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
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
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
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
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
preach_n of_o it_o aim_v at_o even_o to_o direct_v and_o help_v they_o how_o to_o come_v at_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o how_o to_o keep_v a_o good_a correspondence_n with_o their_o conscience_n so_o as_o they_o may_v be_v comfortable_o assure_v that_o they_o indeed_o have_v this_o good_a thing_n which_o be_v call_v a_o good_a conscience_n yet_o when_o conscience_n be_v abuse_v or_o not_o make_v right_o use_v of_o it_o turn_v to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a unfriend_n and_o enemy_n that_o man_n have_v in_o this_o world_n nay_o in_o that_o world_n which_o be_v to_o come_v have_v speak_v somewhat_o to_o this_o before_o and_o in_o the_o last_o observation_n that_o we_o draw_v from_o the_o former_a text_n which_o be_v that_o man_n ought_v to_o walk_v so_o as_o not_o to_o offend_v their_o conscience_n in_o any_o thing_n we_o shall_v now_o speak_v somewhat_o to_o one_o direction_n and_o help_n that_o be_v great_o if_o not_o main_o contributive_a and_o useful_a in_o order_n to_o the_o attain_n of_o that_o notable_a end_n which_o be_v this_o that_o man_n who_o aim_v to_o walk_v answerable_o to_o that_o rule_n so_o as_o in_o nothing_o they_o offend_v their_o conscience_n have_v need_n to_o observe_v careful_o the_o language_n of_o conscience_n it_o be_v not_o our_o purpose_n to_o stay_v on_o the_o particular_a consideration_n of_o the_o scope_n of_o this_o scripture_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o to_o name_n let_v be_v to_o prosecute_v all_o the_o point_n of_o doctrine_n that_o may_v be_v draw_v from_o it_o but_o only_o to_o discourse_v a_o little_a from_o the_o word_n enclose_v and_o shut_v up_o within_o a_o parenthesis_n as_o they_o relate_v to_o our_o end_n and_o design_n first_o then_o in_o a_o word_n the_o apostle_n be_v here_o put_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o external_a service_n and_o the_o internal_a power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n on_o the_o conscience_n and_o when_o he_o be_v speak_v of_o baptism_n he_o give_v this_o caveat_n and_o advertisement_n that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o wash_n of_o water_n in_o that_o ordinance_n that_o reach_v the_o great_a end_n of_o it_o but_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n 2_o he_o show_v that_o the_o difference_v and_o march-ridding_a character_n of_o the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o be_v in_o what_o answer_n the_o conscience_n give_v concern_v the_o thing_n that_o the_o man_n be_v about_o and_o declare_v that_o it_o be_v not_o simple_o a_o good_a conscience_n but_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n that_o give_v ground_n of_o hope_n and_o boldness_n of_o confidence_n to_o obtain_v the_o promise_n from_o the_o word_n these_o three_o observation_n arise_v clear_o first_o that_o there_o be_v a_o faculty_n in_o conscience_n that_o be_v able_a to_o give_v â—ne_a answer_n to_o a_o man_n concern_v his_o spiritual_a state_n and_o condition_n and_o concern_v his_o action_n so_o that_o if_o the_o question_n about_o these_o or_o any_o of_o they_o be_v put_v to_o the_o conscience_n it_o can_v return_v answer_n and_o signify_v its_o sense_n and_o give_v its_o verdict_n concern_v that_o which_o it_o be_v question_v about_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o conscience_n imply_v so_o much_o 2_o that_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o conscience_n be_v different_a and_o distinct_a from_o the_o outward_a answer_n of_o the_o mouth_n or_o profession_n for_o a_o man_n mouth_n and_o profession_n and_o the_o external_a ingadgement_n that_o he_o come_v under_o in_o baptism_n or_o any_o other_o ordinance_n or_o duty_n may_v say_v one_o thing_n or_o give_v one_o answer_n when_o the_o conscience_n may_v say_v another_o thing_n or_o give_v another_o answer_n concern_v the_o man_n sincerity_n in_o the_o thing_n 3_o that_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n that_o be_v one_fw-mi answer_v from_o the_o conscience_n on_o good_a ground_n testify_v a_o man_n sincerity_n be_v a_o most_o excellent_a and_o comfortable_a thing_n it_o be_v the_o first_o of_o these_o that_o we_o intend_v to_o speak_v a_o word_n to_o at_o this_o time_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v a_o way_n of_o get_v a_o answer_n from_o the_o conscience_n and_o of_o understand_v its_o mind_n about_o any_o thing_n that_o man_n shall_v put_v to_o it_o or_o thus_o conscience_n have_v a_o way_n of_o make_v know_v its_o mind_n and_o give_v a_o answer_n about_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v put_v unto_o it_o these_o word_n answer_v of_o conscience_n imply_v so_o much_o as_o we_o say_v especial_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o external_a service_n and_o administration_n of_o baptism_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o word_n before_o and_o it_o be_v yet_o more_o clear_a if_o we_o consider_v how_o the_o scop_n run_v in_o compare_v of_o these_o two_o together_o viz._n the_o verbal_a restipulation_n of_o these_o that_o be_v come_v to_o age_n and_o the_o inward_a answer_n of_o conscience_n there_o be_v the_o gospel_n on_o the_o one_o side_n require_v such_o a_o thing_n and_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o party_n baptize_v on_o the_o other_o side_n and_o the_o apostle_n make_v the_o answer_n of_o the_o conscience_n distinct_a from_o that_o though_o sometime_o it_o go_v along_o with_o it_o so_o that_o a_o man_n will_v not_o answer_v more_o clear_o to_o the_o thing_n than_o his_o conscience_n will_v when_o it_o be_v serious_o put_v to_o it_o this_o may_v be_v branch_v out_o in_o these_o three_o 1._o in_o respect_n of_o a_o man_n state_n 2._o in_o respect_n of_o some_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o heart_n embrace_v of_o it_o 3._o in_o respect_n of_o some_o practice_n or_o duty_n that_o a_o man_n be_v call_v to_o all_o these_o do_v fall_v under_o the_o answer_n of_o conscience_n when_o it_o be_v question_v about_o they_o but_o it_o be_v the_o last_o of_o they_o that_o we_o intend_v to_o speak_v to_o viz._n it_o be_v answer_n as_o relate_v to_o a_o christian_n duty_n and_o practice_n about_o which_o conscience_n be_v ask_v or_o pose_v be_v able_a to_o give_v he_o a_o answer_n which_o i_o shall_v clear_v from_o two_o ground_n and_o then_o come_v to_o the_o use._n the_o 1._o ground_n be_v take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o conscience_n which_o we_o some_o way_n explain_v when_o we_o begin_v to_o speak_v of_o this_o subject_n conscience_n be_v depute_v of_o god_n in_o man_n to_o take_v strict_a notice_n of_o every_o piece_n of_o his_o walk_n and_o practice_n and_o be_v the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n search_v all_o the_o inward_a part_n of_o the_o belly_n to_o let_v man_n see_v what_o god_n call_v to_o and_o to_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n their_o duty_n this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o office_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o end_n why_o god_n have_v place_v it_o in_o man_n it_o be_v no_o doubt_n furnish_v with_o such_o a_o faculty_n if_o we_o may_v speak_v so_o as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o answer_n concern_v what_o it_o be_v query_v about_o more_o particular_o it_o have_v a_o threefold_a power_n in_o reference_n to_o a_o man_n way_n and_o thus_o it_o represent_v god_n in_o three_o of_o his_o attribut_n 1._o it_o have_v a_o power_n of_o counsel_v advise_v and_o carve_v out_o of_o a_o man_n duty_n so_o that_o when_o he_o doubt_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v conscience_n have_v a_o power_n to_o advise_v he_o and_o give_v he_o a_o answer_n and_o this_o be_v call_v the_o dictate_v of_o the_o conscience_n answerable_a to_o the_o sovereign_a authority_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o command_v all_o his_o creature_n to_o who_o conscience_n be_v subordinat_a in_o which_o respect_n man_n be_v condemn_v for_o thwart_v with_o their_o conscience_n rom._n 1._o ult_n who_o know_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n that_o they_o that_o commit_v such_o thing_n be_v worthy_a of_o death_n not_o only_o do_v the_o same_o but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o they_o that_o do_v they_o here_o be_v conscience_n dictate_v to_o man_n what_o they_o shall_v do_v before_o they_o do_v 2_o there_o be_v a_o power_n or_o something_o in_o the_o conscience_n that_o go_v along_o with_o a_o man_n act_v or_o that_o wait_v on_o he_o in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o act_n in_o duty_n and_o this_o especial_o be_v call_v the_o testify_a of_o conscience_n or_o it_o be_v bear_a witness_n concern_v the_o sincerity_n or_o un-soundness_n of_o the_o act_n not_o onâ—y_o do_v the_o man_n mouth_n speak_v and_o his_o hand_n do_v but_o the_o conscience_n will_v give_v answer_n if_o the_o heart_n be_v go_v along_o with_o the_o man_n speak_v and_o do_v or_o not_o wherein_o it_o represent_v god_n omniscience_n or_o all-knowledge_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o psal._n 27._o 8._o david_n say_v when_o thou_o say_v seek_v you_o my_o face_n my_o bear_v it_o answer_v thy_o face_n will_v i_o seek_v o_o lord_n and_o psal._n 16._o 2._o o_o my_o soul_n thou_o
have_v say_v unto_o the_o lord_n thou_o be_v my_o lord_n this_o be_v the_o language_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o heart_n testify_v by_o the_o conscience_n or_o conscience_n answer_v the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o heart_n 3_o there_o be_v a_o power_n in_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o conscience_n which_o be_v subsequent_a unto_o and_o follow_v upon_o the_o action_n when_o do_v either_o approve_v or_o disapprove_v either_o accuss_v or_o excuse_v either_o absolve_a or_o condemn_v call_v the_o recognosce_n or_o examine_v of_o the_o conscience_n which_o be_v do_v when_o conscience_n put_v the_o man_n deed_n or_o action_n when_o perform_v to_o the_o trial_n and_o have_v try_v it_o pass_v sentence_n on_o it_o thus_o conscience_n represent_v god_n as_o judge_n and_o as_o a_o just_a judge_n now_o all_o these_o three_o be_v in_o the_o conscience_n viz._n a_o power_n of_o counsel_v command_v and_o dictate_v to_o a_o man_n what_o he_o shall_v do_v a_o power_n bear_v testimony_n concern_v the_o manner_n of_o his_o do_v and_o a_o power_n of_o recognosce_v and_o examine_v after_o he_o have_v do_v it_o tell_v we_o plain_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o conscience_n declare_v its_o mind_n and_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o man_n concern_v their_o duty_n in_o what_o it_o be_v put_v to_o give_v a_o answer_n about_o else_o they_o can_v not_o know_v its_o mind_n the_o second_o ground_n be_v take_v from_o the_o clear_a and_o manifest_a effect_n of_o conscience_n it_o be_v testify_v or_o answer_v what_o i_o pray_v make_v a_o restlessness_n in_o the_o bosom_n of_o people_n but_o conscience_n its_o challenge_v or_o reprove_v what_o cause_v tranquillity_n and_o peace_n within_o when_o reproach_n and_o revile_n be_v without_o but_o conscience_n bear_v witness_n to_o the_o man_n of_o his_o innocency_n in_o and_o his_o be_v free_a of_o these_o thing_n wherewith_o he_o be_v charge_v and_o what_o be_v it_o that_o lay_v on_o a_o restraint_n and_o bond_n as_o it_o be_v on_o the_o man_n spirit_n as_o paul_n say_v of_o himself_o act_v 20_o 22._o i_o go_v hound_n in_o the_o spirit_n to_o jerusalem_n but_o the_o conscience_n it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o weight_n that_o flow_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o also_o the_o weight_n that_o flow_v immediate_o from_o the_o conscience_n joy_v with_o and_o back_v the_o word_n now_o if_o the_o conscience_n have_v not_o a_o direct_a and_o distinct_a language_n or_o answer_v to_o give_v to_o man_n about_o their_o action_n there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o effect_n follow_v it_o the_o uses_n be_v two_o the_o 1._o for_o direction_n the_o 2._o for_o reproof_n the_o use_v for_o direction_n be_v that_o see_v there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o conscience_n whereby_o it_o make_v know_v its_o mind_n when_o it_o be_v ask_v concern_v our_o way_n we_o ought_v if_o we_o believe_v that_o we_o have_v conscience_n to_o put_v they_o to_o answer_v and_o to_o observe_v what_o they_o say_v and_o what_o answer_n they_o return_v if_o conscience_n have_v a_o language_n i_o say_v again_o let_v we_o put_v it_o to_o speak_v out_o and_o let_v we_o be_v very_o ready_a and_o attentive_a to_o hear_v what_o it_o speak_v to_o clear_v this_o a_o little_a we_o will_v consider_v that_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n in_o a_o christian_a walk_n in_o reference_n to_o this_o correspondency_n which_o a_o man_n shall_v keep_v with_o his_o conscience_n the_o 1._o which_o be_v universal_a and_o irresistible_a be_v when_o the_o conscience_n ask_v man_n or_o put_v question_n to_o they_o such_z as_o why_o do_v you_o this_o or_o that_o why_o do_v you_o leave_v this_o or_o that_o undo_v as_o it_o be_v 1_o cor._n 10._o 25._o ask_v no_o question_n for_o conscience_n sake_n that_o be_v ask_v no_o question_n for_o answer_v of_o these_o question_n which_o conscience_n will_v ask_v the_o second_o be_v when_o man_n ask_v question_n at_o their_o conscience_n to_o prevent_v its_o question_n of_o they_o as_o indeed_o we_o shall_v be_v take_v pain_n before_o hand_n to_o know_v and_o take_v up_o the_o language_n of_o our_o conscience_n concern_v our_o practice_n in_o this_o and_o that_o and_o the_o other_o particular_a that_o it_o may_v have_v no_o just_a ground_n of_o challenge_n against_o we_o i_o shall_v instance_n this_o in_o three_o thing_n and_o hold_v at_o the_o first_o for_o the_o time_n 1._o we_o shall_v observe_v the_o language_n of_o conscience_n before_o we_o put_v our_o hand_n to_o any_o duty_n 2_o we_o shall_v observe_v the_o language_n of_o conscience_n in_o the_o interim_n or_o in_o the_o very_a time_n of_o our_o go_v about_o duty_n 3_o we_o shall_v observe_v the_o language_n of_o conscience_n concern_v duty_n when_o we_o have_v do_v and_o go_v through_o with_o it_o in_o which_o my_o meaning_n be_v not_o 1._o that_o we_o shall_v in_o clear_a and_o necessary_a duty_n start_v or_o put_v question_n but_o that_o in_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o in_o such_o duty_n as_o be_v necessary_a and_o do_v semper_fw-la or_o ever_o oblige_v though_o not_o ad_fw-la semper_fw-la or_o in_o all_o difference_n of_o time_n but_o only_o hic_fw-mi &_o nunc_fw-la now_o and_o then_o to_o wit_n at_o due_a and_o seasonable_a time_n or_o as_o to_o the_o right_n time_v of_o these_o necessary_a duty_n for_o every_o thing_n be_v beautiful_a in_o the_o season_n thereof_o wherein_o a_o great_a part_n of_o our_o work_n along_o our_o whole_a life_n lie_v the_o answer_n of_o our_o conscience_n shall_v be_v observe_v for_o though_o many_o condition_n station_n and_o action_n be_v lawful_a yet_o conscience_n decide_v whether_o i_o be_v call_v to_o such_o and_o such_o a_o station_n and_o condition_n of_o life_n and_o whether_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v a_o duty_n to_o i_o at_o such_o a_o time_n and_o how_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v go_v about_o as_o to_o the_o manner_n neither_o 2_o do_v i_o mean_v that_o we_o shall_v in_o these_o thing_n expect_v any_o extraordinary_a thing_n or_o somewhat_o more_o than_o a_o ordinary_a impulse_n of_o conscience_n lay_v on_o a_o sort_n of_o constraint_n or_o necessity_n on_o we_o in_o a_o immediate_a way_n which_o will_v be_v dangerous_a but_o my_o meaning_n be_v short_o this_o that_o there_o be_v a_o possibility_n in_o god_n ordinary_a way_n to_o know_v what_o conscience_n say_v to_o they_o that_o will_v observe_v the_o answer_n of_o it_o both_o before_o in_o and_o after_o duty_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v aim_v and_o endeavour_v to_o understand_v and_o take_v up_o that_o for_o further_o clear_v of_o this_o use_n we_o shall_v speak_v a_o little_a to_o some_o five_o or_o six_o question_n as_o namely_o 1._o what_o this_o answer_n of_o conscience_n be_v two_o how_o the_o conscience_n give_v its_o answer_n 3_o what_o be_v call_v for_o from_o man_n to_o find_v out_o this_o answer_n 4_o how_o this_o answer_n of_o conscience_n may_v be_v discern_v 5_o if_o this_o answer_n of_o conscience_n be_v discernible_a at_o all_o time_n 6_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o such_o case_n wherein_o the_o answer_n of_o conscience_n be_v not_o so_o clear_a as_o man_n will_v have_v it_o for_o the_o 1._o what_o this_o answer_n of_o conscience_n be_v i_o answer_v in_o short_a that_o it_o be_v distinct_a from_o a_o man_n inclination_n from_o his_o affection_n and_o from_o his_o naked_a judgement_n or_o light_n there_o be_v something_o in_o a_o man_n natural_a inclination_n that_o be_v ready_a to_o sway_n he_o to_o this_o or_o that_o but_o that_o be_v not_o conscience_n there_o be_v also_o something_o in_o a_o man_n affection_n as_o in_o that_o which_o he_o fear_v or_o desire_v and_o love_v that_o may_v sway_n he_o neither_o be_v that_o conscience_n but_o often_o that_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o conscience_n there_o be_v likewise_o something_o in_o man_n light_n from_o which_o alâ—o_o conscience_n differ_v because_o a_o natural_a and_o unregenerat_a man_n that_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o his_o way_n may_v notwithstanding_o have_v a_o light_n in_o his_o judgement_n by_o which_o he_o be_v put_v to_o come_v to_o church_n anâ—_n possible_o to_o pray_v and_o do_v other_o duty_n and_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v from_o no_o answer_n or_o dictat_fw-la of_o conscience_n that_o he_o do_v these_o duty_n we_o conceive_v therefore_o that_o this_o answer_n of_o conscience_n be_v something_o different_a from_o and_o beyond_o either_o inclination_n affection_n or_o bare_a light_n and_o that_o it_o be_v light_a and_o conscience_n go_v joint_o together_o or_o some_o conclusion_n draw_v from_o the_o word_n for_o we_o be_v speak_v here_o of_o conscience_n as_o it_o be_v in_o people_n live_v in_o the_o church_n under_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n that_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v duty_n and_o conscience_n thereupon_o put_v on_o
in_o respect_n of_o the_o external_a action_n itself_o or_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o even_o though_o we_o consider_v they_o as_o indifferent_a as_o whether_o a_o man_n stay_v at_o home_n or_o go_v abroad_o eat_v now_o or_o for_o bear_v eat_v etc._n etc._n 2._o as_o these_o action_n be_v christian_n in_o which_o respect_n man_n be_v not_o only_o to_o look_v on_o the_o action_n â—t_a self_n materâ—ally_o consider_v but_o they_o be_v also_o to_o look_v to_o the_o rule_v give_v to_o direct_v they_o how_o to_o walk_v christianly_o in_o that_o action_n for_o there_o be_v many_o action_n good_a in_o themselves_o or_o in_o the_o first_o respect_n that_o will_v not_o be_v find_v to_o be_v christianly_o and_o religious_o good_a or_o good_a in_o this_o second_o respect_n the_o christian_a shall_v love_v god_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n soul_n strength_n and_o mind_n mat._n 22._o 37._o he_o be_v not_o his_o own_o he_o be_v buy_v with_o a_o price_n and_o therefore_o shall_v glorify_v goâ—_n in_o his_o body_n and_o spirit_n which_o be_v god_n 1_o cor._n 6._o 20._o â—hether_o he_o eat_v or_o drink_v or_o whatever_o he_o do_v he_o shall_v do_v all_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 10._o 30._o which_o three_o general_a precept_n show_v that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o level_v our_o action_n as_o mere_o natural_a mâ—n_z do_v but_o as_o it_o become_v christian_n to_o level_v they_o at_o his_o glory_n as_o the_o great_a end_n and_o scope_n of_o they_o that_o to_o we_o to_o live_v may_v be_v christ_n that_o we_o may_v live_v to_o he_o and_o glorify_v he_o who_o have_v buy_v we_o and_o that_o from_o a_o principle_n of_o love_n to_o he_o who_o have_v love_v we_o now_o conscience_n come_v not_o in_o formal_o to_o deal_v on_o the_o first_o account_n that_o be_v as_o the_o action_n be_v good_a in_o itself_o or_o on_o the_o matter_n there_o reason_n and_o judgement_n come_v in_o rather_o and_o tell_v when_o a_o man_n do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a or_o 〈◊〉_d on_o the_o matter_n but_o conscience_n come_v in_o on_o the_o second_o account_v and_o tell_v he_o when_o his_o action_n be_v do_v christianly_o 〈◊〉_d wiâ—_n in_o due_a manner_n from_o a_o right_a principle_n and_o to_o a_o right_a 〈◊〉_d to_o make_v this_o out_o it_o will_v be_v needful_a that_o we_o short_o speak_v a_o word_n to_o these_o two_o 1._o we_o shall_v show_v what_o make_v a_o action_n true_o christian_n and_o religious_a 2._o we_o shall_v show_v that_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n that_o make_v a_o action_n such_o conscience_n have_v something_o to_o say_v to_o man_n whether_o â—t_a be_v so_o with_o they_o as_o for_o the_o first_o i_o speak_v noâ—_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o action_n or_o what_o make_v it_o good_a in_o that_o respect_n as_o that_o it_o be_v warrantable_a and_o in_o nothing_o sinful_a as_o to_o the_o matter_n such_o as_o be_v â—aring_v drink_v hear_v read_v pray_v etc._n etc._n beside_o this_o there_o be_v these_o four_o which_o must_v be_v present_a and_o careful_o carry_v along_o in_o every_o action_n by_o the_o man_n that_o will_v act_v christianly_o and_o glorify_v god_n therein_o the_o want_n of_o which_o or_o oâ—_n any_o of_o these_o will_v make_v conscience_n to_o have_v something_o to_o say_v against_o he_o as_o ground_n of_o challenge_n as_o the_o have_v of_o they_o will_v make_v conscience_n to_o â—ay_n for_o he_o and_o approve_v he_o the_o 1._o of_o these_o be_v that_o a_o man_n action_n be_v level_v at_o a_o high_a end_n than_o himself_o and_o that_o be_v god_n honour_n and_o the_o â—fication_n of_o other_o as_o for_o instance_n man_n even_o in_o their_o eat_n and_o drink_v be_v not_o to_o satisfy_v themselves_o or_o to_o gratify_v their_o appetite_n only_o but_o they_o be_v to_o make_v their_o eat_n and_o drink_v a_o mean_a to_o promove_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n as_o the_o great_a and_o ultimat_fw-la end_n sit_v down_o on_o a_o â—our_n end_n will_v furnish_v a_o ground_n of_o challenge_n to_o the_o conscience_n against_o the_o person_n the_o second_o be_v that_o it_o be_v from_o a_o cleanly_a motive_n that_o not_o only_o it_o be_v a_o lawful_a and_o good_a thing_n which_o we_o do_v but_o that_o it_o be_v do_v out_o of_o conscience_n to_o god_n and_o as_o service_n to_o he_o for_o a_o man_n may_v do_v a_o good_a action_n and_o not_o do_v it_o as_o such_o as_o for_o instance_n one_o man_n may_v give_v alm_n and_o sin_n in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o and_o another_o in_o give_v may_v offâ—r_v a_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n to_o god_n therefore_o christ_n say_v math._n 10._o 42_o and_o mark_v 9_o 41._o whosoever_o give_v to_o drink_v to_o one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o a_o cup_n of_o cold_a water_n in_o the_o name_n as_o a_o disciple_n viz._n consider_v he_o as_o such_o and_o give_v it_o to_o he_o as_o such_o a_o one_o or_o in_o the_o name_n of_o and_o because_o he_o belong_v to_o 〈◊〉_d on_o that_o account_n and_o under_o that_o consideration_n and_o be_v swey_v by_o that_o as_o his_o motive_n very_o he_o shall_v in_o no_o way_n loss_n his_o reward_n this_o two_o man_n may_v suffer_v both_o a_o like_a unjust_o from_o a_o churlish_a master_n or_o superior_a the_o one_o of_o who_o may_v have_v no_o thanks_o nor_o peace_n in_o his_o suffering_n when_o the_o other_o suffer_v christianly_o out_o of_o conscience_n to_o god_n and_o in_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n that_o call_v he_o to_o it_o be_v accept_v and_o have_v peace_n this_o be_v thank_v worthy_a say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o pet._n 2._o 19_o if_o a_o man_n for_o conscience_n sake_n endure_v grief_n and_o suffer_v wrongful_o so_o in_o the_o love_n of_o a_o husband_n to_o his_o wife_n and_o of_o a_o parent_n to_o he_o or_o her_o child_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o love_v on_o a_o mere_a natural_a account_n and_o another_o thing_n to_o love_v such_o a_o relation_n christianly_o and_o out_o of_o conscience_n to_o god_n though_o the_o former_a be_v not_o condemn_v yet_o it_o be_v this_o latter_a that_o make_v it_o to_o be_v a_o conscientious_a and_o acceptable_a love_n before_o god_n the_o 3_o be_v that_o the_o action_n be_v go_v about_o in_o the_o right_a manner_n as_o such_o a_o particular_a action_n or_o duty_n be_v command_v to_o be_v do_v as_o for_o instance_n if_o it_o be_v a_o word_n of_o instruction_n or_o admonition_n give_v by_o we_o to_o another_o that_o it_o be_v give_v prudent_o love_o and_o tender_o or_o what_o ever_o the_o action_n be_v in_o reference_n to_o other_o that_o our_o manner_n of_o go_v about_o it_o be_v such_o as_o may_v adorn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o make_v the_o action_n to_o shine_v the_o more_o convince_o to_o other_o because_o of_o our_o suitable_a way_n of_o discharge_v it_o that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o testimony_n in_o their_o conscience_n and_o may_v gain_v they_o or_o further_o gain_v they_o to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o godliness_n but_o this_o can_v be_v so_o well_o instance_a in_o particular_n because_o several_a duty_n require_v their_o own_o suitable_a way_n of_o perform_v of_o they_o the_o four_o thing_n that_o must_v go_v along_o with_o every_o action_n be_v that_o it_o be_v mix_v with_o faith_n heb._n 4._o 2._o not_o only_o the_o faith_n of_o such_o a_o action_n be_v good_a and_o lawful_a in_o itself_o for_o that_o be_v always_o presuppose_v but_o these_o two_o thing_n here_o be_v further_a requisite_a 1._o that_o the_o action_n or_o duty_n be_v go_v about_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o jesus_n christ_n so_o that_o it_o may_v have_v a_o superior_a spiritual_a principle_n to_o wit_n god_n strength_n act_v in_o it_o and_o not_o our_o own_o simple_o that_o crowd_n of_o witness_n chronicle_v heb._n 11._o be_v say_v to_o do_v all_o they_o do_v this_o way_n viz._n by_o faith_n that_o be_v not_o only_o by_o faith_n exercise_v on_o christ_n for_o accept_v of_o they_o but_o also_o by_o faith_n exercise_v on_o the_o strength_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v bear_v through_o in_o the_o do_n of_o what_o they_o do_v 2._o that_o not_o only_a faith_n be_v exercise_v for_o divine_a strength_n in_o do_v and_o that_o the_o doer_n be_v deny_v to_o their_o own_o strength_n but_o that_o there_o be_v also_o a_o rest_v on_o christ_n for_o the_o acceptation_n of_o their_o person_n and_o performance_n and_o this_o be_v alâ—e_o requisite_a as_o any_o of_o the_o former_a because_o though_o a_o person_n do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a in_o itself_o and_o have_v all_o the_o other_o requisit_n to_o the_o action_n yet_o if_o there_o be_v a_o fall_n in_o this_o conscience_n will_v not_o speak_v peace_n by_o faith_n it_o be_v say_v heb._n 11._o 4_o 5._o that_o abel_n offer_v a_o more_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n than_o cain_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
it_o not_o except_o you_o think_v that_o there_o be_v some_o part_n of_o your_o life_n that_o shall_v not_o at_o all_o be_v religious_a but_o that_o you_o be_v leave_v in_o they_o to_o live_v as_o you_o list_v it_o be_v ofttimes_o our_o fault_n that_o we_o limit_v conscience_n to_o this_o and_o that_o particular_a action_n that_o be_v of_o some_o considerable_a concernment_n and_o some_o way_n shut_v it_o out_o as_o have_v no_o concern_n in_o these_o of_o lesser_a moment_n and_o many_o alace_o shoulder_n it_o out_o from_o the_o tract_n of_o their_o life_n and_o current_n of_o their_o action_n o_o let_v this_o by_o any_o mean_n be_v amend_v sermon_n ii_o rome_n 9_o 1._o i_o say_v the_o truth_n in_o christ_n i_o lie_v not_o my_o conscience_n also_o bear_v i_o witness_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n christian_n who_o have_v such_o a_o vigilant_a and_o constant_a attendant_n as_o conscience_n wait_v on_o they_o have_v much_o need_n of_o watchfulness_n that_o they_o may_v be_v keep_v in_o some_o suitableness_n of_o frame_n for_o entertain_v that_o companion_n conscience_n its_o work_n be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v advise_v and_o deliberate_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v but_o also_o to_o be_v wait_v on_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o act_n and_o perform_v of_o what_o it_o have_v be_v advise_v to_o and_o it_o be_v indeed_o no_o less_o practic_a to_o carry_v conscience_n along_o in_o the_o perform_n of_o duty_n than_o it_o be_v in_o take_v some_o pain_n to_o consult_v it_o and_o advise_v with_o it_o at_o the_o undertake_n thereof_o so_o as_o we_o may_v be_v answerable_a to_o conscience_n as_o to_o both_o ofttimes_o some_o pain_n will_v be_v take_v in_o deliberate_v and_o advise_v with_o conscience_n what_o and_o when_o we_o shall_v do_v when_o we_o will_v exceed_o relent_v in_o take_v it_o along_o with_o we_o in_o the_o performance_n whence_o it_o frequent_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o we_o lose_v the_o peace_n we_o gain_v in_o advise_v with_o conscience_n at_o our_o undertake_n the_o action_n by_o not_o carry_v it_o along_o with_o we_o in_o perform_v this_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o propose_v to_o be_v speak_v to_o from_o this_o verse_n viz._n the_o influence_n that_o conscience_n have_v on_o man_n act_n and_o the_o respect_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v to_o it_o not_o only_o before_o they_o undertake_v any_o action_n but_o in_o and_o along_o the_o perform_n of_o it_o the_o last_o doctrine_n we_o speak_v to_o from_o it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o action_n of_o a_o man_n life_n but_o conscience_n be_v concern_v in_o it_o and_o have_v something_o to_o say_v concern_v it_o for_o or_o against_o he_o if_o it_o be_v but_o the_o speak_n of_o a_o word_n or_o the_o assert_v of_o any_o truth_n as_o we_o see_v in_o this_o instance_n of_o paul_n his_o conscience_n bear_v he_o witness_v it_o have_v something_o to_o say_v to_o he_o anent_o his_o do_v it_o we_o clear_v this_o in_o several_a yea_o rather_o in_o all_o sort_n of_o action_n that_o man_n have_v to_o perform_v there_o be_v none_o of_o they_o of_o so_o little_a moment_n so_o extrinsic_a or_o so_o indifferent_a but_o in_o the_o perform_n of_o they_o conscience_n ought_v to_o be_v carry_v along_o as_o have_v somewhat_o to_o say_v for_o or_o against_o the_o performer_n we_o shall_v now_o add_v some_o four_o or_o five_o observation_n more_o from_o the_o word_n and_o the_o first_o which_o we_o may_v either_o take_v as_o a_o use_v of_o the_o former_a or_o as_o a_o distinct_a observation_n by_o itself_o be_v this_o that_o man_n in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o go_v about_o any_o thing_n will_v advert_v and_o take_v heed_n to_o that_o sense_n which_o conscience_n have_v of_o their_o action_n and_o see_v it_o have_v something_o to_o say_v they_o will_v be_v lend_v to_o their_o ear_n all_o along_o the_o time_n of_o their_o perform_v the_o action_n and_o hear_v what_o it_o say_v as_o before_o they_o undertake_v they_o will_v advise_v with_o conscience_n that_o they_o be_v right_a so_o in_o the_o time_n of_o performance_n there_o will_v be_v a_o reflect_v on_o conscience_n to_o know_v its_o sense_n of_o our_o do_v paul_n be_v now_o speak_v and_o assert_v somewhat_o and_o he_o reflect_v on_o his_o conscience_n to_o hear_v what_o it_o will_v say_v and_o that_o he_o may_v get_v its_o testimony_n that_o he_o be_v speak_v sincere_o he_o be_v not_o now_o advise_v with_o conscience_n to_o know_v what_o he_o shall_v do_v nor_o to_o get_v its_o censure_n of_o what_o he_o have_v do_v but_o in_o the_o very_a time_n of_o his_o do_v he_o reflect_v and_o take_v notice_n what_o it_o say_v he_o assert_v that_o he_o be_v speak_v truth_n and_o take_v a_o look_n into_o his_o conscience_n to_o see_v if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o that_o he_o be_v indeed_o speak_v the_o truth_n and_o true_o or_o we_o may_v take_v the_o doctrine_n thus_o it_o be_v a_o main_a piece_n of_o a_o tender_a walk_n in_o a_o christian_a not_o only_o to_o deliberate_v with_o conscience_n before_o he_o do_v any_o thing_n and_o when_o he_o have_v do_v it_o to_o take_v its_o censure_n if_o it_o be_v right_o do_v but_o also_o to_o reflect_v upon_o his_o conscience_n in_o the_o very_a time_n of_o his_o do_v of_o it_o and_o to_o hear_v what_o it_o will_v say_v of_o that_o which_o he_o be_v now_o do_v and_o of_o himself_o in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o and_o we_o conceive_v that_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o main_a thing_n mean_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n when_o conscience_n be_v put_v to_o it_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o a_o duty_n to_o know_v what_o it_o will_v say_v concern_v the_o man_n and_o his_o action_n for_o if_o so_o be_v that_o conscience_n have_v something_o to_o say_v concern_v every_o duty_n for_o or_o against_o the_o man_n as_o it_o be_v rom._n 2._o 15_o their_o conscience_n bear_v they_o witness_n and_o their_o thought_n the_o mean_a while_n accuse_v or_o else_o excuse_v one_o another_o than_o it_o will_v clear_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v a_o main_a piece_n of_o a_o christian_n duty_n to_o keep_v fair_a with_o his_o conscience_n here_o and_o to_o take_v good_a heed_n what_o it_o say_v in_o the_o very_a interim_n and_o mean_a time_n of_o his_o perform_v every_o action_n yea_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o main_a piece_n of_o a_o christian_n walk_v but_o a_o main_a evidence_n of_o a_o tender_a walk_n in_o a_o christian_a viz._n when_o he_o do_v not_o only_o aim_v to_o be_v clear_a in_o undertake_v a_o duty_n but_o to_o carry_v conscience_n along_o with_o he_o and_o to_o know_v what_o it_o say_v in_o follow_v forth_o the_o duty_n take_v these_o two_o or_o three_o word_n for_o clear_v it_o first_o consider_v that_o the_o right_a performance_n of_o our_o action_n and_o duty_n or_o the_o make_n of_o they_o such_o as_o they_o shall_v be_v depend_v very_o much_o on_o the_o nick_n of_o our_o discharge_v they_o so_o that_o though_o a_o man_n shall_v deliberat_fw-la never_o so_o well_o before_o if_o he_o be_v in_o a_o carnal_a frame_n or_o have_v a_o selfie_v end_n â—o_o the_o time_n of_o performance_n he_o will_v be_v at_o a_o loss_n of_o his_o peace_n and_o much_o miss_v his_o mark_n as_o the_o apostle_n have_v the_o word_n philip._n 3._o 13._o i_o press_v towards_o the_o mark_n in_o his_o aim_v at_o holiness_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n he_o levell_v all_o his_o action_n at_o that_o mark_n the_o prize_n of_o the_o high_a call_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o this_o similitude_n for_o illustrate_v it_o let_v a_o man_n with_o a_o bow_n or_o musket_n level_v never_o so_o well_o or_o take_v never_o so_o just_a a_o visie_n if_o his_o hand_n waver_v in_o the_o instant_n of_o shoot_v he_o can_v ready_o hit_v the_o mark_n even_o so_o though_o a_o man_n as_o i_o say_v deliberate_a and_o advise_v never_o so_o well_o with_o his_o conscience_n before_o he_o do_v a_o thing_n if_o in_o the_o time_n of_o do_v he_o take_v not_o heed_n tender_o and_o steady_o to_o it_o but_o fall_v carnal_a and_o selfie_v in_o it_o he_o can_v have_v peace_n as_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o action_n 2_o consider_v that_o we_o be_v so_o very_o tickle_v in_o our_o frame_n as_o the_o duty_n of_o holiness_n be_v some_o way_n in_o themselves_o and_o our_o heart_n so_o unstable_a light_a and_o frothy_a that_o though_o we_o shall_v level_v they_o right_o just_a now_o yet_o they_o will_v be_v ready_a quick_o to_o start_v aside_o as_o a_o deceitful_a how_o upon_o out_o hand_n it_o can_v therefore_o be_v sufficient_a ground_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o deliberat_fw-la in_o undertake_v except_o a_o man_n observe_v and_o reflect_v on_o his_o
conscience_n and_o study_v to_o carry_v it_o along_o with_o he_o in_o the_o very_a time_n of_o his_o act_n our_o heart_n be_v like_a to_o a_o distemper_a clock_n or_o watch_n which_o be_v just_a now_o set_v never_o so_o right_a ere_o we_o be_v aware_a it_o will_v go_v wrong_a it_o will_v point_v the_o hour_n aright_o now_o and_o within_o a_o little_a it_o be_v quite_o out_o of_o course_n because_o there_o be_v some_o defect_n or_o fault_n within_o the_o wheel_n not_o be_v even_o or_o the_o balance_n not_o just_o poise_v or_o some_o other_o such_o cause_n even_o so_o though_o our_o heart_n be_v in_o a_o suitable_a frame_n just_a now_o present_o and_o ere_o we_o turn_v we_o about_o as_o it_o be_v it_o be_v out_o of_o frame_n so_o that_o we_o can_v well_o take_v our_o aim_n from_o it_o it_o be_v so_o very_o deceitful_a that_o it_o abide_v not_o in_o frame_n 3_o consider_v that_o unless_o this_o reflect_v on_o conscience_n in_o the_o time_n of_o perform_v the_o action_n or_o duty_n be_v a_o man_n will_v be_v at_o a_o loss_n of_o one_o of_o these_o two_o he_o will_v either_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n as_o to_o his_o â—ober_a compose_a and_o holy_a frame_n and_o turn_v carnal_a which_o be_v frequent_o and_o ready_o incident_a even_o to_o believer_n or_o he_o will_v be_v at_o a_o loss_n as_o to_o the_o confidence_n boldness_n and_o peace_n that_o he_o may_v otherwise_o have_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o such_o a_o action_n or_o duty_n for_o suppose_v a_o person_n to_o be_v in_o a_o good_a frame_n after_o he_o have_v resolve_v on_o a_o duty_n let_v it_o be_v for_o instance_n speak_v to_o edification_n go_v about_o prayer_n or_o the_o make_n of_o some_o lawful_a bargain_n or_o the_o like_a and_o he_o have_v abundant_a light_n and_o clearness_n in_o his_o call_n to_o the_o thing_n yet_o if_o he_o look_v not_o to_o and_o reflect_v not_o on_o conscience_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o that_o duty_n when_o a_o challenge_n come_v on_o the_o back_n of_o it_o as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v wrong_n he_o can_v well_o answer_v nor_o repel_v it_o his_o be_v right_o be_v to_o he_o in_o that_o case_n in_o some_o respect_n little_a or_o no_o better_a than_o if_o he_o have_v be_v wrong_n because_o he_o observe_v not_o conscience_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o action_n and_o this_o be_v one_o great_a reason_n no_o doubt_n why_o believer_n have_v so_o little_a positive_a peace_n when_o they_o have_v do_v a_o good_a turn_n because_o they_o do_v not_o advert_v what_o conscience_n say_v to_o they_o in_o their_o go_n about_o it_o they_o be_v hereby_o also_o great_o at_o a_o lose_v as_o to_o many_o sweet_a experience_n of_o god_n kindness_n and_o condescend_v in_o assist_v they_o and_o of_o their_o own_o singleness_n win_v at_o through_o grace_n in_o the_o perform_n of_o duty_n and_o we_o think_v also_o that_o christian_n live_v so_o much_o by_o a_o negative_a peace_n to_o speak_v so_o flow_v much_o from_o this_o ground_n viz._n their_o little_a reflect_v in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o do_v duty_n if_o once_o they_o be_v clear_a in_o the_o thing_n whither_o they_o be_v suitable_o serious_a and_o sincere_a in_o it_o and_o so_o let_v the_o opportunity_n go_v by_o they_o be_v not_o so_o thorough_o clear_a in_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v evidence_n of_o a_o positive_a peace_n in_o do_v of_o such_o a_o duty_n right_o as_o they_o may_v otherways_o be_v the_o first_a use_n serve_v to_o give_v you_o a_o evidence_n and_o mark_v of_o a_o tender_a walk_n and_o of_o a_o man_n that_o be_v tender_a in_o his_o walk_n he_o be_v such_o a_o man_n that_o will_v not_o only_o ask_v his_o conscience_n ere_o he_o begin_v a_o action_n but_o when_o he_o be_v a_o do_v of_o it_o what_o it_o think_v of_o it_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n that_o a_o tender_a christian_a will_v reflect_v upon_o in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o do_v a_o action_n or_o duty_n 1._o he_o will_v reflect_v upon_o his_o manner_n of_o perform_v it_o whither_o it_o be_v a_o natural_a action_n such_o as_o eat_v and_o drink_v a_o civil_a action_n such_o as_o buy_v and_o sell_v a_o religious_a action_n such_o as_o pray_v or_o hear_v etc._n etc._n he_o will_v look_v that_o in_o they_o all_o he_o be_v single_a that_o his_o eat_v and_o drink_v be_v to_o fit_v he_o to_o serve_v god_n that_o in_o his_o buy_v and_o sell_v he_o seek_v not_o only_o his_o own_o thing_n but_o the_o good_a of_o his_o neighbour_n as_o well_o as_o his_o own_o good_a that_o in_o his_o pray_v or_o hear_v he_o be_v sincere_a that_o it_o be_v in_o faith_n and_o according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n 2_o he_o will_v reflect_v on_o himself_o in_o the_o perform_n of_o his_o action_n that_o he_o be_v in_o a_o right_a frame_n that_o he_o be_v tender_a and_o sincere_a that_o some_o awe_n of_o god_n and_o of_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v on_o he_o that_o his_o spirit_n be_v sober_a and_o compose_v that_o a_o carnal_a frame_n steal_v not_o in_o upon_o he_o in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o do_v a_o warrantable_a action_n or_o a_o command_v duty_n because_o that_o will_v mar_v it_o 3_o he_o will_v reflect_v upon_o his_o conscience_n that_o he_o may_v hear_v what_o it_o say_v of_o the_o action_n he_o will_v not_o as_o it_o be_v take_v his_o testimony_n from_o himself_o but_o conscience_n be_v as_o a_o distinct_a thing_n some_o way_n from_o himself_o he_o will_v hear_v what_o it_o say_v as_o paul_n do_v here_o it_o be_v truth_n which_o he_o speak_v and_o he_o speak_v it_o in_o the_o right_a manner_n and_o yet_o he_o take_v a_o look_n of_o his_o conscience_n if_o he_o be_v do_v so_o in_o very_a deed_n to_o wit_n sincere_o as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n yea_o more_o he_o take_v the_o testimony_n of_o his_o conscience_n if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o and_o thus_o here_o he_o look_v not_o to_o nor_o reflect_v on_o his_o conscience_n to_o alter_v any_o piece_n of_o his_o way_n but_o to_o have_v its_o sense_n of_o that_o piece_n of_o it_o he_o gather_v that_o the_o action_n be_v good_a from_o the_o word_n and_o he_o inquire_v if_o he_o be_v and_o collect_v that_o he_o be_v right_a in_o the_o performance_n from_o his_o conscience_n testify_v according_a to_o the_o word_n so_o that_o he_o will_v not_o trust_v himself_o but_o go_v to_o conscience_n as_o be_v more_o impartial_a to_o take_v its_o testimony_n the_o reason_n then_o as_o i_o say_v before_o why_o few_o christian_n have_v solid_a peace_n be_v this_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o action_n be_v good_a and_o if_o they_o can_v answer_v their_o light_n therein_o they_o reflect_v but_o little_a on_o their_o conscience_n in_o the_o perform_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o want_v much_o of_o the_o peace_n and_o consolation_n that_o may_v otherwise_o accompany_v they_o in_o their_o action_n and_o when_o they_o be_v do_v and_o over_o and_o this_o evidence_n of_o tenderness_n kythe_n rather_o when_o a_o man_n be_v in_o the_o act_n then_o either_o before_o or_o after_o for_o fear_n or_o awe_n may_v make_v a_o man_n seek_v light_a before_o a_o action_n and_o a_o challenge_n may_v put_v he_o to_o reflect_v and_o examine_v when_o he_o have_v do_v but_o here_o main_o lie_v the_o evidence_n of_o sincerity_n and_o tenderness_n when_o in_o every_o step_n all_o along_o the_o action_n or_o duty_n so_o far_o as_o be_v requisite_a and_o humane_a infirmity_n will_v admit_v he_o take_v heed_n what_o he_o be_v do_v and_o as_o we_o say_v the_o other_o day_n that_o it_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o a_o tender_a conscience_n to_o be_v always_o meddle_v in_o every_o thing_n that_o a_o man_n do_v so_o we_o say_v now_o that_o it_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o a_o tender_a man_n to_o listen_v and_o hear_v what_o censure_n his_o conscience_n pass_v on_o he_o in_o perform_v his_o action_n the_o 2d_o use_v be_v for_o reproof_n ah_o may_v we_o not_o find_v but_o by_o overly_o reflection_n if_o we_o do_v advise_v with_o conscience_n at_o our_o undertake_n of_o such_o a_o work_n or_o duty_n that_o yet_o in_o the_o time_n of_o do_v it_o there_o be_v but_o little_o reflect_v on_o our_o conscience_n if_o it_o do_v bear_v we_o witness_v of_o our_o sincerity_n in_o go_v about_o it_o how_o many_o time_n will_v man_n and_o woman_n be_v find_v eat_v drink_v buy_v sell_v go_v or_o ride_v a_o lawful_a journey_n speak_v of_o a_o sermon_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o in_o these_o action_n but_o seldom_o or_o never_o look_v in_o if_o they_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o their_o conscience_n that_o they_o be_v right_a in_o their_o go_v about_o of_o these_o thing_n can_v this_o i_o pray_v speak_v a_o tender_a frame_n that_o be_v so_o
neglective_a of_o conscience_n it_o be_v certain_o a_o evidence_n of_o one_fw-mi untender_a frame_n in_o believer_n and_o where_o ever_o it_o be_v habitual_a and_o regnant_a it_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o a_o evil_a state_n for_o if_o one_o be_v a_o tender_a christian_a when_o shall_v his_o conscience_n be_v tender_a if_o not_o in_o the_o nick_n of_o the_o performance_n of_o a_o action_n for_o that_o be_v the_o time_n when_o he_o will_v or_o shall_v be_v level_v lest_o he_o miss_v the_o mark_n and_o know_v how_o fickle_a and_o unconstant_a he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o have_v a_o heart_n like_o a_o unsteady_a hand_n how_o shall_v he_o guard_v against_o its_o levity_n and_o unstablenesse_n the_o 3d._n use_v be_v of_o exhortation_n to_o advert_v more_o to_o this_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n in_o perform_v duty_n o_o learn_v to_o reflect_v on_o yourselves_o in_o every_o thing_n and_o to_o ask_v yourselves_o what_o you_o be_v do_v that_o you_o may_v know_v if_o you_o be_v right_a or_o wrong_n if_o wrong_n that_o you_o may_v take_v with_o it_o and_o be_v humble_v for_o it_o if_o right_a that_o you_o may_v be_v comfort_v in_o it_o we_o conceive_v this_o will_v be_v a_o notable_a guard_n to_o tenderness_n and_o keep_v communion_n with_o god_n and_o a_o sovereign_a help_n to_o prevent_v many_o sin_n and_o much_o hypocrisy_n in_o our_o way_n of_o do_v thing_n even_o to_o be_v take_v exact_a notice_n if_o we_o be_v indeed_o do_v that_o which_o we_o profess_v to_o be_v do_v if_o we_o be_v speak_v to_o edification_n if_o we_o be_v pray_v in_o earnest_n when_o we_o pretend_v to_o be_v pray_v etc._n etc._n 2_o observe_v that_o when_o conscience_n be_v well_o satisfy_v in_o a_o particular_a action_n or_o duty_n it_o can_v signify_v its_o sense_n thereof_o to_o the_o man_n that_o perform_v it_o and_o speak_v a_o good_a word_n for_o he_o this_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o paul_n con_n science_n do_v here_o he_o be_v sincere_a in_o the_o thing_n that_o he_o assert_n and_o it_o bear_v he_o witness_v of_o his_o sincerity_n when_o he_o advert_v to_o it_o first_o i_o say_v conscience_n can_v signify_v its_o mind_n and_o sense_n of_o a_o particular_a action_n or_o duty_n if_o it_o be_v well_o please_v and_o can_v speak_v a_o good_a word_n for_o the_o man_n it_o can_v signify_v its_o mind_n at_o any_o time_n but_o when_o it_o be_v well_o pleaâ—ed_v it_o signify_v it_o by_o testify_v for_o the_o man_n and_o 2_o i_o say_v that_o not_o only_o do_v it_o testify_v its_o satisfaction_n with_o the_o action_n but_o with_o every_o thing_n in_o it_o when_o there_o be_v a_o right_a end_n a_o right_a motive_n and_o a_o right_a manner_n of_o performance_n when_o christ_n be_v due_o respect_v in_o it_o and_o make_v use_v of_o for_o strength_n and_o acceptance_n and_o 3_o i_o add_v this_o if_o man_n advert_v to_o it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v because_o it_o have_v something_o to_o say_v always_o yet_o man_n will_v not_o hear_v nor_o know_v what_o it_o say_v except_o they_o advert_v well_o and_o reflect_v and_o take_v good_a heed_n to_o it_o 3_o observe_v that_o it_o be_v very_o strengthen_v confirm_v comfort_a refresh_a and_o satisfy_v to_o a_o man_n in_o a_o particular_a action_n to_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o his_o conscience_n for_o he_o this_o bear_v paul_n through_o here_o amid_o all_o challenge_n that_o may_v have_v be_v raise_v from_o seek_v of_o himself_o or_o from_o follow_v revenge_n in_o what_o he_o assert_n there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n say_v he_o my_o conscience_n bear_v i_o witness_v of_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v not_o a_o man_n action_n simple_o that_o will_v give_v he_o boldness_n confidence_n and_o comfort_n for_o several_a person_n may_v concur_v in_o one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o good_a action_n on_o the_o matter_n and_o yet_o some_o may_v have_v a_o good_a 〈◊〉_d other_o a_o evil_a conscience_n in_o it_o be_v it_o but_o as_o to_o a_o man_n thought_n and_o opinion_n of_o himself_o for_o it_o be_v not_o he_o that_o commend_v himself_o but_o he_o who_o god_n commend_v that_o be_v approven_v when_o conscience_n i_o say_v bear_v witness_n for_o a_o man_n it_o be_v a_o very_a strengthen_n confirm_v and_o satisfy_v thing_n the_o reason_n be_v 1._o because_o conscience_n be_v the_o more_o single_a and_o impartial_a judge_n and_o witness_n and_o therefore_o a_o man_n may_v lay_v the_o more_o weight_n on_o it_o 2_o because_o conscience_n speak_v and_o bear_v witness_n with_o respect_n to_o god_n and_o when_o it_o testify_v on_o solid_a ground_n it_o be_v god_n testimony_n now_o when_o a_o debate_n arise_v in_o a_o man_n about_o any_o of_o his_o action_n the_o man_n himself_o be_v the_o party_n arraign_v the_o challenge_n or_o tentation_n be_v the_o party_n accuse_v and_o conscience_n be_v as_o the_o witness_n or_o judge_n that_o decide_v and_o be_v unbiased_n it_o bear_v witness_n and_o pass_v the_o sentence_n true_o and_o impartial_o it_o as_o it_o be_v say_v it_o be_v true_a he_o say_v such_o and_o such_o a_o thing_n and_o that_o sincere_o and_o i_o know_v that_o his_o thought_n and_o intention_n be_v honest_a and_o thus_o conscience_n decide_v the_o debate_n in_o his_o favour_n if_o so_o be_v he_o have_v it_o on_o his_o side_n and_o so_o confirm_v and_o comfort_v he_o the_o use_n be_v to_o exhort_v you_o to_o lay_v more_o weight_n on_o conscience_n and_o on_o its_o testimony_n and_o less_o weight_n on_o any_o other_o thing_n for_o it_o will_v not_o be_v your_o good_a meaning_n nor_o good_a hope_n as_o you_o use_v to_o speak_v but_o a_o sanctify_a conscience_n in_o a_o sanctify_a frame_n that_o will_v be_v find_v fit_a to_o decide_v in_o any_o action_n 4_o observe_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n speak_v ing_z for_o a_o man_n and_o his_o perform_n of_o a_o good_a action_n on_o the_o matter_n be_v separable_a that_o be_v a_o man_n may_v do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a in_o itself_o and_o yet_o not_o have_v a_o positive_a and_o approbative_a testimony_n from_o his_o conscience_n concern_v it_o otherways_o paul_n need_v not_o to_o have_v attest_v his_o conscience_n if_o he_o have_v not_o know_v that_o conscience_n its_o testimony_n may_v have_v be_v separate_a from_o what_o he_o speak_v it_o be_v well_o enough_o know_v that_o he_o be_v say_v his_o heart_n be_v grieve_v for_o the_o rejection_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o the_o question_n be_v if_o he_o have_v say_v it_o honest_o and_o sincere_o and_o he_o assert_n that_o he_o have_v conscience_n its_o testimony_n for_o that_o as_o a_o distinct_a thing_n there_o be_v but_o too_o many_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v there_o not_o many_o who_o speak_v good_a word_n and_o do_v good_a deed_n on_o the_o matter_n who_o yet_o have_v not_o a_o good_a conscience_n in_o the_o speak_n and_o do_v of_o they_o as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o amaziah_n 2_o chroâ—_n 25._o 2._o he_o do_v that_o which_o be_v right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o not_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n so_o it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o many_o other_o that_o they_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a for_o the_o matter_n but_o they_o want_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o this_o will_v be_v further_a clear_a if_o we_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n that_o concur_v to_o make_v a_o action_n true_o and_o christianly_o good_a such_o as_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o other_o day_n many_o care_n for_o no_o more_o but_o that_o the_o action_n be_v good_a for_o the_o matter_n but_o it_o be_v moreover_o requisite_a that_o it_o be_v good_a as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o performance_n that_o it_o be_v from_o a_o right_a motive_n to_o a_o right_a end_n do_v in_o faith_n by_o strength_n draw_v from_o christ_n and_o with_o a_o eye_n to_o acceptance_n on_o his_o account_n a_o corrupt_a end_n in_o prayer_n in_o come_v to_o the_o church_n to_o hear_v in_o read_v the_o word_n or_o in_o any_o other_o duty_n will_v spoil_v the_o action_n 2_o that_o there_o be_v different_a rule_n to_o try_v these_o by_o there_o be_v one_o rule_n to_o regulat_fw-la we_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o action_n and_o another_o to_o regulat_fw-la our_o manner_n of_o go_v about_o they_o and_o a_o good_a conscience_n look_v to_o both_o these_o rule_n and_o if_o anyof_o the_o requisite_a qualification_n to_o the_o suitable_a and_o acceptable_a performance_n of_o they_o be_v absent_a and_o want_v in_o so_o far_o conscience_n will_v withhold_v its_o positive_a approve_v testimony_n a_o good_a conscience_n its_o testimony_n be_v like_o the_o harmony_n of_o a_o well_o tune_a instrument_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o have_v all_o the_o string_n on_o
the_o instrument_n and_o another_o thing_n to_o have_v they_o all_o in_o tune_n when_o it_o be_v not_o right_o tune_v though_o it_o have_v on_o all_o the_o string_n it_o can_v give_v a_o sweet_a nor_o harmonious_a sound_n so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o conscience_n the_o use_n be_v for_o exhortation_n to_o watchful_a advertance_n in_o every_o thing_n to_o conscience_n it_o be_v testimony_n see_v there_o be_v many_o that_o do_v good_a on_o the_o matter_n who_o yet_o want_v its_o testimony_n it_o become_v we_o to_o be_v the_o more_o watchful_a to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o see_v that_o conscience_n its_o speak_v for_o a_o man_n and_o give_v he_o its_o approbative_a testimony_n and_o his_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a on_o the_o matter_n be_v not_o only_o separable_a but_o be_v often_o actual_o separate_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o not_o only_a in_o natural_a but_o even_o in_o regenerate_a man_n as_o frequent_a experience_n put_v beyond_o debate_n we_o have_v need_v i_o say_v to_o be_v the_o more_o watchful_a both_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n and_o manner_n of_o our_o do_v lest_o we_o be_v at_o a_o lose_v of_o the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n for_o we_o and_o none_o will_v think_v it_o to_o be_v as_o easy_a a_o business_n to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o perform_v of_o duty_n as_o it_o be_v to_o do_v so_o â—s_v to_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o how_o many_o come_v to_o the_o church_n but_o without_o due_a preparation_n and_o without_o have_v a_o heart_n ready_a to_o hear_v what_o god_n will_v say_v to_o they_o and_o meddle_v with_o with_o other_o duty_n without_o regard_v the_o due_a manner_n of_o perform_v they_o we_o â—ight_a instance_n it_o in_o all_o these_o six_o sort_n of_o action_n we_o speak_v of_o the_o other_o day_n in_o all_o which_o there_o be_v a_o propensnes_n iâ—_n we_o natural_o to_o degenerate_v and_o go_v beside_o the_o rule_n as_o namely_o 1._o in_o natural_a action_n of_o eat_v and_o drink_v or_o of_o love_a husband_n or_o wife_n or_o child_n man_n may_v be_v very_o carnal_a degenerate_a and_o become_v like_o very_a beast_n 2._o in_o civil_a action_n as_o buy_v and_o bargane_v wherein_o man_n maâ—_n turn_v base_o covetous_a selfie_v and_o seek_v their_o own_o thing_n and_o not_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n noâ—_n the_o good_a and_o advantage_n of_o other_o 3_o in_o moral_a action_n as_o speak_v truth_n deal_v fair_o and_o honest_o wherein_o man_n may_v turn_v legal_a proud_a and_o vain_a and_o seek_v to_o establish_v a_o self-righteousnesse_n thereby_o to_o themselves_o 4._o in_o external_a religious_a action_n as_o hear_v the_o word_n pray_v etc._n etc._n wherein_o man_n may_v turn_v hypocritical_a and_o formal_a have_v a_o show_n without_o substance_n and_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n without_o the_o power_n of_o it_o 5._o in_o inward_a duty_n as_o repentance_n contentment_n etc._n etc._n wherein_o man_n may_v turn_v worldly_a and_o carnal_a therefore_o a_o worldly_a repentance_n from_o fear_n of_o punishment_n or_o of_o shame_n in_o the_o world_n or_o worldly_a sorrow_n that_o cause_v death_n be_v speak_v of_o 2_o cor._n 7._o v._n 10._o so_o theâ—e_n be_v a_o worldly_a contentment_n 6._o in_o passive_a action_n or_o suffering_n some_o may_v suffer_v from_o inevitable_a necessity_n and_o have_v no_o thanks_o for_o it_o as_o it_o be_v 1_o pet._n 2._o 20._o we_o may_v from_o the_o unstraightnesse_n of_o the_o end_n to_o which_o from_o the_o unsoundnesse_n of_o the_o principle_n from_o which_o from_o the_o unsuitablenesse_n of_o the_o motive_n by_o which_o duty_n be_v do_v and_o several_a otherways_o prejudge_v ourselves_o of_o the_o approve_v testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n which_o we_o will_v careful_o advert_v to_o that_o we_o divide_v not_o betwixt_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o a_o good_a turn_v action_n or_o duty_n but_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v here_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v so_o difficult_a to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o to_o carry_v it_o along_o with_o we_o in_o the_o very_a interim_n mean_v time_n and_o nick_n of_o perform_v the_o action_n above_o and_o beyond_o what_o it_o be_v either_o to_o deliberat_fw-la and_o advise_v with_o it_o before_o we_o do_v or_o to_o reflect_v after_o we_o have_v do_v i_o answer_v and_o give_v these_o two_o or_o three_o reason_n of_o it_o the_o first_o whereof_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o necessary_a concurrence_n of_o so_o many_o thing_n that_o must_v go_v together_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o a_o action_n which_o make_v it_o easy_a to_o resolve_v before_o do_v or_o to_o reflect_v after_o do_v then_o to_o perform_v the_o second_o be_v because_o there_o be_v such_o a_o ticklenesse_n in_o the_o frame_n ol_fw-mi our_o heart_n that_o they_o be_v unstable_a as_o water_n stable_n in_o nothing_o there_o be_v three_o distemper_n of_o heart_n that_o we_o be_v subject_a to_o which_o all_o hold_v forth_o this_o difficulty_n 1._o a_o decline_a humour_n to_o say_v so_o or_o distemper_n whereby_o we_o be_v give_v to_o backslide_v or_o turn_v aside_o like_o a_o deceitful_a bow_n that_o keep_v bensel_n while_o the_o arrow_n be_v a_o draw_v and_o when_o it_o be_v at_o or_o in_o the_o very_o let_v off_o starteth_z aside_o 2_o a_o levity_n and_o unsettledness_n even_o such_o that_o the_o weather_n cock_n be_v not_o soon_o and_o more_o easy_o whirl_v about_o by_o the_o least_o wind_n than_o we_o be_v by_o the_o least_o breathe_v of_o the_o air_n of_o tentation_n so_o that_o be_v we_o just_a now_o in_o a_o good_a and_o suitable_a frame_n for_o duty_n ere_o we_o be_v aware_a we_o fall_v off_o and_o a_o good_a conscience_n require_v a_o composedness_n and_o staidness_n of_o frame_n 3_o a_o rashness_n and_o hastiness_n or_o precipitance_n which_o make_v we_o that_o so_o soon_o as_o we_o be_v clear_a in_o the_o thing_n to_o rush_v forward_o and_o to_o think_v all_o be_v do_v that_o be_v requisite_a so_o that_o we_o wait_v not_o to_o carry_v conscience_n along_o with_o we_o in_o our_o performance_n which_o rash_a precipitant_n and_o hasty_a humour_n or_o distemper_n make_v we_o often_o miscarry_v as_o david_n say_v of_o himself_o psal._n 116_o i_o say_v in_o my_o haste_n that_o all_o man_n be_v liar_n and_o i_o say_v in_o my_o haste_n that_o i_o be_o cut_v off_o from_o thy_o presence_n psal._n 31._o so_o believer_n often_o mar_v the_o composedness_n of_o their_o own_o frame_n by_o their_o hâ—steing_a and_o not_o take_v heed_n to_o what_o conscience_n say_v while_o they_o be_v in_o perform_v duty_n thus_o many_o post_n as_o it_o be_v through_o their_o prayer_n speak_v of_o many_o good_a thing_n in_o they_o from_o light_n but_o not_o endeavour_v to_o carry_v conscience_n its_o testimony_n along_o with_o they_o of_o their_o sincerity_n they_o spoil_v and_o mar_v that_o which_o be_v well_o intend_v and_o begin_v by_o they_o a_o four_o ground_n reason_n or_o cause_n of_o this_o be_v the_o great_a difficulty_n that_o there_o be_v to_o maintain_v and_o keep_v up_o a_o right_a frame_n of_o heart_n for_o any_o considerable_a time_n and_o a_o man_n will_v never_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n along_o particular_a duty_n if_o he_o maintain_v not_o a_o right_a frame_n of_o heart_n though_o a_o thing_n good_a in_o itself_o be_v never_o so_o fair_o floore_v to_o speak_v so_o and_o its_o ground_n never_o so_o well_o take_v up_o yet_o the_o least_o bias_n or_o rub_v easy_o put_v it_o by_o and_o make_v it_o go_v out_o all_o which_o shall_v in_o reason_n make_v we_o study_v the_o more_o watchfulness_n 5thly_a observe_v which_o will_v help_v to_o the_o use_v of_o the_o former_a and_o be_v of_o some_o affinity_n with_o the_o first_o particular_a observation_n that_o person_n will_v endeavour_v to_o walk_v in_o every_o particular_a duty_n or_o action_n so_o as_o they_o may_v not_o only_o advert_v to_o what_o conscience_n say_v of_o it_o but_o may_v also_o carry_v it_o along_o with_o they_o in_o it_o and_o have_v the_o positive_a approve_v testimony_n thereof_o all_o alongst_o the_o do_n of_o it_o which_o may_v be_v though_o there_o be_v not_o reflect_v on_o it_o every_o moment_n that_o be_v not_o only_a will_v they_o before_o they_o undertake_v any_o thing_n be_v clear_a that_o it_o be_v a_o warrantable_a duty_n as_o be_v mark_v before_o but_o further_a when_o they_o have_v do_v this_o they_o will_v so_o carry_v conscience_n along_o with_o they_o in_o it_o as_o they_o may_v have_v its_o testimony_n that_o they_o go_v about_o it_o conscientious_o therefore_o paul_n ask_v not_o only_o what_o conscience_n say_v of_o the_o action_n as_o to_o its_o matter_n and_o as_o to_o his_o sincerity_n in_o undertake_v it_o but_o he_o bring_v it_o out_o speak_v for_o he_o while_o he_o be_v do_v it_o my_o conscience_n say_v he_o
bear_v i_o witness_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o doctrine_n be_v because_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o hear_v what_o conscience_n say_v for_o it_o may_v accuse_v as_o well_o as_o excuse_v but_o we_o will_v endeavour_v to_o carry_v so_o as_o we_o may_v have_v a_o good_a testimony_n from_o it_o which_o it_o will_v not_o give_v nor_o speak_v peace_n to_o we_o if_o we_o study_v not_o to_o take_v it_o with_o we_o all_o along_o the_o action_n this_o be_v a_o notable_a way_n to_o curb_v sin_n to_o mortify_v lust_n to_o make_v we_o accurate_a in_o duty_n to_o keep_v we_o from_o post_v to_o speak_v so_o through_o our_o prayer_n from_o scutch_v through_o a_o chapter_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o from_o trifle_v in_o other_o duty_n why_o because_o we_o have_v our_o conscience_n to_o answer_v to_o and_o its_o good_a testimony_n to_o wait_v for_o this_o be_v that_o which_o give_v holy_a boldness_n to_o a_o christian_a when_o 1._o he_o know_v that_o what_o he_o do_v be_v right_n for_o the_o matter_n 2._o when_o he_o take_v good_a heed_n to_o what_o conscience_n faith_n and_o 3._o when_o he_o have_v its_o good_a and_o approbative_a testimony_n and_o we_o think_v that_o this_o be_v much_o of_o what_o that_o text_n act_n 24._o v_o 16._o aim_n at_o and_o be_v the_o main_a thing_n a_o christian_n shall_v exercise_v himself_o in_o even_o to_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o his_o conscience_n for_o he_o in_o this_o and_o that_o and_o the_o other_o duty_n nay_o in_o every_o duty_n to_o have_v its_o good_a testimony_n when_o he_o begin_v when_o he_o go_v on_o in_o it_o or_o in_o the_o time_n of_o it_o and_o when_o he_o have_v close_v it_o this_o be_v it_o as_o i_o have_v often_o say_v which_o furnish_v he_o with_o holy_a boldness_n and_o confidence_n and_o give_v he_o much_o sweet_a peace_n and_o serenity_n in_o his_o mind_n that_o who_o ever_o and_o what_o ever_o speak_v against_o he_o he_o be_v at_o a_o point_n that_o he_o be_v right_a have_v the_o well_o ground_a testimony_n of_o his_o conscience_n for_o it_o but_o it_o may_v be_v question_v here_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o carry_v a_o testimony_n of_o his_o conscience_n along_o with_o he_o in_o every_o action_n can_v he_o always_o be_v reflect_v on_o every_o word_n he_o speak_v and_o on_o every_o action_n he_o put_v his_o hand_n unto_o for_o answer_v we_o will_v first_o distinguish_v betwixt_o a_o explicit_a and_o actual_a inquire_v at_o and_o reflect_v on_o conscience_n and_o a_o implicit_a and_o habitual_a inquire_v at_o and_o reflect_v on_o it_o and_o betwixt_o a_o explicit_a and_o actual_a and_o a_o implicit_a and_o habitual_a testimony_n of_o the_o conscience_n and_o then_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o particular_a answer_n that_o then_o be_v a_o explicit_a testimony_n of_o conscience_n when_o it_o do_v actual_o express_o and_o downright_o speak_v its_o mind_n and_o that_o be_v a_o actual_a and_o explicit_a reflect_v on_o conscience_n when_o a_o man_n do_v indeed_o express_o and_o downright_o put_v himself_o to_o it_o to_o inquire_v conscience_n sense_n of_o his_o action_n a_o implicit_a and_o habitual_a testimony_n of_o conscience_n be_v when_o conscience_n be_v not_o always_o actual_o observable_o and_o express_o speak_v by_o a_o positive_a approbation_n yet_o it_o be_v so_o indirect_o virtual_o and_o on_o the_o matter_n and_o be_v ready_a actual_o to_o do_v so_o when_o put_v to_o it_o and_o a_o implicit_a and_o habitual_a reflect_v on_o conscience_n be_v when_o man_n be_v not_o always_o actual_o and_o express_o ask_v their_o conscience_n what_o it_o say_v when_o yet_o they_o do_v it_o implicit_o virtual_o and_o on_o the_o matter_n and_o be_v in_o a_o readiness_n to_o do_v it_o actual_o when_o put_v to_o it_o which_o may_v be_v illustrate_v by_o the_o similitude_n make_v use_v of_o before_o the_o habitual_a and_o explicit_a testimony_n of_o conscience_n and_o reflect_v on_o it_o be_v like_o the_o put_n of_o a_o instrument_n of_o music_n in_o a_o right_a tune_n and_o then_o we_o say_v it_o be_v in_o tune_n though_o none_o be_v play_v on_o it_o because_o it_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v a_o distinct_a and_o harmonious_a sound_n have_v all_o the_o string_n right_a in_o tune_n a_o explicit_a and_o actual_a testimony_n and_o reflect_v be_v like_o a_o man_n strike_v or_o play_v on_o the_o well_o tune_a instrument_n and_o bring_v out_o actual_o the_o just_a musical_a sound_n that_o be_v habitual_o in_o the_o tune_a instrument_n before_o now_o to_o apply_v this_o particular_o in_o answer_n to_o the_o question_n we_o say_v 1._o that_o in_o three_o case_n a_o actual_a and_o explicit_a testimony_n of_o conscience_n and_o reflect_v on_o it_o be_v necessary_a 1._o as_o to_o a_o man_n undertake_v of_o any_o action_n or_o duty_n that_o he_o be_v clear_a in_o it_o that_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n 2_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o thing_n when_o do_v because_o it_o be_v that_o which_o give_v he_o peace_n for_o a_o man_n reflect_v on_o conscience_n and_o its_o testimony_n here_o be_v like_o play_v on_o the_o instrument_n 3._o it_o be_v necessary_a as_o to_o a_o man_n stare_n but_o 2._o we_o say_v a_o explicit_a testimony_n and_o actual_a inquire_v at_o conscience_n be_v not_o simple_o necessary_a always_o along_o the_o action_n or_o duty_n or_o it_o be_v not_o simple_o necessary_a that_o a_o man_n actual_o reflect_v and_o have_v a_o testimony_n from_o his_o conscience_n always_o or_o in_o all_o difference_n of_o time_n along_o the_o action_n though_o habitual_o and_o implicit_o he_o ought_v for_o the_o keep_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v like_a to_o that_o general_a precept_n speak_v of_o before_o anent_o do_v what_o ever_o we_o do_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n at_o the_o principal_a end_n of_o all_o our_o action_n and_o that_o be_v found_v on_o this_o where_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o all_o along_o the_o action_n or_o duty_n in_o all_o difference_n of_o time_n or_o in_o every_o moment_n as_o i_o just_a now_o say_v we_o shall_v have_v actual_a and_o explicit_a thought_n of_o this_o end_n viz._n god_n glory_n but_o if_o this_o end_n be_v intend_v in_o the_o whole_a current_n of_o our_o life_n habitual_o and_o actual_o in_o the_o entry_n of_o every_o particular_a action_n or_o duty_n though_o there_o be_v not_o actual_a and_o explicit_a thought_n of_o it_o always_o along_o the_o action_n we_o may_v warrantable_o expect_v on_o christ_n account_n god_n approbation_n as_o do_v to_o his_o glory_n so_o be_v it_o here_o as_o when_o a_o man_n undertake_v a_o journey_n to_o such_o a_o place_n it_o be_v sufficient_a before_o he_o set_v out_o he_o actual_o and_o explicit_o mind_v that_o place_n and_o that_o he_o do_v so_o now_o and_o then_o by_o the_o way_n and_o especial_o if_o he_o observe_v any_o turn_n off_o or_o hazard_v of_o go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n or_o if_o he_o have_v not_o often_o go_v that_o way_n before_o though_o he_o have_v not_o actual_a thought_n of_o it_o all_o along_o everystep_n of_o the_o way_n but_o to_o clear_v this_o in_o a_o word_n or_o two_o further_a we_o conceive_v that_o these_o three_o particular_o be_v necessary_a for_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n 1._o the_o habitual_a testimony_n of_o conscience_n that_o be_v that_o a_o man_n conicience_n be_v always_o in_o a_o readiness_n to_o give_v he_o a_o good_a testimony_n which_o import_v three_o thing_n 1._o that_o he_o be_v right_a in_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o practice_n that_o it_o be_v nothing_o sinful_a that_o he_o be_v about_o 2._o that_o he_o be_v right_a in_o the_o frame_n of_o his_o spirit_n spiritual_a stay_v and_o compose_v 3._o that_o he_o be_v careful_o watchful_a to_o prevent_v what_o ever_o may_v maâ—_n his_o peace_n and_o to_o guard_v against_o what_o may_v distemper_v and_o discompose_v his_o spirit_n and_o that_o withal_o he_o be_v studious_a to_o keep_v his_o conscience_n in_o a_o good_a temper_n or_o tune_n to_o speak_v so_o that_o it_o may_v be_v in_o readiness_n to_o give_v he_o a_o testimony_n when_o he_o call_v for_o it_o these_o three_o be_v necessary_a i_o say_v in_o every_o particular_a action_n for_o keep_v of_o a_o good_a conscience_n that_o a_o man_n be_v in_o a_o thing_n that_o for_o the_o matter_n be_v right_a that_o he_o be_v in_o a_o compose_a and_o suitable_a frame_n and_o that_o he_o be_v watchful_a against_o any_o thing_n that_o may_v hinder_v or_o distemper_v he_o in_o prosecute_a that_o action_n 2._o though_o a_o explicit_a and_o actual_a testimony_n and_o reflect_v be_v not_o always_o or_o in_o all_o difference_n of_o time_n necessary_a yet_o it_o will_v be_v frequent_a and_o the_o more_o frequent_a ready_o the_o better_a though_o for_o instance_n in_o every_o word_n of_o prayer_n one_o can_v actual_o
reflect_v on_o himself_o nor_o look_v after_o the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n yet_o in_o interval_n this_o may_v be_v win_v at_o and_o will_v be_v endeavour_v it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n some_o way_n as_o it_o be_v in_o reference_n to_o that_o command_n anent_o pray_v always_o or_o without_o cease_v though_o we_o can_v pray_v always_o actual_o or_o continual_o without_o interruption_n nor_o be_v we_o oblige_v to_o do_v so_o yet_o we_o shall_v be_v frequent_a in_o it_o and_o intermix_v all_o our_o action_n with_o short_a ejaculation_n to_o god_n and_o always_o keep_v ourselves_o in_o a_o pray_a frame_n so_o though_o we_o can_v always_o be_v actual_o put_v conscience_n to_o it_o yet_o frequent_o we_o shall_v and_o more_o especial_o if_o we_o be_v about_o a_o duty_n that_o be_v more_o difficult_a and_o tickle_a and_o wherein_o we_o be_v very_o ready_a to_o go_v wrong_n and_o so_o to_o lay_v the_o ground_n of_o a_o challenge_n or_o wherein_o god_n honour_n be_v some_o what_o more_o than_o ordinary_o concern_v 3._o it_o be_v require_v here_o that_o we_o serious_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v thing_n right_a and_o be_v weed_n out_o as_o it_o be_v what_o be_v wrong_a as_o we_o find_v conscience_n hint_v to_o we_o for_o the_o frame_n of_o our_o heart_n as_o have_v be_v say_v be_v very_o unstable_a and_o fickle_a we_o will_v therefore_o be_v often_o mend_v and_o right_v it_o as_o a_o man_n do_v with_o a_o watch_n that_o be_v easy_o distemper_v he_o often_o look_v to_o it_o and_o put_v it_o right_n or_o it_o be_v here_o as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o pilot_n who_o steer_v a_o vessel_n that_o be_v very_o easy_o by_o a_o little_a wind_n put_v by_o her_o course_n he_o bear_v up_o close_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o wind_n and_o when_o he_o find_v she_o never_o so_o little_a off_o her_o course_n he_o steer_v about_o again_o till_o he_o set_v her_o right_n or_o to_o hold_v we_o at_o the_o former_a comparison_n of_o a_o instrument_n to_o preserve_v which_o in_o tune_n it_o must_v not_o only_o be_v at_o first_o temper_v to_o a_o just_a and_o harmonious_a sound_n and_o strike_v upon_o to_o give_v out_o that_o sound_n but_o when_o a_o man_n have_v play_v a_o while_n upon_o it_o he_o must_v be_v temper_v and_o tune_v it_o among_o hand_n to_o say_v so_o screw_v up_o this_o and_o that_o and_o the_o other_o peg_n as_o the_o string_n slack_v their_o benfil_v else_o it_o will_v not_o be_v keep_v in_o tune_n even_o so_o while_o we_o be_v endeavour_v to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n some_o one_o peg_n or_o other_o so_o to_o speak_v will_v ready_o still_o be_v a-unfixing_a and_o we_o will_v study_v to_o bring_v thing_n back_o to_o their_o right_a temper_n and_o watch_v that_o carnalness_n creep_v not_o in_o upon_o we_o the_o use_n of_o the_o doctrine_n in_o a_o word_n be_v partly_o to_o reprove_v for_o neglect_v of_o this_o walk_n partly_o to_o exhort_v to_o the_o diligent_a and_o tender_a practice_n of_o it_o even_o careful_o to_o advert_v to_o conscience_n and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o be_v in_o good_a term_n with_o it_o in_o perform_v every_o action_n in_o eat_v drink_v in_o bargain_v buy_v sell_v in_o ride_v a_o journey_n in_o hear_v pray_v &c_n &c_n and_o not_o only_o to_o hear_v what_o conscience_n have_v to_o say_v but_o to_o walk_v so_o as_o conscience_n may_v speak_v good_a to_o we_o and_o give_v we_o its_o approve_v testimony_n for_o help_v we_o to_o keep_v this_o good_a correspondence_n with_o our_o conscience_n in_o all_o our_o action_n which_o have_v so_o great_a a_o stroke_n upon_o a_o christian_a walk_n upon_o a_o cheerful_a and_o solacious_a christian_a walk_n we_o will_v now_o add_v these_o follow_a direction_n to_o those_o former_o give_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n the_o 1._o whereof_o be_v that_o in_o undertake_v of_o action_n or_o duty_n we_o will_v be_v very_o deliberate_a clear_a and_o fix_a 2._o we_o will_v study_v to_o walk_v sober_o and_o composed_o and_o to_o be_v always_o in_o a_o good_a frame_n rashness_n precipitancy_n hastiness_n inadvertency_n levity_n and_o untenderness_n be_v very_o cross_a to_o these_o two_o direction_n as_o be_v also_o part_v with_o conscience_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o way_n and_o not_o bring_v it_o up_o with_o we_o 3._o we_o will_v be_v much_o in_o ejaculatory_a prayer_n frequent_v god_n throne_n much_o often_o dart_v up_o blink_v unto_o he_o and_o into_o our_o own_o self_n and_o our_o conscience_n intermix_v these_o 4_o we_o will_v be_v much_o in_o self_n examination_n this_o be_v in_o some_o respect_n the_o life_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n for_o where_o there_o be_v not self_o examination_n or_o reflection_n we_o either_o be_v not_o right_a or_o else_o know_v not_o if_o we_o be_v right_a and_o no_o thanks_o to_o we_o if_o we_o be_v not_o wrong_n 5_o we_o will_v study_v to_o have_v a_o holy_a indignation_n at_o and_o a_o strict_a watch_n set_v against_o the_o very_a first_o rise_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o may_v in_o the_o least_o offend_v conscience_n alace_o we_o oft_o time_n observe_v not_o our_o own_o declining_n and_o fall_n from_o a_o good_a frame_n nor_o the_o stir_n of_o some_o one_o lust_n and_o corruption_n or_o another_o which_o will_v be_v resist_v in_o the_o beginning_n for_o the_o one_o of_o these_o wear_v out_o the_o other_o 6_o as_o we_o will_v endeavour_v if_o we_o will_v have_v a_o good_a testimony_n from_o our_o conscience_n much_o singleness_n and_o sincerity_n in_o the_o whole_a of_o our_o walk_n and_o will_v in_o every_o duty_n endeavour_v to_o be_v set_v ourselves_o as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o under_o his_o all_o see_v eye_n nothing_o more_o mar_v the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n than_o unsinglenesse_n and_o nothing_o contribut_v more_o to_o it_o then_o singleness_n it_o be_v a_o good_a word_n that_o the_o apostle_n have_v 2_o cor._n 2._o v._n last_o we_o be_v not_o as_o many_o which_o corrupt_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o as_o of_o sincerity_n as_o of_o god_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n speak_v we_o in_o christ_n preach_v be_v a_o good_a work_n yet_o there_o be_v many_o preacher_n that_o have_v not_o a_o good_a testimony_n from_o their_o conscience_n in_o that_o good_a work_n but_o paul_n have_v it_o and_o that_o which_o make_v he_o to_o to_o have_v it_o be_v his_o sincerity_n and_o singleness_n that_o he_o speak_v as_o before_o god_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n without_o a_o bias_n or_o any_o allow_a carnalness_n in_o his_o end_n if_o we_o can_v preach_v and_o pray_v and_o live_v and_o walk_v thus_o in_o all_o our_o action_n o_o what_o sweet_a peace_n shall_v we_o have_v live_v and_o die_v and_o o_o what_o skaith_n and_o prejudice_n do_v our_o inadvertancy_n rashness_n and_o carnal_a walk_a work_n to_o we_o and_o how_o much_o do_v it_o deprive_v we_o of_o the_o benefit_n of_o this_o friend_n in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o need_n god_n help_v we_o to_o amend_v it_o sermon_n i._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 simplicity_n 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 youward_n it_o be_v no_o great_a bussiness_n but_o a_o very_a ordinary_a thing_n for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v cheerful_a when_o he_o be_v in_o prosperity_n and_o have_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n smile_v on_o he_o though_o often_o even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o that_o laughter_n the_o heart_n be_v sorrowful_a and_o there_o be_v a_o emptiness_n and_o utter_a insufficiency_n in_o all_o these_o thing_n to_o make_v the_o heart_n true_o glad_a but_o this_o be_v a_o great_a matter_n a_o very_a rare_a thing_n and_o to_o be_v find_v but_o with_o very_a few_o viz._n in_o the_o midst_n of_o affliction_n reproach_n tribulation_n and_o persecution_n to_o be_v cheerful_a and_o rejoice_v and_o as_o it_o be_v isa._n 24._o 15._o to_o be_v glorisy_v god_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o fire_n this_o be_v paul_n practice_n and_o exercise_v here_o who_o be_v as_o the_o word_n before_o hold_v forth_o bring_v so_o near_a death_n that_o he_o even_o dispared_a of_o life_n who_o have_v to_o do_v with_o professor_n and_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o make_v it_o their_o bussine_n to_o defame_v his_o person_n and_o to_o depretiat_fw-la and_o disparage_v his_o ministry_n who_o be_v rivile_v buffet_v persecute_v and_o count_v as_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o offscouring_a of_o all_o thing_n who_o be_v always_o deliver_v unto_o death_n and_o make_v a_o gaze_a stock_n to_o the_o world_n to_o angel_n to_o man_n and_o be_v moreover_o put_v to_o wrestle_v not_o only_o
with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o also_o with_o principality_n and_o power_n and_o spirtual_a wickedness_n in_o high_a place_n yet_o have_v this_o for_o his_o rejoice_v the_o testimony_n of_o his_o conscience_n etc._n etc._n not_o to_o insist_v on_o the_o connection_n we_o have_v in_o the_o word_n these_o four_o thing_n 1._o paul_n continue_a chearfulnesse_n notwithstanding_o his_o former_o mention_a 〈◊〉_d this_o be_v our_o rejoice_v 2._o the_o ground_n and_o rise_v of_o this_o spiritual_a and_o solid_a joy_n that_o no_o affliction_n can_v remove_v from_o he_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n in_o his_o affliction_n and_o tribulation_n he_o take_v a_o back-look_a of_o his_o way_n and_o find_v his_o conscience_n noâ—_n simple_o speak_v but_o testify_v good_a on_o his_o hehalf_n tell_v he_o that_o though_o he_o and_o his_o fellow_n be_v account_v deceiver_n and_o unknown_a yet_o they_o be_v true_a and_o well-known_a etc._n etc._n as_o it_o be_v 2_o cor._n 6._o v._n 8._o 3ly_n the_o extent_n or_o amplification_n of_o this_o ground_n 1._o more_o general_o we_o have_v have_v our_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v to_o be_v restrict_v to_o paul_n conversation_n after_o his_o conversion_n in_o his_o ministry_n and_o otherways_o for_o though_o a_o natural_a man_n may_v have_v a_o blameless_a visible_a conversation_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o such_o as_o a_o renewedman_n have_v for_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o rejoice_v 2._o more_o particular_o he_o not_o only_o have_v a_o good_a conversation_n as_o to_o the_o general_a tract_n of_o his_o life_n but_o in_o his_o carriage_n towards_o the_o corinthian_n in_o particular_a with_o who_o he_o have_v be_v so_o much_o and_o so_o long_o conversant_a and_o more_o abundant_o to_o youward_n what_o ever_o they_o may_v through_o the_o suggestion_n and_o instigation_n of_o false_a teacher_n have_v be_v dispose_v and_o ready_a to_o upbraid_v he_o with_o yet_o he_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o his_o sincerity_n and_o integrity_n as_o to_o what_o all_o the_o world_n can_v say_v of_o he_o which_o he_o allege_v and_o more_o abundant_o towards_o you_o partly_o to_o show_v his_o distinctnes_n in_o search_v his_o conscience_n not_o by_o the_o lump_n to_o speak_v so_o but_o as_o to_o the_o several_a part_n and_o piece_n of_o his_o life_n and_o partly_o to_o obviate_v a_o objection_n or_o calumny_n that_o may_v arise_v among_o they_o wheâ—e_v his_o conversation_n be_v most_o and_o most_o carp_v at_o 4_o we_o have_v the_o character_n whereby_o he_o confirm_v this_o testimony_n of_o his_o conscience_n or_o the_o qualification_n of_o it_o whereby_o his_o confidence_n of_o have_v it_o be_v confirm_v which_o be_v four_o the_o 1._o whereof_o be_v negative_a not_o by_o fleshly_a wisdom_n not_o seek_v my_o own_o end_n nor_o my_o own_o good_a in_o a_o carnal_a way_n neither_o by_o carnal_a reason_n prosecute_a the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n the_o other_o three_o be_v positive_a the_o 2._o be_v simplicity_n that_o be_v a_o holy_a singleness_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o end_n he_o be_v a_o straight_a upright_o single_a man_n and_o in_o nothing_o double_a the_o 3d._n be_v that_o be_v be_v in_o godly_a sincerity_n and_o this_o not_o only_o as_o it_o be_v opposite_a to_o gross_a hypocrisy_n and_o dissimulatiion_n but_o as_o it_o differ_v from_o mere_a moral_a honesty_n he_o walk_v not_o only_o in_o a_o civil_a moral_a honest_a way_n as_o mere_o moral_a and_o civil_a man_n use_v to_o do_v in_o their_o barganing_n and_o other_o deal_n but_o in_o godly_a sincerity_n do_v every_o thing_n as_o in_o god_n sight_n as_o he_o say_v of_o himself_o chap._n 2._o v._n last_o we_o be_v not_o as_o many_o who_o corrupt_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o as_o of_o sincerity_n as_o of_o god_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n speak_v we_o in_o christ_n the_o 4._o character_n whereby_o he_o prove_v that_o he_o have_v this_o testimony_n and_o be_v assure_v of_o it_o be_v that_o he_o do_v not_o what_o he_o do_v by_o his_o own_o strength_n or_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o nature_n but_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o show_v as_o we_o say_v before_o that_o this_o testimony_n reach_v no_o further_a than_o from_o the_o time_n of_o his_o conversion_n the_o first_o of_o these_o positive_a character_n or_o evidence_n show_v the_o singleness_n of_o his_o end_n the_o second_o show_v his_o singleness_n in_o the_o way_n of_o prosecute_a that_o end_n the_o three_o show_v the_o principle_n whereby_o or_o where_o from_o he_o act_v it_o be_v not_o carnal_a reason_n that_o give_v he_o counsel_n nor_o nature_n that_o strengthen_v he_o but_o grace_n in_o these_o word_n then_o we_o have_v first_o a_o short_a and_o sweet_a compend_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o comfortable_a life_n and_o of_o the_o advantage_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n 2._o we_o have_v the_o way_n how_o to_o attain_v and_o how_o to_o entertain_v and_o maintain_v the_o same_o the_o apostle_n in_o a_o word_n be_v now_o put_v to_o it_o and_o have_v both_o foe_n and_o friend_n on_o his_o top_n he_o take_v a_o back_n look_v of_o his_o life_n and_o reflect_v on_o what_o be_v his_o carriage_n towards_o all_o man_n and_o towards_o the_o corinthian_o more_o particular_o and_o find_v his_o conscience_n testify_v for_o he_o as_o to_o both_o and_o on_o this_o testimony_n of_o his_o conscience_n well_o prove_v and_o make_v out_o he_o quiet_o settle_v and_o joyful_o cheer_v himself_o have_v already_o speak_v of_o what_o use_n shall_v be_v make_v of_o conscience_n before_o and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o do_v any_o thing_n we_o have_v now_o choose_v these_o word_n to_o show_v what_o use_n shall_v be_v make_v of_o conscience_n in_o reference_n to_o what_o be_v past_a not_o to_o stand_v on_o every_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v observe_v from_o they_o we_o shall_v astrick_n ourselves_o to_o this_o scope_n viz._n to_o point_n out_o the_o right_a use_n make_v of_o conscience_n it_o be_v sense_n and_o testimony_n of_o our_o way_n and_o action_n after_o they_o be_v pass_v and_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o believer_n in_o try_v his_o by-gone_a course_n of_o life_n and_o every_o part_n thereof_o as_o to_o conscience_n it_o be_v testimony_n of_o it_o or_o as_o to_o what_o conscience_n can_v say_v concern_v it_o 1._o then_o observe_v but_o in_o pass_v that_o conscience_n can_v signify_v its_o mind_n to_o a_o man_n concern_v his_o action_n and_o conversation_n of_o a_o long_a time_n past_a so_o that_o though_o he_o have_v be_v in_o such_o a_o country_n among_o such_o a_o people_n about_o such_o and_o such_o a_o action_n many_o year_n ago_o conscience_n reflect_v upon_o have_v a_o faculty_n to_o speak_v so_o of_o signify_v its_o sense_n thereof_o as_o of_o every_o other_o action_n of_o his_o life_n much_o of_o paul_n time_n be_v now_o past_a and_o a_o part_n of_o it_o in_o the_o ministry_n at_o corinth_n yet_o look_v so_o far_o back_o his_o conscience_n give_v he_o this_o testimony_n which_o will_v be_v further_o clear_v if_o we_o consider_v first_o the_o experience_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o attest_v their_o conscience_n in_o past_a and_o in_o long_a since_o past_a action_n naâ—_n we_o suppose_v there_o be_v few_o or_o rather_o none_o at_o all_o but_o their_o conscience_n will_v sometime_o challenge_v they_o for_o aâ—_n evil_a action_n that_o be_v by_o their_o hand_n and_o that_o for_o a_o considerable_a time_n josephs_n brethren_n be_v a_o famous_a instance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o now_o if_o it_o can_v challenge_v or_o accuse_v it_o can_v also_o excuse_v and_o approve_v a_o man_n and_o testify_v for_o he_o when_o he_o have_v do_v well_o for_o excuse_v be_v as_o extensive_a in_o a_o good_a case_n as_o accuse_v be_v in_o a_o evil_a 2._o it_o be_v clear_a also_o from_o the_o office_n of_o the_o conscience_n which_o as_o we_o show_v be_v not_o only_o to_o dictat_fw-la and_o to_o be_v a_o observe_a companion_n but_o to_o be_v a_o judge_n which_o suppose_v for_o ordinary_a the_o thing_n to_o be_v pass_v therefore_o 1_o john_n 3._o 22._o both_o the_o condemn_a and_o absolve_v of_o the_o heart_n be_v speak_v of_o which_o infer_v that_o the_o conscience_n call_v there_o the_o heart_n have_v a_o way_n of_o recognoscing_a of_o and_o pass_a sentence_n on_o a_o man_n way_n and_o action_n not_o only_o while_o they_o be_v a_o do_v but_o when_o past_a 2_o observe_v which_o be_v that_o we_o main_o intend_v to_o speak_v to_o that_o it_o be_v a_o main_a piece_n of_o a_o tender_a walk_n and_o of_o the_o practice_n of_o â—_o christian_n to_o be_v reflect_v on_o his_o by-gone_a way_n and_o try_v what_o conscience_n say_v of_o it_o not_o only_o as_o i_o have_v often_o aid_v to_o deliberat_fw-la and_o advise_v with_o conscience_n before_o and_o to_o carry_v conscience_n along_o in_o
carry_v with_o due_a reverence_n to_o he_o when_o man_n think_v little_a of_o god_n himself_o they_o think_v little_a of_o conscience_n his_o depute_v and_o on_o the_o contrary_a a_o tender_a conscience_n make_v god_n very_o awful_a dreadful_a and_o majestic_a therefore_o job_n give_v this_o for_o a_o reason_n why_o he_o dare_v not_o contend_v with_o his_o servant_n because_o the_o terror_n of_o god_n make_v he_o afraid_a his_o carry_v along_o with_o he_o conscience_n it_o be_v sense_n of_o his_o way_n do_v mighty_o elevat_fw-la his_o thought_n of_o god_n 8._o he_o have_v many_o earand_n to_o god_n in_o christ_n he_o see_v many_o thing_n amiss_o that_o need_n to_o be_v amend_v he_o daily_o discover_v much_o guilt_n which_o necessiâ—ats_v he_o to_o run_v to_o god_n for_o absolution_n grace_n both_o for_o pardon_v of_o his_o iniquity_n and_o for_o heal_v of_o his_o disease_n be_v always_o lovely_a sweet_a and_o fresh_a to_o he_o and_o to_o hear_v of_o it_o be_v like_o a_o box_n of_o precious_a fragranâ—ly_a smell_a ointment_n break_v like_o oil_n pour_v into_o a_o smart_a wound_n and_o as_o good_a news_n from_o a_o far_a country_n by_o all_o which_o in_o a_o word_n you_o may_v see_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v a_o desirable_a thing_n to_o live_v and_o walk_v tender_o 2_o that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o necessary_a thing_n in_o order_n to_o come_v by_o many_o choice_a advantage_n 3_o that_o it_o be_v buâ—_n a_o very_a rare_a thing_n and_o to_o be_v find_v with_o but_o few_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v many_o rare_a and_o excellent_a effect_n 4_o that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a hard_a and_o difficult_a thing_n to_o be_v a_o tender_a christian_a and_o in_o this_o frame_n of_o true_a tenderness_n of_o conscience_n consult_v it_o carrying_z it_o along_o and_o reflect_v on_o it_o in_o all_o action_n that_o be_v the_o principle_n that_o keep_v tender_a in_o they_o all_o sermon_n ii_o 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 simplicity_n 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 many_o very_a sad_a and_o prejudicial_a practical_a error_n and_o mistake_v concern_v a_o tender_a christian_n walk_v whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o most_o person_n lay_v the_o great_a stress_n thereof_o on_o thing_n that_o will_v not_o bear_v it_o while_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o neglect_v and_o overlook_v those_o principal_a and_o weighty_a duty_n wherein_o it_o main_o consist_v that_o make_v less_o noise_n and_o show_v before_o man_n that_o be_v less_o subject_a to_o be_v counterfeit_v and_o tend_v more_o to_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o godliness_n than_o these_o other_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o more_o high_a esteem_n with_o man_n among_o which_o this_o duty_n of_o often_o reflect_v on_o a_o man_n conscience_n and_o try_v of_o his_o way_n at_o its_o baâ—_n that_o he_o may_v know_v its_o sense_n and_o receive_v its_o testimony_n thereof_o be_v one_o and_o not_o the_o least_o and_o be_v as_o we_o conceive_v one_o of_o the_o piece_n of_o a_o christian_a tender_a walk_n that_o come_v as_o near_o to_o the_o very_a soul_n and_o life_n of_o religion_n and_o have_v as_o much_o influence_n on_o tenderness_n therein_o as_o either_o much_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n prayer_n conference_n and_o the_o like_a have_v to_o which_o when_o this_o be_v join_v theyare_n very_o useful_a but_o when_o it_o be_v utter_o want_v they_o be_v useless_a it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o important_a duty_n in_o itself_o but_o also_o very_o helpful_a to_o other_o duty_n contribute_v much_o to_o the_o reap_v of_o those_o advantage_n that_o be_v to_o be_v have_v by_o they_o we_o observe_v the_o other_o day_n from_o these_o word_n that_o a_o tender_a christian_a will_v be_v often_o reflect_v on_o his_o way_n and_o take_v notice_n what_o conscience_n say_v of_o it_o and_o speak_v somewhat_o to_o two_o use_n of_o the_o point_n as_o it_o clear_v a_o notable_a duty_n and_o give_v a_o evidence_n and_o proof_n of_o a_o tender_a man_n we_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o speak_v to_o other_o two_o the_o first_o and_o principal_a whereof_o be_v this_o if_o it_o be_v a_o main_a plece_n of_o a_o tender_a christian_a walk_n to_o be_v often_o examiningour_n self_n and_o try_v what_o sense_n conscience_n have_v of_o our_o way_n and_o action_n than_o it_o serve_v for_o exhortation_n to_o all_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o will_v live_v tender_o to_o be_v put_v this_o in_o practice_n as_o a_o main_a piece_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o tender_a walk_n as_o a_o main_a duty_n call_v for_o from_o they_o and_o as_o a_o main_a evidence_n of_o their_o tenderness_n that_o be_v to_o be_v often_o serious_o reflect_v on_o their_o by-gone_a way_n to_o be_v often_o bring_v their_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n before_o the_o tribunal_n of_o conscience_n for_o this_o end_n that_o they_o may_v know_v what_o it_o say_v of_o they_o not_o only_o to_o be_v deliberate_v and_o advise_v with_o conscience_n before_o they_o undertake_v any_o action_n and_o to_o be_v watchful_a in_o go_v about_o it_o but_o to_o be_v reflect_v when_o it_o be_v do_v if_o it_o be_v right_o do_v and_o so_o as_o conscience_n may_v testify_v for_o they_o concern_v the_o same_o this_o be_v paul_n practice_n here_o this_o be_v say_v he_o our_o rejoice_v the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n which_o suppose_v that_o he_o have_v be_v lay_v his_o way_n before_o conscience_n try_v what_o it_o say_v of_o it_o and_o that_o he_o have_v receive_v conscience_n its_o testimony_n concern_v it_o that_o which_o we_o will_v in_o a_o word_n here_o commend_v to_o you_o be_v that_o man_n and_o woman_n will_v â—ake_v a_o back-look_a of_o and_o reflect_v upon_o all_o their_o action_n word_n and_o thought_n and_o of_o and_o upon_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o same_o and_o that_o they_o will_v so_o reflect_v upon_o they_o as_o they_o may_v endeavour_v to_o know_v wherein_o they_o have_v conscience_n its_o testimony_n for_o they_o or_o wherein_o it_o stand_v up_o to_o speak_v against_o they_o that_o be_v that_o they_o will_v not_o only_o study_v to_o gather_v into_o their_o memory_n their_o action_n which_o be_v presuppose_v and_o to_o lay_v they_o before_o the_o word_n but_o further_o when_o their_o action_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n be_v lay_v together_o to_o hear_v conscience_n its_o sentence_n anent_o their_o perform_n of_o the_o same_o we_o shall_v not_o insist_v in_o particular_a explication_n of_o this_o duty_n you_o have_v hear_v somewhat_o speak_v of_o it_o these_o day_n past_a if_o we_o can_v but_o gain_v this_o much_o of_o you_o as_o to_o have_v you_o thorough_o convince_v that_o somewhat_o lie_v on_o you_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o examination_n of_o your_o heart_n and_o way_n as_o to_o thing_n that_o be_v past_a and_o to_o get_v you_o in_o good_a earnest_n engage_v to_o make_v more_o conscience_n of_o this_o duty_n for_o time_n to_o come_v it_o be_v the_o great_a thing_n we_o aim_v at_o and_o if_o your_o conscience_n be_v once_o due_o convince_v and_o clear_v of_o the_o necessity_n and_o usefulness_n of_o the_o duty_n and_o you_o bring_v to_o be_v in_o love_n with_o it_o you_o will_v through_o grace_n be_v easy_o lead_v on_o to_o the_o particular_n requisite_a to_o the_o right_a way_n of_o perform_v it_o seriousness_n in_o and_o affection_n to_o the_o thing_n will_v supply_v the_o room_n of_o many_o direction_n and_o therefore_o we_o will_v now_o earnest_o press_v it_o upon_o you_o to_o take_v sometime_o for_o this_o duty_n of_o self-searching_a and_o examination_n as_o well_o as_o for_o prayer_n hear_v conference_n and_o other_o such_o duty_n and_o to_o be_v as_o holy_o solicitous_a and_o desirous_a to_o know_v when_o you_o have_v do_v any_o action_n or_o duty_n whether_o it_o be_v right_a or_o wrong_n as_o you_o think_v you_o shall_v be_v careful_a to_o advise_v before_o you_o do_v it_o that_o it_o be_v good_a upon_o the_o matter_n sure_o the_o awe_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o of_o your_o conscience_n his_o depute_v and_o a_o just_a regard_n to_o your_o own_o peace_n shall_v incline_v sway_n and_o determine_v you_o to_o the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o other_o what_o we_o will_v further_o say_v in_o this_o matter_n shall_v be_v to_o show_v you_o what_o you_o shall_v aim_v at_o in_o this_o self_n examination_n as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o go_v about_o it_o for_o we_o much_o mar_v and_o wound_v our_o own_o peace_n by_o formality_n and_o overliness_n in_o this_o as_o in_o other_o duty_n which_o you_o may_v take_v up_o in_o these_o four_o 1._o
mind_v to_o balk_v â—one_n but_o to_o go_v through_o all_o before_o you_o give_v over_o the_o work_n it_o will_v be_v better_a to_o betake_v yourselves_o to_o the_o search_n and_o examination_n of_o such_o or_o such_o a_o particular_a duty_n or_o of_o such_o or_o such_o a_o day_n work_v and_o duty_n and_o thus_o you_o will_v win_v the_o better_a in_o on_o it_o and_o through_o it_o and_o the_o heap_n will_v grow_v the_o less_o but_o meddle_v not_o with_o another_o till_o you_o have_v with_o some_o suitableness_n dispatch_v and_o put_v by_o this_o 3_o if_o you_o can_v win_v for_o the_o time_n so_o to_o fix_v on_o particular_n take_v your_o confuse_a condition_n such_o as_o it_o be_v to_o think_v on_o a_o while_n and_o look_v not_o at_o this_o as_o nothing_o that_o you_o have_v find_v your_o condition_n to_o be_v confuse_v david_n condition_n be_v somewhat_o thus_o when_o he_o say_v psal._n 44._o v_o 15_o my_o confusion_n be_v continual_o before_o i_o the_o take_n and_o lay_v of_o your_o case_n confuse_v as_o it_o be_v before_o god_n and_o your_o conscience_n may_v help_v to_o humble_a and_o kind_o to_o affect_v your_o heart_n 4_o the_o more_o confuse_a your_o case_n be_v seek_v to_o take_v it_o so_o much_o the_o more_o to_o god_n and_o to_o draw_v the_o near_a to_o he_o let_v it_o be_v make_v a_o motive_n to_o set_v you_o on_o to_o deal_v the_o more_o serious_o with_o he_o to_o dispel_v your_o darkness_n and_o confusion_n as_o jeâ—_n do_v while_o he_o say_v chap._n 10._o v._n 15._o i_o be_o full_a of_o confusion_n therefore_o see_v thou_o to_o my_o affliction_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v lord_n i_o can_v rid_v noâ—_n order_n my_o case_n therefore_o see_v thou_o to_o it_o and_o give_v i_o clearness_n for_o though_o a_o person_n have_v a_o confuse_a condition_n yet_o he_o may_v be_v somewhat_o distinct_a in_o lay_v it_o out_o before_o god_n as_o it_o be_v and_o may_v be_v clear_a in_o what_o conscience_n say_v of_o it_o when_o it_o say_v that_o it_o be_v confuse_v 5_o whether_o our_o condition_n be_v confuse_v or_o noâ—_n we_o will_v be_v suitable_o affect_v with_o every_o particular_a that_o we_o find_v in_o it_o and_o this_o may_v be_v one_o reason_n of_o our_o confusion_n that_o we_o have_v more_o clearness_n than_o we_o improve_v well_o we_o see_v many_o thing_n to_o be_v wrong_n but_o the_o â—ight_n affect_v we_o not_o neither_o do_v we_o suitable_o endeavour_v to_o repent_v of_o the_o evil_n which_o we_o see_v nor_o to_o amend_v they_o nor_o do_v 〈◊〉_d flee_v to_o jesus_n christ_n to_o get_v they_o pardon_v and_o cure_v but_o when_o the_o little_a clearness_n that_o we_o have_v be_v well_o improven_v it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o get_v more_o but_o what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o more_o light_n and_o of_o more_o clearness_n when_o that_o which_o we_o have_v be_v not_o due_o make_v use_n of_o a_o 3d._a objection_n be_v some_o may_v think_v and_o say_v we_o be_v essay_v self-examination_n and_o yet_o we_o find_v much_o difficulty_n to_o know_v and_o take_v up_o conscience_n its_o language_n whether_o it_o be_v awell_v ground_v challenge_n or_o a_o approve_v testimony_n this_o objection_n be_v much_o like_a unto_o that_o question_n which_o we_o speak_v to_o alittle_o in_o our_o second_o sermon_n on_o act_n 24._o v_o 16._o viz._n whether_o conscience_n its_o impulse_n may_v not_o sometime_o be_v wrong_a to_o which_o we_o answer_v affirmative_o and_o do_v yet_o grant_v that_o it_o may_v mistake_v and_o be_v mistake_v by_o we_o and_o what_o we_o say_v there_o for_o find_v out_o the_o mind_n of_o conscience_n may_v be_v useful_a here_o towards_o the_o answer_n of_o this_o objection_n yet_o we_o shall_v now_o speak_v a_o word_n further_o to_o it_o for_o answer_v then_o we_o shall_v easy_o yield_v that_o it_o be_v indeed_o sometime_o difficult_a to_o find_v out_o the_o mind_n to_o say_v so_o of_o conscience_n and_o to_o understand_v its_o language_n in_o reflect_v as_o well_o as_o in_o deliberate_v either_o 1._o through_o the_o dimness_n of_o people_n light_n that_o they_o scarce_o know_v the_o rule_n or_o 2_o through_o their_o be_v partial_a and_o negligent_a in_o compare_v their_o way_n and_o action_n with_o the_o rule_n but_o either_o hide_v it_o whole_o or_o at_o leâ—st_a some_o circumstance_n of_o it_o without_o bring_v it_o forth_o and_o lay_v it_o to_o the_o rule_n or_o 3_o it_o may_v be_v through_o some_o bias_n in_o their_o affection_n that_o make_v they_o unsingle_a so_o that_o they_o will_v not_o take_v with_o a_o challenge_n when_o there_o be_v just_a ground_n for_o it_o or_o 4_o it_o may_v be_v from_o some_o unwarrantable_a and_o groundless_a prejudice_n at_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o way_n so_o that_o they_o will_v not_o take_v a_o testimony_n from_o conscience_n even_o when_o it_o give_v they_o a_o good_a one_o and_o therefore_o in_o your_o self-examination_n you_o will_v carry_v some_o advertisement_n along_o with_o you_o which_o will_v be_v helpful_a to_o find_v out_o the_o mind_n of_o conscience_n 1._o you_o will_v try_v whether_o conscience_n be_v impartial_a and_o if_o 〈◊〉_d speak_v to_o both_o hand_n to_o say_v so_o accuse_v â—n_o some_o thing_n and_o excuse_v in_o other_o in_o some_o thing_n speak_v peace_n and_o in_o other_o challenge_v for_o sin_n for_o if_o when_o you_o reflect_v conscience_n speak_v all_o or_o only_a peace_n it_o be_v certain_o wrong_a because_o in_o the_o best_a there_o be_v less_o or_o more_o guilt_n contract_v in_o what_o ever_o you_o go_v about_o but_o if_o beside_o what_o be_v right_a it_o point_v also_o at_o something_o that_o be_v wrong_n it_o be_v conscience_n right_a language_n on_o the_o contrary_a when_o you_o reflect_v if_o conscience_n speak_v all_o to_o be_v wrong_n though_o there_o be_v some_o sincerity_n in_o your_o aim_n it_o be_v mistake_v for_o when_o it_o speak_v a_o right_a it_o speak_v always_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o what_o he_o say_v be_v wrong_n or_o right_n it_o say_v so_o of_o it_o also_o so_o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o ephesus_n rev._n 2._o as_o the_o lord_n charge_v they_o that_o they_o be_v fall_v from_o their_o first_o love_n so_o do_v conscience_n yet_o as_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o there_o be_v something_o right_n in_o as_o far_o as_o they_o have_v labour_v for_o his_o name_n sake_n and_o hate_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n which_o he_o hate_v etc._n etc._n so_o do_v conscience_n also_o testify_v the_o same_o and_o so_o in_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o these_o seven_o church_n as_o god_n be_v impartial_a in_o his_o testimony_n so_o be_v conscience_n when_o right_o 2_o you_o will_v advert_v to_o the_o ground_n of_o conscience_n it_o be_v speak_v or_o to_o that_o on_o account_n of_o which_o it_o testify_v for_o you_o or_o against_o you_o for_o as_o in_o our_o forbear_n of_o one_o action_n and_o in_o our_o choose_n of_o another_o we_o be_v to_o forbear_v or_o to_o choose_v and_o proceed_v according_a as_o conscience_n hold_v ouâ—_n clear_a light_n and_o reason_n for_o it_o so_o upon_o the_o back_n of_o any_o action_n or_o duty_n perform_v when_o we_o go_v to_o reflect_v we_o will_v try_v the_o ground_n whether_o of_o conscience_n its_o challenge_n or_o of_o its_o good_a testimony_n if_o it_o challenge_v and_o accuse_v try_v well_o whether_o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o sin_n for_o which_o it_o do_v so_o if_o it_o approve_v and_o speak_v peace_n try_v on_o what_o ground_n it_o do_v so_o conscience_n will_v some_o way_n testify_v of_o the_o action_n but_o you_o will_v try_v if_o it_o be_v sinful_a or_o not_o according_a to_o the_o word_n ol_fw-mi god_n which_o suppose_v knowledge_n in_o the_o thing_n and_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n concern_v it_o wherein_o any_o especial_o more_o considerable_a defect_n even_o in_o conscientious_a and_o â—ender_a christian_n be_v wait_v with_o its_o own_o prejudice_n hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v as_o the_o apostle_n give_v we_o a_o accouâ—t_n rom._n 14._o that_o many_o of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n through_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o knowledge_n be_v make_v to_o judge_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n to_o be_v wrong_n as_o the_o eat_n of_o such_o and_o such_o meat_n their_o conscience_n judge_v according_a to_o their_o knowledge_n when_o yet_o indeed_o the_o matter_n be_v not_o wrong_v though_o as_o the_o apostle_n there_o say_v to_o he_o that_o esteem_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v unclean_a to_o he_o it_o be_v unclean_a therefore_o we_o will_v be_v the_o more_o holy_o jealous_a over_o ourselves_o lest_o we_o find_v our_o peace_n on_o a_o delude_a testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n and_o for_o prevent_v of_o that_o we_o will_v put_v â—t_a to_o give_v its_o reason_n for_o and_o evidence_n of_o what_o
it_o testify_v for_o conscience_n be_v but_o a_o subordinate_a judge_n we_o must_v go_v to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n and_o see_v if_o it_o speak_v according_a to_o that_o otherways_o it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o honest_a aim_n or_o a_o good_a end_n propose_v to_o ourselves_o in_o the_o do_n of_o such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n or_o because_o we_o be_v in_o a_o pardon_a state_n that_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v the_o action_n true_o good_a and_o acceptable_a and_o to_o give_v we_o ground_n of_o peace_n 3_o you_o will_v advert_v and_o take_v good_a heed_n if_o conscience_n challenge_v equal_o for_o one_o sin_n as_o well_o as_o for_o another_o and_o for_o the_o neglect_n of_o one_o duty_n as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o neglect_n of_o another_o and_o if_o as_o the_o sin_n be_v comparative_o great_a or_o lesser_a so_o its_o challenge_n be_v lesser_a or_o great_a for_o if_o conscience_n its_o challenge_n lead_v you_o to_o the_o word_n the_o more_o weight_n that_o the_o word_n lay_v on_o sin_n the_o more_o weight_n will_v conscience_n lay_v upon_o it_o when_o it_o be_v right_a sometime_o person_n will_v be_v challenge_v for_o some_o thing_n much_o extrinsic_a to_o religion_n or_o for_o omit_v this_o or_o that_o wherein_o very_o little_a if_o any_o thing_n of_o religion_n consist_v or_o at_o least_o lie_v very_o remoâ—e_a who_o yet_o will_v not_o be_v much_o trouble_v for_o take_v of_o god_n name_n in_o vain_a or_o for_o neglect_n of_o prayer_n and_o the_o like_a i_o remember_v the_o say_n of_o a_o godly_a man_n to_o a_o person_n under_o exercise_n for_o a_o little_a sin_n little_a in_o comparison_n of_o other_o for_o no_o sin_n be_v little_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n that_o he_o think_v the_o hand_n or_o work_v of_o the_o devil_n 〈◊〉_d be_v in_o it_o to_o lay_v a_o ground_n for_o spiritual_a pride_n because_o the_o person_n be_v so_o much_o trouble_v with_o so_o â—ittle_a a_o thing_n or_o to_o divert_v from_o take_v a_o view_n of_o grosser_n sin_n for_o their_o deep_a humiliation_n when_o conscience_n be_v right_a it_o challenge_v equal_o and_o more_o or_o less_o as_o the_o sin_n be_v more_o or_o less_o aggravate_v it_o be_v a_o evil_n in_o this_o time_n that_o extrinsic_a and_o remoâ—e_v thing_n trouble_v some_o so_o much_o while_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n know_v sin_n and_o duty_n be_v but_o little_o mind_v and_o lay_v to_o heart_n as_o iâ—_n forsooth_o the_o conscience_n of_o such_o be_v more_o delicate_a and_o tender_a than_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o saint_n of_o old_a nay_o there_o be_v not_o a_o few_o who_o will_v disdain_v to_o be_v challenge_v for_o neglect_n of_o uncontroverted_a duty_n who_o yet_o make_v a_o great_a deal_n oâ—_n business_n and_o noise_n about_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v but_o of_o little_a moment_n as_o if_o the_o whole_a and_o some_o oâ—_n religion_n lie_v in_o they_o this_o certain_o show_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o untenderness_n and_o slight_v of_o conscience_n what_o ever_o pretension_n may_v be_v make_v to_o the_o contrary_a and_o while_o a_o person_n be_v much_o or_o whole_o take_v up_o with_o a_o extrinsic_a or_o very_o little_a thing_n which_o it_o may_v be_v be_v but_o a_o mere_a circumstance_n and_o be_v more_o affect_v with_o and_o exercise_v about_o that_o then_o with_o and_o about_o another_o of_o far_o great_a concernment_n it_o be_v not_o sure_a any_o awe_n of_o god_n nor_o of_o conscience_n but_o somewhat_o flow_v from_o the_o man_n own_o inclination_n or_o interest_n that_o so_o mighty_o influence_v and_o stir_v he_o in_o the_o one_o beyond_o what_o he_o be_v in_o the_o other_o 4_o you_o will_v advert_v in_o a_o special_a manner_n to_o this_o if_o conscience_n in_o the_o challenge_n make_v the_o sin_n vile_a and_o abominable_a to_o you_o and_o yourselves_o loathsome_a to_o yourselves_o when_o conscience_n whet_v to_o say_v so_o the_o edge_n of_o the_o challenge_n not_o only_o to_o the_o make_n of_o god_n wrath_n terrible_a and_o the_o awe_n fear_v and_o dread_n of_o he_o weighty_a but_o also_o to_o the_o deep_a affect_v of_o ourselves_o with_o the_o vileness_n and_o loathsomeness_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o be_v a_o evidence_n that_o the_o conscience_n be_v right_a for_o as_o its_o a_o good_a token_n of_o the_o soundness_n of_o repentance_n when_o it_o make_v sin_n as_o such_o loathsome_a so_o be_v a_o good_a token_n of_o conscience_n speak_v right_o when_o it_o hold_v forth_o convince_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o sin_n 〈◊〉_d you_o may_v know_v when_o conscience_n speak_v a_o right_a by_o the_o native_a fruit_n that_o follow_v upon_o it_o such_o as_o these_o 1._o it_o make_v a_o deep_a impression_n of_o the_o awe_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o fear_n of_o sin_n on_o the_o heart_n it_o make_v the_o spirit_n more_o compose_v stay_v and_o present_a when_o after_o self-examination_n right_o go_v about_o conscience_n speak_v its_o own_o language_n for_o it_o know_v that_o god_n speak_v and_o have_v a_o sort_n of_o divinness_n with_o it_o 2_o it_o make_v the_o man_n more_o watchful_a and_o the_o loath_a to_o adventure_v on_o sin_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v 3_o it_o still_v and_o calm_v the_o heart_n o_o but_o that_o be_v a_o stately_a and_o majestic_a word_n psal._n 46._o be_v still_o and_o know_v that_o i_o be_o god_n for_o we_o can_v conceive_v god_n to_o be_v speak_v if_o we_o be_v right_a but_o the_o spirit_n will_v be_v calm_v to_o hear_v and_o will_v be_v gather_v in_o from_o its_o waver_n gading_n and_o vaiging_n when_o it_o know_v that_o he_o speak_v all_o which_o we_o may_v see_v psal._n 4._o 3._o 4._o stand_v in_o awe_n and_o sin_n not_o where_o he_o exhort_v to_o holy_a fear_n and_o watchfulness_n and_o the_o mean_a to_o bring_v both_o about_o be_v commune_fw-la with_o your_o heart_n upon_o your_o bed_n betake_v yourselves_o to_o this_o work_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v of_o self_n examination_n and_o then_o the_o 3d._n follow_v be_v still_o as_o be_v stay_v and_o fix_v quiet_v and_o calm_v against_o reilling-to_a and_o fro_o up_o and_o down_o and_o against_o all_o struggle_a with_o god_n and_o fret_v at_o his_o providence_n because_o you_o have_v to_o do_v with_o he_o and_o not_o with_o man_n we_o shall_v not_o proceed_v further_o for_o the_o time_n only_o you_o may_v see_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v if_o we_o look_v single_o on_o it_o that_o there_o be_v here_o a_o most_o clear_a useful_a and_o necessary_a duty_n at_o all_o time_n and_o more_o especial_o at_o this_o time_n we_o say_v especial_o at_o this_o time_n for_o these_o reason_n 1._o because_o of_o the_o common_a and_o general_a security_n and_o formal_a way_n of_o go_v about_o duty_n that_o be_v steal_v in_o among_o christian_n at_o this_o time_n and_o there_o can_v be_v a_o better_a mean_v to_o help_v this_o then_o to_o give_v ourselves_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o self-examination_n and_o to_o the_o trial_n of_o our_o way_n this_o serious_o go_v about_o will_v make_v we_o renze_v and_o stir_v up_o ourselves_o in_o good_a earnest_n to_o cry_v mighty_o to_o god_n and_o if_o this_o be_v a_o time_n that_o have_v such_o a_o evil_n in_o it_o as_o great_a security_n and_o formality_n and_o if_o this_o be_v a_o duty_n that_o may_v throw_v god_n blessing_n help_v the_o same_o let_v none_o complain_v of_o over_o liness_n coldness_n and_o lifelesnesse_a in_o religion_n that_o be_v not_o serious_o mind_v and_o go_v about_o this_o as_o a_o necessary_a profitable_a and_o excellent_a mean_n to_o amend_v it_o 2_o because_o there_o be_v much_o false_a bulk_n and_o empty_a show_n of_o a_o profession_n which_o we_o be_v afraid_a but_o a_o very_a little_a trial_n will_v quick_o evidence_n and_o discover_v to_o be_v so_o even_o to_o be_v unsure_a work_n i_o will_v not_o say_v but_o there_o may_v be_v some_o sickernesse_n and_o solidity_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o some_o but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o many_o other_o be_v but_o build_v castle_n in_o the_o air_n castle_n of_o come_v down_o when_o the_o rain_n shall_v descend_v the_o wind_n blow_v and_o the_o flood_n beat_v have_v much_o more_o show_v then_o substance_n and_o solid_a work_n and_o the_o way_n to_o make_v it_o sick_a sure_a and_o solid_a work_n that_o will_v abide_v the_o trial_n be_v to_o lay_v it_o to_o the_o rule_n and_o to_o try_v it_o thereby_o many_o profess_a christian_n be_v like_a to_o foolish_a builder_n who_o build_v by_o guess_n and_o by_o rule_n of_o thumb_n as_o we_o use_v to_o speak_v and_o not_o by_o square_a and_o rule_n and_o if_o they_o have_v but_o bulk_n enough_o they_o look_v not_o much_o to_o the_o solidity_n and_o straightness_n of_o the_o fabric_n there_o be_v many_o engadgement_n come_v under_o many_o fasting_n
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
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
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
there_o be_v nothing_o ready_o that_o more_o comfort_v he_o in_o a_o strait_n it_o be_v asleep_o singular_o good_a backfriend_n therefore_o when_o paul_n have_v few_o other_o friend_n he_o make_v use_v of_o this_o and_o find_v much_o peace_n and_o comfort_n from_o it_o and_o hence_o he_o say_v 2_o cor._n 1._o 12._o our_o rejoice_v be_v this_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n etc._n etc._n to_o clear_v this_o in_o a_o word_n further_o it_o be_v in_o these_o three_o case_n exceed_v useful_a 1._o in_o the_o case_n of_o reproach_n i_o have_v say_v paul_n act_v 23._o 1._o live_v in_o all_o good_a conscience_n before_o god_n until_o this_o day_n and_o 2_o tim_n 1._o 3._o i_o thank_v god_n who_o i_o serve_v with_o pure_a conscience_n from_o my_o forefather_n 2_o in_o the_o case_n of_o some_o notable_a cross_n when_o christian_n be_v bring_v very_o low_a in_o a_o great_a measure_n outward_o afflict_v or_o under_o great_a persecution_n this_o be_v say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o pet._n 2._o 19_o 20._o thank_v worthy_a if_o a_o man_n for_o conscience_n towards_o god_n endure_v grief_n suffer_v wrongful_o for_o what_o glory_n be_v it_o if_o when_o you_o be_v buffet_v for_o your_o fault_n you_o shall_v take_v it_o patient_o but_o if_o when_o you_o do_v well_o and_o suffer_v for_o it_o and_o take_v it_o patient_o this_o be_v acceptable_a with_o god_n 3_o it_o be_v useful_a and_o comfortable_a as_o to_o our_o own_o peace_n in_o the_o case_n of_o challenge_n for_o guilt_n it_o silence_v and_o shoulder_n out_o all_o challenge_n and_o give_v holy_a boldness_n if_o our_o heart_n or_o conscience_n condemn_v we_o not_o say_v john_n 1_o ep._n chap_n 3._o v._n 21._o then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n the_o use_n serve_v to_o teach_v we_o to_o be_v much_o in_o love_n with_o such_o a_o way_n as_o we_o may_v have_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n in_o it_o and_o to_o be_v much_o in_o love_n with_o such_o a_o conscience_n as_o may_v give_v we_o such_o a_o comfortable_a testimony_n in_o all_o our_o strait_n and_o difficulty_n more_o particular_o we_o shall_v speak_v to_o that_o which_o we_o main_o aim_v at_o in_o these_o four_o or_o five_o observation_n consider_v then_o first_o what_o paul_n be_v about_o here_o he_o be_v assert_v a_o truth_n viz._n that_o he_o be_v in_o great_a beavines_n for_o his_o brethren_n and_o kinsman_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n and_o he_o atte_v his_o conscience_n that_o it_o be_v so_o and_o that_o he_o be_v honest_a and_o sincere_a in_o assert_v it_o whence_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o action_n of_o a_o man_n life_n but_o conscience_n have_v a_o concern_v in_o it_o and_o have_v something_o to_o say_v to_o he_o concern_v it_o if_o it_o be_v but_o the_o speak_n of_o a_o word_n let_v be_v the_o do_v of_o any_o bussiness_n conscience_n have_v always_o something_o to_o say_v for_o he_o or_o against_o he_o so_o that_o we_o may_v confident_o say_v there_o be_v no_o action_n of_o so_o little_a moment_n in_o thought_n word_n or_o deed_n as_o whither_o a_o man_n be_v call_v to_o do_v or_o forbear_v to_o speak_v or_o to_o be_v silent_a but_o in_o all_o these_o conscience_n have_v a_o sense_n and_o consideration_n of_o it_o and_o a_o testimony_n to_o give_v for_o or_o against_o the_o man_n about_o it_o i_o be_o not_o now_o speak_v of_o thing_n sinful_a or_o unlawful_a on_o the_o matter_n but_o of_o such_o thing_n as_o on_o the_o matter_n be_v lawful_a as_o when_o a_o man_n speak_v truth_n whither_o he_o speak_v it_o true_o and_o with_o a_o honest_a intention_n or_o not_o therefore_o when_o paul_n be_v speak_v a_o truth_n here_o he_o look_v to_o his_o conscience_n and_o hearken_v what_o it_o say_v put_v these_o four_o together_o and_o you_o will_v find_v it_o clear_a that_o a_o sanctify_a conscience_n in_o a_o sanctify_a and_o good_a frame_n will_v always_o have_v something_o to_o say_v for_o or_o against_o a_o man_n in_o every_o thing_n that_o he_o go_v about_o i_o say_v a_o sanctify_a conscience_n in_o a_o sanctify_a frame_n because_o that_o be_v the_o conscience_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o and_o the_o conscience_n that_o most_o complete_o discharge_v its_o duty_n 1_o if_o we_o consider_v this_o that_o there_o be_v no_o humane_a action_n but_o god_n have_v give_v man_n a_o rule_n direct_v how_o it_o shall_v be_v order_v how_o he_o shall_v eat_v and_o how_o he_o shall_v drink_v how_o he_o shall_v plough_v pray_v hear_v read_v confer_v how_o he_o shall_v walk_v in_o company_n and_o out_o of_o company_n how_o he_o shall_v go_v about_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o call_v and_o it_o prescribe_v the_o manner_n of_o do_v these_o thing_n as_o well_o as_o the_o matter_n therefore_o 1_o tim._n 3._o 16_o 1â—_n it_o be_v say_v all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n and_o for_o correction_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v unto_o every_o good_a work_n it_o furnish_v he_o with_o light_n and_o direction_n not_o only_a in_o the_o matter_n as_o â—_o say_v but_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v 2._o 〈◊〉_d that_o a_o man_n in_o all_o his_o action_n be_v either_o walk_v according_a and_o agreeable_o to_o tâ—at_a rule_n or_o not_o his_o action_n be_v eiâ—her_o conform_v or_o disconform_v to_o the_o rule_n there_o be_v not_o a_o mid_n he_o either_o do_v according_a to_o it_o or_o he_o do_v not_o according_a to_o it_o if_o he_o do_v the_o action_n as_o the_o word_n prescribe_v conscience_n have_v something_o to_o say_v for_o he_o if_o noâ—_n it_o have_v something_o to_o say_v against_o he_o 3._o 〈◊〉_d that_o in_o all_o action_n as_o they_o be_v â—one_n or_o perform_v and_o as_o 〈◊〉_d god_n be_v either_o please_v or_o displease_v if_o the_o action_n be_v do_v according_a to_o his_o will_n he_o be_v please_v if_o it_o be_v not_o do_v according_a to_o his_o will_n he_o be_v displease_v 4._o conâ—ider_v that_o a_o sanctify_a conscience_n take_v up_o a_o man_n action_n and_o consider_v he_o in_o they_o not_o according_a to_o the_o matter_n only_o buâ—_n also_o as_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o rule_n for_o the_o manner_n principle_n motive_n and_o end_n and_o testifi_v of_o they_o according_o so_o that_o if_o god_n have_v a_o interest_n in_o all_o a_o man_n action_n a_o sanctify_a conscience_n have_v also_o a_o interest_n in_o they_o i_o say_v a_o sanctify_a conscience_n because_o it_o most_o single_o pleaâ—eth_v god_n interest_n this_o be_v true_a also_o of_o a_o natural_a conscience_n according_a to_o its_o light_n for_o even_o such_o a_o conscience_n as_o it_o be_v say_v rom._n 2._o 5._o bear_v witness_v and_o the_o gentile_n show_v the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heatâ—s_n their_o conscience_n also_o bear_v witness_n and_o their_o thought_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n accuse_v or_o else_o excuse_v one_o another_o and_o there_o be_v no_o natural_a man_n if_o he_o take_v heed_n to_o his_o conscience_n in_o the_o do_n of_o any_o action_n but_o will_v find_v conscience_n according_a to_o its_o light_n speak_v either_o for_o he_o or_o against_o he_o either_o accuse_v or_o else_o excuse_v he_o but_o this_o be_v much_o more_o to_o be_v find_v be_v a_o sanctify_a conscience_n because_o it_o have_v much_o more_o light_n and_o much_o more_o tenderness_n to_o act_v according_a â—o_o that_o light_n and_o therefore_o it_o will_v find_v itself_o much_o more_o concern_v in_o the_o action_n of_o a_o believer_n the_o first_o use_n be_v for_o information_n and_o instruction_n in_o a_o maâ—n_n practical_a point_n of_o religion_n relate_v to_o man_n conversation_n most_o man_n 〈◊〉_d think_v that_o conscience_n be_v not_o concern_v except_o in_o some_o great_a thing_n some_o palpable_o sinful_a thing_n or_o some_o thing_n immediate_o relate_v to_o religion_n and_o that_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n they_o may_v live_v as_o they_o like_v without_o take_v notice_n of_o conscience_n but_o â—_o sâ—y_o and_o have_v clear_v it_o that_o conscience_n have_v â—n_v 〈◊〉_d and_o concern_v in_o every_o action_n not_o only_o as_o to_o put_v man_n to_o undertake_v it_o whereof_o we_o speak_v before_o but_o also_o as_o to_o their_o manner_n of_o perform_v the_o same_o it_o not_o only_o put_v a_o man_n to_o think_v speak_v or_o do_v but_o it_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o think_n speak_a and_o do_v conscience_n in_o every_o one_o of_o these_o have_v somewhat_o to_o say_v viz._n that_o we_o be_v either_o right_a or_o wrong_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o all_o a_o christian_a man_n action_n may_v be_v take_v up_o in_o a_o twofold_a respect_n or_o under_o a_o twofold_a consideration_n 1._o
eye_n behind_o intimate_v that_o tender_a christian_n shall_v have_v and_o in_o some_o measure_n indeed_o have_v a_o eye_n as_o we_o use_v to_o speak_v of_o very_o watchful_a and_o accurat_o observe_v person_n in_o their_o neck_n look_v to_o what_o stick_v and_o cleave_v to_o their_o heel_n as_o it_o be_v when_o they_o have_v pass_v any_o action_n or_o duty_n as_o the_o word_n be_v psal._n 49._o 5._o where_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v of_o the_o iniquity_n of_o his_o heel_n compass_v he_o about_o as_o know_v well_o that_o in_o every_o step_n of_o his_o way_n he_o leave_v some_o â—oul_a vestige_n or_o print_v behind_o he_o and_o therefore_o look_v back_o on_o it_o this_o than_o we_o propose_v as_o a_o piece_n and_o a_o special_a piece_n of_o a_o tender_a walk_n viz._n that_o christian_n not_o only_o deliberat_fw-la before_o they_o do_v and_o look_v to_o conscience_n while_o they_o be_v adoing_o but_o that_o also_o they_o reflect_v and_o look_v back_o upon_o the_o action_n when_o it_o be_v do_v and_o pass_v to_o clear_v this_o a_o little_a further_o there_o be_v three_o main_a thing_n that_o a_o believer_n be_v call_v to_o in_o reference_n to_o what_o be_v past_a 1._o examination_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o way_n 2._o lay_v of_o himself_o and_o his_o way_n to_z and_o before_o his_o conscience_n inform_v by_o the_o word_n 3._o judge_v of_o himself_o according_a as_o he_o find_v eth_z his_o way_n to_o be_v when_o he_o have_v lay_v it_o before_o his_o conscience_n we_o need_v not_o curious_o and_o nice_o difference_n these_o for_o they_o go_v always_o together_o when_o a_o man_n be_v right_a his_o examination_n of_o himself_o and_o of_o his_o way_n the_o examination_n of_o his_o way_n by_o his_o conscience_n and_o his_o self-judging_a yet_o they_o may_v be_v some_o way_n difference_v self-examination_n be_v more_o large_a and_o extensive_a take_v in_o the_o whole_a that_o a_o man_n be_v concern_v in_o his_o recklessness_n and_o his_o need_n as_o well_o as_o his_o sinfulness_n but_o reflect_v on_o conscience_n consider_v a_o man_n way_n as_o sinful_a or_o not_o sinful_a only_o self-examination_n be_v a_o gather_v as_o it_o be_v of_o thing_n together_o but_o reflect_v on_o conscience_n be_v a_o lay_n of_o they_o to_o the_o rule_n a_o put_n of_o they_o to_o the_o touchstone_n self-examination_n be_v the_o mid_n conscience-reflection_n be_v the_o end_n and_o if_o any_o shall_v offer_v to_o divide_v they_o the_o gather_n of_o thing_n together_o by_o self-examination_n will_v not_o signify_v much_o except_o they_o be_v try_v by_o conscience_n self-examination_n be_v antecedent_n to_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o judge_n self-judging_a be_v subsequent_a as_o a_o ratification_n of_o that_o which_o conscience_n have_v say_v when_o we_o have_v examine_v and_o find_v out_o thing_n and_o when_o conscience_n have_v on_o reflection_n agreeable_o to_o the_o rule_n give_v its_o sense_n and_o sentence_n our_o judge_v of_o ourselves_o be_v our_o homologate_a or_o own_v apply_v and_o take_v home_o to_o we_o the_o sentence_n that_o conscience_n have_v past_a as_o it_o be_v from_o our_o own_o mouth_n somewhat_o like_o that_o word_n rom._n 8._o 16._o the_o spirit_n itself_o bear_v witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o ourselves_o examination_n and_o judge_v we_o be_v active_a but_o in_o conscience_n its_o pass_a sentence_n we_o be_v passive_a as_o be_v therein_o 〈◊〉_d before_o the_o judge_n and_o when_o conscience_n have_v say_v we_o say_v however_o we_o put_v they_o together_o and_o have_v mark_v it_o for_o this_o reason_n because_o ofttimes_o when_o we_o examine_v and_o take_v a_o look_n of_o ourselves_o and_o of_o our_o way_n we_o be_v dispose_v to_o think_v that_o we_o have_v do_v enough_o and_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o indictment_n be_v read_v we_o run_v away_o from_o the_o bar_n and_o do_v not_o abide_v and_o stay_v for_o conscience_n its_o decision_n as_o if_o we_o know_v what_o it_o will_v say_v before_o hand_n again_o sometime_o we_o be_v dispose_v to_o judge_n ourselves_o and_o to_o pass_v or_o leap_v over_o both_o examination_n and_o conscience_n sentence_n be_v thus_o precipitant_a and_o preposterous_a to_o prevent_v any_o trouble_n and_o apprehend_v horror_n that_o may_v attend_v the_o sentence_n of_o conscience_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o say_v that_o we_o know_v not_o what_o it_o will_v say_v before_o it_o be_v put_v to_o the_o â—ryal_n and_o this_o be_v a_o reason_n why_o many_o will_v take_v with_o a_o conviction_n but_o it_o have_v no_o weight_n with_o they_o nor_o 〈◊〉_d to_o they_o because_o it_o be_v their_o own_o as_o it_o be_v and_o not_o conscience_n its_o sentence_n therefore_o you_o will_v by_o all_o mean_n join_v together_o these_o three_o use_v self-examination_n judge_n and_o pass_v sentence_n on_o yourselves_o as_o we_o be_v will_v 1_o cor._n 11._o 28._o 31._o but_o miss_v not_o this_o cuple_n viz_o reflect_v upon_o and_o observe_v of_o what_o conscience_n have_v to_o â—ay_n for_o this_o 〈◊〉_d the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o together_o and_o if_o they_o be_v noâ—_n thus_o knit_v they_o will_v fall_v asunder_o and_o come_v to_o nothing_o the_o second_o use_n be_v for_o trial_n take_v it_o then_o for_o a_o evidence_n and_o mark_n of_o a_o tender_a christian_a thus_o to_o reflect_v on_o a_o person_n walk_v and_o action_n when_o he_o have_v do_v they_o the_o tender_a christian_a will_v thus_o reflect_v on_o his_o way_n and_o action_n do_v though_o it_o be_v for_o many_o year_n past_a and_o will_v judge_v impartial_o according_a to_o what_o conscience_n have_v to_o say_v of_o they_o they_o here_o behave_v like_a unto_o faithful_a ambassador_n or_o messenger_n who_o be_v commissionat_a in_o some_o business_n and_o have_v go_v about_o it_o will_v sist_z themselves_z before_o these_o that_o give_v they_o the_o commission_n to_o hear_v their_o judgement_n and_o sentence_n of_o their_o management_n of_o the_o business_n commit_v to_o they_o 〈◊〉_d they_o be_v unfaithful_a that_o receive_v such_o a_o commission_n and_o never_o give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o discharge_n of_o it_o nor_o wait_v for_o the_o sentence_n of_o its_o giver_n even_o so_o tender_a christian_n will_v not_o only_o consult_v with_o and_o take_v direction_n from_o conscience_n what_o and_o how_o to_o do_v but_o will_v also_o turn_v back_o and_o see_v iâ—_n conscience_n do_v approve_v of_o what_o they_o have_v do_v and_o of_o their_o manner_n of_o do_v now_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o this_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o it_o be_v always_o the_o mark_n of_o a_o tender_a christian_a that_o the_o man_n have_v conscience_n speak_v for_o he_o for_o conscience_n may_v be_v mislead_v and_o its_o testimony_n in_o that_o case_n signify_v little_a but_o this_o we_o say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o mark_n of_o a_o tender_a christian_a to_o be_v always_o single_o try_v whether_o it_o be_v for_o he_o or_o against_o he_o and_o it_o will_v be_v find_v in_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o tender_a christian_n whereas_o these_o that_o walk_v at_o random_n without_o all_o circumspection_n look_v not_o thus_o to_o conscience_n yea_o even_o believer_n themselves_o when_o in_o a_o untender_a frame_n desire_v not_o much_o to_o come_v in_o conscience_n its_o sight_n to_o speak_v â—o_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o as_o it_o be_v joh._n 3._o v._n 20_o 21._o every_o one_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v but_o he_o that_o do_v truth_n come_v to_o the_o light_n to_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n and_o of_o his_o conscience_n inform_v by_o the_o word_n that_o his_o deed_n may_v be_v manifest_a that_o they_o be_v wrought_v in_o god_n it_o be_v no_o â—mal_a part_n i_o say_v of_o this_o light_n even_a conscience_n it_o be_v testimony_n and_o it_o say_v that_o the_o sincer_n man_n desire_v to_o know_v if_o he_o be_v right_a or_o wrong_n and_o that_o he_o like_v not_o to_o entertain_v the_o thought_n of_o any_o practice_n or_o deed_n of_o he_o to_o be_v right_a when_o it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o truth_n and_o that_o withal_o he_o allow_v not_o himself_o to_o judge_v of_o his_o deed_n mere_o by_o himself_o but_o to_o submit_v they_o to_o the_o sentence_n of_o his_o conscience_n according_a to_o the_o word_n to_o clear_v this_o a_o little_a we_o shall_v point_v at_o some_o character_n of_o a_o person_n that_o be_v suitable_o serious_a and_o tender_a in_o reflect_v on_o his_o conscience_n and_o that_o 1._o in_o respect_n of_o its_o extent_n and_o then_o 2_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o first_o then_o as_o to_o the_o extent_n 1._o he_o reflect_v on_o and_o try_v all_o his_o action_n even_o the_o whole_a tract_n and_o current_n of_o his_o life_n as_o paul_n do_v here_o his_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n
〈◊〉_d sinner_n can_v never_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n nor_o any_o the_o least_o measure_n of_o that_o solid_a joy_n or_o peace_n that_o flow_v from_o it_o for_o as_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n say_v chap._n 57_o v._n last_o there_o be_v no_o peace_n to_o the_o wicked_a say_v my_o god_n sermon_n v._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 simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n notwith_o fleshly_a wisdom_n but_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o have_v haâ—_n our_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o morâ—_n abundant_o to_o youward_n there_o be_v many_o duty_n and_o piece_n of_o christianity_n whereof_o the_o world_n neither_o know_v the_o excellency_n nor_o the_o difficulty_n man_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n dispose_v to_o think_v that_o religion_n be_v a_o thing_n of_o very_o little_a worth_n and_o very_o easy_o come_v by_o when_o they_o shall_v find_v it_o convenient_a for_o they_o to_o look_v after_o somewhat_o of_o it_o because_o they_o never_o set_v themselves_o serious_o and_o in_o good_a earnest_n to_o practice_v it_o nor_o to_o experience_n the_o choice_n and_o excellent_a advantage_n that_o come_v by_o it_o and_o we_o very_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v not_o two_o thing_n in_o religion_n less_o know_v and_o believe_v than_o the_o difficulty_n of_o attain_v to_o a_o well-grounded_n testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o the_o unspeakable_a excellency_n of_o it_o with_o the_o great_a advantage_n that_o come_v by_o it_o when_o it_o be_v attain_v and_o entertain_v we_o speak_v before_o to_o you_o of_o the_o great_a refresh_n and_o joy_n which_o the_o well_o ground_v testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n yield_v and_o of_o the_o great_a difficulty_n that_o there_o be_v to_o attain_v and_o come_v by_o it_o as_o be_v the_o result_n of_o much_o diligence_n labour_n and_o pain_n in_o solid_a answer_v of_o many_o question_n before_o we_o proceed_v any_o further_a there_o may_v arise_v here_o a_o doubt_n or_o objection_n which_o will_v be_v clear_v and_o answer_v viz._n if_o a_o particular_a search_n and_o examination_n as_o to_o every_o action_n and_o duty_n be_v necessary_a yea_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a ere_o the_o conscience_n can_v give_v a_o good_a testimony_n and_o if_o so_o how_o a_o person_n can_v possible_o have_v peace_n in_o reference_n to_o his_o by-gone_a way_n when_o in_o seek_v to_o review_v it_o and_o to_o reflect_v upon_o it_o he_o find_v it_o impossible_a to_o examine_v every_o action_n and_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o we_o conceive_v it_o to_o be_v necessary_a to_o answer_v this_o doubt_n or_o objection_n though_o we_o confess_v it_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o do_v it_o to_o full_a satisfaction_n there_o be_v especial_o extreme_n upon_o both_o side_n some_o be_v ready_a to_o take_v a_o undue_a liberty_n and_o latitude_n to_o themselves_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n when_o any_o allow_a qualification_n be_v offer_v and_o other_o be_v in_o hazard_n to_o faint_v and_o be_v discourage_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o the_o matter_n be_v keep_v in_o a_o peremptory_a state_n without_o due_a qualification_n and_o caution_n and_o yet_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o right_n preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n if_o we_o can_v win_v at_o it_o will_v neither_o louse_n reins_o to_o lawless_a and_o sinsul_n liberty_n to_o carnal_a person_n nor_o make_v sad_a the_o heart_n of_o these_o that_o eat_v gracious_a and_o tender_a nor_o put_v they_o on_o the_o rack_n nor_o involve_v they_o into_o a_o labyrinth_n of_o inextricable_a intricacy_n and_o perplexity_n for_o answer_v then_o to_o the_o doubt_n or_o objection_n 1._o it_o be_v indeed_o expedient_a so_o far_o as_o a_o believer_n can_v win_v in_o self-examination_n to_o reach_v his_o particular_a action_n and_o the_o particular_a step_n and_o circumstance_n of_o they_o wherein_o job_n and_o other_o of_o the_o saint_n have_v win_v a_o great_a length_n and_o the_o expediency_n if_o not_o necessity_n of_o it_o appear_v from_o this_o because_o by_o this_o mean_n believer_n win_v to_o more_o distinctnesse_n and_o staidness_n in_o up-taking_a of_o their_o case_n 2_o we_o think_v that_o the_o distinct_a examination_n of_o all_o particular_n in_o a_o man_n life_n and_o of_o the_o several_a question_n that_o conscience_n may_v propose_v concern_v they_o be_v not_o possible_a in_o itself_o and_o therefore_o not_o simple_o necessary_a as_o to_o the_o make_v of_o this_o duty_n practicable_a for_o if_o we_o can_v possible_o as_o we_o can_v go_v through_o all_o our_o action_n and_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o they_o through_o out_o our_o whole_a way_n it_o will_v take_v up_o more_o of_o our_o time_n to_o examine_v than_o we_o have_v for_o practice_n if_o we_o shall_v be_v put_v to_o reflect_v particular_o on_o every_o thing_n that_o we_o have_v do_v on_o what_o have_v be_v commit_v and_o on_o what_o have_v be_v omit_v and_o the_o several_a aggravation_n and_o circumstance_n of_o every_o one_o of_o these_o and_o to_o go_v through_o every_o one_o of_o they_o according_a to_o the_o exact_a rule_n it_o will_v take_v we_o many_o day_n yea_o if_o the_o conscience_n shall_v give_v way_n to_o scruplousness_n in_o this_o there_o shall_v always_o be_v a_o examination_n of_o our_o examination_n which_o yet_o may_v and_o in_o some_o case_n ought_v to_o be_v and_o so_o on_o in_o infinitum_fw-la that_o there_o shall_v never_o be_v a_o end_n of_o this_o work_n to_o the_o exclusion_n of_o other_o clear_o call_v for_o which_o can_v be_v that_o be_v not_o then_o we_o conceive_v the_o lord_n end_n in_o press_v on_o we_o this_o duty_n of_o self-examination_n whereby_o he_o design_v to_o extricat_fw-la the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n out_o of_o disquietness_n and_o not_o to_o involve_v they_o further_o in_o it_o yet_o 3_o we_o say_v that_o its_o necessary_a as_o to_o believer_n peace_n in_o their_o duty_n that_o they_o examine_v the_o series_n of_o their_o way_n though_o they_o can_v reach_v every_o particular_a action_n or_o all_o its_o circumstance_n and_o that_o they_o think_v no_o duty_n to_o be_v so_o clear_a nor_o any_o sin_n to_o be_v so_o little_a as_o resolve_o to_o pass_v it_o without_o reflect_v on_o it_o so_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a and_o in_o examine_v the_o series_n and_o tract_n of_o their_o way_n they_o will_v consider_v 1._o the_o matter_n of_o their_o action_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a and_o approven_v of_o god_n or_o not_o 2._o the_o manner_n of_o they_o whether_o they_o have_v endeavour_v to_o do_v thing_n after_o the_o due_a order_n and_o in_o the_o prescribe_a manner_n 3._o what_o they_o propose_v to_o themselves_o as_o the_o general_a main_a end_n and_o scope_n of_o their_o action_n whether_o it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n oâ—_n not_o we_o find_v much_o of_o the_o saint_n testimony_n of_o their_o conscience_n to_o be_v found_v upon_o this_o as_o we_o may_v see_v here_o in_o paul_n we_o have_v have_v say_v he_o our_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o more_o abundant_o to_o you_o ward_n not_o with_o fleshly_a wisdom_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o david_n who_o 〈◊〉_d psal._n 119_o 59_o i_o think_v on_o my_o way_n and_o turn_v my_o fâ—et_n into_o thy_o testimony_n there_o be_v great_a difference_n betwixt_o a_o man_n way_n or_o path_n and_o every_o particular_a step_n of_o his_o way_n or_o path_n david_n propose_v to_o himself_o the_o series_n of_o his_o way_n to_o be_v examine_v and_o wherein_o he_o find_v himself_o faulty_a he_o make_v haste_n to_o go_v out_o of_o it_o and_o turn_v his_o foot_n into_o god_n testimony_n he_o be_v endeavour_v to_o be_v watchful_a in_o every_o step_n of_o his_o way_n while_o it_o be_v before_o he_o to_o have_v it_o right_n but_o when_o he_o reflect_v it_o be_v impossible_a as_o we_o have_v say_v to_o look_v on_o every_o step_n of_o his_o way_n and_o to_o examine_v it_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n he_o look_v upon_o the_o series_n of_o it_o on_o the_o matter_n manner_n and_o end_n of_o his_o walk_n in_o the_o tract_n of_o his_o life_n and_o in_o this_o respect_n he_o say_v psal._n 18._o 21._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 job_n chap._n 23._o also_o do_v my_o soot_n have_v hold_v his_o step_n his_o way_n have_v i_o keep_v and_o not_o decline_v 4_o believer_n will_v not_o only_o look_v to_o their_o way_n but_o there_o be_v some_o action_n and_o step_n of_o their_o way_n at_o some_o special_a time_n that_o they_o will_v be_v more_o particular_a in_o the_o examination_n of_o then_o at_o other_o time_n and_o of_o every_o action_n though_o they_o will_v not_o design_o seclude_v any_o as_o god_n in_o providence_n call_v they_o to_o it_o and_o
point_v it_o out_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n but_o there_o be_v i_o say_v some_o particular_a action_n that_o they_o be_v call_v to_o examine_v more_o than_o other_o and_o for_o further_a clear_v of_o this_o i_o shall_v instance_n it_o in_o a_o few_o thing_n as_o 1._o there_o be_v some_o thing_n or_o action_n and_o duty_n that_o more_o eminent_o concern_v a_o believer_n peace_n or_o disquietness_n his_o peace_n if_o right_o go_v about_o and_o his_o disquietness_n if_o otherwise_o some_o thing_n whereby_o god_n be_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n honour_v and_o the_o believer_n himself_o comfort_v if_o he_o carry_v right_o and_o god_n high_o dishonour_v and_o the_o believer_n conscience_n great_o wound_v if_o he_o miscarry_v we_o may_v instance_n it_o in_o these_o solemn_a ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n of_o time_n of_o humillation_n with_o fast_v of_o public_a or_o secret_a personal_a covenant_v with_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o like_a as_o here_o paul_n reflect_v particular_o on_o his_o ministry_n among_o the_o corinthian_n and_o on_o his_o way_n in_o it_o as_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n and_o say_v that_o it_o be_v more_o abundant_o to_o they_o ward_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o hear_v the_o word_n in_o prayer_n in_o our_o family_n and_o in_o secret_a in_o confer_v to_o edification_n on_o sermon_n after_o we_o have_v hear_v they_o or_o to_o any_o spiritual_a purpose_n in_o sanctify_v the_o lord_n day_n and_o such_o other_o for_o in_o these_o duty_n the_o rule_n bind_v some_o nay_o more_o strict_o god_n be_v in_o they_o in_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n honour_v or_o dishonour_v and_o there_o be_v ready_a access_n to_o a_o challenge_n if_o the_o person_n be_v wrong_a and_o to_o peace_n and_o comfort_n if_o right_a in_o these_o 2_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n that_o be_v more_o tickle_a and_o difficult_a in_o respect_n either_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o or_o in_o respect_n of_o our_o particular_a inclination_n to_o miscarry_v in_o they_o as_o for_o instance_n when_o a_o man_n in_o providence_n have_v be_v cast_v into_o a_o place_n and_o company_n where_o he_o be_v crowd_v with_o snare_n and_o strong_a temptation_n he_o will_v there_o examine_v more_o particular_o that_o nothing_o have_v stick_v to_o he_o that_o may_v be_v ground_n of_o challenge_n against_o he_o so_o in_o public_a employment_n wherein_o man_n be_v expose_v to_o many_o temptation_n and_o snare_n especial_o when_o there_o be_v somewhat_o in_o their_o own_o tempraturâ—_n inclination_n or_o humour_n that_o dispose_v to_o yield_v comply_v and_o miscarry_v they_o will_v there_o be_v the_o more_o particular_a in_o their_o examination_n thus_o david_n say_v ps._n 18._o that_o be_v have_v not_o wicked_o depart_v from_o god_n that_o he_o be_v upright_o before_o he_o and_o have_v keep_v himself_o from_o his_o iniquity_n there_o be_v some_o sin_n that_o he_o be_v not_o in_o such_o hazard_n of_o as_o he_o be_v of_o other_o and_o as_o he_o hand_n guard_v more_o against_o they_o so_o he_o take_v a_o more_o particular_a view_n of_o these_o sin_n that_o his_o natural_a temper_n incline_v he_o most_o to_o and_o that_o he_o be_v most_o in_o hazard_n of_o which_o we_o will_v take_v notice_n of_o at_o all_o time_n but_o especial_o in_o these_o time_n wherein_o man_n hazard_v on_o many_o thing_n hand_n over_o head_n and_o as_o it_o be_v by_o guess_n so_o when_o a_o man_n know_v that_o his_o humour_n and_o temper_n dispose_v he_o to_o be_v rash_a and_o precipitant_a hasty_a and_o passionate_a when_o he_o have_v be_v in_o company_n with_o other_o when_o he_o may_v have_v have_v more_o than_o ordinary_a occasion_n of_o provocation_n he_o will_v there_o more_o particular_o look_v back_o and_o see_v what_o his_o way_n have_v be_v or_o what_o have_v escape_v he_o in_o such_o company_n 3_o a_o man_n will_v especial_o try_v and_o examine_v himself_o in_o reference_n to_o such_o sin_n as_o he_o have_v be_v former_o give_v to_o and_o against_o which_o he_o have_v particular_o engage_v himself_o and_o as_o the_o more_o solemn_a theâ—ty_n and_o engagement_n have_v be_v he_o shall_v watch_v the_o more_o against_o they_o so_o also_o examine_v the_o more_o if_o he_o have_v be_v entangle_v iâ—_n they_o so_o say_v the_o people_n of_o god_n ps._n 44_o 17_o all_o this_o be_v come_v upon_o we_o yet_o have_v we_o not_o forget_v thou_o neither_o 〈◊〉_d we_o deal_v false_o in_o thy_o covenant_n there_o be_v many_o particular_a sailing_n in_o their_o way_n which_o doubtless_o they_o reflect_v on_o but_o especial_o they_o try_v how_o they_o have_v carry_v in_o their_o engagement_n to_o god_n because_o they_o know_v that_o any_o more_o gross_a fall_n in_o these_o will_v have_v much_o influence_n on_o god_n dishonour_n and_o on_o the_o wound_a â—f_n their_o own_o peace_n whatever_o we_o reflect_v on_o in_o our_o way_n we_o will_v not_o neglect_v nor_o omit_v our_o engagement_n to_o god_n but_o will_v narrow_o look_v back_o and_o examine_v how_o these_o have_v be_v observe_v 4_o man_n 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