half_a of_o his_o kingdom_n who_o ask_v at_o her_o mother_n instigation_n the_o head_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n which_o be_v of_o more_o worth_n than_o the_o whole_a let_v be_v the_o half_a of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o he_o judge_v himself_o bind_v by_o his_o oath_n to_o grant_v her_o desire_n according_o give_v order_v it_o be_v say_v for_o his_o oath_n sake_n to_o the_o executioner_n to_o behead_v he_o in_o the_o prison_n without_o any_o trial_n or_o so_o much_o as_o a_o hear_n though_o it_o be_v indeed_o against_o the_o light_n of_o his_o natural_a conscience_n he_o have_v be_v convince_v that_o he_o be_v not_o only_o a_o innocent_a but_o also_o a_o just_a man_n and_o holy_a and_o according_o observe_v he_o and_o do_v many_o thing_n enjoin_v he_o by_o john_n and_o hear_v he_o glad_o as_o if_o unlawful_a and_o sinful_a oath_n rash_o come_v under_o can_v in_o conscience_n bind_v man_n to_o act_v against_o the_o plain_a and_o most_o palpable_a dictate_v of_o their_o own_o conscience_n whereas_o they_o ought_v rather_o to_o repent_v and_o pray_v for_o the_o pardon_n of_o such_o engadgement_n vow_n and_o oath_n and_o forthwith_o to_o break_v they_o since_o juramentum_fw-la nunquam_fw-la potest_fw-la esse_fw-la vinculum_fw-la iniquitatis_fw-la a_o oath_n can_v never_o be_v a_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n or_o oblige_v man_n in_o conscience_n to_o commit_v what_o be_v palpable_o a_o sin_n ten_o we_o will_v be_v aware_a that_o we_o do_v not_o inconsiderat_o rash_o and_o precipitant_o adventure_v upon_o any_o action_n or_o meddle_v with_o any_o bussiness_n especial_o of_o moment_n before_o deliberat_fw-la and_o serious_a consult_v with_o our_o conscience_n endeavour_v always_o to_o have_v it_o well_o inform_v by_o the_o word_n which_o either_o make_v many_o such_o act_n and_o meddling_n to_o be_v afterward_o reflect_v on_o with_o a_o challenge_v and_o disquiet_v conscience_n or_o tempt_v we_o to_o endeavour_v the_o byass_a and_o bribe_v as_o it_o be_v of_o our_o own_o conscience_n towards_o a_o sort_n of_o justify_v we_o in_o what_o we_o have_v do_v or_o if_o neither_o of_o these_o shall_v be_v which_o seldom_o come_v to_o pass_v we_o be_v great_o in_o hazard_n to_o be_v very_o loath_a reluctant_a and_o shy_a to_o hear_v and_o lay_v due_a weight_n upon_o the_o after_o animadversion_n and_o censure_n of_o our_o conscience_n upon_o these_o act_n and_o medling_n be_v over_o and_o by_o and_o not_o now_o reversible_a o_o how_o safe_a and_o sure_o may_v we_o be_v in_o all_o our_o act_n moving_n and_o medling_n and_o with_o how_o much_o peace_n may_v we_o reflect_v on_o they_o if_o we_o do_v always_o call_v and_o admit_v god_n testimony_n and_o our_o own_o conscience_n enlighten_v and_o inform_v by_o they_o to_o be_v our_o adviser_n and_o counselor_n the_o neglect_n whereof_o make_v many_o rugged_a disorderly_a irregular_a and_o unpeacable_a step_n in_o our_o walk_n that_o man_n only_o walk_v sure_o that_o walk_v upright_o in_o single_a and_o unbiased_a compliance_n with_o the_o dictate_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o of_o his_o own_o conscience_n conform_v thereunto_o most_o certain_o in_o the_o multitude_n of_o consultation_n with_o such_o counselor_n there_o be_v safety_n eleven_o we_o will_v careful_o take_v heed_n that_o we_o do_v not_o baffle_v and_o prostitute_v conscience_n either_o by_o swear_v at_o all_o by_o our_o conscience_n let_v be_v ordinarl_o and_o customary_o too_o much_o incident_a to_o many_o proâ—est_a christian_n to_o the_o great_a scandal_n of_o christian_a religion_n which_o beside_o the_o un-necessariness_a of_o it_o at_o least_o in_o most_o case_n be_v never_o in_o any_o case_n warrantable_a conscience_n though_o god_n deputy_n be_v but_o a_o creature_n as_o heaven_n earth_n and_o our_o head_n be_v math._n 5._o v._n 34_o 35_o 36._o by_o which_o we_o ought_v not_o at_o all_o to_o swear_v be_v express_o forbid_v by_o the_o lord_n to_o do_v so_o and_o so_o never_o to_o be_v swear_v by_o swear_v being_n a_o piece_n and_o a_o very_a solemn_a piece_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o often_o put_v for_o the_o whole_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n where_o we_o be_v call_v to_o swear_v by_o he_o only_o deut._n 6._o v_o 13._o and_o 20._o v_o 10._o or_o where_o swear_v by_o it_o be_v much_o or_o altogether_o abstain_v from_o &_o it_o may_v be_v somewhat_o abhor_v yet_o we_o will_v not_o there_fw-mi to_o debase_v vilify_v and_o as_o i_o say_v to_o prostitute_v conscience_n ordinary_o &_o on_o every_o light_n &_o trivial_a occasion_n by_o say_v in_o conscience_n or_o on_o my_o conscience_n which_o in_o common_a discourse_n without_o any_o the_o least_o necessity_n be_v sure_o more_o than_o yea_o and_o nay_o and_o so_o according_a to_o the_o lord_n own_o determination_n precisly_a to_o be_v stand_v too_o come_v of_o evil_a neither_o will_v they_o real_o be_v find_v to_o be_v among_o the_o tender_a or_o most_o true_o religious_a and_o conscientious_a person_n whatever_o be_v their_o profession_n of_o or_o pretension_n to_o religion_n or_o conscience_n to_o who_o this_o be_v most_o familiar_a for_o by_o this_o customary_a and_o habitual_a solemn_a assert_v every_o light_n minute_n and_o trifle_a matter_n when_o withal_o it_o be_v offensive_a to_o tender_a ear_n man_n may_v be_v tempt_v in_o other_o thing_n to_o make_v too_o bold_a with_o their_o conscience_n which_o they_o thus_o debase_v if_o not_o even_o upon_o such_o petty_a occasion_n now_o and_o then_o to_o swear_v by_o it_o conscience_n be_v a_o very_a tender_a thing_n and_o will_v be_v very_o tender_o deal_v with_o and_o in_o nothing_o in_o the_o least_o bourded_a or_o dally_v with_o and_o we_o be_v express_o command_v to_o abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_n 1_o thes._n 5._o v._n 22._o twelve_o and_o final_o we_o will_v by_o all_o mean_n take_v heed_n and_o beware_v that_o we_o do_v not_o mock_v deride_v or_o flout_v at_o conscience_n and_o conscientious_a person_n which_o no_o man_n that_o have_v any_o conscience_n will_v dare_v to_o do_v noâ—_n to_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o it_o nay_o the_o atheist_n himself_o as_o sir_n charles_n wools_o say_v well_o can_v with_o all_o his_o skill_n disband_v his_o own_o fear_n nor_o run_v away_o from_o his_o conscience_n no_o more_o than_o he_o can_v run_v away_o from_o himself_o he_o find_v season_n wherein_o he_o smart_v under_o the_o lash_n of_o it_o noâ—_n take_v up_o entertain_v and_o harbour_v any_o prejudice_n and_o pique_n at_o they_o as_o if_o such_o by_o the_o tenderness_n doubt_n and_o scruple_n of_o their_o conscience_n disturb_v the_o repose_n peace_n tranquillity_n and_o free_a act_n of_o all_o the_o country_n corporation_n and_o society_n great_a and_o small_a wherein_o they_o live_v and_o make_v a_o very_a unpleasant_a unchearful_a and_o disquiet_v life_n to_o the_o person_n themselves_o or_o to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a advantage_n to_o the_o world_n that_o all_o such_o person_n be_v out_o of_o it_o or_o cluster_v together_o by_o themselves_o only_o in_o some_o remote_a corner_n of_o it_o for_o who_o nice_a and_o straight_o lace_v as_o they_o call_v it_o conscience_n and_o its_o inquiry_n scruple_n and_o doubt_n they_o can_v get_v leave_n to_o live_v quiet_a and_o to_o act_v with_o that_o freedom_n they_o will_v be_v at_o alas_o if_o such_o have_v their_o desire_n and_o all_o doubt_n check_n and_o restraint_n of_o conscience_n be_v remove_v from_o man_n what_o confusion_n disorder_n and_o distraction_n will_v the_o world_n run_v into_o how_o instant_o will_v it_o be_v turn_v into_o a_o very_a shambles_n how_o will_v man_n the_o great_a part_n of_o man_n turn_v like_o roar_a lion_n and_o raven_a wolf_n as_o cruel_a tiger_n or_o savage_a wild_a boar_n one_o to_o another_o how_o will_v it_o be_v fill_v with_o violence_n rapine_n and_o blood_n how_o will_v the_o great_a and_o most_o abominable_a villainy_n walk_v up_o and_o down_o in_o it_o in_o the_o very_a street_n and_o concurse_n of_o the_o people_n un_fw-fr control_v barefaced_a not_o in_o masquerad_a or_o under_o any_o disguise_n how_o will_v reasonable_a man_n be_v as_o so_o many_o incarnate_a devil_n or_o bruit_n beast_n such_o will_v take_v heed_n that_o this_o be_v not_o find_v to_o be_v the_o interpretative_a language_n of_o these_o thought_n o_o that_o there_o be_v not_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o conscience_n god_n deputy_n in_o man_n in_o the_o world_n and_o o_o that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o god_n to_o appoint_v commissional_a and_o establish_v such_o deputy_n under_o he_o i_o shall_v not_o deny_v have_v plain_o assert_v it_o before_o that_o a_o ill_a inform_v conscience_n wait_v especial_o with_o any_o forwardness_n may_v make_v very_o sad_a work_n among_o man_n and_o prove_v a_o very_a troublesome_a and_o cumbersome_a neighbour_n but_o alas_o why_o shall_v
natural_a conscience_n and_o not_o only_o do_v thing_n sinful_a but_o take_v pleasure_n in_o they_o that_o do_v they_o therefore_o they_o be_v give_v up_o to_o do_v great_a thing_n without_o check_n or_o challenge_v hence_o it_o be_v thus_o in_o part_n at_o least_o with_o many_o professor_n within_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o thwart_v with_o conscience_n and_o indeed_o a_o silent_a and_o dumb_a conscience_n be_v a_o great_a plague_n for_o if_o it_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o reprover_n and_o speak_v not_o man_n nay_o even_o godly_a man_n may_v and_o will_v sleep_v on_o as_o david_n after_o the_o go_v over_o the_o belly_n of_o his_o light_n and_o blunt_v the_o edge_n of_o his_o conscience_n sleep_v long_o enough_o till_o conscience_n at_o last_o rouse_v he_o up_o hence_o also_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o some_o conscience_n which_o be_v sear_v with_o a_o hot_a iron_n which_o be_v not_o so_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o conscience_n be_v flesh_n or_o of_o a_o fleshly_a substance_n only_o he_o make_v the_o comparison_n that_o as_o a_o man_n flesh_n be_v sensible_a of_o and_o affect_v with_o the_o prick_n of_o a_o pin_n so_o be_v conscience_n with_o sin_n while_o tender_a but_o as_o the_o flesh_n of_o a_o man_n or_o beast_n when_o it_o be_v sear_v or_o burn_v a_o considerable_a thirst_n will_v not_o much_o if_o at_o all_o affect_v it_o so_o be_v conscience_n when_o stupefy_v and_o make_v senseless_a by_o multiply_a sin_n against_o light_n it_o grow_v so_o cauterise_v and_o sear_v that_o hardly_o any_o sin_n or_o challenge_v for_o sin_n be_v feel_v 3._o man_n want_v not_o a_o conscience_n though_o they_o hear_v it_o not_o always_o speak_v for_o conscience_n may_v often_o be_v speak_v when_o they_o take_v not_o head_n to_o it_o as_o be_v abundant_o clear_a in_o david_n and_o josephs_n brethren_n for_o that_o which_o be_v the_o death_n evil_a of_o a_o natural_a man_n may_v sometime_o be_v the_o sore_a and_o dangerous_a sickness_n and_o distemper_n of_o a_o child_n of_o god_n and_o though_o conscience_n may_v speak_v but_o soft_o for_o a_o time_n yet_o thereafter_o it_o will_v speak_v loud_o and_o make_v it_o know_v that_o it_o speak_v when_o it_o be_v not_o listen_v unto_o the_o day_n come_v when_o the_o book_n will_v be_v open_v and_o conscience_n will_v speak_v plain_o smart_o and_o home_n and_o it_o concern_v you_o all_o to_o know_v that_o conscience_n be_v not_o absent_a when_o it_o be_v quiet_a but_o that_o it_o will_v speak_v and_o speak_v to_o purpose_n in_o due_a time_n and_o that_o as_o a_o party_n with_o who_o there_o be_v no_o try_v till_o it_o come_v before_o the_o great_a judge_n and_o then_o it_o will_v give_v in_o what_o it_o have_v to_o say_v and_o it_o will_v then_o be_v evident_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o conscience_n in_o the_o profane_v person_n who_o most_o cauterise_v it_o by_o go_v over_o the_o belly_n of_o its_o light_n and_o suggestion_n the_o 2._o use_n speak_v to_o you_o that_o live_v at_o random_n take_v great_a liberty_n and_o latitude_n to_o yourselves_o beside_o the_o rule_n o_o do_v you_o believe_v and_o remember_v that_o there_o be_v a_o conscience_n within_o you_o and_o that_o it_o will_v call_v you_o to_o a_o reckon_a sure_o if_o you_o do_v in_o good_a earnest_n you_o will_v be_v other_o manner_n of_o man_n it_o be_v general_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v a_o conscience_n in_o all_o and_o the_o profane_v will_n have_v conscience_n often_o in_o their_o mouth_n and_o indeed_o their_o conscience_n be_v little_a worth_n when_o they_o stand_v in_o no_o awe_n of_o it_o but_o rather_o trample_v on_o it_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o the_o great_a light_n you_o have_v and_o the_o more_o mean_n and_o warning_n you_o be_v privilege_v with_o the_o great_a will_v be_v the_o aggravation_n of_o your_o guilt_n and_o the_o more_o dreadful_a will_v be_v your_o ditty_n and_o doom_n from_o god_n and_o from_o your_o own_o conscience_n if_o conscience_n will_v be_v a_o impartial_a witness_n and_o severe_a judge_n against_o all_o even_o heathen_n who_o never_o hear_v the_o gospel_n o_o then_o what_o access_n will_v it_o have_v terrible_o to_o reprove_v condemn_v smite_v and_o gnaw_v you_o that_o live_v under_o the_o gospel_n and_o hear_v the_o word_n daily_o many_o of_o you_o have_v some_o stickle_a and_o stir_v of_o conscience_n within_o you_o but_o alace_o you_o know_v not_o what_o it_o mean_v and_o will_v be_v quite_o of_o it_o but_o from_o this_o word_n be_v exhort_v to_o know_v who_o have_v appoint_v it_o and_o for_o what_o end_v it_o be_v appoint_v and_o make_v use_n of_o its_o warn_n 〈◊〉_d for_o other_o that_o know_v it_o and_o go_v on_o sleep_v secure_o in_o your_o sin_n i_o must_v say_v this_o to_o you_o that_o the_o more_o knowledge_n you_o have_v of_o it_o it_o will_v certain_o make_v you_o to_o have_v the_o more_o dreadful_a waken_n when_o all_o the_o kindred_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v howl_v at_o the_o see_v of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o stand_v tremble_a at_o his_o presence_n o_o what_o a_o scrich_n and_o cry_n will_v conscience_n have_v in_o that_o day_n loud_o i_o conceive_v in_o some_o respect_n than_o the_o trumpet_n itself_o set_v home_o the_o truth_n of_o challenge_n bear_v witness_n of_o the_o fact_n and_o represent_v the_o horror_n terror_n and_o torment_n abide_v they_o therefore_o think_v on_o it_o o_o think_v on_o it_o all_o you_o who_o continue_v in_o sin_n and_o will_v not_o be_v reclaim_v who_o mock_v at_o all_o warning_n and_o break_v all_o bond_n and_o will_v not_o be_v subject_a to_o discipline_n you_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o shake_v off_o the_o boâ—d_n of_o conscience_n but_o it_o shall_v bind_v you_o as_o the_o colar_n of_o your_o coat_n and_o keep_v you_o bind_v till_o you_o be_v â—isted_v before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o god_n use_v 3_o see_v you_o have_v a_o conscience_n let_v it_o not_o be_v silent_a idle_a and_o usleâ—_n but_o put_v it_o to_o speak_v and_o do_v you_o hear_v what_o it_o say_v and_o take_v you_o warning_n from_o it_o it_o will_v not_o be_v bribe_v bud_a nor_o boast_v it_o be_v a_o sore_a matter_n to_o have_v a_o conscience_n and_o never_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o nor_o of_o what_o it_o say_v i_o shall_v now_o only_o see_v there_o be_v some_o good_a and_o some_o evil_a conscience_n as_o they_o be_v or_o be_v not_o inform_v beseech_v you_o to_o study_v to_o have_v a_o well_o inform_v conscience_n especial_o since_o where_o it_o be_v well_o inform_v it_o can_v easy_o be_v bud_v nor_o soon_o prevail_v with_o to_o suffer_v thing_n to_o come_v under_o debate_n and_o controversy_n wherein_o it_o be_v clear_a a_o just_a regard_n too_o and_o the_o right_n use-making_a of_o conscience_n will_v notable_o promove_v holiness_n and_o nothing_o ready_o do_v more_o obstruct_v it_o then_o the_o not_o take_v heed_n to_o conscience_n and_o not_o lay_v due_a weight_n on_o what_o it_o say_v though_o many_o of_o you_o do_v now_o look_v on_o it_o as_o nothing_o or_o a_o thing_n of_o little_a moment_n yet_o you_o will_v find_v it_o to_o be_v a_o great_o momentanious_a thing_n o_o that_o god_n who_o have_v give_v we_o conscience_n may_v be_v gracious_o please_v to_o give_v the_o right_a use_n of_o they_o sermon_n ii_o act_n 24._o 16._o herein_o do_v i_o exercise_v myself_o to_o have_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n if_o we_o take_v a_o view_n of_o and_o look_v through_o christian_n and_o professor_n of_o religion_n that_o may_v have_v the_o root_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o they_o and_o may_v in_o charity_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v effectual_o call_v there_o will_v be_v find_v as_o great_a a_o gradual_a difference_n among_o they_o as_o among_o man_n of_o any_o other_o call_v whatsoever_o and_o if_o we_o will_v compare_v they_o general_o with_o the_o apostle_n as_o to_o the_o constant_a vigorous_a drive_v of_o this_o notable_a and_o noble_a design_n there_o will_v be_v find_v great_a in-equality_n and_o much_o lamentable_a un-likness_a herein_o say_v he_o do_v i_o exercise_v myself_o to_o have_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o toward_a man_n this_o be_v his_o great_a work_n and_o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o sweet_a work_n yea_o a_o short_a sum_n and_o compend_v of_o a_o christian_n life_n when_o we_o discourse_v last_o from_o this_o text_n and_o have_v draw_v some_o general_a doctrine_n from_o it_o for_o clear_v the_o word_n we_o speak_v more_o particular_o to_o this_o doctrine_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v in_o all_o man_n and_o woman_n a_o conscience_n that_o take_v notice_n of_o every_o piece_n of_o their_o carriage_n and_o be_v according_o affect_v with_o and_o affect_v man_n for_o it_o some_o thing_n
short_a in_o his_o duty_n which_o will_v quite_o mar_v a_o legal_a testimony_n of_o conscience_n or_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o legal_a good_a conscience_n thus_o paul_n have_v a_o good_a conscience_n rom._n 7._o 22._o even_o when_o he_o be_v wrestle_v against_o sin_n and_o cry_v out_o in_o the_o fight_n o_o miserable_a man_n that_o â—_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o the_o body_n of_o this_o death_n for_o he_o find_v himself_o delight_v in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n after_o the_o inward_a man_n and_o that_o his_o design_n be_v to_o be_v honest_a and_o single_a for_o god_n it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o challenge_n of_o conscience_n as_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v ground_n for_o it_o that_o affeâ—eth_v and_o trouble_v he_o when_o he_o think_v with_o himself_o what_o may_v i_o and_o must_v i_o be_v before_o god_n when_o conscience_n take_v notice_n of_o so_o many_o thing_n to_o be_v amiss_o in_o i_o it_o be_v from_o this_o ground_n i_o say_v that_o paul_n comfort_v himself_o that_o he_o allow_v not_o himself_o in_o that_o which_o he_o do_v and_o reckon_v his_o evangelical_o good_a conscience_n and_o his_o sincerity_n to_o be_v his_o renew_a part_n and_o as_o such_o side_v and_o take_v part_n with_o it_o and_o condemn_v the_o un_fw-we renew_v part_n a_o four_o property_n or_o character_n be_v take_v from_o a_o believer_n walk_v in_o reference_n to_o his_o challenge_n this_o be_v not_o the_o mark_n that_o he_o want_v challenge_n but_o it_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o influence_n that_o challenge_v have_v on_o he_o which_o comprehend_v three_o different_a character_n 1._o a_o gospel_n good_a conscience_n take_v quick_o and_o easy_o with_o a_o challenge_n and_o be_v soon_o trouble_a and_o melt_v 2._o it_o be_v make_v quick_o to_o loath_a and_o conâ—emn_v itself_o for_o sin_n and_o so_o conscience_n and_o the_o man_n agree_v well_o together_o when_o conscience_n say_v to_o he_o thou_o be_v a_o sinner_n thou_o arâ—_n lose_v justice_n must_v be_v satisfy_v and_o thou_o can_v not_o do_v it_o he_o say_v so_o likewise_o 3._o when_o challenge_v put_v yet_o further_o at_o he_o and_o pursue_v he_o yet_o hard_o and_o close_a the_o good_a conscience_n make_v he_o â—ee_n to_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o set_v he_o a_o seek_v of_o pardon_n from_o god_n in_o the_o court_n of_o grace_n when_o the_o man_n be_v some_o way_n condemn_v in_o the_o court_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n and_o then_o he_o obtain_v peace_n even_o in_o the_o court_n of_o conscience_n for_o when_o god_n speak_v peace_n in_o and_o through_o jesus_n christ_n the_o conscience_n also_o speak_v peace_n and_o thus_o though_o the_o man_n have_v not_o a_o good_a conscience_n in_o a_o law_n sense_n as_o i_o say_v before_o yet_o in_o a_o gospel-sense_n he_o have_v and_o he_o mind_v to_o keep_v friendship_n with_o god_n and_o with_o his_o conscience_n though_o he_o can_v quiet_v pacify_v and_o satisfy_v it_o in_o a_o legal_a way_n yet_o in_o a_o gospel_n way_n he_o may_v and_o this_o be_v even_o it_o that_o the_o saint_n have_v in_o their_o appeal_n to_o their_o conscience_n for_o the_o great_a ground_n of_o their_o peace_n viz._n the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o practice_n and_o their_o flee_v to_o christ_n blood_n to_o the_o blood_n of_o sprinkle_v for_o quiet_v their_o conscience_n in_o the_o crowd_n of_o challenge_n for_o their_o short_a come_n and_o fail_n in_o practice_n and_o that_o very_o warrantable_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n whoever_o sincere_o take_v this_o way_n though_o they_o have_v challenge_n of_o conscience_n they_o have_v yet_o notwithstanding_o a_o good_a conscience_n such_o a_o conscience_n challenge_v by_o the_o law_n yet_o absolve_v by_o the_o gospel_n challenge_v on_o account_n of_o the_o rebellion_n of_o the_o law_n in_o the_o member_n and_o yet_o absolve_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o law_n in_o the_o mind_n it_o condemn_v the_o man_n as_o loathsome_a in_o himself_o and_o in_o his_o own_o duty_n and_o righteousness_n and_o yet_o absolve_v he_o as_o sound_v his_o peace_n on_o christ_n and_o sink_v and_o put_v to_o silence_v all_o challenge_n and_o accusation_n in_o that_o blood_n of_o sprinkle_v that_o speak_v blood_n that_o have_v a_o cry_n to_o outcry_n the_o loud_a cry_n of_o the_o most_o clamorous_a and_o guilty_a conscience_n and_o what_o can_v be_v just_o say_v against_o this_o since_o christ_n righteousness_n be_v perfect_a and_o god_n promise_v faithful_a and_o christ_n blood_n of_o force_n and_o efficacy_n to_o quiet_a and_o give_v the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n but_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v hâ—re_o may_v not_o a_o natural_a un-renewed_n person_n or_o a_o hypocrite_n have_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n or_o how_o far_o may_v his_o conscience_n be_v good_a and_o wherein_o lie_v the_o difference_n betwixt_o his_o good_a conscience_n and_o the_o believer_n good_a conscience_n i_o know_v this_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o the_o spiritual_a pride_n and_o vanity_n of_o many_o of_o you_o to_o boast_v of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o real_o it_o will_v make_v a_o tender_a conscience_n some_o way_n to_o loath_a to_o hear_v you_o speak_v so_o confident_o of_o it_o i_o shall_v therefore_o in_o the_o first_o place_n answer_n to_o the_o question_n how_o far_o the_o conscience_n of_o a_o natural_a man_n or_o a_o hypocriâ—e_n may_v be_v good_a and_o than_o show_v you_o how_o and_o wherein_o it_o be_v defective_a and_o what_o be_v the_o difference_n betwixt_o it_o and_o the_o believer_n good_a conscience_n for_o the_o first_o i_o will_v say_v this_o in_o general_a in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o we_o be_v not_o now_o speak_v of_o slâ—epie_a err_a dead_a and_o harden_a conscience_n the_o testimony_n of_o these_o be_v little_a worth_n neither_o be_v every_o thing_n conscience_n that_o many_o man_n think_v to_o be_v so_o conscience_n must_v act_v according_a to_o the_o word_n else_o it_o withdraw_v itself_o from_o that_o due_a subordination_n it_o stand_v in_o to_o god_n and_o to_o his_o law_n conscience_n be_v oblige_v to_o abide_v and_o stand_v by_o god_n testimony_n but_o god_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o stand_v by_o its_o testimony_n we_o will_v therefore_o beware_v of_o mistake_a conscience_n more_o particular_o in_o the_o 2d_o place_n a_o natural_a man_n may_v have_v something_o like_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o may_v come_v the_o length_n of_o these_o four_o step_n according_a to_o his_o light_n â—_o he_o may_v have_v a_o negative_a good_a conscience_n that_o be_v a_o conscience_n which_o do_v not_o actual_o challenge_v he_o yea_o a_o conscience_n that_o have_v no_o gross_a thing_n to_o challenge_v he_o for_o he_o be_v it_o may_v be_v no_o murderer_n no_o adulterer_n he_o defign_v no_o oppression_n nor_o deceit_n in_o his_o deal_v etc._n etc._n and_o on_o this_o ground_n he_o possible_o think_v that_o he_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n though_o he_o have_v no_o positive_a testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n all_o this_o while_n 2._o he_o may_v someway_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o respect_n of_o such_o or_o such_o a_o particular_a act_n in_o respect_n of_o be_v free_a of_o a_o challenge_n on_o account_n of_o a_o wrong_a design_n of_o do_v such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n or_o in_o respect_n of_o moral_a sincerity_n and_o ingenuity_n such_o as_o be_v in_o these_o man_n that_o follow_v absolom_n in_o the_o simplicity_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o in_o abimelech_n who_o in_o take_v abraham_n wife_n mean_v no_o evil_a noâ—_n any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v lawful_a and_o therefore_o he_o say_v that_o in_o the_o integrity_n of_o his_o heart_n â—e_n do_v it_o that_o be_v he_o have_v a_o moral_a honest_a design_n and_o be_v free_a from_o ground_n of_o challenge_n about_o what_o other_o may_v have_v be_v ready_a to_o charge_v he_o with_o as_o to_o that_o action_n 3_o he_o may_v come_v a_o great_a length_n as_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o second_o table_n of_o the_o law_n so_o as_o he_o may_v not_o wrong_v his_o neighbour_n in_o word_n nor_o deed_n he_o may_v design_v no_o man_n hurt_n he_o may_v wish_v evil_a to_o no_o man_n thus_o very_o probable_o it_o be_v with_o that_o pharisee_fw-mi who_o come_v to_o christ_n and_o say_v all_o these_o have_v i_o keep_v from_o my_o youth_n the_o poor_a man_n speak_v as_o he_o think_v not_o know_v the_o spiritual_a meaning_n and_o extent_n of_o the_o law_n therefore_o when_o he_o be_v bid_v sell_v all_o and_o gâ—ve_v to_o the_o poor_a he_o go_v away_o grieve_v he_o have_v no_o gross_a sinister_a design_n it_o be_v also_o say_v that_o christ_n love_v he_o or_o pity_v he_o as_o a_o civil_a man_n and_o it_o be_v indeed_o on_o this_o ground_n that_o mere_o civil_a man_n so_o much_o magnify_v and_o cry_v up_o their_o conscience_n and_o place_n all_o
have_v say_v unto_o the_o lord_n thou_o be_v my_o lord_n this_o be_v the_o language_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o heart_n testify_v by_o the_o conscience_n or_o conscience_n answer_v the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o heart_n 3_o there_o be_v a_o power_n in_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o conscience_n which_o be_v subsequent_a unto_o and_o follow_v upon_o the_o action_n when_o do_v either_o approve_v or_o disapprove_v either_o accuss_v or_o excuse_v either_o absolve_a or_o condemn_v call_v the_o recognosce_n or_o examine_v of_o the_o conscience_n which_o be_v do_v when_o conscience_n put_v the_o man_n deed_n or_o action_n when_o perform_v to_o the_o trial_n and_o have_v try_v it_o pass_v sentence_n on_o it_o thus_o conscience_n represent_v god_n as_o judge_n and_o as_o a_o just_a judge_n now_o all_o these_o three_o be_v in_o the_o conscience_n viz._n a_o power_n of_o counsel_v command_v and_o dictate_v to_o a_o man_n what_o he_o shall_v do_v a_o power_n bear_v testimony_n concern_v the_o manner_n of_o his_o do_v and_o a_o power_n of_o recognosce_v and_o examine_v after_o he_o have_v do_v it_o tell_v we_o plain_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o conscience_n declare_v its_o mind_n and_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o man_n concern_v their_o duty_n in_o what_o it_o be_v put_v to_o give_v a_o answer_n about_o else_o they_o can_v not_o know_v its_o mind_n the_o second_o ground_n be_v take_v from_o the_o clear_a and_o manifest_a effect_n of_o conscience_n it_o be_v testify_v or_o answer_v what_o i_o pray_v make_v a_o restlessness_n in_o the_o bosom_n of_o people_n but_o conscience_n its_o challenge_v or_o reprove_v what_o cause_v tranquillity_n and_o peace_n within_o when_o reproach_n and_o revile_n be_v without_o but_o conscience_n bear_v witness_n to_o the_o man_n of_o his_o innocency_n in_o and_o his_o be_v free_a of_o these_o thing_n wherewith_o he_o be_v charge_v and_o what_o be_v it_o that_o lay_v on_o a_o restraint_n and_o bond_n as_o it_o be_v on_o the_o man_n spirit_n as_o paul_n say_v of_o himself_o act_v 20_o 22._o i_o go_v hound_n in_o the_o spirit_n to_o jerusalem_n but_o the_o conscience_n it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o weight_n that_o flow_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o also_o the_o weight_n that_o flow_v immediate_o from_o the_o conscience_n joy_v with_o and_o back_v the_o word_n now_o if_o the_o conscience_n have_v not_o a_o direct_a and_o distinct_a language_n or_o answer_v to_o give_v to_o man_n about_o their_o action_n there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o effect_n follow_v it_o the_o uses_n be_v two_o the_o 1._o for_o direction_n the_o 2._o for_o reproof_n the_o use_v for_o direction_n be_v that_o see_v there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o conscience_n whereby_o it_o make_v know_v its_o mind_n when_o it_o be_v ask_v concern_v our_o way_n we_o ought_v if_o we_o believe_v that_o we_o have_v conscience_n to_o put_v they_o to_o answer_v and_o to_o observe_v what_o they_o say_v and_o what_o answer_n they_o return_v if_o conscience_n have_v a_o language_n i_o say_v again_o let_v we_o put_v it_o to_o speak_v out_o and_o let_v we_o be_v very_o ready_a and_o attentive_a to_o hear_v what_o it_o speak_v to_o clear_v this_o a_o little_a we_o will_v consider_v that_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n in_o a_o christian_a walk_n in_o reference_n to_o this_o correspondency_n which_o a_o man_n shall_v keep_v with_o his_o conscience_n the_o 1._o which_o be_v universal_a and_o irresistible_a be_v when_o the_o conscience_n ask_v man_n or_o put_v question_n to_o they_o such_z as_o why_o do_v you_o this_o or_o that_o why_o do_v you_o leave_v this_o or_o that_o undo_v as_o it_o be_v 1_o cor._n 10._o 25._o ask_v no_o question_n for_o conscience_n sake_n that_o be_v ask_v no_o question_n for_o answer_v of_o these_o question_n which_o conscience_n will_v ask_v the_o second_o be_v when_o man_n ask_v question_n at_o their_o conscience_n to_o prevent_v its_o question_n of_o they_o as_o indeed_o we_o shall_v be_v take_v pain_n before_o hand_n to_o know_v and_o take_v up_o the_o language_n of_o our_o conscience_n concern_v our_o practice_n in_o this_o and_o that_o and_o the_o other_o particular_a that_o it_o may_v have_v no_o just_a ground_n of_o challenge_n against_o we_o i_o shall_v instance_n this_o in_o three_o thing_n and_o hold_v at_o the_o first_o for_o the_o time_n 1._o we_o shall_v observe_v the_o language_n of_o conscience_n before_o we_o put_v our_o hand_n to_o any_o duty_n 2_o we_o shall_v observe_v the_o language_n of_o conscience_n in_o the_o interim_n or_o in_o the_o very_a time_n of_o our_o go_v about_o duty_n 3_o we_o shall_v observe_v the_o language_n of_o conscience_n concern_v duty_n when_o we_o have_v do_v and_o go_v through_o with_o it_o in_o which_o my_o meaning_n be_v not_o 1._o that_o we_o shall_v in_o clear_a and_o necessary_a duty_n start_v or_o put_v question_n but_o that_o in_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o in_o such_o duty_n as_o be_v necessary_a and_o do_v semper_fw-la or_o ever_o oblige_v though_o not_o ad_fw-la semper_fw-la or_o in_o all_o difference_n of_o time_n but_o only_o hic_fw-mi &_o nunc_fw-la now_o and_o then_o to_o wit_n at_o due_a and_o seasonable_a time_n or_o as_o to_o the_o right_n time_v of_o these_o necessary_a duty_n for_o every_o thing_n be_v beautiful_a in_o the_o season_n thereof_o wherein_o a_o great_a part_n of_o our_o work_n along_o our_o whole_a life_n lie_v the_o answer_n of_o our_o conscience_n shall_v be_v observe_v for_o though_o many_o condition_n station_n and_o action_n be_v lawful_a yet_o conscience_n decide_v whether_o i_o be_v call_v to_o such_o and_o such_o a_o station_n and_o condition_n of_o life_n and_o whether_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v a_o duty_n to_o i_o at_o such_o a_o time_n and_o how_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v go_v about_o as_o to_o the_o manner_n neither_o 2_o do_v i_o mean_v that_o we_o shall_v in_o these_o thing_n expect_v any_o extraordinary_a thing_n or_o somewhat_o more_o than_o a_o ordinary_a impulse_n of_o conscience_n lay_v on_o a_o sort_n of_o constraint_n or_o necessity_n on_o we_o in_o a_o immediate_a way_n which_o will_v be_v dangerous_a but_o my_o meaning_n be_v short_o this_o that_o there_o be_v a_o possibility_n in_o god_n ordinary_a way_n to_o know_v what_o conscience_n say_v to_o they_o that_o will_v observe_v the_o answer_n of_o it_o both_o before_o in_o and_o after_o duty_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v aim_v and_o endeavour_v to_o understand_v and_o take_v up_o that_o for_o further_o clear_v of_o this_o use_n we_o shall_v speak_v a_o little_a to_o some_o five_o or_o six_o question_n as_o namely_o 1._o what_o this_o answer_n of_o conscience_n be_v two_o how_o the_o conscience_n give_v its_o answer_n 3_o what_o be_v call_v for_o from_o man_n to_o find_v out_o this_o answer_n 4_o how_o this_o answer_n of_o conscience_n may_v be_v discern_v 5_o if_o this_o answer_n of_o conscience_n be_v discernible_a at_o all_o time_n 6_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o such_o case_n wherein_o the_o answer_n of_o conscience_n be_v not_o so_o clear_a as_o man_n will_v have_v it_o for_o the_o 1._o what_o this_o answer_n of_o conscience_n be_v i_o answer_v in_o short_a that_o it_o be_v distinct_a from_o a_o man_n inclination_n from_o his_o affection_n and_o from_o his_o naked_a judgement_n or_o light_n there_o be_v something_o in_o a_o man_n natural_a inclination_n that_o be_v ready_a to_o sway_n he_o to_o this_o or_o that_o but_o that_o be_v not_o conscience_n there_o be_v also_o something_o in_o a_o man_n affection_n as_o in_o that_o which_o he_o fear_v or_o desire_v and_o love_v that_o may_v sway_n he_o neither_o be_v that_o conscience_n but_o often_o that_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o conscience_n there_o be_v likewise_o something_o in_o man_n light_n from_o which_o alâ—o_o conscience_n differ_v because_o a_o natural_a and_o unregenerat_a man_n that_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o his_o way_n may_v notwithstanding_o have_v a_o light_n in_o his_o judgement_n by_o which_o he_o be_v put_v to_o come_v to_o church_n anâ—_n possible_o to_o pray_v and_o do_v other_o duty_n and_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v from_o no_o answer_n or_o dictat_fw-la of_o conscience_n that_o he_o do_v these_o duty_n we_o conceive_v therefore_o that_o this_o answer_n of_o conscience_n be_v something_o different_a from_o and_o beyond_o either_o inclination_n affection_n or_o bare_a light_n and_o that_o it_o be_v light_a and_o conscience_n go_v joint_o together_o or_o some_o conclusion_n draw_v from_o the_o word_n for_o we_o be_v speak_v here_o of_o conscience_n as_o it_o be_v in_o people_n live_v in_o the_o church_n under_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n that_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v duty_n and_o conscience_n thereupon_o put_v on_o
there_o shall_v be_v a_o commune_n with_o the_o heart_n or_o conscience_n which_o we_o conceive_v be_v often_o neglect_v and_o man_n often_o start_v and_o strick_v in_o with_o thing_n without_o deliberation_n think_v if_o they_o have_v light_n for_o such_o a_o thing_n that_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o make_v such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v duty_n it_o be_v true_a one_fw-mi argument_n from_o light_n may_v induce_v to_o the_o thing_n yet_o we_o be_v neglective_a when_o we_o bring_v it_o not_o to_o the_o conscience_n 3_o man_n shall_v bring_v thing_n impartial_o to_o the_o conscience_n we_o shall_v take_v heed_n that_o we_o we_o be_v not_o pre-occupled_n or_o prejudge_v lest_o we_o get_v one_fw-mi answer_n according_a to_o our_o idol_n as_o well_o as_o we_o shall_v beware_v of_o byass_v and_o bribe_v conscience_n if_o the_o eye_n be_v single_a the_o whole_a body_n will_v be_v full_a of_o light_n but_o if_o the_o eye_n be_v not_o single_a darkness_n may_v be_v have_v from_o the_o conscience_n in_o stead_n of_o light_n not_o that_o in_o clear_a thing_n that_o be_v duty_n at_o all_o time_n we_o shall_v be_v stick_v and_o moâ—e_n question_n which_o be_v balaam_n fault_n but_o in_o thing_n indifferent_a or_o though_o lawful_a yet_o not_o call_v for_o at_o all_o time_n nor_o from_o we_o in_o such_o a_o station_n or_o relation_n when_o the_o question_n run_v whether_o the_o thing_n be_v lawful_a to_o we_o or_o not_o or_o if_o we_o be_v call_v to_o it_o at_o this_o time_n we_o shall_v be_v single_a and_o take_v one_fw-mi answer_v from_o conscience_n as_o god_n clear_v it_o 4_o we_o shall_v give_v attention_n leâ—d_a to_o our_o ear_n and_o take_v good_a heed_n what_o conscience_n incline_v to_o and_o say_v whither_o it_o incline_v this_o way_n or_o that_o way_n as_o when_o we_o ask_v a_o question_n at_o 〈◊〉_d we_o use_v to_o be_v silent_a till_o they_o answer_v so_o shall_v it_o be_v here_o and_o if_o conscience_n seem_v not_o to_o speak_v we_o shall_v waâ—t_v on_o and_o not_o be_v hasty_a especial_o we_o shall_v look_v well_o that_o we_o distinguish_v betwixt_o inclination_n the_o affection_n of_o fear_n passion_n and_o the_o like_a and_o the_o answer_n of_o conscience_n lest_o we_o take_v the_o one_o for_o the_o other_o we_o shall_v both_o take_v heed_n that_o it_o be_v conscience_n that_o answer_v and_o that_o we_o take_v up_o the_o meaning_n of_o conscience_n it_o be_v answer_n aright_o in_o order_n to_o which_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o quiet_v and_o hush_v of_o all_o thing_n within_o the_o man_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o disturb_v in_o take_v up_o the_o mind_n of_o conscience_n or_o that_o may_v prejudge_v conscience_n in_o speak_v and_o give_v its_o answer_n 5_o when_o conscience_n have_v speak_v we_o shall_v put_v its_o answer_n to_o proof_n and_o trial_n and_o see_v if_o it_o be_v the_o answer_n of_o conscience_n indeed_o we_o shall_v take_v the_o answer_n of_o conscience_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n and_o see_v if_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o same_o even_o as_o we_o shall_v take_v our_o light_n to_o conscience_n that_o conscience_n may_v testify_v of_o it_o so_o when_o we_o have_v get_v one_fw-mi answer_n from_o conscience_n we_o shall_v take_v it_o back_o to_o light_n and_o see_v how_o it_o agree_v with_o the_o word_n for_o there_o be_v a_o great_a correspondence_n betwixt_o these_o two_o conscience_n and_o light_n conscience_n serve_v to_o balance_v light_n and_o light_a to_o confirm_v conscience_n which_o be_v god_n deputy_n set_v up_o in_o man_n to_o speak_v his_o mind_n ere_o we_o can_v follow_v aught_o as_o the_o language_n of_o it_o we_o shall_v ask_v for_o his_o warrant_n and_o if_o it_o produce_v no_o word_n for_o the_o warrant_n of_o what_o it_o say_v we_o shall_v not_o take_v it_o for_o the_o answer_n of_o conscience_n or_o at_o least_o it_o shall_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o mistake_a answer_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o some_o when_o they_o get_v a_o little_a lightning_n after_o prayer_n and_o do_v not_o put_v it_o to_o the_o trial_n and_o yet_o rest_v on_o it_o as_o one_fw-mi answer_n of_o conscience_n be_v mistake_v yea_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o many_o of_o god_n people_n who_o have_v some_o access_n and_o liberty_n in_o their_o address_n to_o he_o be_v mistake_v for_o it_o be_v not_o access_n to_o he_o nor_o liberty_n simple_o that_o warrand_v conscience_n to_o speak_v but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o for_o the_o four_o question_v how_o this_o language_n of_o conscience_n may_v be_v discern_v and_o distinguish_v or_o difference_v from_o man_n light_n inclination_n and_o affection_n of_o fear_n or_o desire_n and_o like_v to_o be_v at_o a_o thing_n which_o will_v stir_v and_o make_v restless_a as_o well_o as_o as_o the_o impulse_n of_o conscience_n we_o answer_v 1._o the_o answer_n that_o conscience_n give_v be_v always_o from_o the_o word_n if_o it_o be_v right_a and_o upon_o that_o account_n that_o the_o word_n warrand_v it_o it_o not_o only_o say_v that_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n but_o press_v to_o it_o because_o agreeable_a thereto_o as_o for_o instance_n to_o allude_v to_o that_o word_n if_o not_o more_o he_o that_o give_v to_o a_o disciple_n a_o cup_n of_o cold_a water_n in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o disciple_n shall_v not_o loss_n his_o reward_n we_o may_v give_v somewhat_o to_o a_o man_n that_o be_v a_o disciple_n out_o of_o pity_n or_o on_o some_o other_o natural_a or_o moral_a consideration_n and_o relation_n and_o light_n will_v direct_v to_o that_o and_o the_o natural_a conscience_n may_v pousse_n to_o it_o but_o to_o make_v it_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n it_o require_v a_o re-duplication_a that_o we_o give_v to_o he_o as_o or_o because_o he_o be_v a_o disciple_n and_o member_n of_o christ_n so_o one_o may_v pray_v and_o come_v to_o church_n and_o have_v anâ—_n impulse_n to_o it_o and_o yet_o not_o from_o a_o good_a conscience_n as_o another_o do_v because_o the_o one_o come_v as_o in_o obedience_n to_o a_o command_v duty_n the_o other_o not_o but_o on_o some_o other_o account_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o conscience_n press_v to_o obedience_n on_o that_o account_n but_o light_n inclination_n and_o affection_n press_v to_o obedience_n on_o another_o account_n as_o from_o some_o selfish_a motive_n or_o consideration_n suppose_v it_o to_o be_v a_o duty_n a_o second_o way_n to_o discern_v its_o answer_n be_v this_o light_z inclination_n and_o affection_n put_v to_o the_o thing_n in_o the_o general_a only_o but_o the_o answer_n of_o conscience_n respect_v all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o thing_n conscience_n do_v not_o only_o say_v go_v and_o pray_v but_o pray_v in_o this_o manner_n to_o wit_n with_o faith_n love_n fear_v reverence_n and_o sincerity_n of_o heart_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o conscience_n consider_v the_o duty_n as_o circumstantiate_v in_o the_o word_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v answer_n be_v no_o broad_a nor_o narrow_a than_o the_o word_n be_v whereas_o when_o a_o man_n be_v put_v to_o such_o a_o thing_n from_o credit_n fear_v or_o desire_n his_o practice_n be_v extend_v no_o further_a than_o to_o such_o anâ—_n end_n credit_n fear_v of_o loss_n or_o the_o like_a if_o he_o have_v any_o regard_n to_o circumstance_n levell_v and_o module_v he_o in_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o his_o act_n so_o as_o he_o may_v attain_v that_o which_o drive_v he_o on_o to_o such_o a_o duty_n but_o when_o conscience_n put_v to_o duty_n that_o god_n may_v be_v obey_v and_o peace_n in_o he_o enjoy_v it_o regulate_v the_o man_n in_o all_o circumstance_n of_o his_o duty_n in_o order_n to_o that_o end_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o some_o be_v so_o soon_o and_o so_o well_o satisfy_v with_o duty_n other_o be_v never_o thorough_o satisfy_v because_o the_o one_o go_v about_o duty_n for_o the_o fashion_n to_o guard_v against_o and_o hold_v off_o challenge_v or_o for_o some_o other_o sinister_a end_n and_o so_o be_v still_o drive_v on_o from_o such_o a_o principle_n and_o for_o such_o end_n but_o the_o other_o go_v about_o duty_n in_o obedience_n to_o god_n aâ—d_v so_o as_o he_o may_v have_v peace_n in_o he_o and_o while_o any_o thing_n be_v want_v that_o may_v mâ—rr_v that_o he_o be_v disquiet_v 3_o we_o may_v discern_v it_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o answer_n and_o the_o effect_n that_o it_o have_v on_o the_o 〈◊〉_d to_o who_o the_o answer_n be_v give_v conscience_n be_v god_n deputy_n and_o the_o most_o divine_a thing_n in_o man_n even_o the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o search_v into_o the_o 〈◊〉_d and_o inward_a part_n of_o the_o belly_n and_o when_o act_v its_o part_n aright_o the_o most_o excellent_a representer_n of_o god_n if_o it_o
there_o be_v nothing_o ready_o that_o more_o comfort_v he_o in_o a_o strait_n it_o be_v asleep_o singular_o good_a backfriend_n therefore_o when_o paul_n have_v few_o other_o friend_n he_o make_v use_v of_o this_o and_o find_v much_o peace_n and_o comfort_n from_o it_o and_o hence_o he_o say_v 2_o cor._n 1._o 12._o our_o rejoice_v be_v this_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n etc._n etc._n to_o clear_v this_o in_o a_o word_n further_o it_o be_v in_o these_o three_o case_n exceed_v useful_a 1._o in_o the_o case_n of_o reproach_n i_o have_v say_v paul_n act_v 23._o 1._o live_v in_o all_o good_a conscience_n before_o god_n until_o this_o day_n and_o 2_o tim_n 1._o 3._o i_o thank_v god_n who_o i_o serve_v with_o pure_a conscience_n from_o my_o forefather_n 2_o in_o the_o case_n of_o some_o notable_a cross_n when_o christian_n be_v bring_v very_o low_a in_o a_o great_a measure_n outward_o afflict_v or_o under_o great_a persecution_n this_o be_v say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o pet._n 2._o 19_o 20._o thank_v worthy_a if_o a_o man_n for_o conscience_n towards_o god_n endure_v grief_n suffer_v wrongful_o for_o what_o glory_n be_v it_o if_o when_o you_o be_v buffet_v for_o your_o fault_n you_o shall_v take_v it_o patient_o but_o if_o when_o you_o do_v well_o and_o suffer_v for_o it_o and_o take_v it_o patient_o this_o be_v acceptable_a with_o god_n 3_o it_o be_v useful_a and_o comfortable_a as_o to_o our_o own_o peace_n in_o the_o case_n of_o challenge_n for_o guilt_n it_o silence_v and_o shoulder_n out_o all_o challenge_n and_o give_v holy_a boldness_n if_o our_o heart_n or_o conscience_n condemn_v we_o not_o say_v john_n 1_o ep._n chap_n 3._o v._n 21._o then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n the_o use_n serve_v to_o teach_v we_o to_o be_v much_o in_o love_n with_o such_o a_o way_n as_o we_o may_v have_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n in_o it_o and_o to_o be_v much_o in_o love_n with_o such_o a_o conscience_n as_o may_v give_v we_o such_o a_o comfortable_a testimony_n in_o all_o our_o strait_n and_o difficulty_n more_o particular_o we_o shall_v speak_v to_o that_o which_o we_o main_o aim_v at_o in_o these_o four_o or_o five_o observation_n consider_v then_o first_o what_o paul_n be_v about_o here_o he_o be_v assert_v a_o truth_n viz._n that_o he_o be_v in_o great_a beavines_n for_o his_o brethren_n and_o kinsman_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n and_o he_o atte_v his_o conscience_n that_o it_o be_v so_o and_o that_o he_o be_v honest_a and_o sincere_a in_o assert_v it_o whence_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o action_n of_o a_o man_n life_n but_o conscience_n have_v a_o concern_v in_o it_o and_o have_v something_o to_o say_v to_o he_o concern_v it_o if_o it_o be_v but_o the_o speak_n of_o a_o word_n let_v be_v the_o do_v of_o any_o bussiness_n conscience_n have_v always_o something_o to_o say_v for_o he_o or_o against_o he_o so_o that_o we_o may_v confident_o say_v there_o be_v no_o action_n of_o so_o little_a moment_n in_o thought_n word_n or_o deed_n as_o whither_o a_o man_n be_v call_v to_o do_v or_o forbear_v to_o speak_v or_o to_o be_v silent_a but_o in_o all_o these_o conscience_n have_v a_o sense_n and_o consideration_n of_o it_o and_o a_o testimony_n to_o give_v for_o or_o against_o the_o man_n about_o it_o i_o be_o not_o now_o speak_v of_o thing_n sinful_a or_o unlawful_a on_o the_o matter_n but_o of_o such_o thing_n as_o on_o the_o matter_n be_v lawful_a as_o when_o a_o man_n speak_v truth_n whither_o he_o speak_v it_o true_o and_o with_o a_o honest_a intention_n or_o not_o therefore_o when_o paul_n be_v speak_v a_o truth_n here_o he_o look_v to_o his_o conscience_n and_o hearken_v what_o it_o say_v put_v these_o four_o together_o and_o you_o will_v find_v it_o clear_a that_o a_o sanctify_a conscience_n in_o a_o sanctify_a and_o good_a frame_n will_v always_o have_v something_o to_o say_v for_o or_o against_o a_o man_n in_o every_o thing_n that_o he_o go_v about_o i_o say_v a_o sanctify_a conscience_n in_o a_o sanctify_a frame_n because_o that_o be_v the_o conscience_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o and_o the_o conscience_n that_o most_o complete_o discharge_v its_o duty_n 1_o if_o we_o consider_v this_o that_o there_o be_v no_o humane_a action_n but_o god_n have_v give_v man_n a_o rule_n direct_v how_o it_o shall_v be_v order_v how_o he_o shall_v eat_v and_o how_o he_o shall_v drink_v how_o he_o shall_v plough_v pray_v hear_v read_v confer_v how_o he_o shall_v walk_v in_o company_n and_o out_o of_o company_n how_o he_o shall_v go_v about_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o call_v and_o it_o prescribe_v the_o manner_n of_o do_v these_o thing_n as_o well_o as_o the_o matter_n therefore_o 1_o tim._n 3._o 16_o 1â—_n it_o be_v say_v all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n and_o for_o correction_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v unto_o every_o good_a work_n it_o furnish_v he_o with_o light_n and_o direction_n not_o only_a in_o the_o matter_n as_o â—_o say_v but_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v 2._o 〈◊〉_d that_o a_o man_n in_o all_o his_o action_n be_v either_o walk_v according_a and_o agreeable_o to_o tâ—at_a rule_n or_o not_o his_o action_n be_v eiâ—her_o conform_v or_o disconform_v to_o the_o rule_n there_o be_v not_o a_o mid_n he_o either_o do_v according_a to_o it_o or_o he_o do_v not_o according_a to_o it_o if_o he_o do_v the_o action_n as_o the_o word_n prescribe_v conscience_n have_v something_o to_o say_v for_o he_o if_o noâ—_n it_o have_v something_o to_o say_v against_o he_o 3._o 〈◊〉_d that_o in_o all_o action_n as_o they_o be_v â—one_n or_o perform_v and_o as_o 〈◊〉_d god_n be_v either_o please_v or_o displease_v if_o the_o action_n be_v do_v according_a to_o his_o will_n he_o be_v please_v if_o it_o be_v not_o do_v according_a to_o his_o will_n he_o be_v displease_v 4._o conâ—ider_v that_o a_o sanctify_a conscience_n take_v up_o a_o man_n action_n and_o consider_v he_o in_o they_o not_o according_a to_o the_o matter_n only_o buâ—_n also_o as_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o rule_n for_o the_o manner_n principle_n motive_n and_o end_n and_o testifi_v of_o they_o according_o so_o that_o if_o god_n have_v a_o interest_n in_o all_o a_o man_n action_n a_o sanctify_a conscience_n have_v also_o a_o interest_n in_o they_o i_o say_v a_o sanctify_a conscience_n because_o it_o most_o single_o pleaâ—eth_v god_n interest_n this_o be_v true_a also_o of_o a_o natural_a conscience_n according_a to_o its_o light_n for_o even_o such_o a_o conscience_n as_o it_o be_v say_v rom._n 2._o 5._o bear_v witness_v and_o the_o gentile_n show_v the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heatâ—s_n their_o conscience_n also_o bear_v witness_n and_o their_o thought_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n accuse_v or_o else_o excuse_v one_o another_o and_o there_o be_v no_o natural_a man_n if_o he_o take_v heed_n to_o his_o conscience_n in_o the_o do_n of_o any_o action_n but_o will_v find_v conscience_n according_a to_o its_o light_n speak_v either_o for_o he_o or_o against_o he_o either_o accuse_v or_o else_o excuse_v he_o but_o this_o be_v much_o more_o to_o be_v find_v be_v a_o sanctify_a conscience_n because_o it_o have_v much_o more_o light_n and_o much_o more_o tenderness_n to_o act_v according_a â—o_o that_o light_n and_o therefore_o it_o will_v find_v itself_o much_o more_o concern_v in_o the_o action_n of_o a_o believer_n the_o first_o use_n be_v for_o information_n and_o instruction_n in_o a_o maâ—n_n practical_a point_n of_o religion_n relate_v to_o man_n conversation_n most_o man_n 〈◊〉_d think_v that_o conscience_n be_v not_o concern_v except_o in_o some_o great_a thing_n some_o palpable_o sinful_a thing_n or_o some_o thing_n immediate_o relate_v to_o religion_n and_o that_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n they_o may_v live_v as_o they_o like_v without_o take_v notice_n of_o conscience_n but_o â—_o sâ—y_o and_o have_v clear_v it_o that_o conscience_n have_v â—n_v 〈◊〉_d and_o concern_v in_o every_o action_n not_o only_o as_o to_o put_v man_n to_o undertake_v it_o whereof_o we_o speak_v before_o but_o also_o as_o to_o their_o manner_n of_o perform_v the_o same_o it_o not_o only_o put_v a_o man_n to_o think_v speak_v or_o do_v but_o it_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o think_n speak_a and_o do_v conscience_n in_o every_o one_o of_o these_o have_v somewhat_o to_o say_v viz._n that_o we_o be_v either_o right_a or_o wrong_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o all_o a_o christian_a man_n action_n may_v be_v take_v up_o in_o a_o twofold_a respect_n or_o under_o a_o twofold_a consideration_n 1._o
wealth_n because_o the_o law_n be_v the_o public_a conscience_n which_o â—eems_v to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o if_o noâ—_n point_v blank_a contradictory_n unto_o what_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v to_o rom._n 14._o v._n 5_o let_v every_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n or_o conscience_n to_o wit_n of_o the_o warrantablenesse_n of_o what_o he_o do_v and_o to_o what_o he_o assert_n v_o 23._o whatsoever_o be_v not_o do_v in_o faith_n or_o from_o this_o full_a persuasion_n of_o its_o warrantableness_n be_v sin_n he_o do_v not_o sure_o write_v this_o to_o christian_n â—n_n outopia_n or_o in_o the_o fancied_a new_a world_n in_o the_o moon_n â—ut_v to_o those_o who_o be_v realy_a present_a memoer_n of_o the_o roman_a commonwealth_n or_o subject_n of_o that_o impire_n neither_o can_v it_o with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n be_v suppose_v especial_o by_o he_o who_o in_o the_o strain_n of_o his_o book_n as_o to_o this_o matter_n make_v very_o little_a or_o rather_o no_o difference_n at_o all_o betwixt_o a_o heathen_a and_o christian_a magistrate_n for_o whether_o the_o magistrate_n be_v pagan_a mahometan_n jewish_a christian_n popish_a or_o pâ—otestant_n heretical_a or_o orthodox_n seem_v to_o â—e_v all_o onâ—_n to_o he_o and_o his_o follower_n in_o this_o debate_n that_o if_o the_o roman_a emperor_n have_v be_v christian_a he_o will_v have_v write_v otherways_o or_o that_o his_o become_v such_o will_v enervat_fw-la yea_o quite_o evacuat_a the_o strength_n and_o obligation_n of_o what_o he_o writ_n for_o â—e_n deliver_v it_o as_o a_o eternal_a and_o un-alterable_a verity_n rule_v who_o will_v and_o be_v the_o civil_a law_n what_o they_o may_v be_v and_o while_o in_o the_o 13._o chapter_n of_o that_o same_o epistle_n he_o tell_v christian_n v_o 5._o that_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v subject_n not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o also_o for_o conscience_n sake_n he_o seem_v very_o clear_o to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o law_n and_o command_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n which_o mr._n hobbs_n call_v the_o public_a conscience_n and_o the_o conscience_n of_o private_a christian_a subject_n and_o to_o presâ—e_v upon_o they_o subjection_n to_o the_o high_a power_n for_o their_o own_o conscience_n sake_n and_o so_o to_o leave_v to_o they_o some_o exercise_n and_o judgement_n of_o that_o their_o conscience_n concern_v the_o matter_n of_o their_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n otherways_o the_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n can_v not_o well_o be_v say_v to_o be_v for_o conscience_n sake_n or_o out_o of_o conscience_n for_o he_o raight_o short_o have_v say_v obey_v the_o dictate_v of_o the_o public_a conscience_n aâ—_n the_o law_n of_o the_o superior_a power_n there_o be_v no_o place_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o conscience_n of_o private_a subject_n in_o the_o matter_n there_o be_v one_o divine_a such_o as_o he_o be_v who_o in_o his_o ecclesiastic_a polity_n more_o late_o deliver_v the_o same_o doctrine_n wherein_o he_o not_o only_o plain_o hobbize_v but_o also_o palpable_o play_v the_o plagiâ—y_n borrow_v not_o to_o say_v steal_v much_o of_o what_o he_o say_v to_o this_o purpose_n through_o his_o book_n from_o mr_n hobbs_n though_o in_o some_o few_o thing_n he_o oppoâ—eth_v he_o and_o deliver_v his_o sentiment_n in_o a_o fine_a dress_n of_o language_n it_o may_v be_v that_o none_o may_v think_v that_o he_o be_v behold_v to_o the_o other_o for_o that_o which_o he_o will_v surprise_v the_o world_n with_o as_o his_o own_o new_a and_o profound_o witty_a invention_n vain_o as_o it_o be_v cry_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d let_v they_o for_o i_o share_n betwixt_o they_o this_o glory_v in_o their_o own_o shame_n that_o shall_v not_o be_v roll_v away_o he_o say_v that_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o divine_a worship_n subject_n be_v to_o be_v rule_v by_o authority_n and_o the_o public_a conscience_n and_o that_o in_o these_o matter_n private_a man_n have_v not_o power_n over_o their_o own_o action_n nor_o be_v to_o be_v direct_v by_o their_o own_o judgement_n but_o by_o the_o command_n à nd_v determination_n of_o the_o public_a conscience_n only_o with_o these_o sorry_a restriction_n if_o the_o thing_n command_v do_v not_o either_o countenance_n vice_n or_o disgrace_v the_o deity_n or_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v not_o absolute_o and_o essential_o evil_a who_o nature_n no_o case_n can_v alter_v no_o circumstance_n can_v extenuat_fw-la and_o no_o end_n can_v sanctify_v mr._n hobbs_n have_v only_o this_o limitation_n if_o the_o thing_n be_v not_o against_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n in_o effect_n both_o come_v near_o to_o the_o same_o if_o not_o to_o the_o very_a same_o amount_v and_o by_o both_o a_o obligation_n be_v plead_v to_o lie_v on_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o private_a christian_a subject_n to_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o conduct_n and_o regulation_n of_o the_o public_a conscience_n or_o of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n as_o to_o many_o at_o least_o of_o the_o positive_a command_n of_o god_n do_v contrary_a to_o which_o will_v not_o fall_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o these_o very_a narrow_a limitation_n which_o either_o suppose_v without_o any_o warrant_n or_o proof_n that_o the_o public_a conscience_n be_v always_o infallible_a as_o to_o these_o and_o it_o be_v worthy_a notice_v what_o the_o learned_a monsieur_fw-fr claude_n have_v to_o this_o purpose_n in_o his_o deâ—ence_n of_o the_o reformation_n where_o he_o say_v in_o effect_n a_o absolute_a obedience_n and_o entire_a resign_v of_o one_o self_n to_o the_o conduct_n of_o â—nother_n in_o these_o matter_n that_o regard_v the_o faith_n and_o the_o conscience_n be_v a_o duty_n that_o we_o can_v lawful_o tender_a to_o none_o but_o to_o god_n who_o be_v the_o first_o truth_n the_o first_o principle_n of_o all_o justice_n to_o which_o none_o can_v pretend_v without_o usurp_v the_o just_a right_n of_o god_n as_o be_v also_o what_o say_v amesius_n page_n 6._o of_o his_o case_n that_o the_o conscience_n be_v immediate_o subject_a to_o god_n and_o to_o his_o will_n and_o can_v subject_v itself_o to_o any_o creature_n without_o idolatry_n or_o it_o be_v the_o short_a cut_n and_o compendious_a way_n to_o debauch_v man_n conscience_n and_o to_o drive_v all_o conscience_n out_o of_o the_o world_n be_v obvious_o liable_a to_o these_o follow_v beside_o other_o great_a and_o gross_a absurdity_n 1._o that_o private_a christian_a subject_n be_v not_o at_o all_o to_o trouble_v themselves_o or_o to_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n in_o order_n to_o the_o information_n of_o their_o conscience_n and_o bring_v themselves_o to_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o their_o mind_n or_o conscience_n which_o they_o be_v express_o command_v to_o do_v john_n 5._o 39_o and_o rom._n 14._o 5._o of_o the_o warrantableness_n of_o what_o they_o do_v or_o be_v enjoin_v to_o do_v in_o religion_n and_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n if_o it_o be_v not_o against_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o may_v be_v easy_o discern_v for_o say_v mr._n hobbs_n it_o be_v bear_v with_o every_o man_n and_o engrave_v on_o every_o man_n heart_n he_o be_v in_o all_o such_o thing_n to_o acquiesce_v without_o debate_n or_o demure_a in_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o public_a conscience_n and_o if_o he_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o have_v his_o conscience_n inform_v the_o more_o he_o do_v to_o he_o but_o put_v his_o own_o conscience_n the_o more_o upon_o the_o rack_n and_o to_o the_o torture_n if_o he_o must_v notwithstanding_o the_o clear_a information_n and_o best_a ground_a persuasion_n of_o his_o own_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n stand_v to_o and_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o resolve_n of_o the_o public_a conscience_n as_o he_o must_v do_v according_a to_o this_o doctrine_n if_o he_o sin_v not_o as_o have_v not_o hitherto_o be_v doubt_v by_o any_o man_n of_o conscience_n in_o counteracting_a his_o own_o light_n and_o well-informed_n conscience_n at_o leaâ—_n he_o can_v but_o be_v more_o disquert_v that_o he_o be_v according_a to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n at_o so_o much_o pain_n in_o the_o â—utit_fw-la of_o seek_v to_o have_v his_o conscience_n so_o well_o inform_v which_o god_n never_o make_v a_o just_a ground_n of_o disquiet_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o his_o people_n and_o his_o acquiescence_n in_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o public_a conscience_n or_o of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n must_v be_v as_o to_o many_o or_o most_o if_o not_o all_o divine_a positives_n in_o religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n for_o say_v mr._n hobbs_n page_n 249._o they_o to_o who_o god_n have_v not_o speak_v immediate_o be_v to_o receive_v command_n from_o the_o sovereign_n and_o consequent_o in_o every_o commonwealth_n they_o who_o have_v no_o supernatural_a revelation_n to_o the_o contrary_a aught_o to_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o their_o own_o sovereign_n in_o the_o external_a act_n and_o
conscience_n for_o abstain_v from_o such_o and_o such_o a_o practice_n only_o from_o long_a custom_n of_o do_v so_o from_o the_o example_n of_o other_o or_o from_o loathness_n to_o displease_v they_o or_o only_o from_o dis-inclination_n to_o or_o aversion_n from_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o will_v not_o ready_o abide_v by_o if_o any_o considerable_a suffering_n whether_o of_o emergent_a loss_n or_o cessant_fw-la gain_n be_v meet_v with_o on_o account_n thereof_o whereby_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o conscience_n and_o true_o conscientious_a person_n be_v expose_v to_o contempt_n and_o scorn_n some_o stander_n by_o and_o looker-on_n take_v occasion_n to_o think_v and_o say_v that_o such_o person_n have_v all_o the_o while_n be_v act_v by_o no_o real_a principle_n of_o conscience_n but_o only_o by_o humour_n or_o at_o best_o by_o the_o example_n of_o other_o to_o the_o great_a reproach_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o holy_a profession_n there_o of_o and_o such_o as_o have_v a_o natural_a and_o unreasonable_a prejudice_n at_o all_o serious_a godliness_n and_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n lie_v at_o the_o wait_n to_o fish_n and_o catch_v all_o advantage_n so_o fortify_v themselves_o in_o their_o prejudice_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o draw_v their_o conclusion_n not_o only_o nor_o so_o much_o against_o the_o particular_a person_n as_o against_o the_o whole_a generation_n of_o conscientious_a and_o godly_a people_n yea_o against_o godliness_n itself_o and_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n their_o prejudice_n prompt_v they_o to_o think_v and_o say_v we_o always_o think_v that_o sort_n of_o man_n be_v not_o true_o conscientious_a and_o godly_a whatsoever_o they_o profess_v and_o now_o we_o see_v and_o find_v they_o to_o be_v so_o and_o that_o we_o be_v not_o mistake_v but_o in_o the_o right_n when_o we_o think_v they_o to_o be_v such_o they_o be_v all_o such_o all_o of_o a_o piece_n act_v by_o no_o true_a principle_n of_o conscience_n but_o by_o humour_n peevishness_n or_o some_o such_o thing_n notwithstanding_o of_o all_o their_o high_a floun_a pretension_n of_o conscience_n for_o let_v they_o but_o be_v put_v a_o little_a to_o it_o and_o all_o their_o conscience-pretension_n will_v be_v quite_o relinquish_v and_o evanish_v and_o they_o will_v be_v and_o do_v like_o other_o which_o give_v ground_n to_o sober_a and_o true_o conscientious_a person_n to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v better_a and_o more_o for_o the_o advantage_n and_o credit_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o real_a plea_n of_o conscience_n that_o it_o be_v never_o pretend_v in_o such_o thing_n where_o it_o be_v only_o pretend_v i_o will_v not_o i_o there_fw-mi not_o say_v but_o a_o true_o conscienscious_a person_n may_v by_o the_o more_o close_a approach_n of_o trouble_n and_o suffering_n on_o the_o account_n of_o some_o particular_a debate_v practice_n or_o forbearance_n be_v put_v upon_o more_o narrow_a and_o exact_a inquiry_n into_o and_o examination_n of_o the_o ground_n &_o reason_n of_o that_o practice_n or_o forbearance_n and_o may_v after_o such_o inquiry_n and_o examination_n come_v from_o more_o clear_a light_n to_o have_v different_a apprehension_n about_o the_o thing_n from_o what_o he_o have_v before_o though_o the_o clearness_n win_v at_o which_o be_v wait_v with_o the_o eschew_v of_o trouble_n and_o suffering_n will_v be_v holy_o jealouse_v and_o suspect_v and_o bring_v to_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n to_o be_v thereby_o scrutinous_o accurat_o and_o impartial_o try_v least_o self-love_n in_o such_o a_o case_n bribe_v as_o it_o be_v and_o bias_n the_o person_n judgement_n and_o light_n 2_o when_o conscience_n be_v pretend_v in_o minute_n small_a petty_a and_o comparative_o inconsiderable_a thing_n while_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n little_a or_o no_o conscience_n at_o all_o be_v make_v of_o but_o vast_a and_o unlimited_a latitud_n be_v take_v in_o the_o most_o momentuous_a and_o weighty_a thing_n of_o religion_n as_o the_o pharisee_n pretend_v conscience_n in_o tithing_n the_o small_a herb_n as_o mint_n anise_v and_o rue_v while_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o pass_v over_o without_o make_v any_o bone_n of_o they_o judgement_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v strain_v at_o gnat_n and_o swallow_v of_o camel_n 3_o when_o conscience_n be_v pretend_v for_o man_n tenacious_a adhere_n to_o human_a tradition_n while_o in_o the_o meantime_n they_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o make_v void_a the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o the_o same_o pharisee_n do_v for_o which_o out_o lord_n with_o holy_a severity_n inveigh_v against_o they_o 4_o when_o conscience_n be_v pretend_v for_o not_o shed_v the_o blood_n of_o innocent_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v adventure_v on_o and_o wicked_o per-petrated_n when_o they_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o man_n worldly_a wealth_n or_o preferment_n or_o with_o the_o gratify_n of_o great_a one_o in_o order_n to_o the_o former_a as_o it_o be_v with_o pilate_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o condemn_v christ_n of_o who_o innocence_n he_o be_v thorough_o convince_v and_o according_o do_v thrice_o over_o hear_v public_a testimony_n to_o it_o yet_o when_o he_o be_v tell_v that_o if_o he_o do_v let_v he_o go_v and_o condemn_v he_o not_o to_o death_n he_o be_v not_o caesar_n friend_n he_o forthwith_o proceed_v to_o the_o condemnatory_a sentence_n and_o deliver_v he_o to_o the_o persecute_v and_o murder_v jew_n to_o be_v crucify_v and_o poor_a wretch_n he_o imagine_v that_o the_o silly_a shift_n of_o wash_v his_o hand_n in_o water_n will_v wash_v and_o purge_v his_o deep_o â—_o fill_v conscience_n from_o the_o guilt_n and_o pollution_n contract_v by_o shed_v of_o that_o innocent_a and_o most_o precious_a blooâ—_n buâ—_n it_o stick_v fast_o to_o and_o be_v more_o stiff_o barkn_v on_o his_o conscience_n then_o to_o be_v so_o easy_o wash_v off_o &_o with_o such_o poor_a and_o pitiful_a shift_n do_v such_o man_n think_v or_o fancy_v to_o pacify_v their_o conscience_n and_o to_o purge_v they_o from_o the_o defilement_n of_o the_o great_a most_o clamant_fw-la and_o horrid_a crime_n if_o pilate_n have_v any_o real_a demur_v in_o his_o conscience_n about_o the_o thing_n as_o very_o probable_o he_o have_v his_o counteracting_a it_o on_o so_o base_a and_o unworthy_a account_n and_o then_o foolish_o fancie_v that_o by_o such_o a_o empty_a ceremony_n as_o wash_v his_o hand_n in_o water_n he_o can_v be_v wash_v from_o the_o guilt_n of_o so_o atrocious_a a_o crime_n be_v high_a aggravation_n of_o it_o 5_o when_o man_n pretend_v conscience_n as_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o not_o commit_v the_o least_o sin_n nay_o of_o their_o not_o do_v something_n that_o be_v very_o debateable_a whether_o they_o be_v sin_n or_o not_o while_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o make_v no_o conscience_n to_o stretch_v forth_o their_o hand_n to_o â—ay_n with_o a_o high_a hand_n to_o adventure_v on_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n that_o be_v incontravertable_o very_o great_a and_o gross_a as_o the_o pharisee_n pretend_v conscience_n for_o their_o not_o go_v to_o the_o judgement_n hall_n lest_o forsooth_o they_o shall_v be_v defile_v and_o so_o unfit_a to_o eat_v the_o passover_n who_o yet_o make_v no_o scruple_n maâ—ciously_o to_o imbrue_v their_o wicked_a hand_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o person_n that_o be_v god_n and_o typify_v by_o the_o passover_n 6_o when_o conscience_n or_o a_o conscientious_a regard_n be_v pretend_v for_o divine_a institution_n and_o ordinance_n mere_o and_o main_o from_o pickque_fw-mi and_o prejudice_n at_o the_o most_o tender_a and_o conscientious_a person_n as_o if_o their_o warrantable_a and_o consistent_a practice_n be_v the_o gross_a violation_n and_o great_a viâ—ifyings_n of_o they_o and_o plain_a inconsistency_n with_o a_o just_a regard_n for_o they_o how_o often_o thus_o do_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n quarrel_n with_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o disciple_n as_o breaker_n and_o profaner_n of_o the_o sabbath_n because_o of_o something_n do_v by_o he_o and_o they_o thereon_o not_o in_o the_o least_o in-compatible_a with_o the_o sanctification_n thereof_o as_o if_o they_o themselves_o have_v be_v more_o tender_a of_o the_o due_a observation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n then_o either_o the_o disciple_n or_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n be_v 7_o to_o give_v no_o more_o instance_n when_o conscience_n be_v pretend_v for_o keep_v and_o not_o break_v of_o sinful_a engadgement_n vow_n and_o oath_n wherewith_o man_n have_v rash_o bind_v themselves_o as_o suppose_v a_o man_n shall_v rash_o vow_v and_o swear_v that_o he_o will_v be_v avenge_v at_o the_o high_a rate_n on_o another_o because_o of_o either_o a_o imagine_a or_o real_a a_o lesser_a or_o great_a injury_n do_v he_o and_o as_o herod_n swear_v very_o inconsiderar_o and_o rash_o that_o he_o will_v give_v the_o dance_a daughter_n of_o the_o incestuous_a mother_n herodias_n whatever_o she_o shall_v ask_v of_o he_o even_o to_o the_o
which_o affect_v they_o as_o it_o be_v affect_v if_o their_o carriage_n be_v good_a it_o speak_v good_a to_o they_o if_o evil_a it_o speak_v evil_a to_o they_o hence_o it_o be_v say_v rom._n 2._o 15._o their_o conscience_n bear_v witness_n and_o their_o thought_n the_o meanwhile_n accuse_v or_o else_o excuse_v one_o another_o something_o also_o be_v speak_v to_o what_o conscience_n be_v and_o what_o be_v its_o office_n we_o shall_v now_o add_v a_o three_o doctrine_n though_o it_o be_v not_o the_o three_o in_o the_o order_n that_o we_o propose_v the_o doctrine_n at_o first_o which_o be_v this_o that_o christian_n ought_v so_o to_o walk_v yea_o if_o they_o be_v tender_a they_o will_v aim_v and_o endeavour_v so_o to_o walk_v as_o in_o nothing_o they_o may_v give_v their_o conscience_n offence_n the_o forego_v doctrine_n be_v common_a to_o all_o viz._n to_o have_v a_o conscience_n but_o this_o to_o walk_v friendly_a with_o the_o conscience_n so_o as_o not_o to_o offend_v or_o wrong_v it_o be_v not_o common_a to_o all_o but_o peculiar_a to_o he_o who_o be_v a_o christian_n in_o earnest_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o himself_o in_o the_o preecee_a chapter_n ver_fw-la 1._o man_n and_o brethren_n i_o have_v live_v before_o god_n in_o all_o good_a conscience_n until_o this_o day_n suppose_v he_o to_o mean_v since_o his_o conversion_n and_o 2_o cor._n 1._o 12._o our_o rejoice_v be_v this_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n etc._n etc._n and_o heb._n 13._o 18._o we_o trust_v we_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n willing_a to_o live_v honest_o and_o his_o pitch_v on_o this_o as_o a_o great_a ground_n of_o his_o consolation_n in_o strait_n be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o common_a thing_n but_o peculiar_a to_o the_o tender_a christian_a hence_o be_v the_o confident_a approach_n of_o the_o saint_n to_o god_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o david_n through_o the_o psalm_n in_o hezekiah_n isa._n 38._o 3._o remember_v i_o beseech_v thou_o how_o i_o have_v walk_v before_o thou_o in_o truth_n and_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n and_o in_o job_n chap._n 27._o vers_fw-la 6._o so_o 1_o john_n 3_o 21._o belove_a if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n for_o further_o clear_v of_o this_o point_n we_o shall_v show_v first_o what_o it_o be_v not_o to_o offend_v the_o conscience_n 2._o that_o a_o believer_n ought_v to_o walk_v and_o if_o he_o be_v tender_a will_v walk_v so_o as_o he_o may_v not_o offend_v his_o conscience_n and_o 3._o make_v use_n of_o the_o doctrine_n for_o clear_v of_o the_o first_o we_o shall_v show_v 1._o what_o offend_v the_o conscience_n 2._o what_o it_o be_v not_o to_o offend_v conscience_n the_o first_o of_o these_o may_v be_v comprise_v in_o these_o three_o general_n 1._o that_o whatever_o be_v sin_n against_o god_n offen_v the_o conscience_n for_o conscience_n be_v god_n deputy_n substitute_n by_o he_o and_o sustain_v his_o place_n and_o vicê_n in_o a_o manner_n in_o the_o soul_n to_o give_v sentence_n for_o he_o whatever_o offend_v and_o wrong_v god_n must_v also_o offend_v and_o wrong_v the_o conscience_n and_o though_o every_o sin_n do_v not_o always_o at_o present_a sensible_o and_o feel_o affect_v the_o conscience_n yet_o it_o make_v way_n for_o that_o and_o prove_v to_o be_v a_o offence_n and_o wrong_n do_v to_o it_o in_o that_o it_o lay_v the_o ground_n of_o a_o challenge_n 2._o that_o be_v a_o offence_n and_o wrong_n to_o the_o conscience_n which_o be_v against_o light_n and_o knowledge_n and_o though_o the_o impulse_n of_o conscience_n according_a to_o that_o light_n be_v not_o always_o so_o vigorous_a yet_o where_o there_o be_v a_o thwar_n with_o light_n there_o be_v a_o dare_v of_o conscience_n and_o a_o contradict_v of_o it_o and_o as_o it_o be_v rem_fw-la 14_o 22._o a_o man_n then_o condemn_v himself_o in_o that_o which_o he_o allow_v and_o lay_v the_o ground_n of_o a_o challenge_n against_o himself_o in_o that_o wherein_o he_o have_v light_a and_o clearness_n 3._o conscience_n be_v offend_v or_o wrong_v when_o any_o thing_n be_v adventure_v on_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o impulse_n of_o it_o as_o when_o conscience_n say_v that_o such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v do_v and_o we_o notwithstanding_o leave_v â—t_a undo_v or_o when_o it_o say_v such_o and_o such_o a_o thing_n ought_v â—ot_n to_o be_v do_v and_o yet_o we_o do_v it_o since_o conscience_n as_o we_o say_v before_o take_v notice_n of_o all_o a_o man_n thought_n purpose_n word_n and_o way_n to_o give_v in_o a_o word_n for_o god_n when_o that_o which_o it_o say_v for_o he_o be_v slight_v it_o can_v but_o be_v offend_v and_o wrong_v second_o not_o to_o offend_v but_o to_o keep_v friendship_n and_o a_o good_a understanding_n with_o the_o conscience_n suppose_v and_o take_v in_o these_o thing_n 1._o to_o have_v the_o judgement_n clear_o inform_v anent_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n for_o though_o conscience_n be_v above_o we_o yet_o it_o be_v under_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v inform_v from_o his_o word_n and_o we_o lie_v a_o stumbling-block_n before_o it_o when_o we_o endeavour_v not_o to_o have_v the_o eye_n single_a as_o the_o lord_n speak_v and_o the_o understanding_n clear_a 2._o to_o listen_v and_o lend_v the_o ear_n to_o hear_v what_o conscience_n say_v and_o after_o deliberation_n to_o be_v swey_v and_o determine_v according_a to_o what_o it_o say_v in_o do_v or_o forbear_v for_o unless_o we_o take_v heed_n to_o the_o voice_n of_o conscience_n we_o know_v not_o when_o we_o please_v or_o displease_v it_o 3._o to_o ply_v and_o steer_v a_o straight_a course_n according_a to_o the_o dictate_v and_o direction_n of_o conscience_n to_o take_v order_n to_o speak_v so_o from_o it_o so_o as_o when_o conscience_n point_v at_o such_o and_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o evil_n to_o stand_v and_o sist_z there_o without_o dare_v to_o meddle_v with_o it_o or_o move_v towards_o it_o and_o when_o it_o hold_v forth_o such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v a_o duty_n straight_a way_n to_o give_v obedience_n to_o it_o herein_o main_o consist_v a_o good_a conscience_n consider_v it_o with_o respect_n to_o its_o exercise_n when_o once_o make_v good_a to_o have_v our_o conscience_n say_v nothing_o against_o we_o and_o without_o have_v ground_n to_o say_v any_o thing_n against_o we_o when_o it_o can_v challenge_v we_o and_o say_v that_o it_o enjoin_v we_o to_o do_v such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n and_o that_o yet_o we_o do_v it_o not_o or_o that_o it_o enjoin_v we_o to_o forbear_v such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n and_o that_o yet_o we_o go_v on_o to_o the_o do_v of_o it_o so_o that_o when_o we_o come_v before_o god_n it_o may_v have_v nothing_o to_o reprove_v or_o challenge_v we_o for_o nothing_o to_o condemn_v we_o in_o but_o as_o it_o hold_v out_o our_o duty_n to_o we_o from_o the_o word_n just_o so_o to_o endeavour_v to_o behave_v in_o all_o thing_n for_o the_o second_o thing_n propose_v to_o be_v speak_v to_o viz._n that_o a_o believer_n ought_v and_o if_o he_o be_v tender_a will_v walk_v so_o as_o he_o may_v not_o offend_v his_o conscience_n these_o three_o thing_n will_v confirm_v it_o 1._o the_o very_a nature_n and_o office_n of_o his_o conscience_n if_o so_o be_v that_o conscience_n speak_v for_o god_n and_o be_v appoint_v by_o he_o as_o his_o deputy_n to_o be_v a_o remembrancer_n of_o duty_n and_o a_o restrainer_n from_o sin_n than_o the_o awe_n of_o god_n and_o love_n to_o he_o will_v make_v a_o man_n that_o be_v tender_a walk_v according_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o conscience_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o rom._n 13._o 5._o the_o command_n that_o be_v lay_v on_o for_o god_n sake_n be_v also_o lay_v on_o for_o conscience_n sake_n wherefore_o say_v he_o you_o must_v needs_o be_v subject_n not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o also_o for_o conscience_n sake_n that_o be_v from_o the_o awe_n of_o god_n that_o put_v we_o to_o our_o duty_n and_o from_o respect_n to_o conscience_n his_o deputy_n in_o this_o respect_n the_o voice_n of_o conscience_n be_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n for_o as_o a_o man_n can_v be_v tender_a who_o refuse_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o neither_o can_v he_o be_v tender_a who_o refuse_v to_o comply_v with_o the_o direction_n of_o his_o conscience_n speak_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n to_o he_o a_o second_o reason_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o great_a advantage_n that_o flow_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n it_o give_v much_o quietness_n and_o sweet_a peace_n in_o all_o strait_n and_o trouble_n and_o much_o confidence_n and_o holy_a boldness_n in_o approach_v to_o god_n if_o our_o conscience_n condemn_v we_o not_o say_v
john_n then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n in_o a_o word_n whatever_o condition_n a_o man_n can_v be_v in_o it_o prove_v his_o friend_n nay_o his_o best_a friend_n a_o three_o reason_n be_v take_v from_o the_o great_a prejudice_n that_o come_v to_o a_o man_n through_o his_o thwart_a and_o come_v in_o top_n with_o conscience_n he_o want_v that_o sweet_a inward_a peace_n that_o pass_v all_o understanding_n to_o keep_v and_o garrison_n his_o heart_n and_o mind_n whereby_o he_o be_v much_o expose_v and_o lay_v open_a god_n look_v terrible-like_a upon_o he_o and_o he_o have_v no_o access_n to_o he_o with_o boldness_n and_o confidence_n when_o the_o conscience_n be_v disquiet_v trouble_v and_o as_o it_o be_v through_o other_o or_o confuse_a and_o fear_n arise_v and_o challenge_n be_v waken_v therein_o these_o threaten_v a_o challenge_n from_o god_n and_o portend_v a_o storm_n of_o wrath_n to_o follow_v hence_o be_v david_n complaint_n psal._n 32._o 3._o 4._o when_o i_o keep_v silence_n my_o bone_n wax_v old_a through_o my_o roar_a etc._n etc._n and_o his_o lamentation_n throughout_o the_o 51._o psalm_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n the_o apostle_n john_n speak_v very_o weighty_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 where_o he_o plain_o insinuat_v that_o the_o heart_n or_o conscience_n its_o condemn_v be_v the_o forerunner_n of_o god_n condemn_v and_o a_o evidence_n of_o it_o and_o that_o withal_o the_o latter_a be_v as_o more_o absolute_o infallible_a so_o more_o terrible_a than_o the_o former_a where_o these_o three_o go_v along_o together_o it_o be_v impossible_a where_o a_o person_n be_v tender_a but_o he_o will_v be_v loath_a to_o top_n or_o thwart_v with_o his_o conscience_n as_o for_o the_o use_v which_o we_o propose_v to_o speak_v to_o in_o the_o three_o place_n they_o may_v be_v draw_v to_o these_o fouâ—_n 1._o for_o information_n and_o instruction_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o duty_n 2._o for_o trial_n and_o to_o evidence_n who_o be_v sincere_a believer_n 3._o for_o reproof_n 4._o for_o exhortation_n there_o be_v need_n of_o all_o these_o especial_o to_o such_o christian_n who_o take_v but_o little_a heed_n to_o their_o conscience_n the_o first_o use_n show_v what_o be_v believer_n duty_n they_o shall_v by_o all_o mean_n learn_v to_o know_v and_o take_v up_o what_o conscience_n say_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o labour_n to_o have_v their_o conscience_n well_o inform_v and_o take_v notice_n of_o what_o it_o speak_v ere_o they_o do_v any_o thing_n and_o what_o be_v conscience_n thought_n of_o it_o after_o it_o be_v do_v and_o according_o to_o be_v affect_v determine_v and_o sway_v it_o be_v true_a the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v the_o supreme_a rule_n and_o to_o be_v hearken_v to_o in_o the_o first_o place_n but_o that_o which_o we_o be_v now_o speak_v to_o be_v concern_v take_a advice_n from_o conscience_n which_o 1._o do_v make_v the_o law_n speak_v more_o sensible_o lively_a and_o aloud_o then_o before_o 2._o it_o make_v it_o speak_v more_o plain_o for_o when_o people_n reason_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o shuffle_v by_o a_o word_n that_o samâ—_n word_n come_v into_o and_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o conscience_n will_v become_v more_o clear_a and_o convince_a and_o it_o make_v the_o understanding_n be_v thereby_o make_v more_o single_a to_o take_v it_o up_o better_a 3._o it_o make_v the_o man_n more_o impartial_a when_o the_o word_n come_v not_o to_o his_o judgement_n only_o neither_o will_v he_o leave_v the_o word_n with_o his_o light_n and_o reason_n simple_o nor_o to_o debate_v with_o his_o inclination_n and_o affection_n but_o put_v the_o word_n and_o his_o conscience_n together_o and_o take_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o some_o way_n immediate_o from_o his_o conscience_n it_o make_v he_o single_a and_o unbiased_a as_o i_o say_v before_o and_o sometime_o aâ—_n conscience_n will_v speak_v when_o the_o judgement_n have_v little_a or_o nothing_o to_o say_v so_o it_o decide_v often_o betwixt_o the_o opposite_a reason_n of_o the_o judgement_n for_o both_o side_n 4._o the_o advice_n and_o dictate_v of_o conscience_n be_v much_o more_o powerful_a than_o that_o of_o the_o simple_a judgement_n and_o reason_n and_o adher_v better_a and_o more_o close_o than_o affection_n or_o inclination_n conscience_n be_v more_o direct_o god_n deputy_n and_o in_o a_o more_o immediate_a subordination_n to_o he_o iâ—_n stick_v more_o tenacious_o by_o duty_n and_o it_o be_v as_o a_o check_n to_o our_o humour_n and_o as_o a_o compass_n to_o steer_v our_o course_n by_o in_o all_o thing_n we_o be_v to_o be_v sway_v by_o its_o advice_n hence_o some_o who_o can_v almost_o debate_v nothing_o in_o reason_n yet_o will_v not_o dare_v for_o conscience_n to_o do_v such_o a_o thing_n some_o necessary_a question_n relate_v to_o practice_n arise_v from_o this_o use_n which_o we_o shall_v speak_v a_o few_o word_n to_o as_o 1._o if_o any_o other_o thing_n beside_o conscience_n may_v have_v a_o impulse_n to_o duty_n 2._o if_o other_o thing_n may_v have_v a_o impulse_n to_o duty_n whether_o it_o be_v credit_n interest_n inclination_n will_n or_o affection_n how_o may_v the_o impulse_n of_o these_o be_v decern_v and_o difference_v from_o the_o impulse_n of_o conscience_n 3._o whether_o the_o dictate_v of_o conscience_n may_v always_o be_v follow_v see_v its_o impulse_n may_v be_v wrong_a 4._o what_o shall_v be_v do_v in_o such_o a_o case_n and_o how_o may_v we_o difference_n what_o be_v right_a 5._o whether_o a_o man_n and_o his_o conscience_n may_v be_v friend_n and_o agree_v together_o in_o a_o wrong_a cause_n or_o practice_n for_o the_o first_o question_n whether_o any_o thing_n beside_o conscience_n do_v or_o may_v pour_v to_o duty_n we_o answer_v affirmative_o many_o thing_n may_v court_v we_o which_o by_o their_o impulse_n do_v often_o thwart_v with_o conscience_n hence_o be_v the_o inward_a combat_n in_o the_o christian_a betwixt_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o spirit_n the_o flesh_n do_v pouss_n to_o one_o thing_n and_o conscience_n to_o the_o contrary_a therefore_o gal._n 5._o 17._o it_o be_v say_v the_o flesh_n lust_v against_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n against_o the_o flesh_n and_o these_o two_o be_v contrary_a one_o to_o another_o and_o rom._n 7._o 23._o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o a_o law_n in_o his_o member_n rebel_a against_o the_o law_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o lead_v he_o captive_a to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n in_o his_o member_n more_o particular_o these_o thing_n as_o we_o hint_v before_o may_v have_v a_o impulse_n towards_o the_o do_n of_o duty_n as_o first_o man_n credit_n have_v a_o strong_a impulse_n where_o any_o thing_n cross_v it_o be_v apprehend_v to_o occur_v 2._o man_n interest_n have_v often_o a_o impulse_n so_o as_o to_o carry_v on_o a_o selfish_a design_n it_o will_v make_v gain_n seem_v to_o be_v godliness_n 3_o man_n natural_a inclination_n will_n and_o affection_n have_v a_o impulse_n also_o and_o the_o impulse_n of_o these_o will_v sometime_o be_v exceed_v like_a to_o the_o impulse_n of_o conscience_n and_o here_o we_o may_v consider_v these_o three_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v influence_n upon_o 1._o they_o may_v have_v influence_n to_o mar_v a_o man_n light_n and_o pervert_v his_o understanding_n as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o a_o gift_n it_o blind_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o pervert_v the_o understanding_n of_o the_o prudent_a so_o man_n credit_n interest_n and_o natural_a inclination_n may_v in_o a_o sort_n bribe_v the_o understanding_n and_o blind_a the_o judgement_n insensible_o and_o the_o man_n not_o know_v of_o it_o distinct_o at_o least_o 2._o when_o they_o have_v pervert_v the_o judgement_n they_o may_v engage_v the_o affection_n and_o these_o drive_v violent_o 3._o if_o the_o man_n yield_v not_o to_o such_o a_o thing_n his_o credit_n or_o interest_n will_v vex_v he_o like_o conscience_n and_o take_v rest_n and_o quiet_a from_o he_o as_o we_o see_v in_o herod_n matth._n 14._o 9_o who_o when_o the_o dance_a damsel_n suit_v for_o the_o head_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n be_v sorry_a or_o grieve_v nevertheless_o for_o his_o oath_n sake_n and_o for_o they_o who_o sit_v at_o table_n with_o he_o he_o command_v it_o to_o be_v give_v she_o folk_n will_v have_v think_v that_o it_o be_v his_o conscience_n that_o make_v he_o sorry_a but_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o conscience_n but_o credit_n therefore_o it_o be_v say_v not_o only_o for_o his_o oath_n sake_n but_o for_o they_o that_o sit_v at_o table_n with_o he_o it_o be_v like_a if_o his_o oath_n have_v be_v be_v give_v in_o private_a conscience_n will_v not_o much_o have_v trouble_v he_o and_o while_o it_o be_v say_v he_o be_v sorry_a or_o grieve_a it_o show_v plain_o that_o his_o credit_n suffer_v he_o to_o
get_v no_o rest_n until_o the_o â—ll_a turn_n be_v do_v under_o pretext_n of_o keep_v his_o oath_n herod_n be_v predominant_o sway_v by_o these_o who_o sit_v at_o table_n with_o he_o and_o will_v have_v it_o think_v that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v excuse_v because_o otherways_o he_o can_v not_o forsooth_o keep_v his_o oath_n who_o yet_o have_v break_v many_o a_o oath_n and_o make_v no_o bone_n of_o they_o for_o the_o second_o question_n how_o may_v the_o impulse_n of_o conscience_n be_v know_v and_o discern_v from_o the_o impulse_n of_o credit_n interest_n inclination_n will_n and_o affection_n answer_v by_o the_o word_n to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n isa._n 8._o 20_o conscience_n be_v subject_a to_o that_o and_o conscience_n never_o ready_o pouse_v against_o duty_n hold_v out_o by_o the_o word_n conscience_n will_v never_o bid_v heroa_fw-la take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o a_o innocent_a man_n 2._o if_o a_o man_n be_v dark_a and_o doubtful_a in_o a_o particular_a conscience_n as_o conscience_n be_v always_o single_a but_o credit_n interest_n and_o thâ—_n like_a have_v always_o some_o by-respect_n which_o steal_v in_o and_o drown_v conscience_n represent_v to_o it_o that_o such_o and_o such_o loss_n or_o prejudice_n will_v follow_v on_o such_o a_o thing_n interest_n and_o reputation_n will_v make_v a_o man_n say_v i_o will_v noâ—_n do_v such_o a_o thing_n if_o i_o can_v do_v otherways_o but_o shall_v i_o hazard_v all_o my_o estate_n and_o possible_o my_o life_n also_o this_o i_o may_v not_o do_v and_o when_o interest_n and_o particularity_n prevail_v they_o make_v he_o to_o step_v over_o conscience_n and_o to_o think_v that_o he_o do_v no_o fault_n when_o it_o be_v some_o particular_a hazard_n that_o sway_v he_o interest_n be_v satisfy_v from_o a_o suppose_a necessity_n but_o conscience_n acknowledge_v not_o that_o rule_n in_o outward_a thing_n when_o the_o man_n can_v do_v no_o other_o way_n it_o will_v put_v he_o to_o choose_v suffer_v 3._o when_o credit_n interest_n and_o the_o like_a pouss_n their_o impulse_n be_v partial_a and_o violent_a but_o the_o impulse_n of_o conscience_n be_v impartial_a and_o sober_a conscience_n sway_v the_o man_n pouse_v he_o from_o the_o awe_n of_o god_n and_o from_o love_n to_o he_o and_o to_o all_o that_o be_v know_v to_o be_v duty_n impartial_o as_o to_o pray_v read_v meditate_v confer_v etc._n etc._n but_o when_o interest_n credit_n or_o inclination_n sway_n he_o they_o will_v drive_v he_o to_o one_o thing_n and_o not_o to_o another_o and_o more_o especial_o to_o that_o which_o may_v satisfy_v his_o humour_n and_o that_o violent_o but_o for_o the_o more_o exercise_v duty_n of_o religion_n as_o to_o humble_v himself_o before_o god_n to_o repent_v of_o sin_n to_o meditate_v etc._n etc._n it_o do_v not_o pouss_n or_o but_o very_o cold_o and_o slow_o as_o some_o man_n will_v have_v a_o impulse_n to_o provide_v for_o their_o family_n and_o they_o will_v ride_v and_o run_v for_o that_o but_o if_o any_o object_n of_o charity_n offer_v or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o hazard_n of_o loss_n for_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n sake_n these_o will_v be_v silent_a there_o or_o if_o conscience_n mutter_v it_o will_v not_o be_v much_o regard_v in_o what_o it_o say_v now_o if_o conscience_n swey_v the_o man_n here_o there_o will_v be_v a_o impartial_a respect_n have_v to_o one_o duty_n as_o well_o as_o to_o another_o 4._o where_o interest_n credit_n inclination_n or_o affection_n pour_v they_o drive_v not_o only_o violent_o and_o partial_o but_o irrational_o and_o can_v stay_v nor_o endure_v to_o reason_n and_o debate_v thing_n or_o to_o be_v dissuade_v from_o the_o thing_n towards_o which_o there_o be_v a_o inclination_n and_o will_n neither_o will_v give_v a_o hear_n to_o what_o may_v be_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_a but_o conscience_n in_o its_o impulse_n be_v rational_a and_o sober_a go_v to_o the_o word_n and_o will_v haâ—e_v matter_n calm_o season_v and_o debate_v and_o be_v the_o better_o satisfy_v the_o better_a the_o business_n be_v debate_v and_o clear_v because_o it_o like_v and_o love_v rational_a service_n rom._n 12._o 1._o and_o therefore_o lay_v every_o thing_n to_o the_o rule_n and_o ready_o content_v with_o corruption_n with_o which_o inclination_n side_v 5._o when_o credit_n interest_n and_o inclination_n in_o their_o impulse_n be_v thwart_v they_o storm_v they_o vex_v and_o torture_v the_o man_n but_o when_o the_o impulse_n of_o conscience_n be_v thwart_v it_o have_v a_o kindly_a prick_n and_o stound_a the_o impulse_n of_o interest_n or_o inclination_n be_v thwart_v conâ—useth_v and_o put_v through_o other_o to_o speâ—k_v so_o and_o be_v but_o a_o carnal_a fit_n of_o passion_n make_v â—rothy_a light_a and_o distempered_o passionate_a but_o it_o the_o impulse_n of_o conscience_n be_v thwart_v it_o weight_v and_o sting_v deep_o 6._o the_o impulse_n of_o conscience_n affect_v constant_o and_o chop_v even_o though_o sometime_o in_o its_o chap_a it_o will_v be_v more_o quick_a then_o at_o another_o time_n yet_o where_o it_o sway_v it_o leave_v not_o off_o but_o continue_v chap_a this_o year_n and_o the_o next_o and_o account_v a_o thing_n evil_a or_o good_a in_o another_o as_o well_o as_o in_o a_o man_n self_n and_o in_o himself_o as_o well_o as_o in_o another_o and_o at_o all_o time_n but_o when_o a_o man_n be_v pouss_v by_o credit_n interest_n inclination_n or_o affection_n he_o be_v like_o a_o distemper_a man_n in_o a_o fever_n who_o pulse_n beat_v not_o even_o he_o be_v not_o constant_a and_o equal_a but_o up_o or_o down_o as_o the_o particular_a that_o affect_v he_o 〈◊〉_d his_o humour_n or_o come_v near_o he_o as_o for_o instance_n a_o man_n sway_v by_o his_o interest_n will_v dispute_v for_o the_o government_n of_o such_o a_o person_n this_o year_n and_o for_o the_o government_n of_o another_o the_o next_o for_o such_o a_o interest_n this_o year_n and_o for_o a_o contrary_a one_o the_o next_o for_o one_o sort_n of_o government_n in_o church_n or_o state_n as_o best_a this_o year_n and_o for_o another_o as_o best_a the_o next_o because_o his_o own_o particular_a interest_n come_v in_o to_o side_n with_o it_o and_o so_o he_o change_v his_o principle_n according_a to_o his_o interest_n and_o dispute_v for_o one_o thing_n to_o day_n and_o for_o the_o contrary_a the_o next_o thus_o his_o interest_n forge_v and_o frame_v principle_n to_o maintain_v it_o which_o be_v a_o evidence_n that_o such_o man_n great_a principle_n be_v their_o interest_n and_o that_o they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d sway_v from_o a_o native_a principle_n of_o conscience_n else_o they_o will_v be_v more_o even_o and_o constant_a therefore_o beware_v to_o take_v every_o impulse_n for_o the_o impulse_n of_o conscience_n many_o man_n woeful_o abuse_v conscience_n by_o their_o pretension_n to_o it_o as_o if_o some_o weighty_a nay_o some_o extraordinary_a bond_n be_v on_o their_o conscience_n when_o as_o indeed_o inclination_n or_o affection_n or_o some_o other_o such_o thing_n pouss_v they_o on_o the_o three_o question_n be_v may_v not_o even_a conscience_n sometime_o err_v and_o go_v wrong_n may_v it_o not_o pouse_v to_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o sinful_a and_o shall_v it_o then_o be_v follow_v ans._n conscience_n may_v err_v or_o go_v wrong_v two_o way_n 1._o in_o respect_n of_o light_n by_o think_v that_o which_o be_v wrong_a to_o be_v right_a 2._o in_o respect_n of_o practice_n in_o application_n of_o the_o rule_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o speak_v a_o word_n for_o clear_v of_o both_o and_o first_o in_o the_o general_a when_o we_o say_v that_o man_n shall_v walk_v according_a to_o their_o conscience_n we_o understand_v it_o of_o a_o conscience_n well_o inform_v and_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o duty_n as_o know_v its_o master_n will_v and_o do_v it_o for_o a_o wicked_a man_n may_v have_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o respect_n of_o light_a to_o tell_v he_o what_o he_o shall_v do_v and_o to_o challenge_v he_o when_o he_o do_v wrong_a though_o yet_o he_o will_v not_o obey_v it_o therefore_o we_o say_v for_o a_o man_n to_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n be_v to_o have_v a_o well_o inform_v conscience_n and_o do_v duty_n according_o for_o further_o clear_v of_o this_o there_o be_v ten_o sort_n of_o conscience_n that_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v guide_v by_o whereof_o five_o fail_v in_o the_o major_n or_o first_o proposition_n in_o respect_n of_o light_n and_o other_o five_o faâ—l_n in_o the_o minor_a or_o second_o proposition_n in_o respect_n of_o practice_n or_o application_n the_o five_o sort_n that_o fail_v in_o the_o major_a proposition_n or_o in_o respect_n of_o light_n be_v these_o 1._o a_o err_v conscience_n when_o the_o judgement_n be_v misinform_v and_o account_v duty_n to_o to_o be_v sin_n and_o sin_n to_o be_v
duty_n as_o it_o be_v with_o these_o of_o who_o the_o lord_n speak_v john_n 16._o 2._o the_o time_n come_v when_o whosoever_o kill_v you_o will_v think_v that_o he_o do_v god_n service_n though_o a_o err_a conscience_n be_v not_o so_o proper_o to_o be_v call_v conscience_n for_o it_o rather_o give_v offence_n then_o edify_v yet_o this_o conscience_n such_o as_o it_o be_v put_v a_o man_n into_o a_o strait_a that_o he_o can_v neither_o do_v nor_o forbear_v that_o be_v it_o necessary_o while_o it_o remain_v involve_v he_o in_o sin_n whether_o he_o do_v or_o forbear_v hence_o it_o be_v say_v of_o such_o a_o conscience_n ligat_fw-la sed_fw-la non_fw-la obligat_fw-la it_o bind_v up_o the_o man_n but_o do_v not_o oblige_v for_o the_o man_n that_o have_v thâ—s_o err_a conscience_n make_v he_o think_v that_o such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n when_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o be_v a_o sin_n in_o follow_v the_o impulse_n of_o his_o conscience_n sin_v against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o suppoâ—e_v it_o be_v in_o persecute_v or_o kill_v tâ—e_v servant_n of_o god_n which_o he_o think_v good_a service_n neither_o will_v the_o error_n of_o his_o conscience_n excuse_v he_o here_o because_o he_o shall_v have_v endeavour_v to_o have_v it_o better_a inâ—_n for_o these_o that_o sin_n in_o the_o law_n shall_v be_v judge_v by_o the_o law_n and_o if_o he_o forbear_v to_o do_v such_o a_o thing_n he_o sin_v against_o his_o conscience_n for_o he_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v god_n mind_n which_o it_o direct_v and_o his_o conscience_n be_v to_o he_o in_o place_n of_o god_n he_o be_v guilty_a as_o if_o what_o he_o do_v be_v do_v direct_o and_o immediate_o against_o god_n for_o to_o he_o it_o be_v so_o and_o he_o think_v so_o and_o thus_o through_o his_o own_o cuipable_a accession_n it_o lay_v a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v on_o he_o whether_o he_o do_v or_o forbear_v yet_o it_o never_o oblidge_v nor_o can_v oblige_v he_o to_o go_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o suppose_v he_o think_v that_o such_o a_o minister_n who_o be_v a_o honest_a and_o faithful_a man_n shall_v be_v depose_v or_o excommunicate_v it_o do_v not_o oblige_v he_o to_o persecute_v a_o innocent_a and_o honest_a man_n and_o yet_o if_o he_o endeavour_v it_o noâ—_n he_o sin_v against_o his_o conscience_n in_o countenance_v of_o that_o person_n which_o he_o in_o his_o misapprehension_n judge_v to_o be_v sin_n this_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v somewhat_o strange_a and_o paradoxal_a but_o it_o be_v the_o woeful_a effect_n and_o bitter_a fruit_n of_o the_o want_n of_o light_n and_o of_o a_o well-informed_n conscience_n and_o it_o flow_v not_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o conscience_n but_o from_o our_o own_o corruption_n making_n no_o use_v or_o a_o ill_a use_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o superior_a of_o the_o conscience_n so_o that_o there_o be_v hardly_o a_o worse_a thing_n than_o one_fw-mi err_v conscience_n because_o whether_o the_o man_n that_o have_v it_o forbear_v or_o do_v to_o he_o it_o be_v sin_n only_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v indifferent_a it_o oblidge_v to_o do_v or_o forbear_v for_o when_o the_o word_n determine_v not_o conscience_n though_o misinform_v cast_v the_o balance_n to_o the_o side_n which_o it_o judge_v to_o be_v necessary_a as_o for_o instance_n it_o a_o man_n think_v it_o a_o sin_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n with_o the_o head_n un-covered_n he_o be_v oblige_v to_o cover_v his_o head_n and_o contrary_o for_o conscience_n there_o cast_v the_o balance_n but_o when_o the_o thing_n be_v unlawful_a on_o the_o matter_n it_o may_v bind_v he_o up_o while_o it_o remain_v in_o a_o error_n so_o as_o he_o can_v without_o sin_n counteract_v its_o dictat_fw-la but_o it_o never_o oblidge_v he_o to_o sin_n 2._o a_o opinionative_n conscience_n be_v not_o a_o good_a guide_n that_o be_v when_o a_o man_n have_v some_o sort_n of_o light_n or_o apprehension_n of_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v duty_n yet_o fear_n that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v duty_n and_o have_v some_o 〈◊〉_d or_o 〈◊〉_d about_o the_o matter_n for_o 1._o this_o be_v not_o faith_n but_o opinion_n and_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n opinion_n can_v be_v a_o ground_n to_o rest_v upon_o therefore_o rom._n 14._o 5._o every_o man_n â—ughe_o to_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n 2._o in_o matter_n of_o practice_n the_o impulse_n of_o a_o opinionate_v conscience_n will_v not_o warrant_v we_o for_o when_o a_o man_n hesitat_v he_o can_v do_v in_o faith_n therefore_o to_o do_v it_o be_v sin_n to_o he_o because_o he_o have_v not_o persuasion_n and_o in_o this_o respect_n as_o to_o practice_n he_o be_v like_o the_o man_n that_o have_v the_o err_v conscience_n he_o can_v neither_o do_v nor_o forbear_v but_o he_o sin_v 3._o if_o it_o be_v in_o a_o truth_n not_o fundamental_a opinion_n may_v have_v weight_n with_o he_o and_o sway_n he_o to_o that_o which_o be_v most_o probable_a and_o have_v most_o conveniency_n with_o it_o though_o in_o matter_n of_o practice_n it_o be_v otherways_o and_o it_o give_v conscience_n peace_n in_o this_o respect_n when_o that_o which_o have_v most_o probability_n in_o it_o as_o i_o have_v just_a now_o say_v be_v incline_v to_o 3._o a_o doubt_v conscience_n of_o some_o affinity_n with_o the_o former_a which_o leave_v a_o man_n in_o a_o hover_a or_o suspense_n that_o he_o know_v not_o whether_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v duty_n or_o if_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v sin_n or_o not_o certain_o here_o a_o man_n be_v bind_v not_o to_o do_v doubt_o for_o he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o do_v rom._n 14._o 23._o and_o yet_o there_o be_v hazard_n in_o forbear_v if_o the_o thing_n be_v duty_n yea_o in_o this_o case_n there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v buâ—_n still_o of_o the_o man_n own_o contract_n when_o there_o be_v not_o a_o mid_n but_o either_o the_o man_n must_v do_v or_o forbear_v yet_o in_o this_o case_n its_o best_a for_o a_o man_n to_o betake_v himself_o to_o the_o safe_a side_n and_o to_o hazard_v on_o suffer_v rather_o than_o on_o sin_n as_o for_o example_n a_o man_n must_v either_o do_v such_o a_o thing_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n whereof_o he_o doubt_v or_o beâ—n_a hazard_n of_o lose_v much_o or_o all_o that_o he_o have_v in_o the_o world_n he_o know_v that_o suffering_n simple_o consider_v be_v no_o sin_n and_o he_o be_v some_o way_n matter_n to_o say_v so_o of_o his_o own_o suffering_n but_o not_o of_o his_o do_v since_o he_o doubt_v and_o his_o doubt_v lay_v this_o obligation_n on_o he_o rather_o to_o abstain_v then_o to_o do_v and_o to_o take_v his_o hazard_n of_o suffering_n for_o in_o dubiis_fw-la tutius_fw-la est_fw-la abstineâ—e_fw-la and_o in_o this_o case_n no_o man_n authority_n can_v oblige_v and_o bind_v the_o conscience_n to_o a_o thing_n as_o duty_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v loose_v by_o mere_a authority_n or_o respect_n to_o man_n when_o it_o doubt_v because_o no_o man_n mere_a authority_n can_v quiet_v and_o satisfy_v the_o conscience_n nor_o keep_v the_o man_n skaithless_a before_o god_n when_o on_o such_o a_o account_n he_o do_v any_o thing_n doubt_o a_o 4._o sort_n be_v a_o scruple_a conscience_n which_o differ_v from_o the_o former_a in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v clear_a in_o the_o main_a of_o duty_n but_o scruple_v and_o be_v unclear_a in_o some_o accidental_a thing_n that_o go_v along_o with_o it_o as_o for_o instance_n when_o one_o will_v pray_v and_o apprehend_v that_o in_o pray_v he_o will_v take_v god_n name_n in_o vain_a because_o it_o may_v be_v some_o blasphemous_a thought_n be_v inject_v into_o his_o mind_n or_o when_o a_o man_n be_v about_o some_o necessary_a duty_n of_o his_o lawful_a call_n and_o have_v some_o thing_n like_o a_o impulse_n of_o conscience_n to_o pray_v which_o haunt_v and_o some_o way_n vex_v he_o this_o be_v a_o scruple_n but_o upon_o a_o light_a ground_n and_o have_v little_a or_o no_o reason_n for_o it_o yet_o it_o be_v bear_v in_o with_o violence_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o case_n a_o man_n be_v oblige_v rather_o to_o go_v over_o the_o scruple_n and_o follow_v his_o duty_n for_o although_o he_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v his_o conscience_n by_o reason_n in_o this_o case_n as_o in_o the_o former_a yet_o when_o the_o duty_n be_v clear_a he_o shall_v trample_v upon_o what_o will_v hinder_v he_o and_o go_v on_o with_o the_o duty_n and_o in_o so_o do_v he_o trample_v not_o upon_o his_o conscience_n but_o upon_o that_o which_o come_v in_o to_o mar_v he_o in_o his_o duty_n and_o follow_v or_o to_o speak_v so_o dog_v his_o conscience_n a_o 5_o sort_n be_v a_o weak_a and_o infirm_a conscience_n
which_o especial_o in_o indifferent_a thing_n hinder_v a_o man_n to_o use_v his_o liberty_n as_o rom._n 14._o 2._o one_o believe_v that_o he_o may_v eat_v all_o thing_n another_o that_o be_v weak_a eat_v herb_n he_o will_v not_o take_v the_o liberty_n that_o god_n allow_v he_o as_o it_o be_v with_o many_o in_o the_o primo_fw-la primitive_a time_n who_o think_v not_o all_o meaâ—s_n to_o be_v a_o like_a lawful_a as_o to_o their_o use_n though_o this_o sort_n of_o conscience_n shall_v be_v inform_v in_o order_n to_o its_o be_v bring_v up_o to_o the_o use_n of_o its_o lawful_a liberty_n yet_o while_o it_o be_v infirm_a and_o have_v not_o clearness_n in_o the_o thing_n it_o ought_v to_o lay_v on_o band_n for_o abstention_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o cor._n 8._o and_o last_o if_o meat_n make_v my_o brother_n to_o offend_v i_o will_v not_o eat_v flesh_n while_o the_o world_n stand_v lest_o i_o make_v my_o brother_n to_o offend_v because_o by_o the_o example_n of_o his_o eat_n as_o he_o say_v before_o his_o weak_a brother_n be_v embolden_v to_o eat_v also_o and_o so_o his_o conscience_n be_v weak_a be_v wound_v all_o which_o say_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o study_v to_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o conscience_n may_v be_v right_o inform_v thereby_o second_o there_o be_v other_o five_o sort_n of_o conscience_n that_o fail_v in_o practice_n or_o application_n of_o the_o rule_n which_o ought_v no_o more_o to_o be_v lay_v weight_n upon_o in_o practice_n then_o the_o former_a the_o 1._o be_v a_o too_o narrow_a conscience_n that_o challenge_v too_o soon_o with_o which_o many_o in_o these_o day_n be_v not_o much_o trouble_v but_o rather_o run_v on_o the_o contrary_a extremity_n as_o when_o a_o man_n light_n be_v not_o clear_a in_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v indifferent_a as_o the_o weak_a conscience_n be_v wound_v for_o eat_v a_o little_a flesh_n thus_o one_fw-mi infirm_a conscience_n will_v ready_o challenge_v and_o heighten_v a_o siâ—_n without_o ground_n which_o be_v especial_o to_o be_v find_v among_o new_a beginner_n who_o use_v to_o have_v a_o number_n of_o challenge_n for_o this_o and_o that_o which_o yet_o can_v well_o abide_v the_o trial_n several_a particular_n may_v be_v instance_a in_o as_o they_o will_v be_v sometime_o challenge_v and_o disquiet_v for_o come_v into_o such_o a_o company_n which_o yet_o 〈◊〉_d may_v have_v do_v warrantable_o for_o not_o speak_v when_o possible_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o hold_v their_o tongue_n â—or_a speak_n when_o yet_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o speak_v for_o take_v so_o much_o meat_n and_o drink_n which_o yet_o be_v but_o sufficient_a for_o the_o sustentation_n of_o nature_n though_o they_o question_v not_o such_o 〈◊〉_d and_o drink_n to_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o kind_n yet_o they_o be_v challenge_v and_o trouble_v without_o ground_n as_o to_o the_o measure_n and_o quantity_n 2._o a_o too_o large_a and_o gross_a conscience_n which_o we_o fear_v be_v the_o â—orest_n and_o rife_a sickness_n among_o conscience_n a_o conscience_n that_o can_v easy_o digest_v many_o thing_n which_o be_v lay_v to_o the_o rule_n will_v be_v find_v sinful_a a_o gross_a conscience_n be_v opposite_a to_o tenderness_n and_o can_v hear_v of_o sin_n threaten_v without_o fear_n which_o it_o be_v lie_v under_o it_o stand_v not_o on_o the_o offence_n of_o other_o as_o in_o corinth_n there_o be_v some_o that_o go_v on_o in_o the_o use_n of_o their_o liberty_n without_o regard_n of_o their_o weak_a brethren_n not_o care_v whether_o they_o offend_v they_o or_o not_o it_o regard_v not_o other_o folk_n conscience_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n it_o will_v not_o only_o confident_o come_v near_o to_o ill_a but_o hazard_v on_o ill_o whereas_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_n shall_v be_v abstain_v from_o it_o be_v a_o narrow_a conscience_n abide_v over_o far_o a_o back_n so_o a_o gross_a conscience_n come_v over_o near_o it_o will_v put_v person_n to_o eat_v to_o drink_v and_o to_o be_v clothe_v too_o liberal_o prodigal_o and_o vain_o because_o these_o thing_n be_v laâ—ful_a the_o follow_v 3d_o four_o 5_o sort_v of_o conscience_n be_v degree_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o kind_n some_o whereof_o be_v incident_a to_o believer_n some_o not_o the_o 3d_o be_v a_o sleepy_a conscience_n such_o as_o be_v in_o david_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n when_o he_o â—ell_o in_o adultery_n murder_n and_o in_o the_o sin_n of_o vain_a number_v the_o people_n opposite_a to_o this_o be_v a_o waken_a conscience_n that_o cry_v loud_a and_o knock_v hard_a the_o more_o sleepy_a and_o drowsy_a that_o conscience_n have_v be_v it_o rap_v the_o loud_a and_o hard_o when_o it_o be_v waken_v therefore_o man_n have_v need_v to_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o awar_n of_o the_o fâ—rmer_a gross_a conscience_n that_o it_o draw_v not_o on_o a_o sleepy_a conscience_n and_o when_o conscience_n speak_v not_o but_o be_v silent_a now_o know_v that_o for_o the_o time_n there_o be_v ground_n to_o fear_v its_o be_v fall_v a_o sleep_n a_o four_o sort_n be_v a_o harden_a conscience_n which_o be_v when_o not_o only_o the_o conscience_n be_v sleep_v but_o the_o life_n be_v much_o put_v out_o of_o it_o by_o habitual_a sin_v and_o when_o man_n thus_o put_v out_o the_o light_n and_o life_n of_o their_o conscience_n by_o sin_v god_n be_v provoke_v to_o put_v it_o out_o by_o judicial_a harden_v as_o we_o see_v in_o pharaoh_n that_o no_o challenge_n bit_n on_o they_o there_o be_v lesser_a measure_n and_o low_a degree_n of_o this_o that_o be_v incident_a even_o to_o the_o godly_a and_o not_o only_o to_o several_a reprobat_n which_o come_v not_o to_o pharaoh_n his_o height_n a_o 5_o sort_v it_o a_o cauterised_a conscience_n that_o be_v say_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v seaâ—ed_v as_o with_o a_o hot_a iron_n this_o harden_v in_o a_o very_a high_a degree_n when_o a_o man_n run_v over_o the_o belly_n of_o his_o conscience_n trample_v on_o it_o and_o do_v all_o in_o a_o manner_n that_o he_o can_v to_o make_v it_o senseless_a and_o benumnâ—d_a so_o that_o he_o be_v no_o more_o sensible_a of_o a_o prick_n from_o it_o then_o dead_a flesh_n be_v of_o the_o thirst_n of_o a_o pin_n or_o of_o a_o knife_n habitual_a sin_v and_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n join_v together_o bring_v on_o this_o which_o be_v call_v rom._n 1._o 28_o give_v up_o to_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n so_o that_o as_o it_o be_v 32._o though_o they_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 yet_o not_o only_o do_v the_o same_o but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o they_o that_o do_v they_o it_o be_v not_o of_o these_o conscience_n that_o we_o mean_v when_o we_o say_v that_o you_o shall_v so_o walk_v as_o you_o give_v not_o offence_n to_o your_o conscience_n in_o any_o thing_n the_o conscience_n of_o many_o speak_v but_o alace_o they_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o it_o therefore_o take_v every_o sort_n of_o conscience_n to_o the_o word_n and_o suspect_v that_o conscience_n that_o be_v silent_a when_o the_o word_n speak_v a_o four_o question_n be_v whether_o a_o man_n that_o have_v a_o err_a conscience_n may_v not_o have_v peace_n and_o quietness_n if_o so_o how_o may_v that_o peace_n and_o quietness_n be_v discern_v from_o true_a peace_n of_o conscience_n where_o also_o the_o 5_o question_n be_v somewhat_o at_o least_o indirect_o touch_v on_o answer_v a_o conscience_n may_v be_v please_v while_o it_o be_v err_v and_o in_o a_o wrong_a course_n but_o it_o can_v have_v true_a peace_n even_o as_o we_o may_v please_v our_o brother_n when_o we_o flatter_v he_o in_o his_o sin_n and_o please_v he_o not_o to_o his_o edification_n so_o a_o man_n may_v have_v not_o only_a quietness_n but_o a_o sort_n of_o delight_n and_o sainness_n in_o a_o err_a conscience_n but_o no_o true_a peace_n because_o it_o want_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o its_o ground_n even_o as_o a_o harden_a conscience_n may_v have_v quierness_n and_o yet_o want_v true_a solid_a peace_n as_o when_o conscience_n be_v mistake_v or_o in_o a_o error_n and_o agree_v well_o with_o the_o mistake_n or_o error_n it_o will_v be_v well_o please_v so_o when_o it_o be_v humour_v and_o applaud_v it_o be_v well_o please_v and_o will_v make_v the_o man_n think_v that_o he_o do_v god_n good_a service_n while_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n he_o be_v do_v nothing_o less_o yea_o it_o will_v have_v a_o sort_n of_o delight_n and_o fainness_n flow_v from_o the_o delusion_n of_o its_o light_n and_o will_v make_v the_o poor_a man_n to_o be_v well_o please_v and_o satisfy_v when_o he_o get_v that_o which_o he_o be_v seek_v to_o succeed_v and_o go_v with_o he_o but_o how_o shall_v it_o be_v discern_v answer_v 1_o it_o be_v
nor_o endeavour_n if_o then_o this_o doctrine_n hold_v true_a and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o believer_n exercise_v to_o walk_v so_o as_o to_o please_v his_o conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o in_o nothing_o to_o ofâ—end_v it_o sure_o such_o a_o conscience_n be_v proper_a and_o peculiar_a to_o the_o belieuâ—r_n and_o so_o may_v be_v a_o evidence_n of_o one_o that_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o christ_n this_o will_v be_v more_o clear_a if_o we_o look_v 1._o to_o the_o use_n that_o the_o saint_n record_v in_o scripture_n make_v of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n will_v and_o allow_v they_o to_o make_v of_o it_o in_o their_o trial_n and_o trouble_n in_o their_o strait_n and_o difficulty_n as_o 2_o cor._n 1._o 12._o this_o be_v our_o rejoice_v the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o this_o place_n paulâ—lyeth_v â—lyeth_z to_o it_o as_o his_o refuge_n and_o comfort_n himself_o by_o it_o in_o and_o against_o his_o present_a strait_n now_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o character_n and_o mark_n of_o a_o christian_a indeed_o it_o will_v not_o be_v nor_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v make_v such_o a_o ground_n of_o peace_n &_o quietness_n to_o believer_n in_o their_o strait_n 2._o it_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o conscience_n its_o testify_a which_o be_v not_o its_o own_o or_o from_o and_o for_o itself_o only_o but_o also_o and_o principal_o from_o and_o for_o god_n therefore_o 1_o john_n 3._o 19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o it_o be_v say_v hereby_o we_o know_v we_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o shall_v assure_v our_o heart_n before_o god_n for_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 but_o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n and_o 1_o pet._n 3._o 21._o it_o be_v call_v the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n that_o be_v such_o a_o answer_n as_o give_v quietness_n and_o a_o good_a testimony_n to_o believer_n when_o all_o speak_v against_o they_o or_o speak_v evil_a of_o they_o now_o this_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v not_o a_o man_n bare_a apprehension_n that_o his_o conscience_n be_v good_a but_o it_o take_v in_o these_o three_o 1._o not_o only_o the_o conscience_n its_o say_v nothing_o against_o the_o person_n but_o positive_o speak_v for_o he_o 2._o it_o be_v such_o a_o conscience_n as_o have_v its_o testimony_n ground_v on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 3._o it_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o conscience_n sober_o reflect_v on_o itself_o and_o try_v itself_o in_o the_o major_a proposition_n to_o wit_n iâ—_n such_o a_o thing_n be_v true_a and_o in_o the_o minor_a proportion_n 〈◊〉_d such_o a_o thing_n be_v true_a iâ—_n reference_n to_o itself_o in_o particular_a and_o find_v both_o proposition_n to_o hold_v true_a then_o â—t_a confident_o draw_v the_o conclusion_n but_o here_o some_o will_v be_v like_o object_n and_o say_v if_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v a_o evidence_n of_o a_o person_n save_v interest_n in_o christ_n alace_o i_o fear_v i_o never_o have_v that_o evidence_n and_o mark_n neither_o be_o i_o like_a to_o have_v it_o which_o objection_n minister_v ground_n for_o these_o two_o question_n 1._o if_o a_o believer_n may_v ever_o or_o at_o any_o time_n have_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o 2._o what_o be_v the_o character_n and_o property_n of_o such_o a_o conscience_n for_o answer_v to_o the_o first_o we_o will_v distinguish_v a_o good_a conscience_n which_o may_v be_v understand_v either_o 1_o legal_o and_o so_o it_o be_v a_o conscience_n give_v testimony_n to_o the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n perfect_o take_v it_o so_o except_v jeâ—_n 〈◊〉_d there_o be_v never_o a_o man_n since_o adam_n fall_n that_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n or_o a_o conscience_n altogether_o void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o toward_a man_n or_o 2._o a_o good_a conscience_n may_v be_v understand_v evangelical_o or_o in_o a_o gospel_n sense_n or_o as_o iâ—_n draw_v it's_o conclusion_n not_o from_o the_o law_n but_o from_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n believer_n may_v have_v and_o often_o actual_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n thus_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n david_n hezekiah_n paul_n and_o other_o have_v draw_v comfort_n from_o the_o testimony_n of_o their_o good_a conscience_n not_o draw_v its_o testimony_n from_o nor_o sound_v it_o upon_o the_o law_n and_o the_o perfect_a puriâ—_n that_o it_o require_v but_o fâ—m_n and_o upon_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o purity_n that_o it_o gracious_o 〈◊〉_d in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n for_o the_o second_o viz._n what_o be_v the_o property_n of_o this_o conscience_n which_o will_v clear_v the_o former_a and_o also_o clear_a how_o it_o come_v that_o when_o conscience_n challenge_v for_o sin_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o the_o believer_n have_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o may_v take_v it_o as_o a_o mark_n of_o his_o save_a interest_n in_o christ_n i_o shall_v give_v thâ—_n 4._o or_o 5._o property_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n 〈◊〉_d when_o there_o may_v be_v sin_n the_o 1._o whereof_o be_v when_o conscience_n be_v universal_a and_o impartial_a in_o its_o put_v 〈◊〉_d duty_n thus_o say_v the_o psalmist_n psal._n 119._o 6._o then_o shall_v i_o not_o be_v ashamed_a when_o i_o have_v respect_n to_o all_o thy_o commandment_n when_o the_o conscience_n dispense_v not_o with_o itself_o in_o the_o least_o duty_n or_o sin_n but_o its_o design_n aim_v and_o endeavour_n be_v to_o be_v in_o the_o obedience_n of_o all_o command_v duty_n and_o in_o the_o degree_n that_o be_v call_v for_o it_o be_v on_o these_o two_o that_o david_n go_v psal._n 18_o vers_fw-la 20_o 21_o 22._o the_o lord_n reward_v i_o according_a to_o my_o righteousness_n according_a to_o the_o cleanness_n of_o my_o hand_n have_v â—e_n recompense_v i_o for_o i_o have_v keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o have_v not_o wicked_o depart_v from_o my_o god_n as_o iâ—_n he_o have_v say_v i_o haluâ—d_v not_o the_o bible_n nor_o the_o command_n nor_o do_v i_o misinterpret_v they_o neither_o do_v i_o depart_v wicked_o i_o never_o resolve_o allow_v myself_o in_o any_o sin_n so_o as_o to_o oppose_v one_o sin_n and_o to_o indulge_v and_o connive_v at_o another_o for_o all_o his_o judgement_n be_v before_o i_o and_o i_o do_v not_o put_v away_o his_o statute_n from_o i_o i_o endeavour_v to_o set_v they_o always_o as_o a_o compass_n before_o i_o by_o which_o i_o allow_v myself_o to_o steer_v my_o whole_a course_n i_o be_v also_o upright_o before_o he_o and_o keep_v myself_o from_o my_o iniquity_n the_o sin_n that_o i_o be_v most_o give_v unto_o that_o have_v most_o power_n over_o i_o and_o to_o which_o i_o have_v the_o manye_v and_o strong_a assault_n of_o temptation_n i_o keep_v myself_o most_o watchful_o from_o that_o a_o second_o propertie_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n in_o a_o gospel_n sense_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o conscience_n very_o single_a have_v a_o just_a regard_n for_o all_o these_o thing_n require_v in_o a_o christian_a walk_n whereof_o we_o speak_v before_o it_o s_o very_o observant_a of_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o duty_n look_v not_o only_o to_o the_o matter_n but_o to_o the_o spiritual_a manner_n of_o gâ—ing_v about_o they_o it_o be_v single_a in_o its_o motive_n and_o end_n lay_v due_a weight_n on_o that_o which_o christ_n say_v if_o thy_o eye_n 〈◊〉_d single_a thy_o whole_a body_n shall_v he_o full_a of_o light_n that_o be_v a_o mark_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n indeed_o when_o a_o man_n in_o his_o act_n be_v swey_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o do_v not_o what_o he_o do_v to_o be_v see_v of_o man_n nor_o to_o have_v somewhat_o to_o 〈◊〉_d of_o before_o god_n but_o he_o seek_v to_o have_v christ_n increase_v though_o he_o shall_v decrease_v and_o be_v conant_a to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d upon_o if_o it_o may_v contribute_v to_o the_o exait_a of_o he_o and_o will_v fain_o be_v up_o at_o the_o due_a manner_n of_o perform_v all_o call_v for_o duâ—es_n even_o to_o be_v in_o case_n with_o the_o apostle_n heb._n 13._o 18._o to_o say_v wâ—_n trust_v we_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n willing_a to_o live_v honest_o this_o be_v our_o aim_n and_o design_n and_o if_o it_o be_v otherwise_o with_o we_o in_o any_o thing_n we_o approve_v not_o ourselves_o in_o it_o a_o three_o property_n be_v that_o such_o a_o conscience_n be_v delight_v and_o make_v glad_a or_o grieve_v and_o make_v sad_a according_a as_o it_o be_v enable_v to_o manage_v this_o great_a design_n and_o to_o prosecute_v and_o attain_v this_o noble_a end_n or_o not_o in_o this_o respect_n a_o believer_n may_v have_v a_o good_a conscience_n even_o when_o he_o fail_v and_o come_v
their_o religion_n in_o that_o be_v much_o darken_v and_o insensible_o prejudicate_v as_o to_o their_o light_n when_o they_o come_v up_o the_o length_n or_o near_o the_o length_n of_o that_o light_n conscience_n speak_v and_o give_v its_o testimony_n according_o and_o they_o have_v thence_o a_o sort_n of_o peace_n but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o peace_n of_o a_o true_o good_a conscience_n 4._o a_o natural_a man_n or_o a_o hypocrite_n may_v come_v a_o great_a length_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o external_a duty_n of_o religion_n and_o may_v have_v a_o kind_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n in_o that_o respect_n as_o he_o may_v pray_v and_o have_v some_o moral_a sincerity_n in_o it_o and_o â—o_o as_o he_o will_v â—ain_o have_v a_o hear_n and_o will_v some_o way_n have_v his_o heart_n pray_v â—ay_v he_o may_v have_v a_o kind_n of_o delight_n in_o approach_v to_o god_n as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o those_o hypocrite_n isa._n 58._o 2._o he_o will_v â—ain_o know_v what_o be_v duty_n and_o what_o be_v sin_n and_o he_o do_v not_o deliberate_o thwart_v with_o his_o light_n in_o this_o respect_n paul_n say_v of_o himself_o before_o his_o conversion_n that_o as_o touch_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n he_o be_v blameless_a and_o rom._n 10._o 1._o he_o bear_v the_o jew_n record_n that_o they_o have_v a_o zeal_n of_o god_n but_o not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n and_o what_o i_o pray_v be_v this_o but_o conscience_n un-informed_n in_o and_o ignorant_a of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n from_o which_o ignorance_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n and_o of_o the_o way_n of_o come_v to_o he_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o go_v about_o to_o establish_v their_o own_o righteousness_n so_o than_o the_o natural_a man_n or_o hypocrite_n when_o he_o have_v come_v the_o length_n of_o some_o honest_a meaning_n be_v dispose_v to_o think_v that_o he_o have_v do_v very_o well_o and_o that_o he_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n yet_o though_o he_o may_v have_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o some_o respect_n or_o in_o these_o respect_v mention_v and_o the_o like_a yet_o to_o have_v it_o simple_o and_o positive_o from_o solid_a and_o good_a ground_n give_v he_o a_o good_a testimony_n be_v impossible_a and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o he_o have_v not_o the_o word_n go_v along_o with_o his_o conscience_n in_o reference_n to_o his_o whole_a carriage_n and_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o principle_n motive_n end_n and_o design_n of_o his_o action_n testify_v for_o he_o and_o therefore_o i_o say_v he_o have_v not_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o true_o good_a conscience_n for_o the_o next_o question_n wherein_o be_v this_o conscience_n defective_a and_o what_o be_v the_o difference_n betwixt_o it_o and_o a_o believer_n good_a conscience_n or_o how_o may_v it_o be_v know_v as_o differ_v from_o a_o honest_a gospel_n conscience_n answer_v 1_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o rise_n there_o be_v a_o defect_n in_o the_o judgement_n for_o if_o the_o eye_n be_v blind_a if_o the_o understanding_n be_v dark_a the_o conscience_n must_v be_v so_o too_o they_o have_v say_v the_o apostle_n of_o the_o jew_n a_o zeal_n of_o god_n but_o not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n and_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n they_o go_v about_o to_o establish_v their_o own_o righteousness_n however_o zealous_a they_o be_v of_o god_n or_o other_o such_o may_v be_v yet_o they_o be_v ignorant_a in_o three_o thing_n 1._o in_o the_o extent_n and_o spiritual_a meaning_n of_o the_o law_n suppose_v for_o instance_n that_o a_o man_n keep_v the_o six_o command_n when_o he_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o any_o gross_a act_n of_o murder_n and_o the_o seven_o when_o he_o do_v not_o actual_o commit_v adultery_n or_o fornication_n not_o know_v or_o consider_v that_o a_o look_v arise_v from_o the_o flame_n of_o lust_n within_o be_v a_o breach_n of_o that_o command_n and_o so_o proportionable_o in_o other_o command_v even_o as_o the_o pharisee_n conform_v the_o law_n in_o the_o meaning_n thereof_o to_o their_o own_o practice_n and_o not_o their_o practice_n to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o law_n 2._o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o way_n of_o god_n righteousness_n and_o of_o that_o which_o give_v the_o conscience_n solid_a ground_n to_o speak_v peace_n many_o if_o they_o have_v a_o honest_a meaning_n in_o their_o pray_n read_v of_o the_o scripture_n wait_v on_o public_a ordinance_n if_o they_o put_v their_o body_n to_o some_o sort_n of_o penance_n or_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v if_o it_o be_v the_o half_a of_o their_o estate_n to_o have_v their_o soul_n safe_a and_o if_o they_o have_v a_o sort_n of_o seriousness_n in_o all_o this_o think_v that_o all_o be_v well_o with_o they_o and_o that_o they_o have_v a_o very_a good_a conscience_n if_o this_o piece_n of_o ignorance_n be_v well_o discern_v never_o one_o soul_n out_o of_o christ_n will_v have_v peace_n because_o none_o out_o of_o christ_n have_v solid_a ground_n of_o peace_n for_o none_o have_v their_o heart_n sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n but_o these_o that_o be_v in_o he_o 3._o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o their_o particular_a case_n they_o know_v not_o what_o sin_n they_o be_v guilty_a of_o nor_o what_o conscience_n say_v of_o they_o they_o think_v it_o speak_v better_a thing_n to_o they_o then_o indeed_o it_o do_v some_o guess_n at_o it_o some_o misinterpret_v it_o and_o some_o repeal_v it_o whereas_o if_o they_o be_v sober_o reflect_v on_o and_o impartial_o look_v to_o their_o manner_n of_o proceed_v in_o every_o thing_n they_o will_v see_v that_o they_o mistake_v their_o conscience_n exceed_o this_o then_o be_v the_o first_o defect_n viz._n a_o defect_n in_o the_o judgement_n the_o second_o be_v a_o defect_n as_o to_o singleness_n and_o sincerity_n in_o the_o natural_a man_n best_a condition_n such_o be_v never_o single_a when_o at_o their_o very_a best_a even_o when_o they_o be_v most_o serious_a in_o prayer_n they_o be_v but_o go_v about_o to_o establish_v their_o own_o righteousness_n when_o they_o fast_o and_o give_v alm_n and_o the_o like_a it_o be_v that_o they_o may_v have_v some_o ground_n for_o a_o good_a opinion_n of_o themselves_o or_o that_o other_o may_v have_v a_o good_a opinion_n of_o they_o be_v always_o act_v from_o selfy_a motive_n and_o for_o self-end_n a_o 3d._a defect_n be_v the_o want_n of_o unbiased_a affection_n these_o be_v partial_a and_o bias_v will_v put_v the_o man_n to_o reason_n and_o dispute_v for_o the_o silence_v of_o his_o conscience_n and_o this_o eye_n not_o be_v single_a the_o whole_a body_n be_v full_a of_o darkness_n affection_n be_v incline_v or_o swey_v to_o this_o or_o that_o side_n they_o will_v seek_v to_o â—way_n conscience_n to_o that_o side_n they_o incline_v to_o this_o be_v it_o that_o make_v some_o to_o follow_v after_o and_o to_o haunt_v the_o company_n of_o those_o who_o be_v erroneous_a in_o their_o judgement_n notwithstanding_o that_o they_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o the_o contrary_n lay_v before_o they_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o they_o reject_v and_o that_o without_o challenge_n be_v quite_o bias_v and_o prejudge_v in_o their_o affection_n thus_o many_o natural_a man_n lay_v this_o for_o a_o conclusion_n that_o so_o much_o only_o be_v holiness_n and_o that_o no_o more_o be_v needful_a and_o what_o be_v more_o be_v but_o superfluous_a niceness_n and_o so_o they_o prejudge_v their_o conscience_n by_o that_o 4._o it_o be_v defective_a in_o this_o that_o it_o maintain_v not_o its_o peace_n nor_o answer_v its_o challenge_n from_o christ_n blood_n it_o be_v not_o sprinkle_v with_o clean_a but_o with_o foul_a water_n to_o say_v so_o it_o may_v be_v it_o put_v the_o man_n to_o take_v on_o some_o resolution_n or_o to_o come_v under_o some_o vow_n as_o to_o somewhat_o that_o it_o may_v be_v be_v no_o command_v duty_n of_o religion_n not_o have_v any_o valuable_a influence_n upon_o it_o or_o he_o will_v as_o it_o be_v sprinkle_v his_o conscience_n with_o his_o tear_n thus_o many_o will_v grant_v that_o they_o have_v sin_v but_o withal_o they_o think_v and_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o say_v that_o they_o have_v a_o good_a heart_n or_o a_o good_a meaning_n or_o that_o such_o and_o such_o a_o man_n well_o esteem_v of_o have_v such_o a_o sin_n and_o be_v as_o guilty_a as_o they_o be_v or_o that_o many_o have_v have_v such_o siâ—s_n who_o yet_o have_v go_v to_o heaven_n on_o such_o and_o other_o the_o like_a pitiful_a ground_n they_o find_v their_o peace_n and_o by_o such_o silly_a shift_n they_o seek_v to_o quiet_v their_o conscience_n yea_o sometime_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o possibility_n of_o pardon_n many_o conclude_v confident_o that_o they_o be_v actual_o pardon_v we_o shall_v forbear_v to_o say_v any_o thing_n further_o at_o this_o time_n god_n
bless_v what_o you_o have_v hear_v through_o jesus_n christ._n sermon_n iu._n act_n 24._o 16._o herein_o do_v i_o exercise_v myself_o to_o have_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n a_o good_a conscience_n be_v a_o excellent_a and_o very_a sovereign_a cordial_n to_o be_v carry_v about_o and_o along_o with_o we_o in_o all_o condition_n and_o more_o especial_o in_o afflict_v one_o but_o as_o excellent_a thing_n be_v usual_o come_v at_o with_o the_o great_a difficulty_n so_o be_v it_o in_o this_o matter_n there_o be_v so_o many_o so_o various_a and_o so_o great_a difficulty_n in_o the_o way_n of_o take_v up_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o aright_o and_o in_o the_o attain_n and_o mainta_v of_o it_o and_o there_o be_v so_o very_a many_o who_o claim_v to_o it_o most_o unwarrantable_o and_o unjust_o though_o poor_a deluded_a soul_n they_o be_v dispose_v to_o think_v that_o they_o do_v so_o on_o good_a and_o warrantable_a ground_n all_o which_o make_v this_o doctrine_n concern_v the_o exercise_n and_o practice_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o be_v exceed_o difficult_a and_o tickle_a you_o may_v remember_v the_o point_n we_o speak_v a_o little_a to_o last_o day_n be_v that_o believer_n ought_v and_o when_o they_o be_v right_a will_v have_v it_o for_o their_o exercise_n and_o study_v to_o have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o toward_a man_n whence_o we_o draw_v this_o use_n that_o it_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o a_o sound_a believer_n when_o right_a and_o in_o a_o good_a frame_n even_o to_o be_v thus_o exercise_v a_o tender_a lively_a and_o good_a frame_n of_o soul_n â—ay_v be_v know_v by_o this_o that_o the_o person_n aim_v sing_o and_o endeavour_v serious_o to_o have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n in_o clear_v of_o this_o use_n there_o be_v some_o doubt_n that_o arise_v on_o the_o one_o side_n when_o conscience_n speak_v good_a to_o a_o person_n without_o a_o warrant_n in_o which_o case_n it_o be_v very_o dangerous_a to_o take_v direction_n from_o it_o and_o some_o doubt_n arise_v also_o on_o the_o other_o side_n when_o conscience_n do_v challenge_v and_o condemn_v when_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o it_o something_o therefore_o must_v be_v speak_v for_o clear_v and_o solve_v both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o the_o last_o thing_n we_o leave_v at_o be_v that_o see_v some_o natural_a man_n civil_a moral_a man_n and_o hypocrite_n may_v think_v they_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n that_o they_o be_v right_a and_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o it_o how_o shall_v that_o testimony_n be_v discern_v or_o wherein_o do_v it_o differ_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o true_o good_a conscience_n that_o give_v a_o believer_n ground_n to_o draw_v this_o conclusion_n from_o it_o that_o he_o be_v real_a and_o sincere_a in_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n for_o clear_v of_o this_o matter_n relate_v to_o these_o conscience_n that_o speak_v good_a when_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o it_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o person_n that_o fall_v here_o and_o be_v thereby_o culpable_o accessary_a to_o this_o delusion_n of_o and_o from_o their_o own_o conscience_n 1._o some_o fail_n in_o mistake_v duty_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o duty_n suppose_v that_o to_o be_v a_o acceptable_a duty_n which_o be_v but_o the_o shadow_n and_o appearance_n of_o duty_n and_o this_o make_v all_o self_n righteous-man_n and_o legal-hypocrite_n who_o thwart_v not_o the_o dark_a or_o dim_a light_n of_o their_o conscience_n but_o rather_o follow_v and_o comply_v with_o it_o to_o think_v that_o they_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n as_o it_o be_v with_o paul_n before_o his_o conversion_n a_o second_o sort_n be_v these_o who_o take_v with_o sin_n but_o think_v that_o they_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o on_o this_o ground_n their_o conscience_n speak_v peace_n to_o they_o though_o it_o have_v no_o warrant_n to_o do_v so_o suppose_v themselves_o to_o be_v believer_n on_o that_o ground_n conscience_n speak_v peace_n to_o they_o when_o it_o have_v no_o warrant_n nor_o be_v they_o believer_n indeed_o and_o thus_o alace_o many_o that_o be_v repute_v by_o themselves_o and_o other_o to_o be_v believer_n fail_v these_o be_v presumptuous_a hypocrite_n as_o the_o other_o be_v legal_a hypocrite_n and_o this_o kind_n of_o conscience_n may_v be_v call_v a_o presumptuous_a conscience_n that_o speak_v peace_n and_o apply_v mercy_n when_o it_o have_v no_o ground_n for_o either_o in_o answer_v then_o to_o the_o question_n we_o shall_v give_v some_o difference_v character_n or_o characteristic_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o believer_n good_a conscience_n and_o these_o other_o sort_n of_o conscience_n some_o whereof_o agree_n more_o to_o the_o one_o sort_n and_o some_o more_o to_o the_o other_o and_o some_o to_o both_o but_o take_v they_o together_o the_o character_n be_v these_o 1._o a_o real_o good_a conscience_n be_v not_o easy_o attain_v nor_o maintain_v it_o put_v a_o man_n to_o considerable_a exercise_n â—re_n he_o come_v at_o it_o and_o to_o no_o less_o how_o to_o keep_v it_o herein_o do_v i_o exercise_v myself_o etc._n etc._n say_v the_o apostle_n security_n and_o negligence_n be_v no_o good_a token_n there_o be_v these_o two_o thing_n that_o a_o man_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v exercise_v in_o 1._o to_o prevent_v the_o ground_n of_o a_o challenge_n from_o his_o conscience_n by_o endeavour_v to_o give_v it_o no_o offence_n against_o which_o the_o presumptuous_a hypocrite_n sin_v who_o fanci_v that_o he_o have_v peace_n and_o it_o may_v be_v think_v much_o of_o it_o and_o yet_o be_v not_o trouble_v nor_o take_v up_o how_o to_o prevent_v the_o give_n of_o offence_n to_o his_o conscience_n nor_o his_o meeting_n with_o a_o challenge_n from_o it_o the_o legal_a hypocrite_n also_o sin_v here_o in_o bound_v and_o limit_v his_o holiness_n to_o such_o or_o such_o a_o small_a measure_n of_o it_o without_o so_o much_o as_o aim_v any_o further_o 2._o he_o be_v exercise_v to_o satisfy_v his_o conscience_n when_o it_o be_v offend_v hence_o be_v the_o application_n to_o the_o blood_n of_o sprinkle_v the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n the_o self-loathing_a and_o sharpness_n of_o challenge_n that_o conscience_n have_v with_o it_o until_o it_o recover_v even_o such_o exercise_n as_o will_n in_o a_o manner_n break_v the_o bone_n and_o turn_v the_o moisture_n into_o the_o drought_n of_o summer_n as_o it_o be_v psal._n 51._o and_o psal._n 32._o this_o good_a conscience_n can_v look_v on_o sin_n and_o not_o be_v trouble_v and_o therefore_o they_o who_o ordinary_o and_o habitual_o can_v look_v on_o sin_n without_o trouble_n or_o sorrow_n and_o judge_v it_o a_o very_a easy_a business_n to_o quiet_a and_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o their_o conscience_n who_o speak_v peace_n to_o themselves_o when_o lie_v still_o under_o guilt_n unrepented_a of_o and_o unremoved_a carry_v about_o with_o they_o a_o shrewd_a token_n of_o no_o good_a conscience_n the_o second_o character_n whereby_o it_o may_v be_v know_v be_v the_o mean_a and_o way_n that_o a_o man_n take_v to_o quiet_v his_o conscience_n when_o it_o be_v waken_v a_o good_a conscience_n as_o it_o yield_v a_o man_n peaceand_v testify_v well_o concern_v his_o state_n so_o that_o peace_n rise_v not_o so_o much_o from_o this_o that_o he_o have_v no_o sin_n as_o from_o his_o fly_v to_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n he_o may_v have_v peace_n as_o to_o his_o sincere_a and_o universal_a aim_n at_o holiness_n and_o as_o to_o his_o honest_a and_o serious_a endeavour_n to_o abstain_v from_o every_o know_a sin_n as_o it_o be_v with_o david_n psal._n 18._o 20_o 21_o 22._o but_o as_o to_o the_o satisfy_n of_o divine_a justice_n he_o have_v have_v no_o peace_n but_o in_o rest_v on_o christ_n satisfaction_n alone_o for_o though_o his_o way_n may_v be_v and_o be_v good_a in_o respect_n of_o his_o single_a follow_v of_o duty_n for_o he_o read_v pray_v meditate_v etc._n etc._n yet_o corruption_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n pollute_v all_o these_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o he_o as_o to_o the_o acceptation_n of_o they_o on_o their_o own_o account_n and_o for_o themselves_o he_o find_v that_o they_o be_v in_o some_o respect_n but_o dead_a as_o want_v much_o of_o the_o soul_n and_o life_n of_o they_o neither_o can_v he_o have_v peace_n till_o he_o betake_v himself_o to_o christ_n blood_n though_o he_o be_v communicate_v every_o day_n pray_v every_o hour_n etc._n etc._n yet_o he_o have_v no_o peace_n in_o these_o till_o christ_n blood_n speak_v peace_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o david_n who_o though_o he_o have_v peace_n intimate_v by_o nathan_n yet_o be_v not_o thorough_o quiet_a for_o all_o that_o and_o therefore_o he_o pray_v psal._n 51._o cause_v i_o to_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o joy_n and_o gladness_n
itself_o to_o proof_n and_o trial_n take_v the_o sentence_n of_o conscience_n to_o the_o rule_n and_o try_v it_o thereby_o and_o take_v the_o answer_n on_o deliberation_n and_o not_o off-hand_n or_o by_o guess_n because_o it_o know_v conscience_n be_v but_o a_o servant_n and_o therefore_o will_v try_v if_o it_o speak_v its_o master_n even_o god_n language_n to_o this_o purpose_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 4._o i_o know_v nothing_o by_o myself_o yet_o be_o i_o not_o hereby_o justify_v it_o will_v either_o have_v conscience_n sentence_n and_o god_n sentence_n go_v together_o or_o else_o it_o will_v reject_v and_o cast_v it_o whereas_o the_o most_o part_n of_o man_n satisfy_v themselves_o with_o the_o sentence_n of_o conscience_n and_o look_v not_o after_o god_n sentence_n and_o misinterpret_v conscience_n and_o take_v its_o first_o word_n as_o it_o be_v and_o put_v it_o not_o to_o the_o trial_n ah_o be_v not_o this_o true_a of_o many_o of_o your_o conscience_n you_o think_v you_o have_v peace_n and_o that_o all_o matter_n be_v clear_a and_o well_o betwixt_o god_n and_o you_o notwithstanding_o you_o be_v secure_a ignorant_a or_o profane_a but_o when_o do_v you_o put_v your_o conscience_n to_o the_o trial_n ask_v your_o conscience_n if_o in_o all_o the_o word_n of_o god_n peace_n be_v speak_v to_o the_o wicked_a or_o to_o any_o that_o be_v not_o sincere_o aim_v and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v holy_a consider_v that_o word_n psal._n 85._o vers_fw-la 8._o the_o lord_n will_v speak_v peace_n to_o his_o people_n and_o to_o his_o saint_n there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n of_o peace_n for_o the_o profane_a and_o unholy_a how_o then_o can_v your_o conscience_n possible_o speak_v peace_n if_o it_o presume_v to_o do_v it_o will_v most_o certain_o beguile_v you_o and_o therefore_o as_o you_o will_v not_o be_v deceive_v sollow_v not_o neither_o lay_v weight_n upon_o every_o word_n that_o conscience_n speak_v as_o to_o your_o state_n especial_o at_o first_o but_o try_v it_o by_o the_o word_n or_o take_v its_o sentence_n to_o god_n and_o to_o the_o word_n and_o see_v how_o he_o approve_v of_o it_o and_o how_o his_o word_n do_v warrant_v it_o for_o as_o solomon_n say_v prov._n 30._o 12._o there_o be_v a_o generation_n that_o be_v pure_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n that_o be_v not_o cleanse_v from_o their_o filthiness_n there_o be_v yet_o on_o this_o side_n a_o 2d_o question_v viz._n if_o conscience_n may_v not_o only_o think_v itself_o to_o be_v right_a but_o think_v so_o in_o a_o high_a degree_n so_o as_o even_o to_o be_v persuade_v of_o it_o when_o yet_o it_o be_v wrong_a answer_v without_o all_o question_n it_o may_v and_o here_o we_o may_v speak_v somewhat_o of_o a_o delude_a conscience_n which_o be_v a_o conscience_n that_o not_o only_o be_v wrong_n and_o err_v and_o speak_v good_a when_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o it_o but_o a_o conscience_n that_o have_v these_o two_o thing_n beside_o in_o it_o 1._o it_o have_v a_o persuasion_n that_o it_o be_v right_a 2._o it_o have_v the_o affection_n somewhat_o stir_v by_o it_o and_o a_o sort_n of_o joy_n in_o the_o thing_n whereof_o it_o be_v persuade_v it_o be_v i_o say_v a_o conscience_n that_o not_o only_o speak_v good_a without_o ground_n but_o have_v a_o persuasion_n that_o it_o be_v right_a and_o a_o kind_n of_o joy_n in_o its_o way_n that_o there_o may_v be_v and_o be_v such_o a_o conscience_n among_o the_o generality_n of_o professor_n can_v be_v deny_v and_o be_v clear_a from_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v gal._n 5._o 3._o this_o persuasion_n come_v not_o of_o he_o that_o call_v you_o there_o be_v a_o persuasion_n and_o yet_o not_o of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o other_o to_o wit_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o joy_n in_o the_o thing_n see_v gal._n 3._o 1._o o_o foolish_a galatian_n who_o have_v bewitch_v you_o they_o have_v a_o sort_n of_o conceit_n and_o fainness_n even_o to_o a_o kind_a fascination_n and_o bewitch_v conceit_n of_o their_o be_v right_a neither_o be_v there_o any_o deal_n with_o they_o to_o draw_v they_o off_o that_o way_n there_o be_v four_o sort_n of_o these_o conscience_n among_o professor_n according_a to_o four_o several_z rises_z that_o they_o have_v none_o of_o which_o will_n warrant_v they_o to_o think_v themselves_o to_o be_v right_a the_o 1._o rise_v be_v from_o lay_v too_o much_o weight_n on_o suppose_a reason_n there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o delusion_n that_o arise_v from_o this_o ground_n which_o be_v it_o wherewith_o the_o galatian_n be_v carry_v away_o have_v hear_v first_o from_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n and_o thereafter_o from_o some_o false_a teacher_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n as_o necessary_a to_o be_v add_v to_o it_o in_o the_o point_n of_o justification_n they_o think_v there_o be_v good_a reason_n for_o such_o a_o doctrine_n and_o that_o no_o loss_n nor_o prejudice_n can_v come_v by_o it_o and_o therefore_o they_o do_v join_v both_o together_o the_o second_o rise_v be_v when_o man_n lay_v too_o much_o weight_n on_o great_a though_o yet_o but_o common_a gift_n as_o on_o liberty_n in_o prayer_n and_o warmness_n of_o the_o â—_z therein_o on_o preach_v notable_o and_o one_o stand_v it_o out_o in_o sharp_a trial_n with_o the_o approbation_n of_o other_o it_o may_v be_v even_o of_o the_o best_a or_o when_o they_o have_v be_v help_v to_o do_v some_o extraordinary_a thing_n as_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n some_o professor_n be_v help_v as_o god_n instrument_n to_o cast_v out_o devil_n to_o speak_v with_o tongue_n etc._n etc._n who_o yet_o be_v not_o sound_v at_o the_o heart_n it_o be_v on_o this_o ground_n that_o christ_n go_v when_o he_o say_v luke_n 13._o 27._o and_o matth._n 7._o 22_o 23._o many_o shall_v come_v to_o i_o in_o that_o day_n say_v lord_n we_o have_v prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n have_v cast_v out_o devil_n and_o do_v many_o wonderful_a work_n all_o which_o be_v as_o i_o just_a now_o say_v but_o common_a gift_n though_o some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o extraordinary_a and_o when_o man_n come_v to_o have_v any_o measure_n of_o these_o beyond_o other_o they_o will_v not_o be_v beat_v from_o it_o but_o will_v go_v to_o death_n with_o it_o that_o all_o be_v right_a with_o they_o the_o 3d._n rise_v be_v from_o some_o suppose_a spiritual_a sense_n and_o comfort_n and_o from_o some_o flash_n of_o joy_n these_o temporary_a believer_n speak_v of_o matth._n 13._o and_o heb._n 6._o 4_o 5._o attain_v to_o some_o taste_n of_o the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v such_o as_o once_o come_v this_o length_n do_v what_o they_o will_v and_o live_v as_o they_o will_v have_v it_o as_o it_o be_v always_o sound_v in_o their_o ear_n nor_o suffer_v they_o it_o to_o go_v out_o of_o their_o head_n that_o such_o and_o such_o a_o day_n they_o meet_v with_o god_n and_o that_o he_o speak_v peace_n to_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v persuade_v that_o matter_n be_v right_a betwixt_o he_o and_o they_o and_o yet_o all_o this_o while_n they_o may_v be_v unsound_a at_o the_o heart_n the_o four_o rise_v be_v from_o folk_n habituate_n themselves_o to_o speak_v good_a to_o themselves_o and_o from_o maintain_v their_o presumption_n and_o dull_v and_o deadn_v their_o own_o conscience_n whereupon_o in_o god_n righteous_a judgement_n conscience_n become_v a_o plague_n to_o they_o so_o that_o they_o will_v dispute_v and_o debate_n with_o and_o against_o any_o minister_n neighbour_n or_o friend_n that_o will_v convince_v they_o of_o the_o evil_a and_o danger_n of_o their_o state_n and_o condition_n and_o the_o heart_n be_v by_o they_o thus_o deceive_v speak_v and_o plead_v for_o they_o and_o deceive_v they_o back_o again_o they_o be_v honest_a â—olks_n and_o be_v never_o hear_v with_o their_o neighbour_n none_o have_v any_o thing_n amiss_o to_o say_v of_o they_o and_o their_o own_o conscience_n justify_v they_o and_o what_o shall_v more_o thus_o have_v put_v out_o their_o light_n and_o blind_v their_o own_o eye_n they_o have_v constrain_v and_o some_o way_n necessitate_v their_o conscience_n to_o cheat_v deceive_v and_o beguile_v they_o such_o as_o these_o be_v speak_v of_o isa._n 44_o 20._o he_o feed_v on_o ash_n a_o deceive_a heart_n have_v turn_v he_o aside_o that_o he_o can_v deliver_v his_o soul_n nor_o say_v be_v there_o not_o a_o lie_n in_o my_o right_a hand_n the_o heart_n be_v ordinary_o take_v as_o be_v hint_v before_o for_o the_o conscience_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n according_o job_n say_v his_o heart_n shall_v not_o smite_v he_o while_o he_o live_v and_o it_o be_v say_v david_n heart_n smite_v he_o now_o such_o a_o man_n as_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o his_o deceive_a
heart_n or_o delude_v conscience_n turn_v he_o aside_o so_o that_o he_o can_v deliver_v his_o soul_n that_o be_v he_o can_v wind_v and_o extricat_fw-la himself_o out_o of_o that_o thicket_n of_o self_n deceit_n so_o far_o as_o to_o bespeak_v himself_o thus_o be_v it_o not_o a_o lie_n that_o i_o be_o lipn_v and_o trust_v to_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v it_o that_o many_o of_o you_o have_v for_o a_o good_a conscience_n even_o a_o deceive_a heart_n or_o a_o delude_a conscience_n speak_v to_o you_o who_o will_v or_o what_o we_o can_v it_o be_v in_o some_o respect_n impossible_a to_o put_v you_o off_o that_o â—ancie_n and_o to_o awake_v you_o out_o of_o that_o dream_n that_o you_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o delusion_n be_v that_o man_n take_v not_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o sentence_n of_o conscience_n from_o god_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n but_o from_o their_o own_o mislead_a reason_n or_o from_o some_o common_a gift_n or_o from_o some_o piece_n of_o sense_n or_o some_o opinion_n and_o fancy_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n that_o be_v in_o some_o sort_n deceive_v by_o they_o and_o deceive_v they_o now_o all_o these_o delusion_n may_v be_v in_o these_o three_o respect_n 1._o in_o respect_n of_o thing_n doctrinal_a a_o man_n may_v be_v persuade_v that_o truth_n be_v a_o error_n and_o a_o error_n be_v a_o truth_n 2._o in_o respect_n of_o matter_n of_o practice_n a_o man_n may_v take_v a_o evil_n turn_v or_o action_n for_o a_o good_a one_o and_o have_v a_o sort_n of_o persuasion_n that_o it_o be_v so_o as_o the_o jew_n have_v in_o kill_v the_o apostle_n who_o think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n as_o the_o lord_n foretell_v john_n 16._o v_o 2._o and_o three_o in_o respect_n of_o a_o man_n estate_n who_o think_v he_o be_v in_o friendship_n with_o god_n when_o indeed_o he_o be_v not_o because_o he_o draw_v his_o conclusion_n from_o wrong_a premise_n either_o fail_v in_o the_o major_a proposition_n lay_v down_o a_o wrong_a rule_n or_o in_o the_o minor_a proposition_n apply_v the_o rule_n to_o himself_o partial_o these_o thing_n you_o shall_v take_v along_o with_o you_o in_o what_o we_o be_v to_o say_v further_o on_o this_o point_n now_o for_o the_o mark_n and_o evidence_n of_o a_o delude_a conscience_n beside_o these_o forementioned_a of_o a_o legal_a and_o of_o a_o presumptuous_a conscience_n which_o may_v be_v also_o mark_v of_o this_o it_o have_v these_o four_o or_o five_o especial_o accompany_v it_o 1._o a_o certain_a frothiness_n of_o spirit_n or_o a_o light_n unsettle_a frame_n the_o light_n that_o a_o delude_a man_n have_v in_o his_o state_n or_o way_n be_v but_o like_o a_o dream_n that_o have_v no_o reality_n in_o it_o he_o feed_v on_o ash_n and_o such_o a_o one_o will_v some_o way_n make_v more_o conscience_n of_o and_o take_v more_o pleasure_n in_o that_o wherein_o he_o be_v delude_v then_o in_o any_o other_o pâ—ece_n or_o practice_n of_o religion_n as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o jew_n in_o persecute_v the_o apostle_n and_o with_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n in_o seek_v to_o gain_v a_o prosylite_n and_o yet_o in_o all_o that_o they_o do_v they_o be_v but_o lick_v froth_n or_o sâ—um_n ephraim_n feed_v on_o wind_n hos._n 12._o 1._o what_o exercise_n of_o conscience_n they_o have_v about_o religion_n be_v without_o any_o sanctify_a effect_n it_o strick_v not_o at_o the_o body_n of_o death_n nor_o do_v it_o promove_v godliness_n it_o be_v ready_o some_o frivolous_a thing_n that_o they_o be_v so_o much_o take_v up_o with_o and_o be_v so_o eager_a in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o which_o prove_v but_o wind_n and_o ash_n to_o who_o it_o may_v be_v in_o some_o respect_n say_v as_o the_o apostle_n do_v to_o the_o galatian_n chap._n 3._o 3_o you_o begin_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o seek_v to_o be_v make_v perfect_a in_o the_o flesh_n a_o second_o mark_n of_o this_o be_v there_o be_v always_o in_o such_o a_o conscience_n a_o un-distinctness_a as_o to_o the_o ground_n whence_o the_o man_n consolation_n flow_v or_o there_o be_v much_o more_o suppose_a peace_n comfort_n joy_n and_o satisfaction_n than_o he_o can_v give_v any_o solid_a reason_n for_o and_o they_o be_v huge_o disproportion_v to_o the_o foundation_n they_o be_v build_v upon_o ask_v a_o hypocrite_n what_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o his_o so_o firm_a persuasion_n and_o of_o the_o comfort_n and_o joy_n result_v there_o from_o he_o will_v ready_o answer_v i_o think_v it_o be_v so_o or_o i_o hope_v it_o be_v so_o or_o if_o he_o come_v to_o be_v somewhat_o more_o particular_a in_o the_o account_n he_o give_v it_o will_v very_o ready_o be_v to_o this_o or_o some_o such_o purpose_n god_n have_v be_v very_o good_a and_o kind_a to_o i_o in_o such_o and_o such_o providence_n he_o have_v bestow_v on_o i_o such_o and_o such_o gift_n and_o benefit_n which_o yet_o be_v but_o thing_n external_a and_o common_a or_o he_o will_v it_o may_v be_v say_v i_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o such_o and_o such_o a_o strait_a and_o he_o hear_v and_o deliver_v i_o and_o i_o take_v that_o for_o a_o earnest_n that_o he_o will_v hear_v i_o also_o for_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a life_n as_o if_o ahab'_v deliverance_n from_o a_o temporary_a judgement_n on_o his_o humiliation_n have_v be_v to_o he_o indeed_o the_o earnest_n of_o heaven_n or_o it_o may_v be_v he_o will_v further_o say_v god_n have_v keep_v i_o from_o many_o sin_n and_o bestow_v many_o blessing_n on_o i_o which_o he_o may_v do_v unto_o and_o often_o do_v to_o mere_a natural_a man_n and_o therefore_o he_o will_v be_v merciful_a to_o i_o such_o conclusion_n be_v broad_a than_o the_o premise_n and_o the_o superstructure_n than_o the_o foundation_n and_o yet_o alace_o the_o persuasion_n of_o many_o be_v build_v upon_o such_o sandy_a foundation_n and_o be_v therefore_o but_o a_o delusion_n since_o it_o have_v no_o solid_a bottom_n thus_o some_o who_o be_v carry_v away_o with_o a_o error_n will_v say_v they_o can_v defend_v nor_o debate_n for_o such_o a_o thing_n but_o they_o be_v persuade_v of_o it_o as_o if_o a_o well_o ground_a persuasion_n can_v be_v without_o all_o reason_n a_o three_o character_n be_v that_o a_o delude_a conscience_n can_v never_o abide_v or_o endure_v to_o be_v contradict_v or_o put_v to_o a_o trial_n if_o any_o man_n shall_v say_v to_o such_o a_o person_n that_o he_o or_o she_o be_v delude_v they_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o hate_v he_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o delude_a galatian_n to_o who_o the_o apostle_n be_v constrain_v to_o say_v cap._n 4._o v._n 16._o be_o i_o therefore_o become_v your_o enemy_n because_o i_o tell_v you_o the_o truth_n they_o will_v ready_o cast_v out_o with_o their_o great_a and_o best_a friend_n and_o with_o the_o man_n they_o be_v wont_a to_o love_v most_o when_o they_o gainsay_v they_o in_o their_o delusion_n as_o paul_n say_v in_o the_o forecited_a place_n i_o bear_v you_o record_v that_o if_o it_o have_v be_v possible_a you_o will_v once_o have_v pluck_v out_o your_o own_o eye_n and_o give_v they_o to_o i_o and_o be_o i_o now_o become_v your_o enemy_n because_o i_o tell_v you_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v a_o evil_a token_n when_o a_o man_n now_o hate_v another_o who_o he_o love_v before_o and_o on_o no_o other_o ground_n and_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o he_o contradict_v he_o in_o that_o particular_a wherein_o he_o be_v mistake_v a_o four_o character_n be_v which_o be_v of_o some_o affinity_n to_o the_o 2d_o that_o as_o a_o delude_a conscience_n be_v frothy_a in_o its_o comfort_n so_o it_o turn_v a_o man_n forthie_a in_o his_o practice_n he_o be_v much_o more_o concern_v and_o zealous_a in_o small_a and_o minute_n thing_n than_o in_o those_o of_o far_o great_a moment_n as_o the_o apostle_n insinuate_v the_o galatian_n be_v where_o he_o say_v to_o they_o chap._n 3._o v._n 3._o be_v you_o so_o foolish_a that_o have_v begin_v in_o the_o spirit_n you_o be_v now_o make_v perfect_a by_o the_o flesh_n he_o strain_v at_o a_o guat_a and_o swallow_v a_o camel_n and_o be_v not_o so_o much_o take_v up_o with_o the_o whole_a of_o religion_n as_o he_o be_v with_o that_o particular_a thing_n wherein_o he_o be_v delude_v he_o have_v more_o love_n unto_o and_o sympathy_n with_o these_o that_o be_v of_o his_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n in_o that_o particular_a then_o with_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n that_o be_v sound_a and_o right_a the_o galatian_n can_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o paul_n have_v more_o grace_n than_o many_o or_o all_o of_o these_o teacher_n that_o court_v and_o woo_v they_o so_o much_o into_o that_o error_n and_o yet_o they_o cool_v in_o their_o affection_n to_o he_o
and_o be_v fond_a on_o they_o a_o 5_o character_n be_v that_o a_o delude_a conscience_n iâ—_n ordinary_o bitter_a and_o cruel_a in_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v proud_a and_o vain_a so_o it_o will_v persecute_v to_o the_o death_n they_o it_o differ_v from_o hence_o be_v the_o persecution_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o paul_n especial_o and_o we_o have_v see_v it_o in_o poor_a delude_a soul_n who_o have_v think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o slay_v all_o that_o be_v against_o they_o or_o differ_v from_o they_o in_o these_o their_o delusion_n some_o what_o of_o this_o bitterspirit_n accompany_v the_o delusion_n of_o the_o galatian_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n say_v to_o they_o chap._n 5._o 15._o if_o you_o bite_v and_o devour_v one_o another_o etc._n etc._n and_o james_n speak_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n of_o such_o person_n chap._n 3._o 14._o if_o you_o have_v bitter_a envy_v and_o strife_n in_o your_o heart_n glory_v not_o and_o lie_v not_o against_o the_o truth_n this_o wisdom_n descend_v not_o from_o above_o bitter_a zeal_n and_o strife_n be_v a_o evil_a token_n and_o a_o bitter_a conscience_n be_v ready_o no_o good_a conscience_n when_o a_o man_n suppose_v himself_o to_o be_v in_o the_o right_n be_v carry_v on_o with_o a_o spirit_n of_o bitterness_n though_o in_o other_o case_n bitterness_n through_o the_o power_n of_o corruption_n may_v kith_v yet_o it_o be_v native_a to_o delusion_n it_o flow_v from_o pride_n in_o such_o person_n exalt_v themselves_o above_o all_o other_o therefore_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v delude_v &_o go_v wrong_a they_o must_v have_v a_o church_n by_o themselves_o and_o will_v join_v with_o no_o other_o person_n in_o christian_a communion_n but_o such_o as_o be_v of_o their_o mistake_a opinion_n but_o a_o three_o question_n arise_v here_o on_o occasion_n of_o the_o former_a viz._n whether_o believer_n in_o christ_n need_v to_o be_v afraid_a of_o a_o delude_a conscience_n and_o whether_o they_o may_v not_o be_v persuade_v and_o that_o with_o a_o sort_n of_o delight_n and_o satisfaction_n that_o they_o be_v right_a when_o yet_o they_o be_v wrong_v the_o latter_a branch_n of_o the_o question_n necessary_o suppose_v the_o former_a which_o need_v not_o therefore_o to_o be_v particular_o speak_v to_o we_o answer_v with_o a_o distinction_n that_o a_o believer_n may_v be_v mistake_v and_o delude_v in_o a_o particular_a but_o can_v be_v delude_v as_o to_o his_o gracious_a state_n because_o be_v indeed_o a_o believer_n it_o be_v a_o most_o true_a and_o certain_a conclusion_n which_o he_o draw_v concern_v his_o be_v in_o a_o gracious_a state_n though_o possible_o as_o to_o some_o of_o the_o ground_n whence_o he_o deduce_v it_o he_o may_v be_v mistake_v or_o he_o may_v draw_v it_o from_o wrong_a ground_n yet_o i_o say_v in_o some_o particular_n he_o may_v be_v delude_v as_o in_o take_v such_o or_o such_o a_o error_n to_o be_v a_o truth_n and_o so_o the_o first_o three_o ground_n and_o rise_v of_o a_o delude_a conscience_n which_o we_o form_n er_o assign_v may_v agree_v to_o he_o as_o he_o may_v lay_v too_o much_o weight_n on_o carnal_a reason_n and_o on_o common_a gift_n as_o some_o of_o the_o galaians_n do_v and_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v in_o hazard_n to_o do_v and_o therefore_o our_o lord_n say_v to_o they_o luke_o 10._o 20._o rejoice_v not_o in_o this_o that_o the_o spirit_n be_v subject_a to_o you_o but_o that_o your_o name_n be_v write_v in_o heaven_n he_o may_v also_o lay_v too_o much_o weight_n on_o sense_n or_o comfort_n and_o the_o reason_n may_v be_v because_o when_o god_n gracious_o condescend_v to_o give_v they_o now_o and_o then_o some_o proof_n that_o he_o love_v they_o they_o be_v in_o so_o far_o desert_v draw_v a_o conclusion_n quite_o cross_a to_o the_o design_n and_o end_n of_o that_o manifestation_n as_o if_o he_o approve_v they_o in_o that_o particular_a wherein_o they_o be_v mistake_v for_o as_o a_o believer_n when_o he_o be_v right_o may_v think_v himself_o to_o be_v wrong_n because_o of_o the_o want_n of_o sense_n so_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o contrary_n he_o may_v think_v himself_o to_o be_v right_a because_o he_o have_v much_o sense_n when_o yet_o he_o may_v be_v wrong_a i_o shall_v for_o further_a clear_v instance_n it_o in_o five_o or_o six_o case_n as_o 1._o when_o a_o believer_n have_v be_v in_o some_o tender_a frame_n pray_v to_o god_n sincere_o and_o have_v get_v a_o hear_n and_o when_o some_o smile_a providence_n meet_v he_o and_o invit_v he_o to_o side_n with_o such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n he_o be_v ready_a to_o think_v that_o god_n call_v he_o to_o that_o thing_n or_o it_o may_v be_v the_o christian_n after_o prayer_n meet_v with_o a_o scripture_n that_o hold_v out_o that_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v be_v pray_v for_o whence_o he_o rash_o draw_v the_o conclusion_n that_o he_o will_v obtain_v it_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o think_v that_o therein_o he_o walk_v according_a to_o reason_n if_o the_o thing_n look_v rational_a like_o to_o he_o and_o suit_v the_o matter_n of_o his_o prayer_n we_o may_v see_v something_o of_o this_o or_o very_o like_v it_o in_o samuel_n if_o we_o compare_v the_o 15._o and_o 16._o chapter_n of_o the_o first_o book_n of_o samuel_n together_o in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o 15._o chapter_n he_o have_v very_o probable_o be_v pray_v when_o he_o mourn_v and_o chap._n 16._o v._n 1._o he_o be_v send_v by_o god_n to_o bethlehem_n to_o anoint_v one_o of_o jesses_n son_n to_o be_v king_n and_o when_o vers_n 6._o he_o look_v on_o eliah_n he_o present_o and_o somewhat_o rash_o yet_o very_o confident_o say_v sure_o the_o lord_n anointed_n be_v before_o he_o he_o have_v be_v pray_v and_o the_o thing_n look_v so_o rational_a and_o purpose-like_a be_v persuade_v that_o he_o be_v right_a but_o the_o lord_n reprove_v he_o and_o say_v to_o he_o look_v not_o on_o his_o countenance_n nor_o on_o the_o height_n of_o his_o stature_n because_o i_o have_v refuse_v he_o for_o the_o lord_n see_v not_o â—s_a man_n see_v for_o man_n look_v on_o the_o outward_a appearance_n but_o the_o lord_n look_v on_o the_o heart_n how_o oâ—t_n may_v a_o tryst_n of_o providence_n be_v mistake_v i_o be_v in_o prayer_n and_o such_o a_o word_n meet_v i_o and_o such_o a_o providence_n occur_v to_o i_o and_o do_v cast_v the_o balance_n a_o â—_o d._n case_n be_v when_o a_o thing_n represent_v itself_o to_o the_o believer_n not_o only_o as_o lawful_a and_o honest_a but_o as_o conduce_v much_o to_o god_n glory_n and_o to_o the_o good_a of_o his_o work_n and_o he_o mean_v well_o in_o it_o how_o ready_a be_v he_o hence_o to_o conclude_v that_o he_o be_v certain_o call_v to_o such_o a_o thing_n and_o that_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n when_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o we_o may_v see_v something_o of_o this_o in_o david_n who_o 2_o sam._n 7._o 1_o 2_o 3_o and_o 4._o have_v a_o purpose_n to_o build_v a_o house_n to_o god_n propose_v the_o matter_n to_o nathan_n the_o prophet_n who_o without_o consult_v god_n off-hand_n say_v to_o he_o go_v do_v all_o that_o be_v in_o thy_o heart_n for_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o thou_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o though_o god_n love_v the_o thing_n and_o approve_v of_o it_o in_o its_o self_n as_o a_o duty_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o god_n mind_n that_o david_n shall_v perform_v it_o nor_o that_o nathan_n shall_v have_v so_o positive_o encourage_v he_o to_o it_o hence_o when_o a_o thing_n consider_v in_o itself_o be_v please_v to_o god_n and_o may_v be_v for_o his_o honour_n some_o good_a people_n may_v think_v it_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n who_o yet_o god_n never_o call_v to_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o for_o instance_n to_o aim_v to_o be_v a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o good_a thing_n in_o itself_o and_o one_o may_v have_v a_o sort_n of_o impulse_n to_o it_o who_o yet_o may_v not_o be_v call_v to_o it_o a_o 3d._a case_n be_v when_o believer_n inclination_n and_o affection_n be_v exceed_v much_o towards_o such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n very_o ready_o therefrom_o they_o will_v come_v to_o have_v a_o sort_n of_o persuasion_n in_o their_o conscience_n anent_o that_o thing_n as_o for_o instance_n when_o they_o love_v one_o sort_n of_o life_n beyond_o another_o which_o be_v not_o simple_o unlawful_a or_o one_o child_n beyond_o another_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o isaac_n his_o strong_a inclination_n to_o bless_v esau_n gen._n 27._o we_o conceive_v the_o good_a man_n go_v not_o against_o the_o light_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n in_o the_o matter_n but_o he_o love_v he_o excessive_o which_o make_v he_o take_v the_o less_o heed_n to_o what_o otherways_o god_n promise_n and_o way_n of_o deal_n with_o his_o son_n
show_v 1_o cor._n 19_o 19_o 7ly_n their_o error_n or_o mistake_v may_v be_v continue_v in_o long_a and_o believer_n may_v not_o only_o fall_v hasty_o or_o on_o the_o sudden_a in_o a_o error_n of_o judgement_n or_o into_o a_o wrong_a practice_n but_o they_o may_v live_v and_o lie_v long_o in_o it_o it_o be_v like_a that_o of_o job_n friend_n end_v not_o in_o a_o day_n nor_o in_o a_o month_n and_o that_o of_o the_o father_n be_v for_o many_o year_n together_o and_o that_o also_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v for_o several_a yea_o they_o may_v continue_v so_o long_o that_o they_o may_v die_v in_o it_o and_o never_o come_v to_o so_o much_o clearness_n as_o once_o to_o know_v that_o they_o be_v wrong_a though_o i_o say_v not_o that_o they_o may_v die_v in_o such_o a_o error_n and_o mistake_n un-pardoned_n yet_o they_o may_v die_v in_o unclearness_n as_o to_o the_o thing_n be_v a_o error_n yet_o without_o prejudice_n to_o their_o salvation_n have_v a_o interpretative_a and_o virtual_a 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in_o some_o thing_n to_o mistake_v and_o to_o follow_v the_o misguide_n of_o a_o misinform_v conscience_n 3_o believer_n be_v sometime_o rash_a and_o hasty_a in_o draw_v a_o sudden_a conclusion_n and_o too_o negligent_a in_o previous_a try_v take_v that_o for_o god_n mind_n which_o be_v not_o so_o indeed_o as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o samuel_n who_o take_v eliaâ—_n for_o god_n anoint_a and_o in_o nathan_n who_o approve_v of_o david_n resolution_n to_o build_v the_o temple_n not_o only_o as_o it_o be_v a_o good_a work_n in_o itself_o but_o as_o his_o present_a duty_n much_o of_o their_o error_n flow_v from_o haâ—e_n as_o he_o say_v in_o another_o case_n psal._n 116._o v_o 11._o i_o say_v in_o my_o haste_n all_o man_n be_v liar_n 4_o there_o may_v much_o of_o this_o evil_n arise_v from_o the_o suffering_n of_o a_o prejudice_n to_o sit_v down_o or_o settle_v when_o a_o believer_n be_v prejudge_v he_o may_v hear_v many_o thing_n and_o not_o take_v they_o well_o up_o so_o the_o disciple_n have_v drink_v in_o a_o prejudice_n at_o the_o cross_n and_o therefore_o when_o christ_n speak_v of_o suffer_v to_o they_o it_o be_v say_v they_o understand_v he_o not_o 5_o believer_n be_v sometime_o un-aware_a engage_v in_o a_o conclusion_n that_o byass_v their_o light_n and_o make_v their_o conscience_n partial_a as_o in_o search_v and_o find_v out_o what_o may_v clear_v they_o so_o in_o seek_v out_o ground_n to_o maintain_v their_o opinion_n by_o thus_o job_n friend_n do_v first_o apprehend_v and_o take_v up_o job_n to_o be_v a_o hypocrite_n and_o according_o think_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o bear_v in_o the_o conviction_n of_o it_o upon_o he_o and_o to_o maintain_v that_o conclusion_n they_o wrest_v god_n providence_n and_o dispensation_n not_o against_o their_o present_a light_n nor_o it_o may_v be_v from_o a_o former_a error_n so_o much_o as_o from_o the_o prejudice_n they_o have_v drink_v in_o 6_o believer_n may_v think_v themselves_o to_o be_v right_a when_o they_o be_v wrong_v because_o of_o a_o general_a custom_n or_o opinion_n of_o such_o a_o thing_n among_o other_o believer_n take_v such_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o other_o they_o engage_v in_o it_o without_o trial_n or_o debate_n which_o be_v give_v as_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o patriarch_n their_o so_o long_o continue_v in_o polygamy_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v become_v customary_a and_o habitual_a 7_o beside_o the_o instance_n we_o give_v the_o last_o day_n which_o may_v also_o be_v reason_n believer_n out_o of_o their_o respect_n and_o love_n to_o a_o good_a end_n may_v think_v that_o such_o or_o such_o a_o mid_n be_v good_a and_o warrantable_a without_o so_o particular_a examination_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o mid_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v not_o gross_o or_o manifest_o sinful_a because_o they_o think_v that_o such_o a_o end_n be_v warrantable_a as_o it_o may_v indeed_o be_v and_o yet_o every_o mid_n be_v not_o so_o though_o when_o the_o end_n be_v good_a the_o midse_n be_v 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in-consistent_a with_o the_o doctrine_n nor_o with_o the_o use_n for_o the_o 1._o we_o will_v distinguish_v three_o thing_n in_o believer_n in_o reference_n to_o their_o conscience_n 1._o something_o wherein_o their_o conscience_n may_v just_o challenge_v they_o 2_o something_o that_o their_o conscience_n without_o ground_n may_v challenge_v they_o for_o 3_o something_o that_o may_v be_v take_v for_o the_o language_n of_o conscience_n which_o indeed_o be_v not_o by_o which_o the_o conscience_n may_v come_v to_o be_v mistake_v 1._o we_o say_v that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n or_o case_n wherein_o upon_o just_a ground_n the_o believer_n conscience_n may_v challenge_v he_o and_o wherein_o he_o may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o evil_a conscience_n as_o beside_o several_a other_o in_o these_o 1._o if_o we_o take_v it_o to_o be_v one_fw-mi evil_n conscience_n that_o be_v not_o only_o silent_a and_o mute_a and_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o reprover_n for_o even_o gross_a sin_n but_o also_o when_o waken_v just_o challenge_v accuse_v and_o condemn_v for_o they_o a_o believer_n may_v fall_v under_o it_o both_o way_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o josephs_n brethren_n and_o in_o david_n who_o have_v one_fw-mi evil_a conscience_n the_o first_o way_n when_o it_o be_v a_o sleep_n and_o the_o second_o way_n after_o it_o be_v waken_v though_o one_fw-mi evil_a conscience_n consider_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o second_o way_n belong_v proper_o to_o this_o head_n 2_o if_o we_o look_v on_o one_fw-mi evil_a conscience_n as_o its_o restless_a disquiet_v and_o vex_v call_v evil_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o to_o wit_n as_o it_o speak_v evil_a so_o the_o believer_n may_v have_v one_fw-mi evil_n conscience_n in_o respect_n of_o particular_a act_n for_o which_o he_o be_v just_o challenge_v for_o he_o may_v thwart_v his_o light_n and_o may_v contract_v guilt_n and_o bring_v himself_o under_o the_o desert_n of_o wrath_n because_o of_o that_o guilt_n which_o bring_v on_o trouble_n at_o least_o inward_a in_o his_o mind_n and_o conscience_n if_o not_o outward_a also_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o david_n after_o his_o adultery_n in_o peter_n when_o he_o deny_v christ_n and_o in_o many_o other_o certain_o as_o to_o such_o particular_a practice_n believer_n may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v one_fw-mi evil_n conscience_n 3_o if_o we_o consider_v a_o believer_n state_n and_o look_v upon_o conscience_n as_o speak_v his_o be_v in_o a_o evil_a state_n though_o doubtless_o it_o can_v warrantable_o charge_v he_o with_o nor_o challenge_v he_o for_o that_o nor_o can_v it_o have_v just_a ground_n to_o say_v to_o the_o believer_n that_o his_o state_n be_v evil_a yet_o it_o may_v very_o warrantable_o and_o on_o just_a ground_n be_v silent_a as_o to_o give_v he_o a_o positive_a testimony_n as_o to_o his_o good_a state_n when_o he_o have_v in_o such_o and_o such_o particular_n provoke_v god_n and_o cause_v he_o to_o hide_v his_o face_n as_o when_o david_n fall_v so_o foul_o his_o conscience_n may_v warrantable_o withdraw_v and_o its_o like_a do_v withdraw_v its_o comfortable_a testimony_n concern_v his_o good_a state_n before_o god_n and_o though_o conscience_n here_o be_v in_o its_o duty_n in_o withhold_v its_o testimony_n from_o the_o believer_n while_o he_o be_v in_o such_o a_o case_n yet_o as_o it_o do_v withhold_v it_o and_o so_o deprive_v he_o of_o the_o comfort_n result_v therefrom_o it_o may_v in_o so_o far_o be_v call_v a_o evil_a conscience_n to_o he_o though_o it_o be_v not_o in_o itself_o and_o sinful_o so_o 2_o the_o conscience_n may_v also_o challenge_v a_o believer_n for_o some_o thing_n without_o ground_n or_o unwarrantable_o which_o we_o may_v see_v beside_o other_o in_o these_o three_o 1._o conscience_n may_v charge_v a_o believer_n with_o be_v a_o hypocrite_n even_o as_o to_o his_o state_n when_o he_o be_v it_o may_v be_v much_o overcome_v with_o the_o power_n of_o unbelief_n and_o have_v the_o evidence_n of_o his_o sincerity_n much_o darken_v and_o see_v many_o thing_n very_o contrary_a thereto_o that_o may_v seem_v to_o speak_v his_o be_v out_o of_o christ_n when_o yet_o indeed_o â—e_n be_v in_o he_o the_o many_o sad_a plunge_n and_o difficulty_n that_o believer_n have_v fall_v into_o '_o wherein_n they_o have_v be_v puâ—_n to_o think_v so_o hardly_o of_o themselves_o and_o not_o against_o the_o present_a light_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n neither_o prove_v that_o conscience_n may_v speak_v so_o and_o so_o hardly_o to_o they_o concern_v their_o unsound_a and_o hypocritical_a state_n and_o yet_o without_o ground_n especial_o when_o it_o hold_v not_o at_o the_o negation_n or_o suspension_n of_o its_o comfortable_a testimony_n concern_v their_o gracious_a state_n but_o positive_o asseâ—eth_v the_o believer_n be_v in_o black_a nature_n still_o and_o â—o_o in_o a_o evil_n staâ—e_v 2dâ—y_n conscience_n may_v challenge_v for_o that_o which_o be_v not_o sin_n and_o so_o for_o that_o which_o it_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o challenge_v for_o as_o we_o may_v see_v 1_o cor._n 8._o vers_fw-la 7._o compare_v with_o the_o penult_n vers_fw-la in_o the_o 7._o vers_fw-la the_o apostle_n say_v there_o be_v not_o in_o every_o man_n a_o like_a knowledge_n for_o some_o with_o conscience_n of_o the_o idol_n eat_v it_o as_o a_o thing_n offer_v to_o a_o idol_n and_o their_o conscience_n be_v weak_a be_v defile_v and_o vers_fw-la 12._o he_o say_v that_o their_o conscience_n be_v weak_a be_v wound_v their_o light_n be_v weak_a and_o suppose_v such_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v wrong_n when_o it_o be_v not_o so_o they_o be_v challenge_v by_o their_o coâ—cience_n without_o just_a ground_n thus_o it_o be_v very_o ordinary_o for_o young_a beginner_n in_o religion_n to_o be_v pierce_v and_o wound_v with_o challenge_n for_o many_o thing_n that_o these_o who_o be_v more_o strong_a and_o full_o grouâ—_n will_v not_o at_o all_o be_v trouble_v for_o neither_o have_v ground_n to_o be_v trouble_v for_o as_o these_o who_o can_v eat_v every_o â—ort_n of_o meat_n ask_v no_o question_n for_o conscience_n sake_n 3_o conscience_n may_v challenge_v for_o a_o sin_n that_o have_v be_v pardon_v as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o pardon_v yea_o it_o may_v challenge_v for_o a_o sin_n the_o pardon_n whereof_o have_v be_v intimate_v as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o david_n and_o job_n who_o be_v pardon_v and_o yet_o under_o their_o affliction_n the_o sin_n of_o their_o youth_n do_v stare_v they_o in_o the_o face_n and_o the_o conscience_n will_v ready_o challenge_v for_o old_a iniquity_n though_o pardon_v either_o when_o believer_n break_v out_o into_o some_o new_a act_n of_o gross_a siâ—_n as_o we_o see_v in_o david_n case_n or_o when_o they_o be_v under_o some_o extraordinary_a and_o very_o sad_o circumstantiate_v dispensation_n of_o providence_n sore_o assault_v by_o tentation_n and_o unbelief_n cry_v loud_a as_o it_o be_v all_o be_v wrong_v there_o as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o measure_n with_o holy_a job._n 3_o we_o say_v that_o some_o thing_n may_v be_v take_v for_o the_o language_n of_o conscience_n which_o be_v not_o or_o we_o may_v mistake_v conscience_n and_o think_v that_o it_o speak_v so_o and_o so_o and_o do_v challenge_v when_o it_o do_v not_o speak_v so_o nor_o challenge_v which_o may_v be_v the_o reason_n of_o man_n suppose_v the_o conscience_n to_o be_v good_a when_o it_o be_v not_o or_o contrar_o and_o this_o come_v to_o pass_v especial_o in_o two_o case_n 1._o when_o our_o incâ—nation_n be_v thwart_v or_o our_o humour_n be_v to_o speak_v â—o_o grieve_v in_o which_o case_n melancholy_n or_o discontent_n or_o some_o other_o grief_n be_v ready_o take_v to_o be_v conscience_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o achab_n when_o he_o get_v not_o the_o vine-yard_n of_o naboth_n he_o lay_v himself_o down_o on_o his_o bed_n and_o will_v eat_v no_o bread_n but_o it_o be_v not_o from_o any_o challenge_n of_o his_o conscience_n but_o because_o his_o inclination_n and_o humour_n be_v cross_v some_o degree_n of_o which_o may_v be_v find_v with_o believer_n 2_o when_o conscience_n speak_v only_o as_o to_o somewhat_o in_o part_n or_o only_o concern_v such_o or_o such_o a_o particular_a and_o we_o draw_v a_o conclusion_n much_o broad_a then_o that_o which_o conscience_n do_v speak_v will_v bear_v as_o when_o it_o say_v to_o the_o believer_n in_o this_o or_o this_o particular_a thou_o be_v not_o right_a and_o he_o hence_o conclude_v that_o he_o be_v right_a in_o nothing_o and_o very_o ordinary_o it_o be_v thus_o with_o believer_n that_o be_v not_o so_o clear_a distinct_a and_o strong_a in_o their_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n when_o conscience_n say_v that_o such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v wrong_a they_o be_v ready_a to_o conclude_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v wrong_a and_o nothing_o right_a because_o one_o thing_n be_v wrong_a so_o when_o conscience_n point_v forth_o such_o
a_o end_n not_o only_o to_o be_v lawful_a but_o even_o laudable_a we_o may_v be_v ready_a to_o think_v that_o it_o alloweâ—h_v also_o of_o all_o or_o most_o midse_n without_o discrimination_n that_o lead_v to_o the_o attain_n of_o the_o end_n now_o 2_o to_o answer_v to_o the_o objection_n more_o direct_o aâ—d_v so_o to_o show_v how_o this_o be_v not_o in_o consistent_a neither_o with_o the_o doctrine_n nor_o with_o the_o use_n we_o say_v then_o 1._o that_o it_o be_v neither_o of_o these_o two_o last_o sort_n of_o thing_n we_o speak_v of_o that_o be_v mean_v when_o we_o say_v that_o a_o endeavour_n to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n be_v a_o mark_n of_o sincerity_n for_o we_o speak_v of_o a_o conscience_n that_o mistake_v not_o and_o of_o a_o person_n that_o do_v not_o mistake_v his_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o though_o conscience_n prejudge_v a_o man_n of_o the_o comfortable_a application_n of_o this_o mark_n yet_o it_o cease_v not_o for_o that_o to_o be_v a_o mark._n 2_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o it_o as_o a_o mark_n of_o sincerity_n we_o mean_v not_o so_o much_o of_o a_o person_n actual_a attainment_n as_o of_o his_o sincere_a endeavour_n when_o he_o dispense_v not_o with_o himself_o in_o any_o sin_n nor_o in_o the_o ommission_n of_o any_o know_a duty_n but_o be_v aim_v honest_o in_o every_o thing_n to_o approve_v himself_o to_o god_n as_o it_o be_v heb._n 13._o 18._o we_o trust_v say_v the_o apostle_n we_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n willing_a to_o live_v honest_o the_o testimony_n be_v found_v more_o on_o the_o sincere_a aim_n and_o endeavour_v than_o what_o be_v actual_o attain_v 3ly_a in_o the_o doctrine_n we_o say_v a_o believer_n in_o a_o good_a frame_n will_v so_o aim_v to_o live_v as_o he_o may_v have_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o the_o objection_n suppose_v only_o that_o when_o he_o be_v not_o in_o a_o good_a frame_n he_o can_v have_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o that_o we_o grant_v for_o he_o may_v indeed_o by_o his_o carnal_a frame_n and_o walk_v spoil_n and_o rob_v himself_o of_o the_o comfortable_a application_n of_o this_o mark_n and_o so_o there_o be_v no_o inconsistencie_n here_o 4_o this_o stand_v firm_o as_o a_o truth_n that_o though_o a_o believer_n have_v many_o other_o mark_n yet_o they_o can_v bear_v he_o comfortable_o through_o if_o he_o want_v this_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o it_o be_v so_o very_o necessary_a to_o a_o christian_a walk_n that_o a_o believer_n dare_v not_o conclude_v his_o sincerity_n when_o he_o contrary_a to_o his_o light_n dispense_v with_o himself_o in_o the_o commission_n of_o any_o know_a sin_n or_o in_o the_o ommission_n of_o any_o know_a duty_n the_o 3d._a use_n be_v of_o reproof_n and_o conviction_n if_o so_o be_v christian_n ought_v â—o_o to_o walk_v and_o when_o they_o be_v tender_a will_v so_o walk_v as_o in_o nothing_o they_o may_v offend_v their_o conscience_n then_o there_o be_v a_o clear_a ground_n here_o to_o reprove_v they_o who_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n and_o believer_n and_o yet_o aim_v not_o at_o this_o to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n yea_o who_o in_o a_o manner_n cut_v out_o the_o ear_n shut_v the_o eye_n and_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o their_o conscience_n be_v this_o christian-like_a think_v you_o happy_a be_v they_o if_o conscience_n have_v not_o a_o ear_n to_o hear_v a_o tongue_n to_o speak_v nor_o a_o eye_n to_o see_v who_o live_v so_o as_o if_o they_o care_v not_o what_o conscience_n have_v to_o say_v to_o they_o if_o man_n shall_v in_o all_o thing_n walk_v according_a to_o conscience_n then_o the_o most_o part_n fall_v undeâ—_n the_o discovery_n of_o their_o rottenness_n that_o never_o so_o much_o as_o honest_o aim_v to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n though_o general_o few_o will_v deny_v it_o but_o it_o will_v be_v ready_o say_v here_o who_o be_v these_o that_o will_v sin_n against_o their_o conscience_n therefore_o we_o shall_v speak_v a_o word_n to_o these_o two_o 1._o can_v it_o be_v that_o man_n will_v â—in_v against_o their_o conscience_n 2_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o man_n sin_n against_o their_o conscience_n for_o the_o 1._o need_v it_o proof_n that_o man_n will_v sin_v against_o conscience_n and_o be_v careless_a to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n 1._o i_o will_v pose_v put_v you_o to_o it_o and_o ask_v you_o whither_o be_v there_o sin_n in_o you_o or_o not_o and_o if_o sin_n be_v in_o you_o then_o sure_a conscience_n be_v offend_v 2_o i_o will_v ask_v you_o be_v there_o not_o sin_n against_o light_n do_v you_o never_o that_o which_o you_o know_v to_o be_v sin_n do_v you_o not_o know_v fornication_n drunkenness_n tipple_a lie_v swear_v vanity_n of_o thought_n idâ—e_v word_n neglect_v of_o prayer_n want_v of_o seriousness_n in_o it_o etc._n etc._n to_o be_v sin_n and_o do_v you_o not_o often_o go_v about_o duty_n know_v yourselves_o to_o be_v under_o the_o guilt_n of_o these_o sin_n 3_o i_o will_v ask_v sin_z you_o never_o against_o conviction_n of_o your_o conscience_n according_a to_o that_o word_n rom._n 1._o ult_n who_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 yet_o not_o only_o do_v the_o same_o but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o they_o that_o do_v they_o will_v any_o of_o you_o dare_v to_o say_v but_o that_o you_o have_v be_v convince_v that_o drunkenness_n and_o tipple_a or_o the_o like_a be_v a_o sin_n and_o yet_o you_o have_v go_v on_o in_o it_o over_o that_o conviction_n 4_o have_v you_o not_o be_v challenge_v for_o sin_n and_o yet_o you_o have_v go_v over_o the_o belly_n of_o these_o challenge_n of_o conscience_n even_o when_o it_o have_v be_v present_o sting_v for_o such_o a_o sin_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a when_o conscience_n have_v be_v put_v at_o you_o and_o pouss_v you_o to_o such_o and_o such_o a_o duty_n and_o say_v it_o be_v no_o time_n now_o to_o put_v it_o off_o and_o shift_v it_o yet_o have_v not_o these_o suggestion_n and_o challenge_n be_v slight_v and_o these_o poussing_n to_o duty_n smother_v and_o the_o spirit_n grieve_v 5thly_a have_v there_o be_v no_o engadgement_n sometime_o come_v under_o to_o abstain_v from_o such_o and_o such_o a_o sin_n and_o to_o perform_v such_o and_o such_o duty_n and_o have_v not_o all_o these_o engadgement_n be_v break_v even_o mere_o natural_a man_n have_v come_v this_o length_n as_o to_o come_v under_o such_o engadgement_n who_o yet_o have_v flidden_v back_o from_o they_o and_o violate_v they_o gross_o 6_o have_v you_o not_o have_v your_o own_o kind_n of_o spiritual_a exercise_n your_o outcrying_n under_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n and_o apprehension_n of_o wrath_n in_o fit_n of_o sickness_n or_o under_o hard_a and_o heavy_a cross_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o have_v you_o not_o continue_v in_o the_o same_o sin_n and_o if_o all_o these_o be_v clear_a can_v you_o deny_v that_o you_o have_v sin_v against_o conscience_n or_o dare_v you_o say_v that_o you_o have_v endeavour_v to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n i_o grant_v that_o people_n faâ—l_v into_o sin_n divers_a way_n some_o fall_n out_o of_o infirmity_n and_o through_o the_o force_n and_o violence_n of_o temptation_n and_o a_o great_a speat_v and_o high-springtide_n as_o it_o be_v of_o corruption_n give_v they_o no_o leave_n to_o advise_v as_o it_o be_v with_o peter_n other_o sin_v presumptuous_o as_o these_o do_v who_o be_v speak_v of_o 1_o tim._n 1._o 19_o who_o put_v or_o thrust_v away_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o err_v concern_v the_o faith_n and_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o they_o they_o sin_n with_o presumption_n and_o with_o a_o high_a hand_n and_o their_o fall_n into_o sin_n be_v not_o rash_o but_o deliberate_o and_o design_o with_o the_o full_a bencil_n and_o inclination_n of_o their_o will_n whither_o their_o conscience_n be_v silent_a or_o speak_v to_o they_o they_o have_v such_o and_o such_o a_o sinful_a design_n and_o they_o will_v needs_o follow_v it_o over_o the_o belly_n of_o all_o conviction_n and_o will_v not_o quit_v their_o old_a course_n but_o with_o the_o dog_n do_v return_n to_o the_o vomit_n now_o if_o this_o be_v a_o just_a and_o well-grounded_n reproof_n what_o will_v the_o condition_n of_o most_o part_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n be_v find_v to_o be_v when_o bring_v to_o evidence_n their_o sincerity_n by_o this_o mark_n even_o a_o honest_a aim_n and_o serious_a endeavour_n to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o if_o this_o be_v a_o good_a and_o desirable_a thing_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v and_o as_o few_o or_o none_o of_o you_o will_v deny_v it_o to_o be_v why_o do_v you_o thus_o put_v off_o linger_v and_o delay_n
to_o come_v at_o it_o if_o you_o shall_v incline_v it_o how_o can_v you_o shift_v this_o conviction_n conscience_n may_v be_v silent_a for_o a_o time_n but_o it_o will_v speak_v and_o speak_v loud_a when_o sickness_n and_o the_o cross_n come_v as_o we_o see_v it_o do_v in_o josephs_n brethren_n in_o such_o a_o case_n many_o of_o you_o will_v find_v that_o conscience_n have_v be_v much_o slight_v o_o when_o death_n shall_v come_v and_o stair_n you_o in_o the_o face_n what_o a_o terrible_a thing_n will_v a_o guilty_a conscience_n be_v find_v then_o to_o be_v the_o terror_n of_o mad_a dog_n of_o wild_a boar_n of_o felrce_a lion_n and_o tiger_n will_v not_o be_v so_o terrible_a as_o a_o evil_a conscience_n will_v be_v when_o awaken_v and_o have_v death_n at_o its_o back_n nay_o suppose_v that_o conscience_n shall_v not_o be_v awaken_v while_o you_o be_v alive_a and_o in_o this_o world_n but_o that_o you_o shall_v slip_v and_o sleep_v away_o like_a lamb_n have_v no_o band_n in_o your_o death_n and_o that_o you_o shall_v die_v applaud_v of_o all_o man_n yet_o what_o will_v you_o do_v with_o your_o conscience_n or_o how_o will_v you_o stand_v before_o it_o when_o you_o shall_v be_v sist_v before_o god_n tribunal_n and_o when_o the_o book_n shall_v be_v lay_v open_a be_v there_o not_o many_o now_o in_o hell_n who_o if_o we_o can_v hear_v their_o language_n will_v very_o ready_o bid_v we_o beware_v to_o thwart_v with_o our_o conscience_n and_o to_o make_v it_o our_o enemy_n wo_n to_o they_o that_o take_v a_o evil_a conscience_n with_o they_o to_o their_o grave_n it_o will_v be_v a_o worm_n that_o will_v gnaw_v eternal_o and_o a_o inward_a poison_n and_o venom_n sting_a burn_a and_o inflame_v the_o very_a bowel_n as_o it_o be_v and_o all_o that_o be_v within_o the_o man_n beyond_o what_o be_v here_o conceivable_a we_o will_v therefore_o earnest_o beseech_v and_o obtest_v you_o sober_o to_o think_v on_o it_o for_o there_o be_v many_o of_o you_o who_o this_o challenge_n and_o reproof_n will_v reach_v and_o if_o we_o shall_v say_v otherwise_o to_o you_o who_o never_o have_v it_o for_o your_o aim_n to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o who_o be_v never_o exercise_v to_o nor_o serious_o take_v up_o with_o religion_n we_o will_v but_o cheat_v and_o beguile_v you_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o you_o can_v thwart_v with_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o not_o also_o thwart_v with_o your_o own_o conscience_n or_o can_v you_o thwart_v with_o your_o light_n and_o your_o conscience_n be_v still_o silent_a or_o shall_v the_o have_v and_o keep_v of_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v one_fw-mi exercise_n to_o paul_n and_o do_v you_o think_v to_o come_v so_o easy_o and_o without_o all_o labour_n to_o it_o these_o and_o other_o such_o be_v palpable_a evidence_n of_o a_o ill_a conscience_n it_o be_v not_o sure_a a_o good_a conscience_n that_o yield_v you_o peace_n and_o quietness_n in_o such_o a_o case_n but_o it_o be_v your_o deep_a security_n and_o your_o be_v regardless_o of_o whâ—_n conscience_n say_v that_o lull_v and_o rock_v you_o a_o sleep_n for_o the_o second_o how_o come_v this_o to_o pass_v or_o how_o can_v it_o be_v that_o man_n and_o woman_n thus_o thwart_v with_o their_o conscience_n answer_n 1._o it_o need_v not_o at_o all_o to_o seem_v strange_a see_v god_n and_o his_o word_n be_v thwart_v with_o will_v they_o think_v we_o stand_v in_o awe_n of_o conscience_n who_o stand_v not_o in_o awe_n of_o god_n and_o who_o do_v not_o lay_v weight_n on_o his_o word_n to_o regulate_v their_o conscience_n by_o it_o this_o be_v the_o great_a ground_n of_o people_n thwart_v with_o their_o conscience_n and_o of_o their_o regardlesness_n of_o it_o even_o their_o not_o stand_v in_o awe_n of_o god_n two_o the_o most_o part_n never_o consider_v their_o obligation_n to_o conscience_n nor_o what_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o thwart_v with_o or_o of_o go_v cross_a to_o their_o conscience_n therefore_o it_o be_v that_o they_o care_v not_o what_o conscience_n say_v be_v there_o any_o considerable_a number_n of_o person_n who_o think_v that_o thwart_a their_o conscience_n be_v such_o a_o terrible_a thing_n at_o it_o be_v indeed_o and_o as_o one_o day_n it_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v many_o have_v rather_o have_v a_o very_a little_a money_n in_o their_o hand_n than_o the_o testimony_n of_o their_o conscience_n and_o this_o regardlesness_n arise_v from_o the_o ignorance_n of_o it_o and_o of_o what_o great_a concernment_n it_o be_v 3_o man_n even_o by_o accustom_v and_o habituate_a themselves_o to_o thwart_v with_o their_o conscience_n in_o lesser_a thing_n do_v by_o little_a and_o little_o stupify_v and_o in_o a_o manner_n put_v out_o the_o life_n of_o their_o conscience_n and_o â—s_v the_o apostle_n have_v the_o word_n they_o cauterise_n or_o fear_v it_o as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o hot_a iron_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o when_o some_o true_o tender_a christian_n be_v trouble_v with_o and_o have_v for_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o exercise_n any_o little_a thing_n or_o thing_n that_o have_v in_o they_o but_o the_o least_o appearance_n of_o evil_n other_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o pray_v to_o be_v save_v from_o such_o madness_n and_o folly_n because_o they_o be_v never_o accustom_v to_o nor_o acquaint_v with_o any_o challenge_n or_o exercise_v of_o that_o kind_n but_o have_v teach_v themselves_o a_o way_n of_o stepe_v over_o their_o conscience_n and_o this_o provock_v god_n to_o give_v they_o up_o to_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n to_o do_v thing_n which_o be_v not_o convenient_a they_o harden_v themselves_o by_o resist_v the_o challenge_n of_o the_o word_n and_o rod_n of_o god_n and_o of_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o be_v judicial_o harden_v so_o that_o either_o conscience_n say_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o they_o or_o they_o do_v not_o at_o all_o value_n what_o it_o say_v thence_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o the_o profane_v have_v most_o ordinary_o few_o challenge_n and_o these_o few_o that_o they_o have_v they_o trample_v on_o they_o and_o stifle_v they_o as_o but_o un-regardable_a and_o trifle_a thing_n whereas_o the_o most_o tender_a conscience_n have_v ready_o manye_v challenge_n though_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o sometime_o challenge_n will_v bear_v in_o themselves_o irresistible_o on_o the_o profane_v of_o man_n but_o they_o be_v to_o such_o very_a un-welcomeguests_a and_o they_o endeavour_v quick_o to_o smother_v they_o or_o to_o drive_v they_o out_o again_o 4_o many_o bias_n their_o own_o conscience_n and_o teach_v themselves_o shift_n not_o so_o much_o to_o satisfy_v their_o conscience_n as_o how_o to_o answer_v it_o and_o to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o it_o and_o to_o please_v their_o own_o humour_n if_o they_o can_v give_v a_o reason_n for_o such_o and_o such_o a_o thing_n such_o as_o it_o be_v to_o their_o conscience_n they_o think_v they_o do_v very_o well_o thus_o deceive_v themselves_o and_o be_v deceive_v for_o a_o deceive_v heart_n have_v lead_v they_o aside_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o in_o some_o thing_n man_n take_v as_o much_o pain_n to_o bias_n their_o conscience_n and_o to_o have_v it_o say_v as_o they_o say_v as_o one_o man_n will_v take_v on_o another_o to_o satisfy_v he_o and_o to_o bring_v he_o over_o to_o be_v of_o his_o mind_n in_o any_o matter_n hence_o also_o be_v the_o debate_n and_o struggle_a exercise_n that_o some_o will_v have_v within_o themselves_o before_o they_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o a_o ingenuous_a confession_n of_o that_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o 5_o people_z seek_v to_o please_v their_o conscience_n when_o they_o can_v bias_n it_o and_o when_o conscience_n challenge_v they_o will_v make_v amends_o as_o it_o may_v be_v they_o will_v pray_v when_o they_o be_v go_v to_o commit_v such_o or_o such_o a_o sin_n as_o some_o profane_a man_n will_v do_v when_o they_o be_v go_v to_o fight_v a_o combat_n or_o duel_n this_o be_v to_o bribe_v the_o conscience_n thus_o many_o papist_n when_o they_o have_v do_v a_o evil_a turn_n will_v give_v so_o much_o to_o the_o poor_a or_o dot_v so_o much_o to_o some_o pious_a work_n or_o use_v as_o they_o judge_v to_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o recompense_n what_o else_o be_v this_o but_o to_o bribe_v conscience_n in_o one_o thing_n to_o hold_v its_o tongue_n in_o another_o thing_n so_o some_o though_o they_o tipple_v all_o the_o day_n think_v they_o do_v well_o if_o they_o have_v be_v a_o while_n in_o the_o church_n and_o will_v seek_v to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o their_o conscience_n with_o that_o at_o night_n for_o they_o can_v not_o at_o all_o keep_v quarter_n to_o speak_v so_o with_o their_o conscience_n if_o they_o have_v not_o some_o form_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o they_o will_v to_o speak_v so_o be_v brave_a
religious_a man_n in_o some_o thing_n that_o they_o may_v get_v a_o dispensation_n to_o themselves_o in_o other_o thing_n but_o none_o of_o these_o will_v be_v find_v law-byding_a when_o god_n come_v to_o reckon_v 6_o people_n in_o a_o sort_n bargain_n with_o their_o conscience_n like_o these_o speak_v of_o isa._n 28._o 15._o they_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o death_n and_o be_v at_o agreement_n with_o hell_n and_o like_a naaman_n if_o that_o be_v indeed_o his_o meaning_n they_o will_v yield_v conscience_n such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n but_o no_o more_o they_o must_v have_v a_o dispensation_n in_o and_o a_o liberty_n of_o make_v reservation_n and_o exception_n of_o some_o one_o or_o more_o thing_n though_o this_o may_v not_o always_o be_v do_v distinct_o formal_o and_o explicit_o yet_o it_o be_v so_o on_o the_o matter_n implicit_o and_o interpretative_o but_o that_o covenant_n with_o death_n however_o make_v direct_o or_o indirect_o shall_v be_v break_v and_o that_o agreement_n with_o hell_n shall_v not_o stand_v and_o the_o hail_n of_o god_n wrath_n will_v sweep_v away_o the_o refuge_n of_o lie_n and_o conscience_n will_v speak_v at_o last_o but_o not_o with_o or_o under_o such_o cover_v of_o figleaf_n that_o man_n now_o wrap_v themselves_o in_o therefore_o i_o beseech_v you_o dally_v not_o with_o conscience_n for_o it_o be_v a_o fearful_a thing_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o it_o when_o it_o be_v waken_v as_o it_o be_v a_o fearful_a thing_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_a god_n who_o act_v in_o and_o by_o that_o conscience_n the_o four_o and_o last_o use_v be_v a_o use_n of_o exhortation_n see_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o man_n and_o more_o especial_o of_o believer_n to_o walk_v so_o as_o in_o nothing_o they_o offend_v their_o conscience_n we_o exhort_v you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o you_o will_v order_v your_o conversation_n so_o as_o in_o nothing_o your_o conscience_n may_v have_v a_o challenge_n against_o you_o you_o will_v all_o ready_o think_v that_o this_o be_v very_o reasonable_a and_o indeed_o if_o we_o prevail_v not_o in_o this_o wherein_o can_v we_o expect_v to_o prevail_v with_o you_o we_o seek_v no_o more_o of_o you_o but_o that_o you_o will_v so_o walk_v as_o that_o live_a and_o die_v your_o conscience_n may_v not_o flee_v in_o your_o face_n but_o may_v give_v you_o this_o testimony_n that_o you_o have_v aim_v to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o to_o live_v honest_o you_o may_v possible_o think_v that_o this_o be_v a_o fair_a general_n and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o very_a gross_a and_o profane_a man_n that_o will_v deny_v it_o and_o yet_o we_o will_v think_v that_o many_o of_o you_o be_v come_v a_o great_a length_n in_o religion_n if_o we_o can_v prevail_v with_o you_o but_o this_o far_o as_o that_o in_o all_o thing_n live_v and_o die_v as_o we_o say_v you_o may_v study_v to_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o this_o be_v no_o controvert_v nor_o debeatable_a thing_n we_o may_v with_o the_o more_o confidence_n press_v it_o upon_o you_o especial_o see_v it_o be_v the_o very_a soul_n and_o life_n of_o religion_n and_o where_o that_o be_v not_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o truth_n in_o religion_n that_o this_o exhortation_n may_v be_v the_o more_o clear_a and_o cogent_a we_o shall_v speak_v a_o word_n to_o these_o three_o 1._o to_o what_o this_o be_v to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o your_o walk_n 2._o to_o some_o motive_n to_o stir_v you_o up_o to_o it_o 3._o to_o some_o help_n to_o it_o for_o the_o 1._o it_o include_v these_o four_o which_o shall_v go_v along_o in_o your_o walk_n 1._o that_o you_o commit_v no_o know_a sin_n for_o there_o will_v be_v no_o good_a conscience_n if_o that_o be_v adventure_v on_o you_o who_o know_v that_o you_o shall_v not_o take_v liberty_n in_o drink_v drink_v in_o swear_v in_o profane_a or_o idle_a speak_n etc._n etc._n walk_v so_o as_o you_o may_v not_o thwart_v your_o knowledge_n 2_o it_o take_v in_o this_o that_o as_o you_o will_v commit_v no_o know_a sin_n so_o you_o will_v ommit_v no_o know_a duty_n because_o though_o every_o sin_n do_v wrong_v the_o conscience_n yet_o the_o sin_n that_o we_o know_v and_o yet_o commit_v and_o the_o duty_n that_o we_o know_v and_o yet_o omit_v do_v more_o direct_o strict_a against_o conscience_n you_o who_o know_v that_o the_o sabbath_n shall_v be_v keep_v holy_a that_o you_o shall_v pray_v in_o secret_a and_o in_o your_o family_n that_o you_o shall_v not_o offend_v one_o another_o etc._n etc._n beware_v of_o hazard_v on_o these_o contrary_n to_o your_o light_n 3_o it_o take_v in_o and_o suppose_v that_o you_o do_v nothing_o doubt_o for_o rom._n 14._o he_o that_o doubt_v and_o do_v be_v damn_v he_o be_v sentence_v and_o judge_v as_o to_o that_o particular_a 4_o it_o include_v this_o to_o endeavour_v to_o be_v right_a in_o the_o manner_n oâ—_n perform_v all_o duty_n and_o to_o have_v a_o single_a end_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o pray_v or_o to_o be_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o other_o command_v duty_n that_o will_v not_o quiet_a the_o conscience_n if_o you_o study_v not_o to_o be_v right_a in_o the_o manner_n and_o to_o do_v it_o for_o the_o right_a end_n the_o want_n of_o these_o requisite_a qualification_n of_o acceptable_a duty_n will_v make_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v lawful_a on_o the_o matter_n turn_v to_o be_v ground_n of_o challenge_n from_o the_o conscience_n but_o somewhat_o to_o this_o purpose_n have_v be_v speak_v of_o before_o therefore_o it_o have_v now_o be_v but_o touch_v 2_o for_o motive_n 1._o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o be_v a_o more_o clear_a duty_n it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o by_o nature_n heathen_n have_v it_o engrave_v on_o their_o heart_n as_o we_o see_v rom._n 2._o 15._o their_o conscience_n bear_v they_o witness_v and_o their_o thought_n excuse_v or_o accuse_v one_o another_o and_o they_o have_v call_v it_o a_o brazen_a wall_n to_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n as_o to_o a_o sound_a walk_n in_o their_o moral_a sense_n 2_o there_o be_v many_o and_o great_a advantage_n attend_v it_o as_o namely_o 1._o it_o give_v a_o man_n much_o boldness_n in_o approach_v to_o god_n 1_o john_n 3._o 20._o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o then_o have_v we_o boldness_n towards_o god_n when_o we_o go_v to_o pray_v 2._o it_o give_v ground_n also_o to_o expect_v one_fw-mi hearing_n 1_o john_n 3._o 22._o whatsoever_o we_o ask_v we_o receive_v of_o he_o because_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o do_v these_o thing_n that_o be_v please_v in_o his_o sight_n and_o cross_v not_o our_o light_n and_o conscience_n in_o neglect_v any_o of_o they_o 3_o it_o keep_v a_o man_n from_o much_o sin_n and_o be_v that_o think_v you_o little_a advantage_n to_o have_v little_a comparative_o at_o least_o on_o a_o man_n score_n to_o reckon_v for_o 4thly_a it_o make_v a_o man_n life_n cheerful_a so_o prov._n 15._o 15._o he_o that_o be_v of_o a_o merry_a heart_n have_v a_o continual_a feast_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o heart_n cheerful_a in_o god_n from_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o this_o be_v it_o on_o the_o matter_n which_o guard_v the_o the_o heart_n and_o mind_n so_o that_o no_o care_n can_v considerable_o disquiet_v it_o as_o we_o have_v it_o phil._n 4._o 7._o the_o heart_n be_v guard_v yea_o garison_v as_o the_o word_n be_v with_o peace_n that_o there_o be_v no_o storm_v nor_o intake_v of_o it_o by_o outward_a trouble_n it_o be_v the_o joy_n that_o stranger_n inter_v meddle_v not_o with_o 5thly_a it_o be_v a_o sweet_a and_o strong_a cordial_a in_o affliction_n when_o christian_n be_v persecute_v by_o stranger_n or_o by_o false_a brethren_n be_v in_o sickness_n in_o prison_n in_o peril_n by_o sea_n or_o land_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v our_o rejoice_v the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n say_v the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 12._o in_o the_o midst_n of_o affliction_n six_o and_o more_o particular_o it_o be_v a_o sweet_a and_o sovereign_a cordial_n when_o death_n approach_v hezekiah_n can_v say_v then_o remember_v lord_n how_o i_o have_v walk_v before_o thou_o in_o truth_n and_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n it_o put_v the_o soul_n in_o a_o posture_n of_o die_v somewhat_o like_o old_a simeon_n and_o give_v some_o ground_n to_o say_v with_o he_o now_o let_v thou_o thy_o servant_n depart_v in_o peace_n for_o my_o eye_n have_v see_v thy_o salvation_n the_o necessity_n of_o it_o will_v yet_o further_o appear_v if_o on_o the_o other_o side_n we_o look_v to_o the_o disadvantage_n that_o wait_v the_o want_n of_o it_o though_o man_n can_v be_v content_a to_o live_v a_o heartless_a life_n
to_o hazard_v on_o sin_n to_o neglect_v prayer_n and_o other_o duty_n yet_o they_o will_v consider_v the_o terror_n that_o follow_v one_fw-mi evil_a conscience_n and_o how_o it_o breed_v and_o brew_v a_o hell_n within_o their_o own_o bosom_n there_o be_v then_o a_o necessity_n a_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n that_o quarrel_n be_v not_o and_o abide_v not_o betwixt_o god_n and_o we_o for_o ever_o 3_o for_o some_o help_n or_o direction_n to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o we_o wish_v we_o be_v all_o in_o a_o posture_n and_o frame_n of_o soul_n to_o meet_v with_o to_o receive_v and_o make_v suitable_a use_n of_o they_o 1._o endeavour_v to_o have_v light_n and_o clearness_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n and_o what_o concern_v your_o own_o good_a let_v every_o one_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n as_o it_o be_v rom._n 14._o 5._o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o you_o who_o be_v gross_o or_o very_o ignorant_a can_v keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n you_o know_v not_o when_o you_o sin_n nor_o when_o you_o do_v duty_n aright_o yea_o although_o you_o may_v do_v duty_n or_o thing_n good_a on_o the_o matter_n the_o want_n of_o knowledge_n make_v you_o want_v the_o testimony_n of_o that_o good_a alace_o that_o many_o wise_a and_o rich_a man_n that_o can_v speak_v well_o of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n shall_v be_v quite_o ignorant_a of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o many_o of_o you_o will_v think_v shame_n of_o it_o if_o we_o will_v point_v you_o out_o 2_o advert_v and_o take_v heed_n to_o what_o conscience_n say_v the_o truth_n be_v most_o man_n take_v heed_n to_o what_o may_v further_o their_o design_n in_o external_o to_o what_o their_o wit_n and_o reason_n carve_v out_o to_o they_o and_o to_o what_o their_o own_o light_n think_v or_o as_o it_o be_v overly_o say_v be_v right_a and_o present_o step_v to_o it_o and_o never_o ask_v what_o science_n well_o inform_v from_o the_o word_n say_v this_o make_v many_o man_n say_v and_o do_v in_o their_o haste_n that_o which_o they_o repent_v of_o afterward_o therefore_o you_o shall_v learn_v to_o put_v conscience_n to_o speak_v consult_v not_o with_o your_o design_n nor_o with_o your_o wit_n and_o reason_n only_o nor_o main_o but_o retire_v and_o consult_v serious_o with_o your_o conscience_n commune_fw-la with_o your_o heart_n and_o be_v still_o stand_v in_o awe_n and_o sin_n not_o as_o it_o be_v psal._n 4._o 4._o consult_v not_o with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n let_v not_o their_o advice_n come_v in_o betwixt_o god_n and_o you_o and_o final_o determine_v you_o but_o reason_n with_o yourselves_o think_v this_o and_o this_o our_o inclination_n say_v and_o this_o and_o this_o our_o overly_o light_n say_v but_o we_o will_v put_v conscience_n to_o it_o and_o hear_v what_o it_o say_v and_o yet_o it_o be_v but_o a_o inferior_a rule_n and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v not_o take_v every_o thing_n from_o conscience_n without_o ground_n but_o hear_v what_o the_o superior_a rule_n of_o god_n word_n say_v and_o this_o be_v a_o right_a circle_n wherein_o you_o shall_v turn_v yourselves_o even_o to_o try_v your_o light_n by_o bring_v it_o to_o conscience_n and_o then_o to_o try_v your_o conscience_n by_o put_v it_o to_o give_v a_o reason_n from_o the_o word_n 3_o be_v exceed_o aware_a to_o thwart_v with_o your_o light_n in_o the_o least_o thing_n and_o abstain_v from_o every_o thing_n that_o seem_v to_o come_v in_o top_n with_o it_o for_o conscience_n be_v a_o very_a tender_a thing_n if_o we_o stand_v not_o in_o awe_n of_o conscience_n we_o may_v provoke_v god_n to_o give_v we_o up_o to_o do_v what_o we_o will_v and_o to_o send_v we_o like_o lamb_n to_o feed_v in_o a_o large_a place_n therefore_o i_o say_v again_o beware_v of_o thwart_v in_o the_o least_o thing_n with_o your_o light_n and_o your_o conscience_n 4_o as_o you_o will_v hear_v what_o conscience_n say_v before_o you_o do_v any_o thing_n so_o when_o you_o have_v do_v it_o you_o shall_v consider_v how_o you_o carry_v in_o it_o according_a to_o your_o light_n and_o whether_o you_o have_v have_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o such_o a_o thing_n both_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n and_o the_o manner_n and_o put_v your_o conscience_n to_o speak_v to_o that_o and_o hear_v what_o it_o say_v concern_v what_o be_v do_v there_o will_v be_v in_o this_o much_o singleness_n for_o if_o the_o eye_n be_v evil_a it_o will_v make_v the_o whoâ—e_a body_n full_a of_o darkness_n hence_o paul_n put_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o sincerity_n together_o 2_o cor._n 1._o 12._o if_o we_o shall_v speak_v never_o so_o many_o good_a word_n and_o do_v never_o so_o many_o good_a â—hings_n on_o the_o matter_n if_o we_o be_v not_o single_o mind_v god_n honour_n in_o they_o they_o will_v not_o be_v acceptable_a the_o want_n of_o sincerity_n will_v be_v as_o the_o dead_a â—ie_v in_o many_o a_o man_n pot_n of_o ointment_n of_o call_v for_o duty_n that_o will_v make_v it_o cast_v forth_o one_fw-mi evil_a and_o stink_a smell_n the_o savour_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n will_v sure_o be_v want_v where_o singleness_n be_v not_o or_o where_o conscience_n be_v make_v subordinate_a to_o our_o carnal_a interest_n many_o may_v have_v a_o resolution_n to_o do_v such_o and_o duty_n who_o yet_o make_v these_o to_o keep_v level_a with_o carnal_a design_n and_o interest_n it_o be_v impossible_a when_o man_n come_v not_o as_o new_o bear_v babe_n to_o drink_v in_o the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o they_o can_v profit_v let_v be_v grow_v thereby_o 6_o be_v frequent_a and_o serious_a in_o make_v humble_a and_o believe_a application_n to_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o blood_n of_o sprinkle_v that_o thereby_o your_o conscience_n may_v be_v sprinkle_v and_o purge_v from_o dead_a work_n for_o the_o great_a ground_n of_o your_o pâ—ace_n be_v not_o your_o seriousness_n and_o sincerity_n but_o his_o satisfaction_n many_o of_o our_o work_n and_o duty_n alace_o want_v life_n and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o sprinkle_v with_o the_o virtue_n of_o his_o blood_n they_o will_v be_v but_o as_o so_o many_o dead_a weight_n on_o the_o conscience_n and_o indeed_o there_o can_v be_v no_o true_o good_a conscience_n whatever_o else_o be_v if_o this_o be_v neglect_v let_v then_o these_o that_o will_v be_v at_o a_o good_a conscience_n make_v use_n of_o these_o direction_n and_o help_n and_o they_o shall_v doubtless_o come_v the_o better_a speed_n now_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o this_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n to_o wit_n that_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o have_v and_o to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o always_o towards_o god_n and_o man_n which_o a_o very_a heathen_a be_v he_o present_v with_o we_o will_v not_o contradict_v and_o it_o be_v very_o useful_a for_o you_o though_o it_o may_v be_v some_o profane_a wretch_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o say_v what_o need_v all_o this_o niceness_n and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o truth_n and_o a_o most_o concern_v truth_n so_o nothing_o will_v make_v your_o life_n more_o true_o cheerful_a and_o comfortable_a and_o if_o it_o be_v neglect_v or_o slight_v all_o your_o knowledge_n all_o your_o disput_n about_o religion_n all_o your_o tasting_n of_o the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n all_o your_o prayer_n or_o what_o else_o you_o can_v name_v will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n and_o see_v it_o be_v so_o very_o important_a and_o concern_v a_o truth_n we_o leave_v it_o on_o you_o before_o god_n and_o put_v it_o home_o to_o your_o conscience_n to_o make_v it_o your_o exercise_n to_o have_v always_o a_o good_a conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o toward_a man_n we_o mind_v not_o to_o come_v back_o again_o on_o this_o text_n nor_o to_o touch_v on_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o doctrine_n at_o first_o propose_v from_o it_o what_o we_o have_v say_v be_v principal_o if_o not_o only_o design_v and_o most_o if_o not_o all_o the_o other_o doctrine_n be_v one_o way_n or_o other_o reach_v in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o these_o that_o we_o have_v at_o length_n speak_v to_o the_o lord_n gracious_o bless_v what_o you_o have_v hear_v sermon_n i._n 1_o peter_z 3._o 21._o not_o the_o put_v away_o of_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n conscience_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o most_o excellent_a gift_n of_o god_n give_v to_o man_n have_v a_o excellent_a nature_n be_v wait_v with_o many_o rare_a and_o choice_a uses_n and_o advantage_n throughout_o their_o whole_a life_n and_o when_o it_o be_v right_o use_v it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o special_a friend_n that_o man_n can_v have_v on_o earth_n and_o one_o of_o the_o great_a thing_n that_o this_o gospel_n and_o the_o
to_o it_o or_o a_o conclusion_n draw_v from_o the_o word_n that_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v a_o â—in_a and_o conscience_n thereupon_o deter_v from_o it_o thus_o it_o differ_v from_o light_n simple_o consider_v in_o as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v a_o conclusion_n draw_v from_o such_o ground_n as_o the_o judgement_n or_o light_n in_o the_o judgement_n lay_v down_o to_o or_o before_o it_o it_o be_v a_o answer_n that_o not_o only_o have_v truth_n in_o it_o which_o may_v be_v from_o light_n but_o its_o one_fw-mi answer_n as_o have_v a_o truth_n in_o it_o that_o be_v draw_v from_o such_o a_o ground_n warrand_a such_o and_o such_o a_o practice_n conscience_n look_v on_o it_o as_o god_n mind_n for_o direct_v it_o in_o its_o duty_n and_o on_o that_o account_n put_v on_o to_o it_o as_o to_o the_o 2d_o question_v how_o the_o conscience_n give_v this_o answer_n or_o how_o it_o make_v its_o sense_n and_o language_n of_o thing_n know_v in_o answer_v to_o it_o we_o will_v be_v sober_a and_o not_o curious_a noâ—_n more_o particular_a than_o we_o have_v ground_n for_o in_o short_a then_o we_o conceive_v that_o there_o be_v these_o 4._o way_n how_o and_o whereby_o conscience_n give_v it_o answer_n to_o let_v people_n know_v when_o it_o be_v please_v or_o displease_v 1._o when_o it_o bind_v and_o tie_v such_o or_o such_o a_o word_n import_v such_o or_o such_o a_o duty_n on_o a_o man_n that_o he_o can_v no_o way_n get_v himself_o rid_v of_o nor_o it_o shake_v off_o as_o when_o he_o be_v dispute_v and_o debate_v within_o himself_o whither_o such_o a_o thing_n shall_v be_v do_v or_o not_o do_v conscience_n answer_v on_o good_a ground_n and_o either_o bid_v he_o abstain_v or_o do_v and_o have_v a_o pour_v with_o it_o because_o the_o word_n of_o god_n command_v or_o forbid_v it_o and_o this_o be_v not_o only_o because_o there_o be_v a_o word_n for_o it_o or_o against_o it_o but_o clear_a light_n draw_v a_o conclusion_n from_o such_o a_o word_n whereupon_o the_o conscience_n bind_v it_o on_o the_o man_n so_o that_o it_o can_v be_v get_v shift_v nor_o shake_v off_o for_o we_o know_v that_o man_n may_v know_v many_o duty_n and_o yet_o not_o do_v they_o and_o upon_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o man_n may_v be_v stir_v or_o pouss_v on_o to_o do_v that_o which_o it_o be_v not_o god_n mind_n they_o shall_v do_v so_o than_o it_o be_v the_o answer_n of_o conscience_n when_o the_o word_n and_o the_o conclusion_n of_o conscience_n be_v connect_v and_o join_v together_o so_o as_o the_o one_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o other_o and_o flow_v from_o the_o other_o and_o this_o be_v the_o most_o special_a way_n how_o conscience_n make_v its_o sense_n of_o thing_n know_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n a_o second_o way_n be_v by_o some_o secret_a discontent_n or_o restlessness_n in_o the_o conscience_n if_o a_o man_n do_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o be_v not_o duty_n or_o if_o he_o do_v not_o such_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v point_v out_o to_o he_o to_o be_v duty_n either_o through_o ignorance_n or_o inadvertancy_n the_o conscience_n then_o as_o it_o be_v hunt_v the_o man_n with_o challenge_n disquiet_v and_o make_v he_o restless_a till_o he_o practise_v such_o a_o duty_n or_o abstain_v from_o such_o a_o sin_n and_o this_o we_o find_v to_o have_v be_v often_o in_o the_o saint_n record_v in_o scripture_n they_o have_v have_v no_o rest_n till_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v do_v and_o such_o a_o thing_n abstain_v from_o which_o flow_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o conscience_n accuse_v or_o breed_v discontent_n because_o of_o unanswerableness_a to_o the_o rule_n 3_o conscience_n have_v a_o way_n of_o signify_v its_o mind_n by_o make_v some_o impression_n of_o terror_n to_o back_o and_o second_v more_o than_o ordinary_a conviction_n of_o and_o threaten_n and_o challenge_v for_o sin_n when_o sin_n be_v commit_v conscience_n convince_v and_o challenge_v when_o this_o do_v not_o the_o turn_n upon_o the_o back_n thereof_o come_v the_o threaten_a and_o some_o fit_n of_o terror_n sometime_o the_o threaten_a be_v conditional_a sometime_o the_o peremptory_a certification_n be_v add_v sometime_o again_o the_o impression_n of_o the_o threaten_a will_v be_v more_o sensible_a sometime_o more_o insensible_a when_o conscience_n give_v advice_n and_o dictate_v from_o the_o word_n it_o make_v use_v of_o the_o command_n but_o in_o the_o sense_n we_o be_v now_o speak_v of_o it_o make_v use_v of_o the_o threaten_n as_o for_o instance_n it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o three_o command_n the_o lord_n will_v not_o hold_v he_o guiltless_a that_o take_v his_o name_n in_o vain_a now_o for_o any_o degree_n of_o this_o guilt_n conscience_n challenge_v and_o when_o that_o be_v slight_v thereupon_o conscience_n go_v on_o and_o make_v the_o threaten_a terrible_a for_o challenge_n bear_v in_o conviction_n of_o sin_n and_o conviction_n represent_v the_o threaten_n as_o more_o terrible_a and_o threaten_n bear_v in_o the_o apprehension_n of_o wrath_n and_o hence_o be_v the_o exercise_n of_o conscience_n in_o some_o that_o wakn_v and_o raise_v a_o terrible_a storm_n in_o it_o a_o four_o way_n how_o conscience_n give_v its_o answer_n and_o make_v its_o mind_n know_v be_v by_o a_o inconceivable_a inward_a calmness_n peace_n serenity_n and_o tranquillity_n in_o the_o soul_n so_o that_o when_o a_o man_n reflect_v on_o his_o do_v of_o such_o and_o such_o a_o thing_n and_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n find_v it_o agreeable_a to_o the_o same_o all_o his_o terror_n evanish_v his_o mind_n be_v calm_v and_o he_o find_v much_o sweet_a peace_n delight_n and_o acquiesence_n in_o the_o thing_n this_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o conscience_n give_v its_o answer_n all_o which_o have_v great_a need_n to_o be_v careful_o compare_v with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o his_o mind_n therein_o be_v very_o clear_a because_o as_o there_o may_v be_v much_o bastard_n peace_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n so_o there_o may_v be_v many_o groundless_a challenge_n on_o the_o other_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v for_o the_o language_n of_o conscience_n as_o for_o the_o 3d_o question_v what_o man_n be_v to_o do_v that_o they_o may_v find_v out_o and_o get_v a_o clear_a answer_n from_o their_o conscience_n or_o what_o be_v call_v for_o from_o they_o to_o find_v out_o the_o answer_n of_o conscience_n we_o shall_v answer_v this_o in_o these_o three_o 1._o something_o be_v to_o be_v do_v before_o we_o put_v ourselves_o to_o the_o search_n or_o conscience_n to_o give_v its_o answer_n two_o something_o must_v accompany_v this_o duty_n 3_o something_o be_v call_v for_o after_o this_o duty_n be_v do_v 1._o we_o be_v to_o do_v something_o before_o we_o put_v conscience_n to_o it_o to_o give_v its_o answer_n and_o 1._o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o man_n be_v well_o inform_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o general_a for_o to_o come_v blind_o to_o conscience_n be_v to_o tempt_v it_o and_o make_v it_o a_o snare_n to_o ourselves_o therefore_o i_o say_v we_o shall_v be_v well_o inform_v to_o the_o end_n that_o conscience_n may_v have_v ground_n to_o give_v a_o clear_a answer_n for_o our_o conscience_n be_v like_o the_o judge_n and_o our_o understanding_n like_o the_o advocate_n that_o make_v the_o cause_n know_v and_o if_o all_o thing_n pro_fw-la and_o contra_fw-la for_o and_o against_o be_v not_o propose_v and_o discuss_v by_o the_o advocate_n conscience_n which_o be_v the_o judge_n can_v give_v a_o distinct_a answer_n or_o verdict_n this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o many_o conscience_n do_v err_v because_o there_o be_v not_o pain_n take_v to_o inform_v they_o 2_o when_o the_o judgement_n be_v inform_v man_n shall_v put_v the_o conscience_n to_o it_o to_o answer_v they_o shall_v not_o content_v themselves_o with_o this_o that_o they_o have_v fill_v their_o head_n with_o so_o many_o argument_n for_o such_o a_o thing_n but_o shall_v let_v they_o sink_v down_o to_o the_o conscience_n and_o study_v to_o know_v what_o conscience_n think_v of_o they_o for_o conscience_n as_o we_o say_v before_o be_v some_o way_n beyond_o bare_a light_n therefore_o when_o we_o have_v get_v light_a in_o a_o thing_n we_o shall_v not_o hold_v there_o but_o take_v it_o aside_o and_o communicate_v the_o matter_n to_o conscience_n as_o the_o word_n be_v psal._n 4._o 4._o commune_fw-la with_o your_o heart_n upon_o your_o bed_n there_o be_v a_o commune_n with_o other_o in_o speak_v with_o they_o a_o commune_n with_o book_n iâ—_n peruse_v they_o a_o commune_n with_o our_o inclination_n and_o affection_n and_o take_v notice_n what_o they_o will_v be_v at_o and_o a_o commune_n with_o our_o light_n if_o we_o be_v clear_a in_o the_o thing_n but_o beside_o all_o these_o
be_v well_o observe_v answer_v 1._o in_o another_o manner_n and_o with_o another_o kind_n of_o authority_n boldness_n and_o holy_a statlinesse_n then_o bare_a light_n affection_n or_o passion_n do_v which_o though_o they_o drive_v more_o violent_o yet_o not_o with_o such_o divinness_n to_o speak_v so_o nor_o with_o such_o majestic_a authority_n and_o therefore_o 2_o when_o conscience_n answer_v it_o some_o way_n silence_v lust_n and_o sinful_a passion_n which_o confuse_v and_o to_o speak_v so_o put_v a_o person_n through_o other_o so_o that_o there_o be_v not_o that_o serenity_n and_o calmness_n that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n when_o conscience_n be_v ask_v at_o and_o clear_o answer_v the_o light_n of_o conscience_n well_o inform_v be_v the_o light_n of_o god_n be_v clear_a and_o quiet_v though_o often_o it_o be_v not_o so_o sensible_a to_o we_o as_o our_o own_o inclination_n and_o affection_n that_o agree_v better_o with_o we_o 3_o the_o answer_n of_o conscience_n have_v more_o influence_n on_o the_o man_n to_o humble_a and_o abase_v he_o and_o to_o make_v he_o vile_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n because_o it_o speak_v god_n mind_n it_o serve_v to_o exalt_v god_n and_o to_o advance_v the_o work_n of_o mortification_n in_o himself_o but_o where_o this_o be_v not_o and_o man_n be_v soon_o make_v frothy_a and_o conceity_n by_o the_o answer_n which_o they_o get_v and_o the_o very_a first_o reâ—_n of_o it_o be_v to_o puff_n up_o and_o make_v vain_a it_o be_v sure_a at_o best_a but_o the_o answer_n of_o light_n and_o not_o the_o answer_n of_o conscience_n nor_o god_n speak_v in_o and_o by_o it_o we_o shall_v proceed_v no_o further_o at_o this_o time_n that_o which_o we_o aim_v at_o by_o all_o we_o have_v now_o say_v be_v in_o a_o word_n this_o to_o show_v that_o as_o upon_o the_o one_o side_n you_o shall_v learn_v to_o give_v conscience_n some_o employment_n and_o see_v it_o can_v give_v you_o anâ—_n answer_n to_o put_v it_o to_o it_o and_o not_o to_o bear_v about_o you_o such_o a_o noble_a counsellor_n and_o adviser_n without_o make_v suitable_a use_n of_o it_o so_o upon_o the_o other_o side_n that_o you_o may_v learn_v to_o know_v when_o conscience_n speak_v and_o what_o it_o speak_v and_o that_o you_o may_v give_v it_o obedience_n when_o it_o speak_v according_a to_o the_o word_n in_o a_o word_n the_o right_a use-making_a of_o conscience_n be_v intermix_v and_o interweave_v with_o the_o wholepractice_n of_o christianity_n and_o where_o it_o be_v right_o observe_v in_o one_o thing_n there_o will_v be_v one_fw-mi honest_a aim_n to_o observe_v it_o in_o another_o yea_o in_o every_o thing_n and_o this_o may_v be_v another_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o answer_n of_o conscience_n and_o that_o oâ—_n light_v only_o or_o of_o any_o other_o thing_n viz._n that_o the_o suppose_a answer_n of_o conscience_n or_o of_o light_n in_o the_o judgement_n which_o be_v consistent_a with_o looseness_n be_v never_o to_o be_v take_v for_o the_o true_a answer_n of_o conscience_n for_o as_o we_o can_v keep_v communion_n with_o god_n when_o we_o be_v not_o walk_v in_o his_o way_n so_o we_o have_v no_o warrant_n to_o expect_v keep_v of_o good_a correspondence_n with_o our_o conscience_n because_o the_o language_n of_o conscience_n be_v god_n language_n therefore_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o to_o walk_v so_o as_o they_o may_v keep_v a_o good_a correspondence_n with_o their_o conscience_n and_o it_o be_v one_fw-mi evidence_n of_o a_o sinful_a incapacity_n to_o discern_v the_o language_n of_o conscience_n when_o there_o be_v not_o one_fw-mi constant_a endeavour_n to_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o strain_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n in_o every_o thing_n sermon_n ii_o 1_o peter_z 3._o 21._o not_o the_o put_v away_o of_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n at_o a_o former_a occasion_n we_o propose_v this_o doctrine_n from_o these_o word_n that_o the_o conscience_n which_o be_v in_o man_n have_v a_o way_n of_o signify_v its_o mind_n to_o they_o concern_v their_o action_n to_o let_v they_o know_v when_o it_o be_v satisfy_v and_o when_o dissatisfy_v and_o to_o give_v they_o some_o sense_n of_o they_o called_z the_o answer_n of_o the_o conscience_n the_o use_n of_o the_o point_n be_v that_o if_o it_o be_v so_o man_n and_o woman_n shall_v in_o all_o their_o carriage_n and_o action_n endeavour_v to_o know_v what_o sense_n conscience_n have_v of_o they_o they_o shall_v ask_v advice_n of_o conscience_n and_o take_v its_o answer_n before_o they_o act_n in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o act_n and_o when_o they_o have_v do_v act_v in_o prosecute_a of_o this_o use_n which_o be_v the_o main_a thing_n aim_v at_o we_o propose_v for_o clear_v it_o 1._o what_o this_o answer_n be_v which_o be_v especial_o to_o be_v look_v to_o not_o as_o determine_v simple_o what_o be_v right_a and_o what_o be_v wrong_a for_o that_o be_v do_v in_o the_o word_n but_o that_o in_o thing_n lawful_a and_o in_o those_o duty_n that_o as_o be_v say_v do_v not_o oblige_v ad_fw-la semper_fw-la or_o in_o all_o difference_n of_o time_n we_o be_v by_o the_o answer_n of_o conscience_n to_o try_v our_o particular_a call_n to_o they_o the_o right_a time_v of_o they_o and_o the_o right_a manner_n of_o go_v about_o they_o 2_o what_o way_n conscience_n make_v its_o mind_n know_v and_o give_v this_o answer_n 3_o what_o way_n shall_v be_v take_v for_o find_v out_o and_o obtain_v this_o answer_n 4thly_a how_o it_o may_v be_v discern_v to_o be_v the_o answer_n of_o conscience_n and_o not_o our_o own_o particular_a inclination_n and_o affection_n there_o be_v yet_o two_o question_n remain_v for_o further_a clear_v of_o this_o use_n to_o be_v speak_v to_o 1._o if_o even_o when_o man_n be_v desirous_a to_o know_v the_o sense_n and_o answer_n of_o conscience_n it_o may_v not_o be_v silent_a and_o no_o distinct_a clearness_n attain_v to_o whither_o they_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d such_o a_o thing_n or_o not_o or_o how_o they_o be_v to_o go_v about_o it_o or_o how_o it_o shall_v be_v time_v 2_o if_o conscience_n may_v sometime_o be_v silent_a or_o at_o least_o not_o answer_v so_o clear_o what_o then_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o that_o case_n as_o for_o the_o 1._o we_o shall_v answer_v it_o in_o two_o assertion_n and_o then_o clear_v they_o the_o 1._o assertion_n be_v that_o sometime_o in_o god_n wise_a holy_a and_o sovereign_a providence_n and_o in_o his_o secret_n profound_a and_o mysterious_a way_n of_o order_v thing_n it_o may_v so_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o man_n may_v set_v themselves_o to_o inquire_v at_o conscience_n and_o yet_o after_o inquiry_n not_o find_v at_o least_o for_o a_o time_n so_o clear_a a_o answer_n as_o to_o warrant_n and_o direct_v they_o what_o hand_n to_o turn_v to_o the_o second_o assertion_n be_v that_o sometime_o conscience_n may_v speak_v and_o answer_v clear_o enough_o and_o yet_o man_n from_o some_o one_o tentation_n or_o sinful_a distemper_n or_o another_o that_o they_o be_v under_o and_o from_o negligence_n and_o sinful_a inadvertancy_n in_o take_v heed_n to_o the_o answer_n of_o conscience_n may_v think_v that_o it_o speak_v not_o clear_o when_o it_o do_v and_o thus_o be_v leâ—t_v in_o the_o dark_a so_o that_o conscience_n be_v not_o always_o to_o be_v blame_v as_o if_o it_o answer_v not_o when_o we_o think_v so_o for_o clear_v of_o the_o 1._o of_o these_o that_o conscience_n may_v be_v silent_a or_o not_o speak_v so_o clear_o even_o when_o inquire_v at_o we_o suppose_v it_o be_v clear_a not_o only_o from_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o generation_n wherein_o believer_n if_o put_v to_o speak_v will_v declare_v that_o they_o have_v sometime_o be_v very_o desirous_a of_o light_n and_o clearness_n concern_v their_o be_v call_v to_o this_o or_o that_o place_n station_n or_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o life_n as_o also_o it_o may_v be_v as_o to_o the_o way_n and_o time_n of_o perform_v some_o call_v for_o duty_n and_o yet_o have_v not_o attain_v to_o clearness_n therein_o this_o one_o thing_n will_v both_o clear_v and_o give_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o viz._n that_o conscience_n be_v god_n deputy_n whereby_o his_o mind_n be_v make_v know_v can_v speak_v when_o he_o keep_v up_o himself_o and_o see_v he_o may_v and_o will_v now_o and_o then_o keep_v up_o himself_o for_o a_o time_n conscience_n during_o that_o time_n may_v and_o must_v be_v silent_a because_o conscience_n can_v speak_v but_o according_a to_o his_o order_n and_o there_o be_v wise_a and_o holy_a reason_n move_v he_o to_o speak_v so_o to_o keep_v up_o his_o mind_n and_o that_o he_o may_v in_o some_o sense_n and_o respect_n deal_v with_o other_o as_o it_o be_v say_v he_o deal_v with_o saul_n who_o in_o a_o great_a strait_n he_o
refuse_v to_o give_v answer_n to_o either_o by_o dream_n or_o by_o urim_n or_o by_o prophet_n so_o as_o not_o to_o give_v they_o clearness_n by_o one_o mean_n nor_o another_o neither_o from_o his_o word_n nor_o by_o their_o conscience_n as_o call_v they_o to_o such_o or_o such_o a_o particular_a thing_n it_o be_v no_o marvel_n that_o in_o such_o a_o case_n man_n be_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o that_o conscience_n keep_v itself_o silent_a yet_o two_o for_o clear_v the_o matter_n further_o you_o will_v consider_v two_o sort_n of_o cause_n that_o this_o proceed_v from_o some_z whereof_o be_v culpable_a and_o sinful_a on_o our_o part_n procure_v this_o as_o a_o just_a punishment_n of_o some_o former_a sin_n or_o of_o some_o present_a evil_n and_o sinful_a frame_n other_o some_o be_v sovereign_a on_o god_n part_n yet_o tend_v in_o his_o secret_a providence_n to_o promote_v some_o design_n of_o good_a to_o the_o person_n of_o a_o believer_n as_o to_o these_o cause_n that_o be_v sinful_a and_o culpable_a on_o our_o part_n we_o shall_v instance_n they_o in_o four_o or_o five_o case_n as_o 1._o when_o there_o be_v a_o sinful_a ignorance_n in_o the_o person_n who_o desire_v to_o be_v clear_a in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o particular_a through_o that_o their_o ignorance_n they_o be_v not_o in_o case_n clear_o and_o distinct_o but_o rather_o very_o dark_o and_o confuse_o to_o propose_v the_o matter_n to_o their_o conscience_n so_o that_o their_o conscience_n can_v give_v they_o a_o distinct_a answer_n for_o conscience_n be_v as_o i_o say_v before_o as_o a_o judge_n and_o our_o light_n be_v as_o the_o informer_n and_o as_o a_o judge_n can_v well_o decide_v in_o a_o matter_n when_o the_o case_n be_v confuse_o propose_v to_o he_o so_o no_o more_o can_v conscience_n when_o it_o want_v light_a and_o hence_o oftentimes_o person_n in_o who_o there_o be_v some_o zeal_n and_o good_a affection_n be_v leave_v much_o in_o the_o dark_a because_o to_o speak_v so_o they_o know_v not_o the_o law_n and_o practic_n on_o which_o conscience_n proceed_v therefore_o rom._n 14._o it_o be_v say_v of_o some_o that_o their_o conscience_n be_v weak_a because_o their_o light_n be_v weak_a and_o dim_a a_o second_o case_n be_v when_o man_n in_o seek_v the_o answer_n of_o their_o conscience_n do_v bind_v and_o limit_v it_o they_o either_o do_v not_o fair_o and_o full_o propose_v the_o case_n to_o conscience_n or_o they_o come_v not_o to_o it_o with_o one_fw-mi absolute_a submission_n suppose_v it_o to_o be_v thorough_o inform_v by_o the_o word_n concern_v the_o thing_n they_o will_v have_v clearness_n in_o and_o therefore_o they_o take_v the_o answer_n in_o part_n or_o but_o a_o part_n of_o the_o answer_n and_o suppose_v the_o rest_n or_o leave_v it_o to_o conscience_n to_o be_v determine_v as_o when_o man_n first_o resolve_v to_o do_v such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n and_o leave_v only_o the_o time_a of_o it_o to_o their_o conscience_n here_o the_o conscience_n may_v be_v limit_v and_o make_v indistinct_a in_o its_o answer_n because_o it_o be_v prejudge_v and_o leave_v free_a it_o may_v possible_o have_v be_v somewhat_o not_o alâ—gether_o unlike_a this_o that_o be_v in_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o tribe_n of_o israel_n their_o ask_n of_o god_n about_o the_o war_n against_o benjamin_n judge_n 20._o 18._o where_o they_o do_v not_o say_v at_o first_o shall_v we_o go_v up_o or_o shall_v we_o for-bear_a but_o first_o they_o say_v who_o shall_v go_v up_o a_o three_o case_n be_v when_o conscience_n be_v provoke_v by_o man_n former_a miscarriage_n than_o it_o may_v be_v silent_a and_o not_o answer_v now_o the_o conscience_n may_v be_v provoke_v these_o too_o way_n among_o other_o 1._o when_o people_n use_v not_o ordinary_o to_o consult_v conscience_n but_o at_o some_o particular_a and_o solemn_a time_n only_o and_o when_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o some_o pinch_n or_o put_v to_o a_o stand_n but_o as_o for_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o their_o life_n they_o follow_v inclination_n or_o a_o common_a light_n without_o advise_v with_o conscience_n in_o that_o case_n when_o such_o person_n come_v to_o advise_v with_o conscience_n and_o to_o seek_v clearness_n from_o it_o about_o such_o a_o thing_n the_o lord_n may_v say_v to_o they_o as_o he_o do_v to_o his_o people_n judge_n 10._o 19_o go_v and_o cry_v to_o the_o god_n who_o you_o have_v choose_v go_v advise_v with_o they_o or_o as_o elisha_n say_v to_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n 2_o king_n 3._o 3._o what_o have_v i_o to_o do_v with_o thou_o get_v thou_o to_o the_o prophet_n of_o thy_o father_n and_o to_o the_o prophet_n of_o thy_o mother_n even_o so_o if_o conscience_n be_v pass_v by_o and_o miskent_a by_o people_n in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o their_o life_n it_o will_v ready_o misken_fw-mi and_o slight_v they_o when_o they_o be_v in_o a_o strait_a and_o come_v to_o seek_v counsel_n and_o clearness_n from_o it_o and_o will_v on_o the_o matter_n say_v to_o they_o you_o follow_v the_o counsel_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n in_o your_o ordinary_a walk_n and_o course_n of_o life_n therefore_o in_o this_o particular_a i_o will_v not_o answer_v you_o go_v and_o seek_v clearness_n from_o they_o who_o you_o use_v to_o consult_v 2_o conscience_n be_v provoke_v when_o i_o have_v former_o thwart_v with_o some_o clear_a intimation_n or_o answer_n of_o conscience_n and_o have_v some_o way_n detain_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n make_v as_o it_o be_v a_o prisoner_n of_o it_o and_o set_v a_o guard_n of_o corrupt_a affection_n about_o it_o when_o such_o come_v again_o to_o inquire_v at_o conscience_n what_o they_o shall_v do_v in_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a they_o may_v just_o get_v such_o one_fw-mi answer_v as_o be_v give_v prov._n 1._o 24._o because_o i_o call_v and_o you_o refuse_v i_o stretch_v out_o my_o hand_n and_o no_o man_n regard_v but_o you_o set_v at_o nought_o all_o my_o counsel_n and_o will_v none_o of_o my_o reproof_n i_o will_v laugh_v at_o your_o calamity_n they_o shall_v call_v but_o i_o will_v not_o answer_v i_o give_v you_o answer_v before_o and_o you_o thwart_v with_o they_o therefore_o when_o you_o seek_v again_o you_o shall_v get_v none_o and_o hence_o flow_v much_o blindness_n and_o be_v nummednesse_n of_o conscience_n in_o man_n and_o woman_n because_o they_o put_v out_o the_o eye_n thereof_o and_o frequent_o repel_v and_o beat_v back_o what_o it_o say_v or_o answer_n so_o that_o it_o become_v cauterise_v and_o the_o feel_n of_o it_o wear_v almost_o if_o not_o altogether_o away_o and_o it_o speak_v very_o little_a or_o none_o at_o all_o to_o they_o be_v so_o much_o baffle_v and_o blunt_v with_o many_o repulse_n we_o may_v add_v this_o three_o way_n how_o it_o be_v provoke_v and_o that_o be_v when_o its_o asking_n be_v slight_v it_o ask_v we_o why_o we_o do_v such_o and_o such_o a_o thing_n and_o forbear_v such_o and_o such_o another_o and_o we_o slight_v what_o it_o say_v and_o lie_v still_o in_o sin_n be_v it_o not_o just_a that_o conscience_n pay_v we_o home_o in_o our_o own_o measure_n and_o refuse_v to_o answer_v we_o when_o we_o ask_v it_o a_o four_o sinful_a cause_n on_o our_o part_n of_o the_o silence_n of_o conscience_n be_v when_o man_n come_v not_o single_o and_o in_o a_o spiritual_a frame_n to_o conscience_n to_o seek_v its_o answer_n and_o advice_n but_o either_o have_v anâ—_n idol_n sâ—t_v up_o before_o their_o eye_n and_o be_v almost_o already_o determine_v in_o the_o thing_n or_o else_o they_o bring_v with_o they_o some_o one_o or_o other_o lust_n unrepented_a of_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o though_o they_o think_v themselves_o submissive_a in_o that_o particular_a and_o possible_o may_v some_o way_n be_v so_o yet_o not_o be_v absolute_o submissive_a in_o all_o conscience_n keep_v silent_a to_o the_o former_a the_o lord_n some_o way_n say_v as_o he_o do_v to_o these_o man_n by_o the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n chap._n 14._o 2_o 3._o son_n of_o man_n these_o have_v set_v up_o their_o idol_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o put_v the_o stumble_a block_n of_o their_o iniquity_n before_o their_o face_n shall_v i_o be_v inquire_v at_o all_o by_o they_o when_o man_n come_v to_o seek_v light_n and_o bring_v their_o idol_n with_o they_o the_o lord_n that_o speak_v by_o the_o conscience_n will_v some_o time_n in_o that_o case_n not_o suffer_v it_o to_o speak_v a_o word_n the_o other_o be_v like_o that_o which_o we_o have_v psal._n 66_o 8._o if_o i_o regard_v iniquity_n in_o my_o heart_n the_o lord_n will_v not_o hear_v my_o prayer_n when_o man_n come_v in_o a_o profane_a temper_n and_o frame_v of_o spirit_n to_o god_n and_o be_v not_o single_a and_o as_o i_o say_v absolute_o submissive_a conscience_n will_v not_o answer_v for_o conscience_n
have_v not_o one_o word_n to_o speak_v but_o to_o they_o to_o who_o god_n speak_v a_o five_o and_o last_o case_n be_v when_o man_n be_v drive_v and_o stir_v up_o to_o seek_v to_o know_v the_o mind_n of_o conscience_n from_o a_o corrupt_a or_o selfie_v principle_n and_o for_o such_o or_o such_o a_o selfy_a end_n as_o for_o instance_n when_o man_n seek_v clearness_n and_o resolution_n from_o their_o conscience_n anent_o such_o one_fw-mi estate_n of_o life_n such_o a_o calling_n or_o station_n or_o anent_o the_o undertake_n of_o such_o a_o journey_n or_o voyage_n and_o be_v not_o put_v to_o seek_v that_o clearness_n anent_o they_o out_o of_o respect_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n but_o from_o respect_n only_o or_o main_o to_o their_o own_o interest_n profit_n pleasure_n or_o credit_n as_o it_o be_v with_o balaam_n numb_a 22._o 10._o that_o which_o do_v put_v he_o to_o ask_v god_n counsel_n be_v not_o regard_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n but_o love_n to_o the_o wage_n of_o unrighteousness_n as_o jude_n call_v they_o and_o here_o many_o fail_n and_o make_v a_o silent_a conscience_n when_o they_o be_v seek_v clearness_n which_o may_v be_v know_v by_o this_o that_o they_o will_v never_o ask_v if_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o they_o to_o take_v such_o a_o calling_n or_o place_n or_o to_o engage_v in_o such_o one_fw-mi employment_n except_o some_o pleasure_n preferment_n or_o gain_v lead_v they_o to_o it_o and_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o ask_v the_o advice_n of_o conscience_n in_o the_o matter_n be_v not_o that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o more_o stir_v up_o to_o improve_v such_o a_o place_n employment_n or_o state_n of_o life_n for_o god_n honour_n but_o that_o they_o may_v with_o more_o quietness_n freedom_n and_o confidence_n follow_v their_o design_n and_o come_v by_o their_o end_n neither_o do_v they_o intend_v single_o if_o at_o all_o to_o follow_v the_o answer_n of_o conscience_n but_o will_v rather_o have_v conscience_n to_o follow_v they_o as_o be_v clear_a in_o balaam_n therefore_o when_o the_o answer_n come_v contrary_a to_o their_o inclination_n or_o affection_n or_o to_o the_o selfie_a end_n that_o they_o have_v before_o they_o they_o will_v ask_v over_o again_o as_o balaam_n do_v hence_o james_n say_v chap._n 4._o v._n 3_o and_o 4._o you_o ask_v and_o receive_v not_o because_o you_o ask_v a_o miss_n to_o consume_v it_o upon_o your_o lust_n as_o man_n may_v seek_v to_o be_v assist_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o duty_n for_o the_o praise_n of_o man_n so_o they_o may_v seek_v to_o have_v conscience_n to_o be_v on_o their_o side_n to_o prevent_v a_o challenge_n from_o it_o and_o that_o they_o may_v entertain_v a_o carnal_o confident_a expectation_n of_o what_o they_o will_v be_v at_o thus_o carnal_o profane_a and_o wicked_a man_n have_v often_o seek_v advice_n of_o the_o lord_n prophet_n as_o they_o do_v jer._n 42._o 1_o 2._o in_o these_o and_o the_o like_a case_n man_n may_v take_v pain_n to_o know_v the_o mind_n of_o conscience_n and_o yet_o the_o lord_n may_v make_v it_o to_o keep_v silence_n and_o not_o to_o answer_v they_o or_o if_o it_o do_v to_o answer_v they_o according_a to_o the_o idol_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n 2_o another_o sort_n of_o reason_n may_v be_v draw_v from_o god_n sovereignty_n so_o order_v it_o for_o his_o own_o wise_a and_o holy_a end_n to_o wit_n for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o people_n and_o his_o own_o glory_n as_o he_o afflict_v they_o in_o other_o thing_n though_o not_o without_o sin_n in_o they_o yet_o not_o always_o with_o respect_n to_o their_o sin_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o job_n trial_n even_o so_o when_o they_o be_v take_v pain_n for_o clearness_n of_o conscience_n and_o to_o get_v god_n mind_n in_o such_o a_o particular_a he_o may_v and_o sometime_o do_v blast_v all_o their_o pain_n so_o as_o they_o attain_v not_o to_o the_o desire_a clearness_n in_o it_o i_o say_v in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o particular_a because_o as_o be_v hint_v before_o the_o main_a business_n of_o their_o eternal_a state_n fall_v not_o under_o these_o debate_n and_o this_o we_o say_v he_o do_v in_o his_o sovereignty_n for_o these_o and_o â—he_v like_o wise_a and_o holy_a end_n 1._o that_o he_o may_v empty_a and_o humble_a his_o own_o people_n that_o when_o they_o see_v they_o can_v win_v to_o clearness_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o a_o particular_a of_o so_o little_a moment_n and_o consequence_n by_o make_v that_o to_o be_v so_o much_o their_o exercise_n he_o may_v hide_v pride_n from_o their_o eye_n and_o lay_v they_o low_o before_o he_o 2_o as_o in_o this_o he_o mind_v their_o humble_v so_o their_o upstirring_a by_o such_o mean_n he_o put_v they_o to_o be_v more_o serious_a in_o seek_v he_o for_o oftentimes_o when_o man_n find_v thing_n to_o go_v easy_o with_o they_o they_o be_v in_o hazard_n to_o betake_v themselves_o unto_o and_o sit_v down_o in_o as_o easy_a a_o way_n of_o duty_n and_o to_o â—lack_v their_o diligence_n 3_o he_o do_v this_o for_o trial_n to_o 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shift_n when_o other_o that_o be_v tender_a will_v halt_v and_o stand_v â—ill_o till_o god_n further_o reveal_v and_o manifest_v his_o mind_n in_o the_o thing_n as_o the_o prophet_n do_v 2_o king_n 4._o 27._o let_v she_o alone_o saâ—eth_v he_o of_o the_o shunamite_n to_o his_o servant_n her_o soul_n be_v vex_v within_o she_o and_o the_o lord_n have_v hide_v it_o from_o i_o 4_o he_o do_v this_o to_o make_v man_n prize_v light_a more_o when_o they_o get_v it_o know_v that_o it_o come_v from_o god_n we_o be_v dispose_v to_o think_v as_o long_o as_o we_o be_v not_o much_o difficulted_a and_o bring_v into_o some_o notable_a strait_n that_o our_o light_n flow_v from_o a_o stock_n within_o ourselves_o and_o that_o we_o have_v it_o at_o command_n thus_o many_o think_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o be_v clear_a to_o marry_v such_o or_o such_o a_o person_n to_o take_v such_o a_o place_n or_o to_o engage_v in_o such_o one_fw-mi employ_v and_o station_n as_o it_o may_v be_v of_o magistracy_n or_o of_o ministry_n conscience_n as_o they_o think_v clear_v they_o at_o the_o first_o hand_n but_o the_o lord_n will_v have_v we_o to_o know_v that_o to_o have_v light_n and_o clearness_n in_o any_o particular_a especial_o of_o such_o moment_n be_v a_o great_a matter_n and_o mercy_n then_o so_o and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o flight_n and_o undervalue_v it_o when_o it_o be_v come_v by_o a_o 5_o and_o last_o end_n be_v to_o draw_v man_n to_o more_o immediate_a dependence_n on_o himself_o that_o when_o conscience_n be_v silent_a they_o may_v come_v to_o he_o and_o count_v themselves_o to_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o in_o his_o common_a and_o debt_n for_o any_o light_n that_o they_o shall_v win_v at_o and_o be_v make_v to_o know_v that_o conscience_n be_v but_o his_o servant_n all_o this_o be_v clear_a frow_fw-mi god_n way_n in_o afflict_v his_o people_n and_o from_o many_o instance_n in_o scripture_n the_o other_o assertion_n that_o i_o propose_v to_o speak_v a_o word_n to_o be_v that_o though_o it_o be_v sometime_o thus_o that_o conscience_n be_v silent_a and_o speak_v not_o at_o least_o so_o soon_o or_o so_o clear_o when_o it_o be_v inquire_v at_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o always_o so_o but_o sometime_o nay_o often_o conscience_n will_v speak_v and_o answer_v clear_o and_o our_o unclearnesse_n in_o that_o case_n may_v proceed_v from_o some_o one_o tentation_n or_o other_o or_o from_o our_o own_o sinful_a distemper_n or_o from_o our_o negligence_n and_o inadvertancy_n as_o i_o shall_v short_o clear_v in_o some_o case_n 1._o as_o a_o sinful_a ignorance_n in_o the_o person_n who_o desire_v it_o to_o speak_v will_v make_v conscience_n keep_v silent_a so_o there_o be_v a_o sinful_a
to_o say_v that_o you_o be_v indifferent_a in_o the_o thing_n 2_o when_o you_o go_v to_o prayer_n see_v that_o there_o be_v not_o one_o side_n that_o you_o incline_v to_o more_o than_o another_o and_o that_o you_o slâ—p_v not_o insensible_o into_o a_o petition_n or_o desire_v that_o your_o light_n may_v incline_v you_o this_o way_n somewhat_o of_o this_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v in_o that_o desire_n or_o petition_v which_o abraham_n have_v gen._n 17._o 18._o o_o that_o ishmael_n may_v live_v before_o thou_o as_o suppose_v you_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o a_o way_n of_o live_v yet_o it_o be_v ready_o o_o that_o this_o be_v the_o way_n of_o live_v call_v or_o station_n rather_o than_o another_o 3_o when_o there_o be_v some_o hope_n that_o 〈◊〉_d may_v be_v one_o thing_n rather_o than_o another_o or_o when_o providence_n bind_v you_o up_o more_o from_o the_o one_o than_o the_o other_o â—ee_z how_o you_o be_v affect_v with_o joy_n or_o grief_n if_o you_o be_v much_o delight_v when_o one_o of_o the_o thing_n seem_v hopeful_a and_o much_o grieve_v when_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v mar_v and_o crush_v that_o tell_v that_o you_o be_v not_o suitable_o submissive_a and_o indifferent_a in_o the_o thing_n as_o suppose_v a_o husband_n or_o wife_n or_o child_n or_o other_o near_a or_o dear_a relation_n who_o be_v near_o to_o death_n that_o you_o pray_v for_o and_o think_v that_o you_o have_v attain_v to_o submission_n in_o the_o matter_n but_o if_o there_o be_v a_o little_a revive_n and_o that_o do_v much_o â—ickle_n and_o lift_v you_o up_o it_o say_v the_o submission_n have_v not_o be_v so_o find_v and_o absolute_a so_o upon_o the_o other_o hand_n when_o the_o husband_n wife_n child_n or_o other_o dear_a relation_n draw_v near_o death_n and_o all_o hopeâ—_n be_v go_v and_o that_o lay_v on_o a_o over-chargâ—â—eight_a it_o give_v the_o same_o verdict_n of_o your_o submission_n as_o â—efore_o or_o suppone_v that_o god_n offer_v to_o a_o man_n a_o way_n of_o do_v good_a to_o the_o church_n and_o it_o come_v to_o be_v much_o blast_v and_o the_o door_n be_v more_o open_v to_o some_o other_o of_o the_o party_n that_o be_v on_o the_o other_o fide_fw-la of_o the_o difference_n among_o honest_a man_n who_o both_o design_v the_o advance_n of_o the_o great_a work_n of_o the_o gospel_n foâ—_n the_o thrive_a whereof_o you_o pray_v by_o what_o ever_o of_o the_o side_n or_o party_n yet_o i_o say_v when_o the_o one_o side_n have_v a_o wide_a door_n in_o providence_n open_v then_o the_o other_o that_o grieve_v and_o some_o way_n freâ—s_v you_o it_o tell_v that_o you_o be_v not_o so_o indifferent_a and_o submissive_a as_o to_o the_o success_n of_o the_o work_n by_o either_o of_o the_o side_n as_o you_o suppose_v for_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o decision_n there_o be_v a_o loathnesse_n to_o take_v the_o answer_n that_o thwart_v the_o inclination_n and_o affection_n 4_o when_o do_v and_o forbear_v compete_fw-it together_z so_o that_o you_o be_v difficulted_a in_o your_o choice_n consider_v which_o of_o the_o two_o carnal_a reason_n and_o the_o ground_n that_o it_o go_v on_o swey_v you_o most_o to_o as_o suppone_v the_o case_n be_v whether_o to_o take_v such_o a_o place_n or_o to_o follow_v such_o a_o call_v or_o course_n that_o have_v much_o profit_n or_o preferment_n attend_v it_o or_o to_o forbear_v if_o you_o inquire_v at_o conscience_n which_o shall_v determine_v you_o and_o yet_o still_o remain_v unclear_a if_o these_o ground_n sway_a you_o that_o will_v sway_n a_o mere_o natural_a man_n it_o be_v to_o be_v suspect_v therefore_o though_o in_o some_o case_n god_n may_v call_v a_o man_n to_o such_o a_o thing_n to_o such_o a_o place_n or_o station_n yet_o he_o shall_v search_v well_o and_o see_v that_o â—e_v be_v clear_a in_o his_o call_n to_o usurper_n it_o in_o particular_a because_o there_o be_v something_o here_o of_o a_o self-interest_n that_o will_v be_v very_o ready_a to_o cast_v the_o balance_n 5_o consider_v and_o compare_v your_o own_o inclination_n with_o the_o advice_n of_o other_o in_o the_o thing_n when_o it_o may_v be_v you_o get_v divers_a advice_n anent_o it_o and_o none_o of_o the_o different_a adviser_n offer_v reason_n for_o their_o advice_n or_o if_o they_o do_v when_o the_o reason_n of_o such_o as_o comply_v not_o with_o your_o own_o inclination_n be_v not_o so_o narrow_o examine_v and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o other_o that_o seem_v to_o be_v more_o compliant_a with_o your_o inclination_n be_v listen_v to_o in_o that_o case_n what_o your_o inclination_n side_v with_o will_v easy_o tell_v you_o if_o you_o be_v indifferent_a and_o have_v indeed_o attain_v to_o submission_n in_o the_o thing_n or_o if_o you_o be_v lead_v by_o a_o sinful_a diâ—emper_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o when_o some_o person_n seek_v after_o clearness_n in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n they_o will_v not_o ready_o advise_v with_o such_o as_o they_o know_v or_o apprehend_v do_v or_o may_v differ_v from_o they_o or_o that_o will_v probable_o thwart_v they_o in_o the_o thing_n but_o with_o other_o who_o they_o know_v will_v 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d satisfy_v they_o where_o these_o or_o some_o of_o these_o be_v find_v after_o search_n to_o meet_v together_o there_o be_v ground_n to_o suspect_v that_o though_o conscience_n have_v speak_v cleaâ—_n yet_o man_n have_v smother_v or_o slight_v to_o notice_n the_o answer_n of_o conscience_n 2_o we_o may_v add_v some_o 〈◊〉_d direction_n as_o first_o because_o our_o own_o 〈◊〉_d singleness_n usual_o make_v we_o dâ—k_v and_o doubtful_a therefore_o these_o who_o will_v have_v a_o good_a conscience_n â—nd_v be_v in_o capacity_n to_o take_v up_o the_o answer_n of_o it_o shall_v keep_v their_o eye_n 〈◊〉_d for_o if_o the_o eâ—e_n be_v single_a the_o whole_a body_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o light_n buâ—_n iâ—_n mâ—n_z in_o their_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d any_o way_n unsul_n 〈◊〉_d byasled_a they_o will_v ready_o mistake_v the_o answer_n of_o conscience_n 2_o we_o will_v consider_v what_o other_o think_v who_o will_v probable_o be_v more_o impartial_a in_o our_o case_n than_o ourselves_o because_o not_o be_v in_o our_o circumstance_n they_o have_v not_o the_o particular_a interest_n to_o sway_n they_o that_o we_o have_v 3_o consider_v whaâ—_n we_o will_v saâ—_n to_o another_o in_o such_o a_o case_n to_o who_o the_o tentation_n come_v not_o â—o_o neâ—t_a as_o it_o do_v to_o we_o who_o be_v particular_o 〈◊〉_d â—n_n 〈◊〉_d thing_n yâ—a_n consider_v what_o we_o will_v have_v think_v of_o the_o thing_n before_o it_o come_v to_o our_o own_o doâ—r_n and_o we_o to_o be_v exercise_v about_o iâ—_n but_o 4t_o consider_v especial_o and_o â—ry_o the_o rise_n of_o our_o puâ—se_n and_o exerciâ—_n about_o the_o â—ing_n whitâ—er_v it_o be_v zeâ—_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n that_o put_v â—s_a to_o consult_v conscience_n 〈◊〉_d or_o because_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v now_o come_v in_o our_o way_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v wait_v with_o such_o and_o such_o external_a advantage_n or_o to_o comply_v much_o with_o our_o humour_n and_o inclination_n for_o when_o god_n honour_n put_v we_o not_o to_o ask_v the_o answer_n we_o may_v suspect_v that_o it_o be_v not_o that_o which_o determine_v we_o we_o will_v ready_o never_o seek_v light_n in_o such_o a_o matter_n if_o it_o come_v not_o thus_o to_o our_o door_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o our_o offer_n and_o other_o will_v make_v no_o such_o a_o do_v or_o business_n for_o light_n in_o it_o because_o they_o be_v very_o clear_a to_o let_v it_o alone_o this_o much_o for_o the_o first_o direction_n what_o to_o do_v when_o conscience_n be_v silent_a or_o it_o be_v answer_n be_v not_o take_v up_o or_o mistake_v man_n shall_v impartial_o search_v and_o see_v that_o they_o have_v not_o some_o way_n determine_v and_o decide_v the_o matter_n before_o haâ—d_a within_o themselves_o to_o the_o thwart_a or_o smother_a the_o answer_n of_o conscience_n and_o that_o their_o inclination_n or_o affection_n or_o some_o one_o or_o other_o selfie_v aim_n or_o interest_n sway_n and_o bias_n they_o not_o but_o that_o the_o matter_n be_v leave_v betwixt_o god_n and_o their_o conscience_n single_o and_o that_o they_o be_v wait_v on_o he_o for_o clearness_n in_o a_o humble_a submissive_a and_o self-denied_n way_n sermon_n iii_o 1_o peter_z 3._o 21._o not_o the_o put_v away_o of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o flesh_n but_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n by_o counsel_v every_o purpose_n be_v establish_v and_o â—e_v that_o â—neth_v to_o council_n be_v wise_a say_v solomoâ—_n there_o be_v two_o great_a counsellor_n that_o god_n have_v give_v to_o all_o they_o that_o live_v within_o the_o visible_a church_n to_o wit_n his_o word_n without_o we_o and_o ouâ—_n conscience_n within_o we_o that_o by_o
they_o we_o may_v be_v help_v clear_o to_o know_v 〈◊〉_d be_v please_v to_o he_o and_o profitable_a to_o ourselves_o concern_v which_o counsellor_n we_o may_v not_o only_o safe_o but_o with_o high_a assurance_n say_v that_o they_o be_v happy_a who_o harken_v to_o their_o advice_n and_o council_n that_o which_o we_o have_v have_v be_v speak_v of_o from_o this_o v_o be_v the_o right_a way_n of_o discern_v the_o advice_n and_o counsel_n which_o the_o conscience_n give_v that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v the_o more_o able_a clear_o and_o distinct_o to_o follow_v it_o and_o in_o prosecution_n of_o this_o you_o may_v remember_v we_o come_v to_o answer_v that_o case_n or_o question_v what_o man_n be_v call_v to_o or_o what_o maybe_o their_o duty_n when_o after_o some_o pain_n take_v to_o know_v conscience_n advice_n and_o counsel_n they_o do_v not_o discern_v and_o take_v it_o up_o see_v experience_n tell_v we_o that_o sometime_o there_o may_v be_v darkness_n even_o when_o man_n will_v have_v light_a in_o answer_v of_o this_o we_o give_v you_o this_o direction_n in_o the_o first_o place_n after_o the_o premit_v of_o some_o thing_n for_o clear_v of_o it_o that_o such_o as_o be_v thus_o in_o the_o dark_a will_v once_o put_v themselves_o to_o it_o to_o try_v whither_o their_o darkness_n proceed_v indeed_o from_o conscience_n or_o from_o some_o distemper_n and_o tentation_n within_o let_v and_o hinder_v they_o from_o take_v up_o that_o which_o conscience_n say_v till_o once_o this_o be_v clear_a man_n can_v make_v great_a progress_n for_o if_o they_o shall_v study_v to_o have_v conscience_n speak_v and_o yet_o have_v their_o own_o ear_n stop_v this_o seem_v to_o be_v but_o lose_v labour_n there_o be_v some_o other_o thing_n call_v for_o that_o once_o they_o may_v be_v in_o a_o quiet_a and_o compose_v frame_n to_o hear_v what_o conscience_n say_v to_o they_o a_o ad_fw-la direction_n for_o answer_n to_o it_o be_v when_o man_n can_v discern_v any_o temptation_n or_o distemper_n in_o themselves_o but_o that_o they_o be_v content_a to_o hear_v what_o conscience_n will_v say_v to_o they_o and_o yet_o can_v take_v it_o up_o than_o they_o will_v set_v themselves_o to_o try_v whither_o that_o silence_n proceed_v from_o some_o sinful_a cause_n in_o themselves_o just_o procure_v that_o silence_n of_o conscience_n as_o a_o punishment_n to_o they_o or_o from_o some_o sovereign_a cause_n in_o god_n order_v that_o silence_n to_o try_v they_o and_o to_o humble_v they_o and_o that_o they_o may_v by_o be_v keep_v a_o while_n in_o the_o mist_n more_o single_o give_v proof_n of_o their_o dependency_n on_o he_o for_o as_o in_o other_o affliction_n so_o in_o this_o sometime_o god_n will_v exercise_v his_o sovereignty_n and_o if_o it_o be_v once_o know_v to_o be_v for_o trial_n the_o thing_n that_o we_o be_v call_v to_o be_v sweet_o silent_a submission_n to_o god_n and_o allow_v he_o so_o to_o dispose_v of_o we_o as_o he_o please_v as_o that_o word_n isa._n 50._o v._n 10._o hold_n forth_o he_o that_o walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o see_v no_o light_n let_v he_o in_o that_o case_n stay_v himself_o on_o the_o lord_n he_o may_v be_v keep_v quiet_a and_o from_o thwart_v with_o god_n if_o he_o can_v take_v up_o that_o to_o be_v his_o design_n but_o if_o some_o sinful_a cause_n have_v procure_v this_o man_n be_v put_v to_o it_o as_o they_o will_v not_o lie_v under_o any_o effect_n of_o god_n anger_n to_o be_v deal_v with_o he_o to_o have_v that_o cause_n that_o have_v bring_v it_o on_o remove_v that_o in_o due_a time_n this_o sad_a effect_n of_o it_o may_v be_v remove_v also_o it_o be_v true_a that_o as_o in_o other_o case_n so_o in_o this_o it_o be_v not_o ordinary_a nor_o common_a for_o god_n to_o afflict_v his_o people_n with_o darkness_n without_o some_o sinful_a cause_n and_o we_o may_v easy_o know_v that_o among_o man_n who_o have_v corruption_n in_o they_o there_o be_v no_o trial_n that_o come_v on_o they_o but_o there_o be_v some_o cause_n in_o themselves_o that_o may_v procure_v it_o and_o so_o may_v keep_v they_o in_o the_o dark_a if_o god_n shall_v narrow_o mark_v it_o and_o hence_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o discern_v right_o by_o clear_a evidence_n the_o one_o of_o these_o from_o the_o other_o yet_o we_o think_v in_o every_o case_n it_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o godly_a person_n to_o conclude_v a_o design_a controversy_n for_o sin_n though_o they_o can_v never_o go_v wrong_a to_o take_v with_o sin_n albeit_o yet_o they_o will_v not_o always_o bind_v it_o on_o god_n as_o if_o he_o be_v quarrel_v for_o it_o though_o he_o may_v very_o just_o do_v so_o therefore_o we_o shall_v offer_v four_o difference_n and_o then_o qualify_v they_o and_o give_v some_o direction_n how_o to_o walk_v in_o every_o one_o of_o these_o case_n first_o then_o we_o conceive_v when_o the_o silence_n of_o conscience_n and_o god_n refuse_v to_o intimate_v his_o mind_n by_o it_o proceed_v from_o a_o sinful_a cause_n procure_v it_o in_o a_o person_n it_o will_v ready_o look_v more_o horrible_a like_o and_o will_v have_v some_o impression_n of_o anger_n on_o it_o when_o it_o come_v out_o with_o such_o a_o word_n as_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 10._o 14._o go_v and_o cry_v unto_o the_o god_n which_o you_o have_v choose_v etc._n etc._n and_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n for_o this_o that_o if_o it_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o sin_n or_o of_o anger_n for_o sin_n it_o shall_v look_v like_a anger_n then_o when_o it_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o god_n mere_a sovereignty_n which_o may_v stand_v well_o with_o his_o be_v in_o good_a term_n with_o that_o person_n who_o he_o so_o try_v second_o we_o think_v the_o hide_v of_o god_n face_n and_o silence_n of_o conscience_n when_o it_o proceed_v from_o sin_n as_o the_o cause_n ready_o point_v out_o some_o particular_a ground_n of_o challenge_n for_o which_o the_o conscience_n keep_v silence_n it_o have_v a_o word_n of_o reproof_n with_o it_o for_o some_o particular_a fault_n as_o in_o that_o same_o place_n you_o have_v do_v this_o and_o this_o say_v the_o lord_n though_o i_o have_v bring_v you_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n yet_o you_o have_v serve_v other_o god_n therefore_o now_o i_o will_v deliver_v you_o no_o more_o conscience_n though_o it_o will_v not_o in_o that_o case_n give_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v ask_v at_o it_o yet_o it_o will_v give_v a_o reason_n wherefore_o it_o answer_v not_o and_o will_v point_v at_o somewhat_o that_o may_v make_v it_o know_v that_o there_o be_v just_a ground_n for_o its_o keep_a silence_n job_n be_v thus_o smite_v in_o holy_a sovereignty_n say_v to_o god_n chap._n 10._o 2_o tell_v i_o wherefore_o thou_o contend_v with_o i_o he_o be_v indeed_o now_o somewhat_o jumble_v be_v exercise_v by_o the_o sovereign_n holy_a lord_n and_o his_o exercise_n be_v not_o so_o much_o for_o this_o and_o that_o sin_n in_o particular_a as_o to_o know_v wherefore_o god_n deal_v so_o with_o he_o 3_o when_o this_o silence_n of_o conscience_n proceed_v from_o a_o sinful_a cause_n it_o leave_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o person_n in_o a_o far_o great_a distemper_n and_o confusion_n then_o whenit_fw-la proceed_v mere_o from_o god_n sovereignty_n for_o this_o have_v its_o rise_n from_o sin_n it_o have_v the_o great_a influence_n to_o the_o stir_v of_o corruption_n therefore_o in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o man_n be_v much_o dispose_v to_o sret_v as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o saul_n and_o other_o who_o be_v ready_a when_o god_n answer_v they_o not_o to_o take_v another_o and_o sinful_a way_n of_o their_o own_o but_o when_o god_n exercise_n in_o sovereignty_n as_o the_o conscience_n have_v ready_o more_o quietness_n so_o there_o be_v more_o sweet_a submission_n and_o patience_n 4_o person_n will_v take_v a_o reflect_v look_v on_o the_o frame_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n before_o their_o darkness_n come_v on_o they_o 〈◊〉_d they_o be_v careless_a and_o carnal_a secure_a untender_a and_o remiss_a in_o stir_v up_o themselves_o to_o obtain_v light_n from_o god_n if_o darkness_n or_o any_o other_o affliction_n come_v on_o they_o in_o such_o a_o case_n it_o speak_v this_o that_o they_o be_v sad_o surprise_v in_o that_o distemper_n but_o if_o it_o come_v on_o they_o at_o such_o a_o time_n when_o they_o have_v a_o testimony_n within_o they_o that_o they_o be_v make_v conscience_n of_o their_o duty_n it_o will_v seem_v to_o say_v that_o god_n be_v not_o look_v so_o much_o at_o their_o sin_n as_o to_o some_o sovereign_a end_n â—e_z will_v bring_v abount_n by_o that_o rod_n if_o you_o consider_v holy_a joh_n who_o be_v the_o eminent_a pattern_n of_o god_n exercise_v a_o a_o man_n sovereign_o the_o case_n and_o frame_n
he_o be_v overtake_v in_o by_o his_o affliction_n be_v a_o most_o tender_a one_o rise_v in_o the_o morning_n and_o offering_n sacrifice_n for_o his_o child_n and_o as_o he_o say_v chap._n 3._o 26_o i_o be_v not_o in_o safety_n neither_o have_v i_o rest_v neither_o be_v i_o quiet_a yet_o trouble_n come_v that_o be_v if_o i_o have_v be_v secure_a and_o carnal_a i_o will_v have_v think_v the_o less_o to_o meet_v with_o such_o trouble_n but_o i_o be_v not_o at_o carnal_a ease_n but_o be_v serious_o at_o my_o duty_n it_o be_v this_o that_o make_v he_o that_o he_o can_v not_o see_v what_o it_o be_v that_o god_n point_v out_o to_o he_o for_o his_o exercise_n we_o will_v now_o in_o the_o nixt_a place_n give_v you_o these_o qualification_n 1._o that_o when_o god_n exercise_v from_o sovereignty_n yet_o even_o then_o there_o may_v be_v somewhat_o of_o terror_n reproof_n and_o challenge_v and_o somewhat_o of_o corruption_n stir_v and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o we_o have_v corruption_n in_o we_o and_o be_v not_o without_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n and_o therefore_o tentation_n have_v just_a ground_n to_o challenge_v and_o corruption_n be_v ready_a on_o every_o occasion_n to_o be_v â—ed_v and_o provoke_v we_o will_v give_v this_o as_o a_o second_o qualification_n that_o ofttimes_o god_n deal_v with_o and_o exert_v of_o his_o people_n be_v mix_v with_o some_o respect_n both_o to_o their_o sin_n and_o to_o the_o good_a end_n that_o he_o intend_v to_o bring_v about_o thereby_o to_o they_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v these_o 〈◊〉_d thing_n that_o we_o will_v look_v to_o in_o these_o case_n first_o that_o though_o corruption_n may_v stir_v yet_o comparative_o it_o 〈◊〉_d â—ar_v less_o in_o the_o one_o case_n then_o in_o the_o other_o if_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d affect_v with_o sin_n even_o when_o he_o be_v afflict_v in_o god_n sovereignty_n what_o will_v he_o have_v be_v if_o he_o have_v be_v chastise_v for_o his_o sin_n and_o surprise_v in_o a_o sinful_a distemper_n when_o his_o affliction_n come_v on_o he_o ad_o though_o it_o may_v be_v so_o for_o a_o time_n yet_o if_o god_n remove_v the_o exercise_n he_o will_v make_v it_o otherwise_o he_o will_v compose_v the_o heart_n and_o make_v the_o exercise_n effectual_a for_o that_o for_o which_o he_o send_v it_o as_o you_o see_v in_o the_o case_n of_o job_n who_o though_o he_o be_v somewhat_o discompose_v for_o a_o time_n yet_o before_o god_n leave_v he_o he_o calm_v he_o and_o make_v he_o lay_v his_o hand_n on_o his_o mouth_n chap._n 40._o and_o 42._o 3_o that_o even_o then_o though_o person_n may_v discompose_v and_o put_v themselves_o through_o other_o because_o they_o have_v not_o carry_v suitable_o and_o fair_a under_o the_o exercise_n yet_o there_o will_v be_v some_o honest_a testimony_n of_o sincerity_n when_o they_o look_v back_o to_o their_o carriage_n before_o and_o even_o in_o the_o time_n for_o sovereignty_n in_o such_o exercise_n will_v not_o prejudge_v his_o people_n interest_n in_o he_o therefore_o you_o see_v that_o job_n be_v clear_a and_o resolve_v in_o this_o that_o he_o will_v retain_v his_o integrity_n last_o we_o will_v come_v to_o show_v you_o what_o be_v meet_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n which_o though_o there_o may_v be_v considerable_a difficulty_n to_o come_v by_o yet_o a_o believer_n shall_v not_o be_v idle_a when_o his_o conscience_n keep_v silence_n therefore_o i_o will_v give_v you_o these_o three_o general_a direction_n 1._o that_o person_n will_v endeavour_v to_o compose_v and_o calm_v the_o frame_n of_o their_o own_o spirit_n under_o that_o darkness_n be_v from_o what_o cause_n it_o will_v if_o it_o be_v from_o god_n sovereignty_n exercise_v this_o be_v suitable_a that_o we_o study_v to_o comply_v and_o strick_v in_o with_o these_o end_n and_o design_n that_o god_n drive_v at_o in_o exercise_v we_o so_o such_o as_o the_o humble_v of_o we_o the_o emptie_v of_o we_o of_o all_o self-conceit_n the_o make_n of_o we_o to_o loathe_v ourselves_o so_o as_o to_o say_v with_o job_n behold_v i_o be_o vile_a the_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o our_o own_o feebleness_n and_o sinfulness_n our_o make_n great_a account_n of_o light_n and_o come_v at_o a_o more_o near_o close_a and_o constant_a dependence_n on_o god_n whatsoever_o that_o exercise_n proceed_v from_o this_o be_v always_o a_o christian_n duty_n and_o we_o have_v it_o warrant_v to_o we_o from_o job_n example_n and_o from_o the_o church_n example_n lament_v 3._o a_o second_o general_a direction_n be_v that_o whither_o god_n chastite_n for_o sin_n or_o not_o yet_o we_o will_v take_v a_o look_n of_o our_o own_o carriage_n that_o we_o may_v see_v what_o sin_n or_o sin_n we_o can_v find_v out_o that_o may_v have_v be_v ground_n for_o he_o thus_o to_o quarrel_v with_o we_o that_o so_o we_o may_v repent_v of_o they_o obtain_v his_o peace_n and_o recover_v his_o favour_n and_o friendship_n in_o reference_n to_o these_o sin_n this_o sure_a can_v be_v any_o bad_a fruit_n whatsoever_o be_v the_o cause_n from_o which_o it_o proceed_v because_o though_o god_n take_v not_o such_o narrow_a notice_n of_o our_o sin_n yet_o it_o well_o become_v we_o to_o take_v such_o notice_n of_o it_o you_o see_v job_n do_v this_o when_o he_o say_v to_o the_o lord_n thou_o make_v i_o to_o possess_v the_o sin_n of_o my_o youth_n we_o will_v look_v well_o to_o this_o and_o set_v ourselves_o serious_o to_o have_v our_o peace_n make_v up_o again_o with_o god_n and_o to_o come_v by_o the_o intimation_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o these_o particular_a sin_n that_o if_o so_o be_v our_o darkness_n continue_v we_o may_v have_v some_o quietness_n of_o conscience_n and_o this_o may_v also_o be_v the_o way_n for_o win_v to_o the_o other_o it_o be_v sure_a very_o suitable_a that_o when_o a_o person_n be_v in_o the_o dark_a as_o to_o some_o one_o particular_a duty_n sober_o to_o consider_v how_o often_o conscience_n speak_v and_o i_o take_v but_o little_a notice_n of_o it_o how_o little_a conscience_n i_o make_v to_o practice_v clear_a duty_n and_o therefore_o i_o be_o just_o bemi_v and_o in_o the_o dark_a as_o to_o this_o this_o help_n to_o humble_a there_o be_v these_o three_o thing_n we_o will_v have_v you_o to_o look_v back_o on_o when_o we_o call_v you_o to_o reflect_v in_o such_o a_o case_n on_o your_o way_n first_o look_v back_o and_o see_v if_o there_o be_v not_o something_o amiss_o before_o that_o darkness_n come_v on_o that_o may_v have_v procure_v it_o and_o draw_v on_o this_o as_o a_o chastisement_n of_o that_o and_o here_o you_o will_v go_v back_o if_o it_o be_v not_o only_o some_o few_o year_n but_o seven_o year_n and_o more_o too_o and_o see_v what_o sin_n and_o sin_n against_o light_n in_o particular_a you_o have_v fall_v in_o and_o how_o when_o conscience_n do_v challenge_v for_o the_o same_o you_o take_v but_o little_a notice_n of_o it_o if_o i_o say_v it_o be_v after_o seven_o year_n yea_o thrice_o seven_o as_o josephs_n brethren_n be_v make_v to_o do_v you_o will_v call_v these_o sin_n or_o that_o sin_n again_o to_o mind_n 2_o look_v well_o if_o you_o have_v be_v serious_a in_o search_v out_o the_o mind_n of_o conscience_n and_o if_o you_o have_v take_v pain_n to_o use_v all_o mean_n to_o get_v light_a you_o want_v light_a and_o it_o may_v be_v you_o have_v not_o study_v to_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o word_n nor_o have_v be_v single_a in_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o obtain_v of_o it_o you_o will_v also_o look_v if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o defect_n in_o advise_v with_o conscience_n or_o in_o propon_v the_o case_n to_o conscience_n and_o discover_v the_o same_o you_o will_v endeavour_v to_o amend_v it_o and_o to_o make_v a_o new_a address_n as_o it_o be_v to_o your_o conscience_n before_o god_n for_o find_v out_o light_n three_o look_v back_o on_o your_o carriage_n since_o that_o darkness_n begin_v for_o christian_n may_v possible_o have_v be_v in_o a_o tender_a frame_n when_o this_o darkness_n come_v upon_o they_o yet_o because_o they_o get_v not_o light_a so_o soon_o as_o they_o will_v have_v it_o and_o because_o the_o â—ord_n keep_v up_o himself_o for_o a_o time_n it_o may_v be_v their_o impatience_n have_v break_v out_o and_o there_o have_v be_v sinful_a wrangle_n with_o god_n in_o secret_a and_o the_o heart_n have_v be_v somewhat_o raise_v that_o he_o shall_v deal_v so_o with_o they_o especial_o â—hen_o they_o have_v find_v that_o they_o have_v be_v honest_a in_o the_o main_a somewhat_o of_o this_o be_v in_o job_n who_o take_v on_o he_o under_o his_o dark_a exercise_n as_o himself_o confess_v to_o meddle_v too_o much_o and_o too_o bold_o with_o god_n secret_n that_o be_v too_o wonderful_a for_o he_o it_o may_v be_v often_o thus_o with_o
lie_v to_o bring_v about_o some_o good_a to_o or_o to_o divert_v some_o notable_a evil_n from_o themselves_o or_o other_o and_o lie_v in_o sport_n to_o make_v other_o merry_a and_o all_o temerarious_a rash_a lie_v through_o customary_a looseness_n and_o 〈◊〉_d call_v it_o seem_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o way_n of_o lie_v and_o the_o more_o that_o man_n abhor_v lie_v and_o love_n to_o speak_v the_o truth_n they_o be_v in_o so_o fâ—r_v the_o 〈◊〉_d like_o god_n and_o the_o more_o unlike_o the_o devil_n who_o abide_v not_o in_o the_o truth_n because_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n in_o he_o and_o who_o when_o be_v speak_v a_o liâ—_n speak_v it_o of_o his_o own_o its_o 〈◊〉_d and_o sole_o his_o own_o and_o none_o of_o god_n for_o he_o be_v a_o liâ—r_n and_o the_o father_n of_o it_o we_o will_v therefore_o watchful_o guard_v against_o all_o lie_a under_o whatsoever_o pretext_n and_o look_v well_o that_o we_o always_o speak_v truth_n especial_o when_o we_o interpose_v conscience_n and_o yet_o more_o especial_o when_o we_o appeal_v to_o god_n as_o witness_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o say_v or_o affirm_v according_a to_o the_o practice_n oâ—_n the_o apostle_n here_o who_o be_v one_o that_o exercise_v himself_o to_o have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n no_o doubt_n make_v conscience_n always_o to_o speak_v truth_n more_o especial_o when_o he_o have_v use_v any_o more_o than_o ordinary_a solemn_a proteâ—ation_n or_o attestation_n as_o he_o do_v in_o these_o word_n the_o scope_n whereof_o be_v to_o roll_v away_o all_o ground_n oâ—_n stumble_v from_o his_o countryman_n the_o jew_n and_o from_o any_o other_o who_o may_v think_v because_o of_o some_o of_o his_o discourse_n concern_v they_o that_o he_o regard_v they_o not_o and_o that_o he_o be_v very_o indifferent_a whether_o they_o be_v save_v or_o perish_v and_o to_o conciliar_a their_o affection_n and_o respect_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o his_o person_n for_o the_o gospel_n and_o theiâ—_n own_o soul_n sake_n in_o which_o word_n we_o have_v 1._o his_o assertion_n concern_v the_o heaviness_n and_o sorrow_n of_o his_o heart_n for_o they_o his_o brethren_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n which_o he_o set_v down_o first_o positive_o i_o speak_v the_o truth_n then_o negative_o i_o lie_v not_o two_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o assertion_n which_o to_o make_v it_o the_o more_o solemn_a weighty_a and_o convince_a and_o if_o it_o may_v be_v the_o more_o gain_v of_o the_o jew_n be_v threefold_a 1._o it_o be_v in_o christ_n insinuate_v thereby_o that_o he_o be_v a_o believer_n in_o christ_n that_o assert_v this_o truth_n and_o one_o that_o draw_v strength_n from_o châ—ist_n to_o enable_v he_o to_o what_o he_o assert_n and_o refer_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n as_o his_o main_a end_n in_o it_o and_o withal_o expect_v god_n acceptation_n of_o he_o therein_o on_o christ_n account_n and_o for_o his_o sake_n the_o 2._o be_v my_o conscience_n an_o upright_o impartial_a and_o tender_a thing_n when_o right_a bear_v i_o wittness_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o assert_v the_o 3._o be_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o be_v it_o be_v affirm_v by_o one_o who_o haâ—h_v a_o enlighten_v and_o habitual_o sanctify_a conscience_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o one_o who_o be_v act_v by_o he_o and_o in_o a_o sanctify_a frame_n for_o the_o present_a nay_o by_o one_o infallible_o guide_v and_o inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o his_o penman_n in_o write_v this_o as_o a_o piece_n and_o passage_n of_o divine_a scripture_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o speak_v particular_o to_o all_o the_o point_n of_o doctrine_n that_o may_v be_v deduce_v from_o these_o word_n but_o to_o such_o only_a as_o make_v for_o cleaâ—ing_v the_o purpose_n that_o we_o have_v in_o hand_n and_o that_o be_v the_o particular_a influence_n that_o conscience_n have_v on_o a_o man_n in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o act_n and_o the_o particular_a respect_n that_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v to_o his_o conscience_n in_o carry_v it_o along_o with_o he_o in_o his_o action_n yet_o we_o shall_v pass_o point_v at_o and_o little_a more_o than_o name_n some_o general_a observation_n and_o then_o come_v to_o the_o particular_n that_o we_o main_o aim_v at_o and_o 1._o we_o observe_v this_o that_o a_o man_n conscience_n be_v some_o way_n different_a from_o himself_o as_o in_o some_o respect_n to_o speak_v so_o another_o party_n i_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o christ_n i_o lie_v not_o my_o conscience_n also_o bear_v i_o witness_n i_o and_o i_o be_v one_o thing_n and_o conscience_n as_o it_o be_v another_o and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n a_o three_o all_o which_o he_o join_v together_o yet_o so_o as_o he_o make_v they_o different_a party_n conscience_n i_o say_v consider_v as_o conscience_n and_o more_o especial_o as_o it_o be_v renew_v well_o inform_v and_o tender_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o its_o duty_n differ_v from_o the_o man_n himself_o 1._o in_o respect_n of_o its_o place_n of_o more_o direct_a and_o immediate_a subjection_n to_o god_n himself_o as_o it_o be_v master_n to_o receive_v iâ—'s_n order_n from_o he_o whereas_o the_o man_n be_v more_o direct_o and_o immediate_o subject_a to_o conscience_n by_o which_o as_o his_o deputy_n god_n rule_v he_o 2_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o office_n viz._n to_o dictat_fw-la to_o man_n what_o he_o shall_v do_v and_o what_o he_o shall_v not_o do_v and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o light_n that_o it_o have_v from_o god_n in_o his_o reveal_v will_n and_o word_n whereas_o man_n be_v not_o to_o dictat_fw-la to_o his_o conscience_n but_o to_o obey_v its_o dictate_v in_o â—o_o far_o as_o they_o agree_v with_o god_n reveal_v will_n and_o word_n 3_o in_o that_o by_o its_o office_n also_o it_o be_v to_o tell_v the_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v direct_v all_o his_o action_n to_o the_o right_a end_n viz._n the_o glory_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v office_n be_v not_o only_o to_o dictat_fw-la our_o way_n but_o to_o enjoin_v to_o we_o our_o end_n man_n have_v not_o a_o power_n or_o liberty_n allow_v to_o he_o to_o propose_v to_o himself_o what_o end_n he_o please_v such_o as_o profit_v pleasure_n or_o credit_n as_o his_o main_a end_n but_o be_v oblige_v to_o eye_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n as_o such_o which_o conscience_n by_o virtue_n of_o its_o office_n and_o act_v iâ—'s_n part_n aright_o though_o alace_o it_o often_o prove_v defective_a therein_o be_v corrupt_v and_o defile_v by_o sin_n enjoin_v he_o to_o do_v 4_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o different_a consideration_n and_o sense_n of_o thing_n it_o will_v often_o he_o displease_v accuse_v and_o condemn_v when_o the_o man_n himself_o will_v be_v well_o please_v it_o will_v judge_v a_o thing_n unworthy_a to_o be_v entertain_v which_o the_o man_n will_v judge_v worthy_a 〈◊〉_d entertain_v and_o so_o conscience_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v though_o have_v its_o 〈◊〉_d in_o man_n yet_o in_o many_o respect_n as_o some_o way_n different_a from_o he_o and_o 〈◊〉_d as_o it_o be_v to_o he_o and_o set_v over_o he_o as_o 〈◊〉_d hint_v before_o to_o be_v a_o guardian_n witness_n 〈◊〉_d or_o sensor_n to_o take_v notice_n oâ—_n he_o in_o all_o his_o action_n and_o carriage_n let_v no_o man_n then_o as_o the_o use_v of_o iâ—_n think_v that_o ever_o he_o be_v or_o can_v be_v alone_o so_o long_o as_o he_o have_v a_o conscience_n within_o he_o for_o he_o have_v still_o something_o to_o testify_v for_o or_o against_o he_o to_o reprove_v he_o for_o what_o be_v wrong_a and_o to_o commend_v he_o for_o that_o which_o be_v right_a and_o though_o many_o poor_a wretch_n be_v ready_a to_o think_v and_o 〈◊〉_d to_o fancy_v themselves_o to_o be_v quiet_a and_o well_o when_o they_o bliâ—_n or_o câ—erize_v or_o bribe_v theiâ—_n conscience_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v still_o wait_v on_o they_o and_o watch_v they_o be_v all_o they_o do_v 2_o observe_v that_o conscience_n be_v a_o most_o divine_a thing_n therefore_o paul_n take_v it_o to_o be_v more_o impartial_a than_o himself_o and_o join_v it_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o testify_v if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o some_o respect_n a_o more_o divine_a thing_n thâ—_n the_o man_n himself_o such_o weight_n will_v not_o be_v lay_v on_o it_o and_o its_o testimony_n and_o if_o we_o look_v to_o these_o thing_n hint_v at_o in_o the_o forego_n observation_n viz._n to_o the_o immediate_a master_n of_o it_o god_n to_o the_o rulâ—_n that_o it_o walk_v by_o his_o will_n reveal_v in_o his_o word_n to_o the_o end_n it_o direct_v to_o or_o enjoin_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o whole_a way_n of_o of_o its_o consider_v and_o judge_v of_o thing_n not_o only_o as_o pleasant_a or_o
external_o profitable_a to_o we_o but_o main_o as_o please_v to_o god_n and_o for_o his_o honour_n as_o conduce_v to_o the_o advance_n of_o 〈◊〉_d with_o he_o or_o conformity_n to_o he_o it_o be_v most_o divine_a the_o use_n teach_v we_o to_o lay_v more_o weight_n on_o conscience_n as_o spiritual_a and_o as_o that_o which_o take_v up_o thing_n better_a and_o be_v a_o far_o better_a discerner_n and_o judge_n of_o thing_n than_o we_o ouâ—_n self_n be_v 3_o obseruâ—_v that_o the_o attest_v of_o conscience_n be_v a_o most_o grave_a important_a and_o solemn_a thing_n â—_o business_n of_o high_a concernment_n and_o such_o as_o ought_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d great_a weight_n with_o other_o it_o be_v so_o mide_a use_n of_o here_o yea_o â—t's_n testimony_n be_v some_o way_n to_o have_v weight_n with_o we_o and_o to_o be_v respect_v as_o the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n himself_o and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n therefore_o it_o be_v here_o join_v with_o they_o in_o its_o testimony_n and_o it_o can_v be_v otherways_o god_n be_v as_o be_v say_v before_o the_o immediate_a master_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v so_o divine_a a_o thing_n none_o can_v attest_v conscience_n but_o they_o must_v needs_o attest_v god_n with_o it_o the_o use_n be_v to_o teach_v we_o to_o be_v more_o warry_a in_o attest_v conscience_n in_o a_o light_n and_o trivial_a way_n it_o be_v in_o scripture_n language_n a_o atte_a christ_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o when_o ever_o we_o there_fw-mi not_o appeal_v to_o they_o as_o witness_n we_o will_v beware_v of_o appeal_n to_o or_o of_o atte_a conscience_n or_o take_v it_o to_o be_v a_o witness_n 4_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n among_o conscience_n for_o these_o word_n my_o conscience_n bear_v i_o witness_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n import_v two_o thing_n 1._o his_o attest_v his_o conscience_n not_o simple_o but_o as_o it_o be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o spirit_n 2_o it_o not_o only_o import_v sanctification_n in_o the_o habit_n of_o it_o but_o in_o its_o exercise_n also_o for_o he_o know_v that_o a_o man_n attest_v of_o his_o mere_a natural_a conscience_n be_v not_o of_o such_o value_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v easy_o delude_v and_o go_v wrong_n but_o say_v he_o i_o attest_v my_o conscience_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o as_o act_v by_o he_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o a_o renew_a and_o unrenewed_a conscience_n and_o a_o difference_n betwixt_o a_o pure_a conscience_n and_o a_o defile_a one_o to_o the_o pure_a say_v the_o apostle_n tit._n 1._o 15._o all_o thing_n be_v pure_a but_o to_o they_o that_o be_v defile_v and_o unbelieving_a be_v nothing_o pure_a but_o even_o their_o mind_n and_o conscience_n be_v defile_v paul_n appeal_n his_o conscience_n be_v as_o it_o be_v opposite_a to_o such_o a_o conscience_n there_o be_v also_o a_o evil_a and_o a_o good_a conscience_n as_o these_o word_n late_o speak_v of_o 1_o pet._n 3._o 21_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n clear_a there_o be_v likewise_o a_o cauterised_a conscience_n and_o a_o tender_a conscience_n yea_o there_o be_v some_o difference_n of_o conscience_n among_o believer_n themselves_o some_o conscience_n be_v weak_a some_o strong_a some_o be_v sleepy_a some_o wake_v some_o be_v secure_a some_o in_o the_o lively_a exercise_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o act_v by_o the_o spirit_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o conscience_n mean_v here_o use_v this_o difference_n will_v be_v well_o observe_v for_o it_o will_v not_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o every_o conscience_n that_o will_v bear_v a_o man_n throughâ—_n it_o must_v be_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o conscience_n sanctify_v and_o in_o that_o particular_a act_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 5_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o testimony_n of_o a_o conscience_n that_o can_v be_v satisfy_v but_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o conscience_n sanctify_v and_o in_o a_o sanctify_a frame_n therefore_o he_o think_v it_o not_o enough_o to_o say_v my_o conscience_n bear_v i_o witness_v but_o he_o add_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o in_o that_o passage_n 1_o pet._n 3._o 21._o it_o be_v not_o the_o answer_n of_o conscience_n simple_o but_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n of_o a_o wake_n tender_a spiritual_a and_o well_o enlighten_v conscience_n that_o satisfy_v use_v therefore_o ere_o man_n lay_v much_o weight_n on_o the_o testimony_n of_o their_o conscience_n they_o will_v first_o put_v it_o â—o_o proof_n and_o see_v that_o it_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o sanctify_a conscience_n and_o in_o a_o sanctify_a frame_n if_o a_o man_n be_v not_o of_o some_o credit_n his_o testimony_n will_v not_o be_v of_o much_o weight_n in_o any_o matter_n it_o be_v even_o so_o with_o conscience_n as_o to_o its_o testimony_n 6_o observe_v that_o sometime_o and_o in_o some_o case_n believer_n may_v very_o warrantable_o attest_v their_o conscience_n and_o appeal_v to_o its_o testimony_n some_o believer_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o some_o in_o the_o new_a have_v do_v it_o though_o as_o we_o say_v before_o the_o attest_v of_o conscience_n be_v a_o very_a grave_n and_o solemn_a thing_n and_o will_v not_o be_v use_v at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o case_n yet_o at_o some_o time_n and_o in_o some_o case_n it_o may_v be_v warrantable_o use_v when_o right_o go_v about_o i_o shall_v name_v three_o or_o four_o consideration_n or_o case_n from_o the_o text_n for_o clear_v of_o it_o 1._o conscience_n may_v be_v attest_v when_o the_o matter_n that_o we_o assert_v require_v such_o a_o solemn_a attest_v of_o it_o and_o these_o thing_n concur_v here_o to_o clear_v that_o the_o matter_n wherein_o he_o atte_v his_o conscience_n be_v such_o for_o 1._o it_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o concern_v god_n glory_n not_o a_o little_a that_o his_o servant_n and_o messenger_n be_v not_o walk_v according_o to_o the_o flesh_n 2._o it_o tend_v to_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o for_o if_o he_o have_v not_o remove_v the_o prejudice_n that_o the_o jew_n have_v at_o he_o it_o may_v have_v mar_v their_o receive_v the_o truth_n from_o his_o mouth_n 3._o it_o tend_v to_o his_o own_o vindication_n in_o as_o far_o as_o it_o tend_v to_o the_o former_a two_o end_n and_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v any_o blot_n to_o lie_v here_o 4._o that_o which_o he_o assert_v be_v a_o thing_n not_o obvious_a and_o can_v not_o well_o be_v otherways_o make_v out_o and_o in_o this_o so_o great_a and_o grave_a a_o matter_n he_o spare_v not_o to_o attest_v god_n and_o his_o own_o conscience_n 2._o consider_v the_o manner_n of_o his_o proceed_n it_o be_v speak_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n grave_o and_o sober_o i_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o christ_n and_o lie_v not_o my_o conscience_n bear_v i_o witness_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n he_o do_v not_o rash_o and_o abrupt_o break_v out_o in_o it_o as_o many_o do_v 3_o consider_v that_o he_o be_v most_o clear_a in_o the_o thing_n ere_o he_o attest_v his_o conscience_n he_o be_v sure_a that_o it_o be_v no_o lie_n and_o that_o he_o have_v no_o mixture_n of_o untruth_n in_o it_o yea_o he_o be_v so_o clear_a that_o he_o there_fw-mi swear_v it_o and_o take_v christ_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o witness_v in_o it_o when_o man_n there_fw-mi not_o attest_v god_n in_o a_o matter_n they_o shall_v not_o attest_v their_o own_o conscience_n in_o it_o except_o they_o think_v that_o god_n will_v say_v one_o thing_n and_o their_o conscience_n another_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o conscience_n man_n will_v say_v many_o thing_n light_o suppose_v they_o to_o be_v true_a that_o they_o will_v be_v loath_a to_o attest_v their_o conscience_n in_o till_o they_o be_v very_o clear_a and_o sure_a that_o they_o be_v true_a 4_o add_v this_o consideration_n that_o it_o be_v do_v when_o he_o be_v in_o a_o holy_a spiritual_a and_o lively_a frame_n my_o conscience_n say_v he_o bear_v i_o witness_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o attest_v conscience_n in_o a_o carnal_a frame_n be_v as_o unsuitable_a as_o to_o rush_v in_o rash_o and_o unmannerly_a before_o a_o grave_a judge_n to_o crave_v a_o sentence_n from_o he_o if_o our_o frame_n be_v not_o right_a conscience_n will_v never_o speak_v out_o a_o approve_v testimony_n to_o we_o in_o that_o particular_a which_o we_o assert_v and_o attest_v it_o in_o for_o though_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n it_o be_v true_a and_o no_o lie_n yet_o as_o to_o our_o circumstantiated_a attest_v of_o it_o in_o so_o ill_a a_o frame_n it_o will_v not_o approve_v we_o 7_o in_o the_o general_a observe_v that_o conscience_n its_o testimony_n when_o warrantable_o make_v use_v of_o be_v a_o thing_n very_o useful_a refresh_a and_o comfortable_a to_o a_o believer_n
conscience_n and_o study_v to_o carry_v it_o along_o with_o he_o in_o the_o very_a time_n of_o his_o act_n our_o heart_n be_v like_a to_o a_o distemper_a clock_n or_o watch_n which_o be_v just_a now_o set_v never_o so_o right_a ere_o we_o be_v aware_a it_o will_v go_v wrong_a it_o will_v point_v the_o hour_n aright_o now_o and_o within_o a_o little_a it_o be_v quite_o out_o of_o course_n because_o there_o be_v some_o defect_n or_o fault_n within_o the_o wheel_n not_o be_v even_o or_o the_o balance_n not_o just_o poise_v or_o some_o other_o such_o cause_n even_o so_o though_o our_o heart_n be_v in_o a_o suitable_a frame_n just_a now_o present_o and_o ere_o we_o turn_v we_o about_o as_o it_o be_v it_o be_v out_o of_o frame_n so_o that_o we_o can_v well_o take_v our_o aim_n from_o it_o it_o be_v so_o very_o deceitful_a that_o it_o abide_v not_o in_o frame_n 3_o consider_v that_o unless_o this_o reflect_v on_o conscience_n in_o the_o time_n of_o perform_v the_o action_n or_o duty_n be_v a_o man_n will_v be_v at_o a_o loss_n of_o one_o of_o these_o two_o he_o will_v either_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n as_o to_o his_o â—ober_a compose_a and_o holy_a frame_n and_o turn_v carnal_a which_o be_v frequent_o and_o ready_o incident_a even_o to_o believer_n or_o he_o will_v be_v at_o a_o loss_n as_o to_o the_o confidence_n boldness_n and_o peace_n that_o he_o may_v otherwise_o have_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o such_o a_o action_n or_o duty_n for_o suppose_v a_o person_n to_o be_v in_o a_o good_a frame_n after_o he_o have_v resolve_v on_o a_o duty_n let_v it_o be_v for_o instance_n speak_v to_o edification_n go_v about_o prayer_n or_o the_o make_n of_o some_o lawful_a bargain_n or_o the_o like_a and_o he_o have_v abundant_a light_n and_o clearness_n in_o his_o call_n to_o the_o thing_n yet_o if_o he_o look_v not_o to_o and_o reflect_v not_o on_o conscience_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o that_o duty_n when_o a_o challenge_n come_v on_o the_o back_n of_o it_o as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v wrong_n he_o can_v well_o answer_v nor_o repel_v it_o his_o be_v right_o be_v to_o he_o in_o that_o case_n in_o some_o respect_n little_a or_o no_o better_a than_o if_o he_o have_v be_v wrong_n because_o he_o observe_v not_o conscience_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o action_n and_o this_o be_v one_o great_a reason_n no_o doubt_n why_o believer_n have_v so_o little_a positive_a peace_n when_o they_o have_v do_v a_o good_a turn_n because_o they_o do_v not_o advert_v what_o conscience_n say_v to_o they_o in_o their_o go_n about_o it_o they_o be_v hereby_o also_o great_o at_o a_o lose_v as_o to_o many_o sweet_a experience_n of_o god_n kindness_n and_o condescend_v in_o assist_v they_o and_o of_o their_o own_o singleness_n win_v at_o through_o grace_n in_o the_o perform_n of_o duty_n and_o we_o think_v also_o that_o christian_n live_v so_o much_o by_o a_o negative_a peace_n to_o speak_v so_o flow_v much_o from_o this_o ground_n viz._n their_o little_a reflect_v in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o do_v duty_n if_o once_o they_o be_v clear_a in_o the_o thing_n whither_o they_o be_v suitable_o serious_a and_o sincere_a in_o it_o and_o so_o let_v the_o opportunity_n go_v by_o they_o be_v not_o so_o thorough_o clear_a in_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v evidence_n of_o a_o positive_a peace_n in_o do_v of_o such_o a_o duty_n right_o as_o they_o may_v otherways_o be_v the_o first_a use_n serve_v to_o give_v you_o a_o evidence_n and_o mark_v of_o a_o tender_a walk_n and_o of_o a_o man_n that_o be_v tender_a in_o his_o walk_n he_o be_v such_o a_o man_n that_o will_v not_o only_o ask_v his_o conscience_n ere_o he_o begin_v a_o action_n but_o when_o he_o be_v a_o do_v of_o it_o what_o it_o think_v of_o it_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n that_o a_o tender_a christian_a will_v reflect_v upon_o in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o do_v a_o action_n or_o duty_n 1._o he_o will_v reflect_v upon_o his_o manner_n of_o perform_v it_o whither_o it_o be_v a_o natural_a action_n such_o as_o eat_v and_o drink_v a_o civil_a action_n such_o as_o buy_v and_o sell_v a_o religious_a action_n such_o as_o pray_v or_o hear_v etc._n etc._n he_o will_v look_v that_o in_o they_o all_o he_o be_v single_a that_o his_o eat_v and_o drink_v be_v to_o fit_v he_o to_o serve_v god_n that_o in_o his_o buy_v and_o sell_v he_o seek_v not_o only_o his_o own_o thing_n but_o the_o good_a of_o his_o neighbour_n as_o well_o as_o his_o own_o good_a that_o in_o his_o pray_v or_o hear_v he_o be_v sincere_a that_o it_o be_v in_o faith_n and_o according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n 2_o he_o will_v reflect_v on_o himself_o in_o the_o perform_n of_o his_o action_n that_o he_o be_v in_o a_o right_a frame_n that_o he_o be_v tender_a and_o sincere_a that_o some_o awe_n of_o god_n and_o of_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v on_o he_o that_o his_o spirit_n be_v sober_a and_o compose_v that_o a_o carnal_a frame_n steal_v not_o in_o upon_o he_o in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o do_v a_o warrantable_a action_n or_o a_o command_v duty_n because_o that_o will_v mar_v it_o 3_o he_o will_v reflect_v upon_o his_o conscience_n that_o he_o may_v hear_v what_o it_o say_v of_o the_o action_n he_o will_v not_o as_o it_o be_v take_v his_o testimony_n from_o himself_o but_o conscience_n be_v as_o a_o distinct_a thing_n some_o way_n from_o himself_o he_o will_v hear_v what_o it_o say_v as_o paul_n do_v here_o it_o be_v truth_n which_o he_o speak_v and_o he_o speak_v it_o in_o the_o right_a manner_n and_o yet_o he_o take_v a_o look_n of_o his_o conscience_n if_o he_o be_v do_v so_o in_o very_a deed_n to_o wit_n sincere_o as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n yea_o more_o he_o take_v the_o testimony_n of_o his_o conscience_n if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o and_o thus_o here_o he_o look_v not_o to_o nor_o reflect_v on_o his_o conscience_n to_o alter_v any_o piece_n of_o his_o way_n but_o to_o have_v its_o sense_n of_o that_o piece_n of_o it_o he_o gather_v that_o the_o action_n be_v good_a from_o the_o word_n and_o he_o inquire_v if_o he_o be_v and_o collect_v that_o he_o be_v right_a in_o the_o performance_n from_o his_o conscience_n testify_v according_a to_o the_o word_n so_o that_o he_o will_v not_o trust_v himself_o but_o go_v to_o conscience_n as_o be_v more_o impartial_a to_o take_v its_o testimony_n the_o reason_n then_o as_o i_o say_v before_o why_o few_o christian_n have_v solid_a peace_n be_v this_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o action_n be_v good_a and_o if_o they_o can_v answer_v their_o light_n therein_o they_o reflect_v but_o little_a on_o their_o conscience_n in_o the_o perform_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o want_v much_o of_o the_o peace_n and_o consolation_n that_o may_v otherwise_o accompany_v they_o in_o their_o action_n and_o when_o they_o be_v do_v and_o over_o and_o this_o evidence_n of_o tenderness_n kythe_n rather_o when_o a_o man_n be_v in_o the_o act_n then_o either_o before_o or_o after_o for_o fear_n or_o awe_n may_v make_v a_o man_n seek_v light_a before_o a_o action_n and_o a_o challenge_n may_v put_v he_o to_o reflect_v and_o examine_v when_o he_o have_v do_v but_o here_o main_o lie_v the_o evidence_n of_o sincerity_n and_o tenderness_n when_o in_o every_o step_n all_o along_o the_o action_n or_o duty_n so_o far_o as_o be_v requisite_a and_o humane_a infirmity_n will_v admit_v he_o take_v heed_n what_o he_o be_v do_v and_o as_o we_o say_v the_o other_o day_n that_o it_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o a_o tender_a conscience_n to_o be_v always_o meddle_v in_o every_o thing_n that_o a_o man_n do_v so_o we_o say_v now_o that_o it_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o a_o tender_a man_n to_o listen_v and_o hear_v what_o censure_n his_o conscience_n pass_v on_o he_o in_o perform_v his_o action_n the_o 2d_o use_v be_v for_o reproof_n ah_o may_v we_o not_o find_v but_o by_o overly_o reflection_n if_o we_o do_v advise_v with_o conscience_n at_o our_o undertake_n of_o such_o a_o work_n or_o duty_n that_o yet_o in_o the_o time_n of_o do_v it_o there_o be_v but_o little_o reflect_v on_o our_o conscience_n if_o it_o do_v bear_v we_o witness_v of_o our_o sincerity_n in_o go_v about_o it_o how_o many_o time_n will_v man_n and_o woman_n be_v find_v eat_v drink_v buy_v sell_v go_v or_o ride_v a_o lawful_a journey_n speak_v of_o a_o sermon_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o in_o these_o action_n but_o seldom_o or_o never_o look_v in_o if_o they_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o their_o conscience_n that_o they_o be_v right_a in_o their_o go_v about_o of_o these_o thing_n can_v this_o i_o pray_v speak_v a_o tender_a frame_n that_o be_v so_o
the_o instrument_n and_o another_o thing_n to_o have_v they_o all_o in_o tune_n when_o it_o be_v not_o right_o tune_v though_o it_o have_v on_o all_o the_o string_n it_o can_v give_v a_o sweet_a nor_o harmonious_a sound_n so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o conscience_n the_o use_n be_v for_o exhortation_n to_o watchful_a advertance_n in_o every_o thing_n to_o conscience_n it_o be_v testimony_n see_v there_o be_v many_o that_o do_v good_a on_o the_o matter_n who_o yet_o want_v its_o testimony_n it_o become_v we_o to_o be_v the_o more_o watchful_a to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o see_v that_o conscience_n its_o speak_v for_o a_o man_n and_o give_v he_o its_o approbative_a testimony_n and_o his_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a on_o the_o matter_n be_v not_o only_o separable_a but_o be_v often_o actual_o separate_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o not_o only_a in_o natural_a but_o even_o in_o regenerate_a man_n as_o frequent_a experience_n put_v beyond_o debate_n we_o have_v need_v i_o say_v to_o be_v the_o more_o watchful_a both_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n and_o manner_n of_o our_o do_v lest_o we_o be_v at_o a_o lose_v of_o the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n for_o we_o and_o none_o will_v think_v it_o to_o be_v as_o easy_a a_o business_n to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o perform_v of_o duty_n as_o it_o be_v to_o do_v so_o â—s_v to_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o how_o many_o come_v to_o the_o church_n but_o without_o due_a preparation_n and_o without_o have_v a_o heart_n ready_a to_o hear_v what_o god_n will_v say_v to_o they_o and_o meddle_v with_o with_o other_o duty_n without_o regard_v the_o due_a manner_n of_o perform_v they_o we_o â—ight_a instance_n it_o in_o all_o these_o six_o sort_n of_o action_n we_o speak_v of_o the_o other_o day_n in_o all_o which_o there_o be_v a_o propensnes_n iâ—_n we_o natural_o to_o degenerate_v and_o go_v beside_o the_o rule_n as_o namely_o 1._o in_o natural_a action_n of_o eat_v and_o drink_v or_o of_o love_a husband_n or_o wife_n or_o child_n man_n may_v be_v very_o carnal_a degenerate_a and_o become_v like_o very_a beast_n 2._o in_o civil_a action_n as_o buy_v and_o bargane_v wherein_o man_n maâ—_n turn_v base_o covetous_a selfie_v and_o seek_v their_o own_o thing_n and_o not_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n noâ—_n the_o good_a and_o advantage_n of_o other_o 3_o in_o moral_a action_n as_o speak_v truth_n deal_v fair_o and_o honest_o wherein_o man_n may_v turn_v legal_a proud_a and_o vain_a and_o seek_v to_o establish_v a_o self-righteousnesse_n thereby_o to_o themselves_o 4._o in_o external_a religious_a action_n as_o hear_v the_o word_n pray_v etc._n etc._n wherein_o man_n may_v turn_v hypocritical_a and_o formal_a have_v a_o show_n without_o substance_n and_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n without_o the_o power_n of_o it_o 5._o in_o inward_a duty_n as_o repentance_n contentment_n etc._n etc._n wherein_o man_n may_v turn_v worldly_a and_o carnal_a therefore_o a_o worldly_a repentance_n from_o fear_n of_o punishment_n or_o of_o shame_n in_o the_o world_n or_o worldly_a sorrow_n that_o cause_v death_n be_v speak_v of_o 2_o cor._n 7._o v._n 10._o so_o theâ—e_n be_v a_o worldly_a contentment_n 6._o in_o passive_a action_n or_o suffering_n some_o may_v suffer_v from_o inevitable_a necessity_n and_o have_v no_o thanks_o for_o it_o as_o it_o be_v 1_o pet._n 2._o 20._o we_o may_v from_o the_o unstraightnesse_n of_o the_o end_n to_o which_o from_o the_o unsoundnesse_n of_o the_o principle_n from_o which_o from_o the_o unsuitablenesse_n of_o the_o motive_n by_o which_o duty_n be_v do_v and_o several_a otherways_o prejudge_v ourselves_o of_o the_o approve_v testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n which_o we_o will_v careful_o advert_v to_o that_o we_o divide_v not_o betwixt_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o a_o good_a turn_v action_n or_o duty_n but_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v here_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v so_o difficult_a to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o to_o carry_v it_o along_o with_o we_o in_o the_o very_a interim_n mean_v time_n and_o nick_n of_o perform_v the_o action_n above_o and_o beyond_o what_o it_o be_v either_o to_o deliberat_fw-la and_o advise_v with_o it_o before_o we_o do_v or_o to_o reflect_v after_o we_o have_v do_v i_o answer_v and_o give_v these_o two_o or_o three_o reason_n of_o it_o the_o first_o whereof_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o necessary_a concurrence_n of_o so_o many_o thing_n that_o must_v go_v together_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o a_o action_n which_o make_v it_o easy_a to_o resolve_v before_o do_v or_o to_o reflect_v after_o do_v then_o to_o perform_v the_o second_o be_v because_o there_o be_v such_o a_o ticklenesse_n in_o the_o frame_n ol_fw-mi our_o heart_n that_o they_o be_v unstable_a as_o water_n stable_n in_o nothing_o there_o be_v three_o distemper_n of_o heart_n that_o we_o be_v subject_a to_o which_o all_o hold_v forth_o this_o difficulty_n 1._o a_o decline_a humour_n to_o say_v so_o or_o distemper_n whereby_o we_o be_v give_v to_o backslide_v or_o turn_v aside_o like_o a_o deceitful_a bow_n that_o keep_v bensel_n while_o the_o arrow_n be_v a_o draw_v and_o when_o it_o be_v at_o or_o in_o the_o very_o let_v off_o starteth_z aside_o 2_o a_o levity_n and_o unsettledness_n even_o such_o that_o the_o weather_n cock_n be_v not_o soon_o and_o more_o easy_o whirl_v about_o by_o the_o least_o wind_n than_o we_o be_v by_o the_o least_o breathe_v of_o the_o air_n of_o tentation_n so_o that_o be_v we_o just_a now_o in_o a_o good_a and_o suitable_a frame_n for_o duty_n ere_o we_o be_v aware_a we_o fall_v off_o and_o a_o good_a conscience_n require_v a_o composedness_n and_o staidness_n of_o frame_n 3_o a_o rashness_n and_o hastiness_n or_o precipitance_n which_o make_v we_o that_o so_o soon_o as_o we_o be_v clear_a in_o the_o thing_n to_o rush_v forward_o and_o to_o think_v all_o be_v do_v that_o be_v requisite_a so_o that_o we_o wait_v not_o to_o carry_v conscience_n along_o with_o we_o in_o our_o performance_n which_o rash_a precipitant_n and_o hasty_a humour_n or_o distemper_n make_v we_o often_o miscarry_v as_o david_n say_v of_o himself_o psal._n 116_o i_o say_v in_o my_o haste_n that_o all_o man_n be_v liar_n and_o i_o say_v in_o my_o haste_n that_o i_o be_o cut_v off_o from_o thy_o presence_n psal._n 31._o so_o believer_n often_o mar_v the_o composedness_n of_o their_o own_o frame_n by_o their_o hâ—steing_a and_o not_o take_v heed_n to_o what_o conscience_n say_v while_o they_o be_v in_o perform_v duty_n thus_o many_o post_n as_o it_o be_v through_o their_o prayer_n speak_v of_o many_o good_a thing_n in_o they_o from_o light_n but_o not_o endeavour_v to_o carry_v conscience_n its_o testimony_n along_o with_o they_o of_o their_o sincerity_n they_o spoil_v and_o mar_v that_o which_o be_v well_o intend_v and_o begin_v by_o they_o a_o four_o ground_n reason_n or_o cause_n of_o this_o be_v the_o great_a difficulty_n that_o there_o be_v to_o maintain_v and_o keep_v up_o a_o right_a frame_n of_o heart_n for_o any_o considerable_a time_n and_o a_o man_n will_v never_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n along_o particular_a duty_n if_o he_o maintain_v not_o a_o right_a frame_n of_o heart_n though_o a_o thing_n good_a in_o itself_o be_v never_o so_o fair_o floore_v to_o speak_v so_o and_o its_o ground_n never_o so_o well_o take_v up_o yet_o the_o least_o bias_n or_o rub_v easy_o put_v it_o by_o and_o make_v it_o go_v out_o all_o which_o shall_v in_o reason_n make_v we_o study_v the_o more_o watchfulness_n 5thly_a observe_v which_o will_v help_v to_o the_o use_v of_o the_o former_a and_o be_v of_o some_o affinity_n with_o the_o first_o particular_a observation_n that_o person_n will_v endeavour_v to_o walk_v in_o every_o particular_a duty_n or_o action_n so_o as_o they_o may_v not_o only_o advert_v to_o what_o conscience_n say_v of_o it_o but_o may_v also_o carry_v it_o along_o with_o they_o in_o it_o and_o have_v the_o positive_a approve_v testimony_n thereof_o all_o alongst_o the_o do_n of_o it_o which_o may_v be_v though_o there_o be_v not_o reflect_v on_o it_o every_o moment_n that_o be_v not_o only_a will_v they_o before_o they_o undertake_v any_o thing_n be_v clear_a that_o it_o be_v a_o warrantable_a duty_n as_o be_v mark_v before_o but_o further_a when_o they_o have_v do_v this_o they_o will_v so_o carry_v conscience_n along_o with_o they_o in_o it_o as_o they_o may_v have_v its_o testimony_n that_o they_o go_v about_o it_o conscientious_o therefore_o paul_n ask_v not_o only_o what_o conscience_n say_v of_o the_o action_n as_o to_o its_o matter_n and_o as_o to_o his_o sincerity_n in_o undertake_v it_o but_o he_o bring_v it_o out_o speak_v for_o he_o while_o he_o be_v do_v it_o my_o conscience_n say_v he_o
eye_n behind_o intimate_v that_o tender_a christian_n shall_v have_v and_o in_o some_o measure_n indeed_o have_v a_o eye_n as_o we_o use_v to_o speak_v of_o very_o watchful_a and_o accurat_o observe_v person_n in_o their_o neck_n look_v to_o what_o stick_v and_o cleave_v to_o their_o heel_n as_o it_o be_v when_o they_o have_v pass_v any_o action_n or_o duty_n as_o the_o word_n be_v psal._n 49._o 5._o where_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v of_o the_o iniquity_n of_o his_o heel_n compass_v he_o about_o as_o know_v well_o that_o in_o every_o step_n of_o his_o way_n he_o leave_v some_o â—oul_a vestige_n or_o print_v behind_o he_o and_o therefore_o look_v back_o on_o it_o this_o than_o we_o propose_v as_o a_o piece_n and_o a_o special_a piece_n of_o a_o tender_a walk_n viz._n that_o christian_n not_o only_o deliberat_fw-la before_o they_o do_v and_o look_v to_o conscience_n while_o they_o be_v adoing_o but_o that_o also_o they_o reflect_v and_o look_v back_o upon_o the_o action_n when_o it_o be_v do_v and_o pass_v to_o clear_v this_o a_o little_a further_o there_o be_v three_o main_a thing_n that_o a_o believer_n be_v call_v to_o in_o reference_n to_o what_o be_v past_a 1._o examination_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o way_n 2._o lay_v of_o himself_o and_o his_o way_n to_z and_o before_o his_o conscience_n inform_v by_o the_o word_n 3._o judge_v of_o himself_o according_a as_o he_o find_v eth_z his_o way_n to_o be_v when_o he_o have_v lay_v it_o before_o his_o conscience_n we_o need_v not_o curious_o and_o nice_o difference_n these_o for_o they_o go_v always_o together_o when_o a_o man_n be_v right_a his_o examination_n of_o himself_o and_o of_o his_o way_n the_o examination_n of_o his_o way_n by_o his_o conscience_n and_o his_o self-judging_a yet_o they_o may_v be_v some_o way_n difference_v self-examination_n be_v more_o large_a and_o extensive_a take_v in_o the_o whole_a that_o a_o man_n be_v concern_v in_o his_o recklessness_n and_o his_o need_n as_o well_o as_o his_o sinfulness_n but_o reflect_v on_o conscience_n consider_v a_o man_n way_n as_o sinful_a or_o not_o sinful_a only_o self-examination_n be_v a_o gather_v as_o it_o be_v of_o thing_n together_o but_o reflect_v on_o conscience_n be_v a_o lay_n of_o they_o to_o the_o rule_n a_o put_n of_o they_o to_o the_o touchstone_n self-examination_n be_v the_o mid_n conscience-reflection_n be_v the_o end_n and_o if_o any_o shall_v offer_v to_o divide_v they_o the_o gather_n of_o thing_n together_o by_o self-examination_n will_v not_o signify_v much_o except_o they_o be_v try_v by_o conscience_n self-examination_n be_v antecedent_n to_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o judge_n self-judging_a be_v subsequent_a as_o a_o ratification_n of_o that_o which_o conscience_n have_v say_v when_o we_o have_v examine_v and_o find_v out_o thing_n and_o when_o conscience_n have_v on_o reflection_n agreeable_o to_o the_o rule_n give_v its_o sense_n and_o sentence_n our_o judge_v of_o ourselves_o be_v our_o homologate_a or_o own_v apply_v and_o take_v home_o to_o we_o the_o sentence_n that_o conscience_n have_v past_a as_o it_o be_v from_o our_o own_o mouth_n somewhat_o like_o that_o word_n rom._n 8._o 16._o the_o spirit_n itself_o bear_v witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o ourselves_o examination_n and_o judge_v we_o be_v active_a but_o in_o conscience_n its_o pass_a sentence_n we_o be_v passive_a as_o be_v therein_o 〈◊〉_d before_o the_o judge_n and_o when_o conscience_n have_v say_v we_o say_v however_o we_o put_v they_o together_o and_o have_v mark_v it_o for_o this_o reason_n because_o ofttimes_o when_o we_o examine_v and_o take_v a_o look_n of_o ourselves_o and_o of_o our_o way_n we_o be_v dispose_v to_o think_v that_o we_o have_v do_v enough_o and_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o indictment_n be_v read_v we_o run_v away_o from_o the_o bar_n and_o do_v not_o abide_v and_o stay_v for_o conscience_n its_o decision_n as_o if_o we_o know_v what_o it_o will_v say_v before_o hand_n again_o sometime_o we_o be_v dispose_v to_o judge_n ourselves_o and_o to_o pass_v or_o leap_v over_o both_o examination_n and_o conscience_n sentence_n be_v thus_o precipitant_a and_o preposterous_a to_o prevent_v any_o trouble_n and_o apprehend_v horror_n that_o may_v attend_v the_o sentence_n of_o conscience_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o say_v that_o we_o know_v not_o what_o it_o will_v say_v before_o it_o be_v put_v to_o the_o â—ryal_n and_o this_o be_v a_o reason_n why_o many_o will_v take_v with_o a_o conviction_n but_o it_o have_v no_o weight_n with_o they_o nor_o 〈◊〉_d to_o they_o because_o it_o be_v their_o own_o as_o it_o be_v and_o not_o conscience_n its_o sentence_n therefore_o you_o will_v by_o all_o mean_n join_v together_o these_o three_o use_v self-examination_n judge_n and_o pass_v sentence_n on_o yourselves_o as_o we_o be_v will_v 1_o cor._n 11._o 28._o 31._o but_o miss_v not_o this_o cuple_n viz_o reflect_v upon_o and_o observe_v of_o what_o conscience_n have_v to_o â—ay_n for_o this_o 〈◊〉_d the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o together_o and_o if_o they_o be_v noâ—_n thus_o knit_v they_o will_v fall_v asunder_o and_o come_v to_o nothing_o the_o second_o use_n be_v for_o trial_n take_v it_o then_o for_o a_o evidence_n and_o mark_n of_o a_o tender_a christian_a thus_o to_o reflect_v on_o a_o person_n walk_v and_o action_n when_o he_o have_v do_v they_o the_o tender_a christian_a will_v thus_o reflect_v on_o his_o way_n and_o action_n do_v though_o it_o be_v for_o many_o year_n past_a and_o will_v judge_v impartial_o according_a to_o what_o conscience_n have_v to_o say_v of_o they_o they_o here_o behave_v like_a unto_o faithful_a ambassador_n or_o messenger_n who_o be_v commissionat_a in_o some_o business_n and_o have_v go_v about_o it_o will_v sist_z themselves_z before_o these_o that_o give_v they_o the_o commission_n to_o hear_v their_o judgement_n and_o sentence_n of_o their_o management_n of_o the_o business_n commit_v to_o they_o 〈◊〉_d they_o be_v unfaithful_a that_o receive_v such_o a_o commission_n and_o never_o give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o discharge_n of_o it_o nor_o wait_v for_o the_o sentence_n of_o its_o giver_n even_o so_o tender_a christian_n will_v not_o only_o consult_v with_o and_o take_v direction_n from_o conscience_n what_o and_o how_o to_o do_v but_o will_v also_o turn_v back_o and_o see_v iâ—_n conscience_n do_v approve_v of_o what_o they_o have_v do_v and_o of_o their_o manner_n of_o do_v now_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o this_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o it_o be_v always_o the_o mark_n of_o a_o tender_a christian_a that_o the_o man_n have_v conscience_n speak_v for_o he_o for_o conscience_n may_v be_v mislead_v and_o its_o testimony_n in_o that_o case_n signify_v little_a but_o this_o we_o say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o mark_n of_o a_o tender_a christian_a to_o be_v always_o single_o try_v whether_o it_o be_v for_o he_o or_o against_o he_o and_o it_o will_v be_v find_v in_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o tender_a christian_n whereas_o these_o that_o walk_v at_o random_n without_o all_o circumspection_n look_v not_o thus_o to_o conscience_n yea_o even_o believer_n themselves_o when_o in_o a_o untender_a frame_n desire_v not_o much_o to_o come_v in_o conscience_n its_o sight_n to_o speak_v â—o_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o as_o it_o be_v joh._n 3._o v._n 20_o 21._o every_o one_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v but_o he_o that_o do_v truth_n come_v to_o the_o light_n to_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n and_o of_o his_o conscience_n inform_v by_o the_o word_n that_o his_o deed_n may_v be_v manifest_a that_o they_o be_v wrought_v in_o god_n it_o be_v no_o â—mal_a part_n i_o say_v of_o this_o light_n even_a conscience_n it_o be_v testimony_n and_o it_o say_v that_o the_o sincer_n man_n desire_v to_o know_v if_o he_o be_v right_a or_o wrong_n and_o that_o he_o like_v not_o to_o entertain_v the_o thought_n of_o any_o practice_n or_o deed_n of_o he_o to_o be_v right_a when_o it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o truth_n and_o that_o withal_o he_o allow_v not_o himself_o to_o judge_v of_o his_o deed_n mere_o by_o himself_o but_o to_o submit_v they_o to_o the_o sentence_n of_o his_o conscience_n according_a to_o the_o word_n to_o clear_v this_o a_o little_a we_o shall_v point_v at_o some_o character_n of_o a_o person_n that_o be_v suitable_o serious_a and_o tender_a in_o reflect_v on_o his_o conscience_n and_o that_o 1._o in_o respect_n of_o its_o extent_n and_o then_o 2_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o first_o then_o as_o to_o the_o extent_n 1._o he_o reflect_v on_o and_o try_v all_o his_o action_n even_o the_o whole_a tract_n and_o current_n of_o his_o life_n as_o paul_n do_v here_o his_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n
we_o will_v labour_v in_o our_o self-examination_n to_o be_v up_o at_o that_o distinctnesse_n that_o through_o grace_n may_v be_v win_v at_o that_o we_o may_v be_v so_o very_o clear_a as_o to_o be_v in_o case_n to_o say_v i_o wot_v well_o i_o be_v right_a at_o such_o a_o time_n and_o wrong_v at_o such_o another_o time_n in_o this_o i_o be_v right_a and_o in_o that_o i_o be_v wrong_a yea_o so_o clear_a and_o distinct_a will_v we_o be_v as_o we_o may_v if_o call_v to_o it_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v our_o oath_n on_o it_o as_o paul_n do_v in_o the_o place_n we_o speak_v on_o before_o viz._n roâ—_n 9_o 1._o i_o say_v the_o truth_n in_o christ_n say_v he_o and_o lie_v not_o my_o conscience_n bear_v i_o witness_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n there_o will_v not_o be_v guess_v at_o thing_n but_o we_o will_v be_v thorough_o distinct_a and_o clear_a therefore_o job_n speak_v of_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o integrity_n chap._n 31._o propose_v they_o by_o way_n of_o curse_n be_v so_o very_o confident_a that_o he_o dare_v confirm_v what_o he_o assert_v with_o a_o curse_n on_o himself_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o be_v otherwise_o then_o he_o say_v 2_o we_o will_v examine_v and_o look_v on_o our_o way_n till_o we_o be_v bring_v under_o some_o suitable_a impression_n of_o the_o awe_n and_o dread_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o absolute_a dominion_n and_o sovereignty_n over_o we_o thus_o holy_a job_n say_v of_o himself_o when_o thus_o exercise_v chap_n 31._o v._n 23._o destruction_n from_o the_o almighty_a be_v a_o terror_n to_o i_o and_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o highness_n i_o can_v not_o endure_v we_o never_o follow_v our_o self-examination_n far_o enough_o till_o it_o leave_v some_o impression_n of_o this_o kind_n on_o our_o spirit_n 3_o it_o will_v be_v follow_v till_o we_o be_v affect_v with_o what_o discovery_n we_o get_v in_o the_o search_n of_o our_o own_o way_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o bare_o to_o take_v a_o look_n or_o view_v of_o it_o but_o we_o will_v i_o say_v look_v on_o it_o so_o as_o we_o may_v be_v suitable_o affect_v with_o it_o that_o either_o it_o may_v give_v we_o solid_a peace_n and_o joy_n from_o clearness_n that_o we_o be_v right_a or_o else_o a_o sensible_a touch_n with_o the_o sharpness_n of_o a_o challenge_n for_o that_o whereof_o we_o be_v clear_o convince_v be_v wrong_n and_o man_n be_v never_o right_o exercise_v in_o the_o work_n of_o self-examination_n and_o of_o reflection_n on_o their_o conscience_n till_o something_o of_o this_o be_v there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o bare_a light_n and_o a_o well_o inform_v and_o tender_a conscience_n conscience_n sense_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v of_o more_o weight_n and_o be_v more_o divine_a and_o have_v some_o more_o of_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n in_o it_o then_o bare_a light_n or_o conviction_n of_o the_o judgement_n it_o will_v neither_o smile_v nor_o â—rown_n but_o it_o will_v suitable_o affect_v the_o man_n with_o some_o inward_a comfort_n or_o sorrow_n for_o it_o represent_v god_n either_o as_o smile_v or_o â—rowning_v 4_o we_o will_v follow_v this_o work_n of_o self-examination_n and_o self-reflection_n till_o we_o be_v clear_a and_o full_o persuade_v as_o to_o the_o duty_n we_o be_v call_v to_o after_o such_o examination_n as_o when_o a_o man_n find_v thing_n to_o be_v wrong_n conscience_n will_v say_v there_o be_v here_o a_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n and_o humiliation_n and_o of_o fly_v to_o jesus_n christ_n for_o take_v away_o the_o guilt_n thereof_o and_o of_o set_v about_o the_o right_v and_o amend_v of_o thing_n and_o till_o a_o man_n come_v to_o be_v clear_a in_o that_o which_o he_o be_v call_v to_o by_o self-examination_n he_o follow_v it_o not_o â—th_v a_o right_n and_o as_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o worldly_a and_o of_o godly_a sorrow_n 2_o cor._n 7._o 10_o 11._o give_v these_o evidence_n of_o godly_a sorrow_n a_o fruit_n of_o self-examination_n that_o it_o not_o only_o be_v wait_v in_o the_o corinthian_n with_o a_o fight_n of_o the_o fault_n but_o it_o touch_v they_o in_o the_o quick_a for_o it_o and_o affect_v they_o with_o holy_a indignation_n at_o it_o and_o with_o true_a zeal_n to_o have_v it_o remove_v and_o that_o with_o all_o it_o suffer_v they_o not_o to_o rest_v till_o they_o endeavour_v by_o all_o mean_v a_o clear_n of_o themselves_o behold_v say_v he_o v_o 11._o the_o self_n same_o thing_n you_o sorrow_v after_o a_o godly_a sort_n what_o carefulness_n it_o wrought_v in_o you_o â—ea_o what_o clear_v of_o yourselves_o yea_o what_o indignation_n etc._n etc._n a_o man_n that_o offer_v to_o â—et_v about_o self-examination_n and_o yet_o lie_v still_o in_o the_o fault_n that_o be_v discover_v thereby_o and_o be_v no_o more_o affect_v with_o it_o then_o if_o he_o be_v not_o at_o all_o guilty_a of_o it_o nor_o any_o more_o now_o after_o the_o discovery_n make_v in_o the_o search_n incline_v to_o flee_v to_o christ_n then_o when_o he_o begin_v his_o self-examination_n be_v sure_a not_o right_a we_o will_v therefore_o serious_o recommend_v to_o you_o these_o four_o to_o be_v well_o head_v and_o carry_v along_o with_o you_o in_o your_o prosecute_n this_o work_n of_o self-examinaâ—on_a to_o press_v this_o a_o little_a we_o will_v consider_v these_o three_o 1._o the_o clearness_n of_o the_o duty_n 2._o the_o profitableness_n and_o excellency_n of_o it_o 3._o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o by_o all_o which_o we_o may_v be_v convince_v of_o a_o necessity_n lie_v upon_o we_o to_o press_v it_o and_o upon_o you_o to_o practice_v it_o the_o lord_n himself_o bear_v in_o upon_o we_o all_o with_o a_o strong_a hand_n the_o conviction_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o for_o the_o first_o it_o be_v as_o clear_v a_o duty_n as_o it_o be_v for_o you_o to_o come_v to_o the_o church_n to_o hear_v as_o it_o be_v to_o read_v or_o to_o pray_v or_o to_o sanctify_v the_o lord_n day_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o 1._o it_o be_v so_o often_o command_v as_o lâ—m._n 3._o 40._o haggâ—_n â—_z 5._o gal._n â—_o 4._o and_o psal._n 2._o 4._o communâ—_n with_o your_o heart_n upon_o your_o bed_n or_o speak_v with_o your_o hearâ—_n or_o with_o your_o conscience_n as_o often_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o heart_n be_v put_v for_o the_o conscience_n for_o it_o be_v the_o conscience_n property_n that_o give_v the_o answer_n and_o not_o the_o heart_n so_o 2_o cor_n 13._o 5._o examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o say_v prove_v your_o own_o self_n etc._n etc._n the_o command_n be_v double_v nay_o someway_o tripled_a 2._o it_o be_v clear_a also_o from_o the_o ordinary_a practice_n of_o the_o saint_n as_o have_v be_v former_o instance_a so_o that_o hardly_o will_v you_o find_v a_o tender_a man_n but_o he_o be_v thus_o exercise_v and_o the_o more_o tender_a he_o be_v the_o more_o be_v he_o so_o tender_v david_n be_v much_o exercise_v this_o way_n as_o he_o give_v a_o account_n psal._n 119._o 59_o i_o think_v say_v he_o on_o my_o way_n and_o turn_v my_o foot_n unto_o thy_o testimony_n for_o the_o second_o viz._n the_o profitableness_n and_o excellency_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o command_v duty_n but_o a_o choice_n mean_v for_o bring_v about_o many_o excellent_a end_n i_o shall_v instance_n its_o excellency_n among_o other_o in_o these_o three_o respect_n 1._o it_o be_v excellent_a in_o this_o respect_n as_o it_o be_v a_o most_o clear_a fresh_a and_o refreshful_a evidence_n of_o a_o tender_a walk_n and_o of_o a_o man_n that_o make_v conscience_n of_o his_o way_n he_o that_o do_v truth_n say_v christ_n john_n 3._o 21._o come_v to_o the_o light_n that_o his_o deed_n may_v be_v make_v manifest_a that_o they_o be_v wrought_v in_o god_n he_o be_v not_o only_o content_a to_o abide_v a_o trial_n but_o he_o put_v himself_o to_o it_o he_o bring_v his_o deed_n to_o the_o light_n to_o see_v if_o they_o be_v wrought_v in_o god_n on_o the_o contrary_a he_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n and_o come_v not_o unto_o it_o lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v he_o reprove_v must_v not_o this_o then_o be_v a_o excellent_a duty_n which_o be_v so_o clear_a a_o character_n and_o property_n of_o one_o that_o walk_v tender_o in_o all_o duty_n nay_o let_v all_o duty_n be_v put_v together_o without_o this_o none_o of_o they_o nor_o all_o of_o they_o in_o a_o conjunction_n can_v evidence_n a_o man_n tenderness_n for_o it_o be_v this_o that_o give_v he_o as_o it_o be_v a_o grip_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o put_v they_o to_o the_o touchstone_n and_o show_v what_o reality_n be_v in_o they_o what_o be_v to_o be_v look_v 〈◊〉_d acceptable_a to_o god_n through_o christ_n what_o not_o without_o this_o
mind_v to_o balk_v â—one_n but_o to_o go_v through_o all_o before_o you_o give_v over_o the_o work_n it_o will_v be_v better_a to_o betake_v yourselves_o to_o the_o search_n and_o examination_n of_o such_o or_o such_o a_o particular_a duty_n or_o of_o such_o or_o such_o a_o day_n work_v and_o duty_n and_o thus_o you_o will_v win_v the_o better_a in_o on_o it_o and_o through_o it_o and_o the_o heap_n will_v grow_v the_o less_o but_o meddle_v not_o with_o another_o till_o you_o have_v with_o some_o suitableness_n dispatch_v and_o put_v by_o this_o 3_o if_o you_o can_v win_v for_o the_o time_n so_o to_o fix_v on_o particular_n take_v your_o confuse_a condition_n such_o as_o it_o be_v to_o think_v on_o a_o while_n and_o look_v not_o at_o this_o as_o nothing_o that_o you_o have_v find_v your_o condition_n to_o be_v confuse_v david_n condition_n be_v somewhat_o thus_o when_o he_o say_v psal._n 44._o v_o 15_o my_o confusion_n be_v continual_o before_o i_o the_o take_n and_o lay_v of_o your_o case_n confuse_v as_o it_o be_v before_o god_n and_o your_o conscience_n may_v help_v to_o humble_a and_o kind_o to_o affect_v your_o heart_n 4_o the_o more_o confuse_a your_o case_n be_v seek_v to_o take_v it_o so_o much_o the_o more_o to_o god_n and_o to_o draw_v the_o near_a to_o he_o let_v it_o be_v make_v a_o motive_n to_o set_v you_o on_o to_o deal_v the_o more_o serious_o with_o he_o to_o dispel_v your_o darkness_n and_o confusion_n as_o jeâ—_n do_v while_o he_o say_v chap._n 10._o v._n 15._o i_o be_o full_a of_o confusion_n therefore_o see_v thou_o to_o my_o affliction_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v lord_n i_o can_v rid_v noâ—_n order_n my_o case_n therefore_o see_v thou_o to_o it_o and_o give_v i_o clearness_n for_o though_o a_o person_n have_v a_o confuse_a condition_n yet_o he_o may_v be_v somewhat_o distinct_a in_o lay_v it_o out_o before_o god_n as_o it_o be_v and_o may_v be_v clear_a in_o what_o conscience_n say_v of_o it_o when_o it_o say_v that_o it_o be_v confuse_v 5_o whether_o our_o condition_n be_v confuse_v or_o noâ—_n we_o will_v be_v suitable_o affect_v with_o every_o particular_a that_o we_o find_v in_o it_o and_o this_o may_v be_v one_o reason_n of_o our_o confusion_n that_o we_o have_v more_o clearness_n than_o we_o improve_v well_o we_o see_v many_o thing_n to_o be_v wrong_n but_o the_o â—ight_n affect_v we_o not_o neither_o do_v we_o suitable_o endeavour_v to_o repent_v of_o the_o evil_n which_o we_o see_v nor_o to_o amend_v they_o nor_o do_v 〈◊〉_d flee_v to_o jesus_n christ_n to_o get_v they_o pardon_v and_o cure_v but_o when_o the_o little_a clearness_n that_o we_o have_v be_v well_o improven_v it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o get_v more_o but_o what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o more_o light_n and_o of_o more_o clearness_n when_o that_o which_o we_o have_v be_v not_o due_o make_v use_n of_o a_o 3d._a objection_n be_v some_o may_v think_v and_o say_v we_o be_v essay_v self-examination_n and_o yet_o we_o find_v much_o difficulty_n to_o know_v and_o take_v up_o conscience_n its_o language_n whether_o it_o be_v awell_v ground_v challenge_n or_o a_o approve_v testimony_n this_o objection_n be_v much_o like_a unto_o that_o question_n which_o we_o speak_v to_o alittle_o in_o our_o second_o sermon_n on_o act_n 24._o v_o 16._o viz._n whether_o conscience_n its_o impulse_n may_v not_o sometime_o be_v wrong_a to_o which_o we_o answer_v affirmative_o and_o do_v yet_o grant_v that_o it_o may_v mistake_v and_o be_v mistake_v by_o we_o and_o what_o we_o say_v there_o for_o find_v out_o the_o mind_n of_o conscience_n may_v be_v useful_a here_o towards_o the_o answer_n of_o this_o objection_n yet_o we_o shall_v now_o speak_v a_o word_n further_o to_o it_o for_o answer_v then_o we_o shall_v easy_o yield_v that_o it_o be_v indeed_o sometime_o difficult_a to_o find_v out_o the_o mind_n to_o say_v so_o of_o conscience_n and_o to_o understand_v its_o language_n in_o reflect_v as_o well_o as_o in_o deliberate_v either_o 1._o through_o the_o dimness_n of_o people_n light_n that_o they_o scarce_o know_v the_o rule_n or_o 2_o through_o their_o be_v partial_a and_o negligent_a in_o compare_v their_o way_n and_o action_n with_o the_o rule_n but_o either_o hide_v it_o whole_o or_o at_o leâ—st_a some_o circumstance_n of_o it_o without_o bring_v it_o forth_o and_o lay_v it_o to_o the_o rule_n or_o 3_o it_o may_v be_v through_o some_o bias_n in_o their_o affection_n that_o make_v they_o unsingle_a so_o that_o they_o will_v not_o take_v with_o a_o challenge_n when_o there_o be_v just_a ground_n for_o it_o or_o 4_o it_o may_v be_v from_o some_o unwarrantable_a and_o groundless_a prejudice_n at_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o way_n so_o that_o they_o will_v not_o take_v a_o testimony_n from_o conscience_n even_o when_o it_o give_v they_o a_o good_a one_o and_o therefore_o in_o your_o self-examination_n you_o will_v carry_v some_o advertisement_n along_o with_o you_o which_o will_v be_v helpful_a to_o find_v out_o the_o mind_n of_o conscience_n 1._o you_o will_v try_v whether_o conscience_n be_v impartial_a and_o if_o 〈◊〉_d speak_v to_o both_o hand_n to_o say_v so_o accuse_v â—n_o some_o thing_n and_o excuse_v in_o other_o in_o some_o thing_n speak_v peace_n and_o in_o other_o challenge_v for_o sin_n for_o if_o when_o you_o reflect_v conscience_n speak_v all_o or_o only_a peace_n it_o be_v certain_o wrong_a because_o in_o the_o best_a there_o be_v less_o or_o more_o guilt_n contract_v in_o what_o ever_o you_o go_v about_o but_o if_o beside_o what_o be_v right_a it_o point_v also_o at_o something_o that_o be_v wrong_n it_o be_v conscience_n right_a language_n on_o the_o contrary_a when_o you_o reflect_v if_o conscience_n speak_v all_o to_o be_v wrong_n though_o there_o be_v some_o sincerity_n in_o your_o aim_n it_o be_v mistake_v for_o when_o it_o speak_v a_o right_a it_o speak_v always_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o what_o he_o say_v be_v wrong_n or_o right_n it_o say_v so_o of_o it_o also_o so_o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o ephesus_n rev._n 2._o as_o the_o lord_n charge_v they_o that_o they_o be_v fall_v from_o their_o first_o love_n so_o do_v conscience_n yet_o as_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o there_o be_v something_o right_n in_o as_o far_o as_o they_o have_v labour_v for_o his_o name_n sake_n and_o hate_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n which_o he_o hate_v etc._n etc._n so_o do_v conscience_n also_o testify_v the_o same_o and_o so_o in_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o these_o seven_o church_n as_o god_n be_v impartial_a in_o his_o testimony_n so_o be_v conscience_n when_o right_o 2_o you_o will_v advert_v to_o the_o ground_n of_o conscience_n it_o be_v speak_v or_o to_o that_o on_o account_n of_o which_o it_o testify_v for_o you_o or_o against_o you_o for_o as_o in_o our_o forbear_n of_o one_o action_n and_o in_o our_o choose_n of_o another_o we_o be_v to_o forbear_v or_o to_o choose_v and_o proceed_v according_a as_o conscience_n hold_v ouâ—_n clear_a light_n and_o reason_n for_o it_o so_o upon_o the_o back_n of_o any_o action_n or_o duty_n perform_v when_o we_o go_v to_o reflect_v we_o will_v try_v the_o ground_n whether_o of_o conscience_n its_o challenge_n or_o of_o its_o good_a testimony_n if_o it_o challenge_v and_o accuse_v try_v well_o whether_o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o sin_n for_o which_o it_o do_v so_o if_o it_o approve_v and_o speak_v peace_n try_v on_o what_o ground_n it_o do_v so_o conscience_n will_v some_o way_n testify_v of_o the_o action_n but_o you_o will_v try_v if_o it_o be_v sinful_a or_o not_o according_a to_o the_o word_n ol_fw-mi god_n which_o suppose_v knowledge_n in_o the_o thing_n and_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n concern_v it_o wherein_o any_o especial_o more_o considerable_a defect_n even_o in_o conscientious_a and_o â—ender_a christian_n be_v wait_v with_o its_o own_o prejudice_n hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v as_o the_o apostle_n give_v we_o a_o accouâ—t_n rom._n 14._o that_o many_o of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n through_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o knowledge_n be_v make_v to_o judge_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n to_o be_v wrong_n as_o the_o eat_n of_o such_o and_o such_o meat_n their_o conscience_n judge_v according_a to_o their_o knowledge_n when_o yet_o indeed_o the_o matter_n be_v not_o wrong_v though_o as_o the_o apostle_n there_o say_v to_o he_o that_o esteem_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v unclean_a to_o he_o it_o be_v unclean_a therefore_o we_o will_v be_v the_o more_o holy_o jealous_a over_o ourselves_o lest_o we_o find_v our_o peace_n on_o a_o delude_a testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n and_o for_o prevent_v of_o that_o we_o will_v put_v â—t_a to_o give_v its_o reason_n for_o and_o evidence_n of_o what_o
clear_a command_n yea_o as_o its_o the_o neglect_n of_o a_o notable_a mean_n for_o the_o suitable_a performance_n of_o all_o other_o duty_n so_o that_o wherever_o prayer_n repentance_n hear_v read_v etc._n etc._n be_v command_v this_o be_v also_o on_o the_o matter_n command_v and_o as_o many_o duty_n as_o be_v command_v of_o as_o many_o breach_n of_o these_o command_n be_v we_o guilty_a when_o this_o duty_n be_v neglect_v consider_v that_o when_o ever_o we_o be_v command_v to_o do_v any_o duty_n we_o be_v command_v also_o to_o use_v all_o the_o mean_n that_o may_v further_o we_o towards_o the_o suitable_a performance_n thereof_o and_o this_o be_v a_o special_a mean_a requisite_a to_o the_o right_a performance_n of_o every_o duty_n it_o be_v therefore_o command_v in_o every_o other_o command_v duty_n we_o may_v inâ—ance_v it_o in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n this_o help_v a_o man_n to_o begin_v it_o aright_o it_o go_v along_o with_o he_o in_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o day_n and_o when_o it_o be_v over_o and_o by_o it_o help_v he_o to_o discover_v his_o â—ailings_n and_o short_a come_n and_o his_o act_n of_o grace_n where_o it_o be_v and_o spiritual_a attainment_n in_o these_o duty_n and_o to_o be_v according_o affect_v and_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o be_v à _fw-fr breach_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n both_o before_o and_o after_o and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o public_a or_o private_a or_o secret_a duty_n of_o worship_n call_v for_o on_o that_o day_n and_o so_o proportionable_o in_o other_o duty_n 4_o we_o may_v look_v upon_o it_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o be_v a_o nursery_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o evil_n it_o harbour_v end_n entertain_v lust_n it_o harden_v the_o heart_n strengthen_v security_n it_o cherish_v hypocrisy_n it_o bring_v on_o formality_n and_o impenitency_n it_o as_o it_o be_v lock_v up_o in_o presumption_n and_o carnal_a confidence_n it_o wear_v man_n out_o from_o under_o the_o awe_n of_o god_n and_o from_o under_o all_o due_a respect_n to_o conscience_n the_o man_n that_o make_v conscience_n of_o self-examination_n will_v be_v afraid_a of_o a_o challenge_n but_o he_o that_o use_v not_o and_o care_v not_o to_o examine_v himself_o pull_v as_o it_o be_v the_o bridle_n out_o of_o his_o own_o head_n run_v at_o random_n give_v himself_o up_o and_o lay_v himself_o open_a to_o every_o sin_n and_o temptation_n without_o fear_n of_o challenge_n and_o if_o you_o will_v look_v well_o about_o you_o and_o observe_v narrow_o will_v you_o not_o find_v that_o the_o man_n that_o rush_v impetuous_o into_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n as_o the_o horse_n rush_v into_o the_o bâ—ttel_n be_v very_o ready_o he_o that_o quite_o neglect_v and_o despise_v this_o duty_n of_o examination_n of_o his_o way_n by_o his_o conscience_n or_o before_o the_o tribunal_n thereof_o and_o when_o i_o pray_v be_v person_n most_o tender_a or_o untender_a be_v it_o not_o when_o they_o be_v most_o impartial_a or_o most_o partial_a in_o this_o work_n of_o set_v themselves_o down_o to_o take_v a_o serious_a review_n of_o their_o case_n and_o way_n and_o â—illing_v themselves_o before_o their_o conscience_n to_o review_v the_o sentence_n thereof_o as_o for_o the_o 3d._a thing_n propose_v to_o be_v speak_v of_o viz._n the_o cause_n of_o this_o so_o abominable_a and_o gross_o sinful_a neglect_n they_o may_v easy_o and_o soon_o be_v find_v out_o if_o we_o know_v and_o consider_v what_o a_o nature_n we_o have_v so_o very_o averse_a from_o true_a holiness_n yea_o the_o more_o sublime_o holy_a and_o spiritual_a that_o duty_n be_v the_o more_o averse_a natural_o be_v we_o from_o they_o as_o its_o much_o easy_a to_o bring_v a_o man_n to_o the_o profession_n than_o it_o be_v to_o bring_v he_o to_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n so_o be_v it_o much_o more_o easieto_fw-la bring_v a_o man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o many_o external_a duty_n thereof_o then_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o one_o inward_a duty_n it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o â—neding_a knife_n to_o corruption_n bring_v a_o man_n to_o strict_a at_o the_o very_a rooâ—_n and_o life_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o set_n of_o he_o on_o the_o black-stone_n learning_n he_o be_v the_o more_o averse_a from_o it_o we_o may_v add_v to_o this_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o influence_n that_o the_o devil_n have_v on_o we_o in_o this_o neglect_n who_o know_v well_o how_o prejudicial_a to_o he_o to_o his_o kingdom_n and_o interest_n and_o how_o advantageous_a to_o the_o sinner_n this_o duty_n be_v he_o labour_v mighty_o to_o hold_v all_o in_o confusion_n and_o to_o keep_v the_o soul_n fast_o asleep_a as_o that_o which_o contribut_v much_o if_o not_o most_o to_o the_o gain_n of_o his_o point_n for_o he_o know_v by_o experience_n very_o gall_v to_o he_o that_o self-examination_n awake_v a_o man_n and_o give_v he_o a_o view_n of_o himself_o and_o put_v he_o to_o think_v how_o he_o may_v be_v rescue_v from_o this_o destrover_n and_o therefore_o he_o do_v in_o a_o special_a manner_n hate_n abhor_v and_o set_v himself_o against_o it_o and_o though_o he_o will_v suffer_v a_o man_n to_o do_v many_o other_o religious_a duty_n yet_o he_o labour_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o keep_v he_o from_o this_o duty_n because_o it_o helpâ—_n much_o through_o grace_n to_o make_v he_o cast_v out_o with_o himself_o and_o his_o own_o way_n and_o so_o make_v satan_n in_o a_o manner_n hopeless_a of_o he_o more_o particular_o we_o may_v assign_v these_o cause_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o people_n own_o practice_n the_o 1._o whereof_o be_v 〈◊〉_d that_o many_o man_n and_o woman_n live_v so_o that_o their_o life_n can_v abide_v the_o trial_n he_o that_o do_v evil_a say_v the_o lord_n john_n 3._o hate_v the_o light_n neither_o 〈◊〉_d unto_o the_o 〈◊〉_d test_n his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o a_o malefactor_n desire_v not_o to_o come_v before_o the_o 〈◊〉_d and_o it_o be_v as_o little_a wonder_n that_o a_o man_n or_o woman_n that_o live_v a_o sinful_a and_o evil_a life_n deâ—ire_v not_o to_o come_v before_o their_o conscience_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o many_o dare_v not_o go_v to_o their_o conscience_n because_o it_o never_o speak_v good_a but_o evil_a to_o they_o as_o indeed_o it_o have_v no_o other_o reason_n and_o on_o that_o account_n they_o even_o hate_v it_o as_o achab_n do_v the_o prophet_n micajah_n of_o who_o he_o say_v i_o hate_v he_o because_o he_o never_o prophecy_v good_a but_o evil_n to_o i_o and_o that_o they_o will_v rather_o consult_v flâ—sh_a and_o blood_n their_o own_o inclination_n and_o affection_n than_o their_o conscience_n in_o a_o particular_a because_o they_o dread_v it_o will_v speak_v evil_a to_o they_o especial_o when_o they_o know_v that_o there_o be_v something_o palpable_o wrong_v in_o their_o way_n for_o in_o that_o case_n they_o conclude_v it_o will_v gloum_n on_o they_o and_o gall_v they_o and_o even_o prick_v they_o in_o the_o quick_a a_o second_o reason_n be_v because_o folk_n make_v not_o this_o work_n of_o self-examination_n habitual_a to_o themselves_o but_o delay_n and_o put_v off_o time_n till_o their_o case_n become_v so_o ravel_v and_o consuse_v that_o they_o be_v afraid_a to_o meddle_v with_o it_o and_o though_o they_o shall_v they_o grow_v heartless_a and_o out_o of_o hope_n to_o get_v it_o right_v just_o like_a man_n that_o can_v endure_v to_o adjust_a their_o account_n which_o they_o have_v suffer_v negligent_o to_o run_v long_o on_o and_o into_o great_a confusion_n a_o 3d._a cause_n may_v be_v this_o which_o respect_v believer_n in_o christ_n that_o even_o where_o person_n make_v conscience_n of_o their_o way_n there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o foolish_a precipitancy_n and_o haste_n make_v they_o be_v dispose_v to_o think_v that_o examination_n of_o themselves_o take_v up_o much_o of_o their_o time_n and_o that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o spend_v it_o in_o prayer_n or_o in_o read_v than_o that_o way_n not_o consider_v that_o its_o much_o better_a to_o have_v some_o little_a thing_n of_o religion_n solid_a then_o to_o have_v a_o great_a bulk_n of_o many_o duty_n without_o solidiâ—y_n or_o with_o very_o little_a of_o it_o these_o be_v like_a to_o the_o builder_n of_o a_o house_n who_o rickle_v up_o stone_n without_o square_a and_o ruâ—e_a and_o without_o mortar_n which_o possible_o fall_v and_o come_v down_o ere_o he_o come_v at_o the_o top_n of_o it_o a_o foolish_a haste_n to_o be_v forward_o make_v our_o work_n in_o religion_n to_o be_v oftentimes_o very_o unsolid_a alace_o â—ts_v not_o what_o bâ—lk_n we_o have_v not_o how_o soon_o we_o come_v to_o have_v it_o but_o what_o solidity_n and_o sickernesse_n we_o have_v that_o will_v give_v we_o peace_n comfort_n oâ—_n joy_n our_o common_a proverb_n hold_v true_a here_o that_o work_n
guilty_a of_o many_o sin_n and_o yet_o be_v but_o very_o little_a or_o not_o at_o all_o challenge_v for_o they_o through_o the_o neglect_n of_o self-examination_n 4_o that_o it_o require_v much_o singleness_n in_o try_v of_o conscience_n testimony_n whether_o it_o be_v well_o ground_v or_o not_o for_o a_o man_n that_o have_v his_o peace_n and_o joy_n to_o build_v on_o this_o testimony_n must_v not_o take_v every_o show_n and_o appearance_n of_o such_o a_o testimony_n for_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o peace_n and_o joy_n but_o conscience_n will_v be_v put_v to_o speak_v distinct_o and_o on_o good_a ground_n for_o it_o that_o in_o this_o and_o that_o and_o the_o other_o thing_n there_o be_v some_o sincerity_n and_o this_o must_v be_v put_v to_o the_o proof_n and_o exact_o try_v by_o the_o word_n whether_o it_o be_v so_o or_o not_o as_o we_o see_v here_o the_o apostle_n do_v he_o try_v his_o way_n and_o conversation_n and_o find_v it_o to_o have_v be_v 〈◊〉_d simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n etc._n etc._n from_o which_o premise_n to_o speak_v so_o he_o draw_v the_o refresh_a conclusion_n of_o his_o joy_n and_o rejoice_v now_o if_o we_o look_v to_o all_o these_o or_o to_o any_o one_o of_o they_o whether_o to_o the_o rarity_n of_o it_o among_o most_o man_n yea_o even_o among_o believer_n in_o some_o respect_n or_o to_o the_o exactness_n and_o tenderness_n of_o walk_n that_o be_v requisite_a to_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o or_o to_o the_o great_a difficulty_n that_o a_o man_n will_v find_v in_o come_v at_o a_o through_o search_n of_o his_o way_n or_o to_o the_o diligence_n and_o singleâ—_n that_o be_v call_v for_o in_o the_o trial_n of_o conscience_n its_o testimony_n we_o will_v find_v it_o to_o be_v a_o most_o clear_a and_o certain_a truth_n that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o ordinary_a nor_o easy_a business_n but_o very_o difficult_a to_o obtain_v the_o well_o ground_a good_a and_o joyful_a testimony_n of_o conscience_n as_o to_o our_o more_o general_a and_o particular_a conversation_n if_o it_o be_v so_o which_o be_v the_o â—se_n of_o the_o doctrine_n be_v it_o not_o a_o wonder_n from_o whence_o the_o peace_n that_o many_o pretend_v to_o comes_z be_v it_o not_o a_o wonder_n that_o the_o most_o part_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n can_v so_o easy_o affirm_v the_o testimony_n of_o their_o conscience_n to_o be_v for_o they_o when_o there_o be_v neither_o exactness_n of_o life_n not_o tenderness_n of_o walk_n nor_o diligence_n in_o self-searching_a nor_o holy_a jealousy_n nor_o impartial_a and_o single_a try_v whether_o it_o be_v well_o ground_v or_o not_o and_o yet_o they_o will_v at_o the_o very_a first_o confident_o pretend_v to_o conscience_n its_o testimony_n if_o many_o of_o you_o be_v put_v to_o it_o can_v you_o give_v such_o evidence_n or_o ground_n for_o its_o testimony_n as_o paul_n do_v here_o if_o not_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o you_o be_v so_o ready_a confident_o to_o lay_v claim_n to_o it_o and_o yet_o alaâ—e_v there_o be_v nothing_o more_o ordinary_a in_o the_o generality_n of_o these_o that_o be_v most_o carnal_a and_o secure_a then_o bold_o to_o assert_v that_o they_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o a_o honest_a heart_n be_v not_o this_o very_a strange_a wonderful_a and_o even_o 〈◊〉_d that_o under_o the_o clear_a sunshine_n of_o gospel_n light_n satan_n shall_v get_v so_o great_a advantage_n as_o thus_o 〈◊〉_d harden_v the_o heart_n and_o blind_a the_o conscience_n of_o so_o many_o poor_a wretched_a creature_n and_o at_o this_o rate_n to_o deâ—ude_v and_o 〈◊〉_d they_o as_o to_o prevail_v with_o they_o confident_o to_o assert_v and_o maintain_v that_o which_o they_o call_v their_o honesty_n which_o yet_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o rotten-hearted_a 〈◊〉_d and_o to_o 〈◊〉_d their_o peace_n of_o conscience_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o soul-murtheâ—ng_a and_o damn_v 〈◊〉_d for_o further_o clear_v of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o enlarge_n of_o its_o â—se_n and_o for_o help_v you_o to_o judge_v aright_o of_o conscience_n its_o testimony_n in_o your_o search_n after_o it_o we_o shall_v propose_v some_o question_n from_o the_o requisite_a qualification_n of_o a_o well_o ground_v and_o refresh_a testimony_n of_o a_o man_n 〈◊〉_d for_o he_o which_o must_v all_o be_v answer_v in_o some_o measure_n affirmative_o and_o these_o answer_n solid_o and_o well_o prove_v and_o make_v ouâ—_n before_o you_o can_v quiet_o and_o confident_o rest_v on_o conscience_n testimony_n as_o to_o any_o part_n or_o piece_n of_o your_o way_n whether_o it_o be_v in_o reference_n to_o the_o sanctification_n of_o the_o sabbath_n to_o confer_v on_o a_o spiritual_a subject_n to_o prayer_n to_o praise_v to_o read_v to_o hear_v to_o eat_v to_o drink_v to_o buy_v to_o sell_v to_o building_n to_o plant_v etc._n etc._n but_o we_o shall_v here_o restrict_n the_o inquiry_n most_o at_o least_o to_o religious_a thing_n or_o action_n that_o be_v religious_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n first_o then_o conscience_n must_v be_v satisfy_v in_o this_o whether_o that_o which_o you_o have_v do_v be_v on_o the_o matter_n approven_v of_o god_n or_o not_o it_o be_v certain_o true_a you_o will_v say_v that_o prayer_n in_o itself_o be_v approven_v and_o so_o it_o be_v but_o be_v such_o and_o such_o a_o expression_n that_o you_o utter_v and_o such_o a_o word_n that_o you_o speak_v and_o the_o argument_n that_o you_o make_v use_v of_o in_o prayer_n right_a before_o god_n if_o the_o matter_n be_v not_o right_a conscience_n can_v speak_v for_o you_o though_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v as_o warry_a and_o circumspect_a as_o may_v be_v in_o cheat_v circumven_o â—ing_v and_o deceive_v of_o his_o neighbour_n its_o impossible_a for_o conscience_n to_o give_v he_o a_o good_a testimony_n anent_o it_o or_o any_o other_o such_o action_n because_o it_o be_v on_o the_o matter_n sinful_a you_o must_v once_o then_o be_v sure_a and_o clear_a in_o this_o that_o what_o you_o speak_v or_o do_v in_o prayer_n or_o any_o other_o thing_n be_v as_o to_o its_o matter_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n 2_o conscience_n must_v be_v satisfy_v in_o this_o not_o only_o whether_o the_o thing_n be_v lawful_a in_o itself_o but_o also_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n lawful_a to_o you_o at_o such_o a_o time_n and_o that_o to_o which_o you_o be_v particular_o call_v for_o many_o thing_n be_v lawful_a which_o be_v not_o expedient_a and_o many_o thing_n may_v be_v expedient_a at_o one_o time_n which_o will_v not_o be_v expedient_a at_o another_o take_v it_o in_o the_o instance_n of_o prayer_n wherein_o conscience_n will_v not_o approve_v we_o though_o we_o be_v right_a in_o it_o on_o the_o matter_n if_o it_o be_v not_o right_o time_v or_o if_o we_o be_v not_o then_o call_v to_o it_o this_o be_v to_o be_v take_v heed_n to_o especial_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v on_o the_o matter_n indifferent_a and_o in_o the_o time_v of_o such_o command_v duty_n to_o which_o god_n have_v not_o set_v and_o fix_v a_o particular_a precise_a time_n but_o leave_v they_o to_o christian_a prudence_n to_o be_v go_v about_o by_o person_n at_o these_o time_n which_o be_v most_o seasonable_a and_o as_o they_o be_v call_v to_o they_o 3_o when_o you_o be_v thus_o clear_a as_o to_o the_o matter_n season_n and_o time_n and_o as_o to_o god_n call_v you_o to_o such_o and_o such_o a_o duty_n whether_o do_v you_o acknowledge_v god_n in_o your_o undertake_n of_o the_o duty_n be_v he_o look_v to_o for_o direction_n and_o guide_v in_o it_o and_o for_o his_o blessing_n on_o it_o and_o depend_v on_o for_o throwbearing_a according_a to_o that_o notable_a word_n prov._n 3._o 16._o in_o all_o thy_o way_n acknowledge_v he_o and_o he_o shall_v direct_v thy_o path_n in_o this_o also_o conscience_n must_v have_v satisfaction_n 4_o what_o motive_n do_v set_v you_o on_o to_o such_o and_o such_o a_o duty_n and_o from_o what_o principle_n do_v you_o do_v it_o for_o a_o duty_n or_o action_n may_v be_v right_a on_o the_o matter_n and_o you_o may_v also_o be_v call_v to_o it_o and_o yet_o if_o you_o be_v not_o swey_v to_o it_o from_o a_o right_a motive_n and_o principle_n it_o will_v mar_v your_o peace_n and_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o conscience_n testify_v for_o you_o that_o be_v though_o you_o shall_v do_v a_o thing_n that_o be_v right_a if_o you_o be_v not_o swey_v to_o it_o out_o of_o conscience_n from_o the_o awe_n of_o god_n from_o love_n to_o he_o and_o from_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n it_o be_v faulty_a in_o so_o far_o and_o you_o can_v in_o so_o far_o have_v peace_n nor_o the_o approve_v testimony_n of_o your_o conscience_n therein_o but_o if_o a_o man_n endure_v grief_n and_o suffer_v wrongful_o for_o conscience_n towards_o god_n it_o be_v thank_v worthy_a â—aith_o the_o
see_v the_o saint_n have_v come_v a_o good_a length_n in_o it_o and_o next_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o end_n for_o attain_v whereof_o they_o take_v all_o the_o pain_n to_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n even_o that_o they_o may_v win_v at_o this_o calmness_n and_o tranquillity_n at_o this_o peace_n comfort_n and_o joy_n of_o soul_n result_v from_o a_o good_a conscience_n even_o as_o man_n labour_v and_o take_v pain_n to_o win_v at_o some_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n that_o they_o may_v have_v a_o more_o convenient_a commodious_a and_o comfortable_a life_n in_o it_o and_o compare_v the_o word_n of_o this_o text_n with_o these_o of_o act_n 24._o 16._o it_o be_v very_o clear_a that_o whoever_o be_v serious_o and_o suitable_o exercise_v to_o have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n they_o may_v through_o god_n blessing_n win_v at_o a_o clear_a calm_a and_o pleasant_a conscience_n the_o one_o be_v paul_n study_n there_o the_o other_o be_v his_o attainment_n here_o if_o we_o compare_v the_o state_n of_o our_o conscience_n with_o the_o straiâ—_n of_o our_o former_a walk_n it_o will_v very_o easy_o be_v find_v that_o the_o want_n of_o this_o calm_a and_o pleasant_a conscience_n flow_v from_o our_o not_o be_v suitable_o exercise_v to_o godliness_n and_o to_o the_o have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n this_o alace_o this_o be_v it_o that_o wound_v our_o peace_n and_o 〈◊〉_d our_o spiritual_a miâ—th_n that_o make_v we_o â—ow_o down_o and_o walk_v heavy_o as_o it_o be_v without_o the_o sun_n if_o there_o be_v more_o serious_a and_o hard_a press_v after_o holiness_n in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n among_o we_o we_o will_v not_o ready_o be_v such_o stranger_n to_o the_o serene_a tranquillity_n comfort_n and_o refresh_v that_o flow_n from_o a_o good_a conscience_n 3_o observe_v that_o a_o believer_n who_o be_v tender_a in_o his_o walk_n may_v win_v to_o be_v very_o clear_a and_o thorough_o persuade_v that_o he_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o may_v according_a to_o his_o measure_n say_v as_o paul_n do_v here_o we_o trust_v or_o be_v confident_a that_o we_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n who_o be_v â—o_o very_o firm_o persuade_v that_o he_o dare_v rom._n 9_o 1._o whence_o we_o speak_v somewhat_o late_o take_v the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o be_v witness_n so_o a_o tender_a christian_a may_v win_v to_o be_v so_o very_o clear_a and_o full_o persuade_v that_o he_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n that_o he_o may_v bold_o 〈◊〉_d it_o and_o lippen_n to_o it_o as_o that_o which_o will_v abide_v the_o trial_n yea_o in_o some_o respect_n adventure_n and_o hazard_v his_o very_a soul_n on_o it_o that_o it_o be_v so_o of_o a_o truth_n but_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v what_o be_v it_o that_o find_v this_o persuasion_n and_o make_v it_o firm_a and_o solid_a answer_v the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o text_n will_v give_v ground_n to_o speak_v to_o it_o more_o full_o but_o for_o the_o time_n and_o in_o the_o general_n we_o say_v that_o these_o three_o do_v â—ound_v it_o ere_o ever_o a_o man_n can_v be_v thus_o persuade_v that_o he_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n he_o must_v needs_o take_v a_o serious_a look_n and_o view_v of_o his_o bygone_a way_n of_o his_o present_a frame_n and_o of_o his_o purpose_n and_o resolution_n for_o the_o future_a that_o he_o may_v see_v that_o all_o these_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n right_o 1._o then_o for_o his_o bypass_a way_n it_o suppose_v that_o he_o have_v single_o endeavour_v to_o have_v it_o tender_a and_o conform_v to_o the_o rule_n even_o that_o he_o have_v be_v exercise_v to_o have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n and_o that_o he_o have_v reflect_v and_o search_v and_o find_v it_o in_o some_o measure_n to_o be_v so_o the_o one_o of_o these_o lay_v the_o ground_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o the_o other_o draw_v forth_o the_o comfortable_a evidence_n of_o it_o 2._o as_o to_o the_o person_n present_a frame_n there_o must_v be_v spirituality_n singleness_n and_o some_o measure_n of_o tenderness_n otherways_o it_o will_v much_o obstruct_v this_o persuade_a testimony_n for_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o a_o man_n have_v be_v tender_a if_o he_o be_v not_o in_o some_o measure_n so_o now_o paul_n say_v here_o we_o have_v not_o only_o we_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n 3_o there_o must_v be_v some_o deliberatness_n and_o determinatness_n of_o his_o purpose_n and_o resolution_n to_o walk_v with_o god_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v for_o if_o a_o man_n do_v not_o dedicat_fw-la and_o devot_n himself_o to_o the_o study_n of_o holiness_n for_o the_o future_a though_o he_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v have_v never_o so_o much_o of_o it_o in_o his_o bygone_a life_n this_o firm_a and_o comfortable_a persuasion_n will_v be_v much_o mar_v and_o obstruct_v so_o than_o these_o three_o must_v here_o go_v together_o viz._n holiness_n in_o a_o man_n bypass_a life_n holiness_n in_o his_o present_a frame_n and_o holiness_n in_o his_o purpose_n for_o the_o future_a we_o will_v find_v they_o all_o conjoin_v in_o the_o experience_n of_o this_o same_o apostle_n philp._n 3._o where_o when_o he_o have_v speak_v of_o his_o bygone_a carriage_n how_o he_o have_v count_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v loss_n for_o christ_n which_o he_o sometime_o account_v to_o be_v gain_n and_o how_o he_o have_v suffer_v the_o loss_n of_o all_o thing_n for_o christ_n yet_o he_o think_v not_o this_o enough_o but_o add_v as_o to_o his_o present_a frame_n yea_o doubtless_o i_o count_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v but_o loss_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n my_o lord_n and_o v_o 12._o not_o as_o if_o i_o have_v already_o attain_v or_o be_v already_o perfyte_n and_o v_o 13_o one_o thing_n i_o do_v forget_v these_o thing_n that_o be_v behind_o etc._n etc._n he_o be_v as_o serious_a and_o eager_a as_o if_o he_o have_v just_a now_o begin_v and_o tell_v we_o that_o for_o the_o future_a he_o be_v resolve_v to_o press_v hard_o towards_o the_o mark_n till_o he_o obtain_v the_o prize_n then_o he_o subjoin_v let_v we_o then_o as_o many_o as_o be_v perfyte_n be_v thus_o mind_v this_o be_v not_o a_o absolute_a perfection_n in_o holiness_n that_o he_o speak_v of_o or_o a_o perfection_n of_o degree_n but_o a_o perfection_n of_o part_n or_o a_o perfection_n of_o sincerity_n though_o in_o a_o high_a degree_n than_o many_o christian_n win_v at_o as_o to_o his_o bypass_a life_n as_o to_o his_o present_a frame_n and_o as_o to_o his_o resolution_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v religion_n must_v not_o be_v halve_v but_o whosoever_o will_v have_v a_o clear_a and_o calm_a conscience_n must_v study_v to_o be_v clear_a on_o all_o hand_n no_o iniquity_n must_v be_v regard_v in_o his_o heart_n no_o duty_n resolve_o â—alked_v but_o holiness_n in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n must_v sincere_o and_o serious_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o grace_n be_v follow_v after_o 4_o observe_v that_o where_o there_o be_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o any_o one_o thing_n there_o will_v be_v a_o single_a and_o serious_a endeavour_n to_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n or_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v of_o universal_a extent_n as_o to_o every_o thing_n we_o trust_v say_v the_o apostle_n we_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o if_o a_o man_n be_v conscientious_a in_o any_o one_o thing_n from_o the_o principle_n of_o a_o true_o good_a conscience_n that_o same_o principle_n will_v set_v he_o on_o to_o endeavour_v to_o be_v conscientious_a in_o all_o thing_n for_o its_o the_o same_o divine_a authority_n that_o enjoin_v obedience_n to_o all_o god_n command_n and_o if_o conscience_n put_v a_o man_n to_o lay_v weight_n on_o any_o one_o thing_n as_o command_v it_o will_v put_v he_o to_o lay_v weight_n on_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v command_v a_o quatenus_fw-la ad_fw-la omne_fw-la etc._n etc._n therefore_o david_n say_v psal._n 18._o 22._o all_o his_o judgement_n be_v before_o i_o and_o i_o put_v not_o away_o his_o statute_n from_o i_o and_o psal._n 119._o 6._o then_o shall_v i_o not_o be_v ashamed_a when_o i_o have_v a_o respect_n unto_o all_o thy_o commandment_n and_o of_o zacharias_n and_o elizabeth_n it_o be_v say_v luke_n 1._o 6._o that_o they_o walk_v in_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n blameless_a this_o doctrine_n have_v two_o branch_n the_o first_o be_v negative_a that_o there_o can_v be_v a_o good_a conscience_n but_o where_o its_o universal_a the_o second_o be_v affirmative_a that_o where_o a_o conscience_n be_v universal_a it_o be_v a_o evidence_n that_o its_o a_o good_a conscience_n which_o we_o shall_v not_o now_o inâ—ist_v
main_o lean_a and_o the_o very_a hinge_n on_o which_o it_o be_v main_o turn_v as_o be_v the_o great_a evidence_n of_o sincerity_n we_o shall_v yet_o premit_fw-la some_o thing_n further_o for_o clear_v of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v confirm_v it_o which_o be_v in_o substance_n and_o in_o short_a this_o that_o a_o man_n who_o have_v a_o universal_a willingness_n to_o live_v honest_o may_v have_v calmness_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o conscience_n though_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o his_o life_n for_o which_o he_o may_v very_o just_o censure_v himself_o first_o then_o let_v it_o be_v premit_v that_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o this_o calmness_n of_o conscience_n flow_v from_o the_o universal_a honesty_n of_o a_o person_n life_n and_o walk_n we_o mean_v nor_o 1._o such_o a_o perfection_n of_o calmness_n and_o tranquillity_n as_o may_v stand_v before_o god_n judgment-seat_n for_o though_o we_o be_v in_o case_n to_o say_v with_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 4._o that_o we_o know_v nothing_o by_o ourselves_o yet_o be_v we_o not_o thereby_o justify_v but_o be_v that_o judge_v we_o be_v the_o lord_n who_o be_v great_a than_o our_o conscience_n and_o see_v many_o thing_n in_o we_o that_o we_o see_v not selve_o who_o ever_o therefore_o suppose_v such_o a_o perfection_n can_v never_o have_v calmness_n of_o conscience_n while_o he_o live_v in_o the_o world_n 2_o nor_o be_v this_o such_o a_o calmness_n as_o prevent_v all_o challenge_n a_o man_n may_v have_v challenge_n of_o conscience_n and_o yet_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n neither_o 3ly_a be_v it_o such_o a_o calmness_n as_o under_o it_o believer_n have_v no_o ground_n for_o nor_o use_v of_o repentance_n and_o humiliation_n nay_o repenis_fw-la not_o only_o consistent_a with_o this_o calmness_n but_o it_o be_v a_o notable_a mean_n of_o it_o and_o a_o main_a ingredient_n in_o it_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n whereby_o in_o part_n it_o be_v both_o attain_v and_o entertain_v the_o kindly_a gospel-exercise_n of_o repentance_n for_o sin_n will_v not_o break_v our_o peace_n but_o very_o ready_o vacation_n from_o this_o exercise_n will_v do_v it_o to_o purpose_n and_o therefore_o we_o will_v careful_o distinguish_v betwixt_o repentance_n humiliation_n and_o self-loathing_a for_o sin_n and_o the_o mar_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o our_o conscience_n yea_o there_o may_v be_v much_o exercise_n wrestle_v and_o fight_v inward_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o yet_o considerable_a calmness_n of_o conscience_n in_o that_o same_o condition_n for_o that_o which_o give_v peace_n be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o want_n of_o all_o exercise_n of_o mind_n as_o a_o suitable_a behaviour_n under_o that_o exercise_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o apostle_n paul_n who_o though_o he_o be_v deep_o exercise_v and_o sore_o combat_v with_o the_o remainder_n of_o a_o body_n of_o death_n within_o he_o as_o he_o give_v a_o lament_a account_n rom._n 7._o yet_o he_o be_v the_o man_n here_o who_o have_v this_o calmness_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n 2_o we_o premit_fw-la that_o this_o peace_n and_o calmness_n consist_v with_o challenge_n and_o repentance_n and_o with_o deep_a inward_a exercise_n may_v be_v first_o where_o there_o be_v no_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o holiness_n though_o i_o grant_v there_o must_v be_v no_o low_o nor_o less_o design_n than_o perfection_n because_o this_o peace_n and_o calmness_n in_o sojourn_v saint_n of_o who_o we_o mean_v all_o along_o be_v most_o found_v on_o sincere_a and_o serious_a endeavour_n to_o attain_v it_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v phil._n 3._o 12_o 13._o not_o as_o though_o i_o have_v already_o attain_v or_o be_v already_o perfect_a viz._n in_o holiness_n but_o i_o follow_v after_o etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o vers_fw-la 15._o he_o assert_v a_o perfection_n there_o be_v not_o a_o attain_n of_o perfection_n as_o to_o degree_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o perfection_n in_o respect_n of_o part_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o sincere_a endeavour_n and_o press_v to_o be_v at_o perfection_n 2._o this_o peace_n and_o calmness_n that_o we_o speak_v of_o may_v consist_v with_o the_o indwel_n of_o corruption_n though_o not_o with_o the_o reign_n and_o dominion_n of_o it_o i_o say_v with_o the_o indwel_n of_o corruption_n where_o the_o stir_n and_o act_n of_o it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v protest_v against_o groan_v under_o and_o oppose_v as_o it_o be_v with_o this_o apostle_n rom._n 7._o who_o notwithstanding_o the_o law_n of_o his_o member_n rebel_a against_o the_o law_n of_o his_o mind_n yet_o maintain_v his_o peace_n because_o this_o peace_n be_v ground_v not_o so_o much_o on_o the_o entire_a and_o absolute_a victory_n over_o corruption_n as_o on_o a_o real_a hatred_n of_o a_o real_a enmity_n at_o and_o a_o real_a fight_v against_o it_o 3._o this_o peace_n and_o calmness_n may_v consist_v not_o only_o with_o corruption_n indwell_v but_o sometime_o with_o the_o prevail_a and_o captivate_a power_n of_o corruption_n which_o be_v also_o clear_a from_o rom._n 7_o where_o the_o law_n that_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n member_n prevail_v so_o far_o against_o the_o law_n of_o his_o mind_n that_o it_o lead_v he_o captive_a to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n that_o be_v in_o his_o member_n and_o yet_o he_o have_v peace_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o this_o peace_n do_v not_o only_o flow_v from_o the_o event_n of_o the_o wrestle_n or_o fight_n but_o also_o from_o the_o christian_n not_o yield_v in_o the_o fight_n though_o he_o be_v captivat_fw-la and_o from_o his_o enter_v as_o it_o be_v a_o dissent_n from_o and_o protestation_n against_o the_o captivate_a power_n of_o corruption_n therefore_o say_v he_o the_o thing_n i_o do_v i_o allow_v not_o and_o it_o be_v no_o more_o i_o that_o do_v it_o but_o sin_n that_o dwell_v in_o i_o not_o but_o it_o be_v he_o that_o sin_v but_o he_o allow_v it_o not_o nay_o as_o i_o say_v he_o protest_v against_o the_o prevailling_a of_o sin_n in_o himself_o therefore_o the_o word_n in_o the_o original_a be_v the_o thing_n i_o do_v i_o know_v not_o that_o be_v i_o will_v not_o in_o some_o respect_n own_o it_o for_o my_o deed_n and_o on_o this_o ground_n he_o maintain_v his_o peace_n and_o from_o it_o draw_v his_o consolation_n rom._n 8._o 1._o there_o be_v therefore_o now_o â—o_o condemnation_n to_o they_o who_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n who_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n for_o though_o sometime_o the_o flesh_n may_v prevail_v yet_o say_v he_o we_o walk_v not_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o flesh_n but_o we_o endeavour_v though_o we_o come_v not_o up_o to_o perfection_n to_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n principles_n and_o dictate_v of_o the_o spirit_n 3_o we_o premit_fw-la that_o this_o peace_n and_o calmness_n of_o conscience_n may_v consist_v with_o many_o defect_n infirmity_n and_o sailing_n yet_o we_o will_v beware_v of_o and_o watchful_o guard_v against_o two_o sort_n of_o sin_n that_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o it_o 1._o conscience_n wasting-sin_n that_o raise_v a_o storm_n and_o tempest_n in_o the_o conscience_n such_o as_o be_v david_n adultery_n and_o murder_n peter_n denial_n of_o his_o master_n and_o the_o like_a which_o though_o they_o may_v consist_v with_o a_o interest_n in_o god_n stand_v still_o inviolated_a and_o not_o null_v and_o though_o peace_n may_v be_v recover_v by_o the_o renew_a exercise_n of_o repentance_n towards_o god_n and_o of_o faith_n towards_o the_o lord_n jesus_n yet_o for_o the_o time_n of_o the_o prevail_a of_o such_o sin_n and_o before_o such_o exercise_n of_o â—aith_n and_o repentance_n they_o be_v to_o the_o believer_n conscience_n as_o boisterous_a wind_n be_v to_o the_o sea_n we_o do_v not_o therefore_o admit_v of_o all_o sort_n of_o sin_n to_o be_v consistent_a with_o this_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o conscience_n but_o such_o only_a as_o be_v sin_n of_o more_o ordinary_a infirmity_n against_o the_o soul_n actual_a dissent_n and_o protestation_n to_o the_o contrary_n 2._o we_o will_v beware_v of_o such_o aggravation_n of_o sin_n that_o make_v little_a sin_n little_a i_o mean_v comparative_o to_o become_v great_a sin_n a_o man_n may_v be_v captivat_fw-la by_o some_o sin_n and_o yet_o retain_v peace_n and_o yet_o these_o same_o sin_n in_o another_o person_n by_o reason_n of_o some_o grievous_o aggravate_v circumstance_n as_o if_o they_o be_v commit_v deliberate_o and_o out_o over_o the_o belly_n of_o light_n and_o of_o check_n and_o challenge_n may_v much_o waste_v his_o conscience_n and_o great_o wound_v and_o mar_v his_o peace_n in_o this_o respect_n i_o say_v though_o the_o sin_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n may_v be_v lesser_a yet_o it_o be_v greatn_v by_o these_o and_o such_o other_o aggravation_n they_o be_v strict_o and_o proper_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n that_o the_o believer_n do_v not_o consent_n to_o
willing_a afterward_o more_o large_o to_o insist_v in_o not_o only_o the_o necessity_n of_o come_v to_o christ_n but_o of_o know_v certain_o that_o you_o be_v get_v out_o of_o black_a nature_n into_o he_o and_o have_v get_v your_o conscience_n purge_v by_o his_o blood_n think_v you_o it_o a_o small_a or_o little_o concern_v matter_n to_o be_v lie_v in_o a_o â—est_n house_n where_o thousand_o die_v at_o your_o right_n and_o left_a hand_n and_o not_o to_o know_v if_o you_o be_v cleanse_v to_o have_v the_o plague_n in_o your_o bosom_n and_o not_o to_o know_v whether_o you_o be_v cure_v of_o it_o or_o oâ—_n not_o and_o yet_o such_o be_v the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o all_o of_o you_o while_o you_o be_v in_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o if_o you_o will_v as_o you_o be_v mighty_o concern_v have_v some_o evidence_n whereby_o you_o may_v be_v help_v to_o know_v if_o you_o be_v as_o yet_o purge_v from_o this_o total_a pollution_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o this_o verse_n to_o that_o purpose_n and_o 1._o do_v you_o ever_o know_v and_o acknowledge_v your_o conscience_n to_o be_v defile_v it_o can_v hardly_o be_v ex-expected_n that_o a_o man_n have_v such_o a_o botch_n and_o plague_n run_v on_o he_o can_v think_v serious_o of_o let_v be_v serious_o seek_v after_o wash_v before_o he_o know_v that_o he_o be_v thus_o defile_v and_o thereby_o in_o such_o a_o deplorable_a state_n i_o speak_v not_o now_o of_o what_o gracious_a change_n may_v be_v wrought_v in_o some_o person_n more_o early_o and_o in_o their_o young_a year_n nor_o how_o secret_o and_o little_o discernible_o the_o work_n of_o conversion_n may_v be_v wrought_v in_o some_o that_o be_v come_v to_o age_n but_o i_o speak_v of_o god_n more_o ordinary_a way_n of_o deal_v and_o reclaim_v and_o convert_v of_o sinner_n when_o paul_n speak_v of_o himself_o rom._n 7._o he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v alive_a once_o without_o the_o law_n he_o be_v a_o clean_a man_n as_o he_o think_v and_o in_o his_o own_o eye_n before_o the_o lord_n discover_v sin_n and_o waken_v a_o challenge_n for_o it_o in_o his_o conscience_n but_o when_o the_o commandment_n come_v say_v he_o sin_v revive_v and_o i_o die_v now_o can_v we_o think_v with_o any_o shadow_n of_o reason_n that_o after_o god_n call_v he_o effectual_o by_o his_o grace_n that_o he_o have_v more_o of_o a_o 〈◊〉_d nature_n in_o he_o than_o he_o have_v before_o sure_o no_o but_o the_o body_n of_o death_n the_o corruption_n of_o his_o nature_n be_v now_o clear_o discover_v to_o he_o and_o become_v loathsome_a challenge_n come_v to_o be_v quick_a and_o sharp_o pierce_v and_o his_o conscience_n begin_v to_o be_v touch_v with_o the_o lively_a sense_n of_o its_o own_o defilement_n he_o be_v before_o alive_a or_o rather_o seem_v to_o himself_o to_o be_v so_o but_o now_o he_o become_v a_o dead_a man_n in_o his_o own_o esteem_n as_o he_o be_v most_o real_o before_o the_o gracious_a change_n be_v wrought_v and_o sin_n to_o his_o sense_n revive_v and_o he_o as_o to_o any_o account_n of_o his_o own_o righteousness_n 〈◊〉_d o_o siâ—s_n do_v you_o understand_v this_o doctrine_n we_o be_v afraid_a that_o many_o of_o you_o do_v not_o understand_v it_o at_o least_o in_o your_o own_o experience_n and_o for_o as_o abominable_a as_o corrupt_v nature_n and_o sin_n be_v that_o yet_o you_o be_v sleep_v secure_o in_o it_o and_o be_v often_o return_v with_o the_o dog_n to_o lick_v up_o that_o â—ile_a uâ—mit_n it_o be_v a_o very_a shrewd_a and_o evil_a token_n of_o a_o defile_a and_o unclean_a conscience_n where_o there_o be_v never_o any_o challenge_n for_o nor_o any_o the_o lest_o kindly_a sense_n of_o its_o defilement_n and_o pollution_n 2._o be_v the_o conscience_n ever_o waâ—hen_o with_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n for_o alwise_o till_o that_o be_v it_o be_v defile_v and_o pollute_v do_v you_o ever_o find_v your_o conscience_n 〈◊〉_d pollute_v that_o you_o can_v not_o get_v live_v with_o it_o 〈◊〉_d you_o be_v make_v to_o run_v to_o the_o fountain_n open_v up_o in_o the_o house_n of_o david_n for_o sin_n and_o uncleanness_n speak_v of_o zâ—ch_n 13._o 1._o â—_o suppose_v several_a of_o you_o have_v have_v now_o and_o then_o your_o own_o challenge_n for_o sin_n but_o what_o course_n 〈◊〉_d you_o to_o 〈◊〉_d do_v you_o strive_v to_o close_v and_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o your_o conscience_n by_o betake_v yourselves_o to_o pass_v â—ime_n and_o to_o good_a company_n as_o you_o use_v to_o call_v it_o look_v on_o such_o exercise_n as_o too_o many_o do_v as_o a_o fit_a of_o melancholy_a or_o do_v 〈◊〉_d go_v â—ther_o to_o betake_v yourselves_o for_o silence_v your_o conscience_n to_o prayer_n and_o reading_n good_a in_o themselves_o only_o without_o go_v to_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n that_o will_v not_o â—e_v a_o evidence_n of_o a_o clean_a and_o purge_v conscience_n but_o there_o must_v be_v a_o bring_n of_o iâ—_n to_o the_o fountain_n to_o jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v cleanse_v and_o calm_v thus_o it_o be_v with_o paul_n rom._n 7._o who_o when_o he_o see_v his_o pollution_n even_o in_o but_o a_o small_a remander_n of_o it_o and_o be_v challenge_v for_o it_o rom._n 7._o câ—yes_n o_o wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o â—_o who_o shall_v delve_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o body_n of_o this_o death_n and_o subjoin_v i_o thank_v god_n 〈◊〉_d jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n he_o can_v quiet_v himself_o no_o where_o 〈◊〉_d nothing_o but_o in_o christ_n it_o be_v a_o good_a token_n when_o person_n can_v admit_v the_o thought_n of_o no_o other_o way_n of_o cleanse_v and_o â—ing_v their_o conscience_n but_o by_o bring_v they_o to_o christ_n and_o his_o blood_n especial_o when_o the_o sense_n of_o 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o â—aith_n of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o blood_n have_v bring_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d bring_v they_o to_o he_o as_o the_o fountain_n 3._o we_o will_v ask_v you_o if_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o clean_a conscience_n have_v follow_v your_o betake_v of_o yourselves_o to_o christ_n and_o that_o be_v a_o clean_a life_n and_o honest_a walk_n and_o conversation_n for_o a_o purge_a conscience_n will_v have_v a_o purge_v and_o honest_a walk_n follow_v on_o it_o and_o if_o man_n have_v once_o get_v a_o cleanse_a and_o purge_v conscience_n they_o will_v be_v very_o cheery_a of_o it_o and_o loath_a to_o pollute_v it_o again_o and_o their_o great_a work_n will_v be_v to_o live_v so_o as_o they_o may_v not_o pollute_v it_o but_o â—h_a how_o few_o how_o lamentable_o few_o have_v attain_v to_o this_o effect_n there_o be_v many_o purge_n of_o conscience_n which_o be_v like_o the_o sweep_n and_o garnishing_n of_o that_o house_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o gospel_n that_o make_v it_o ready_a for_o the_o devil_n to_o re-enter_v into_o with_o seven_o spirit_n worse_o than_o himself_o many_o after_o light_n and_o transient_a touch_n of_o challenge_n become_v more_o harden_v and_o presumptuous_a more_o secure_a and_o carnal_a than_o they_o be_v before_o and_o their_o conscience_n digest_v as_o it_o be_v great_a sin_n better_a and_o more_o easy_o than_o it_o have_v wont_a to_o do_v and_o it_o fare_v with_o they_o according_a to_o that_o proverb_n 2_o pet._n 2._o â—lt_n often_o cite_v the_o dog_n be_v return_v to_o his_o vomit_n and_o the_o sow_n that_o be_v wash_v to_o wallow_v in_o the_o mire_n their_o corrupt_a and_o filthy_a nature_n be_v still_o to_o the_o â—ore_o they_o fall_v a_o lick_n up_o that_o which_o former_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v vomit_v out_o and_o return_v to_o their_o former_a louse_n carriage_n 4._o what_o discord_n and_o war_n be_v there_o with_o any_o remainder_n 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v yet_o come_v to_o a_o remainder_n of_o corruption_n and_o pollution_n that_o be_v behind_o what_o resent_v and_o loathe_v be_v there_o of_o it_o if_o the_o conscience_n be_v purge_v and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v keep_v pure_a new_a defilement_n will_v be_v very_o unwelcome_a guest_n and_o exceed_o troublesome_a to_o your_o peace_n the_o bond_n woman_n son_n to_o say_v so_o must_v not_o abide_v with_o the_o free-woman_n in_o the_o house_n but_o must_v be_v cast_v out_o and_o will_v be_v endeavour_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o while_o a_o man_n be_v in_o black_a nature_n sin_n be_v at_o home_n and_o any_o motion_n to_o sin_n be_v entertain_v and_o even_o in_o a_o manner_n invite_v and_o woo_v but_o when_o a_o man_n come_v to_o be_v renew_v in_o his_o staâ—e_v and_o grace_n get_v the_o dominion_n his_o great_a care_n and_o work_n be_v to_o get_v the_o remainder_n of_o corruption_n cast_v out_o and_o if_o any_o thing_n of_o it_o come_v back_o or_o stay_v still_o within_o that_o he_o can_v get_v cast_v out_o he_o loathe_v it_o and_o can_v bear_v with_o it_o nor_o dwell_v satisfy_o in_o the_o
the_o open_n of_o the_o book_n to_o the_o sist_z and_o put_v of_o all_o person_n in_o a_o posture_n before_o he_o to_o be_v sentence_v by_o he_o it_o do_v in_o a_o manner_n all_o so_o that_o god_n have_v little_a or_o nothing_o to_o do_v as_o it_o be_v for_o it_o discover_v to_o a_o man_n what_o be_v his_o duty_n and_o his_o sin_n 2._o it_o cit_v he_o to_o compear_v and_o answer_v for_o neglect_v such_o and_o such_o a_o duty_n and_o commit_v such_o and_o such_o a_o sin_n and_o he_o can_v possible_o shift_v compearance_n 3._o when_o he_o do_v compear_v it_o give_v in_o a_o lâ—bell_n of_o accusation_n against_o the_o man_n and_o a_o catalogue_n of_o all_o his_o sin_n in_o thought_n word_n and_o deed_n this_o and_o this_o will_v it_o aweful_o say_v thou_o do_v at_o such_o and_o such_o a_o time_n in_o such_o and_o such_o a_o place_n aggravate_v by_o such_o and_o such_o circumstance_n 4._o it_o serve_v to_o be_v a_o witness_n yea_o in_o place_n of_o a_o thousand_o witness_n and_o there_o be_v no_o deny_v or_o shift_v of_o what_o ever_o it_o bear_v witness_v to_o all_o which_o we_o may_v see_v in_o josephs_n brethren_n gen._n 42._o 21._o who_o say_v one_o to_o another_o we_o be_v very_o guilty_a concern_v our_o brother_n in_o that_o we_o see_v the_o anguish_n of_o his_o soul_n when_o he_o beseech_v we_o and_o we_o will_v not_o hear_v therefore_o be_v this_o distress_n come_v upon_o we_o the_o law_n discover_v that_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n conscience_n challenge_v and_o accuse_v they_o be_v cite_v the_o accusation_n be_v give_v in_o and_o prove_v this_o and_o this_o they_o do_v and_o do_v it_o with_o all_o these_o circumstance_n not_o a_o pitiful_a word_n that_o joseph_n speak_v nor_o a_o tear_n that_o he_o shed_v in_o the_o anguish_n of_o his_o soul_n beseech_v they_o to_o desist_v but_o they_o remember_v it_o now_o and_o there_o be_v no_o shift_v of_o the_o challenge_n and_o accusation_n nor_o cover_v of_o it_o as_o they_o have_v do_v before_o to_o their_o age_a father_n jacob_n but_o they_o must_v needs_o now_o take_v with_o all_o and_o confess_v we_o have_v sin_v and_o be_v very_o guilty_a concern_v our_o brother_n etc._n etc._n 5._o it_o pass_v sentence_n and_o in_o this_o respect_n the_o heart_n be_v say_v to_o condemn_v when_o the_o thing_n be_v evil_a and_o to_o absolve_v or_o not_o condemn_v when_o the_o thing_n be_v good_a 1_o john_n 3_o 20_o 21._o 6._o when_o it_o have_v sentence_v and_o condemn_v it_o leave_v not_o the_o man_n so_o but_o go_v on_o and_o execute_v the_o sentence_n and_o turn_v a_o gnaw_a worm_n to_o bite_v and_o gnaw_v and_o as_o a_o executioner_n to_o buffeâ—_n and_o smite_v to_o damp_n and_o torment_v the_o man_n thus_o you_o may_v see_v how_o useful_a conscience_n be_v to_o help_v forward_o god_n judgement_n and_o to_o vindicat_fw-la him_z in_o his_o sentence_n and_o as_o it_o be_v thus_o with_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n so_o it_o be_v with_o a_o conscience_n absolve_v it_o will_v absolve_v when_o man_n condemn_v as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o paul_n here_o when_o man_n give_v in_o a_o lybel_n and_o accuse_v it_o will_v discharge_v as_o act_n 23._o 1._o man_n and_o brethren_n i_o have_v live_v in_o all_o good_a conscience_n before_o god_n until_o this_o day_n and_o when_o conscience_n have_v absolve_v it_o make_v cheerful_a as_o 2_o cor._n 1._o 12._o our_o rejoice_v be_v this_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n etc._n etc._n and_o 1_o john_n 3._o 20._o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n so_o than_o we_o see_v conscience_n have_v these_o three_o great_a use_n and_o end_n 1._o to_o keep_v people_n in_o awe_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o greatness_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o mind_n that_o they_o must_v give_v a_o account_n to_o he_o 2._o to_o hold_v they_o at_o their_o duty_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v very_o loath_a to_o contradict_v it_o 3._o if_o duty_n be_v neglect_v to_o record_v all_o their_o fault_n and_o to_o accuse_v and_o sentence_v they_o therefore_o and_o never_o to_o leave_v pursue_v they_o for_o conscience_n will_v continue_v as_o a_o worm_n in_o hell_n gnaw_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o the_o first_o use_n serve_v to_o bear_v in_o this_o truth_n on_o you_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o conscience_n the_o most_o ignorant_a and_o profane_a and_o haughty_a of_o you_o all_o whether_o young_a or_o old_a one_o and_o other_o of_o you_o have_v a_o conscience_n that_o take_v particular_a notice_n of_o every_o thing_n in_o your_o walk_n that_o record_v all_o that_o accuse_v or_o excuse_v and_o though_o you_o take_v not_o head_n to_o it_o now_o you_o will_v one_o day_n be_v make_v to_o know_v it_o take_v it_o therefore_o for_o a_o certain_a truth_n that_o you_o have_v such_o a_o thing_n within_o you_o that_o you_o have_v a_o knowledge_n with_o your_o knowledge_n even_o a_o conscience_n that_o remember_v when_o you_o will_v forget_v the_o mind_v of_o this_o be_v useful_a 1._o to_o make_v people_n cast_v out_o with_o sin_n rather_o than_o with_o their_o conscience_n 2._o to_o make_v they_o wary_a that_o they_o take_v not_o liberty_n in_o secret_a to_o sin_n 3._o to_o make_v they_o take_v kind_o with_o reproof_n for_o sin_n remember_v therefore_o that_o there_o be_v a_o conscience_n in_o every_o one_o of_o you_o you_o will_v possible_o think_v it_o needless_a to_o press_v this_o and_o i_o wish_v it_o be_v so_o but_o we_o may_v short_o point_v at_o these_o evidence_n to_o prove_v that_o many_o on_o the_o matter_n think_v they_o have_v not_o a_o conscience_n the_o first_o be_v that_o they_o take_v so_o little_a pain_n to_o prevent_v a_o quarrel_n from_o their_o conscience_n how_o many_o omit_v balk_v and_o step_v over_o duty_n and_o go_v on_o in_o sin_n which_o they_o dare_v not_o do_v if_o they_o believe_v that_o they_o have_v a_o conscience_n 2._o the_o few_o challenge_v that_o most_o have_v under_o many_o sin_n and_o their_o live_n in_o such_o peace_n and_o security_n as_o if_o they_o have_v not_o a_o conscience_n to_o disquiet_v they_o many_o man_n and_o woman_n know_v and_o be_v as_o little_o acquaint_v with_o challenge_n and_o conviction_n and_o stand_v in_o as_o little_a awe_n of_o conscience_n as_o if_o they_o have_v none_o at_o all_o hence_o we_o use_v to_o say_v that_o such_o a_o man_n have_v not_o a_o conscience_n because_o though_o he_o have_v it_o he_o regard_v it_o not_o and_o such_o a_o mâ—n_z have_v a_o conscience_n because_o he_o make_v use_v of_o it_o and_o listen_v to_o what_o it_o say_v 3._o that_o people_n seek_v more_o to_o approve_v themselves_o in_o outward_a and_o see_v duty_n than_o in_o inward_a and_o secret_a one_o and_o look_v more_o after_o man_n approbation_n then_o god_n and_o lean_v more_o to_o and_o lay_v more_o weight_n on_o outward_a testimony_n from_o man_n then_o to_o and_o on_o inward_a one_o from_o their_o own_o conscience_n if_o conscience_n be_v real_o believe_v to_o be_v there_o will_v be_v as_o great_a awe_n of_o god_n and_o as_o great_a loathness_n to_o sin_n in_o secret_a as_o before_o many_o witness_n but_o you_o will_v object_n and_o say_v see_v every_o one_o have_v a_o conscience_n what_o can_v be_v the_o reason_n that_o many_o care_n so_o little_a for_o conscience_n answer_v 1._o what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o man_n care_v so_o little_a for_o god_n if_o they_o care_v not_o for_o the_o lord_n and_o master_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n they_o care_v so_o little_a for_o the_o deputy_n and_o servant_n shall_v we_o therefore_o think_v that_o there_o be_v not_o such_o a_o thing_n at_o all_o as_o a_o conscience_n in_o such_o no_o by_o no_o mean_n it_o will_v prove_v indeed_o that_o they_o slight_a conscience_n but_o not_o that_o they_o want_v a_o conscience_n 2._o there_o be_v in_o many_o man_n a_o contend_v with_o and_o provock_v of_o conscience_n which_o in_o god_n righteous_a judgement_n make_v a_o silent_a conscience_n when_o the_o lord_n make_v conscience_n quick_a and_o set_v it_o on_o to_o reprove_v and_o check_v for_o sin_n and_o man_n do_v not_o listen_v to_o its_o check_n and_o reproof_n conscience_n offend_v and_o will_v not_o reprove_v conscience_n be_v god_n deputy_n take_v order_n from_o he_o and_o when_o god_n will_v â—ot_n vouchsafe_v a_o word_n of_o reproof_n on_o a_o man_n neither_o will_v it_o ephraim_n be_v join_v to_o idol_n let_v he_o alone_o save_v the_o lord_n hos._n 4._o 17._o and_o from_o rom._n 1._o 20_o 21._o we_o may_v see_v the_o cause_n why_o god_n give_v up_o the_o heathen_a to_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n to_o do_v thing_n that_o be_v not_o convenient_a to_o be_v their_o go_v cross_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o their_o
suspicious-like_a when_o the_o conscience_n be_v overwell_n please_v and_o when_o conscience_n and_o man_n humour_n be_v both_o please_v together_o and_o when_o corruption_n do_v not_o side_n and_o take_v part_n against_o it_o this_o i_o say_v be_v a_o shrewd_a evidence_n that_o conscience_n be_v err_v for_o when_o a_o man_n be_v go_v aright_o about_o his_o duty_n corruption_n will_v be_v against_o he_o but_o when_o all_o be_v silent_a it_o be_v no_o good_a token_n when_o paul_n be_v a_o delight_v himself_o in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n there_o be_v a_o law_n in_o his_o member_n rebel_a against_o the_o law_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o lead_v he_o captive_a to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n in_o his_o member_n 2._o it_o may_v be_v know_v by_o this_o when_o conscience_n have_v more_o contentment_n and_o peace_n and_o great_a delight_n and_o fainness_n in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o particular_a suppose_a duty_n then_o in_o all_o other_o duty_n as_o for_o instance_n when_o a_o man_n think_v nothing_o of_o but_o undervalu_v infant-baptism_n and_o must_v needs_o be_v baptize_v over_o again_o and_o when_o he_o be_v rebaptise_v he_o have_v more_o satisfaction_n and_o as_o he_o think_v more_o comfort_n in_o that_o duty_n and_o ordinance_n then_o in_o all_o other_o duty_n he_o go_v about_o though_o his_o rebaptise_v be_v indeed_o no_o duty_n call_v for_o from_o he_o that_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o a_o err_a conscience_n for_o if_o it_o be_v the_o peace_n comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o a_o well_o inform_v conscience_n he_o will_v have_v comfort_n if_o not_o alike_o comfort_v in_o all_o duty_n and_o ordinance_n so_o when_o some_o man_n have_v more_o delight_n in_o make_v other_o to_o become_v antinomian_o or_o separatist_n or_o quaker_n they_o be_v of_o such_o a_o judgement_n porswasion_n and_o sect_n themselves_o then_o in_o gain_v man_n freâ—_n popery_n to_o be_v protestant_n or_o it_o may_v be_v from_o be_v mere_o natural_a man_n to_o be_v in_o good_a earnest_n exercise_v to_o godliness_n and_o like_o the_o pharisee_n will_v compass_v sea_n and_o land_n for_o that_o end_n not_o to_o make_v they_o child_n of_o god_n but_o to_o proselyte_n they_o strong_a to_o their_o own_o sect_n that_o be_v a_o shrewd_a token_n that_o its_o man_n particular_a interest_n and_o humour_n that_o sway_v they_o more_o than_o conscience_n do_v or_o if_o conscience_n have_v influence_n here_o it_o be_v a_o erroneous_a and_o mistake_a one_o 3._o it_o may_v be_v know_v by_o a_o man_n more_o common_a and_o ordinary_a frame_n and_o way_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o say_v that_o conscience_n put_v a_o man_n to_o such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n and_o to_o change_v his_o way_n in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o particular_a indeed_o to_o the_o better_a when_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o set_v he_o on_o endeavour_n in_o the_o strength_n of_o grace_n to_o change_v his_o way_n and_o life_n in_o the_o general_a tract_n of_o it_o for_o as_o true_a grace_n be_v uniform_a so_o a_o well_o inform_v and_o true_o good_a conscience_n make_v a_o man_n endeavour_v a_o universal_a and_o uniform_a change_n in_o his_o way_n and_o without_o all_o doubt_n it_o be_v as_o clear_v a_o duty_n to_o pray_v to_o search_v his_o conscience_n to_o walk_v without_o give_v offence_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n to_o meditate_v thereon_o to_o injure_v no_o man_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o he_o will_v be_v strict_a in_o such_o a_o particular_a but_o pray_v no_o more_o wait_v no_o more_o upon_o ordinance_n no_o better_o than_o he_o have_v wont_a to_o do_v etc._n etc._n this_o look_v very_a like_o a_o err_a conscience_n for_o as_o i_o say_v just_a now_o conscience_n make_v not_o a_o man_n to_o change_v in_o one_o thing_n only_o but_o it_o put_v he_o to_o endeavour_v also_o a_o change_n in_o all_o therefore_o beware_v of_o such_o deceit_n for_o conscience_n be_v much_o abuse_v in_o this_o time_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o excellent_a thing_n to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o void_a of_o offence_n but_o it_o be_v a_o desperate_a thing_n to_o make_v a_o shoe-horn_n or_o stalking-horss_n of_o conscience_n to_o make_v it_o subserve_v our_o own_o humour_n and_o the_o carry_v on_o of_o our_o own_o particular_a interest_n or_o to_o leave_v the_o word_n and_o to_o pretend_v conscience_n and_o to_o be_v sway_v by_o interest_n under_o pretext_n of_o conscience_n there_o be_v great_a need_n then_o to_o look_v well_o to_o the_o word_n and_o to_o have_v the_o word_n and_o conscience_n go_v hand_n in_o hand_n together_o to_o keep_v near_o god_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o holy_a fear_n that_o conscience_n have_v not_o any_o thing_n wherewith_o it_o may_v charge_v we_o just_o sermon_n iii_o act_n 24._o 16._o and_o herein_o do_v i_o exercise_v myself_o to_o have_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n there_o be_v many_o sad_a mistake_n about_o a_o christian_a life_n and_o the_o serious_a and_o zealous_a follow_v of_o holiness_n for_o man_n either_o diminish_v from_o holiness_n as_o to_o the_o extent_n of_o it_o or_o dispense_v with_o and_o take_v a_o liberty_n and_o latitude_n to_o themselves_o in_o the_o follow_n of_o it_o in_o this_o text_n we_o have_v a_o short_a and_o sweet_a sum_n of_o paul_n life_n a_o excellent_a copy_n and_o pattern_n of_o a_o christian_a walk_n and_o conversation_n wherein_o he_o give_v we_o a_o view_n of_o these_o two_o 1._o of_o his_o aim_n and_o design_n to_o walk_v so_o as_o he_o may_v have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o toward_a man_n and_o that_o in_o a_o universal_a extent_n always_o or_o at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n 2._o of_o his_o manner_n of_o prosecute_a it_o herein_o say_v he_o do_v i_o exercise_v myself_o he_o be_v serious_o take_v up_o with_o it_o it_o be_v his_o great_a business_n his_o one_o thing_n as_o he_o call_v it_o phil._n 3._o 13._o we_o speak_v of_o these_o two_o general_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v in_o all_o man_n and_o woman_n a_o conscience_n that_o take_v notice_n of_o their_o action_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o be_v offend_v with_o their_o miscarriage_n 2._o that_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o more_o especial_o believer_n ought_v so_o to_o live_v and_o if_o tender_a will_v aim_v so_o to_o live_v as_o they_o may_v be_v friend_n with_o their_o conscience_n and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v good_a term_n and_o a_o good_a understanding_n betwixt_o they_o and_o their_o conscience_n that_o their_o conscience_n may_v have_v no_o challenge_n against_o they_o in_o any_o thing_n of_o their_o walk_n either_o towards_o god_n or_o toward_a man_n this_o be_v clear_o and_o convince_o hold_v out_o in_o paul_n practice_n here_o who_o great_a aim_n design_n and_o endeavour_n be_v to_o walk_v so_o as_o his_o conscience_n may_v have_v nothing_o to_o say_v against_o he_o in_o duty_n relate_v either_o to_o god_n or_o to_o man_n in_o secret_a in_o private_a or_o in_o public_a this_o we_o prosecute_v a_o little_a and_o show_v you_o that_o there_o be_v a_o tie_n and_o obligation_n lie_v on_o man_n so_o to_o walk_v and_o to_o follow_v not_o a_o err_a and_o delude_a conscience_n but_o conscience_n right_o inform_v pouse_v accuse_v or_o excuse_v according_a to_o the_o word_n for_o it_o be_v conscience_n so_o qualify_v that_o be_v the_o rule_n subordinate_a to_o the_o infallible_o regulate_v rule_n of_o the_o word_n the_o use_v of_o the_o doctrine_n as_o we_o show_v be_v four_o the_o 1._o for_o instruction_n the_o 2._o for_o trial_n the_o 3._o for_o conviction_n or_o reproof_n the_o 4._o for_o exhortation_n we_o speak_v a_o little_a to_o the_o use_v of_o instruction_n the_o last_o day_n to_o which_o now_o we_o add_v that_o if_o man_n shall_v so_o walk_v as_o their_o conscience_n may_v have_v nothing_o to_o charge_v they_o with_o nor_o to_o cast_v up_o to_o they_o wherein_o they_o have_v thwart_v with_o it_o then_o every_o man_n design_n in_o his_o christian_a walk_n ought_v to_o be_v as_o extensive_a as_o his_o conscience_n be_v in_o its_o office_n either_o in_o direct_v or_o in_o accuse_v or_o excuse_v otherways_o he_o can_v have_v peace_n in_o his_o way_n if_o he_o disperise_v with_o himself_o in_o any_o thing_n which_o his_o conscience_n do_v not_o dispense_v with_o he_o in_o and_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o have_v solid_a peace_n if_o he_o do_v otherways_o so_o than_o the_o walk_n of_o a_o christian_a ought_v to_o be_v equal_o and_o exact_o extend_v no_o less_o than_o be_v the_o conscience_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n beside_o what_o we_o say_v on_o this_o before_o anent_o have_v clearness_n from_o the_o word_n in_o the_o judgement_n and_o harken_v to_o the_o voice_n of_o conscience_n right_o inform_v we_o shall_v instance_n the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o a_o
that_o be_v behind_o in_o that_o respect_n and_o say_v with_o the_o apostle_n phil._n 3._o according_a to_o his_o measure_n not_o as_o if_o i_o have_v attain_v or_o be_v already_o perfect_a one_o thing_n i_o do_v forget_v these_o thing_n that_o be_v behind_o and_o reach_v forth_o unto_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v before_o i_o press_v towards_o the_o mark_n for_o the_o 〈◊〉_d he_o be_v so_o take_v up_o with_o press_v desire_n and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v forward_o that_o any_o thing_n he_o have_v attain_v he_o be_v not_o much_o take_v and_o far_o less_o vain_o tickle_v with_o it_o as_o these_o proud_a pharisee_n be_v with_o their_o give_v of_o alm_n the_o attainment_n that_o many_o offer_n as_o a_o evidence_n of_o their_o honest_a willingness_n and_o their_o plead_n for_o it_o with_o their_o proud_a boast_n of_o it_o be_v a_o shrewd_a evidence_n of_o their_o real_a unwillingness_n in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o sit_v down_o contenâ—dly_o with_o what_o they_o have_v attain_v and_o press_v not_o at_o 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v forward_o as_o it_o become_v those_o to_o do_v that_o be_v far_o behind_o the_o true_o will_v honest_a man_n see_v so_o great_a a_o deal_n of_o his_o way_n before_o he_o that_o he_o scarce_o endure_v to_o look_v back_o on_o what_o of_o it_o be_v past_a he_o be_v ready_a to_o think_v and_o â—ay_n i_o have_v so_o many_o thing_n to_o do_v for_o god_n that_o i_o someway_o forget_v all_o the_o good_a turn_n that_o i_o have_v do_v as_o to_o sit_v down_o with_o they_o or_o boast_v of_o they_o 6_o the_o serious_o willing_a man_n can_v never_o be_v full_o satisfy_v with_o any_o victory_n he_o have_v obtain_v over_o his_o corruption_n or_o out-gate_n from_o it_o nor_o dare_v he_o rest_v on_o it_o neither_o have_v he_o peace_n till_o he_o come_v to_o look_v to_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o to_o the_o hope_n of_o outgate_n through_o he_o i_o thank_v god_n say_v the_o apostle_n rom._n 7._o through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n and_o then_o follow_v the_o conclusion_n so_o then_o with_o my_o mind_n i_o myself_o serve_v the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o with_o the_o flesh_n the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o chap._n 8._o 1._o there_o be_v therefore_o now_o no_o condemnation_n to_o they_o who_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n who_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n this_o character_n have_v three_o branch_n 1._o the_o man_n that_o be_v wrestle_v with_o and_o groan_v under_o the_o body_n of_o death_n love_v well_o and_o dear_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o outgate_n and_o now_o and_o then_o belong_v to_o have_v the_o pin_n of_o his_o tabernacle_n loose_v and_o to_o be_v fir_v from_o that_o evil_a neighbour_n and_o troublesome_a guest_n of_o indwelling_a corruption_n and_o it_o be_v unexpressible_o sweet_a and_o refresh_n to_o he_o to_o look_v to_o that_o desirable_a day_n when_o he_o and_o it_o shall_v final_o part_v company_n 2_o he_o have_v never_o the_o settle_a hope_n of_o a_o outgate_n but_o when_o he_o look_v to_o god_n through_o christ_n he_o look_v to_o god_n and_o think_v himself_o eternal_o oblige_v to_o he_o for_o his_o give_v christ_n to_o deliver_v he_o and_o he_o look_v to_o christ_n for_o strength_n to_o stand_v it_o out_o in_o the_o battle_n and_o for_o obtain_v a_o full_a and_o final_a out-gate_n in_o the_o close_a and_o at_o last_o and_o 3_o a_o man_n that_o have_v this_o willingness_n it_o high_o commend_v the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n to_o he_o it_o make_v christ_n very_o lovely_a to_o he_o and_o withal_o it_o make_v sin_n to_o be_v exceed_o sinful_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n he_o love_v christ_n well_o because_o he_o have_v the_o hope_n of_o a_o out-gate_n through_o he_o and_o he_o love_v grace_n well_o because_o the_o poor_a man_n who_o be_v wrestle_v and_o war_a with_o his_o corruption_n and_o often_o plunge_v in_o the_o puddle_n and_o mire_n by_o it_o have_v through_o grace_n the_o hope_n of_o a_o final_a out-gate_n from_o it_o and_o it_o make_v sin_n to_o become_v out_o of_o measure_n loathsome_a to_o he_o and_o the_o high_a christ_n jesus_n and_o his_o grace_n be_v exalt_v the_o more_o vile_a and_o abominable_a be_v sin_n in_o his_o â—ight_n o_o but_o it_o be_v safe_a for_o the_o soul_n to_o ride_v at_o anchor_n betwixt_o these_o two_o we_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o this_o sincere_o and_o honest_o willing_a man_n be_v one_o that_o have_v two_o part_n in_o he_o and_o as_o he_o have_v two_o part_n so_o he_o labour_v to_o give_v every_o part_n it_o be_v own_o due_a and_o unless_o this_o be_v do_v there_o be_v no_o keep_n of_o peace_n and_o calmness_n in_o the_o conscience_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v look_v on_o himself_o as_o whole_o renew_v it_o be_v rank_a presumption_n have_v still_o a_o remainder_n of_o corruption_n in_o he_o and_o if_o be_v a_o sound_a believer_n in_o christ_n he_o shall_v look_v on_o himself_o as_o whole_o unrenewed_a it_o be_v gross_a unbelief_n therefore_o he_o attribut_v to_o corruption_n its_o due_a and_o be_v humble_v for_o it_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o acknowledge_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o he_o and_o any_o honest_a protest_v against_o â—in_a attribute_v it_o to_o grace_n and_o give_v god_n the_o praise_n of_o his_o grace_n after_o paul_n example_n who_o say_v rom._n 7._o i_o thank_v god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n so_o then_o with_o my_o mind_n i_o myself_o serve_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o with_o my_o flesh_n the_o law_n of_o sen_fw-mi he_o take_v with_o it_o that_o with_o his_o unrenewed_a pâ—t_n he_o serve_v the_o law_n of_o sin_n so_o that_o he_o be_v not_o come_v at_o perfection_n in_o holiness_n and_o yet_o assert_n that_o in_o his_o mind_n he_o serve_v the_o law_n of_o god_n yet_o so_o that_o he_o serve_v not_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o of_o himself_o or_o in_o his_o own_o strength_n but_o as_o renew_v and_o assist_v by_o grace_n for_o 2_o cor._n 3._o 5._o he_o say_v not_o that_o we_o be_v sufficient_a of_o ourselves_o as_o of_o ourselves_o to_o think_v any_o thing_n but_o our_o sufficiency_n be_v of_o god_n he_o acknowledge_v that_o of_o himself_o as_o of_o himself_o he_o sin_v and_o can_v not_o so_o much_o as_o think_v a_o good_a thought_n but_o as_o renew_v and_o that_o not_o as_o of_o himself_o but_o aâ—_n of_o god_n he_o serve_v god_n his_o sufficiency_n be_v allenarl_o of_o he_o who_o enable_v he_o to_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a and_o as_o it_o be_v 1_o cor._n 15._o not_o i_o but_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o i_o the_o same_o man_n that_o say_v he_o can_v so_o much_o as_o think_v what_o be_v good_a as_o of_o himself_o that_o he_o can_v do_v nothing_o yet_o say_v i_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n strengthen_v i_o philp._n 4._o 10._o o_o strange_a this_o way_n of_o distinguish_v be_v both_o a_o notable_a evidence_n of_o a_o man_n that_o aim_v honesty_n at_o peace_n and_o be_v the_o way_n to_o peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o otherways_o if_o it_o be_v neglect_v whilst_o christian_n have_v corruption_n in_o they_o they_o can_v never_o have_v solid_a peace_n sermon_n i._n heb._n 9_o v_o 13._o 14._o for_o if_o the_o blood_n of_o bull_n and_o of_o goat_n and_o the_o ash_n of_o a_o heifer_n sprinkle_v the_o unclean_a sanctify_v to_o the_o purify_n of_o the_o flesh_n 14._o how_o much_o more_o shall_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n who_o through_o the_o eternal_a spirit_n offer_v himself_o without_o spot_n to_o god_n purge_v your_o conscience_n from_o dead_a work_n to_o serve_v the_o live_a god_n it_o be_v the_o great_a business_n of_o christian_n to_o walk_v so_o as_o they_o may_v be_v in_o good_a term_n with_o their_o conscience_n that_o from_o no_o untenderness_n in_o their_o way_n there_o may_v be_v any_o just_a ground_n of_o challenge_n at_o lest_o none_o such_o as_o may_v wound_v the_o conscience_n and_o break_v or_o mar_v the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o it_o before_o god_n or_o disturb_v or_o interupt_v that_o sweet_a serenity_n and_o distinct_a calmness_n of_o a_o spiritual_a frame_n of_o soul_n that_o he_o allow_v on_o believer_n in_o he_o who_o be_v exercise_v themselves_o to_o have_v always_o a_o good_a conscience_n but_o alace_o its_o not_o all_o professor_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v not_o all_o gracious_a christian_n that_o win_v at_o this_o who_o i_o mean_v serious_a christian_n partly_o throw_v the_o unmortified_a reminder_n of_o corruption_n still_o dwell_v in_o they_o and_o partly_o through_o their_o own_o unwatchfulness_n fall_v often_o into_o such_o sin_n as_o defile_v the_o conscience_n and_o obstruct_v the_o clear_a light_n and_o serene_a tranquillity_n thereof_o when_o in_o any_o measure_n attain_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o less_o necessary_a to_o know_v
how_o a_o defile_a conscience_n may_v be_v purge_v and_o how_o we_o may_v recover_v lose_a calmness_n and_o peace_n than_o it_o be_v to_o know_v how_o a_o good_a conscience_n may_v be_v win_v at_o for_o indeed_o if_o all_o our_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o conscience_n depend_v on_o our_o own_o holy_a walk_n only_o it_o will_v be_v but_o a_o heartless_a and_o comfortless_a work_n to_o speak_v of_o a_o good_a and_o calm_a conscience_n on_o that_o ground_n but_o this_o be_v the_o great_a the_o very_a great_a advantage_n that_o we_o have_v by_o the_o gospel_n of_o grace_n which_o as_o it_o show_v the_o way_n how_o to_o prevent_v a_o quarrel_n from_o and_o so_o a_o wound_n unto_o the_o conscience_n so_o it_o show_v the_o way_n how_o a_o quarrel_n and_o controversy_n draw_v on_o may_v be_v remove_v and_o this_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o now_o we_o will_v speak_v a_o little_a to_o from_o these_o word_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n scope_n be_v to_o hold_v out_o to_o the_o jew_n the_o weakness_n of_o their_o ceremonial_a worship_n sacrifice_n and_o wash_n and_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o christ_n sacrifice_n to_o do_v their_o business_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o from_o rest_v on_o that_o ceremonial_a worship_n to_o rest_v upon_o jesus_n christ_n alone_o and_o one_o of_o the_o argument_n that_o he_o make_v use_v of_o for_o this_o end_n be_v that_o no_o legal_a or_o ceremonial_a worship_n or_o service_n can_v make_v he_o that_o do_v the_o service_n perfect_a as_o pertain_v to_o the_o conscience_n as_o he_o say_v v_o 9_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n can_v give_v a_o man_n peace_n before_o god_n and_o his_o own_o conscience_n but_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v able_a to_o purge_v the_o conscience_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o to_o bring_v a_o man_n that_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o peace_n and_o friendship_n with_o god_n after_o he_o have_v sin_v and_o thereby_o defile_v and_o wound_v his_o conscience_n back_o to_o that_o same_o peace_n and_o calmness_n that_o he_o have_v before_o he_o sin_v and_o make_v he_o in_o some_o respect_n as_o quiet_a and_o calm_a as_o iâ—_n he_o have_v not_o sin_v and_o therefore_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n must_v be_v infiâ—ly_o preferable_a to_o all_o these_o ceremonial_a sacrifice_n puâ—gings_n and_o wash_n which_o probable_o they_o incline_v to_o join_v with_o he_o in_o the_o word_n read_v the_o apostle_n illustraâ—s_v and_o confirm_v the_o efficacy_n of_o christ_n blood_n by_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n obviate_a a_o objection_n which_o be_v this_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n have_v a_o good_a use_n and_o why_o then_o will_v you_o cry_v they_o down_o he_o answer_v they_o have_v a_o use_n as_o they_o respect_v christ_n sacrifice_n that_o be_v in_o due_a time_n to_o be_v actual_o offer_v and_o as_o they_o â—ed_v it_o and_o also_o as_o to_o a_o ceremonial_a cleanse_n or_o holiness_n but_o they_o can_v not_o as_o pertain_v to_o the_o conscience_n make_v a_o man_n perfect_a and_o say_v he_o if_o these_o ceremony_n have_v a_o efficacy_n as_o to_o the_o outward_a man_n and_o make_v ceremonial_o and_o external_o clean_a or_o holy_a how_o much_o more_o shall_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v efficacious_a to_o the_o cleanse_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o inner_a man_n if_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n have_v a_o efficacy_n towards_o the_o admit_v of_o a_o man_n to_o external_a ordinance_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n have_v a_o efficacy_n to_o purge_v the_o conscience_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o to_o take_v away_o the_o sting_n and_o guilt_n and_o the_o defilement_n also_o of_o sin_n and_o to_o make_v it_o quiet_a and_o so_o to_o capacitat_fw-la the_o man_n to_o be_v adâ—tted_v to_o real_a fellowship_n with_o he_o in_o his_o ordinance_n that_o the_o comparison_n may_v be_v the_o more_o clear_a he_o use_v â—ere_z a_o threefold_a distinction_n 1._o of_o a_o twofold_a uncleanness_n one_o of_o the_o flesh_n or_o outward_a man_n another_o of_o a_o man_n sâ—ate_n and_o conscience_n before_o god_n the_o first_o relate_v to_o the_o man_n practice_n and_o make_v he_o that_o be_v ceremonial_o unclean_a to_o be_v thirst_n without_o the_o camp_n and_o to_o continue_v so_o till_o he_o be_v legal_o cleanse_v the_o second_o mar_v the_o man_n peace_n before_o god_n the_o 2d_o distinction_n be_v of_o a_o twofold_a court_n wherein_o this_o uncleanness_n be_v charge_v upon_o the_o man_n the_o one_o be_v a_o court_n wherein_o the_o man_n flesh_n iâ—_n as_o it_o be_v judge_v and_o that_o be_v by_o man_n according_a to_o his_o external_a procession_n the_o other_o be_v a_o court_n wherein_o his_o spiritual_a 〈◊〉_d be_v judge_v and_o that_o be_v his_o conscience_n in_o the_o first_o court_n if_o the_o moral_a law_n charge_v he_o not_o with_o guilt_n it_o be_v not_o ask_v whether_o his_o conscience_n be_v guilty_a or_o not_o but_o he_o be_v on_o his_o outward_a cleanse_n admit_v to_o church_n privilege_n but_o the_o second_o court_n which_o be_v call_v the_o court_n of_o conscience_n look_v not_o aâ—_n thing_n as_o they_o appear_v before_o man_n but_o as_o they_o be_v before_o god_n and_o therefore_o will_v challenge_v when_o man_n do_v not_o challenge_v the_o 3d._a distinction_n be_v of_o a_o twofold_a sanctification_n the_o first_o be_v that_o of_o the_o flesh_n speak_v of_o v_o 13._o and_o that_o be_v when_o a_o man_n be_v make_v external_o clean_a or_o holy_a whereby_o he_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o congregagation_n the_o other_o be_v that_o which_o be_v inward_a which_o admit_v not_o only_o to_o external_a church-fellowship_n but_o to_o real_a internal-fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o to_o peace_n and_o calmness_n of_o conscience_n now_o for_o quiet_v the_o conscience_n and_o for_o give_v a_o man_n peace_n he_o tell_v they_o that_o though_o these_o external_a ceremony_n admit_v he_o to_o the_o congregation_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o purify_v his_o conscience_n but_o that_o notwithstanding_o of_o all_o these_o the_o quarrel_n be_v not_o take_v away_o before_o god_n and_o so_o they_o can_v not_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o inward_a peace_n nor_o bring_v it_o in_o to_o the_o man_n soul_n and_o conscience_n but_o that_o its_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n which_o only_o do_v that_o and_o therefore_o his_o sacrifice_n be_v more_o excellent_a than_o all_o these_o ceremonial_a sacrifice_n sprinkling_n and_o wash_n for_o it_o admit_v a_o man_n to_o peace_n with_o god_n and_o give_v he_o quietness_n in_o his_o own_o conscience_n to_o leave_v the_o comparison_n then_o we_o have_v in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o these_o word_n which_o we_o intend_v to_o insist_v on_o a_o notable_a effect_n and_o the_o great_a efficacy_n of_o christ_n blood_n in_o purge_v of_o the_o conscience_n hold_v forth_o in_o these_o particular_n 1._o it_o be_v employ_v that_o the_o state_n of_o a_o man_n conscience_n by_o nature_n be_v this_o viz._n it_o be_v pollute_v and_o defile_v by_o dead_a work_n 2._o that_o the_o great_a mean_a whereby_o the_o conscience_n be_v purge_v and_o make_v clean_o be_v the_o blood_n of_o christ._n 3_o the_o end_n wherefore_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v make_v clean_o be_v that_o they_o they_o may_v serve_v the_o live_a god_n 4._o the_o proof_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o this_o blood_n in_o these_o word_n of_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o verse_n the_o blood_n of_o christ_n who_o through_o the_o eternal_a spirit_n offer_v himself_o without_o spot_n to_o god_n be_v take_v from_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o of_o the_o altar_n whereby_o the_o sacrifice_n be_v sanctify_v we_o shall_v in_o pass_v observe_v a_o few_o thing_n that_o may_v make_v way_n â—or_a clear_n of_o the_o word_n and_o for_o that_o which_o we_o chief_o intend_v to_o speak_v to_o from_o they_o and_o 1._o observe_v that_o the_o state_n of_o man_n conscience_n by_o nature_n be_v that_o they_o be_v pollute_v by_o dead_a work_n which_o be_v such_o work_n as_o be_v to_o be_v repent_v of_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o they_o heb._n 6._o 1._o whereby_o he_o plain_o insinuat_v that_o sin_n be_v call_v deaâ—_n work_n for_o three_o reason_n 1._o because_o of_o a_o dead_a principle_n they_o proceed_v from_o they_o flow_v from_o man_n that_o be_v dead_a by_o nature_n as_o to_o any_o spiritual_a life_n dead_a in_o sin_n and_o trespuss_n and_o even_o the_o sin_n of_o believer_n themselves_o be_v such_o as_o proceed_v from_o they_o in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v not_o quicken_v and_o renew_v 2_o because_o of_o their_o demerit_n and_o that_o which_o they_o deserve_v which_o be_v eternal_a death_n final_a continuance_n wherein_o do_v at_o last_o most_o certain_o bring_v on_o eternal_a death_n 3_o because_o though_o a_o