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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
duty_n day_n keep_v lord_n 3,471 5 4.2901 3 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A37045 Heaven upon earth in the serene tranquillity and calm composure, in the sweet peace and solid joy of a good conscience sprinkled with the blood of Jesus and exercised always to be void of offence toward God and toward men : brought down and holden forth in XXII very searching sermons on several texts of Scripture ... / by James Durham. Durham, James, 1622-1658.; J. C. 1685 (1685) Wing D2815; ESTC R24930 306,755 418

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of_o all_o our_o carriage_n and_o particular_a action_n and_o so_o it_o be_v look_v on_o as_o some_o way_n different_a from_o we_o hence_o it_o be_v call_v a_o testimony_n the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n hence_o also_o a_o man_n will_v appeal_v to_o his_o conscience_n and_o it_o do_v when_o in_o any_o measure_n in_o exercise_n impartial_o and_o incorrupt_o bear_v witness_n and_o a_o man●_n conscience_n will_v speak_v against_o he_o as_o if_o it_o be_v at_o all_o no_o part_n of_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o command_v it_o silence_n however_o than_o we_o call_v it_o it_o be_v a_o power_n depute_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o god_n take_v order_n from_o he_o and_o f●om_n his_o reveal_v will_n and_o word_n and_o accuse_v or_o excuse_v the_o man_n as_o he_o direct_v it_o be_v call_v prov._n 20._o 27._o the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n it_o be_v above_o man_n in_o its_o sentence_n and_o accuse_v and_o will_v not_o be_v command_v by_o he_o to_o clear_v it_o yet_o a_o little_a further_o there_o be_v in_o conscience_n these_o three_o thing_n 1._o there_o be_v the_o lay_v down_o of_o some_o ground_n such_o as_o the_o law_n or_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o which_o it_o put_v a_o man_n to_o trial_n which_o be_v that_o we_o call_v the_o major_a or_o first_o proposition_n of_o the_o argument_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o judas_n when_o his_o conscience_n waken_v it_o lay_v down_o this_o ground_n which_o be_v do_v by_o light_n he_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o innoceat_a blood_n have_v break_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o may_v expect_v horrible_a wrath._n 2._o there_o be_v a_o assume_v which_o be_v the_o minor_a or_o second_o proposition_n of_o the_o argument_n or_o the_o assumption_n if_o the_o man_n be_v guilty_a of_o such_o and_o such_o sin_n as_o thus_o but_o i_o judas_n be_o guilty_a of_o innocent_a blood_n and_o have_v break_v the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o this_o the_o conscience_n by_o its_o testimony_n confirm_v then_o 3._o it_o draw_v the_o conclusion_n and_o speak_v forth_o the_o man_n lot_n and_o give_v out_o his_o doom_n what_o he_o may_v expect_v as_o in_o the_o present_a instance_n thou_o judas_n may_v expect_v horrible_a wrath_n from_o god_n this_o conscience_n apply_v and_o lay_v home_o unto_o he_o every_o conscience_n have_v these_o three_o in_o less_o or_o more_o the_o way_n of_o conscience_n its_o reason_v and_o conclude_v be_v different_a from_o a_o man_n knowledge_n and_o light_n for_o a_o man_n may_v see_v sin_n and_o not_o be_v touch_v with_o it_o it_o d●ffers_v likewise_o from_o the_o memory_n for_o a_o man_n may_v remember_v that_o which_o affect_v he_o not_o it_o differ_v from_o self-examination_n for_o that_o if_o it_o be_v mee●_n examination_n bring_v a_o man_n only_o to_o know_v that_o he_o lie_v under_o such_o and_o such_o sin_n so_o and_o so_o circumstantiate_v though_o it_o make_v use_v of_o all_o these_o three_o as_o its_o instrument_n yet_o it_o go●_n beyond_o they_o and_o have_v a_o prick_a sting_a pain_n power_n it_o accuse_v sentence_v smite_v and_o sharp_o censure_v whereas_o before_o conscience_n act_v its_o part_n a_o man_n may_v look_v often_o on_o his_o sin_n and_o yet_o but_o overlook_v they_o and_o as_o to_o thing_n that_o be_v right_a conscience_n do_v not_o only_o or_o bare_o look_v on_o they_o but_o it_o have_v a_o approve_v testimony_n which_o prove_v comfortable_a there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o this_o in_o every_o one_o of_o you_o which_o will_v let_v nothing_o pass_v but_o more_o or_o less_o will_v take_v notice_n of_o it_o and_o either_o accuse_v or_o excuse_v you_o for_o it_o as_o to_o the_o 2d_o the_o use_n of_o conscience_n or_o the_o end_n wherefore_o god_n have_v put_v this_o in_o man_n and_o woman_n which_o i_o shall_v draw_v to_o three_o head_n that_o may_v be_v as_o so_o many_o reason_n of_o the_o doctrine_n 1._o he_o have_v do_v so_o for_o this_o end_n that_o by_o it_o he_o may_v keep_v up_o his_o sovereignty_n power_n and_o terribleness_n and_o keep_v man_n under_o the_o awe_n and_o dread_v thereof_o for_o this_o which_o be_v call_v conscience_n will_v make_v the_o stole_v to_o tremble_v it_o will_v write_v and_o impress_n so_o u●vely_o and_o deep_o these_o great_a truth_n that_o none_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o blot_v they_o out_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o there_o be_v a_o judgement_n to_o come_v and_o that_o all_o will_v be_v call_v to_o reckon_a which_o none_o will_v get_v eschew_v it_o will_v fix_v and_o fasten_v such_o self-convictions_a on_o sinner_n as_o will_v make_v they_o avoidable_o condemn_v themselves_o so_o john_n 8._o 9_o 10._o when_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n bring_v a_o woman_n take_v in_o adultery_n to_o christ_n intend_v thereby_o to_o trap_n and_o ensnare_v he_o he_o say_v he_o that_o be_v without_o sin_n among_o you_o let_v he_o cast_v the_o first_o stone_n at_o she_o whereby_o their_o conscience_n be_v make_v to_o bear_v such_o faithful_a testimony_n against_o they_o and_o to_o carry_v such_o terror_n with_o it_o that_o they_o be_v all_o force_a to_o steal_v away_o one_o by_o one_o and_o yet_o they_o need_v not_o to_o have_v think_v shame_n on_o account_n of_o any_o thing_n we_o hear_v man_n can_v have_v challenge_v they_o for_o but_o conscience_n have_v such_o a_o awe_n and_o force_v on_o they_o that_o there_o be_v no_o resist_n of_o it_o scripture-history_n do_v also_o tell_v we_o that_o such_o be_v the_o power_n and_o force_v of_o conscience_n when_o it_o be_v awake_v that_o it_o will_v make_v the_o knee_n to_o smite_v one_o against_o another_o even_o of_o a_o belshazzar_n and_o will_v make_v a_o governor_n fellix_fw-la to_o tremble_v a_o second_o end_n be_v that_o god_n may_v hold_v man_n and_o woman_n at_o their_o duty_n in_o go_v about_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v command_v and_o prescribe_v by_o he_o and_o in_o abstain_v from_o forbid_a sin_n for_o if_o there_o be_v not_o some_o awe_n from_o conscience_n what_o extravagancy_n will_v they_o loose_o run_v into_o who_o have_v no_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o word_n and_o thus_o conscience_n have_v a_o force_n to_o put_v man_n to_o duty_n in_o these_o respect_n 1_o it_o discover_v duty_n and_o hold_v it_o before_o they_o when_o the_o lord_n have_v command_v to_o pray_v read_v the_o scripture_n to_o keep_v the_o church_n and_o wait_v upon_o ordinance_n dispense_v there_o to_o keep_v holy_a the_o sabbath_n day_n etc._n etc._n conscience_n put_v a_o man_n in_o mind_n of_o these_o and_o when_o he_o neglect_v any_o one_o of_o they_o will_v say_v to_o he_o thou_o shall_v be_v in_o another_o place_n or_o about_o other_o work_n so_o when_o david_n heart_n smite_v he_o it_o help_v he_o to_o see_v his_o duty_n 2._o there_o be_v a_o obligation_n to_o duty_n lay_v on_o by_o conscience_n so_o that_o the_o man_n can_v shift_v it_o he_o can_v he_o dare_v not_o say_v such_o a_o thing_n be_v not_o my_o duty_n for_o conscience_n bear_v it_o in_o and_o lay_v it_o on_o he_o convince_o 3._o there_o be_v a_o efficacy_n in_o conscience_n to_o pouss_n to_o duty_n from_o this_o come_v that_o restlessness_n and_o disquiet_n that_o be_v often_o in_o man_n and_o woman_n when_o duty_n be_v omit_v that_o they_o can_v have_v no_o peace_n till_o it_o be_v go_v about_o 4._o conscience_n invit_v to_o duty_n by_o promise_a peace_n upon_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n conscience_n have_v influence_n to_o restrain_v from_o sin_n 1._o by_o discover_v such_o and_o such_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v sin_n and_o though_o the_o soul_n will_v notwithstanding_o endeavour_v to_o digest_v it_o yet_o conscience_n make_v a_o challenge_n to_o go_v down_o with_o it_o 2._o by_o threaten_v the_o sinner_n when_o it_o be_v warning_n be_v neglect_v and_o not_o take_v tell_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v repent_v it_o one_o day_n and_o that_o it_o will_v make_v he_o repent_v i●_n 3._o by_o take_v away_o the_o sweetness_n of_o sin_n and_o leave_v a_o sting_n in_o place_n of_o it_o as_o when_o achab_n kill_v naboth_n it_o say_v have_v thou_o kill_v and_o also_o take_v possession_n and_o from_o this_o arise_v challenge_n and_o fear_n of_o the_o execution_n of_o threaten_a judgement_n which_o quite_o mar_v the_o comfort_n the_o man_n expect_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o such_o and_o such_o a_o thing_n in_o all_o which_o it_o keep_v a_o majestic_a and_o stately_a divine_a way_n become_v god_n deputy_n and_o bear_v witness_n for_o he_o against_o the_o sinner_n a_o 3d._a end_n be_v to_o abbreviat_v as_o it_o be_v god_n process_n in_o judge_a man_n to_o justify_v and_o clear_v he_o and_o to_o make_v way_n for_o his_o sentence_n whatever_o it_o be_v 1._o it_o conduce_v 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v to_o
nor_o endeavour_n if_o then_o this_o doctrine_n hold_v true_a and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o believer_n exercise_v to_o walk_v so_o as_o to_o please_v his_o conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o in_o nothing_o to_o of●end_v it_o sure_o such_o a_o conscience_n be_v proper_a and_o peculiar_a to_o the_o belieu●r_n and_o so_o may_v be_v a_o evidence_n of_o one_o that_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o christ_n this_o will_v be_v more_o clear_a if_o we_o look_v 1._o to_o the_o use_n that_o the_o saint_n record_v in_o scripture_n make_v of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n will_v and_o allow_v they_o to_o make_v of_o it_o in_o their_o trial_n and_o trouble_n in_o their_o strait_n and_o difficulty_n as_o 2_o cor._n 1._o 12._o this_o be_v our_o rejoice_v the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o this_o place_n paul●lyeth_v ●lyeth_z to_o it_o as_o his_o refuge_n and_o comfort_n himself_o by_o it_o in_o and_o against_o his_o present_a strait_n now_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o character_n and_o mark_n of_o a_o christian_a indeed_o it_o will_v not_o be_v nor_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v make_v such_o a_o ground_n of_o peace_n &_o quietness_n to_o believer_n in_o their_o strait_n 2._o it_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o conscience_n its_o testify_a which_o be_v not_o its_o own_o or_o from_o and_o for_o itself_o only_o but_o also_o and_o principal_o from_o and_o for_o god_n therefore_o 1_o john_n 3._o 19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o it_o be_v say_v hereby_o we_o know_v we_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o shall_v assure_v our_o heart_n before_o god_n for_o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o god_n be_v great_a than_o our_o heart_n and_o know_v all_o thing_n but_o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n and_o 1_o pet._n 3._o 21._o it_o be_v call_v the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n that_o be_v such_o a_o answer_n as_o give_v quietness_n and_o a_o good_a testimony_n to_o believer_n when_o all_o speak_v against_o they_o or_o speak_v evil_a of_o they_o now_o this_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v not_o a_o man_n bare_a apprehension_n that_o his_o conscience_n be_v good_a but_o it_o take_v in_o these_o three_o 1._o not_o only_o the_o conscience_n its_o say_v nothing_o against_o the_o person_n but_o positive_o speak_v for_o he_o 2._o it_o be_v such_o a_o conscience_n as_o have_v its_o testimony_n ground_v on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 3._o it_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o conscience_n sober_o reflect_v on_o itself_o and_o try_v itself_o in_o the_o major_a proposition_n to_o wit_n i●_n such_o a_o thing_n be_v true_a and_o in_o the_o minor_a proportion_n 〈◊〉_d such_o a_o thing_n be_v true_a i●_n reference_n to_o itself_o in_o particular_a and_o find_v both_o proposition_n to_o hold_v true_a then_o ●t_a confident_o draw_v the_o conclusion_n but_o here_o some_o will_v be_v like_o object_n and_o say_v if_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v a_o evidence_n of_o a_o person_n save_v interest_n in_o christ_n alace_o i_o fear_v i_o never_o have_v that_o evidence_n and_o mark_n neither_o be_o i_o like_a to_o have_v it_o which_o objection_n minister_v ground_n for_o these_o two_o question_n 1._o if_o a_o believer_n may_v ever_o or_o at_o any_o time_n have_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o 2._o what_o be_v the_o character_n and_o property_n of_o such_o a_o conscience_n for_o answer_v to_o the_o first_o we_o will_v distinguish_v a_o good_a conscience_n which_o may_v be_v understand_v either_o 1_o legal_o and_o so_o it_o be_v a_o conscience_n give_v testimony_n to_o the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n perfect_o take_v it_o so_o except_v je●_n 〈◊〉_d there_o be_v never_o a_o man_n since_o adam_n fall_n that_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n or_o a_o conscience_n altogether_o void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o toward_a man_n or_o 2._o a_o good_a conscience_n may_v be_v understand_v evangelical_o or_o in_o a_o gospel_n sense_n or_o as_o i●_n draw_v it's_o conclusion_n not_o from_o the_o law_n but_o from_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n believer_n may_v have_v and_o often_o actual_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n thus_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n david_n hezekiah_n paul_n and_o other_o have_v draw_v comfort_n from_o the_o testimony_n of_o their_o good_a conscience_n not_o draw_v its_o testimony_n from_o nor_o sound_v it_o upon_o the_o law_n and_o the_o perfect_a puri●_n that_o it_o require_v but_o f●m_n and_o upon_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o purity_n that_o it_o gracious_o 〈◊〉_d in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n for_o the_o second_o viz._n what_o be_v the_o property_n of_o this_o conscience_n which_o will_v clear_v the_o former_a and_o also_o clear_a how_o it_o come_v that_o when_o conscience_n challenge_v for_o sin_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o the_o believer_n have_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o may_v take_v it_o as_o a_o mark_n of_o his_o save_a interest_n in_o christ_n i_o shall_v give_v th●_n 4._o or_o 5._o property_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n 〈◊〉_d when_o there_o may_v be_v sin_n the_o 1._o whereof_o be_v when_o conscience_n be_v universal_a and_o impartial_a in_o its_o put_v 〈◊〉_d duty_n thus_o say_v the_o psalmist_n psal._n 119._o 6._o then_o shall_v i_o not_o be_v ashamed_a when_o i_o have_v respect_n to_o all_o thy_o commandment_n when_o the_o conscience_n dispense_v not_o with_o itself_o in_o the_o least_o duty_n or_o sin_n but_o its_o design_n aim_v and_o endeavour_n be_v to_o be_v in_o the_o obedience_n of_o all_o command_v duty_n and_o in_o the_o degree_n that_o be_v call_v for_o it_o be_v on_o these_o two_o that_o david_n go_v psal._n 18_o vers_fw-la 20_o 21_o 22._o the_o lord_n reward_v i_o according_a to_o my_o righteousness_n according_a to_o the_o cleanness_n of_o my_o hand_n have_v ●e_n recompense_v i_o for_o i_o have_v keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o have_v not_o wicked_o depart_v from_o my_o god_n as_o i●_n he_o have_v say_v i_o halu●d_v not_o the_o bible_n nor_o the_o command_n nor_o do_v i_o misinterpret_v they_o neither_o do_v i_o depart_v wicked_o i_o never_o resolve_o allow_v myself_o in_o any_o sin_n so_o as_o to_o oppose_v one_o sin_n and_o to_o indulge_v and_o connive_v at_o another_o for_o all_o his_o judgement_n be_v before_o i_o and_o i_o do_v not_o put_v away_o his_o statute_n from_o i_o i_o endeavour_v to_o set_v they_o always_o as_o a_o compass_n before_o i_o by_o which_o i_o allow_v myself_o to_o steer_v my_o whole_a course_n i_o be_v also_o upright_o before_o he_o and_o keep_v myself_o from_o my_o iniquity_n the_o sin_n that_o i_o be_v most_o give_v unto_o that_o have_v most_o power_n over_o i_o and_o to_o which_o i_o have_v the_o manye_v and_o strong_a assault_n of_o temptation_n i_o keep_v myself_o most_o watchful_o from_o that_o a_o second_o propertie_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n in_o a_o gospel_n sense_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o conscience_n very_o single_a have_v a_o just_a regard_n for_o all_o these_o thing_n require_v in_o a_o christian_a walk_n whereof_o we_o speak_v before_o it_o s_o very_o observant_a of_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o duty_n look_v not_o only_o to_o the_o matter_n but_o to_o the_o spiritual_a manner_n of_o g●ing_v about_o they_o it_o be_v single_a in_o its_o motive_n and_o end_n lay_v due_a weight_n on_o that_o which_o christ_n say_v if_o thy_o eye_n 〈◊〉_d single_a thy_o whole_a body_n shall_v he_o full_a of_o light_n that_o be_v a_o mark_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n indeed_o when_o a_o man_n in_o his_o act_n be_v swey_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o do_v not_o what_o he_o do_v to_o be_v see_v of_o man_n nor_o to_o have_v somewhat_o to_o 〈◊〉_d of_o before_o god_n but_o he_o seek_v to_o have_v christ_n increase_v though_o he_o shall_v decrease_v and_o be_v conant_a to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d upon_o if_o it_o may_v contribute_v to_o the_o exait_a of_o he_o and_o will_v fain_o be_v up_o at_o the_o due_a manner_n of_o perform_v all_o call_v for_o du●es_n even_o to_o be_v in_o case_n with_o the_o apostle_n heb._n 13._o 18._o to_o say_v w●_n trust_v we_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n willing_a to_o live_v honest_o this_o be_v our_o aim_n and_o design_n and_o if_o it_o be_v otherwise_o with_o we_o in_o any_o thing_n we_o approve_v not_o ourselves_o in_o it_o a_o three_o property_n be_v that_o such_o a_o conscience_n be_v delight_v and_o make_v glad_a or_o grieve_v and_o make_v sad_a according_a as_o it_o be_v enable_v to_o manage_v this_o great_a design_n and_o to_o prosecute_v and_o attain_v this_o noble_a end_n or_o not_o in_o this_o respect_n a_o believer_n may_v have_v a_o good_a conscience_n even_o when_o he_o fail_v and_o come_v
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 in●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 ●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 b●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 ●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 ●neding_a knife_n to_o corruption_n bring_v a_o man_n to_o strict_a at_o the_o very_a roo●_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 help●_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 de●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 fl●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 solidi●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 ru●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 ●ts_v not_o what_o b●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 o●_n joy_n our_o common_a proverb_n hold_v true_a here_o that_o work_n
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 com●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
duty_n as_o it_o be_v with_o these_o of_o who_o the_o lord_n speak_v john_n 16._o 2._o the_o time_n come_v when_o whosoever_o kill_v you_o will_v think_v that_o he_o do_v god_n service_n though_o a_o err_a conscience_n be_v not_o so_o proper_o to_o be_v call_v conscience_n for_o it_o rather_o give_v offence_n then_o edify_v yet_o this_o conscience_n such_o as_o it_o be_v put_v a_o man_n into_o a_o strait_a that_o he_o can_v neither_o do_v nor_o forbear_v that_o be_v it_o necessary_o while_o it_o remain_v involve_v he_o in_o sin_n whether_o he_o do_v or_o forbear_v hence_o it_o be_v say_v of_o such_o a_o conscience_n ligat_fw-la sed_fw-la non_fw-la obligat_fw-la it_o bind_v up_o the_o man_n but_o do_v not_o oblige_v for_o the_o man_n that_o have_v th●s_o err_a conscience_n make_v he_o think_v that_o such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n when_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o be_v a_o sin_n in_o follow_v the_o impulse_n of_o his_o conscience_n sin_v against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o suppo●e_v it_o be_v in_o persecute_v or_o kill_v t●e_v servant_n of_o god_n which_o he_o think_v good_a service_n neither_o will_v the_o error_n of_o his_o conscience_n excuse_v he_o here_o because_o he_o shall_v have_v endeavour_v to_o have_v it_o better_a in●_n for_o these_o that_o sin_n in_o the_o law_n shall_v be_v judge_v by_o the_o law_n and_o if_o he_o forbear_v to_o do_v such_o a_o thing_n he_o sin_v against_o his_o conscience_n for_o he_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v god_n mind_n which_o it_o direct_v and_o his_o conscience_n be_v to_o he_o in_o place_n of_o god_n he_o be_v guilty_a as_o if_o what_o he_o do_v be_v do_v direct_o and_o immediate_o against_o god_n for_o to_o he_o it_o be_v so_o and_o he_o think_v so_o and_o thus_o through_o his_o own_o cuipable_a accession_n it_o lay_v a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v on_o he_o whether_o he_o do_v or_o forbear_v yet_o it_o never_o oblidge_v nor_o can_v oblige_v he_o to_o go_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o suppose_v he_o think_v that_o such_o a_o minister_n who_o be_v a_o honest_a and_o faithful_a man_n shall_v be_v depose_v or_o excommunicate_v it_o do_v not_o oblige_v he_o to_o persecute_v a_o innocent_a and_o honest_a man_n and_o yet_o if_o he_o endeavour_v it_o no●_n he_o sin_v against_o his_o conscience_n in_o countenance_v of_o that_o person_n which_o he_o in_o his_o misapprehension_n judge_v to_o be_v sin_n this_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v somewhat_o strange_a and_o paradoxal_a but_o it_o be_v the_o woeful_a effect_n and_o bitter_a fruit_n of_o the_o want_n of_o light_n and_o of_o a_o well-informed_n conscience_n and_o it_o flow_v not_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o conscience_n but_o from_o our_o own_o corruption_n making_n no_o use_v or_o a_o ill_a use_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o superior_a of_o the_o conscience_n so_o that_o there_o be_v hardly_o a_o worse_a thing_n than_o one_fw-mi err_v conscience_n because_o whether_o the_o man_n that_o have_v it_o forbear_v or_o do_v to_o he_o it_o be_v sin_n only_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v indifferent_a it_o oblidge_v to_o do_v or_o forbear_v for_o when_o the_o word_n determine_v not_o conscience_n though_o misinform_v cast_v the_o balance_n to_o the_o side_n which_o it_o judge_v to_o be_v necessary_a as_o for_o instance_n it_o a_o man_n think_v it_o a_o sin_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n with_o the_o head_n un-covered_n he_o be_v oblige_v to_o cover_v his_o head_n and_o contrary_o for_o conscience_n there_o cast_v the_o balance_n but_o when_o the_o thing_n be_v unlawful_a on_o the_o matter_n it_o may_v bind_v he_o up_o while_o it_o remain_v in_o a_o error_n so_o as_o he_o can_v without_o sin_n counteract_v its_o dictat_fw-la but_o it_o never_o oblidge_v he_o to_o sin_n 2._o a_o opinionative_n conscience_n be_v not_o a_o good_a guide_n that_o be_v when_o a_o man_n have_v some_o sort_n of_o light_n or_o apprehension_n of_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v duty_n yet_o fear_n that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v duty_n and_o have_v some_o 〈◊〉_d or_o 〈◊〉_d about_o the_o matter_n for_o 1._o this_o be_v not_o faith_n but_o opinion_n and_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n opinion_n can_v be_v a_o ground_n to_o rest_v upon_o therefore_o rom._n 14._o 5._o every_o man_n ●ughe_o to_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n 2._o in_o matter_n of_o practice_n the_o impulse_n of_o a_o opinionate_v conscience_n will_v not_o warrant_v we_o for_o when_o a_o man_n hesitat_v he_o can_v do_v in_o faith_n therefore_o to_o do_v it_o be_v sin_n to_o he_o because_o he_o have_v not_o persuasion_n and_o in_o this_o respect_n as_o to_o practice_n he_o be_v like_o the_o man_n that_o have_v the_o err_v conscience_n he_o can_v neither_o do_v nor_o forbear_v but_o he_o sin_v 3._o if_o it_o be_v in_o a_o truth_n not_o fundamental_a opinion_n may_v have_v weight_n with_o he_o and_o sway_n he_o to_o that_o which_o be_v most_o probable_a and_o have_v most_o conveniency_n with_o it_o though_o in_o matter_n of_o practice_n it_o be_v otherways_o and_o it_o give_v conscience_n peace_n in_o this_o respect_n when_o that_o which_o have_v most_o probability_n in_o it_o as_o i_o have_v just_a now_o say_v be_v incline_v to_o 3._o a_o doubt_v conscience_n of_o some_o affinity_n with_o the_o former_a which_o leave_v a_o man_n in_o a_o hover_a or_o suspense_n that_o he_o know_v not_o whether_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v duty_n or_o if_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v sin_n or_o not_o certain_o here_o a_o man_n be_v bind_v not_o to_o do_v doubt_o for_o he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o do_v rom._n 14._o 23._o and_o yet_o there_o be_v hazard_n in_o forbear_v if_o the_o thing_n be_v duty_n yea_o in_o this_o case_n there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v bu●_n still_o of_o the_o man_n own_o contract_n when_o there_o be_v not_o a_o mid_n but_o either_o the_o man_n must_v do_v or_o forbear_v yet_o in_o this_o case_n its_o best_a for_o a_o man_n to_o betake_v himself_o to_o the_o safe_a side_n and_o to_o hazard_v on_o suffer_v rather_o than_o on_o sin_n as_o for_o example_n a_o man_n must_v either_o do_v such_o a_o thing_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n whereof_o he_o doubt_v or_o be●n_a hazard_n of_o lose_v much_o or_o all_o that_o he_o have_v in_o the_o world_n he_o know_v that_o suffering_n simple_o consider_v be_v no_o sin_n and_o he_o be_v some_o way_n matter_n to_o say_v so_o of_o his_o own_o suffering_n but_o not_o of_o his_o do_v since_o he_o doubt_v and_o his_o doubt_v lay_v this_o obligation_n on_o he_o rather_o to_o abstain_v then_o to_o do_v and_o to_o take_v his_o hazard_n of_o suffering_n for_o in_o dubiis_fw-la tutius_fw-la est_fw-la abstine●e_fw-la and_o in_o this_o case_n no_o man_n authority_n can_v oblige_v and_o bind_v the_o conscience_n to_o a_o thing_n as_o duty_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v loose_v by_o mere_a authority_n or_o respect_n to_o man_n when_o it_o doubt_v because_o no_o man_n mere_a authority_n can_v quiet_v and_o satisfy_v the_o conscience_n nor_o keep_v the_o man_n skaithless_a before_o god_n when_o on_o such_o a_o account_n he_o do_v any_o thing_n doubt_o a_o 4._o sort_n be_v a_o scruple_a conscience_n which_o differ_v from_o the_o former_a in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v clear_a in_o the_o main_a of_o duty_n but_o scruple_v and_o be_v unclear_a in_o some_o accidental_a thing_n that_o go_v along_o with_o it_o as_o for_o instance_n when_o one_o will_v pray_v and_o apprehend_v that_o in_o pray_v he_o will_v take_v god_n name_n in_o vain_a because_o it_o may_v be_v some_o blasphemous_a thought_n be_v inject_v into_o his_o mind_n or_o when_o a_o man_n be_v about_o some_o necessary_a duty_n of_o his_o lawful_a call_n and_o have_v some_o thing_n like_o a_o impulse_n of_o conscience_n to_o pray_v which_o haunt_v and_o some_o way_n vex_v he_o this_o be_v a_o scruple_n but_o upon_o a_o light_a ground_n and_o have_v little_a or_o no_o reason_n for_o it_o yet_o it_o be_v bear_v in_o with_o violence_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o case_n a_o man_n be_v oblige_v rather_o to_o go_v over_o the_o scruple_n and_o follow_v his_o duty_n for_o although_o he_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v his_o conscience_n by_o reason_n in_o this_o case_n as_o in_o the_o former_a yet_o when_o the_o duty_n be_v clear_a he_o shall_v trample_v upon_o what_o will_v hinder_v he_o and_o go_v on_o with_o the_o duty_n and_o in_o so_o do_v he_o trample_v not_o upon_o his_o conscience_n but_o upon_o that_o which_o come_v in_o to_o mar_v he_o in_o his_o duty_n and_o follow_v or_o to_o speak_v so_o dog_v his_o conscience_n a_o 5_o sort_n be_v a_o weak_a and_o infirm_a conscience_n
religious_a man_n in_o some_o thing_n that_o they_o may_v get_v a_o dispensation_n to_o themselves_o in_o other_o thing_n but_o none_o of_o these_o will_v be_v find_v law-byding_a when_o god_n come_v to_o reckon_v 6_o people_n in_o a_o sort_n bargain_n with_o their_o conscience_n like_o these_o speak_v of_o isa._n 28._o 15._o they_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o death_n and_o be_v at_o agreement_n with_o hell_n and_o like_a naaman_n if_o that_o be_v indeed_o his_o meaning_n they_o will_v yield_v conscience_n such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n but_o no_o more_o they_o must_v have_v a_o dispensation_n in_o and_o a_o liberty_n of_o make_v reservation_n and_o exception_n of_o some_o one_o or_o more_o thing_n though_o this_o may_v not_o always_o be_v do_v distinct_o formal_o and_o explicit_o yet_o it_o be_v so_o on_o the_o matter_n implicit_o and_o interpretative_o but_o that_o covenant_n with_o death_n however_o make_v direct_o or_o indirect_o shall_v be_v break_v and_o that_o agreement_n with_o hell_n shall_v not_o stand_v and_o the_o hail_n of_o god_n wrath_n will_v sweep_v away_o the_o refuge_n of_o lie_n and_o conscience_n will_v speak_v at_o last_o but_o not_o with_o or_o under_o such_o cover_v of_o figleaf_n that_o man_n now_o wrap_v themselves_o in_o therefore_o i_o beseech_v you_o dally_v not_o with_o conscience_n for_o it_o be_v a_o fearful_a thing_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o it_o when_o it_o be_v waken_v as_o it_o be_v a_o fearful_a thing_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_a god_n who_o act_v in_o and_o by_o that_o conscience_n the_o four_o and_o last_o use_v be_v a_o use_n of_o exhortation_n see_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o man_n and_o more_o especial_o of_o believer_n to_o walk_v so_o as_o in_o nothing_o they_o offend_v their_o conscience_n we_o exhort_v you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o you_o will_v order_v your_o conversation_n so_o as_o in_o nothing_o your_o conscience_n may_v have_v a_o challenge_n against_o you_o you_o will_v all_o ready_o think_v that_o this_o be_v very_o reasonable_a and_o indeed_o if_o we_o prevail_v not_o in_o this_o wherein_o can_v we_o expect_v to_o prevail_v with_o you_o we_o seek_v no_o more_o of_o you_o but_o that_o you_o will_v so_o walk_v as_o that_o live_a and_o die_v your_o conscience_n may_v not_o flee_v in_o your_o face_n but_o may_v give_v you_o this_o testimony_n that_o you_o have_v aim_v to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o to_o live_v honest_o you_o may_v possible_o think_v that_o this_o be_v a_o fair_a general_n and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o very_a gross_a and_o profane_a man_n that_o will_v deny_v it_o and_o yet_o we_o will_v think_v that_o many_o of_o you_o be_v come_v a_o great_a length_n in_o religion_n if_o we_o can_v prevail_v with_o you_o but_o this_o far_o as_o that_o in_o all_o thing_n live_v and_o die_v as_o we_o say_v you_o may_v study_v to_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o this_o be_v no_o controvert_v nor_o debeatable_a thing_n we_o may_v with_o the_o more_o confidence_n press_v it_o upon_o you_o especial_o see_v it_o be_v the_o very_a soul_n and_o life_n of_o religion_n and_o where_o that_o be_v not_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o truth_n in_o religion_n that_o this_o exhortation_n may_v be_v the_o more_o clear_a and_o cogent_a we_o shall_v speak_v a_o word_n to_o these_o three_o 1._o to_o what_o this_o be_v to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o your_o walk_n 2._o to_o some_o motive_n to_o stir_v you_o up_o to_o it_o 3._o to_o some_o help_n to_o it_o for_o the_o 1._o it_o include_v these_o four_o which_o shall_v go_v along_o in_o your_o walk_n 1._o that_o you_o commit_v no_o know_a sin_n for_o there_o will_v be_v no_o good_a conscience_n if_o that_o be_v adventure_v on_o you_o who_o know_v that_o you_o shall_v not_o take_v liberty_n in_o drink_v drink_v in_o swear_v in_o profane_a or_o idle_a speak_n etc._n etc._n walk_v so_o as_o you_o may_v not_o thwart_v your_o knowledge_n 2_o it_o take_v in_o this_o that_o as_o you_o will_v commit_v no_o know_a sin_n so_o you_o will_v ommit_v no_o know_a duty_n because_o though_o every_o sin_n do_v wrong_v the_o conscience_n yet_o the_o sin_n that_o we_o know_v and_o yet_o commit_v and_o the_o duty_n that_o we_o know_v and_o yet_o omit_v do_v more_o direct_o strict_a against_o conscience_n you_o who_o know_v that_o the_o sabbath_n shall_v be_v keep_v holy_a that_o you_o shall_v pray_v in_o secret_a and_o in_o your_o family_n that_o you_o shall_v not_o offend_v one_o another_o etc._n etc._n beware_v of_o hazard_v on_o these_o contrary_n to_o your_o light_n 3_o it_o take_v in_o and_o suppose_v that_o you_o do_v nothing_o doubt_o for_o rom._n 14._o he_o that_o doubt_v and_o do_v be_v damn_v he_o be_v sentence_v and_o judge_v as_o to_o that_o particular_a 4_o it_o include_v this_o to_o endeavour_v to_o be_v right_a in_o the_o manner_n o●_n perform_v all_o duty_n and_o to_o have_v a_o single_a end_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o pray_v or_o to_o be_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o other_o command_v duty_n that_o will_v not_o quiet_a the_o conscience_n if_o you_o study_v not_o to_o be_v right_a in_o the_o manner_n and_o to_o do_v it_o for_o the_o right_a end_n the_o want_n of_o these_o requisite_a qualification_n of_o acceptable_a duty_n will_v make_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v lawful_a on_o the_o matter_n turn_v to_o be_v ground_n of_o challenge_n from_o the_o conscience_n but_o somewhat_o to_o this_o purpose_n have_v be_v speak_v of_o before_o therefore_o it_o have_v now_o be_v but_o touch_v 2_o for_o motive_n 1._o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o be_v a_o more_o clear_a duty_n it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o by_o nature_n heathen_n have_v it_o engrave_v on_o their_o heart_n as_o we_o see_v rom._n 2._o 15._o their_o conscience_n bear_v they_o witness_v and_o their_o thought_n excuse_v or_o accuse_v one_o another_o and_o they_o have_v call_v it_o a_o brazen_a wall_n to_o have_v a_o good_a 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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 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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 ●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 sa●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
ignorance_n that_o may_v and_o will_v make_v we_o mistake_v conscience_n when_o it_o answer_v clear_o and_o this_o come_v to_o pass_v when_o through_o ignorance_n we_o know_v not_o nor_o can_v take_v up_o the_o voice_n of_o conscience_n as_o different_a from_o that_o of_o our_o affection_n or_o inclination_n nor_o the_o ground_n by_o which_o conscience_n do_v evidence_n its_o answer_n as_o young_a samuel_n take_v god_n voice_n at_o first_o for_o the_o voice_n of_o old_a eli_n thus_o man_n may_v have_v a_o impulse_n and_o some_o exercise_n of_o conscience_n a●_n out_o a_o thing_n and_o it_o may_v be_v tell_v its_o mind_n to_o they_o and_o yet_o through_o their_o ignorance_n and_o inadvertancy_n no●_n discern_v and_o take_v up_o what_o it_o say_v their_o exercise_n may_v continue_v and_o they_o remain_v in_o the_o dark_a anent_o the_o particular_a a_o second_o case_n wherein_o folk_n may_v remain_v unclear_a or_o mistake_v where_o conscience_n answer_v clear_o be_v when_o their_o inclination_n or_o affection_n sway_n to_o one_o side_n and_o conscience_n swey_v to_o another_o then_o ready_o the_o affection_n make_v such_o a_o noise_n and_o clamour_n and_o inclination_n and_o tentation_n so_o sway_a and_o drive_v to_o the_o contrary_a that_o the_o voice_n of_o conscience_n be_v not_o take_v up_o yea_o scarce_o hear_v even_o as_o when_o a_o case_n be_v propose_v to_o a_o judge_n and_o he_o speak_v sober_o in_o determine_v the_o same_o the_o unsatisfy_a party_n raise_v such_o a_o clamour_n and_o noise_n that_o his_o determination_n be_v not_o understand_v no●_n it_o may_v be_v so_o much_o as_o hear_v so_o it_o be_v when_o man_n be_v bias_v with_o their_o own_o inclination_n and_o affection_n though_o conscience_n speak_v yet_o these_o will_v speak_v out_o answer_v to_o convince_v and_o persuade_v to_o the_o contrary_a as_o it_o be_v with_o balaam_n who_o will_v not_o understand_v as_o it_o be_v nor_o take_v the_o answer_n which_o he_o get_v but_o go_v again_o and_o again_o for_o another_o or_o as_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n do_v often_o when_o the_o prophet_n tell_v they_o clear_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o lord_n yet_o they_o will_v needs_o contradict_v he_o as_o we_o see_v they_o do_v jer._n 43._o 2_o and_o say_v it_o be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o he_o be_v set_v on_o by_o some_o other_o to_o speak_v so_o their_o inclination_n and_o affection_n be_v swey_v to_o such_o a_o side_n a_o three_o case_n be_v when_o man_n own_a particular_a interest_n lie_v one_o way_n and_o the_o answer_n of_o conscience_n swey_v another_o way_n as_o suppose_v gain_n to_o be_v on_o this_o side_n and_o conscience_n speak_v duty_n to_o be_v on_o the_o other_o interest_n will_v say_v that_o such_o a_o place_n call_z or_o station_n shall_v be_v take_v and_o engage_v in_o because_o it_o have_v gain_v and_o preferment_n with_o it_o but_o conscience_n say_v it_o shall_v be_v forbear_v and_o here_o interest_n sustain_v the_o dispute_n and_o carry_v it_o on_o tough_o and_o pertinacious_o against_o conscience_n with_o plausible_a argument_n that_o side_n and_o suit_n well_o with_o and_o much_o please_v and_o gratify_v our_o flesh_n which_o yet_o may_v be_v very_o easy_o refute_v if_o interest_n have_v not_o the_o great_a hand_n in_o propose_v and_o manage_v they_o hence_o the_o apostle_n 1_o tim._n 6._o 5._o speak_v of_o some_o perverse_a dispute_n of_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n and_o destitute_a of_o the_o truth_n who_o suppose_v gain_v to_o be_v godliness_n for_o when_o gain_n present_v itself_o as_o easy_a to_o be_v find_v and_o come_v by_o in_o such_o a_o way_n it_o will_v ready_o pass_v for_o godliness_n this_o be_v very_o dangerous_a and_o make_v the_o answer_n of_o conscience_n to_o be_v either_o mistake_v or_o ●asten_v and_o reject_v a_o four_o case_n more_o ready_o incident_a to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n though_o it_o may_v be_v also_o in_o other_o be_v when_o fear_n and_o unbelief_n thwart_o conscience_n press_v to_o such_o a_o duty_n as_o suppose_v it_o be_v a_o duty_n that_o have_v many_o difficulty_n attend_v it_o as_o hazard_v of_o life_n or_o of_o state_n of_o confinment_n or_o of_o banishment_n fear_v and_o unbellef_n will_v come_v in_o and_o dispute_v that_o such_o and_o such_o a_o thing_n can_v be_v duty_n though_o conscience_n say_v the_o contrary_a so_o it_o be_v with_o achaz_n isa._n 7._o 12._o i_o will_v not_o say_v he_o ask_v neither_o will_v i_o tempt_v the_o lord_n in_o his_o fear_n and_o unbelief_n he_o will_v not_o wait_v the_o answer_n of_o conscience_n neither_o ●an_v he_o abide_v to_o take_v god_n word_n and_o direction_n but_o this_o do_v not_o only_o prevail_v with_o wicked_a never_o do-well_a achaz_n but_o it_o be_v in_o a_o measure_n in_o eminent_o godly_a moses_n exod._n 6._o 12._o who_o in_o his_o fear_n and_o unbelief_n dispute_v against_o god_n clear_a call_n and_o say_v will_v pharaoh_n hear_v i_o as_o also_o in_o jeremiah_n who_o chap._n 1._o v._n 6._o allege_v against_o god_n clear_a call_n that_o he_o be_v but_o a_o child_n and_o the_o like_a of_o such_o excuse_n and_o shift_n as_o these_o be_v make_v to_o god_n own_o call_v and_o answer_n much_o more_o may_v they_o be_v make_v to_o the_o answer_n of_o conscience_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o question_n the_o second_o question_n be_v see_v conscience_n may_v be_v silent_a or_o though_o it_o answer_v may_v not_o be_v take_v up_o nor_o understand_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o and_o the_o like_a case_n answer_v 1._o we_o shall_v aim_v to_o know_v if_o our_o unclearnesse_n in_o such_o a_o particular_a proceed_v from_o the_o silence_n of_o conscience_n or_o from_o some_o tentation_n or_o distemper_n of_o spirit_n in_o we_o 2_o whither_o it_o flow_v from_o a_o sinful_a cause_n on_o our_o part_n or_o from_o god_n sovereignty_n 3_o we_o shall_v learn_v how_o to_o apply_v ourselves_o aright_o to_o take_v up_o these_o cause_n 4thly_a what_o it_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v do_v when_o none_o of_o these_o be_v discern_v 5thly_a what_o it_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v do_v if_o our_o unclearnesse_n and_o darkness_n continue_v or_o what_o general_a ground_n may_v warrant_v we_o in_o our_o choice_n or_o how_o we_o ought_v to_o make_v use_n of_o these_o general_a ground_n when_o we_o can_v take_v up_o particular_n for_o the_o 1._o direction_n in_o such_o a_o case_n we_o say_v when_o man_n have_v unclearnesse_n they_o shall_v inquire_v 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v one_fw-mi unclearnesse_n from_o a_o silence_n in_o the_o conscience_n or_o from_o a_o tentation_n or_o distemper_n in_o themselves_o and_o if_o this_o once_o be_v know_v the_o cause_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n win_v for_o if_o it_o be_v know_v to_o be_v a_o tentation_n or_o a_o sinful_a distemper_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v stand_v on_o though_o what_o we_o be_v call_v to_o thwart_o our_o own_o inclination_n and_o affection_n and_o speak_v out_o matter_n of_o fear_n and_o hazard_n as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o case_n of_o moses_n and_o jeremiah_n when_o god_n make_v the_o man_n to_o put_v his_o hand_n into_o his_o bosom_n as_o it_o be_v as_o if_o the_o result_n be_v to_o be_v have_v there_o that_o clear_v he_o and_o he_o yield_v and_o if_o it_o flow_v not_o from_o any_o tentation_n or_o distemper_n we_o shall_v look_v forward_o and_o inquire_v from_o what_o cause_n it_o come_v but_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v here_o how_o shall_v people_n know_v whither_o their_o unclearnesse_n do_v proceed_v from_o a_o sinful_a distemper_n in_o themselves_o or_o from_o the_o silence_n of_o conscience_n not_o speak_v at_o all_o answer_v to_o find_v out_o this_o will_v be_v a_o piece_n of_o christian_a exerc●e_n and_o will_v need_v much_o humility_n and_o self-denial_n a_o heavenly_a frame_n and_o much_o serious_a prayer_n to_o god_n and_o though_o 〈◊〉_d be_v difficult_a to_o condescend_v on_o particular_a rule_n in_o 〈◊〉_d case_n yet_o we_o shall_v give_v some_o general_a consideration_n that_o will_v help_v how_o to_o find_v it_o out_o and_o 1._o see_v i●_n you_o be_v indifferent_a in_o the_o thing_n if_o it_o be_v so_o in_o it_o be_v own_o nature_n for_o if_o it_o be_v a_o tentation_n or_o sinful_a distemper_n that_o prevail_v you_o will_v not_o be_v indifferent_a but_o fix_v resolute_a and_o peremptory_a inclination_n affection_n or_o interest_n will_v sway_n you_o to_o one_o side_n and_o hold_v you_o there_o and_o therefore_o your_o great_a work_n shall_v be_v to_o see_v if_o you_o be_v single_a and_o unbiased_a and_o for_o this_o end_n consider_v 1._o if_o you_o have_v your_o choice_n what_o it_o will_v be_v and_o if_o the_o heart_n confident_o adventure_v to_o make_v the_o choice_n and_o if_o you_o be_v incline_v more_o to_o the_o one_o side_n then_o to_o the_o other_o it_o be_v presumption_n
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 necessi●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 fragran●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 bu●_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 ba●_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 ●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
we_o will_v labour_v in_o our_o self-examination_n to_o be_v up_o at_o that_o distinctnesse_n that_o through_o grace_n may_v be_v win_v at_o that_o we_o may_v be_v so_o very_o clear_a as_o to_o be_v in_o case_n to_o say_v i_o wot_v well_o i_o be_v right_a at_o such_o a_o time_n and_o wrong_v at_o such_o another_o time_n in_o this_o i_o be_v right_a and_o in_o that_o i_o be_v wrong_a yea_o so_o clear_a and_o distinct_a will_v we_o be_v as_o we_o may_v if_o call_v to_o it_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v our_o oath_n on_o it_o as_o paul_n do_v in_o the_o place_n we_o speak_v on_o before_o viz._n ro●_n 9_o 1._o i_o say_v the_o truth_n in_o christ_n say_v he_o and_o lie_v not_o my_o conscience_n bear_v i_o witness_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n there_o will_v not_o be_v guess_v at_o thing_n but_o we_o will_v be_v thorough_o distinct_a and_o clear_a therefore_o job_n speak_v of_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o integrity_n chap._n 31._o propose_v they_o by_o way_n of_o curse_n be_v so_o very_o confident_a that_o he_o dare_v confirm_v what_o he_o assert_v with_o a_o curse_n on_o himself_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o be_v otherwise_o then_o he_o say_v 2_o we_o will_v examine_v and_o look_v on_o our_o way_n till_o we_o be_v bring_v under_o some_o suitable_a impression_n of_o the_o awe_n and_o dread_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o absolute_a dominion_n and_o sovereignty_n over_o we_o thus_o holy_a job_n say_v of_o himself_o when_o thus_o exercise_v chap_n 31._o v._n 23._o destruction_n from_o the_o almighty_a be_v a_o terror_n to_o i_o and_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o highness_n i_o can_v not_o endure_v we_o never_o follow_v our_o self-examination_n far_o enough_o till_o it_o leave_v some_o impression_n of_o this_o kind_n on_o our_o spirit_n 3_o it_o will_v be_v follow_v till_o we_o be_v affect_v with_o what_o discovery_n we_o get_v in_o the_o search_n of_o our_o own_o way_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o bare_o to_o take_v a_o look_n or_o view_v of_o it_o but_o we_o will_v i_o say_v look_v on_o it_o so_o as_o we_o may_v be_v suitable_o affect_v with_o it_o that_o either_o it_o may_v give_v we_o solid_a peace_n and_o joy_n from_o clearness_n that_o we_o be_v right_a or_o else_o a_o sensible_a touch_n with_o the_o sharpness_n of_o a_o challenge_n for_o that_o whereof_o we_o be_v clear_o convince_v be_v wrong_n and_o man_n be_v never_o right_o exercise_v in_o the_o work_n of_o self-examination_n and_o of_o reflection_n on_o their_o conscience_n till_o something_o of_o this_o be_v there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o bare_a light_n and_o a_o well_o inform_v and_o tender_a conscience_n conscience_n sense_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v of_o more_o weight_n and_o be_v more_o divine_a and_o have_v some_o more_o of_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n in_o it_o then_o bare_a light_n or_o conviction_n of_o the_o judgement_n it_o will_v neither_o smile_v nor_o ●rown_n but_o it_o will_v suitable_o affect_v the_o man_n with_o some_o inward_a comfort_n or_o sorrow_n for_o it_o represent_v god_n either_o as_o smile_v or_o ●rowning_v 4_o we_o will_v follow_v this_o work_n of_o self-examination_n and_o self-reflection_n till_o we_o be_v clear_a and_o full_o persuade_v as_o to_o the_o duty_n we_o be_v call_v to_o after_o such_o examination_n as_o when_o a_o man_n find_v thing_n to_o be_v wrong_n conscience_n will_v say_v there_o be_v here_o a_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n and_o humiliation_n and_o of_o fly_v to_o jesus_n christ_n for_o take_v away_o the_o guilt_n thereof_o and_o of_o set_v about_o the_o right_v and_o amend_v of_o thing_n and_o till_o a_o man_n come_v to_o be_v clear_a in_o that_o which_o he_o be_v call_v to_o by_o self-examination_n he_o follow_v it_o not_o ●th_v a_o right_n and_o as_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o worldly_a and_o of_o godly_a sorrow_n 2_o cor._n 7._o 10_o 11._o give_v these_o evidence_n of_o godly_a sorrow_n a_o fruit_n of_o self-examination_n that_o it_o not_o only_o be_v wait_v in_o the_o corinthian_n with_o a_o fight_n of_o the_o fault_n but_o it_o touch_v they_o in_o the_o quick_a for_o it_o and_o affect_v they_o with_o holy_a indignation_n at_o it_o and_o with_o true_a zeal_n to_o have_v it_o remove_v and_o that_o with_o all_o it_o suffer_v they_o not_o to_o rest_v till_o they_o endeavour_v by_o all_o mean_v a_o clear_n of_o themselves_o behold_v say_v he_o v_o 11._o the_o self_n same_o thing_n you_o sorrow_v after_o a_o godly_a sort_n what_o carefulness_n it_o wrought_v in_o you_o ●ea_o what_o clear_v of_o yourselves_o yea_o what_o indignation_n etc._n etc._n a_o man_n that_o offer_v to_o ●et_v about_o self-examination_n and_o yet_o lie_v still_o in_o the_o fault_n that_o be_v discover_v thereby_o and_o be_v no_o more_o affect_v with_o it_o then_o if_o he_o be_v not_o at_o all_o guilty_a of_o it_o nor_o any_o more_o now_o after_o the_o discovery_n make_v in_o the_o search_n incline_v to_o flee_v to_o christ_n then_o when_o he_o begin_v his_o self-examination_n be_v sure_a not_o right_a we_o will_v therefore_o serious_o recommend_v to_o you_o these_o four_o to_o be_v well_o head_v and_o carry_v along_o with_o you_o in_o your_o prosecute_n this_o work_n of_o self-examina●on_a to_o press_v this_o a_o little_a we_o will_v consider_v these_o three_o 1._o the_o clearness_n of_o the_o duty_n 2._o the_o profitableness_n and_o excellency_n of_o it_o 3._o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o by_o all_o which_o we_o may_v be_v convince_v of_o a_o necessity_n lie_v upon_o we_o to_o press_v it_o and_o upon_o you_o to_o practice_v it_o the_o lord_n himself_o bear_v in_o upon_o we_o all_o with_o a_o strong_a hand_n the_o conviction_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o for_o the_o first_o it_o be_v as_o clear_v a_o duty_n as_o it_o be_v for_o you_o to_o come_v to_o the_o church_n to_o hear_v as_o it_o be_v to_o read_v or_o to_o pray_v or_o to_o sanctify_v the_o lord_n day_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o 1._o it_o be_v so_o often_o command_v as_o l●m._n 3._o 40._o hagg●_n ●_z 5._o gal._n ●_o 4._o and_o psal._n 2._o 4._o commun●_n with_o your_o heart_n upon_o your_o bed_n or_o speak_v with_o your_o hear●_n or_o with_o your_o conscience_n as_o often_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o heart_n be_v put_v for_o the_o conscience_n for_o it_o be_v the_o conscience_n property_n that_o give_v the_o answer_n and_o not_o the_o heart_n so_o 2_o cor_n 13._o 5._o examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o say_v prove_v your_o own_o self_n etc._n etc._n the_o command_n be_v double_v nay_o someway_o tripled_a 2._o it_o be_v clear_a also_o from_o the_o ordinary_a practice_n of_o the_o saint_n as_o have_v be_v former_o instance_a so_o that_o hardly_o will_v you_o find_v a_o tender_a man_n but_o he_o be_v thus_o exercise_v and_o the_o more_o tender_a he_o be_v the_o more_o be_v he_o so_o tender_v david_n be_v much_o exercise_v this_o way_n as_o he_o give_v a_o account_n psal._n 119._o 59_o i_o think_v say_v he_o on_o my_o way_n and_o turn_v my_o foot_n unto_o thy_o testimony_n for_o the_o second_o viz._n the_o profitableness_n and_o excellency_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o command_v duty_n but_o a_o choice_n mean_v for_o bring_v about_o many_o excellent_a end_n i_o shall_v instance_n its_o excellency_n among_o other_o in_o these_o three_o respect_n 1._o it_o be_v excellent_a in_o this_o respect_n as_o it_o be_v a_o most_o clear_a fresh_a and_o refreshful_a evidence_n of_o a_o tender_a walk_n and_o of_o a_o man_n that_o make_v conscience_n of_o his_o way_n he_o that_o do_v truth_n say_v christ_n john_n 3._o 21._o come_v to_o the_o light_n that_o his_o deed_n may_v be_v make_v manifest_a that_o they_o be_v wrought_v in_o god_n he_o be_v not_o only_o content_a to_o abide_v a_o trial_n but_o he_o put_v himself_o to_o it_o he_o bring_v his_o deed_n to_o the_o light_n to_o see_v if_o they_o be_v wrought_v in_o god_n on_o the_o contrary_a he_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n and_o come_v not_o unto_o it_o lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v he_o reprove_v must_v not_o this_o then_o be_v a_o excellent_a duty_n which_o be_v so_o clear_a a_o character_n and_o property_n of_o one_o that_o walk_v tender_o in_o all_o duty_n nay_o let_v all_o duty_n be_v put_v together_o without_o this_o none_o of_o they_o nor_o all_o of_o they_o in_o a_o conjunction_n can_v evidence_n a_o man_n tenderness_n for_o it_o be_v this_o that_o give_v he_o as_o it_o be_v a_o grip_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o put_v they_o to_o the_o touchstone_n and_o show_v what_o reality_n be_v in_o they_o what_o be_v to_o be_v look_v 〈◊〉_d acceptable_a to_o god_n through_o christ_n what_o not_o without_o this_o
mind_v to_o balk_v ●one_n but_o to_o go_v through_o all_o before_o you_o give_v over_o the_o work_n it_o will_v be_v better_a to_o betake_v yourselves_o to_o the_o search_n and_o examination_n of_o such_o or_o such_o a_o particular_a duty_n or_o of_o such_o or_o such_o a_o day_n work_v and_o duty_n and_o thus_o you_o will_v win_v the_o better_a in_o on_o it_o and_o through_o it_o and_o the_o heap_n will_v grow_v the_o less_o but_o meddle_v not_o with_o another_o till_o you_o have_v with_o some_o suitableness_n dispatch_v and_o put_v by_o this_o 3_o if_o you_o can_v win_v for_o the_o time_n so_o to_o fix_v on_o particular_n take_v your_o confuse_a condition_n such_o as_o it_o be_v to_o think_v on_o a_o while_n and_o look_v not_o at_o this_o as_o nothing_o that_o you_o have_v find_v your_o condition_n to_o be_v confuse_v david_n condition_n be_v somewhat_o thus_o when_o he_o say_v psal._n 44._o v_o 15_o my_o confusion_n be_v continual_o before_o i_o the_o take_n and_o lay_v of_o your_o case_n confuse_v as_o it_o be_v before_o god_n and_o your_o conscience_n may_v help_v to_o humble_a and_o kind_o to_o affect_v your_o heart_n 4_o the_o more_o confuse_a your_o case_n be_v seek_v to_o take_v it_o so_o much_o the_o more_o to_o god_n and_o to_o draw_v the_o near_a to_o he_o let_v it_o be_v make_v a_o motive_n to_o set_v you_o on_o to_o deal_v the_o more_o serious_o with_o he_o to_o dispel_v your_o darkness_n and_o confusion_n as_o je●_n do_v while_o he_o say_v chap._n 10._o v._n 15._o i_o be_o full_a of_o confusion_n therefore_o see_v thou_o to_o my_o affliction_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v lord_n i_o can_v rid_v no●_n order_n my_o case_n therefore_o see_v thou_o to_o it_o and_o give_v i_o clearness_n for_o though_o a_o person_n have_v a_o confuse_a condition_n yet_o he_o may_v be_v somewhat_o distinct_a in_o lay_v it_o out_o before_o god_n as_o it_o be_v and_o may_v be_v clear_a in_o what_o conscience_n say_v of_o it_o when_o it_o say_v that_o it_o be_v confuse_v 5_o whether_o our_o condition_n be_v confuse_v or_o no●_n we_o will_v be_v suitable_o affect_v with_o every_o particular_a that_o we_o find_v in_o it_o and_o this_o may_v be_v one_o reason_n of_o our_o confusion_n that_o we_o have_v more_o clearness_n than_o we_o improve_v well_o we_o see_v many_o thing_n to_o be_v wrong_n but_o the_o ●ight_n affect_v we_o not_o neither_o do_v we_o suitable_o endeavour_v to_o repent_v of_o the_o evil_n which_o we_o see_v nor_o to_o amend_v they_o nor_o do_v 〈◊〉_d flee_v to_o jesus_n christ_n to_o get_v they_o pardon_v and_o cure_v but_o when_o the_o little_a clearness_n that_o we_o have_v be_v well_o improven_v it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o get_v more_o but_o what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o more_o light_n and_o of_o more_o clearness_n when_o that_o which_o we_o have_v be_v not_o due_o make_v use_n of_o a_o 3d._a objection_n be_v some_o may_v think_v and_o say_v we_o be_v essay_v self-examination_n and_o yet_o we_o find_v much_o difficulty_n to_o know_v and_o take_v up_o conscience_n its_o language_n whether_o it_o be_v awell_v ground_v challenge_n or_o a_o approve_v testimony_n this_o objection_n be_v much_o like_a unto_o that_o question_n which_o we_o speak_v to_o alittle_o in_o our_o second_o sermon_n on_o act_n 24._o v_o 16._o viz._n whether_o conscience_n its_o impulse_n may_v not_o sometime_o be_v wrong_a to_o which_o we_o answer_v affirmative_o and_o do_v yet_o grant_v that_o it_o may_v mistake_v and_o be_v mistake_v by_o we_o and_o what_o we_o say_v there_o for_o find_v out_o the_o mind_n of_o conscience_n may_v be_v useful_a here_o towards_o the_o answer_n of_o this_o objection_n yet_o we_o shall_v now_o speak_v a_o word_n further_o to_o it_o for_o answer_v then_o we_o shall_v easy_o yield_v that_o it_o be_v indeed_o sometime_o difficult_a to_o find_v out_o the_o mind_n to_o say_v so_o of_o conscience_n and_o to_o understand_v its_o language_n in_o reflect_v as_o well_o as_o in_o deliberate_v either_o 1._o through_o the_o dimness_n of_o people_n light_n that_o they_o scarce_o know_v the_o rule_n or_o 2_o through_o their_o be_v partial_a and_o negligent_a in_o compare_v their_o way_n and_o action_n with_o the_o rule_n but_o either_o hide_v it_o whole_o or_o at_o le●st_a some_o circumstance_n of_o it_o without_o bring_v it_o forth_o and_o lay_v it_o to_o the_o rule_n or_o 3_o it_o may_v be_v through_o some_o bias_n in_o their_o affection_n that_o make_v they_o unsingle_a so_o that_o they_o will_v not_o take_v with_o a_o challenge_n when_o there_o be_v just_a ground_n for_o it_o or_o 4_o it_o may_v be_v from_o some_o unwarrantable_a and_o groundless_a prejudice_n at_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o way_n so_o that_o they_o will_v not_o take_v a_o testimony_n from_o conscience_n even_o when_o it_o give_v they_o a_o good_a one_o and_o therefore_o in_o your_o self-examination_n you_o will_v carry_v some_o advertisement_n along_o with_o you_o which_o will_v be_v helpful_a to_o find_v out_o the_o mind_n of_o conscience_n 1._o you_o will_v try_v whether_o conscience_n be_v impartial_a and_o if_o 〈◊〉_d speak_v to_o both_o hand_n to_o say_v so_o accuse_v ●n_o some_o thing_n and_o excuse_v in_o other_o in_o some_o thing_n speak_v peace_n and_o in_o other_o challenge_v for_o sin_n for_o if_o when_o you_o reflect_v conscience_n speak_v all_o or_o only_a peace_n it_o be_v certain_o wrong_a because_o in_o the_o best_a there_o be_v less_o or_o more_o guilt_n contract_v in_o what_o ever_o you_o go_v about_o but_o if_o beside_o what_o be_v right_a it_o point_v also_o at_o something_o that_o be_v wrong_n it_o be_v conscience_n right_a language_n on_o the_o contrary_a when_o you_o reflect_v if_o conscience_n speak_v all_o to_o be_v wrong_n though_o there_o be_v some_o sincerity_n in_o your_o aim_n it_o be_v mistake_v for_o when_o it_o speak_v a_o right_a it_o speak_v always_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o what_o he_o say_v be_v wrong_n or_o right_n it_o say_v so_o of_o it_o also_o so_o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o ephesus_n rev._n 2._o as_o the_o lord_n charge_v they_o that_o they_o be_v fall_v from_o their_o first_o love_n so_o do_v conscience_n yet_o as_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o there_o be_v something_o right_n in_o as_o far_o as_o they_o have_v labour_v for_o his_o name_n sake_n and_o hate_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n which_o he_o hate_v etc._n etc._n so_o do_v conscience_n also_o testify_v the_o same_o and_o so_o in_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o these_o seven_o church_n as_o god_n be_v impartial_a in_o his_o testimony_n so_o be_v conscience_n when_o right_o 2_o you_o will_v advert_v to_o the_o ground_n of_o conscience_n it_o be_v speak_v or_o to_o that_o on_o account_n of_o which_o it_o testify_v for_o you_o or_o against_o you_o for_o as_o in_o our_o forbear_n of_o one_o action_n and_o in_o our_o choose_n of_o another_o we_o be_v to_o forbear_v or_o to_o choose_v and_o proceed_v according_a as_o conscience_n hold_v ou●_n clear_a light_n and_o reason_n for_o it_o so_o upon_o the_o back_n of_o any_o action_n or_o duty_n perform_v when_o we_o go_v to_o reflect_v we_o will_v try_v the_o ground_n whether_o of_o conscience_n its_o challenge_n or_o of_o its_o good_a testimony_n if_o it_o challenge_v and_o accuse_v try_v well_o whether_o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o sin_n for_o which_o it_o do_v so_o if_o it_o approve_v and_o speak_v peace_n try_v on_o what_o ground_n it_o do_v so_o conscience_n will_v some_o way_n testify_v of_o the_o action_n but_o you_o will_v try_v if_o it_o be_v sinful_a or_o not_o according_a to_o the_o word_n ol_fw-mi god_n which_o suppose_v knowledge_n in_o the_o thing_n and_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n concern_v it_o wherein_o any_o especial_o more_o considerable_a defect_n even_o in_o conscientious_a and_o ●ender_a christian_n be_v wait_v with_o its_o own_o prejudice_n hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v as_o the_o apostle_n give_v we_o a_o accou●t_n rom._n 14._o that_o many_o of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n through_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o knowledge_n be_v make_v to_o judge_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n to_o be_v wrong_n as_o the_o eat_n of_o such_o and_o such_o meat_n their_o conscience_n judge_v according_a to_o their_o knowledge_n when_o yet_o indeed_o the_o matter_n be_v not_o wrong_v though_o as_o the_o apostle_n there_o say_v to_o he_o that_o esteem_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v unclean_a to_o he_o it_o be_v unclean_a therefore_o we_o will_v be_v the_o more_o holy_o jealous_a over_o ourselves_o lest_o we_o find_v our_o peace_n on_o a_o delude_a testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n and_o for_o prevent_v of_o that_o we_o will_v put_v ●t_a to_o give_v its_o reason_n for_o and_o evidence_n of_o what_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 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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 ●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 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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 ●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 u●_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 ●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 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evil_a and_o wrong_v for_o when_o ●e_a study_n to_o look_v over_o and_o review_v your_o ●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 shi●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 se●ves_n upon_o your_o bed_n 4_o this_o set_a time_n will_v be_v when_o person_n be_v most_o fresh_a and_o fit_a for_o the_o duty_n and_o have_v the_o waite_v opportunity_n to_o insist_v in_o and_o to_o dwell_v on_o it_o and_o to_o follow_v it_o till_o they_o be_v suitable_o affect_v with_o it_o and_o till_o somewhat_o of_o it_o be_v reach_v for_o when_o we_o straiten_v ourselves_o and_o take_v not_o such_o a_o time_n as_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o duty_n we_o will_v not_o get_v it_o follow_v out_o to_o any_o purpose_n and_o get_v time_n also_o for_o prayer_n and_o other_o duty_n and_o that_o cause_v overlinesse_n ready_o in_o all_o we_o will_v therefore_o take_v such_o a_o time_n for_o this_o duty_n that_o we_o may_v not_o so_o far_o as_o we_o can_v forecast_v be_v divert_v and_o draw_v away_o from_o it_o by_o some_o other_o thing_n 5_o when_o some_o other_o thing_n not_o then_o necessary_a break_v in_o to_o divert_v and_o draw_v we_o away_o from_o it_o we_o will_v take_v ourselves_o again_o and_o again_o and_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v our_o heart_n back_o and_o up_o to_o the_o duty_n that_o they_o get_v not_o leave_v to_o break_v louse_n for_o if_o the_o heart_n get_v a_o custom_n of_o gade_v and_o admit_v of_o diversion_n it_o will_v never_o ready_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v serious_a in_o this_o duty_n and_o therefore_o by_o all_o mean_n when_o you_o go_v about_o this_o duty_n of_o self_n examination_n beware_v of_o and_o guard_n against_o the_o intrusion_n of_o other_o thought_n whither_o they_o be_v vain_a or_o thought_n of_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v at_o another_o time_n profitable_a but_o at_o that_o time_n impertinent_a 6_o in_o your_o review_n of_o your_o condition_n or_o in_o your_o self-examination_n endeavour_v to_o find_v out_o and_o acknowledge_v the_o good_a as_o well_o as_o the_o evil_a that_o be_v in_o it_o and_o to_o find_v out_o the_o evil_a as_o well_o as_o the_o good_a and_o to_o ●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 ●he_v great_a scope_n and_o design_n 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point_v it_o out_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n but_o there_o be_v i_o say_v some_o particular_a action_n that_o they_o be_v call_v to_o examine_v more_o than_o other_o and_o for_o further_a clear_v of_o this_o i_o shall_v instance_n it_o in_o a_o few_o thing_n as_o 1._o there_o be_v some_o thing_n or_o action_n and_o duty_n that_o more_o eminent_o concern_v a_o believer_n peace_n or_o disquietness_n his_o peace_n if_o right_o go_v about_o and_o his_o disquietness_n if_o otherwise_o some_o thing_n whereby_o god_n be_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n honour_v and_o the_o believer_n himself_o comfort_v if_o he_o carry_v right_o and_o god_n high_o dishonour_v and_o the_o believer_n conscience_n great_o wound_v if_o he_o miscarry_v we_o may_v instance_n it_o in_o these_o solemn_a ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n of_o time_n of_o humillation_n with_o fast_v of_o public_a or_o secret_a personal_a covenant_v with_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o like_a as_o here_o paul_n reflect_v particular_o on_o his_o ministry_n among_o the_o corinthian_n and_o on_o his_o way_n in_o it_o as_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n and_o say_v that_o it_o be_v more_o abundant_o to_o they_o ward_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o hear_v the_o word_n in_o prayer_n in_o our_o family_n and_o in_o secret_a in_o confer_v to_o edification_n on_o sermon_n after_o we_o have_v hear_v they_o or_o to_o any_o spiritual_a purpose_n in_o sanctify_v the_o lord_n day_n and_o such_o other_o for_o in_o these_o duty_n the_o rule_n bind_v some_o nay_o more_o strict_o god_n be_v in_o they_o in_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n honour_v or_o dishonour_v and_o there_o be_v ready_a access_n to_o a_o challenge_n if_o the_o person_n be_v wrong_a and_o to_o peace_n and_o comfort_n if_o right_a in_o these_o 2_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n that_o be_v more_o tickle_a and_o difficult_a in_o respect_n either_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o or_o in_o respect_n of_o our_o particular_a inclination_n to_o miscarry_v in_o they_o as_o for_o instance_n when_o a_o man_n in_o providence_n have_v be_v cast_v into_o a_o place_n and_o company_n where_o he_o be_v crowd_v with_o snare_n and_o strong_a temptation_n he_o will_v there_o examine_v more_o particular_o that_o nothing_o have_v stick_v to_o he_o that_o may_v be_v ground_n of_o challenge_n against_o he_o so_o in_o public_a employment_n wherein_o man_n be_v expose_v to_o many_o temptation_n and_o snare_n especial_o when_o there_o be_v somewhat_o in_o their_o own_o tempratur●_n inclination_n or_o humour_n that_o dispose_v to_o yield_v comply_v and_o miscarry_v they_o will_v there_o be_v the_o more_o particular_a in_o their_o examination_n thus_o david_n say_v ps._n 18._o that_o be_v have_v not_o wicked_o depart_v from_o god_n that_o he_o be_v upright_o before_o he_o and_o have_v keep_v himself_o from_o his_o iniquity_n there_o be_v some_o sin_n that_o he_o be_v not_o in_o such_o hazard_n of_o as_o he_o be_v of_o other_o and_o as_o he_o hand_n guard_v more_o against_o they_o so_o he_o 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himself_o and_o as_o the_o more_o solemn_a the●ty_n and_o engagement_n have_v be_v he_o shall_v watch_v the_o more_o against_o they_o so_o also_o examine_v the_o more_o if_o he_o have_v be_v entangle_v i●_n they_o so_o say_v the_o people_n of_o god_n ps._n 44_o 17_o all_o this_o be_v come_v upon_o we_o yet_o have_v we_o not_o forget_v thou_o neither_o 〈◊〉_d we_o deal_v false_o in_o thy_o covenant_n there_o be_v many_o particular_a sailing_n in_o their_o way_n which_o doubtless_o they_o reflect_v on_o but_o especial_o they_o try_v how_o they_o have_v carry_v in_o their_o engagement_n to_o god_n because_o they_o know_v that_o any_o more_o gross_a fall_n in_o these_o will_v have_v much_o influence_n on_o god_n dishonour_n and_o on_o the_o wound_a ●f_n their_o own_o peace_n whatever_o we_o reflect_v on_o in_o our_o way_n we_o will_v not_o neglect_v nor_o omit_v our_o engagement_n to_o god_n but_o will_v narrow_o look_v back_o and_o examine_v how_o these_o have_v be_v observe_v 4_o man_n will_v especial_o try_v and_o examine_v themselves_o in_o these_o thing_n that_o cause_n or_o occasion_n challenge_n to_o they_o if_o there_o be_v a_o particular_a challenge_n for_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v sure_a a_o particular_a call_n narrow_o to_o try_v that_o thing_n whether_o we_o have_v be_v right_a in_o i●_n or_o not_o i_o do_v not_o say_v b●t_v a_o challenge_n may_v be_v where_o there_o be_v no_o just_a ground_n for_o it_o and_o we_o may_v be_v call_v to_o try_v where_o we_o be_v not_o to_o take_v with_o a_o challenge_n where_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o it_o but_o often_o we_o be_v wise_a behind_o the_o hand_n and_o precipitant_n and_o when_o we_o have_v not_o advert_v before_o hand_n to_o prevent_v the_o ground_n of_o a_o challenge_n the_o challenge_n than_o come_v to_o put_v we_o particular_o to_o examine_v and_o try_v what_o have_v be_v right_a or_o wrong_n in_o our_o carriage_n in_o such_o a_o particular_a 5_o what_o may_v occasion_v or_o probable_o bring_v on_o some_o cross_n shall_v put_v a_o man_n to_o try_v that_o when_o the_o cross_n come_v he_o may_v have_v peace_n in_o so_o f●r_o that_o he_o have_v not_o medy_v with_o such_o a_o thing_n without_o a_o clear_a call_v 6_o that_o which_o probable_o may_v be_v a_o cause_n or_o at_o least_o ●n_a occasion_n of_o contend_v with_o or_o of_o reproach_n from_o or_o of_o offence_n to_o other_o will_v put_v we_o narrow_o to_o examine_v because_o in_o all_o such_o thing_n a_o man_n peace_n will_v be_v notable_o try_v and_o we_o take_v this_o to_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o apostle_n instance_v here_o so_o particular_o in_o his_o ministry_n among_o the_o corinthian_n because_o his_o carriage_n in_o it_o be_v controvert_v by_o the_o false_a teacher_n there_o as_o if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v faithful_a zealous_a and_o single_a in_o it_o last_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o believer_n more_o particular_a try_v of_o their_o way_n we_o mean_v not_o only_o as_o to_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v more_o dark_a and_o unclear_a but_o also_o as_o to_o these_o that_o be_v most_o clear_a for_o even_o in_o these_o after_o exact_a examination_n we_o may_v find_v out_o ground_n of_o challenge_n for_o what_o be_v wrong_a in_o our_o end_n or_o in_o our_o manner_n of_o do_v and_o distinct_a ground_n of_o peace_n for_o what_o be_v right_a that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a with_o some_o solid_a confidence_n to_o say_v this_o be_v wrong_a and_o i_o have_v reason_n to_o be_v humble_v for_o it_o and_o this_o be_v right_a and_o i_o may_v be_v quiet_v and_o comfort_v in_o it_o 5_o observe_v that_o though_o it_o be_v a_o difficult_a thing_n to_o win_v to_o a_o well_o ground_v refresh_v testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n yet_o by_o a_o tender_a believer_n it_o be_v through_o grace_n attainable_a paul_n speak_v of_o it_o here_o not_o only_o as_o a_o thing_n that_o he_o aim_v at_o but_o as_o that_o which_o he_o attain_v the_o experience_n also_o of_o many_o of_o the_o saint_n do_v prove_v that_o it_o have_v be_v win_v at_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o job_n david_n hezekiah_n and_o other_o it_o be_v moreover_o clear_a from_o the_o effect_n that_o have_v follow_v on_o it_o in_o they_o such_o as_o peace_n joy_n and_o rejoice_v all_o which_o clear_o hold_v forth_o so_o much_o that_o a_o believer_n in_o his_o walk_n may_v win_v to_o a_o well_o ground_v and_o heart-chearing_a testimony_n of_o conscience_n for_o he_o if_o he_o be_v tender_a and_o watchful_a in_o his_o way_n to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o diligent_a in_o self-examination_n and_o sincere_a and_o impartial_a in_o put_v thing_n to_o a_o proof_n whether_o they_o be_v right_a or_o wrong_n the_o use_n of_o this_o doctrine_n serve_v for_o instruction_n to_o let_v we_o
woman_n that_o break_v the_o b●x_n of_o ointment_n on_o the_o lord_n that_o she_o do_v wash_v his_o foot_n with_o tear_n and_o ●ipe_a they_o with_o her_o hair_n out_o of_o love_n she_o be_v tender_o affectionate_a and_o very_o real_a in_o she_o go_v about_o that_o work_n this_o will_v seclude_v many_o good_a work_n on_o the_o matter_n which_o be_v call_v in_o this_o same_o epistle_n dead_a work_n because_o not_o do_v in_o the_o love_a lively_a spiritual_a manner_n that_o god_n require_v 4_o a_o honest_a walk_n must_v be_v from_o a_o honest_a principle_n though_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o a_o man_n can_v do_v all_o thing_n call_v for_o never_o so_o well_o for_o the_o manner_n if_o they_o be_v not_o do_v from_o a_o right_a principle_n he_o be_v not_o honest_a in_o his_o walk_n and_o it_o be_v on_o this_o ground_n that_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o natural_a man_n of_o mere_o moral_a man_n be_v reject_v as_o have_v no_o honesty_n in_o they_o as_o be_v but_o the_o fruit_n of_o corrupt_a tree_n which_o can_v bring_v forth_o no_o good_a fruit_n as_o the_o lord_n express_o affirm_v and_o therefore_o can_v have_v no_o influence_n on_o a_o good_a conscience_n because_o from_o a_o corrupt_a principle_n we_o need_v not_o stand_v here_o particular_o to_o prove_v the_o branch_n they_o be_v obvious_a to_o live_v honest_o take_v in_o all_o these_o four_o without_o which_o a_o man_n can_v have_v a_o good_a conscience_n as_o we_o suppose_v will_v be_v grant_v at_o least_o in_o word_n by_o all_o the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v clear_v be_v the_o universality_n of_o this_o honesty_n how_o it_o be_v that_o a_o man_n in_o this_o honest_a walk_n must_v be_v universal_a a_o good_a conscience_n must_v have_v this_o property_n and_o he_o that_o will_v have_v it_o must_v needs_o study_v to_o live_v honest_o in_o all_o thing_n in_o thing_n of_o the_o first_o table_n of_o the_o law_n and_o in_o thing_n of_o the_o second_o in_o thing_n that_o concern_v the_o law_n and_o in_o thing_n that_o concern_v the_o gospel_n though_o a_o man_n shall_v 〈◊〉_d never_o so_o much_o external_a holiness_n if_o he_o neglect_v the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n of_o faith_n of_o mortification_n and_o of_o other_o inward_a gospel-duty_n or_o grace_n he_o be_v very_o defective_a and_o pursue_v not_o a_o honest_a walk_n in_o the_o just_a ex●ent_n and_o latitude_n of_o it_o so_o then_o a_o man_n that_o will_v live_v honest_o must_v study_v to_o be_v honest_a in_o all_o not_o only_o in_o duty_n of_o religious_a worship_n but_o al●o_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o call_n station_n and_o relation_n even_o in_o every_o thing_n whereof_o we_o have_v occasion_n to_o speak_v more_o particular_o and_o full_o in_o the_o close_a of_o our_o last_o sermon_n for_o further_o clear_v of_o this_o universality_n take_v these_o qualification_n of_o it_o first_o this_o universality_n must_v be_v design_v and_o endeavour_v in_o respect_n of_o man_n light_n and_o judgement_n to_o which_o their_o walk_n must_v be_v answerable_a a_o man_n that_o will_v walk_v honest_o must_v endeavour_v to_o know_v what_o be_v command_v and_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o command_n if_o the_o eye_n in_o this_o respect_n be_v not_o single_a the_o whole_a body_n will_v be_v full_a of_o darkness_n the_o want_n of_o this_o qualification_n have_v make_v many_o legalist_n think_v themselves_o to_o be_v far_o advance_v in_o holiness_n because_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o spiritual_a meaning_n of_o the_o law_n as_o we_o see_v in_o that_o man_n speak_v of_o matth._n 19_o who_o say_v to_o the_o lord_n press_v on_o he_o obedience_n to_o ●uch_v and_o such_o command_n all_o these_o thing_n have_v have_v i_o keep_v from_o my_o youth_n up_o and_o its_o like_a he_o think_v as_o he_o say_v not_o know_v the_o spirituality_n and_o extent_n of_o the_o law_n therefore_o man_n apprehension_n and_o thought_n of_o their_o universalness_n in_o the_o study_n of_o holiness_n can_v be_v a_o good_a and_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o peace_n when_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o rule_n of_o holiness_n 2_o this_o universality_n must_v be_v in_o respect_n of_o affection_n and_o estimation_n man_n will_v not_o only_o know_v their_o duty_n as_o it_o be_v command_v of_o god_n but_o they_o will_v esteem_v and_o love_v every_o command_v duty_n people_n may_v know_v many_o duty_n and_o yet_o have_v but_o very_o little_a or_o no_o love_n at_o all_o to_o they_o or_o esteem_v of_o they_o which_o speak_v their_o obedience_n not_o to_o beuniversal_a and_o so_o not_o sound_a i_o will_v not_o say_v but_o a_o believer_n i●_n christ_n may_v find_v some_o singular_a sweetness_n and_o soul-refreshing_a in_o some_o duty_n of_o religion_n beyond_o what_o he_o do_v in_o some_o other_o whereby_o they_o may_v be_v the_o more_o endear_v and_o make_v the_o more_o delightsome_a to_o he_o yet_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o same_o divine_a authority_n enjoin_v obedience_n to_o all_o the_o command_n he_o have_v a_o equal_a respect_n and_o estimation_n to_o and_o of_o they_o all_o i_o esteem_v all_o thy_o precept_n concern_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v right_a say_v the_o psalmist_n psal._n 119._o v_o 128._o o_o what_o a_o estimation_n put_v he_o on_o every_o precept_n of_o god_n and_o as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o he_o to_o say_v that_o he_o esteem_v all_o his_o commandment_n to_o be_v right_a he_o add_v concern_v all_o thing_n and_o in_o the_o precede_a verse_n he_o say_v i_o love_v thy_o commandment_n above_o gold_n yea_o above_o fine_a gold_n these_o word_n hold_v forth_o his_o affection_n to_o and_o esteem_v of_o they_o and_o the_o universality_n thereof_o be_v express_v in_o the_o follow_a word_n many_o time_n man_n be_v drag_v as_o it_o ●were_v by_o the_o heel_n or_o by_o the_o hair_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o a_o command_n who_o yet_o have_v little_a or_o no_o love_n to_o it_o or_o esteem_v of_o it_o much_o therefore_o of_o our_o sincerity_n may_v be_v gather_v from_o our_o affection_n to_o and_o esteem_v of_o duty_n when_o we_o be_v draw_v to_o it_o not_o so_o much_o from_o fear_n of_o the_o punishment_n that_o may_v follow_v on_o disobedience_n to_o the_o command_n as_o from_o love_n to_o and_o esteem_n of_o the_o thing_n command_v which_o do_v not_o so_o much_o force_v and_o compel_v as_o it_o do_v sweet_o incline_v and_o move_v we_o to_o it_o 2_o this_o universality_n must_v be_v in_o respect_n of_o man_n design_n and_o deliberate_a purpose_n to_o practise_v all_o command_v duty_n without_o allow_v balk_v any_o one_o of_o they_o which_o be_v when_o in_o the_o prosecute_n of_o holiness_n they_o lay_v all_o god_n commandment_n before_o they_o as_o david_n say_v he_o do_v psal_o 18._o 22._o all_o his_o judgement_n be_v before_o i_o and_o i_o do_v not_o put_v away_o his_o statute_n from_o i_o 4_o this_o universality_n must_v be_v in_o respect_n of_o our_o endeavour_n to_o prosecute_v and_o use_v all_o the_o midse_n and_o mean_n that_o may_v further_o we_o towards_o the_o suitable_a discharge_n of_o all_o call_v for_o duty_n and_o towards_o the_o promove_v of_o holiness_n in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n and_o endeavour_v to_o carry_v a_o long_a all_o the_o circumstance_n that_o be_v requisite_a to_o the_o make_n of_o our_o ●_z true_o godly_a a_o man_n that_o will_v have_v a_o good_a conscience_n as_o to_o the_o honesty_n of_o his_o walk_n will_v omit_v nothing_o appoint_v by_o god_n that_o may_v promove_v he_o in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n and_o o_o how_o vast_o comprehensive_a this_o be_v it_o take_v in_o endeavour_n to_o prevent_v and_o eschew_v all_o temptation_n snare_n and_o impediment_n of_o what_o ever_o sort_n that_o may_v mar_v and_o let_v he_o in_o follow_v forth_o his_o course_n of_o holiness_n and_o in_o his_o exercise_v of_o faith_n in_o god_n through_o christ_n and_o dependence_n on_o he_o to_o be_v with_o speed_n bring_v forward_o to_o the_o end_n thereof_o that_o he_o may_v in_o some_o measure_n be_v in_o case_n to_o say_v with_o the_o apostle_n i_o have_v finish_v my_o course_n these_o word_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n prov_n 3._o 5_o 6._o be_v to_o this_o purpose_n observable_a in_o all_o thy_o way_n acknowledge_v thou_o he_o and_o he_o shall_v direct_v thy_o path_n trust_v in_o the_o lord_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o lean_v not_o to_o thy_o own_o understanding_n there_o will_v not_o only_o be_v a_o acknowledge_v of_o god_n in_o this_o and_o that_o particular_a action_n but_o in_o all_o our_o way_n as_o we_o will_v be_v careful_a to_o make_v use_n of_o he_o and_o to_o trust_v he_o so_o we_o will_v eschew_v lean_v to_o our_o own_o understanding_n this_o universal_a extent_n of_o our_o endeavour_n be_v so_o necessary_a that_o without_o it_o we_o can_v have_v peace_n for_o
get_v no_o rest_n until_o the_o ●ll_a turn_n be_v do_v under_o pretext_n of_o keep_v his_o oath_n herod_n be_v predominant_o sway_v by_o these_o who_o sit_v at_o table_n with_o he_o and_o will_v have_v it_o think_v that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v excuse_v because_o otherways_o he_o can_v not_o forsooth_o keep_v his_o oath_n who_o yet_o have_v break_v many_o a_o oath_n and_o make_v no_o bone_n of_o they_o for_o the_o second_o question_n how_o may_v the_o impulse_n of_o conscience_n be_v know_v and_o discern_v from_o the_o impulse_n of_o credit_n interest_n inclination_n will_n and_o affection_n answer_v by_o the_o word_n to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n isa._n 8._o 20_o conscience_n be_v subject_a to_o that_o and_o conscience_n never_o ready_o pouse_v against_o duty_n hold_v out_o by_o the_o word_n conscience_n will_v never_o bid_v heroa_fw-la take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o a_o innocent_a man_n 2._o if_o a_o man_n be_v dark_a and_o doubtful_a in_o a_o particular_a conscience_n as_o conscience_n be_v always_o single_a but_o credit_n interest_n and_o th●_n like_a have_v always_o some_o by-respect_n which_o steal_v in_o and_o drown_v conscience_n represent_v to_o it_o that_o such_o and_o such_o loss_n or_o prejudice_n will_v follow_v on_o such_o a_o thing_n interest_n and_o reputation_n will_v make_v a_o man_n say_v i_o will_v no●_n do_v such_o a_o thing_n if_o i_o can_v do_v otherways_o but_o shall_v i_o hazard_v all_o my_o estate_n and_o possible_o my_o life_n also_o this_o i_o may_v not_o do_v and_o when_o interest_n and_o particularity_n prevail_v they_o make_v he_o to_o step_v over_o conscience_n and_o to_o think_v that_o he_o do_v no_o fault_n when_o it_o be_v some_o particular_a hazard_n that_o sway_v he_o interest_n be_v satisfy_v from_o a_o suppose_a necessity_n but_o conscience_n acknowledge_v not_o that_o rule_n in_o outward_a thing_n when_o the_o man_n can_v do_v no_o other_o way_n it_o will_v put_v he_o to_o choose_v suffer_v 3._o when_o credit_n interest_n and_o the_o like_a pouss_n their_o impulse_n be_v partial_a and_o violent_a but_o the_o impulse_n of_o conscience_n be_v impartial_a and_o sober_a conscience_n sway_v the_o man_n pouse_v he_o from_o the_o awe_n of_o god_n and_o from_o love_n to_o he_o and_o to_o all_o that_o be_v know_v to_o be_v duty_n impartial_o as_o to_o pray_v read_v meditate_v confer_v etc._n etc._n but_o when_o interest_n credit_n or_o inclination_n sway_n he_o they_o will_v drive_v he_o to_o one_o thing_n and_o not_o to_o another_o and_o more_o especial_o to_o that_o which_o may_v satisfy_v his_o humour_n and_o that_o violent_o but_o for_o the_o more_o exercise_v duty_n of_o religion_n as_o to_o humble_v himself_o before_o god_n to_o repent_v of_o sin_n to_o meditate_v etc._n etc._n it_o do_v not_o pouss_n or_o but_o very_o cold_o and_o slow_o as_o some_o man_n will_v have_v a_o impulse_n to_o provide_v for_o their_o family_n and_o they_o will_v ride_v and_o run_v for_o that_o but_o if_o any_o object_n of_o charity_n offer_v or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o hazard_n of_o loss_n for_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n sake_n these_o will_v be_v silent_a there_o or_o if_o conscience_n mutter_v it_o will_v not_o be_v much_o regard_v in_o what_o it_o say_v now_o if_o conscience_n swey_v the_o man_n here_o there_o will_v be_v a_o impartial_a respect_n have_v to_o one_o duty_n as_o well_o as_o to_o another_o 4._o where_o interest_n credit_n inclination_n or_o affection_n pour_v they_o drive_v not_o only_o violent_o and_o partial_o but_o irrational_o and_o can_v stay_v nor_o endure_v to_o reason_n and_o debate_v thing_n or_o to_o be_v dissuade_v from_o the_o thing_n towards_o which_o there_o be_v a_o inclination_n and_o will_n neither_o will_v give_v a_o hear_n to_o what_o may_v be_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_a but_o conscience_n in_o its_o impulse_n be_v rational_a and_o sober_a go_v to_o the_o word_n and_o will_v ha●e_v matter_n calm_o season_v and_o debate_v and_o be_v the_o better_o satisfy_v the_o better_a the_o business_n be_v debate_v and_o clear_v because_o it_o like_v and_o love_v rational_a service_n rom._n 12._o 1._o and_o therefore_o lay_v every_o thing_n to_o the_o rule_n and_o ready_o content_v with_o corruption_n with_o which_o inclination_n side_v 5._o when_o credit_n interest_n and_o inclination_n in_o their_o impulse_n be_v thwart_v they_o storm_v they_o vex_v and_o torture_v the_o man_n but_o when_o the_o impulse_n of_o conscience_n be_v thwart_v it_o have_v a_o kindly_a prick_n and_o stound_a the_o impulse_n of_o interest_n or_o inclination_n be_v thwart_v con●useth_v and_o put_v through_o other_o to_o spe●k_v so_o and_o be_v but_o a_o carnal_a fit_n of_o passion_n make_v ●rothy_a light_a and_o distempered_o passionate_a but_o it_o the_o impulse_n of_o conscience_n be_v thwart_v it_o weight_v and_o sting_v deep_o 6._o the_o impulse_n of_o conscience_n affect_v constant_o and_o chop_v even_o though_o sometime_o in_o its_o chap_a it_o will_v be_v more_o quick_a then_o at_o another_o time_n yet_o where_o it_o sway_v it_o leave_v not_o off_o but_o continue_v chap_a this_o year_n and_o the_o next_o and_o account_v a_o thing_n evil_a or_o good_a in_o another_o as_o well_o as_o in_o a_o man_n self_n and_o in_o himself_o as_o well_o as_o in_o another_o and_o at_o all_o time_n but_o when_o a_o man_n be_v pouss_v by_o credit_n interest_n inclination_n or_o affection_n he_o be_v like_o a_o distemper_a man_n in_o a_o fever_n who_o pulse_n beat_v not_o even_o he_o be_v not_o constant_a and_o equal_a but_o up_o or_o down_o as_o the_o particular_a that_o affect_v he_o 〈◊〉_d his_o humour_n or_o come_v near_o he_o as_o for_o instance_n a_o man_n sway_v by_o his_o interest_n will_v dispute_v for_o the_o government_n of_o such_o a_o person_n this_o year_n and_o for_o the_o government_n of_o another_o the_o next_o for_o such_o a_o interest_n this_o year_n and_o for_o a_o contrary_a one_o the_o next_o for_o one_o sort_n of_o government_n in_o church_n or_o state_n as_o best_a this_o year_n and_o for_o another_o as_o best_a the_o next_o because_o his_o own_o particular_a interest_n come_v in_o to_o side_n with_o it_o and_o so_o he_o change_v his_o principle_n according_a to_o his_o interest_n and_o dispute_v for_o one_o thing_n to_o day_n and_o for_o the_o contrary_a the_o next_o thus_o his_o interest_n forge_v and_o frame_v principle_n to_o maintain_v it_o which_o be_v a_o evidence_n that_o such_o man_n great_a principle_n be_v their_o interest_n and_o that_o they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d sway_v from_o a_o native_a principle_n of_o conscience_n else_o they_o will_v be_v more_o even_o and_o constant_a therefore_o beware_v to_o take_v every_o impulse_n for_o the_o impulse_n of_o conscience_n many_o man_n woeful_o abuse_v conscience_n by_o their_o pretension_n to_o it_o as_o if_o some_o weighty_a nay_o some_o extraordinary_a bond_n be_v on_o their_o conscience_n when_o as_o indeed_o inclination_n or_o affection_n or_o some_o other_o such_o thing_n pouss_v they_o on_o the_o three_o question_n be_v may_v not_o even_a conscience_n sometime_o err_v and_o go_v wrong_n may_v it_o not_o pouse_v to_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o sinful_a and_o shall_v it_o then_o be_v follow_v ans._n conscience_n may_v err_v or_o go_v wrong_v two_o way_n 1._o in_o respect_n of_o light_n by_o think_v that_o which_o be_v wrong_a to_o be_v right_a 2._o in_o respect_n of_o practice_n in_o application_n of_o the_o rule_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o speak_v a_o word_n for_o clear_v of_o both_o and_o first_o in_o the_o general_a when_o we_o say_v that_o man_n shall_v walk_v according_a to_o their_o conscience_n we_o understand_v it_o of_o a_o conscience_n well_o inform_v and_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o duty_n as_o know_v its_o master_n will_v and_o do_v it_o for_o a_o wicked_a man_n may_v have_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o respect_n of_o light_a to_o tell_v he_o what_o he_o shall_v do_v and_o to_o challenge_v he_o when_o he_o do_v wrong_a though_o yet_o he_o will_v not_o obey_v it_o therefore_o we_o say_v for_o a_o man_n to_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n be_v to_o have_v a_o well_o inform_v conscience_n and_o do_v duty_n according_o for_o further_o clear_v of_o this_o there_o be_v ten_o sort_n of_o conscience_n that_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v guide_v by_o whereof_o five_o fail_v in_o the_o major_n or_o first_o proposition_n in_o respect_n of_o light_n and_o other_o five_o fa●l_n in_o the_o minor_a or_o second_o proposition_n in_o respect_n of_o practice_n or_o application_n the_o five_o sort_n that_o fail_v in_o the_o major_a proposition_n or_o in_o respect_n of_o light_n be_v these_o 1._o a_o err_v conscience_n when_o the_o judgement_n be_v misinform_v and_o account_v duty_n to_o to_o be_v sin_n and_o sin_n to_o be_v