_n import_v proper_o a_o acquitment_n or_o discharge_v of_o a_o man_n upon_o some_o precedent_a accusation_n and_o a_o full_a trial_n and_o cognizance_n of_o his_o cause_n have_v thereupon_o for_o as_o condemnation_n be_v a_o law_n term_n and_o so_o relate_v to_o the_o judicial_a proceed_n of_o law_n court_n must_v still_o pre-suppose_a a_o hear_n of_o the_o cause_n before_o any_o sentence_n can_v pass_v so_o likewise_o in_o the_o court_n of_o conscience_n there_o must_v be_v a_o strict_a and_o impartial_a enquiry_n into_o all_o a_o man_n action_n and_o a_o through_o heave_v of_o all_o that_o can_v be_v plead_v for_o and_o against_o he_o before_o conscience_n can_v rational_o either_o condemn_v or_o discharge_v he_o and_o if_o indeed_o upon_o such_o a_o fair_a and_o full_a trial_n he_o can_v come_v off_o he_o be_v then_o rectus_n in_o curiâ_fw-la clear_a and_o innocent_a and_o consequent_o may_v reap_v all_o that_o satisfaction_n from_o himself_o which_o it_o be_v natural_a for_o innocence_n to_o afford_v the_o person_n who_o have_v it_o i_o do_v not_o here_o speak_v of_o a_o legal_a innocence_n none_o but_o sot_n and_o quaker_n dream_n of_o such_o thing_n for_o as_o st._n paul_n say_v galat._n 2._o 16._o by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n shall_v no_o flesh_n live_v be_v justify_v but_o i_o speak_v of_o a_o evangelical_n innocence_n such_o a_o one_o as_o the_o oeconomy_n of_o the_o gospel_n accept_v whatsoever_o the_o law_n enjoin_v and_o though_o mingle_a with_o several_a infirmity_n and_o defect_n yet_o amount_v to_o such_o a_o pitch_n of_o righteousness_n as_o we_o call_v sincerity_n and_o whosoever_o have_v this_o shall_v never_o be_v damn_v for_o want_v of_o the_o other_o and_o now_o how_o vast_o do_v it_o concern_v all_o those_o who_o shall_v think_v it_o worth_a their_o while_n to_o be_v in_o earnest_n with_o their_o immortal_a soul_n not_o to_o abuse_v and_o delude_v themselves_o with_o a_o false_a confidence_n a_o thing_n so_o easy_o take_v up_o and_o so_o hardly_o lay_v down_o let_v no_o man_n conclude_v because_o his_o conscience_n say_v nothing_o to_o he_o that_o therefore_o it_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v possible_o some_o never_a so_o much_o as_o doubt_v of_o the_o safety_n of_o their_o spiritual_a estate_n in_o all_o their_o life_n and_o if_o so_o let_v they_o not_o flatter_v themselves_o but_o rest_v assure_v that_o they_o have_v so_o much_o the_o more_o reason_n a_o great_a deal_n to_o doubt_v of_o it_o now_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o such_o a_o profound_a stillness_n be_v general_o gross_a ignorance_n or_o long_a custom_n of_o sin_v or_o both_o and_o these_o be_v very_o dreadful_a symptom_n indeed_o to_o such_o as_o be_v not_o hell_n and_o damnation-proof_n when_o a_o man_n wound_n cease_v to_o smart_v only_o because_o he_o have_v lose_v his_o feel_n they_o be_v never_o the_o less_o mortal_a for_o his_o not_o see_v his_o need_n of_o a_o chirurgeon_n it_o be_v not_o mere_a actual_a present_a ease_n but_o ease_n after_o pain_n which_o bring_v the_o most_o durable_a and_o solid_a comfort_n acquitment_n before_o trial_n can_v be_v no_o security_n great_a and_o strange_a calm_v usual_o portend_v and_o go_v before_o the_o most_o violent_a storm_n and_o therefore_o since_o storm_n and_o calm_n especial_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o soul_n do_v always_o follow_v one_o another_o certain_o of_o the_o two_o it_o be_v much_o more_o eligible_a to_o have_v the_o storm_n first_o and_o the_o calm_a afterward_o since_o a_o calm_a before_o a_o storm_n be_v common_o a_o peace_n of_o a_o man_n be_v own_o make_v but_o a_o calm_a after_o a_o storm_n a_o peace_n of_o god_n to_o which_o god_n who_o only_o can_v speak_v such_o peace_n to_o we_o as_o neither_o the_o world_n not_o the_o devil_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o take_v from_o we_o be_v render_v and_o ascribe_v as_o be_v most_o due_a all_o praise_n may_v majesty_n and_o dominion_n both_o now_o and_o for_o evermore_o amen_o a_o further_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n
and_o measure_n of_o conscience_n in_o a_o sermon_n on_o 1_o john_n iii_o 21._o preach_v before_o the_o university_n at_o christ-church_n oxon_n octob._n 30._o 1692._o 1_o john_n iii_o 21._o belove_a if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o we_o have_v confidence_n towards_o god_n i_o have_v discourse_v once_o already_o upon_o these_o word_n in_o this_o place_n in_o which_o discourse_n after_o i_o have_v set_v down_o four_o several_a false_a ground_n upon_o which_o man_n in_o judge_v of_o the_o safety_n of_o their_o spiritual_a estate_n be_v apt_a to_o found_v a_o wrong_a confidence_n towards_o god_n and_o show_v the_o falsity_n of_o they_o all_o and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o man_n be_v own_o heart_n or_o conscience_n which_o in_o this_o great_a concern_v he_o can_v with_o any_o safety_n rely_v upon_o i_o do_v in_o the_o next_o place_n cast_v the_o further_a prosecution_n of_o the_o word_n under_o these_o four_o follow_v particular_n 1._o to_o show_v how_o the_o heart_n or_o conscience_n ought_v to_o be_v inform_v in_o order_n to_o its_o sound_n in_o we_o a_o rational_a confidence_n towards_o god_n 2._o to_o show_v how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v we_o may_v get_v our_o conscience_n thus_o inform_v and_o afterward_o preserve_v and_o keep_v it_o so_o 3._o to_o show_v whence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n thus_o inform_v come_v to_o be_v so_o authentic_a and_o so_o much_o to_o be_v rely_v upon_o and_o 4_o and_o last_o to_o assign_v some_o particular_a case_n or_o instance_n in_o which_o the_o confidence_n suggest_v by_o it_o do_v most_o eminent_o show_v and_o exert_v itself_o upon_o the_o first_o of_o which_o head_n to_o wit_n how_o the_o heart_n or_o conscience_n ought_v to_o be_v inform_v in_o order_n to_o its_o sound_n in_o we_o a_o rational_a confidence_n towards_o god_n after_o i_o have_v premise_v something_o about_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n and_o show_v both_o what_o influence_n that_o ought_v to_o have_v upon_o we_o and_o what_o regard_v we_o ought_v to_o have_v to_o that_o in_o this_o matter_n i_o gather_v the_o result_n of_o all_o into_o this_o one_o conclusion_n namely_o that_o such_o a_o conscience_n as_o have_v not_o be_v want_v to_o itself_o in_o endeavour_v the_o utmost_a knowledge_n of_o its_o duty_n and_o the_o clear_a information_n about_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o its_o power_n advantage_n and_o opportunity_n can_v afford_v it_o be_v that_o great_a internal_a judge_n who_o absolution_n be_v a_o rational_a and_o sure_a ground_n of_o confidence_n towards_o god_n this_o i_o then_o insist_v upon_o at_o large_a and_o from_o thence_o proceed_v to_o the_o 2_o d._n particular_a which_o be_v to_o show_v how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v we_o may_v get_v our_o conscience_n thus_o inform_v and_o afterward_o preserve_v and_o keep_v it_o so_o where_o among_o those_o many_o way_n and_o method_n which_o may_v no_o doubt_n have_v be_v assign_v as_o high_o conduce_v to_o this_o purpose_n i_o single_v out_o and_o insist_v upon_o only_o these_o four_n as_o 1_o st_z that_o the_o voice_n of_o reason_n in_o all_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a morality_n be_v still_o careful_o to_o be_v attend_v to_o by_o a_o strict_a observance_n of_o what_o it_o command_v but_o especial_o of_o what_o it_o forbid_v 2_o lie_n that_o every_o pious_a motion_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v tender_o to_o be_v cherish_v and_o by_o no_o mean_n quench_v or_o check_v either_o by_o resistance_n or_o neglect_v 3_o lie_n that_o conscience_n be_v still_o to_o be_v keep_v close_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n write_a word_n and_o 4_o lie_n and_o last_o that_o it_o be_v frequent_o to_o be_v examine_v and_o severe_o account_v with_o these_o thing_n also_o i_o then_o more_o full_o enlarge_v upon_o and_o so_o close_v up_o all_o with_o a_o double_a caution_n and_o that_o of_o no_o small_a importance_n as_o to_o the_o case_n then_o before_o we_o as_o first_o that_o no_o man_n shall_v reckon_v every_o doubt_n or_o mis-giving_a of_o his_o heart_n about_o the_o safety_n of_o his_o spiritual_a estate_n inconsistent_a with_o that_o confidence_n towards_o god_n which_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o text_n and_o second_o that_o no_o man_n shall_v account_v a_o bare_a silence_n of_o conscience_n in_o not_o accuse_v or_o disturb_v he_o a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o such_o a_o confidence_n of_o both_o which_o i_o then_o show_v the_o fatal_a consequence_n and_o so_o not_o to_o trouble_v you_o with_o any_o more_o repetition_n than_o these_o which_o be_v just_o necessary_a to_o lay_v before_o you_o the_o coherence_n of_o one_o thing_n with_o another_o i_o shall_v now_o pass_v to_o the_o three_o of_o those_o four_o particular_n first_o propose_v which_o be_v to_o show_v whence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n concern_v a_o man_n spiritual_a estate_n come_v to_o be_v so_o authentic_a and_o so_o much_o to_o be_v rely_v upon_o now_o the_o force_n and_o credit_n of_o its_o testimony_n stand_v upon_o this_o double_a ground_n 1._o the_o high_a office_n which_o it_o hold_v immediate_o from_o god_n himself_o in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o 2_o lie_n those_o property_n or_o quality_n which_o peculiar_o fit_v it_o for_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o high_a office_n in_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o soul_n 1._o and_o first_o for_o its_o office_n it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o god_n vicegerent_n or_o deputy_n do_v all_o thing_n by_o immediate_a commission_n from_o he_o it_o command_v and_o dictate_v every_o thing_n in_o god_n name_n and_o stamp_v every_o word_n with_o a_o almighty_a authority_n so_o that_o it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o kind_a of_o copy_n or_o transcript_n of_o the_o divine_a sentence_n and_o a_o interpreter_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o heaven_n and_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o sin_n against_o conscience_n as_o all_o sin_n against_o light_n and_o conviction_n be_v by_o way_n of_o eminence_n so_o call_v be_v of_o so_o peculiar_a and_o transcendent_a a_o guilt_n for_o that_o every_o such_o sin_n be_v a_o dare_a and_o direct_a defiance_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n as_o it_o be_v signify_v and_o report_v to_o a_o man_n by_o his_o conscience_n and_o thereby_o ultimate_o terminate_v in_o god_n himself_o nay_o and_o this_o vicegerent_n of_o god_n have_v one_o prerogative_n above_o all_o god_n other_o earthly_a vicegerent_n to_o wit_n that_o it_o can_v never_o be_v depose_v such_o a_o strange_a sacred_a and_o inviolable_a majesty_n have_v god_n imprint_v upon_o this_o faculty_n not_o indeed_o as_o upon_o a_o absolute_a independent_a sovereign_n but_o yet_o with_o so_o great_a a_o communication_n of_o something_o next_o to_o sovereignty_n that_o while_o it_o keep_v within_o its_o proper_a compass_n it_o be_v controllable_a by_o no_o mortal_a power_n upon_o earth_n for_o not_o the_o great_a monarch_n in_o the_o world_n can_v countermand_v conscience_n so_o far_o as_o to_o make_v it_o condemn_v where_o it_o will_v otherwise_o acquit_v or_o acquit_v where_o it_o will_v otherwise_o condemn_v no_o neither_o sword_n not_o sceptre_n can_v come_v at_o it_o but_o it_o be_v above_o and_o beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o both_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o this_o awful_a and_o majestic_a character_n which_o it_o bear_v whence_o can_v it_o be_v that_o the_o stout_a and_o brave_a heart_n droop_v and_o sneak_v when_o conscience_n frown_v and_o the_o most_o abject_a and_o afflict_a wretch_n feel_v a_o unspeakable_a and_o even_o triumphant_a joy_n when_o the_o judge_n within_o absolve_n and_o applaud_v he_o when_o a_o man_n have_v do_v any_o villainous_a act_n though_o under_o countenance_n of_o the_o high_a place_n and_o power_n and_o under_o covert_a of_o the_o close_a secrecy_n his_o conscience_n for_o all_o that_o strike_v he_o like_o a_o clap_n of_o thunder_n and_o depress_n he_o to_o a_o perpetual_a trepidation_n horror_n and_o poorness_n of_o spirit_n so_o that_o like_o nero_n though_o surround_v with_o his_o roman_a legion_n and_o praetorian_a band_n he_o yet_o skulk_v and_o hide_v himself_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o fly_v to_o every_o thing_n for_o refuge_n though_o he_o see_v nothing_o to_o fly_v from_o and_o all_o this_o because_o he_o have_v hear_v a_o condemn_a sentence_n from_o within_o which_o the_o secret_a forebodings_a of_o his_o mind_n tell_v he_o will_v be_v ratify_v by_o a_o sad_a and_o certain_a execution_n from_o above_o on_o the_o other_o side_n what_o make_v a_o man_n so_o cheerful_a so_o bright_a and_o confident_a in_o his_o comfort_n but_o because_o he_o find_v himself_o acquit_v by_o god_n high_a commissioner_n and_o deputy_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o a_o pardon_n under_o god_n own_o hand_n under_o the_o broad_a seal_n of_o heaven_n as_o i_o may_v so_o express_v it_o for_o a_o king_n never_o condemn_v any_o who_o his_o
the_o throne_n of_o grace_n and_o his_o boldness_n be_v not_o great_a than_o his_o welcome_n god_n recognize_v the_o voice_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n intercede_v within_o he_o and_o his_o prayer_n be_v not_o only_o follow_v but_o even_o prevent_v with_o a_o answer_n 2_o a_o second_o instance_n in_o which_o this_o confidence_n towards_o god_n do_v so_o remarkable_o show_v itself_o be_v at_o the_o time_n of_o some_o notable_a trial_n or_o sharp_a affliction_n when_o a_o man_n friend_n shall_v desert_v he_o his_o relation_n disow_v he_o and_o all_o dependency_n fail_v he_o and_o in_o a_o word_n the_o whole_a world_n frown_v upon_o he_o certain_o it_o will_v then_o be_v of_o some_o moment_n to_o have_v a_o friend_n in_o the_o court_n of_o conscience_n which_o shall_v as_o it_o be_v buoy_v up_o his_o sink_a spirit_n and_o speak_v great_a thing_n for_o he_o than_o all_o these_o together_o can_v declaim_v against_o he_o for_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o no_o height_n of_o honour_n nor_o affluence_n of_o fortune_n can_v keep_v a_o man_n from_o be_v miserable_a nor_o indeed_o contemptible_a when_o a_o enrage_a conscience_n shall_v fly_v at_o he_o and_o take_v he_o by_o the_o throat_n so_o it_o be_v also_o as_o certain_a that_o no_o temporal_a adversity_n can_v cut_v off_o those_o inward_a secret_a invincible_a supply_n of_o comfort_n which_o conscience_n shall_v pour_v in_o upon_o distress_a innocence_n in_o spite_n and_o in_o defiance_n of_o all_o worldly_a calamity_n naturalist_n observe_v that_o when_o the_o frost_n seize_v upon_o wine_n they_o be_v only_o the_o slight_a and_o more_o waterish_a part_n of_o it_o that_o be_v subject_a to_o be_v congeal_v but_o still_o there_o be_v a_o mighty_a spirit_n which_o can_v retreat_v into_o itself_o and_o there_o within_o its_o own_o compass_n lie_v secure_a from_o the_o freeze_a impression_n of_o the_o element_n round_o about_o it_o and_o just_o so_o it_o be_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n while_o a_o good_a conscience_n make_v it_o firm_a and_o impenetrable_a a_o outward_a affliction_n can_v no_o more_o benumb_v or_o quell_v it_o than_o a_o blast_n of_o wind_n can_v freeze_v up_o the_o blood_n in_o a_o man_n vein_n or_o a_o little_a shower_n of_o rain_n soak_v into_o his_o heart_n and_o there_o quench_v the_o principle_n of_o life_n itself_o take_v the_o two_o great_a instance_n of_o misery_n which_o i_o think_v be_v incident_a to_o humane_a nature_n to_o wit_n poverty_n and_o shame_n and_o i_o dare_v oppose_v conscience_n to_o they_o both_o and_o first_o for_o poverty_n suppose_v a_o man_n strip_v of_o all_o driven_z out_o of_o house_n and_o home_n and_o perhaps_o out_o of_o his_o country_n too_o which_o have_v within_o our_o memory_n happen_v to_o so_o many_o may_v too_o easy_o god_n know_v be_v suppose_v again_o yet_o if_o his_o conscience_n shall_v tell_v he_o that_o it_o be_v not_o for_o any_o failure_n in_o his_o own_o duty_n but_o from_o the_o success_n of_o another_o villainy_n that_o all_o this_o befall_v he_o why_o then_o his_o banishment_n become_v his_o preferment_n his_o rag_n his_o trophy_n his_o nakedness_n his_o ornament_n and_o so_o long_o as_o his_o innocence_n be_v his_o repast_n he_o feast_v and_o banquet_n upon_o bread_n and_o water_n he_o have_v disarm_v his_o affliction_n unstung_a his_o misery_n and_o though_o he_o have_v not_o the_o proper_a happiness_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o he_o have_v the_o great_a that_o be_v to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o it_o and_o for_o this_o we_o may_v appeal_v to_o the_o experience_n of_o those_o great_a and_o good_a man_n who_o in_o the_o late_a time_n of_o rebellion_n and_o confusion_n be_v force_v into_o foreign_a country_n for_o their_o unshaken_a firmness_n and_o fidelity_n to_o the_o oppress_a cause_n of_o majesty_n and_o religion_n whether_o their_o conscience_n do_v not_o like_o a_o fidus_n achates_n still_o bear_v they_o company_n stick_v close_o to_o they_o and_o suggest_v comfort_n even_o when_o the_o cause_n of_o comfort_n be_v invisible_a and_o in_o a_o word_n verify_v that_o great_a say_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o mouth_n we_o have_v nothing_o and_o yet_o we_o possess_v all_o thing_n for_o it_o be_v not_o bare_o a_o man_n abridgement_n in_o his_o external_n accommodation_n which_o make_v he_o miserable_a but_o when_o his_o conscience_n shall_v hit_v he_o in_o the_o tooth_n and_o tell_v he_o that_o it_o be_v his_o sin_n and_o his_o folly_n which_o bring_v he_o under_o these_o abridgement_n that_o his_o present_a scanty_a meal_n be_v but_o the_o natural_a effect_n of_o his_o former_a over_o full_a one_o that_o it_o be_v his_o tailor_n and_o his_o cook_n his_o fine_a fashion_n and_o his_o french_a ragou's_fw-fr which_o sequester_v he_o and_o in_o a_o word_n that_o he_o come_v by_o his_o poverty_n as_o sinful_o as_o some_o usual_o do_v by_o their_o riches_n and_o consequent_o that_o providence_n treat_v he_o with_o all_o these_o severity_n not_o by_o way_n of_o trial_n but_o by_o way_n of_o punishment_n and_o revenge_n the_o mind_n sure_o of_o itself_o can_v feel_v none_o of_o the_o burn_n of_o a_o fever_n but_o if_o my_o fever_n be_v occasion_v by_o a_o surfeit_n and_o that_o surfeit_v cause_v by_o my_o sin_n it_o be_v that_o which_o add_v fuel_n to_o the_o fiery_a disease_n and_o rage_n to_o the_o distemper_n 2_o lie_n let_v we_o consider_v also_o the_o case_n of_o calumny_n and_o disgrace_n doubtless_o the_o sting_n of_o every_o reproachful_a speech_n be_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o to_o be_v conscious_a be_v that_o which_o give_v a_o edge_n and_o keenness_n to_o the_o invective_n otherwise_o when_o conscience_n shall_v plead_v not_o guilty_a to_o the_o charge_n a_o man_n entertain_v it_o not_o as_o a_o endictment_n but_o as_o a_o libel_n he_o hear_v all_o such_o calumny_n with_o a_o generous_a unconcernment_n and_o receive_v they_o at_o one_o ear_n give_v they_o a_o free_a and_o easy_a passage_n through_o the_o other_o they_o fall_v upon_o he_o like_o rain_n or_o hail_n upon_o a_o oil_a garment_n they_o may_v make_v a_o noise_n indeed_o but_o can_v find_v no_o entrance_n the_o very_a whisper_v of_o a_o acquit_v conscience_n will_v drown_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o loud_a slander_n what_o a_o long_a charge_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o many_o other_o base_a thing_n do_v iob_n friend_n draw_v up_o against_o he_o but_o he_o regard_v it_o no_o more_o than_o the_o dunghill_n which_o he_o sit_v upon_o while_o his_o conscience_n enable_v he_o to_o appeal_v even_o to_o god_n himself_o and_o in_o spite_n of_o calumny_n to_o assert_v and_o hold_v fast_o his_o integrity_n and_o do_v not_o joseph_n lie_v under_o as_o black_a a_o infamy_n as_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o high_a ingratitude_n and_o the_o lewd_a villainy_n can_v fasten_v upon_o he_o yet_o his_o conscience_n raise_v he_o so_o much_o above_o it_o that_o he_o scorn_v so_o much_o as_o to_o clear_v himself_o or_o to_o recriminate_a the_o strumpet_n by_o a_o true_a narrative_n of_o the_o matter_n for_o we_o read_v nothing_o of_o that_o in_o the_o whole_a story_n such_o confidence_n such_o greatness_n of_o spirit_n do_v a_o clear_a conscience_n give_v a_o man_n always_o make_v he_o more_o solicitous_a to_o preserve_v his_o innocence_n than_o concern_v to_o prove_v it_o and_o so_o we_o come_v now_o to_o the_o 3_o d._n and_o last_o instance_n in_o which_o above_o all_o other_o this_o confidence_n towards_o god_n do_v most_o eminent_o show_v and_o exert_v itself_o and_o that_o be_v at_o the_o time_n of_o death_n which_o sure_o give_v the_o grand_a opportunity_n of_o try_v both_o the_o strength_n and_o worth_a of_o every_o principle_n when_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v just_a about_o to_o quit_v the_o stage_n of_o this_o world_n to_o put_v off_o his_o mortality_n and_o to_o deliver_v up_o his_o last_o account_n to_o god_n at_o which_o sad_a time_n his_o memory_n shall_v serve_v he_o for_o little_a else_o but_o to_o terrify_v he_o with_o a_o frightful_a review_n of_o his_o past_a life_n and_o his_o former_a extravagance_n strip_v of_o all_o their_o pleasure_n but_o retain_v their_o gild_n what_o be_v it_o then_o that_o can_v promise_v he_o a_o fair_a passage_n into_o the_o other_o world_n or_o a_o comfortable_a appearance_n before_o his_o dreadful_a judge_n when_o he_o be_v there_o not_o all_o the_o friend_n and_o interest_n all_o the_o riches_n and_o honour_n under_o heaven_n can_v speak_v so_o much_o as_o a_o word_n for_o he_o or_o one_o word_n of_o comfort_n to_o he_o in_o that_o condition_n they_o may_v possible_o reproach_n but_o they_o can_v relieve_v he_o no_o at_o this_o disconsolate_a time_n when_o the_o busy_a tempter_n shall_v be_v more_o than_o usual_o apt_a to_o vex_v and_o trouble_v he_o and_o the_o pain_n of_o a_o die_a body_n to_o hinder_v and_o discompose_v he_o
and_o the_o settlement_n of_o worldly_a affair_n to_o disturb_v and_o confound_v he_o and_o in_o a_o word_n all_o thing_n conspire_v to_o make_v his_o sick_a bed_n grievous_a and_o uneasy_a nothing_o can_v then_o stand_v up_o against_o all_o these_o ruin_n and_o speak_v life_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o death_n but_o a_o clear_a conscience_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o that_o shall_v make_v the_o comfort_n of_o heaven_n descend_v upon_o his_o weary_a head_n like_o a_o refresh_a dew_n or_o shower_n upon_o a_o parch_a ground_n it_o shall_v give_v he_o some_o lively_a earnest_n and_o secret_a anticipation_n of_o his_o approach_a joy_n it_o shall_v bid_v his_o soul_n go_v out_o of_o the_o body_n undaunted_o and_o lift_v up_o its_o head_n with_o confidence_n before_o saint_n and_o angel_n sure_o the_o comfort_n which_o it_o convey_v at_o this_o season_n be_v something_o big_a than_o the_o capacity_n of_o mortality_n mighty_a and_o unspeakable_a and_o not_o to_o be_v understand_v till_o it_o come_v to_o be_v feel_v and_o now_o who_o will_v not_o quit_v all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o trash_n and_o trifle_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o captivate_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o pursue_v the_o great_a rigour_n of_o piety_n and_o austerity_n of_o a_o good_a life_n to_o purchase_v to_o himself_o such_o a_o conscience_n as_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n when_o all_o the_o friendship_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v bid_v he_o adieu_o and_o the_o whole_a creation_n turn_v its_o back_n upon_o he_o shall_v dismiss_v his_o soul_n and_o close_v his_o eye_n with_o that_o bless_a sentence_n well_o do_v thou_o good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n enter_z thou_o into_o the_o joy_n of_o thy_o lord_n for_o he_o who_o conscience_n enable_v he_o to_o look_v god_n in_o the_o face_n with_o confidence_n here_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o see_v his_o face_n also_o with_o comfort_n hereafter_o which_o god_n of_o his_o mercy_n grant_v to_o we_o all_o to_o who_o be_v render_v and_o ascribe_v as_o be_v most_o due_a all_o praise_n may_v majesty_n and_o dominion_n both_o now_o and_o for_o evermore_o amen_n finis_fw-la book_n new_o print_v for_o tho._n bennet_n at_o the_o half_a moon_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n a_o thenae_n oxoniensis_fw-la or_o a_o exact_a history_n of_o all_o the_o writer_n and_o bishop_n who_o have_v have_v their_o education_n in_o the_o university_n of_o oxford_n from_o 1500_o to_o the_o end_n of_o 1690._o represent_v the_o birth_n fortune_n preferment_n and_o death_n of_o all_o those_o author_n and_o prelate_n the_o great_a accident_n of_o their_o life_n with_o the_o fate_n and_o character_n of_o their_o write_n the_o work_n be_v so_o complete_a that_o no_o writer_n of_o note_n of_o this_o nation_n for_o near_o two_o hundred_o year_n past_a be_v omit_v in_o two_o volume_n in_o fol._n twelve_o sermon_n preach_v upon_o several_a occasion_n by_o r._n south_n d._n d._n six_o of_o they_o never_o before_o print_v vol._n first_o in_o octavo_n sermon_n and_o discourse_n upon_o several_a occasion_n by_o g._n stradling_n d._n d._n late_a dean_n of_o chichester_n never_o before_o print_v together_o with_o a_o account_n of_o the_o author_n dr._n pocock_n commentary_n on_o the_o prophet_n joel_n micah_n malachi_n etc._n etc._n in_o fol._n a_o critical_a history_n of_o the_o text_n and_o version_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n wherein_o be_v firm_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o act_n on_o which_o the_o foundation_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v lay_v in_o two_o part_n by_o father_n simon_n of_o the_o oratory_n together_o with_o a_o refutation_n of_o such_o passage_n as_o seem_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o quarto_n new_o print_v for_o randall_n taylor_n animadversion_n upon_o dr._n sherlock_n book_n entitle_v a_o vindication_n of_o the_o holy_a and_o ever_o bless_a trinity_n etc._n etc._n together_o with_o a_o more_o necessary_a vindication_n of_o that_o sacred_a and_o prime_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n from_o his_o new_a notion_n and_o false_a explication_n of_o it_o humble_o dedicate_v to_o his_o admirer_n and_o to_o himself_o the_o chief_a of_o they_o by_o a_o divine_a of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n see_v the_o first_o vol._n p._n 29_o and_o 30._o 30._o major_a john_n weyer_n see_v ravillac_n rediviv_n the_o word_n of_o a_o great_a self-opiniator_a and_o a_o bitter_a reviler_n of_o the_o clergy_n clergy_n a_o preach_a colonel_n of_o the_o parliament-army_n and_o a_o chief_a actor_n in_o the_o murder_n of_o k._n charles_n the_o first_o notable_a before_o for_o have_v kill_v several_a after_o quarter_n give_v they_o by_o other_o and_o use_v these_o word_n in_o the_o do_v it_o curse_a be_v he_o who_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n negligent_o he_o be_v by_o extraction_n a_o butcher_n son_n and_o according_o in_o his_o practice_n all_o along_o more_o a_o butcher_n than_o his_o father_n
till_o the_o bridegroom_n approach_n but_o then_o upon_o the_o first_o alarm_n of_o that_o they_o quick_o rise_v and_o trim_v their_o lamp_n and_o without_o either_o trim_n or_o paint_v themselves_o be_v as_o much_o too_o wise_a as_o some_o shall_v be_v too_o old_a for_o such_o folly_n they_o present_o put_v themselves_o into_o a_o readiness_n to_o receive_v their_o surprise_v guest_n where_o by_o their_o have_a oil_n in_o their_o lamp_n no_o doubt_n must_v be_v understand_v a_o principle_n of_o grace_n infuse_v into_o their_o heart_n or_o the_o new_a nature_n form_v within_o they_o and_o by_o their_o trim_v their_o lamp_n must_v be_v mean_v their_o actual_a exercise_n and_o improvement_n of_o that_o stand_a principle_n in_o the_o particular_a instance_n of_o duty_n suitable_a and_o appropriate_a to_o the_o grand_a solemnity_n of_o the_o bridegroom_n reception_n in_o like_a manner_n when_o a_o man_n come_v to_o this_o sacrament_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o he_o have_v a_o habitual_a stock_n of_o grace_n that_o he_o have_v the_o immortal_a seed_n of_o a_o live_a faith_n sow_v in_o his_o heart_n this_o indeed_o be_v necessary_a but_o not_o sufficient_a his_o faith_n must_v be_v not_o only_o live_v but_o lively_o too_o it_o must_v be_v brighten_v and_o stir_v up_o and_o as_o it_o be_v put_v into_o a_o posture_n by_o a_o particular_a exercise_n of_o those_o several_a virtue_n that_o be_v specifical_o requisite_a to_o a_o due_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n habitual_a grace_n be_v the_o life_n and_o actual_a grace_n the_o beauty_n and_o ornament_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o therefore_o let_v people_n in_o this_o high_a and_o great_a concern_v be_v but_o so_o just_a to_o their_o soul_n as_o in_o one_o much_o less_o they_o never_o fail_v to_o be_v to_o their_o body_n in_o which_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o natural_a beauty_n make_v none_o think_v the_o further_a advantage_n of_o a_o decent_a dress_n superfluous_a nor_o be_v it_o at_o all_o strange_a if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o reason_n of_o thing_n that_o a_o man_n habitual_o good_a and_o pious_a shall_v at_o some_o certain_a turn_v and_o time_n of_o his_o life_n be_v at_o a_o loss_n how_o to_o exert_v the_o high_a act_n of_o that_o habitual_a principle_n for_o no_o creature_n be_v perfect_a and_o pure_a act_n especial_o a_o creature_n so_o compound_v of_o soul_n and_o body_n that_o body_n seem_v much_o the_o strong_a part_n in_o the_o composition_n common_a experience_n show_v that_o the_o wise_a of_o man_n be_v not_o always_o fit_a and_o dispose_v to_o act_v wise_o nor_o the_o most_o admire_a speaker_n to_o speak_v eloquent_o and_o exact_o they_o have_v indeed_o a_o acquire_v stand_v ability_n of_o wisdom_n and_o eloquence_n within_o they_o which_o give_v they_o a_o habitual_a sufficiency_n for_o such_o performance_n but_o for_o all_o that_o if_o the_o deep_a statesman_n shall_v presume_v to_o go_v to_o council_n immediate_o from_o his_o cup_n or_o the_o able_a preacher_n think_v himself_o fit_v to_o preach_v only_o by_o step_v up_o to_o the_o pulpit_n notwithstanding_o the_o policy_n of_o one_o and_o the_o eloquence_n of_o the_o other_o they_o may_v chance_v to_o get_v the_o just_a character_n of_o bold_a fool_n for_o venture_v whatsoever_o good_a fortune_n may_v bring_v they_o off_o and_o therefore_o the_o most_o active_a power_n and_o faculty_n of_o the_o mind_n require_v something_o beside_o themselves_o to_o raise_v they_o to_o the_o full_a height_n of_o their_o natural_a activity_n something_o to_o excite_v and_o quicken_v and_o draw_v they_o forth_o into_o immediate_a action_n and_o this_o hold_v proportionable_o in_o all_o thing_n animate_v or_o inanimate_a in_o the_o world_n the_o bare_a nature_n and_o essential_a form_n of_o fire_n will_v enable_v it_o to_o burn_v but_o there_o must_v be_v a_o enliven_a breath_n of_o air_n beside_o to_o make_v it_o flame_n a_o man_n have_v the_o same_o strength_n sleep_v and_o wake_v but_o while_o he_o sleep_v it_o fit_v he_o no_o more_o for_o business_n than_o if_o he_o have_v none_o nor_o be_v it_o the_o have_v of_o wheel_n and_o spring_n though_o never_o so_o curious_o wrought_v and_o artificial_o set_v but_o the_o wind_a of_o they_o up_o that_o must_v give_v motion_n to_o the_o watch._n and_o it_o will_v be_v endless_a to_o illustrate_v this_o subject_a by_o all_o the_o various_a instance_n that_o art_n and_o nature_n can_v supply_v we_o with_o but_o the_o case_n be_v much_o the_o same_o in_o spiritual_n for_o grace_n in_o the_o soul_n while_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o the_o body_n will_v always_o have_v the_o ill_a neighbourhood_n of_o some_o remainder_n of_o corruption_n which_o though_o they_o do_v not_o conquer_v and_o extinguish_v yet_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o slacken_v and_o allay_v the_o vigour_n and_o briskness_n of_o the_o renew_a principle_n so_o that_o when_o this_o principle_n be_v to_o engage_v in_o any_o great_a duty_n it_o will_v need_v the_o actual_a intention_n the_o particular_a stress_n and_o application_n of_o the_o whole_a soul_n to_o disencumber_v and_o set_v it_o free_a to_o scour_v off_o its_o rust_n and_o remove_v those_o hindrance_n which_o will_v otherwise_o clog_v and_o check_v the_o freedom_n of_o its_o operation_n and_o thus_o have_v show_v that_o to_o fit_v we_o for_o a_o due_a access_n to_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n we_o must_v add_v actual_a preparation_n to_o habitual_a i_o shall_v now_o endeavour_v to_o show_v the_o several_a part_n or_o ingredient_n of_o which_o this_o actual_a preparation_n must_v consist_v and_o here_o i_o shall_v not_o pretend_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o every_o particular_a duty_n that_o may_v be_v useful_a for_o this_o purpose_n but_o shall_v only_o mention_v some_o of_o the_o principal_a and_o such_o as_o may_v most_o peculiar_o contribute_v towards_o it_o as_o first_o let_v a_o man_n apply_v himself_o to_o the_o great_a and_o difficult_a work_n of_o self-examination_n by_o a_o strict_a scrutiny_n into_o and_o survey_v of_o the_o whole_a estate_n of_o his_o soul_n according_a to_o that_o know_a and_o excellent_a rule_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o very_a case_n now_o before_o we_o 1_o cor._n 11._o 28._o let_v a_o man_n examine_v himself_o and_o so_o let_v he_o eat_v of_o that_o bread_n etc._n etc._n if_o a_o man_n will_v have_v such_o a_o wedding-garment_n as_o may_v fit_v he_o exact_o let_v self-examination_n take_v the_o measure_n a_o duty_n of_o so_o mighty_a a_o influence_n upon_o all_o that_o concern_v the_o soul_n that_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o very_a root_n and_o groundwork_n of_o all_o true_a repentance_n and_o the_o necessary_a antecedent_n if_o not_o also_o the_o direct_a cause_n of_o a_o sinner_n return_n to_o god_n for_o as_o there_o be_v some_o sin_n which_o require_v a_o particular_a and_o distinct_a repentance_n by_o themselves_o and_o can_v be_v account_v for_o in_o the_o general_a heap_n of_o sin_n know_v and_o unknown_a so_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o repent_v right_o of_o such_o sin_n unless_o by_o a_o through_o search_n into_o the_o nature_n number_n and_o distinguish_a circumstance_n of_o they_o he_o come_v to_o see_v how_o and_o in_o what_o degree_n they_o be_v to_o be_v repent_v of_o but_o the_o sovereign_a excellency_n and_o necessity_n of_o this_o duty_n need_v no_o other_o nor_o great_a proof_n of_o it_o than_o this_o one_o consideration_n that_o nothing_o in_o nature_n can_v be_v more_o grievous_a and_o offensive_a to_o a_o sinner_n than_o to_o look_v into_o himself_o and_o general_o what_o grace_n require_v nature_n be_v most_o averse_a to_o it_o be_v indeed_o as_o offensive_a as_o to_o rake_v into_o a_o dunghill_n as_o grievous_a as_o for_o one_o to_o read_v over_o his_o debt_n when_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o pay_v they_o or_o for_o a_o bankrupt_a to_o examine_v and_o look_v into_o his_o account_n which_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o they_o acquaint_v must_v needs_o also_o upbraid_v he_o with_o his_o condition_n but_o as_o irksome_a as_o the_o work_n be_v it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a nothing_o can_v well_o be_v imagine_v more_o painful_a than_o to_o probe_n and_o search_v a_o purulent_a old_a sore_a to_o the_o bottom_n but_o for_o all_o that_o the_o pain_n must_v be_v endure_v or_o no_o cure_n expect_v and_o man_n certain_o have_v sink_v their_o reason_n to_o very_o gross_a low_a and_o absurd_a conception_n of_o god_n when_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o sin_n they_o can_v make_v such_o false_a and_o short_a reckon_n with_o he_o and_o their_o own_o heart_n for_o can_v they_o imagine_v that_o god_n have_v therefore_o forget_v their_o sin_n because_o they_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o remember_v they_o or_o will_v they_o measure_v his_o pardon_n by_o their_o own_o oblivion_n what_o pitiful_a figleaf_n what_o senseless_a and_o ridiculous_a shift_n be_v these_o not_o able_a to_o silence_n
and_o much_o less_o satisfy_v a_o accuse_a conscience_n but_o now_o for_o the_o better_a management_n of_o this_o examination_n of_o our_o past-live_n we_o must_v thorough_o canvas_v they_o with_o these_o and_o the_o like_a question_n as_o for_o instance_n let_v a_o man_n inquire_v what_o sin_n he_o have_v commit_v and_o what_o breach_n he_o have_v make_v upon_o those_o two_o great_a stand_a rule_n of_o duty_n the_o decalogue_n and_o our_o saviour_n divine_a sermon_n upon_o the_o mount_n let_v he_o inquire_v also_o what_o particular_a aggravation_n lie_v upon_o his_o sin_n as_o whether_o they_o have_v not_o be_v commit_v against_o strong_a reluctancy_n and_o light_n of_o conscience_n after_o many_o win_a call_n of_o mercy_n to_o reclaim_v and_o many_o terrible_a warning_n of_o judgement_n to_o affright_v he_o whether_o resolution_n vow_n and_o protestation_n have_v not_o be_v make_v against_o they_o whether_o they_o have_v not_o be_v repeat_v frequent_o and_o persist_v in_o obstinate_o and_o last_o whether_o the_o same_o appetite_n to_o sin_n have_v not_o remain_v as_o active_a and_o unmortified_a after_o sacrament_n as_o ever_o they_o have_v be_v before_o how_o important_a these_o consideration_n and_o head_n of_o enquiry_n be_v all_o who_o understand_v any_o thing_n will_v easy_o perceive_v for_o this_o we_o must_v know_v that_o the_o very_a same_o sin_n as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o stamp_v with_o any_o one_o of_o these_o aggravation_n be_v in_o effect_n not_o the_o same_o and_o he_o who_o have_v sin_v the_o same_o great_a sin_n after_o several_a time_n receive_v the_o sacrament_n must_v not_o think_v that_o god_n will_v accept_v he_o under_o ten_o time_n great_a repentance_n and_o contrition_n for_o it_o than_o he_o bring_v with_o he_o to_o that_o duty_n former_o whether_o god_n by_o his_o grace_n will_v enable_v he_o to_o rise_v up_o to_o such_o a_o pitch_n or_o no_o be_v uncertain_a but_o most_o certain_a that_o both_o his_o work_n be_v hard_a and_o his_o danger_n great_a than_o it_o be_v or_o can_v be_v at_o the_o first_o second_o when_o a_o man_n have_v by_o such_o a_o close_a and_o rigorous_a examination_n of_o himself_o find_v out_o the_o accurse_a thing_n and_o discover_v his_o sin_n the_o next_o thing_n in_o order_n must_v be_v to_o work_v up_o his_o heart_n to_o the_o utmost_a hatred_n of_o it_o and_o the_o bitter_a sorrow_n and_o remorse_n for_o it_o for_o self-examination_n have_v first_o present_v it_o to_o the_o thought_n these_o natural_o transmit_v and_o hand_n it_o over_o to_o the_o passion_n and_o this_o introduce_v the_o next_o ingredient_n of_o our_o sacramental_a preparation_n to_o wit_n repentance_n which_o arduous_a work_n i_o will_v suppose_v not_o now_o to_o begin_v but_o to_o be_v renew_v and_o that_o with_o special_a reference_n to_o sin_n not_o repent_v of_o before_o and_o yet_o more_o especial_o to_o those_o new_a score_n which_o we_o still_o have_v run_v ourselves_o upon_o since_o the_o last_o precede_a sacrament_n which_o method_n faithful_o and_o constant_o observe_v must_v needs_o have_v a_o admirable_a and_o mighty_a effect_n upon_o the_o conscience_n and_o keep_v a_o man_n from_o break_v or_o run_v behindhand_o in_o his_o spiritual_a estate_n which_o without_o frequent_a accounting_n he_o will_v hardly_o be_v able_a to_o prevent_v but_o because_o this_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o such_o high_a consequence_n i_o will_v by_o all_o mean_n warn_v man_n of_o one_o very_o common_a and_o yet_o very_o dangerous_a mistake_n about_o it_o and_o that_o be_v the_o take_z of_o mere_a sorrow_n for_o sin_n for_o repentance_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o good_a introduction_n to_o it_o but_o the_o porch_n though_o never_o so_o fair_a and_o spacious_a be_v not_o the_o house_n itself_o nothing_o pass_v in_o the_o account_n of_o god_n for_o repentance_n but_o change_v of_o life_n cease_v to_o do_v evil_a and_o do_v good_a be_v the_o two_o great_a integral_a part_n that_o complete_a this_o duty_n for_o not_o 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