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
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
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
there_o be_v no_o heal_n of_o his_o wound_n till_o a_o word_n from_o god_n himself_o do_v it_o it_o be_v on_o the_o contrary_a a_o ill_a token_n when_o a_o conscience_n see_v sin_n and_o can_v speak_v peace_n to_o itself_o on_o this_o ground_n that_o there_o be_v mercy_n in_o god_n and_o yet_o never_o apply_v the_o blood_n of_o sprinkle_v to_o purge_v it_o from_o dead_a work_n nor_o seek_v to_o have_v the_o word_n speak_v as_o it_o be_v from_o god_n own_o mouth_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o legal_a conscience_n will_v make_v amends_o to_o god_n will_v give_v he_o sacrifice_n enough_o and_o perform_v many_o duty_n to_o he_o look_v for_o his_o acceptance_n only_o on_o account_n of_o these_o and_o that_o be_v as_o ill_a a_o token_n but_o a_o good_a conscience_n rest_v not_o on_o any_o of_o these_o but_o though_o it_o have_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o a_o break_a and_o contrite_a spirit_n to_o offer_v to_o god_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o rest_n on_o that_o nor_o on_o any_o duty_n but_o be_v put_v beyond_o these_o to_o rest_v on_o christ_n and_o on_o his_o sacrifice_n purge_v i_o with_o hyssop_n etc._n etc._n say_v david_n psal._n 51._o and_o this_o be_v a_o clear_a and_o certain_a difference_v mark_n even_o to_o consider_v well_o whereon_o conscience_n rest_v for_o peace_n after_o a_o challenge_n and_o to_o make_v sure_a that_o it_o rest_v thus_o on_o christ._n a_o 3d._a character_n be_v that_o a_o good_a conscience_n will_v both_o challenge_v and_o speak_v peace_n at_o one_o time_n it_o can_v stand_v up_o and_o defend_v itself_o against_o a_o challenge_n thus_o when_o the_o law_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n come_v and_o charge_v it_o with_o many_o defect_n in_o duty_n and_o denounce_v wrath_n against_o it_o because_o of_o these_o it_o will_v humble_o take_v with_o they_o and_o yet_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n in_o the_o very_a time_n it_o can_v betake_v itself_o to_o christ_n and_o produce_v a_o word_n of_o peace_n that_o it_o have_v ready_a at_o hand_n from_o he_o this_o we_o may_v see_v in_o paul_n 1_o tim._n 1._o 13._o i_o be_v say_v he_o before_o a_o blasphemer_n a_o persecuter_n and_o injurious_a but_o i_o obtain_v mercy_n it_o be_v a_o evil_a token_n when_o man_n either_o have_v only_a challenge_n and_o no_o peace_n or_o only_a peace_n and_o no_o challenge_n at_o all_o as_o it_o be_v also_o a_o evil_a token_n to_o offer_v to_o maintain_v peace_n by_o shift_a challenge_n or_o to_o give_v over_o press_v after_o and_o maintain_v of_o peace_n by_o give_v way_n to_o challenge_n but_o it_o be_v a_o good_a token_n when_o conscience_n can_v take_v kind_o with_o and_o be_v humble_v under_o challenge_n and_o yet_o debate_v against_o they_o so_o as_o to_o keep_v and_o maintain_v peace_n and_o can_v give_v a_o warrant_n for_o its_o do_v so_o which_o be_v indeed_o a_o great_a practic_n in_o religion_n we_o may_v see_v a_o clear_a instance_n of_o this_o in_o joâ—_a who_o say_v chap._n 7._o 20._o i_o have_v sin_v what_o shall_v i_o do_v unto_o thou_o o_o thou_o preserver_n of_o man_n where_o he_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o have_v sin_v and_o can_v make_v amends_o and_o yet_o chap._n 27._o 4_o 5._o he_o say_v with_o holy_a boldness_n and_o peremptoryness_n my_o lip_n shall_v not_o speak_v wickedness_n nor_o my_o tongue_n utter_a deceit_n god_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v justify_v you_o till_o i_o die_v i_o will_v not_o remove_v my_o integrity_n from_o i_o when_o god_n speak_v or_o seem_v to_o speak_v wrath_n his_o angry_a countenance_n drive_v he_o not_o away_o from_o he_o though_o say_v he_o chap._n 13._o 15._o he_o shall_v kill_v i_o yet_o i_o will_v trust_v in_o he_o but_o i_o will_v maintain_v my_o own_o way_n before_o he_o and_o vers_n 16._o a_o hypocrite_n shall_v not_o come_v before_o he_o the_o hypocrite_n or_o legal_a man_n give_v it_o over_o when_o he_o be_v thus_o put_v hard_a to_o it_o â—_o though_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o he_o to_o presume_v while_o the_o law_n and_o wrath_n break_v not_o in_o yet_o when_o the_o law_n come_v sin_n revive_v and_o he_o die_v as_o it_o be_v rom._n 79._o it_o be_v easy_a to_o have_v peace_n so_o long_o as_o god_n speak_v not_o downright_a against_o it_o but_o when_o he_o come_v to_o set_v all_o a_o man_n sin_n in_o order_n before_o he_o he_o will_v with_o judas_n run_v and_o hang_v himself_o rather_o than_o abide_v that_o torment_a conscience_n of_o he_o terrible_o denounce_v war_n and_o wrath_n from_o god_n against_o he_o a_o four_o character_n be_v that_o a_o good_a conscience_n will_v love_v to_o entertain_v and_o welcome_v a_o challenge_n but_o a_o ill_a conscience_n can_v abide_v nor_o endure_v a_o challenge_n and_o if_o it_o can_v it_o will_v have_v conscience_n always_o silent_a and_o quiet_a when_o yet_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v quiet_a neither_o have_v it_o any_o ground_n to_o be_v so_o he_o who_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n be_v glad_a to_o have_v sin_n discover_v and_o conscience_n keep_v wake_v he_o think_v a_o sanctify_a conviction_n of_o sin_n a_o valueable_a mercy_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o he_o aim_v not_o so_o much_o at_o this_o to_o have_v peace_n in_o himself_o as_o to_o have_v a_o good_a and_o solid_a ground_n of_o peace_n betwixt_o god_n and_o he_o and_o to_o remove_v what_o may_v mar_v it_o whereas_o the_o hypocrite_n great_a design_n be_v to_o have_v peace_n on_o any_o term_n and_o by_o any_o mean_n and_o therefore_o when_o a_o challenge_n come_v close_o and_o home_o to_o he_o it_o be_v quite_o mar_v it_o be_v on_o this_o ground_n that_o a_o tender_a soul_n will_v design_o aggrege_n sin_n and_o even_o foster_v a_o challenge_n as_o david_n do_v psal._n â—1_n against_o thou_o thou_o only_o have_v i_o sin_v whereas_o a_o saul_n will_v defend_v his_o own_o sinful_a practice_n and_o seek_v to_o shift_v the_o challenge_n as_o we_o may_v see_v 1_o sam._n 15._o 10._o yea_o i_o have_v keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n say_v that_o proud_a hypocrite_n a_o 5_o character_n or_o difference_n be_v that_o a_o good_a conscience_n maintain_v its_o peace_n both_o from_o the_o law_n and_o from_o the_o gospel_n and_o will_v needs_o have_v peace_n in_o some_o measure_n in_o respect_n of_o both_o else_o it_o will_v not_o be_v satisfy_v the_o evil_a conscience_n again_o take_v its_o peace_n from_o the_o one_o and_o not_o from_o the_o other_o and_o so_o take_v a_o wrong_a rule_n or_o ground_n for_o sound_v and_o try_v of_o its_o peace_n a_o honest_a man_n that_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n have_v respect_n to_o the_o law_n and_o will_v not_o thwart_v it_o yea_o the_o challenge_v and_o condemn_v part_n of_o it_o be_v welcome_v and_o the_o threaten_n of_o it_o have_v influence_n on_o he_o to_o make_v he_o fear_v and_o as_o he_o respect_v the_o law_n so_o he_o respect_v the_o gospel_n and_o look_v well_o to_o believe_v repentance_n self-searching_a examination_n meditation_n and_o to_o his_o manner_n of_o perform_v these_o and_o of_o all_o his_o other_o duty_n that_o none_o of_o they_o come_v in_o the_o place_n of_o christ_n or_o get_v any_o thing_n of_o that_o which_o be_v his_o due_n and_o though_o he_o seem_v to_o himself_o to_o have_v faith_n in_o christ_n if_o he_o endeavour_v not_o to_o have_v holiness_n go_v along_o with_o it_o he_o dare_v not_o speak_v peace_n to_o himself_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o legal_a man_n or_o law-conscience_n if_o it_o be_v in_o good_a term_n as_o he_o suppose_v with_o the_o law_n it_o look_v not_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o gospel_n whether_o the_o man_n be_v indeed_o flee_v to_o christ_n or_o be_v in_o good_a term_n with_o god_n through_o he_o and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o presumptuous_a conscience_n when_o it_o hear_v the_o law_n and_o the_o threaten_n thereof_o it_o â—ome_v way_n tush_v at_o these_o and_o under_o pretext_n of_o betake_v itself_o to_o christ_n it_o tear_v as_o it_o be_v away_o the_o law_n and_o this_o mistake_n halve_a and_o divide_v of_o the_o rule_n make_v many_o man_n think_v that_o their_o conscience_n speak_v good_a to_o they_o when_o it_o do_v not_o so_o but_o have_v rather_o ground_n to_o speak_v evil_a and_o wo._n and_o in_o the_o by_o you_o who_o think_v you_o have_v good_a conscience_n try_v they_o by_o this_o mark_n if_o you_o walk_v humble_o under_o conscience-convictions_a take_v with_o they_o and_o if_o they_o be_v welcome_a to_o you_o as_o well_o as_o a_o word_n of_o peace_n a_o 6_o character_n or_o difference_n be_v that_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v holy_o jealous_a and_o suspicious_a while_o a_o evil_a conscience_n be_v presumptuous_o confident_a and_o bold_a we_o say_v a_o good_a conscience_n be_v suspicious_a and_o therefore_o be_v often_o put_v
apostle_n 1_o peter_n 2._o 19_o or_o if_o he_o give_v a_o cup_n of_o cold_a water_n to_o â—_o disciple_n in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o disciple_n he_o shall_v not_o lose_v his_o reward_n matth._n 10_o 42._o thus_o two_o person_n come_v to_o church_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n the_o one_o out_o of_o conscience_n in_o obedience_n to_o god_n command_n and_o from_o love_n to_o fellow_n ship_n with_o he_o in_o his_o ordinance_n and_o the_o other_o for_o the_o fashion_n and_o because_o its_o the_o custom_n or_o that_o he_o may_v eschew_v from_o his_o own_o conscience_n the_o construction_n and_o accusation_n of_o his_o be_v a_o grisly_a proâ—ane_n and_o it_o religious_a person_n or_o on_o some_o such_o other_o sinister_a account_n the_o one_o hâ—th_v in_o so_o far_o ground_n of_o peace_n and_o the_o refresh_a testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n the_o other_o not_o 5_o conscience_n must_v be_v satisfy_v in_o this_o question_n in_o who_o strength_n be_v the_o duty_n undertake_v be_v it_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v he_o depend_v on_o for_o assistance_n in_o the_o go_n about_o of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o the_o duty_n be_v go_v about_o and_o he_o some_o way_n acknowledge_v in_o it_o unless_o he_o be_v also_o believe_o depend_v on_o for_o strength_n to_o enable_v to_o the_o suitable_a performance_n of_o it_o 6_o what_o be_v your_o end_n in_o undertake_v and_o prosecute_n of_o such_o a_o duty_n or_o action_n whether_o be_v it_o some_o self-end_n or_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o as_o in_o your_o eat_n and_o drink_v do_v you_o eat_v and_o drink_v to_o satisfy_v your_o appetit_fw-la only_o or_o main_o or_o to_o enable_v you_o to_o serve_v god_n and_o to_o do_v good_a to_o other_o in_o your_o station_n and_o capacity_n in_o your_o seek_v such_o and_o such_o gift_n from_o god_n by_o prayer_n whether_o be_v it_o that_o you_o may_v bestow_v or_o consume_v they_o on_o your_o lust_n as_o james_n say_v some_o do_v chap._n 4._o 3._o or_o be_v it_o that_o you_o may_v be_v help_v to_o adorn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n the_o propose_v of_o a_o right_a end_n be_v a_o main_a ingredient_n in_o every_o action_n and_o have_v great_a influence_n on_o your_o peace_n we_o preach_v not_o our_o self_n save_v the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 5._o bâ—t_n christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n we_o be_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v in_o our_o preach_n not_o seek_v ourselves_o but_o he_o nor_o our_o own_o praise_n or_o applause_n to_o ourselves_o but_o his_o glory_n and_o exaltation_n and_o this_o have_v much_o influence_n on_o his_o peace_n and_o joy_n conscience_n must_v be_v also_o satisfy_v in_o this_o by_o any_o mean_n 7_o after_o what_o manner_n be_v the_o action_n or_o duty_n go_v about_o be_v it_o in_o sincerity_n and_o singleness_n in_o a_o spiritual_a way_n be_v the_o inner_a and_o new_a man_n exercise_v in_o it_o suppose_v the_o duty_n for_o instance_n to_o be_v prayer_n be_v it_o go_v about_o in_o the_o spirit_n be_v grace_n act_v in_o it_o and_o be_v you_o serious_a lively_a humble_a tender_a reverend_a servant_n etc._n etc._n in_o it_o 8_o be_v there_o nothing_o wrong_v in_o the_o action_n or_o duty_n no_o mixture_n of_o corruption_n with_o the_o act_n of_o grace_n no_o selfinesse_n mix_v with_o your_o singleness_n or_o at_o the_o best_a be_v there_o not_o some_o mixture_n of_o other_o end_n with_o the_o main_a end_n which_o though_o it_o do_v not_o simple_o make_v the_o action_n or_o duty_n condemnable_a and_o to_o be_v reject_v especial_o when_o take_v with_o and_o mourn_v for_o and_o christ_n make_v use_v of_o for_o the_o pardon_n of_o it_o yet_o it_o will_v considerable_o weaken_v conscience_n its_o testimony_n and_o the_o joy_n result_v from_o it_o in_o so_o far_o as_o these_o sinful_a mixture_n aâ—e_v 9_o be_v you_o stretch_v yourselves_o to_o the_o yondmost_a in_o the_o performance_n of_o such_o a_o action_n or_o duty_n to_o have_v it_o right_n as_o to_o all_o the_o former_a requisit_n be_v there_o nothing_o leave_v undo_v that_o may_v and_o shall_v have_v be_v do_v be_v you_o not_o only_o aim_v at_o the_o right_a end_n but_o according_a to_o your_o light_n endeavour_v to_o take_v every_o way_n and_o make_v use_n of_o every_o approven_v mean_a for_o the_o compass_n and_o bring_v about_o of_o that_o end_n now_o if_o we_o will_v all_o serious_o reflect_v and_o look_v about_o we_o how_o few_o how_o very_a few_o be_v there_o to_o be_v find_v who_o can_v answer_v these_o question_n affirmative_o in_o any_o acceptable_a measure_n who_o alace_o can_v say_v they_o have_v do_v all_o they_o shall_v or_o even_o may_v have_v do_v as_o to_o matter_n and_o manner_n from_o right_a principle_n and_o motive_n to_o a_o right_a end_n that_o they_o have_v use_v all_o mean_n without_o omit_v any_o that_o they_o have_v give_v all_o dillgence_n that_o they_o have_v make_v use_n of_o christ_n strength_n and_o be_v single_a and_o sincere_a etc._n etc._n in_o their_o performance_n and_o yet_o when_o all_o this_o be_v some_o way_n do_v you_o must_v yet_o answer_v one_o or_o two_o question_n more_o ere_o you_o can_v have_v solid_a peace_n and_o joy_n from_o the_o good_a testimony_n of_o your_o conscience_n 1._o whether_o be_v you_o proud_a and_o conceity_n in_o the_o perform_n of_o such_o and_o such_o duty_n for_o if_o that_o dead_a flee_v come_v in_o on_o the_o do_n of_o the_o best_a duty_n it_o will_v make_v all_o to_o stink_v and_o yet_o ofttimes_o christian_n spoil_v their_o duty_n and_o very_o much_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o the_o joyful_a testimony_n of_o their_o conscience_n even_o when_o they_o have_v be_v right_a for_o matter_n and_o manner_n by_o their_o be_v vain_a conceity_n and_o proud_a of_o they_o 2_o whether_o have_v you_o washen_v your_o best_a duty_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n for_o if_o this_o be_v want_v it_o will_v great_o mar_v your_o peace_n and_o joy_n now_o i_o will_v again_o ask_v you_o if_o you_o can_v say_v that_o your_o duty_n have_v be_v conform_a to_o these_o requisit_n if_o not_o how_o be_v it_o that_o you_o be_v so_o secure_a and_o can_v allege_v that_o you_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n or_o how_o can_v you_o so_o confident_o expect_v peace_n and_o joy_n from_o â—ts_n testimony_n or_o think_v you_o nothing_o to_o prostitute_v and_o as_o it_o be_v to_o make_v a_o bachel_n of_o this_o excellent_a thing_n the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n as_o if_o you_o can_v take_v it_o up_o in_o a_o manner_n at_o your_o foot_n ah_o be_v there_o nothing_o that_o can_v make_v a_o crack_n in_o or_o a_o breach_n upon_o your_o peace_n of_o conscience_n you_o will_v possible_o say_v that_o you_o have_v all_o sin_v if_o so_o how_o can_v you_o have_v peace_n to_o lie_v down_o in_o sin_n it_o be_v true_a the_o simple_a have_v of_o sin_n when_o it_o suitable_o affect_v shall_v not_o quite_o mar_v and_o bereave_v a_o person_n of_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n where_o grace_n be_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o there_o be_v sincerity_n and_o singleness_n in_o endeavour_v to_o be_v in_o case_n affirmative_o in_o some_o measure_n to_o answer_v the_o question_n before_o propose_v but_o the_o utter_a neglect_n of_o these_o thing_n a_o connive_n at_o they_o and_o indifferency_n whether_o the_o requisit_n be_v or_o not_o a_o not_o wrestle_v and_o strive_v in_o the_o strength_n of_o christ_n against_o sin_n and_o to_o get_v duty_n suitable_o perform_v in_o the_o same_o strength_n a_o not_o seek_v to_o have_v man_n best_a duty_n washen_v as_o i_o say_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lamb_n can_v but_o quite_o deprive_v of_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o altogether_o obstruct_v the_o peace_n and_o joy_n that_o flow_v from_o it_o a_o believer_n indeed_o not_o allow_v himself_o in_o his_o short-coming_n in_o these_o thing_n call_v for_o and_o make_v frequent_a application_n to_o christ_n for_o strength_n to_o do_v better_o and_o for_o pardon_n of_o what_o be_v wrong_a and_o walk_v humble_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o fail_n and_o short_a come_n may_v have_v peace_n even_o though_o in_o many_o thing_n he_o fail_v and_o come_v short_a and_o though_o there_o be_v some_o mixture_n of_o corruption_n go_v along_o with_o his_o grace_n and_o of_o hypocrisy_n with_o his_o sincerity_n in_o his_o best_a duty_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o apostle_n paul_n who_o have_v a_o law_n in_o his_o member_n which_o he_o most_o sad_o bemoan_v rome_n â—_o rebel_a against_o the_o law_n of_o his_o mind_n even_o when_o he_o have_v this_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o much_o peace_n and_o joy_n result_v from_o it_o but_o a_o secure_a
any_o kingdom_n or_o common_a wealth_n erect_v as_o himself_o every_o where_o assert_n 4_o that_o if_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n shall_v have_v be_v forbid_v by_o the_o lawful_a sovereign_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o world_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o baptise_v they_o shall_v in_o obedience_n to_o they_o have_v forbear_v which_o mr._n hobbs_n plain_o without_o a_o blush_n insinuate_v when_o he_o say_v page_n 311._o our_o saviour_n give_v his_o apostle_n power_n to_o preach_v and_o baptize_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n suppose_v that_o they_o be_v not_o forbid_v by_o their_o own_o lawful_a sovereign_n have_v they_o not_o their_o commission_n from_o their_o master_n in_o most_o ample_a form_n without_o any_o the_o least_o either_o direct_a or_o indirect_a intimation_n of_o such_o a_o exceptation_n or_o imitation_n math._n 28._o 19_o 20._o go_v you_o therefore_o say_v he_o to_o they_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o command_v you_o that_o be_v of_o whatsoever_o nature_n they_o be_v whether_o they_o be_v clear_a by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o be_v divine_a positives_n whoever_o forbid_v or_o command_v you_o â—o_o the_o contrary_a and_o mark_v 16_o v._n 15._o go_v you_o say_v he_o to_o they_o into_o all_o the_o world_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n which_o accordingy_a they_o do_v v_o 20._o and_o they_o go_v forth_o and_o preach_v every_o where_o not_o only_a where_o they_o be_v not_o forbid_v do_v they_o not_o preach_v the_o gospel_n at_o jerusalem_n notwithstanding_o they_o be_v several_o not_o without_o threaten_n forbid_v by_o their_o own_o sovereign_n the_o council_n and_o tell_v they_o plain_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n wherein_o they_o can_v not_o obey_v both_o allege_v that_o they_o can_v not_o but_o speak_v the_o thing_n that_o they_o have_v hear_v and_o see_v without_o any_o such_o regard_n as_o might_n imp_v they_o in_o their_o work_n to_o the_o strait_a threaten_n and_o prohibition_n to_o speak_v at_o all_o or_o to_o preach_v in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n and_o lest_o any_o shall_v say_v or_o think_v that_o this_o be_v more_o than_o they_o have_v warrant_n for_o we_o be_v tell_v after_o the_o inhibition_n to_o preach_v and_o after_o their_o imprisonment_n for_o contrauâ—ning_n from_o which_o they_o be_v miraculous_o set_v free_a that_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o have_v open_v their_o prison_n door_n charge_v they_o thus_o go_v and_o stand_v and_o speak_v in_o the_o temple_n to_o the_o people_n whatsoever_o the_o ruler_n think_v oâ—_n it_o and_o notwithstanding_o they_o have_v inâ—bited_v and_o imprison_v you_o all_o the_o word_n of_o this_o life_n of_o all_o which_o the_o divine_a historian_n give_v we_o a_o account_n in_o the_o 4._o and_o 5._o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o why_o i_o pray_v do_v he_o not_o as_o well_o make_v the_o supposition_n of_o their_o not_o be_v forbid_v by_o any_o lawful_a sovereign_n as_o by_o their_o own_o since_o he_o will_v not_o neither_o do_v deny_v that_o lawful_a sovereign_a power_n may_v prohibit_v stranger_n within_o their_o own_o dominion_n to_o preach_v or_o practise_v against_o the_o law_n oâ—_n public_a conscience_n and_o chastise_v they_o for_o controvention_n and_o disobedience_n except_v always_o the_o person_n of_o ambassador_n and_o herald_n send_v from_o other_o civil_a sovereign_n which_o use_v to_o be_v account_v in_o a_o manner_n sacred_a and_o inviolabe_n as_o well_o as_o their_o own_o native_a subject_n and_o if_o so_o have_v the_o apostle_n be_v forbid_v to_o preach_v and_o baptize_v by_o the_o sovereign_a power_n of_o every_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n whether_o they_o come_v as_o they_o can_v not_o ready_o nor_o reasonable_o expect_v but_o they_o will_v all_o the_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o world_n be_v then_o pagan_a except_v that_o of_o the_o jew_n where_o will_v they_o or_o can_v they_o have_v preach_v and_o baptize_v and_o what_o will_v have_v become_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o a_o gospel_n church_n do_v not_o paul_n and_o silas_n after_o the_o magistrate_n of_o the_o city_n of_o philippi_n have_v it_o seem_v with_o their_o own_o hand_n debase_v themselves_o in_o their_o â—ury_n below_o the_o dignity_n of_o their_o office_n rend_v off_o their_o clothes_n lay_v many_o stripe_n on_o they_o and_o casten_z they_o into_o prison_n for_o their_o preach_n and_o teach_v custom_n as_o be_v allege_v by_o their_o accuser_n which_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o be_v receive_v or_o observe_v by_o they_o be_v roman_n do_v they_o not_o i_o say_v go_v in_o and_o exhort_v or_o preach_v to_o the_o brethren_n in_o the_o house_n of_o lydia_n &_o that_o after_o they_o be_v by_o the_o magistrate_n desire_v to_o depart_v out_o of_o the_o city_n as_o we_o may_v see_v act_v 16._o 5ly_n that_o private_a person_n live_v in_o kingdom_n or_o commonwealth_n do_v not_o sin_n and_o shall_v be_v keep_v harmless_a in_o obey_v the_o law_n and_o command_n of_o their_o lawful_a sovereign_n though_o cross_v the_o dictate_v of_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o it_o may_v be_v cross_a to_o the_o positive_a command_n of_o god_n the_o first_o of_o these_o new_a teacher_n mr._n hobbs_n tell_v we_o as_o we_o show_v before_o in_o the_o first_o absurdity_n in_o the_o caâ—e_n of_o deny_v christ_n before_o man_n most_o dreadful_o threaten_v by_o he_o with_o deny_v they_o before_o his_o father_n that_o whatever_o a_o subject_a as_o naaman_n be_v be_v compel_v eo_fw-la in_o obedience_n to_o his_o sovereign_n and_o do_v it_o not_o in_o order_n to_o his_o own_o mind_n but_o in_o order_n to_o the_o law_n of_o his_o own_o country_n that_o action_n be_v not_o he_o but_o his_o sovereign_n nor_o be_v it_o he_o that_o in_o this_o case_n deny_v christ_n but_o his_o sovereign_n and_o the_o law_n of_o his_o country_n and_o page_n 309._o the_o civil_a sovereign_n may_v make_v law_n suitable_a to_o his_o doctrine_n for_o he_o will_v have_v he_o to_o be_v the_o only_a sovereign_a teacher_n of_o the_o people_n that_o be_v under_o he_o jure_fw-la divino_fw-la which_o quite_o â—ulls_v the_o divine_a right_n of_o all_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o may_v oblige_v man_n to_o such_o action_n as_o they_o will_v not_o otherways_o do_v and_o which_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o command_v and_o when_o they_o be_v command_v they_o be_v law_n and_o the_o external_a action_n that_o be_v do_v in_o obedience_n to_o they_o without_o the_o inward_a approbation_n be_v the_o action_n of_o the_o sovereign_n and_o not_o of_o the_o subject_a who_o in_o that_o 〈◊〉_d but_o the_o instrument_n without_o any_o motion_n of_o his_o own_o at_o all_o because_o god_n have_v command_v to_o obey_v they_o alas_o the_o poor_a subject_n be_v here_o by_o he_o not_o only_o rob_v of_o his_o judgement_n of_o private_a discreet_a on_o and_o conscience_n as_o to_o his_o own_o act_n which_o be_v hard_a enough_o but_o in_o a_o manner_n of_o a_o humane_a rational_a soul_n if_o not_o also_o of_o a_o sensitive_a one_o and_o so_o degrade_v and_o detrude_v below_o the_o very_a beast_n that_o perish_v for_o he_o make_v he_o a_o mere_a instrument_n without_o any_o motion_n at_o all_o only_a he_o somewhat_o recover_v he_o from_o his_o brutâ—_n yea_o infrabrutal_a state_n by_o make_v he_o capable_a to_o obey_v command_n though_o against_o his_o conscience_n the_o other_o hobbist_n doctor_n who_o will_v not_o be_v outstripe_v by_o his_o master_n according_a to_o his_o manner_n dictate_v very_o magisteria_o that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o sin_n in_o the_o command_n of_o the_o sovereign_a power_n he_o that_o impose_v it_o shall_v answer_v it_o and_o not_o 1_n who_o whole_a duty_n be_v to_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o authority_n will_v warrant_v â—y_a obedience_n my_o obedience_n will_v hallow_v at_o least_o excuse_v my_o action_n and_o so_o secure_v i_o from_o sin_n if_o not_o from_o error_n very_o easy_a soâ—t_n and_o smooth_a doctrine_n indeed_o for_o private_a person_n and_o subject_n if_o its_o teacher_n can_v assure_v we_o of_o its_o certain_a and_o infallible_a truth_n and_o of_o its_o consonancy_n and_o agreeablenesse_n with_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n but_o subject_n must_v not_o cast_v their_o soul_n at_o haphazard_n on_o the_o bare_a and_o unproved_a assert_n of_o these_o gentleman_n who_o give_v we_o no_o great_a proof_n of_o either_o their_o truth_n or_o tenderness_n in_o other_o great_a concern_v of_o religion_n especial_o since_o the_o divine_o inspire_a apostle_n reach_v we_o quite_o other_o doctrine_n while_o he_o tell_v we_o more_o general_o 2._o cor._n 5._o v._n 10._o that_o
all_o man_n and_o more_o especial_o of_o believer_n to_o walk_v so_o as_o they_o may_v always_o keep_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n yea_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o duty_n but_o we_o may_v look_v on_o it_o as_o a_o excellent_a mean_n for_o advance_v of_o holiness_n the_o six_o be_v where_o man_n honest_o aim_v to_o keep_v a_o conscience_n always_o void_a of_o offence_n it_o will_v be_v a_o exercise_v and_o uptake_v thing_n the_o seven_o be_v where_o this_o exercise_n be_v neglect_v and_o not_o serious_o carry_v on_o the_o conscience_n be_v leave_v to_o stumble_v at_o and_o to_o abound_v with_o offence_n as_o for_o the_o first_o that_o there_o be_v many_o kind_n of_o offence_n which_o people_n be_v subject_a to_o towards_o god_n and_o man_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n uncontroverted_a by_o all_o and_o we_o need_v say_v little_a of_o it_o only_o first_o there_o be_v sin_n against_o the_o first_o table_n which_o be_v offence_n towards_o god_n be_v immediate_o against_o he_o and_o there_o be_v sin_n against_o the_o second_o table_n which_o although_o they_o be_v against_o god_n yet_o immediate_o they_o touch_v and_o reflect_v on_o man_n 2._o there_o be_v sin_n against_o god_n that_o be_v secret_a which_o god_n only_o be_v witness_n to_o and_o there_o be_v open_a sin_n which_o scandalize_v man_n paul_n endeavour_v to_o eschew_v all_o these_o for_o all_o be_v â—ins_n against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o wound_a of_o the_o conscience_n the_o second_o be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o conscience_n within_o every_o man_n which_o take_v notice_n of_o every_o piece_n of_o his_o carriage_n and_o be_v according_o affect_v with_o it_o and_o affect_v he_o for_o it_o this_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o that_o follow_v and_o have_v need_v to_o be_v more_o particular_o speak_v unto_o this_o truth_n than_o contain_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o conscience_n in_o every_o man_n that_o take_v notice_n of_o every_o piece_n of_o his_o way_n and_o walk_v hence_o it_o be_v say_v to_o bear_v witness_n 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 it_o be_v also_o say_v to_o accuse_v or_o excuse_v rom._n 2._o 15._o it_o witness_n for_o man_n and_o excuse_n and_o comfort_v they_o when_o they_o do_v well_o and_o witness_v against_o they_o accuse_v and_o reprove_v they_o when_o they_o do_v evil_a and_o so_o be_v to_o they_o as_o a_o check_n captor_n or_o censor_n the_o apostle_n aim_v to_o have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n suppon_n that_o he_o and_o every_o man_n have_v a_o conscience_n and_o that_o it_o take_v notice_n of_o every_o thing_n and_o will_v take_v offence_n if_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o thwart_v with_o it_o we_o shall_v not_o in_o this_o place_n stand_v to_o debate_v what_o conscience_n be_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o power_n or_o a_o faculty_n a_o habit_n or_o a_o act_n which_o as_o it_o will_v not_o be_v much_o for_o your_o edification_n so_o it_o will_v transcend_v the_o reach_n of_o many_o of_o you_o only_o in_o the_o general_n we_o may_v call_v it_o a_o power_n wherewith_o god_n have_v endue_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o all_o his_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n 2._o we_o say_v â—ts_n according_o affect_v with_o every_o thing_n when_o the_o man_n do_v right_v it_o be_v please_v and_o when_o he_o do_v wrong_v its_o offend_a and_o wound_v as_o we_o may_v see_v 1_o cor._n 8._o 10_o 11._o so_o 1_o sam._n 24._o 5._o it_o be_v say_v david_n heart_n smite_v he_o and_o prov._n 18._o 14._o this_o be_v call_v a_o wound_a spirit_n 3._o as_o it_o be_v affect_v so_o it_o affect_v the_o person_n when_o a_o man_n have_v do_v well_o it_o excuse_n and_o clear_v he_o and_o when_o he_o have_v do_v evil_a and_o wrong_v it_o it_o challenge_v and_o accuse_v he_o in_o which_o respect_n conscience_n be_v call_v a_o judge_n pronounce_v sentence_n by_o absolve_v or_o condemn_v man_n scripture_n and_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o people_n and_o time_n clear_a and_o prove_v this_o 1._o the_o scripture_n say_v of_o heathen_n rom._n 2._o 15._o that_o their_o conscience_n bear_v they_o witness_v and_o their_o thought_n the_o mean_a while_n accuse_v or_o excuse_v one_o another_o it_o hold_v out_o this_o to_o have_v be_v in_o adam_n who_o immediate_o after_o the_o fall_n gen._n 3._o 10._o say_v i_o hear_v thy_o voice_n and_o be_v afraid_a terror_n seize_v on_o he_o it_o mention_n this_o also_o to_o have_v be_v in_o josephs_n brethren_n who_o gen._n 42._o 21._o say_v we_o be_v very_o guilty_a concern_v our_o brother_n and_o in_o david_n in_o that_o forecited_a 1_o of_o sam._n 24._o 5._o where_o its_o say_a that_o his_o heart_n smite_v he_o it_o be_v clear_o also_o suppose_v 1_o john_n 3._o 19_o 20_o 21._o where_o the_o apostle_n say_v 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 if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n where_o we_o will_v take_v notice_n that_o what_o be_v here_o and_o sometime_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n call_v the_o heart_n be_v in_o the_o text_n and_o elsewhere_a call_v the_o conscience_n which_o suppose_v this_o to_o be_v in_o every_o man_n it_o be_v further_a clear_a from_o the_o daily_a experience_n of_o all_o in_o all_o time_n for_o sometime_o it_o be_v pouse_v to_o duty_n sometime_o it_o be_v challenge_v for_o the_o omission_n of_o duty_n or_o for_o commission_n of_o the_o contrary_a evil_n sometime_o it_o be_v speak_v peace_n sometime_o it_o be_v mar_v peace_n and_o denounce_v war_n as_o it_o be_v all_o which_o plain_o evidence_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n in_o man_n so_o herod_n when_o he_o hear_v of_o christ_n miracle_n his_o conscience_n put_v he_o in_o mind_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n who_o he_o have_v behead_v and_o disquiet_v he_o with_o fear_n that_o john_n may_v have_v be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a something_o of_o it_o appear_v likewise_o in_o achab_n when_o it_o put_v he_o to_o put_v on_o sackcloth_n all_o which_o i_o say_v plain_o evidence_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n in_o man_n and_o beside_o full_a scripture-proof_n there_o be_v none_o but_o if_o they_o observe_v they_o will_v find_v their_o thought_n the_o mean_a while_n either_o accuse_v or_o else_o excuse_v they_o for_o further_o clear_v of_o this_o we_o shall_v speak_v a_o little_a first_o to_o what_o this_o conscience_n be_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a satisfy_o to_o explain_v it_o 2._o to_o the_o use_n and_o end_n of_o it_o and_o why_o god_n have_v place_v this_o in_o man_n where_o we_o shall_v show_v the_o several_a sort_n of_o conscience_n that_o be_v in_o man_n good_a and_o evil_n for_o the_o first_o to_o wit_n what_o conscience_n be_v we_o may_v for_o come_v at_o the_o understanding_n of_o it_o consider_v the_o name_n conscience_n which_o signify_v a_o co-knowledge_n or_o a_o knowledge_n go_v along_o with_o our_o knowledge_n which_o we_o may_v consider_v first_o as_o look_v to_o god_n knowledge_n go_v alongst_o with_o we_o and_o we_o go_n alongst_o with_o he_o and_o thus_o it_o imply_v as_o his_o knowledge_n of_o all_o our_o thought_n word_n and_o way_n so_o our_o knowledge_n together_o with_o his_o of_o these_o or_o our_o take_a notice_n of_o they_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o knowledge_n 2._o we_o may_v consider_v it_o as_o reflex-knowledge_n join_v with_o a_o direct_a knowledge_n as_o for_o instance_n when_o a_o man_n have_v a_o direct_a knowledge_n of_o prayer_n as_o his_o duty_n and_o a_o reflex_n knowledge_n go_v along_o with_o the_o practice_n or_o exercise_v of_o the_o duty_n whereby_o he_o see_v and_o discern_v himself_o either_o to_o behave_v suitable_o in_o it_o or_o to_o be_v faulty_a in_o this_o respect_n conscience_n be_v a_o practical_a knowledge_n take_v notice_n by_o a_o reflex_n act_n of_o a_o man_n way_n 3._o we_o may_v consider_v it_o as_o comprehend_v a_o knowledge_n of_o god_n law_n and_o then_o it_o signify_v a_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o compare_v with_o the_o law_n it_o have_v knowledge_n of_o the_o rule_n and_o so_o of_o what_o be_v duty_n and_o what_o be_v sin_n and_o withal_o it_o have_v in_o it_o the_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o and_o of_o our_o conformity_n or_o disconformity_n to_o the_o rule_n conscience_n then_o in_o this_o respect_n be_v a_o man_n knowledge_n of_o god_n will_v and_o of_o himself_o as_o compare_v with_o it_o 4._o we_o may_v consider_v this_o co_z knowledge_n as_o it_o suppose_v beside_o the_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o the_o knowledge_n of_o something_o take_v notice_n of_o we_o or_o of_o something_o depute_v in_o we_o by_o god_n to_o keep_v a_o record_n
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
christian_a walk_n according_a to_o conscience_n 〈◊〉_d these_o seven_o particular_n 1._o a_o man_n that_o will_v walk_v according_a to_o conscience_n must_v have_v a_o respect_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o duty_n in_o word_n thought_n and_o action_n for_o conscience_n will_v challenge_v for_o a_o idle_a word_n and_o for_o a_o sinful_a thought_n to_o simon_n act_v 8._o 22._o say_v the_o apostle_n pray_v god_n if_o perhaps_o the_o thought_n of_o thy_o hearâ—_n may_v be_v forgive_v thou_o which_o say_v that_o sinful_a thought_n may_v have_v influence_n to_o 〈◊〉_d the_o conscience_n and_o that_o a_o man_n who_o wouâ—d_v keep_v peace_n in_o his_o conscience_n shall_v dispense_v with_o himself_o in_o none_o of_o these_o 2._o a_o man_n that_o will_v walk_v according_a tâ—_n conscience_n must_v extend_v duty_n to_o all_o particular_n oâ—_n everâ—_n kind_n to_o every_o thought_n every_o word_n and_o every_o action_n â—or_a according_a as_o conscience_n when_o in_o case_n be_v please_v or_o displease_v in_o every_o one_o of_o these_o in_o public_a in_o private_a in_o secret_a in_o 〈◊〉_d or_o small_a duty_n or_o â—ins_n so_o it_o will_v accuse_v or_o excuse_v so_o then_o as_o conscience_n regard_v alâ—_n duty_n and_o kind_n of_o they_o so_o it_o regard_v every_o particular_a of_o every_o kind_n 3._o a_o man_n that_o will_v walk_v according_a to_o conscience_n must_v aim_v in_o his_o christian_a walk_n at_o the_o high_a degree_n in_o every_o one_o of_o these_o though_o he_o come_v short_a yet_o he_o must_v not_o dispense_v with_o himself_o in_o his_o short-coming_a in_o any_o of_o they_o for_o instance_n as_o he_o must_v love_v god_n so_o he_o must_v endeavour_v to_o love_v he_o with_o all_o his_o strength_n soul_n and_o mind_n and_o as_o he_o must_v be_v holy_a so_o he_o must_v aim_v to_o perfect_a holiness_n and_o to_o purify_v himself_o even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a in_o this_o respect_n the_o least_o defect_n will_v give_v conscience_n ground_n of_o a_o challenge_n and_o if_o he_o in_o the_o least_o but_o indirect_o dispense_v with_o himself_o in_o it_o it_o will_v breed_v a_o quarrel_n 4._o walk_v according_o to_o conscience_n tie_v a_o man_n to_o be_v in_o this_o aim_n and_o design_n always_o so_o as_o it_o allow_v of_o no_o intermission_n as_o for_o instance_n to_o study_v holiness_n in_o this_o or_o that_o condition_n of_o life_n and_o not_o in_o another_o or_o under_o the_o cross_n and_o not_o in_o prosperity_n but_o as_o the_o word_n be_v here_o in_o the_o tâ—xt_n he_o be_v always_o to_o exercise_v himself_o in_o this_o study_n and_o though_o a_o man_n shall_v live_v many_o year_n with_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n if_o he_o begin_v at_o last_o though_o iâ—_n be_v but_o now_o and_o then_o to_o take_v undue_a liberty_n conscience_n will_v take_v notice_n of_o it_o and_o challenge_n for_o it_o because_o the_o word_n the_o superior_a of_o conscience_n take_v notice_n of_o it_o 5._o to_o walk_v according_a to_o conscience_n extend_v itself_o to_o all_o circumstance_n and_o qualification_n of_o duty_n it_o look_v not_o only_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o duty_n that_o it_o be_v good_a but_o that_o it_o be_v spiritual_o prosecute_v in_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o it_o will_v look_v to_o the_o man_n aim_n that_o it_o be_v single_a and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o it_o will_v find_v fault_n it_o will_v look_v to_o his_o manner_n of_o do_v whether_o he_o be_v spiritual_a lively_a tender_a zealous_a etc._n etc._n in_o what_o he_o do_v and_o it_o will_v look_v from_o what_o principle_n he_o act_v from_o the_o strength_n of_o grace_n or_o from_o a_o gift_n from_o his_o own_o strength_n or_o from_o christ_n and_o it_o will_v look_v to_o what_o be_v his_o end_n or_o aim_v as_o i_o just_a now_o say_v whether_o he_o be_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n to_o himself_o or_o to_o god_n whether_o his_o end_n be_v to_o please_v man_n and_o to_o have_v their_o approbation_n and_o applause_n or_o to_o glorify_v god_n and_o to_o approve_v to_o he_o whether_o it_o be_v to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o his_o conscience_n or_o to_o honour_n god_n conscience_n take_v notice_n of_o these_o for_o sound_v its_o accuse_v or_o excuse_v and_o in_o this_o it_o differ_v from_o all_o court_n among_o man_n it_o will_v accuse_v and_o condemn_v where_o they_o will_v absolve_v &_o contra_fw-la 6._o conscience_n will_v put_v a_o man_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o all_o the_o mean_n opportunity_n and_o help_n whereby_o holiness_n may_v be_v further_v and_o if_o a_o man_n come_v short_a in_o the_o use_n of_o any_o mean_a it_o will_v put_v he_o to_o run_v the_o back_n trade_n as_o it_o be_v and_o to_o take_v with_o the_o guilt_n it_o will_v say_v man_n whither_o may_v thou_o not_o have_v have_v more_o knowledge_n have_v have_v so_o many_o opportunity_n to_o hear_v and_o learn_v have_v have_v such_o and_o such_o minister_n and_o christian_a friend_n to_o advise_v with_o and_o to_o be_v instruct_v by_o as_o the_o apostle_n have_v it_o heb._n 5._o 12._o you_o may_v have_v be_v teacher_n of_o other_o by_o reason_n of_o time_n and_o mean_n and_o yet_o you_o have_v need_n to_o be_v teach_v the_o first_o principle_n etc._n etc._n to_o have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o use_v every_o mean_a to_o further_o we_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n will_n and_o to_o attain_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o 7._o conscience_n will_v look_v especial_o to_o what_o use_n we_o make_v of_o our_o holiness_n and_o to_o what_o we_o lie_v before_o conscience_n to_o answer_v its_o challenge_n whether_o we_o bring_v our_o good_a mind_n our_o prayer_n external_n performance_n and_o our_o follow_v of_o ordinance_n to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o it_o and_o to_o silence_v the_o challenge_n and_o quench_v the_o fire_n to_o say_v so_o of_o conscience_n or_o whether_o we_o bring_v the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o blood_n of_o sprinkle_v if_o we_o compare_v heb._n 10._o vers_fw-la 2._o with_o vers_n 22._o and_o heb._n 9_o vers_fw-la 9_o with_o vers_n 14._o we_o will_v find_v this_o latter_a way_n and_o â—ot_n the_o former_a to_o be_v the_o only_a safe_a way_n these_o sacrifice_n that_o be_v offer_v year_n by_o year_n continual_o can_v never_o make_v the_o the_o comer_n thereunto_o perfect_a but_o have_v a_o highpriest_n over_o the_o house_n of_o god_n we_o may_v draw_v near_o with_o a_o true_a heart_n and_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n have_v our_o heart_n sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n and_o our_o body_n wash_v with_o pure_a water_n these_o gift_n and_o sacrifice_n can_v not_o make_v they_o that_o do_v the_o service_n perfect_a as_o pertain_v to_o the_o conscience_n but_o 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 the_o conscience_n from_o dead_a work_n to_o serve_v the_o live_a god_n and_o though_o the_o conscience_n will_v challenge_v a_o believer_n where_o there_o be_v defect_n in_o the_o foâ—mer_a rule_n yet_o it_o be_v quiet_v and_o satisfy_v where_o there_o be_v serious_a and_o suitable_a application_n make_v to_o and_o of_o the_o suffering_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o redeemer_n iâ—_n so_o be_v he_o dispense_v not_o with_o himself_o as_o to_o his_o short-coming_a in_o they_o and_o if_o the_o use_n that_o he_o make_v of_o his_o holiness_n in_o the_o large_a extent_n and_o high_a degree_n of_o it_o be_v not_o to_o found_v his_o righteousness_n thereon_o but_o to_o honour_n god_n thereby_o in_o gratitude_n to_o he_o to_o edify_v other_o and_o to_o evidence_n to_o himself_o the_o soundness_n and_o reality_n of_o his_o believe_a and_o gracious_a state_n this_o show_v the_o vast_a extent_n of_o holiness_n and_o what_o it_o be_v that_o man_n be_v call_v to_o and_o thereby_o we_o may_v also_o see_v that_o many_o sad_o mistake_v religion_n and_o what_o that_o perfect_a walk_n be_v that_o a_o christian_n ought_v to_o have_v before_o god_n and_o we_o may_v say_v on_o the_o whole_a if_o this_o be_v to_o walk_v according_a to_o conscience_n then_o certain_o not_o many_a but_o very_o few_o walk_n according_a to_o â—t_a which_o be_v a_o lamentation_n and_o shall_v be_v for_o a_o lamentation_n the_o second_o use_n be_v â—or_a trial_n if_o a_o believer_n when_o he_o be_v in_o case_n and_o right_a will_v have_v it_o for_o his_o exercise_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 than_o this_o will_v be_v a_o difference_v mark_n betwixt_o a_o believer_n and_o a_o un-believer_n the_o one_o single_o aim_v and_o serious_o endeavour_v to_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o to_o walk_v so_o as_o in_o nothing_o he_o may_v offend_v his_o conscience_n the_o other_o haâ—h_v no_o such_o design_n
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
both_o of_o they_o offer_v thing_n that_o be_v good_a and_o yet_o the_o one_o sacrifice_n be_v accept_v and_o the_o other_o reject_v that_o which_o make_v the_o difference_n be_v that_o abel_n in_o his_o offer_n exercise_v faith_n on_o christ_n sacrifice_n he_o offer_v it_o not_o as_o a_o satisfaction_n in_o itself_o to_o god_n but_o with_o respect_n to_o jesus_n christ_n typify_v by_o it_o which_o the_o other_o do_v not_o and_o proportional_o there_o be_v somewhat_o require_v of_o all_o these_o and_o more_o especial_o of_o this_o last_o in_o all_o action_n to_o make_v they_o true_o religious_a and_o christian_a action_n now_o for_o the_o second_o particular_a viz._n that_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n that_o make_v a_o action_n to_o be_v true_o religious_a conscience_n have_v somewhat_o to_o say_v and_o have_v a_o interest_n and_o concern_v to_o testify_v for_o or_o against_o the_o man_n i_o shall_v instance_n this_o in_o sixâ—orts_n â—orts_z of_o action_n to_o which_o all_o a_o man_n action_n i_o mean_v that_o be_v proper_o human_a action_n or_o rationaly_a deliberate_a action_n may_v be_v reduce_v as_o to_o so_o many_o general_a head_n the_o first_o sort_n be_v natural_a action_n as_o eat_v drink_v sleep_v etc._n etc._n in_o which_o what_o ever_o many_o think_v to_o the_o contrary_a conscience_n have_v a_o interest_n because_o they_o require_v the_o propose_v of_o god_n glory_n as_o their_o end_n and_o he_o have_v prescribe_v a_o way_n how_o to_o go_v about_o they_o aright_o the_o second_o sort_v be_v civil_a action_n as_o man_n be_v exercise_v in_o this_o or_o that_o lawful_a employment_n trade_n call_v or_o occupation_n and_o here_o conscience_n have_v a_o interest_n for_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o plough_v of_o the_o wicked_a be_v sin_n which_o when_o go_v about_o after_o the_o right_a manner_n by_o the_o believer_n be_v service_n to_o god_n as_o well_o as_o his_o pray_n the_o 3d._a sort_n be_v moral_a action_n such_o as_o be_v do_v from_o a_o principle_n of_o moral_a honesty_n as_o for_o instance_n when_o a_o man_n bargâ—neth_v and_o make_v a_o promise_n anenâ—_n such_o and_o such_o thing_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o he_o to_o keep_v his_o word_n which_o be_v moral_o good_a yet_o be_v it_o not_o true_o religious_o and_o christianly_o good_a except_o it_o be_v do_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o honour_n and_o here_o also_o conscience_n have_v interest_n for_o as_o a_o man_n come_v short_a of_o these_o thing_n requisite_a for_o make_v it_o a_o true_o religious_a or_o christian_a action_n it_o will_v challenge_v and_o accuse_v in_o so_o far_o and_o when_o they_o be_v present_a it_o will_v excuse_v and_o commend_v he_o the_o four_o sort_n be_v external_n duty_n of_o religion_n what_o be_v it_o i_o pray_v that_o make_v the_o difference_n betwixt_o formal_a and_o hypocritical_a service_n and_o worship_n and_o that_o which_o be_v accept_v as_o service_n to_o god_n be_v it_o not_o that_o one_o person_n perform_v such_o duty_n conscionable_o and_o christianly_o according_a to_o the_o rule_v prescribe_v anent_o the_o right_n perform_v of_o they_o and_o another_o not_o the_o 5_o sort_n be_v inward_a duty_n or_o grace_n such_o as_o repentance_n faith_n love_n hope_v etc._n etc._n of_o all_o which_o there_o be_v counterfeits_n some_o thing_n very_o like_o they_o which_o yet_o be_v not_o indeed_o these_o conscience_n have_v here_o likeways_o a_o concern_v and_o make_v a_o difference_n as_o suppose_v two_o man_n be_v â—orty_fw-la for_o sin_n and_o we_o maâ—_n suppose_v they_o to_o be_v someway_o alike_o or_o equal_o sorrowful_a and_o yet_o the_o sorrow_n of_o the_o one_o be_v account_v the_o grace_n of_o repentance_n and_o the_o other_o not_o because_o of_o the_o want_n of_o the_o requâ—sits_n of_o gospel_n or_o gracious_a sorrow_n or_o sorrow_n after_o a_o godly_a â—ort_n as_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o 2_o cor._n 7._o v._n 11._o so_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o other_o grace_n where_o conscience_n will_v challenge_v and_o accuse_v or_o excuâ—e_v and_o approve_v according_o the_o 6_o sort_v of_o action_n be_v passive_a to_o speak_v so_o or_o suffering_n wherein_o conscience_n have_v a_o concern_v and_o tell_v the_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v suffer_v as_o a_o christian_a from_o such_o a_o principle_n and_o for_o such_o end_n which_o he_o through_o grace_n endeavour_v to_o do_v conscience_n speak_v peace_n to_o he_o and_o though_o another_o man_n suffer_v the_o same_o very_a thing_n yet_o he_o may_v want_v that_o testimony_n because_o he_o want_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o his_o suffering_n be_v destitute_a of_o the_o requisite_a qualification_n and_o therefore_o we_o will_v never_o think_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v of_o so_o little_a moment_n that_o conscience_n have_v no_o concern_n in_o it_o we_o can_v do_v speak_v think_v nor_o look_v but_o conscience_n have_v something_o to_o say_v of_o that_o deed_n word_n thought_n or_o look_v as_o it_o be_v circumstantiat_fw-la either_o to_o accuse_v if_o not_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v or_o to_o excuse_v and_o approve_v if_o right_a as_o to_o its_o requisit_n the_o second_o use_n be_v for_o trial_n of_o a_o sanctify_a conscience_n in_o a_o sanctified_a frame_n and_o for_o difference_v it_o from_o another_o conscience_n that_o be_v not_o so_o a_o sanctify_a conscience_n and_o in_o a_o sanctify_a frame_n be_v always_o meddle_v with_o all_o the_o man_n action_n not_o only_a when_o he_o be_v pray_v hear_v read_v or_o confer_v â—o_o a_o spiritual_a purpose_n but_o also_o when_o he_o be_v buy_v or_o sell_v eat_v or_o drink_v speak_v or_o keep_v silent_a abroad_o or_o at_o home_n alone_o or_o in_o company_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v very_o like_a that_o paul_n have_v say_v many_o thing_n when_o he_o be_v a_o pharisee_n that_o his_o conscience_n meddle_v not_o much_o with_o but_o now_o be_v a_o serious_a christian_a he_o can_v speak_v nor_o write_v but_o his_o conscience_n medle_n with_o it_o in_o a_o word_n a_o sanctify_a conscience_n be_v always_o go_v along_o with_o a_o man_n be_v still_o with_o he_o and_o let_v he_o know_v that_o it_o be_v with_o he_o and_o a_o sanctify_a man_n will_v needs_o have_v and_o love_v to_o have_v his_o conscience_n constant_o with_o he_o the_o word_n conscience_n in_o the_o original_a be_v significant_a and_o say_v this_o much_o that_o when_o it_o be_v right_a the_o christian_a and_o it_o be_v join_v together_o whereas_o a_o unsanctified_a man_n part_v company_n as_o it_o be_v with_o his_o conscience_n he_o love_v not_o to_o take_v it_o he_o will_v not_o take_v it_o with_o he_o it_o be_v a_o burden_n to_o he_o he_o will_v â—ain_o be_v rid_v of_o its_o company_n and_o it_o often_o refuse_v to_o go_v along_o with_o he_o it_o be_v never_o the_o worst_a conscience_n that_o be_v often_o meddle_v provide_v it_o be_v own_v and_o listen_v to_o when_o it_o meddle_v a_o sanctify_a conscience_n meddle_v 1._o constant_o 2._o it_o meddle_v in_o all_o sort_n of_o thing_n it_o put_v the_o man_n when_o he_o have_v speak_v to_o search_v his_o heart_n whether_o he_o think_v as_o he_o say_v 3._o it_o speak_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o interest_n itself_o on_o god_n account_n clean_o spiritual_o and_o impartial_o without_o all_o by-respect_n to_o the_o man_n the_o 3d_o use_n be_v for_o reproof_n to_o these_o that_o misken_fw-mi conscience_n and_o take_v none_o at_o all_o or_o but_o very_o little_a notice_n of_o it_o in_o the_o most_o part_n of_o their_o life_n ah_o how_o few_o be_v they_o that_o think_v and_o believe_v that_o conscience_n be_v concern_v in_o all_o their_o word_n and_o action_n and_o as_o for_o thought_n they_o be_v look_v on_o by_o such_o as_o free_v and_o therefore_o they_o never_o look_v what_o it_o say_v of_o they_o and_o so_o spoil_v themselves_o of_o its_o testimony_n and_o lose_v their_o labour_n in_o not_o respect_v it_o the_o four_o use_n be_v of_o exhortation_n and_o we_o will_v serious_o exhort_v you_o all_o to_o amend_v this_o great_a fault_n reprove_v viz._n the_o misregard_v of_o conscience_n and_o to_o respect_v conscience_n in_o every_o thing_n and_o to_o regard_v it_o more_o in_o your_o go_v out_o and_o come_n in_o in_o solitude_n and_o society_n in_o every_o thing_n you_o do_v suffer_v not_o yourselves_o to_o be_v cheat_v into_o a_o groundless_a apprehension_n that_o any_o of_o your_o action_n even_o the_o common_a as_o circumstantiat_fw-la be_v of_o so_o little_a moment_n that_o conscience_n have_v no_o concern_n in_o they_o and_o if_o it_o have_v than_o i_o beseech_v you_o take_v heed_n what_o it_o say_v and_o whether_o it_o testify_v for_o or_o against_o you_o and_o do_v not_o think_v that_o conscience_n be_v officious_a and_o medle_n in_o a_o business_n that_o concern_v
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
what_o wonder_n be_v it_o that_o such_o person_n neglect_v to_o reflect_v and_o look_v back_o on_o their_o way_n and_o to_o examine_v themselves_o for_o as_o job_n say_v chap._n 24_o v._n 17._o of_o the_o morning_n to_o the_o adulterer_n their_o way_n to_o they_o be_v as_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n yet_o even_o these_o will_v know_v for_o a_o certainty_n that_o their_o conscience_n will_v speak_v and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o terrible_o as_o now_o they_o neglect_v to_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o they_o a_o second_o sort_v make_v a_o kind_n of_o conscience_n of_o external_a duty_n in_o religion_n such_o as_o hear_n prayer_n read_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o like_a but_o do_v neglect_v more_o spiritual_a and_o inward_a duty_n such_o as_o the_o mortification_n of_o sin_n the_o humble_v of_o the_o heart_n for_o it_o wrestle_v with_o god_n to_o have_v victory_n over_o it_o meditation_n and_o the_o like_a now_o this_o duty_n which_o we_o be_v press_v be_v of_o that_o sort_n and_o serve_v not_o a_o little_a to_o further_a repentance_n and_o mortification_n and_o to_o make_v serious_a in_o prayer_n they_o must_v and_o can_v but_o neglect_v it_o because_o they_o design_v nor_o neither_o aim_n at_o these_o end_n to_o which_o it_o be_v subservient_fw-fr a_o 3d._n sort_v be_v such_o who_o may_v now_o and_o then_o have_v a_o sort_n of_o tenderness_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o some_o duty_n and_o in_o abstain_v from_o several_a sin_n and_o yet_o they_o mind_v not_o nor_o make_v conscience_n at_o all_o of_o this_o duty_n i_o suppose_v there_o be_v many_o of_o you_o who_o have_v your_o own_o time_n for_o prayer_n read_v and_o the_o like_a who_o take_v no_o 〈◊〉_d all_o for_o this_o duty_n i_o will_v asâ—_n such_o of_o you_o if_o you_o can_v make_v conscience_n of_o other_o duty_n because_o god_n command_v they_o who_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o this_o see_v its_o as_o clear_o command_v as_o any_o of_o these_o deceive_v not_o yourselves_o god_n will_v not_o be_v mock_v a_o four_o sort_v be_v such_o as_o make_v some_o essay_n or_o rather_o mint_n to_o go_v about_o even_o this_o duty_n but_o be_v overly_o general_a confuâ—ed_v indistinct_a soon_o satisfy_v and_o put_v to_o a_o stand_n in_o it_o take_v only_o a_o hasty_a view_n of_o it_o in_o the_o by_o or_o a_o little_a transient_a look_n of_o it_o when_o they_o go_v to_o prayer_n but_o fall_v not_o purposely_o about_o it_o as_o a_o distinct_a duty_n and_o a_o up_o take_v work_n do_v not_o dwell_v upon_o and_o insist_v in_o it_o to_o have_v the_o circumstance_n of_o their_o action_n and_o way_n un-folded_n lay_v open_a make_v naked_a and_o bare_a at_o the_o bar_n of_o conscience_n a_o 5_o sort_v may_v come_v some_o length_n in_o the_o duty_n but_o they_o follow_v not_o the_o work_n till_o they_o be_v suitable_o affect_v humble_a and_o make_v serious_a much_o less_o till_o the_o duty_n be_v make_v delightsome_a to_o they_o tilâ—_n iâ—_n six_o a_o impression_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n on_o they_o and_o lay_v a_o necessity_n on_o they_o to_o employ_v christ_n more_o but_o it_o be_v with_o they_o in_o this_o matter_n as_o james_n speak_v chap._n 1._o of_o these_o who_o behold_v their_o natural_a face_n in_o a_o glass_n go_v their_o way_n and_o forget_v what_o manner_n of_o person_n they_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o self-examination_n be_v either_o not_o attain_v or_o it_o have_v little_a or_o no_o impression_n on_o they_o and_o this_o be_v it_o which_o make_v man_n not_o to_o be_v in_o love_n with_o the_o duty_n because_o they_o follow_v it_o not_o till_o they_o get_v somewhat_o of_o the_o lovely_a fruit_n of_o it_o and_o here_o many_o even_a believer_n be_v as_o to_o several_a degree_n guilty_a a_o 6_o sort_v be_v also_o here_o reprovable_a who_o though_o they_o come_v a_o little_a further_o to_o look_v on_o their_o way_n and_o to_o desire_v conscience_n its_o sense_n thereof_o and_o to_o be_v affect_v with_o what_o they_o find_v in_o the_o search_n yet_o they_o seek_v not_o to_o be_v distinct_a and_o thorough_o clear_a in_o the_o matter_n neither_o be_v they_o impartial_a in_o set_v about_o to_o discover_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v wrong_n in_o their_o condition_n but_o some_o come_v to_o look_v and_o see_v what_o be_v right_a to_o strengthen_v on_o the_o matter_n at_o least_o their_o security_n other_o come_v to_o see_v what_o be_v wrong_n which_o be_v somewhat_o indeed_o preferable_a to_o the_o other_o to_o strengthen_v their_o unbelief_n or_o misbelieve_a jealousy_n of_o themselves_o and_o so_o make_v it_o a_o sort_n of_o penance_n to_o themselves_o as_o if_o they_o be_v put_v themselves_o on_o the_o rack_n whereas_o a_o impartial_a search_n and_o examination_n of_o our_o way_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n call_v for_o set_v we_o on_o serious_o to_o discover_v what_o be_v right_a and_o what_o be_v wrong_a in_o our_o condition_n and_o according_o to_o take_v and_o be_v affect_v with_o it_o but_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o one_o or_o other_o but_o one_o way_n or_o other_o they_o faâ—l_v and_o be_v more_o or_o less_o guilty_a in_o this_o matter_n which_o will_v put_v all_o according_a to_o their_o respective_a guilt_n to_o be_v humble_v before_o the_o lord_n to_o seek_v his_o pardon_n and_o grace_n to_o amend_v that_o we_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o loath_a the_o neglect_n and_o overly_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n i_o â—all_n in_o the_o 2d_o place_n name_n some_o evil_n that_o it_o bring_v with_o it_o and_o that_o in_o these_o four_o respect_n 1._o as_o it_o evidence_n and_o speak_v out_o a_o very_a untender_a frame_n for_o if_o it_o evidence_n a_o tender_a frame_n to_o be_v exact_a in_o this_o duty_n than_o it_o certain_o speak_v out_o a_o untender_a frame_n to_o neglect_v it_o or_o to_o be_v superficial_a in_o it_o and_o where_o the_o neglect_n or_o superficiariness_n be_v habitual_a and_o regnant_a they_o be_v shrewd_a evidence_n of_o a_o evil_a state_n the_o utter_a neglect_n of_o it_o say_v 1_o that_o such_o a_o man_n care_v not_o for_o god_n and_o stand_v not_o in_o awe_n of_o he_o that_o he_o care_v not_o whether_o god_n be_v well_o please_v or_o evil_o please_v when_o he_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o reflect_v and_o see_v if_o there_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o god_n within_o he_o 2._o it_o speak_v out_o little_a respect_n to_o conscience_n and_o say_v that_o man_n care_v not_o whether_o conscience_n be_v for_o they_o or_o against_o they_o yea_o it_o say_v that_o they_o think_v on_o the_o matter_n at_o least_o that_o its_o a_o useless_a thing_n to_o have_v a_o conscience_n and_o can_v he_o possible_o be_v a_o tender_a man_n that_o be_v not_o tender_a in_o respect_n to_o his_o conscience_n 3._o it_o speak_v forth_o a_o man_n not_o to_o be_v in_o love_n with_o holiness_n for_o â—f_a self-examination_n be_v a_o notable_a mean_n to_o promove_v holiness_n and_o if_o none_o without_o it_o can_v be_v holy_a if_o there_o can_v be_v no_o repentance_n for_o sin_n no_o mortification_n etc._n etc._n without_o it_o then_o sure_a the_o man_n that_o neglect_v it_o care_v not_o for_o holiness_n it_o evidence_n a_o man_n to_o be_v void_a of_o all_o religion_n fearless_o of_o judgement_n and_o careless_a whether_o his_o debt_n be_v pay_v or_o not_o when_o he_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o search_v out_o what_o he_o be_v owe_v 2_o we_o may_v consider_v the_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n as_o â—t_a be_v exceed_o obstructive_a to_o the_o great_a spiritual_a good_a and_o advantage_n that_o a_o man_n shall_v aim_v aâ—_n in_o the_o mortification_n of_o sin_n and_o lively_a performance_n of_o duty_n viz._n to_o obtain_v solid_a peace_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o to_o have_v any_o measure_n of_o discern_v or_o spiritual_a feel_n thereof_o and_o can_v any_o of_o these_o be_v win_v at_o without_o this_o can_v you_o pray_v serious_o can_v you_o repent_v can_v you_o mortify_v sin_n can_v you_o praise_v god_n or_o delight_n in_o he_o who_o have_v not_o be_v reâ—ecting_v to_o find_v out_o sin_n to_o repent_v for_o nor_o consider_v whether_o there_o â—e_v any_o grace_n in_o you_o for_o which_o you_o shall_v be_v thankful_a and_o for_o spiritual_a joy_n can_n a_o man_n possible_o have_v it_o if_o he_o know_v not_o how_o it_o stand_v with_o he_o before_o god_n and_o a_o man_n can_v never_o know_v how_o â—t_a stand_v betwixt_o god_n and_o he_o till_o he_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n clear_a how_o it_o stand_v with_o he_o before_o his_o conscience_n or_o betwixt_o he_o and_o his_o conscience_n 3_o consider_v further_o the_o evil_a of_o this_o neglect_n in_o respect_n of_o its_o sinfulness_n in_o itself_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v exceed_o sinful_a as_o its_o a_o neglect_n oâ—_n clear_a duty_n and_o a_o breach_n of_o a_o
or_o thing_n that_o be_v well_o do_v be_v soon_o do_v a_o four_o cause_o may_v be_v which_o also_o respect_v even_a believer_n that_o we_o be_v dispose_v to_o think_v if_o we_o be_v always_o about_o some_o duty_n it_o matter_n not_o so_o much_o what_o duty_n it_o be_v and_o hence_o it_o often_o come_v â—o_o pass_v that_o the_o time_n that_o shall_v be_v spend_v in_o self-examination_n we_o spend_v it_o in_o prayer_n reading_z or_o conference_n which_o ready_o go_v the_o worse_a with_o uâ—_n that_o examination_n be_v so_o much_o neglect_v therefore_o there_o will_v be_v wariness_n and_o circumspection_n here_o because_o that_o which_o give_v peace_n be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v much_o in_o duty_n as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v in_o the_o duty_n that_o we_o be_v call_v â—o_o for_o the_o time_n there_o be_v a_o link_a of_o duty_n to_o another_o in_o a_o christian_a walk_n as_o so_o many_o jewel_n precious-stone_n or_o pearl_n in_o a_o chain_n necklace_n or_o bracelet_n so_o as_o they_o strengthen_v and_o help_v one_o another_o meditation_n help_v prayer_n and_o prayer_n self-examination_n and_o self-examination_n help_v prayer_n and_o every_o other_o duty_n and_o that_o which_o beautify_v and_o adorn_v the_o chain_n of_o a_o tender_a christian_a walk_n be_v the_o order_n and_o set_v of_o every_o duty_n in_o its_o own_o place_n every_o thing_n be_v beautiful_a in_o its_o own_o season_n and_o place_n thus_o the_o bless_a man_n be_v say_v psal._n 1_o to_o bring_v forth_o his_o fruit_n in_o his_o season_n in_o the_o four_o place_v according_a to_o the_o method_n propose_v we_o will_v very_o brief_o give_v you_o a_o few_o direction_n for_o facilitate_v the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o for_o make_v it_o successful_a and_o profitable_a and_o to_o this_o purpose_n 1._o learn_v to_o make_v conscience_n of_o all_o the_o piece_n and_o step_n of_o your_o way_n and_o this_o will_v give_v you_o the_o better_a heart_n to_o look_v back_o on_o it_o if_o christian_n be_v tender_a in_o their_o walk_n it_o will_v bread_n ease_v to_o they_o in_o this_o duty_n in_o two_o respect_n 1._o it_o will_v make_v it_o sweet_a and_o refresh_a not_o have_v a_o evil_a and_o challenge_v conscience_n to_o meet_v with_o 2._o it_o will_v leave_v some_o savoury_a impression_n of_o the_o duty_n upon_o they_o which_o help_v to_o reflect_v with_o profit_n whereas_o when_o they_o post_v through_o duty_n to_o speak_v so_o and_o when_o they_o have_v do_v know_v not_o what_o they_o have_v be_v do_v how_o can_v they_o reflect_v a_o second_o direction_n be_v you_o will_v be_v much_o in_o lay_v out_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o your_o way_n before_o god_n in_o prayer_n you_o will_v not_o only_o be_v much_o in_o the_o petiâ—_n parâ—_n of_o prayer_n but_o also_o much_o in_o confession_n in_o read_v over_o as_o it_o be_v the_o legend_n of_o your_o life_n to_o god_n hearty_a acknowledge_v his_o grace_n in_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o righâ—_n and_o humble_o take_v with_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o wrong_v for_o when_o â—e_a study_n to_o look_v over_o and_o review_v your_o â—ay_n in_o prayer_n it_o help_v you_o to_o get_v the_o better_a and_o more_o impartial_a sight_n of_o the_o particular_n thereof_o in_o exam_n nation_n and_o when_o you_o do_v not_o dwell_v in_o a_o manner_n on_o the_o thought_n of_o your_o way_n in_o prayer_n it_o make_v it_o the_o more_o uncouth_a and_o confuse_a to_o you_o in_o examination_n thus_o when_o the_o sabbath_n come_v we_o will_v be_v particular_a in_o confess_v to_o god_n in_o prayer_n the_o sin_n that_o haunt_v we_o that_o day_n and_o this_o will_v help_v to_o examination_n and_o examination_n will_v help_v to_o be_v yet_o more_o particular_a in_o prayer_n 3_o as_o for_o other_o durke_n so_o for_o this_o you_o will_v have_v your_o set_a time_n of_o purpose_n i_o say_v for_o this_o duty_n as_o well_o as_o for_o prayer_n and_o will_v let_v no_o other_o duty_n shuffle_v it_o out_o of_o its_o own_o place_n and_o season_n for_o when_o we_o leave_v the_o time_n thereof_o at_o a_o uncertainty_n we_o ready_o shiâ—t_v and_o neglect_v it_o as_o in_o prayer_n though_o we_o will_v observe_v and_o take_v hold_v of_o all_o providential_a opportunity_n for_o it_o yet_o that_o do_v not_o hinder_v but_o we_o have_v and_o shall_v have_v our_o particular_a set_a time_n for_o it_o so_o ought_v it_o to_o be_v here_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v psal._n 4._o commune_fw-la with_o your_o heart_n or_o examine_v your_o seâ—ves_n upon_o your_o bed_n 4_o this_o set_a time_n will_v be_v when_o person_n be_v most_o fresh_a and_o fit_a for_o the_o duty_n and_o have_v the_o waite_v opportunity_n to_o insist_v in_o and_o to_o dwell_v on_o it_o and_o to_o follow_v it_o till_o they_o be_v suitable_o affect_v with_o it_o and_o till_o somewhat_o of_o it_o be_v reach_v for_o when_o we_o straiten_v ourselves_o and_o take_v not_o such_o a_o time_n as_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o duty_n we_o will_v not_o get_v it_o follow_v out_o to_o any_o purpose_n and_o get_v time_n also_o for_o prayer_n and_o other_o duty_n and_o that_o cause_v overlinesse_n ready_o in_o all_o we_o will_v therefore_o take_v such_o a_o time_n for_o this_o duty_n that_o we_o may_v not_o so_o far_o as_o we_o can_v forecast_v be_v divert_v and_o draw_v away_o from_o it_o by_o some_o other_o thing_n 5_o when_o some_o other_o thing_n not_o then_o necessary_a break_v in_o to_o divert_v and_o draw_v we_o away_o from_o it_o we_o will_v take_v ourselves_o again_o and_o again_o and_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v our_o heart_n back_o and_o up_o to_o the_o duty_n that_o they_o get_v not_o leave_v to_o break_v louse_n for_o if_o the_o heart_n get_v a_o custom_n of_o gade_v and_o admit_v of_o diversion_n it_o will_v never_o ready_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v serious_a in_o this_o duty_n and_o therefore_o by_o all_o mean_n when_o you_o go_v about_o this_o duty_n of_o self_n examination_n beware_v of_o and_o guard_n against_o the_o intrusion_n of_o other_o thought_n whither_o they_o be_v vain_a or_o thought_n of_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v at_o another_o time_n profitable_a but_o at_o that_o time_n impertinent_a 6_o in_o your_o review_n of_o your_o condition_n or_o in_o your_o self-examination_n endeavour_v to_o find_v out_o and_o acknowledge_v the_o good_a as_o well_o as_o the_o evil_a that_o be_v in_o it_o and_o to_o find_v out_o the_o evil_a as_o well_o as_o the_o good_a and_o to_o â—e_v answerable_o affect_v with_o joy_n and_o thanksgiving_n for_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o with_o grief_n and_o sorrow_n for_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a 7_o endeavour_v to_o have_v yourself_o examination_n always_o in_o the_o close_a of_o it_o leave_v some_o kindly_a impression_n of_o your_o own_o sinfulness_n and_o unworthiness_n and_o of_o the_o necessity_n usefulness_n and_o worth_n of_o god_n grace_n on_o you_o and_o lay_v and_o leave_v you_o at_o christ_n foot_n for_o a_o remedy_n of_o every_o thing_n amiss_o in_o your_o condition_n this_o be_v â—he_v great_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o of_o all_o we_o have_v discourse_v on_o it_o even_o to_o send_v we_o to_o châ—ist_v and_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o it_o to_o leave_v we_o on_o he_o which_o will_v make_v the_o exercise_n of_o it_o heart_n some_o pleasant_a and_o profitable_a to_o we_o sermon_n iu._n 2_o cor._n 1._o 12._o for_o our_o rejoice_v be_v this_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n that_o in_o 〈◊〉_d and_o godly_a sincerity_n not_o with_o fleshly_a wisdom_n but_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o have_v have_v our_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o more_o abundant_o to_o you_o ward_v there_o be_v hardly_o any_o thing_n excellent_a and_o very_o singular_o profitable_a to_o man_n but_o it_o have_v some_o more_o than_o ordinary_a difficulty_n in_o the_o way_n of_o come_v at_o it_o notwithstanding_o whereof_o they_o be_v not_o deter_v nor_o detain_v from_o pursue_v after_o it_o the_o consideration_n of_o its_o excellency_n with_o the_o expectation_n of_o the_o great_a income_n of_o advantage_n and_o profit_n by_o it_o make_v they_o the_o more_o easy_o comport_v with_o the_o difficulty_n of_o it_o and_o to_o think_v all_o their_o labour_n well_o bestow_v in_o overcome_v that_o difficulty_n so_o we_o may_v true_o say_v of_o the_o serious_a exercise_n of_o godliness_n that_o it_o be_v so_o transcendent_o excellent_a as_o be_v that_o which_o beautiful_o conform_v the_o rational_a to_o the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o capacitat_v the_o same_o to_o enjoy_v fellowship_n with_o he_o wherein_o its_o true_a glory_n and_o excellency_n incontrovertible_o consist_v and_o so_o very_o profitable_a even_o profitable_a to_o all_o thing_n as_o nothing_o else_o in_o the_o world_n be_v have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o
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