mistake_v and_o reproach_v many_o time_n man_n care_v but_o little_a for_o a_o good_a conscience_n but_o when_o all_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v come_v in_o a_o man_n top_n the_o confidence_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v a_o excellent_a and_o none-such_a friend_n and_o companion_n it_o have_v great_a weight_n with_o paul_n here_o and_o be_v a_o sufficient_a counter-poise_n to_o all_o the_o reproach_n and_o calumny_n they_o can_v load_v he_o with_o though_o he_o be_v look_v on_o even_o as_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o off-scouring_n of_o all_o thing_n 4_o observe_v that_o when_o man_n meet_v with_o many_o reproach_n and_o walk_v in_o a_o way_n that_o be_v attend_v with_o a_o multitude_n of_o snare_n they_o need_v more_o than_o a_o guess_v or_o a_o conjectural_a un_fw-fr certainty_n as_o to_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n anent_o their_o be_v right_a even_o a-well-grounded_n certainty_n and_o persuasion_n paul_n do_v not_o say_v here_o we_o suppose_v or_o hope_v as_o many_o of_o you_o understand_v hope_n but_o we_o trust_v or_o be_v firm_o persuade_v man_n will_v study_v always_o to_o be_v clear_a in_o what_o they_o do_v but_o more_o especial_o when_o their_o way_n may_v be_v offend_v at_o and_o they_o reproach_v on_o account_n thereof_o and_o most_o especial_o as_o to_o that_o part_n of_o their_o way_n that_o be_v like_a to_o be_v most_o offend_v at_o more_o particular_o from_o these_o word_n consider_v as_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o foregoing_a exhortation_n to_o pray_v for_o he_o observe_v 1._o that_o a_o man_n who_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o be_v most_o clear_a in_o it_o do_v ordinary_o lie_v most_o weight_n on_o prayer_n and_o be_v most_o in_o love_n with_o that_o sweet_a exercise_n so_o that_o he_o will_v not_o only_o pray_v for_o himself_o but_o will_v also_o desire_v other_o to_o pray_v for_o he_o its_o never_o a_o good_a conscience_n in_o a_o man_n that_o make_v he_o slight_a prayer_n himself_o or_o the_o prayer_n of_o other_o for_o he_o 2_o observe_v that_o a_o man_n that_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n will_v desire_v and_o think_v himself_o concern_v to_o endeavour_v not_o to_o be_v mistake_v by_o other_o he_o will_v not_o boast_v of_o his_o good_a conscience_n not_o care_v what_o other_o think_v or_o say_v of_o he_o but_o will_v seek_v to_o remove_v any_o offence_n that_o may_v be_v take_v at_o his_o way_n or_o that_o may_v give_v any_o the_o least_o ground_n to_o make_v his_o integrity_n to_o be_v call_v in_o question_n as_o paul_n do_v here_o and_o 2_o cor._n 12._o where_o he_o say_v v_o 11._o i_o be_o become_v a_o fool_n in_o glory_v but_o add_v v_o 19_o but_o we_o do_v all_o thing_n and_o so_o this_o among_o the_o rest_n dear_o belove_v for_o your_o edify_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o a_o man_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n will_v not_o only_o study_v to_o be_v tender_a in_o his_o walk_n so_o as_o himself_o may_v have_v peace_n within_o but_o will_v also_o have_v regard_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o other_o that_o they_o may_v not_o stumble_v and_o sin_n nor_o the_o way_n of_o god_n suffer_v when_o he_o may_v prevent_v it_o and_o it_o be_v a_o sure_a evidence_n of_o a_o â—ntender_a conscience_n when_o man_n care_v not_o who_o stumble_v at_o their_o way_n or_o how_o other_o account_v and_o esteem_v of_o they_o 3_o observe_v which_o be_v of_o affinity_n with_o the_o former_a that_o a_o man_n that_o endeavour_n to_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o to_o be_v clear_a that_o it_o be_v so_o indeed_o will_v be_v very_o desirous_a to_o have_v a_o room_n in_o the_o prayer_n of_o other_o of_o god_n people_n or_o such_o a_o man_n be_v one_o that_o will_v not_o lippen_n to_o &_o lay_v weight_n upon_o his_o own_o prayer_n only_o but_o will_v also_o high_o prize_n christian_n fellowship_n and_o desire_v to_o have_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o prayer_n of_o other_o christian_n paul_n seldom_o miss_v this_o in_o his_o epistle_n so_o rom._n 15._o eph._n 6._o col._n 4._o and_o philip._n 1._o he_o be_v much_o in_o put_v and_o press_v they_o to_o pray_v and_o to_o pray_v and_o strive_v for_o he_o together_o in_o prayer_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o a_o man_n of_o a_o tender_a conscience_n have_v a_o kindly_a sense_n of_o his_o own_o infirmity_n and_o a_o great_a desire_n to_o be_v forward_o in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n and_o at_o much_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n and_o will_v therefore_o â—ain_o have_v a_o lift_n from_o every_o one_o that_o can_v help_v he_o such_o a_o man_n have_v a_o native_a exercise_n in_o pursue_v not_o only_o after_o fellowship_n with_o god_n but_o also_o with_o his_o people_n whereof_o this_o be_v a_o main_a part_n and_o though_o these_o may_v be_v look_v at_o but_o as_o little_a thing_n yet_o if_o we_o compare_v ourselves_o with_o the_o rule_n and_o with_o the_o practice_n of_o tender_a christian_n we_o will_v find_v considerable_a defect_n as_o to_o a_o good_a conscience_n in_o they_o there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o disdain_n or_o shame_n in_o many_o to_o seek_v the_o help_n of_o other_o prayer_n as_o if_o it_o suppose_v their_o be_v assault_v with_o some_o un_fw-we couth_a temptation_n or_o the_o prevail_a of_o some_o gross_a corruption_n or_o the_o lie_v on_o of_o some_o extraordinary_a and_o un_fw-fr hear_v of_o cross_n and_o affliction_n but_o the_o single_a design_n of_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o of_o get_v it_o entertain_v will_v put_v we_o not_o only_o to_o pray_v ourselves_o but_o also_o to_o desire_v the_o help_n of_o the_o prayer_n of_o other_o always_o this_o be_v a_o most_o certain_a truth_n that_o as_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v not_o attain_v without_o prayer_n so_o it_o be_v not_o entertain_v but_o by_o prayer_n and_o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o wonder_n how_o many_o can_v boast_v of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o yet_o neglect_v prayer_n themselves_o and_o undervalue_v the_o prayer_n of_o other_o for_o they_o but_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v here_o 1._o what_o influence_n have_v a_o christian_n good_a conscience_n in_o lay_v on_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n on_o other_o for_o he_o 2._o what_o influence_n have_v a_o good_a conscience_n to_o persuade_v other_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n for_o the_o person_n that_o have_v it_o more_o than_o for_o other_o our_o speak_v a_o little_a to_o these_o two_o will_v lead_v we_o in_o to_o the_o discovery_n of_o some_o notable_a advantage_n that_o attend_v a_o good_a conscience_n as_o for_o the_o first_o we_o say_v in_o general_a that_o a_o good_a coâ—_n science_n have_v a_o notable_a influence_n on_o prayer_n and_o put_v other_o to_o pray_v for_o we_o or_o there_o be_v a_o strong_a connexion_n betwixt_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o the_o advantage_n of_o prayer_n 1._o there_o be_v a_o connexion_n betwixt_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o liberty_n and_o boldness_n in_o prayer_n as_o it_o be_v clear_a 1_o john_n 3._o 21._o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o we_o have_v confidence_n towards_o god_n a_o man_n that_o have_v a_o evil_a conscience_n or_o a_o accuse_v and_o challenge_v conscience_n have_v a_o sort_n of_o â—ing_v at_o and_o at_o best_a much_o discouragement_n in_o prayer_n so_o that_o he_o can_v lift_v up_o his_o face_n without_o blush_v &_o shame_n but_o a_o good_a conscience_n on_o the_o contrary_a help_n to_o boldness_n in_o prayer_n and_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n in_o god_n as_o a_o father_n so_o that_o he_o can_v bold_o say_v our_o father_n 2_o a_o good_a conscience_n have_v influence_n on_o or_o a_o connexion_n with_o ouâ—_n obtain_v a_o hear_n in_o prayer_n and_o on_o our_o be_v confident_a that_o we_o shall_v get_v a_o hear_n for_o we_o know_v say_v that_o poor_a man_n john_n 9_o v_o 31._o that_o god_n hear_v not_o sinner_n but_o if_o any_o man_n do_v his_o will_n â—e_n hear_v he_o and_o david_n say_v psal._n 66._o v_o 18._o if_o i_o regard_v iniquity_n in_o my_o heart_n the_o lord_n will_v not_o â—ear_v i_o and_o it_o be_v say_v 1_o john_n 3._o 22._o whatsoever_o we_o ask_v we_o receive_v of_o he_o because_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o do_v these_o thing_n that_o be_v pleaâ—ing_v in_o his_o sight_n a_o good_a conscience_n be_v not_o indeed_o a_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o the_o hear_n of_o prayer_n yet_o god_n have_v establish_v a_o connexion_n betwixt_o it_o and_o his_o hear_n of_o prayer_n and_o it_o have_v influence_n on_o our_o expect_v a_o hear_n and_o on_o our_o know_v that_o we_o shall_v get_v a_o hear_n 3_o and_o more_o particular_o as_o to_o the_o scripture_n now_o before_o we_o a_o man_n that_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n may_v be_v confident_a to_o put_v other_o to_o pray_v for_o he_o which_o another_o can_v h
may_v have_v teach_v he_o even_o when_o he_o be_v about_o to_o die_v when_o man_n use_v to_o be_v most_o single_a he_o be_v by_o his_o excess_n of_o affection_n carry_v on_o that_o same_o way_n though_o doubtless_o not_o inrend_v to_o cross_v god_n purpose_n anent_o jacob_n and_o if_o imight_v instance_n it_o without_o be_v mistake_v by_o any_o in_o this_o particular_a which_o do_v not_o seldom_o come_v to_o pass_v when_o two_o party_n be_v make_v choice_n each_o of_o other_o for_o marriaga_n they_o may_v not_o only_o think_v but_o some_o may_v be_v persuade_v that_o they_o be_v call_v to_o marry_v such_o a_o individual_a person_n because_o inclination_n and_o affection_n set_v they_o on_o when_o yet_o there_o may_v be_v no_o such_o call_n of_o god_n and_o so_o it_o may_v be_v in_o reference_n to_o other_o thing_n a_o four_o case_n be_v when_o believer_n think_v that_o god_n interest_n and_o their_o own_o interest_n go_v joint_o together_o in_o such_o and_o such_o a_o thing_n or_o practice_n though_o their_o own_o interest_n sway_v more_o with_o they_o than_o god_n interest_n yet_o they_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o allege_v that_o they_o care_v not_o so_o much_o what_o become_v of_o their_o own_o interest_n but_o they_o can_v endure_v noâ—_n admit_v such_o or_o such_o a_o prejudice_n shall_v come_v to_o god_n interest_n something_o whereof_o we_o may_v see_v in_o jonah_n to_o who_o the_o lord_n say_v chap._n 4._o do_v thou_o well_o to_o be_v angry_a i_o do_v well_o say_v jonah_n to_o be_v angry_a to_o death_n and_o he_o will_v do_v nothing_o but_o die_v and_o even_o in_o that_o evil_a frame_n of_o spirit_n he_o adventure_v to_o pray_v to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v take_v away_o his_o life_n for_o all_o which_o passion_n and_o precipitation_n he_o allege_v a_o regard_n to_o the_o great_a concern_v of_o god_n glory_n as_o if_o by_o that_o dispensation_n his_o truth_n and_o faitfulness_n will_v be_v reflect_v on_o while_o yet_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n respect_n to_o his_o own_o reputation_n that_o he_o think_v will_v run_v a_o considerable_a risk_a and_o hazard_n have_v thereby_o for_o the_o time_n a_o prevalent_a influence_n on_o he_o and_o the_o great_a impatiency_n for_o the_o wither_a of_o his_o gourd_n say_v plain_o that_o his_o own_o interest_n lie_v there_o and_o his_o be_v so_o very_a cankered_a and_o impatient_a oâ—_n so_o small_a a_o occasion_n and_o where_o so_o inconsiderable_a a_o interest_n of_o his_o own_o be_v touch_v may_v have_v downright_o tell_v he_o that_o he_o have_v need_n to_o suspect_v his_o impatiency_n in_o a_o great_a matter_n thus_o it_o be_v manifest_o with_o godly_a baruch_n jer._n 45._o where_o regard_v to_o his_o own_o interest_n have_v too_o great_a a_o stroke_n on_o his_o faint_a and_o â—ighing_v for_o which_o he_o be_v sharp_o check_v seek_v thou_o great_a thing_n for_o thyself_o seek_v they_o not_o though_o no_o doubt_n he_o want_v not_o respect_n to_o the_o public_a interest_n that_o be_v now_o go_v to_o ruin_v in_o all_o appearance_n a_fw-it 5_o case_n be_v when_o believer_n seem_v to_o have_v or_o indeed_o have_v great_a manifestation_n of_o god_n then_o ordinary_a whereby_o while_o it_o may_v be_v he_o be_v only_o approve_v and_o encourage_v they_o as_o to_o the_o main_a they_o be_v then_o in_o hazard_n to_o conclude_v that_o he_o be_v approve_v they_o in_o some_o particular_a thing_n that_o be_v never_o in_o his_o mind_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o peter_n who_o matth._n 17._o at_o the_o transfiguration_n be_v try_v with_o a_o glorious_a manifestation_n draw_v this_o conclusion_n it_o be_v good_a to_o be_v here_o let_v we_o build_v three_o tabernacle_n it_o may_v have_v be_v think_v that_o he_o will_v not_o have_v mistake_v and_o go_v wrong_a then_o by_o any_o time_n and_o yet_o even_o then_o he_o do_v so_o there_o be_v a_o very_a common_a ground_n of_o mistake_n among_o believer_n who_o if_o they_o win_v at_o liberty_n in_o prayer_n about_o such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n and_o get_v as_o they_o think_v god_n countenance_n in_o the_o duty_n they_o be_v then_o very_o ready_a to_o conclude_v that_o god_n certain_o approve_v of_o the_o thing_n when_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v otherways_o but_o suppose_v it_o be_v so_o that_o thou_o be_v indeed_o countenance_v in_o thy_o duty_n yea_o though_o thou_o be_v upon_o the_o mount_n with_o christ_n it_o will_v not_o prove_v that_o god_n allow_v the_o thing_n though_o he_o thus_o manifest_v his_o respect_n to_o thyself_o the_o reason_n be_v that_o which_o be_v say_v of_o peter_n this_o he_o speak_v not_o know_v what_o he_o say_v a_o 6_o case_n be_v when_o believer_n impulse_n of_o conscience_n proceed_v from_o zeal_n without_o light_n or_o when_o their_o light_n be_v not_o proportional_a to_o their_o zeal_n for_o as_o there_o may_v be_v in_o hypocrite_n light_a without_o zeal_n which_o light_n do_v not_o ready_o keep_v they_o from_o miscarry_v so_o when_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o believer_n be_v misinform_v and_o zeal_n drive_v he_o without_o light_n he_o then_o very_o ready_o miscarry_v as_o we_o may_v see_v act_n 21._o and_o 20._o james_n say_v to_o paul_n thou_o see_v brother_n how_o many_o thousand_o of_o jew_n there_o be_v that_o believe_v and_o they_o be_v all_o zealous_a of_o the_o law_n etc._n etc._n their_o zeal_n be_v such_o for_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n of_o moses_n that_o neither_o paul_n nor_o any_o of_o the_o other_o apostle_n can_v get_v they_o take_v off_o and_o paul_n be_v force_v to_o stoop_v to_o they_o in_o many_o thing_n when_o it_o may_v in_o reason_n have_v be_v think_v that_o they_o shall_v rather_o have_v cede_v to_o the_o apostle_n thus_o believer_n when_o not_o well_o inform_v but_o have_v a_o honest_a zeal_n for_o god_n be_v like_o a_o ship_n that_o have_v more_o sail_n than_o ballast_n and_o so_o can_v well_o bear_v up_o into_o the_o wind_n nor_o steer_v a_o straight_a and_o steady_a course_n and_o from_o this_o honest_a zeal_n of_o they_o they_o may_v err_v and_o go_v wrong_n yea_o even_o be_v displease_v with_o other_o that_o will_v not_o go_v along_o with_o they_o in_o their_o error_n as_o all_o these_o be_v incident_a to_o believer_n so_o they_o will_v watchful_o take_v heed_n that_o in_o these_o and_o other_o such_o case_n they_o give_v not_o credit_v to_o nor_o lie_v weight_n upon_o all_o that_o their_o conscience_n say_v a_o four_o question_n arise_v from_o the_o former_a be_v whether_o it_o may_v be_v thus_o with_o a_o believer_n and_o yet_o he_o be_v in_o a_o good_a frame_n answer_v if_o we_o mean_v â—_o good_a frame_v universal_o so_o he_o can_v be_v but_o although_o he_o be_v in_o many_o yeâ—_n in_o most_o thing_n in_o a_o good_a frame_n as_o both_o himself_o and_o other_o may_v think_v and_o have_v good_a ground_n to_o think_v so_o yet_o he_o may_v go_v wrong_a in_o a_o particular_a and_o in_o so_o far_o he_o be_v not_o in_o a_o good_a frame_n as_o in_o the_o instance_n give_v before_o 1._o he_o may_v have_v a_o honest_a mind_n and_o meaning_n 2._o in_o other_o thing_n he_o may_v be_v very_o observant_a of_o and_o tender_a in_o duty_n very_o tractable_a and_o obedient_a to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n keeping_z the_o church_n hear_v the_o word_n preach_v give_v to_o prayer_n and_o to_o wait_v on_o all_o ordinance_n as_o no_o doubt_n these_o believe_a jew_n be_v act._n 21._o 3._o he_o may_v be_v in_o some_o measure_n in_o a_o pray_a frame_n yea_o pray_v in_o or_o about_o the_o very_a time_n he_o miscarry_v as_o we_o see_v in_o that_o forecited_a instance_n of_o samuel_n 1_o sam._n 15._o compare_v with_o 16._o who_o have_v be_v present_o pray_v and_o offer_v sacrifice_n when_o he_o draw_v that_o conclusion_n touch_v eliah_n jonah_n also_o be_v pray_v in_o that_o fit_a of_o distemper_a passion_n and_o content_a to_o die_v and_o desirous_a to_o be_v in_o heaven_n which_o suppose_v some_o clearness_n of_o his_o interest_n for_o it_o can_v in_o charity_n be_v think_v that_o the_o godly_a man_n be_v desperate_a or_o dare_v so_o go_v to_o god_n and_o yet_o he_o be_v no_o doubt_n wrong_v yea_o 4._o he_o may_v have_v great_a manifestation_n as_o we_o see_v in_o peter_n on_o the_o mount_n and_o yet_o go_v wrong_n in_o a_o particular_a as_o he_o do_v this_o say_v that_o believer_n aswell_a as_o other_o shall_v walk_v in_o humility_n and_o fear_n and_o never_o be_v over_o confident_a it_o be_v not_o sure_a in_o vain_a that_o they_o be_v bid_v work_n out_o the_o work_n of_o their_o own_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a and_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v very_o warry_a unless_o it_o be_v on_o good_a ground_n to_o draw_v conclusion_n about_o the_o goodness_n of_o their_o estate_n especial_o wherein_o these_o great_o fail_v
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 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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 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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
he_o be_v but_o a_o guesser_n 2_o it_o be_v excellent_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o great_a influence_n that_o it_o have_v on_o the_o life_n of_o religion_n and_o power_n of_o godliness_n look_v to_o the_o most_o spiritual_a duty_n it_o have_v great_a influence_n on_o they_o not_o on_o a_o few_o of_o they_o but_o on_o they_o all_o whether_o it_o be_v mortification_n and_o repentance_n it_o keep_v the_o heart_n as_o it_o be_v melt_v the_o word_n â—_o zech._n 12._o 10._o they_o shall_v look_v upon_o he_o who_o they_o have_v pierce_v and_o shall_v mouâ—_n and_o be_v in_o bitterness_n or_o humble_a walk_v before_o god_n it_o be_v impossible_a without_o it_o or_o the_o highâ—ning_n our_o thought_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o the_o commend_v of_o christ_n to_o we_o it_o exceed_o contribute_v to_o that_o every_o discover_a infirmity_n in_o the_o search_n make_v a_o new_a earand_n to_o he_o or_o the_o lively_a way_n of_o go_v about_o other_o duty_n as_o pray_v in_o the_o spirit_n hear_v profitable_o sing_v in_o the_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n they_o can_v be_v perform_v to_o purpose_n without_o it_o a_o person_n that_o have_v be_v reflect_v on_o a_o bypass_a duty_n as_o of_o prayer_n or_o of_o a_o sermon_n that_o he_o have_v hear_v will_v ready_o have_v from_o it_o a_o memento_n or_o watchword_n not_o to_o be_v so_o superficial_a in_o the_o next_o 3_o it_o be_v excellent_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o many_o advantage_n that_o come_v by_o it_o as_o be_v already_o hint_v in_o the_o two_o former_a respect_n and_o may_v be_v instance_a in_o a_o great_a many_o more_o its_o useful_a and_o advantageous_a for_o the_o prevent_n of_o sin_n for_o the_o promove_v of_o holiness_n for_o the_o compose_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o establish_v of_o peace_n and_o for_o help_v to_o comfortable_a and_o cheerful_a walk_v with_o god_n for_o the_o 3._o viz._n the_o necessity_n of_o it_o this_o appear_v much_o from_o what_o be_v already_o say_v and_o be_v so_o very_o great_a that_o its_o impossible_a to_o attain_v to_o holiness_n to_o mortification_n to_o peace_n to_o be_v distinct_a in_o our_o way_n to_o be_v spiritual_a in_o any_o duty_n or_o to_o be_v tender_a in_o our_o walk_n without_o it_o we_o may_v say_v that_o this_o duty_n in_o respect_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n be_v like_a weed_n to_o a_o garden_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a that_o a_o garden_n have_v fresh_a seed_n sow_v and_o fine_a plant_n and_o flower_n set_v in_o it_o if_o weed_n as_o they_o appear_v be_v not_o pull_v up_o without_o frequent_a and_o careful_a weed_n the_o weed_n will_v quick_o overgrow_v and_o choke_v the_o flower_n and_o plant_n it_o be_v just_a so_o here_o there_o be_v so_o many_o lust_n and_o corruption_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o it_o be_v so_o broody_a and_o se_n tile_n of_o these_o filthy_a weed_n that_o unless_o this_o self-examination_n 〈◊〉_d conscionable_o and_o seasonable_o exercise_v it_o will_v be_v overgrow_v by_o and_o by_o and_o fill_v full_a with_o the_o stink_a weed_n of_o those_o corruption_n and_o our_o come_n over_o our_o heart_n and_o way_n by_o take_v a_o review_n of_o it_o be_v like_o a_o careful_a gardener_n daily_o come_v over_o his_o garden_n with_o his_o weeding-iron_n the_o one_o be_v no_o more_o necessary_a to_o the_o garden_n than_o the_o other_o be_v necessary_a to_o our_o heart_n and_o way_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o so_o many_o heart_n be_v like_o the_o sluggard_n garden_n all_o overgrow_v with_o nettle_n and_o brier_n be_v the_o neglect_n of_o this_o self-examination_n many_o alace_o take_v on_o a_o profession_n of_o religion_n but_o take_v no_o pain_n to_o be_v answerable_a to_o it_o neither_o do_v they_o look_v to_o the_o weed_n and_o hemlock_n of_o sin_n that_o in_o stead_n of_o good_a fruit_n to_o god_n spring_v up_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o overspread_v their_o life_n therefore_o from_o all_o this_o i_o beseech_v you_o take_v this_o word_n of_o advertisement_n as_o you_o will_v have_v the_o profession_n of_o your_o religion_n well_o stuff_v and_o fill_v up_o with_o the_o power_n of_o it_o and_o will_v not_o have_v it_o as_o a_o ghostly_a house_n have_v a_o fair_a show_n outward_o and_o empty_a within_o or_o as_o a_o paint_a sepulchre_n beautiful_a without_o and_o full_a of_o rottenness_n and_o dead_a man_n bone_n within_o and_o as_o you_o will_v not_o have_v much_o false_a bulk_n without_o substance_n be_v much_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o excellent_a duty_n of_o self-examination_n and_o serious_a in_o it_o i_o shall_v here_o answer_v two_o or_o three_o objection_n that_o may_v be_v propose_v about_o put_v this_o concern_v duty_n in_o practice_n and_o first_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o this_o be_v a_o very_a hard_a and_o difficult_o practicable_a thing_n we_o can_v do_v it_o we_o thou_fw-mi not_o do_v it_o it_o will_v not_o go_v with_o we_o and_o indeed_o there_o be_v natural_o in_o we_o all_o a_o averseness_n from_o nothing_o more_o than_o from_o this_o and_o we_o conceive_v that_o who_o ever_o will_v essay_n it_o in_o earnest_n will_v find_v it_o to_o be_v a_o difficult_a duty_n indeed_o more_o difficult_a and_o hard_a to_o be_v go_v about_o than_o either_o prayer_n hear_v of_o the_o word_n or_o conference_n on_o a_o spiritual_a subject_n it_o be_v a_o duty_n wherein_o the_o inner_a man_n at_o the_o bar_n of_o conscience_n and_o so_o in_o some_o respect_n at_o the_o bar_n of_o god_n tribunal_n be_v exercise_v and_o take_v up_o which_o make_v it_o difficult_a even_o to_o they_o that_o will_v say_v go_v about_o it_o we_o shall_v therefore_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n 1._o speak_v something_o in_o general_n 2._o we_o shall_v speak_v more_o particulary_a to_o some_o direction_n or_o help_n for_o make_v it_o easy_a in_o general_n we_o say_v 1._o that_o the_o duty_n will_v not_o be_v scare_v at_o because_o of_o its_o difficulty_n for_o the_o most_o excellent_a duty_n that_o have_v the_o great_a influence_n on_o the_o practice_n of_o godlness_n that_o 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of_o and_o put_v hand_n to_o they_o and_o serious_o necessitate_v ourselves_o to_o it_o which_o if_o we_o do_v we_o have_v they_o and_o this_o in_o particular_a lay_v before_o we_o in_o the_o promise_n as_o ezek._n 16._o 63._o that_o thou_o may_v remember_v and_o be_v confound_v etc._n etc._n and_o 36_o 31._o then_o shall_v you_o remember_v your_o own_o evil_a way_n and_o do_n that_o be_v not_o good_a etc._n etc._n and_o so_o particular_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v in_o the_o 2d_o place_n of_o the_o direction_n and_o help_n for_o make_v it_o easy_a the_o 1._o whereof_o be_v this_o that_o we_o will_v essay_n it_o with_o a_o eye_n to_o the_o promise_n for_o indeed_o this_o and_o all_o other_o duty_n lie_v in_o promise_n and_o albeit_o we_o can_v pray_v a_o right_a without_o the_o spirit_n yet_o we_o will_v essay_n it_o on_o this_o account_n even_o so_o shall_v we_o do_v as_o to_o this_o duty_n how_o difficult_a soever_o it_o may_v be_v 2_o and_o yet_o somewhat_o more_o particular_o we_o will_v endeavour_v to_o have_v a_o sober_a serious_a and_o sanctify_a frame_n in_o the_o undertake_n and_o prosecute_n of_o this_o duty_n when_o our_o spirit_n be_v carnal_a and_o discompose_v and_o when_o there_o be_v a_o noise_n and_o clamour_n of_o worldly_a lust_n swarm_v within_o we_o it_o be_v no_o great_a wonder_n though_o we_o essay_n it_o that_o it_o go_v not_o with_o we_o but_o miscarry_v in_o our_o hand_n we_o will_v therefore_o abstract_a and_o compose_v ourselves_o as_o in_o god_n presence_n and_o study_v to_o have_v our_o heart_n in_o a_o sanctify_a frame_n as_o the_o church_n do_v lament_v 3._o 28_o 29._o sit_v alone_o and_o keep_v silence_n with_o a_o stop_a mouth_n we_o will_v table_n and_o state_n ourselves_o before_o god_n
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
and_o herein_o lie_v the_o weight_n of_o the_o apostle_n argument_n pray_v for_o we_o for_o we_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n on_o this_o ground_n he_o plead_v for_o this_o privilege_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n which_o he_o can_v not_o have_v so_o do_v have_v he_o not_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n 4_o a_o maâ—â—hat_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n may_v more_o confident_o expect_v the_o benefit_n of_o other_o prayer_n as_o well_o as_o of_o his_o own_o whereas_o a_o man_n who_o way_n and_o conscience_n be_v evil_a though_o other_o prayer_n may_v sometime_o have_v weight_n before_o god_n to_o further_a his_o change_n yet_o he_o himself_o can_v have_v no_o comfort_n in_o they_o while_o he_o be_v such_o therefore_o while_o david_n be_v pray_v for_o his_o enemy_n he_o say_v his_o prayer_n return_v into_o his_o own_o bosom_n but_o it_o do_v they_o little_a or_o no_o good_a thus_o we_o see_v what_o advantage_n it_o be_v to_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n it_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o the_o benefit_n both_o of_o our_o own_o and_o other_o prayer_n and_o the_o want_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n on_o the_o contrary_a excommunicaâ—s_a 〈◊〉_d in_o a_o manner_n from_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o prayer_n of_o other_o the_o second_o question_n be_v if_o this_o argument_n ought_v to_o have_v any_o more_o weight_n with_o christian_n in_o pray_v for_o they_o than_o other_o or_o if_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o they_o only_o that_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o not_o for_o other_o we_o answer_v 1._o that_o christian_n will_v not_o limit_v their_o duty_n in_o prayer_n only_o to_o these_o for_o we_o see_v moses_n david_n and_o many_o other_o of_o the_o saint_n pray_v for_o such_o as_o have_v no_o good_a conscience_n so_o that_o we_o may_v warrantable_o pray_v for_o other_o though_o not_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o may_v hope_v to_o be_v accept_v therein_o and_o that_o our_o pray_v for_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v without_o fruit_n and_o benefit_n to_o ourselves_o at_o least_o yet_o 2_o there_o lie_v a_o great_a tie_n and_o obligation_n on_o we_o to_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n then_o for_o other_o even_o as_o there_o do_v to_o do_v good_a especial_o to_o these_o that_o be_v of_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n the_o communion_n of_o saint_n here_o bind_v and_o link_a to_o say_v so_o more_o strait_o and_o strong_o so_o we_o be_v i_o say_v proportionable_o more_o strict_o tie_v to_o pray_v for_o sincere_a seeker_n of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n practice_n gal._n 6._o 16._o show_n where_o he_o pray_v thus_o as_o many_o as_o walk_v according_a to_o this_o rule_n peace_n be_v on_o they_o and_o on_o the_o whole_a israel_n of_o god_n he_o pray_v for_o peace_n to_o they_o as_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a object_n of_o the_o saint_n prayer_n especial_o as_o to_o god_n peace_n not_o have_v such_o ground_n for_o present_v that_o or_o other_o suchlike_a petition_n to_o god_n for_o 〈◊〉_d yea_o 3_o not_o only_o do_v it_o lay_v on_o a_o strong_a obligation_n but_o it_o give_v great_a ground_n of_o encouragement_n and_o confidence_n to_o deal_v with_o god_n on_o their_o behalf_n and_o of_o hope_n and_o expectation_n to_o be_v hear_v peace_n say_v the_o apostle_n be_v upon_o they_o that_o 〈◊〉_d according_a to_o this_o rule_n he_o find_v here_o firm_a ground_n to_o stand_v on_o to_o say_v so_o in_o pray_v confident_o and_o with_o hope_n of_o success_n for_o such_o then_o for_o other_o 4_o clearness_n and_o persuasion_n so_o far_o as_o be_v in_o this_o case_n attainable_a that_o another_o be_v keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n make_v a_o christian_a more_o willing_a to_o pray_v and_o more_o hearty_a in_o prayer_n for_o such_o a_o person_n will_v pray_v with_o the_o better_a will_v to_o speak_v so_o for_o other_o when_o he_o know_v that_o they_o be_v tender_a whereas_o any_o grossness_n in_o a_o professor_n will_v have_v influence_n on_o the_o cool_n of_o his_o prayer_n for_o they_o and_o he_o will_v be_v in_o hazard_n of_o be_v tempt_v at_o least_o some_o way_n to_o lie_v by_o we_o will_v not_o say_v but_o there_o may_v be_v often_o a_o fault_n in_o this_o yet_o there_o be_v still_o a_o truth_n in_o the_o connexion_n betwixt_o suppose_v a_o person_n to_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o our_o bear_a burden_n with_o he_o and_o take_v a_o more_o kind_o lift_v of_o his_o condition_n in_o prayer_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o apostle_n make_v use_v of_o this_o ground_n to_o press_v and_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o pray_v for_o he_o and_o to_o show_v that_o he_o expect_v the_o help_n of_o their_o prayer_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v no_o small_a encouragement_n in_o prayer_n to_o make_v mention_n of_o a_o person_n name_v particular_o to_o god_n in_o prayer_n when_o we_o know_v that_o it_o be_v the_o name_n of_o one_o that_o be_v a_o friend_n of_o he_o as_o abraham_n be_v call_v all_o these_o serve_v to_o commend_v the_o great_a advantage_n that_o attend_v the_o have_v of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o to_o lay_v a_o strong_a obligation_n on_o we_o to_o pursue_v after_o it_o and_o they_o may_v some_o way_n direct_v we_o how_o to_o walk_v so_o as_o we_o may_v attain_v and_o entertain_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o they_o may_v withal_o help_v to_o make_v some_o discovery_n to_o we_o if_o we_o be_v tender_a in_o our_o walk_n but_o we_o come_v now_o to_o the_o apostle_n assertion_n we_o trust_v say_v he_o we_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n from_o which_o we_o will_v observe_v a_o few_o thing_n wherein_o we_o shall_v be_v more_o general_a 1._o then_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o very_a great_a difference_n betwixt_o conscience_n some_o conscience_n be_v good_a some_o evil_n some_o be_v clear_a and_o pure_a some_o be_v unclear_a impure_a and_o defile_v as_o the_o apostle_n show_v 2_o tim_n 1._o 3._o when_o he_o say_v i_o thank_v god_n who_o i_o serve_v with_o a_o pure_a conscience_n and_o while_o he_o say_v tit._n 1._o 15._o to_o the_o pure_a all_o thing_n be_v pure_a but_o to_o they_o that_o be_v defile_v and_o unbelieving_a be_v nothing_o pure_a but_o even_o their_o conscience_n be_v defile_v every_o man_n have_v a_o conscience_n but_o not_o the_o like_a conscience_n so_o that_o i_o say_v there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o conscience_n even_o as_o great_a as_o there_o be_v betwixt_o man_n as_o sin_n have_v bring_v a_o long_a train_n of_o pollution_n and_o defilement_n with_o it_o so_o that_o they_o reach_v the_o whole_a man_n the_o very_a conscience_n itself_o not_o except_v â—o_o special_a grace_n have_v a_o mighty_a powerful_a influence_n where_o it_o come_v and_o reach_v the_o whole_a man_n and_o the_o conscience_n in_o particular_a though_o not_o perfect_o in_o this_o life_n think_v noâ—_n 〈◊〉_d that_o all_o man_n conscience_n be_v alike_o and_o as_o you_o will_v not_o trust_v every_o man_n word_n so_o shall_v you_o not_o trust_v every_o man_n conscience_n 2_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n attainable_a as_o a_o good_a or_o clear_a and_o pleasant_a conscience_n otherways_o if_o it_o be_v simple_o un-attainable_a there_o can_v be_v â—o_o 〈◊〉_d noâ—_n true_a ground_n for_o paul_n assertion_n here_o this_o good_a conscience_n in_o short_a be_v come_v at_o thus_o 1._o there_o be_v a_o exercise_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 whereof_o we_o speak_v from_o act_n 24._o v_o 16._o this_o be_v the_o tender_a christian_n design_n which_o he_o drive_v 2_o when_o a_o man_n have_v be_v thus_o exercise_v to_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n he_o be_v in_o the_o nixt_a place_n exercise_v to_o know_v the_o sense_n of_o his_o conscience_n and_o to_o have_v its_o approbative_a testimony_n and_o this_o we_o speak_v to_o from_o these_o word_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 3_o there_o be_v a_o clear_a and_o pleasant_a conscience_n which_o flow_v from_o the_o former_a two_o when_o a_o man_n have_v be_v exercise_v to_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o to_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o his_o conscience_n for_o he_o and_o come_v to_o discern_v it_o there_o result_v from_o these_o a_o clear_a calm_a serene_a smile_v and_o pleasant_a conscience_n which_o be_v a_o most_o heartsome_a and_o solacious_a thing_n to_o dwell_v with_o 〈◊〉_d very_o desirable_a delightsome_a refresh_a cheerful_a and_o spiritualy_a jovial_a companion_n the_o â—se_n serve_v to_o show_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v not_o look_v on_o a_o good_a conscience_n as_o a_o empty_a or_o airy_a fancy_n or_o notion_n or_o as_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o attainable_a or_o as_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v never_o attain_v by_o any_o you_o
to_o speak_v of_o i_o shall_v only_o say_v that_o if_o we_o compare_v the_o universality_n of_o the_o command_n with_o our_o obedience_n thereto_o and_o try_v if_o the_o one_o be_v as_o universal_a as_o the_o other_o be_v if_o there_o be_v a_o respect_n have_v to_o all_o the_o comâ—nds_n to_o these_o of_o the_o first_o as_o well_o as_o to_o these_o of_o the_o second_o table_n of_o the_o law_n to_o these_o of_o the_o gospel_n as_o well_o as_o to_o these_o of_o the_o law_n and_o if_o we_o take_v a_o view_n of_o our_o conversation_n in_o whole_a and_o in_o the_o part_n of_o it_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o worship_n and_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o our_o particular_a calling_n station_n and_o relation_n if_o a_o good_a conscience_n have_v be_v single_o aim_v at_o in_o all_o these_o at_o all_o time_n sabbath-day_n and_o weekday_n in_o all_o condition_n in_o prosperity_n and_o adversity_n in_o all_o place_n at_o home_o and_o abroad_o in_o the_o shop_n and_o in_o the_o family_n in_o journey_n by_o land_n and_o voyage_n by_o sea_n for_o conscience_n come_v in_o as_o concern_v in_o all_o place_n and_o in_o all_o company_n and_o will_v put_v the_o question_n whether_o we_o be_v call_v to_o go_v to_o such_o a_o place_n and_o to_o be_v in_o such_o a_o company_n or_o not_o and_o will_v expect_v a_o answer_n as_o to_o all_o these_o thing_n condition_n time_n place_n and_o company_n if_o i_o say_v we_o try_v conscience_n as_o to_o all_o these_o we_o will_v find_v that_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v a_o very_a rare_a thing_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_o either_o attain_v or_o entertain_v as_o many_o imagine_v it_o to_o be_v and_o that_o withal_o its_o evident_a and_o undeniable_a hence_o that_o the_o conscience_n of_o most_o man_n and_o woman_n be_v not_o so_o good_a as_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o aver_v they_o to_o be_v which_o they_o will_v one_o day_n find_v if_o a_o gracious_a change_n prevent_v not_o to_o their_o unspeakable_a and_o irreparable_a loss_n and_o prejudice_n sermon_n ii_o heb._n 13._o v_o 18._o pray_v for_o we_o for_o we_o trust_v we_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n willing_a to_o live_v honest_o true_a religion_n and_o godliness_n consist_v not_o only_o in_o the_o illumination_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o in_o the_o conception_n and_o contemplation_n of_o the_o truth_n concern_v god_n and_o the_o gospel_n but_o also_o and_o main_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o know_a duty_n thereof_o and_o very_o ordinary_o there_o be_v more_o of_o the_o concern_v of_o conscience_n and_o of_o its_o solid_a peace_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o more_o common_a and_o well_o know_v duty_n that_o be_v even_o at_o our_o hand_n then_o in_o the_o speculation_n of_o and_o painful_a search_n after_o thing_n that_o be_v more_o mysterious_a and_o obscure_a we_o will_v decry_v none_o of_o these_o nor_o dissuade_v any_o from_o a_o sober_a inquiry_n after_o they_o who_o be_v more_o call_v to_o it_o than_o other_o yet_o we_o will_v give_v every_o one_o of_o they_o their_o own_o due_a place_n and_o will_v by_o all_o mean_n take_v heed_n that_o we_o separate_v and_o divide_v not_o the_o power_n and_o practice_v of_o religion_n from_o the_o theory_n thereof_o and_o that_o we_o prefer_v not_o the_o search_n after_o some_o more_o cryptick_a and_o dark_a thing_n in_o religion_n to_o the_o serious_a practice_n of_o the_o more_o plain_a and_o obvious_a truth_n thereof_o for_o the_o prevent_n whereof_o as_o by_o other_o mean_n so_o we_o find_v the_o apostle_n very_o ordinary_o in_o the_o close_a of_o his_o epistle_n after_o more_o doctrinal_a discourse_n subjoyn_v some_o plain_a and_o familiar_a direction_n concern_v the_o practice_n of_o such_o duty_n that_o be_v general_o know_v and_o acknowledge_v among_o which_o this_o be_v one_o viz._n prayer_n for_o one_o another_o and_o more_o particular_o and_o especial_o for_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n pray_v for_o we_o faith_n he_o in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o verse_n we_o will_v then_o learn_v conscientious_o to_o improve_v our_o light_n and_o knowledge_n towards_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o most_o of_o these_o that_o be_v most_o necessary_a and_o particular_o we_o will_v learn_v to_o lay_v due_a weight_n on_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n minister_n will_v neither_o disdain_v nor_o think_v shame_n to_o call_v for_o the_o help_n of_o the_o people_n prayer_n neither_o will_v people_n neglect_v nor_o think_v it_o needless_a or_o a_o burden_n to_o they_o to_o take_v a_o serious_a lift_n of_o their_o minister_n in_o their_o prayer_n to_o god_n when_o we_o press_v obedience_n in_o all_o thing_n as_o the_o evidence_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n we_o will_v press_v obedience_n to_o this_o among_o the_o rest_n which_o whoever_o neglect_n will_v in_o so_o far_o mar_v the_o peace_n of_o their_o conscience_n before_o god_n for_o they_o can_v have_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n if_o they_o neglect_v or_o flight_v this_o piece_n of_o their_o duty_n therefore_o without_o further_a insist_v in_o it_o we_o exhort_v you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n pray_v for_o we_o the_o other_o thing_n in_o the_o verse_n whereof_o we_o begin_v to_o speak_v the_o last_o day_n be_v the_o reason_n or_o motive_n whereby_o paul_n press_v they_o to_o this_o duty_n by_o which_o a_o objection_n be_v obviate_v they_o may_v belike_o say_v at_o least_o think_v that_o he_o be_v a_o asperse_v reproach_v and_o ill-spoken_a of_o man_n and_o that_o therefore_o they_o have_v but_o small_a ground_n of_o encouragement_n to_o pray_v for_o he_o no_o say_v he_o notwithstanding_o these_o aspersion_n which_o be_v false_a and_o groundless_a pray_v for_o we_o for_o we_o trust_v we_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o because_o this_o assertion_n may_v look_v big_a he_o qualify_v it_o in_o the_o word_n follow_v wherein_o he_o clear_v what_o he_o mean_v and_o prove_v that_o he_o speak_v not_o at_o random_n we_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n will_v in_o all_o thing_n say_v he_o to_o live_v honest_o we_o may_v and_o do_v fail_v and_o come_v short_a as_o to_o the_o length_n we_o shall_v be_v 〈◊〉_d but_o it_o beside_o our_o purpose_n our_o desire_n design_n and_o endeavour_n be_v faithful_o to_o approve_v ourselves_o to_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n observe_v 1._o here_o that_o a_o honest_a and_o good_a life_n or_o walk_v and_o a_o honest_a and_o good_a conscience_n go_v together_o there_o be_v always_o a_o suitableness_n betwixt_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o person_n conscience_n within_o and_o the_o order_n of_o his_o walk_n and_o conversation_n without_o or_o thus_o as_o a_o man_n life_n be_v so_o be_v his_o conscience_n if_o the_o life_n and_o conversation_n be_v honest_a than_o a_o man_n may_v have_v and_o have_v a_o honest_a and_o good_a conscience_n but_o if_o his_o life_n and_o conversation_n be_v untender_a dishonest_a profane_a and_o louse_n he_o can_v possible_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n as_o the_o apostle_n plain_o affirm_v titus_n 1._o 15._o and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v clear_a because_o conscience_n well_o ground_v testimony_n must_v be_v according_a to_o truth_n and_o speak_v out_o the_o thing_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v and_o as_o when_o the_o thing_n be_v ill_a and_o wrong_n it_o can_v speak_v peace_n and_o good_a so_o when_o the_o thing_n be_v right_a it_o will_v not_o speak_v ill_o for_o use_v of_o it_o do_v not_o separat_fw-la these_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v conjoin_v think_v never_o to_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n when_o you_o have_v not_o a_o honest_a conversation_n it_o may_v be_v find_v without_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o a_o very_a diligent_a search_n that_o many_o do_v presumptuous_o and_o groundless_o speak_v and_o boast_v of_o a_o good_a conscience_n when_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o their_o conversation_n that_o look_v like_o it_o let_v be_v warrant_n it_o but_o if_o you_o will_v certain_o know_v the_o companion_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n take_v it_o from_o paul_n it_o be_v even_o a_o live_n honest_o i_o will_v only_o here_o have_v you_o to_o take_v this_o caveat_n in_o the_o by_o when_o we_o say_v that_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o a_o honest_a life_n or_o walk_n go_v together_o we_o will_v not_o have_v you_o to_o look_v to_o the_o connexion_n of_o these_o two_o so_o severe_o and_o rigid_o as_o if_o there_o can_v not_o be_v a_o good_a conscience_n but_o where_o there_o be_v a_o honest_a walk_n in_o its_o perfection_n without_o all_o slip_n or_o fail_n for_o we_o be_v now_o speak_v of_o a_o deliberate_a fix_v and_o settle_a purpose_n and_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o live_v and_o walk_v honest_o which_o may_v consist_v with_o slip_n and_o fall_n of_o infirmity_n this_o willingness_n to_o live_v
have_v not_o one_o word_n to_o speak_v but_o to_o they_o to_o who_o god_n speak_v a_o five_o and_o last_o case_n be_v when_o man_n be_v drive_v and_o stir_v up_o to_o seek_v to_o know_v the_o mind_n of_o conscience_n from_o a_o corrupt_a or_o selfie_v principle_n and_o for_o such_o or_o such_o a_o selfy_a end_n as_o for_o instance_n when_o man_n seek_v clearness_n and_o resolution_n from_o their_o conscience_n anent_o such_o one_fw-mi estate_n of_o life_n such_o a_o calling_n or_o station_n or_o anent_o the_o undertake_n of_o such_o a_o journey_n or_o voyage_n and_o be_v not_o put_v to_o seek_v that_o clearness_n anent_o they_o out_o of_o respect_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n but_o from_o respect_n only_o or_o main_o to_o their_o own_o interest_n profit_n pleasure_n or_o credit_n as_o it_o be_v with_o balaam_n numb_a 22._o 10._o that_o which_o do_v put_v he_o to_o ask_v god_n counsel_n be_v not_o regard_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n but_o love_n to_o the_o wage_n of_o unrighteousness_n as_o jude_n call_v they_o and_o here_o many_o fail_n and_o make_v a_o silent_a conscience_n when_o they_o be_v seek_v clearness_n which_o may_v be_v know_v by_o this_o that_o they_o will_v never_o ask_v if_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o they_o to_o take_v such_o a_o calling_n or_o place_n or_o to_o engage_v in_o such_o one_fw-mi employment_n except_o some_o pleasure_n preferment_n or_o gain_v lead_v they_o to_o it_o and_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o ask_v the_o advice_n of_o conscience_n in_o the_o matter_n be_v not_o that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o more_o stir_v up_o to_o improve_v such_o a_o place_n employment_n or_o state_n of_o life_n for_o god_n honour_n but_o that_o they_o may_v with_o more_o quietness_n freedom_n and_o confidence_n follow_v their_o design_n and_o come_v by_o their_o end_n neither_o do_v they_o intend_v single_o if_o at_o all_o to_o follow_v the_o answer_n of_o conscience_n but_o will_v rather_o have_v conscience_n to_o follow_v they_o as_o be_v clear_a in_o balaam_n therefore_o when_o the_o answer_n come_v contrary_a to_o their_o inclination_n or_o affection_n or_o to_o the_o selfie_a end_n that_o they_o have_v before_o they_o they_o will_v ask_v over_o again_o as_o balaam_n do_v hence_o james_n say_v chap._n 4._o v._n 3_o and_o 4._o you_o ask_v and_o receive_v not_o because_o you_o ask_v a_o miss_n to_o consume_v it_o upon_o your_o lust_n as_o man_n may_v seek_v to_o be_v assist_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o duty_n for_o the_o praise_n of_o man_n so_o they_o may_v seek_v to_o have_v conscience_n to_o be_v on_o their_o side_n to_o prevent_v a_o challenge_n from_o it_o and_o that_o they_o may_v entertain_v a_o carnal_o confident_a expectation_n of_o what_o they_o will_v be_v at_o thus_o carnal_o profane_a and_o wicked_a man_n have_v often_o seek_v advice_n of_o the_o lord_n prophet_n as_o they_o do_v jer._n 42._o 1_o 2._o in_o these_o and_o the_o like_a case_n man_n may_v take_v pain_n to_o know_v the_o mind_n of_o conscience_n and_o yet_o the_o lord_n may_v make_v it_o to_o keep_v silence_n and_o not_o to_o answer_v they_o or_o if_o it_o do_v to_o answer_v they_o according_a to_o the_o idol_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n 2_o another_o sort_n of_o reason_n may_v be_v draw_v from_o god_n sovereignty_n so_o order_v it_o for_o his_o own_o wise_a and_o holy_a end_n to_o wit_n for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o people_n and_o his_o own_o glory_n as_o he_o afflict_v they_o in_o other_o thing_n though_o not_o without_o sin_n in_o they_o yet_o not_o always_o with_o respect_n to_o their_o sin_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o job_n trial_n even_o so_o when_o they_o be_v take_v pain_n for_o clearness_n of_o conscience_n and_o to_o get_v god_n mind_n in_o such_o a_o particular_a he_o may_v and_o sometime_o do_v blast_v all_o their_o pain_n so_o as_o they_o attain_v not_o to_o the_o desire_a clearness_n in_o it_o i_o say_v in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o particular_a because_o as_o be_v hint_v before_o the_o main_a business_n of_o their_o eternal_a state_n fall_v not_o under_o these_o debate_n and_o this_o we_o say_v he_o do_v in_o his_o sovereignty_n for_o these_o and_o â—he_v like_o wise_a and_o holy_a end_n 1._o that_o he_o may_v empty_a and_o humble_a his_o own_o people_n that_o when_o they_o see_v they_o can_v win_v to_o clearness_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o a_o particular_a of_o so_o little_a moment_n and_o consequence_n by_o make_v that_o to_o be_v so_o much_o their_o exercise_n he_o may_v hide_v pride_n from_o their_o eye_n and_o lay_v they_o low_o before_o he_o 2_o as_o in_o this_o he_o mind_v their_o humble_v so_o their_o upstirring_a by_o such_o mean_n he_o put_v they_o to_o be_v more_o serious_a in_o seek_v he_o for_o oftentimes_o when_o man_n find_v thing_n to_o go_v easy_o with_o they_o they_o be_v in_o hazard_n to_o betake_v themselves_o unto_o and_o sit_v down_o in_o as_o easy_a a_o way_n of_o duty_n and_o to_o â—lack_v their_o diligence_n 3_o he_o do_v this_o for_o trial_n to_o make_v discovery_n of_o the_o unsoundness_n of_o some_o and_o to_o prove_v the_o sincerity_n of_o other_o he_o will_v by_o suspending_a light_n and_o clearness_n in_o such_o a_o particular_a take_v a_o proof_n of_o folk_n tenderness_n whither_o they_o will_v forbear_v while_o they_o be_v unclear_a or_o whither_o they_o will_v untender_o go_v on_o it_o be_v a_o main_a thing_n that_o make_v trial_n of_o man_n tenderness_n when_o god_n by_o this_o mean_n lay_v as_o it_o be_v a_o bond_n and_o restraint_n on_o we_o and_o so_o put_v we_o to_o it_o to_o try_v whither_o we_o will_v hold_v here_o or_o proceed_v further_o if_o there_o be_v tenderness_n it_o will_v appear_v in_o such_o a_o case_n this_o discover_v saul_n 1_o sam._n 28._o 6_o 7._o when_o god_n answer_v he_o not_o who_o go_v away_o immediate_o to_o a_o witch_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o many_o when_o they_o can_v win_v to_o satisfaction_n or_o clearness_n in_o a_o lawful_a way_n they_o betake_v themselves_o to_o the_o nixt_a shift_n when_o other_o that_o be_v tender_a will_v halt_v and_o stand_v â—ill_o till_o god_n further_o reveal_v and_o manifest_v his_o mind_n in_o the_o thing_n as_o the_o prophet_n do_v 2_o king_n 4._o 27._o let_v she_o alone_o saâ—eth_v he_o of_o the_o shunamite_n to_o his_o servant_n her_o soul_n be_v vex_v within_o she_o and_o the_o lord_n have_v hide_v it_o from_o i_o 4_o he_o do_v this_o to_o make_v man_n prize_v light_a more_o when_o they_o get_v it_o know_v that_o it_o come_v from_o god_n we_o be_v dispose_v to_o think_v as_o long_o as_o we_o be_v not_o much_o difficulted_a and_o bring_v into_o some_o notable_a strait_n that_o our_o light_n flow_v from_o a_o stock_n within_o ourselves_o and_o that_o we_o have_v it_o at_o command_n thus_o many_o think_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o be_v clear_a to_o marry_v such_o or_o such_o a_o person_n to_o take_v such_o a_o place_n or_o to_o engage_v in_o such_o one_fw-mi employ_v and_o station_n as_o it_o may_v be_v of_o magistracy_n or_o of_o ministry_n conscience_n as_o they_o think_v clear_v they_o at_o the_o first_o hand_n but_o the_o lord_n will_v have_v we_o to_o know_v that_o to_o have_v light_n and_o clearness_n in_o any_o particular_a especial_o of_o such_o moment_n be_v a_o great_a matter_n and_o mercy_n then_o so_o and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o flight_n and_o undervalue_v it_o when_o it_o be_v come_v by_o a_o 5_o and_o last_o end_n be_v to_o draw_v man_n to_o more_o immediate_a dependence_n on_o himself_o that_o when_o conscience_n be_v silent_a they_o may_v come_v to_o he_o and_o count_v themselves_o to_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o in_o his_o common_a and_o debt_n for_o any_o light_n that_o they_o shall_v win_v at_o and_o be_v make_v to_o know_v that_o conscience_n be_v but_o his_o servant_n all_o this_o be_v clear_a frow_fw-mi god_n way_n in_o afflict_v his_o people_n and_o from_o many_o instance_n in_o scripture_n the_o other_o assertion_n that_o i_o propose_v to_o speak_v a_o word_n to_o be_v that_o though_o it_o be_v sometime_o thus_o that_o conscience_n be_v silent_a and_o speak_v not_o at_o least_o so_o soon_o or_o so_o clear_o when_o it_o be_v inquire_v at_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o always_o so_o but_o sometime_o nay_o often_o conscience_n will_v speak_v and_o answer_v clear_o and_o our_o unclearnesse_n in_o that_o case_n may_v proceed_v from_o some_o one_o tentation_n or_o other_o or_o from_o our_o own_o sinful_a distemper_n or_o from_o our_o negligence_n and_o inadvertancy_n as_o i_o shall_v short_o clear_v in_o some_o case_n 1._o as_o a_o sinful_a ignorance_n in_o the_o person_n who_o desire_v it_o to_o speak_v will_v make_v conscience_n keep_v silent_a so_o there_o be_v a_o sinful_a
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
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
prayer_n hear_n of_o the_o word_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v good_a in_o themselves_o and_o commendable_a but_o there_o will_v be_v self-examination_n to_o see_v what_o solidity_n be_v in_o they_o all_o else_o we_o will_v be_v like_o the_o man_n who_o expend_v all_o their_o stock_n on_o the_o stone_n and_o timber-work_n of_o a_o large_a house_n and_o leave_v nothing_o to_o plenish_v and_o furnish_v it_o within_o whereas_o when_o a_o person_n be_v suitable_o and_o serious_o take_v up_o with_o self-examination_n it_o make_v a_o house_n to_o speak_v so_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v less_o to_o be_v well_o fill_v and_o furnish_v and_o albeit_o there_o be_v no_o great_a noise_n of_o a_o profession_n there_o yet_o there_o be_v more_o kindly_a repentance_n more_o seriousness_n in_o prayer_n and_o in_o other_o duty_n more_o profit_v by_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n and_o more_o holiness_n of_o life_n then_o where_o this_o exercise_n of_o self-examination_n and_o reflection_n be_v either_o altogether_o or_o very_o much_o neglect_v albeit_o there_o shall_v be_v then_o a_o far_o great_a profession_n 3_o because_o we_o have_v be_v engage_v in_o and_o have_v put_v many_o thing_n to_o say_v so_o through_o our_o hand_n these_o year_n past_a and_o we_o be_v afraid_a that_o many_o have_v not_o much_o consult_v nor_o look_v well_o into_o conscience_n in_o meddle_v with_o they_o there_o have_v be_v several_a strange_a un-couth_a and_o scarce_o hear_v of_o thing_n in_o the_o way_n of_o some_o and_o lesser_a fail_n slip_n and_o escape_n in_o the_o way_n of_o other_o and_o no_o doubt_n the_o less_o pain_n be_v take_v by_o man_n to_o be_v clear_v and_o satisfy_v in_o their_o conscience_n before_o such_o thing_n be_v meddle_v with_o and_o engage_v in_o there_o will_v be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o pain_n take_v now_o to_o reflect_v on_o they_o when_o past_a and_o to_o bring_v they_o in_o before_o conscience_n to_o receive_v its_o verdict_n of_o they_o and_o sure_o we_o can_v never_o walk_v for_o time_n to_o come_v with_o that_o straightness_n and_o solidity_n if_o we_o be_v not_o at_o some_o point_n by_o self-searching_a as_o to_o thing_n past_a and_o present_a 4_o because_o if_o we_o know_v not_o what_o have_v be_v right_a or_o wrong_n in_o thing_n past_a the_o dispensation_n of_o divine_a providence_n which_o we_o have_v meet_v with_o call_v aloud_o on_o we_o to_o examine_v what_o god_n speak_v to_o we_o by_o they_o for_o he_o have_v make_v we_o to_o be_v witness_n of_o very_o strange_a thing_n of_o public_a dispensation_n such_o as_o neither_o we_o nor_o our_o father_n ever_o see_v the_o like_a and_o have_v not_o this_o same_o place_n in_o particular_a fall_v under_o strange_a providence_n both_o as_o to_o our_o temporal_n and_o spiritual_n and_o if_o the_o dispensation_n of_o god_n call_v and_o press_v any_o to_o this_o exercise_n of_o reflection_n and_o examination_n then_o certain_o they_o call_v and_o press_v we_o to_o it_o therefore_o see_v we_o be_v call_v to_o this_o not_o only_o as_o a_o duty_n common_a to_o all_o time_n but_o as_o somewhat_o peculiar_a to_o this_o time_n and_o to_o we_o in_o this_o place_n we_o will_v make_v the_o more_o conscience_n of_o it_o and_o will_v also_o know_v that_o if_o it_o be_v slight_v the_o great_a will_v our_o guiltiness_n be_v that_o have_v so_o many_o thing_n urgent_o call_v we_o to_o it_o whether_o then_o you_o remember_v all_o or_o most_o or_o many_o particular_n or_o not_o remember_v and_o carry_v along_o with_o you_o this_o general_a that_o you_o have_v a_o conscience_n and_o that_o you_o be_v call_v and_o concern_v to_o remember_v to_o reflect_v on_o and_o to_o examine_v your_o way_n at_o the_o bar_n of_o conscience_n well_o inform_v by_o the_o word_n and_o if_o you_o be_v suitable_o serious_a in_o the_o general_n god_n will_v gracious_o condescend_v to_o lay_v particular_a help_n to_o your_o hand_n sermon_n iii_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 youward_n if_o a_o tender_a christian_a walk_n be_v a_o excellent_a thing_n and_o if_o the_o rejoice_v of_o a_o good_a conscience_n that_o flow_v from_o it_o be_v a_o excellent_a thing_n then_o sure_o it_o must_v be_v a_o very_a excellent_a and_o desirable_a thing_n to_o study_v through_o acquaintance_n with_o our_o own_o heart_n and_o way_n and_o to_o try_v our_o particular_a carriage_n by_o our_o conscience_n inform_v by_o the_o word_n this_o practice_n have_v so_o much_o influence_n on_o a_o tender_a walk_n and_o be_v so_o conducible_a to_o a_o well-grounded_n rejoice_v in_o god_n for_o doubtless_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o more_o contributive_a to_o these_o notable_a and_o noble_a end_n then_o to_o give_v conscience_n its_o due_a regard_n and_o place_n and_o to_o lay_v due_a weight_n upon_o it_o in_o its_o pass_a censure_n of_o our_o way_n and_o to_o be_v clear_a and_o distinct_a in_o its_o sentence_n of_o our_o bypass_a carriage_n and_o proceed_n we_o may_v say_v of_o conscience_n in_o this_o work_n as_o solomon_n say_v of_o that_o king_n prov._n 20._o 8._o who_o sit_v on_o the_o throne_n of_o judgement_n scatter_v away_o all_o evil_n with_o his_o eye_n when_o conscience_n as_o the_o great_a and_o sovereign_a god_n his_o deputy_n sit_v on_o its_o throne_n as_o it_o be_v it_o have_v a_o divine_a authority_n and_o majesty_n whereby_o it_o scatter_v all_o these_o evil_n that_o haunt_v the_o heart_n so_o that_o they_o can_v endure_v and_o stand_v before_o it_o but_o must_v flee_v away_o and_o because_o this_o have_v so_o very_a much_o influence_n on_o a_o christian_a walk_n we_o shall_v speak_v a_o word_n further_o to_o what_o flow_v from_o the_o doctrine_n propose_v the_o other_o day_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v for_o a_o use_v of_o reproof_n and_o expostulation_n which_o we_o name_v as_o the_o four_o use_n of_o it_o to_o and_o with_o christian_n that_o profess_v to_o have_v a_o tender_a walk_n and_o yet_o much_o slight_v this_o duty_n which_o be_v a_o main_a part_n of_o it_o and_o singular_o helpful_a to_o the_o whole_a of_o it_o for_o if_o the_o search_n of_o our_o way_n and_o the_o try_v of_o it_o by_o conscience_n be_v a_o main_a piece_n and_o part_n of_o a_o tender_a christian_a walk_n â—o_o that_o they_o who_o be_v much_o in_o the_o one_o have_v also_o much_o of_o the_o other_o and_o none_o have_v be_v of_o a_o tender_a conscience_n and_o walk_n but_o they_o have_v be_v tender_a in_o this_o part_n of_o it_o to_o have_v conscience_n its_o sense_n and_o testimony_n of_o their_o bypass_a walk_n then_o there_o be_v ground_n of_o reproof_n to_o and_o expostulation_n with_o these_o who_o either_o neglect_n or_o slight_v it_o and_o this_o be_v it_o that_o we_o will_v now_o speak_v to_o even_o to_o reprove_v and_o expostular_a with_o many_o profess_a christian_n who_o will_v be_v loath_a to_o be_v account_v gross_a and_o untender_a in_o their_o walk_n who_o yet_o neglect_v this_o so_o main_a a_o piece_n of_o a_o christianly_o tender_v walk_v and_o before_o we_o fall_v on_o particular_n we_o will_v speak_v a_o little_a to_o â—ome_o evidenceâ—_n for_o make_v it_o out_o what_o just_a ground_n there_o be_v to_o reprove_v and_o expostulat_v on_o this_o account_n even_o for_o the_o neglect_n of_o so_o clear_a and_o profitable_a a_o duty_n and_o 1._o may_v we_o not_o in_o the_o general_a charge_n most_o for_o a_o utter_a neglect_n of_o this_o and_o all_o for_o much_o overlinesse_n in_o it_o ask_v your_o own_o conscience_n if_o you_o be_v call_v to_o a_o account_n before_o god_n how_o you_o will_v answer_v as_o to_o this_o particular_a dare_v you_o say_v that_o you_o have_v make_v conscience_n serious_o and_o suitable_o to_o reflect_v upon_o your_o case_n and_o way_n and_o that_o you_o have_v be_v tender_o concern_v to_o find_v out_o what_o be_v right_a and_o what_o be_v wrong_v in_o it_o and_o to_o have_v conscience_n its_o approbatory_n or_o condemnatory_a sense_n and_o sentence_n thereof_o &_o to_o be_v affect_v answerable_o as_o you_o find_v matter_n betwixt_o god_n and_o you_o we_o be_v sure_o there_o be_v none_o of_o we_o though_o we_o can_v say_v we_o have_v be_v go_v about_o other_o duty_n of_o religion_n such_o as_o prayer_n reading_n and_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n etc._n etc._n but_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o charge_v ourselves_o with_o much_o guilt_n as_o to_o our_o little_a serious_a go_v about_o this_o particular_a duty_n to_o be_v dumb_a and_o silent_a and_o to_o go_v with_o a_o stop_a mouth_n before_o god_n be_v there_o any_o that_o can_v say_v i_o have_v be_v clean_o
in_o this_o matter_n a_o second_o evidence_n may_v be_v take_v from_o the_o sad_a effect_n that_o in_o our_o way_n follow_v the_o neglect_n or_o overly_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n which_o when_o find_v they_o may_v let_v we_o know_v and_o convince_v we_o that_o it_o be_v either_o much_o slight_v or_o quite_o neglect_v and_o 1._o we_o will_v ask_v you_o how_o many_o be_v acquaint_v with_o and_o see_v in_o their_o own_o soul_n condition_n or_o can_v on_o distinct_a ground_n as_o have_v examine_v and_o try_v their_o heart_n and_o way_n pass_v sentence_n upon_o their_o case_n and_o say_v thus_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o i_o and_o if_o you_o be_v un_fw-we acquaint_v with_o your_o own_o case_n do_v not_o that_o say_v undeniable_o that_o you_o walk_v by_o guess_n as_o it_o be_v and_o not_o according_a to_o this_o rule_n 2_o what_o mean_v the_o exceed_a great_a security_n presumption_n and_o self-conceit_n that_o many_o be_v in_o and_o under_o concern_v themselves_o and_o their_o way_n which_o not_o flow_v from_o a_o well-grounded_n persuasion_n of_o the_o straightness_n thereof_o must_v it_o not_o necessary_o flow_v from_o their_o neglect_n of_o this_o self-reflection_n and_o trial_n and_o whence_o i_o pray_v be_v it_o that_o there_o be_v so_o little_a repentance_n for_o sin_n be_v it_o because_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n nor_o ground_n of_o quarrel_n no_o certain_o it_o must_v therefore_o be_v from_o man_n not_o review_v of_o and_o reflect_v on_o themselves_o and_o their_o way_n that_o they_o may_v find_v it_o out_o which_o plain_o say_v that_o this_o evil_n be_v predominant_a 3_o â—ook_v to_o the_o abound_v of_o sin_n to_o the_o little_a growth_n of_o mortification_n to_o the_o liveliness_n of_o lust_n to_o the_o room_n that_o idol_n have_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o its_o gade_v after_o they_o will_v not_o these_o declare_v that_o most_o person_n but_o very_o seldom_o bring_v themselves_o before_o the_o tribunal_n of_o their_o conscience_n otherways_o lust_n dare_v not_o set_v up_o their_o head_n as_o they_o do_v this_o king_n will_v scatter_v away_o all_o evil_n with_o his_o eye_n and_o man_n will_v not_o have_v such_o delight_n in_o they_o if_o they_o be_v often_o arraign_v they_o at_o this_o bar._n 4_o what_o mean_v the_o little_a solid_a peace_n and_o rejoice_v in_o god_n that_o most_o professor_n have_v and_o their_o live_n in_o such_o a_o fluctuate_a and_o conjectural_a way_n be_v it_o not_o from_o this_o that_o they_o do_v not_o examine_v and_o put_v to_o the_o trial_n the_o ground_n of_o their_o peace_n and_o joy_n now_o all_o these_o sad_a and_o woeful_a evidence_n and_o effect_n be_v put_v together_o it_o be_v beyond_o all_o doubt_n that_o there_o be_v at_o this_o time_n among_o we_o much_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o self-examination_n by_o the_o conscientious_a discharge_n whereof_o these_o dreadful_a effect_n may_v be_v remove_v these_o evidence_n of_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v palpable_a we_o come_v now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n close_o to_o the_o reproof_n of_o it_o and_o expostulation_n for_o it_o and_o be_v there_o not_o just_a ground_n for_o both_o i_o there_fw-mi say_v if_o many_o of_o you_o be_v alk_v about_o this_o duty_n it_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v a_o unknown_a duty_n to_o you_o a_o duty_n that_o you_o walk_v not_o under_o the_o conviction_n of_o its_o necessity_n a_o duty_n that_o you_o be_v not_o mourn_v for_o the_o neglect_n of_o nor_o employ_v jesus_n christ_n for_o grace_n to_o get_v it_o suitable_o perform_v and_o can_v that_o think_v you_o be_v a_o tender_a walk_n that_o be_v so_o very_o short_a and_o defective_a in_o so_o main_a a_o duty_n and_o in_o so_o great_a a_o piece_n and_o part_n of_o a_o tender_a walk_n when_o especial_o person_n be_v not_o due_o sensible_a of_o it_o nor_o suitable_o affect_v with_o it_o let_v i_o but_o ask_v such_o of_o you_o who_o make_v little_a account_n of_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n these_o few_o question_n 1._o do_v you_o think_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n within_o you_o as_o a_o conscience_n and_o if_o you_o think_v you_o have_v conscience_n have_v you_o they_o for_o no_o end_n nor_o use_n or_o will_v you_o let_v they_o as_o it_o be_v be_v in_o you_o and_o lie_v by_o you_o as_o thing_n give_v you_o to_o no_o purpose_n 2_o i_o ask_v you_o be_v there_o nothing_o in_o your_o case_n or_o way_n that_o need_v a_o review_n be_v all_o right_a and_o nothing_o out_o of_o order_n will_v you_o own_o these_o to_o be_v truth_n if_o not_o ought_v not_o this_o mean_a to_o be_v use_v for_o help_v you_o to_o find_v out_o what_o be_v wrong_a and_o what_o be_v right_a if_o any_o thing_n be_v right_a it_o be_v a_o strange_a thing_n for_o a_o profess_a christian_a to_o think_v or_o say_v that_o he_o be_v altogether_o right_a and_o that_o he_o need_v not_o to_o examine_v himself_o and_o yet_o he_o must_v either_o think_v this_o or_o else_o he_o say_v on_o the_o matter_n that_o he_o ear_n not_o whether_o he_o be_v right_a or_o wrong_n which_o indeed_o the_o practice_n of_o many_o say_v plain_o or_o he_o must_v examine_v to_o find_v out_o what_o be_v right_a and_o what_o be_v wrong_a 3_o i_o will_v ask_v you_o do_v you_o think_v that_o your_o conscience_n will_v be_v always_o quiet_a because_o you_o command_v it_o not_o to_o speak_v or_o rather_o be_v there_o not_o a_o time_n come_v when_o it_o will_v speak_v whether_o you_o will_v or_o not_o or_o do_v you_o think_v because_o you_o have_v no_o remembrance_n of_o your_o fault_n that_o your_o forget_v of_o they_o now_o will_v blot_v they_o out_o of_o your_o conscience_n register_n or_o rather_o shall_v you_o not_o judge_v yourselves_o that_o you_o may_v not_o be_v judge_v according_a to_o the_o apostle_n word_n 1_o cor._n 11._o v._n 31._o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a shall_v you_o not_o think_v that_o if_o you_o do_v not_o judge_v yourselves_o you_o will_v most_o certain_o be_v judge_v 4_o i_o will_v ask_v you_o be_v it_o not_o better_a to_o put_v your_o conscience_n to_o speak_v in_o time_n when_o thing_n may_v be_v right_v and_o amend_v then_o to_o let_v they_o lie_v over_o and_o sleep_v till_o they_o be_v pass_v remedy_n o_o when_o will_v you_o consider_v and_o lay_v to_o heart_n what_o trouble_n terror_n and_o confusion_n reach_v and_o take_v hold_v on_o the_o conscience_n of_o many_o at_o death_n and_o will_v do_v so_o much_o more_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o much_o better_a in_o time_n to_o try_v thing_n and_o find_v out_o what_o be_v right_a and_o what_o be_v wrong_a that_o conscience_n may_v not_o have_v a_o just_a ground_n of_o challenge_n against_o you_o in_o that_o day_n and_o may_v not_o have_v it_o to_o say_v to_o you_o you_o never_o own_v i_o when_o you_o be_v live_v in_o the_o world_n and_o now_o i_o will_v read_v to_o you_o a_o fearful_a indictment_n and_o dittay_n that_o have_v stand_v long_o on_o record_n against_o you_o and_o upon_o this_o arise_v the_o horror_n and_o gnaw_a worm_n that_o never_o die_v hence_o be_v the_o fire_n blow_v that_o never_o be_v quench_v all_o which_o i_o say_v flow_v from_o conscience_n represent_v to_o man_n and_o woman_n in_o a_o most_o formidable_a manner_n their_o way_n which_o before_o they_o will_v never_o believe_v nor_o once_o serious_o put_v the_o matter_n to_o the_o trial_n whether_o it_o will_v do_v so_o or_o not_o in_o further_a prosecution_n of_o this_o use_n and_o to_o make_v that_o the_o more_o plain_a which_o we_o will_v main_o be_v at_o in_o it_o we_o shall_v 1._o speak_v a_o little_a to_o several_a sort_n of_o person_n who_o we_o suppose_v be_v guilty_a of_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n 2._o a_o little_a to_o the_o evil_n that_o follow_v and_o flow_v from_o the_o guilt_n of_o this_o neglect_n 3._o to_o the_o cause_n oâ—_n their_o continue_v in_o this_o sinful_a neglect_n 4._o a_o little_a to_o what_o may_v direct_v towards_o the_o facilitating_a and_o make_v easy_a the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o to_o the_o make_n of_o it_o profitable_a and_o useful_a for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o viz._n the_o several_a sort_n of_o person_n that_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o utter_a neglect_n of_o the_o duty_n or_o of_o much_o short-coming_a and_o overlinesse_n in_o perform_v it_o they_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o six_o the_o 1._o soft_a be_v they_o that_o make_v no_o conscience_n at_o all_o of_o any_o thing_n in_o religion_n that_o never_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o make_v conscience_n to_o pray_v read_v the_o word_n confer_v on_o it_o repent_v or_o of_o any_o other_o duty_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
clear_a command_n yea_o as_o its_o the_o neglect_n of_o a_o notable_a mean_n for_o the_o suitable_a performance_n of_o all_o other_o duty_n so_o that_o wherever_o prayer_n repentance_n hear_v read_v etc._n etc._n be_v command_v this_o be_v also_o on_o the_o matter_n command_v and_o as_o many_o duty_n as_o be_v command_v of_o as_o many_o breach_n of_o these_o command_n be_v we_o guilty_a when_o this_o duty_n be_v neglect_v consider_v that_o when_o ever_o we_o be_v command_v to_o do_v any_o duty_n we_o be_v command_v also_o to_o use_v all_o the_o mean_n that_o may_v further_o we_o towards_o the_o suitable_a performance_n thereof_o and_o this_o be_v a_o special_a mean_a requisite_a to_o the_o right_a performance_n of_o every_o duty_n it_o be_v therefore_o command_v in_o every_o other_o command_v duty_n we_o may_v inâ—ance_v it_o in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n this_o help_v a_o man_n to_o begin_v it_o aright_o it_o go_v along_o with_o he_o in_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o day_n and_o when_o it_o be_v over_o and_o by_o it_o help_v he_o to_o discover_v his_o â—ailings_n and_o short_a come_n and_o his_o act_n of_o grace_n where_o it_o be_v and_o spiritual_a attainment_n in_o these_o duty_n and_o to_o be_v according_o affect_v and_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o be_v à _fw-fr breach_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n both_o before_o and_o after_o and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o public_a or_o private_a or_o secret_a duty_n of_o worship_n call_v for_o on_o that_o day_n and_o so_o proportionable_o in_o other_o duty_n 4_o we_o may_v look_v upon_o it_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o be_v a_o nursery_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o evil_n it_o harbour_v end_n entertain_v lust_n it_o harden_v the_o heart_n strengthen_v security_n it_o cherish_v hypocrisy_n it_o bring_v on_o formality_n and_o impenitency_n it_o as_o it_o be_v lock_v up_o in_o presumption_n and_o carnal_a confidence_n it_o wear_v man_n out_o from_o under_o the_o awe_n of_o god_n and_o from_o under_o all_o due_a respect_n to_o conscience_n the_o man_n that_o make_v conscience_n of_o self-examination_n will_v be_v afraid_a of_o a_o challenge_n but_o he_o that_o use_v not_o and_o care_v not_o to_o examine_v himself_o pull_v as_o it_o be_v the_o bridle_n out_o of_o his_o own_o head_n run_v at_o random_n give_v himself_o up_o and_o lay_v himself_o open_a to_o every_o sin_n and_o temptation_n without_o fear_n of_o challenge_n and_o if_o you_o will_v look_v well_o about_o you_o and_o observe_v narrow_o will_v you_o not_o find_v that_o the_o man_n that_o rush_v impetuous_o into_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n as_o the_o horse_n rush_v into_o the_o bâ—ttel_n be_v very_o ready_o he_o that_o quite_o neglect_v and_o despise_v this_o duty_n of_o examination_n of_o his_o way_n by_o his_o conscience_n or_o before_o the_o tribunal_n thereof_o and_o when_o i_o pray_v be_v person_n most_o tender_a or_o untender_a be_v it_o not_o when_o they_o be_v most_o impartial_a or_o most_o partial_a in_o this_o work_n of_o set_v themselves_o down_o to_o take_v a_o serious_a review_n of_o their_o case_n and_o way_n and_o â—illing_v themselves_o before_o their_o conscience_n to_o review_v the_o sentence_n thereof_o as_o for_o the_o 3d._a thing_n propose_v to_o be_v speak_v of_o viz._n the_o cause_n of_o this_o so_o abominable_a and_o gross_o sinful_a neglect_n they_o may_v easy_o and_o soon_o be_v find_v out_o if_o we_o know_v and_o consider_v what_o a_o nature_n we_o have_v so_o very_o averse_a from_o true_a holiness_n yea_o the_o more_o sublime_o holy_a and_o spiritual_a that_o duty_n be_v the_o more_o averse_a natural_o be_v we_o from_o they_o as_o its_o much_o easy_a to_o bring_v a_o man_n to_o the_o profession_n than_o it_o be_v to_o bring_v he_o to_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n so_o be_v it_o much_o more_o easieto_fw-la bring_v a_o man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o many_o external_a duty_n thereof_o then_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o one_o inward_a duty_n it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o â—neding_a knife_n to_o corruption_n bring_v a_o man_n to_o strict_a at_o the_o very_a rooâ—_n and_o life_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o set_n of_o he_o on_o the_o black-stone_n learning_n he_o be_v the_o more_o averse_a from_o it_o we_o may_v add_v to_o this_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o influence_n that_o the_o devil_n have_v on_o we_o in_o this_o neglect_n who_o know_v well_o how_o prejudicial_a to_o he_o to_o his_o kingdom_n and_o interest_n and_o how_o advantageous_a to_o the_o sinner_n this_o duty_n be_v he_o labour_v mighty_o to_o hold_v all_o in_o confusion_n and_o to_o keep_v the_o soul_n fast_o asleep_a as_o that_o which_o contribut_v much_o if_o not_o most_o to_o the_o gain_n of_o his_o point_n for_o he_o know_v by_o experience_n very_o gall_v to_o he_o that_o self-examination_n awake_v a_o man_n and_o give_v he_o a_o view_n of_o himself_o and_o put_v he_o to_o think_v how_o he_o may_v be_v rescue_v from_o this_o destrover_n and_o therefore_o he_o do_v in_o a_o special_a manner_n hate_n abhor_v and_o set_v himself_o against_o it_o and_o though_o he_o will_v suffer_v a_o man_n to_o do_v many_o other_o religious_a duty_n yet_o he_o labour_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o keep_v he_o from_o this_o duty_n because_o it_o helpâ—_n much_o through_o grace_n to_o make_v he_o cast_v out_o with_o himself_o and_o his_o own_o way_n and_o so_o make_v satan_n in_o a_o manner_n hopeless_a of_o he_o more_o particular_o we_o may_v assign_v these_o cause_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o people_n own_o practice_n the_o 1._o whereof_o be_v 〈◊〉_d that_o many_o man_n and_o woman_n live_v so_o that_o their_o life_n can_v abide_v the_o trial_n he_o that_o do_v evil_a say_v the_o lord_n john_n 3._o hate_v the_o light_n neither_o 〈◊〉_d unto_o the_o 〈◊〉_d test_n his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o a_o malefactor_n desire_v not_o to_o come_v before_o the_o 〈◊〉_d and_o it_o be_v as_o little_a wonder_n that_o a_o man_n or_o woman_n that_o live_v a_o sinful_a and_o evil_a life_n deâ—ire_v not_o to_o come_v before_o their_o conscience_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o many_o dare_v not_o go_v to_o their_o conscience_n because_o it_o never_o speak_v good_a but_o evil_a to_o they_o as_o indeed_o it_o have_v no_o other_o reason_n and_o on_o that_o account_n they_o even_o hate_v it_o as_o achab_n do_v the_o prophet_n micajah_n of_o who_o he_o say_v i_o hate_v he_o because_o he_o never_o prophecy_v good_a but_o evil_n to_o i_o and_o that_o they_o will_v rather_o consult_v flâ—sh_a and_o blood_n their_o own_o inclination_n and_o affection_n than_o their_o conscience_n in_o a_o particular_a because_o they_o dread_v it_o will_v speak_v evil_a to_o they_o especial_o when_o they_o know_v that_o there_o be_v something_o palpable_o wrong_v in_o their_o way_n for_o in_o that_o case_n they_o conclude_v it_o will_v gloum_n on_o they_o and_o gall_v they_o and_o even_o prick_v they_o in_o the_o quick_a a_o second_o reason_n be_v because_o folk_n make_v not_o this_o work_n of_o self-examination_n habitual_a to_o themselves_o but_o delay_n and_o put_v off_o time_n till_o their_o case_n become_v so_o ravel_v and_o consuse_v that_o they_o be_v afraid_a to_o meddle_v with_o it_o and_o though_o they_o shall_v they_o grow_v heartless_a and_o out_o of_o hope_n to_o get_v it_o right_v just_o like_a man_n that_o can_v endure_v to_o adjust_a their_o account_n which_o they_o have_v suffer_v negligent_o to_o run_v long_o on_o and_o into_o great_a confusion_n a_o 3d._a cause_n may_v be_v this_o which_o respect_v believer_n in_o christ_n that_o even_o where_o person_n make_v conscience_n of_o their_o way_n there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o foolish_a precipitancy_n and_o haste_n make_v they_o be_v dispose_v to_o think_v that_o examination_n of_o themselves_o take_v up_o much_o of_o their_o time_n and_o that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o spend_v it_o in_o prayer_n or_o in_o read_v than_o that_o way_n not_o consider_v that_o its_o much_o better_a to_o have_v some_o little_a thing_n of_o religion_n solid_a then_o to_o have_v a_o great_a bulk_n of_o many_o duty_n without_o solidiâ—y_n or_o with_o very_o little_a of_o it_o these_o be_v like_a to_o the_o builder_n of_o a_o house_n who_o rickle_v up_o stone_n without_o square_a and_o ruâ—e_a and_o without_o mortar_n which_o possible_o fall_v and_o come_v down_o ere_o he_o come_v at_o the_o top_n of_o it_o a_o foolish_a haste_n to_o be_v forward_o make_v our_o work_n in_o religion_n to_o be_v oftentimes_o very_o unsolid_a alace_o â—ts_v not_o what_o bâ—lk_n we_o have_v not_o how_o soon_o we_o come_v to_o have_v it_o but_o what_o solidity_n and_o sickernesse_n we_o have_v that_o will_v give_v we_o peace_n comfort_n oâ—_n joy_n our_o common_a proverb_n hold_v true_a here_o that_o work_n
or_o thing_n that_o be_v well_o do_v be_v soon_o do_v a_o four_o cause_o may_v be_v which_o also_o respect_v even_a believer_n that_o we_o be_v dispose_v to_o think_v if_o we_o be_v always_o about_o some_o duty_n it_o matter_n not_o so_o much_o what_o duty_n it_o be_v and_o hence_o it_o often_o come_v â—o_o pass_v that_o the_o time_n that_o shall_v be_v spend_v in_o self-examination_n we_o spend_v it_o in_o prayer_n reading_z or_o conference_n which_o ready_o go_v the_o worse_a with_o uâ—_n that_o examination_n be_v so_o much_o neglect_v therefore_o there_o will_v be_v wariness_n and_o circumspection_n here_o because_o that_o which_o give_v peace_n be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v much_o in_o duty_n as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v in_o the_o duty_n that_o we_o be_v call_v â—o_o for_o the_o time_n there_o be_v a_o link_a of_o duty_n to_o another_o in_o a_o christian_a walk_n as_o so_o many_o jewel_n precious-stone_n or_o pearl_n in_o a_o chain_n necklace_n or_o bracelet_n so_o as_o they_o strengthen_v and_o help_v one_o another_o meditation_n help_v prayer_n and_o prayer_n self-examination_n and_o self-examination_n help_v prayer_n and_o every_o other_o duty_n and_o that_o which_o beautify_v and_o adorn_v the_o chain_n of_o a_o tender_a christian_a walk_n be_v the_o order_n and_o set_v of_o every_o duty_n in_o its_o own_o place_n every_o thing_n be_v beautiful_a in_o its_o own_o season_n and_o place_n thus_o the_o bless_a man_n be_v say_v psal._n 1_o to_o bring_v forth_o his_o fruit_n in_o his_o season_n in_o the_o four_o place_v according_a to_o the_o method_n propose_v we_o will_v very_o brief_o give_v you_o a_o few_o direction_n for_o facilitate_v the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o for_o make_v it_o successful_a and_o profitable_a and_o to_o this_o purpose_n 1._o learn_v to_o make_v conscience_n of_o all_o the_o piece_n and_o step_n of_o your_o way_n and_o this_o will_v give_v you_o the_o better_a heart_n to_o look_v back_o on_o it_o if_o christian_n be_v tender_a in_o their_o walk_n it_o will_v bread_n ease_v to_o they_o in_o this_o duty_n in_o two_o respect_n 1._o it_o will_v make_v it_o sweet_a and_o refresh_a not_o have_v a_o evil_a and_o challenge_v conscience_n to_o meet_v with_o 2._o it_o will_v leave_v some_o savoury_a impression_n of_o the_o duty_n upon_o they_o which_o help_v to_o reflect_v with_o profit_n whereas_o when_o they_o post_v through_o duty_n to_o speak_v so_o and_o when_o they_o have_v do_v know_v not_o what_o they_o have_v be_v do_v how_o can_v they_o reflect_v a_o second_o direction_n be_v you_o will_v be_v much_o in_o lay_v out_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o your_o way_n before_o god_n in_o prayer_n you_o will_v not_o only_o be_v much_o in_o the_o petiâ—_n parâ—_n of_o prayer_n but_o also_o much_o in_o confession_n in_o read_v over_o as_o it_o be_v the_o legend_n of_o your_o life_n to_o god_n hearty_a acknowledge_v his_o grace_n in_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o righâ—_n and_o humble_o take_v with_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o wrong_v for_o when_o â—e_a study_n to_o look_v over_o and_o review_v your_o â—ay_n in_o prayer_n it_o help_v you_o to_o get_v the_o better_a and_o more_o impartial_a sight_n of_o the_o particular_n thereof_o in_o exam_n nation_n and_o when_o you_o do_v not_o dwell_v in_o a_o manner_n on_o the_o thought_n of_o your_o way_n in_o prayer_n it_o make_v it_o the_o more_o uncouth_a and_o confuse_a to_o you_o in_o examination_n thus_o when_o the_o sabbath_n come_v we_o will_v be_v particular_a in_o confess_v to_o god_n in_o prayer_n the_o sin_n that_o haunt_v we_o that_o day_n and_o this_o will_v help_v to_o examination_n and_o examination_n will_v help_v to_o be_v yet_o more_o particular_a in_o prayer_n 3_o as_o for_o other_o durke_n so_o for_o this_o you_o will_v have_v your_o set_a time_n of_o purpose_n i_o say_v for_o this_o duty_n as_o well_o as_o for_o prayer_n and_o will_v let_v no_o other_o duty_n shuffle_v it_o out_o of_o its_o own_o place_n and_o season_n for_o when_o we_o leave_v the_o time_n thereof_o at_o a_o uncertainty_n we_o ready_o shiâ—t_v and_o neglect_v it_o as_o in_o prayer_n though_o we_o will_v observe_v and_o take_v hold_v of_o all_o providential_a opportunity_n for_o it_o yet_o that_o do_v not_o hinder_v but_o we_o have_v and_o shall_v have_v our_o particular_a set_a time_n for_o it_o so_o ought_v it_o to_o be_v here_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v psal._n 4._o commune_fw-la with_o your_o heart_n or_o examine_v your_o seâ—ves_n upon_o your_o bed_n 4_o this_o set_a time_n will_v be_v when_o person_n be_v most_o fresh_a and_o fit_a for_o the_o duty_n and_o have_v the_o waite_v opportunity_n to_o insist_v in_o and_o to_o dwell_v on_o it_o and_o to_o follow_v it_o till_o they_o be_v suitable_o affect_v with_o it_o and_o till_o somewhat_o of_o it_o be_v reach_v for_o when_o we_o straiten_v ourselves_o and_o take_v not_o such_o a_o time_n as_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o duty_n we_o will_v not_o get_v it_o follow_v out_o to_o any_o purpose_n and_o 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vain_a or_o thought_n of_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v at_o another_o time_n profitable_a but_o at_o that_o time_n impertinent_a 6_o in_o your_o review_n of_o your_o condition_n or_o in_o your_o self-examination_n endeavour_v to_o find_v out_o and_o acknowledge_v the_o good_a as_o well_o as_o the_o evil_a that_o be_v in_o it_o and_o to_o find_v out_o the_o evil_a as_o well_o as_o the_o good_a and_o to_o â—e_v answerable_o affect_v with_o joy_n and_o thanksgiving_n for_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o with_o grief_n and_o sorrow_n for_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a 7_o endeavour_v to_o have_v yourself_o examination_n always_o in_o the_o close_a of_o it_o leave_v some_o kindly_a impression_n of_o your_o own_o sinfulness_n and_o unworthiness_n and_o of_o the_o necessity_n usefulness_n and_o worth_n of_o god_n grace_n on_o you_o and_o lay_v and_o leave_v you_o at_o christ_n foot_n for_o a_o remedy_n of_o every_o thing_n amiss_o in_o your_o condition_n this_o be_v â—he_v great_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o of_o all_o we_o have_v discourse_v on_o it_o even_o to_o send_v we_o to_o châ—ist_v and_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o it_o to_o leave_v we_o on_o he_o which_o will_v make_v the_o exercise_n of_o it_o heart_n some_o pleasant_a and_o profitable_a to_o we_o sermon_n iu._n 2_o cor._n 1._o 12._o for_o our_o rejoice_v be_v this_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n that_o in_o 〈◊〉_d and_o godly_a sincerity_n not_o with_o fleshly_a wisdom_n but_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o have_v have_v our_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o more_o abundant_o to_o you_o ward_v there_o be_v hardly_o any_o thing_n excellent_a and_o very_o singular_o profitable_a to_o man_n but_o it_o have_v some_o more_o than_o ordinary_a difficulty_n in_o the_o way_n of_o come_v at_o it_o notwithstanding_o whereof_o they_o be_v not_o deter_v nor_o detain_v from_o pursue_v after_o it_o the_o consideration_n of_o its_o excellency_n with_o the_o expectation_n of_o the_o great_a income_n of_o advantage_n and_o profit_n by_o it_o make_v they_o the_o more_o easy_o comport_v with_o the_o difficulty_n of_o it_o and_o to_o think_v all_o their_o labour_n well_o bestow_v in_o overcome_v that_o difficulty_n so_o we_o may_v true_o say_v of_o the_o serious_a exercise_n of_o godliness_n that_o it_o be_v so_o transcendent_o excellent_a as_o be_v that_o which_o beautiful_o conform_v the_o rational_a to_o the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o capacitat_v the_o same_o to_o enjoy_v fellowship_n with_o he_o wherein_o its_o true_a glory_n and_o excellency_n incontrovertible_o consist_v and_o so_o very_o profitable_a even_o profitable_a to_o all_o thing_n as_o nothing_o else_o in_o the_o world_n be_v have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o