stand_v or_o fall_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o conscience_n as_o if_o conscience_n judge_v they_o to_o be_v or_o not_o be_v law_n give_v or_o deprive_v they_o of_o their_o obligatory_a power_n but_o that_o if_o there_o be_v sufficient_a light_n to_o make_v it_o out_o to_o conscience_n not_o witting_o and_o willing_o prejudice_v and_o blind_v that_o this_o be_v or_o be_v not_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n supreme_a or_o subordinate_a according_o it_o be_v or_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o receive_v and_o own_v this_o as_o law_n for_o if_o it_o be_v clear_a to_o any_o rational_a consideration_n what_o the_o legislator_n mind_n be_v with_o his_o intention_n to_o bind_v to_o observance_n this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a promulgation_n and_o do_v immediate_o find_v the_o obligatoriness_n to_o we_o in_o short_a a_o unknowable_a law_n bind_v none_o because_o not_o to_o be_v and_o not_o to_o be_v know_v or_o knowable_a be_v to_o we_o all_o one_o but_o as_o soon_o as_o know_v the_o law_n bind_v the_o knower_n for_o as_o dr._n saunderson_n well_o determine_v the_o present_a light_n in_o the_o mind_n for_o the_o time_n be_v be_v the_o next_o and_o immediate_a rule_n of_o conscience_n though_o not_o the_o supreme_a and_o adequate_a and_o if_o this_o light_n be_v derive_v from_o and_o conformable_a to_o its_o prime_a and_o high_a rule_n the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o nature_n or_o scripture_n in_o act_v according_a to_o it_o it_o be_v a_o good_a and_o right_a conscience_n but_o bad_a when_o act_v against_o its_o light_n and_o sentiment_n though_o they_o be_v erroneous_a i._n e._n contrary_a to_o the_o reveal_v mind_n of_o god_n for_o a_o err_a conscience_n hamper_v and_o entangle_v a_o man_n though_o it_o real_o oblige_v not_o because_o the_o man_n judge_n that_o real_o to_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n which_o be_v indeed_o a_o error_n though_o to_o he_o unknown_a so_o to_o be_v final_o act_v against_o a_o err_a conscience_n be_v formal_o evil_a thongh_v material_o good_a act_v according_o to_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n be_v formal_o good_a but_o material_o evil_a act_v against_o a_o well_o inform_v conscience_n both_o material_o and_o formal_o evil_a therefore_o that_o a_o man_n may_v act_v without_o present_a and_o future_a rebuke_n of_o conscience_n both_o his_o light_n and_o his_o act_n must_v be_v according_a to_o rule_v for_o then_o only_o it_o be_v both_o material_o and_o formal_o good_a and_o except_o it_o be_v both_o it_o be_v not_o acceptable_a to_o god_n except_o it_o be_v both_o the_o man_n be_v not_o though_o he_o may_v fancy_n himself_o to_o be_v real_o innocent_a 3._o where_o therefore_o both_o to_o obey_v and_o disobey_v be_v questionable_a a_o man_n must_v not_o sin_v against_o his_o conscience_n doubt_v about_o the_o matter_n command_v to_o avoid_v sin_v against_o his_o conscience_n doubt_v about_o the_o authority_n command_v for_o both_o be_v careful_o to_o be_v eschew_v but_o 1._o if_o the_o command_n require_v not_o present_a observance_n but_o permit_v a_o suspense_n for_o a_o season_n a_o man_n must_v diligent_o use_v all_o mean_n with_o all_o speed_n and_o readiness_n of_o mind_n to_o get_v his_o doubt_n one_o way_n or_o other_o resolve_v out_o of_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n for_o that_o which_o tie_v conscience_n must_v loose_v it_o or_o it_o be_v fast_o for_o ever_o as_o it_o have_v a_o rule_n to_o bind_v so_o it_o must_v have_v a_o rule_n to_o unbind_v it_o pretend_a conscience_n without_o rule_n be_v but_o conceit_n conscience_n against_o rule_n corruption_n 2._o if_o no_o time_n be_v allow_v for_o suspense_n or_o if_o in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o utmost_a mean_n no_o resolution_n can_v be_v obtain_v a_o man_n must_v quiet_o and_o patient_o submit_v to_o the_o penalty_n to_o suffer_v though_o for_o a_o err_a conscience_n be_v no_o sin_n if_o the_o best_a have_v be_v do_v to_o direct_v it_o aright_o but_o it_o be_v always_o a_o sin_n to_o act_v against_o conscience_n whether_o resolve_v or_o doubt_v as_o a_o evident_a and_o impudent_a affront_a the_o real_a or_o suppose_a authority_n of_o god_n own_a by_o conscience_n if_o then_o the_o authority_n and_o power_n set_v over_o thou_o be_v good_a and_o command_v lawful_a thing_n thou_o must_v be_v subject_a in_o active_a obedience_n else_o thou_o sin_v both_o against_o god_n and_o the_o king_n and_o thy_o conscience_n too_o if_o it_o know_v they_o to_o be_v such_o if_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n be_v erroneous_a heretical_a wicked_a tyrannical_a thou_o must_v be_v still_o subject_a in_o active_a obedience_n to_o their_o lawful_a command_n in_o passive_a to_o their_o unlawful_a to_o a_o tyrant_n with_o title_n both_o in_o body_n and_o mind_n to_o a_o tyrant_n without_o title_n in_o body_n for_o thy_o mind_n and_o heart_n must_v follow_v the_o title_n and_o right_n though_o thy_o outward_a man_n be_v enslave_v to_o the_o usurpation_n subjection_n then_o be_v absolute_o indispensible_a to_o all_o power_n whatsoever_o even_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o parent_n and_o child_n master_n and_o servant_n which_o therefore_o be_v together_o with_o prince_n and_o people_n etc._n etc._n comprehend_v under_o one_o general_a name_n in_o the_o five_o command_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o inferior_n under_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o honour_n that_o we_o may_v rational_o carry_v the_o particular_a instance_n of_o that_o honour_n from_o any_o one_o sort_n to_o all_o the_o rest_n respective_o mutatis_fw-la mutandis_fw-la and_o possible_o this_o may_v be_v one_o reason_n of_o st._n peter_n subjoyn_v the_o duty_n of_o servant_n immediate_o after_o those_o of_o subject_n 1_o epist_n 2.13_o he_o require_v submission_n to_o king_n etc._n etc._n 1._o for_o the_o lord_n sake_n 2._o as_o the_o will_n of_o god_n ver_fw-la 15.3_o account_v this_o a_o well_o do_v which_o 4._o will_v silence_v the_o ignorance_n of_o foolish_a men._n then_o that_o servant_n be_v subject_a with_o all_o fear_n not_o only_o to_o the_o good_a and_o gentle_a but_o even_o froward_a master_n as_o 1._o thankworthy_a 2._o a_o exercise_n of_o conscience_n towards_o god_n ver_fw-la 19_o though_o they_o suffer_v wrongful_o and_o 3._o honourable_a though_o it_o be_v no_o honour_n to_o bear_v buffet_n for_o fault_n ver_fw-la 20.4_o acceptable_a to_o god_n 5._o a_o thing_n to_o which_o christian_n be_v call_v 6._o a_o piece_n of_o conformity_n to_o christ_n ver_fw-la 20._o these_o be_v precept_n plain_a enough_o and_o as_o strong_o enforce_v with_o argument_n that_o a_o man_n have_v need_v to_o be_v secure_a that_o he_o have_v a_o ample_a and_o clear_a demonstration_n of_o a_o release_n from_o the_o obligation_n of_o they_o if_o he_o intend_v not_o to_o violate_v his_o conscience_n in_o a_o nonobservance_n of_o they_o from_o servant_n parity_n nay_o superiority_n of_o reason_n will_v carry_v the_o rule_n to_o subject_n in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o public_a be_v a_o more_o noble_a and_o necessary_a end_n than_o that_o of_o a_o private_a family_n and_o the_o neglect_n thereof_o more_o fatal_a and_o dangerous_a issue_v in_o blood_n ruin_n and_o confusion_n and_o now_o see_v law_n so_o strict_a and_o severe_a be_v impose_v upon_o inferior_n by_o god_n necessitate_v their_o obedience_n a_o singular_a prudence_n tenderness_n and_o conscience_n be_v require_v in_o superior_n as_o they_o respect_v their_o own_o salvation_n to_o see_v that_o they_o impose_v nothing_o by_o their_o authority_n that_o may_v entangle_v man_n in_o sin_n or_o snare_n as_o understand_v that_o they_o be_v only_a lord_n over_o their_o outward_a man_n not_o their_o conscience_n and_o that_o compulsion_n to_o sin_n render_v the_o compeller_n a_o principal_a and_o therefore_o if_o he_o reform_v not_o liable_a to_o a_o great_a share_n of_o the_o damnation_n however_o the_o subject_a party_n may_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n obey_v as_o in_o pay_v unreasonable_a tax_n where_o the_o supreme_a do_v not_o maintain_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o command_v but_o grievous_o sin_n both_o against_o man_n and_o god_n i_o have_v make_v a_o large_a excursion_n if_o that_o be_v not_o a_o impertinent_a word_n in_o so_o pertinent_a a_o case_n 1._o to_o obviate_v a_o slander_n as_o though_o we_o general_o entertain_v odd_a and_o unsound_a principle_n contrary_a to_o the_o duty_n of_o subject_n 2._o to_o direct_v the_o tender_a part_n of_o man_n in_o the_o tender_a point_n of_o general_n and_o present_a concernment_n 3._o to_o correct_v the_o unsound_a and_o unsafe_a principle_n of_o two_o extreme_n 1._o of_o some_o who_o needless_o to_o advance_v authority_n do_v too_o much_o debase_v conscience_n 2._o of_o other_o who_o in_o a_o ungrounded_a deference_n to_o conscience_n too_o much_o depreciate_v and_o depress_v authority_n i_o hearty_o subscribe_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o rom._n 13._o
christian_n every_o where_o call_v brethren_n even_o by_o those_o who_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o particular_a congregation_n act_v 10.23_o and_o 11.29_o and_o 14.2_o and_o 15.1_o 3_o 23_o 32_o 33_o 40._o and_o 16.2_o etc._n etc._n i_o challenge_v all_o the_o world_n to_o give_v but_o one_o instance_n out_o of_o the_o bible_n where_o christian_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n be_v not_o style_v and_o own_v under_o the_o name_n of_o brethren_n by_o any_o one_o or_o more_o person_n of_o another_o congregation_n though_o of_o different_a nation_n nay_o where_o christian_n though_o not_o embody_v as_o they_o phrase_v it_o be_v not_o so_o call_v as_o act_n 28.14_o etc._n etc._n all_o then_o that_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o same_o heavenly_a calling_n be_v holy_a brethren_n heb._n 3.1_o and_o this_o title_n be_v not_o at_o all_o give_v to_o christian_n with_o relation_n to_o a_o particular_a church_n but_o only_o the_o catholic_n and_o upon_o common_a catholic_n ground_n and_o no_o other_o since_o then_o the_o whole_a community_n of_o christian_n must_v be_v acknowledge_v for_o brethren_n love_v they_o as_o brethren_n have_v compassion_n one_o of_o another_o be_v pitiful_a be_v courteous_a not_o render_v evil_a for_o evil_n or_o rail_v for_o rail_v but_o contrariwise_o blessing_n know_v that_o you_o be_v thereunto_o call_v that_o you_o shall_v inherit_v a_o blessing_n 1_o pet._n 3.8_o 9_o for_o 1_o joh._n 3.14_o we_o know_v that_o we_o have_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n because_o we_o love_v the_o brethren_n he_o that_o love_v not_o his_o brother_n abide_v in_o death_n ver_fw-la 15._o be_v a_o homicide_n ver_fw-la 10._o be_v not_o of_o god_n but_o manifest_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n chap._n 4.20_o can_v love_v god_n and_o sure_o if_o even_a enemy_n must_v be_v love_v that_o we_o may_v be_v like_o our_o father_n matth._n 5.44_o 45._o and_o brotherly_a love_n be_v extend_v to_o stranger_n as_o the_o coherence_n in_o heb._n 13.1_o seem_v to_o evince_v but_o the_o duty_n enjoin_v there_o with_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o much_o more_o viz._n entertain_v they_o as_o we_o will_v do_v angel_n neighbour_n may_v challenge_v it_o upon_o a_o strong_a ground_n and_o brethren_n most_o of_o all_o and_o that_o in_o such_o degree_n as_o take_v in_o all_o thing_n from_o the_o mean_a office_n to_o the_o very_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n for_o they_o 1_o joh._n 3.16_o 1.26_o jam._n 1.26_o if_o the_o not_o bridle_v a_o ferocient_fw-la tongue_n render_v a_o man_n religion_n vain_a let_v those_o with_o tremble_a measure_n the_o consequence_n who_o neither_o will_v govern_v tongue_n nor_o heart_n last_o that_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n comprehend_v within_o the_o confine_n of_o any_o particular_a kingdom_n be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o more_o immediate_a object_n of_o every_o individual_a subject_n or_o member_n christian_n honour_n love_n care_n and_o respect_n to_o be_v manifest_v by_o his_o prayer_n for_o it_o communion_n with_o it_o defence_n of_o it_o and_o obedience_n to_o it_o in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n seek_v its_o good_a in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o lawful_a mean_n with_o a_o religious_a care_n and_o caution_n neither_o to_o say_v nor_o do_v nor_o allow_v and_o permit_v any_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v hinder_v to_o be_v say_v or_o do_v to_o its_o prejudice_n for_o what_o be_v do_v for_o or_o against_o a_o part_n redound_v to_o the_o whole_a 1_o cor._n 12.26_o and_o this_o be_v to_o be_v public_a spirit_v viz._n to_o embrace_v the_o public_a with_o a_o universal_a love_n care_n and_o endeavour_v active_a for_o its_o good_a preventive_a of_o its_o hurt_a and_o damage_n deplore_a its_o corruption_n and_o misery_n labour_v with_o affectionate_a industry_n to_o remedy_n and_o heal_v they_o upon_o these_o principle_n the_o old_a nonconformist_n bradshaw_n hildersham_n ball_n etc._n etc._n and_o many_o of_o the_o late_a edition_n love_v respect_a defend_v and_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o congregation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n where_o they_o can_v as_o appear_v by_o their_o public_a write_n and_o know_v practice_n notwithstanding_o the_o bitter_a reproach_n and_o censure_n of_o some_o few_o who_o i_o wish_v have_v as_o well_o study_v the_o case_n it_o be_v a_o great_a impertinency_n and_o folly_n for_o i_o here_o to_o engage_v in_o a_o defence_n of_o that_o which_o have_v have_v and_o yet_o have_v so_o many_o more_o able_a advocate_n though_o if_o i_o do_v not_o forget_v and_o flatter_v myself_o something_n occur_v which_o near_o touch_v the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n yet_o not_o observe_v by_o any_o and_o i_o will_v not_o betray_v that_o which_o for_o the_o main_a my_o conscience_n tell_v i_o be_v a_o good_a cause_n with_o so_o short_a and_o imperfect_a a_o plea_n as_o the_o strait_n of_o a_o little_a chapter_n confine_v i_o to_o therefore_o in_o prosecution_n of_o my_o general_n design_n i_o shall_v only_o suggest_v something_o of_o a_o more_o common_a influence_n and_o wave_v particular_n till_o better_a occasion_n or_o call_v 1._o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v some_o i_o wish_v there_o be_v more_o thousand_o of_o as_o sober_a pious_a discreet_a judicious_a christian_n and_o hundred_o of_o as_o learned_a religious_a minister_n as_o europe_n afford_v who_o in_o their_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n seem_v to_o be_v abundant_o satisfy_v with_o and_o strong_o plead_v for_o its_o communion_n upon_o ground_n of_o very_a great_a moment_n to_o instance_n only_o in_o the_o late_a calm_a discourse_n of_o the_o reverend_a dean_n of_o norwich_n now_o for_o i_o or_o any_o man_n to_o send_v all_o these_o quick_a to_o hell_n as_o mere_a infidel_n or_o worse_a as_o without_o christ_n alien_n from_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n the_o true_a church_n stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n have_v no_o hope_n atheist_n in_o the_o world_n eph._n 2.12_o may_v discover_v what_o spirit_n we_o be_v of_o but_o will_v very_o little_o recommend_v our_o own_o christianity_n in_o observance_n of_o the_o rule_n phil._n 2.3_o rom._n 12.10.1_o cor._n 13.5_o 7._o 2._o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o dissenter_n agree_v in_o all_o the_o main_a substantial_o of_o christianity_n the_o difference_n only_o lie_v in_o a_o few_o controvert_v thing_n of_o very_o inconsiderable_a consequence_n in_o comparison_n the_o same_o christian_a doctrine_n in_o all_o the_o fundamental_a point_n the_o same_o general_a design_n to_o promote_v holiness_n of_o life_n the_o same_o worship_n in_o the_o essential_a form_n and_o matter_n and_o mean_n the_o same_o ministry_n of_o person_n separate_v to_o perform_v divine_a office_n in_o the_o same_o form_n of_o church_n viz._n congregational_a who_o be_v embody_v not_o mere_o by_o the_o civil_a sanction_n but_o consent_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o ordinance_n and_o minister_n of_o christ_n which_o with_o the_o departer_n i_o call_v they_o rather_o than_o dissenter_n constitute_v the_o explicit_fw-la covenant_n and_o essence_n of_o the_o ministerial_a call_n but_o differ_v only_o in_o a_o few_o circumstantial_a doctrine_n in_o external_a modes_n and_o rite_n dispute_v and_o disputable_a to_o the_o world_n end_n and_o shall_v so_o light_a matter_n alienate_v we_o embitter_v our_o spirit_n envenom_v our_o censure_n when_o we_o agree_v in_o the_o main_a ah_o sir_n shall_v god_n almighty_a thus_o mark_v iniquity_n who_o can_v stand_v do_v he_o appoint_v a_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n and_o infirmity_n hold_v communion_n with_o we_o notwithstanding_o they_o not_o impute_v they_o to_o we_o and_o shall_v such_o thing_n be_v unpardonable_a only_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o judge_v its_o own_o constitution_n the_o most_o excellent_a in_o the_o world_n and_o think_v it_o have_v as_o much_o to_o say_v against_o you_o as_o you_o against_o it_o as_o much_o to_o say_v for_o itself_o as_o you_o for_o yourselves_o which_o you_o can_v no_o more_o convince_v than_o it_o can_v you_o last_o to_o justify_v your_o departure_n nothing_o can_v be_v just_o allege_v but_o fear_n of_o sin_n in_o communion_n now_o nothing_o can_v determine_v what_o be_v what_o be_v not_o sin_n but_o god_n in_o his_o word_n you_o be_v then_o oblige_v to_o produce_v scripture_n as_o clear_a to_o prove_v communion_n a_o sin_n as_o it_o be_v clear_a from_o scripture_n that_o it_o be_v your_o duty_n to_o obey_v the_o magistrate_n in_o lawful_a thing_n for_o if_o the_o communion_n which_o he_o command_v be_v not_o unlawful_a you_o ought_v in_o conscience_n to_o obey_v he_o in_o it_o rom._n 13.5_o the_o general_n include_v the_o particular_a but_o i_o profess_v among_o all_o the_o write_n against_o communion_n i_o have_v not_o yet_o see_v any_o one_o or_o more_o scripture_n allege_v which_o apart_o or_o in_o conjunction_n will_v evident_o and_o certain_o bear_v such_o a_o consequence_n now_o turn_v we_o the_o
in_o the_o full_a latitude_n of_o its_o sense_n and_o ready_o acknowledge_v that_o rom._n 14._o follow_v after_o it_o but_o must_v not_o deny_v that_o the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o be_v part_n of_o canonical_a scripture_n of_o the_o christian_a law_n of_o perpetual_a obligation_n nor_o affirm_v that_o one_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o and_o abrogate_v the_o other_o the_o chief_a exercise_n of_o conscience_n towards_o man_n be_v towards_o the_o chief_a of_o men._n god_n vicegerent_n on_o earth_n may_v claim_v the_o first_o respect_n from_o his_o vicegerent_n in_o our_o soul_n but_o must_v not_o engross_v all_o entire_o we_o in_o conscience_n be_v oblige_v to_o a_o further_a duty_n to_o inferior_n and_o equal_n nay_o even_a enemy_n in_o all_o thing_n to_o seek_v their_o good_a that_o be_v righteousness_n in_o nothing_o to_o do_v they_o hurt_v that_o be_v innocency_n in_o every_o thing_n to_o please_v they_o for_o their_o good_a to_o edification_n rom._n 15.1_o 2_o 3._o that_n perfection_n it_o be_v true_a i_o be_o a_o devil_n if_o i_o humour_v man_n in_o their_o lust_n indulge_v they_o in_o their_o impiety_n and_o sensuality_n a_o dog_n if_o i_o fawn_v upon_o and_o flatter_v they_o in_o their_o extravagance_n for_o my_o own_o end_n a_o senseless_a unprofitable_a block_n if_o i_o be_v altogether_o unconcern_v my_o first_o care_n must_v be_v not_o to_o lead_v they_o into_o sin_n or_o temptation_n my_o next_o to_o induce_v they_o to_o love_n and_o practice_v goodness_n always_o have_v a_o eye_n at_o their_o temporal_a good_a as_o well_o as_o spiritual_a though_o this_o main_o else_o shall_v i_o violate_v a_o divine_a law_n gal._n 6.10_o and_o therefore_o violate_v my_o innocency_n and_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o my_o comfort_n i_o be_o oblige_v to_o give_v no_o offence_n to_o jew_n gentile_n nor_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 10.32_o not_o to_o put_v a_o stumbling-block_n or_o occasion_n of_o fall_v in_o my_o brother_n way_n rom._n 14.13_o and_o a_o most_o dreadful_o severe_a sanction_n urge_v and_o enforce_v this_o law_n against_o offence_n matth._n 18.7_o by_o scandal_n or_o offence_n to_o man_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v what_o mere_o tend_v to_o displease_v but_o to_o defile_v word_n or_o deed_n or_o omission_n induce_v other_o to_o sin_n either_o by_o act_v against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o conscience_n or_o forbear_v to_o do_v their_o duty_n the_o world_n be_v at_o such_o a_o pass_n that_o a_o man_n can_v do_v nothing_o but_o it_o will_v displease_v and_o even_a professor_n of_o the_o high_a form_n in_o their_o own_o imagination_n who_o therefore_o shall_v be_v more_o candid_a and_o aequanimous_a bitter_o storm_n and_o censure_v other_o who_o will_v not_o both_o against_o their_o reason_n and_o conscience_n please_v they_o in_o their_o unreasonable_a humour_n this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v value_v at_o all_o i_o own_o light_n and_o reason_n must_v be_v the_o principle_n to_o guide_v my_o conscience_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o such_o method_n of_o please_a man_n for_o their_o good_a to_o edification_n rom._n 15.1_o which_o by_o god_n grace_n i_o will_v endeavour_v that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v one_o of_o the_o brand_a men-pleasers_a gal._n 1.10_o and_o plague_v my_o own_o soul_n for_o ever_o by_o please_v another_o for_o his_o hurt_n and_o to_o his_o damnation_n if_o any_o man_n think_v to_o impose_v his_o judgement_n fancy_n or_o humour_n upon_o i_o as_o the_o guide_n of_o my_o conscience_n herein_o he_o real_o scandalise_v i_o if_o he_o do_v not_o convince_v i_o out_o of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o sole_a rule_n of_o conscience_n he_o lay_v a_o stumbling-block_n before_o i_o to_o induce_v i_o to_o sin_n mere_o that_o i_o may_v gratify_v his_o imperiousness_n pride_n and_o capriciousness_n i_o will_v keep_v my_o way_n and_o follow_v my_o light_n and_o my_o rule_n if_o any_o be_v displease_v with_o it_o let_v they_o bark_v on_o and_o bite_v too_o it_o hurt_v i_o not_o i_o will_v give_v away_o my_o good_n and_o my_o labour_n and_o my_o liberty_n yea_o and_o even_o my_o life_n as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o please_v so_o as_o spiritual_o to_o profit_v but_o give_v away_o my_o light_n my_o rule_n my_o conscience_n i_o will_v not_o i_o dare_v not_o i_o can_v it_o be_v a_o double_a scandal_n give_v first_o to_o i_o when_o man_n will_v thus_o bias_n i_o to_o a_o blind_a servitude_n unto_o their_o will_n another_o to_o they_o when_o in_o a_o fond_a assentatiousness_n i_o become_v a_o pander_n to_o their_o lascivient_fw-la humour_n and_o imperious_a imagination_n my_o soul_n be_v of_o a_o more_o noble_a extraction_n and_o temper_n than_o to_o debase_v itself_o to_o the_o turn-skin_n trade_n of_o a_o parasite_n like_o a_o serpent_n with_o the_o same_o tongue_n to_o lick_v and_o kill_v or_o great_a alexander_n miss_n who_o be_v feed_v with_o nothing_o but_o poison_n that_o her_o kiss_n may_v be_v deleterious_a and_o murder_v he_o no_o light_a will_v my_o crime_n be_v shall_v i_o violate_v my_o conscience_n in_o be_v a_o pleaser_n of_o man_n rather_o than_o god_n neither_o therefore_o in_o this_o nor_o any_o other_o way_n will_v i_o scandalize_v my_o brother_n know_o nor_o must_v he_o exercise_v that_o tyranny_n over_o my_o conscience_n as_o to_o give_v other_o law_n to_o it_o beside_o what_o god_n have_v prescribe_v in_o nature_n or_o scripture_n my_o practice_n shall_v be_v at_o his_o devotion_n as_o far_o as_o it_o do_v not_o entrench_v upon_o my_o due_o regulate_v judgement_n and_o wary_a will_v i_o be_v that_o no_o unweighed_a sentiment_n arrest_v my_o mind_n and_o misguide_v my_o conscience_n i_o will_v have_v a_o eye_n and_o a_o ear_n and_o a_o heart_n open_a to_o receive_v all_o truth_n free_o without_o prejudice_n or_o partiality_n and_o this_o from_o any_o hand_n whatever_o examine_v and_o prove_v all_o thing_n as_o full_o as_o the_o infirmity_n of_o my_o intellect_n will_v permit_v but_o a_o slavery_n to_o the_o opinion_n of_o man_n against_o the_o balance_n of_o my_o own_o clear_a and_o distinct_a reason_n i_o abhor_v 1._o i_o will_v not_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v every_o way_n indifferent_a if_o it_o be_v likely_a in_o itself_o or_o be_v find_v by_o experience_n of_o a_o tempt_a nature_n and_o tendency_n if_o any_o man_n either_o through_o the_o quality_n of_o my_o act_n or_o the_o power_n of_o my_o example_n in_o matter_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v draw_v into_o sin_n or_o if_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o he_o will_v upon_o such_o inducement_n either_o transgress_v the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o imitate_v i_o with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n here_o will_v i_o free_o forbear_v the_o use_n of_o my_o liberty_n to_o prevent_v his_o sin_n that_o i_o may_v not_o make_v it_o my_o own_o by_o participation_n but_o then_o i_o must_v not_o omit_v any_o know_a duty_n nor_o commit_v any_o know_a sin_n myself_o though_o possible_o it_o may_v prevent_v his_o sin_n for_o i_o must_v not_o venture_v my_o own_o soul_n by_o dishonour_v god_n to_o preserve_v ano_fw-la do_v evil_n that_o good_a may_v come_v rom._n 3.8_o 2._o but_o if_o in_o indifferent_a thing_n my_o liberty_n be_v determine_v as_o by_o the_o command_n of_o a_o lawful_a superior_a i_o be_o in_o a_o great_a strait_n for_o not_o to_o obey_v the_o magistrate_n in_o lawful_a thing_n be_v a_o sin_n and_o by_o my_o practice_n to_o induce_v my_o weak_a brother_n to_o sin_n in_o imitate_v i_o be_v also_o a_o sin_n what_o rule_n have_v my_o conscience_n in_o this_o perplexity_n it_o must_v be_v consider_v 1._o that_o my_o weak_a brother_n forbearance_n to_o obey_v in_o a_o lawful_a thing_n be_v a_o sin_n against_o god_n though_o not_o his_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o my_o forbearance_n will_v edify_v he_o in_o sin_n against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n that_o command_v obedience_n although_o it_o prevent_v the_o sin_n against_o his_o conscience_n and_o the_o error_n of_o this_o can_v null_n the_o sin_n against_o that_o so_o that_o forbear_v or_o not_o forbear_v i_o scandalize_v he_o in_o the_o one_o real_o in_o the_o other_o putative_o when_o he_o act_n against_o his_o conscience_n he_o think_v he_o sin_n against_o god_n in_o the_o matter_n do_v but_o do_v not_o in_o disobey_v authority_n he_o sin_n against_o god_n yet_o think_v it_o not_o in_o this_o he_o sin_v immediate_o against_o god_n because_o he_o disobey_v god_n civil_a vicegerent_n in_o public_a in_o the_o other_o he_o sin_v mediate_o against_o god_n because_o he_o disobey_v his_o spiritual_a vicegerent_n in_o private_a now_o i_o conceive_v that_o my_o way_n here_o be_v to_o do_v my_o duty_n in_o obey_v the_o magistrate_n wherein_o i_o sin_v not_o whereas_o i_o double_o sin_n if_o i_o do_v
eight_o of_o the_o clock_n morning_n and_o evening_n to_o join_v in_o family_n prayer_n etc._n etc._n no_o have_v you_o not_o impose_v a_o time_n it_o will_v have_v be_v lawful_a now_o it_o be_v not_o away_o with_o this_o foolery_n in_o civil_n then_o and_o circumstantial_o of_o spiritual_n the_o magistrate_n have_v a_o power_n not_o mere_o directive_n but_o legislative_a to_o who_o law_n all_o be_v oblige_v to_o be_v subject_a in_o conscience_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n the_o five_o command_n now_o suppose_v the_o magistrate_n by_o a_o settle_a law_n have_v enjoin_v some_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a which_o 1._o induce_v some_o to_o act_n against_o their_o doubt_a conscience_n for_o fear_v of_o penalty_n whereas_o 2._o other_o be_v well_o satisfy_v in_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o their_o obedience_n and_o according_o do_v actual_o obey_v but_o some_o may_v be_v induce_v by_o their_o example_n to_o obey_v with_o a_o hesitant_n conscience_n what_o be_v advisable_v 1._o though_o the_o great_a tenderness_n ought_v to_o be_v exercise_v towards_o man_n conscience_n and_o singular_a prudence_n be_v requisite_a in_o governor_n to_o direct_v they_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o law_n that_o they_o may_v obtain_v with_o the_o great_a inoffensiveness_n yet_o will_v not_o man_n be_v scandalize_v be_v a_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o a_o law_n or_o ground_n to_o reverse_v it_o unless_o the_o scandal_n be_v very_o general_a among_o the_o best_a and_o wise_a or_o something_o in_o the_o matter_n or_o sanction_n of_o the_o law_n be_v at_o least_o a_o moral_a cause_n thereof_o for_o what_o can_v so_o politic_o or_o wise_o be_v devise_v which_o man_n of_o soft_a head_n and_o hot_a heart_n may_v not_o make_v occasion_n of_o sin_n that_o there_o will_v never_o be_v a_o end_n of_o make_v and_o repeal_n law_n if_o man_n can_v but_o pretend_v scandal_n and_o who_o beside_o god_n know_v what_o be_v pretence_n mere_o what_o not_o 2._o if_o fear_n of_o the_o penalty_n occasion_n the_o scandal_n from_o a_o law_n about_o indifferent_n those_o be_v not_o faultless_a who_o have_v not_o proportion_v the_o penalty_n to_o the_o crime_n a_o indifferent_a tolerable_a pain_n to_o a_o indifferent_a fault_n 3._o yet_o to_o be_v scandalize_v or_o act_v against_o my_o conscience_n for_o fear_v of_o suffering_n be_v a_o sin_n the_o cause_n or_o inducement_n whereof_o will_v not_o excuse_v though_o it_o may_v extenuate_v it_o will_v it_o avail_v a_o man_n to_o say_v i_o violate_v my_o conscience_n through_o fear_n any_o more_o than_o i_o vitiate_v my_o neighbour_n wife_n through_o lust_n when_o the_o fear_n and_o lust_n themselves_o be_v sin_n as_o well_o as_o those_o they_o introduce_v therefore_o the_o rule_n be_v suffer_v rather_o than_o sin_n 4._o either_o it_o be_v evident_a de_fw-fr facto_fw-la that_o some_o be_v scandalize_v through_o a_o law_n or_o example_n or_o it_o be_v moral_o certain_a it_o will_v follow_v or_o probable_a or_o only_o possible_a this_o last_o and_o probability_n except_o the_o presumption_n be_v strong_a be_v not_o to_o be_v regard_v 1._o if_o the_o law_n can_v be_v reverse_v without_o prejudice_n to_o public_a order_n nor_o a_o dispensation_n obtain_v man_n must_v not_o defame_v law_n but_o submit_v for_o the_o law_n do_v not_o necessitate_v sin_n there_o be_v a_o outgate_n by_o suffer_v yet_o if_o the_o law_n be_v needless_a it_o be_v the_o first_o duty_n in_o the_o use_n of_o lawful_a mean_n to_o endeavour_v its_o abrogation_n or_o get_v a_o dispensation_n which_o if_o not_o feisible_a i_o say_v with_o calvin_n med_n instit_fw-la lib._n ult_n colt_n §._o 231._o med_n no_o other_o mandate_n be_v give_v we_o but_o of_o obey_v and_o suffer_v 2._o to_o obey_v the_o magistrate_n be_v a_o duty_n upon_o a_o affirmative_a precept_n which_o not_o bind_v ad_fw-la semper_fw-la if_o my_o obey_n induce_v my_o brother_n to_o sin_n out_o of_o tenderness_n i_o will_v suspend_v for_o a_o season_n though_o i_o suffer_v in_o the_o interim_n endeavour_v 1._o to_o give_v he_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o my_o practice_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o my_o duty_n which_o if_o it_o convince_v not_o 2._o to_o demonstrate_v that_o my_o practice_n enforce_v not_o his_o imitation_n since_o he_o may_v forbear_v and_o undergo_v the_o penalty_n as_o i_o have_v be_v willing_a to_o do_v for_o his_o sake_n 3._o to_o let_v he_o understand_v that_o there_o may_v be_v danger_n of_o scandalize_a my_o superior_n i._n e._n irritate_v they_o to_o wrath_n and_o to_o exercise_v great_a severity_n both_o against_o i_o as_o a_o sinner_n against_o my_o own_o conscience_n which_o be_v satisfy_v of_o my_o duty_n to_o obey_v even_o whilst_o i_o suspend_v and_o also_o against_o he_o and_o other_o as_o obstinate_a and_o unsatisfiable_a wrangler_n and_o disobedient_a to_o just_a authority_n without_o just_a reason_n the_o matter_n of_o the_o law_n be_v indifferent_a ex_fw-la hypothesi_fw-la this_o consideration_n have_v weight_n we_o both_o hear_v and_o feel_v it_o and_o may_v at_o least_o balance_v the_o alledgement_n that_o my_o compliance_n will_v edify_v the_o magistrate_n in_o the_o sin_n of_o persecution_n last_o if_o notwithstanding_o he_o continue_v obstinate_a since_o to_o i_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o only_a fancy_n not_o reason_n bottom_n his_o disobedience_n i_o will_v protest_v against_o his_o pertinacy_n earnest_o dehort_v he_o from_o act_v against_o his_o pretend_a conscience_n which_o indeed_o be_v only_o blind_a opinion_n return_v to_o my_o duty_n and_o leave_v he_o to_o the_o law_n for_o although_o my_o charity_n may_v induce_v i_o for_o a_o season_n to_o be_v willing_a to_o suffer_v for_o his_o sake_n yet_o my_o conscience_n will_v not_o permit_v i_o to_o do_v it_o always_o not_o that_o i_o pretend_v conscience_n to_o prevent_v suffer_v but_o because_o active_a obedience_n where_o i_o can_v be_v the_o primary_n intention_n of_o god_n in_o the_o law_n that_o subject_n i_o to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o therefore_o the_o first_o and_o main_a office_n of_o conscience_n passive_a obedience_n be_v not_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o law_n giver_n at_o all_o in_o the_o law_n as_o a_o law_n as_o be_v not_o enjoin_v therein_o it_o be_v only_o the_o enforcement_n of_o it_o as_o a_o remedy_n against_o its_o violation_n the_o hedge_n about_o it_o it_o will_v be_v no_o plea_n before_o god_n to_o justify_v my_o breach_n of_o his_o law_n that_o i_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v damn_v but_o a_o aggravation_n of_o my_o sin_n that_o i_o choose_v so_o great_a a_o evil_a as_o the_o punishment_n rather_o than_o submission_n to_o so_o great_a a_o good_a as_o the_o duty_n i_o be_o bind_v to_o suspend_v my_o obedience_n if_o i_o can_v to_o prevent_v my_o brother_n sin_n but_o not_o sinal_o to_o deny_v my_o obedience_n and_o therein_o sin_n myself_o to_o prevent_v his_o suffering_n that_o be_v damn_v my_o soul_n to_o save_v his_o skin_n will_v thou_o then_o o_o my_o soul_n herein_o follow_v christ_n and_o perfect_o subjugate_v thyself_o to_o that_o noble_a law_n of_o universal_a love_n to_o thy_o brother_n who_o thou_o have_v see_v that_o the_o immortal_a god_n who_o thou_o have_v not_o see_v may_v not_o charge_v thou_o with_o hypocrifie_n in_o thy_o pretension_n of_o love_n to_o himself_o live_v thou_o must_v thou_o shall_v in_o true_a love_n to_o thy_o neighbour_n or_o renounce_v all_o love_n to_o thyself_o profess_v and_o practice_v as_o thou_o love_v thy_o purity_n thy_o peace_n thy_o salvation_n a_o sincere_a and_o cordial_a not_o only_a subjection_n and_o honour_n but_o affection_n to_o thy_o prince_n benevolence_n charity_n beneficence_n to_o all_o man_n out_o of_o conscience_n to_o god_n as_o thou_o will_v answer_v it_o before_o his_o judgment-seat_n whatever_o thou_o will_v have_v other_o to_o do_v to_o thou_o do_v thou_o to_o they_o what_o thou_o will_v not_o have_v they_o to_o do_v to_o thou_o do_v not_o to_o they_o make_v their_o case_n thou_o and_o act_n towards_o they_o as_o thyself_o do_v good_a to_o all_o but_o ospecial_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n seek_v their_o temporal_a spiritual_a and_o eternal_a welfare_n as_o thy_o own_o and_o do_v not_o think_v to_o patronize_v thy_o regardlessness_n of_o they_o by_o a_o careless_a sluggish_a unconcernedness_n in_o thy_o own_o near_a concern_v but_o elevate_v thy_o affectionate_a care_n for_o thyself_o to_o the_o utmost_a degree_n of_o perfection_n on_o purpose_n that_o according_a to_o the_o second_o great_a command_n thou_o may_v have_v a_o more_o excellent_a measure_n and_o rule_v whereby_o to_o square_v thy_o affectionate_a regard_n of_o other_o but_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o o_o my_o soul_n to_o partake_v of_o a_o moral_a thou_o must_v aspire_v after_o a_o divine_a nature_n as_o well_o as_o escape_v or_o fly_v from_o the_o corruption_n in_o the_o world_n in_o lust_n or_o concupiscence_n 2_o
〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d just_o it_o be_v the_o office_n of_o justice_n to_o take_v notice_n in_o all_o its_o proceed_n of_o right_n and_o wrong_n but_o if_o the_o right_n approve_v its_o reality_n it_o be_v no_o work_n of_o justice_n to_o take_v cognizance_n how_o we_o come_v by_o it_o whether_o it_o be_v natural_a inheritance_n or_o personal_a acquisition_n whether_o our_o own_o indefeisible_a possession_n or_o another_o free_a donation_n these_o be_v thing_n foreign_a and_o out_o of_o the_o circuit_n of_o justice_n right_o must_v carry_v it_o whatever_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o it_o whatever_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o whatever_o title_n it_o proceed_v upon_o for_o no_o variety_n in_o the_o right_n alter_v the_o justice_n of_o the_o procedure_n nor_o convert_v justice_n into_o injustice_n or_o any_o other_o thing_n the_o very_a essence_n and_o formal_a nature_n of_o justice_n as_o distributive_a consist_v in_o dispense_n right_o wherever_o that_o be_v the_o act_n be_v formal_o justice_n and_o nothing_o else_o although_o some_o other_o virtue_n may_v have_v a_o antecedent_n influence_n in_o form_v the_o right_n so_o here_o no_o man_n have_v a_o natural_a personal_a right_n to_o that_o everlasting_a rest_n neither_o do_v the_o best_a service_n of_o the_o most_o perfect_a creature_n angel_n archangel_n cherubin_n seraphim_n find_v a_o right_a to_o it_o able_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o command_v and_o necessary_o over-rule_v strict_a justice_n so_o as_o it_o will_v be_v injustice_n proper_o so_o call_v to_o withhold_v or_o deny_v it_o for_o heavenly_a glory_n in_o its_o full_a latitude_n which_o i_o understand_v by_o that_o rest_n be_v a_o thing_n boundless_o above_o the_o proportion_n of_o any_o finite_a quality_n or_o operation_n those_o ever_o bless_a spirit_n be_v doubtless_o incapable_a of_o exert_v any_o act_n that_o in_o arithmetical_a proportion_n can_v be_v as_o considerable_a and_o valuable_a as_o the_o reciprocal_a act_n of_o the_o deity_n that_o be_v return_v upon_o they_o for_o instance_n those_o flame_a ardour_n of_o love_n in_o seraphim_n which_o denominate_v they_o can_v in_o the_o estimate_n of_o reason_n and_o justice_n be_v conceive_v equal_o valuable_a with_o those_o reaction_n of_o love_n in_o the_o deity_n to_o they_o certain_o god_n love_v they_o better_o than_o they_o can_v possible_o love_v he_o and_o his_o love_n ray_n out_o to_o they_o in_o infinite_a more_o variety_n than_o they_o can_v to_o he_o and_o the_o least_o degree_n of_o his_o love_n be_v more_o honourable_a and_o worthy_a than_o the_o high_a of_o they_o so_o that_o in_o commutative_a justice_n they_o can_v expect_v he_o for_o they_o especial_o since_o they_o be_v this_o due_a and_o the_o payment_n of_o a_o debt_n can_v make_v the_o creditor_n a_o debtor_n i_o have_v a_o conceit_n but_o will_v not_o impose_v it_o that_o the_o devil_n sin_n be_v not_o a_o aspire_a to_o a_o coaequality_n or_o superiority_n to_o his_o creator_n which_o his_o innocent_a nay_o even_o corrupt_a understanding_n can_v not_o but_o represent_v as_o impossible_a impracticable_a therefore_o not_o designable_a but_o rather_o a_o challenge_n and_o expectation_n of_o those_o honour_n from_o his_o maker_n as_o due_a in_o commutative_a justice_n to_o the_o excellency_n and_o action_n which_o he_o admire_v in_o himself_o and_o will_v have_v have_v his_o inferior_n to_o adore_v whence_o in_o that_o kingdom_n of_o the_o beast_n which_o he_o establish_v and_o uphold_v this_o be_v or_o have_v be_v a_o principal_a pillar_n though_o now_o paint_v over_o a_o new_a and_o be_v indeed_o the_o universal_a sentiment_n of_o all_o in_o who_o disobedient_a heart_n he_o retain_v the_o dominion_n which_o he_o usurp_v upon_o the_o fall_n even_o good_a soul_n have_v a_o difficult_a work_n to_o disengage_v themselves_o from_o it_o however_o it_o be_v madness_n to_o conceit_n that_o the_o imperfect_a duty_n or_o grace_n of_o the_o lapse_v son_n of_o adam_n can_v stand_v in_o a_o parity_n with_o celestial_a recompense_n nay_o the_o proportion_n can_v amount_v to_o the_o height_n of_o that_o call_v geometrical_a proper_a to_o distributive_a justice_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o likeness_n of_o reason_n for_o can_v there_o be_v any_o comparison_n betwixt_o finite_a and_o infinite_a imperfect_a and_o perfect_a temporal_a and_o eternal_a can_v any_o say_v as_o the_o work_n to_o the_o wage_n so_o be_v duty_n to_o heaven_n the_o right_a then_o here_o stand_v upon_o another_o bottom_n than_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o that_o be_v the_o free_a investiture_n and_o gift_n of_o sovereign_a love_n and_o mercy_n by_o a_o voluntary_a grant_n and_o covenant_n it_o be_v not_o common_a soccage_n but_o copy_n hold_v only_o yet_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n hell_n and_o sin_n stand_v more_o in_o a_o parity_n or_o equal_a proportion_n there_o be_v full_a as_o much_o evil_n in_o the_o sin_n as_o in_o the_o punishment_n though_o not_o as_o much_o good_a in_o the_o duty_n as_o in_o the_o reward_n the_o demerit_n of_o sin_n be_v unlimitable_a the_o treasure_n of_o wrath_n and_o woe_n comprehend_v in_o it_o be_v inexhaustible_a therefore_o eternal_a it_o be_v just_a then_o to_o recompense_v tribulation_n to_o the_o wicked_a because_o their_o work_n merit_v it_o just_o to_o recompense_v rest_n to_o the_o godly_a not_o because_o their_o work_n merit_v it_o but_o because_o free_a grace_n have_v promise_v it_o neh._n 9.8_o and_o have_v perform_v thy_o word_n for_o thou_o be_v righteous_a god_n can_v be_v just_a to_o the_o wicked_a if_o he_o reward_v not_o their_o work_n he_o can_v be_v just_a to_o himself_o to_o his_o own_o word_n and_o covenant_n if_o he_o reward_v not_o the_o work_v he_o have_v wrought_v in_o the_o righteous_a now_o even_o trouble_v and_o affliction_n be_v less_o grievous_a if_o recompense_n may_v be_v hope_v for_o upon_o good_a and_o sure_a ground_n if_o our_o misery_n become_v antidote_n to_o great_a misery_n it_o encourage_v our_o patience_n if_o they_o work_v out_o great_a mercy_n it_o increase_v our_o courage_n and_o so_o our_o comfort_n the_o gain_n sweeten_v the_o pain_n and_o we_o be_v not_o so_o much_o offend_v with_o our_o cross_n as_o please_v with_o the_o compensation_n the_o world_n be_v as_o a_o lottery_n for_o a_o while_o we_o must_v draw_v nothing_o but_o blank_n or_o what_o will_v more_o grievous_o vex_v disquiet_v or_o torment_v we_o but_o the_o last_o cast_n will_v pay_v for_o all_o to_o our_o full_a contentation_n if_o we_o belong_v to_o god_n election_n for_o this_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n 2_o cor._n 4.17_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o recompense_n of_o reward_n be_v a_o thing_n of_o so_o transcendent_a nature_n that_o even_o the_o serious_a thought_n of_o it_o may_v entertain_v we_o with_o more_o abundant_a joy_n than_o there_o can_v be_v grief_n in_o the_o feel_n itself_o of_o the_o bitter_a suffering_n the_o antepast_n or_o foreta_v of_o heaven_n be_v incomparable_o a_o great_a delight_n than_o the_o very_a sense_n of_o misery_n can_v be_v a_o torment_n therefore_o sure_a these_o exceed_a glorious_a riches_n of_o celestial_a satisfaction_n will_v be_v a_o all-sufficient_a requital_n for_o all_o the_o labour_n of_o love_n the_o patience_n of_o hope_n and_o work_v of_o faith_n that_o we_o exert_v in_o this_o semibrief_n moment_n of_o our_o transitory_a life_n and_o it_o be_v no_o small_a comfort_n to_o consider_v that_o the_o fidelity_n of_o god_n have_v make_v these_o gratuity_n justice_n by_o make_v they_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o so_o many_o gracious_a promise_n that_o what_o otherwise_o be_v mere_a liberty_n be_v now_o necessity_n and_o god_n by_o virtue_n of_o these_o his_o bond_n be_v become_v a_o debtor_n to_o god_n oh_o rich_a treasury_n of_o strong_a consolation_n god_n grace_n have_v so_o order_v it_o not_o only_o that_o he_o may_v but_o that_o he_o must_v give_v the_o penitent_o trouble_a soul_n in_o his_o own_o way_n and_o time_n the_o sweet_a peace_n comfort_n and_o rest_n it_o may_v indeed_o be_v delay_v but_o never_o can_v be_v final_o deny_v and_o this_o we_o owe_v chief_o to_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n his_o sweet_a perfection_n through_o christ_n and_o the_o covenant_n to_o a_o humble_a soul_n but_o there_o be_v also_o external_a administration_n of_o justice_n which_o be_v of_o a_o refresh_a consideration_n and_o such_o do_v the_o psalmist_n reflect_v upon_o and_o solace_v himself_o withal_o verse_n 1_o 2_o 15_o 23._o vindictive_a justice_n be_v a_o notable_a relief_n to_o the_o oppress_a and_o the_o sweetness_n of_o revenge_n a_o potent_a cordial_n to_o see_v those_o suffer_v from_o who_o we_o suffer_v and_o the_o wicked_a fall_n into_o the_o trap_n and_o snare_n they_o lie_v for_o we_o do_v not_o a_o little_a glad_a we_o especial_o if_o it_o
can_v be_v satisfy_v that_o he_o have_v real_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o found_v a_o present_a right_n to_o the_o blessing_n of_o that_o covenant_n doubt_v of_o this_o and_o doubt_v of_o all_o i_o must_v have_v good_a and_o sound_a evidence_n of_o this_o or_o i_o build_v upon_o sand._n imaginary_a grace_n will_v only_o introduce_v imaginary_a right_o therefore_o none_o but_o a_o imaginary_a peace_n the_o superstructure_n can_v be_v no_o more_o firm_a and_o stable_a than_o the_o foundation_n whence_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v real_o comfort_v without_o a_o sound_a persuasion_n of_o right_n and_o impossible_a to_o be_v certain_a of_o right_n without_o certainty_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o grace_n it_o follow_v that_o comfort_n be_v not_o possible_a without_o assurance_n therefore_o not_o rational_a it_o be_v a_o very_a imprudent_a part_n in_o a_o man_n to_o speak_v peace_n to_o himself_o when_o god_n do_v proclaim_v open_a war_n absolute_a madness_n to_o arrest_v divine_a consolation_n when_o it_o be_v indispensible_a duty_n to_o apply_v and_o meditate_v terror_n to_o bless_v himself_o with_o appropriate_a promise_n when_o his_o condition_n be_v palpable_o under_o the_o threaten_v and_o he_o either_o know_v it_o or_o have_v just_a reason_n to_o suspect_v it_o there_o be_v no_o middle_a state_n between_o sanctify_a and_o unsanctified_a pardon_v and_o unpardoned_a if_o a_o man_n know_v that_o he_o be_v unjustified_a yet_o assume_v to_o himself_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o promise_n he_o presume_v sensless_o and_o sottish_o to_o give_v the_o lie_n to_o god_n let_v such_o read_v and_o consider_v deut._n 29.18_o 19_o 20_o etc._n etc._n if_o any_o doubt_n of_o his_o pardon_n yet_o apply_v comfort_n he_o give_v his_o conscience_n the_o go-by_a and_o make_v fair_a weather_n in_o despite_n of_o heaven_n in_o short_a peace_n of_o conscience_n can_v possible_o arise_v from_o any_o other_o scource_n than_o conscience_n of_o a_o state_n frame_n and_o way_n acceptable_a to_o god_n if_o i_o have_v no_o motive_n to_o conciliate_v a_o credibility_n to_o this_o and_o yet_o will_v solace_v myself_o and_o cast_v off_o all_o trouble_n care_n and_o fear_n hush_v the_o storm_n within_o compose_v the_o roll_a wave_n and_o settle_v it_o be_v but_o upon_o the_o lees_n the_o mire_n and_o dirt_n and_o too_o much_o a_o token_n and_o testimony_n of_o madness_n drunkenness_n or_o searedness_n of_o conscience_n the_o second_o part_v of_o the_o conviction_n concern_v conscience_n which_o it_o be_v as_o necessary_a to_o establish_v as_o the_o mind_n truth_n and_o sincerity_n in_o the_o heart_n be_v as_o momentous_a and_o considerable_a as_o truth_n in_o the_o head_n or_o understanding_n humane_a nay_o all_o sublunary_a nature_n be_v fond_a of_o ease_n and_o rest_v and_o entertain_v all_o perturbation_n with_o reluctancy_n and_o dolour_n but_o above_o all_o trouble_n of_o mind_n and_o conscience_n be_v most_o uneasy_a comfort_n and_o peace_n most_o natural_a agreeable_a and_o grateful_a prov._n 18.14_o and_o 17.22_o and_o 12.25_o and_o 15.13_o hence_o every_o one_o will_v and_o will_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a live_v in_o some_o kind_n of_o peace_n but_o it_o be_v the_o unhappiness_n of_o the_o generality_n through_o ignorance_n inconsideration_n and_o greediness_n of_o rest_n to_o snatch_v at_o the_o mere_a shadow_n and_o so_o that_o they_o may_v but_o be_v free_a from_o pain_n and_o the_o dreadful_a convulsion_n and_o cramp_n of_o conscience_n matter_n not_o whether_o it_o be_v through_o sleep_n numbness_n stupefaction_n or_o death_n but_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v account_v peace_n any_o more_o than_o a_o swoon_n be_v rest_n it_o be_v real_o a_o disease_n the_o lethargy_n of_o conscience_n out_o of_o which_o when_o it_o awake_v in_o this_o or_o another_o world_n it_o be_v torture_v with_o the_o cruel_a pang_n sting_v and_o rack_v with_o the_o most_o direful_a anguish_n and_o agony_n imaginable_a it_o therefore_o be_v of_o no_o little_a consequence_n to_o know_v whether_o our_o comfort_n be_v genuine_a that_o we_o dream_v not_o ourselves_o into_o deep_a woe_n in_o the_o embrace_n of_o false_a and_o fallacious_a joy_n let_v our_o conscience_n therefore_o see_v to_o it_o that_o they_o be_v not_o put_v off_o with_o phantasm_n and_o illusion_n instead_o of_o solid_a consolation_n see_v then_o there_o be_v a_o world_n of_o adulterine_n cozen_v peace_n what_o may_v be_v the_o criteria_n the_o distinctive_a characteristic_n of_o true_a and_o false_a comfort_n they_o differ_v 1._o in_o their_o origin_n or_o rise_v and_o antecedent_n 2._o in_o their_o attendant_n or_o company_n 3._o in_o their_o subject_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o person_n 4._o in_o their_o effect_n and_o tendency_n 1._o carnal_a comfort_n spring_v out_o of_o security_n spiritual_a out_o of_o sense_n a_o impenitent_a sinner_n be_v at_o quiet_a in_o his_o mind_n either_o because_o he_o never_o know_v the_o deplorable_a wretchedness_n and_o wickedness_n of_o his_o natural_a state_n or_o never_o will_v know_v it_o or_o because_o know_v it_o and_o be_v fright_v therewith_o he_o take_v a_o sinister_a method_n to_o conjure_v down_o the_o sense_n and_o terror_n of_o it_o either_o murder_a conviction_n by_o divert_v his_o thought_n care_n course_n and_o conduct_n as_o the_o profane_a or_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o conscience_n by_o enter_v into_o the_o road_n of_o religion_n as_o do_v the_o hypocrite_n when_o yet_o there_o be_v something_o that_o pass_v judgement_n underneath_o and_o whisper_v to_o they_o that_o all_o be_v not_o right_a and_o justifiable_a before_o god_n whatever_o their_o show_n may_v be_v before_o men._n or_o if_o through_o blindness_n of_o mind_n or_o self-flattery_n they_o have_v arrive_v to_o that_o depth_n of_o delusion_n as_o to_o deceive_v their_o own_o soul_n and_o be_v accustom_v to_o colloque_n with_o god_n be_v leave_v by_o he_o to_o believe_v a_o lie_n as_o it_o be_v just_a for_o those_o that_o mock_v god_n with_o shadow_n to_o be_v permit_v to_o feed_v thereon_o themselves_o and_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o that_o whereby_o they_o attempt_v to_o impose_v upon_o their_o maker_n they_o live_v in_o a_o calm_a and_o die_v in_o a_o mist_n not_o know_v where_o they_o be_v till_o they_o feel_v themselves_o in_o hell_n but_o these_o be_v perverse_a preposterous_a method_n to_o peace_n which_o will_v issue_v in_o a_o more_o destructive_a war_n and_o confusion_n true_a comfort_n grow_v out_o of_o and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o thought_n multitude_n of_o thought_n which_o affect_v the_o heart_n with_o godly_a sorrow_n such_o i_o scruple_n not_o to_o call_v that_o of_o the_o psalmist_n which_o the_o context_n exhibit_n and_o the_o text_n imply_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o branching_n here_o render_v thought_n but_o which_o no_o less_o include_v the_o affection_n and_o every_o thing_n which_o issue_v from_o the_o soul_n as_o the_o bough_n from_o the_o tree_n beside_o that_o his_o trouble_n and_o therefore_o grief_n do_v main_o respect_v the_o public_a interest_n of_o the_o church_n religion_n and_o god_n this_o be_v the_o harbinger_n of_o his_o joy_n and_o that_o comfort_n be_v of_o this_o lineage_n appear_v by_o many_o scripture_n as_o psal_n 112.4_o unto_o the_o upright_a there_o arise_v light_a in_o darkness_n only_o those_o that_o sow_n in_o tear_n shall_v reap_v in_o joy_n psal_n 126.5_o 6._o you_o shall_v weep_v and_o lament_v but_o the_o world_n shall_v rejoice_v and_o you_o shall_v be_v sorrowful_a but_o your_o sorrow_n shall_v be_v turn_v into_o joy_n joh._n 16.20_o see_v also_o isa_n 57.18_o and_o 61.2_o 3._o matth._n 5.4_o if_o there_o be_v not_o first_o trouble_v thought_n comfort_n will_v neither_o be_v seek_v give_v nor_o value_v the_o most_o take_v no_o thought_n about_o their_o condition_n and_o comfort_n yet_o be_v at_o ease_n because_o they_o never_o engage_v their_o think_a power_n so_o the_o senseless_a careless_a wicked_a one_o the_o rest_n of_o man_n who_o sleep_v in_o the_o soft_a bed_n of_o patch_a formal_a religion_n and_o dream_v themselves_o into_o carnal_a security_n as_o the_o pharisaical_a never_o think_v thorough_o their_o thought_n be_v a_o lively_a emblem_n of_o their_o devotion_n or_o these_o of_o they_o all_o superficial_a nothing_o solid_a and_o to_o good_a purpose_n a_o man_n be_v only_o that_o in_o religion_n which_o his_o thought_n be_v home_n thought_n that_o go_v to_o the_o bottom_n of_o thing_n and_o represent_v they_o as_o they_o be_v and_o go_v to_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o touch_v it_o to_o the_o quick_a make_v a_o man_n sound_n and_o serious_a in_o soul_n concern_v but_o overly_o cogitation_n only_o paint_v the_o outside_n and_o form_v a_o pretty_a picture_n of_o a_o saint_n do_v not_o renew_v and_o reform_v within_o where_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n look_v for_o a_o more_o eminent_a comelyness_n and_o glory_n