be_v a_o improper_a foundation_n for_o thy_o faith_n as_o thy_o faith_n be_v hereby_o a_o blind_a faith_n so_o thy_o comfort_n be_v but_o a_o blind_a comfort_n how_o great_o do_v the_o popish_a casuist_n perplex_v their_o people_n with_o such_o case_n of_o conscience_n and_o about_o such_o superstitious_a thing_n that_o they_o have_v only_a tradition_n for_o and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v not_o many_o year_n neither_o without_o any_o stamp_n or_o superscription_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v not_o they_o comfort_v in_o their_o penance_n in_o their_o indulgence_n will_v not_o their_o friar_n and_o monk_n not_o those_o slow_a beast_n and_o idle_a belly_n who_o from_o delude_a principle_n of_o conscience_n do_v severe_o and_o austeer_o mortify_v themselves_o say_v they_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o their_o conscience_n and_o make_v a_o bulwark_n from_o thence_o but_o where_o be_v the_o rule_n they_o go_v by_o be_v it_o not_o tradition_n on_o the_o contrary_a side_n in_o another_o extreme_a there_o be_v the_o enthusiast_n who_o reject_v the_o scripture_n as_o a_o dead_a letter_n and_o do_v adhere_v only_o to_o revelation_n to_o pretend_a work_n of_o god_n spirit_n to_o the_o manifest_a light_n within_o they_o do_v not_o these_o even_a boast_n in_o their_o joy_n and_o ravishment_n do_v they_o not_o when_o unable_a to_o answer_v argument_n fly_v to_o a_o light_n within_o they_o but_o what_o ground_n be_v there_o for_o this_o be_v not_o the_o apostle_n command_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o believe_v every_o spirit_n but_o try_v they_o 1_o john_n 4._o 1._o and_o how_o must_v that_o be_v but_o by_o the_o scripture_n you_o see_v then_o that_o it_o be_v not_o conscience_n simple_o and_o alone_o but_o a_o scripture-conscience_n that_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o comfort_n to_o leave_v that_o and_o to_o trust_v in_o our_o conscience_n be_v to_o make_v our_o conscience_n a_o bible_n to_o attribute_v infallibility_n to_o ourselves_o now_o this_o scrigture_n be_v not_o only_o a_o rule_n for_o our_o conscience_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n but_o also_o of_o manner_n of_o righteousness_n towards_o man_n conscience_n must_v witness_v to_o thou_o not_o only_o that_o thou_o be_v in_o the_o true_a religion_n but_o also_o do_v walk_v in_o holy_a conversation_n it_o must_v testify_v of_o thy_o righteousness_n towards_o man_n as_o well_o as_o of_o religion_n towards_o god_n this_o be_v paul_n continual_a exercise_n act._n 24._o 26._o to_o have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n there_o be_v many_o voluminous_a tractate_v of_o case_n of_o conscience_n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la &_o justitiâ_fw-la of_o righteousness_n towards_o man_n and_o although_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o particular_o decide_v lawcase_n yet_o it_o lay_v down_o such_o general_a rule_n that_o by_o they_o particular_n may_v easy_o be_v decide_v if_o our_o heart_n be_v not_o corrupt_v as_o for_o example_n that_o famous_a rule_n what_o you_o will_v have_v man_n do_v to_o you_o do_v you_o to_o they_o mat._n 7._o 12._o our_o saviour_n after_o he_o have_v give_v religious_a precept_n about_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n he_o add_v this_o to_o show_v that_o religion_n and_o righteousness_n must_v always_o go_v together_o and_o adrian_n the_o emperor_n be_v so_o affect_v with_o this_o rule_n say_v he_o have_v it_o from_o the_o jew_n or_o christian_n that_o he_o command_v it_o to_o be_v write_v on_o the_o door_n and_o gate_n of_o his_o palace_n and_o before_o he_o will_v punish_v any_o offender_n will_v inform_v he_o of_o this_o rule_n and_o our_o saviour_n say_v this_o be_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n a_o great_a expression_n look_v then_o to_o thy_o conscience_n that_o it_o take_v the_o scripture_n for_o a_o rule_n in_o its_o adequate_a nature_n for_o faith_n and_o conversation_n this_o be_v no_o rule_n for_o conscience_n to_o go_v by_o other_o do_v say_v every_o word_n one_o be_v to_o look_v to_o himself_o but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o must_v bear_v evidence_n to_o thou_o by_o thy_o conscience_n second_o to_o the_o right_a guidance_n of_o our_o conscience_n in_o witness_v to_o we_o there_o be_v not_o only_o require_v the_o word_n as_o a_o rule_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o enlighten_v thy_o mind_n to_o receive_v the_o true_a meaning_n thereof_o such_o be_v the_o powerful_a delusion_n of_o satan_n that_o when_o he_o can_v no_o long_o dethrone_v the_o scripture_n from_o its_o authority_n but_o man_n will_v appeal_v to_o that_o than_o he_o look_v about_o to_o advance_v his_o kingdom_n by_o the_o scripture_n ill_o handle_v and_o wrest_v to_o corrupt_a opinion_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n man_n be_v bring_v into_o a_o worse_a condition_n and_o more_o incurable_a than_o those_o who_o walk_v by_o no_o scripture_n at_o all_o for_o if_o a_o man_n be_v deliver_v up_o to_o this_o persuasion_n that_o his_o opinion_n and_o way_n be_v allow_v by_o scripture_n warrant_v by_o scripture_n what_o way_n shall_v we_o take_v to_o reduce_v he_o the_o apostle_n peter_n tell_v we_o of_o some_o unstable_a and_o unlearned_a man_n 2_o pet._n 3._o 16._o which_o do_v wrest_v the_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o perdition_n and_o nothing_o be_v more_o ordinary_a which_o make_v luther_n say_v that_o the_o bible_n be_v the_o heretic_n book_n not_o in_o the_o sense_n the_o papist_n do_v accuse_v it_o thereby_o of_o insufficiency_n and_o imperfection_n but_o for_o the_o dignity_n of_o it_o have_v such_o authority_n that_o every_o heretic_n will_v glad_o run_v to_o this_o sanctuary_n the_o scripture_n then_o though_o a_o perfect_a rule_n yet_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o guide_v our_o conscience_n unless_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o be_v promise_v lead_v we_o into_o truth_n as_o the_o sun_n though_o never_o so_o full_a of_o light_n yet_o can_v guide_v a_o blind_a man_n we_o grant_v indeed_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v but_o a_o dead_a letter_n and_o of_o itself_o without_o god_n spirit_n do_v not_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n and_o convert_v the_o heart_n only_o we_o say_v the_o spirit_n do_v this_o in_o and_o by_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o all_o man_n conscience_n impulse_n light_n revelation_n and_o joy_n must_v be_v examine_v and_o stand_v or_o fall_v according_a to_o this_o rule_n let_v this_o be_v grant_v and_o then_o we_o plead_v as_o fervent_o as_o any_o can_v for_o the_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n this_o must_v enlighten_v the_o conscience_n to_o be_v able_a to_o understand_v and_o believe_v the_o thing_n reveal_v there_o hence_o the_o disciple_n can_v not_o attempt_v their_o office_n of_o publish_v the_o gospel_n without_o this_o assistance_n from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n john_n 16._o 13._o he_o be_v say_v to_o guide_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n to_o guide_v they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o signify_v that_o they_o do_v not_o know_v the_o way_n or_o if_o they_o be_v in_o they_o will_v quick_o divert_v into_o by-path_n if_o this_o spirit_n do_v not_o guide_v they_o when_o david_n say_v the_o word_n be_v a_o lamp_n and_o light_n to_o his_o foot_n if_o we_o understand_v it_o effectual_o so_o that_o it_o do_v not_o only_o propound_v the_o light_n objective_o but_o that_o also_o he_o be_v subjective_o thereby_o illuminate_v this_o do_v necessary_o presuppose_v the_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n no_o wonder_n then_o if_o so_o many_o may_v be_v exceed_o acquaint_v with_o scripture_n be_v ready_a with_o some_o text_n upon_o every_o occasion_n yet_o for_o all_o that_o be_v delude_v with_o error_n because_o they_o want_v god_n spirit_n to_o enlighten_v they_o and_o instruct_v they_o thereby_o let_v we_o look_v upon_o the_o jew_n the_o sad_a do_v object_v in_o the_o world_n at_o this_o day_n they_o have_v be_v so_o skilful_a in_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o some_o can_v remember_v how_o many_o word_n and_o syllable_n be_v therein_o and_o that_o be_v read_v to_o they_o daily_o yet_o who_o more_o malicious_o opposite_a unto_o the_o lord_n christ_n promise_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n than_o they_o be_v but_o the_o scripture_n give_v a_o full_a reason_n thereof_o the_o veil_n be_v upon_o their_o eye_n and_o long_o before_o there_o be_v such_o a_o prediction_n of_o this_o spiritual_a judgement_n upon_o they_o that_o see_v they_o shall_v not_o see_v hear_v not_o hear_v lest_o they_o understand_v and_o be_v convert_v therefore_o to_o have_v a_o pure_a and_o true_a conscience_n we_o must_v be_v sure_a to_o pray_v and_o exercise_v ourselves_o herein_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n will_v direct_v we_o into_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v to_o be_v expect_v in_o the_o holy_a use_n of_o those_o mean_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o find_v out_o the_o sense_n thereof_o for_o you_o must_v not_o expect_v that_o god_n spirit_n will_v immediate_o reveal_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n without_o
of_o this_o therefore_o first_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n that_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n general_a which_o do_v afford_v matter_n of_o rejoice_v either_o particular_a as_o to_o some_o matter_n of_o fact_n or_o one_o particular_a business_n especial_o when_o calummate_v by_o adversary_n or_o second_o general_n which_o be_v to_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o our_o whole_a conversation_n these_o two_o be_v great_o to_o be_v distinguish_v for_o we_o see_v david_n in_o many_o place_n pray_v to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v reward_v he_o according_a to_o his_o innocency_n and_o deal_v with_o he_o according_a to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o his_o hand_n and_o he_o do_v many_o time_n appeal_v to_o god_n concern_v his_o integrity_n now_o this_o be_v from_o a_o testimony_n of_o his_o conscience_n to_o a_o particular_a fact_n saul_n and_o other_o do_v malicious_o accuse_v he_o lay_v to_o his_o charge_n thing_n that_o he_o never_o do_v of_o this_o paul_n speak_v also_o 1_o cor._n 4._o 2._o i_o know_v nothing_o by_o myself_o he_o do_v not_o matter_n those_o crime_n that_o the_o false_a apostle_n burden_v he_o with_o because_o his_o conscience_n do_v clear_v he_o as_o to_o any_o gross_a neglect_n in_o his_o ministerial_a course_n now_o you_o must_v know_v that_o many_o a_o natural_a or_o moral_a man_n may_v have_v in_o some_o case_n this_o particular_a testimony_n of_o his_o conscience_n and_o receive_v comfort_n from_o it_o and_o yet_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n how_o many_o person_n in_o the_o world_n be_v slander_v by_o some_o malicious_a adversary_n as_o guilty_a of_o such_o crime_n which_o be_v altogether_o false_a now_o happy_o thou_o be_v pure_a and_o free_a from_o they_o thy_o conscience_n justify_v thou_o and_o thou_o have_v comfort_n from_o this_o but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o which_o god_n require_v therefore_o there_o be_v a_o second_o testimony_n of_o the_o conscience_n which_o be_v general_n and_o that_o speak_v to_o the_o whole_a man_n witness_v that_o thy_o whole_a conversation_n be_v unblameable_a and_o that_o thy_o heart_n in_o the_o universal_a inclination_n thereof_o be_v whole_o for_o god_n and_o against_o sin_n it_o be_v this_o general_a testimony_n that_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o true_a comfort_n a_o man_n may_v be_v free_a and_o innocent_a as_o to_o some_o particular_a sin_n and_o yet_o the_o state_n of_o his_o soul_n be_v in_o gall_n and_o bitterness_n second_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o conscience_n even_o in_o general_n witness_v unto_o sincerity_n thou_o thy_o state_n of_o grace_n may_v be_v consider_v two_o way_n for_o either_o it_o may_v be_v suppose_v or_o expect_v that_o it_o shall_v testify_v unto_o thou_o a_o heart_n and_o life_n free_a from_o all_o sin_n fail_v in_o nothing_o at_o all_o or_o else_o to_o witness_v sincerity_n and_o uprightness_n for_o the_o main_a though_o fail_v in_o many_o thing_n if_o then_o a_o christian_a shall_v resolve_v to_o take_v no_o joy_n unless_o his_o conscience_n can_v witness_v perfection_n and_o a_o immunity_n from_o any_o fail_n such_o a_o one_o must_v resolve_v to_o have_v no_o comfort_n all_o his_o life_n time_n but_o if_o it_o witness_v the_o main_a bent_n and_o frame_n of_o thy_o heart_n to_o be_v for_o god_n though_o carry_v aside_o often_o through_o the_o violence_n and_o deceitfulness_n of_o temptation_n from_o this_o thou_o may_v rejoice_v this_o be_v much_o to_o be_v observe_v for_o why_o be_v the_o discouragement_n and_o disconsolateness_n of_o god_n own_o child_n so_o great_a but_o because_o their_o conscience_n tell_v they_o of_o several_a fail_n and_o they_o desire_v some_o testimony_n of_o a_o perfection_n satisfy_v yourselves_o therefore_o and_o regulate_v your_o thought_n in_o this_o particular_a and_o thus_o we_o must_v expound_v that_o place_n 1_o john_n 3._o 20_o 21._o which_o at_o first_o appearance_n seem_v to_o speak_v very_o terrible_o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o god_n be_v great_a than_o our_o heart_n and_o know_v all_o thing_n this_o text_n if_o not_o right_o understand_v be_v enough_o like_o belshazzar_n write_v in_o the_o wall_n to_o strike_v we_o with_o tremble_v for_o be_v there_o any_o man_n live_v who_o heart_n do_v not_o condemn_v he_o for_o sin_n do_v not_o this_o very_a apostle_n say_v 1_o john_n 1._o 8._o if_o we_o say_v we_o have_v no_o sin_n we_o deceive_v ourselves_o and_o no_o truth_n be_v in_o we_o if_o then_o we_o have_v sin_n how_o can_v our_o heart_n but_o condemn_v we_o and_o then_o god_n know_v our_o heart_n and_o see_v more_o evil_a and_o error_n in_o we_o than_o we_o can_v understand_v must_v condemn_v we_o much_o more_o what_o be_v this_o then_o but_o to_o fill_v every_o godly_a man_n with_o despair_n but_o that_o the_o apostle_n himself_o may_v not_o speak_v a_o contradiction_n we_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o the_o mention_a distinction_n viz._n that_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o just_o for_o the_o main_a that_o our_o foundation_n be_v rot_v that_o we_o love_v sin_n more_o than_o god_n than_o we_o have_v cause_n to_o be_v whole_o cast_v down_o but_o if_o our_o heart_n do_v not_o condemn_v we_o for_o the_o main_a only_o for_o those_o imperfection_n and_o frailty_n which_o we_o can_v perfect_o be_v purge_v from_o in_o this_o life_n than_o we_o may_v have_v confidence_n towards_o god_n three_o our_o conscience_n may_v be_v consider_v as_o habitual_o able_a to_o testify_v or_o as_o actual_o and_o immediate_o prepare_v this_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v observe_v for_o testify_v every_o regenerate_a man_n have_v his_o conscience_n sanctify_v be_v thereby_o habitual_o able_a to_o give_v a_o good_a testimony_n but_o many_o thing_n may_v intervene_v that_o hinder_v it_o in_o its_o act_n even_o as_o the_o sun_n be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o clear_a light_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n but_o cloud_n and_o mist_n may_v hinder_v the_o actual_a communication_n of_o it_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v often_o with_o the_o child_n of_o god_n their_o conscience_n be_v sanctify_v but_o many_o doubt_n arise_v many_o scruple_n and_o fear_n do_v interpose_v so_o that_o they_o have_v not_o that_o actual_a witness_n in_o their_o conscience_n which_o they_o may_v have_v so_o that_o as_o in_o sanctification_n there_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o grace_n though_o the_o exercise_n of_o they_o may_v be_v stop_v so_o it_o be_v in_o matter_n of_o consolation_n there_o be_v the_o foundation_n and_o fountain_n of_o it_o though_o the_o stream_n may_v be_v trouble_v and_o this_o shall_v make_v we_o wary_a so_o to_o walk_v as_o not_o to_o put_v stop_n and_o check_n in_o the_o way_n of_o conscience_n especial_o to_o labour_v for_o a_o sound_a judgement_n and_o a_o full_a persuasion_n in_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v for_o the_o more_o doubtful_a and_o scrupulous_a we_o be_v the_o less_o firm_a and_o clear_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n as_o appear_v rom._n 14._o 22_o 23._o four_o we_o be_v to_o distinguish_v of_o the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n as_o alone_o and_o christ_n separate_a or_o relate_v whole_o to_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n in_o who_o alone_o all_o our_o acceptance_n and_o cause_n of_o comfort_n be_v contain_v whereas_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v attend_v to_o the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n alone_o though_o to_o his_o best_a action_n he_o will_v have_v more_o cause_n to_o fear_n and_o tremble_v from_o that_o then_o rejoice_v therefore_o the_o scripture_n attribute_v the_o purge_n of_o our_o conscience_n to_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v no_o man_n conscience_n can_v be_v good_a and_o true_o peaceable_a that_o do_v not_o look_v to_o christ_n that_o say_v not_o with_o john_n behold_v the_o lamb_n of_o god_n that_o take_v away_o thy_o sin_n as_o well_o as_o behold_v the_o holy_a duty_n thou_o have_v live_v in_o heb._n 9_o 14._o how_o much_o rather_o shall_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n purge_v your_o conscience_n from_o dead_a work_n let_v conscience_n then_o always_o eye_n christ_n look_v to_o he_o as_o well_o as_o to_o our_o grace_n for_o the_o goodness_n of_o a_o evangelical_a conscience_n lie_v not_o in_o this_o to_o testify_v thou_o have_v not_o be_v such_o a_o sinner_n or_o thou_o have_v not_o such_o fail_n but_o though_o thou_o have_v be_v such_o yet_o repent_v and_o believe_v through_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n thy_o conscience_n be_v not_o to_o condemn_v thou_o for_o they_o because_o pardon_v now_o the_o conscience_n of_o a_o civil_a and_o pharisaical_a man_n which_o comfort_v from_o work_n do_v do_v not_o at_o all_o relate_v to_o christ_n and_o by_o this_o thou_o may_v find_v the_o deceitfulness_n of_o it_o see_v that_o by_o christ_n blood_n alone_o it_o come_v to_o be_v true_o purify_v use_v 1_o of_o instruction_n how_o few_o they_o be_v that_o have_v this_o
mutable_a and_o inconstant_a principle_n he_o can_v never_o be_v serviceable_a to_o god_n for_o this_o debase_v he_o before_o man_n this_o make_v he_o vile_a and_o contemptible_a and_o thereby_o like_o a_o break_a vessel_n that_o be_v of_o no_o use_n four_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n to_o be_v thus_o inconstant_a in_o our_o word_n because_o it_o be_v a_o tongue_n abuse_n of_o our_o tongue_n which_o the_o scripture_n call_v a_o man_n glory_n though_o some_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o soul_n now_o for_o thy_o glory_n to_o be_v a_o shame_n to_o have_v thy_o tongue_n account_v a_o lie_a tongue_n a_o double_a tongue_n a_o false_a tongue_n this_o be_v a_o aggravation_n of_o thy_o wickedness_n last_o as_o god_n do_v threaten_v to_o punish_v lie_v and_o deceitful_a tongue_n so_o he_o do_v sincerity_n gracious_o encourage_v all_o such_o as_o be_v of_o sincerity_n in_o all_o their_o word_n and_o work_n a_o lie_a tongue_n be_v one_o of_o the_o seven_o abomination_n which_o god_n hate_v prov._n 6._o 17._o as_o on_o the_o other_o side_n how_o merciful_o do_v god_n encourage_v some_o isa_n 63._o 8._o for_o he_o say_v sure_o they_o be_v my_o people_n child_n that_o will_v not_o lie_v so_o he_o be_v their_o saviour_n so_o that_o if_o all_o these_o particular_n be_v lay_v together_o we_o may_v see_v how_o necessary_a it_o be_v to_o add_v righteousness_n to_o our_o religion_n to_o be_v as_o christ_n who_o lip_n be_v without_o guile_n in_o respect_n of_o god_n and_o man_n oh_o this_o will_v afford_v thou_o great_a comfort_n this_o will_v assure_v thou_o that_o thy_o religion_n be_v not_o hypocrisy_n it_o be_v easy_a perform_n multitude_n of_o duty_n then_o to_o walk_v thus_o upright_o towards_o man_n they_o may_v be_v do_v with_o more_o ease_n to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n yea_o they_o may_v be_v the_o fuel_n to_o thy_o hearts-pride_n and_o self-applause_n but_o this_o tend_v real_o to_o mortify_v sin_n within_o thou_o and_o to_o cause_v thou_o to_o have_v respect_n to_o all_o god_n commandment_n serm._n cxi_o of_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o inconstancy_n and_o lightness_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 17._o when_o i_o therefore_o be_v thus_o mind_v do_v i_o use_v lightness_n we_o have_v treat_v of_o lightness_n and_o inconstarcy_n as_o it_o be_v express_v in_o civil_a thing_n whether_o in_o our_o word_n promise_n or_o deal_n between_o man_n and_o man_n this_o you_o hear_v be_v both_o a_o sin_n towards_o god_n and_o a_o reproach_n to_o religion_n yea_o unrighteousness_n and_o falsehood_n in_o these_o outward_a affair_n be_v so_o great_a sin_n that_o many_o time_n they_o make_v the_o great_a wound_n in_o our_o conscience_n and_o experience_n confirm_v it_o that_o when_o a_o man_n be_v convert_v to_o god_n and_o make_v sensible_a of_o sin_n the_o sin_n of_o his_o unrighteousness_n do_v most_o trouble_n his_o conscience_n it_o be_v long_a ever_o he_o get_v the_o pardon_n of_o these_o in_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o the_o reason_n may_v be_v because_o such_o unfaithfulness_n in_o word_n and_o deal_n be_v condemn_v by_o the_o natural_a light_n of_o our_o conscience_n even_o heathen_n have_v be_v able_a to_o judge_n such_o thing_n great_a sin_n now_o what_o be_v do_v against_o natural_a light_n that_o make_v a_o great_a gash_n in_o the_o conscience_n hence_o the_o omission_n of_o those_o duty_n which_o be_v mere_o know_v by_o supernatural_a light_n be_v not_o so_o grievous_a to_o we_o as_o when_o a_o humble_a brokenhearted_a sinner_n be_v call_v upon_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n to_o rest_v his_o soul_n upon_o he_o for_o justification_n how_o hardly_o be_v such_o a_o contrite_a spirit_n bring_v to_o judge_v that_o unbelief_n herein_o be_v a_o great_a and_o heinous_a sin_n that_o god_n be_v provoke_v hereby_o that_o as_o much_o as_o lie_v in_o we_o we_o make_v christ_n of_o none_o effect_v so_o that_o when_o such_o a_o wound_a conscience_n can_v complain_v of_o its_o former_a unrighteous_a unjust_a and_o sinful_a way_n it_o once_o live_v in_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o at_o the_o same_o time_n bewail_v that_o great_a sin_n of_o unbelief_n its_o frowardness_n and_o slavishness_n that_o it_o do_v not_o receive_v christ_n as_o a_o saviour_n yea_o it_o rather_o judge_v it_o a_o duty_n to_o keep_v off_o from_o a_o promise_n and_o to_o question_v whether_o christ_n will_v receive_v such_o a_o wretched_a sinner_n as_o he_o feel_v himself_o to_o be_v by_o which_o we_o see_v what_o cause_n the_o people_n of_o god_n have_v to_o take_v heed_n of_o sin_n in_o this_o kind_n for_o how_o hardly_o be_v they_o heal_v how_o long_o may_v it_o be_v ere_o thy_o conscience_n may_v be_v pacify_v through_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n but_o i_o proceed_v to_o a_o second_o kind_n of_o inconstancy_n which_o be_v of_o a_o great_a guilt_n faith_n because_o express_v in_o matter_n of_o great_a concernment_n and_o relation_n even_o to_o god_n himself_o to_o be_v yea_o and_o nay_o off_o and_o on_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n this_o proclaim_v our_o wretchedness_n and_o first_o there_o be_v a_o inconstancy_n in_o our_o faith_n when_o we_o do_v light_o and_o uncertain_o receive_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n so_o that_o we_o be_v ready_a for_o one_o faith_n one_o week_n and_o another_o faith_n another_o week_n this_o be_v a_o very_a dangerous_a frame_n of_o soul_n when_o a_o man_n be_v not_o of_o a_o sound_a judgement_n neither_o have_v lay_v a_o good_a foundation_n in_o christian_a religion_n but_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v ephes_n 4._o 4._o be_v like_o a_o child_n toss_v up_o and_o down_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n such_o be_v call_v by_o the_o apostle_n peter_n 2_o pet._n 3._o 16._o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a in_o the_o number_n of_o these_o light_n and_o inconstant_a person_n we_o may_v reckon_v the_o galatian_n when_o he_o charge_v they_o with_o their_o sudden_a apostasy_n gal._n 1._o 6._o i_o marvel_v that_o you_o be_v so_o soon_o remove_v from_o he_o that_o call_v you_o unto_o another_o gospel_n they_o be_v ready_a for_o another_o gospel_n for_o other_o teacher_n who_o former_o have_v receive_v the_o apostle_n as_o a_o angel_n of_o god_n yea_o as_o jesus_n christ_n this_o lightness_n also_o be_v manifest_v in_o some_o of_o christ_n disciple_n john_n 6._o 60_o 61._o who_o upon_o their_o misunderstanding_n of_o some_o passage_n in_o our_o saviour_n sermon_n judge_v they_o hard_o and_o absurd_a from_o that_o time_n go_v back_o from_o he_o and_o walk_v no_o more_o with_o he_o and_o true_o be_v not_o these_o time_n a_o sad_a instance_n of_o the_o lightness_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o many_o man_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o how_o many_o man_n religion_n may_v you_o find_v yea_o and_o nay_o how_o many_o be_v destroy_v that_o which_o once_o they_o do_v build_v now_o nothing_o be_v more_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n than_o this_o inconstancy_n for_o if_o we_o do_v consider_v what_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n be_v we_o shall_v find_v that_o it_o do_v so_o autoritative_o bring_v the_o understanding_n into_o obedience_n of_o the_o divine_a truth_n that_o it_o dare_v not_o give_v way_n to_o doubt_n and_o plausible_a objection_n of_o deceitful_a man_n any_o more_o the_o apostle_n heb._n 11._o 1._o give_v we_o a_o full_a description_n of_o faith_n as_o to_o this_o matter_n of_o quiet_v and_o satisfy_v the_o soul_n for_o he_o say_v it_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o ehe_fw-ge evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v oppose_v to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o which_o have_v but_o a_o mere_a apearancy_n as_o meteor_n or_o rather_o as_o colour_n in_o the_o rainbow_n and_o true_o many_o man_n faith_n have_v no_o subsistency_n at_o all_o it_o be_v only_o in_o their_o fancy_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v almost_o a_o scepticism_n introduce_v into_o religion_n as_o be_v once_o into_o philosophy_n but_o faith_n do_v consolidate_v the_o soul_n and_o establish_v it_o upon_o scripture-ground_n which_o be_v sure_a and_o unmoveable_a the_o other_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v apply_v to_o a_o demonstration_n that_o do_v even_o necessitate_v the_o understanding_n to_o give_v assent_n to_o it_o so_o that_o it_o have_v no_o power_n to_o refuse_v it_o thus_o also_o it_o be_v when_o the_o soul_n believe_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n through_o the_o word_n so_o convince_v the_o heart_n that_o no_o demonstration_n in_o science_n nor_o object_n to_o sense_n can_v be_v more_o potent_a to_o persuade_v oh_o then_o take_v heed_n of_o inconstancy_n in_o principle_n of_o faith_n this_o will_v argue_v thou_o be_v build_v upon_o a_o sandy_a foundation_n that_o thou_o do_v believe_v such_o doctrine_n only_o upon_o humane_a motive_n and_o deceitful_a ground_n
affirm_v thing_n to_o be_v so_o and_o so_o there_o be_v also_o promissory_a lie_n whereby_o we_o do_v promise_v to_o do_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n but_o afterward_o break_v these_o engagement_n and_o the_o apostle_n speech_n may_v relate_v to_o both_o these_o kind_n of_o lie_n and_o both_o these_o be_v sin_n against_o the_o second_o table_n either_o when_o we_o affirm_v any_o thing_n false_o or_o perfidious_o break_v our_o promise_n for_o see_v word_n be_v institute_v to_o signify_v our_o sense_n and_o mind_n to_o other_o if_o we_o abuse_v they_o to_o other_o end_n we_o do_v hereby_o destroy_v the_o end_n of_o speech_n and_o so_o as_o much_o as_o lie_v in_o we_o overthrow_v all_o humane_a commerce_n and_o society_n but_o in_o a_o promissory_a lie_n there_o be_v a_o further_a aggravation_n of_o the_o sin_n because_o hereby_o the_o rule_n of_o justice_n be_v break_v for_o by_o promise_v another_o man_n come_v to_o have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o thing_n promise_v the_o corinthian_n in_o this_o text_n have_v a_o right_a to_o paul_n presence_n when_o he_o have_v promise_v they_o now_o where_o grace_n be_v in_o a_o man_n that_o do_v so_o sanctify_v he_o that_o he_o take_v heed_n of_o every_o way_n of_o lie_v whether_o in_o word_n or_o promise_n it_o be_v true_a aristotle_n speak_v of_o this_o verity_n as_o a_o moral_a virtue_n and_o there_o be_v some_o who_o have_v as_o it_o be_v a_o natural_a justice_n their_o word_n be_v as_o good_a as_o oath_n their_o promise_n be_v as_o good_a as_o bond_n and_o bill_n some_o heathen_n have_v be_v famous_a for_o such_o a_o truth_n in_o their_o conversation_n but_o yet_o godliness_n make_v a_o man_n keep_v from_o lie_v and_o falsehood_n upon_o other_o ground_n than_o such_o natural_a just_a man_n which_o be_v good_a to_o be_v observe_v because_o many_o be_v so_o apt_a to_o build_v the_o comfort_n of_o their_o soul_n upon_o it_o for_o 1._o such_o natural_a true_a man_n they_o be_v so_o only_o from_o the_o principle_n of_o a_o natural_a conscience_n not_o from_o the_o principle_n of_o sanctification_n within_o they_o if_o you_o ask_v they_o why_o they_o do_v it_o or_o observe_v the_o ground_n you_o shall_v see_v it_o be_v only_o because_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n instruct_v they_o herein_o and_o although_o this_o be_v commendable_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o make_v it_o godliness_n in_o they_o for_o what_o be_v do_v in_o a_o godly_a manner_n arise_v from_o a_o principle_n of_o godliness_n which_o be_v the_o new_a nature_n within_o a_o man_n so_o that_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o abhor_v lie_v from_o a_o mere_a natural_a conscience_n and_o another_o thing_n to_o do_v so_o from_o a_o supernatural_a light_n within_o they_o 2._o you_o may_v observe_v a_o difference_n in_o the_o motive_n the_o godly_a man_n dare_v not_o lie_v because_o god_n forbid_v because_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n that_o he_o abominate_v whereas_o the_o natural_a true_a man_n never_o mind_v the_o scripture_n it_o be_v not_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o he_o do_v it_o but_o because_o it_o be_v a_o laudable_a thing_n among_o man_n they_o will_v great_o praise_v such_o a_o man_n that_o be_v so_o constant_a it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o man_n they_o look_v at_o not_o the_o command_n of_o god_n 3._o that_o such_o man_n be_v true_a and_o just_a but_o not_o from_o a_o godly_a principle_n be_v plain_a because_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v all_o other_o holy_a duty_n the_o same_o god_n that_o have_v command_v thou_o not_o to_o lie_v not_o to_o deal_v false_o have_v also_o command_v thou_o not_o to_o be_v drink_v he_o have_v command_v thou_o to_o sanctify_v the_o sabbath_n to_o keep_v up_o family-duty_n to_o love_v those_o that_o be_v godly_a and_o to_o delight_v in_o such_o whereas_o many_o time_n none_o be_v more_o bitter_a enemy_n to_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n than_o such_o natural_a just_a and_o true_a man_n oh_o therefore_o that_o such_o will_v not_o stay_v in_o that_o thou_o do_v well_o that_o thy_o word_n be_v sure_a that_o thy_o speech_n and_o action_n be_v just_a but_o do_v not_o stay_v here_o do_v not_o think_v thou_o have_v enough_o for_o heaven_n for_o though_o you_o do_v all_o these_o yet_o if_o you_o delight_v not_o in_o godliness_n if_o you_o love_v not_o those_o that_o be_v holy_a man_n if_o you_o can_v abide_v this_o strictness_n and_o preciseness_n in_o religious_a duty_n know_v that_o thou_o be_v but_o half_a a_o christian_a yet_o there_o be_v duty_n of_o the_o first_o table_n as_o well_o as_o the_o second_o and_o how_o great_o may_v thou_o charge_v thy_o soul_n with_o such_o sin_n do_v thou_o not_o put_v thy_o trust_n and_o hope_n in_o thy_o true_a and_o just_a deal_n three_o divine_v do_v usual_o speak_v of_o a_o threefold_a kind_n of_o lie_v there_o be_v a_o pernicious_a lie_n a_o sport_v lie_n and_o a_o officious_a lie_n lie_n 1._o a_o pernicious_a lie_n be_v when_o we_o speak_v that_o which_o be_v false_a to_o the_o hurt_n and_o damage_n of_o another_o 2._o a_o sport_v lie_n be_v when_o we_o do_v in_o merriment_n affirm_v thing_n that_o be_v false_a only_o to_o please_v and_o delight_n 3._o a_o officious_a lie_n or_o mendacium_fw-la misericors_fw-la as_o some_o call_v it_o a_o merciful_a lie_n be_v when_o we_o tell_v a_o lie_n but_o it_o be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o another_o to_o save_v he_o out_o of_o danger_n or_o death_n such_o be_v rahab_n lie_n and_o the_o lie_n of_o the_o midwife_n for_o though_o god_n reward_v they_o for_o the_o main_a yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v he_o allow_v their_o lie_n but_o pardon_v it_o it_o be_v dispute_v by_o some_o whether_o this_o be_v a_o sin_n or_o no_o and_o luther_n be_v so_o far_o from_o make_v it_o a_o sin_n that_o he_o speak_v of_o it_o as_o a_o duty_n in_o genes_n and_o musculus_fw-la also_o allow_v of_o it_o yea_o comment_n in_o johan_n cap._n 8._o he_o have_v this_o strange_a division_n mendaciorum_fw-la quaedam_fw-la fuit_fw-la licita_fw-la &_o bona_fw-la quaedam_fw-la excusabilia_fw-la quaedam_fw-la levia_fw-la quaedam_fw-la vitiosa_fw-la quaedam_fw-la diabolica_fw-la but_o certain_o though_o sport_v and_o officious_a lie_n be_v not_o so_o great_a sin_n as_o pernicious_a yet_o they_o be_v all_o intrinsically_a evil_n and_o so_o can_v be_v make_v good_a for_o any_o advantage_n of_o the_o world_n to_o lie_v that_o thou_o may_v deliver_v a_o man_n from_o death_n be_v not_o lawful_a because_o of_o the_o apostle_n rule_n we_o must_v not_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v thereof_o rom._n 3._o 8._o even_o as_o adultery_n and_o fornication_n may_v not_o be_v commit_v under_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o no_o not_o by_o a_o woman_n to_o save_v the_o life_n of_o her_o husband_n of_o which_o case_n some_o speak_v of_o so_o it_o be_v also_o with_o a_o lie_n be_v a_o sin_n intrinsical_o and_o of_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o therefore_o can_v never_o be_v make_v good_a hence_o it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v forbid_v without_o any_o limitation_n to_o this_o lie_n rather_o than_o another_o levit._n 19_o 11._o even_o as_o steal_v and_o deal_v false_o be_v therefore_o cassianus_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o use_v a_o lie_n as_o we_o do_v hellebore_n to_o depell_v some_o grievous_a danger_n and_o that_o the_o patriarch_n for_o this_o end_n do_v sometime_o use_n lie_v be_v whole_o to_o be_v explode_v plato_n be_v first_o the_o author_n of_o this_o opinion_n that_o magistrate_n may_v use_v mendacio_n ut_fw-la medicamento_fw-la from_o who_o origen_n and_o his_o follower_n be_v infect_v in_o this_o point_n but_o as_o we_o hear_v every_o lie_n be_v of_o its_o own_o nature_n a_o sin_n because_o as_o the_o schoolman_n say_v it_o be_v actus_fw-la cadens_fw-la supra_fw-la indebitam_fw-la materiam_fw-la for_o word_n be_v natural_o the_o sign_n of_o our_o meaning_n and_o to_o use_v they_o otherwise_o be_v unnatural_a and_o this_o shall_v make_v we_o be_v the_o more_o wary_a in_o our_o ordinary_a sport_v discourse_n for_o how_o few_o do_v attend_v to_o this_o sinfulness_n of_o the_o tongue_n herein_o but_o if_o of_o every_o idle_a word_n a_o man_n shall_v give_v a_o account_n then_o much_o more_o of_o every_o lie_a word_n though_o it_o may_v seem_v no_o such_o great_a matter_n to_o we_o it_o be_v certain_a the_o martyr_n think_v no_o such_o lie_v lawful_a no_o though_o thereby_o they_o may_v have_v escape_v cruel_a torment_n yea_o they_o be_v blot_v with_o ignominy_n in_o antiquity_n who_o either_o by_o favour_n or_o money_n will_v accept_v of_o a_o certificate_n or_o testimonial_a that_o they_o have_v sacrifice_v at_o the_o altar_n when_o indeed_o they_o have_v not_o and_o thereby_o preserve_v themselves_o but_o what_o gain_n be_v this_o to_o save_v a_o
high_a rebellion_n and_o treason_n so_o that_o this_o always_o fall_v out_o as_o man_n be_v persuade_v of_o their_o way_n so_o they_o judge_v it_o true_a persecution_n or_o false_a hastia_n do_v true_o call_v the_o donatists_n persecution_n persecutiones_fw-la steriles_fw-la â—barren_a and_o fruitless_a as_o lose_v the_o crown_n of_o glory_n though_o they_o boast_v of_o they_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o rigid_a lutheran_n do_v condemn_v our_o martyr_n in_o queen_n mary_n day_n because_o they_o die_v against_o that_o error_n that_o christ_n be_v bodily_a present_n in_o the_o sacrament_n yea_o and_o call_v they_o martyr_n diaboli_fw-la the_o devil_n martyr_n this_o i_o confess_v be_v more_o grievous_a many_o time_n than_o all_o the_o persecution_n of_o the_o adversary_n when_o those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o same_o general_a profession_n yet_o for_o some_o particular_a difference_n shall_v so_o uncharitable_o censure_v one_o another_o but_o this_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n the_o socinian_o though_o they_o blaspheme_v the_o deity_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o doctrine_n be_v not_o simple_o heresy_n but_o blasphemy_n also_o yet_o they_o will_v admire_v their_o suffering_n as_o if_o for_o christ_n also_o the_o polonian_a gentleman_n that_o write_v socinus_n his_o life_n will_v prefer_v he_o above_o luther_n and_o ignatius_n as_o for_o ignatius_n the_o father_n of_o jesuit_n we_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o he_o but_o that_o he_o shall_v prefer_v he_o above_o luther_n for_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o faith_n because_o say_v he_o luther_n doctrine_n at_o the_o first_o have_v many_o to_o applaud_v it_o but_o sociâ—ius_n have_v few_o or_o none_o to_o encourage_v he_o though_o we_o may_v say_v luther_n be_v universal_o hate_v the_o whole_a world_n be_v then_o subject_a to_o the_o pope_n yet_o that_o can_v be_v nothing_o with_o that_o writer_n who_o confess_v that_o pride_n and_o vainglory_n may_v make_v all_o a_o man_n suffering_n to_o be_v fuel_n to_o it_o thus_o you_o see_v how_o that_o all_o suffer_a party_n in_o religion_n will_v pretend_v to_o christ_n and_o plead_v they_o suffer_v for_o he_o but_o as_o christ_n be_v christ_n though_o there_o have_v rise_v many_o false_a christ_n so_o suffer_v and_o persecution_n for_o christ_n be_v true_o so_o and_o some_o there_o be_v and_o they_o only_o who_o can_v claim_v this_o honour_n though_o other_o do_v glorious_o pretend_v to_o it_o it_o be_v a_o true_a rule_n of_o augustine_n causa_fw-la non_fw-la paena_fw-la facit_fw-la martyrem_fw-la not_o the_o punishment_n but_o the_o cause_n make_v a_o martyr_n even_o as_o causa_fw-la non_fw-la separatio_fw-la facit_fw-la schismaticum_fw-la it_o must_v be_v indeed_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n not_o our_o opinion_n and_o presumption_n we_o suffer_v with_o three_o the_o scripture_n express_v this_o suffer_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n he_o sake_n that_o suffer_v for_o do_v that_o which_o be_v righteous_a suffer_v for_o christ_n mat._n 5._o 10._o if_o you_o be_v persecute_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n bless_a be_v you_o this_o be_v make_v the_o same_o with_o suffer_v for_o christ_n sake_n this_o be_v good_a to_o observe_v lest_o we_o shall_v think_v that_o then_o we_o only_o suffer_v for_o christ_n when_o the_o matter_n we_o be_v trouble_v for_o be_v either_o christ_n himself_o or_o his_o truth_n and_o ordinance_n something_o that_o be_v immediate_o terminate_v upon_o christ_n no_o this_o be_v to_o be_v extend_v far_a for_o when_o a_o magistrate_n be_v zealous_a to_o rebuke_v sin_n and_o put_v it_o to_o shame_n if_o he_o be_v malign_v for_o this_o he_o suffer_v for_o christ_n so_o if_o a_o private_a christian_a set_v himself_o in_o a_o lawful_a way_n against_o all_o the_o impiety_n that_o abound_v where_o he_o live_v and_o thereupon_o all_o his_o neighbour_n hate_n and_o oppose_v he_o he_o suffer_v for_o christ_n and_o all_o because_o it_o be_v for_o righteousness_n insomuch_o that_o thou_o may_v take_v much_o comfort_n herein_o as_o one_o martyr_n do_v that_o it_o be_v not_o for_o any_o wickedness_n of_o thou_o any_o wrong_a or_o injury_n thou_o have_v do_v they_o only_o because_o thou_o have_v have_v a_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o his_o glory_n therefore_o it_o be_v that_o they_o rise_v up_o with_o such_o malice_n against_o thou_o and_o let_v this_o encourage_v all_o such_o who_o desire_v to_o have_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o dishonour_n to_o god_n by_o sin_n be_v whole_o root_v out_o though_o in_o this_o labour_n they_o have_v many_o opposition_n and_o much_o hatred_n yet_o remember_v it_o be_v for_o christ_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o beside_o mere_a righteousness_n there_o must_v be_v also_o a_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n for_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n heb._n 11._o 3._o and_o therefore_o though_o aristides_n the_o just_a be_v banish_v for_o righteousness_n and_o socrates_n put_v to_o death_n for_o maintain_v there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n yet_o these_o can_v be_v say_v to_o suffer_v for_o christ_n because_o they_o have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o he_o see_v christ_n be_v only_o in_o the_o church_n therefore_o there_o can_v be_v any_o true_a suffering_n for_o he_o but_o in_o the_o church_n last_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o object_n matter_n then_o we_o suffer_v for_o christ_n when_o we_o be_v persecute_v for_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o will_v not_o break_v the_o peace_n thereof_o conscience_n for_o all_o the_o advantage_n in_o the_o world_n thus_o the_o apostle_n peter_n 1_o pet._n 3._o 16._o make_v the_o have_v of_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o be_v equivalent_a to_o suffer_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n and_o also_o for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n this_o good_a conscience_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o whereas_o the_o enemy_n and_o persecutor_n speak_v all_o evil_n of_o we_o as_o evil_a doer_n they_o may_v at_o last_o be_v ashamed_a for_o such_o false_a accusation_n here_o you_o see_v none_o ever_o persecute_v the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o they_o lay_v foul_a thing_n to_o their_o charge_n that_o as_o they_o do_v put_v the_o christian_n sometime_o in_o bear-skin_n to_o make_v the_o dog_n tear_v they_o with_o the_o great_a rage_n so_o also_o they_o have_v turn_v their_o name_n into_o heretic_n schismatic_n and_o every_o odious_a title_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v the_o more_o justify_v in_o their_o cruel_a way_n now_o then_o to_o suffer_v with_o and_o for_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v to_o be_v innocent_a from_o all_o these_o calumny_n that_o we_o dare_v appeal_v to_o god_n as_o christ_n say_v for_o which_o of_o the_o good_a work_n do_v you_o stone_n i_o so_o for_o what_o good_a be_v it_o that_o i_o have_v do_v you_o reproach_n you_o revile_v and_o persecute_v i_o but_o when_o we_o say_v a_o good_a conscience_n we_o mean_v that_o which_o be_v true_o so_o and_o inform_v out_o of_o god_n word_n otherwise_o as_o paul_n say_v he_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n while_o he_o be_v a_o pharisee_n and_o think_v he_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v against_o christ_n what_o he_o do_v so_o many_o delude_a conscience_n may_v endure_v much_o misery_n yea_o death_n itself_o with_o a_o good_a conscience_n thus_o far_o that_o they_o do_v not_o go_v against_o any_o light_n thereof_o they_o be_v not_o as_o some_o heretic_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d self-condemned_n as_o it_o be_v common_o expound_v no_o they_o may_v think_v they_o be_v bind_v to_o suffer_v as_o they_o do_v yea_o if_o they_o shall_v recant_v their_o error_n though_o never_o so_o damnable_a while_o their_o conscience_n be_v persuade_v to_o the_o contrary_a they_o will_v sin_v against_o god_n not_o because_o they_o renounce_v a_o error_n material_o but_o because_o they_o do_v that_o which_o formal_o appear_v a_o truth_n to_o they_o and_o it_o may_v be_v bring_v much_o horror_n and_o terror_n upon_o their_o own_o conscience_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o therefore_o to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o sufferer_n for_o christ_n if_o in_o a_o false_a way_n because_o he_o be_v persuade_v so_o his_o conscience_n do_v not_o tell_v he_o to_o the_o contrary_a he_o have_v much_o comfort_n do_v as_o he_o do_v whereas_o if_o he_o shall_v do_v otherwise_o he_o shall_v have_v no_o peace_n for_o conscience_n be_v but_o a_o inferior_a judge_n and_o be_v no_o further_a to_o command_v then_o guide_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o when_o it_o be_v so_o than_o whosoever_o will_v not_o please_v man_n but_o endure_v all_o hardship_n rather_o than_o wound_v this_o conscience_n this_o man_n suffer_v for_o christ_n thus_o you_o see_v what_o it_o be_v to_o suffer_v for_o christ_n in_o the_o scripture_n expression_n and_o let_v it_o be_v thy_o earnest_a prayer_n to_o god_n to_o have_v a_o preparednesse_n of_o heart_n thus_o to_o suffer_v oh_o consider_v how_o much_o christ_n suffer_v for_o thou_o both_o from_o god_n and_o
as_o it_o be_v say_v david_n heart_n smite_v he_o that_o be_v his_o conscience_n do_v witness_v against_o he_o and_o condemn_v he_o and_o because_o of_o that_o remorsus_fw-la that_o regrete_v and_o displicency_n which_o conscience_n put_v forth_o durand_n be_v singular_a in_o his_o opinion_n hold_v that_o the_o practical_a understanding_n be_v not_o the_o conscience_n only_o but_o the_o will_v likewise_o be_v include_v in_o it_o the_o hebrew_n word_n leb_n signify_v the_o heart_n do_v also_o original_o denote_v the_o sprinkle_n of_o the_o meal_n with_o leaven_n thus_o the_o heart_n have_v natural_o some_o principle_n in_o it_o which_o be_v like_o leaven_n to_o it_o as_o speculative_a and_o practical_a axiom_n concern_v god_n and_o just_a and_o unjust_a in_o the_o new_a testament_n likewise_o it_o be_v call_v the_o heart_n 1_o john_n 3._o 20._o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o that_o be_v our_o conscience_n god_n be_v great_a than_o our_o heart_n but_o no_o more_o of_o this_o here_o this_o conscience_n be_v here_o describe_v by_o one_o special_a act_n it_o have_v and_o that_o be_v to_o bear_v witness_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v common_o use_v for_o that_o public_a testimony_n and_o witness_n which_o either_o god_n do_v give_v unto_o the_o gospel_n by_o miracle_n and_o sign_n or_o man_n by_o their_o public_a profession_n and_o attestation_n hence_o 1_o cor._n 2._o 1._o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n because_o so_o wonderful_o confirm_v by_o he_o so_o to_o man_n it_o be_v apply_v act._n 4._o 3._o the_o apostle_n with_o great_a power_n give_v witness_v of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n and_o because_o believer_n by_o their_o death_n do_v give_v the_o great_a testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n hence_o they_o be_v call_v martyr_n and_o their_o death_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o martyrdom_n in_o a_o principal_a sense_n hence_o some_o have_v expound_v that_o place_n heb._n 11._o 4_o 39_o where_o we_o render_v it_o the_o elder_n obtain_v a_o good_a report_n of_o their_o martyrdom_n they_o be_v make_v martyr_n because_o it_o be_v the_o passive_a sense_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sometime_o the_o word_n be_v use_v metaphorical_o as_o james_n 5._o 3._o the_o rust_n of_o covetous_a and_o wicked_a rich_a man_n gold_n and_o silver_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o witness_n against_o they_o but_o here_o it_o be_v use_v concern_v the_o work_n of_o conscience_n within_o a_o man_n and_o be_v in_o other_o place_n compound_v denote_v some_o joynt-witnesse_n with_o another_o roman_n 2._o 15._o their_o conscience_n bear_v witness_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o rom._n 9_o 1._o my_o conscience_n also_o bear_v i_o witness_n the_o preposition_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d though_o some_o think_v be_v not_o to_o be_v regard_v yet_o it_o do_v denote_v as_o most_o say_v a_o respect_n to_o god_n who_o be_v our_o superior_a and_o to_o who_o our_o conscience_n do_v attend_v and_o therefore_o call_v not_o science_n but_o conscience_n so_o that_o god_n witness_n and_o the_o witness_n of_o conscience_n be_v both_o conjoin_v together_o yea_o seem_v to_o be_v but_o one_o testimony_n as_o it_o be_v hence_o the_o very_a heathen_n can_v say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d conscience_n be_v a_o god_n to_o every_o man_n therefore_o paul_n use_v a_o equivalent_a expression_n in_o other_o place_n rom._n 1._o 9_o phil._n 1._o 8._o god_n be_v my_o witness_n salmeron_n out_o of_o bernard_n speak_v of_o a_o twofold_a testimony_n of_o the_o conscience_n testimonium_fw-la conscientiae_fw-la perhibentis_fw-la that_o which_o the_o conscience_n do_v active_o exhibit_v and_o conscientiae_fw-la percipientis_fw-la that_o which_o it_o do_v receive_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n of_o which_o we_o read_v rom._n 8._o 16._o and_o in_o this_o late_a sense_n he_o understand_v it_o but_o we_o take_v both_o in_o viz._n that_o witness_n which_o the_o conscience_n do_v actual_o give_v of_o paul_n sincerity_n but_o because_o this_o can_v not_o be_v do_v without_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n enable_v thereunto_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o witness_n receive_v from_o god_n spirit_n first_o and_o from_o that_o conscience_n be_v enable_v to_o deliver_v it_o to_o we_o now_o when_o so_o much_o rejoice_v be_v attribute_v to_o the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n you_o must_v take_v along_o with_o you_o who_o it_o be_v that_o speak_v thus_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n of_o paul_n who_o be_v sanctify_v enlighten_v and_o guide_v by_o the_o word_n otherwise_o there_o be_v a_o testimony_n of_o a_o delude_a conscience_n of_o a_o secure_a conscience_n that_o speak_v peace_n when_o there_o be_v no_o peace_n and_o this_o do_v not_o afford_v any_o true_a or_o solid_a ground_n of_o rejoice_v it_o must_v be_v therefore_o the_o testimony_n of_o such_o a_o conscience_n which_o paul_n have_v and_o so_o observe_v that_o the_o witness_n of_o our_o conscience_n right_o guide_v in_o acquit_v of_o we_o be_v a_o comfort_n ground_n of_o unspeakable_a comfort_n he_o that_o have_v his_o conscience_n right_o clear_v of_o he_o he_o need_v not_o care_n for_o all_o the_o accusation_n of_o the_o devil_n in_o hell_n and_o wicked_a man_n upon_o the_o earth_n it_o breed_v confidence_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n towards_o god_n 1_o john_n 3._o 21._o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o we_o have_v confidence_n towards_o god_n and_o whatsoever_o we_o ask_v we_o receive_v of_o he_o this_o encourage_v and_o imbolden_v in_o prayer_n and_o towards_o man_n as_o you_o see_v paul_n justify_v himself_o by_o this_o when_o call_v before_o the_o council_n and_o make_v to_o plead_v for_o himself_o act._n 23._o 1._o yea_o the_o heathen_n though_o they_o can_v never_o attain_v to_o a_o true_a spiritual_o sanctify_a conscience_n yet_o not_o to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o natural_a dictate_v thereof_o they_o account_v the_o only_a happiness_n 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unto_o heaven_n by_o this_o we_o see_v the_o more_o abundant_o christ_n have_v discover_v his_o willingness_n for_o their_o salvation_n and_o they_o refuse_v he_o the_o great_a woe_n do_v belong_v to_o they_o yea_o it_o will_v be_v worse_o with_o they_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n than_o the_o sodomite_n the_o vile_a of_o man_n who_o god_n destroy_v with_o such_o a_o sudden_a and_o terrible_a destruction_n three_o the_o more_o success_n that_o the_o ministry_n have_v have_v where_o thou_o live_v the_o inexcusable_a great_a change_n and_o conversion_n it_o have_v make_v and_o yet_o thou_o continue_v the_o same_o profane_a person_n thou_o be_v the_o great_a be_v thy_o guilt_n when_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o convert_v word_n to_o other_o but_o not_o to_o thou_o a_o enlighten_v word_n to_o other_o but_o not_o to_o thou_o oh_o do_v thou_o tremble_v under_o thy_o condition_n lest_o god_n have_v give_v thou_o up_o to_o a_o spiritual_a judgement_n that_o no_o preach_v no_o ministry_n no_o if_o angel_n shall_v come_v from_o heaven_n or_o man_n raise_v from_o the_o dead_a yet_o they_o shall_v do_v no_o good_a upon_o thou_o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o man_n or_o woman_n in_o a_o parish_n that_o can_v bless_v god_n for_o the_o good_a their_o soul_n have_v get_v by_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n this_o person_n will_v arise_v at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n against_o thou_o than_o god_n will_v say_v why_o be_v it_o not_o a_o convert_v word_n to_o thou_o as_o well_o as_o he_o why_o do_v thy_o neighbour_n hear_v and_o tremble_v reform_v and_o tremble_v but_o thou_o do_v not_o now_o the_o success_n of_o a_o faithful_a ministry_n may_v be_v see_v in_o these_o particular_n see_v 1._o to_o enlighten_v thou_o to_o instruct_v and_o teach_v thou_o in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n for_o this_o end_n they_o be_v call_v light_n and_o teacher_n observe_v then_o if_o there_o be_v not_o many_o that_o have_v get_v knowledge_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n when_o thou_o be_v ignorant_a 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alter_v now_o he_o dare_v not_o do_v the_o thing_n he_o once_o do_v now_o he_o cry_v out_o oh_o such_o a_o sermon_n strike_v to_o my_o very_a heart_n such_o a_o passage_n be_v like_o a_o thunderbolt_n why_o then_o be_v it_o that_o thou_o do_v not_o follow_v such_o a_o man_n and_o do_v as_o he_o do_v he_o will_v not_o be_v the_o same_o worldling_n the_o same_o profane_a person_n he_o be_v once_o for_o a_o world_n oh_o remember_v this_o man_n conversion_n this_o man_n change_n will_v be_v a_o testimony_n against_o thou_o 3._o the_o success_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v not_o only_o to_o give_v spiritual_a life_n at_o first_o but_o to_o quicken_v up_o to_o edify_v and_o to_o cause_v to_o grow_v up_o more_o and_o more_o in_o godliness_n that_o you_o may_v not_o be_v a_o people_n always_o in_o low_a principle_n that_o you_o may_v not_o be_v babe_n always_o but_o be_v more_o spiritual_a and_o great_a proficient_o in_o godliness_n than_o former_o thus_o our_o saviour_n pray_v joh._n 17._o for_o the_o disciple_n already_o convert_v that_o they_o may_v be_v more_o sanctify_a and_o here_o again_o be_v condemn_v matter_n to_o those_o who_o stand_v at_o a_o stay_n yea_o it_o may_v be_v go_v back_o and_o fall_v off_o from_o their_o first_o love_n oh_o lay_v this_o to_o heart_n see_v thou_o not_o how_o such_o and_o such_o that_o do_v but_o late_o look_v towards_o heaven_n have_v overgo_v thou_o they_o have_v more_o knowledge_n more_o grace_n more_o life_n and_o vigour_n than_o thou_o have_v certain_o this_o make_v thy_o case_n the_o sad_a they_o be_v plant_v by_o the_o same_o water_n thou_o be_v hear_v the_o same_o sermon_n receive_v the_o same_o ordinance_n and_o yet_o be_v far_o more_o fruitful_a than_o thou_o be_v 4._o another_o particular_a wherein_o the_o successful_a efficacy_n of_o the_o ministry_n do_v appear_v be_v to_o antidote_n against_o error_n to_o preserve_v from_o giddiness_n and_o wantonness_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n this_o great_a effect_n of_o the_o ministry_n the_o apostle_n take_v notice_n of_o ephes_n 4._o 14._o where_o it_o be_v say_v god_n give_v gift_n to_o man_n apostle_n and_o pastor_n to_o his_o church_n that_o henceforth_o we_o be_v no_o more_o child_n toss_v up_o and_o down_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o dóctrine_n this_o imply_v that_o before_o the_o ministry_n come_v they_o be_v toss_v up_o and_o down_o but_o now_o it_o must_v be_v no_o more_o so_o this_o also_o will_v speak_v terrible_a guilt_n to_o some_o who_o be_v fall_v off_o from_o the_o wholesome_a truth_n of_o god_n who_o have_v leave_v their_o own_o steadfastness_n be_v carry_v away_o with_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a for_o those_o who_o have_v be_v preserve_v and_o confirm_v by_o the_o ministry_n will_v be_v a_o testimony_n against_o such_o apostate_n last_o the_o word_n of_o god_n preach_v though_o it_o may_v not_o thorough_o reform_v yet_o it_o do_v sometime_o restrain_v man_n from_o sin_n sometime_o it_o make_v they_o with_o felix_n tremble_v at_o other_o time_n with_o agrippa_n almost_o to_o become_v a_o christian_n oh_o let_v such_o remember_v those_o time_n you_o have_v feel_v the_o word_n of_o god_n like_o fire_n in_o your_o bowel_n you_o have_v find_v it_o to_o be_v like_o a_o two-edged_a sword_n within_o know_v that_o all_o those_o relent_n and_o trouble_v agony_n of_o soul_n will_v be_v a_o condemnation_n one_o day_n the_o word_n preach_v have_v more_o abundant_o work_v upon_o you_o than_o other_o though_o it_o have_v not_o yet_o obtain_v a_o full_a and_o perfect_a change_n upon_o thou_o thus_o you_o see_v wheresoever_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v appear_v more_o abundant_o in_o any_o one_o particular_a in_o that_o respect_n the_o great_a be_v the_o aggravation_n of_o those_o man_n sin_n who_o have_v not_o thereby_o be_v reform_v let_v we_o proceed_v to_o the_o use_v and_o 1._o this_o may_v aggravate_v the_o sin_n of_o all_o those_o who_o be_v now_o depart_v from_o the_o ministry_n and_o the_o ordinance_n who_o be_v so_o arrogant_o puff_v up_o with_o a_o suppose_a perfection_n that_o they_o think_v they_o need_v not_o either_o hear_v or_o pray_v as_o if_o all_o fullness_n do_v dwell_v in_o they_o now_o to_o these_o man_n we_o propound_v this_o question_n how_o come_v you_o at_o first_o to_o that_o light_n to_o that_o knowledge_n you_o have_v how_o come_v you_o at_o first_o out_o of_o your_o profaneness_n whence_o be_v it_o that_o your_o conscience_n be_v awaken_v once_o be_v not_o all_o this_o at_o first_o by_o the_o ministry_n if_o there_o be_v any_o good_a in_o you_o do_v you_o not_o receive_v it_o from_o these_o stream_n of_o god_n why_o then_o be_v it_o that_o you_o depart_v from_o we_o why_o be_v it_o that_o you_o despise_v what_o once_o you_o embrace_v certain_o our_o ministry_n have_v have_v more_o of_o god_n power_n and_o presence_n to_o youward_n then_o to_o many_o ignorant_a profane_a person_n but_o this_o make_v your_o sin_n great_a use_v 2._o to_o instruct_v we_o how_o inexcusable_a all_o they_o be_v who_o live_v now_o under_o gospel-light_n and_o yet_o be_v not_o reclaim_v from_o their_o evil_a way_n for_o though_o one_o particular_a ministry_n may_v have_v more_o of_o life_n and_o power_n than_o another_o yet_o wheresoever_o christ_n be_v faithful_o preach_v there_o be_v the_o strong_a argument_n that_o can_v be_v use_v to_o bring_v you_o to_o god_n all_o that_o do_v now_o refuse_v we_o preach_v refuse_v christ_n speak_v from_o heaven_n as_o the_o apostle_n argue_v heb._n 12._o 25._o this_o be_v more_o than_o to_o refuse_v moses_n or_o the_o prophet_n yea_o than_o angel_n as_o heb._n 2._o 3._o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n propound_v this_o question_n how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a
salvation_n which_o at_o first_o begin_v to_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o afterward_o be_v confirm_v by_o other_o god_n bear_v they_o witness_n by_o sign_n and_o many_o wonder_n so_o that_o now_o the_o thing_n of_o religion_n can_v be_v more_o abundant_o confirm_v to_o you_o than_o they_o be_v you_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v more_o powerful_a mean_n to_o convert_v you_o than_o have_v be_v use_v and_o this_o will_v make_v hell_n seven_o time_n hot_a for_o all_o ungodly_a and_o profane_a person_n who_o be_v so_o under_o these_o gospel-dispensation_n serm._n xcix_o of_o the_o convince_a nature_n of_o godliness_n in_o minister_n and_o private_a christian_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 13._o for_o we_o write_v no_o other_o thing_n unto_o you_o than_o what_o you_o read_v or_o acknowledge_v and_o i_o trust_v that_o you_o shall_v acknowledge_v even_o to_o the_o end_n the_o apostle_n have_v former_o assert_v the_o sincerity_n and_o holy_a simplicity_n of_o his_o conversation_n and_o that_o more_o abundant_o to_o the_o corinthian_n lest_o this_o shall_v be_v a_o vain_a boast_v of_o himself_o and_o that_o in_o give_v testimony_n of_o himself_o that_o will_v not_o be_v valid_a or_o sufficient_a he_o do_v in_o this_o verse_n appeal_v to_o the_o very_a conscience_n of_o the_o corinthian_n likewise_o so_o that_o not_o only_o the_o testimony_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n but_o of_o their_o conscience_n also_o must_v needs_o justify_v he_o and_o indeed_o this_o be_v a_o good_a demonstration_n of_o that_o uprightness_n which_o be_v within_o we_o when_o we_o can_v appeal_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o other_o for_o although_o man_n especial_o such_o as_o be_v prejudice_v and_o alienate_v from_o we_o may_v suffocate_v and_o smother_v as_o much_o as_o lie_v in_o they_o that_o they_o have_v any_o such_o conviction_n of_o our_o integrity_n yet_o secret_o their_o conscience_n can_v but_o bear_v witness_n to_o we_o the_o matter_n then_o wherein_o he_o do_v appeal_v as_o it_o be_v to_o their_o own_o conscience_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o verse_n for_o we_o write_v no_o other_o thing_n unto_o you_o etc._n etc._n there_o be_v one_o expression_n in_o this_o passage_n that_o have_v much_o perplex_v interpreter_n and_o make_v they_o go_v different_a way_n it_o be_v that_o we_o write_v no_o other_o thing_n unto_o you_o than_o what_o you_o do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d read_v so_o we_o translate_v it_o and_o likewise_o many_o other_o now_o this_o be_v wonder_v at_o by_o some_o yea_o by_o calvin_n account_v nimis_fw-la fligidum_fw-la ne_fw-la dicam_fw-la ineptum_fw-la say_v he_o in_o loc_n it_o be_v too_o frigid_a and_o absurd_a to_o make_v this_o the_o sense_n i_o write_v to_o you_o no_o other_o thing_n than_o what_o you_o read_v etc._n etc._n for_o who_o doubt_v of_o that_o and_o how_o can_v any_o man_n read_v otherwise_o than_o he_o write_v say_v musculus_fw-la estius_n also_o do_v confess_v that_o the_o render_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d you_o read_v do_v cause_n great_a perplexity_n to_o expositor_n and_o therefore_o show_v that_o theophylact_v when_o he_o can_v not_o satisfy_v himself_o about_o that_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n do_v run_v to_o another_o yet_o there_o be_v learned_a man_n that_o endeavour_n to_o make_v a_o good_a sense_n of_o it_o though_o it_o be_v translate_v you_o read_v for_o beza_n though_o he_o take_v notice_n of_o what_o calvin_n say_v against_o it_o yet_o follow_v this_o translation_n and_o will_v make_v this_o paul_n meaning_n that_o he_o do_v not_o write_v cunning_o artificial_o what_o they_o do_v read_v in_o the_o plain_a letter_n of_o the_o word_n that_o he_o do_v write_v he_o have_v no_o equivocation_n nor_o intend_v any_o delusion_n by_o his_o word_n cajetan_n in_o loc_n he_o make_v this_o expression_n to_o refer_v to_o the_o former_a epistle_n and_o also_o to_o this_o part_n of_o the_o second_o which_o we_o be_v now_o upon_o we_o write_v no_o more_o now_o than_o what_o you_o have_v read_v former_o therefore_o some_o render_v it_o in_o the_o preterperfect_a tense_n other_o they_o make_v the_o general_a sense_n to_o be_v this_o our_o word_n and_o our_o action_n do_v agree_v we_o write_v no_o more_o than_o what_o may_v be_v read_v and_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o though_o these_o interpretation_n may_v pass_v very_o well_o yet_o because_o the_o expression_n be_v not_o so_o full_a and_o proper_a to_o say_v we_o write_v no_o other_o thing_n than_o what_o you_o read_v i_o shall_v rather_o go_v with_o those_o who_o say_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d though_o it_o many_o time_n signify_v to_o read_v yet_o it_o do_v also_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o to_o know_v to_o remember_v etc._n etc._n indeed_o i_o find_v it_o not_o in_o this_o sense_n use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o constant_o for_o to_o read_v yet_o varinus_n he_o make_v it_o to_o signify_v as_o well_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o know_v to_o call_v to_o mind_n to_o remember_v to_o be_v convince_v of_o a_o thing_n so_o that_o the_o meaning_n be_v we_o write_v to_o you_o no_o other_o thing_n than_o what_o you_o know_v what_o you_o remember_v yea_o what_o you_o be_v experimental_o convince_v of_o and_o thus_o it_o differ_v from_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o follow_v and_o signify_v more_o for_o a_o man_n may_v know_v and_o remember_v yea_o and_o be_v convince_v of_o many_o thing_n which_o yet_o through_o some_o corruption_n within_o he_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v for_o that_o be_v when_o we_o do_v with_o a_o ready_a and_o willing_a consent_n approve_v and_o own_v such_o a_o thing_n the_o pharisee_n be_v often_o convince_v about_o christ_n doctrine_n yet_o they_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v it_o but_o the_o apostle_n attribute_v both_o these_o to_o the_o corinthian_n for_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d render_v or_o erasmus_n suspect_v it_o creep_v in_o for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o thing_n vorstius_n prefer_v that_o read_n which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o so_o paraphrase_v if_o so_o be_v you_o do_v acknowledge_v but_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o this_o from_o the_o word_n thus_o explain_v we_o observe_v that_o a_o godly_a convince_a life_n in_o a_o christian_a especial_o in_o a_o minister_n be_v minister_n of_o special_a advantage_n for_o many_o excellent_a effect_n every_o christian_a and_o much_o more_o every_o minister_n be_v by_o their_o life_n and_o example_n so_o to_o convince_v that_o other_o may_v acknowledge_v very_o god_n be_v with_o they_o very_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n dwell_v in_o they_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o our_o saviour_n express_v let_v your_o light_n so_o shine_v before_o man_n mat._n 5._o 16._o that_o they_o may_v see_v your_o good_a work_n and_o glorify_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n some_o make_v this_o exhortation_n give_v to_o christian_n in_o the_o general_a other_o to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o particular_a however_o by_o this_o we_o see_v that_o god_n can_v bear_v mere_a title_n name_n and_o opinion_n unless_o there_o be_v a_o holy_a life_n accompany_v of_o they_o he_o say_v that_o they_o may_v see_v your_o good_a work_n not_o title_n not_o profession_n not_o your_o ceremonious_a and_o institute_v worship_n but_o good_a work_n good_a work_n than_o be_v necessary_a but_o such_o as_o flow_v from_o man_n enlighten_v by_o the_o gospel-truth_n many_o mistake_v about_o good_a work_n not_o know_v what_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o be_v and_o than_o christ_n show_v the_o end_n of_o these_o good_a work_n that_o they_o may_v glorify_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n not_o that_o they_o may_v glorify_v you_o and_o honour_v you_o we_o be_v not_o to_o do_v good_a thing_n for_o applause_n and_o esteem_n neither_o do_v he_o say_v that_o you_o may_v merit_v a_o reward_n in_o heaven_n vainglory_n and_o merit_n with_o self-confidence_n be_v the_o end_n why_o pharisaical_a man_n cause_v their_o light_n to_o shine_v before_o other_o but_o the_o evangelical_n christian_n he_o do_v it_o that_o god_n may_v be_v glorify_v but_o let_v we_o cause_v the_o light_n of_o this_o doctrine_n also_o to_o shine_v before_o you_o and_o first_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o godliness_n and_o exact_a holiness_n have_v a_o convince_a it_o and_o convert_v effect_n with_o it_o the_o sincere_a practice_n of_o it_o do_v awe_n and_o conquer_v the_o conscience_n even_o of_o the_o vile_a man_n godliness_n be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n now_o when_o god_n create_v man_n in_o that_o he_o give_v he_o dominion_n over_o all_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o field_n they_o stand_v in_o awe_n of_o he_o and_o thus_o where_o the_o image_n of_o god_n be_v repair_v there_o it_o have_v a_o convince_a work_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o
not_o consider_v how_o severe_o it_o be_v command_v insomuch_o that_o that_o very_a sin_n of_o not_o believe_v of_o not_o rest_v our_o soul_n upon_o the_o lord_n christ_n will_v damn_v we_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o how_o happy_a then_o be_v it_o and_o in_o what_o good_a forwardness_n be_v they_o for_o establishment_n who_o begin_v thus_o to_o be_v enlighten_v who_o be_v thus_o persuade_v though_o i_o can_v believe_v yet_o it_o be_v my_o duty_n to_o believe_v it_o be_v not_o god_n will_n that_o i_o shall_v excruciate_v myself_o with_o these_o torment_a doubt_n i_o be_o sure_a to_o be_v damn_v if_o i_o go_v not_o to_o christ_n the_o saviour_n if_o i_o take_v not_o this_o way_n there_o be_v no_o way_n for_o i_o to_o take_v and_o thus_o we_o have_v get_v advantage_n when_o we_o be_v come_v thus_o far_o and_o that_o this_o may_v be_v do_v all_o those_o text_n which_o do_v either_o command_v faith_n or_o commend_v faith_n be_v very_o often_o in_o his_o mind_n 3._o the_o mind_n of_o a_o man_n be_v antecedent_o wrought_v upon_o for_o establishment_n by_o illumination_n concern_v the_o evangelical_n way_n of_o grace_n wherein_o god_n do_v vouchsafe_v soul_n all_o spiritual_a mercy_n to_o the_o break_a in_o heart_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v not_o enable_v we_o to_o cry_v abba_n father_n till_o our_o understanding_n be_v open_v to_o know_v that_o glorious_a gospel-way_n christ_n have_v take_v for_o to_o save_v the_o humble_a sinner_n the_o sum_n whereof_o be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v in_o believe_v not_o in_o work_v rom._n 4._o the_o apostle_n argue_v against_o all_o conceit_n of_o justification_n by_o the_o work_v we_o do_v yea_o that_o abraham_n himself_o though_o so_o eminent_a in_o holiness_n do_v not_o obtain_v remission_n of_o sin_n hereby_o and_o in_o other_o place_n the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o work_n be_v make_v immediate_o opposite_a to_o one_o another_o it_o be_v then_o a_o special_a mercy_n of_o god_n to_o have_v the_o judgement_n of_o a_o man_n satisfy_v in_o this_o truth_n although_o the_o poor_a humble_a sinner_n can_v yet_o repose_v himself_o in_o the_o bosom_n of_o a_o promise_n though_o he_o do_v nothing_o but_o stagger_v and_o reel_v up_o and_o down_o by_o fear_n and_o temptation_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o small_a proficiency_n to_o arrive_v at_o the_o certain_a persuasion_n of_o this_o doctrine_n for_o we_o see_v in_o the_o apostle_n day_n that_o this_o very_a doctrine_n be_v call_v into_o question_n and_o be_v it_o not_o still_o by_o papist_n and_o other_o arraign_v as_o teach_v man_n presumption_n and_o security_n and_o true_o as_o the_o head_n of_o a_o man_n may_v invent_v many_o plausible_a argument_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o so_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o man_n be_v natural_o proud_a and_o self-righteous_a and_o therefore_o be_v hardly_o bring_v off_o from_o work_n to_o faith_n for_o faith_n seem_v not_o to_o have_v that_o activity_n for_o justification_n as_o love_v and_o other_o grace_n have_v though_o indeed_o that_o be_v the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o all_o the_o primum_fw-la vivens_fw-la and_o ultimum_fw-la moriens_fw-la as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o root_n of_o tree_n they_o have_v no_o sweetness_n nor_o comeliness_n in_o they_o when_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o have_v thus_o when_o good_a work_n be_v glorious_a and_o precious_a faith_n from_o whence_o they_o have_v their_o life_n and_o be_v seem_v contemptible_a but_o this_o order_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n take_v before_o it_o be_v a_o seal_n and_o a_o witness_v spirit_n unto_o we_o it_o be_v also_o a_o enligten_a and_o teach_v spirit_n and_o that_o especial_o in_o this_o grand_a truth_n which_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o gospel_n viz._n that_o by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o work_n we_o become_v justify_v before_o god_n and_o where_o his_o gospel-light_n have_v not_o take_v place_n in_o any_o afflict_a conscience_n for_o sin_n oh_o the_o unspeakable_a temptation_n oh_o the_o woeful_a day_n and_o night_n that_o they_o meet_v with_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v thus_o antecedent_o wrought_v upon_o the_o judgement_n then_o in_o the_o next_o place_n come_v this_o chief_a and_o special_a work_n of_o establish_v and_o settle_v the_o heart_n and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o plant_v of_o a_o tree_n first_o the_o brier_n and_o thorn_n which_o cumber_v the_o ground_n before_o must_v be_v remove_v and_o then_o the_o tree_n be_v plant_v thus_o also_o it_o be_v with_o god_n while_o settle_v the_o heart_n of_o a_o man_n upon_o the_o promise_n he_o do_v first_o remove_v that_o which_o be_v prohibent_fw-la and_o hinder_v of_o this_o confirmation_n and_o positive_o enable_v it_o to_o rest_v upon_o christ_n even_o as_o the_o sun_n do_v first_o dispel_v the_o darkness_n and_o then_o introduce_v the_o light_n the_o two_o impediment_n to_o our_o establishment_n on_o the_o promise_n alone_o be_v impediment_n presumption_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o despair_v on_o the_o other_o for_o those_o be_v the_o two_o general_n as_o it_o be_v under_o which_o all_o the_o other_o sin_n opposite_a to_o this_o way_n be_v comprehend_v the_o first_o be_v presumption_n and_o that_o be_v the_o damnable_a estate_n of_o most_o man_n they_o presumption_n be_v secure_a in_o their_o own_o condition_n they_o rest_v content_v in_o their_o own_o righteousness_n and_o goodness_n now_o these_o indeed_o be_v settle_v but_o upon_o a_o rot_a foundation_n these_o have_v no_o change_n no_o inconstancy_n of_o spirit_n arise_v from_o the_o fear_n that_o be_v in_o they_o but_o be_v therefore_o the_o more_o dangerous_a such_o as_o these_o be_v the_o most_o untractable_a and_o unteachable_a both_o about_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o their_o dependence_n on_o they_o you_o can_v no_o more_o remove_v they_o out_o of_o their_o presumption_n than_o mountain_n out_o of_o their_o place_n the_o sad_a subject_n in_o the_o world_n to_o preach_v upon_o or_o to_o preach_v unto_o for_o they_o have_v door_n upon_o door_n and_o bolt_n upon_o bolt_n that_o must_v be_v open_v ere_o you_o can_v make_v any_o way_n for_o christ_n or_o the_o promise_v in_o their_o soul_n all_o the_o weapon_n take_v out_o of_o god_n word_n be_v peesent_o dull_v when_o they_o fall_v upon_o they_o like_o a_o bullet_n in_o a_o pack_n of_o wool_n when_o we_o come_v to_o such_o upon_o their_o sick_a bed_n we_o know_v not_o how_o to_o begin_v with_o they_o what_o to_o say_v to_o they_o for_o whatsoever_o be_v say_v they_o be_v confident_a it_o be_v in_o they_o and_o all_o this_o while_n be_v nothing_o but_o presumption_n and_o spiritual_a security_n of_o soul_n the_o other_o be_v despair_n with_o all_o diffidence_n and_o distrustful_a fear_n that_o incline_v despair_n thereunto_o this_o i_o confess_v be_v not_o so_o common_a as_o the_o other_o we_o have_v very_o few_o that_o cry_v out_o of_o their_o sin_n fear_v they_o be_v great_a than_o can_v be_v forgive_v but_o some_o there_o be_v that_o be_v ready_a to_o be_v swallow_v up_o in_o this_o whirlpool_n when_o therefore_o god_n do_v confirm_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n in_o the_o promise_n both_o these_o sin_n be_v remove_v he_o be_v no_o long_o a_o self-righteous_a man_n a_o self-full_a man_n he_o look_v upon_o himself_o as_o wicked_a and_o destitute_a of_o all_o and_o yet_o on_o the_o other_o side_n do_v not_o despair_n in_o god_n though_o he_o do_v in_o himself_o though_o he_o have_v nothing_o of_o his_o own_o to_o stand_v upon_o yet_o christ_n be_v his_o rock_n on_o who_o he_o be_v settle_v thus_o god_n keep_v his_o people_n from_o be_v cain_n and_o judasses_n on_o one_o side_n and_o proud_a self-righteous_a pharisees_n on_o the_o other_o side_n serm._n cxxx_o of_o god_n confirmation_n of_o we_o upon_o his_o promise_n by_o his_o own_o grace_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 21._o now_o he_o which_o establish_v you_o with_o we_o in_o christ_n and_o have_v anoint_v we_o be_v god_n the_o establishment_n of_o a_o christian_a upon_o the_o promise_v of_o god_n be_v only_o the_o work_n of_o god_n man_n can_v settle_v himself_o no_o more_o than_o he_o can_v make_v himself_o grace_n there_o remain_v for_o the_o explication_n of_o this_o truth_n to_o declare_v wherein_o positive_o this_o confirmation_n by_o god_n do_v consist_v and_o first_o hereby_o god_n do_v strengthen_v the_o heart_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o promise_n by_o work_v in_o we_o habit_n of_o grace_n and_o some_o permanent_a constant_a principle_n whereby_o we_o be_v carry_v out_o easy_o and_o delightsom_o unto_o they_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v original_o and_o habitual_o corrupt_v be_v contrary_a both_o to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n which_o be_v great_o to_o be_v observe_v for_o the_o enmity_n indeed_o of_o our_o heart_n against_o those_o holy_a duty_n which_o the_o