place_n to_o consider_v the_o principle_n and_o immediate_a guide_n of_o our_o action_n which_o st._n paul_n here_o tell_v we_o be_v his_o conscience_n i_o exercise_v myself_o to_o have_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n by_o which_o he_o do_v not_o only_o mean_v a_o resolution_n to_o follow_v the_o dictate_v and_o direction_n of_o his_o conscience_n but_o likewise_o a_o due_a care_n to_o inform_v his_o conscience_n aright_o that_o he_o may_v not_o in_o any_o thing_n transgress_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o his_o duty_n conscience_n be_v the_o great_a principle_n of_o moral_a action_n and_o our_o guide_n in_o matter_n of_o sin_n and_o duty_n it_o be_v not_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o our_o action_n that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n only_o be_v but_o it_o be_v our_o immediate_a guide_n and_o director_n tell_v we_o what_o be_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o our_o duty_n but_o because_o conscience_n be_v a_o word_n of_o a_o very_a large_a and_o various_a signification_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v very_o brief_o to_o give_v you_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o it_o now_o in_o common_a speech_n concern_v conscience_n every_o man_n be_v represent_v as_o have_v a_o kind_n of_o court_n and_o tribunal_n in_o his_o own_o breast_n where_o he_o try_v himself_o and_o all_o his_o action_n and_o conscience_n under_o one_o notion_n or_o other_o sustain_v all_o part_n in_o this_o trial_n the_o court_n be_v call_v the_o court_n of_o a_o man_n conscience_n and_o the_o bar_n at_o which_o the_o sinner_n stand_v implead_v be_v call_v the_o bar_n of_o conscience_n conscience_n also_o be_v the_o accuser_n and_o it_o be_v the_o record_n and_o register_n of_o our_o crime_n in_o which_o the_o memory_n of_o they_o be_v preserve_v and_o it_o be_v the_o witness_n which_o give_v testimony_n for_o or_o against_o we_o hence_o be_v those_o expression_n of_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n and_o that_o a_o man_n be_v own_o conscience_n be_v to_o he_o instead_o of_o a_o thousand_o witness_n and_o it_o be_v likewise_o the_o judge_n which_o declare_v the_o law_n and_o what_o we_o ought_v or_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v do_v in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o case_n and_o according_o pass_v sentence_n upon_o we_o by_o acquit_v or_o condemn_v we_o thus_o according_a to_o common_a use_n of_o speech_n conscience_n sustain_v all_o imaginable_a part_n in_o this_o spiritual_a court_n it_o be_v the_o court_n and_o the_o bench_n and_o the_o bar_n the_o accuser_n and_o witness_v and_o register_n and_o all_o but_o i_o shall_v only_o at_o present_a consider_v conscience_n in_o the_o most_o common_a and_o famous_a notion_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v the_o principle_n or_o faculty_n whereby_o we_o judge_v of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a and_o do_v according_o direct_a and_o govern_v our_o action_n so_o that_o in_o short_a conscience_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o man_n be_v own_o mind_n concern_v the_o morality_n of_o his_o action_n that_o be_v the_o good_a or_o evil_a or_o indifferency_n of_o they_o tell_v we_o what_o thing_n be_v command_v by_o god_n and_o consequent_o be_v our_o duty_n what_o thing_n be_v forbid_v by_o he_o and_o consequent_o be_v sinful_a what_o thing_n be_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v and_o consequent_o be_v indifferent_a i_o proceed_v in_o the_o five_o the_o place_n to_o give_v some_o rule_n and_o direction_n for_o the_o keep_n of_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v these_o follow_v first_o never_o in_o any_o case_n to_o act_v contrary_a to_o the_o persuasion_n and_o conviction_n of_o our_o conscience_n for_o that_o certain_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n and_o that_o which_o proper_o offend_v the_o conscience_n and_o render_v we_o guilty_a guilt_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o trouble_n arise_v in_o our_o mind_n from_o a_o consciousness_n of_o have_v do_v contrary_a to_o what_o we_o be_v very_o persuade_v be_v our_o duty_n and_o though_o perhaps_o this_o persuasion_n be_v not_o always_o well_o ground_v yet_o the_o guilt_n be_v the_o same_o so_o long_o as_o this_o persuasion_n continue_v because_o every_o man_n conscience_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o god_n to_o he_o and_o accuse_v or_o absolve_v he_o according_a to_o the_o present_a persuasion_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o take_v great_a care_n not_o to_o offend_v against_o the_o light_n and_o conviction_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n second_o we_o shall_v be_v very_o careful_a to_o inform_v our_o conscience_n aright_o that_o we_o may_v not_o mistake_v concern_v our_o duty_n or_o if_o we_o do_v that_o our_o error_n and_o mistake_n may_v not_o be_v gross_o wilful_a and_o faulty_a and_o this_o rule_n be_v the_o more_o necessary_a to_o be_v consider_v and_o regard_v by_o we_o because_o general_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o think_v it_o a_o sufficient_a excuse_n for_o any_o thing_n that_o they_o do_v it_o according_a to_o their_o conscience_n but_o this_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v a_o dangerous_a mistake_n and_o of_o very_o pernicious_a consequence_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n if_o we_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n 1_o sy_n that_o man_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o the_o most_o heinous_a sin_n in_o follow_v a_o erroneous_a conscience_n 2_o lie_v and_o these_o sin_n may_v prove_v damnable_a without_o a_o particular_a repentance_n for_o they_o 1_o sy_n that_o man_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o the_o most_o heinous_a sin_n in_o follow_v a_o erroneous_a conscience_n man_n may_v neglect_v and_o abuse_v themselves_o so_o far_o as_o to_o do_v some_o of_o the_o worst_a and_o wicked_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n with_o a_o persuasion_n that_o they_o do_v well_o 16.2_o our_o saviour_n tell_v his_o disciple_n that_o the_o time_n shall_v come_v when_o the_o jew_n shall_v put_v they_o to_o death_n think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n nay_o the_o jew_n murder_v the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o through_o ignorance_n and_o a_o false_a persuasion_n of_o mind_n father_n forgive_v they_o 23.34_o say_v our_o bless_a lord_n when_o he_o be_v breathe_v out_o his_o soul_n upon_o the_o cross_n for_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o do_v and_o st._n peter_n after_o he_o have_v charge_v the_o jew_n with_o kill_v the_o prince_n of_o life_n 3.17_o he_o present_o add_v i_o wot_v that_o through_o ignorance_n you_o do_v it_o as_o do_v also_o your_o ruler_n and_o st._n paul_n in_o mitigation_n of_o that_o great_a crime_n say_v have_v they_o know_v they_o will_v not_o have_v crucify_v the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o glory_n and_o concern_v himself_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o very_o think_v with_o himself_o 26.9_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v many_o thing_n against_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o that_o he_o act_v herein_o according_a to_o the_o persuasion_n of_o his_o conscience_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o have_v be_v a_o blasphemer_n and_o a_o persecutor_n and_o injurious_a and_o a_o murderer_n and_o in_o a_o word_n the_o great_a of_o sinner_n so_o that_o man_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o the_o great_a sin_n in_o follow_v a_o erroneous_a conscience_n and_o 2_o these_o sin_n may_v prove_v damnable_a without_o a_o particular_a repentance_n for_o they_o where_o the_o ignorance_n and_o mistake_n be_v not_o gross_o wilful_a there_o god_n will_v accept_v of_o a_o general_a repentance_n but_o where_o it_o be_v gross_o wilful_a great_a sin_n commit_v upon_o it_o be_v not_o pardon_v without_o a_o particular_a repentance_n for_o they_o and_o a_o error_n which_o proceed_v from_o want_n of_o ordinary_a human_a care_n and_o due_a government_n of_o a_o man_n self_n be_v in_o a_o great_a degree_n wilful_a as_o when_o it_o proceed_v from_o a_o unreasonable_a and_o obstinate_a prejudice_n from_o great_a pride_n and_o self-conceit_n and_o contempt_n of_o counsel_n and_o instruction_n or_o from_o a_o visible_a bias_n of_o self-interest_n or_o when_o it_o be_v accompany_v with_o a_o furious_a passion_n and_o zeal_n prompt_v man_n to_o cruel_a and_o horrible_a thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o humanity_n a_o error_n proceed_v from_o such_o cause_n and_o produce_v such_o effect_n be_v wilful_a in_o so_o high_a a_o degree_n that_o whatever_o evil_n be_v do_v in_o virtue_n of_o it_o be_v almost_o equal_o faulty_a with_o a_o direct_a and_o wilful_a violation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n the_o ignorance_n and_o mistake_n do_v indeed_o make_v the_o person_n so_o mistake_v more_o capable_a of_o forgiveness_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o saviour_n prayer_n for_o his_o murderer_n father_n forgive_v they_o for_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o do_v st._n paul_n likewise_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o find_v mercy_n upon_o this_o account_n 1.13_o nevertheless_o say_v he_o i_o obtain_v mercy_n because_o i_o do_v it_o ignorant_o and_o in_o
to_o love_v their_o neighbour_n mean_v their_o brethren_n and_o those_o of_o their_o own_o nation_n but_o our_o saviour_n by_o command_v we_o to_o love_v our_o enemy_n have_v in_o the_o most_o emphatical_a manner_n that_o can_v be_v command_v we_o to_o love_v all_o man_n for_o if_o any_o be_v to_o be_v exclude_v from_o our_o charity_n none_o so_o likely_a to_o be_v so_o as_o our_o enemy_n so_o that_o after_o a_o command_n to_o love_v our_o enemy_n it_o be_v needless_a to_o name_v any_o other_o because_o man_n be_v natural_o apt_a to_o love_v those_o that_o love_v they_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o love_v your_o enemy_n here_o the_o inward_a affection_n be_v require_v bless_v they_o that_o curse_v you_o here_o outward_a civility_n and_o affability_n be_v require_v in_o opposition_n to_o rude_a and_o uncivil_a language_n for_o so_o blessing_n and_o curse_v do_v in_o scripture_n frequent_o signify_v do_v good_a to_o they_o that_o hate_v you_o here_o real_a act_n of_o kindness_n be_v command_v to_o be_v do_v by_o we_o to_o our_o bitter_a and_o most_o malicious_a enemy_n pray_v for_o they_o that_o despiteful_o use_v you_o and_o persecute_v you_o these_o be_v the_o high_a expression_n of_o enmity_n that_o can_v be_v calumny_n and_o cruelty_n and_o yet_o we_o be_v command_v to_o pray_v for_o those_o that_o touch_v we_o in_o these_o two_o tender_a point_n of_o all_o other_o our_o reputation_n and_o our_o life_n and_o to_o secure_v the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o charity_n towards_o our_o enemy_n we_o be_v require_v to_o express_v it_o by_o our_o hearty_a prayer_n to_o god_n for_o they_o to_o god_n i_o say_v before_o who_o it_o be_v both_o impious_a and_o dangerous_a to_o dissemble_v and_o from_o who_o we_o can_v expect_v no_o mercy_n for_o ourselves_o if_o with_o feign_a lip_n we_o beg_v it_o of_o he_o for_o other_o you_o see_v what_o be_v the_o duty_n here_o require_v that_o we_o bear_v a_o sincere_a affection_n to_o our_o most_o malicious_a and_o implacable_a enemy_n and_o be_v ready_a upon_o occasion_n to_o give_v real_a testimony_n of_o it_o and_o because_o this_o may_v seem_v a_o hard_a duty_n and_o not_o so_o easy_a to_o be_v reconcile_v either_o to_o our_o inclination_n or_o our_o reason_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o this_o law_n be_v not_o only_o reasonable_a but_o much_o more_o perfect_a and_o excellent_a and_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o more_o easy_a and_o delightful_a and_o upon_o all_o account_n much_o more_o for_o our_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n than_o the_o contrary_n and_o that_o upon_o four_o consideration_n which_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o represent_v with_o their_o just_a advantage_n and_o so_o as_o may_v i_o hope_v not_o only_o convince_v our_o judgement_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o precept_n but_o likewise_o bend_v and_o sway_v our_o will_n to_o the_o obedience_n and_o practice_n of_o it_o i._o if_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o act_n here_o require_v which_o be_v to_o love_n which_o when_o it_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a passion_n but_o under_o the_o government_n of_o our_o reason_n be_v the_o most_o natural_a and_o easy_a and_o delightful_a of_o all_o the_o affection_n which_o god_n have_v plant_v in_o humane_a nature_n whereas_o ill_a will_n and_o hatred_n and_o revenge_n be_v very_o troublesome_a and_o vexatious_a passion_n both_o the_o devise_v of_o mischief_n and_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o it_o and_o the_o reflection_n upon_o it_o afterward_o be_v all_o uneasy_a and_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o many_o time_n pernicious_a to_o ourselves_o the_o very_a design_n of_o revenge_n be_v troublesome_a and_o put_v the_o spirit_n into_o a_o unnatural_a fermentation_n and_o tumult_n the_o man_n that_o meditate_v it_o be_v always_o restless_a his_o very_a soul_n be_v sting_v swell_v and_o boil_v be_v in_o pain_n and_o anguish_n have_v no_o ease_n no_o enjoyment_n of_o itself_o so_o long_o as_o this_o passion_n reign_v the_o execution_n of_o it_o may_v perhaps_o be_v attend_v with_o some_o present_a pleasure_n but_o that_o pleasure_n be_v unreasonable_a and_o brutish_a momentany_a and_o short_a like_o a_o flash_n of_o lightning_n which_o vanish_v in_o the_o twinkle_n of_o a_o eye_n it_o be_v common_o say_v that_o revenge_n be_v sweet_a but_o to_o a_o calm_a and_o considerate_a mind_n patience_n and_o forgiveness_n be_v sweet_a and_o do_v afford_v a_o much_o more_o rational_a and_o solid_a and_o durable_a pleasure_n than_o revenge_n the_o monument_n of_o our_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n be_v a_o far_o more_o please_a and_o delightful_a spectacle_n than_o of_o our_o rage_n and_o cruelty_n and_o no_o sort_n of_o thought_n do_v usual_o haunt_v man_n with_o more_o terror_n than_o the_o reflection_n upon_o what_o they_o have_v do_v in_o way_n of_o revenge_n beside_o that_o the_o consequence_n of_o this_o passion_n do_v common_o prove_v very_o prejudicial_a to_o ourselves_o for_o the_o revenge_n of_o one_o injury_n do_v natural_o draw_v on_o more_o and_o will_v oblige_v we_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n to_o a_o new_a revenge_n of_o they_o and_o this_o bring_v on_o a_o perpetual_a and_o endless_a circulation_n of_o injury_n and_o revenge_n so_o that_o whoever_o seek_v revenge_n upon_o another_o do_v common_o in_o the_o issue_n take_v it_o upon_o himself_o and_o whilst_o he_o think_v to_o transfer_v the_o injury_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v upon_o he_o that_o do_v it_o he_o double_v it_o upon_o himself_o such_o and_o so_o great_a be_v the_o trouble_n and_o inconvenience_n of_o a_o malicious_a and_o revengeful_a temper_n but_o there_o be_v no_o torment_n in_o love_n as_o st._n john_n excellent_o say_v to_o be_v kind_o affection_a towards_o all_o to_o bear_v no_o grudge_n or_o ill-will_n no_o thought_n of_o displeasure_n or_o revenge_n towards_o any_o man_n be_v the_o easy_a posture_n the_o most_o pleasant_a state_n of_o the_o mind_n so_o that_o if_o not_o for_o their_o sake_n yet_o for_o our_o own_o we_o shall_v love_v our_o enemy_n and_o do_v good_a to_o they_o that_o hate_v we_o because_o to_o be_v thus_o affect_v towards_o all_o man_n be_v as_o great_a a_o kindness_n to_o ourselves_o as_o it_o be_v charity_n to_o other_o ii_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o qualification_n of_o the_o object_n it_o be_v our_o enemy_n who_o we_o be_v require_v to_o love_n in_o who_o though_o there_o be_v something_o that_o be_v just_o disgustful_a yet_o there_o be_v something_o also_o that_o be_v lovely_a and_o if_o we_o persist_v in_o our_o kindness_n to_o he_o notwithstanding_o his_o enmity_n to_o we_o the_o enmity_n may_v wear_v off_o and_o perhaps_o at_o length_n be_v change_v into_o a_o sincere_a and_o firm_a friendship_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o with_o regard_n to_o ourselves_o personal_a enmity_n towards_o we_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o inconvenient_a quality_n that_o a_o man_n can_v have_v but_o not_o therefore_o the_o worst_a in_o itself_o if_o we_o can_v be_v impartial_a and_o lay_v aside_o prejudice_n we_o may_v perhaps_o discern_v several_a very_o lovely_a quality_n in_o he_o who_o hate_v we_o and_o virtue_n be_v to_o be_v own_a and_o praise_v and_o love_v even_o in_o a_o enemy_n and_o perhaps_o his_o enmity_n towards_o we_o be_v not_o so_o great_a and_o inexcusable_a a_o fault_n as_o we_o apprehend_v he_o be_v not_o perhaps_o our_o enemy_n to_o that_o degree_n nor_o so_o altogether_o without_o cause_n as_o we_o imagine_v possible_o we_o have_v provoke_v he_o or_o by_o his_o own_o mistake_n or_o through_o the_o malicious_a representation_n of_o other_o he_o may_v be_v induce_v to_o think_v so_o and_o be_v not_o we_o ourselves_o liable_a to_o the_o like_a misapprehension_n concern_v other_o of_o which_o we_o be_v many_o time_n afterward_o convince_v and_o ashamed_a and_o so_o may_v he_o and_o then_o his_o enmity_n will_v cease_v if_o we_o will_v but_o have_v a_o little_a patience_n with_o he_o as_o we_o always_o wish_v in_o the_o like_a case_n that_o other_o will_v have_v with_o we_o at_o the_o worst_a though_o never_o so_o sore_a and_o causeless_o a_o enemy_n though_o never_o so_o bad_a a_o man_n yet_o he_o be_v a_o man_n and_o as_o such_o have_v something_o in_o he_o which_o the_o blind_a passion_n can_v deny_v to_o be_v good_a and_o amiable_a he_o have_v the_o same_o nature_n with_o ourselves_o which_o we_o can_v hate_v or_o despise_v without_o hatred_n and_o contempt_n of_o ourselves_o let_v a_o man_n fault_n be_v what_o they_o will_v they_o do_v not_o destroy_v his_o nature_n and_o make_v he_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o man._n the_o two_o great_a foundation_n of_o love_n be_v relation_n and_o likeness_n no_o one_o thing_n say_v tully_n be_v so_o like_a so_o equal_a to_o another_o as_o one_o man_n be_v to_o another_o what_o difference_n soever_o there_o may_v be_v between_o we_o and_o another_o man_n yea_o though_o he_o be_v
over_o let_v we_o say_v peace_n be_v within_o thou_o for_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n and_o of_o that_o excellent_a church_n whereof_o we_o all_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v member_n let_v every_o one_o of_o we_o say_v i_o will_v seek_v thy_o good_a and_o what_o great_a good_n can_v we_o do_v to_o the_o best_a religion_n how_o can_v we_o better_o serve_v the_o interest_n of_o it_o in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n than_o by_o be_v at_o peace_n and_o unity_n among_o ourselves_o here_o in_o england_n upon_o who_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o the_o protestant_n abroad_o be_v fix_v as_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o reformation_n and_o the_o great_a bulwark_n and_o support_v of_o it_o that_o so_o under_o the_o providence_n of_o almighty_n god_n and_o the_o conduct_n of_o two_o such_o excellent_a prince_n as_o he_o have_v now_o bless_v we_o withal_o the_o one_o so_o brave_a and_o valiant_a and_o both_o of_o they_o so_o wise_a so_o good_a so_o religious_a we_o may_v at_o last_o arrive_v at_o a_o firm_a establishment_n and_o become_v like_o mount_n zion_n that_o can_v be_v move_v the_o perfection_n of_o beauty_n and_o strength_n and_o the_o admiration_n and_o joy_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n grant_v for_o his_o mercy_n sake_n in_o jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o thou_o o_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n dominion_n and_o power_n thanksgiving_n and_o praise_n both_o now_o and_o ever_o amen_n a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o men._n in_o a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o queen_n at_o whitehall_n february_n the_o 27_o the_o 1690_o 1._o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o men._n act_n xxiv_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 these_o word_n be_v part_n of_o the_o defence_n which_o st._n paul_n make_v for_o himself_o before_o faelix_fw-la the_o roman_a governor_n in_o which_o he_o first_o of_o all_o vindicate_v himself_o from_o the_o charge_n of_o sedition_n ver_fw-la 12._o they_o neither_o find_v i_o in_o the_o temple_n dispute_v with_o any_o man_n neither_o raise_n up_o the_o people_n neither_o in_o the_o synagogue_n nor_o in_o the_o city_n that_o be_v they_o can_v not_o charge_v he_o with_o make_v any_o disturbance_n either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n after_o this_o he_o make_v a_o free_a and_o open_a profession_n of_o his_o religion_n ver_fw-la 14._o but_o this_o i_o confess_v that_o after_o the_o way_n which_o they_o call_v heresy_n so_o worship_v i_o the_o god_n of_o my_o father_n believe_v all_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n here_o he_o declare_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o oral_a tradition_n of_o the_o pharisee_n more_o particular_o he_o assert_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n which_o be_v a_o principal_a article_n both_o of_o the_o jewish_a and_o the_o christian_a religion_n ver_fw-la 15._o and_o i_o have_v hope_n also_o towards_o god_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o resurrection_n both_o of_o the_o just_a and_o the_o unjust_a and_o have_v make_v this_o declaration_n of_o his_o faith_n he_o give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o life_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n ver_fw-la 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 herein_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v in_o this_o work_n do_v i_o employ_v myself_o or_o as_o other_o render_v it_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n whilst_o i_o be_o in_o this_o world_n or_o as_o other_o i_o think_v most_o probable_o for_o this_o cause_n and_o reason_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o this_o reason_n because_o i_o believe_v a_o resurrection_n therefore_o have_v i_o a_o conscientious_a care_n of_o my_o life_n and_o all_o the_o action_n of_o it_o the_o discourse_n i_o intend_v to_o make_v upon_o these_o word_n shall_v be_v comprise_v in_o these_o follow_a particular_n i._o here_o be_v the_o extent_n of_o a_o good_a man_n pious_a practice_n to_o have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n ii_o here_o be_v his_o constancy_n and_o perseverance_n in_o this_o course_n to_o have_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n iii_o here_o be_v his_o earnest_a care_n and_o endeavour_v to_o this_o purpose_n i_o exercise_v myself_o iv._o here_o be_v the_o principle_n and_o immediate_a guide_n of_o his_o action_n which_o st._n paul_n here_o tell_v we_o be_v his_o conscience_n v._o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o some_o rule_n and_o direction_n for_o the_o keep_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n vi_o here_o be_v the_o great_a motive_n and_o encouragement_n to_o this_o which_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o resurrection_n and_o of_o a_o future_a state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n consequent_a upon_o it_o for_o this_o cause_n because_o i_o hope_v for_o a_o resurrection_n both_o of_o the_o just_a and_o unjust_a 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 i_o shall_v speak_v but_o brief_o to_o the_o three_o first_o of_o these_o particular_n that_o i_o may_v be_v large_a in_o the_o rest_n i._o here_o be_v the_o extent_n of_o a_o good_a man_n pious_a practice_n it_o have_v regard_n to_o the_o whole_a compass_n of_o his_o duty_n as_o it_o respect_v god_n and_o man._n i_o exercise_v myself_o say_v st._n paul_n to_o have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n and_o this_o distribution_n of_o our_o duty_n under_o these_o two_o general_a head_n be_v very_o frequent_a in_o scripture_n the_o decalogue_n refer_v our_o duty_n to_o these_o two_o head_n and_o according_o our_o saviour_n comprehend_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n in_o those_o two_o great_a commandment_n the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o neighbour_n matth._n 22.38_o upon_o these_o two_o commandment_n hang_v all_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n that_o be_v all_o the_o moral_a precept_n which_o be_v disperse_v up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n may_v be_v refer_v to_o these_o two_o general_a head_n ii_o here_o be_v his_o constancy_n and_o perseverance_n in_o this_o course_n st._n paul_n say_v that_o he_o exercise_v himself_o to_o have_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d continual_o at_o all_o time_n in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n we_o must_v not_o only_o make_v conscience_n of_o our_o way_n by_o fit_n and_o start_v but_o in_o the_o general_a course_n and_o tenor_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n without_o any_o balk_n and_o intermission_n there_o be_v some_o that_o will_v refrain_v from_o grosser_n sin_n and_o be_v very_o strict_a at_o some_o season_n as_o during_o the_o time_n of_o a_o solemn_a repentance_n and_o for_o some_o day_n before_o they_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o perhaps_o for_o a_o little_a while_n after_o it_o and_o when_o these_o devout_a season_n be_v over_o they_o let_v themselves_o loose_v again_o to_o their_o former_a lewd_a and_o vicious_a course_n but_o religion_n shall_v be_v a_o constant_a frame_n and_o temper_n of_o mind_n discover_v itself_o in_o the_o habitual_a course_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n iii_o here_o be_v likewise_o a_o very_a earnest_a care_n and_o endeavour_v to_o this_o purpose_n herein_o do_v i_o exercise_v myself_o say_v st._n paul_n the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v here_o render_v exercise_n be_v a_o word_n of_o a_o very_a intense_a signification_n and_o do_v denote_v that_o st._n paul_n apply_v himself_o to_o this_o business_n with_o all_o his_o care_n and_o might_n and_o that_o he_o make_v it_o his_o earnest_a study_n and_o endeavour_v and_o so_o must_v we_o we_o must_v take_v great_a care_n to_o understand_v our_o duty_n and_o to_o be_v right_o inform_v concern_v good_a and_o evil_n that_o we_o may_v not_o mistake_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o call_v good_a evil_n and_o evil_a good_a we_o must_v apply_v our_o mind_n in_o good_a earnest_n to_o be_v thorough_o instruct_v in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n that_o so_o we_o may_v not_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n what_o to_o do_v when_o we_o be_v call_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o when_o we_o know_v our_o duty_n we_o must_v be_v true_a and_o honest_a to_o ourselves_o and_o very_o careful_a and_o conscientious_a in_o the_o discharge_n and_o performance_n of_o it_o i_o proceed_v in_o the_o iv_o the_o
to_o be_v better_o inform_v a_o proud_a and_o conceit_a temper_n of_o mind_n be_v very_o likely_a to_o run_v into_o mistake_n because_o pride_n and_o fullness_n of_o a_o man_n self_n do_v keep_v out_o knowledge_n and_o obstruct_v all_o the_o passage_n by_o which_o wisdom_n and_o instruction_n shall_v enter_v into_o man_n beside_o that_o it_o provoke_v god_n to_o abandon_v man_n to_o their_o own_o folly_n and_o mistake_n for_o god_n resist_v the_o proud_a but_o the_o meek_a will_v he_o guide_v in_o judgement_n and_o will_v give_v more_o grace_n and_o wisdom_n to_o the_o humble_a when_o man_n be_v once_o come_v to_o this_o to_o think_v themselves_o wise_a than_o their_o teacher_n and_o to_o despise_v and_o cast_v off_o their_o guide_n no_o wonder_n if_o then_o they_o go_v astray_o last_o let_v we_o be_v sure_a to_o mind_n that_o which_o be_v our_o plain_a and_o unquestionable_a duty_n the_o great_a thing_n of_o religion_n wherein_o the_o life_n and_o substance_n of_o it_o do_v consist_v and_o the_o thing_n likewise_o which_o make_v for_o peace_n and_o whereby_o we_o may_v edify_v one_o another_o and_o let_v we_o not_o suffer_v our_o dispute_n about_o lesser_a matter_n to_o prejudice_n and_o hinder_v our_o main_a duty_n but_o let_v it_o be_v our_o great_a care_n not_o to_o fail_v in_o those_o great_a thing_n which_o be_v comprehend_v under_o the_o two_o great_a commandment_n of_o the_o law_n the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o neighbour_n let_v we_o be_v strict_a and_o constant_a in_o our_o piety_n and_o devotion_n towards_o god_n chaste_a and_o temperate_a in_o reference_n to_o ourselves_o just_a and_o honest_a kind_a and_o charitable_a humble_a and_o meek_a patient_a and_o peaceable_a towards_o all_o man_n submissive_a and_o obedient_a to_o our_o superior_n natural_a civil_a and_o spiritual_a a_o due_a regard_n to_o these_o great_a virtue_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n be_v the_o way_n to_o keep_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n and_o sure_o the_o best_a mean_n to_o have_v our_o doubt_n clear_v about_o matter_n of_o lesser_a moment_n in_o religion_n be_v hearty_o to_o set_v about_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o great_a and_o unquestionable_a duty_n of_o it_o so_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v assure_v we_o 7.17_o that_o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o his_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n i_o come_v now_o in_o the_o vi_o the_o and_o last_o place_n to_o consider_v the_o great_a motive_n and_o encouragement_n to_o this_o conscientious_a care_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n which_o st._n paul_n here_o tell_v we_o be_v his_o belief_n of_o a_o resurrection_n and_o of_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n consequent_a upon_o it_o i_o have_v hope_n say_v he_o towards_o god_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o resurrection_n both_o of_o the_o just_a and_o unjust_a for_o this_o cause_n therefore_o i_o exercise_v myself_o to_o have_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n if_o we_o believe_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o a_o future_a judgement_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o careful_a to_o discharge_v a_o good_a conscience_n now_o in_o order_n to_o the_o render_n of_o a_o good_a account_n hereafter_o that_o we_o may_v be_v sincere_a and_o without_o offence_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o for_o when_o that_o great_a day_n of_o recompense_n shall_v come_v we_o shall_v most_o assure_o find_v that_o nothing_o will_v then_o raise_v our_o heart_n and_o make_v we_o to_o lift_v up_o our_o head_n with_o joy_n like_o the_o witness_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v make_v that_o our_o constant_a care_n and_o companion_n now_o which_o will_v then_o be_v our_o great_a comfort_n and_o rejoice_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o it_o that_o in_o all_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n we_o have_v have_v our_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a when_o we_o come_v to_o appear_v before_o the_o great_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n nothing_o will_v fill_v our_o mind_n with_o so_o much_o terror_n and_o our_o face_n with_o so_o much_o confusion_n as_o the_o clamorous_a accusation_n of_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n which_o will_v be_v more_o than_o a_o thousand_o witness_n against_o we_o and_o will_v anticipate_v our_o condemnation_n and_o pass_v almost_o as_o severe_a a_o sentence_n upon_o we_o as_o the_o judge_n himself_o can_v this_o be_v that_o which_o will_v make_v the_o sinner_n to_o droop_v and_o to_o hang_v down_o his_o head_n for_o ever_o and_o one_o of_o the_o principal_a ingredient_n of_o his_o misery_n and_o torment_n will_v be_v the_o perpetual_a regret_n and_o remorse_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n for_o his_o wilful_a wickedness_n and_o folly_n which_o will_v kindle_v a_o fire_n within_o he_o as_o hot_a as_o that_o without_o he_o and_o as_o hard_o to_o be_v quench_v this_o consideration_n ought_v to_o have_v a_o mighty_a operation_n upon_o we_o to_o make_v we_o very_o careful_a to_o have_v conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n now_o that_o they_o may_v be_v free_a from_o torment_n and_o anguish_n hereafter_o that_o when_o we_o shall_v come_v into_o the_o other_o world_n we_o may_v not_o be_v eternal_o displease_v with_o ourselves_o and_o enrage_v at_o our_o own_o do_n but_o may_v carry_v with_o we_o thither_o conscience_n clear_a of_o all_o guilt_n either_o by_o innocency_n or_o by_o repentance_n the_o firm_a belief_n of_o a_o future_a state_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o misery_n in_o another_o world_n be_v the_o great_a weight_n or_o spring_n that_o set_v a_o go_v those_o two_o powerful_a principle_n of_o humane_a activity_n the_o hope_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o man_n and_o be_v in_o its_o nature_n so_o fit_v to_o raise_v these_o passion_n to_o that_o degree_n that_o do_v not_o experience_n show_v we_o the_o contrary_a one_o will_v think_v it_o moral_o impossible_a for_o humane_a nature_n to_o resist_v the_o mighty_a force_n of_o it_o all_o man_n be_v sensible_a more_o or_o less_o at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o of_o the_o true_a force_n of_o these_o argument_n but_o the_o mischief_n be_v that_o in_o some_o person_n they_o work_v quite_o the_o wrong_a way_n and_o instead_o of_o lead_v man_n to_o repentance_n they_o drive_v they_o to_o infidelity_n they_o can_v deny_v the_o force_n of_o these_o argument_n if_o they_o be_v true_a but_o that_o they_o may_v avoid_v the_o force_n of_o they_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v true_a and_o so_o far_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n that_o grant_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a they_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o live_v otherwise_o than_o they_o do_v but_o here_o be_v their_o fatal_a miscarriage_n that_o be_v resolve_v upon_o a_o evil_a course_n since_o they_o can_v reconcile_v their_o practice_n with_o such_o principle_n as_o these_o they_o will_v fit_v their_o principle_n to_o their_o practice_n and_o so_o they_o will_v believe_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o world_n lest_o this_o shall_v disturb_v they_o in_o their_o course_n vain_a man_n as_o if_o heaven_n and_o hell_n must_v needs_o vanish_v and_o disappear_v because_o some_o witty_a but_o wicked_a man_n have_v no_o mind_n to_o believe_v they_o these_o man_n be_v infidel_n in_o their_o own_o defence_n and_o mere_o for_o the_o quiet_a of_o their_o own_o mind_n that_o their_o conscience_n may_v not_o perpetual_o rate_v they_o and_o fly_v in_o their_o face_n for_o a_o right_a belief_n and_o a_o evil_a conscience_n be_v but_o unsuitable_a companion_n they_o be_v quarrelsome_a neighbour_n and_o must_v needs_o live_v very_o uneasy_o by_o one_o another_o he_o that_o believe_v the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o yet_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o that_o he_o have_v live_v contrary_a to_o they_o and_o still_o continue_v to_o do_v so_o how_o can_v he_o possible_o have_v any_o peace_n and_o quiet_a in_o his_o mind_n unless_o like_a jonah_n he_o can_v sleep_v in_o a_o storm_n and_o his_o conscience_n be_v as_o it_o be_v sear_v with_o a_o hot_a iron_n for_o if_o his_o conscience_n be_v awake_a and_o in_o any_o degree_n sensible_a the_o evident_a danger_n of_o eternal_a ruin_n continual_o hang_v over_o he_o must_v in_o reason_n either_o drive_v he_o to_o repentance_n or_o to_o despair_v if_o so_o forcible_a and_o violent_a a_o argument_n can_v make_v no_o impression_n upon_o we_o we_o be_v stupid_a and_o bewitch_v we_o be_v lose_v and_o undo_v we_o be_v wretched_a and_o miserable_a for_o ever_o but_o beside_o the_o future_a reward_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o conscientious_a course_n which_o be_v unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n it_o have_v also_o this_o