the_o blame_v be_v lay_v on_o conscience_n as_o conscience_n what_o evil_a have_v innocent_a conscience_n do_v the_o general_a great_a advantage_n that_o come_v to_o the_o world_n with_o the_o many_o mischief_n that_o be_v keep_v of_o it_o by_o conscience_n be_v infinite_o great_a and_o more_o valuable_a than_o any_o little_a prejudices_fw-la and_o disadvantage_n that_o now_o and_o then_o here_o and_o there_o come_v by_o the_o ill_a inform_v turbulent_n conscience_n of_o some_o particular_a person_n neither_o will_v i_o altogether_o deny_v but_o the_o tender_a conscience_n of_o true_o godly_a man_n may_v sometime_o dispose_v they_o to_o jealous_a and_o suspect_v themselves_o where_o they_o be_v not_o indeed_o guilty_a as_o it_o do_v the_o eleven_o honest_a disciple_n when_o the_o lord_n tell_v they_o that_o one_o of_o the_o twelve_o shall_v betray_v he_o and_o through_o some_o weakness_n may_v now_o and_o then_o disquiet_a and_o give_v they_o the_o alarm_n when_o there_o be_v little_a or_o no_o ground_n for_o it_o but_o i_o must_v say_v that_o this_o may_v be_v very_o easy_o dispense_v and_o bear_v with_o since_o that_o little_a damnage_n if_o it_o may_v be_v call_v so_o will_v be_v easy_o and_o quick_o compense_v by_o its_o give_v the_o alarm_n and_o cause_v suitable_a disquiet_n when_o there_o be_v just_a ground_n for_o it_o here_o a_o tender_a conscience_n may_v be_v resemble_v to_o a_o vigilant_a and_o strict_a sentinal_n set_v to_o watch_v a_o house_n lie_v in_o midst_n of_o thief_n and_o robber_n who_o will_v sometime_o on_o a_o mistake_n awake_a and_o alarm_n and_o it_o may_v be_v at_o midnight_n raise_v all_o the_o family_n and_o put_v they_o into_o some_o fright_n as_o if_o thief_n and_o robber_n be_v break_v in_o upon_o they_o but_o they_o think_v the_o less_o of_o this_o and_o beaâ—_n the_o better_a with_o it_o aâ—_n be_v sure_o that_o when_o the_o thief_n or_o robber_n come_v in_o very_a deed_n he_o will_v give_v they_o the_o alarm_n and_o there_o be_v very_o few_o or_o none_o that_o will_v not_o far_o rather_o chuâ—e_a to_o have_v one_o or_o two_o yea_o several_a false_a alarm_n though_o somewhat_o disquiet_v then_o to_o want_v a_o true_a one_o when_o there_o be_v just_a ground_n for_o it_o and_o when_o by_o mean_n thereof_o they_o may_v prevent_v the_o cut_n of_o their_o throat_n or_o spoil_v of_o their_o good_n let_v then_o the_o conscience_n be_v well_o inform_v by_o the_o word_n let_v its_o dictate_v according_a thereunto_o be_v tender_o comply_v with_o and_o none_o of_o they_o counteracted_a and_o let_v its_o check_n challenge_n accusation_n with_o its_o answer_n testimony_n and_o excuse_n according_a to_o their_o respective_a ground_n and_o reason_n be_v careful_o listen_v to_o and_o admit_v in_o a_o word_n let_v all_o study_v once_o to_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o to_o be_v always_o exercise_v to_o keep_v it_o void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o toward_a man_n and_o then_o great_a honour_n and_o glory_n will_v redound_v to_o god_n the_o lord_n and_o sovereign_n of_o the_o conscience_n suitable_a and_o due_a deference_n will_v be_v give_v to_o his_o word_n as_o that_o whereby_o the_o conscience_n be_v right_o inform_v the_o peace_n of_o man_n own_o conscience_n will_v flow_v as_o a_o river_n the_o offend_a and_o stumble_v of_o other_o will_v be_v much_o prevent_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n will_v be_v much_o adorn_v and_o beautify_v and_o man_n of_o all_o rank_n station_n capacity_n and_o relation_n as_o magistrate_n and_o subject_n pastor_n and_o flock_n husband_n and_o wife_n parent_n and_o child_n master_n and_o servant_n teacher_n and_o scholar_n buyer_n and_o seller_n etc._n etc._n will_v be_v blessing_n from_o god_n one_o to_o another_o which_o will_v make_v a_o little_a heaven_n upon_o earth_n to_o all_o which_o these_o few_o excellent_a seâ—mons_n be_v singular_o contributive_a that_o they_o may_v therefore_o come_v with_o a_o special_a blessing_n to_o all_o the_o reader_n of_o they_o and_o more_o particular_o to_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o city_n of_o glass_n gow_n where_o they_o be_v preach_v many_o year_n ago_o be_v the_o desire_n of_o novemb_n 1._o 1684._o your_o servant_n in_o the_o gospel_n 1._o c._n in_o the_o epistle_n page_n 5._o l._n 4_o r._n renew_v p._n 20._o l._n 29._o r._n râ—epresentces_n p._n 20._o l._n 6._o 1._o 1_o tim._n l._n last_o r._n professor_n p._n 22._o l._n 6._o r._n upon_o the_o conscience_n heaven_n upon_o earth_n in_o a_o serene_a and_o smile_v good_a conscience_n sermon_n i._n act_n 24._o vers._n 16._o and_o herein_o do_v i_o exercise_v myself_o to_o have_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n a_o good_a conscience_n be_v a_o singular_o good_a companion_n the_o worth_n and_o benefit_n whereof_o be_v not_o ready_o so_o well_o know_v till_o man_n be_v bring_v into_o some_o strait_n then_o indeed_o the_o pass_a great_a and_o singular_a worth_n and_o usefulness_n of_o it_o clear_o discover_v itself_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o paul_n case_n here_o who_o be_v arraign_v before_o the_o tribunal_n of_o a_o heathen_a judge_n and_o have_v many_o enemy_n and_o these_o too_o of_o his_o own_o nation_n have_v deliver_v he_o up_o among_o other_o ground_n of_o consolation_n and_o defence_n that_o he_o have_v to_o sustain_v himself_o by_o this_o be_v one_o and_o not_o the_o least_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v bear_v he_o witness_v that_o it_o be_v his_o endeavour_n and_o work_v to_o live_v so_o before_o god_n and_o man_n that_o he_o may_v not_o have_v a_o challenge_n from_o it_o and_o this_o make_v he_o speak_v bold_o against_o all_o his_o accuser_n and_o be_v better_a to_o he_o and_o more_o valueable_a than_o all_o the_o argument_n and_o rhetorical_a discourse_n that_o a_o tertullus_n yea_o a_o tully_n or_o the_o most_o eloquent_a orator_n in_o the_o world_n can_v have_v use_v for_o he_o these_o word_n hold_v out_o a_o compend_n and_o sum_n of_o a_o christian_a walk_n and_o a_o excellent_a partern_a for_o believer_n herein_o do_v i_o exercise_v myself_o etc._n etc._n where_o we_o have_v these_o three_o thing_n considerable_a first_o the_o apostle_n great_a design_n and_o aim_n viz._n to_o have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n that_o he_o may_v so_o walk_v as_o never_o to_o offend_v his_o conscience_n nor_o to_o give_v it_o a_o ill_a report_n to_o make_v of_o he_o second_o the_o extent_n of_o this_o design_n and_o aim_n and_o that_o â—n_o a_o twofold_a respect_n 1._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o object_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n i._o â—_o he_o will_v do_v duty_n to_o both_o and_o be_v find_v without_o offence_n to_o either_o 2._o in_o respect_n of_o all_o action_n company_n place_n and_o time_n he_o be_v so_o exercise_v always_o not_o after_o a_o sermon_n or_o communion_n only_o not_o under_o some_o heavy_a cross_n or_o after_o some_o notable_a outgate_n and_o delivery_n only_o but_o he_o aim_v design_v and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v so_o constant_o and_o equal_o thirldy_a the_o manner_n of_o his_o go_v about_o this_o herein_o say_v he_o do_v i_o exercise_v myself_o i._n e._n it_o be_v a_o business_n that_o take_v he_o up_o and_o hold_v he_o serious_o at_o work_n he_o be_v as_o a_o man_n who_o fight_v for_o his_o life_n in_o a_o barras_n or_o at_o a_o single_a combat_n careful_o handle_v his_o arm_n even_o so_o do_v he_o carry_v and_o behave_v himself_o in_o all_o thing_n as_o if_o his_o life_n have_v stand_v on_o every_o action_n or_o word_n i_o shall_v at_o once_o and_o together_o propose_v several_a doctrine_n clear_o deducible_a from_o the_o text_n the_o prosecution_n whereof_o will_v help_v to_o clear_v both_o the_o word_n and_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o they_o the_o first_o whereof_o be_v there_o be_v many_o sort_n of_o offence_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o toward_a man_n that_o we_o be_v subject_a anâ—_n liable_a to_o the_o second_o be_v there_o be_v within_o every_o man_n a_o conscience_n that_o take_v notice_n of_o every_o piece_n of_o his_o carriage_n and_o be_v according_o affect_v with_o it_o and_o affect_v the_o man_n for_o it_o the_o three_o be_v whatever_o thing_n be_v offence_n towards_o god_n or_o man_n be_v also_o offensive_a to_o the_o conscience_n whatever_o sin_n strike_v against_o his_o law_n wound_v the_o conscience_n the_o four_o be_v it_o be_v a_o very_a good_a choice_n and_o excellent_a thing_n for_o a_o believer_n to_o walk_v so_o as_o to_o keep_v a_o conscience_n always_o void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o toward_a man_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v a_o very_a ill_a thing_n at_o any_o time_n to_o have_v offence_n towards_o either_o of_o they_o lie_v on_o the_o conscience_n the_o five_o be_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o
the_o instrument_n and_o another_o thing_n to_o have_v they_o all_o in_o tune_n when_o it_o be_v not_o right_o tune_v though_o it_o have_v on_o all_o the_o string_n it_o can_v give_v a_o sweet_a nor_o harmonious_a sound_n so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o conscience_n the_o use_n be_v for_o exhortation_n to_o watchful_a advertance_n in_o every_o thing_n to_o conscience_n it_o be_v testimony_n see_v there_o be_v many_o that_o do_v good_a on_o the_o matter_n who_o yet_o want_v its_o testimony_n it_o become_v we_o to_o be_v the_o more_o watchful_a to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o see_v that_o conscience_n its_o speak_v for_o a_o man_n and_o give_v he_o its_o approbative_a testimony_n and_o his_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a on_o the_o matter_n be_v not_o only_o separable_a but_o be_v often_o actual_o separate_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o not_o only_a in_o natural_a but_o even_o in_o regenerate_a man_n as_o frequent_a experience_n put_v beyond_o debate_n we_o have_v need_v i_o say_v to_o be_v the_o more_o watchful_a both_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n and_o manner_n of_o our_o do_v lest_o we_o be_v at_o a_o lose_v of_o the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n for_o we_o and_o none_o will_v think_v it_o to_o be_v as_o easy_a a_o business_n to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o perform_v of_o duty_n as_o it_o be_v to_o do_v so_o â—s_v to_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o how_o many_o come_v to_o the_o church_n but_o without_o due_a preparation_n and_o without_o have_v a_o heart_n ready_a to_o hear_v what_o god_n will_v say_v to_o they_o and_o meddle_v with_o with_o other_o duty_n without_o regard_v the_o due_a manner_n of_o perform_v they_o we_o â—ight_a instance_n it_o in_o all_o these_o six_o sort_n of_o action_n we_o speak_v of_o the_o other_o day_n in_o all_o which_o there_o be_v a_o propensnes_n iâ—_n we_o natural_o to_o degenerate_v and_o go_v beside_o the_o rule_n as_o namely_o 1._o in_o natural_a action_n of_o eat_v and_o drink_v or_o of_o love_a husband_n or_o wife_n or_o child_n man_n may_v be_v very_o carnal_a degenerate_a and_o become_v like_o very_a beast_n 2._o in_o civil_a action_n as_o buy_v and_o bargane_v wherein_o man_n maâ—_n turn_v base_o covetous_a selfie_v and_o seek_v their_o own_o thing_n and_o not_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n noâ—_n the_o good_a and_o advantage_n of_o other_o 3_o in_o moral_a action_n as_o speak_v truth_n deal_v fair_o and_o honest_o wherein_o man_n may_v turn_v legal_a proud_a and_o vain_a and_o seek_v to_o establish_v a_o self-righteousnesse_n thereby_o to_o themselves_o 4._o in_o external_a religious_a action_n as_o hear_v the_o word_n pray_v etc._n etc._n wherein_o man_n may_v turn_v hypocritical_a and_o formal_a have_v a_o show_n without_o substance_n and_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n without_o the_o power_n of_o it_o 5._o in_o inward_a duty_n as_o repentance_n contentment_n etc._n etc._n wherein_o man_n may_v turn_v worldly_a and_o carnal_a therefore_o a_o worldly_a repentance_n from_o fear_n of_o punishment_n or_o of_o shame_n in_o the_o world_n or_o worldly_a sorrow_n that_o cause_v death_n be_v speak_v of_o 2_o cor._n 7._o v._n 10._o so_o theâ—e_n be_v a_o worldly_a contentment_n 6._o in_o passive_a action_n or_o suffering_n some_o may_v suffer_v from_o inevitable_a necessity_n and_o have_v no_o thanks_o for_o it_o as_o it_o be_v 1_o pet._n 2._o 20._o we_o may_v from_o the_o unstraightnesse_n of_o the_o end_n to_o which_o from_o the_o unsoundnesse_n of_o the_o principle_n from_o which_o from_o the_o unsuitablenesse_n of_o the_o motive_n by_o which_o duty_n be_v do_v and_o several_a otherways_o prejudge_v ourselves_o of_o the_o approve_v testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n which_o we_o will_v careful_o advert_v to_o that_o we_o divide_v not_o betwixt_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o a_o good_a turn_v action_n or_o duty_n but_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v here_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v so_o difficult_a to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o to_o carry_v it_o along_o with_o we_o in_o the_o very_a interim_n mean_v time_n and_o nick_n of_o perform_v the_o action_n above_o and_o beyond_o what_o it_o be_v either_o to_o deliberat_fw-la and_o advise_v with_o it_o before_o we_o do_v or_o to_o reflect_v after_o we_o have_v do_v i_o answer_v and_o give_v these_o two_o or_o three_o reason_n of_o it_o the_o first_o whereof_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o necessary_a concurrence_n of_o so_o many_o thing_n that_o must_v go_v together_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o a_o action_n which_o make_v it_o easy_a to_o resolve_v before_o do_v or_o to_o reflect_v after_o do_v then_o to_o perform_v the_o second_o be_v because_o there_o be_v such_o a_o ticklenesse_n in_o the_o frame_n ol_fw-mi our_o heart_n that_o they_o be_v unstable_a as_o water_n stable_n in_o nothing_o there_o be_v three_o distemper_n of_o heart_n that_o we_o be_v subject_a to_o which_o all_o hold_v forth_o this_o difficulty_n 1._o a_o decline_a humour_n to_o say_v so_o or_o distemper_n whereby_o we_o be_v give_v to_o backslide_v or_o turn_v aside_o like_o a_o deceitful_a bow_n that_o keep_v bensel_n while_o the_o arrow_n be_v a_o draw_v and_o when_o it_o be_v at_o or_o in_o the_o very_o let_v off_o starteth_z aside_o 2_o a_o levity_n and_o unsettledness_n even_o such_o that_o the_o weather_n cock_n be_v not_o soon_o and_o more_o easy_o whirl_v about_o by_o the_o least_o wind_n than_o we_o be_v by_o the_o least_o breathe_v of_o the_o air_n of_o tentation_n so_o that_o be_v we_o just_a now_o in_o a_o good_a and_o suitable_a frame_n for_o duty_n ere_o we_o be_v aware_a we_o fall_v off_o and_o a_o good_a conscience_n require_v a_o composedness_n and_o staidness_n of_o frame_n 3_o a_o rashness_n and_o hastiness_n or_o precipitance_n which_o make_v we_o that_o so_o soon_o as_o we_o be_v clear_a in_o the_o thing_n to_o rush_v forward_o and_o to_o think_v all_o be_v do_v that_o be_v requisite_a so_o that_o we_o wait_v not_o to_o carry_v conscience_n along_o with_o we_o in_o our_o performance_n which_o rash_a precipitant_n and_o hasty_a humour_n or_o distemper_n make_v we_o often_o miscarry_v as_o david_n say_v of_o himself_o psal._n 116_o i_o say_v in_o my_o haste_n that_o all_o man_n be_v liar_n and_o i_o say_v in_o my_o haste_n that_o i_o be_o cut_v off_o from_o thy_o presence_n psal._n 31._o so_o believer_n often_o mar_v the_o composedness_n of_o their_o own_o frame_n by_o their_o hâ—steing_a and_o not_o take_v heed_n to_o what_o conscience_n say_v while_o they_o be_v in_o perform_v duty_n thus_o many_o post_n as_o it_o be_v through_o their_o prayer_n speak_v of_o many_o good_a thing_n in_o they_o from_o light_n but_o not_o endeavour_v to_o carry_v conscience_n its_o testimony_n along_o with_o they_o of_o their_o sincerity_n they_o spoil_v and_o mar_v that_o which_o be_v well_o intend_v and_o begin_v by_o they_o a_o four_o ground_n reason_n or_o cause_n of_o this_o be_v the_o great_a difficulty_n that_o there_o be_v to_o maintain_v and_o keep_v up_o a_o right_a frame_n of_o heart_n for_o any_o considerable_a time_n and_o a_o man_n will_v never_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n along_o particular_a duty_n if_o he_o maintain_v not_o a_o right_a frame_n of_o heart_n though_o a_o thing_n good_a in_o itself_o be_v never_o so_o fair_o floore_v to_o speak_v so_o and_o its_o ground_n never_o so_o well_o take_v up_o yet_o the_o least_o bias_n or_o rub_v easy_o put_v it_o by_o and_o make_v it_o go_v out_o all_o which_o shall_v in_o reason_n make_v we_o study_v the_o more_o watchfulness_n 5thly_a observe_v which_o will_v help_v to_o the_o use_v of_o the_o former_a and_o be_v of_o some_o affinity_n with_o the_o first_o particular_a observation_n that_o person_n will_v endeavour_v to_o walk_v in_o every_o particular_a duty_n or_o action_n so_o as_o they_o may_v not_o only_o advert_v to_o what_o conscience_n say_v of_o it_o but_o may_v also_o carry_v it_o along_o with_o they_o in_o it_o and_o have_v the_o positive_a approve_v testimony_n thereof_o all_o alongst_o the_o do_n of_o it_o which_o may_v be_v though_o there_o be_v not_o reflect_v on_o it_o every_o moment_n that_o be_v not_o only_a will_v they_o before_o they_o undertake_v any_o thing_n be_v clear_a that_o it_o be_v a_o warrantable_a duty_n as_o be_v mark_v before_o but_o further_a when_o they_o have_v do_v this_o they_o will_v so_o carry_v conscience_n along_o with_o they_o in_o it_o as_o they_o may_v have_v its_o testimony_n that_o they_o go_v about_o it_o conscientious_o therefore_o paul_n ask_v not_o only_o what_o conscience_n say_v of_o the_o action_n as_o to_o its_o matter_n and_o as_o to_o his_o sincerity_n in_o undertake_v it_o but_o he_o bring_v it_o out_o speak_v for_o he_o while_o he_o be_v do_v it_o my_o conscience_n say_v he_o
it_o testify_v for_o conscience_n be_v but_o a_o subordinate_a judge_n we_o must_v go_v to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n and_o see_v if_o it_o speak_v according_a to_o that_o otherways_o it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o honest_a aim_n or_o a_o good_a end_n propose_v to_o ourselves_o in_o the_o do_n of_o such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n or_o because_o we_o be_v in_o a_o pardon_a state_n that_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v the_o action_n true_o good_a and_o acceptable_a and_o to_o give_v we_o ground_n of_o peace_n 3_o you_o will_v advert_v and_o take_v good_a heed_n if_o conscience_n challenge_v equal_o for_o one_o sin_n as_o well_o as_o for_o another_o and_o for_o the_o neglect_n of_o one_o duty_n as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o neglect_n of_o another_o and_o if_o as_o the_o sin_n be_v comparative_o great_a or_o lesser_a so_o its_o challenge_n be_v lesser_a or_o great_a for_o if_o conscience_n its_o challenge_n lead_v you_o to_o the_o word_n the_o more_o weight_n that_o the_o word_n lay_v on_o sin_n the_o more_o weight_n will_v conscience_n lay_v upon_o it_o when_o it_o be_v right_a sometime_o person_n will_v be_v challenge_v for_o some_o thing_n much_o extrinsic_a to_o religion_n or_o for_o omit_v this_o or_o that_o wherein_o very_o little_a if_o any_o thing_n of_o religion_n consist_v or_o at_o least_o lie_v very_o remoâ—e_a who_o yet_o will_v not_o be_v much_o trouble_v for_o take_v of_o god_n name_n in_o vain_a or_o for_o neglect_n of_o prayer_n and_o the_o like_a i_o remember_v the_o say_n of_o a_o godly_a man_n to_o a_o person_n under_o exercise_n for_o a_o little_a sin_n little_a in_o comparison_n of_o other_o for_o no_o sin_n be_v little_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n that_o he_o think_v the_o hand_n or_o work_v of_o the_o devil_n 〈◊〉_d be_v in_o it_o to_o lay_v a_o ground_n for_o spiritual_a pride_n because_o the_o person_n be_v so_o much_o trouble_v with_o so_o â—ittle_a a_o thing_n or_o to_o divert_v from_o take_v a_o view_n of_o grosser_n sin_n for_o their_o deep_a humiliation_n when_o conscience_n be_v right_a it_o challenge_v equal_o and_o more_o or_o less_o as_o the_o sin_n be_v more_o or_o less_o aggravate_v it_o be_v a_o evil_n in_o this_o time_n that_o extrinsic_a and_o remoâ—e_v thing_n trouble_v some_o so_o much_o while_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n know_v sin_n and_o duty_n be_v but_o little_o mind_v and_o lay_v to_o heart_n as_o iâ—_n forsooth_o the_o conscience_n of_o such_o be_v more_o delicate_a and_o tender_a than_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o saint_n of_o old_a nay_o there_o be_v not_o a_o few_o who_o will_v disdain_v to_o be_v challenge_v for_o neglect_n of_o uncontroverted_a duty_n who_o yet_o make_v a_o great_a deal_n oâ—_n business_n and_o noise_n about_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v but_o of_o little_a moment_n as_o if_o the_o whole_a and_o some_o oâ—_n religion_n lie_v in_o they_o this_o certain_o show_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o untenderness_n and_o slight_v of_o conscience_n what_o ever_o pretension_n may_v be_v make_v to_o the_o contrary_a and_o while_o a_o person_n be_v much_o or_o whole_o take_v up_o with_o a_o extrinsic_a or_o very_o little_a thing_n which_o it_o may_v be_v be_v but_o a_o mere_a circumstance_n and_o be_v more_o affect_v with_o and_o exercise_v about_o that_o then_o with_o and_o about_o another_o of_o far_o great_a concernment_n it_o be_v not_o sure_a any_o awe_n of_o god_n nor_o of_o conscience_n but_o somewhat_o flow_v from_o the_o man_n own_o inclination_n or_o interest_n that_o so_o mighty_o influence_v and_o stir_v he_o in_o the_o one_o beyond_o what_o he_o be_v in_o the_o other_o 4_o you_o will_v advert_v in_o a_o special_a manner_n to_o this_o if_o conscience_n in_o the_o challenge_n make_v the_o sin_n vile_a and_o abominable_a to_o you_o and_o yourselves_o loathsome_a to_o yourselves_o when_o conscience_n whet_v to_o say_v so_o the_o edge_n of_o the_o challenge_n not_o only_o to_o the_o make_n of_o god_n wrath_n terrible_a and_o the_o awe_n fear_v and_o dread_n of_o he_o weighty_a but_o also_o to_o the_o deep_a affect_v of_o ourselves_o with_o the_o vileness_n and_o loathsomeness_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o be_v a_o evidence_n that_o the_o conscience_n be_v right_a for_o as_o its_o a_o good_a token_n of_o the_o soundness_n of_o repentance_n when_o it_o make_v sin_n as_o such_o loathsome_a so_o be_v a_o good_a token_n of_o conscience_n speak_v right_o when_o it_o hold_v forth_o convince_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o sin_n 〈◊〉_d you_o may_v know_v when_o conscience_n speak_v a_o right_a by_o the_o native_a fruit_n that_o follow_v upon_o it_o such_o as_o these_o 1._o it_o make_v a_o deep_a impression_n of_o the_o awe_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o fear_n of_o sin_n on_o the_o heart_n it_o make_v the_o spirit_n more_o compose_v stay_v and_o present_a when_o after_o self-examination_n right_o go_v about_o conscience_n speak_v its_o own_o language_n for_o it_o know_v that_o god_n speak_v and_o have_v a_o sort_n of_o divinness_n with_o it_o 2_o it_o make_v the_o man_n more_o watchful_a and_o the_o loath_a to_o adventure_v on_o sin_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v 3_o it_o still_v and_o calm_v the_o heart_n o_o but_o that_o be_v a_o stately_a and_o majestic_a word_n psal._n 46._o be_v still_o and_o know_v that_o i_o be_o god_n for_o we_o can_v conceive_v god_n to_o be_v speak_v if_o we_o be_v right_a but_o the_o spirit_n will_v be_v calm_v to_o hear_v and_o will_v be_v gather_v in_o from_o its_o waver_n gading_n and_o vaiging_n when_o it_o know_v that_o he_o speak_v all_o which_o we_o may_v see_v psal._n 4._o 3._o 4._o stand_v in_o awe_n and_o sin_n not_o where_o he_o exhort_v to_o holy_a fear_n and_o watchfulness_n and_o the_o mean_a to_o bring_v both_o about_o be_v commune_fw-la with_o your_o heart_n upon_o your_o bed_n betake_v yourselves_o to_o this_o work_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v of_o self_n examination_n and_o then_o the_o 3d._n follow_v be_v still_o as_o be_v stay_v and_o fix_v quiet_v and_o calm_v against_o reilling-to_a and_o fro_o up_o and_o down_o and_o against_o all_o struggle_a with_o god_n and_o fret_v at_o his_o providence_n because_o you_o have_v to_o do_v with_o he_o and_o not_o with_o man_n we_o shall_v not_o proceed_v further_o for_o the_o time_n only_o you_o may_v see_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v if_o we_o look_v single_o on_o it_o that_o there_o be_v here_o a_o most_o clear_a useful_a and_o necessary_a duty_n at_o all_o time_n and_o more_o especial_o at_o this_o time_n we_o say_v especial_o at_o this_o time_n for_o these_o reason_n 1._o because_o of_o the_o common_a and_o general_a security_n and_o formal_a way_n of_o go_v about_o duty_n that_o be_v steal_v in_o among_o christian_n at_o this_o time_n and_o there_o can_v be_v a_o better_a mean_v to_o help_v this_o then_o to_o give_v ourselves_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o self-examination_n and_o to_o the_o trial_n of_o our_o way_n this_o serious_o go_v about_o will_v make_v we_o renze_v and_o stir_v up_o ourselves_o in_o good_a earnest_n to_o cry_v mighty_o to_o god_n and_o if_o this_o be_v a_o time_n that_o have_v such_o a_o evil_n in_o it_o as_o great_a security_n and_o formality_n and_o if_o this_o be_v a_o duty_n that_o may_v throw_v god_n blessing_n help_v the_o same_o let_v none_o complain_v of_o over_o liness_n coldness_n and_o lifelesnesse_a in_o religion_n that_o be_v not_o serious_o mind_v and_o go_v about_o this_o as_o a_o necessary_a profitable_a and_o excellent_a mean_n to_o amend_v it_o 2_o because_o there_o be_v much_o false_a bulk_n and_o empty_a show_n of_o a_o profession_n which_o we_o be_v afraid_a but_o a_o very_a little_a trial_n will_v quick_o evidence_n and_o discover_v to_o be_v so_o even_o to_o be_v unsure_a work_n i_o will_v not_o say_v but_o there_o may_v be_v some_o sickernesse_n and_o solidity_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o some_o but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o many_o other_o be_v but_o build_v castle_n in_o the_o air_n castle_n of_o come_v down_o when_o the_o rain_n shall_v descend_v the_o wind_n blow_v and_o the_o flood_n beat_v have_v much_o more_o show_v then_o substance_n and_o solid_a work_n and_o the_o way_n to_o make_v it_o sick_a sure_a and_o solid_a work_n that_o will_v abide_v the_o trial_n be_v to_o lay_v it_o to_o the_o rule_n and_o to_o try_v it_o thereby_o many_o profess_a christian_n be_v like_a to_o foolish_a builder_n who_o build_v by_o guess_n and_o by_o rule_n of_o thumb_n as_o we_o use_v to_o speak_v and_o not_o by_o square_a and_o rule_n and_o if_o they_o have_v but_o bulk_n enough_o they_o look_v not_o much_o to_o the_o solidity_n and_o straightness_n of_o the_o fabric_n there_o be_v many_o engadgement_n come_v under_o many_o fasting_n
not_o like_o this_o publican_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o necessary_a for_o keep_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n clear_a then_o to_o be_v very_o humble_a under_o it_o and_o much_o deny_v to_o it_o sermon_n i._n 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 it_o be_v indeed_o a_o very_a exercise_v and_o up-taking_a business_n to_o attain_v and_o come_v by_o a_o good_a conscience_n but_o it_o have_v a_o most_o sweet_o refresh_v and_o strong_o comâ—orting_v fruit_n grow_v out_o of_o 〈◊〉_d when_o it_o be_v attain_v and_o who_o ever_o have_v through_o grace_n attain_v it_o have_v never_o find_v reason_n to_o think_v their_o labour_n 〈◊〉_d or_o their_o pain_n ill_o bestow_v or_o too_o great_a the_o calmness_n composure_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o soul_n with_o the_o hoâ—y_n and_o 〈◊〉_d confidence_n and_o boldness_n to_o god-ward_o with_o the_o 〈◊〉_d and_o joy_v that_o result_n and_o flow_v from_o this_o difficult_a exâ—_n super-abundant_o compense_v all_o the_o labour_n and_o pain_n bestow_v on_o it_o that_o we_o may_v be_v stir_v up_o and_o provoke_v vigorous_o to_o endeavour_v in_o the_o strength_n oâ—_n christ_n the_o have_v and_o maintain_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n and_o somewhat_o of_o the_o peace_n and_o joy_n that_o now_o from_o the_o well_o ground_a assurance_n of_o its_o be_v attain_v we_o have_v make_v choice_a oâ—_n these_o word_n to_o speak_v a_o little_a to_o they_o wherein_o the_o apostle_n 1._o assert_n his_o attain_n of_o this_o with_o confidence_n and_o boldness_n we_o trust_v say_v he_o we_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n 2._o he_o prove_v his_o assertion_n â—y_a give_v a_o evidence_n oâ—_n the_o truth_n of_o it_o oâ—_n by_o explicate_v that_o which_o he_o call_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n say_v he_o willing_a to_o live_v honest_o endeavour_v in_o every_o thing_n to_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o to_o approve_v ourselves_o too_o god_n we_o shall_v in_o the_o first_o place_n speak_v some_o what_o short_o to_o the_o explication_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o word_n there_o be_v three_o expression_n in_o his_o assertion_n concern_v his_o conscience_n which_o hold_v forth_o a_o very_a high_a attainment_n the_o 1._o be_v a_o good_a conscience_n the_o word_n good_a signify_v not_o only_o that_o which_o be_v â—_o profitable_a good_a but_o also_o that_o which_o be_v a_o fair_a pleasant_a and_o delectable_a good_a insinuate_v that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o conscience_n as_o have_v some_o what_o in_o it_o commendable_a beautiful_a and_o amiable_a fit_v to_o make_v other_o fall_v in_o love_n with_o it_o so_o much_o the_o word_n signify_v 2_o tim._n 4._o 7._o and_o matt._n 26._o 10._o the_o 2._o be_v we_o trust_v hold_v out_o the_o confidence_n whereby_o he_o assert_v the_o have_v of_o a_o good_a conscience_n it_o be_v not_o such_o trust_n as_o many_o of_o we_o have_v which_o we_o use_v to_o call_v our_o good_a hope_n which_o be_v rather_o a_o conjecture_v or_o guess_v than_o any_o well-grounded_n confidence_n but_o it_o be_v such_o a_o confidence_n and_o persuasion_n as_o be_v found_v on_o good_a and_o solid_a ground_n the_o 3â—_n be_v in_o all_o thing_n hold_v forth_o the_o extent_n of_o it_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v in_o our_o private_a walk_n as_o christian_n and_o in_o our_o public_a employment_n as_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o our_o suffering_n for_o truth_n and_o in_o our_o do_v for_o it_o even_o in_o all_o thing_n we_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n 2_o there_o be_v the_o evidence_n or_o explication_n of_o this_o in_o the_o word_n follow_v because_o it_o may_v be_v think_v strange_a that_o he_o shall_v so_o confident_o asâ—ert_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v without_o sin_n he_o explain_v his_o meaning_n in_o other_o three_o word_n show_v what_o he_o take_v to_o be_v a_o good_a conscience_n the_o 1._o word_n be_v willing_a which_o hold_v out_o his_o kindly_a inclination_n and_o the_o determinatness_n of_o his_o resolution_n anent_o the_o thing_n it_o be_v his_o desire_n design_n and_o delight_n to_o be_v right_a in_o every_o thing_n as_o nehemias_n be_v to_o fear_v god_n name_n and_o though_o he_o come_v so_o far_o short_a as_o that_o the_o evil_n which_o he_o will_v not_o he_o do_v and_o the_o good_a which_o he_o will_v fain_o have_v do_v he_o can_v not_o come_v at_o it_o yet_o he_o delight_v not_o he_o approve_v not_o himself_o in_o the_o evil_a neither_o do_v he_o design_v it_o but_o rather_o have_v it_o for_o his_o burden_n and_o affliction_n as_o he_o give_v we_o a_o account_n rom._n 7._o this_o then_o be_v the_o apostle_n meaning_n in_o that_o high_a assertion_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v his_o desire_n design_n endeavour_n and_o delight_n to_o have_v it_o so_o the_o â—_o d_o word_n be_v to_o live_v which_o in_o the_o original_n be_v to_o converse_v and_o look_n to_o his_o whole_a conversation_n it_o be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v holy_a in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o duty_n as_o in_o pray_v preach_v and_o the_o like_a but_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n the_o 3d_o word_n be_v honest_o which_o be_v the_o adverb_n of_o the_o same_o word_n call_v good_a before_o and_o signify_v to_o live_v pleasant_o desireable_o worthy_o or_o honourable_o even_o to_o live_v so_o as_o the_o gospel_n may_v not_o suffer_v by_o any_o thing_n in_o his_o walk_n and_o so_o as_o none_o of_o the_o seeker_n of_o god_n may_v be_v ashamed_a for_o his_o sake_n and_o so_o as_o none_o may_v be_v faint_v dishearten_v or_o discourage_v to_o pray_v for_o he_o as_o for_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o word_n you_o see_v they_o be_v subjoin_v to_o and_o connect_v with_o the_o immediate_o precede_v exhortation_n to_o pray_v for_o he_o and_o be_v give_v as_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v do_v so_o paul_n be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o his_o penman_n to_o write_v this_o epistle_n he_o do_v as_o its_o ordinary_a for_o he_o in_o other_o of_o his_o epistle_n commend_v himself_o to_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o saint_n to_o who_o he_o write_v and_o because_o he_o be_v ill_o speak_v of_o and_o misrepresent_v as_o a_o enemy_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o to_o the_o jewish_a nâ—tion_n lest_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o shall_v sâ—ick_v with_o they_o or_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o pray_v for_o he_o he_o obuâ—ats_v their_o objection_n as_o it_o be_v and_o say_v you_o may_v pray_v for_o we_o for_o however_o we_o be_v mistake_v and_o misreported_n of_o by_o many_o yet_o we_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n willing_a design_v and_o endeavour_v to_o live_v honest_o â—o_o as_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n may_v suffer_v in_o nothing_o by_o we_o but_o that_o rather_o the_o repute_n and_o interest_n thereof_o may_v be_v further_v and_o advance_v and_o by_o this_o he_o bind_v on_o they_o as_o you_o shall_v god_n will_v here_o the_o exhortation_n to_o pray_v for_o he_o we_o intend_v to_o insi_v on_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o verse_n yet_o because_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o scope_n may_v be_v of_o considerable_a use_n we_o shall_v short_o and_o but_o in_o pass_v touch_v on_o some_o observation_n from_o it_o the_o first_o whereof_o which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d be_v that_o a_o man_n that_o endeavour_v sincere_o and_o serious_o to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n may_v yet_o notwithstanding_o be_v exceed_o mistake_v and_o misrepresent_v in_o the_o world_n paul_n here_o find_v it_o needful_a to_o clear_v himself_o thus_o which_o he_o need_v not_o to_o have_v do_v if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v much_o mistake_v and_o misrepresent_v 2_o observe_v that_o a_o man_n under_o many_o mistake_n misrepresentation_n and_o reproach_n may_v have_v a_o good_a conscience_n so_o that_o a_o man_n be_v not_o in_o reference_n thereto_o obleidge_v to_o stand_v to_o other_o thought_n and_o judgement_n of_o he_o thus_o it_o be_v a_o small_a thing_n for_o this_o same_o apostle_n to_o be_v judge_v by_o man_n judgement_n as_o he_o tell_v we_o 1_o cor._n 4._o v._n 3._o therefore_o you_o will_v beware_v to_o lay_v weight_n on_o mistake_n mis-representation_n or_o false_a report_n of_o man_n since_o a_o good_a report_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n go_v not_o always_o together_o paul_n go_v through_o good_a report_n and_o ill_a report_n and_o digest_v all_o these_o thing_n so_o that_o his_o peace_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v not_o thereby_o mar_v 3_o observe_v that_o clearness_n as_o to_o a_o good_a conscience_n under_o mistake_n and_o reproach_n be_v a_o great_a and_o notable_a ground_n of_o conâ—idence_n and_o boldness_n to_o such_o as_o be_v so_o
saint_n by_o the_o fall_n but_o of_o some_o hot_a scald_a drop_n of_o god_n fatherly_a wrath_n and_o displeasure_n have_v be_v bring_v near_o the_o length_n of_o wish_v rather_o for_o strangle_v though_o merciful_o keep_v from_o it_o and_o make_v to_o abhor_v it_o than_o life_n as_o it_o be_v with_o non_fw-la such_o holy_a job_n who_o look_v on_o death_n a_o violent_a death_n as_o a_o easy_a matter_n be_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v under_o the_o sense_n of_o wrath_n and_o to_o be_v set_v up_o as_o the_o mark_n for_o god_n arrow_n to_o be_v shoot_v at_o the_o venom_n whereof_o to_o his_o apprehension_n drink_v up_o his_o spirit_n though_o all_o the_o while_o he_o be_v keep_v up_o in_o the_o faith_n of_o his_o interest_n in_o god_n and_o of_o his_o love_n to_o he_o to_o his_o purpose_n human_a heavy_o complain_v psal._n 88_o i_o be_o afflict_v and_o ready_a to_o die_v from_o my_o youth_n up_o while_o i_o suffer_v thy_o terror_n i_o be_o distract_v if_o it_o be_v sometime_o do_v thus_o in_o the_o green_a tree_n even_o the_o green_a what_o shall_v be_v do_v in_o the_o dry_a now_o the_o conscience_n be_v in_o a_o special_a manner_n the_o receptacle_n of_o all_o the_o terror_n of_o god_n it_o must_v therefore_o certain_o be_v a_o very_a ill_a thing_n to_o have_v a_o awake_v ill_a conscience_n if_o a_o ill_a and_o unpurged_a conscience_n be_v silent_a and_o a_o sleep_n it_o be_v in_o some_o respect_n worse_o for_o it_o have_v this_o black_a and_o dreadful_a awaken_v abide_v it_o and_o the_o long_o it_o sleep_v and_o keep_v silence_n the_o the_o wakn_n will_v be_v the_o more_o terrible_a and_o its_o cry_n the_o loud_o it_o be_v all_o the_o while_n of_o its_o silence_n and_o sleep_v treasure_v up_o more_o wrath_n whereby_o the_o poor_a wretch_n will_v be_v pay_v home_o with_o multiply_a increase_n of_o terror_n and_o horror_n o_o that_o you_o know_v how_o evil_a a_o thing_n how_o very_o evil_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o have_v a_o conscience_n not_o purge_v from_o dead_a work_n a_o conscience_n not_o sprinkle_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o no_o stranger_n can_v intermiddle_v with_o the_o joy_n of_o a_o man_n spirit_n who_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n a_o conscience_n sprinkle_v and_o purge_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n so_o no_o man_n can_v to_o the_o full_a represent_v to_o you_o the_o exceed_a terribleness_n of_o the_o terror_n of_o a_o evil_a conscience_n when_o awake_v by_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n plead_v and_o pursue_v a_o quarrel_n with_o the_o soul_n which_o quarrel_n he_o be_v infinite_o powerful_a to_o avenge_v it_o will_v be_v very_o suitable_a to_o be_v often_o inquire_v at_o ourselves_o what_o be_v become_v of_o the_o quarrel_n and_o what_o solid_a ground_n of_o peace_n and_o confidence_n towards_o god_n be_v there_o we_o will_v all_o most_o certain_o and_o inavoidable_o be_v put_v on_o this_o great_a trial_n o_o suffer_v not_o yourselves_o to_o be_v so_o far_o delude_v as_o to_o think_v that_o a_o silent_a and_o stupid_a conscience_n be_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o have_v no_o danger_n with_o it_o which_o be_v as_o great_a folly_n as_o to_o think_v that_o a_o feeless_a and_o benumb_a member_n of_o the_o body_n be_v thereby_o in_o â—o_o danger_n nay_o the_o danger_n be_v so_o much_o the_o great_a 2_o observe_v that_o though_o all_o man_n natural_o be_v under_o thiâ—_n evil_a of_o a_o unpurged_a conscience_n yet_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n god_n have_v lay_v down_o a_o way_n how_o sinner_n may_v get_v their_o conscience_n purge_v this_o be_v the_o apostle_n scope_n in_o both_o these_o scripture_n even_o to_o lay_v a_o solid_a ground_n for_o the_o consolation_n of_o believer_n and_o for_o a_o high_a commendation_n of_o god_n grace_n viz._n that_o by_o application_n make_v to_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n there_o be_v as_o a_o real_a purge_n of_o the_o conscience_n from_o sin_n win_v at_o as_o there_o be_v access_n make_v to_o person_n ceremonial_o unclean_a by_o these_o sacrifice_n and_o wash_n under_o the_o law_n to_o external_a church-priviledge_n be_v ceremonia_o cleanse_v thereby_o which_o be_v not_o so_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o the_o sin_n commit_v have_v never_o real_o and_o actual_o be_v so_o as_o the_o purge_a believer_n shall_v neither_o remember_v it_o nor_o repent_v of_o it_o that_o be_v not_o at_o all_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o doctrine_n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v legal_o that_o as_o to_o the_o remove_n of_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n and_o as_o to_o his_o have_a peace_n with_o god_n and_o in_o his_o own_o conscience_n it_o be_v purge_v so_o as_o sin_n can_v stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o expect_a god_n favour_n nor_o simple_o in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o delight_a himself_o therein_o more_o than_o if_o it_o have_v never_o be_v though_o the_o man_n be_v the_o debtor_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o way_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n to_o declare_v he_o free_a even_o as_o a_o man_n that_o have_v play_v the_o dyvour_n or_o bankrupt_a though_o he_o can_v simple_o and_o in_o all_o respect_n be_v make_v as_o if_o he_o have_v never_o be_v so_o yet_o by_o another_o pay_n of_o the_o debt_n he_o be_v before_o the_o judge_n acquit_v and_o be_v reckon_v free_a of_o the_o debt_n as_o if_o it_o have_v never_o be_v contract_v or_o owe_v and_o as_o to_o any_o effect_n that_o may_v in_o law_n follow_v on_o it_o to_o his_o prejudice_n just_o so_o be_v it_o here_o with_o the_o sinner_n that_o flee_v to_o the_o blood_n of_o sprinkle_v and_o the_o word_n purge_v sufficient_o hold_v it_o out_o especial_o when_o it_o be_v join_v with_o come_v with_o boldness_n and_o confidence_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n for_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v to_o such_o a_o sinner_n how_o can_v thou_o how_o dare_v thou_o come_v to_o god_n with_o such_o confidence_n that_o have_v a_o ill_a conscience_n through_o so_o much_o sin_n he_o answer_v let_v we_o draw_v near_o or_o come_v have_v our_o heart_n sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n so_o that_o as_o to_o a_o confident_a approach_n to_o god_n and_o application_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n person_n who_o have_v make_v application_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o sprinkle_v may_v come_v to_o god_n with_o as_o much_o holy_a and_o humble_a boldness_n as_o if_o the_o conscience_n have_v never_o be_v defile_v and_o pollure_v and_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o saint_n who_o in_o this_o way_n have_v find_v peace_n and_o confidence_n be_v a_o great_a evidence_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o 3_o to_o come_v a_o little_a near_o we_o may_v observe_v in_o the_o negative_a that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n for_o a_o man_n that_o have_v once_o have_v his_o conscience_n defile_v and_o pollute_v with_o sin_n to_o be_v cleanse_v and_o purge_v from_o it_o but_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n if_o we_o look_v through_o this_o 9th_o chapter_n from_o the_o beginning_n and_o the_o follow_a 10_o chapter_n we_o will_v find_v that_o the_o apostle_n scope_n be_v to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o blood_n of_o bull_n or_o of_o calf_n nor_o any_o one_o or_o all_o of_o these_o ceremonial_a sacrifice_n wash_n or_o purgation_n that_o can_v do_v the_o business_n as_o he_o more_o particular_o clear_v five_o 9_o of_o the_o 9_o chap._n where_o the_o apostle_n insinuat_v that_o though_o god_n appoint_v many_o mean_n and_o midst_n of_o purgation_n yet_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o more_o but_o these_o they_o can_v never_o have_v effect_v the_o perfyte_n of_o a_o man_n as_o pertain_v to_o the_o conscience_n it_o be_v only_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n that_o have_v this_o effect_n and_o this_o one_o reason_n will_v confirm_v it_o viz._n that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o thing_n but_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n that_o can_v satisfy_v god_n justice_n and_o remove_v the_o quarrel_n that_o be_v betwixt_o he_o and_o the_o guilty_a sinner_n it_o be_v he_o only_o in_o who_o god_n be_v well_o please_v he_o be_v our_o peace_n and_o there_o be_v no_o name_n under_o heaven_n give_v whereby_o a_o sinner_n can_v be_v save_v but_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n and_o till_o god_n be_v satisfy_v the_o conscience_n can_v be_v quiet_a see_v then_o that_o nothing_o can_v satisfy_v god_n justice_n buâ—_n his_o blood_n there_o can_v nothing_o purge_v and_o satisfy_v the_o conscience_n but_o it_o therefore_o david_n pray_v psal._n 51._o purge_v i_o with_o hyssop_n and_o i_o shall_v be_v clean_o where_o he_o allâ—ds_v and_o look_n to_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v â—ypifyed_v by_o the_o sprinkle_n of_o blood_n with_o a_o bunsh_fw-mi of_o hyssop_n under_o the_o law_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v here_o as_o the_o use_v of_o this_o doctrine_n
of_o his_o soul_n and_o body_n which_o by_o the_o exact_a and_o exquisite_a symmetry_n and_o harmony_n thereof_o through_o the_o image_n of_o god_n concreated_a with_o he_o make_v he_o while_o it_o remain_v in_o its_o integrity_n incapable_a of_o all_o such_o motion_n or_o action_n which_o shall_v be_v subservient_fw-fr unto_fw-la or_o compliant_a with_o any_o thing_n contrary_a unto_o or_o different_a from_o it_o his_o understanding_n the_o lead_a faculty_n and_o the_o eye_n as_o it_o be_v of_o the_o soul_n become_v a_o abyss_n and_o dungeon_n of_o darkness_n cover_v all_o over_o with_o fog_n mist_n and_o cloud_n of_o ignorance_n error_n and_o mistake_n so_o that_o become_v of_o a_o spiritual_a and_o holy_a man_n a_o carnal_a and_o corrupt_a man_n he_o do_v not_o receive_v neither_o can_v he_o know_v save_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n he_o become_v quite_o blind_a have_v lose_v his_o visive_a faculty_n as_o to_o all_o spiritual_a discern_a his_o will_n the_o roll_a and_o govern_v faculty_n utter_o lose_v its_o rectitude_n and_o become_v crooked_a froward_a perverse_a rebellious_a and_o obstinate_a strong_o incline_v and_o bend_v to_o evil_a to_o all_o evil_a only_o to_o evil_n always_o and_o constant_o to_o evil_a and_o altogether_o averse_a from_o every_o thing_n true_o good_a will_v that_o which_o god_n nill_v and_o nill_v that_o which_o he_o will_v his_o affection_n turn_v all_o mutinous_a disorderly_a disturb_a and_o confuse_a furious_o rush_v on_o prohibit_v object_n as_o the_o horse_n rush_v into_o the_o battle_n and_o what_o moving_n of_o they_o be_v towards_o any_o command_a object_n these_o be_v altogether_o irregular_a not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o of_o they_o move_v towards_o any_o such_o object_n pure_o or_o primar_o because_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n command_v his_o memory_n quite_o lose_v its_o reâ—entive_a faculty_n as_o to_o the_o remember_v of_o any_o thing_n spiritual_o good_a in_o the_o way_n it_o shall_v have_v be_v remember_v it_o become_v in_o that_o respect_n as_o a_o leck_n vessel_n all_o such_o thing_n slip_v and_o run_v through_o and_o out_o of_o it_o his_o conscience_n be_v deâ—ed_v and_o make_v guilty_a become_v clamorous_a unquiet_a challenge_v and_o accuse_v boisterous_a and_o stormy_a fill_v he_o with_o horror_n and_o when_o not_o stupefy_v and_o benumb_v with_o spiritual_o lethargic_a security_n or_o cauterised_a pâ—ing_v he_o upon_o the_o rack_n and_o make_v a_o kind_n of_o hell_n in_o his_o bosom_n so_o that_o he_o be_v magur_n â—issabib_fw-la terror_n round_o about_o even_o his_o own_o burrio_fw-la and_o tormenteâ—_n all_o the_o member_n of_o his_o body_n be_v yield_v to_o be_v the_o weapon_n of_o unrighteousness_n to_o sin_n so_o that_o all_o the_o faculty_n and_o power_n of_o his_o â—oul_n and_o member_n of_o his_o body_n be_v on_o the_o sudden_a up_o in_o arm_n in_o hostility_n and_o rebellion_n against_o god_n proclaim_v and_o wage_n war_n with_o he_o and_o on_o the_o matter_n blasphemous_o bid_v he_o a_o defiance_n o_o â—ad_a and_o sorrowful_a revolution_n in_o and_o on_o the_o little_a world_n man._n heu_fw-la quantum_fw-la mutatus_fw-la abillo_fw-la god_n make_v he_o upright_o but_o he_o seek_v out_o to_o himself_o many_o invention_n woe_n to_o we_o for_o we_o have_v sin_v and_o the_o crown_n have_v fall_v from_o our_o head_n and_o by_o the_o loss_n of_o our_o original_a righteousness_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o whole_a nature_n with_o the_o innumerable_a actual_a sin_n and_o transgression_n that_o flow_v from_o thence_o we_o bear_v alas_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o of_o the_o image_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o of_o the_o brute_n than_o we_o do_v of_o the_o image_n of_o god_n the_o re-introduction_n restauration_n and_o renovation_n of_o the_o pristine_a beautiful_a conformity_n to_o the_o glorious_a image_n of_o god_n with_o their_o reconciliation_n and_o justification_n through_o his_o satisfaction_n to_o divine_a justice_n in_o some_o of_o the_o universal_o lapse_v and_o lose_a posterity_n of_o adam_n even_o all_o the_o elect_a and_o gift_v one_o to_o the_o mediator_n to_o be_v redeem_v sanctify_a and_o save_v by_o he_o in_o order_n to_o the_o capaclâ—ating_n of_o they_o to_o enjoy_v fellowship_n with_o god_n forefault_v by_o the_o fall_n and_o that_o by_o a_o new_a creation_n the_o very_a splendour_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n be_v the_o great_a earand_n and_o bussiness_n for_o which_o christ_n jesus_n come_v into_o the_o world_n who_o be_v the_o head_n and_o foundation-stone_n of_o this_o new_a creation_n have_v graciousâ—_n undertake_v to_o prepare_v sanctify_v and_o glorify_v his_o mystical_a body_n or_o all_o the_o elect_v give_v to_o he_o by_o jehovab_n which_o he_o according_o effect_v and_o bring_v to_o pass_v by_o regenerate_v they_o by_o sanctify_v they_o and_o by_o carry_v on_o this_o work_n of_o sanctification_n in_o the_o growth_n and_o gradual_a advance_n thereof_o till_o it_o be_v perfect_v and_o consummate_v in_o glory_n whereby_o the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o man_n be_v again_o renew_v and_o restore_v both_o in_o their_o soul_n and_o body_n respective_o in_o a_o good_a measure_n now_o in_o this_o life_n and_o shall_v be_v perfect_o in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v where_o as_o they_o shall_v all_o see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v intuitive_o face_n to_o face_n and_o enjoy_v he_o full_o and_o immediate_o without_o any_o the_o least_o moment_n interruption_n through_o all_o eternity_n so_o they_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o perfect_o like_o he_o according_a to_o creature_n capacity_n resemble_v he_o to_o the_o very_a â—fe_n all_o the_o faculty_n and_o power_n of_o their_o soul_n partake_v of_o this_o renew_a work_n the_o understanding_n be_v saving_o enlighten_v the_o will_v rectify_v the_o affection_n reduce_v â—nto_o order_n the_o memory_n strengthen_v and_o the_o conscience_n much_o cleanse_v and_o calm_v and_o put_v into_o a_o capacity_n as_o to_o accuse_v and_o condemn_v so_o to_o excuse_v allow_v and_o absolve_v as_o there_o be_v just_a ground_n for_o either_o and_o they_o put_v to_o make_v it_o their_o great_a bussiness_n about_o which_o they_o allow_v themselves_o to_o be_v exercise_v always_o to_o have_v it_o void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o toward_a man_n which_o conscience_n with_o the_o concern_v thereof_o be_v the_o great_a theme_n and_o subject_n of_o these_o choice_n search_v and_o savoury_a sermon_n wherein_n if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n that_o do_v not_o so_o full_o answer_v expectation_n let_v it_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o writer_n from_o his_o own_o mouâ—h_n who_o copple_n be_v so_o very_o incorrect_a that_o the_o fit_v it_o for_o the_o view_n of_o the_o world_n have_v cause_v no_o small_a labour_n to_o i_o i_o need_v say_v the_o less_o of_o it_o only_o in_o general_n i_o will_v humble_o offer_v these_o few_o thing_n first_o we_o will_v above_o all_o thing_n look_v well_o that_o once_o we_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n not_o only_o moral_o that_o be_v when_o conscience_n judge_v itself_o bind_v to_o own_o god_n reveal_v will_n for_o its_o rule_n and_o when_o it_o impell_v or_o push_v the_o man_n to_o act_v according_a to_o that_o rule_n and_o withal_o the_o more_o ordinary_a disposition_n of_o his_o will_n be_v 〈◊〉_d comply_v with_o these_o impulse_n of_o his_o conscience_n which_o may_v be_v where_o there_o be_v no_o special_a or_o save_a grace_n but_o gracious_o so_o which_o necessary_o presupposeth_a a_o state_n of_o regeneration_n and_o the_o heart_n apply_v itself_o by_o faith_n the_o gift_n of_o god_n to_o the_o blood_n of_o sprinkle_v which_o both_o purge_v and_o â—acifieth_v cleanse_v and_o calm_v the_o conscience_n which_o speak_v better_a thing_n than_o the_o bâ—ood_a of_o aâ—el_n yea_o have_v a_o cry_n ablâ—_n to_o outcry_n the_o loud_a cry_n of_o the_o most_o clamorous_a and_o guilty_a conscience_n and_o be_v that_o wherein_o all_o disquiet_v challenger_n and_o â—ccusations_n for_o sinâ—_n be_v only_o safe_o sink_v and_o and_o put_v to_o silence_n so_o as_o they_o shall_v never_o again_o swim_v above_o and_o raâ—k_v to_o the_o final_a sorrow_n and_o shame_n of_o such_o as_o be_v lead_v through_o graâ—e_a to_o take_v this_o course_n with_o they_o as_o the_o now-sunk_a and_o any_o other_o way_n silence_v challenge_n of_o most_o man_n and_o woman_n will_v once_o most_o certain_o rise_v on_o they_o and_o speak_v at_o a_o high_a rate_n against_o they_o never_o any_o more_o to_o hold_v their_o peace_n from_o grievous_o gall_v and_o gnaw_v accusation_n for_o to_o the_o unclean_a and_o unbelieve_a nothing_o be_v pure_a but_o even_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n be_v defile_v second_o the_o conscience_n be_v thus_o make_v good_a we_o will_v endeavour_v by_o all_o suitable_a mean_n to_o keep_v it_o so_o that_o we_o may_v be_v in_o case_n on_o warrantable_a and_o good_a ground_n to_o say_v with_o the_o apostle_n we_o trust_v we_o have_v a_o good_a
short_a in_o his_o duty_n which_o will_v quite_o mar_v a_o legal_a testimony_n of_o conscience_n or_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o legal_a good_a conscience_n thus_o paul_n have_v a_o good_a conscience_n rom._n 7._o 22._o even_o when_o he_o be_v wrestle_v against_o sin_n and_o cry_v out_o in_o the_o fight_n o_o miserable_a man_n that_o â—_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o the_o body_n of_o this_o death_n for_o he_o find_v himself_o delight_v in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n after_o the_o inward_a man_n and_o that_o his_o design_n be_v to_o be_v honest_a and_o single_a for_o god_n it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o challenge_n of_o conscience_n as_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v ground_n for_o it_o that_o affeâ—eth_v and_o trouble_v he_o when_o he_o think_v with_o himself_o what_o may_v i_o and_o must_v i_o be_v before_o god_n when_o conscience_n take_v notice_n of_o so_o many_o thing_n to_o be_v amiss_o in_o i_o it_o be_v from_o this_o ground_n i_o say_v that_o paul_n comfort_v himself_o that_o he_o allow_v not_o himself_o in_o that_o which_o he_o do_v and_o reckon_v his_o evangelical_o good_a conscience_n and_o his_o sincerity_n to_o be_v his_o renew_a part_n and_o as_o such_o side_v and_o take_v part_n with_o it_o and_o condemn_v the_o un_fw-we renew_v part_n a_o four_o property_n or_o character_n be_v take_v from_o a_o believer_n walk_v in_o reference_n to_o his_o challenge_n this_o be_v not_o the_o mark_n that_o he_o want_v challenge_n but_o it_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o influence_n that_o challenge_v have_v on_o he_o which_o comprehend_v three_o different_a character_n 1._o a_o gospel_n good_a conscience_n take_v quick_o and_o easy_o with_o a_o challenge_n and_o be_v soon_o trouble_a and_o melt_v 2._o it_o be_v make_v quick_o to_o loath_a and_o conâ—emn_v itself_o for_o sin_n and_o so_o conscience_n and_o the_o man_n agree_v well_o together_o when_o conscience_n say_v to_o he_o thou_o be_v a_o sinner_n thou_o arâ—_n lose_v justice_n must_v be_v satisfy_v and_o thou_o can_v not_o do_v it_o he_o say_v so_o likewise_o 3._o when_o challenge_v put_v yet_o further_o at_o he_o and_o pursue_v he_o yet_o hard_o and_o close_a the_o good_a conscience_n make_v he_o â—ee_n to_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o set_v he_o a_o seek_v of_o pardon_n from_o god_n in_o the_o court_n of_o grace_n when_o the_o man_n be_v some_o way_n condemn_v in_o the_o court_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n and_o then_o he_o obtain_v peace_n even_o in_o the_o court_n of_o conscience_n for_o when_o god_n speak_v peace_n in_o and_o through_o jesus_n christ_n the_o conscience_n also_o speak_v peace_n and_o thus_o though_o the_o man_n have_v not_o a_o good_a conscience_n in_o a_o law_n sense_n as_o i_o say_v before_o yet_o in_o a_o gospel-sense_n he_o have_v and_o he_o mind_v to_o keep_v friendship_n with_o god_n and_o with_o his_o conscience_n though_o he_o can_v quiet_v pacify_v and_o satisfy_v it_o in_o a_o legal_a way_n yet_o in_o a_o gospel_n way_n he_o may_v and_o this_o be_v even_o it_o that_o the_o saint_n have_v in_o their_o appeal_n to_o their_o conscience_n for_o the_o great_a ground_n of_o their_o peace_n viz._n the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o practice_n and_o their_o flee_v to_o christ_n blood_n to_o the_o blood_n of_o sprinkle_v for_o quiet_v their_o conscience_n in_o the_o crowd_n of_o challenge_n for_o their_o short_a come_n and_o fail_n in_o practice_n and_o that_o very_o warrantable_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n whoever_o sincere_o take_v this_o way_n though_o they_o have_v challenge_n of_o conscience_n they_o have_v yet_o notwithstanding_o a_o good_a conscience_n such_o a_o conscience_n challenge_v by_o the_o law_n yet_o absolve_v by_o the_o gospel_n challenge_v on_o account_n of_o the_o rebellion_n of_o the_o law_n in_o the_o member_n and_o yet_o absolve_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o law_n in_o the_o mind_n it_o condemn_v the_o man_n as_o loathsome_a in_o himself_o and_o in_o his_o own_o duty_n and_o righteousness_n and_o yet_o absolve_v he_o as_o sound_v his_o peace_n on_o christ_n and_o sink_v and_o put_v to_o silence_v all_o challenge_n and_o accusation_n in_o that_o blood_n of_o sprinkle_v that_o speak_v blood_n that_o have_v a_o cry_n to_o outcry_n the_o loud_a cry_n of_o the_o most_o clamorous_a and_o guilty_a conscience_n and_o what_o can_v be_v just_o say_v against_o this_o since_o christ_n righteousness_n be_v perfect_a and_o god_n promise_v faithful_a and_o christ_n blood_n of_o force_n and_o efficacy_n to_o quiet_a and_o give_v the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n but_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v hâ—re_o may_v not_o a_o natural_a un-renewed_n person_n or_o a_o hypocrite_n have_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n or_o how_o far_o may_v his_o conscience_n be_v good_a and_o wherein_o lie_v the_o difference_n betwixt_o his_o good_a conscience_n and_o the_o believer_n good_a conscience_n i_o know_v this_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o the_o spiritual_a pride_n and_o vanity_n of_o many_o of_o you_o to_o boast_v of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o real_o it_o will_v make_v a_o tender_a conscience_n some_o way_n to_o loath_a to_o hear_v you_o speak_v so_o confident_o of_o it_o i_o shall_v therefore_o in_o the_o first_o place_n answer_n to_o the_o question_n how_o far_o the_o conscience_n of_o a_o natural_a man_n or_o a_o hypocriâ—e_n may_v be_v good_a and_o than_o show_v you_o how_o and_o wherein_o it_o be_v defective_a and_o what_o be_v the_o difference_n betwixt_o it_o and_o the_o believer_n good_a conscience_n for_o the_o first_o i_o will_v say_v this_o in_o general_a in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o we_o be_v not_o now_o speak_v of_o slâ—epie_a err_a dead_a and_o harden_a conscience_n the_o testimony_n of_o these_o be_v little_a worth_n neither_o be_v every_o thing_n conscience_n that_o many_o man_n think_v to_o be_v so_o conscience_n must_v act_v according_a to_o the_o word_n else_o it_o withdraw_v itself_o from_o that_o due_a subordination_n it_o stand_v in_o to_o god_n and_o to_o his_o law_n conscience_n be_v oblige_v to_o abide_v and_o stand_v by_o god_n testimony_n but_o god_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o stand_v by_o its_o testimony_n we_o will_v therefore_o beware_v of_o mistake_a conscience_n more_o particular_o in_o the_o 2d_o place_n a_o natural_a man_n may_v have_v something_o like_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o may_v come_v the_o length_n of_o these_o four_o step_n according_a to_o his_o light_n â—_o he_o may_v have_v a_o negative_a good_a conscience_n that_o be_v a_o conscience_n which_o do_v not_o actual_o challenge_v he_o yea_o a_o conscience_n that_o have_v no_o gross_a thing_n to_o challenge_v he_o for_o he_o be_v it_o may_v be_v no_o murderer_n no_o adulterer_n he_o defign_v no_o oppression_n nor_o deceit_n in_o his_o deal_v etc._n etc._n and_o on_o this_o ground_n he_o possible_o think_v that_o he_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n though_o he_o have_v no_o positive_a testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n all_o this_o while_n 2._o he_o may_v someway_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o respect_n of_o such_o or_o such_o a_o particular_a act_n in_o respect_n of_o be_v free_a of_o a_o challenge_n on_o account_n of_o a_o wrong_a design_n of_o do_v such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n or_o in_o respect_n of_o moral_a sincerity_n and_o ingenuity_n such_o as_o be_v in_o these_o man_n that_o follow_v absolom_n in_o the_o simplicity_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o in_o abimelech_n who_o in_o take_v abraham_n wife_n mean_v no_o evil_a noâ—_n any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v lawful_a and_o therefore_o he_o say_v that_o in_o the_o integrity_n of_o his_o heart_n â—e_n do_v it_o that_o be_v he_o have_v a_o moral_a honest_a design_n and_o be_v free_a from_o ground_n of_o challenge_n about_o what_o other_o may_v have_v be_v ready_a to_o charge_v he_o with_o as_o to_o that_o action_n 3_o he_o may_v come_v a_o great_a length_n as_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o second_o table_n of_o the_o law_n so_o as_o he_o may_v not_o wrong_v his_o neighbour_n in_o word_n nor_o deed_n he_o may_v design_v no_o man_n hurt_n he_o may_v wish_v evil_a to_o no_o man_n thus_o very_o probable_o it_o be_v with_o that_o pharisee_fw-mi who_o come_v to_o christ_n and_o say_v all_o these_o have_v i_o keep_v from_o my_o youth_n the_o poor_a man_n speak_v as_o he_o think_v not_o know_v the_o spiritual_a meaning_n and_o extent_n of_o the_o law_n therefore_o when_o he_o be_v bid_v sell_v all_o and_o gâ—ve_v to_o the_o poor_a he_o go_v away_o grieve_v he_o have_v no_o gross_a sinister_a design_n it_o be_v also_o say_v that_o christ_n love_v he_o or_o pity_v he_o as_o a_o civil_a man_n and_o it_o be_v indeed_o on_o this_o ground_n that_o mere_o civil_a man_n so_o much_o magnify_v and_o cry_v up_o their_o conscience_n and_o place_n all_o
there_o be_v no_o heal_n of_o his_o wound_n till_o a_o word_n from_o god_n himself_o do_v it_o it_o be_v on_o the_o contrary_a a_o ill_a token_n when_o a_o conscience_n see_v sin_n and_o can_v speak_v peace_n to_o itself_o on_o this_o ground_n that_o there_o be_v mercy_n in_o god_n and_o yet_o never_o apply_v the_o blood_n of_o sprinkle_v to_o purge_v it_o from_o dead_a work_n nor_o seek_v to_o have_v the_o word_n speak_v as_o it_o be_v from_o god_n own_o mouth_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o legal_a conscience_n will_v make_v amends_o to_o god_n will_v give_v he_o sacrifice_n enough_o and_o perform_v many_o duty_n to_o he_o look_v for_o his_o acceptance_n only_o on_o account_n of_o these_o and_o that_o be_v as_o ill_a a_o token_n but_o a_o good_a conscience_n rest_v not_o on_o any_o of_o these_o but_o though_o it_o have_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o a_o break_a and_o contrite_a spirit_n to_o offer_v to_o god_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o rest_n on_o that_o nor_o on_o any_o duty_n but_o be_v put_v beyond_o these_o to_o rest_v on_o christ_n and_o on_o his_o sacrifice_n purge_v i_o with_o hyssop_n etc._n etc._n say_v david_n psal._n 51._o and_o this_o be_v a_o clear_a and_o certain_a difference_v mark_n even_o to_o consider_v well_o whereon_o conscience_n rest_v for_o peace_n after_o a_o challenge_n and_o to_o make_v sure_a that_o it_o rest_v thus_o on_o christ._n a_o 3d._a character_n be_v that_o a_o good_a conscience_n will_v both_o challenge_v and_o speak_v peace_n at_o one_o time_n it_o can_v stand_v up_o and_o defend_v itself_o against_o a_o challenge_n thus_o when_o the_o law_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n come_v and_o charge_v it_o with_o many_o defect_n in_o duty_n and_o denounce_v wrath_n against_o it_o because_o of_o these_o it_o will_v humble_o take_v with_o they_o and_o yet_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n in_o the_o very_a time_n it_o can_v betake_v itself_o to_o christ_n and_o produce_v a_o word_n of_o peace_n that_o it_o have_v ready_a at_o hand_n from_o he_o this_o we_o may_v see_v in_o paul_n 1_o tim._n 1._o 13._o i_o be_v say_v he_o before_o a_o blasphemer_n a_o persecuter_n and_o injurious_a but_o i_o obtain_v mercy_n it_o be_v a_o evil_a token_n when_o man_n either_o have_v only_a challenge_n and_o no_o peace_n or_o only_a peace_n and_o no_o challenge_n at_o all_o as_o it_o be_v also_o a_o evil_a token_n to_o offer_v to_o maintain_v peace_n by_o shift_a challenge_n or_o to_o give_v over_o press_v after_o and_o maintain_v of_o peace_n by_o give_v way_n to_o challenge_n but_o it_o be_v a_o good_a token_n when_o conscience_n can_v take_v kind_o with_o and_o be_v humble_v under_o challenge_n and_o yet_o debate_v against_o they_o so_o as_o to_o keep_v and_o maintain_v peace_n and_o can_v give_v a_o warrant_n for_o its_o do_v so_o which_o be_v indeed_o a_o great_a practic_n in_o religion_n we_o may_v see_v a_o clear_a instance_n of_o this_o in_o joâ—_a who_o say_v chap._n 7._o 20._o i_o have_v sin_v what_o shall_v i_o do_v unto_o thou_o o_o thou_o preserver_n of_o man_n where_o he_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o have_v sin_v and_o can_v make_v amends_o and_o yet_o chap._n 27._o 4_o 5._o he_o say_v with_o holy_a boldness_n and_o peremptoryness_n my_o lip_n shall_v not_o speak_v wickedness_n nor_o my_o tongue_n utter_a deceit_n god_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v justify_v you_o till_o i_o die_v i_o will_v not_o remove_v my_o integrity_n from_o i_o when_o god_n speak_v or_o seem_v to_o speak_v wrath_n his_o angry_a countenance_n drive_v he_o not_o away_o from_o he_o though_o say_v he_o chap._n 13._o 15._o he_o shall_v kill_v i_o yet_o i_o will_v trust_v in_o he_o but_o i_o will_v maintain_v my_o own_o way_n before_o he_o and_o vers_n 16._o a_o hypocrite_n shall_v not_o come_v before_o he_o the_o hypocrite_n or_o legal_a man_n give_v it_o over_o when_o he_o be_v thus_o put_v hard_a to_o it_o â—_o though_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o he_o to_o presume_v while_o the_o law_n and_o wrath_n break_v not_o in_o yet_o when_o the_o law_n come_v sin_n revive_v and_o he_o die_v as_o it_o be_v rom._n 79._o it_o be_v easy_a to_o have_v peace_n so_o long_o as_o god_n speak_v not_o downright_a against_o it_o but_o when_o he_o come_v to_o set_v all_o a_o man_n sin_n in_o order_n before_o he_o he_o will_v with_o judas_n run_v and_o hang_v himself_o rather_o than_o abide_v that_o torment_a conscience_n of_o he_o terrible_o denounce_v war_n and_o wrath_n from_o god_n against_o he_o a_o four_o character_n be_v that_o a_o good_a conscience_n will_v love_v to_o entertain_v and_o welcome_v a_o challenge_n but_o a_o ill_a conscience_n can_v abide_v nor_o endure_v a_o challenge_n and_o if_o it_o can_v it_o will_v have_v conscience_n always_o silent_a and_o quiet_a when_o yet_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v quiet_a neither_o have_v it_o any_o ground_n to_o be_v so_o he_o who_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n be_v glad_a to_o have_v sin_n discover_v and_o conscience_n keep_v wake_v he_o think_v a_o sanctify_a conviction_n of_o sin_n a_o valueable_a mercy_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o he_o aim_v not_o so_o much_o at_o this_o to_o have_v peace_n in_o himself_o as_o to_o have_v a_o good_a and_o solid_a ground_n of_o peace_n betwixt_o god_n and_o he_o and_o to_o remove_v what_o may_v mar_v it_o whereas_o the_o hypocrite_n great_a design_n be_v to_o have_v peace_n on_o any_o term_n and_o by_o any_o mean_n and_o therefore_o when_o a_o challenge_n come_v close_o and_o home_o to_o he_o it_o be_v quite_o mar_v it_o be_v on_o this_o ground_n that_o a_o tender_a soul_n will_v design_o aggrege_n sin_n and_o even_o foster_v a_o challenge_n as_o david_n do_v psal._n â—1_n against_o thou_o thou_o only_o have_v i_o sin_v whereas_o a_o saul_n will_v defend_v his_o own_o sinful_a practice_n and_o seek_v to_o shift_v the_o challenge_n as_o we_o may_v see_v 1_o sam._n 15._o 10._o yea_o i_o have_v keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n say_v that_o proud_a hypocrite_n a_o 5_o character_n or_o difference_n be_v that_o a_o good_a conscience_n maintain_v its_o peace_n both_o from_o the_o law_n and_o from_o the_o gospel_n and_o will_v needs_o have_v peace_n in_o some_o measure_n in_o respect_n of_o both_o else_o it_o will_v not_o be_v satisfy_v the_o evil_a conscience_n again_o take_v its_o peace_n from_o the_o one_o and_o not_o from_o the_o other_o and_o so_o take_v a_o wrong_a rule_n or_o ground_n for_o sound_v and_o try_v of_o its_o peace_n a_o honest_a man_n that_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n have_v respect_n to_o the_o law_n and_o will_v not_o thwart_v it_o yea_o the_o challenge_v and_o condemn_v part_n of_o it_o be_v welcome_v and_o the_o threaten_n of_o it_o have_v influence_n on_o he_o to_o make_v he_o fear_v and_o as_o he_o respect_v the_o law_n so_o he_o respect_v the_o gospel_n and_o look_v well_o to_o believe_v repentance_n self-searching_a examination_n meditation_n and_o to_o his_o manner_n of_o perform_v these_o and_o of_o all_o his_o other_o duty_n that_o none_o of_o they_o come_v in_o the_o place_n of_o christ_n or_o get_v any_o thing_n of_o that_o which_o be_v his_o due_n and_o though_o he_o seem_v to_o himself_o to_o have_v faith_n in_o christ_n if_o he_o endeavour_v not_o to_o have_v holiness_n go_v along_o with_o it_o he_o dare_v not_o speak_v peace_n to_o himself_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o legal_a man_n or_o law-conscience_n if_o it_o be_v in_o good_a term_n as_o he_o suppose_v with_o the_o law_n it_o look_v not_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o gospel_n whether_o the_o man_n be_v indeed_o flee_v to_o christ_n or_o be_v in_o good_a term_n with_o god_n through_o he_o and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o presumptuous_a conscience_n when_o it_o hear_v the_o law_n and_o the_o threaten_n thereof_o it_o â—ome_v way_n tush_v at_o these_o and_o under_o pretext_n of_o betake_v itself_o to_o christ_n it_o tear_v as_o it_o be_v away_o the_o law_n and_o this_o mistake_n halve_a and_o divide_v of_o the_o rule_n make_v many_o man_n think_v that_o their_o conscience_n speak_v good_a to_o they_o when_o it_o do_v not_o so_o but_o have_v rather_o ground_n to_o speak_v evil_a and_o wo._n and_o in_o the_o by_o you_o who_o think_v you_o have_v good_a conscience_n try_v they_o by_o this_o mark_n if_o you_o walk_v humble_o under_o conscience-convictions_a take_v with_o they_o and_o if_o they_o be_v welcome_a to_o you_o as_o well_o as_o a_o word_n of_o peace_n a_o 6_o character_n or_o difference_n be_v that_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v holy_o jealous_a and_o suspicious_a while_o a_o evil_a conscience_n be_v presumptuous_o confident_a and_o bold_a we_o say_v a_o good_a conscience_n be_v suspicious_a and_o therefore_o be_v often_o put_v
who_o be_v speak_v of_o jer._n 2._o v._n 35._o because_o i_o be_o innocent_a sure_o his_o anger_n be_v turn_v away_o from_o i_o only_o here_o take_v two_o or_o three_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o persuasion_n that_o be_v in_o believer_n and_o these_o that_o be_v in_o hypocrite_n when_o they_o go_v wrong_v 1._o in_o a_o believer_n it_o be_v in_o some_o particular_a and_o not_o as_o to_o their_o state_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o hypocrite_n persuasion_n 2._o it_o be_v in_o some_o accidental_a or_o accessary_a thing_n and_o not_o in_o fundamental_a truth_n 3_o it_o be_v ready_o and_o more_o ordinary_o in_o some_o thing_n not_o simple_o and_o in_o itself_o evil_a but_o in_o something_o only_o that_o they_o be_v not_o call_v to_o of_o god_n though_o good_a in_o itself_o in_o these_o most_o ready_o and_o ordinary_o as_o i_o just_a now_o say_v they_o may_v go_v wrong_a and_o stray_v but_o yet_o they_o may_v do_v so_o even_o in_o some_o other_o thing_n at_o fit_n or_o under_o some_o violent_a tentation_n we_o shall_v close_v up_o all_o at_o this_o time_n with_o these_o four_o or_o five_o word_n of_o direction_n the_o 1._o whereof_o be_v that_o which_o we_o hint_v at_o before_o that_o believer_n will_v walk_v soft_o humble_o and_o in_o fear_n and_o not_o be_v too_o confident_a of_o themselves_o or_o of_o their_o own_o strength_n for_o though_o they_o may_v warrantable_o be_v humble_o confident_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v carry_v through_o without_o at_o least_o final_a err_a in_o any_o fundamental_a truth_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n yet_o they_o may_v slide_v in_o a_o particular_a practice_n or_o in_o a_o point_n of_o truth_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v to_o say_v so_o accessary_a and_o not_o absolute_o necessary_a and_o therefore_o they_o shall_v walk_v in_o fear_n and_o be_v war_n of_o a_o despise_n censure_a and_o condemn_a humour_n that_o use_v to_o go_v along_o with_o they_o who_o think_v themselves_o to_o be_v right_a and_o other_o to_o be_v wrong_n as_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n be_v rom._n 14._o 3._o 2_o dly_a believer_n have_v not_o need_v to_o be_v rash_a or_o hasty_a in_o any_o thing_n since_o much_o of_o their_o err_a whether_o in_o opinion_n or_o practice_n flow_v from_o their_o haste_n and_o suddenness_n in_o draw_v conclusion_n whereas_o if_o they_o patient_o wait_v on_o god_n and_o consider_v calm_o and_o at_o leisure_n they_o may_v get_v another_o answer_n but_o we_o often_o lie_v down_o our_o conclusion_n and_o then_o begin_v to_o try_v which_o be_v a_o very_a preposterous_a course_n whereas_o we_o shall_v first_o try_v and_o then_o conclude_v 3_o believer_n shall_v be_v exceed_o serious_a not_o only_o in_o try_v the_o thing_n but_o in_o try_v their_o singleness_n in_o it_o consider_v that_o oftentimes_o there_o be_v somewhat_o beside_o awe_n of_o conscience_n that_o sway_v they_o in_o such_o and_o such_o a_o particular_a if_o they_o can_v discern_v it_o such_o as_o interest_n affection_n or_o the_o like_a 4thly_a they_o will_v also_o careful_o observe_v and_o beware_v of_o the_o bitter_a fruit_n that_o accompany_v delusion_n in_o other_o which_o though_o they_o come_v not_o to_o that_o hight_v yet_o may_v come_v to_o a_o considerable_a height_n even_o in_o they_o such_o as_o be_v severe_a censure_v and_o judge_v of_o other_o bitterness_n frothiness_n etc._n etc._n 5thly_a and_o in_o a_o word_n they_o have_v need_n to_o lippen_n and_o trust_n to_o god_n more_o than_o to_o themselves_o according_a to_o that_o notable_a exhortation_n prov._n 3._o 5_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o lean_v not_o unto_o thy_o own_o understanding_n in_o all_o thy_o way_n acknowledge_v he_o and_o he_o shall_v direct_v thy_o path_n that_o other_o word_n which_o we_o have_v prov._n 28._o v_o 26._o will_v also_o be_v consider_v and_o serious_o ponder_v he_o that_o trust_v in_o his_o own_o heart_n be_v a_o fool_n but_o who_o so_o walk_v wise_o shall_v be_v deliver_v let_v all_o learn_v to_o be_v humble_a tender_a and_o sober_a and_o god_n bless_v what_o have_v be_v say_v for_o this_o end_n sermon_n v._n act_n 24._o 16._o and_o herein_o do_v i_o exercise_v myself_o to_o have_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n there_o be_v no_o truth_n that_o will_v be_v more_o ready_o grant_v then_o this_o which_o we_o propose_v from_o these_o word_n namely_o that_o all_o man_n and_o more_o especial_o believer_n ought_v so_o to_o live_v and_o walk_v as_o in_o nothing_o to_o give_v their_o conscience_n cause_n of_o offence_n and_o yet_o if_o we_o shall_v impartial_o put_v the_o matter_n to_o trial_n there_o be_v ground_n to_o fear_v that_o the_o life_n of_o many_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v nothing_o else_o then_o a_o continue_a lie_n and_o practical_a contradiction_n to_o the_o profession_n of_o this_o great_a truth_n because_o this_o be_v as_o we_o say_v so_o tender_a and_o tickle_v a_o subject_n and_o because_o there_o be_v so_o great_a need_n to_o be_v clear_a in_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o it_o we_o have_v be_v constrain_v beyond_o our_o purpose_n to_o propose_v and_o answer_v several_a question_n and_o to_o move_v and_o dissolve_v several_a doubt_n concern_v it_o to_o make_v the_o fair_a and_o easy_a access_n to_o the_o use_n it_o be_v so_o very_o ordinary_a for_o people_n to_o think_v that_o they_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n when_o indeed_o they_o have_v it_o not_o and_o so_o to_o baffle_v to_o speak_v so_o and_o abuse_v conscience_n that_o shall_v be_v the_o most_o powerful_a provoker_n to_o a_o tender_a and_o circumspect_a walk_n as_o to_o make_v it_o a_o ground_n of_o security_n and_o untenderness_n we_o speak_v a_o little_a the_o last_o occasion_n to_o that_o question_n whether_o not_o only_o unregenerat_a man_n may_v think_v that_o to_o be_v conscience_n which_o be_v not_o but_o also_o whether_o it_o be_v incident_a even_o to_o believer_n themselves_o to_o think_v and_o that_o with_o some_o sort_n of_o persuasion_n i_o will_v not_o say_v with_o such_o grossness_n of_o delusion_n as_o may_v be_v in_o other_o that_o they_o be_v right_a when_o yet_o they_o be_v wrong_v in_o answer_n to_o which_o we_o show_v you_o they_o may_v and_o instance_a several_a case_n wherein_o now_o though_o the_o last_o branch_n of_o the_o question_n have_v its_o own_o great_a difficulty_n to_o conceive_v of_o it_o a_o right_a yet_o since_o it_o be_v â—or_a our_o edification_n foâ—_n if_o believer_n may_v mistake_v much_o more_o may_v other_o and_o since_o it_o will_v make_v way_n for_o confirm_v a_o subsequent_a doctrine_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o difficult_a exercise_v and_o up-taking_a thing_n to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o since_o also_o it_o have_v very_o great_a influence_n upon_o and_o be_v very_o useful_a to_o our_o whole_a life_n it_o be_v withal_o the_o main_a scope_n of_o the_o text_n to_o press_v the_o keep_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o a_o christian_a walk_n to_o do_v so_o we_o shall_v yet_o proceed_v therein_o a_o little_a further_o and_o it_o will_v not_o we_o hope_v be_v find_v to_o be_v a_o impertinent_a or_o wide_a digression_n sober_o to_o do_v so_o that_o than_o which_o we_o speak_v a_o little_a to_o and_o will_v now_o further_o prosecute_v be_v that_o believer_n though_o not_o in_o reference_n to_o their_o state_n yet_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o duty_n for_o both_o in_o think_v that_o to_o be_v truth_n which_o be_v not_o truth_n and_o that_o to_o be_v duty_n which_o be_v not_o duty_n conscience_n act_v as_o the_o judgement_n be_v inform_v may_v err_v and_o go_v wrong_n in_o prosecute_a of_o this_o we_o shall_v first_o confirm_v it_o from_o some_o instance_n 2_o we_o shall_v touch_v on_o some_o aggravation_n or_o aggravate_v circumstance_n of_o the_o thing_n though_o not_o so_o much_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o it_o which_o will_v make_v it_o the_o more_o wonderful_a 3_o we_o shall_v give_v some_o reason_n of_o it_o 4thly_a we_o shall_v speak_v a_o word_n or_o two_o to_o the_o use_v of_o it_o for_o the_o 1._o that_o believer_n may_v thus_o go_v wrong_n we_o shall_v confirm_v it_o from_o 4._o instance_n the_o 1._o whereof_o be_v that_o frequent_a and_o famous_a instance_n of_o bigamy_n and_o polygamy_n or_o marry_v of_o two_o or_o of_o more_o wife_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n among_o the_o father_n and_o saint_n we_o be_v far_o from_o aggredge_v their_o fail_n in_o this_o and_o from_o make_v it_o in_o they_o so_o very_o odious_a yea_o we_o think_v it_o may_v be_v in_o some_o respect_n just_o extenuate_v and_o far_o remove_v from_o that_o degree_n of_o sinfulness_n that_o it_o will_v be_v among_o we_o and_o may_v possible_o in_o some_o case_n have_v a_o dispensation_n
and_o towards_o the_o corinthian_n 2_o he_o reflect_v on_o and_o try_v his_o very_a best_a action_n be_v it_o even_o those_o of_o a_o man_n ministry_n of_o his_o preach_v prayer_n etc._n etc._n not_o as_o some_o who_o think_v it_o enough_o to_o reflect_v only_o on_o sinful_a action_n such_o as_o swear_v lie_a deceive_a oppress_a etc._n etc._n which_o need_v but_o little_a trial_n the_o sinfulness_n of_o they_o be_v often_o obvious_a as_o it_o be_v at_o first_o blush_n but_o the_o tender_a man_n try_v these_o action_n that_o have_v the_o best_a appearance_n that_o he_o may_v know_v if_o they_o be_v in_o very_a deed_n what_o they_o appear_v to_o be_v 3_o he_o be_v particular_a in_o his_o trial_n he_o not_o only_o try_v his_o conversation_n in_o the_o general_n baâ—_n as_o paul_n do_v here_o his_o conversation_n at_o such_o a_o time_n so_o such_o a_o place_n and_o in_o such_o company_n o_o in_o how_o many_o particular_n do_v holy_a job_n instance_n chap._n 3â—_n 4â—y_o a_o tender_a man_n wiil_n go_v far_o back_o even_o when_o old_a to_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o youth_n as_o david_n do_v when_o he_o pray_v psal._n 25._o 7._o remember_v not_o against_o i_o the_o sin_n of_o my_o youth_n i_o remember_v godly_a augustin_n in_o his_o confession_n go_v as_o far_o back_o as_o he_o can_v remember_v and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o he_o say_v that_o when_o he_o look_v on_o the_o little_a cankering_n and_o â—rowardnesse_n of_o infant_n he_o be_v put_v to_o think_v of_o what_o be_v the_o first_o out-breaking_n of_o his_o sinful_a nature_n when_o he_o be_v on_o the_o breast_n david_n look_v far_o back_o when_o he_o say_v psal._n 51._o 5._o i_o be_v shape_v in_o iniquity_n and_o in_o sin_n do_v my_o mother_n conceive_v i_o 5_o he_o be_v frequent_a in_o reflect_v and_o try_v and_o the_o more_o tender_a the_o more_o freqâ—ant_a he_o will_v not_o ready_o let_v slip_v noâ—_n suffer_v to_o pass_v one_o day_n without_o it_o yea_o he_o will_v sometime_o try_v often_o in_o one_o day_n on_o the_o back_n of_o this_o and_o that_o piece_n of_o his_o walk_n especial_o of_o any_o more_o solemn_a action_n yea_o which_o be_v yet_o more_o he_o will_v come_v often_o over_o one_o and_o the_o same_o action_n or_o thing_n so_o that_o when_o he_o have_v take_v a_o look_n of_o it_o to_o day_n he_o will_v take_v another_o look_n of_o it_o tomorrow_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o depth_n of_o iniquity_n in_o the_o heart_n that_o be_v not_o soon_o nor_o easy_o plumb_v he_o look_v often_o on_o the_o same_o action_n that_o he_o may_v find_v it_o out_o that_o the_o discovery_n and_o sense_n of_o it_o may_v be_v the_o more_o fresh_a and_o deep_o affect_v for_o his_o humiliation_n it_o be_v on_o this_o ground_n that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o his_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n whereof_o if_o the_o testimony_n be_v approve_v the_o frequent_a go_v over_o it_o make_v it_o to_o be_v the_o more_o vive_a clear_a and_o comfortable_a second_o this_o may_v be_v know_v as_o i_o say_v by_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o which_o be_v notable_a for_o 1._o a_o â—ender_a man_n that_o be_v frequent_a in_o reflect_v thus_o be_v a_o watchful_a man_n the_o bite_v of_o conscience_n by_o its_o challenge_n for_o past_a and_o by-gone_a 〈◊〉_d make_v he_o look_v better_o to_o himself_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o put_v he_o with_o holy_a and_o tender_a job_n chap._n 31._o to_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o his_o eye_n that_o he_o may_v look_v right_o on_o and_o not_o wander_v to_o covenant_n with_o his_o affection_n that_o they_o wander_v and_o range_v not_o up_o and_o down_o in_o pursuit_n of_o the_o world_n aâ—d_v of_o the_o variety_n of_o vain_a object_n therein_o to_o the_o divert_v of_o he_o from_o a_o close_a and_o conâ—ant_a pursuit_n after_o god_n 2._o he_o can_v give_v a_o distinct_a account_n of_o himself_o and_o of_o his_o way_n and_o do_v not_o ready_o and_o easy_o forget_v thing_n but_o be_v in_o case_n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o this_o which_o he_o do_v and_o of_o that_o which_o he_o speak_v as_o job_n instance_v in_o a_o multitude_n of_o particular_n chap._n 31._o he_o can_v give_v a_o legend_n as_o it_o be_v of_o his_o life_n which_o i_o fear_v but_o few_o of_o we_o can_v do_v to_o good_a purpose_n this_o way_n i_o remember_v that_o holy_a man_n augustin_n tell_v that_o at_o such_o a_o time_n while_o he_o be_v sing_v a_o psalm_n he_o observe_v his_o heart_n ready_a to_o strâ—y_v and_o to_o be_v more_o take_v up_o with_o the_o external_a music_n then_o with_o spiritual_a joy_n in_o god_n and_o relate_v several_a of_o his_o prank_n when_o he_o be_v a_o child_n 3_o he_o be_v a_o man_n distinct_a and_o full_a in_o the_o confession_n of_o sin_n he_o never_o want_v a_o evil_a tale_n to_o speak_v so_o to_o tell_v of_o himself_o yea_o he_o must_v and_o will_v tell_v it_o when_o it_o may_v glorify_v god_n and_o edify_v other_o he_o can_v speak_v particular_o of_o the_o evil_a of_o his_o heart_n and_o of_o his_o way_n he_o be_v not_o a_o stranger_n to_o it_o neither_o do_v he_o hide_v his_o sin_n as_o adam_n as_o job_n speak_v chap._n 31._o v._n 33._o it_o be_v sure_a one_o great_a reason_n why_o we_o be_v so_o little_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n even_o that_o we_o be_v so_o little_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o self-reflection_n 4._o he_o be_v suitable_o affect_v with_o that_o which_o he_o discover_v he_o not_o only_o see_v his_o way_n with_o this_o and_o that_o and_o the_o other_o action_n but_o it_o touch_v he_o one_o great_a reason_n why_o we_o see_v somany_a sin_n and_o be_v so_o little_o affect_v with_o they_o iâ—_n that_o we_o take_v not_o the_o censure_n of_o they_o from_o conscience_n and_o consider_v not_o due_o what_o weight_n its_o sense_n and_o censure_n of_o they_o shall_v have_v with_o we_o and_o by_o proportion_n this_o be_v a_o reason_n why_o christian_n be_v so_o little_o comfort_v in_o good_a action_n 5._o the_o reâ—ecting_a tender_a man_n be_v a_o pray_a man_n as_o he_o be_v much_o iâ—_n coâ—ssing_v of_o sin_n so_o he_o be_v much_o in_o prayer_n and_o serious_a in_o it_o and_o at_o no_o time_n ready_o more_o frequent_a and_o serious_a then_o when_o his_o sin_n be_v before_o he_o as_o david_n sin_n be_v ever_o before_o he_o psal._n 51._o 3._o which_o make_v he_o so_o very_o serious_a in_o prayer_n there_o and_o as_o he_o be_v serious_a in_o prayer_n so_o he_o have_v much_o holy_a indignation_n at_o sin_n and_o a_o great_a loathe_n at_o himself_o for_o it_o he_o can_v speak_v suitable_o of_o it_o and_o demonstrat_fw-la the_o vileness_n of_o it_o to_o the_o life_n and_o aggravat_fw-la it_o to_o the_o height_n while_o he_o say_v against_o thou_o thou_o only_o have_v i_o sin_v and_o do_v this_o evil_n in_o thy_o sight_n he_o look_v not_o at_o it_o as_o a_o sin_n of_o inâ—mity_n but_o as_o a_o sin_n commit_v with_o a_o high_a hand_n i_o know_v say_v he_o thou_o love_v truth_n iâ—_n the_o inward_a part_n but_o i_o have_v thus_o far_o play_v the_o hypocrite_n come_v out_o with_o a_o fair_a show_n before_o man_n when_o sin_n be_v rage_v in_o secret_a within_o i_o thus_o 2_o cor._n 7._o 11._o true_a repentance_n be_v describe_v from_o its_o effect_n â—t_a have_v holy_a and_o high_a indignation_n and_o revenge_n attend_v reflection_n on_o it_o ezek._n 16._o v_o 61._o &_o ch_n 36._o v._n 31_o there_o be_v a_o remember_v he_o blush_a a_o be_v ashamed_a and_o a_o loathe_n of_o themselves_o the_o man_n be_v thus_o vile_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n think_v very_o little_a of_o himself_o and_o loathe_v himself_o very_o much_o 6._o he_o be_v well_o content_a when_o he_o discover_v a_o ground_n of_o challenge_n where_o it_o be_v he_o hunt_v not_o after_o approbation_n and_o applause_n but_o be_v satisfy_v to_o have_v a_o just_a and_o necessary_a challenge_n as_o well_o as_o to_o be_v approven_v though_o the_o one_o have_v much_o more_o peace_n and_o comfort_n with_o it_o then_o the_o other_o let_v the_o righteous_a smite_v i_o say_v the_o psalmist_n psal._n 141._o 5._o and_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o kindness_n and_o let_v he_o reprove_v i_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o oil_n that_o shall_v not_o break_v my_o head_n so_o when_o his_o conscience_n smite_v he_o it_o act_n in_o his_o esteem_n the_o part_n of_o a_o good_a friend_n he_o welcome_v it_o when_o there_o be_v ground_n for_o it_o and_o repine_v not_o against_o it_o 7._o he_o have_v a_o deep_a impression_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n on_o his_o spirit_n for_o his_o lay_v so_o great_a a_o weight_n on_o conscience_n his_o deput_n suggest_v to_o he_o the_o suitablenesse_n of_o think_v high_o of_o god_n himself_o and_o of_o
testimony_n yield_v which_o be_v fourfold_o 1._o it_o have_v with_o it_o inward_a quietness_n strength_n and_o comfort_n the_o well_o ground_v approve_v testimony_n of_o the_o conscience_n calm_v the_o heart_n amid_o all_o storm_n of_o outward_a trouble_n or_o of_o inward_a challenge_n and_o tentation_n and_o put_v they_o all_o to_o silence_n it_o do_v fortify_v the_o heart_n to_o bear_v out_o in_o what_o ever_o trial_n it_o prove_v not_o only_o comfortable_a in_o the_o hold_n off_o challenge_v but_o have_v a_o joy_n and_o refresh_n flow_v immediate_o from_o the_o very_a testimony_n itself_o even_o a_o singular_o sweet_a joy_n that_o floorish_n and_o flow_v over_o and_o above_o these_o and_o keep_v the_o heart_n in_o a_o calm_a serenity_n the_o peace_n of_o god_n say_v the_o apostle_n phil._n 4._o 7_o shall_v guard_v your_o heart_n and_o mind_n through_o christ_n jesus_n conscience_n testimony_n warrantable_o speak_v peace_n be_v like_o a_o garrison_n plant_v about_o the_o heart_n keep_v it_o as_o a_o impregnable_a and_o invincible_a strong_a hold_n or_o fort_n so_o that_o no_o trouble_n nor_o temptation_n from_o without_o nor_o stir_n of_o corruption_n or_o challenge_n from_o within_o do_v soon_o to_o say_v so_o set_v out_o their_o head_n but_o it_o overmatch_v they_o and_o preserve_v the_o heart_n quiet_a in_o despyt_n of_o they_o all_o 2_o this_o do_v also_o accompany_v this_o testimony_n as_o a_o ground_n of_o joy_n even_o the_o clear_n up_o of_o the_o person_n interest_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o sincerity_n and_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o they_o which_o be_v very_o strengthen_v and_o comfort_v when_o a_o man_n have_v put_v his_o way_n to_o the_o trial_n in_o the_o court_n of_o conscience_n and_o find_v it_o to_o be_v square_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n and_o have_v conscience_n testimony_n therein_o for_o he_o it_o sweet_o evidence_n to_o he_o his_o sincerity_n and_o so_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o interest_n in_o christ_n which_o be_v attend_v with_o unspeakable_a joy_n 3_o this_o testimony_n give_v boldness_n and_o access_n with_o confidence_n to_o god_n to_o go_v heartsom_o and_o familiar_o to_o he_o in_o prayer_n under_o the_o multitude_n of_o temptation_n cross_n and_o reproach_n and_o be_v not_o this_o ground_n of_o great_a refresh_n and_o joy_n when_o a_o man_n may_v go_v to_o god_n and_o pour_v out_o his_o very_a heart_n in_o his_o bosom_n may_v not_o only_o tell_v he_o what_o he_o needs_o but_o also_o expect_v a_o gracious_a hear_n and_o return_v from_o he_o in_o whatsoever_o be_v needful_a if_o our_o heart_n say_v john_n 1_o epistle_n chap._n 2._o v._n 22._o condemn_v we_o not_o we_o have_v confidence_n towards_o god_n and_o whatsoever_o we_o ask_v we_o receive_v of_o he_o because_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o do_v these_o thing_n that_o be_v pleasant_a in_o his_o sight_n though_o the_o man_n be_v empty-handed_n for_o the_o time_n and_o have_v not_o in_o himself_o whereupon_o he_o can_v be_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n either_o by_o suffering_n or_o do_v he_o may_v with_o humble_a boldness_n present_v his_o suit_n to_o god_n and_o expect_v from_o he_o whatsoever_o be_v good_a and_o needful_a for_o the_o man_n himself_o and_o what_o ever_o may_v be_v for_o his_o own_o honour_n in_o he_o and_o by_o he_o 4_o this_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n have_v attend_v it_o a_o clear_n &_o up-making_a fresh_a and_o lively_a hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o of_o a_o comfortable_a glorious_a and_o satisfy_a out-gate_n from_o all_o the_o difficulty_n temptation_n and_o trouble_n that_o he_o be_v in_o at_o present_a or_o may_v be_v in_o for_o the_o future_a it_o will_v make_v he_o according_a to_o his_o measure_n say_v as_o paul_n do_v 2_o tim._n 4._o 7_o 8._o i_o have_v fight_v a_o good_a fight_n i_o have_v finish_v my_o course_n i_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n hence_o forth_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o i_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n etc._n etc._n and_o by_o thus_o clear_v up_o the_o christian_n hope_v of_o eternal_a life_n a_o entrance_n be_v minister_v unto_o he_o abundant_o into_o the_o everlasting_a kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n as_o peter_n have_v it_o 2._o ep._n ch_n 1._o v_o 11._o and_o must_v it_o not_o be_v exceed_o and_o even_o unspeakable_o refresh_v and_o joyful_a to_o the_o christian_a to_o have_v all_o these_o try_v together_o in_o his_o case_n even_o while_o he_o be_v here_o sojourn_v in_o the_o earth_n doubtless_o it_o must_v the_o first_o use_v of_o this_o doctrine_n serve_v for_o exhort_v and_o beseech_v you_o all_o to_o study_v and_o be_v in_o love_n with_o a_o good_a conscience_n its_o unknown_a what_o solid_a sweet_a peace_n and_o joy_n you_o may_v have_v by_o it_o o_o endeavour_v through_o grace_n to_o be_v so_o tender_a straight_o and_o upright_o in_o your_o aim_n to_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n that_o when_o you_o reflect_v on_o your_o way_n you_o may_v have_v its_o good_a testimony_n there_o will_v most_o certain_o be_v more_o peace_n find_v in_o this_o then_o in_o the_o great_a abundance_n of_o all_o earthly_a comfort_n though_o combine_v together_o at_o their_o very_a best_a can_v any_o of_o these_o calm_a a_o man_n mind_n in_o a_o storm_n of_o challenge_n for_o sin_n and_o of_o the_o terror_n of_o death_n do_v they_o not_o often_o rather_o leave_v man_n in_o great_a anxiety_n and_o perplexity_n then_o if_o they_o have_v never_o enjoy_v they_o yea_o often_o in_o the_o very_a mean_a time_n of_o these_o enjoyment_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o carnal_a joy_n and_o laughter_n that_o result_v from_o they_o the_o heart_n be_v sad_a through_o the_o want_n of_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n therefore_o we_o exhort_v you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o you_o will_v have_v a_o pleasant_a and_o cheerful_a life_n and_o a_o comfortable_a and_o joyful_a death_n labour_v to_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n that_o when_o you_o reflect_v on_o it_o it_o may_v testify_v for_o and_o speak_v good_a of_o and_o to_o you_o this_o as_o solomon_n say_v be_v a_o continual_a feast_n in_o life_n and_o a_o sovereign_a cordial_a against_o the_o terror_n of_o death_n the_o second_o use_n serve_v to_o let_v we_o see_v the_o rise_n reason_n and_o cause_n of_o the_o great_a anxiety_n perplexity_n and_o vexation_n that_o be_v among_o most_o man_n so_o that_o they_o toil_v night_n and_o day_n and_o have_v no_o satisfaction_n it_o be_v even_o this_o that_o they_o do_v not_o seek_v after_o the_o peace_n and_o joy_n that_o be_v found_v upon_o and_o result_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n no_o wonder_n that_o such_o person_n live_v and_o die_v utter_a stranger_n to_o all_o solid_a peace_n and_o joy_n which_o only_o grow_v on_o this_o root_n this_o be_v a_o main_a cause_n also_o of_o the_o little_a peace_n and_o great_a heartlesnesse_n that_o be_v among_o even_a believer_n themselves_o that_o either_o they_o be_v not_o so_o serious_o endeavour_v to_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n or_o they_o be_v not_o so_o careful_a to_o draw_v their_o rejoice_n from_o it_o but_o be_v untender_a in_o their_o walk_n or_o be_v as_o so_o many_o bee_n flee_v from_o this_o flower_n to_o the_o other_o of_o worldly_a enjoyment_n seek_v to_o suck_v some_o sweetness_n and_o satisfaction_n from_o they_o and_o do_v not_o as_o it_o become_v they_o reflect_v on_o conscience_n that_o they_o may_v have_v a_o testimony_n of_o sincerity_n from_o it_o and_o that_o on_o that_o ground_n they_o may_v be_v quiet_a cheerful_a and_o joyful_a the_o 3d._a use_n serve_v to_o discover_v to_o we_o what_o mighty_a prejudice_n flow_v from_o and_o follow_v upon_o the_o neglect_n of_o a_o tender_a walk_n which_o lay_v the_o ground_n of_o this_o testimony_n and_o on_o the_o neglect_n of_o self-examination_n a_o main_a piece_n of_o a_o tender_a walk_n which_o help_v to_o draw_v forth_o this_o testimony_n and_o therefore_o as_o you_o will_v have_v this_o testimony_n and_o the_o refresh_a peace_n and_o joy_n that_o flow_v from_o it_o in_o life_n and_o death_n and_o as_o you_o will_v have_v a_o heart_n holy_o triumph_v over_o all_o cross_n and_o difficulty_n affliction_n and_o tribulation_n design_n and_o endeavour_v more_o through_o grace_n to_o have_v a_o tender_a walk_n that_o you_o may_v lay_v a_o ground_n for_o this_o testimony_n and_o study_v to_o be_v more_o frequent_a in_o self-examination_n that_o thereby_o you_o may_v extract_v and_o draw_v it_o forth_o clear_o and_o convince_o for_o your_o peace_n comfort_n and_o joy_n can_v many_o of_o you_o be_v but_o once_o prevail_v with_o to_o prove_v and_o make_v trial_n what_o a_o comfortable_a
thing_n it_o be_v to_o have_v conscience_n by_o this_o testimony_n smile_v on_o you_o you_o will_v be_v more_o in_o love_n with_o it_o and_o with_o the_o serious_a exercise_n of_o godliness_n and_o particular_o with_o self-examination_n that_o make_v way_n for_o it_o however_o we_o be_v persuade_v that_o ere_o long_o the_o day_n will_v come_v wherein_o many_o of_o youshall_n be_v make_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o this_o in_o your_o sad_a experience_n when_o death_n shall_v stair_n you_o grim_o in_o the_o face_n and_o when_o you_o shall_v neither_o be_v able_a to_o send_v nor_o to_o flee_v o_o of_o what_o excellent_a worth_n will_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n then_o be_v find_v to_o be_v hear_v witness_n to_o man_n concern_v their_o honesty_n sincerity_n uprightness_n and_o the_o tenderness_n of_o their_o walk_n many_o of_o you_o will_v find_v it_o though_o you_o believe_v it_o not_o now_o when_o you_o shall_v be_v eternal_o deprive_v of_o such_o a_o testimony_n you_o shall_v then_o be_v make_v to_o know_v to_o your_o everlasting_a cost_n that_o the_o rejoice_v of_o heart_n flow_v from_o this_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v infinite_o preferable_a to_o all_o the_o worldly_a enjoyment_n and_o delight_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n i_o will_v beseech_v such_o of_o you_o as_o think_v yourselves_o to_o be_v wise_a in_o this_o world_n to_o study_v to_o be_v wise_a in_o this_o great_a point_n of_o wisdom_n if_o you_o want_v this_o testimony_n when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o last_o reckon_n you_o will_v be_v for_o ever_o undo_v and_o will_v never_o through_o all_o eternity_n once_o smile_v for_o joy_n but_o weep_v and_o gnash_v your_o tooth_n for_o the_o gnaw_a pain_n that_o the_o never_o die_a worm_n of_o a_o evil_a conscience_n shall_v cause_v to_o you_o 3_o observe_v that_o a_o man_n that_o will_v be_v thorough_o acquaint_v with_o his_o way_n and_o clear_a in_o the_o testimony_n of_o his_o conscience_n concern_v it_o will_v be_v particular_a in_o the_o examination_n thereof_o or_o thus_o he_o will_v not_o content_v himself_o with_o a_o general_a confuse_a trial_n of_o it_o altogether_o at_o once_o and_o in_o the_o bulk_n but_o he_o will_v try_v it_o by_o part_n and_o parcel_n thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o apostle_n here_o when_o he_o say_v that_o he_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o his_o conscience_n that_o his_o conversation_n be_v not_o with_o fleshly_a wisdom_n but_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n he_o subjoin_v and_o more_o abundant_o to_o youward_n and_o so_o descend_v to_o the_o particular_a that_o be_v in_o controversy_n betwixt_o he_o and_o these_o big_a talk_a doctor_n that_o make_v it_o their_o great_a business_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n to_o derogat_v from_o the_o just_a repute_n of_o his_o person_n and_o ministry_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o his_o conscience_n concern_v his_o upright_a and_o faithful_a carriage_n in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o they_o in_o particular_a when_o i_o say_v that_o person_n will_v try_v their_o way_n by_o part_n or_o piece_n i_o mean_v that_o they_o will_v try_v their_o particular_a action_n and_o behaviour_n in_o such_o and_o such_o place_n at_o such_o and_o such_o particular_a time_n of_o their_o life_n because_o by_o this_o mean_n they_o come_v to_o a_o more_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o their_o carriage_n and_o way_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a other_o way_n when_o man_n take_v up_o their_o way_n together_o by_o the_o lump_n as_o it_o be_v that_o they_o can_v win_v to_o distinctnes_n which_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v at_o in_o some_o measure_n ere_o they_o have_v a_o well_o ground_a testimony_n of_o their_o conscience_n from_o solid_a and_o 〈◊〉_d ground_n again_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n wherein_o a_o man_n can_v have_v a_o good_a testimony_n from_o his_o conscience_n 〈◊〉_d when_o he_o reflect_v under_o strong_a temptation_n on_o the_o 〈◊〉_d wise_a and_o sovereign_a providence_n of_o god_n as_o if_o he_o â—ed_v not_o the_o world_n and_o his_o people_n therein_o aright_o as_o abihu_n charge_v job_n some_o way_n to_o have_v do_v when_o he_o sayâ—_n to_o he_o chap._n 33._o v._n 12._o behold_v in_o this_o thou_o 〈◊〉_d not_o just_a though_o job_n will_v not_o take_v with_o it_o that_o he_o be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d yet_o he_o be_v silent_a as_o to_o this_o part_n of_o the_o charge_n be_v its_o like_a convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o as_o also_o a_o man_n may_v have_v many_o thing_n very_o blame-worthy_a in_o his_o life_n and_o yet_o may_v be_v in_o one_o or_o more_o particular_n wherewith_o he_o be_v charge_v clear_a and_o innocent_a as_o it_o be_v with_o david_n who_o say_v psal._n 7._o 3._o if_o i_o have_v do_v this_o etc._n etc._n he_o have_v many_o blemish_n yet_o in_o this_o particular_a he_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o his_o conscience_n for_o he_o therefore_o man_n will_v try_v their_o way_n by_o piece_n and_o part_n that_o they_o may_v disallow_v of_o these_o thing_n wherein_o they_o can_v have_v a_o good_a testimony_n from_o their_o conscience_n and_o may_v accept_v of_o its_o testimony_n in_o that_o wherein_o they_o be_v right_a that_o they_o may_v reject_v a_o challenge_n when_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o it_o and_o entertain_v it_o where_o there_o be_v ground_n a_o confuse_a general_a way_n of_o self-examination_n have_v two_o bad_a effect_n 1._o it_o keep_v person_n indistinct_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o condition_n wherein_o they_o have_v a_o confuse_a fight_n of_o somewhat_o right_a and_o of_o somewhat_o wrong_a but_o know_v not_o what_o it_o iâ—_n in_o particular_a because_o they_o rest_v and_o sit_v down_o upon_o that_o general_a confuse_a look_n of_o their_o case_n and_o way_n and_o come_v not_o to_o condescend_v on_o particular_n 2_o person_n ready_o either_o absolve_v themselves_o as_o to_o the_o more_o general_a tract_n of_o their_o life_n because_o they_o see_v some_o thing_n honest_a like_o therein_o which_o keep_v they_o from_o take_v with_o justâ—_n challenge_v or_o else_o they_o condemn_v the_o whole_a of_o their_o life_n because_o they_o see_v something_n wrong_v in_o it_o which_o keep_v they_o from_o comfort_v themselves_o in_o the_o testimony_n of_o their_o conscience_n as_o to_o what_o be_v right_a therefore_o we_o will_v be_v particular_a in_o try_v our_o way_n as_o i_o say_v by_o part_n that_o every_o thing_n may_v have_v its_o own_o place_n and_o weight_n with_o uâ—_n 4_o consider_v these_o word_n as_o speak_v by_o paul_n who_o take_v much_o pain_n to_o prove_v and_o clear_v his_o condition_n and_o speak_v of_o this_o testimony_n as_o of_o a_o great_a matter_n he_o have_v attain_v to_o observe_v that_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a but_o very_o difficult_a even_o for_o a_o man_n that_o have_v take_v pain_n in_o search_v himself_o to_o obtain_v the_o testimony_n of_o his_o conscience_n for_o he_o in_o a_o particular_a it_o be_v not_o so_o small_a a_o matter_n nor_o so_o easy_a a_o business_n as_o many_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o great_a and_o difficult_a business_n to_o follow_v the_o search_n right_o but_o it_o be_v so_o likeways_o to_o find_v thing_n right_a and_o to_o win_v at_o the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n as_o to_o this_o and_o that_o and_o the_o other_o particular_a if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o great_a and_o difficult_a business_n paul_n will_v not_o lay_v such_o weight_n on_o it_o as_o he_o do_v now_o when_o i_o say_v its_o a_o great_a and_o difficult_a business_n i_o mean_v â—_o that_o it_o be_v a_o rare_a thing_n and_o such_o as_o every_o one_o do_v not_o attain_v to_o nay_o every_o believer_n have_v it_o not_o as_o to_o every_o part_n and_o piece_n of_o his_o carriage_n 2_o that_o it_o call_v for_o much_o tenderness_n and_o sincerity_n in_o the_o whole_a of_o a_o man_n practice_n to_o reach_v it_o it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o coarse_a and_o ordinary_a walk_n and_o frame_v of_o heart_n that_o will_v give_v a_o man_n ground_n for_o this_o refresh_a testimony_n of_o his_o conscience_n but_o it_o require_v much_o seriousness_n and_o sincerity_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o godliness_n as_o be_v clear_a here_o 3_o that_o beside_o much_o seriousness_n and_o sincerity_n in_o the_o universal_a exercise_n of_o godliness_n and_o much_o circumspection_n in_o the_o man_n personal_a walk_n and_o conversation_n much_o diligence_n be_v call_v for_o in_o search_v to_o find_v out_o and_o to_o come_v by_o this_o testimony_n of_o his_o conscience_n for_o a_o man_n may_v have_v matter_n and_o ground_n for_o conscience_n its_o testimony_n and_o yet_o through_o the_o neglect_n of_o suitable_a serious_a and_o narrow_a self-examination_n he_o may_v be_v at_o a_o great_a loss_n as_o to_o its_o joyful_a testimony_n for_o he_o even_o as_o one_o may_v be_v
guilty_a of_o many_o sin_n and_o yet_o be_v but_o very_o little_a or_o not_o at_o all_o challenge_v for_o they_o through_o the_o neglect_n of_o self-examination_n 4_o that_o it_o require_v much_o singleness_n in_o try_v of_o conscience_n testimony_n whether_o it_o be_v well_o ground_v or_o not_o for_o a_o man_n that_o have_v his_o peace_n and_o joy_n to_o build_v on_o this_o testimony_n must_v not_o take_v every_o show_n and_o appearance_n of_o such_o a_o testimony_n for_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o peace_n and_o joy_n but_o conscience_n will_v be_v put_v to_o speak_v distinct_o and_o on_o good_a ground_n for_o it_o that_o in_o this_o and_o that_o and_o the_o other_o thing_n there_o be_v some_o sincerity_n and_o this_o must_v be_v put_v to_o the_o proof_n and_o exact_o try_v by_o the_o word_n whether_o it_o be_v so_o or_o not_o as_o we_o see_v here_o the_o apostle_n do_v he_o try_v his_o way_n and_o conversation_n and_o find_v it_o to_o have_v be_v 〈◊〉_d simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n etc._n etc._n from_o which_o premise_n to_o speak_v so_o he_o draw_v the_o refresh_a conclusion_n of_o his_o joy_n and_o rejoice_v now_o if_o we_o look_v to_o all_o these_o or_o to_o any_o one_o of_o they_o whether_o to_o the_o rarity_n of_o it_o among_o most_o man_n yea_o even_o among_o believer_n in_o some_o respect_n or_o to_o the_o exactness_n and_o tenderness_n of_o walk_n that_o be_v requisite_a to_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o or_o to_o the_o great_a difficulty_n that_o a_o man_n will_v find_v in_o come_v at_o a_o through_o search_n of_o his_o way_n or_o to_o the_o diligence_n and_o singleâ—_n that_o be_v call_v for_o in_o the_o trial_n of_o conscience_n its_o testimony_n we_o will_v find_v it_o to_o be_v a_o most_o clear_a and_o certain_a truth_n that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o ordinary_a nor_o easy_a business_n but_o very_o difficult_a to_o obtain_v the_o well_o ground_a good_a and_o joyful_a testimony_n of_o conscience_n as_o to_o our_o more_o general_a and_o particular_a conversation_n if_o it_o be_v so_o which_o be_v the_o â—se_n of_o the_o doctrine_n be_v it_o not_o a_o wonder_n from_o whence_o the_o peace_n that_o many_o pretend_v to_o comes_z be_v it_o not_o a_o wonder_n that_o the_o most_o part_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n can_v so_o easy_o affirm_v the_o testimony_n of_o their_o conscience_n to_o be_v for_o they_o when_o there_o be_v neither_o exactness_n of_o life_n not_o tenderness_n of_o walk_n nor_o diligence_n in_o self-searching_a nor_o holy_a jealousy_n nor_o impartial_a and_o single_a try_v whether_o it_o be_v well_o ground_v or_o not_o and_o yet_o they_o will_v at_o the_o very_a first_o confident_o pretend_v to_o conscience_n its_o testimony_n if_o many_o of_o you_o be_v put_v to_o it_o can_v you_o give_v such_o evidence_n or_o ground_n for_o its_o testimony_n as_o paul_n do_v here_o if_o not_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o you_o be_v so_o ready_a confident_o to_o lay_v claim_n to_o it_o and_o yet_o alaâ—e_v there_o be_v nothing_o more_o ordinary_a in_o the_o generality_n of_o these_o that_o be_v most_o carnal_a and_o secure_a then_o bold_o to_o assert_v that_o they_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o a_o honest_a heart_n be_v not_o this_o very_a strange_a wonderful_a and_o even_o 〈◊〉_d that_o under_o the_o clear_a sunshine_n of_o gospel_n light_n satan_n shall_v get_v so_o great_a advantage_n as_o thus_o 〈◊〉_d harden_v the_o heart_n and_o blind_a the_o conscience_n of_o so_o many_o poor_a wretched_a creature_n and_o at_o this_o rate_n to_o deâ—ude_v and_o 〈◊〉_d they_o as_o to_o prevail_v with_o they_o confident_o to_o assert_v and_o maintain_v that_o which_o they_o call_v their_o honesty_n which_o yet_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o rotten-hearted_a 〈◊〉_d and_o to_o 〈◊〉_d their_o peace_n of_o conscience_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o soul-murtheâ—ng_a and_o damn_v 〈◊〉_d for_o further_o clear_v of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o enlarge_n of_o its_o â—se_n and_o for_o help_v you_o to_o judge_v aright_o of_o conscience_n its_o testimony_n in_o your_o search_n after_o it_o we_o shall_v propose_v some_o question_n from_o the_o requisite_a qualification_n of_o a_o well_o ground_v and_o refresh_a testimony_n of_o a_o man_n 〈◊〉_d for_o he_o which_o must_v all_o be_v answer_v in_o some_o measure_n affirmative_o and_o these_o answer_n solid_o and_o well_o prove_v and_o make_v ouâ—_n before_o you_o can_v quiet_o and_o confident_o rest_v on_o conscience_n testimony_n as_o to_o any_o part_n or_o piece_n of_o your_o way_n whether_o it_o be_v in_o reference_n to_o the_o sanctification_n of_o the_o sabbath_n to_o confer_v on_o a_o spiritual_a subject_n to_o prayer_n to_o praise_v to_o read_v to_o hear_v to_o eat_v to_o drink_v to_o buy_v to_o sell_v to_o building_n to_o plant_v etc._n etc._n but_o we_o shall_v here_o restrict_n the_o inquiry_n most_o at_o least_o to_o religious_a thing_n or_o action_n that_o be_v religious_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n first_o then_o conscience_n must_v be_v satisfy_v in_o this_o whether_o that_o which_o you_o have_v do_v be_v on_o the_o matter_n approven_v of_o god_n or_o not_o it_o be_v certain_o true_a you_o will_v say_v that_o prayer_n in_o itself_o be_v approven_v and_o so_o it_o be_v but_o be_v such_o and_o such_o a_o expression_n that_o you_o utter_v and_o such_o a_o word_n that_o you_o speak_v and_o the_o argument_n that_o you_o make_v use_v of_o in_o prayer_n right_a before_o god_n if_o the_o matter_n be_v not_o right_a conscience_n can_v speak_v for_o you_o though_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v as_o warry_a and_o circumspect_a as_o may_v be_v in_o cheat_v circumven_o â—ing_v and_o deceive_v of_o his_o neighbour_n its_o impossible_a for_o conscience_n to_o give_v he_o a_o good_a testimony_n anent_o it_o or_o any_o other_o such_o action_n because_o it_o be_v on_o the_o matter_n sinful_a you_o must_v once_o then_o be_v sure_a and_o clear_a in_o this_o that_o what_o you_o speak_v or_o do_v in_o prayer_n or_o any_o other_o thing_n be_v as_o to_o its_o matter_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n 2_o conscience_n must_v be_v satisfy_v in_o this_o not_o only_o whether_o the_o thing_n be_v lawful_a in_o itself_o but_o also_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n lawful_a to_o you_o at_o such_o a_o time_n and_o that_o to_o which_o you_o be_v particular_o call_v for_o many_o thing_n be_v lawful_a which_o be_v not_o expedient_a and_o many_o thing_n may_v be_v expedient_a at_o one_o time_n which_o will_v not_o be_v expedient_a at_o another_o take_v it_o in_o the_o instance_n of_o prayer_n wherein_o conscience_n will_v not_o approve_v we_o though_o we_o be_v right_a in_o it_o on_o the_o matter_n if_o it_o be_v not_o right_o time_v or_o if_o we_o be_v not_o then_o call_v to_o it_o this_o be_v to_o be_v take_v heed_n to_o especial_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v on_o the_o matter_n indifferent_a and_o in_o the_o time_v of_o such_o command_v duty_n to_o which_o god_n have_v not_o set_v and_o fix_v a_o particular_a precise_a time_n but_o leave_v they_o to_o christian_a prudence_n to_o be_v go_v about_o by_o person_n at_o these_o time_n which_o be_v most_o seasonable_a and_o as_o they_o be_v call_v to_o they_o 3_o when_o you_o be_v thus_o clear_a as_o to_o the_o matter_n season_n and_o time_n and_o as_o to_o god_n call_v you_o to_o such_o and_o such_o a_o duty_n whether_o do_v you_o acknowledge_v god_n in_o your_o undertake_n of_o the_o duty_n be_v he_o look_v to_o for_o direction_n and_o guide_v in_o it_o and_o for_o his_o blessing_n on_o it_o and_o depend_v on_o for_o throwbearing_a according_a to_o that_o notable_a word_n prov._n 3._o 16._o in_o all_o thy_o way_n acknowledge_v he_o and_o he_o shall_v direct_v thy_o path_n in_o this_o also_o conscience_n must_v have_v satisfaction_n 4_o what_o motive_n do_v set_v you_o on_o to_o such_o and_o such_o a_o duty_n and_o from_o what_o principle_n do_v you_o do_v it_o for_o a_o duty_n or_o action_n may_v be_v right_a on_o the_o matter_n and_o you_o may_v also_o be_v call_v to_o it_o and_o yet_o if_o you_o be_v not_o swey_v to_o it_o from_o a_o right_a motive_n and_o principle_n it_o will_v mar_v your_o peace_n and_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o conscience_n testify_v for_o you_o that_o be_v though_o you_o shall_v do_v a_o thing_n that_o be_v right_a if_o you_o be_v not_o swey_v to_o it_o out_o of_o conscience_n from_o the_o awe_n of_o god_n from_o love_n to_o he_o and_o from_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n it_o be_v faulty_a in_o so_o far_o and_o you_o can_v in_o so_o far_o have_v peace_n nor_o the_o approve_v testimony_n of_o your_o conscience_n therein_o but_o if_o a_o man_n endure_v grief_n and_o suffer_v wrongful_o for_o conscience_n towards_o god_n it_o be_v thank_v worthy_a â—aith_o the_o
do_v warrantable_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o law_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o the_o law_n of_o his_o member_n and_o he_o maintain_v the_o peace_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n in_o some_o respect_n not_o as_o to_o his_o be_v free_a from_o all_o guilt_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o un_fw-mi renew_v or_o corrupt_a part_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o opposition_n which_o the_o renew_a part_n make_v unto_o it_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o corruption_n he_o look_v at_o and_o cry_v out_o of_o himself_o as_o a_o sinful_a miserable_a and_o wretched_a man_n and_o yet_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o grace_n he_o look_v at_o and_o proclaim_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o happy_a man_n through_o christ_n jesus_n and_o on_o that_o account_n hearty_o thank_v god_n i_o grant_v that_o believer_n have_v need_n of_o much_o singleness_n and_o self-denial_n here_o yet_o they_o can_v have_v peace_n unless_o they_o thus_o distinguish_v and_o by_o the_o way_n which_o may_v be_v a_o distinct_a doctrine_n let_v i_o say_v that_o a_o believer_n not_o admit_v of_o the_o testimony_n of_o his_o conscience_n for_o he_o when_o he_o have_v ground_n for_o it_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o much_o heartlesness_n and_o a_o mighty_a obstruction_n of_o his_o peace_n comfort_n and_o joy_n when_o he_o know_v not_o how_o to_o wail_v out_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n from_o a_o crowd_n and_o heap_n as_o it_o be_v of_o challenge_n for_o much_o guilt_n â—_o lie_v observe_v that_o whoever_o will_v found_v peace_n and_o joy_n on_o the_o testimony_n of_o his_o conscience_n will_v be_v sure_a that_o it_o be_v a_o well_o ground_a testimony_n therefore_o paul_n in_o assert_v the_o testimony_n of_o his_o conscience_n here_o and_o his_o rejoice_v on_o that_o ground_n prove_v that_o he_o have_v sufâ—_n ground_n and_o warrant_v for_o his_o do_v so_o and_o bring_v 〈◊〉_d proof_n of_o it_o viz._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 he_o hâ—d_v his_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o more_o abundant_o to_o they_o ward_n and_o indeed_o if_o we_o consider_v 1._o of_o whaâ—â—ighty_a concernment_n it_o be_v and_o how_o great_a and_o 〈◊〉_d a_o building_n be_v build_v on_o it_o we_o will_v find_v there_o be_v much_o need_n to_o have_v the_o ground_n well_o and_o deep_o lay_v 2_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o rain_n flood_n and_o wind_n of_o tentation_n trouble_n and_o challenge_n may_v descend_v beaâ—_n and_o blow_n upon_o our_o building_n and_o put_v it_o to_o the_o tryalâ—_n whether_o it_o be_v found_v and_o be_v build_v on_o the_o rock_n or_o on_o the_o sand_n we_o have_v need_v to_o look_v well_o on_o what_o ground_n we_o build_v and_o that_o it_o be_v solid_a and_o durable_a we_o find_v many_o that_o will_v have_v a_o sort_n of_o peace_n in_o health_n and_o prosperity_n who_o when_o sickness_n adversity_n and_o death_n come_v have_v their_o peace_n to_o seek_v have_v be_v all_o the_o while_n but_o building_n as_o it_o be_v castle_n in_o the_o air_n 3_o if_o we_o consider_v how_o easy_a and_o ordinary_a it_o be_v for_o people_n here_o to_o go_v wrong_n to_o be_v mistake_v and_o to_o think_v that_o all_o be_v well_o when_o alace_o it_o be_v nothing_o so_o but_o all_o quite_o wrong_a it_o say_v we_o have_v need_v to_o be_v sick_a â—t_a cry_n aloud_o to_o we_o to_o look_v about_o we_o and_o to_o make_v sure_a solid_a and_o sick_a work_n for_o further_o prosecute_n of_o this_o point_n i_o shall_v 1._o show_n how_o person_n may_v suppose_v that_o they_o have_v a_o good_a testimony_n of_o their_o conscience_n without_o a_o ground_n or_o upon_o seem_a ground_n without_o any_o solidity_n or_o reality_n 2_o i_o shall_v show_v what_o ground_n will_v not_o bear_v this_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n 3_o i_o shall_v show_v what_o ground_n may_v bear_v it_o or_o what_o may_v be_v the_o character_n of_o a_o warrantable_a and_o well-grounded_n testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n most_o of_o all_o which_o we_o will_v find_v to_o be_v in_o this_o text_n to_o our_o discourse_n on_o which_o we_o resolve_v at_o this_o time_n to_o put_v a_o end_n for_o the_o first_o viz._n that_o people_n may_v suppose_v that_o they_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n without_o a_o ground_n or_o on_o but_o seem_a ground_n which_o be_v incident_a not_o only_o to_o natural_a man_n but_o even_o sometime_o to_o believer_n themselves_o in_o some_o respect_n man_n may_v gather_v a_o conclusion_n of_o peace_n from_o unsound_a ground_n and_o speak_v peace_n to_o themselves_o when_o god_n have_v not_o speak_v peace_n to_o they_o there_o be_v a_o generation_n say_v solomon_n prov._n 30._o v_o 12._o that_o be_v pure_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o yet_o be_v not_o wash_v from_o their_o filthiness_n a_o generation_n that_o foolish_o fancy_v themselves_o to_o be_v right_a when_o yet_o they_o be_v quite_o wrong_a which_o we_o suppose_v come_v to_o pass_v ordinary_o in_o these_o four_o case_n or_o from_o these_o four_o ground_n 1._o when_o 〈◊〉_d haive_n holiness_n and_o do_v a_o piece_n or_o part_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o work_n but_o go_v not_o stitch-through_a with_o it_o think_v they_o need_v not_o to_o be_v so_o full_a so_o exact_a and_o so_o precise_a as_o the_o command_n call_v for_o which_o it_o may_v be_v they_o secret_o judge_v to_o be_v too_o severe_a and_o rigid_a as_o it_o be_v with_o king_n saul_n who_o when_o samuâ—l_o come_v to_o he_o after_o the_o slaughter_n of_o the_o amâ—lekites_n 1_o sam._n 15._o go_v out_o to_o meet_v he_o and_o say_v to_o he_o bless_a be_v thou_o of_o the_o lord_n i_o have_v perform_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o when_o samuel_n answer_v he_o what_o mean_v then_o the_o bleat_a of_o the_o sheep_n in_o minâ—_n 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o â—owing_n of_o the_o ox_n which_o i_o â—ear_v saul_n reply_n they_o have_v bring_v they_o from_o the_o amalekite_n to_o be_v a_o sacrifice_n to_o the_o lord_n he_o think_v that_o he_o have_v sufficient_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n though_o he_o have_v preserve_v a_o aâ—ag_n and_o some_o â—ew_a of_o the_o best_a beast_n especial_o for_o such_o a_o use_n thus_o often_o natural_a man_n if_o they_o do_v as_o it_o be_v two_o part_n or_o half_a of_o their_o duty_n think_v they_o have_v do_v enough_o and_o that_o they_o may_v have_v peace_n oâ—_n that_o ground_n 2_o when_o person_n think_v that_o they_o mean_v well_o and_o have_v a_o honest_a aim_n and_o design_n and_o will_v it_o may_v be_v be_v ready_a to_o disput_n on_o that_o ground_n with_o any_o that_o will_v find_v fault_n with_o they_o and_o confident_o assert_v that_o they_o have_v do_v well_o as_o saul_n do_v with_o samuel_n in_o that_o same_o chapter_n who_o say_v yea_o i_o have_v obey_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o perform_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o i_o have_v reserve_v these_o few_o sheep_n and_o ox_n i_o mean_v well_o it_o be_v not_o from_o any_o greed_n or_o covetousness_n but_o to_o be_v a_o sacrifice_n for_o the_o lora_n what_o say_v samuel_n have_v the_o lord_n as_o great_a delight_n in_o burn_a offering_n and_o sacrifice_n as_o in_o obey_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o obey_v be_v better_a than_o sacrifice_n etc._n etc._n that_o which_o many_o man_n call_v a_o good_a mind_n or_o meaning_n â—s_v often_o the_o cutthroat_n of_o their_o peace_n and_o harden_v they_o against_o just_a challenge_n 3_o when_o man_n be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n it_o make_v they_o to_o have_v peace_n when_o they_o have_v no_o ground_n â—or_a it_o such_o be_v ready_a to_o think_v that_o they_o have_v give_v obedience_n to_o god_n command_n and_o that_o they_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n because_o they_o know_v not_o the_o extent_n and_o spiritual_a meaning_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o that_o man_n speak_v of_o matth._n 19_o who_o say_v all_o these_o have_v i_o keep_v from_o my_o youth_n up_o he_o do_v noâ—_n gross_o dissemble_v when_o he_o say_v so_o but_o he_o be_v ignorant_a as_o i_o say_v 〈◊〉_d now_o of_o the_o spiritual_a meaning_n and_o extent_n of_o the_o law_n he_o think_v he_o be_v not_o covetous_a if_o he_o do_v noâ—_n oppress_v and_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v to_o post-pone_a all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v bind_v in_o some_o case_n and_o as_o he_o call_v he_o to_o it_o to_o quite_o all_o and_o to_o follow_v christ_n and_o therefore_o turn_v his_o back_n on_o christ_n when_o he_o be_v put_v to_o the_o trial_n how_o many_o will_v have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o peace_n such_o as_o it_o be_v after_o they_o have_v pray_v
pity_n or_o a_o principle_n of_o natural_a courage_n or_o the_o like_a wherein_o however_o beneficial_a and_o acceptable_a these_o thing_n may_v be_v to_o particular_a person_n or_o to_o humane_a society_n yet_o they_o can_v lay_v no_o solid_a ground_n of_o peace_n 2._o it_o insinuate_v that_o the_o thing_n that_o make_v a_o man_n acceptable_a and_o furnish_v a_o good_a testimony_n to_o his_o conscience_n be_v when_o he_o do_v thing_n from_o a_o principle_n of_o grace_n sway_v and_o strengthen_v he_o and_o where_o this_o principle_n be_v not_o conscience_n can_v â—ever_o give_v a_o well_o ground_a testimony_n to_o a_o man_n suppose_v â—e_n shall_v preach_v and_o dispute_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o give_v his_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v for_o it_o therefore_o paul_n say_v that_o it_o be_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o he_o have_v his_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o themward_n a_o four_o false_a ground_n that_o will_v not_o bear_v out_o a_o man_n be_v when_o he_o only_o put_v hand_n to_o some_o thing_n or_o duty_n of_o religion_n without_o design_v and_o endeavour_v in_o the_o whole_a strain_n and_o tract_n of_o his_o way_n to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v pure_a as_o christ_n be_v pure_a and_o without_o allow_v himself_o in_o any_o sin_n or_o in_o the_o neglect_n or_o misperformance_n of_o any_o know_a duty_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o unsoundness_n of_o this_o ground_n be_v that_o if_o a_o true_o tender_a conscience_n put_v a_o man_n to_o one_o duty_n it_o will_v put_v he_o to_o all_o duty_n and_o if_o it_o put_v he_o to_o abstain_v from_o one_o sin_n it_o will_v put_v he_o to_o endeavour_v to_o abstain_v from_o all_o sin_n and_o paul_n here_o gather_v not_o his_o testimony_n from_o one_o action_n or_o two_o but_o from_o the_o tract_n of_o his_o conversation_n now_o if_o we_o lie_v by_o â—ll_o these_o seem_n and_o false_a ground_n it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o many_o yea_o most_o person_n have_v but_o a_o empty_a and_o â—oom_n testimony_n and_o a_o very_o ill_o ground_v and_o unwarrantable_a peace_n for_o the_o three_o thing_n we_o propose_v to_o be_v speak_v to_o viz._n the_o ground_n of_o a_o good_a testimony_n we_o have_v they_o from_o the_o text_n here_o in_o five_o or_o six_o step_n suppose_v the_o matter_n to_o be_v right_a as_o all_o along_o we_o have_v do_v the_o first_o be_v singleness_n in_o a_o man_n end_n that_o he_o be_v not_o seek_v himself_o but_o god_n honour_v main_o which_o be_v employ_v in_o that_o word_n simplicity_n a_o single_a end_n conduce_v much_o to_o a_o man_n peace_n it_o be_v a_o sine_fw-la quo_fw-la non_fw-la to_o a_o joyful_a testimony_n of_o the_o conscience_n and_o the_o first_o step_n to_o it_o here_o the_o second_o be_v godly_a sincerity_n which_o be_v not_o only_o opposite_a to_o more_o gross_a hypocrisy_n dissemble_v and_o counterfeit_v but_o contradistinguish_v also_o from_o mere_o moral_a sincerity_n it_o be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v honest_a before_o man_n and_o to_o say_v so_o before_o the_o conscience_n but_o also_o before_o god_n i_o be_v also_o upright_o before_o he_o and_o in_o his_o eye_n sight_n say_v david_n psal._n 18._o see_v to_o this_o purpose_n luke_n 1_o verse_n 6._o and_o verse_n 75._o and_o what_o the_o same_o apostle_n say_v in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n verse_n last_o but_o as_o of_o god_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n speak_v we_o in_o christ_n this_o godly_a sincerity_n in_o a_o word_n be_v when_o through_o grace_n a_o man_n walk_v so_o as_o he_o may_v be_v approven_v and_o commend_v by_o god_n and_o not_o by_o his_o own_o conscience_n only_o let_v be_v by_o man_n by_o who_o to_o be_v judge_v either_o this_o or_o that_o way_n be_v but_o a_o small_a thing_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1_o cor._n 4_o 3._o sincerity_n put_v a_o man_n to_o aim_v at_o holiness_n and_o a_o conformity_n to_o god_n and_o suffer_v he_o not_o to_o think_v it_o enough_o to_o have_v no_o challenge_n but_o to_o try_v if_o there_o be_v ground_n for_o it_o a_o three_o ground_n which_o be_v negative_a be_v in_o the_o next_o word_n not_o with_o fleshly_a wisdom_n but_o as_o he_o say_v with_o spiritual_a wisdom_n with_o that_o wisdom_n which_o be_v from_o above_o for_o though_o fleshly_a wisdom_n be_v decry_v yet_o so_o be_v not_o spiritual_a wisdom_n it_o be_v a_o great_a help_n to_o a_o circumspect_a christian_a walk_n as_o we_o show_v from_o these_o word_n eph._n 5._o walk_v circumspect_o not_o as_o fool_n but_o as_o wise_a redeem_v the_o time_n and_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o spiritual_o watchful_a and_o frugal_a catch_a hold_n of_o and_o improve_n every_o opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a and_o of_o appear_v for_o god_n and_o the_o promote_a of_o his_o interest_n within_o we_o and_o without_o we_o as_o he_o call_v we_o to_o it_o wise_o to_o observe_v and_o watchful_o to_o guard_v against_o whatever_o may_v be_v a_o diversion_n to_o we_o from_o our_o main_a work_n and_o to_o strick_v in_o with_o what_o may_v further_o we_o in_o it_o so_o that_o nothing_o may_v wound_v or_o mar_v our_o peace_n thus_o holy_a job_n have_v some_o peace_n from_o this_o i_o be_v not_o say_v he_o in_o safety_n neither_o have_v i_o rest_v neither_o be_v i_o quiet_a yet_o trouble_n come_v it_o be_v some_o ease_n to_o his_o mind_n to_o reflect_v on_o his_o spiritual_o wise_a and_o thrifty_a improve_n of_o his_o time_n when_o his_o great_a trouble_n fall_v on_o he_o that_o he_o be_v not_o secure_a but_o pray_v and_o offer_v sacrifice_n for_o himself_o and_o his_o family_n a_o four_o ground_n be_v the_o act_n and_o exercise_v of_o grace_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n say_v the_o apostle_n that_o be_v i_o have_v more_o than_o a_o natural_a principle_n exercise_v in_o my_o do_v of_o duty_n i_o do_v not_o thing_n in_o my_o own_o strength_n but_o god_n be_v depend_v on_o and_o acknowledge_v and_o his_o help_n seek_v and_o find_v where_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n that_o the_o right_a improve_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o main_a ground_n of_o the_o good_a testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o a_o notable_a help_n to_o attain_v it_o not_o only_o the_o have_v of_o our_o nature_n renew_v but_o our_o have_a grace_n in_o exercise_n to_o be_v pray_v in_o the_o spirit_n praise_v in_o the_o spirit_n hear_v in_o faith_n and_o walk_v up_o and_o down_o in_o his_o name_n not_o lippen_v to_o ourselves_o and_o to_o our_o own_o strength_n but_o to_o he_o and_o to_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o grace_n a_o five_o ground_n be_v that_o when_o all_o this_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n win_v at_o a_o man_n be_v make_v conscience_n of_o examine_v and_o search_v himself_o and_o reflect_v on_o his_o way_n that_o he_o may_v know_v that_o it_o be_v so_o for_o though_o paul_n have_v his_o conversation_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o simplicity_n not_o in_o fleshly_a wisdom_n etc._n etc._n yet_o he_o have_v not_o this_o joyful_a testimony_n of_o his_o conscience_n till_o he_o put_v it_o to_o proof_n and_o find_v it_o to_o be_v so_o indeed_o and_o if_o he_o have_v not_o do_v this_o he_o have_v not_o have_v conscience_n good_a testimony_n a_o 6_o and_o last_o ground_n be_v when_o all_o this_o be_v do_v that_o a_o man_n be_v deny_v to_o it_o and_o lay_v the_o weight_n of_o it_o only_o upon_o and_o give_v the_o commendation_n of_o it_o altogether_o to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o he_o single_v himself_o out_o and_o exclude_v himself_o from_o have_v any_o praise_n of_o that_o which_o he_o have_v attain_v to_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n here_o attribute_n all_o to_o grace_v as_o he_o do_v in_o like_a manner_n 1._o cor._n 15._o v._n 10._o i_o labour_v say_v â—e_n more_o abundant_o than_o they_o all_o yet_o not_o i_o but_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v with_o i_o and_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n i_o be_o what_o i_o be_o he_o take_v indeed_o a_o large_a testimony_n to_o himself_o for_o the_o corinthians_n their_o edification_n but_o attribute_n all_o to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n now_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o acknowledge_v god_n grace_n we_o will_v not_o have_v it_o do_v complement_o or_o for_o foster_a of_o pride_n or_o vanity_n because_o of_o its_o be_v dispense_v to_o we_o but_o it_o will_v be_v do_v humble_o and_o sober_o for_o a_o little_a spiritual_a pride_n conceit_n and_o vanity_n in_o reflect_v upon_o what_o man_n have_v or_o do_v this_o way_n will_v be_v as_o a_o dead_a flee_v that_o will_v make_v this_o box_n of_o savoury_a and_o precious_a ointment_n to_o send_v forth_o a_o stink_a smell_n as_o we_o sâ—e_v in_o the_o proud_a pharisee_fw-mi who_o vain_o and_o vaunt_o say_v i_o thank_v thou_o that_o i_o be_o
and_o herein_o lie_v the_o weight_n of_o the_o apostle_n argument_n pray_v for_o we_o for_o we_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n on_o this_o ground_n he_o plead_v for_o this_o privilege_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n which_o he_o can_v not_o have_v so_o do_v have_v he_o not_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n 4_o a_o maâ—â—hat_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n may_v more_o confident_o expect_v the_o benefit_n of_o other_o prayer_n as_o well_o as_o of_o his_o own_o whereas_o a_o man_n who_o way_n and_o conscience_n be_v evil_a though_o other_o prayer_n may_v sometime_o have_v weight_n before_o god_n to_o further_a his_o change_n yet_o he_o himself_o can_v have_v no_o comfort_n in_o they_o while_o he_o be_v such_o therefore_o while_o david_n be_v pray_v for_o his_o enemy_n he_o say_v his_o prayer_n return_v into_o his_o own_o bosom_n but_o it_o do_v they_o little_a or_o no_o good_a thus_o we_o see_v what_o advantage_n it_o be_v to_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n it_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o the_o benefit_n both_o of_o our_o own_o and_o other_o prayer_n and_o the_o want_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n on_o the_o contrary_a excommunicaâ—s_a 〈◊〉_d in_o a_o manner_n from_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o prayer_n of_o other_o the_o second_o question_n be_v if_o this_o argument_n ought_v to_o have_v any_o more_o weight_n with_o christian_n in_o pray_v for_o they_o than_o other_o or_o if_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o they_o only_o that_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o not_o for_o other_o we_o answer_v 1._o that_o christian_n will_v not_o limit_v their_o duty_n in_o prayer_n only_o to_o these_o for_o we_o see_v moses_n david_n and_o many_o other_o of_o the_o saint_n pray_v for_o such_o as_o have_v no_o good_a conscience_n so_o that_o we_o may_v warrantable_o pray_v for_o other_o though_o not_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o may_v hope_v to_o be_v accept_v therein_o and_o that_o our_o pray_v for_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v without_o fruit_n and_o benefit_n to_o ourselves_o at_o least_o yet_o 2_o there_o lie_v a_o great_a tie_n and_o obligation_n on_o we_o to_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n then_o for_o other_o even_o as_o there_o do_v to_o do_v good_a especial_o to_o these_o that_o be_v of_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n the_o communion_n of_o saint_n here_o bind_v and_o link_a to_o say_v so_o more_o strait_o and_o strong_o so_o we_o be_v i_o say_v proportionable_o more_o strict_o tie_v to_o pray_v for_o sincere_a seeker_n of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n practice_n gal._n 6._o 16._o show_n where_o he_o pray_v thus_o as_o many_o as_o walk_v according_a to_o this_o rule_n peace_n be_v on_o they_o and_o on_o the_o whole_a israel_n of_o god_n he_o pray_v for_o peace_n to_o they_o as_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a object_n of_o the_o saint_n prayer_n especial_o as_o to_o god_n peace_n not_o have_v such_o ground_n for_o present_v that_o or_o other_o suchlike_a petition_n to_o god_n for_o 〈◊〉_d yea_o 3_o not_o only_o do_v it_o lay_v on_o a_o strong_a obligation_n but_o it_o give_v great_a ground_n of_o encouragement_n and_o confidence_n to_o deal_v with_o god_n on_o their_o behalf_n and_o of_o hope_n and_o expectation_n to_o be_v hear_v peace_n say_v the_o apostle_n be_v upon_o they_o that_o 〈◊〉_d according_a to_o this_o rule_n he_o find_v here_o firm_a ground_n to_o stand_v on_o to_o say_v so_o in_o pray_v confident_o and_o with_o hope_n of_o success_n for_o such_o then_o for_o other_o 4_o clearness_n and_o persuasion_n so_o far_o as_o be_v in_o this_o case_n attainable_a that_o another_o be_v keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n make_v a_o christian_a more_o willing_a to_o pray_v and_o more_o hearty_a in_o prayer_n for_o such_o a_o person_n will_v pray_v with_o the_o better_a will_v to_o speak_v so_o for_o other_o when_o he_o know_v that_o they_o be_v tender_a whereas_o any_o grossness_n in_o a_o professor_n will_v have_v influence_n on_o the_o cool_n of_o his_o prayer_n for_o they_o and_o he_o will_v be_v in_o hazard_n of_o be_v tempt_v at_o least_o some_o way_n to_o lie_v by_o we_o will_v not_o say_v but_o there_o may_v be_v often_o a_o fault_n in_o this_o yet_o there_o be_v still_o a_o truth_n in_o the_o connexion_n betwixt_o suppose_v a_o person_n to_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o our_o bear_a burden_n with_o he_o and_o take_v a_o more_o kind_o lift_v of_o his_o condition_n in_o prayer_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o apostle_n make_v use_v of_o this_o ground_n to_o press_v and_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o pray_v for_o he_o and_o to_o show_v that_o he_o expect_v the_o help_n of_o their_o prayer_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v no_o small_a encouragement_n in_o prayer_n to_o make_v mention_n of_o a_o person_n name_v particular_o to_o god_n in_o prayer_n when_o we_o know_v that_o it_o be_v the_o name_n of_o one_o that_o be_v a_o friend_n of_o he_o as_o abraham_n be_v call_v all_o these_o serve_v to_o commend_v the_o great_a advantage_n that_o attend_v the_o have_v of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o to_o lay_v a_o strong_a obligation_n on_o we_o to_o pursue_v after_o it_o and_o they_o may_v some_o way_n direct_v we_o how_o to_o walk_v so_o as_o we_o may_v attain_v and_o entertain_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o they_o may_v withal_o help_v to_o make_v some_o discovery_n to_o we_o if_o we_o be_v tender_a in_o our_o walk_n but_o we_o come_v now_o to_o the_o apostle_n assertion_n we_o trust_v say_v he_o we_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n from_o which_o we_o will_v observe_v a_o few_o thing_n wherein_o we_o shall_v be_v more_o general_a 1._o then_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o very_a great_a difference_n betwixt_o conscience_n some_o conscience_n be_v good_a some_o evil_n some_o be_v clear_a and_o pure_a some_o be_v unclear_a impure_a and_o defile_v as_o the_o apostle_n show_v 2_o tim_n 1._o 3._o when_o he_o say_v i_o thank_v god_n who_o i_o serve_v with_o a_o pure_a conscience_n and_o while_o he_o say_v tit._n 1._o 15._o to_o the_o pure_a all_o thing_n be_v pure_a but_o to_o they_o that_o be_v defile_v and_o unbelieving_a be_v nothing_o pure_a but_o even_o their_o conscience_n be_v defile_v every_o man_n have_v a_o conscience_n but_o not_o the_o like_a conscience_n so_o that_o i_o say_v there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o conscience_n even_o as_o great_a as_o there_o be_v betwixt_o man_n as_o sin_n have_v bring_v a_o long_a train_n of_o pollution_n and_o defilement_n with_o it_o so_o that_o they_o reach_v the_o whole_a man_n the_o very_a conscience_n itself_o not_o except_v â—o_o special_a grace_n have_v a_o mighty_a powerful_a influence_n where_o it_o come_v and_o reach_v the_o whole_a man_n and_o the_o conscience_n in_o particular_a though_o not_o perfect_o in_o this_o life_n think_v noâ—_n 〈◊〉_d that_o all_o man_n conscience_n be_v alike_o and_o as_o you_o will_v not_o trust_v every_o man_n word_n so_o shall_v you_o not_o trust_v every_o man_n conscience_n 2_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n attainable_a as_o a_o good_a or_o clear_a and_o pleasant_a conscience_n otherways_o if_o it_o be_v simple_o un-attainable_a there_o can_v be_v â—o_o 〈◊〉_d noâ—_n true_a ground_n for_o paul_n assertion_n here_o this_o good_a conscience_n in_o short_a be_v come_v at_o thus_o 1._o there_o be_v a_o exercise_n to_o have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n whereof_o we_o speak_v from_o act_n 24._o v_o 16._o this_o be_v the_o tender_a christian_n design_n which_o he_o drive_v 2_o when_o a_o man_n have_v be_v thus_o exercise_v to_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n he_o be_v in_o the_o nixt_a place_n exercise_v to_o know_v the_o sense_n of_o his_o conscience_n and_o to_o have_v its_o approbative_a testimony_n and_o this_o we_o speak_v to_o from_o these_o word_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 12._o this_o be_v our_o rejoice_v the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n etc._n etc._n 3_o there_o be_v a_o clear_a and_o pleasant_a conscience_n which_o flow_v from_o the_o former_a two_o when_o a_o man_n have_v be_v exercise_v to_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o to_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o his_o conscience_n for_o he_o and_o come_v to_o discern_v it_o there_o result_v from_o these_o a_o clear_a calm_a serene_a smile_v and_o pleasant_a conscience_n which_o be_v a_o most_o heartsome_a and_o solacious_a thing_n to_o dwell_v with_o 〈◊〉_d very_o desirable_a delightsome_a refresh_a cheerful_a and_o spiritualy_a jovial_a companion_n the_o â—se_n serve_v to_o show_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v not_o look_v on_o a_o good_a conscience_n as_o a_o empty_a or_o airy_a fancy_n or_o notion_n or_o as_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o attainable_a or_o as_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v never_o attain_v by_o any_o you_o
to_o such_o a_o thing_n 4._o we_o will_v distinguish_v betwixt_o a_o crooked_a willingness_n to_o holiness_n out_o of_o some_o by-respect_n and_o a_o outright_o and_o straight_o willingness_n when_o holiness_n be_v will_v and_o love_v on_o a_o honest_a account_n oâ—_n for_o a_o straight_a end_n the_o crooked_a willingness_n be_v a_o servile_a and_o mercenary_a desire_n of_o holiness_n to_o pour_v by_o it_o freedom_n from_o hell_n and_o come_v to_o heaven_n at_o best_a and_o often_o to_o have_v respect_n from_o man_n especial_o in_o a_o time_n when_o holiness_n be_v in_o any_o request_n and_o respect_n as_o the_o pharisee_n have_v in_o their_o give_v of_o alm_n and_o make_v long_a prayer_n and_o whereof_o the_o lord_n seem_v to_o mean_v when_o he_o say_v hos._n 10._o ephraim_n be_v a_o empty_a vine_n he_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n to_o himself_o all_o holiness_n that_o be_v design_v or_o pursue_v for_o this_o end_n for_o any_o predominant_o selfy-end_n be_v nothing_o before_o god_n but_o a_o unstraight_a or_o crooked_a willingness_n or_o you_o may_v look_v at_o a_o single_a willingness_n to_o holiness_n as_o that_o whieh_a be_v out_o of_o respect_n to_o holiness_n for_o itself_o and_o when_o we_o love_v holiness_n and_o a_o universality_n in_o it_o because_o god_n love_v it_o and_o because_o it_o be_v like_o he_o and_o beautiful_o conform_v to_o his_o image_n thus_o david_n sweet_o express_v himself_o psal._n 119._o 127._o i_o love_v thy_o commandment_n above_o gold_n yea_o fine_a gold_n when_o there_o be_v a_o worth_n amiableness_n and_o excellency_n see_v in_o the_o command_n and_o the_o thing_n command_v when_o they_o be_v prize_v and_o a_o dear_a respect_n be_v have_v to_o they_o all_o for_o themselves_o â—_o 5._o we_o will_v distinguish_v betwixt_o a_o sluggish_a willingness_n or_o desire_v after_o holiness_n and_o a_o effectual_a willingness_n there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o willingness_n that_o suffer_v man_n to_o lie_v still_o with_o the_o sluggard_n such_o will_v fain_o have_v knowledge_n but_o they_o thou_fw-mi not_o take_v pain_n to_o read_v if_o it_o be_v but_o the_o catechism_n that_o they_o may_v come_v by_o it_o they_o will_v â—ain_o have_v lust_n mortify_v but_o they_o thou_fw-mi not_o fast_o and_o pray_v that_o such_o devil_n may_v be_v make_v to_o go_v out_o they_o will_v be_v at_o holiness_n but_o they_o thou_fw-mi not_o use_v the_o mean_n appoint_v by_o god_n to_o win_v at_o it_o there_o be_v such_o a_o desire_n speak_v of_o prov._n 13._o 4._o the_o soul_n of_o the_o sluggard_n desire_v and_o have_v not_o because_o his_o hand_n refuse_v to_o work_v he_o rest_v content_o in_o his_o desire_n and_o take_v no_o pain_n to_o prosecute_v it_o to_o the_o obtain_n of_o that_o which_o he_o desire_v even_o as_o many_o lazy_a body_n will_v fain_o be_v rich_a but_o thou_fw-mi not_o take_v pain_n and_o labour_n to_o come_v at_o riches_n even_o as_o it_o be_v story_v of_o the_o roman_a young_a gentleman_n who_o lay_v himself_o down_o on_o the_o grass_n and_o roll_v and_o tumble_v there_o a_o while_n and_o say_v utinam_fw-la â—oc_fw-la esset_fw-la laborare_fw-la o_o if_o this_o be_v to_o labour_n and_o work_v even_o so_o it_o may_v be_v in_o spirituâ—l_a thing_n there_o may_v be_v a_o sluggish_a desire_n to_o be_v holy_a and_o yet_o great_a negligence_n as_o to_o any_o suitable_a pain_n to_o come_v by_o it_o but_o effectual_a willingness_n be_v that_o which_o yoke_v the_o man_n in_o good_a earnest_n to_o the_o use_n of_o all_o appoint_a mean_n whereby_o he_o may_v obtain_v his_o desire_a end_n as_o he_o desire_v to_o be_v holy_a so_o he_o press_v to_o be_v at_o it_o through_o all_o obstruction_n and_o difficulty_n and_o though_o he_o win_v not_o up_o to_o perfection_n in_o respect_n of_o degree_n yet_o he_o dispense_v not_o with_o himself_o in_o his_o short-coming_a nor_o in_o the_o allow_a neglect_n of_o any_o mean_a that_o may_v help_v he_o forward_o not_o as_o if_o i_o be_v already_o perfete_a say_v the_o apostle_n phil._n 13._o 14._o meaning_n as_o to_o the_o degree_n but_o one_o thing_n i_o do_v forget_v these_o thing_n that_o be_v behind_o and_o reach_v forth_o unto_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v before_o i_o press_v towards_o the_o mark_n for_o the_o prize_n of_o the_o high_a call_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o vers_fw-la 16._o he_o say_v let_v as_o many_o as_o be_v perfect_a be_v thus_o mind_v where_o he_o speak_v of_o a_o perfection_n attainable_a even_o here_o and_o imply_n that_o those_o who_o be_v not_o thus_o mind_v endeavour_v through_o grace_n to_o reach_v forward_o to_o press_v towards_o the_o mark_n make_v it_o their_o one_o thing_n to_o attain_v to_o perfection_n in_o holiness_n can_v lay_v claim_n to_o this_o willingness_n which_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o perfection_n in_o the_o sense_n the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o now_o from_o all_o these_o distinction_n put_v together_o we_o may_v find_v a_o clear_a answer_n to_o what_o natural_a and_o carnal_a heart_n will_v readl_o object_v here_o and_o make_v discovery_n of_o the_o unwarrantableness_n nay_o of_o the_o rottenness_n of_o the_o ground_n whereon_o they_o find_v their_o peace_n for_o since_o this_o willingness_n have_v such_o influence_n on_o man_n solid_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o conscience_n it_o be_v not_o sure_a every_o willingness_n that_o will_v be_v a_o certain_a evidence_n of_o it_o nor_o a_o solid_a ground_n to_o build_v it_o upon_o sermon_n iii_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 though_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v the_o thing_n in_o all_o the_o world_n in_o reference_n to_o which_o man_n ought_v to_o carry_v most_o tender_o yet_o if_o we_o shall_v take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o way_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o people_n even_o live_v under_o and_o make_v profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n we_o will_v find_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o they_o deal_v more_o untender_o in_o some_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n account_v that_o to_o be_v a_o good_a conscience_n which_o be_v nothing_o so_o and_o so_o base_o prostitute_v and_o abuse_v this_o excellent_a thing_n other_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n look_v on_o a_o good_a conscience_n 〈◊〉_d but_o a_o airy_a notion_n and_o fancy_n never_o know_v nor_o study_v to_o know_v what_o the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o it_o be_v they_o make_v it_o useless_a and_o comfortless_a to_o themselves_o and_o so_o be_v utter_o deprive_v of_o that_o sweetlyserene_a tranquillity_n which_o be_v god_n gracious_a allowance_n on_o they_o that_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o have_v a_o tender_a and_o true_o good_a conscience_n the_o doctrine_n that_o we_o propose_v last_o be_v for_o direct_v we_o how_o to_o keep_v a_o just_a mid_n betwixt_o those_o two_o extreme_n and_o it_o be_v this_o that_o where_o there_o be_v a_o sincere_a willingness_n to_o be_v universal_o honest_a in_o the_o whole_a of_o our_o conversation_n it_o have_v great_a influence_n on_o the_o peace_n of_o our_o conscience_n be_v a_o notable_a evidence_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o a_o choice_a companion_n that_o wait_v continual_o on_o it_o paul_n here_o assert_v his_o tranquillity_n of_o conscience_n on_o this_o ground_n and_o withal_o explain_v and_o qualify_v the_o same_o by_o tell_v we_o that_o in_o all_o thing_n he_o have_v a_o willingness_n to_o live_v honest_o now_o because_o this_o doctrine_n be_v of_o great_a concernment_n to_o believer_n in_o christ_n as_o to_o their_o solid_a peace_n and_o comfort_n and_o deal_v with_o several_a sort_n of_o man_n some_o of_o who_o as_o antinomian_o reject_v any_o such_o evidence_n and_o dispute_v against_o the_o possibility_n of_o universal_a sincerity_n so_o that_o according_a to_o they_o there_o can_v be_v no_o solid_a conclusion_n draw_v hence_o for_o the_o comfort_n of_o believer_n other_o such_o as_o hypocrite_n snatch_v at_o this_o consolation_n when_o they_o have_v no_o honesty_n in_o their_o walk_n and_o a_o three_o sort_n better_a dispose_v who_o from_o see_v defect_n and_o fail_n in_o their_o walk_n refuse_v all_o the_o consolation_n that_o flow_v from_o this_o ground_n say_v on_o the_o matter_n to_o the_o weaken_n of_o their_o own_o hand_n and_o to_o the_o faint_a and_o discourage_v of_o their_o own_o heart_n that_o they_o have_v nothing_o of_o this_o honesty_n nothing_o of_o this_o willingness_n to_o live_v honest_a by_o we_o insist_v the_o more_o on_o the_o clear_n of_o these_o three_o in_o the_o doctrine_n 1._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o a_o honest_a walk_n 2._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o universal_a sincerity_n or_o honesty_n in_o our_o walk_n 3._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o this_o willingness_n to_o live_v honest_o which_o be_v the_o base_a on_o which_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n do_v
with_o much_o repentance_n and_o self-loathing_a and_o may_v have_v some_o peace_n and_o calmness_n in_o this_o that_o they_o have_v not_o a_o voluntary_a hand_n in_o their_o own_o defeat_n whereas_o he_o that_o be_v not_o serious_a in_o the_o fight_n can_v have_v no_o such_o ground_n of_o peace_n because_o he_o have_v be_v comply_v with_o or_o connive_v at_o corruption_n or_o not_o serious_o strive_v nor_o protest_v against_o it_o but_o where_o there_o be_v a_o testimony_n that_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n be_v the_o league_n and_o covenant_n that_o be_v betwixt_o the_o man_n and_o his_o conscience_n may_v stand_v and_o he_o may_v have_v and_o aught_o to_o maintain_v his_o peace_n that_o we_o may_v come_v to_o a_o close_a of_o this_o discourse_n and_o text_n take_v some_o character_n of_o this_o willingness_n to_o live_v honest_o where_o its_o sincere_a and_o 1._o where_o it_o be_v the_o more_o that_o corruption_n get_v victory_n the_o more_o it_o be_v hate_v and_o the_o more_o holy_a discontentment_n follow_v upon_o it_o the_o prevail_a of_o corruption_n stir_v awak_n and_o provock_v the_o christian_n indignation_n the_o more_o against_o it_o he_o be_v angry_a at_o it_o before_o but_o when_o at_o any_o time_n it_o make_v he_o founder_n or_o fall_v before_o it_o his_o anger_n increase_v and_o rise_v to_o a_o holy_a rage_n against_o it_o yea_o when_o he_o be_v wrestle_v with_o his_o own_o corruption_n and_o can_v get_v it_o master_v and_o bring_v down_o as_o he_o will_v he_o be_v the_o more_o set_v against_o it_o and_o in_o his_o complain_n of_o it_o he_o will_v ready_o have_v the_o more_o weighty_a and_o aggravate_v expression_n of_o it_o as_o the_o apostle_n have_v it_o rom._n 7._o when_o he_o cry_v o_o wretched_a man_n that_o i_o amâ—_n â—_z and_o as_o asaph_n have_v psal._n 73._o when_o he_o say_v so_o foolish_a be_v i_o and_o ignorant_a i_o be_v as_o a_o beast_n before_o thou_o which_o be_v a_o real_a proof_n that_o he_o connive_n not_o at_o corruption_n even_o when_o it_o it_o prevail_v over_o he_o he_o have_v not_o only_o a_o hatred_n of_o the_o evil_a but_o even_o then_o when_o it_o prevail_v and_o the_o more_o it_o seem_v to_o prevail_v the_o more_o he_o hate_v it_o 2._o where_o this_o willingness_n be_v there_o be_v much_o prayer_n to_o god_n and_o wrestle_v with_o he_o therein_o to_o attain_v more_o and_o more_o holiness_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o psalmist_n who_o say_v to_o god_n psal._n 119._o vers_fw-la 5._o o_o that_o my_o way_n be_v direct_v to_o keep_v thy_o statute_n and_o verse_n 10._o with_o my_o whole_a heart_n have_v i_o seek_v thou_o o_o let_v i_o not_o wander_v from_o thy_o commandment_n and_o verse_n 27._o make_v i_o to_o understand_v the_o way_n of_o thy_o precept_n and_o verse_n 35._o make_v i_o to_o go_v in_o the_o path_n of_o thy_o commandment_n for_o therein_o do_v i_o delight_v etc._n etc._n we_o know_v not_o if_o there_o be_v many_o that_o be_v much_o in_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o holiness_n as_o a_o choice_n and_o desirable_a mercy_n and_o that_o be_v strive_v to_o maintain_v and_o keep_v up_o the_o fight_n against_o their_o corruption_n but_o sure_o if_o this_o be_v not_o man_n can_v have_v peace_n on_o this_o ground_n of_o willingness_n to_o live_v honest_o 3_o where_o this_o willingness_n be_v there_o will_v be_v nothing_o a_o great_a burden_n and_o affliction_n to_o a_o person_n then_o when_o corruption_n prevail_v as_o we_o use_v to_o say_v there_o be_v nothing_o that_o trouble_v a_o man_n more_o than_o not_o to_o get_v his_o will_n or_o to_o have_v his_o will_n thwart_v and_o cross_v even_o so_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o trouble_v the_o sincere_a man_n more_o than_o when_o hypocrisy_n steal_v 〈◊〉_d upon_o he_o and_o his_o corruption_n prevail_v over_o he_o so_o that_o he_o can_v get_v his_o will_n of_o it_o here_o we_o will_v distinguish_v betwixt_o thwart_v of_o the_o mind_n and_o interrupt_v the_o calmness_n of_o the_o conscience_n the_o mind_n may_v be_v thwart_v and_o cross_v by_o the_o prevail_a of_o sin_n when_o there_o be_v still_o ground_n of_o peace_n and_o calmness_n of_o conscience_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o have_v disquietness_n of_o mind_n and_o another_o thing_n to_o have_v peace_n of_o conscience_n break_v the_o least_o stir_v of_o corruption_n may_v and_o shall_v yea_o very_o ready_o will_v cross_v and_o afflict_v the_o sincere_a christian_n mind_n when_o he_o can_v get_v his_o will_n of_o it_o but_o holiness_n be_v his_o honest_a design_n and_o purpose_n it_o ought_v not_o to_o break_v his_o peace_n though_o i_o grant_v it_o often_o do_v so_o however_o sincere_a willingness_n make_v the_o man_n to_o look_v on_o the_o prevailling_a of_o corruption_n as_o his_o great_a burden_n to_o lament_v heavy_o over_o the_o body_n of_o death_n and_o to_o cry_v oâ—_n because_o of_o it_o o_o miserable_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o it_o alace_o i_o can_v get_v my_o will_n of_o it_o nor_o because_o of_o it_o to_o be_v so_o holy_a as_o i_o will_v it_o be_v not_o unworthy_a the_o remark_n that_o all_o the_o outward_a affliction_n and_o persecution_n that_o the_o apostle_n meet_v with_o never_o draw_v such_o a_o expression_n from_o he_o as_o the_o indwel_n and_o stir_v of_o the_o body_n of_o death_n do_v o_o miserable_a man_n thaâ—_n i_o be_o he_o can_v and_o do_v rejoice_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o these_o other_o tribulation_n which_o plain_o say_v that_o he_o look_v at_o this_o as_o his_o great_a cross_n and_o affliction_n and_o the_o thing_n in_o all_o the_o world_n that_o make_v he_o account_v himself_o most_o miserable_a they_o who_o under_o the_o pretext_n of_o willingness_n to_o liâ—e_z honest_o be_v not_o trouble_v with_o the_o stir_n and_o prevailling_n of_o their_o corruption_n nor_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o groan_v under_o they_o as_o their_o burden_n who_o slight_a challenge_n and_o neglect_v repentance_n neither_o have_v nor_o can_v have_v the_o solid_a peace_n and_o calmness_n of_o conscience_n that_o flow_v from_o it_o 4ly_a a_o man_n that_o be_v serious_o willing_a to_o be_v at_o holiness_n and_o to_o live_v honest_o be_v a_o man_n who_o be_v often_o view_v the_o inward_a sinfulness_n and_o corruption_n of_o his_o nature_n who_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o it_o and_o who_o loathe_v it_o and_o himself_o because_o of_o it_o he_o can_v to_o say_v so_o tell_v two_o ill_a tale_n of_o himself_o when_o another_o it_o may_v be_v have_v not_o one_o to_o tell_v of_o he_o o_o say_v he_o it_o be_v at_o my_o heart_n that_o ail_v i_o none_o can_v speak_v of_o the_o sin_n that_o be_v in_o paul_n at_o the_o rate_n that_o himself_o do_v though_o he_o have_v less_o of_o it_o dwell_v in_o he_o than_o most_o of_o christian_n live_v have_v o_o but_o a_o man_n that_o be_v serious_o aim_v at_o holiness_n be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o frowardness_n and_o rebellion_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o large_a in_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o deceit_n and_o wickedness_n that_o be_v in_o it_o he_o will_v be_v far_o from_o come_v to_o god_n as_o the_o pharisee_n do_v in_o the_o ruff_n of_o his_o spiritual_a pride_n with_o lord_n i_o thank_v thou_o i_o be_o not_o as_o other_o man_n nor_o like_o this_o publican_n and_o as_o many_o carnal_a gospeller_n do_v with_o we_o thank_v god_n we_o have_v a_o honest_a mind_n while_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o take_v liberty_n to_o sin_n and_o be_v at_o no_o pain_n to_o mortify_v it_o nor_o to_o live_v to_o god_n nay_o but_o his_o complaint_n will_v sad_o be_v ah_o i_o have_v a_o heart_n that_o be_v like_o the_o rage_a sea_n my_o corruption_n lead_v i_o captive_a all_o the_o thought_n and_o imagination_n of_o my_o heart_n natural_o be_v wicked_a and_o ill_a only_o and_o continual_o ill_a and_o yet_o he_o rest_v not_o on_o his_o complaint_n but_o seek_v to_o win_v above_o the_o ground_n of_o they_o the_o reason_n be_v his_o great_a desire_n to_o live_v honest_o make_v what_o be_v contrary_a to_o it_o to_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o hate_a weary_v of_o and_o even_o despyte_v he_o like_v his_o corruption_n worst_a and_o abhor_v it_o most_o when_o it_o prevail_v over_o he_o he_o love_v to_o have_v sin_n discover_v but_o he_o hate_v that_o which_o be_v discover_v 5_o the_o sincere_o willing_a man_n make_v no_o great_a account_n of_o his_o own_o honesty_n he_o be_v far_o from_o think_v that_o he_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o boast_v or_o to_o be_v proud_a of_o he_o love_v holiness_n so_o very_o well_o that_o he_o think_v not_o much_o of_o what_o he_o have_v attain_v so_o as_o to_o make_v he_o halt_v and_o sit_v down_o there_o as_o if_o he_o need_v go_v no_o further_o he_o forget_v all_o
how_o a_o defile_a conscience_n may_v be_v purge_v and_o how_o we_o may_v recover_v lose_a calmness_n and_o peace_n than_o it_o be_v to_o know_v how_o a_o good_a conscience_n may_v be_v win_v at_o for_o indeed_o if_o all_o our_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o conscience_n depend_v on_o our_o own_o holy_a walk_n only_o it_o will_v be_v but_o a_o heartless_a and_o comfortless_a work_n to_o speak_v of_o a_o good_a and_o calm_a conscience_n on_o that_o ground_n but_o this_o be_v the_o great_a the_o very_a great_a advantage_n that_o we_o have_v by_o the_o gospel_n of_o grace_n which_o as_o it_o show_v the_o way_n how_o to_o prevent_v a_o quarrel_n from_o and_o so_o a_o wound_n unto_o the_o conscience_n so_o it_o show_v the_o way_n how_o a_o quarrel_n and_o controversy_n draw_v on_o may_v be_v remove_v and_o this_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o now_o we_o will_v speak_v a_o little_a to_o from_o these_o word_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n scope_n be_v to_o hold_v out_o to_o the_o jew_n the_o weakness_n of_o their_o ceremonial_a worship_n sacrifice_n and_o wash_n and_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o christ_n sacrifice_n to_o do_v their_o business_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o from_o rest_v on_o that_o ceremonial_a worship_n to_o rest_v upon_o jesus_n christ_n alone_o and_o one_o of_o the_o argument_n that_o he_o make_v use_v of_o for_o this_o end_n be_v that_o no_o legal_a or_o ceremonial_a worship_n or_o service_n can_v make_v he_o that_o do_v the_o service_n perfect_a as_o pertain_v to_o the_o conscience_n as_o he_o say_v v_o 9_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n can_v give_v a_o man_n peace_n before_o god_n and_o his_o own_o conscience_n but_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v able_a to_o purge_v the_o conscience_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o to_o bring_v a_o man_n that_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o peace_n and_o friendship_n with_o god_n after_o he_o have_v sin_v and_o thereby_o defile_v and_o wound_v his_o conscience_n back_o to_o that_o same_o peace_n and_o calmness_n that_o he_o have_v before_o he_o sin_v and_o make_v he_o in_o some_o respect_n as_o quiet_a and_o calm_a as_o iâ—_n he_o have_v not_o sin_v and_o therefore_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n must_v be_v infiâ—ly_o preferable_a to_o all_o these_o ceremonial_a sacrifice_n puâ—gings_n and_o wash_n which_o probable_o they_o incline_v to_o join_v with_o he_o in_o the_o word_n read_v the_o apostle_n illustraâ—s_v and_o confirm_v the_o efficacy_n of_o christ_n blood_n by_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n obviate_a a_o objection_n which_o be_v this_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n have_v a_o good_a use_n and_o why_o then_o will_v you_o cry_v they_o down_o he_o answer_v they_o have_v a_o use_n as_o they_o respect_v christ_n sacrifice_n that_o be_v in_o due_a time_n to_o be_v actual_o offer_v and_o as_o they_o â—ed_v it_o and_o also_o as_o to_o a_o ceremonial_a cleanse_n or_o holiness_n but_o they_o can_v not_o as_o pertain_v to_o the_o conscience_n make_v a_o man_n perfect_a and_o say_v he_o if_o these_o ceremony_n have_v a_o efficacy_n as_o to_o the_o outward_a man_n and_o make_v ceremonial_o and_o external_o clean_a or_o holy_a how_o much_o more_o shall_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v efficacious_a to_o the_o cleanse_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o inner_a man_n if_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n have_v a_o efficacy_n towards_o the_o admit_v of_o a_o man_n to_o external_a ordinance_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n have_v a_o efficacy_n to_o purge_v the_o conscience_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o to_o take_v away_o the_o sting_n and_o guilt_n and_o the_o defilement_n also_o of_o sin_n and_o to_o make_v it_o quiet_a and_o so_o to_o capacitat_fw-la the_o man_n to_o be_v adâ—tted_v to_o real_a fellowship_n with_o he_o in_o his_o ordinance_n that_o the_o comparison_n may_v be_v the_o more_o clear_a he_o use_v â—ere_z a_o threefold_a distinction_n 1._o of_o a_o twofold_a uncleanness_n one_o of_o the_o flesh_n or_o outward_a man_n another_o of_o a_o man_n sâ—ate_n and_o conscience_n before_o god_n the_o first_o relate_v to_o the_o man_n practice_n and_o make_v he_o that_o be_v ceremonial_o unclean_a to_o be_v thirst_n without_o the_o camp_n and_o to_o continue_v so_o till_o he_o be_v legal_o cleanse_v the_o second_o mar_v the_o man_n peace_n before_o god_n the_o 2d_o distinction_n be_v of_o a_o twofold_a court_n wherein_o this_o uncleanness_n be_v charge_v upon_o the_o man_n the_o one_o be_v a_o court_n wherein_o the_o man_n flesh_n iâ—_n as_o it_o be_v judge_v and_o that_o be_v by_o man_n according_a to_o his_o external_a procession_n the_o other_o be_v a_o court_n wherein_o his_o spiritual_a 〈◊〉_d be_v judge_v and_o that_o be_v his_o conscience_n in_o the_o first_o court_n if_o the_o moral_a law_n charge_v he_o not_o with_o guilt_n it_o be_v not_o ask_v whether_o his_o conscience_n be_v guilty_a or_o not_o but_o he_o be_v on_o his_o outward_a cleanse_n admit_v to_o church_n privilege_n but_o the_o second_o court_n which_o be_v call_v the_o court_n of_o conscience_n look_v not_o aâ—_n thing_n as_o they_o appear_v before_o man_n but_o as_o they_o be_v before_o god_n and_o therefore_o will_v challenge_v when_o man_n do_v not_o challenge_v the_o 3d._a distinction_n be_v of_o a_o twofold_a sanctification_n the_o first_o be_v that_o of_o the_o flesh_n speak_v of_o v_o 13._o and_o that_o be_v when_o a_o man_n be_v make_v external_o clean_a or_o holy_a whereby_o he_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o congregagation_n the_o other_o be_v that_o which_o be_v inward_a which_o admit_v not_o only_o to_o external_a church-fellowship_n but_o to_o real_a internal-fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o to_o peace_n and_o calmness_n of_o conscience_n now_o for_o quiet_v the_o conscience_n and_o for_o give_v a_o man_n peace_n he_o tell_v they_o that_o though_o these_o external_a ceremony_n admit_v he_o to_o the_o congregation_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o purify_v his_o conscience_n but_o that_o notwithstanding_o of_o all_o these_o the_o quarrel_n be_v not_o take_v away_o before_o god_n and_o so_o they_o can_v not_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o inward_a peace_n nor_o bring_v it_o in_o to_o the_o man_n soul_n and_o conscience_n but_o that_o its_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n which_o only_o do_v that_o and_o therefore_o his_o sacrifice_n be_v more_o excellent_a than_o all_o these_o ceremonial_a sacrifice_n sprinkling_n and_o wash_n for_o it_o admit_v a_o man_n to_o peace_n with_o god_n and_o give_v he_o quietness_n in_o his_o own_o conscience_n to_o leave_v the_o comparison_n then_o we_o have_v in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o these_o word_n which_o we_o intend_v to_o insist_v on_o a_o notable_a effect_n and_o the_o great_a efficacy_n of_o christ_n blood_n in_o purge_v of_o the_o conscience_n hold_v forth_o in_o these_o particular_n 1._o it_o be_v employ_v that_o the_o state_n of_o a_o man_n conscience_n by_o nature_n be_v this_o viz._n it_o be_v pollute_v and_o defile_v by_o dead_a work_n 2._o that_o the_o great_a mean_a whereby_o the_o conscience_n be_v purge_v and_o make_v clean_o be_v the_o blood_n of_o christ._n 3_o the_o end_n wherefore_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v make_v clean_o be_v that_o they_o they_o may_v serve_v the_o live_a god_n 4._o the_o proof_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o this_o blood_n in_o these_o word_n of_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o verse_n the_o blood_n of_o christ_n who_o through_o the_o eternal_a spirit_n offer_v himself_o without_o spot_n to_o god_n be_v take_v from_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o of_o the_o altar_n whereby_o the_o sacrifice_n be_v sanctify_v we_o shall_v in_o pass_v observe_v a_o few_o thing_n that_o may_v make_v way_n â—or_a clear_n of_o the_o word_n and_o for_o that_o which_o we_o chief_o intend_v to_o speak_v to_o from_o they_o and_o 1._o observe_v that_o the_o state_n of_o man_n conscience_n by_o nature_n be_v that_o they_o be_v pollute_v by_o dead_a work_n which_o be_v such_o work_n as_o be_v to_o be_v repent_v of_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o they_o heb._n 6._o 1._o whereby_o he_o plain_o insinuat_v that_o sin_n be_v call_v deaâ—_n work_n for_o three_o reason_n 1._o because_o of_o a_o dead_a principle_n they_o proceed_v from_o they_o flow_v from_o man_n that_o be_v dead_a by_o nature_n as_o to_o any_o spiritual_a life_n dead_a in_o sin_n and_o trespuss_n and_o even_o the_o sin_n of_o believer_n themselves_o be_v such_o as_o proceed_v from_o they_o in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v not_o quicken_v and_o renew_v 2_o because_o of_o their_o demerit_n and_o that_o which_o they_o deserve_v which_o be_v eternal_a death_n final_a continuance_n wherein_o do_v at_o last_o most_o certain_o bring_v on_o eternal_a death_n 3_o because_o though_o a_o
consider_v that_o the_o best_a and_o most_o discern_a man_n may_v be_v mistake_v in_o their_o application_n of_o these_o evidence_n to_o we_o neither_o be_v it_o the_o end_n of_o conference_n to_o be_v a_o ground_n of_o peace_n when_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n there_o be_v no_o solid_a course_n take_v how_o to_o get_v our_o debt_n payeâ—_n and_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n satify_v our_o main_n yea_o our_o first_o work_n will_v be_v to_o be_v take_v ourselves_o to_o the_o cautioner_n and_o to_o the_o blood_n of_o sprinkle_v under_o the_o conviction_n and_o sense_n of_o sin_n and_o guilt_n and_o then_o we_o may_v profitable_o reason_v ourselves_o and_o admit_v of_o the_o reason_n of_o other_o for_o help_v to_o quiet_v our_o conscience_n and_o unless_o there_o be_v actual_a flee_v to_o christ_n and_o to_o his_o blood_n precede_v and_o go_v before_o word_n of_o comfort_n or_o direction_n speak_v whether_o in_o private_a or_o in_o public_a this_o word_n of_o god_n declare_v they_o to_o be_v null_n and_o voâ—d_v as_o to_o any_o advantage_n to_o we_o 4_o observe_v that_o when_o nothing_o can_v pacify_v a_o eull_n and_o defile_v conscience_n nor_o purge_v it_o from_o dead_a work_n the_o application_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n by_o faith_n can_v and_o will_v purge_v that_o conscience_n and_o give_v peace_n and_o quietness_n to_o it_o with_o holy_a and_o humble_a confidence_n and_o boldness_n in_o come_v and_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n as_o if_o in_o some_o respect_n it_o have_v never_o be_v defile_v by_o these_o dead_a work_n of_o sin_n it_o be_v the_o apostle_n great_a scope_n and_o design_n here_o to_o press_v these_o two_o which_o be_v the_o two_o branch_n of_o the_o doctrine_n 1._o the_o sufficiency_n of_o christ_n blood_n as_o the_o price_n that_o â—atisfies_v divine_a justice_n and_o quiet_v the_o conscience_n for_o when_o the_o conscience_n get_v this_o blood_n apply_v to_o it_o by_o faith_n it_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o crave_v any_o further_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n who_o deputy_n it_o be_v as_o if_o something_o be_v owe_v that_o blood_n as_o a_o full_a and_o condign_a price_n satisfy_v for_o all_o the_o debt_n how_o much_o more_o say_v the_o apostle_n here_o shall_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n purge_v your_o conscience_n from_o dead_a work_n the_o second_o branch_n be_v that_o which_o follow_v upon_o â—his_fw-la as_o a_o native_a use_n of_o it_o that_o a_o belleâ—er_n who_o have_v flee_v to_o jesus_n christ_n after_o the_o commit_n of_o sin_n and_o have_v actual_o apply_v his_o blood_n to_o the_o conscience_n may_v have_v quietness_n in_o it_o and_o go_v with_o boldness_n and_o confidence_n to_o god_n and_o may_v on_o this_o ground_n maintain_v his_o peace_n in_o some_o respect_n as_o if_o he_o have_v never_o sin_v so_o â—uos_a the_o apostle_n scope_n if_o we_o look_v to_o the_o 19_o v_o of_o chap._n 10._o and_o forward_o having_n therefore_o brethren_n say_v he_o boldness_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a by_o a_o new_a and_o live_a way_n â—y_a the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n let_v we_o draw_v near_o with_o a_o true_a heart_n in_o full_a assurance_n of_o say_v have_v our_o heart_n sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n though_o it_o have_v be_v pollute_v before_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o rare_a pearl_n and_o rich_a jewel_n of_o the_o gospel_n one_o of_o the_o excellent_a privilege_n of_o a_o belâ—ever_n and_o one_o of_o the_o noble_a and_o notable_a exprâ—ssions_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o withal_o the_o great_a prooâ—_n of_o the_o reality_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n jesus_n viz._n that_o when_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o poor_a believer_n be_v confound_v and_o in_o a_o manner_n put_v on_o the_o wrack_n with_o many_o challenge_n for_o sin_n he_o may_v mâ—ke_v application_n of_o christ_n blood_n and_o on_o that_o ground_n have_v sweet_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o soul_n for_o further_o clear_v of_o this_o we_o shall_v 1._o lay_v down_o some_o ground_n for_o its_o confirmation_n and_o then_o 2_o make_v some_o â—se_n of_o it_o as_o for_o the_o first_o of_o they_o to_o wit_n some_o ground_n to_o confirm_v it_o take_v these_o few_o short_o 1._o if_o by_o the_o application_n of_o christ_n blood_n there_o be_v solid_a peace_n make_v up_o betwixt_o god_n and_o the_o sinner_n it_o will_v necessary_o follow_v that_o the_o application_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n will_v â—urge_v the_o conscience_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v ground_n of_o peace_n and_o quietness_n to_o it_o for_o say_v john_n epistle_n 1_o chap._n 3._o v._n 20._o god_n be_v great_a than_o the_o heart_n or_o conscience_n and_o say_v paul_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 4._o though_o we_o know_v nothing_o by_o ourselves_o yet_o be_v we_o not_o hereby_o justify_v but_o â—e_v that_o judge_v we_o be_v the_o lord_n this_o be_v sound_a reason_n god_n have_v nothing_o to_o say_v therefore_o the_o conscience_n ought_v to_o be_v satisfy_v but_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o by_o the_o application_n of_o christ_n blood_n solid_a peace_n be_v make_v up_o betwixt_o god_n and_o a_o sinner_n as_o rom._n 5._o 1._o be_v justify_v by_o say_v we_o have_v peace_n with_o god_n through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n there_o be_v no_o stand_a controversy_n nor_o quarrel_n â—onger_o than_o by_o faith_n the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v â—led_v unto_o and_o apply_v john_n 5._o 24._o he_o that_o hear_v my_o word_n and_o believe_v on_o â—im_n that_o send_v i_o have_v everlasting_a life_n and_o shall_v not_o come_v into_o condemnation_n he_o shall_v come_v to_o judgement_n to_o be_v absolve_v but_o not_o to_o be_v condemn_v for_o as_o it_o be_v john_n 3._o 18._o he_o that_o believe_v on_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v condemn_v and_o rom._n 8._o 1._o there_o be_v therefore_o now_o no_o condemnation_n to_o they_o who_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o 1_o john_n 5._o 12._o he_o that_o have_v the_o son_n have_v life_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v the_o over_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o conscience_n of_o a_o poor_a sinner_n that_o be_v flee_v to_o christ_n for_o refuge_n have_v good_a ground_n of_o peace_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n to_o the_o conscience_n â—ormentingly_o or_o anxious_o to_o challenge_v and_o this_o be_v indeed_o no_o small_a matter_n and_o yet_o no_o presumption_n after_o a_o sinner_n have_v flee_v to_o christ_n to_o quiet_v himself_o and_o to_o be_v at_o peace_n on_o this_o ground_n a_o second_o ground_n of_o confirmation_n be_v the_o experience_n of_o all_o the_o sainâ—s_v record_v in_o the_o scripture_n after_o their_o faâ—lings_n and_o fall_n into_o sin_n what_o have_v quiet_v they_o may_v also_o quiet_v we_o for_o there_o be_v but_o one_o way_n of_o make_v peace_n with_o god_n and_o the_o take_n of_o that_o way_n work_v as_o to_o the_o main_a alike_o to_o all_o now_o it_o be_v this_o way_n that_o have_v quiet_v they_o it_o be_v the_o same_o faith_n in_o all_o and_o alike_o precious_a 〈◊〉_d in_o all_o as_o to_o the_o kind_n because_o it_o have_v the_o like_a precious_a substantial_a effect_n in_o all_o it_o be_v this_o therefore_o that_o must_v give_v quietness_n and_o boldness_n to_o we_o that_o which_o quiet_v they_o be_v a_o look_n an_z often_o renew_v look_n as_o guilt_n be_v of_o new_a contract_v through_o all_o these_o type_n and_o shadow_n to_o christ_n all_o of_o they_o have_v their_o original_n and_o actual_a pollution_n whereby_o their_o conscience_n be_v some_o wâ—y_n defile_v and_o disquiet_v yet_o through_o application_n of_o christ_n blood_n they_o win_v to_o peace_n purge_v i_o say_v david_n psal._n 51._o with_o hyssop_n and_o i_o shall_v be_v clean_a etc._n etc._n even_o when_o the_o conscience_n be_v write_v his_o lybel_n and_o he_o be_v under_o challenge_n for_o his_o guilt_n he_o have_v the_o faith_n of_o his_o interest_n and_o attain_v peace_n through_o application_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v to_o come_v signify_v by_o purge_v with_o hyssop_n for_o that_o ground_n stand_v sure_a which_o be_v lay_v down_o act_n 13._o 38_o 39_o be_v it_o know_v unto_o you_o therefore_o man_n and_o brethren_n that_o through_o this_o man_n be_v preach_v unto_o you_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o by_o he_o all_o that_o believe_v be_v 〈◊〉_d from_o all_o thing_n from_o which_o you_o can_v not_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o law_n oâ—_n moses_n there_o be_v indeed_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v a_o large_a and_o long_a 〈◊〉_d and_o indictment_n that_o sin_n and_o tâ—e_v law_n and_o the_o conscience_n have_v against_o you_o but_o be_v it_o know_v unto_o you_o that_o through_o jesus_n christ_n remission_n of_o sin_n be_v preach_v to_o you_o and_o that_o through_o say_v in_o he_o you_o be_v justify_v and_o fir_v
and_o repentance_n for_o sin_n nor_o of_o challenge_n on_o that_o account_n these_o may_v and_o shall_v be_v where_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v make_v use_n of_o and_o apply_v by_o faith_n to_o the_o person_n conscience_n they_o will_v not_o mar_v this_o confidence_n and_o boldness_n nor_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n that_o we_o speak_v of_o but_o rather_o further_o it_o as_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o draw_v near_o of_o the_o saint_n to_o god_n record_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o for_o instance_n in_o that_o woman_n speak_v of_o luke_n 7._o 38._o who_o weep_v and_o weep_v so_o abundant_o that_o she_o wash_v the_o lord_n foot_n with_o her_o tear_n yet_o she_o draw_v near_o to_o he_o with_o confidence_n nay_o this_o draw_v near_o with_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n do_v not_o remove_v all_o fear_n look_v on_o fear_n as_o it_o carry_v along_o with_o it_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o infinite_a distance_n and_o dis-proportion_n that_o be_v betwixt_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o a_o finit_a seckless_a and_o sinful_a creature_n nor_o that_o holy_a awe_n and_o fillal_a reverence_n that_o be_v due_a to_o he_o and_o well_o consistent_a with_o this_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n nay_o inseparable_a from_o the_o lively_a and_o kind_o exercise_v of_o it_o but_o it_o suppose_v these_o four_o 1._o that_o the_o believer_n flee_v to_o the_o blood_n of_o sprinkle_v may_v bold_o go_v to_o god_n in_o prayer_n as_o if_o his_o friendship_n with_o he_o in_o adam_n have_v never_o be_v break_v as_o the_o apostle_n insinuat_v v_o 19_o while_o he_o say_v have_v therefore_o brethren_n boldness_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o holl_a etc._n etc._n there_o be_v a_o liberty_n and_o boldness_n as_o i_o just_a now_o say_v allow_v he_o to_o call_v god_n father_n as_o if_o the_o former_a covenant_n have_v never_o be_v break_v by_o a_o son_n turn_v a_o rebel_n and_o traitor_n the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n under_o the_o bond_n of_o which_o he_o be_v bring_v as_o god_n confederate_a make_v the_o relation_n to_o he_o as_o near_o straight_o kind_o firm_a and_o sure_a as_o it_o be_v in_o that_o other_o with_o considerable_a superadded_a advantage_n 2_o that_o he_o may_v meddle_v with_o and_o make_v use_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o pardon_n of_o sin_n of_o sanctification_n of_o throwbearing_a in_o affliction_n of_o quicken_a of_o peace_n of_o comfort_n etc._n etc._n according_a as_o he_o stand_v in_o need_n with_o confidence_n and_o may_v draw_v near_o with_o full_a assurance_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n faithfulness_n as_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o in_o his_o own_o measure_n manner_n and_o time_n so_o that_o if_o the_o believer_n can_v as_o full_o and_o strong_o exercise_v his_o faith_n on_o the_o promise_n as_o he_o have_v warrant_n to_o do_v he_o may_v with_o as_o much_o confidence_n and_o fullness_n of_o assurance_n cast_v himself_o on_o they_o â—s_a adam_n in_o innocency_n do_v on_o the_o promise_n of_o life_n in_o the_o first_o covenant_n because_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n apply_v by_o faith_n give_v as_o real_a just_a and_o legal_a a_o right_n to_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o adam_n have_v to_o the_o promise_n of_o life_n by_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n the_o condition_n of_o that_o covenant_n viz._n perfect_a holiness_n and_o obedience_n be_v fulfil_v by_o christ_n in_o our_o name_n and_o room_n 3_o that_o the_o sprinkle_n of_o the_o conscience_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n give_v the_o believer_n a_o well_o ground_a hope_n of_o heaven_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o of_o glory_n even_o of_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o promise_n therefore_o heb._n 6._o 11._o the_o apostle_n exhort_v christian_n thus_o show_v forth_o the_o same_o diligence_n to_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o hope_n to_o the_o end_n and_o be_v follower_n of_o they_o who_o through_o faith_n and_o patience_n have_v inherit_v the_o promise_n the_o lively_a application_n of_o faith_n to_o christ_n blood_n reach_v to_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o the_o hope_n of_o all_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o promise_n and_o if_o the_o promise_n be_v a_o solid_a and_o firm_a ground_n and_o if_o faith_n lean_a realy_a and_o strong_o to_o it_o hope_n may_v well_o expect_v the_o great_a thing_n in_o it_o 4_o the_o believer_n who_o have_v his_o conscience_n sprinkle_v with_o this_o bloâ—_n 〈◊〉_d expect_v full_a and_o through_o publication_n of_o absolution_n and_o justification_n in_o the_o court_n and_o before_o the_o tribunal_n of_o god_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n as_o the_o divine_a historian_n give_v ground_n of_o hope_n act_v 3._o v_o 19_o and_o in_o the_o court_n of_o the_o word_n and_o of_o his_o own_o conscience_n here_o in_o this_o life_n he_o have_v ground_n with_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 8._o to_o say_v nay_o triumphant_o to_o boast_n and_o bid_v a_o eternal_a defiance_n to_o all_o that_o will_v offer_v at_o it_o who_o shall_v lay_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o charge_n of_o god_n elect_v it_o be_v god_n that_o justify_v who_o be_v he_o that_o condemn_v he_o may_v say_v that_o indeed_o he_o be_v owe_v and_o a_o debtor_n once_o but_o they_o can_v crave_v payment_n of_o and_o satisfaction_n for_o the_o debt_n from_o he_o now_o because_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v acquit_v for_o it_o be_v christ_n who_o have_v die_v yea_o rather_o be_v rise_v again_o who_o be_v at_o the_o right-hand_a of_o god_n make_v intercession_n for_o we_o the_o believe_v elect_v make_v the_o right_a use_n of_o this_o blood_n of_o this_o most_o precious_a blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n may_v humble_o and_o confident_o expect_v all_o these_o thing_n from_o and_o by_o it_o o_o great_a and_o glorious_a expectation_n as_o for_o the_o 2d_o thing_n how_o or_o after_o what_o manner_n or_o by_o what_o mean_v this_o unspeakable_o excellent_a privilege_n of_o draw_v 〈◊〉_d with_o full_a assurance_n oâ—_n faith_n with_o holy_a boldness_n and_o confidence_n to_o obtain_v all_o these_o great_a thing_n may_v be_v attain_v and_o win_v at_o it_o be_v answer_v in_o the_o word_n go_v a_o little_a before_o have_v therefore_o boldness_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a by_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n let_v we_o draw_v near_o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v suppose_v 〈◊〉_d that_o there_o be_v a_o flee_v to_o christ_n for_o satisfy_v of_o divine_a justice_n 2_o that_o application_n be_v make_v to_o he_o for_o age_v pacify_v and_o satisfy_v the_o conscience_n 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v with_o the_o conscience_n in_o this_o case_n as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o sea_n after_o a_o great_a storm_n which_o after_o the_o cease_n of_o the_o storm_n will_n fro_o some_o time_n have_v its_o wave_n much_o toss_v and_o 〈◊〉_d in_o great_a agitation_n so_o after_o divine_a justice_n be_v pacify_v and_o â—almed_v â—o_o speak_v so_o by_o the_o soul_n flee_v to_o christ_n for_o satisfy_v thereof_o there_o may_v remain_v still_o for_o a_o while_n short_a or_o long_o as_o he_o shall_v think_v fit_a some_o rage_a as_o it_o be_v some_o trouble_n toss_v and_o agitation_n in_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o believer_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o that_o instance_n of_o david_n who_o after_o the_o prophet_n nathâ—_n have_v make_v intimation_n of_o pardon_n to_o he_o yet_o be_v still_o in_o considerable_a disquiet_n and_o agitation_n of_o his_o conscience_n as_o the_o 51._o psal._n give_v we_o a_o account_n now_o as_o for_o the_o attainin_n of_o calmness_n tranquillity_n and_o peace_n to_o the_o conscience_n we_o will_v say_v that_o whatever_o be_v necessary_a and_o requisite_a ing_z the_o application_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n for_o make_v of_o our_o peace_n with_o god_n the_o same_o be_v needful_a to_o calm_v and_o give_v peace_n to_o the_o conscience_n what_o be_v that_o will_v you_o say_v see_v rom._n 4._o 5._o to_o he_o that_o work_v not_o but_o believe_v on_o he_o who_o justify_v the_o ungodly_a his_o faith_n be_v count_v for_o righteousness_n which_o be_v join_v with_o the_o word_n in_o the_o text_n say_v that_o the_o way_n to_o this_o peace_n and_o calmness_n be_v first_o not_o for_o person_n to_o staift_n or_o refuse_v their_o debt_n but_o to_o take_v with_o it_o 2_o to_o renounce_v and_o disclaim_v all_o possibility_n to_o satisfy_v divine_a justice_n themselves_o 3_o to_o flee_v to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o through_o virtue_n of_o his_o satisfaction_n and_o blood_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o rest_v on_o he_o for_o pardon_n to_o believe_v on_o he_o though_o someway_o ungodly_a who_o justify_v the_o ungodly_a for_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o take_v with_o our_o debt_n and_o to_o quit_v and_o renounce_v the_o covenant_n of_o work_n except_o we_o actual_o rest_v on_o christ_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n this_o be_v it_o
wait_v with_o great_a aggravation_n as_o in_o that_o ps._n david_n sin_n be_v aggravate_v mighty_o by_o he_o and_o yet_o he_o make_v application_n to_o christ_n over_o all_o that_o guilt_n and_o all_o these_o aggravation_n of_o his_o guilt_n 3_o when_o the_o believer_n have_v through_o his_o folly_n relapse_v in_o sin_n which_o be_v not_o speak_v to_o give_v a_o liberty_n to_o sin_n god_n forbid_v woe_n to_o they_o that_o make_v so_o curse_v a_o use_n of_o such_o bless_a doctrine_n but_o to_o the_o commendation_n of_o god_n free_a grace_n and_o of_o the_o worth_n and_o efficacy_n of_o christ_n blood_n and_o for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o lose_a sinner_n that_o will_v fain_o be_v at_o christ_n for_o pardon_n and_o peace_n for_o as_o long_o as_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n have_v efficacy_n and_o worth_n and_o as_o far_o as_o the_o promise_n extend_v itself_o as_o long_o and_o as_o far_o may_v the_o believer_n reach_v his_o faith_n for_o come_v up_o to_o boldness_n and_o confidence_n although_o for_o his_o humiliation_n and_o keep_v humble_a he_o may_v possible_o never_o win_v at_o not_o recover_v his_o former_a confidence_n and_o boldness_n yet_o look_v to_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n and_o hope_n he_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o study_v to_o stretch_n his_o faith_n to_o the_o attain_n of_o it_o 4_o he_o may_v and_o shall_v thus_o endeavour_v confident_o to_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n when_o challenge_n be_v quick_a and_o very_a sharp_a yea_o when_o the_o challenge_n of_o conscience_n be_v sharp_a and_o most_o pierce_v though_o challenge_n be_v as_o so_o many_o troop_n of_o horse_n rush_v in_o on_o he_o and_o the_o conscience_n be_v like_o a_o lion_n rampant_a stand_v with_o his_o claw_n ready_a to_o to_o tear_v he_o may_v and_o shall_v humble_o take_v with_o guilt_n step_v to_o confident_o and_o make_v application_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o sprinkle_v and_o indeed_o this_o be_v the_o very_a time_n when_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n he_o shall_v do_v it_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o manslayer_n when_o he_o be_v most_o hot_o pursue_v by_o the_o avenger_n of_o blood_n that_o be_v the_o very_a time_n when_o he_o be_v call_v to_o flee_v and_o with_o great_a speed_n to_o the_o city_n of_o refuge_n and_o the_o allusion_n be_v make_v to_o this_o purpose_n heb._n 6._o 18._o that_o by_o two_o immutable_a thing_n say_v the_o apostle_n wherein_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o god_n to_o lie_v we_o may_v have_v strong_a consolation_n who_o be_v flee_v for_o refuge_n to_o lay_v hold_n on_o the_o hope_n set_v before_o we_o when_o may_v they_o have_v consolation_n and_o strong_a consolation_n even_o when_o they_o be_v flee_v with_o the_o great_a haste_n to_o the_o clay_n of_o refuge_n it_o be_v then_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o city_n be_v cast_v wide_a open_v to_o they_o when_o be_v it_o that_o david_n make_v his_o most_o earnest_a and_o humbly-confident_a address_n to_o god_n for_o the_o joy_n of_o his_o salvation_n even_o when_o bloodguiltiness_n be_v stare_v he_o in_o the_o face_n and_o when_o his_o very_a bone_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n break_v and_o when_o to_o his_o own_o sense_n his_o grace_n be_v very_o much_o if_o not_o altogether_o go_v and_o when_o he_o have_v as_o be_v be_v forefault_v his_o right_n to_o consolation_n yet_o even_o then_o he_o come_v forward_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n humble_o maintain_v his_o interest_n in_o he_o and_o plead_v for_o former_a manifestation_n upon_o the_o ground_n of_o graceâ—_n 5_o the_o believer_n may_v and_o aught_o thus_o to_o make_v humbly-confident_a application_n to_o god_n throw_v christ_n when_o he_o find_v to_o the_o great_a grief_n of_o his_o soul_n a_o exceed_a in-disposition_n to_o duty_n when_o his_o pray_n repent_v hear_v etc._n etc._n go_v not_o with_o he_o as_o he_o will_v fain_o have_v they_o if_o there_o be_v a_o real_a flee_v for_o refuge_n to_o the_o hope_v set_v before_o he_o he_o may_v and_o shall_v even_o in_o that_o case_n step_v forward_o and_o draw_v near_o with_o humble_a boldness_n hence_o david_n psal._n 51._o pray_v not_o only_o for_o consolation_n but_o for_o the_o lively_a exercise_n of_o grace_n while_o he_o say_v to_o god_n create_v in_o i_o a_o clean_a heart_n renew_v a_o right_a spirit_n within_o i_o and_o uphold_v i_o with_o thy_o free_a spirit_n the_o sense_n of_o sin_n and_o exercise_v of_o repentance_n be_v real_a and_o serious_a the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n be_v then_o sure_o native_a and_o will_v ready_o look_v to_o jesus_n go_v over_o all_o that_o come_v in_o the_o way_n of_o it_o in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v then_o when_o the_o humble_a believer_n may_v draw_v near_o with_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n even_o when_o he_o have_v the_o real_a sense_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o danger_n and_o flee_v unto_o jesus_n christ_n for_o refuge_n he_o be_v then_o warrant_v to_o run_v to_o the_o city_n of_o refuge_n and_o may_v confident_o go_v on_o in_o his_o errand_n viz._n to_o get_v pardon_n of_o sin_n renew_v consolation_n restore_v and_o his_o spiritual_a frame_n right_v it_o be_v no_o doubt_n a_o foolish_a conceit_n and_o a_o prejudicial_a mistake_n for_o trouble_a sinner_n first_o to_o seek_v after_o peace_n and_o then_o to_o make_v application_n to_o christ_n or_o to_o think_v that_o first_o they_o must_v have_v all_o the_o requisit_n of_o a_o good_a spiritual_a frame_n and_o grace_n in_o the_o lively_a exercise_n before_o they_o adventure_v to_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n with_o confidence_n i_o grant_v these_o be_v very_o desirable_a and_o the_o soul_n desire_v after_o they_o very_o commendable_a yet_o if_o the_o believer_n resolve_v never_o to_o draw_v thus_o near_o till_o he_o be_v as_o he_o will_v be_v when_o shall_v he_o do_v it_o what_o if_o david_n have_v stand_v and_o stick_v at_o that_o psal._n 51_o he_o may_v have_v be_v keep_v a-back_a and_o so_o be_v unwashen_v all_o his_o day_n but_o know_v the_o way_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o gracious_a covenant_n make_v with_o his_o people_n he_o step_v humble_o yet_o confident_o forward_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n out_o over_o the_o sense_n of_o guiltiness_n and_o all_o the_o aggravation_n of_o it_o over_o relapse_v in_o sin_n over_o in_o disposition_n and_o over_o many_o sharp_a challenge_n all_o take_v with_o and_o lament_v over_o and_o make_v all_o these_o together_o as_o so_o many_o earand_n to_o god_n the_o second_o use_n serve_v to_o commend_v the_o bargan_n of_o freegrace_n and_o to_o hold_v out_o the_o excellency_n of_o this_o blood_n of_o sprinkle_v which_o may_v also_o mighty_o encourage_v the_o believer_n to_o step_v forward_o in_o prosecute_n whereof_o i_o shall_v 1._o speak_v a_o word_n to_o the_o efficacy_n of_o this_o blood_n of_o sprinkle_v and_o then_o 2_o a_o word_n to_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o as_o to_o we_o for_o the_o first_o to_o wit_n the_o excellency_n and_o efficacy_n of_o it_o it_o may_v be_v see_v in_o these_o four_o 1._o in_o the_o noble_a and_o notable_a effect_n that_o it_o produce_v or_o that_o come_v by_o it_o even_o all_o the_o great_a thing_n contain_v in_o the_o promise_v touch_v on_o before_o such_o as_o pardon_v of_o sin_n grace_v to_o subdue_v it_o friendship_n and_o peace_n with_o god_n fellowship_n with_o he_o conformity_n to_o he_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n and_o glory_n the_o sweet_a serenity_n tranquillity_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o conscience_n it_o be_v as_o a_o hide_v place_n from_o the_o wind_n and_o rain_n and_o a_o covert_n from_o the_o florm_n yea_o even_o as_o the_o shadow_n of_o a_o great_a rock_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o weary_a land_n when_o the_o soul_n sore_o beat_v with_o the_o storm_n of_o challenge_n and_o of_o the_o apprehension_n of_o wrath_n come_v under_o the_o shadow_n and_o shelter_v of_o this_o it_o present_o find_v ease_n and_o repose_v what_o shall_v i_o say_v what_o can_v i_o say_v word_n here_o may_v be_v swallow_v up_o from_o this_o proceed_v all_o the_o glorious_a privilege_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n possess_v and_o expect_v in_o hand_n and_o in_o hope_n 2_o it_o be_v excellency_n and_o efficacy_n appear_v in_o this_o that_o it_o have_v procure_v these_o thing_n to_o sinner_n to_o they_o that_o have_v a_o unclean_a and_o pollute_a conscience_n for_o who_o be_v it_o i_o pray_v that_o may_v thus_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n with_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v not_o such_o as_o never_o have_v a_o evil_a conscience_n but_o such_o as_o have_v a_o evil_a conscience_n flee_v unto_o this_o blood_n and_o get_v it_o sprinkle_v therewith_o it_o be_v these_o who_o have_v their_o conscience_n defile_v with_o dead_a work_n and_o come_v to_o it_o and_o get_v they_o purge_v from_o these_o dead_a work_n 3_o the_o