the_o fit_a engine_n to_o get_v into_o power_n by_o which_o by_o the_o way_n when_o they_o be_v once_o possess_v of_o they_o general_o manage_v with_o as_o little_a tenderness_n as_o they_o do_v with_o conscience_n of_o which_o we_o have_v have_v but_o too_o much_o experience_n already_o and_o it_o will_v be_v but_o ill_o venture_v upon_o more_o in_o a_o word_n conscience_n not_o act_v by_o and_o under_o a_o law_n be_v a_o boundless_a dare_a and_o presumptuous_a thing_n and_o for_o any_o one_o by_o virtue_n thereof_o to_o challenge_v to_o himself_o a_o privilege_n of_o do_v what_o he_o will_v and_o of_o be_v unaccountable_a for_o what_o he_o do_v be_v in_o all_o reason_n too_o much_o either_o for_o man_n or_o angel_n to_o pretend_v to_o 3_o lie_n the_o three_o and_o last_o property_n of_o conscience_n which_o i_o shall_v mention_v and_o which_o make_v the_o verdict_n of_o it_o so_o authentic_a be_v its_o great_a and_o rigorous_a impartiality_n for_o as_o its_o wonderful_a apprehensiveness_n make_v that_o it_o can_v not_o easy_o be_v deceive_v so_o this_o make_v that_o it_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n deceive_v a_o judge_n you_o know_v may_v be_v skilful_a in_o understand_v a_o cause_n and_o yet_o partial_a in_o give_v sentence_n but_o it_o be_v much_o otherwise_o with_o conscience_n no_o artifice_n can_v induce_v it_o to_o accuse_v the_o innocent_a or_o to_o absolve_v the_o guilty_a no_o we_o may_v as_o well_o bribe_v the_o light_n and_o the_o day_n to_o represent_v white_a thing_n black_a or_o black_a white_a what_o pitiful_a thing_n be_v power_n rhetoric_n or_o riches_n when_o they_o will_v terrify_v dissuade_v or_o buy_v off_o conscience_n from_o pronounce_v sentence_n according_a to_o the_o merit_n of_o a_o man_n action_n for_o still_o as_o we_o have_v show_v conscience_n be_v a_o copy_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o though_o judge_n may_v be_v bribe_v or_o frighten_v yet_o law_n can_v the_o law_n be_v impartial_a and_o inflexible_a it_o have_v no_o passion_n or_o affection_n and_o consequent_o never_o accept_v person_n nor_o dispense_v with_o itself_o for_o let_v the_o most_o potent_a sinner_n upon_o earth_n speak_v out_o and_o tell_v we_o whether_o he_o can_v command_v down_o the_o clamour_n and_o revile_n of_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n and_o impose_v silence_n upon_o that_o bold_a reprover_n he_o may_v perhaps_o for_o a_o while_n put_v on_o a_o high_a and_o a_o big_a look_v but_o can_v he_o for_o all_o that_o look_v conscience_n out_o of_o countenance_n and_o he_o may_v also_o dissemble_v a_o little_a force_a jollity_n that_o be_v he_o may_v court_v his_o mistress_n and_o quaff_v his_o cup_n and_o perhaps_o sprinkle_v they_o now_o and_o then_o with_o a_o few_o dammee_n but_o who_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n beside_o his_o own_o wretched_a miserable_a self_n know_v of_o those_o secret_n bitter_a infusion_n which_o that_o terrible_a thing_n call_v conscience_n make_v into_o all_o his_o draught_n believe_v it_o most_o of_o the_o appear_a mirth_n in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o mirth_n but_o art_n the_o wound_a spirit_n be_v not_o see_v but_o walk_v under_o a_o disguise_n and_o still_o the_o less_o you_o see_v of_o it_o the_o better_a it_o look_v on_o the_o contrary_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o virtuous_a person_n let_v he_o declare_v free_o whether_o ever_o his_o conscience_n check_v he_o for_o his_o innocence_n or_o upbraid_v he_o for_o a_o action_n of_o duty_n do_v it_o ever_o bestow_v any_o of_o its_o hide_a lash_n or_o conceal_v bite_v on_o a_o mind_n severe_o pure_a chaste_a and_o religious_a but_o when_o conscience_n shall_v complain_v cry_v out_o and_o recoil_v let_v a_o man_n descend_v into_o himself_o with_o too_o just_a a_o suspicion_n that_o all_o be_v not_o right_o within_o for_o sure_o that_o hue_n and_o cry_n be_v not_o raise_v upon_o he_o for_o nothing_o the_o spoil_n of_o a_o rifle_a innocence_n be_v bear_v away_o and_o the_o man_n have_v steal_v something_o from_o his_o own_o soul_n for_o which_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v pursue_v and_o will_v at_o last_o certain_o be_v over-took_a let_v every_o one_o therefore_o attend_v the_o sentence_n of_o his_o conscience_n for_o he_o may_v be_v sure_a it_o will_v not_o dawb_v nor_o flatter_v it_o be_v as_o severe_a as_o law_n as_o impartial_a as_o truth_n it_o will_v neither_o conceal_v nor_o pervert_v what_o it_o know_v and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o three_o of_o those_o four_o particular_n at_o first_o propose_v and_o show_v whence_o and_o upon_o what_o account_v it_o be_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n concern_v our_o spiritual_a estate_n come_v to_o be_v so_o authentic_a and_o so_o much_o to_o be_v rely_v upon_o namely_o for_o that_o it_o be_v full_o empower_v and_o commission_v to_o this_o great_a office_n by_o god_n himself_o and_o withal_o that_o it_o be_v extreme_o quicksighted_n to_o apprehend_v and_o discern_v and_o moreover_o very_o tender_a and_o sensible_a of_o every_o thing_n that_o concern_v the_o soul_n and_o last_o that_o it_o be_v most_o exact_o and_o severe_o impartial_a in_o judge_v of_o whatsoever_o come_v before_o it_o every_o one_o of_o which_o qualification_n just_o contribute_v to_o the_o credit_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o sentence_n which_o shall_v be_v pass_v by_o it_o and_o so_o we_o be_v at_o length_n arrive_v at_o the_o four_o and_o last_o thing_n propose_v from_o the_o word_n which_o be_v to_o assign_v some_o particular_a case_n or_o instance_n in_o which_o this_o confidence_n towards_o god_n suggest_v by_o a_o right_o inform_v conscience_n do_v most_o eminent_o show_v and_o exert_v itself_o i_o shall_v mention_v three_o 1._o in_o our_o address_n to_o god_n by_o prayer_n when_o a_o man_n shall_v presume_v to_o come_v and_o place_n himself_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o great_a searcher_n of_o heart_n and_o to_o ask_v something_o of_o he_o while_o his_o conscience_n be_v all_o the_o while_n smite_v he_o on_o the_o face_n and_o tell_v he_o what_o a_o rebel_n and_o a_o traitor_n he_o be_v to_o the_o majesty_n which_o he_o supplicate_v sure_o such_o a_o one_o shall_v think_v with_o himself_o that_o the_o god_n who_o he_o pray_v to_o be_v great_a than_o his_o conscience_n and_o pierce_v into_o all_o the_o filth_n and_o baseness_n of_o his_o heart_n with_o a_o much_o clear_a and_o more_o severe_a inspection_n and_o if_o so_o will_v he_o not_o likewise_o resent_v the_o provocation_n more_o deep_o and_o revenge_v it_o upon_o he_o more_o terrible_o if_o repentance_n do_v not_o divert_v the_o blow_n every_o such_o prayer_n be_v big_a with_o impiety_n and_o contradiction_n and_o make_v as_o odious_a a_o noise_n in_o the_o ear_n of_o god_n as_o the_o harangue_n of_o one_o of_o those_o rebel_n fast_n or_o humiliation_n in_o the_o year_n forty_o one_o invoke_v the_o blessing_n of_o heaven_n upon_o such_o action_n and_o design_n as_o nothing_o but_o hell_n can_v reward_v one_o of_o the_o most_o peculiar_a qualification_n of_o a_o heart_n right_o dispose_v for_o prayer_n be_v a_o well_o ground_a confidence_n of_o a_o man_n fitness_n for_o that_o duty_n in_o heb._n 10._o 22._o let_v we_o draw_v near_o with_o a_o true_a heart_n in_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n say_v the_o apostle_n but_o whence_o must_v this_o assurance_n spring_n why_o we_o be_v tell_v in_o the_o very_a next_o word_n of_o the_o same_o verse_n have_v our_o heart_n sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n otherwise_o the_o voice_n of_o a_o impure_a conscience_n will_v cry_v much_o loud_a than_o our_o prayer_n and_o speak_v more_o effectual_o against_o we_o than_o these_o can_v intercede_v for_o we_o and_o now_o if_o prayer_n be_v the_o great_a conduit_n of_o mercy_n by_o which_o the_o blessing_n of_o heaven_n be_v derive_v upon_o the_o creature_n and_o the_o noble_a instrument_n of_o converse_n between_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n then_o sure_o that_o which_o render_v it_o ineffectual_a and_o loathsome_a to_o god_n must_v needs_o be_v of_o the_o most_o mischievous_a and_o destructive_a consequence_n to_o mankind_n imaginable_a and_o consequent_o to_o be_v remove_v with_o all_o that_o earnestness_n and_o concern_v with_o which_o a_o man_n will_v rid_v himself_o of_o a_o plague_n or_o a_o moral_a infection_n for_o it_o taint_v and_o pollute_v every_o prayer_n it_o turn_v a_o oblation_n into_o a_o affront_n and_o the_o odour_n of_o a_o sacrifice_n into_o the_o exhalation_n of_o a_o carcase_n and_o in_o a_o word_n make_v the_o heaven_n over_o we_o brass_n deny_v all_o passage_n either_o to_o descend_v mercy_n or_o ascend_a petition_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n when_o a_o man_n breast_n be_v clear_a and_o the_o same_o heart_n which_o endite_v do_v also_o encourage_v his_o prayer_n when_o his_o innocence_n push_v on_o the_o attempt_n and_o vouch_v the_o success_n such_o a_o one_o go_v bold_o to_o
those_o protestant_n who_o they_o most_o hate_v and_o who_o alone_o they_o fear_v it_o be_v no_o unheard_a of_o trick_n for_o a_o thief_n when_o he_o be_v close_o pursue_v to_o cry_v out_o stop_v the_o thief_n and_o thereby_o divert_v the_o suspicion_n from_o himself_o to_o get_v clear_a away_o it_o be_v also_o worth_a our_o while_n to_o consider_v with_o what_o term_n of_o respect_n and_o commendation_n knave_n and_o sot_n will_v speak_v of_o their_o own_o fraternity_n as_o what_o a_o honest_a what_o a_o worthy_a man_n be_v such_o a_o one_o and_o what_o a_o good-natured_a person_n be_v another_o according_a to_o which_o term_n such_o as_o be_v factious_a by_o worthy_a man_n mean_v only_o such_o as_o be_v of_o the_o same_o faction_n and_o unite_v in_o the_o same_o design_n against_o the_o government_n with_o themselves_o and_o such_o as_o be_v brother_n of_o the_o pot_n by_o a_o good-natured_a person_n mean_v only_o a_o true_a trusty_a debauchee_n who_o never_o stand_v out_o at_o a_o merry-meeting_n so_o long_o as_o he_o be_v able_a to_o stand_v at_o all_o nor_o ever_o refuse_v a_o health_n while_o he_o have_v enough_o of_o his_o own_o to_o pledge_v it_o with_o and_o in_o a_o word_n be_v as_o honest_a as_o drunkenness_n and_o debauchery_n want_v of_o sense_n and_o reason_n virtue_n and_o sobriety_n can_v possible_o make_v he_o 2_o lie_n the_o other_o way_n by_o which_o some_o man_n encourage_v other_o in_o their_o sin_n be_v by_o preferment_n as_o when_o man_n shall_v be_v advance_v to_o place_n of_o trust_n and_o honour_n for_o those_o quality_n that_o render_v they_o unworthy_a of_o so_o much_o as_o sober_a and_o civil_a company_n when_o a_o lord_n or_o master_n shall_v cast_v his_o favour_n and_o reward_n upon_o such_o beast_n and_o blemish_n of_o society_n as_o live_v only_o to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o he_o who_o make_v they_o and_o the_o reproach_n of_o he_o who_o maintain_v they_o none_o certain_o can_v love_v to_o see_v vice_n in_o power_n but_o such_o as_o love_v to_o see_v it_o also_o in_o practice_n place_n and_o honour_n do_v of_o all_o thing_n most_o misbecome_v it_o and_o a_o goat_n or_o a_o swine_n in_o a_o chair_n of_o state_n can_v be_v more_o odious_a than_o ridiculous_a it_o be_v report_v of_o caesar_n that_o pass_v through_o a_o certain_a town_n and_o see_v all_o the_o woman_n of_o it_o stand_v at_o their_o door_n with_o monkey_n in_o their_o arm_n he_o ask_v whether_o the_o woman_n of_o that_o country_n use_v to_o have_v any_o child_n or_o no_o thereby_o witty_o and_o sarcastical_o reproach_v they_o for_o misplace_v that_o affection_n upon_o brute_n which_o can_v only_o become_v a_o mother_n to_o her_o child_n so_o when_o we_o come_v into_o a_o great_a family_n or_o government_n and_o see_v this_o place_n of_o honour_n allot_v to_o a_o murderer_n another_o fill_v with_o a_o atheist_n or_o blasphemer_n and_o a_o three_o with_o a_o filthy_a parasite_n may_v we_o not_o as_o apposite_o and_o proper_o ask_v the_o question_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o virtue_n sobriety_n or_o religion_n among_o such_o a_o people_n with_o who_o vice_n wear_v those_o reward_n honour_n and_o privilege_n which_o in_o other_o nation_n the_o common_a judgement_n of_o reason_n award_v only_o to_o the_o virtuous_a the_o sober_a and_o religious_a and_o certain_o it_o be_v too_o flagrant_a a_o demonstration_n how_o much_o vice_n be_v the_o darling_n of_o any_o people_n when_o many_o among_o they_o be_v prefer_v for_o those_o practice_n for_o which_o in_o other_o place_n they_o can_v scarce_o be_v pardon_v and_o thus_o i_o have_v finish_v the_o three_o and_o last_o general_n thing_n propose_v for_o the_o handle_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v to_o show_v the_o several_a sort_n or_o kind_n of_o man_n which_o fall_v under_o the_o charge_n and_o character_n of_o take_v pleasure_n in_o other_o man_n sin_n now_o the_o inference_n from_o the_o forego_n particular_n shall_v be_v twofold_a 1._o such_o as_o concern_v particular_a person_n and_o 2._o such_o as_o concern_v community_n or_o body_n of_o men._n and_o first_o for_o the_o malignity_n of_o such_o a_o disposition_n of_o mind_n as_o induce_v a_o man_n to_o delight_v in_o other_o man_n sin_n with_o reference_n to_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o upon_o particular_a person_n as_o 1._o it_o quite_o alter_v and_o deprave_v the_o natural_a frame_n of_o a_o man_n heart_n for_o there_o be_v that_o natural_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n which_o abhor_v sin_n as_o sin_n and_o consequent_o will_v make_v he_o detest_v it_o both_o in_o himself_o and_o in_o other_o too_o the_o first_o and_o most_o genuine_a principle_n of_o reason_n be_v certain_o averse_a to_o it_o and_o find_v a_o secret_a grief_n and_o remorse_n from_o every_o invasion_n that_o sin_n make_v upon_o a_o man_n innocence_n and_o that_o must_v needs_o render_v the_o first_o entrance_n and_o admission_n of_o sin_n uneasy_a because_o disagreeable_a yet_o time_n we_o see_v and_o custom_n of_o sin_v can_v bring_v a_o man_n to_o such_o a_o pass_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v more_o difficult_a and_o grievous_a to_o he_o to_o part_v with_o his_o sin_n than_o ever_o it_o be_v to_o he_o to_o admit_v it_o it_o shall_v get_v so_o far_o into_o and_o lodge_v itself_o so_o deep_o within_o his_o heart_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v his_o business_n and_o his_o recreation_n his_o companion_n and_o his_o other_o self_n and_o the_o very_o divide_v between_o his_o flesh_n and_o his_o bone_n or_o rather_o between_o his_o body_n and_o his_o soul_n shall_v be_v less_o terrible_a and_o afflictive_a to_o he_o than_o to_o be_v take_v off_o from_o his_o vice_n nevertheless_o as_o unnatural_a as_o this_o effect_n of_o sin_n be_v there_o be_v one_o yet_o more_o so_o for_o that_o innate_a principle_n of_o self-love_n that_o very_o easy_o and_o often_o blind_v a_o man_n as_o to_o any_o impartial_a reflection_n upon_o himself_o yet_o for_o the_o most_o part_n leave_v his_o eye_n open_a enough_o to_o judge_v true_o of_o the_o same_o thing_n in_o his_o neighbour_n and_o to_o hate_v that_o in_o other_o which_o he_o allow_v and_o cherish_v in_o himself_o and_o therefore_o when_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o this_o that_o he_o also_o approve_v embrace_n and_o delight_n in_o sin_n as_o he_o observe_v it_o even_o in_o the_o person_n and_o practice_n of_o other_o man_n this_o show_v that_o the_o man_n be_v whole_o transform_v from_o the_o creature_n that_o god_n first_o make_v he_o nay_o that_o he_o have_v consume_v those_o poor_a remainder_n of_o good_a that_o the_o sin_n of_o adam_n leave_v he_o that_o he_o have_v wear_v off_o the_o very_a remote_a disposition_n and_o possibility_n to_o virtue_n and_o in_o a_o word_n turn_v grace_n first_o and_o afterward_o nature_n itself_o out_o of_o door_n no_o man_n know_v at_o his_o first_o entrance_n upon_o any_o sin_n how_o far_o it_o may_v carry_v he_o and_o where_o it_o will_v stop_v the_o commission_n of_o sin_n be_v general_o like_o the_o pour_v out_o of_o water_n which_o when_o once_o pour_v out_o know_v no_o other_o bound_n but_o to_o run_v as_o far_o as_o it_o can_v 2_o lie_n a_o second_o effect_v of_o this_o disposition_n of_o mind_n be_v that_o it_o peculiar_o indispose_v a_o man_n to_o repent_v and_o recover_v himself_o from_o it_o for_o the_o first_o step_n to_o repentance_n be_v a_o man_n dislike_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o how_o can_v we_o expect_v that_o a_o man_n shall_v conceive_v any_o through_o dislike_n of_o that_o which_o have_v take_v such_o a_o absolute_a possession_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o affection_n that_o he_o like_v and_o love_v it_o not_o only_o in_o his_o own_o practice_n but_o also_o in_o other_o man_n nay_o that_o he_o be_v please_v with_o it_o though_o he_o be_v past_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o such_o a_o temper_n of_o mind_n be_v a_o downright_a contradiction_n to_o repentance_n as_o be_v found_v in_o the_o destruction_n of_o those_o quality_n which_o be_v the_o only_a disposition_n and_o preparative_n to_o it_o for_o that_o natural_a tenderness_n of_o conscience_n which_o must_v first_o create_v in_o the_o soul_n a_o sense_n of_o sin_n and_o from_o thence_o produce_v a_o sorrow_n for_o it_o and_o at_o length_n cause_v a_o relinquishment_n of_o it_o that_o i_o say_v we_o have_v already_o show_v be_v take_v away_o by_o a_o customary_a repeat_v course_n of_o sin_v against_o conscience_n so_o that_o the_o very_o first_o foundation_n of_o virtue_n which_o be_v the_o natural_a power_n of_o distinguish_v between_o the_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a of_o any_o action_n be_v in_o effect_n pluck_v up_o and_o destroy_v and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n find_v nothing_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o such_o a_o one_o to_o apply_v the_o mean_n of_o grace_n to_o all_o taste_n relish_v and_o
which_o be_v out_o of_o the_o compass_n of_o any_o man_n power_n be_v to_o that_o man_n impossible_a he_o therefore_o who_o exert_v all_o the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o ply_v all_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n in_o the_o search_n of_o truth_n which_o god_n have_v vouchsafe_v he_o may_v rest_v upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o his_o conscience_n so_o inform_v as_o a_o warrantable_a guide_n of_o those_o action_n which_o he_o must_v account_v to_o god_n for_o and_o if_o by_o follow_v such_o a_o guide_n he_o fall_v into_o the_o ditch_n the_o ditch_n shall_v never_o drown_v he_o or_o if_o it_o shall_v the_o man_n perish_v not_o by_o his_o sin_n but_o by_o his_o misfortune_n in_o a_o word_n he_o who_o endeavour_v to_o know_v the_o utmost_a of_o his_o duty_n that_o he_o can_v and_o practice_n the_o utmost_a that_o he_o know_v have_v the_o equity_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o great_a god_n to_o stand_v as_o a_o mighty_a wall_n or_o rampart_n between_o he_o and_o damnation_n for_o any_o error_n or_o infirmity_n which_o the_o frailty_n of_o his_o condition_n have_v invincible_o and_o therefore_o inculpable_o expose_v he_o to_o and_o if_o a_o conscience_n thus_o qualify_v and_o inform_v be_v not_o the_o measure_n by_o which_o a_o man_n may_v take_v a_o true_a estimate_n of_o his_o absolution_n before_o the_o tribunal_n of_o god_n all_o the_o understanding_n of_o humane_a nature_n can_v find_v out_o any_o ground_n for_o the_o sinner_n to_o pitch_v the_o sole_a of_o his_o foot_n upon_o or_o rest_v his_o conscience_n with_o any_o assurance_n but_o be_v leave_v in_o the_o plunge_v of_o infinite_a doubt_n and_o uncertainty_n suspicion_n and_o misgiving_n both_o as_o to_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o present_a duty_n and_o the_o final_a issue_n of_o his_o future_a reward_n let_v this_o conclusion_n therefore_o stand_v as_o the_o firm_a result_n of_o the_o forego_n discourse_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o what_o be_v to_o follow_v that_o such_o a_o conscience_n as_o have_v not_o be_v want_v to_o itself_o in_o endeavour_v to_o get_v the_o utmost_a and_o clear_a information_n about_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o its_o power_n advantage_n and_o opportunity_n can_v afford_v it_o be_v that_o great_a internal_a judge_n who_o absolution_n be_v a_o rational_a and_o sure_a ground_n of_o confidence_n towards_o god_n and_o so_o i_o pass_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n propose_v which_o be_v to_o show_v how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v we_o may_v get_v our_o heart_n or_o conscience_n thus_o inform_v and_o afterward_o preserve_v and_o keep_v it_o so_o in_o order_n to_o which_o among_o many_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v allege_v as_o high_o useful_a and_o conduce_v to_o this_o great_a work_n i_o shall_v insist_v upon_o these_o four_o as_o 1._o let_v a_o man_n careful_o attend_v to_o the_o voice_n of_o his_o reason_n and_o all_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a morality_n so_o as_o by_o no_o mean_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o they_o for_o though_o reason_n be_v not_o to_o be_v rely_v upon_o as_o a_o guide_n universal_o sufficient_a to_o direct_v we_o what_o to_o do_v yet_o it_o be_v general_o to_o be_v rely_v upon_o and_o obey_v where_o it_o tell_v we_o what_o we_o be_v not_o to_o do_v it_o be_v indeed_o but_o a_o weak_a and_o diminutive_a light_n compare_v to_o revelation_n but_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o disparagement_n to_o a_o star_n that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o sun_n nevertheless_o as_o weak_a and_o as_o small_a as_o it_o be_v it_o be_v a_o light_n always_o at_o hand_n and_o though_o enclose_v as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o dark_a lantern_n may_v yet_o be_v of_o singular_a use_n to_o prevent_v many_o a_o foul_a step_n and_o to_o keep_v we_o from_o many_o a_o dangerous_a fall_n and_o every_o man_n bring_v such_o a_o degree_n of_o this_o light_n into_o the_o world_n with_o he_o that_o though_o it_o can_v bring_v he_o to_o heaven_n yet_o if_o he_o be_v true_a to_o it_o it_o will_v carry_v he_o a_o great_a way_n indeed_o so_o far_o that_o if_o he_o follow_v it_o faithful_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o he_o shall_v meet_v with_o another_o light_n which_o shall_v carry_v he_o quite_o through_o how_o far_o it_o may_v be_v improve_v be_v evident_a from_o that_o high_a and_o refine_a morality_n which_o shine_v forth_o both_o in_o the_o life_n and_o write_n of_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_a heathen_n who_o yet_o have_v no_o other_o light_n but_o this_o both_o to_o live_v and_o to_o write_v by_o for_o how_o great_a a_o man_n in_o virtue_n be_v cato_n of_o who_o the_o historian_n give_v this_o glorious_a character_n esse_fw-la quam_fw-la videri_fw-la bone_fw-la malebat_fw-la and_o of_o what_o a_o impregnable_a integrity_n be_v fabricius_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v that_o a_o man_n may_v as_o well_o attempt_v to_o turn_v the_o sun_n out_o of_o his_o course_n as_o to_o bring_v fabricius_n to_o do_v a_o base_a or_o a_o dishonest_a action_n and_o then_o for_o their_o write_n what_o admirable_a thing_n occur_v in_o the_o remain_v of_o pythagoras_n and_o the_o book_n of_o plato_n and_o of_o several_a other_o philosopher_n short_a i_o confess_v of_o the_o rule_n of_o christianity_n but_o general_o above_o the_o life_n of_o christian_n which_o be_v so_o ought_v not_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n to_o be_v look_v upon_o by_o we_o as_o a_o rich_a and_o a_o noble_a talon_n and_o such_o a_o one_o as_o we_o must_v account_v to_o god_n for_o for_o it_o be_v certain_o from_o he_o it_o be_v a_o ray_n of_o divinity_n dart_v into_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o solomon_n call_v it_o and_o god_n never_o light_v we_o up_o a_o candle_n either_o to_o put_v out_o or_o to_o sleep_v by_o if_o it_o be_v make_v conscious_a to_o a_o work_n of_o darkness_n it_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o discover_v and_o reprove_v it_o and_o therefore_o the_o check_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v revere_v as_o the_o echo_n of_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n for_o whatsoever_o conscience_n bind_v here_o on_o earth_n will_v be_v certain_o bind_v there_o too_o and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a vanity_n to_o hope_v or_o imagine_v that_o either_o law_n or_o gospel_n will_v absolve_v what_o natural_a conscience_n condemn_v no_o man_n ever_o yet_o offend_v his_o own_o conscience_n but_o first_o or_o last_o it_o be_v revenge_v upon_o he_o for_o it_o so_o that_o it_o will_v concern_v a_o man_n to_o treat_v this_o great_a principle_n awful_o and_o wary_o by_o still_o observe_v what_o it_o command_v but_o especial_o what_o it_o forbid_v and_o if_o he_o will_v have_v it_o always_o a_o faithful_a and_o sincere_a monitor_n to_o he_o let_v he_o be_v sure_a never_o to_o turn_v a_o deaf_a ear_n to_o it_o for_o not_o to_o hear_v it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o silence_v it_o let_v he_o strict_o observe_v the_o first_o stir_n and_o intimation_n the_o first_o hint_n and_o whisper_v of_o good_a and_o evil_a that_o pass_v in_o his_o heart_n and_o this_o will_v keep_v conscience_n so_o quick_a and_o vigilant_a and_o ready_a to_o give_v a_o man_n true_a alarm_n upon_o the_o least_o approach_v of_o his_o spiritual_a enemy_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v hardly_o capable_a of_o a_o great_a surprise_n on_o the_o contrary_a if_o a_o man_n accustom_n himself_o to_o slight_a or_o pass_v over_o these_o first_o motion_n to_o good_a or_o shrink_n of_o his_o conscience_n from_o evil_a which_o original_o be_v as_o natural_a to_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n as_o the_o appetite_n of_o hunger_n and_o thirst_v be_v to_o the_o stomach_n conscience_n will_v by_o degree_n grow_v dull_a and_o unconcerned_a and_o from_o not_o spy_v out_o mote_n come_v at_o length_n to_o overlook_a beam_n from_o carelessness_n it_o shall_v fall_v into_o a_o slumber_n and_o from_o a_o slumber_n it_o shall_v settle_v into_o a_o deep_a and_o long_a sleep_n till_o at_o last_o perhaps_o it_o sleep_v itself_o into_o a_o lethargy_n and_o that_o such_o a_o one_o that_o nothing_o but_o hell_n and_o judgement_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o awaken_v it_o for_o long_a disuse_n of_o any_o thing_n make_v for_o action_n will_v in_o time_n take_v away_o the_o very_a use_n of_o it_o as_o i_o have_v read_v of_o one_o who_o have_v for_o a_o disguise_n keep_v one_o of_o his_o eye_n a_o long_a time_n cover_v when_o he_o take_v off_o the_o cover_v find_v his_o eye_n indeed_o where_o it_o be_v but_o his_o sight_n be_v go_v he_o who_o will_v keep_v his_o conscience_n awake_a must_v be_v careful_a to_o keep_v it_o stir_v 2._o let_v a_o man_n be_v very_o tender_a and_o regardful_a of_o every_o pious_a motion_n and_o suggestion_n make_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o his_o heart_n i_o do_v not_o hereby_o go_v about_o to_o establish_v enthusiasm_n or_o such_o fantastic_a pretence_n
discourse_n into_o do_v not_o natural_o engage_v i_o to_o prove_v they_o so_o but_o only_o to_o show_v what_o direct_o and_o necessary_o follow_v upon_o a_o supposal_n that_o they_o be_v so_o yet_o to_o give_v the_o great_a perspicuity_n and_o clearness_n to_o the_o prosecution_n of_o the_o subject_n in_o hand_n i_o shall_v brief_o demonstrate_v they_o thus_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o first_o mover_n and_o if_o so_o a_o first_o be_v and_o the_o first_o be_v must_v infer_v a_o infinite_a unlimited_a perfection_n in_o the_o say_v be_v for_o as_o much_o as_o if_o it_o be_v finite_a or_o limit_v that_o limitation_n must_v have_v be_v either_o from_o itself_o or_o from_o something_o else_o but_o not_o from_o itself_o since_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o nature_n that_o any_o be_v shall_v limit_v its_o own_o perfection_n nor_o yet_o from_o something_o else_o since_o than_o it_o shall_v not_o have_v be_v the_o first_o as_o suppose_v some_o other_o thing_n coevous_a to_o it_o which_o be_v against_o the_o present_a supposition_n so_o that_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o first_o be_v and_o that_o infinite_o perfect_a it_o will_v follow_v that_o all_o other_o perfection_n that_o be_v must_v be_v derive_v from_o it_o and_o so_o we_o infer_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o then_o suppose_v the_o world_n create_v by_o god_n since_o it_o be_v no_o way_n reconcileable_a to_o god_n wisdom_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o also_o govern_v it_o creation_n must_v need_v infer_v providence_n and_o then_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n it_o will_v follow_v also_o that_o he_o do_v it_o by_o mean_n suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n he_o govern_v and_o to_o the_o attainment_n of_o the_o proper_a end_n of_o government_n and_o moreover_o man_n be_v by_o nature_n a_o free_a moral_a agent_n and_o so_o capable_a of_o deviate_a from_o his_o duty_n as_o well_o as_o perform_v it_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v govern_v by_o law_n and_o since_o law_n require_v that_o they_o be_v enforce_v with_o the_o sanction_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n sufficient_a to_o sway_v and_o work_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o they_o and_o last_o since_o experience_n show_v that_o reward_n and_o punishment_n terminate_v only_o within_o this_o life_n be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o that_o purpose_n it_o fair_o and_o rational_o follow_v that_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n which_o god_n govern_v mankind_n by_o do_v and_o must_v look_v beyond_o it_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v give_v a_o brief_a proof_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o these_o principle_n namely_o that_o there_o be_v a_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o future_a estate_n of_o happiness_n or_o misery_n for_o man_n after_o this_o life_n which_o principle_n while_o a_o man_n steer_v his_o course_n by_o if_o he_o act_v pious_o sober_o and_o temperate_o i_o suppose_v there_o need_v no_o further_a argument_n to_o evince_v that_o he_o act_v prudential_o and_o safe_o for_o he_o act_v as_o under_o the_o eye_n of_o his_o just_a and_o severe_a judge_n who_o reach_v to_o his_o creature_n a_o command_n with_o one_o hand_n and_o a_o reward_n with_o the_o other_o he_o spend_v as_o a_o person_n who_o know_v that_o he_o must_v come_v to_o a_o reckon_a he_o see_v a_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o misery_n suspend_v upon_o a_o few_o day_n behaviour_n and_o therefore_o he_o live_v every_o hour_n as_o for_o eternity_n his_o future_a condition_n have_v such_o a_o powerful_a influence_n upon_o his_o present_a practice_n because_o he_o entertain_v a_o continual_a apprehension_n and_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o it_o if_o a_o man_n walk_v over_o a_o narrow_a bridge_n when_o he_o be_v drink_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o he_o forget_v his_o caution_n while_o he_o overlook_v his_o danger_n but_o he_o who_o be_v sober_a and_o view_v that_o nice_a separation_n between_o himself_o and_o the_o devour_a deep_a so_o that_o if_o he_o shall_v slip_v he_o see_v his_o grave_a gape_v under_o he_o sure_o must_v needs_o take_v every_o step_n with_o horror_n and_o the_o utmost_a caution_n and_o solicitude_n but_o for_o a_o man_n to_o believe_v it_o as_o the_o most_o undoubted_a certainty_n in_o the_o world_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v judge_v according_a to_o the_o quality_n of_o his_o action_n here_o and_o after_o judgement_n receive_v a_o eternal_a recompense_n and_o yet_o to_o take_v his_o full_a swing_n in_o all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n be_v it_o not_o a_o great_a frenzy_n than_o for_o a_o man_n to_o take_v a_o purse_n at_o tyburn_n while_o he_o be_v actual_o see_v another_o hang_v for_o the_o same_o fact_n it_o be_v real_o to_o dare_v and_o defy_v the_o justice_n of_o heaven_n to_o laugh_v at_o right-aiming_a thunderbolt_n to_o puff_n at_o damnation_n and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o bid_v omnipotence_n do_v its_o worst_a he_o indeed_o who_o thus_o walk_v walk_v sure_o but_o it_o be_v because_o he_o be_v sure_a to_o be_v damn_v i_o confess_v it_o be_v hard_o to_o reconcile_v such_o a_o stupid_a course_n to_o the_o natural_a way_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v act_v according_a to_o which_o the_o will_n move_v according_a to_o the_o proposal_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a make_v by_o the_o understanding_n and_o therefore_o for_o a_o man_n to_o run_v headlong_o into_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n while_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o see_v conscience_n assure_v he_o that_o it_o be_v bottomless_a and_o open_a and_o all_o return_n from_o it_o desperate_a and_o impossible_a while_o his_o ruin_n stare_v he_o in_o the_o face_n and_o the_o sword_n of_o vengeance_n point_v direct_o at_o his_o heart_n still_o to_o press_v on_o to_o the_o embrace_n of_o his_o sin_n be_v a_o problem_n unresolvable_a upon_o any_o other_o ground_n but_o that_o sin_n infatuate_v before_o it_o destroy_v for_o judas_n to_o receive_v and_o swallow_v the_o sop_n when_o his_o master_n give_v it_o he_o season_v with_o those_o terrible_a word_n it_o have_v be_v good_a for_o that_o man_n that_o he_o have_v never_o be_v bear_v sure_o this_o argue_v a_o furious_a appetite_n and_o a_o strong_a stomach_n that_o can_v thus_o catch_v at_o a_o morsel_n with_o the_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n all_o flame_a about_o it_o and_o as_o it_o be_v digest_v death_n itself_o and_o make_v a_o meal_n upon_o perdition_n i_o can_v wish_v that_o every_o bold_a sinner_n when_o he_o be_v about_o to_o engage_v in_o the_o commission_n of_o any_o know_a sin_n will_v arrest_v his_o confidence_n and_o for_o a_o while_n stop_v the_o execution_n of_o his_o purpose_n with_o this_o short_a question_n do_v i_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v real_o true_a that_o god_n have_v denounce_v death_n to_o such_o a_o practice_n or_o do_v i_o not_o if_o he_o do_v not_o let_v he_o renounce_v his_o christianity_n and_o surrender_v back_o his_o baptism_n the_o water_n of_o which_o may_v better_o serve_v he_o to_o cool_v his_o tongue_n in_o hell_n than_o only_o to_o consign_v he_o over_o to_o the_o capacity_n of_o so_o black_a a_o apostasy_n but_o if_o he_o do_v believe_v it_o how_o will_v he_o acquit_v himself_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o bare_a reason_n for_o do_v he_o think_v that_o if_o he_o pursue_v the_o mean_n of_o death_n they_o will_v not_o bring_v he_o to_o that_o fatal_a end_n or_o do_v he_o think_v that_o he_o can_v grapple_v with_o divine_a vengeance_n and_o endure_v the_o everlasting_a burn_n or_o arm_v himself_o against_o the_o bite_v of_o the_o never-dying_a worm_n no_o sure_o these_o be_v thing_n not_o to_o be_v imagine_v and_o therefore_o i_o can_v conceive_v what_o security_n the_o presume_a sinner_n can_v promise_v himself_o but_o upon_o these_o two_o follow_a account_n 1._o that_o god_n be_v merciful_a and_o will_v not_o be_v so_o severe_a as_o his_o word_n and_o that_o his_o threaten_n of_o eternal_a torment_n be_v not_o so_o decretory_a and_o absolute_a but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o very_a comfortable_a latitude_n leave_v in_o they_o for_o man_n of_o skill_n to_o creep_v out_o at_o and_o here_o it_o must_v indeed_o be_v confess_v that_o origen_n and_o some_o other_o not_o long_o since_o who_o have_v be_v so_o officious_a as_o to_o furbish_v up_o and_o re-print_n his_o old_a error_n hold_v that_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o damn_a be_v not_o to_o be_v in_o a_o strict_a sense_n eternal_a but_o that_o after_o a_o certain_a revolution_n and_o period_n of_o time_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o general_n gaol-delivery_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o prison_n and_o that_o not_o for_o a_o far_a execution_n but_o a_o final_a release_n and_o it_o must_v be_v further_o acknowledge_v that_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n like_o kind-hearted_a man_n have_v talk_v
disow_v he_o before_o his_o father_n and_o so_o repay_v one_o denial_n with_o another_o hereupon_o christ_n particular_o apply_v the_o comfort_n of_o his_o resurrection_n to_o he_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v tell_v all_o my_o disciple_n but_o be_v sure_o especial_o to_o tell_v poor_a peter_n that_o i_o be_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o that_o notwithstanding_o his_o denial_n of_o i_o the_o benefit_n of_o my_o resurrection_n belong_v to_o he_o as_o much_o as_o to_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n this_o be_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o saint_n to_o have_v a_o companion_n and_o a_o supporter_n in_o all_o their_o misery_n in_o all_o the_o doubtful_a turn_n and_o doleful_a passage_n of_o their_o life_n in_o sum_n this_o happiness_n do_v christ_n vouchsafe_v to_o all_o his_o that_o as_o a_o saviour_n he_o once_o suffer_v for_o they_o and_o that_o as_o a_o friend_n he_o always_o suffer_v with_o they_o 4._o the_o four_o privilege_n of_o friendship_n be_v that_o which_o be_v here_o specify_v in_o the_o text_n a_o communication_n of_o secret_n a_o bosom_n secret_a and_o a_o bosom_n friend_n be_v usual_o put_v together_o and_o this_o from_o christ_n to_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o only_a kindness_n but_o also_o honour_n and_o advancement_n it_o be_v for_o he_o to_o vouch_v it_o one_o of_o his_o privy_a council_n nothing_o under_o a_o jewel_n be_v take_v into_o the_o cabinet_n a_o secret_a be_v the_o apple_n of_o our_o eye_n it_o will_v bear_v no_o touch_n nor_o approach_v we_o use_v to_o cover_v nothing_o but_o what_o we_o account_v a_o rarity_n and_o therefore_o to_o communicate_v a_o secret_a to_o any_o one_o be_v to_o exalt_v he_o to_o one_o of_o the_o royalty_n of_o heaven_n for_o none_o know_v the_o secret_n of_o a_o man_n mind_n but_o his_o god_n his_o conscience_n and_o his_o friend_n neither_o will_v any_o prudent_a man_n let_v such_o a_o thing_n go_v out_o of_o his_o own_o heart_n have_v he_o not_o another_o heart_n beside_o his_o own_o to_o receive_v it_o now_o it_o be_v of_o old_a a_o privilege_n with_o which_o god_n be_v please_v to_o honour_v such_o as_o serve_v he_o at_o the_o rate_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a obedience_n thus_o to_o admit_v they_o to_o a_o knowledge_n of_o many_o of_o his_o great_a counsel_n lock_v up_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n when_o god_n have_v design_v the_o destruction_n of_o sodom_n the_o scripture_n represent_v he_o as_o unable_a to_o conceal_v that_o great_a purpose_n from_o abraham_n who_o he_o always_o treat_v as_o his_o friend_n and_o acquaintance_n that_o be_v not_o only_o with_o love_n but_o also_o with_o intimacy_n and_o familiarity_n in_o genes_n 18._o v._n 17._o and_o the_o lord_n say_v shall_v i_o hide_v from_o abraham_n the_o thing_n that_o i_o go_v about_o to_o do_v he_o think_v it_o a_o violation_n of_o the_o right_n of_o friendship_n to_o reserve_v his_o design_n whole_o to_o himself_o and_o st._n james_n tell_v we_o in_o jam._n 2._o 23._o that_o abraham_n be_v call_v the_o friend_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o have_v a_o kind_a of_o claim_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o secret_n and_o the_o participation_n of_o his_o counsel_n also_o in_o exodus_fw-la 33._o v._n 11._o it_o be_v say_v of_o god_n that_o he_o speak_v to_o moses_n as_o a_o man_n speak_v to_o his_o friend_n and_o that_o not_o only_o for_o the_o familiarity_n and_o facility_n of_o address_n but_o also_o for_o the_o peculiar_a communication_n of_o his_o mind_n moses_n be_v with_o he_o in_o the_o retirement_n of_o the_o mount_n receive_v there_o his_o dictate_v and_o his_o private_a instruction_n as_o his_o deputy_n and_o viceroy_n and_o when_o the_o multitude_n and_o congregation_n of_o israel_n be_v thunder_v away_o and_o keep_v off_o from_o any_o approach_n to_o it_o he_o be_v honour_v with_o a_o intimate_a and_o immediate_a admission_n the_o priest_n indeed_o be_v take_v into_o a_o near_a attendance_n upon_o god_n but_o still_o there_o be_v a_o degree_n of_o a_o near_a converse_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o a_o friend_n be_v above_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o high_a servant_n in_o exod._n 19_o 24._o thou_o shall_v come_v up_o say_v god_n thou_o and_o aaron_n with_o thou_o but_o let_v not_o the_o priest_n and_o the_o people_n break_v through_o to_o come_v up_o unto_o the_o lord_n lest_o the_o lord_n break_v forth_o upon_o they_o and_o if_o we_o proceed_v further_o we_o shall_v still_o find_v a_o continuation_n of_o the_o same_o privilege_n psalm_n 25._o 14._o the_o secret_a of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v conceal_v from_o the_o other_o self_n to_o be_v a_o friend_n and_o to_o be_v conscious_a be_v term_n equivalent_a now_o if_o god_n maintain_v such_o intimacy_n with_o those_o who_o he_o love_v under_o the_o law_n which_o be_v a_o dispensation_n of_o great_a distance_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o under_o the_o gospel_n the_o very_a nature_n of_o which_o import_v condescension_n and_o compliance_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o same_o with_o much_o great_a advantage_n and_o therefore_o when_o god_n have_v manifest_v himself_o in_o the_o flesh_n how_o sacred_o do_v he_o preserve_v this_o privilege_n how_o free_o do_v christ_n unbosom_v himself_o to_o his_o disciple_n in_o luke_n 8._o 10._o unto_o you_o say_v he_o it_o be_v give_v to_o know_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n but_o unto_o other_o in_o parable_n that_o see_v they_o may_v not_o see_v such_o shall_v be_v permit_v to_o cast_v a_o eye_n into_o the_o ark_n and_o to_o look_v into_o the_o very_a holy_a of_o holies_n and_o again_o in_o matth._n 13._o 17._o many_o prophet_n and_o righteous_a man_n have_v desire_v to_o see_v those_o thing_n which_o you_o see_v and_o have_v not_o see_v they_o and_o to_o hear_v those_o thing_n which_o you_o hear_v and_o have_v not_o hear_v they_o neither_o do_v he_o treat_v they_o with_o these_o peculiarity_n of_o favour_n in_o the_o extraordinary_a discovery_n of_o the_o gospel_n only_o but_o also_o of_o those_o incommunicable_a revelation_n of_o the_o divine_a love_n in_o reference_n to_o their_o own_o personal_a interest_n in_o it_o in_o rev._n 2._o 17._o to_o he_o that_o overcome_v will_v i_o give_v to_o eat_v of_o the_o hide_a manna_n and_o will_v give_v he_o a_o white_a stone_n and_o in_o the_o stone_n a_o new_a name_n write_v which_o no_o man_n know_v save_v he_o that_o receive_v it_o assurance_n be_v a_o rarity_n cover_v from_o the_o inspection_n of_o the_o world_n a_o secret_a that_o none_o can_v know_v but_o god_n and_o the_o person_n that_o be_v bless_v with_o it_o it_o be_v write_v in_o a_o private_a character_n not_o to_o be_v read_v nor_o understand_v but_o by_o the_o conscience_n to_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v vouchsafe_v to_o decipher_v it_o every_o believer_n live_v upon_o a_o inward_a provision_n of_o comfort_n that_o the_o world_n be_v a_o stranger_n to_o 5._o the_o five_o advantage_n of_o friendship_n be_v counsel_n and_o advice_n a_o man_n will_v sometime_o need_v not_o only_o another_o heart_n but_o also_o another_o head_n beside_o his_o own_o in_o solitude_n there_o be_v not_o only_o discomfort_v but_o weakness_n also_o and_o that_o say_v of_o the_o wise_a man_n eccles._n 4._o 10._o woe_n to_o he_o that_o be_v alone_o be_v verify_v upon_o none_o so_o much_o as_o upon_o the_o friendless_a person_n when_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v perplex_v with_o knot_n and_o problem_n of_o business_n and_o contrary_a affair_n where_o the_o determination_n be_v dubious_a and_o both_o part_n of_o the_o contrariety_n seem_v equal_o weighty_a so_o that_o which_o way_n soever_o the_o choice_n determine_v a_o man_n be_v sure_a to_o venture_v a_o great_a concern_v how_o happy_a then_o be_v it_o to_o fetch_v in_o aid_n from_o another_o person_n who_o judgement_n may_v be_v great_a than_o my_o own_o and_o who_o concernment_n be_v sure_a not_o to_o be_v less_o there_o be_v some_o passage_n of_o a_o man_n affair_n that_o will_v quite_o break_v a_o single_a understanding_n so_o many_o intricacy_n so_o many_o labyrinth_n be_v there_o in_o they_o that_o the_o succour_n of_o reason_n fail_v the_o very_a force_n and_o spirit_n of_o it_o be_v lose_v in_o a_o actual_a intention_n scatter_v upon_o several_a clash_a object_n at_o once_o in_o which_o case_n the_o interposal_n of_o a_o friend_n be_v like_o the_o supply_n of_o a_o fresh_a party_n to_o a_o besiege_a yield_v city_n now_o christ_n be_v not_o fail_v in_o this_o office_n of_o a_o friend_n also_o for_o in_o that_o illustrious_a prediction_n of_o isaiah_n 9_o 6._o among_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o great_a title_n he_o be_v call_v mightty_a counsellor_n and_o his_o counsel_n be_v not_o only_o sure_a but_o also_o free_a it_o be_v not_o under_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n as_o
dishonest_a bear_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n but_o also_o from_o a_o secret_a inward_a fore-boding_a fear_n that_o some_o evil_a or_o other_o will_v follow_v the_o do_n of_o that_o which_o a_o man_n be_v own_o conscience_n disallow_v he_o in_o for_o no_o man_n natural_o be_v or_o can_v be_v cheerful_a immediate_o upon_o the_o do_n of_o a_o wicked_a action_n there_o be_v something_o within_o he_o that_o present_o give_v sentence_n against_o he_o for_o it_o which_o no_o question_n be_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n himself_o speak_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n whether_o they_o understand_v it_o or_o no_o and_o by_o secret_a intimation_n give_v the_o sinner_n a_o foretaste_a of_o that_o direful_a cup_n which_o he_o be_v like_a to_o drink_v more_o deep_o of_o hereafter_o 3._o the_o three_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v that_o this_o distinguish_a sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n and_o this_o satisfaction_n or_o dissatisfaction_n of_o mind_n consequent_a upon_o a_o man_n act_v suitable_o or_o unsutable_o to_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n neither_o present_o nor_o easy_o to_o be_v wear_v out_o or_o extinguish_v for_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v found_v in_o nature_n which_o kind_n of_o thing_n be_v always_o most_o durable_a and_o last_a the_o great_a important_a end_n that_o god_n design_n it_o for_o which_o be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o government_n of_o the_o noble_a part_n of_o the_o world_n mankind_n sufficient_o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o its_o be_v root_v deep_a in_o the_o heart_n and_o put_v beyond_o the_o danger_n of_o be_v tear_v up_o by_o any_o ordinary_a violence_n do_v to_o it_o 4._o the_o four_o and_o last_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v that_o that_o which_o weaken_v and_o direct_o tend_v to_o extinguish_v this_o principle_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v extinguish_v be_v a_o inferior_a sensitive_a principle_n which_o receive_v its_o gratification_n from_o object_n clean_o contrary_a to_o the_o former_a and_o which_o affect_v a_o man_n in_o the_o state_n of_o this_o present_a life_n much_o more_o warm_o and_o vivid_o than_o those_o which_o affect_v only_o his_o noble_a part_n his_o mind_n so_o that_o there_o be_v a_o contrariety_n between_o those_o thing_n that_o conscience_n incline_v to_o and_o those_o that_o entertain_v the_o sense_n and_o since_o the_o more_o quick_a and_o affect_a pleasure_n still_o arise_v from_o these_o latter_a it_o follow_v that_o the_o gratification_n of_o these_o be_v more_o powerful_a to_o command_v the_o principle_n of_o action_n than_o the_o other_o and_o consequent_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n too_o hard_o for_o and_o victorious_a over_o the_o dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n now_o from_o these_o four_o consideration_n thus_o premise_v we_o natural_o infer_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o no_o man_n be_v quick_o or_o easy_o bring_v to_o take_v a_o full_a pleasure_n and_o delight_n in_o his_o own_o sin_n for_o though_o sin_n offer_v itself_o in_o never_o so_o please_a and_o allure_a a_o dress_n at_o first_o yet_o the_o remorse_n and_o inward_a regret_v of_o the_o soul_n upon_o the_o commission_n of_o it_o infinite_o overbalance_n those_o faint_a and_o transient_a gratification_n it_o afford_v the_o sense_n so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n the_o sinner_n even_o at_o his_o high_a pitch_n of_o enjoyment_n be_v not_o please_v with_o it_o so_o much_o but_o he_o be_v afflict_v more_o and_o as_o long_o as_o these_o inward_a rejolt_n and_o recoiling_n of_o the_o mind_n continue_v which_o they_o will_v certain_o do_v for_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o a_o man_n life_n the_o sinner_n will_v find_v his_o account_n of_o pleasure_n very_o poor_a and_o short_a be_v so_o mix_v and_o indeed_o overdo_v with_o the_o contrary_a impression_n of_o trouble_n upon_o his_o mind_n that_o it_o be_v but_o a_o bitter-sweet_a at_o best_a and_o the_o fine_a colour_n of_o the_o serpent_n do_v by_o no_o mean_n make_v amends_o for_o the_o smart_n and_o poison_n of_o his_o sting_n second_o the_o other_o thing_n to_o be_v infer_v be_v that_o as_o no_o man_n be_v quick_o or_o easy_o bring_v to_o take_v a_o full_a pleasure_n or_o delight_n in_o his_o own_o sin_n so_o much_o less_o easy_o can_v he_o be_v bring_v to_o take_v pleasure_n in_o those_o of_o other_o men._n the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o chief_a motive_n as_o we_o have_v observe_v that_o induce_v a_o man_n to_o sin_n which_o be_v the_o gratification_n of_o his_o sensitive_a part_n by_o a_o sinful_a act_n can_v be_v have_v from_o the_o sin_n of_o another_o man_n since_o natural_o and_o direct_o they_o affect_v only_o the_o agent_n that_o commit_v they_o for_o certain_o another_o man_n intemperance_n can_v affect_v my_o sensuality_n any_o more_o than_o the_o meat_n and_o drink_n that_o i_o take_v into_o my_o mouth_n can_v please_v his_o palate_n but_o of_o this_o more_o full_o in_o some_o of_o the_o follow_a particular_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o be_v evident_a from_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v a_o considerable_a difficulty_n in_o a_o man_n arrive_v to_o such_o a_o disposition_n of_o mind_n as_o shall_v make_v he_o take_v pleasure_n in_o other_o man_n sin_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v also_o as_o evident_a from_o the_o text_n and_o from_o experience_n too_o that_o some_o man_n be_v bring_v to_o do_v so_o and_o therefore_o since_o there_o be_v no_o effect_n of_o what_o kind_n soever_o but_o be_v resolvable_a into_o some_o cause_n we_o will_v inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o vile_a and_o preternatural_a temper_n of_o mind_n that_o shall_v make_v a_o man_n please_v himself_o with_o that_o which_o can_v no_o way_n reach_v or_o affect_v those_o faculty_n and_o principle_n which_o nature_n have_v make_v the_o proper_a seat_n and_o subject_a of_o pleasure_n now_o the_o cause_n or_o at_o least_o some_o of_o the_o cause_n that_o debauch_n and_o corrupt_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o such_o a_o degree_n as_o to_o take_v pleasure_n in_o other_o man_n sin_n be_v these_o five_o 1._o a_o commission_n of_o the_o same_o sin_n in_o a_o man_n be_v own_o person_n this_o be_v import_v in_o the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o text_n where_o it_o be_v say_v of_o such_o person_n that_o they_o not_o only_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o must_v therefore_o imply_v that_o they_o do_v they_o it_o be_v conversation_n and_o acquaintance_n that_o must_v give_v delight_n in_o thing_n and_o action_n as_o well_o as_o in_o person_n and_o it_o be_v trial_n that_o must_v begin_v the_o acquaintance_n it_o be_v hardly_o imaginable_a that_o one_o shall_v be_v delight_v with_o a_o sin_n at_o second_o hand_n till_o he_o have_v know_v it_o at_o the_o first_o delight_n be_v the_o natural_a result_n of_o practice_n and_o experiment_n and_o when_o it_o flow_v from_o any_o thing_n else_o so_o far_o it_o recede_v from_o nature_n none_o look_v with_o so_o much_o pleasure_n upon_o the_o work_v of_o art_n as_o those_o who_o be_v artist_n themselves_o they_o be_v therefore_o their_o delight_n because_o they_o be_v heretofore_o their_o employment_n and_o they_o love_v to_o see_v such_o thing_n because_o they_o onec_fw-la love_v to_o do_v they_o in_o like_a manner_n a_o man_n must_v sin_n himself_o into_o a_o love_n of_o other_o man_n sin_n for_o a_o bare_a notion_n or_o speculation_n of_o this_o black_a art_n will_v not_o carry_v he_o so_o far_o no_o sober_a temperate_a person_n in_o the_o world_n whatsoever_o other_o sin_n he_o may_v be_v inclinable_a to_o and_o guilty_a of_o can_v look_v with_o any_o complacency_n upon_o the_o drunkenness_n and_o sottishness_n of_o his_o neighbour_n nor_o can_v any_o chaste_a person_n be_v his_o other_o fail_n what_o they_o will_v reflect_v with_o any_o pleasure_n or_o delight_n upon_o the_o filthy_a unclean_a conversation_n of_o another_o though_o never_o so_o much_o in_o fashion_n and_o vouch_v not_o by_o common_a use_v only_o but_o applause_n no_o he_o must_v be_v first_o a_o exercise_v thorough-paced_n practitioner_n of_o these_o vice_n himself_o and_o they_o must_v have_v endear_v themselves_o to_o he_o by_o those_o personal_a gratification_n he_o have_v receive_v from_o they_o before_o he_o can_v come_v to_o like_v they_o so_o far_o as_o to_o be_v please_v and_o enamour_a with_o they_o wheresoever_o he_o see_v they_o it_o be_v possible_a indeed_o that_o a_o sober_a or_o a_o chaste_a person_n upon_o the_o stock_n of_o ill-will_a envy_n or_o spiritual_a pride_n which_o be_v all_o the_o religion_n that_o some_o have_v may_v be_v glad_a to_o see_v the_o intemperance_n and_o debauchery_n of_o some_o about_o they_o but_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o such_o person_n shall_v take_v any_o delight_n in_o the_o man_n themselves_o for_o be_v so_o the_o truth_n be_v in_o such_o a_o case_n they_o do_v not_o proper_o delight_v in_o the_o vice_n itself_o though_o they_o
inward_o rejoice_v and_o after_o a_o godly_a sort_n no_o doubt_n to_o see_v another_o guilty_a of_o it_o but_o they_o delight_v in_o the_o mischief_n and_o disaster_n which_o they_o know_v it_o will_v assure_o bring_v upon_o he_o who_o they_o hate_v and_o wish_v ill_a to_o they_o rejoice_v not_o in_o it_o as_o in_o a_o delightful_a object_n but_o as_o in_o a_o cause_n and_o mean_n of_o their_o neighbour_n ruin_n so_o grateful_a nay_o so_o delicious_a be_v even_o the_o horride_v villainy_n commit_v by_o other_o to_o the_o pharisaical_a piety_n of_o some_o who_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n can_v be_v whole_o unconcern_v for_o the_o reproach_n bring_v thereby_o upon_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o religion_n so_o long_o as_o by_o the_o same_o their_o sanctify_a spleen_n be_v gratify_v in_o their_o brother_n infamy_n and_o destruction_n this_o therefore_o we_o may_v reckon_v upon_o that_o scarce_o any_o man_n pass_v to_o a_o like_n of_o sin_n in_o other_o but_o by_o first_o practise_v it_o himself_o and_o consequent_o may_v take_v it_o for_o a_o shrewd_a indication_n and_o sign_n whereby_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o manner_n of_o those_o who_o have_v sin_v with_o too_o much_o art_n and_o caution_n to_o suffer_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n to_o charge_v some_o sin_n direct_o upon_o their_o conversation_n for_o though_o such_o kind_n of_o man_n have_v live_v never_o so_o much_o upon_o the_o reserve_v as_o to_o their_o personal_a behaviour_n yet_o if_o they_o be_v observe_v to_o have_v a_o particular_a delight_n in_o and_o fondness_n for_o person_n note_v for_o any_o sort_n of_o sin_n it_o be_v ten_o to_o one_o but_o there_o be_v a_o communication_n in_o the_o sin_n before_o there_o be_v so_o in_o affection_n the_o man_n have_v by_o this_o direct_v we_o to_o a_o copy_n of_o himself_o and_o though_o we_o can_v always_o come_v to_o a_o sight_n of_o the_o original_a yet_o by_o a_o true_a copy_n we_o may_v know_v all_o that_o be_v in_o it_o 2_o lie_n a_o second_o cause_n that_o bring_v a_o man_n to_o take_v pleasure_n in_o other_o man_n sin_n be_v not_o only_o a_o commission_n of_o those_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o person_n but_o also_o a_o commission_n of_o they_o against_o the_o full_a light_n and_o conviction_n of_o his_o conscience_n for_o this_o also_o be_v express_v in_o the_o text_n where_o the_o person_n charge_v with_o this_o wretched_a disposition_n of_o mind_n be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v such_o as_o know_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n that_o they_o who_o commit_v such_o thing_n be_v worthy_a of_o death_n they_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o righteous_a and_o a_o search_a law_n direct_o forbid_v such_o practice_n and_o they_o know_v that_o it_o carry_v with_o it_o the_o divine_a stamp_n that_o it_o be_v the_o law_n of_o god_n they_o know_v also_o that_o the_o sanction_n of_o it_o be_v under_o the_o great_a and_o dreadful_a of_o all_o penalty_n death_n and_o this_o sure_o one_o will_v think_v be_v knowledge_n enough_o to_o have_v open_v both_o a_o man_n eye_n and_o his_o heart_n too_o his_o eye_n to_o see_v and_o his_o heart_n to_o consider_v the_o intolerable_a mischief_n that_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o sin_n set_v before_o he_o must_v infallible_o plunge_v he_o into_o nevertheless_o the_o person_n here_o mention_v be_v resolve_v to_o venture_v and_o to_o commit_v the_o sin_n even_o while_o conscience_n stand_v protest_v against_o it_o they_o be_v such_o as_o break_v through_o all_o mound_n of_o law_n such_o as_o laugh_v at_o the_o sword_n of_o vengeance_n which_o divine_a justice_n brandish_v in_o their_o face_n for_o we_o must_v know_v that_o god_n have_v set_v a_o flame_a sword_n not_o only_o before_o paradise_n but_o before_o hell_n itself_o also_o to_o keep_v man_n out_o of_o this_o as_o well_o as_o out_o of_o the_o other_o and_o conscience_n be_v the_o angel_n into_o who_o hand_n this_o sword_n be_v put_v but_o if_o now_o the_o sinner_n shall_v not_o only_o wrestle_v with_o this_o angel_n but_o throw_v he_o too_o and_o win_v so_o complete_a a_o victory_n over_o his_o conscience_n that_o all_o these_o consideration_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o strike_v no_o terror_n into_o his_o mind_n lay_v no_o restraint_n upon_o his_o lust_n no_o controll_n upon_o his_o appetite_n he_o be_v certain_o too_o strong_a for_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o his_o heart_n lie_v open_a like_o a_o broad_a and_o high_a road_n for_o all_o the_o sin_n and_o villainy_n in_o the_o world_n free_o to_o pass_v through_o the_o truth_n be_v if_o we_o impartial_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o these_o sin_n against_o conscience_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o such_o strange_a paradox_n that_o a_o man_n must_v balk_v all_o common_a principle_n and_o act_v contrary_a to_o the_o natural_a way_n and_o motive_n of_o all_o humane_a action_n in_o the_o commission_n of_o they_o for_o that_o which_o natural_o move_v a_o man_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n must_v be_v the_o apprehension_n and_o expectation_n of_o some_o good_a from_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o be_v about_o to_o do_v and_o that_o which_o natural_o keep_v a_o man_n from_o do_v of_o a_o thing_n must_v be_v the_o apprehension_n and_o fear_n of_o some_o mischief_n likely_a to_o ensue_v from_o that_o thing_n or_o action_n that_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o engage_v in_o but_o now_o for_o a_o man_n to_o do_v a_o thing_n while_o his_o conscience_n the_o best_a light_n that_o he_o have_v to_o judge_v by_o assure_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v infinite_o unsupportable_o miserable_a if_o he_o do_v it_o this_o be_v certain_o unnatural_a and_o one_o will_v imagine_v impossible_a and_o therefore_o so_o far_o as_o one_o may_v judge_v while_o a_o man_n act_n against_o his_o conscience_n he_o act_v by_o a_o principle_n of_o direct_a infidelity_n and_o do_v not_o real_o believe_v that_o those_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v thus_o threaten_v shall_v ever_o come_v to_o pass_v for_o though_o he_o may_v yield_v a_o general_n faint_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o proposition_n as_o they_o stand_v record_v in_o scripture_n yet_o for_o a_o through_o practical_a belief_n that_o those_o general_a proposition_n shall_v be_v particular_o make_v good_a upon_o his_o person_n no_o doubt_n for_o the_o time_n that_o he_o be_v sin_v against_o conscience_n such_o a_o belief_n have_v no_o place_n in_o his_o mind_n which_o be_v so_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o conceive_v how_o ready_a and_o dispose_v this_o must_v needs_o leave_v the_o soul_n to_o admit_v of_o any_o even_o the_o most_o horrid_a unnatural_a proposal_n that_o the_o devil_n himself_o can_v suggest_v for_o conscience_n be_v once_o extinct_a and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n withdraw_v which_o never_o stay_v with_o a_o man_n when_o conscience_n have_v once_o leave_v he_o the_o soul_n like_o the_o first_o matter_n to_o all_o form_n have_v a_o universal_a propensity_n to_o all_o lewdness_n for_o every_o violation_n of_o conscience_n proportionable_o wear_v off_o something_o of_o its_o native_a tenderness_n which_o tenderness_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o that_o anguish_n and_o remorse_n that_o it_o feel_v upon_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n it_o follow_v that_o when_o by_o degree_n it_o come_v to_o have_v wear_v off_o all_o this_o tenderness_n the_o sinner_n will_v find_v no_o trouble_n of_o mind_n upon_o his_o do_v the_o very_o wicked_a and_o worst_a of_o action_n and_o consequent_o that_o this_o be_v the_o most_o direct_a and_o effectual_a introduction_n to_o all_o sort_n and_o degree_n of_o sin_n for_o which_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o i_o allege_v sin_v against_o conscience_n for_o one_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o vile_a temper_n and_o habit_n of_o mind_n which_o we_o be_v now_o discourse_v of_o not_o that_o it_o have_v any_o special_a productive_a efficiency_n of_o this_o particular_a sort_n of_o sin_v more_o than_o of_o any_o other_o but_o that_o it_o be_v a_o general_a cause_n of_o this_o as_o of_o all_o other_o great_a vice_n and_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o a_o man_n must_v have_v first_o pass_v this_o notable_a stage_n and_o get_v his_o conscience_n thorough_o debauch_v and_o harden_v before_o he_o can_v arrive_v to_o the_o height_n of_o sin_n which_o i_o account_v the_o delight_v in_o other_o man_n sin_n to_o be_v 3_o lie_n a_o three_o cause_n of_o this_o villainous_a disposition_n of_o mind_n beside_o a_o man_n personal_a commission_n of_o such_o and_o such_o sin_n and_o his_o commission_n of_o they_o against_o conscience_n must_v be_v also_o his_o continuance_n in_o they_o for_o god_n forbid_v that_o every_o single_a commission_n of_o a_o sin_n though_o great_a for_o its_o kind_a and_o withal_o act_v against_o conscience_n for_o its_o aggravation_n shall_v so_o far_o deprave_v the_o soul_n and_o bring_v it_o to_o such_o a_o reprobate_a sense_n and_o condition_n
as_o to_o take_v pleasure_n in_o other_o man_n sin_n for_o we_o know_v what_o a_o foul_a sin_n david_n commit_v and_o what_o a_o crime_n st._n peter_n himself_o fall_v into_o both_o of_o they_o no_o doubt_n full_o and_o clear_o against_o the_o dictate_v of_o their_o conscience_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o either_o of_o they_o be_v thereby_o bring_v to_o such_o a_o impious_a frame_n of_o heart_n as_o to_o delight_v in_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o much_o less_o in_o other_o man_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o every_o sinful_a violation_n of_o conscience_n that_o can_v quench_v the_o spirit_n to_o such_o a_o degree_n as_o we_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o but_o it_o must_v be_v a_o long_a inveterate_a course_n and_o custom_n of_o sin_v after_o this_o manner_n that_o at_o length_n produce_v and_o end_v in_o such_o a_o curse_a effect_n for_o this_o be_v so_o great_a a_o masterpiece_n in_o sin_n that_o no_o man_n begin_v with_o it_o he_o must_v have_v pass_v his_o tyrocinium_fw-la or_o novitiate_v in_o sin_v before_o he_o can_v come_v to_o this_o be_v he_o never_o so_o quick_a a_o proficient_a no_o man_n can_v mount_v so_o fast_o as_o to_o set_v his_o foot_n upon_o the_o high_a step_n of_o the_o ladder_n at_o first_o before_o a_o man_n can_v come_v to_o be_v please_v with_o a_o sin_n because_o he_o see_v his_o neighbour_n commit_v it_o he_o must_v have_v have_v such_o a_o long_a acquaintance_n with_o it_o himself_o as_o to_o create_v a_o kind_n of_o intimacy_n or_o friendship_n between_o he_o and_o that_o and_o then_o we_o know_v a_o man_n be_v natural_o glad_a to_o see_v his_o old_a friend_n not_o only_o at_o his_o own_o house_n but_o wheresoever_o he_o meet_v he_o it_o be_v general_o the_o property_n of_o a_o old_a sinner_n to_o find_v a_o delight_n in_o re-viewing_a his_o own_o villainy_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o other_o man_n to_o see_v his_o sin_n and_o himself_o as_o it_o be_v in_o reversion_n and_o to_o find_v a_o great_a satisfaction_n in_o behold_v he_o who_o succeed_v he_o in_o his_o vice_n than_o he_o who_o be_v to_o succeed_v he_o in_o his_o estate_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o sin_n age_n make_v a_o great_a change_n upon_o the_o soul_n than_o it_o do_v or_o can_v upon_o the_o body_n and_o as_o in_o this_o if_o we_o compare_v the_o picture_n of_o a_o man_n draw_v at_o the_o year_n of_o seventeen_o or_o eighteen_o with_o the_o picture_n of_o the_o same_o person_n at_o threescore_o and_o ten_o hardly_o the_o least_o trace_v or_o similitude_n of_o one_o face_n can_v be_v find_v in_o the_o other_o so_o for_o the_o soul_n the_o difference_n of_o the_o disposition_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o inner_a man_n will_v be_v find_v much_o great_a compare_v the_o harmlesness_n the_o credulity_n the_o tenderness_n the_o modesty_n and_o the_o ingenuous_a pliableness_n to_o virtuous_a counsel_n which_o be_v in_o youth_n as_o it_o come_v fresh_a and_o untainted_a out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o nature_n with_o the_o mischievousness_n the_o slyness_n the_o craft_n the_o impudence_n the_o falsehood_n and_o the_o confirm_a obstinacy_n in_o most_o sort_n of_o sin_n that_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o a_o age_a long-practised_n sinner_n and_o you_o will_v confess_v the_o complexion_n and_o hue_n of_o his_o soul_n to_o be_v alter_v more_o than_o that_o of_o his_o face_n age_n have_v give_v he_o another_o body_n and_o custom_n another_o mind_n all_o those_o seed_n of_o virtue_n and_o good_a morality_n that_o be_v the_o natural_a endowment_n of_o our_o first_o year_n be_v lose_v and_o dead_a for_o ever_o and_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o native_a innocence_n of_o childhood_n no_o man_n through_o old_a age_n become_v twice_o a_o child_n the_o vice_n of_o old_a age_n have_v in_o they_o the_o stiffness_n of_o it_o too_o and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o unfit_a time_n to_o learn_v in_o so_o the_o unfitness_n of_o it_o to_o unlearn_v will_v be_v find_v much_o great_a which_o consideration_n join_v with_o that_o of_o its_o imbecility_n make_v it_o the_o proper_a season_n for_o a_o super-annuated_n sinner_n to_o enjoy_v the_o delight_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o rebound_v and_o to_o supply_v the_o impotence_n of_o practice_n by_o the_o airy_a fantastic_a pleasure_n of_o memory_n and_o reflection_n for_o all_o that_o can_v be_v allow_v he_o now_o be_v to_o refresh_v his_o decrepit_a effete_a sensuality_n with_o the_o transcript_n and_o history_n of_o his_o former_a life_n recognize_v and_o read_v over_o by_o he_o in_o the_o vicious_a rant_v of_o the_o vigorous_a youthful_a debauchee_n of_o the_o present_a time_n who_o with_o a_o odd_a kind_n of_o passion_n mix_v of_o pleasure_n and_o envy_n too_o he_o see_v flourish_v in_o all_o the_o bravery_n and_o prime_n of_o their_o age_n and_o vice_n a_o old_a wrestler_n love_v to_o look_v on_o and_o to_o be_v near_o the_o list_n though_o feebleness_n will_v not_o let_v he_o offer_v at_o the_o prize_n a_o old_a huntsman_n find_v a_o music_n in_o the_o noise_n of_o hound_n though_o he_o can_v follow_v the_o chase_n a_o old_a drunkard_n love_v a_o tavern_n though_o he_o can_v go_v to_o it_o but_o as_o he_o be_v support_v and_o lead_v by_o another_o just_a as_o some_o be_v observe_v to_o come_v from_o thence_o and_o a_o old_a wanton_n will_v be_v dote_v upon_o woman_n when_o he_o can_v scarce_o see_v they_o without_o spectacle_n and_o to_o show_v the_o true_a love_n and_o faithful_a allegiance_n that_o the_o old_a servant_n and_o subject_n of_o vice_n ever_o after_o bear_v to_o it_o nothing_o be_v more_o usual_a and_o frequent_a than_o to_o hear_v that_o such_o as_o have_v be_v strumpet_n in_o their_o youth_n turn_v procurer_n in_o their_o age._n their_o great_a concern_v be_v that_o the_o vice_n may_v still_o go_v on_o 4_o lie_n a_o four_o cause_n of_o man_n take_a pleasure_n in_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o be_v from_o that_o meanness_n and_o poor-spiritedness_a that_o natural_o and_o inseparable_o accompany_v all_o gild_n whosoever_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o of_o sin_n feel_v in_o himself_o whether_o he_o will_v own_v it_o or_o no_o a_o proportionable_a shame_n and_o a_o secret_a depression_n of_o spirit_n thereupon_o and_o this_o be_v so_o irksome_a and_o uneasy_a to_o man_n mind_n that_o he_o be_v restless_a to_o relieve_v and_o rid_v himself_o from_o it_o for_o which_o he_o find_v no_o way_n so_o effectual_a as_o to_o get_v company_n in_o the_o same_o sin_n for_o company_n in_o any_o action_n give_v both_o credit_n to_o that_o and_o countenance_n to_o the_o agent_n and_o so_o much_o as_o the_o sinner_n get_v of_o this_o so_o much_o he_o cast_v off_o of_o shame_n singularity_n in_o sin_n put_v it_o out_o of_o fashion_n since_o to_o be_v alone_o in_o any_o practice_n seem_v to_o make_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o world_n against_o it_o but_o the_o concurrence_n of_o other_o be_v a_o tacit_fw-la approbation_n of_o that_o in_o which_o they_o concur_v solitude_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o nakedness_n and_o the_o result_n of_o that_o we_o know_v be_v shame_n it_o be_v company_n only_o that_o can_v bear_v a_o man_n out_o in_o a_o ill_a thing_n and_o he_o who_o be_v to_o encounter_v and_o fight_v the_o law_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o need_v a_o second_o no_o wonder_n therefore_o if_o some_o take_v delight_n in_o the_o immorality_n and_o baseness_n of_o other_o for_o nothing_o can_v support_v their_o mind_n droop_v and_o sneak_v and_o inward_o reproach_v they_o from_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o guilt_n but_o to_o see_v other_o as_o bad_a as_o themselves_o to_o be_v vicious_a among_o the_o virtuous_a be_v a_o double_a disgrace_n and_o misery_n but_o where_o the_o whole_a company_n be_v vicious_a and_o debauch_v they_o present_o like_v or_o at_o least_o easy_o pardon_v one_o another_o and_o as_o it_o be_v observe_v by_o some_o that_o there_o be_v none_o so_o homely_a but_o love_v a_o looking-glass_n so_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v no_o man_n so_o vicious_a but_o delight_n to_o see_v the_o image_n of_o his_o vice_n reflect_v upon_o he_o from_o one_o who_o exceed_v or_o at_o least_o equal_v he_o in_o the_o same_o sin_n in_o itself_o be_v not_o only_o shameful_a but_o also_o weak_a and_o it_o seek_v a_o remedy_n for_o both_o in_o society_n for_o it_o be_v this_o that_o must_v give_v it_o both_o colour_n and_o support_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a how_o great_a and_o as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v how_o self-sufficient_a a_o thing_n be_v virtue_n it_o need_v no_o credit_n from_o abroad_o no_o countenance_n from_o the_o multitude_n be_v there_o but_o one_o virtuous_a man_n in_o the_o world_n he_o will_v hold_v up_o his_o head_n with_o confidence_n and_o honour_n he_o will_v shame_v the_o world_n and_o not_o the_o world_n he_o for_o according_a to_o
paradox_n in_o practice_n and_o man_n may_v sometime_o do_v as_o well_o as_o speak_v contradiction_n there_o be_v a_o great_a festival_n now_o draw_v on_o a_o festival_n design_v chief_o for_o the_o act_n of_o a_o joyful_a piety_n but_o general_o make_v only_o a_o occasion_n of_o bravery_n i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o of_o it_o at_o present_a but_o this_o that_o god_n expect_v from_o man_n something_o more_o than_o ordinary_a at_o such_o time_n and_o that_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v wish_v for_o the_o credit_n of_o their_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o their_o conscience_n that_o their_o easter_n devotion_n will_v in_o some_o measure_n come_v up_o to_o their_o easter_n dress_n now_o that_o our_o preparation_n may_v answer_v the_o important_a work_n and_o duty_n which_o we_o be_v to_o engage_v in_o these_o two_o condition_n or_o qualification_n be_v require_v in_o it_o 1._o that_o it_o be_v habitual_a 2._o that_o it_o be_v also_o actual_a for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o there_o may_v both_o be_v act_n which_o proceed_v not_o from_o any_o pre-existing_a habit_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n habit_n which_o lie_v for_o a_o time_n dormant_a and_o do_v not_o at_o all_o exert_n themselves_o in_o action_n but_o in_o the_o case_n now_o before_o we_o there_o must_v be_v a_o conjunction_n of_o both_o and_o one_o without_o the_o other_o can_v never_o be_v effectual_a for_o that_o purpose_n for_o which_o both_o together_o be_v but_o sufficient_a and_o first_o for_o habitual_a preparation_n this_o consist_v in_o a_o stand_n permanent_a habit_n or_o principle_n of_o holiness_n wrought_v chief_o by_o god_n spirit_n and_o instrumental_o by_o his_o word_n in_o the_o heart_n or_o soul_n of_o man_n such_o a_o principle_n as_o be_v call_v both_o by_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n the_o new_a birth_n the_o new_a man_n the_o immortal_a seed_n and_o the_o like_a and_o by_o which_o a_o man_n be_v so_o universal_o change_v and_o transform_v in_o the_o whole_a frame_n and_o temper_v of_o his_o soul_n as_o to_o have_v a_o new_a judgement_n and_o sense_n of_o thing_n new_a desire_n new_a appetite_n and_o inclination_n and_o this_o be_v first_o produce_v in_o he_o by_o that_o mighty_a spiritual_a change_n which_o we_o call_v conversion_n which_o be_v so_o rare_o and_o seldom_o find_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n even_o where_o it_o be_v most_o pretend_a to_o be_v but_o too_o full_a and_o sad_a a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o terrible_a say_v that_o few_o be_v choose_v and_o consequent_o but_o few_o save_v for_o who_o almost_o be_v there_o of_o who_o we_o can_v with_o any_o rational_a assurance_n or_o perhaps_o so_o much_o as_o likelihood_n affirm_v here_o be_v a_o man_n who_o nature_n be_v renew_v who_o heart_n be_v change_v and_o the_o stream_n of_o who_o appetite_n be_v so_o turn_v that_o he_o do_v with_o as_o high_a and_o quick_a a_o relish_n taste_v the_o way_n of_o duty_n holiness_n and_o strict_a live_n as_o other_o or_o as_o he_o himself_o before_o this_o grasp_v at_o the_o most_o enamour_v proposal_n of_o sin_n who_o almost_o i_o say_v be_v there_o who_o can_v reach_v and_o verify_v the_o height_n of_o this_o character_n and_o yet_o without_o which_o the_o scripture_n absolute_o affirm_v that_o a_o man_n can_v see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n john_n 3._o 3._o for_o let_v preacher_n say_v and_o suggest_v what_o they_o will_v man_n will_v do_v as_o they_o use_v to_o do_v and_o custom_n general_o be_v too_o hard_a for_o conscience_n in_o spite_n of_o all_o its_o conviction_n possible_o sometime_o in_o hear_v or_o read_v the_o word_n the_o conscience_n may_v be_v alarm_v the_o affection_n warm_v good_a desire_n begin_v to_o kindle_v and_o to_o form_v themselves_o into_o some_o degree_n of_o resolution_n but_o the_o heart_n remain_v all_o the_o time_n unchanged_a as_o soon_o as_o man_n slide_v into_o the_o common_a course_n and_o converse_v of_o the_o world_n all_o those_o resolution_n and_o conviction_n quick_o cool_a and_o languish_v and_o after_o a_o few_o day_n be_v dismiss_v as_o troublesome_a companion_n but_o assure_o no_o man_n be_v ever_o make_v a_o true_a convert_n or_o a_o new_a creature_n at_o so_o easy_a a_o rate_n sin_n be_v never_o dispossess_v nor_o holiness_n introduce_v by_o such_o feeble_a vanish_v impression_n nothing_o under_o a_o total_a through_o change_n will_v suffice_v neither_o tear_n nor_o trouble_v of_o mind_n neither_o good_a desire_n nor_o intention_n nor_o yet_o the_o relinquishment_n of_o some_o sin_n nor_o the_o performance_n of_o some_o good_a work_n will_v avail_v any_o thing_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n a_o word_n that_o comprehend_v more_o in_o it_o than_o word_n can_v well_o express_v and_o perhaps_o after_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v of_o it_o never_o thorough_o to_o be_v understand_v by_o what_o a_o man_n hear_v from_o other_o but_o by_o what_o he_o must_v feel_v within_o himself_o and_o now_o that_o this_o be_v require_v as_o the_o groundwork_n of_o all_o our_o preparation_n for_o the_o sacrament_n be_v evident_a from_o hence_o because_o this_o sacrament_n be_v not_o first_o design_v to_o make_v we_o holy_a but_o rather_o suppose_v we_o to_o be_v so_o it_o be_v not_o a_o convert_n but_o a_o confirm_a ordinance_n it_o be_v proper_o our_o spiritual_a food_n and_o as_o all_o food_n presupposes_a a_o principle_n of_o life_n in_o he_o who_o receive_v it_o which_o life_n be_v by_o this_o mean_n to_o be_v continue_v and_o support_v so_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v original_o intend_v to_o preserve_v and_o maintain_v that_o spiritual_a life_n which_o we_o do_v or_o shall_v receive_v in_o baptism_n or_o at_o least_o by_o a_o through_o conversion_n after_o it_o upon_o which_o account_n according_a to_o the_o true_a nature_n and_o intent_n of_o this_o sacrament_n man_n shall_v not_o expect_v life_n but_o growth_n from_o it_o and_o see_v that_o there_o be_v something_o to_o be_v feed_v before_o they_o seek_v out_o for_o provision_n for_o the_o truth_n be_v for_o any_o one_o who_o be_v not_o pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n and_o have_v not_o in_o he_o that_o new_a live_a principle_n which_o we_o have_v be_v hitherto_o speak_v of_o to_o come_v to_o this_o spiritual_a repast_n be_v upon_o the_o matter_n as_o absurd_a and_o preposterous_a as_o if_o he_o who_o make_v a_o feast_n shall_v send_v to_o the_o grave_n and_o the_o churchyard_n for_o guest_n or_o entertain_v and_o treat_v a_o corpse_n at_o a_o banquet_n let_v man_n therefore_o consider_v before_o they_o come_v hither_o whether_o they_o have_v any_o thing_n beside_o the_o name_n they_o receive_v in_o baptism_n to_o prove_v their_o christianity_n by_o let_v they_o consider_v whether_o as_o by_o their_o baptism_n they_o former_o wash_v away_o their_o original_a gild_n so_o they_o have_v not_o since_o by_o their_o actual_a sin_n wash_v away_o their_o baptism_n and_o if_o so_o whether_o the_o convert_n grace_n of_o god_n have_v set_v they_o upon_o their_o leg_n again_o by_o form_v in_o they_o a_o new_a nature_n and_o that_o such_o a_o one_o as_o exert_n and_o show_v itself_o by_o the_o sure_a infallible_a effect_n of_o a_o good_a life_n such_o a_o one_o a_o enable_v they_o to_o reject_v and_o trample_v upon_o all_o the_o allure_a offer_n of_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n so_o as_o not_o to_o be_v conquer_v or_o enslave_v by_o they_o and_o to_o choose_v the_o hard_a and_o rugged_a path_n of_o duty_n rather_o than_o the_o easy_a and_o voluptuous_a way_n of_o sin_n which_o every_o christian_a by_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o his_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o by_o his_o baptismal_a vow_n be_v strict_o oblige_v to_o do_v and_o if_o upon_o a_o impartial_a survey_n of_o themselves_o man_n find_v that_o no_o such_o change_n have_v pass_v upon_o they_o either_o let_v they_o prove_v that_o they_o may_v be_v christian_n upon_o easy_a term_n or_o have_v a_o care_n how_o they_o intrude_v upon_o so_o great_a and_o holy_a a_o ordinance_n in_o which_o god_n be_v so_o seldom_o mock_v but_o it_o be_v to_o the_o mocker_n confusion_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o habitual_a preparation_n but_o 2_o lie_n over_o and_o above_o this_o there_o be_v require_v also_o a_o actual_a preparation_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o furbish_a or_o rub_v up_o of_o the_o former_a habitual_a principle_n we_o have_v both_o of_o they_o excellent_o describe_v in_o matth._n 25._o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o ten_o virgin_n of_o which_o the_o five_o wise_a be_v say_v to_o have_v have_v oil_n in_o their_o lamp_n yet_o notwithstanding_o that_o midnight_n and_o weariness_n be_v too_o hard_o for_o they_o and_o they_o all_o slumber_v and_o sleep_v and_o their_o lamp_n cast_v but_o a_o dim_a and_o a_o feeble_a light_n
heaven_n do_v they_o not_o make_v the_o narrow_a way_n much_o narrow_a and_o contract_v the_o gate_n which_o lead_v to_o life_n to_o the_o straightness_n of_o a_o needle_n be_v eye_n and_o now_o if_o god_n will_v fit_v thou_o for_o this_o passage_n by_o take_v off_o thy_o load_n and_o empty_v thy_o bag_n and_o so_o suit_v the_o narrowness_n of_o thy_o fortune_n to_o the_o narrowness_n of_o the_o way_n thou_o be_v to_o pass_v be_v there_o any_o thing_n but_o mercy_n in_o all_o this_o nay_o be_v not_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o mercy_n conspicuous_a in_o the_o poverty_n of_o thy_o condition_n thou_o who_o repine_v at_o the_o plenty_n and_o splendour_n of_o thy_o neighbour_n at_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o income_n and_o the_o magnificence_n of_o his_o retinue_n consider_v what_o be_v frequent_o the_o dismal_a wretched_a consequence_n of_o all_o this_o and_o thou_o will_v have_v little_a cause_n to_o envy_n this_o gaudy_a great_a one_o or_o to_o wish_v thyself_o in_o his_o room_n for_o do_v we_o not_o often_o hear_v of_o this_o or_o that_o young_a heir_n new_o come_v to_o his_o father_n vast_a estate_n a_o happy_a man_n no_o doubt_n but_o do_v not_o the_o town_n present_o ring_v of_o his_o debauchery_n his_o blasphemy_n and_o his_o murder_n be_v not_o his_o riches_n and_o his_o lewdness_n talk_v of_o together_o and_o the_o odiousness_n of_o one_o heighten_v and_o set_v off_o by_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o other_o be_v not_o his_o oath_n his_o riot_n and_o other_o villainy_n reckon_v by_o as_o many_o thousand_o as_o his_o estate_n now_o consider_v have_v this_o grand_a debauchee_n this_o glister_a monster_n be_v bear_v to_o thy_o poverty_n and_o mean_a circumstance_n he_o can_v not_o have_v contract_v such_o a_o clamorous_a gild_n he_o can_v not_o have_v be_v so_o bad_a nor_o perhaps_o have_v thy_o birth_n enstate_v thou_o in_o the_o same_o wealth_n and_o greatness_n will_v thou_o have_v be_v at_o all_o better_a this_o god_n foresee_v and_o know_v in_o the_o order_n both_o of_o he_o and_o thy_o condition_n and_o which_o of_o the_o two_o now_o can_v we_o think_v be_v the_o great_a debtor_n to_o his_o prevent_v mercy_n lordly_a sin_n require_v lordly_a estate_n to_o support_v they_o and_o where_o providence_n deny_v the_o latter_a it_o cut_v off_o all_o temptation_n to_o the_o former_a and_o thus_o i_o have_v show_v by_o particular_a instance_n what_o cause_v man_n have_v to_o acquiesce_v in_o and_o submit_v to_o the_o harsh_a dispensation_n that_o providence_n can_v measure_v out_o to_o they_o in_o this_o life_n and_o with_o what_o satisfaction_n or_o rather_o gratitude_n that_o aught_o to_o be_v endure_v by_o which_o the_o great_a of_o mischief_n be_v prevent_v the_o great_a physician_n of_o soul_n sometime_o can_v cure_v without_o cut_v we_o sin_n have_v fester_v inward_o and_o he_o must_v lance_n the_o impostume_n to_o let_v out_o death_n with_o the_o suppuration_n he_o who_o tie_v a_o mad-man_n hand_n or_o take_v away_o his_o sword_n love_v his_o person_n while_o he_o disarm_v his_o frenzy_n and_o whether_o by_o health_n or_o sickness_n honour_n or_o disgrace_n wealth_n or_o poverty_n life_n or_o death_n mercy_n be_v still_o contrive_v act_v and_o carry_v on_o the_o spiritual_a good_a of_o all_o those_o who_o love_n god_n and_o be_v love_v by_o he_o to_o who_o therefore_o be_v render_v and_o ascribe_v as_o be_v most_o due_a all_o praise_n may_v majesty_n and_o dominion_n both_o now_o and_o for_o evermore_o amen_n a_o account_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o measure_n of_o conscience_n in_o two_o sermon_n on_o 1_o john_n iii_o 21._o preach_v before_o the_o university_n at_o christ-church_n oxon._n the_o first_o preach_v on_o the_o 1_o st_z of_o nou._n 1691._o 1_o john_n iii_o 21._o belove_a if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o we_o have_v confidence_n towards_o god_n as_o nothing_o can_v be_v of_o more_o moment_n so_o few_o thing_n doubtless_o be_v of_o more_o difficulty_n than_o for_o man_n to_o be_v rational_o satisfy_v about_o the_o estate_n of_o their_o soul_n with_o reference_n to_o god_n and_o the_o great_a concern_v of_o eternity_n in_o their_o judgement_n about_o which_o if_o they_o err_v final_o it_o be_v like_o a_o man_n miss_v his_o cast_n when_o he_o throw_v dice_n for_o his_o life_n his_o be_v his_o happiness_n and_o all_o that_o he_o do_v or_o can_v enjoy_v in_o the_o world_n be_v involve_v in_o the_o error_n of_o one_o throw_v and_o therefore_o it_o may_v very_o well_o deserve_v our_o best_a skill_n and_o care_n to_o inquire_v into_o those_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o may_v guide_v our_o judgement_n in_o so_o weighty_a a_o affair_n both_o with_o safety_n and_o success_n and_o this_o i_o think_v can_v be_v better_a do_v than_o by_o separate_v the_o false_a and_o fallacious_a from_o the_o true_a and_o certain_a for_o if_o the_o rule_n we_o judge_v by_o be_v uncertain_a it_o be_v odds_o but_o we_o shall_v judge_v wrong_a and_o if_o we_o shall_v judge_v right_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o proper_o skill_n but_o chance_n not_o a_o true_a judgement_n but_o a_o lucky_a hit_v which_o certain_o the_o eternal_a interest_n of_o a_o immortal_a soul_n be_v of_o much_o too_o high_a a_o value_n to_o be_v leave_v at_o the_o mercy_n of_o first_o of_o all_o then_o he_o who_o will_v pass_v such_o a_o judgement_n upon_o his_o condition_n as_o shall_v be_v ratify_v in_o heaven_n and_o confirm_v at_o that_o great_a tribunal_n from_o which_o there_o lie_v no_o appeal_n will_v find_v himself_o woeful_o deceive_v if_o he_o judge_n of_o his_o spiritual_a estate_n by_o any_o of_o these_o four_o follow_a measure_n as_o 1._o the_o general_a esteem_n of_o the_o world_n concern_v he_o he_o who_o owe_v his_o piety_n to_o fame_n and_o hear-say_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o salvation_n to_o popular_a voice_n and_o opinion_n build_v his_o house_n not_o only_o upon_o the_o sand_n but_o which_o be_v worse_o upon_o the_o wind_n and_o write_v the_o deed_n by_o which_o he_o hold_v his_o estate_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o a_o river_n he_o make_v a_o bodily_a eye_n the_o judge_n of_o thing_n impossible_a to_o be_v see_v and_o humour_n and_o ignorance_n which_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n both_o think_v and_o speak_v by_o the_o great_a proof_n of_o his_o justification_n but_o sure_o no_o man_n have_v the_o estate_n of_o his_o soul_n draw_v upon_o his_o face_n nor_o the_o decree_n of_o his_o election_n write_v upon_o his_o forehead_n he_o who_o will_v know_v a_o man_n thorough_o must_v follow_v he_o into_o the_o closet_n of_o his_o heart_n the_o door_n of_o which_o be_v keep_v shut_v to_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o and_o the_o inspection_n of_o which_o be_v only_o the_o prerogative_n of_o omniscience_n the_o favourable_a opinion_n and_o good_a word_n of_o man_n to_o some_o person_n especial_o come_v oftentimes_o at_o a_o very_a easy_a rate_n and_o by_o a_o few_o demure_a look_n and_o affect_v whine_v set_v off_o with_o some_o odd_a devotional_a posture_n and_o grimaces_n and_o such_o other_o little_a art_n of_o dissimulation_n cunning_a man_n will_v do_v wonder_n and_o commence_v present_o hero_n for_o sanctity_n self-denial_n and_o sincerity_n while_o within_o perhaps_o they_o be_v as_o proud_a as_o lucifer_n as_o covetous_a as_o demas_n as_o false_a as_o judas_n and_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o conversation_n act_n and_o be_v act_v not_o by_o devotion_n but_o design_n so_o that_o for_o aught_o i_o see_v though_o the_o moysaicall_a part_n of_o judaism_n be_v abolish_v among_o christian_n the_o pharisaical_a part_n of_o it_o never_o will_n a_o grave_n staunch_a skilful_o manage_v face_n set_v upon_o a_o grasp_a aspire_a mind_n have_v get_v many_o a_o sly_a formalist_n the_o reputation_n of_o a_o primitive_a and_o severe_a piety_n forsooth_o and_o make_v many_o such_o mountebank_n pass_v admire_v even_o for_o saint_n upon_o earth_n as_o the_o word_n be_v who_o be_v like_a to_o be_v so_o nowhere_o else_o but_o a_o man_n who_o have_v never_o see_v the_o stately_a outside_n of_o a_o tomb_n or_o paint_a sepulchre_n before_o may_v very_o well_o be_v excuse_v if_o he_o take_v it_o rather_o for_o the_o repository_n of_o some_o rich_a treasure_n than_o of_o a_o noisome_a corpse_n but_o shall_v he_o but_o once_o open_a and_o rake_v into_o it_o though_o he_o can_v not_o see_v he_o will_v quick_o smell_v out_o his_o mistake_n the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v nothing_o but_o appearance_n nothing_o but_o show_n and_o surface_n and_o many_o make_v it_o their_o business_n their_o study_n and_o concern_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o who_o have_v for_o many_o year_n together_o deceive_v all_o about_o they_o be_v at_o last_o willing_a to_o deceive_v themselves_o too_o and_o by_o a_o long_a immemorial_n practice_n and_o as_o it_o be_v prescription_n
will_v condemn_v he_o in_o the_o other_o and_o consequent_o he_o who_o place_n his_o salvation_n upon_o this_o ground_n will_v find_v himself_o like_o a_o imprison_a and_o condemn_a malefactor_n who_o in_o the_o night_n dream_n that_o he_o be_v release_v but_o in_o the_o morning_n find_v himself_o lead_v to_o the_o gallow_n 4_o lie_n and_o last_o no_o advantage_n from_o external_n church-membership_n or_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n can_v of_o themselves_o give_v a_o man_n confidence_n towards_o god_n and_o yet_o perhaps_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o one_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n which_o man_n in_o all_o age_n have_v general_o more_o cheat_v themselves_o with_o the_o jew_n be_v a_o eminent_a instance_n of_o this_o who_o because_o they_o be_v the_o son_n of_o abraham_n as_o it_o be_v ready_o acknowledge_v by_o our_o saviour_n john_n 8._o 37._o and_o because_o they_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n rom._n 3._o 2._o together_o with_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o promise_n rom._n 9_o 4._o that_o be_v in_o other_o word_n because_o they_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o professor_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n while_o all_o the_o world_n about_o they_o lay_v wallow_v in_o ignorance_n heathenism_n and_o idolatry_n they_o conclude_v from_o hence_o that_o god_n be_v so_o fond_a of_o they_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o their_o villainy_n and_o immorality_n they_o be_v still_o the_o darling_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o only_a heir_n apparent_a of_o salvation_n they_o think_v it_o seem_v god_n and_o themselves_o link_v together_o in_o so_o fast_o but_o withal_o so_o strange_a a_o covenant_n that_o although_o they_o never_o perform_v their_o part_n of_o it_o god_n be_v yet_o bind_v to_o make_v good_a every_o tittle_n of_o he_o and_o this_o make_v john_n the_o baptist_n set_v himself_o with_o so_o much_o acrimony_n and_o indignation_n to_o baffle_v this_o senseless_a arrogant_a conceit_n of_o they_o which_o make_v they_o huff_v at_o the_o doctrine_n of_o repentance_n as_o a_o thing_n below_o they_o and_o not_o at_o all_o belong_v to_o they_o in_o matth._n 3._o v._n 9_o think_v not_o say_v he_o to_o say_v within_o yourselves_o we_o have_v abraham_n to_o our_o father_n this_o he_o know_v lay_v deep_a in_o their_o heart_n and_o be_v still_o in_o their_o mouth_n and_o keep_v they_o insolent_a and_o impenitent_a under_o sin_n of_o the_o high_a and_o most_o clamorous_a gild_n though_o our_o saviour_n himself_o also_o not_o long_o after_o this_o assure_v they_o that_o they_o be_v of_o a_o very_a different_a stock_n and_o parentage_n from_o that_o which_o they_o boast_v of_o and_o that_o whosoever_o be_v their_o father_n upon_o the_o natural_a account_n the_o devil_n be_v certain_o so_o upon_o a_o moral_a in_o like_a manner_n how_o vain_o do_v the_o romanist_n pride_n and_o value_v themselves_o upon_o the_o name_n of_o catholic_n of_o the_o catholic_n religion_n and_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n though_o a_o title_n no_o more_o applicable_a to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n than_o a_o man_n finger_n when_o it_o be_v swell_v and_o putrefy_a can_v be_v call_v his_o whole_a body_n a_o church_n which_o allow_v salvation_n to_o none_o without_o it_o nor_o award_v damnation_n to_o almost_o any_o within_o it_o and_o therefore_o as_o the_o former_a empty_a plea_n serve_v the_o sottish_a jew_n so_o no_o wonder_n if_o this_o equal_o serve_v these_o to_o put_v they_o into_o a_o fool_n paradise_n by_o feed_v their_o hope_n without_o change_v their_o life_n and_o as_o a_o excellent_a expedient_a first_o to_o assure_v they_o of_o heaven_n and_o then_o to_o bring_v they_o easy_o to_o it_o and_o so_o in_o a_o word_n to_o save_v both_o their_o soul_n and_o their_o sin_n too_o and_o to_o show_v how_o the_o same_o cheat_n run_v through_o all_o profession_n though_o not_o in_o the_o same_o dress_n none_o be_v more_o powerful_o and_o gross_o under_o it_o than_o another_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o on_o the_o contrary_a place_v their_o whole_a acceptance_n with_o god_n and_o indeed_o their_o whole_a religion_n upon_o a_o mighty_a zeal_n or_o rather_o outcry_n against_o popery_n and_o superstition_n verbal_o indeed_o utter_v against_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o real_o mean_v against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o which_o sort_v of_o person_n i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o but_o this_o and_o that_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o meekness_n namely_o that_o zeal_n and_o noise_n against_o popery_n and_o real_a service_n for_o it_o be_v no_o such_o inconsistent_a thing_n as_o some_o may_v imagine_v indeed_o no_o more_o than_o invective_n against_o papist_n and_o solemn_a address_n of_o thanks_o to_o they_o for_o that_o very_a thing_n by_o which_o they_o will_v have_v bring_v in_o popery_n upon_o we_o and_o if_o those_o of_o the_o separation_n do_v not_o yet_o know_v so_o much_o thanks_o to_o they_o for_o it_o we_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v and_o so_o may_v they_o themselves_o too_o in_o due_a time_n i_o speak_v not_o this_o by_o way_n of_o sarcasm_n to_o reproach_v they_o i_o leave_v that_o to_o their_o own_o conscience_n which_o will_v do_v it_o more_o effectual_o but_o by_o way_n of_o charity_n to_o warn_v they_o for_o let_v they_o be_v assure_v that_o this_o whole_a scene_n and_o practice_n of_o they_o be_v as_o real_o superstition_n and_o as_o false_a a_o bottom_n to_o rest_v their_o soul_n upon_o as_o either_o the_o jew_n allege_v abraham_n for_o their_o father_n while_o the_o devil_n claim_v they_o for_o his_o child_n or_o the_o papist_n rely_v upon_o their_o indulgence_n their_o saint_n merit_n and_o supererogation_n and_o such_o other_o foppery_n as_o can_v never_o settle_v nor_o indeed_o so_o much_o as_o reach_v the_o conscience_n and_o much_o less_o recommend_v it_o to_o that_o judge_n who_o be_v not_o to_o be_v flam_v off_o with_o word_n and_o phrase_n and_o name_n though_o take_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o nay_o and_o i_o shall_v proceed_v yet_o further_o it_o be_v not_o a_o man_n be_v of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n itself_o though_o undoubted_o the_o pure_a and_o best_a reform_a church_n in_o the_o world_n indeed_o so_o well_o reform_v that_o it_o will_v be_v find_v a_o much_o easy_a work_n to_o alter_v than_o to_o better_v its_o constitution_n i_o say_v it_o be_v not_o a_o man_n be_v even_o of_o this_o excellent_a church_n which_o can_v of_o itself_o clear_a account_n between_o god_n and_o his_o conscience_n since_o bare_a communion_n with_o a_o good_a church_n can_v never_o alone_o make_v a_o good_a man_n for_o if_o it_o can_v i_o be_o sure_a we_o shall_v have_v no_o bad_a one_o in_o we_o and_o much_o less_o such_o as_o will_v betray_v it_o so_o that_o we_o see_v here_o that_o it_o be_v but_o too_o manifest_a that_o man_n of_o all_o church_n sect_n and_o persuasion_n be_v strange_o apt_a to_o flatter_v and_o deceive_v themselves_o with_o what_o they_o believe_v and_o what_o they_o profess_v and_o if_o we_o thorough_o consider_v the_o matter_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o fallacy_n to_o lie_v in_o this_o that_o those_o religious_a institution_n which_o god_n design_v only_o for_o mean_n help_n and_o advantage_n to_o promote_v and_o further_a man_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n they_o look_v upon_o rather_o as_o a_o privilege_n to_o serve_v they_o instead_o of_o it_o and_o real_o to_o commute_v for_o it_o this_o be_v the_o very_a case_n and_o a_o fatal_a self-imposture_n it_o be_v certain_o and_o such_o a_o one_o as_o defeat_v the_o design_n and_o destroy_v the_o force_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v show_v four_o several_a uncertain_a and_o deceitful_a rule_n which_o man_n be_v prone_a to_o judge_v of_o their_o spiritual_a estate_n by_o but_o now_o have_v we_o any_o better_a or_o more_o certain_a to_o substitute_n and_o recommend_v in_o the_o room_n of_o they_o why_o yes_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o apostle_n a_o man_n be_v own_o heart_n or_o conscience_n be_v that_o which_o above_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v able_a to_o give_v he_o confidence_n towards_o god_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o heart_n know_v that_o by_o itself_o which_o nothing_o in_o the_o world_n beside_o can_v give_v it_o any_o knowledge_n of_o and_o without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o it_o can_v have_v no_o foundation_n to_o build_v any_o true_a confidence_n upon_o conscience_n under_o god_n be_v the_o only_a competent_a judge_n of_o what_o the_o soul_n have_v do_v and_o what_o it_o have_v not_o do_v what_o gild_n it_o have_v contract_v and_o what_o it_o have_v not_o as_o it_o be_v in_o 1_o corinth_n 2._o 11._o what_o man_n know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n save_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n which_o be_v in_o he_o conscience_n be_v its_o own_o counsellor_n the_o sole_a master_n of_o its_o own_o
secret_n and_o it_o be_v the_o privilege_n of_o our_o nature_n that_o every_o man_n shall_v keep_v the_o key_n of_o his_o own_o breast_n now_o for_o the_o further_a prosecution_n of_o the_o word_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o four_o thing_n 1._o i_o shall_v show_v how_o the_o heart_n or_o conscience_n ought_v to_o be_v inform_v in_o order_n to_o its_o sound_n in_o we_o a_o rational_a confidence_n towards_o god_n 2._o i_o shall_v show_v how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v we_o may_v get_v it_o thus_o inform_v and_o afterward_o preserve_v and_o keep_v it_o so_o 3._o i_o shall_v show_v whence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n thus_o inform_v come_v to_o be_v so_o authentic_a and_o so_o much_o to_o be_v rely_v upon_o and_o 4_o lie_n and_o last_o i_o shall_v assign_v some_o particular_a case_n or_o instance_n in_o which_o the_o confidence_n suggest_v by_o it_o do_v most_o eminent_o show_v and_o exert_v itself_o 1._o and_o first_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o how_o the_o heart_n or_o conscience_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v certain_a that_o no_o man_n can_v have_v any_o such_o confidence_n towards_o god_n only_o because_o his_o heart_n tell_v he_o a_o lie_n and_o that_o it_o may_v do_v so_o be_v altogether_o as_o certain_a for_o there_o be_v the_o erroneous_a as_o well_o as_o the_o right_o inform_v conscience_n and_o if_o the_o conscience_n happen_v to_o be_v delude_v and_o thereupon_o to_o give_v false_a direction_n to_o the_o will_n so_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o those_o direction_n it_o be_v betray_v into_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n sin_n do_v not_o therefore_o cease_v to_o be_v sin_n because_o a_o man_n commit_v it_o conscientious_o if_o conscience_n come_v to_o be_v pervert_v so_o far_o as_o to_o bring_v a_o man_n under_o a_o persuasion_n that_o it_o be_v either_o lawful_a or_o his_o duty_n to_o resist_v the_o magistrate_n to_o seize_v upon_o his_o neighbour_n just_a right_n or_o estate_n to_o worship_v stock_n and_o stone_n or_o to_o lie_v equivocate_a and_o the_o like_a this_o will_v not_o absolve_v he_o before_o god_n since_o error_n which_o be_v in_o itself_o evil_a can_v never_o make_v another_o thing_n good_n he_o who_o do_v a_o unwarrantable_a action_n through_o a_o false_a information_n which_o information_n he_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v believe_v can_v in_o reason_n make_v the_o gild_n of_o one_o sin_n the_o excuse_n of_o another_o conscience_n therefore_o must_v be_v right_o inform_v before_o the_o testimony_n of_o it_o can_v be_v authentic_a in_o what_o it_o pronounce_v concern_v the_o estate_n of_o the_o soul_n it_o must_v proceed_v by_o the_o two_o grand_a rule_n of_o right_a reason_n and_o scripture_n these_o be_v the_o compass_n which_o it_o must_v steer_v by_o for_o conscience_n come_v formal_o to_o oblige_v only_o as_o it_o be_v the_o messenger_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n which_o he_o have_v reveal_v to_o he_o partly_o by_o the_o impression_n of_o certain_a notion_n and_o maxim_n upon_o the_o practical_a understanding_n and_o partly_o by_o the_o declare_a oracle_n of_o his_o word_n so_o far_o therefore_o as_o conscience_n report_v any_o thing_n agreeable_a to_o or_o deducible_a from_o these_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hearken_v to_o as_o the_o great_a conveyer_n of_o truth_n to_o the_o soul_n but_o when_o it_o report_v any_o thing_n dissonant_n to_o these_o it_o oblige_v no_o more_o than_o the_o falsehood_n report_v by_o it_o but_o since_o there_o be_v none_o who_o follow_v a_o erroneous_a conscience_n but_o do_v so_o because_o he_o think_v it_o true_a and_o moreover_o think_v it_o true_a because_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o it_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o two_o forementioned_a rule_n of_o scripture_n and_o right_a reason_n how_o shall_v a_o man_n be_v able_a to_o satisfy_v himself_o when_o his_o conscience_n be_v right_o inform_v and_o when_o possess_v with_o a_o error_n for_o to_o affirm_v that_o the_o sentence_n pass_v by_o a_o right_o inform_v conscience_n give_v a_o man_n a_o rational_a confidence_n towards_o god_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n not_o to_o assign_v any_o mean_n possible_a by_o which_o he_o may_v know_v when_o his_o conscience_n be_v thus_o right_o inform_v and_o when_o not_o it_o must_v equal_o bereave_v he_o of_o such_o a_o confidence_n as_o place_v the_o condition_n upon_o which_o it_o depend_v whole_o out_o of_o his_o knowledge_n here_o therefore_o be_v the_o knot_n here_o the_o difficulty_n how_o to_o state_n some_o rule_n of_o certainty_n by_o which_o infallible_o to_o distinguish_v when_o the_o conscience_n be_v right_a and_o to_o be_v rely_v upon_o when_o erroneous_a and_o to_o be_v disinherit_v in_o the_o testimony_n it_o give_v about_o the_o sincerity_n and_o safety_n of_o a_o man_n spiritual_a condition_n for_o the_o resolution_n of_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o rightness_n of_o his_o conscience_n by_o such_o a_o infallible_a certainty_n of_o persuasion_n as_o amount_n to_o the_o clearness_n of_o a_o demonstration_n but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a if_o he_o know_v it_o upon_o ground_n of_o such_o a_o convince_a probability_n as_o shall_v exclude_v all_o rational_a ground_n of_o doubt_v of_o it_o for_o i_o can_v think_v that_o the_o confidence_n here_o speak_v of_o rises_z so_o high_a as_o to_o assurance_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o it_o be_v manifest_o such_o a_o confidence_n as_o be_v common_a to_o all_o sincere_a christian_n which_o yet_o assurance_n we_o all_o know_v be_v not_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o word_n in_o the_o original_a which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v proper_o freedom_n or_o boldness_n of_o speech_n though_o the_o latin_a translation_n render_v it_o by_o fiducia_n and_o so_o correspond_v with_o the_o english_a which_o render_v it_o by_o confidence_n but_o whether_o fiducia_n or_o confidence_n reach_v the_o full_a sense_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d may_v very_o well_o be_v dispute_v however_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o neither_o the_o word_n in_o the_o original_a nor_o yet_o in_o the_o translation_n import_v assurance_n for_o freedom_n or_o boldness_n of_o speech_n i_o be_o sure_a do_v not_o and_o fiducia_n or_o confidence_n signify_v only_o a_o man_n be_v actual_o persuade_v of_o a_o thing_n upon_o better_a argument_n for_o it_o than_o any_o that_o he_o can_v see_v against_o it_o which_o he_o may_v very_o well_o be_v and_o yet_o not_o be_v assure_v of_o it_o from_o all_o which_o i_o conclude_v that_o the_o confidence_n here_o mention_v in_o the_o text_n amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o a_o rational_a well_o ground_a hope_n such_o a_o one_o as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o in_o rom._n 5._o 5._o make_v not_o ashamed_a and_o upon_o these_o term_n i_o affirm_v that_o such_o a_o conscience_n as_o have_v employ_v the_o utmost_a of_o its_o ability_n to_o give_v itself_o the_o best_a information_n and_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o its_o duty_n that_o it_o 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after_o he_o have_v use_v the_o utmost_a mean_n to_o inform_v himself_o of_o it_o i_o answer_v that_o so_o much_o of_o duty_n as_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o save_v he_o he_o shall_v upon_o the_o use_n of_o such_o a_o course_n come_v to_o know_v and_o that_o which_o he_o continue_v ignorant_a of_o have_v do_v the_o utmost_a lie_v in_o his_o power_n that_o he_o may_v not_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o shall_v never_o damn_v he_o which_o assertion_n be_v prove_v thus_o the_o gospel_n damn_v no_o body_n for_o be_v ignorant_a of_o that_o which_o he_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o know_v but_o that_o which_o upon_o the_o improvement_n of_o a_o man_n utmost_a power_n he_o can_v know_v he_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o know_v for_o that_o otherwise_o he_o will_v be_v oblige_v to_o a_o impossibility_n since_o that_o
of_o intercourse_n with_o god_n as_o papist_n and_o fanatic_n who_o in_o most_o thing_n copy_v from_o one_o another_o as_o well_o as_o rail_v at_o one_o another_o do_v usual_o boast_v of_o but_o certain_o if_o the_o evil_a spirit_n may_v and_o often_o do_v suggest_v wicked_a and_o vile_a thought_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o all_o do_v and_o must_v grant_v and_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v from_o the_o devil_n be_v put_v it_o into_o the_o heart_n of_o judas_n to_o betray_v christ_n john_n 13._o 2._o and_o his_o fill_v the_o heart_n of_o ananias_n to_o lie_v to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n act_v 5._o 3._o it_o can_v after_o this_o with_o any_o colour_n of_o reason_n be_v doubt_v but_o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n who_o power_n and_o influence_n to_o good_a be_v much_o great_a than_o that_o of_o the_o wicked_a spirit_n to_o evil_a do_v frequent_o inject_v into_o and_o imprint_v upon_o the_o soul_n many_o bless_a motion_n and_o impulse_n to_o duty_n and_o many_o powerful_a avocation_n from_o sin_n so_o that_o a_o man_n shall_v not_o only_o as_o the_o prophet_n say_v hear_v a_o voice_n behind_o he_o but_o also_o a_o voice_n within_o he_o tell_v he_o which_o way_n he_o ought_v to_o go_v for_o doubtless_o there_o be_v something_o more_o in_o those_o expression_n of_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o like_a than_o mere_a trope_n and_o metaphor_n and_o nothing_o less_o be_v or_o can_v be_v import_v by_o they_o than_o that_o god_n sometime_o speak_v to_o and_o converse_v with_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n immediate_o by_o himself_o and_o happy_a those_o who_o by_o thus_o hear_v he_o speak_v in_o a_o still_a voice_n shall_v prevent_v his_o speak_n to_o they_o in_o thunder_n but_o you_o will_v here_o ask_v perhaps_o how_o we_o shall_v distinguish_v in_o such_o motion_n which_o of_o they_o proceed_v immediate_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o which_o from_o the_o conscience_n in_o answer_n to_o which_o i_o must_v confess_v that_o i_o know_v no_o certain_a mark_n of_o discrimination_n to_o distinguish_v they_o by_o save_v only_o in_o general_n that_o such_o as_o proceed_v immediate_o from_o god_n use_v to_o strike_v the_o mind_n sudden_o and_o very_o powerful_o but_o then_o i_o add_v also_o that_o as_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o in_o point_n of_o speculation_n be_v so_o nice_a and_o difficult_a so_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n in_o point_n of_o practice_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a but_o let_v a_o man_n universal_o observe_v and_o obey_v every_o good_a motion_n rise_v in_o his_o heart_n know_v that_o every_o such_o motion_n proceed_v from_o god_n either_o mediate_o or_o immediate_o and_o that_o whether_o god_n speak_v immediate_o by_o himself_o to_o the_o conscience_n or_o mediate_o by_o the_o conscience_n to_o the_o soul_n the_o authority_n be_v the_o same_o in_o both_o and_o the_o contempt_n of_o either_o be_v rebellion_n now_o the_o thing_n which_o i_o drive_v at_o under_o this_o 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hardness_n which_o be_v yet_o worse_o than_o the_o other_o so_o that_o god_n shall_v withdraw_v from_o such_o a_o heart_n and_o the_o spirit_n be_v grieve_v shall_v depart_v and_o these_o bless_a motion_n shall_v cease_v and_o affect_v and_o visit_v it_o no_o more_o the_o consequence_n of_o which_o be_v very_o terrible_a as_o render_v a_o man_n past_o feeling_n and_o then_o the_o less_o he_o feel_v in_o this_o world_n the_o more_o he_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o feel_v in_o the_o next_o but_o 3._o because_o the_o light_n of_o natural_a conscience_n be_v in_o many_o thing_n defective_a and_o dimn_v and_o the_o internal_a voice_n of_o god_n spirit_n not_o always_o distinguishable_a above_o all_o let_v a_o man_n attend_v to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n utter_v in_o his_o reveal_v word_n i_o say_v his_o reveal_v word_n by_o which_o i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o mysterious_a extraordinary_a and_o of_o late_a so_o much_o study_v book_n call_v the_o revelation_n and_o which_o perhaps_o the_o more_o it_o be_v study_v the_o less_o it_o be_v understand_v as_o general_o either_o find_v a_o man_n crack_v or_o make_v he_o so_o but_o i_o mean_v those_o other_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n which_o exhibit_v to_o we_o a_o plain_a sure_a perfect_a and_o intelligible_a rule_n a_o rule_n that_o will_v neither_o fail_v nor_o distract_v such_o as_o make_v use_n of_o it_o a_o rule_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o two_o former_a rule_n by_o for_o nothing_o that_o contradict_v the_o reveal_v word_n of_o god_n be_v either_o the_o voice_n of_o right_a reason_n or_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n nor_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o without_o god_n contradict_v himself_o and_o therefore_o we_o see_v what_o high_a eulogy_n be_v give_v to_o the_o write_a word_n by_o the_o inspire_a penman_n of_o both_o testament_n it_o give_v understanding_n to_o the_o simple_a say_v david_n in_o psalm_n 119._o 130._o and_o that_o you_o will_v say_v be_v no_o such_o easy_a matter_n to_o do_v it_o be_v able_a to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a say_v st._n paul_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 17._o it_o be_v quick_a and_o powerful_a and_o sharp_a than_o any_o two-edged_n sword_n pierce_v even_o to_o the_o divide_v asunder_o of_o the_o soul_n and_o spirit_n and_o be_v a_o discerner_n of_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o heart_n heb._n 4._o 12._o now_o what_o a_o force_n and_o fullness_n what_o a_o vigour_n and_o emphasis_n be_v there_o in_o all_o these_o expression_n enough_o one_o will_v think_v to_o recommend_v and_o endear_v the_o scripture_n even_o to_o the_o papist_n themselves_o for_o if_o as_o the_o text_n say_v they_o give_v understanding_n to_o the_o simple_a i_o know_v none_o more_o concern_v to_o read_v and_o study_v they_o than_o their_o pope_n wherefore_o since_o the_o light_n and_o energy_n of_o the_o write_a word_n be_v so_o mighty_a let_v a_o man_n bring_v and_o hold_v his_o conscience_n to_o this_o steady_a rule_n the_o unalterable_a rectitude_n of_o which_o will_v infallible_o discover_v the_o rectitude_n or_o obliquity_n of_o whatsoever_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o a_o rule_n both_o to_o instruct_v we_o what_o to_o do_v and_o to_o assure_v we_o in_o what_o we_o have_v do_v for_o though_o natural_a conscience_n ought_v to_o be_v listen_v to_o yet_o it_o be_v revelation_n alone_o that_o be_v to_o be_v rely_v upon_o as_o we_o may_v observe_v in_o the_o work_v of_o art_n a_o judicious_a artist_n will_v indeed_o use_v his_o eye_n but_o he_o will_v trust_v only_o to_o his_o rule_n there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o action_n whatsoever_o which_o a_o man_n ought_v to_o do_v or_o to_o forbear_v but_o the_o scripture_n will_v give_v he_o a_o clear_a precept_n or_o prohibition_n for_o it_o so_o that_o if_o a_o man_n will_v commit_v such_o rule_n to_o his_o memory_n and_o stock_n his_o mind_n with_o portion_n of_o scripture_n answerable_a to_o all_o the_o head_n of_o duty_n and_o practice_n his_o conscience_n can_v never_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n either_o for_o a_o direction_n of_o his_o action_n or_o a_o answer_n to_o a_o temptation_n it_o be_v the_o very_a course_n which_o our_o saviour_n himself_o take_v when_o the_o devil_n ply_v he_o with_o temptation_n upon_o temptation_n still_o he_o have_v a_o suitable_a scripture_n ready_a to_o repel_v and_o baffle_v they_o all_o one_o after_o another_o every_o pertinent_a text_n urge_v home_o be_v a_o direct_a stab_n to_o a_o temptation_n let_v a_o man_n therefore_o consider_v and_o recount_v with_o himself_o the_o several_a duty_n and_o virtue_n of_o a_o christian._n such_o as_o temperance_n meekness_n charity_n purity_n of_o heart_n pardon_v of_o enemy_n patience_n i_o have_v almost_o say_v passive_a obedience_n too_o but_o that_o such_o old_a fashion_a christianity_n seem_v as_o
and_o measure_n of_o conscience_n in_o a_o sermon_n on_o 1_o john_n iii_o 21._o preach_v before_o the_o university_n at_o christ-church_n oxon_n octob._n 30._o 1692._o 1_o john_n iii_o 21._o belove_a if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o we_o have_v confidence_n towards_o god_n i_o have_v discourse_v once_o already_o upon_o these_o word_n in_o this_o place_n in_o which_o discourse_n after_o i_o have_v set_v down_o four_o several_a false_a ground_n upon_o which_o man_n in_o judge_v of_o the_o safety_n of_o their_o spiritual_a estate_n be_v apt_a to_o found_v a_o wrong_a confidence_n towards_o god_n and_o show_v the_o falsity_n of_o they_o all_o and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o man_n be_v own_o heart_n or_o conscience_n which_o in_o this_o great_a concern_v he_o can_v with_o any_o safety_n rely_v upon_o i_o do_v in_o the_o next_o place_n cast_v the_o further_a prosecution_n of_o the_o word_n under_o these_o four_o follow_v particular_n 1._o to_o show_v how_o the_o heart_n or_o conscience_n ought_v to_o be_v inform_v in_o order_n to_o its_o sound_n in_o we_o a_o rational_a confidence_n towards_o god_n 2._o to_o show_v how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v we_o may_v get_v our_o conscience_n thus_o inform_v and_o afterward_o preserve_v and_o keep_v it_o so_o 3._o to_o show_v whence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n thus_o inform_v come_v to_o be_v so_o authentic_a and_o so_o much_o to_o be_v rely_v upon_o and_o 4_o and_o last_o to_o assign_v some_o particular_a case_n or_o instance_n in_o which_o the_o confidence_n suggest_v by_o it_o do_v most_o eminent_o show_v and_o exert_v itself_o upon_o the_o first_o of_o which_o head_n to_o wit_n how_o the_o heart_n or_o conscience_n ought_v to_o be_v inform_v in_o order_n to_o its_o sound_n in_o we_o a_o rational_a confidence_n towards_o god_n after_o i_o have_v premise_v something_o about_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n and_o show_v both_o what_o influence_n that_o ought_v to_o have_v upon_o we_o and_o what_o regard_v we_o ought_v to_o have_v to_o that_o in_o this_o matter_n i_o gather_v the_o result_n of_o all_o into_o this_o one_o conclusion_n namely_o that_o such_o a_o conscience_n as_o have_v not_o be_v want_v to_o itself_o in_o endeavour_v the_o utmost_a knowledge_n of_o its_o duty_n and_o the_o clear_a information_n about_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o its_o power_n advantage_n and_o opportunity_n can_v afford_v it_o be_v that_o great_a internal_a judge_n who_o absolution_n be_v a_o rational_a and_o sure_a ground_n of_o confidence_n towards_o god_n this_o i_o then_o insist_v upon_o at_o large_a and_o from_o thence_o proceed_v to_o the_o 2_o d._n particular_a which_o be_v to_o show_v how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v we_o may_v get_v our_o conscience_n thus_o inform_v and_o afterward_o preserve_v and_o keep_v it_o so_o where_o among_o those_o many_o way_n and_o method_n which_o may_v no_o doubt_n have_v be_v assign_v as_o high_o conduce_v to_o this_o purpose_n i_o single_v out_o and_o insist_v upon_o only_o these_o four_n as_o 1_o st_z that_o the_o voice_n of_o reason_n in_o all_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a morality_n be_v still_o careful_o to_o be_v attend_v to_o by_o a_o strict_a observance_n of_o what_o it_o command_v but_o especial_o of_o what_o it_o forbid_v 2_o lie_n that_o every_o pious_a motion_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v tender_o to_o be_v cherish_v and_o by_o no_o mean_n quench_v or_o check_v either_o by_o resistance_n or_o neglect_v 3_o lie_n that_o conscience_n be_v still_o to_o be_v keep_v close_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n write_a word_n and_o 4_o lie_n and_o last_o that_o it_o be_v frequent_o to_o be_v examine_v and_o severe_o account_v with_o these_o thing_n also_o i_o then_o more_o full_o enlarge_v upon_o and_o so_o close_v up_o all_o with_o a_o double_a caution_n and_o that_o of_o no_o small_a importance_n as_o to_o the_o case_n then_o before_o we_o as_o first_o that_o no_o man_n shall_v reckon_v every_o doubt_n or_o mis-giving_a of_o his_o heart_n about_o the_o safety_n of_o his_o spiritual_a estate_n inconsistent_a with_o that_o confidence_n towards_o god_n which_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o text_n and_o second_o that_o no_o man_n shall_v account_v a_o bare_a silence_n of_o conscience_n in_o not_o accuse_v or_o disturb_v he_o a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o such_o a_o confidence_n of_o both_o which_o i_o then_o show_v the_o fatal_a consequence_n and_o so_o not_o to_o trouble_v you_o with_o any_o more_o repetition_n than_o these_o which_o be_v just_o necessary_a to_o lay_v before_o you_o the_o coherence_n of_o one_o thing_n with_o another_o i_o shall_v now_o pass_v to_o the_o three_o of_o those_o four_o particular_n first_o propose_v which_o be_v to_o show_v whence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n concern_v a_o man_n spiritual_a estate_n come_v to_o be_v so_o authentic_a and_o so_o much_o to_o be_v rely_v upon_o now_o the_o force_n and_o credit_n of_o its_o testimony_n stand_v upon_o this_o double_a ground_n 1._o the_o high_a office_n which_o it_o hold_v immediate_o from_o god_n himself_o in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o 2_o lie_n those_o property_n or_o quality_n which_o peculiar_o fit_v it_o for_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o high_a office_n in_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o soul_n 1._o and_o first_o for_o its_o office_n it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o god_n vicegerent_n or_o deputy_n do_v all_o thing_n by_o immediate_a commission_n from_o he_o it_o command_v and_o dictate_v every_o thing_n in_o god_n name_n and_o stamp_v every_o word_n with_o a_o almighty_a authority_n so_o that_o it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o kind_a of_o copy_n or_o transcript_n of_o the_o divine_a sentence_n and_o a_o interpreter_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o heaven_n and_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o sin_n against_o conscience_n as_o all_o sin_n against_o light_n and_o conviction_n be_v by_o way_n of_o eminence_n so_o call_v be_v of_o so_o peculiar_a and_o transcendent_a a_o guilt_n for_o that_o every_o such_o sin_n be_v a_o dare_a and_o direct_a defiance_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n as_o it_o be_v signify_v and_o report_v to_o a_o man_n by_o his_o conscience_n and_o thereby_o ultimate_o terminate_v in_o god_n himself_o nay_o and_o this_o vicegerent_n of_o god_n have_v one_o prerogative_n above_o all_o god_n other_o earthly_a vicegerent_n to_o wit_n that_o it_o can_v never_o be_v depose_v such_o a_o strange_a sacred_a and_o inviolable_a majesty_n have_v god_n imprint_v upon_o this_o faculty_n not_o indeed_o as_o upon_o a_o absolute_a independent_a sovereign_n but_o yet_o with_o so_o great_a a_o communication_n of_o something_o next_o to_o sovereignty_n that_o while_o it_o keep_v within_o its_o proper_a compass_n it_o be_v controllable_a by_o no_o mortal_a power_n upon_o earth_n for_o not_o the_o great_a monarch_n in_o the_o world_n can_v countermand_v conscience_n so_o far_o as_o to_o make_v it_o condemn_v where_o it_o will_v otherwise_o acquit_v or_o acquit_v where_o it_o will_v otherwise_o condemn_v no_o neither_o sword_n not_o sceptre_n can_v come_v at_o it_o but_o it_o be_v above_o and_o beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o both_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o this_o awful_a and_o majestic_a character_n which_o it_o bear_v whence_o can_v it_o be_v that_o the_o stout_a and_o brave_a heart_n droop_v and_o sneak_v when_o conscience_n frown_v and_o the_o most_o abject_a and_o afflict_a wretch_n feel_v a_o unspeakable_a and_o even_o triumphant_a joy_n when_o the_o judge_n within_o absolve_n and_o applaud_v he_o when_o a_o man_n have_v do_v any_o villainous_a act_n though_o under_o countenance_n of_o the_o high_a place_n and_o power_n and_o under_o covert_a of_o the_o close_a secrecy_n his_o conscience_n for_o all_o that_o strike_v he_o like_o a_o clap_n of_o thunder_n and_o depress_n he_o to_o a_o perpetual_a trepidation_n horror_n and_o poorness_n of_o spirit_n so_o that_o like_o nero_n though_o surround_v with_o his_o roman_a legion_n and_o praetorian_a band_n he_o yet_o skulk_v and_o hide_v himself_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o fly_v to_o every_o thing_n for_o refuge_n though_o he_o see_v nothing_o to_o fly_v from_o and_o all_o this_o because_o he_o have_v hear_v a_o condemn_a sentence_n from_o within_o which_o the_o secret_a forebodings_a of_o his_o mind_n tell_v he_o will_v be_v ratify_v by_o a_o sad_a and_o certain_a execution_n from_o above_o on_o the_o other_o side_n what_o make_v a_o man_n so_o cheerful_a so_o bright_a and_o confident_a in_o his_o comfort_n but_o because_o he_o find_v himself_o acquit_v by_o god_n high_a commissioner_n and_o deputy_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o a_o pardon_n under_o god_n own_o hand_n under_o the_o broad_a seal_n of_o heaven_n as_o i_o may_v so_o express_v it_o for_o a_o king_n never_o condemn_v any_o who_o his_o
the_o throne_n of_o grace_n and_o his_o boldness_n be_v not_o great_a than_o his_o welcome_n god_n recognize_v the_o voice_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n intercede_v within_o he_o and_o his_o prayer_n be_v not_o only_o follow_v but_o even_o prevent_v with_o a_o answer_n 2_o a_o second_o instance_n in_o which_o this_o confidence_n towards_o god_n do_v so_o remarkable_o show_v itself_o be_v at_o the_o time_n of_o some_o notable_a trial_n or_o sharp_a affliction_n when_o a_o man_n friend_n shall_v desert_v he_o his_o relation_n disow_v he_o and_o all_o dependency_n fail_v he_o and_o in_o a_o word_n the_o whole_a world_n frown_v upon_o he_o certain_o it_o will_v then_o be_v of_o some_o moment_n to_o have_v a_o friend_n in_o the_o court_n of_o conscience_n which_o shall_v as_o it_o be_v buoy_v up_o his_o sink_a spirit_n and_o speak_v great_a thing_n for_o he_o than_o all_o these_o together_o can_v declaim_v against_o he_o for_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o no_o height_n of_o honour_n nor_o affluence_n of_o fortune_n can_v keep_v a_o man_n from_o be_v miserable_a nor_o indeed_o contemptible_a when_o a_o enrage_a conscience_n shall_v fly_v at_o he_o and_o take_v he_o by_o the_o throat_n so_o it_o be_v also_o as_o certain_a that_o no_o temporal_a adversity_n can_v cut_v off_o those_o inward_a secret_a invincible_a supply_n of_o comfort_n which_o conscience_n shall_v pour_v in_o upon_o distress_a innocence_n in_o spite_n and_o in_o defiance_n of_o all_o worldly_a calamity_n naturalist_n observe_v that_o when_o the_o frost_n seize_v upon_o wine_n they_o be_v only_o the_o slight_a and_o more_o waterish_a part_n of_o it_o that_o be_v subject_a to_o be_v congeal_v but_o still_o there_o be_v a_o mighty_a spirit_n which_o can_v retreat_v into_o itself_o and_o there_o within_o its_o own_o compass_n lie_v secure_a from_o the_o freeze_a impression_n of_o the_o element_n round_o about_o it_o and_o just_o so_o it_o be_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n while_o a_o good_a conscience_n make_v it_o firm_a and_o impenetrable_a a_o outward_a affliction_n can_v no_o more_o benumb_v or_o quell_v it_o than_o a_o blast_n of_o wind_n can_v freeze_v up_o the_o blood_n in_o a_o man_n vein_n or_o a_o little_a shower_n of_o rain_n soak_v into_o his_o heart_n and_o there_o quench_v the_o principle_n of_o life_n itself_o take_v the_o two_o great_a instance_n of_o misery_n which_o i_o think_v be_v incident_a to_o humane_a nature_n to_o wit_n poverty_n and_o shame_n and_o i_o dare_v oppose_v conscience_n to_o they_o both_o and_o first_o for_o poverty_n suppose_v a_o man_n strip_v of_o all_o driven_z out_o of_o house_n and_o home_n and_o perhaps_o out_o of_o his_o country_n too_o which_o have_v within_o our_o memory_n happen_v to_o so_o many_o may_v too_o easy_o god_n know_v be_v suppose_v again_o yet_o if_o his_o conscience_n shall_v tell_v he_o that_o it_o be_v not_o for_o any_o failure_n in_o his_o own_o duty_n but_o from_o the_o success_n of_o another_o villainy_n that_o all_o this_o befall_v he_o why_o then_o his_o banishment_n become_v his_o preferment_n his_o rag_n his_o trophy_n his_o nakedness_n his_o ornament_n and_o so_o long_o as_o his_o innocence_n be_v his_o repast_n he_o feast_v and_o banquet_n upon_o bread_n and_o water_n he_o have_v disarm_v his_o affliction_n unstung_a his_o misery_n and_o though_o he_o have_v not_o the_o proper_a happiness_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o he_o have_v the_o great_a that_o be_v to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o it_o and_o for_o this_o we_o may_v appeal_v to_o the_o experience_n of_o those_o great_a and_o good_a man_n who_o in_o the_o late_a time_n of_o rebellion_n and_o confusion_n be_v force_v into_o foreign_a country_n for_o their_o unshaken_a firmness_n and_o fidelity_n to_o the_o oppress_a cause_n of_o majesty_n and_o religion_n whether_o their_o conscience_n do_v not_o like_o a_o fidus_n achates_n still_o bear_v they_o company_n stick_v close_o to_o they_o and_o suggest_v comfort_n even_o when_o the_o cause_n of_o comfort_n be_v invisible_a and_o in_o a_o word_n verify_v that_o great_a say_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o mouth_n we_o have_v nothing_o and_o yet_o we_o possess_v all_o thing_n for_o it_o be_v not_o bare_o a_o man_n abridgement_n in_o his_o external_n accommodation_n which_o make_v he_o miserable_a but_o when_o his_o conscience_n shall_v hit_v he_o in_o the_o tooth_n and_o tell_v he_o that_o it_o be_v his_o sin_n and_o his_o folly_n which_o bring_v he_o under_o these_o abridgement_n that_o his_o present_a scanty_a meal_n be_v but_o the_o natural_a effect_n of_o his_o former_a over_o full_a one_o that_o it_o be_v his_o tailor_n and_o his_o cook_n his_o fine_a fashion_n and_o his_o french_a ragou's_fw-fr which_o sequester_v he_o and_o in_o a_o word_n that_o he_o come_v by_o his_o poverty_n as_o sinful_o as_o some_o usual_o do_v by_o their_o riches_n and_o consequent_o that_o providence_n treat_v he_o with_o all_o these_o severity_n not_o by_o way_n of_o trial_n but_o by_o way_n of_o punishment_n and_o revenge_n the_o mind_n sure_o of_o itself_o can_v feel_v none_o of_o the_o burn_n of_o a_o fever_n but_o if_o my_o fever_n be_v occasion_v by_o a_o surfeit_n and_o that_o surfeit_v cause_v by_o my_o sin_n it_o be_v that_o which_o add_v fuel_n to_o the_o fiery_a disease_n and_o rage_n to_o the_o distemper_n 2_o lie_n let_v we_o consider_v also_o the_o case_n of_o calumny_n and_o disgrace_n doubtless_o the_o sting_n of_o every_o reproachful_a speech_n be_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o to_o be_v conscious_a be_v that_o which_o give_v a_o edge_n and_o keenness_n to_o the_o invective_n otherwise_o when_o conscience_n shall_v plead_v not_o guilty_a to_o the_o charge_n a_o man_n entertain_v it_o not_o as_o a_o endictment_n but_o as_o a_o libel_n he_o hear_v all_o such_o calumny_n with_o a_o generous_a unconcernment_n and_o receive_v they_o at_o one_o ear_n give_v they_o a_o free_a and_o easy_a passage_n through_o the_o other_o they_o fall_v upon_o he_o like_o rain_n or_o hail_n upon_o a_o oil_a garment_n they_o may_v make_v a_o noise_n indeed_o but_o can_v find_v no_o entrance_n the_o very_a whisper_v of_o a_o acquit_v conscience_n will_v drown_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o loud_a slander_n what_o a_o long_a charge_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o many_o other_o base_a thing_n do_v iob_n friend_n draw_v up_o against_o he_o but_o he_o regard_v it_o no_o more_o than_o the_o dunghill_n which_o he_o sit_v upon_o while_o his_o conscience_n enable_v he_o to_o appeal_v even_o to_o god_n himself_o and_o in_o spite_n of_o calumny_n to_o assert_v and_o hold_v fast_o his_o integrity_n and_o do_v not_o joseph_n lie_v under_o as_o black_a a_o infamy_n as_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o high_a ingratitude_n and_o the_o lewd_a villainy_n can_v fasten_v upon_o he_o yet_o his_o conscience_n raise_v he_o so_o much_o above_o it_o that_o he_o scorn_v so_o much_o as_o to_o clear_v himself_o or_o to_o recriminate_a the_o strumpet_n by_o a_o true_a narrative_n of_o the_o matter_n for_o we_o read_v nothing_o of_o that_o in_o the_o whole_a story_n such_o confidence_n such_o greatness_n of_o spirit_n do_v a_o clear_a conscience_n give_v a_o man_n always_o make_v he_o more_o solicitous_a to_o preserve_v his_o innocence_n than_o concern_v to_o prove_v it_o and_o so_o we_o come_v now_o to_o the_o 3_o d._n and_o last_o instance_n in_o which_o above_o all_o other_o this_o confidence_n towards_o god_n do_v most_o eminent_o show_v and_o exert_v itself_o and_o that_o be_v at_o the_o time_n of_o death_n which_o sure_o give_v the_o grand_a opportunity_n of_o try_v both_o the_o strength_n and_o worth_a of_o every_o principle_n when_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v just_a about_o to_o quit_v the_o stage_n of_o this_o world_n to_o put_v off_o his_o mortality_n and_o to_o deliver_v up_o his_o last_o account_n to_o god_n at_o which_o sad_a time_n his_o memory_n shall_v serve_v he_o for_o little_a else_o but_o to_o terrify_v he_o with_o a_o frightful_a review_n of_o his_o past_a life_n and_o his_o former_a extravagance_n strip_v of_o all_o their_o pleasure_n but_o retain_v their_o gild_n what_o be_v it_o then_o that_o can_v promise_v he_o a_o fair_a passage_n into_o the_o other_o world_n or_o a_o comfortable_a appearance_n before_o his_o dreadful_a judge_n when_o he_o be_v there_o not_o all_o the_o friend_n and_o interest_n all_o the_o riches_n and_o honour_n under_o heaven_n can_v speak_v so_o much_o as_o a_o word_n for_o he_o or_o one_o word_n of_o comfort_n to_o he_o in_o that_o condition_n they_o may_v possible_o reproach_n but_o they_o can_v relieve_v he_o no_o at_o this_o disconsolate_a time_n when_o the_o busy_a tempter_n shall_v be_v more_o than_o usual_o apt_a to_o vex_v and_o trouble_v he_o and_o the_o pain_n of_o a_o die_a body_n to_o hinder_v and_o discompose_v he_o