their_o religion_n in_o that_o be_v much_o darken_v and_o insensible_o prejudicate_v as_o to_o their_o light_n when_o they_o come_v up_o the_o length_n or_o near_o the_o length_n of_o that_o light_n conscience_n speak_v and_o give_v its_o testimony_n according_o and_o they_o have_v thence_o a_o sort_n of_o peace_n but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o peace_n of_o a_o true_o good_a conscience_n 4._o a_o natural_a man_n or_o a_o hypocrite_n may_v come_v a_o great_a length_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o external_a duty_n of_o religion_n and_o may_v have_v a_o kind_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n in_o that_o respect_n as_o he_o may_v pray_v and_o have_v some_o moral_a sincerity_n in_o it_o and_o â—o_o as_o he_o will_v â—ain_o have_v a_o hear_n and_o will_v some_o way_n have_v his_o heart_n pray_v â—ay_v he_o may_v have_v a_o kind_n of_o delight_n in_o approach_v to_o god_n as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o those_o hypocrite_n isa._n 58._o 2._o he_o will_v â—ain_o know_v what_o be_v duty_n and_o what_o be_v sin_n and_o he_o do_v not_o deliberate_o thwart_v with_o his_o light_n in_o this_o respect_n paul_n say_v of_o himself_o before_o his_o conversion_n that_o as_o touch_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n he_o be_v blameless_a and_o rom._n 10._o 1._o he_o bear_v the_o jew_n record_n that_o they_o have_v a_o zeal_n of_o god_n but_o not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n and_o what_o i_o pray_v be_v this_o but_o conscience_n un-informed_n in_o and_o ignorant_a of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n from_o which_o ignorance_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n and_o of_o the_o way_n of_o come_v to_o he_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o go_v about_o to_o establish_v their_o own_o righteousness_n so_o than_o the_o natural_a man_n or_o hypocrite_n when_o he_o have_v come_v the_o length_n of_o some_o honest_a meaning_n be_v dispose_v to_o think_v that_o he_o have_v do_v very_o well_o and_o that_o he_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n yet_o though_o he_o may_v have_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o some_o respect_n or_o in_o these_o respect_v mention_v and_o the_o like_a yet_o to_o have_v it_o simple_o and_o positive_o from_o solid_a and_o good_a ground_n give_v he_o a_o good_a testimony_n be_v impossible_a and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o he_o have_v not_o the_o word_n go_v along_o with_o his_o conscience_n in_o reference_n to_o his_o whole_a carriage_n and_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o principle_n motive_n end_n and_o design_n of_o his_o action_n testify_v for_o he_o and_o therefore_o i_o say_v he_o have_v not_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o true_o good_a conscience_n for_o the_o next_o question_n wherein_o be_v this_o conscience_n defective_a and_o what_o be_v the_o difference_n betwixt_o it_o and_o a_o believer_n good_a conscience_n or_o how_o may_v it_o be_v know_v as_o differ_v from_o a_o honest_a gospel_n conscience_n answer_v 1_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o rise_n there_o be_v a_o defect_n in_o the_o judgement_n for_o if_o the_o eye_n be_v blind_a if_o the_o understanding_n be_v dark_a the_o conscience_n must_v be_v so_o too_o they_o have_v say_v the_o apostle_n of_o the_o jew_n a_o zeal_n of_o god_n but_o not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n and_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n they_o go_v about_o to_o establish_v their_o own_o righteousness_n however_o zealous_a they_o be_v of_o god_n or_o other_o such_o may_v be_v yet_o they_o be_v ignorant_a in_o three_o thing_n 1._o in_o the_o extent_n and_o spiritual_a meaning_n of_o the_o law_n suppose_v for_o instance_n that_o a_o man_n keep_v the_o six_o command_n when_o he_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o any_o gross_a act_n of_o murder_n and_o the_o seven_o when_o he_o do_v not_o actual_o commit_v adultery_n or_o fornication_n not_o know_v or_o consider_v that_o a_o look_v arise_v from_o the_o flame_n of_o lust_n within_o be_v a_o breach_n of_o that_o command_n and_o so_o proportionable_o in_o other_o command_v even_o as_o the_o pharisee_n conform_v the_o law_n in_o the_o meaning_n thereof_o to_o their_o own_o practice_n and_o not_o their_o practice_n to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o law_n 2._o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o way_n of_o god_n righteousness_n and_o of_o that_o which_o give_v the_o conscience_n solid_a ground_n to_o speak_v peace_n many_o if_o they_o have_v a_o honest_a meaning_n in_o their_o pray_n read_v of_o the_o scripture_n wait_v on_o public_a ordinance_n if_o they_o put_v their_o body_n to_o some_o sort_n of_o penance_n or_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v if_o it_o be_v the_o half_a of_o their_o estate_n to_o have_v their_o soul_n safe_a and_o if_o they_o have_v a_o sort_n of_o seriousness_n in_o all_o this_o think_v that_o all_o be_v well_o with_o they_o and_o that_o they_o have_v a_o very_a good_a conscience_n if_o this_o piece_n of_o ignorance_n be_v well_o discern_v never_o one_o soul_n out_o of_o christ_n will_v have_v peace_n because_o none_o out_o of_o christ_n have_v solid_a ground_n of_o peace_n for_o none_o have_v their_o heart_n sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n but_o these_o that_o be_v in_o he_o 3._o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o their_o particular_a case_n they_o know_v not_o what_o sin_n they_o be_v guilty_a of_o nor_o what_o conscience_n say_v of_o they_o they_o think_v it_o speak_v better_a thing_n to_o they_o then_o indeed_o it_o do_v some_o guess_n at_o it_o some_o misinterpret_v it_o and_o some_o repeal_v it_o whereas_o if_o they_o be_v sober_o reflect_v on_o and_o impartial_o look_v to_o their_o manner_n of_o proceed_v in_o every_o thing_n they_o will_v see_v that_o they_o mistake_v their_o conscience_n exceed_o this_o then_o be_v the_o first_o defect_n viz._n a_o defect_n in_o the_o judgement_n the_o second_o be_v a_o defect_n as_o to_o singleness_n and_o sincerity_n in_o the_o natural_a man_n best_a condition_n such_o be_v never_o single_a when_o at_o their_o very_a best_a even_o when_o they_o be_v most_o serious_a in_o prayer_n they_o be_v but_o go_v about_o to_o establish_v their_o own_o righteousness_n when_o they_o fast_o and_o give_v alm_n and_o the_o like_a it_o be_v that_o they_o may_v have_v some_o ground_n for_o a_o good_a opinion_n of_o themselves_o or_o that_o other_o may_v have_v a_o good_a opinion_n of_o they_o be_v always_o act_v from_o selfy_a motive_n and_o for_o self-end_n a_o 3d._a defect_n be_v the_o want_n of_o unbiased_a affection_n these_o be_v partial_a and_o bias_v will_v put_v the_o man_n to_o reason_n and_o dispute_v for_o the_o silence_v of_o his_o conscience_n and_o this_o eye_n not_o be_v single_a the_o whole_a body_n be_v full_a of_o darkness_n affection_n be_v incline_v or_o swey_v to_o this_o or_o that_o side_n they_o will_v seek_v to_o â—way_n conscience_n to_o that_o side_n they_o incline_v to_o this_o be_v it_o that_o make_v some_o to_o follow_v after_o and_o to_o haunt_v the_o company_n of_o those_o who_o be_v erroneous_a in_o their_o judgement_n notwithstanding_o that_o they_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o the_o contrary_n lay_v before_o they_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o they_o reject_v and_o that_o without_o challenge_n be_v quite_o bias_v and_o prejudge_v in_o their_o affection_n thus_o many_o natural_a man_n lay_v this_o for_o a_o conclusion_n that_o so_o much_o only_o be_v holiness_n and_o that_o no_o more_o be_v needful_a and_o what_o be_v more_o be_v but_o superfluous_a niceness_n and_o so_o they_o prejudge_v their_o conscience_n by_o that_o 4._o it_o be_v defective_a in_o this_o that_o it_o maintain_v not_o its_o peace_n nor_o answer_v its_o challenge_n from_o christ_n blood_n it_o be_v not_o sprinkle_v with_o clean_a but_o with_o foul_a water_n to_o say_v so_o it_o may_v be_v it_o put_v the_o man_n to_o take_v on_o some_o resolution_n or_o to_o come_v under_o some_o vow_n as_o to_o somewhat_o that_o it_o may_v be_v be_v no_o command_v duty_n of_o religion_n not_o have_v any_o valuable_a influence_n upon_o it_o or_o he_o will_v as_o it_o be_v sprinkle_v his_o conscience_n with_o his_o tear_n thus_o many_o will_v grant_v that_o they_o have_v sin_v but_o withal_o they_o think_v and_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o say_v that_o they_o have_v a_o good_a heart_n or_o a_o good_a meaning_n or_o that_o such_o and_o such_o a_o man_n well_o esteem_v of_o have_v such_o a_o sin_n and_o be_v as_o guilty_a as_o they_o be_v or_o that_o many_o have_v have_v such_o siâ—s_n who_o yet_o have_v go_v to_o heaven_n on_o such_o and_o other_o the_o like_a pitiful_a ground_n they_o find_v their_o peace_n and_o by_o such_o silly_a shift_n they_o seek_v to_o quiet_v their_o conscience_n yea_o sometime_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o possibility_n of_o pardon_n many_o conclude_v confident_o that_o they_o be_v actual_o pardon_v we_o shall_v forbear_v to_o say_v any_o thing_n further_o at_o this_o time_n god_n
may_v have_v teach_v he_o even_o when_o he_o be_v about_o to_o die_v when_o man_n use_v to_o be_v most_o single_a he_o be_v by_o his_o excess_n of_o affection_n carry_v on_o that_o same_o way_n though_o doubtless_o not_o inrend_v to_o cross_v god_n purpose_n anent_o jacob_n and_o if_o imight_v instance_n it_o without_o be_v mistake_v by_o any_o in_o this_o particular_a which_o do_v not_o seldom_o come_v to_o pass_v when_o two_o party_n be_v make_v choice_n each_o of_o other_o for_o marriaga_n they_o may_v not_o only_o think_v but_o some_o may_v be_v persuade_v that_o they_o be_v call_v to_o marry_v such_o a_o individual_a person_n because_o inclination_n and_o affection_n set_v they_o on_o when_o yet_o there_o may_v be_v no_o such_o call_n of_o god_n and_o so_o it_o may_v be_v in_o reference_n to_o other_o thing_n a_o four_o case_n be_v when_o believer_n think_v that_o god_n interest_n and_o their_o own_o interest_n go_v joint_o together_o in_o such_o and_o such_o a_o thing_n or_o practice_n though_o their_o own_o interest_n sway_v more_o with_o they_o than_o god_n interest_n yet_o they_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o allege_v that_o they_o care_v not_o so_o much_o what_o become_v of_o their_o own_o interest_n but_o they_o can_v endure_v noâ—_n admit_v such_o or_o such_o a_o prejudice_n shall_v come_v to_o god_n interest_n something_o whereof_o we_o may_v see_v in_o jonah_n to_o who_o the_o lord_n say_v chap._n 4._o do_v thou_o well_o to_o be_v angry_a i_o do_v well_o say_v jonah_n to_o be_v angry_a to_o death_n and_o he_o will_v do_v nothing_o but_o die_v and_o even_o in_o that_o evil_a frame_n of_o spirit_n he_o adventure_v to_o pray_v to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v take_v away_o his_o life_n for_o all_o which_o passion_n and_o precipitation_n he_o allege_v a_o regard_n to_o the_o great_a concern_v of_o god_n glory_n as_o if_o by_o that_o dispensation_n his_o truth_n and_o faitfulness_n will_v be_v reflect_v on_o while_o yet_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n respect_n to_o his_o own_o reputation_n that_o he_o think_v will_v run_v a_o considerable_a risk_a and_o hazard_n have_v thereby_o for_o the_o time_n a_o prevalent_a influence_n on_o he_o and_o the_o great_a impatiency_n for_o the_o wither_a of_o his_o gourd_n say_v plain_o that_o his_o own_o interest_n lie_v there_o and_o his_o be_v so_o very_a cankered_a and_o impatient_a oâ—_n so_o small_a a_o occasion_n and_o where_o so_o inconsiderable_a a_o interest_n of_o his_o own_o be_v touch_v may_v have_v downright_o tell_v he_o that_o he_o have_v need_n to_o suspect_v his_o impatiency_n in_o a_o great_a matter_n thus_o it_o be_v manifest_o with_o godly_a baruch_n jer._n 45._o where_o regard_v to_o his_o own_o interest_n have_v too_o great_a a_o stroke_n on_o his_o faint_a and_o â—ighing_v for_o which_o he_o be_v sharp_o check_v seek_v thou_o great_a thing_n for_o thyself_o seek_v they_o not_o though_o no_o doubt_n he_o want_v not_o respect_n to_o the_o public_a interest_n that_o be_v now_o go_v to_o ruin_v in_o all_o appearance_n a_fw-it 5_o case_n be_v when_o believer_n seem_v to_o have_v or_o indeed_o have_v great_a manifestation_n of_o god_n then_o ordinary_a whereby_o while_o it_o may_v be_v he_o be_v only_o approve_v and_o encourage_v they_o as_o to_o the_o main_a they_o be_v then_o in_o hazard_n to_o conclude_v that_o he_o be_v approve_v they_o in_o some_o particular_a thing_n that_o be_v never_o in_o his_o mind_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o peter_n who_o matth._n 17._o at_o the_o transfiguration_n be_v try_v with_o a_o glorious_a manifestation_n draw_v this_o conclusion_n it_o be_v good_a to_o be_v here_o let_v we_o build_v three_o tabernacle_n it_o may_v have_v be_v think_v that_o he_o will_v not_o have_v mistake_v and_o go_v wrong_a then_o by_o any_o time_n and_o yet_o even_o then_o he_o do_v so_o there_o be_v a_o very_a common_a ground_n of_o mistake_n among_o believer_n who_o if_o they_o win_v at_o liberty_n in_o prayer_n about_o such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n and_o get_v as_o they_o think_v god_n countenance_n in_o the_o duty_n they_o be_v then_o very_o ready_a to_o conclude_v that_o god_n certain_o approve_v of_o the_o thing_n when_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v otherways_o but_o suppose_v it_o be_v so_o that_o thou_o be_v indeed_o countenance_v in_o thy_o duty_n yea_o though_o thou_o be_v upon_o the_o mount_n with_o christ_n it_o will_v not_o prove_v that_o god_n allow_v the_o thing_n though_o he_o thus_o manifest_v his_o respect_n to_o thyself_o the_o reason_n be_v that_o which_o be_v say_v of_o peter_n this_o he_o speak_v not_o know_v what_o he_o say_v a_o 6_o case_n be_v when_o believer_n impulse_n of_o conscience_n proceed_v from_o zeal_n without_o light_n or_o when_o their_o light_n be_v not_o proportional_a to_o their_o zeal_n for_o as_o there_o may_v be_v in_o hypocrite_n light_a without_o zeal_n which_o light_n do_v not_o ready_o keep_v they_o from_o miscarry_v so_o when_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o believer_n be_v misinform_v and_o zeal_n drive_v he_o without_o light_n he_o then_o very_o ready_o miscarry_v as_o we_o may_v see_v act_n 21._o and_o 20._o james_n say_v to_o paul_n thou_o see_v brother_n how_o many_o thousand_o of_o jew_n there_o be_v that_o believe_v and_o they_o be_v all_o zealous_a of_o the_o law_n etc._n etc._n their_o zeal_n be_v such_o for_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n of_o moses_n that_o neither_o paul_n nor_o any_o of_o the_o other_o apostle_n can_v get_v they_o take_v off_o and_o paul_n be_v force_v to_o stoop_v to_o they_o in_o many_o thing_n when_o it_o may_v in_o reason_n have_v be_v think_v that_o they_o shall_v rather_o have_v cede_v to_o the_o apostle_n thus_o believer_n when_o not_o well_o inform_v but_o have_v a_o honest_a zeal_n for_o god_n be_v like_o a_o ship_n that_o have_v more_o sail_n than_o ballast_n and_o so_o can_v well_o bear_v up_o into_o the_o wind_n nor_o steer_v a_o straight_a and_o steady_a course_n and_o from_o this_o honest_a zeal_n of_o they_o they_o may_v err_v and_o go_v wrong_n yea_o even_o be_v displease_v with_o other_o that_o will_v not_o go_v along_o with_o they_o in_o their_o error_n as_o all_o these_o be_v incident_a to_o believer_n so_o they_o will_v watchful_o take_v heed_n that_o in_o these_o and_o other_o such_o case_n they_o give_v not_o credit_v to_o nor_o lie_v weight_n upon_o all_o that_o their_o conscience_n say_v a_o four_o question_n arise_v from_o the_o former_a be_v whether_o it_o may_v be_v thus_o with_o a_o believer_n and_o yet_o he_o be_v in_o a_o good_a frame_n answer_v if_o we_o mean_v â—_o good_a frame_v universal_o so_o he_o can_v be_v but_o although_o he_o be_v in_o many_o yeâ—_n in_o most_o thing_n in_o a_o good_a frame_n as_o both_o himself_o and_o other_o may_v think_v and_o have_v good_a ground_n to_o think_v so_o yet_o he_o may_v go_v wrong_a in_o a_o particular_a and_o in_o so_o far_o he_o be_v not_o in_o a_o good_a frame_n as_o in_o the_o instance_n give_v before_o 1._o he_o may_v have_v a_o honest_a mind_n and_o meaning_n 2._o in_o other_o thing_n he_o may_v be_v very_o observant_a of_o and_o tender_a in_o duty_n very_o tractable_a and_o obedient_a to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n keeping_z the_o church_n hear_v the_o word_n preach_v give_v to_o prayer_n and_o to_o wait_v on_o all_o ordinance_n as_o no_o doubt_n these_o believe_a jew_n be_v act._n 21._o 3._o he_o may_v be_v in_o some_o measure_n in_o a_o pray_a frame_n yea_o pray_v in_o or_o about_o the_o very_a time_n he_o miscarry_v as_o we_o see_v in_o that_o forecited_a instance_n of_o samuel_n 1_o sam._n 15._o compare_v with_o 16._o who_o have_v be_v present_o pray_v and_o offer_v sacrifice_n when_o he_o draw_v that_o conclusion_n touch_v eliah_n jonah_n also_o be_v pray_v in_o that_o fit_a of_o distemper_a passion_n and_o content_a to_o die_v and_o desirous_a to_o be_v in_o heaven_n which_o suppose_v some_o clearness_n of_o his_o interest_n for_o it_o can_v in_o charity_n be_v think_v that_o the_o godly_a man_n be_v desperate_a or_o dare_v so_o go_v to_o god_n and_o yet_o he_o be_v no_o doubt_n wrong_v yea_o 4._o he_o may_v have_v great_a manifestation_n as_o we_o see_v in_o peter_n on_o the_o mount_n and_o yet_o go_v wrong_n in_o a_o particular_a as_o he_o do_v this_o say_v that_o believer_n aswell_a as_o other_o shall_v walk_v in_o humility_n and_o fear_n and_o never_o be_v over_o confident_a it_o be_v not_o sure_a in_o vain_a that_o they_o be_v bid_v work_n out_o the_o work_n of_o their_o own_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a and_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v very_o warry_a unless_o it_o be_v on_o good_a ground_n to_o draw_v conclusion_n about_o the_o goodness_n of_o their_o estate_n especial_o wherein_o these_o great_o fail_v
conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n willing_a to_o live_v honest_o heb._n 13._o v_o 18._o and_o if_o at_o any_o time_n the_o conscience_n of_o the_o christian_a be_v defile_v and_o wound_v by_o new_a contract_a pollution_n and_o guilt_n and_o challenge_n begin_v thence_o to_o arise_v and_o to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o sweet_a repose_n of_o the_o soul_n there_o will_v be_v on_o all_o such_o occasion_n fresh_a believe_a application_n make_v to_o the_o blood_n of_o sprinkle_v that_o thereby_o the_o heart_n may_v be_v sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n and_o the_o conscience_n purge_v from_o dead_a work_n to_o serve_v the_o live_a god_n and_o endeavour_n will_v be_v renew_v in_o the_o strength_n of_o grace_n to_o walk_v more_o tender_o without_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n towards_o which_o these_o sermon_n abound_v with_o variety_n of_o choice_n and_o excellent_a direction_n and_o help_n three_o and_o more_o particular_o we_o will_v study_v to_o have_v our_o conscience_n well_o and_o thorough_o inform_v by_o intimate_fw-la acquaintance_n with_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n as_o to_o all_o thing_n that_o we_o be_v call_v to_o believe_v and_o do_v so_o that_o it_o may_v be_v in_o case_n to_o discharge_v its_o office_n and_o duty_n aright_o whether_o in_o dictate_v or_o in_o testify_v or_o in_o judge_v a_o ill_a inform_v conscience_n especial_o where_o there_o be_v any_o zeal_n or_o forwardness_n strong_o push_v and_o surious_o drive_v man_n to_o many_o dangerous_a distract_a and_o destructive_a practice_n have_v not_o this_o drive_a man_n to_o kill_v the_o servant_n of_o christ_n as_o himself_o foretell_v and_o in_o do_v so_o to_o think_v that_o they_o do_v god_n service_n do_v not_o this_o hurry_n on_o paul_n before_o his_o conversion_n to_o persecute_v caller_n on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o to_o make_v havoc_n of_o the_o church_n by_o draw_v and_o drag_v the_o disciple_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n bind_v to_o prison_n and_o by_o cruel_a persecute_v of_o they_o even_o to_o strange_a city_n compel_v they_o to_o blaspheme_v so_o exceed_o mad_a be_v he_o as_o himself_o confess_v against_o they_o o_o what_o terrible_a and_o tragical_a thing_n have_v this_o set_a man_n on_o to_o do_v and_o what_o mâ—d_a work_n have_v it_o make_v in_o some_o place_n of_o the_o world_n beside_o many_o lesser_a impertinency_n extravagancy_n and_o disturbance_n in_o particular_a christian_a society_n four_o we_o will_v endeavour_v to_o have_v the_o conscience_n deep_o impress_v with_o due_a and_o deeâ—_n uâ—neration_n awe_n and_o dread_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n the_o supreme_a lord_n of_o and_o great_a lawgiver_n to_o the_o conscience_n who_o law_n and_o command_n be_v only_o proper_o direct_o immediate_o and_o of_o themselves_o obligatory_a thereof_o because_o the_o conscience_n and_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v proper_o subject_a only_o to_o god_n and_o because_o the_o law_n of_o god_n write_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o conscience_n and_o moreover_o because_o man_n can_v immediate_o judge_v the_o conscience_n nor_o know_v they_o the_o secret_a motion_n thereof_o and_o final_o because_o he_o can_v only_o inflict_v spiritual_a punishment_n on_o the_o sin_v conscience_n all_o the_o law_n and_o command_n of_o man_n in_o what_o ever_o capacity_n be_v only_o obligatory_a of_o the_o conscience_n mediate_o indirect_o and_o consequential_o viz._n in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v consistent_a compliant_a and_o agreeable_a with_o the_o law_n and_o command_n of_o the_o absolute_o supreme_a lawgiver_n or_o not_o repugnant_a thereunto_o for_o certain_o he_o have_v not_o give_v a_o dispensation_n to_o any_o power_n on_o earth_n civil_a or_o ecclesiastic_a to_o countermand_v his_o command_n or_o to_o enjoin_v obedience_n â—o_o command_v contrary_a to_o or_o inconsistent_a with_o his_o own_o who_o command_n be_v immediate_o and_o inviolable_o bind_v of_o the_o conscience_n of_o superior_n and_o magistrate_n though_o the_o great_a monarch_n on_o earth_n as_o well_o as_o of_o inferior_n and_o subject_n all_o without_o exception_n be_v inferior_n and_o subject_n to_o he_o yet_o such_o law_n of_o man_n as_o do_v either_o press_v or_o declare_v the_o command_n and_o law_n of_o god_n and_o make_v for_o the_o conservation_n and_o observation_n thereof_o oblige_v in_o conscience_n because_o such_o law_n as_o they_o be_v such_o participate_v of_o the_o nature_n and_o force_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o because_o the_o law_n of_o god_n do_v direct_o and_o immediate_o command_v subjection_n to_o the_o superior_a power_n therefore_o even_o in_o reference_n to_o theâ—â—njust_a law_n and_o such_o as_o be_v repugnant_a to_o or_o 〈◊〉_d with_o the_o divine_a law_n subject_n be_v oblige_v in_o 〈◊〉_d not_o to_o reâ—use_v obedience_n to_o they_o out_o of_o any_o contempt_n of_o lawful_a authority_n let_v â—e_n to_o discaâ—m_v anâ—_n renounce_v the_o same_o as_o some_o poor_a seduce_v and_o delude_v person_n do_v in_o these_o day_n â—ther_o ouâ—_n of_o ignorance_n or_o humour_n or_o misguideâ—_n zeal_n to_o the_o great_a reproach_n of_o religion_n not_o to_o admit_v 〈◊〉_d any_o thing_n that_o mâ—_n have_v in_o it_o the_o 〈◊〉_d appearance_n of_o offence_n and_o scandal_n that_o way_n because_o the_o contempt_n oâ—_n lawful_a authority_n and_o the_o â—andal_n of_o other_o be_v in_o themselves_o sin_n against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n yet_o still_o as_o no_o â—eer_n humane_a law_n do_v direct_o immediate_o and_o of_o themselves_o as_o i_o say_v bind_v the_o conscience_n so_o neither_o have_v god_n give_v a_o power_n to_o any_o of_o the_o superior_a power_n on_o earth_n to_o enjoy_v obedience_n to_o command_n that_o be_v cross_a to_o his_o own_o injunction_n which_o all_o be_v oblige_v indispensable_o to_o obey_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o only_o strange_a but_o even_o stupendous_a for_o any_o christian_n especial_o such_o as_o pretend_v to_o be_v protestant_n confident_o to_o assert_v and_o bolâ—â—o_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n as_o mr._n hobbs_n do_v in_o his_o leviathan_n a_o book_n design_v by_o he_o as_o i_o have_v be_v inform_v to_o compliment_n cromwell_n against_o the_o writer_n own_o conscience_n such_o as_o it_o be_v p._n 168._o that_o no_o private_a man_n be_v judge_v of_o good_a and_o evil_a action_n in_o a_o common_a wealth_n under_o civil_a law_n and_o that_o the_o meaâ—ure_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a action_n be_v the_o civil_a law_n of_o action_n civilv_v good_a why_o not_o but_o of_o action_n simple_o good_a and_o evil_n as_o his_o assertion_n carry_v whâ—_n what_o reason_n or_o shadow_n of_o reason_n god_n never_o have_v give_v noâ—_n assign_v such_o a_o rule_n we_o may_v thus_o throw_v away_o ouâ—_n bibles_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o good_a and_o eull_a arion_n and_o all_o betake_v ourselves_o to_o the_o civil_a law_n as_o the_o only_a rule_n and_o the_o legis_fw-la lâ—tor_fw-la the_o alone_a judge_n since_o he_o may_v as_o well_o divest_v a_o man_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o unman_n he_o as_o deprive_v he_o of_o a_o private_a judgement_n of_o discretion_n or_o of_o a_o private_a discretive_a judgement_n in_o reference_n to_o his_o own_o action_n the_o soâ—er_a exercise_n whereof_o be_v no_o assume_v to_o himself_o in_o â—he_n least_o the_o capaciâ—e_n of_o a_o public_a judge_n and_o it_o at_o any_o time_n in_o any_o thing_n relaâ—ing_v to_o â—is_n 〈◊〉_d act_n this_o judgement_n of_o private_a discretion_n fall_v to_o thwart_v the_o law_n or_o public_a judgement_n he_o advenâ—es_v on_o that_o cum_fw-la pericâ—lo_fw-la or_o on_o his_o peâ—l_n but_o it_o can_v in_o reason_n utter_o rob_v he_o of_o it_o since_o as_o be_v say_v he_o can_v as_o soon_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o man_n or_o a_o rational_a creature_n as_o to_o have_v that_o quite_o deny_v he_o or_o take_v from_o he_o &_o to_o what_o end_n or_o purpose_n shall_v he_o be_v privilege_v with_o this_o above_o brute_n iâ—_n the_o exercise_n of_o â—t_a shall_v be_v for_o ever_o suspend_v in_o the_o member_n of_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n as_o almoâ—_n all_o man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v what_o sound_a and_o orthodox_n divine_a or_o sound_v christian_a lawyer_n ever_o teach_v such_o doctrine_n the_o learned_a doctor_n ames_n tellâ—_n we_o in_o the_o 4._o co_z olary_o and_o very_o last_o word_n of_o his_o first_o book_n of_o case_n of_o conscience_n that_o interpretatio_fw-la scripturae_fw-la vel_fw-la judicium_fw-la â—scernere_fw-la voluntatem_fw-la dei_fw-la pertinet_fw-la ad_fw-la quemlibet_fw-la in_o foro_fw-la conscâ—tiae_fw-la pro_fw-la 〈◊〉_d and_o page_n 169._o of_o the_o forecited_n book_n the_o same_o hobbs_n say_v that_o he_o who_o be_v subject_a to_o no_o civil_a law_n sin_v in_o â—ll_o that_o â—e_n do_v against_o his_o conscience_n yet_o â—t_a be_v not_o so_o with_o he_o who_o live_v in_o a_o common_a
which_o affect_v they_o as_o it_o be_v affect_v if_o their_o carriage_n be_v good_a it_o speak_v good_a to_o they_o if_o evil_a it_o speak_v evil_a to_o they_o hence_o it_o be_v say_v rom._n 2._o 15._o their_o conscience_n bear_v witness_n and_o their_o thought_n the_o meanwhile_n accuse_v or_o else_o excuse_v one_o another_o something_o also_o be_v speak_v to_o what_o conscience_n be_v and_o what_o be_v its_o office_n we_o shall_v now_o add_v a_o three_o doctrine_n though_o it_o be_v not_o the_o three_o in_o the_o order_n that_o we_o propose_v the_o doctrine_n at_o first_o which_o be_v this_o that_o christian_n ought_v so_o to_o walk_v yea_o if_o they_o be_v tender_a they_o will_v aim_v and_o endeavour_v so_o to_o walk_v as_o in_o nothing_o they_o may_v give_v their_o conscience_n offence_n the_o forego_v doctrine_n be_v common_a to_o all_o viz._n to_o have_v a_o conscience_n but_o this_o to_o walk_v friendly_a with_o the_o conscience_n so_o as_o not_o to_o offend_v or_o wrong_v it_o be_v not_o common_a to_o all_o but_o peculiar_a to_o he_o who_o be_v a_o christian_n in_o earnest_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o himself_o in_o the_o preecee_a chapter_n ver_fw-la 1._o man_n and_o brethren_n i_o have_v live_v before_o god_n in_o all_o good_a conscience_n until_o this_o day_n suppose_v he_o to_o mean_v since_o his_o conversion_n and_o 2_o cor._n 1._o 12._o our_o rejoice_v be_v this_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n etc._n etc._n and_o heb._n 13._o 18._o we_o trust_v we_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n willing_a to_o live_v honest_o and_o his_o pitch_v on_o this_o as_o a_o great_a ground_n of_o his_o consolation_n in_o strait_n be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o common_a thing_n but_o peculiar_a to_o the_o tender_a christian_a hence_o be_v the_o confident_a approach_n of_o the_o saint_n to_o god_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o david_n through_o the_o psalm_n in_o hezekiah_n isa._n 38._o 3._o remember_v i_o beseech_v thou_o how_o i_o have_v walk_v before_o thou_o in_o truth_n and_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n and_o in_o job_n chap._n 27._o vers_fw-la 6._o so_o 1_o john_n 3_o 21._o belove_a if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n for_o further_o clear_v of_o this_o point_n we_o shall_v show_v first_o what_o it_o be_v not_o to_o offend_v the_o conscience_n 2._o that_o a_o believer_n ought_v to_o walk_v and_o if_o he_o be_v tender_a will_v walk_v so_o as_o he_o may_v not_o offend_v his_o conscience_n and_o 3._o make_v use_n of_o the_o doctrine_n for_o clear_v of_o the_o first_o we_o shall_v show_v 1._o what_o offend_v the_o conscience_n 2._o what_o it_o be_v not_o to_o offend_v conscience_n the_o first_o of_o these_o may_v be_v comprise_v in_o these_o three_o general_n 1._o that_o whatever_o be_v sin_n against_o god_n offen_v the_o conscience_n for_o conscience_n be_v god_n deputy_n substitute_n by_o he_o and_o sustain_v his_o place_n and_o vicê_n in_o a_o manner_n in_o the_o soul_n to_o give_v sentence_n for_o he_o whatever_o offend_v and_o wrong_v god_n must_v also_o offend_v and_o wrong_v the_o conscience_n and_o though_o every_o sin_n do_v not_o always_o at_o present_a sensible_o and_o feel_o affect_v the_o conscience_n yet_o it_o make_v way_n for_o that_o and_o prove_v to_o be_v a_o offence_n and_o wrong_n do_v to_o it_o in_o that_o it_o lay_v the_o ground_n of_o a_o challenge_n 2._o that_o be_v a_o offence_n and_o wrong_n to_o the_o conscience_n which_o be_v against_o light_n and_o knowledge_n and_o though_o the_o impulse_n of_o conscience_n according_a to_o that_o light_n be_v not_o always_o so_o vigorous_a yet_o where_o there_o be_v a_o thwar_n with_o light_n there_o be_v a_o dare_v of_o conscience_n and_o a_o contradict_v of_o it_o and_o as_o it_o be_v rem_fw-la 14_o 22._o a_o man_n then_o condemn_v himself_o in_o that_o which_o he_o allow_v and_o lay_v the_o ground_n of_o a_o challenge_n against_o himself_o in_o that_o wherein_o he_o have_v light_a and_o clearness_n 3._o conscience_n be_v offend_v or_o wrong_v when_o any_o thing_n be_v adventure_v on_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o impulse_n of_o it_o as_o when_o conscience_n say_v that_o such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v do_v and_o we_o notwithstanding_o leave_v â—t_a undo_v or_o when_o it_o say_v such_o and_o such_o a_o thing_n ought_v â—ot_n to_o be_v do_v and_o yet_o we_o do_v it_o since_o conscience_n as_o we_o say_v before_o take_v notice_n of_o all_o a_o man_n thought_n purpose_n word_n and_o way_n to_o give_v in_o a_o word_n for_o god_n when_o that_o which_o it_o say_v for_o he_o be_v slight_v it_o can_v but_o be_v offend_v and_o wrong_v second_o not_o to_o offend_v but_o to_o keep_v friendship_n and_o a_o good_a understanding_n with_o the_o conscience_n suppose_v and_o take_v in_o these_o thing_n 1._o to_o have_v the_o judgement_n clear_o inform_v anent_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n for_o though_o conscience_n be_v above_o we_o yet_o it_o be_v under_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v inform_v from_o his_o word_n and_o we_o lie_v a_o stumbling-block_n before_o it_o when_o we_o endeavour_v not_o to_o have_v the_o eye_n single_a as_o the_o lord_n speak_v and_o the_o understanding_n clear_a 2._o to_o listen_v and_o lend_v the_o ear_n to_o hear_v what_o conscience_n say_v and_o after_o deliberation_n to_o be_v swey_v and_o determine_v according_a to_o what_o it_o say_v in_o do_v or_o forbear_v for_o unless_o we_o take_v heed_n to_o the_o voice_n of_o conscience_n we_o know_v not_o when_o we_o please_v or_o displease_v it_o 3._o to_o ply_v and_o steer_v a_o straight_a course_n according_a to_o the_o dictate_v and_o direction_n of_o conscience_n to_o take_v order_n to_o speak_v so_o from_o it_o so_o as_o when_o conscience_n point_v at_o such_o and_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o evil_n to_o stand_v and_o sist_z there_o without_o dare_v to_o meddle_v with_o it_o or_o move_v towards_o it_o and_o when_o it_o hold_v forth_o such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v a_o duty_n straight_a way_n to_o give_v obedience_n to_o it_o herein_o main_o consist_v a_o good_a conscience_n consider_v it_o with_o respect_n to_o its_o exercise_n when_o once_o make_v good_a to_o have_v our_o conscience_n say_v nothing_o against_o we_o and_o without_o have_v ground_n to_o say_v any_o thing_n against_o we_o when_o it_o can_v challenge_v we_o and_o say_v that_o it_o enjoin_v we_o to_o do_v such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n and_o that_o yet_o we_o do_v it_o not_o or_o that_o it_o enjoin_v we_o to_o forbear_v such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n and_o that_o yet_o we_o go_v on_o to_o the_o do_v of_o it_o so_o that_o when_o we_o come_v before_o god_n it_o may_v have_v nothing_o to_o reprove_v or_o challenge_v we_o for_o nothing_o to_o condemn_v we_o in_o but_o as_o it_o hold_v out_o our_o duty_n to_o we_o from_o the_o word_n just_o so_o to_o endeavour_v to_o behave_v in_o all_o thing_n for_o the_o second_o thing_n propose_v to_o be_v speak_v to_o viz._n that_o a_o believer_n ought_v and_o if_o he_o be_v tender_a will_v walk_v so_o as_o he_o may_v not_o offend_v his_o conscience_n these_o three_o thing_n will_v confirm_v it_o 1._o the_o very_a nature_n and_o office_n of_o his_o conscience_n if_o so_o be_v that_o conscience_n speak_v for_o god_n and_o be_v appoint_v by_o he_o as_o his_o deputy_n to_o be_v a_o remembrancer_n of_o duty_n and_o a_o restrainer_n from_o sin_n than_o the_o awe_n of_o god_n and_o love_n to_o he_o will_v make_v a_o man_n that_o be_v tender_a walk_v according_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o conscience_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o rom._n 13._o 5._o the_o command_n that_o be_v lay_v on_o for_o god_n sake_n be_v also_o lay_v on_o for_o conscience_n sake_n wherefore_o say_v he_o you_o must_v needs_o be_v subject_n not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o also_o for_o conscience_n sake_n that_o be_v from_o the_o awe_n of_o god_n that_o put_v we_o to_o our_o duty_n and_o from_o respect_n to_o conscience_n his_o deputy_n in_o this_o respect_n the_o voice_n of_o conscience_n be_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n for_o as_o a_o man_n can_v be_v tender_a who_o refuse_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o neither_o can_v he_o be_v tender_a who_o refuse_v to_o comply_v with_o the_o direction_n of_o his_o conscience_n speak_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n to_o he_o a_o second_o reason_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o great_a advantage_n that_o flow_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n it_o give_v much_o quietness_n and_o sweet_a peace_n in_o all_o strait_n and_o trouble_n and_o much_o confidence_n and_o holy_a boldness_n in_o approach_v to_o god_n if_o our_o conscience_n condemn_v we_o not_o say_v
itself_o to_o proof_n and_o trial_n take_v the_o sentence_n of_o conscience_n to_o the_o rule_n and_o try_v it_o thereby_o and_o take_v the_o answer_n on_o deliberation_n and_o not_o off-hand_n or_o by_o guess_n because_o it_o know_v conscience_n be_v but_o a_o servant_n and_o therefore_o will_v try_v if_o it_o speak_v its_o master_n even_o god_n language_n to_o this_o purpose_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 4._o i_o know_v nothing_o by_o myself_o yet_o be_o i_o not_o hereby_o justify_v it_o will_v either_o have_v conscience_n sentence_n and_o god_n sentence_n go_v together_o or_o else_o it_o will_v reject_v and_o cast_v it_o whereas_o the_o most_o part_n of_o man_n satisfy_v themselves_o with_o the_o sentence_n of_o conscience_n and_o look_v not_o after_o god_n sentence_n and_o misinterpret_v conscience_n and_o take_v its_o first_o word_n as_o it_o be_v and_o put_v it_o not_o to_o the_o trial_n ah_o be_v not_o this_o true_a of_o many_o of_o your_o conscience_n you_o think_v you_o have_v peace_n and_o that_o all_o matter_n be_v clear_a and_o well_o betwixt_o god_n and_o you_o notwithstanding_o you_o be_v secure_a ignorant_a or_o profane_a but_o when_o do_v you_o put_v your_o conscience_n to_o the_o trial_n ask_v your_o conscience_n if_o in_o all_o the_o word_n of_o god_n peace_n be_v speak_v to_o the_o wicked_a or_o to_o any_o that_o be_v not_o sincere_o aim_v and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v holy_a consider_v that_o word_n psal._n 85._o vers_fw-la 8._o the_o lord_n will_v speak_v peace_n to_o his_o people_n and_o to_o his_o saint_n there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n of_o peace_n for_o the_o profane_a and_o unholy_a how_o then_o can_v your_o conscience_n possible_o speak_v peace_n if_o it_o presume_v to_o do_v it_o will_v most_o certain_o beguile_v you_o and_o therefore_o as_o you_o will_v not_o be_v deceive_v sollow_v not_o neither_o lay_v weight_n upon_o every_o word_n that_o conscience_n speak_v as_o to_o your_o state_n especial_o at_o first_o but_o try_v it_o by_o the_o word_n or_o take_v its_o sentence_n to_o god_n and_o to_o the_o word_n and_o see_v how_o he_o approve_v of_o it_o and_o how_o his_o word_n do_v warrant_v it_o for_o as_o solomon_n say_v prov._n 30._o 12._o there_o be_v a_o generation_n that_o be_v pure_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n that_o be_v not_o cleanse_v from_o their_o filthiness_n there_o be_v yet_o on_o this_o side_n a_o 2d_o question_v viz._n if_o conscience_n may_v not_o only_o think_v itself_o to_o be_v right_a but_o think_v so_o in_o a_o high_a degree_n so_o as_o even_o to_o be_v persuade_v of_o it_o when_o yet_o it_o be_v wrong_a answer_v without_o all_o question_n it_o may_v and_o here_o we_o may_v speak_v somewhat_o of_o a_o delude_a conscience_n which_o be_v a_o conscience_n that_o not_o only_o be_v wrong_n and_o err_v and_o speak_v good_a when_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o it_o but_o a_o conscience_n that_o have_v these_o two_o thing_n beside_o in_o it_o 1._o it_o have_v a_o persuasion_n that_o it_o be_v right_a 2._o it_o have_v the_o affection_n somewhat_o stir_v by_o it_o and_o a_o sort_n of_o joy_n in_o the_o thing_n whereof_o it_o be_v persuade_v it_o be_v i_o say_v a_o conscience_n that_o not_o only_o speak_v good_a without_o ground_n but_o have_v a_o persuasion_n that_o it_o be_v right_a and_o a_o kind_n of_o joy_n in_o its_o way_n that_o there_o may_v be_v and_o be_v such_o a_o conscience_n among_o the_o generality_n of_o professor_n can_v be_v deny_v and_o be_v clear_a from_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v gal._n 5._o 3._o this_o persuasion_n come_v not_o of_o he_o that_o call_v you_o there_o be_v a_o persuasion_n and_o yet_o not_o of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o other_o to_o wit_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o joy_n in_o the_o thing_n see_v gal._n 3._o 1._o o_o foolish_a galatian_n who_o have_v bewitch_v you_o they_o have_v a_o sort_n of_o conceit_n and_o fainness_n even_o to_o a_o kind_a fascination_n and_o bewitch_v conceit_n of_o their_o be_v right_a neither_o be_v there_o any_o deal_n with_o they_o to_o draw_v they_o off_o that_o way_n there_o be_v four_o sort_n of_o these_o conscience_n among_o professor_n according_a to_o four_o several_z rises_z that_o they_o have_v none_o of_o which_o will_n warrant_v they_o to_o think_v themselves_o to_o be_v right_a the_o 1._o rise_v be_v from_o lay_v too_o much_o weight_n on_o suppose_a reason_n there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o delusion_n that_o arise_v from_o this_o ground_n which_o be_v it_o wherewith_o the_o galatian_n be_v carry_v away_o have_v hear_v first_o from_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n and_o thereafter_o from_o some_o false_a teacher_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n as_o necessary_a to_o be_v add_v to_o it_o in_o the_o point_n of_o justification_n they_o think_v there_o be_v good_a reason_n for_o such_o a_o doctrine_n and_o that_o no_o loss_n nor_o prejudice_n can_v come_v by_o it_o and_o therefore_o they_o do_v join_v both_o together_o the_o second_o rise_v be_v when_o man_n lay_v too_o much_o weight_n on_o great_a though_o yet_o but_o common_a gift_n as_o on_o liberty_n in_o prayer_n and_o warmness_n of_o the_o â—_z therein_o on_o preach_v notable_o and_o one_o stand_v it_o out_o in_o sharp_a trial_n with_o the_o approbation_n of_o other_o it_o may_v be_v even_o of_o the_o best_a or_o when_o they_o have_v be_v help_v to_o do_v some_o extraordinary_a thing_n as_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n some_o professor_n be_v help_v as_o god_n instrument_n to_o cast_v out_o devil_n to_o speak_v with_o tongue_n etc._n etc._n who_o yet_o be_v not_o sound_v at_o the_o heart_n it_o be_v on_o this_o ground_n that_o christ_n go_v when_o he_o say_v luke_n 13._o 27._o and_o matth._n 7._o 22_o 23._o many_o shall_v come_v to_o i_o in_o that_o day_n say_v lord_n we_o have_v prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n have_v cast_v out_o devil_n and_o do_v many_o wonderful_a work_n all_o which_o be_v as_o i_o just_a now_o say_v but_o common_a gift_n though_o some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o extraordinary_a and_o when_o man_n come_v to_o have_v any_o measure_n of_o these_o beyond_o other_o they_o will_v not_o be_v beat_v from_o it_o but_o will_v go_v to_o death_n with_o it_o that_o all_o be_v right_a with_o they_o the_o 3d._n rise_v be_v from_o some_o suppose_a spiritual_a sense_n and_o comfort_n and_o from_o some_o flash_n of_o joy_n these_o temporary_a believer_n speak_v of_o matth._n 13._o and_o heb._n 6._o 4_o 5._o attain_v to_o some_o taste_n of_o the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v such_o as_o once_o come_v this_o length_n do_v what_o they_o will_v and_o live_v as_o they_o will_v have_v it_o as_o it_o be_v always_o sound_v in_o their_o ear_n nor_o suffer_v they_o it_o to_o go_v out_o of_o their_o head_n that_o such_o and_o such_o a_o day_n they_o meet_v with_o god_n and_o that_o he_o speak_v peace_n to_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v persuade_v that_o matter_n be_v right_a betwixt_o he_o and_o they_o and_o yet_o all_o this_o while_n they_o may_v be_v unsound_a at_o the_o heart_n the_o four_o rise_v be_v from_o folk_n habituate_n themselves_o to_o speak_v good_a to_o themselves_o and_o from_o maintain_v their_o presumption_n and_o dull_v and_o deadn_v their_o own_o conscience_n whereupon_o in_o god_n righteous_a judgement_n conscience_n become_v a_o plague_n to_o they_o so_o that_o they_o will_v dispute_v and_o debate_n with_o and_o against_o any_o minister_n neighbour_n or_o friend_n that_o will_v convince_v they_o of_o the_o evil_a and_o danger_n of_o their_o state_n and_o condition_n and_o the_o heart_n be_v by_o they_o thus_o deceive_v speak_v and_o plead_v for_o they_o and_o deceive_v they_o back_o again_o they_o be_v honest_a â—olks_n and_o be_v never_o hear_v with_o their_o neighbour_n none_o have_v any_o thing_n amiss_o to_o say_v of_o they_o and_o their_o own_o conscience_n justify_v they_o and_o what_o shall_v more_o thus_o have_v put_v out_o their_o light_n and_o blind_v their_o own_o eye_n they_o have_v constrain_v and_o some_o way_n necessitate_v their_o conscience_n to_o cheat_v deceive_v and_o beguile_v they_o such_o as_o these_o be_v speak_v of_o isa._n 44_o 20._o he_o feed_v on_o ash_n a_o deceive_a heart_n have_v turn_v he_o aside_o that_o he_o can_v deliver_v his_o soul_n nor_o say_v be_v there_o not_o a_o lie_n in_o my_o right_a hand_n the_o heart_n be_v ordinary_o take_v as_o be_v hint_v before_o for_o the_o conscience_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n according_o job_n say_v his_o heart_n shall_v not_o smite_v he_o while_o he_o live_v and_o it_o be_v say_v david_n heart_n smite_v he_o now_o such_o a_o man_n as_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o his_o deceive_a
in_o respect_n of_o the_o external_a action_n itself_o or_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o even_o though_o we_o consider_v they_o as_o indifferent_a as_o whether_o a_o man_n stay_v at_o home_n or_o go_v abroad_o eat_v now_o or_o for_o bear_v eat_v etc._n etc._n 2._o as_o these_o action_n be_v christian_n in_o which_o respect_n man_n be_v not_o only_o to_o look_v on_o the_o action_n â—t_a self_n materâ—ally_o consider_v but_o they_o be_v also_o to_o look_v to_o the_o rule_v give_v to_o direct_v they_o how_o to_o walk_v christianly_o in_o that_o action_n for_o there_o be_v many_o action_n good_a in_o themselves_o or_o in_o the_o first_o respect_n that_o will_v not_o be_v find_v to_o be_v christianly_o and_o religious_o good_a or_o good_a in_o this_o second_o respect_n the_o christian_a shall_v love_v god_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n soul_n strength_n and_o mind_n mat._n 22._o 37._o he_o be_v not_o his_o own_o he_o be_v buy_v with_o a_o price_n and_o therefore_o shall_v glorify_v goâ—_n in_o his_o body_n and_o spirit_n which_o be_v god_n 1_o cor._n 6._o 20._o â—hether_o he_o eat_v or_o drink_v or_o whatever_o he_o do_v he_o shall_v do_v all_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 10._o 30._o which_o three_o general_a precept_n show_v that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o level_v our_o action_n as_o mere_o natural_a mâ—n_z do_v but_o as_o it_o become_v christian_n to_o level_v they_o at_o his_o glory_n as_o the_o great_a end_n and_o scope_n of_o they_o that_o to_o we_o to_o live_v may_v be_v christ_n that_o we_o may_v live_v to_o he_o and_o glorify_v he_o who_o have_v buy_v we_o and_o that_o from_o a_o principle_n of_o love_n to_o he_o who_o have_v love_v we_o now_o conscience_n come_v not_o in_o formal_o to_o deal_v on_o the_o first_o account_n that_o be_v as_o the_o action_n be_v good_a in_o itself_o or_o on_o the_o matter_n there_o reason_n and_o judgement_n come_v in_o rather_o and_o tell_v when_o a_o man_n do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a or_o 〈◊〉_d on_o the_o matter_n but_o conscience_n come_v in_o on_o the_o second_o account_v and_o tell_v he_o when_o his_o action_n be_v do_v christianly_o 〈◊〉_d wiâ—_n in_o due_a manner_n from_o a_o right_a principle_n and_o to_o a_o right_a 〈◊〉_d to_o make_v this_o out_o it_o will_v be_v needful_a that_o we_o short_o speak_v a_o word_n to_o these_o two_o 1._o we_o shall_v show_v what_o make_v a_o action_n true_o christian_n and_o religious_a 2._o we_o shall_v show_v that_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n that_o make_v a_o action_n such_o conscience_n have_v something_o to_o say_v to_o man_n whether_o â—t_a be_v so_o with_o they_o as_o for_o the_o first_o i_o speak_v noâ—_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o action_n or_o what_o make_v it_o good_a in_o that_o respect_n as_o that_o it_o be_v warrantable_a and_o in_o nothing_o sinful_a as_o to_o the_o matter_n such_o as_o be_v â—aring_v drink_v hear_v read_v pray_v etc._n etc._n beside_o this_o there_o be_v these_o four_o which_o must_v be_v present_a and_o careful_o carry_v along_o in_o every_o action_n by_o the_o man_n that_o will_v act_v christianly_o and_o glorify_v god_n therein_o the_o want_n of_o which_o or_o oâ—_n any_o of_o these_o will_v make_v conscience_n to_o have_v something_o to_o say_v against_o he_o as_o ground_n of_o challenge_n as_o the_o have_v of_o they_o will_v make_v conscience_n to_o â—ay_n for_o he_o and_o approve_v he_o the_o 1._o of_o these_o be_v that_o a_o man_n action_n be_v level_v at_o a_o high_a end_n than_o himself_o and_o that_o be_v god_n honour_n and_o the_o â—fication_n of_o other_o as_o for_o instance_n man_n even_o in_o their_o eat_n and_o drink_v be_v not_o to_o satisfy_v themselves_o or_o to_o gratify_v their_o appetite_n only_o but_o they_o be_v to_o make_v their_o eat_n and_o drink_v a_o mean_a to_o promove_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n as_o the_o great_a and_o ultimat_fw-la end_n sit_v down_o on_o a_o â—our_n end_n will_v furnish_v a_o ground_n of_o challenge_n to_o the_o conscience_n against_o the_o person_n the_o second_o be_v that_o it_o be_v from_o a_o cleanly_a motive_n that_o not_o only_o it_o be_v a_o lawful_a and_o good_a thing_n which_o we_o do_v but_o that_o it_o be_v do_v out_o of_o conscience_n to_o god_n and_o as_o service_n to_o he_o for_o a_o man_n may_v do_v a_o good_a action_n and_o not_o do_v it_o as_o such_o as_o for_o instance_n one_o man_n may_v give_v alm_n and_o sin_n in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o and_o another_o in_o give_v may_v offâ—r_v a_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n to_o god_n therefore_o christ_n say_v math._n 10._o 42_o and_o mark_v 9_o 41._o whosoever_o give_v to_o drink_v to_o one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o a_o cup_n of_o cold_a water_n in_o the_o name_n as_o a_o disciple_n viz._n consider_v he_o as_o such_o and_o give_v it_o to_o he_o as_o such_o a_o one_o or_o in_o the_o name_n of_o and_o because_o he_o belong_v to_o 〈◊〉_d on_o that_o account_n and_o under_o that_o consideration_n and_o be_v swey_v by_o that_o as_o his_o motive_n very_o he_o shall_v in_o no_o way_n loss_n his_o reward_n this_o two_o man_n may_v suffer_v both_o a_o like_a unjust_o from_o a_o churlish_a master_n or_o superior_a the_o one_o of_o who_o may_v have_v no_o thanks_o nor_o peace_n in_o his_o suffering_n when_o the_o other_o suffer_v christianly_o out_o of_o conscience_n to_o god_n and_o in_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n that_o call_v he_o to_o it_o be_v accept_v and_o have_v peace_n this_o be_v thank_v worthy_a say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o pet._n 2._o 19_o if_o a_o man_n for_o conscience_n sake_n endure_v grief_n and_o suffer_v wrongful_o so_o in_o the_o love_n of_o a_o husband_n to_o his_o wife_n and_o of_o a_o parent_n to_o he_o or_o her_o child_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o love_v on_o a_o mere_a natural_a account_n and_o another_o thing_n to_o love_v such_o a_o relation_n christianly_o and_o out_o of_o conscience_n to_o god_n though_o the_o former_a be_v not_o condemn_v yet_o it_o be_v this_o latter_a that_o make_v it_o to_o be_v a_o conscientious_a and_o acceptable_a love_n before_o god_n the_o 3_o be_v that_o the_o action_n be_v go_v about_o in_o the_o right_a manner_n as_o such_o a_o particular_a action_n or_o duty_n be_v command_v to_o be_v do_v as_o for_o instance_n if_o it_o be_v a_o word_n of_o instruction_n or_o admonition_n give_v by_o we_o to_o another_o that_o it_o be_v give_v prudent_o love_o and_o tender_o or_o what_o ever_o the_o action_n be_v in_o reference_n to_o other_o that_o our_o manner_n of_o go_v about_o it_o be_v such_o as_o may_v adorn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o make_v the_o action_n to_o shine_v the_o more_o convince_o to_o other_o because_o of_o our_o suitable_a way_n of_o discharge_v it_o that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o testimony_n in_o their_o conscience_n and_o may_v gain_v they_o or_o further_o gain_v they_o to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o godliness_n but_o this_o can_v be_v so_o well_o instance_a in_o particular_n because_o several_a duty_n require_v their_o own_o suitable_a way_n of_o perform_v of_o they_o the_o four_o thing_n that_o must_v go_v along_o with_o every_o action_n be_v that_o it_o be_v mix_v with_o faith_n heb._n 4._o 2._o not_o only_o the_o faith_n of_o such_o a_o action_n be_v good_a and_o lawful_a in_o itself_o for_o that_o be_v always_o presuppose_v but_o these_o two_o thing_n here_o be_v further_a requisite_a 1._o that_o the_o action_n or_o duty_n be_v go_v about_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o jesus_n christ_n so_o that_o it_o may_v have_v a_o superior_a spiritual_a principle_n to_o wit_n god_n strength_n act_v in_o it_o and_o not_o our_o own_o simple_o that_o crowd_n of_o witness_n chronicle_v heb._n 11._o be_v say_v to_o do_v all_o they_o do_v this_o way_n viz._n by_o faith_n that_o be_v not_o only_o by_o faith_n exercise_v on_o christ_n for_o accept_v of_o they_o but_o also_o by_o faith_n exercise_v on_o the_o strength_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v bear_v through_o in_o the_o do_n of_o what_o they_o do_v 2._o that_o not_o only_a faith_n be_v exercise_v for_o divine_a strength_n in_o do_v and_o that_o the_o doer_n be_v deny_v to_o their_o own_o strength_n but_o that_o there_o be_v also_o a_o rest_v on_o christ_n for_o the_o acceptation_n of_o their_o person_n and_o performance_n and_o this_o be_v alâ—e_o requisite_a as_o any_o of_o the_o former_a because_o though_o a_o person_n do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a in_o itself_o and_o have_v all_o the_o other_o requisit_n to_o the_o action_n yet_o if_o there_o be_v a_o fall_n in_o this_o conscience_n will_v not_o speak_v peace_n by_o faith_n it_o be_v say_v heb._n 11._o 4_o 5._o that_o abel_n offer_v a_o more_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n than_o cain_n
not_o like_o this_o publican_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o necessary_a for_o keep_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n clear_a then_o to_o be_v very_o humble_a under_o it_o and_o much_o deny_v to_o it_o sermon_n i._n heb._n 13._o v_o 18._o pray_v for_o we_o for_o we_o trust_v we_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n willing_a to_o live_v honest_o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o very_a exercise_v and_o up-taking_a business_n to_o attain_v and_o come_v by_o a_o good_a conscience_n but_o it_o have_v a_o most_o sweet_o refresh_v and_o strong_o comâ—orting_v fruit_n grow_v out_o of_o 〈◊〉_d when_o it_o be_v attain_v and_o who_o ever_o have_v through_o grace_n attain_v it_o have_v never_o find_v reason_n to_o think_v their_o labour_n 〈◊〉_d or_o their_o pain_n ill_o bestow_v or_o too_o great_a the_o calmness_n composure_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o soul_n with_o the_o hoâ—y_n and_o 〈◊〉_d confidence_n and_o boldness_n to_o god-ward_o with_o the_o 〈◊〉_d and_o joy_v that_o result_n and_o flow_v from_o this_o difficult_a exâ—_n super-abundant_o compense_v all_o the_o labour_n and_o pain_n bestow_v on_o it_o that_o we_o may_v be_v stir_v up_o and_o provoke_v vigorous_o to_o endeavour_v in_o the_o strength_n oâ—_n christ_n the_o have_v and_o maintain_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n and_o somewhat_o of_o the_o peace_n and_o joy_n that_o now_o from_o the_o well_o ground_a assurance_n of_o its_o be_v attain_v we_o have_v make_v choice_a oâ—_n these_o word_n to_o speak_v a_o little_a to_o they_o wherein_o the_o apostle_n 1._o assert_n his_o attain_n of_o this_o with_o confidence_n and_o boldness_n we_o trust_v say_v he_o we_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n 2._o he_o prove_v his_o assertion_n â—y_a give_v a_o evidence_n oâ—_n the_o truth_n of_o it_o oâ—_n by_o explicate_v that_o which_o he_o call_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n say_v he_o willing_a to_o live_v honest_o endeavour_v in_o every_o thing_n to_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o to_o approve_v ourselves_o too_o god_n we_o shall_v in_o the_o first_o place_n speak_v some_o what_o short_o to_o the_o explication_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o word_n there_o be_v three_o expression_n in_o his_o assertion_n concern_v his_o conscience_n which_o hold_v forth_o a_o very_a high_a attainment_n the_o 1._o be_v a_o good_a conscience_n the_o word_n good_a signify_v not_o only_o that_o which_o be_v â—_o profitable_a good_a but_o also_o that_o which_o be_v a_o fair_a pleasant_a and_o delectable_a good_a insinuate_v that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o conscience_n as_o have_v some_o what_o in_o it_o commendable_a beautiful_a and_o amiable_a fit_v to_o make_v other_o fall_v in_o love_n with_o it_o so_o much_o the_o word_n signify_v 2_o tim._n 4._o 7._o and_o matt._n 26._o 10._o the_o 2._o be_v we_o trust_v hold_v out_o the_o confidence_n whereby_o he_o assert_v the_o have_v of_o a_o good_a conscience_n it_o be_v not_o such_o trust_n as_o many_o of_o we_o have_v which_o we_o use_v to_o call_v our_o good_a hope_n which_o be_v rather_o a_o conjecture_v or_o guess_v than_o any_o well-grounded_n confidence_n but_o it_o be_v such_o a_o confidence_n and_o persuasion_n as_o be_v found_v on_o good_a and_o solid_a ground_n the_o 3â—_n be_v in_o all_o thing_n hold_v forth_o the_o extent_n of_o it_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v in_o our_o private_a walk_n as_o christian_n and_o in_o our_o public_a employment_n as_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o our_o suffering_n for_o truth_n and_o in_o our_o do_v for_o it_o even_o in_o all_o thing_n we_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n 2_o there_o be_v the_o evidence_n or_o explication_n of_o this_o in_o the_o word_n follow_v because_o it_o may_v be_v think_v strange_a that_o he_o shall_v so_o confident_o asâ—ert_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v without_o sin_n he_o explain_v his_o meaning_n in_o other_o three_o word_n show_v what_o he_o take_v to_o be_v a_o good_a conscience_n the_o 1._o word_n be_v willing_a which_o hold_v out_o his_o kindly_a inclination_n and_o the_o determinatness_n of_o his_o resolution_n anent_o the_o thing_n it_o be_v his_o desire_n design_n and_o delight_n to_o be_v right_a in_o every_o thing_n as_o nehemias_n be_v to_o fear_v god_n name_n and_o though_o he_o come_v so_o far_o short_a as_o that_o the_o evil_n which_o he_o will_v not_o he_o do_v and_o the_o good_a which_o he_o will_v fain_o have_v do_v he_o can_v not_o come_v at_o it_o yet_o he_o delight_v not_o he_o approve_v not_o himself_o in_o the_o evil_a neither_o do_v he_o design_v it_o but_o rather_o have_v it_o for_o his_o burden_n and_o affliction_n as_o he_o give_v we_o a_o account_n rom._n 7._o this_o then_o be_v the_o apostle_n meaning_n in_o that_o high_a assertion_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v his_o desire_n design_n endeavour_n and_o delight_n to_o have_v it_o so_o the_o â—_o d_o word_n be_v to_o live_v which_o in_o the_o original_n be_v to_o converse_v and_o look_n to_o his_o whole_a conversation_n it_o be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v holy_a in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o duty_n as_o in_o pray_v preach_v and_o the_o like_a but_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n the_o 3d_o word_n be_v honest_o which_o be_v the_o adverb_n of_o the_o same_o word_n call_v good_a before_o and_o signify_v to_o live_v pleasant_o desireable_o worthy_o or_o honourable_o even_o to_o live_v so_o as_o the_o gospel_n may_v not_o suffer_v by_o any_o thing_n in_o his_o walk_n and_o so_o as_o none_o of_o the_o seeker_n of_o god_n may_v be_v ashamed_a for_o his_o sake_n and_o so_o as_o none_o may_v be_v faint_v dishearten_v or_o discourage_v to_o pray_v for_o he_o as_o for_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o word_n you_o see_v they_o be_v subjoin_v to_o and_o connect_v with_o the_o immediate_o precede_v exhortation_n to_o pray_v for_o he_o and_o be_v give_v as_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v do_v so_o paul_n be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o his_o penman_n to_o write_v this_o epistle_n he_o do_v as_o its_o ordinary_a for_o he_o in_o other_o of_o his_o epistle_n commend_v himself_o to_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o saint_n to_o who_o he_o write_v and_o because_o he_o be_v ill_o speak_v of_o and_o misrepresent_v as_o a_o enemy_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o to_o the_o jewish_a nâ—tion_n lest_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o shall_v sâ—ick_v with_o they_o or_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o pray_v for_o he_o he_o obuâ—ats_v their_o objection_n as_o it_o be_v and_o say_v you_o may_v pray_v for_o we_o for_o however_o we_o be_v mistake_v and_o misreported_n of_o by_o many_o yet_o we_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n willing_a design_v and_o endeavour_v to_o live_v honest_o â—o_o as_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n may_v suffer_v in_o nothing_o by_o we_o but_o that_o rather_o the_o repute_n and_o interest_n thereof_o may_v be_v further_v and_o advance_v and_o by_o this_o he_o bind_v on_o they_o as_o you_o shall_v god_n will_v here_o the_o exhortation_n to_o pray_v for_o he_o we_o intend_v to_o insi_v on_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o verse_n yet_o because_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o scope_n may_v be_v of_o considerable_a use_n we_o shall_v short_o and_o but_o in_o pass_v touch_v on_o some_o observation_n from_o it_o the_o first_o whereof_o which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d be_v that_o a_o man_n that_o endeavour_v sincere_o and_o serious_o to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n may_v yet_o notwithstanding_o be_v exceed_o mistake_v and_o misrepresent_v in_o the_o world_n paul_n here_o find_v it_o needful_a to_o clear_v himself_o thus_o which_o he_o need_v not_o to_o have_v do_v if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v much_o mistake_v and_o misrepresent_v 2_o observe_v that_o a_o man_n under_o many_o mistake_n misrepresentation_n and_o reproach_n may_v have_v a_o good_a conscience_n so_o that_o a_o man_n be_v not_o in_o reference_n thereto_o obleidge_v to_o stand_v to_o other_o thought_n and_o judgement_n of_o he_o thus_o it_o be_v a_o small_a thing_n for_o this_o same_o apostle_n to_o be_v judge_v by_o man_n judgement_n as_o he_o tell_v we_o 1_o cor._n 4._o v._n 3._o therefore_o you_o will_v beware_v to_o lay_v weight_n on_o mistake_n mis-representation_n or_o false_a report_n of_o man_n since_o a_o good_a report_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n go_v not_o always_o together_o paul_n go_v through_o good_a report_n and_o ill_a report_n and_o digest_v all_o these_o thing_n so_o that_o his_o peace_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v not_o thereby_o mar_v 3_o observe_v that_o clearness_n as_o to_o a_o good_a conscience_n under_o mistake_n and_o reproach_n be_v a_o great_a and_o notable_a ground_n of_o conâ—idence_n and_o boldness_n to_o such_o as_o be_v so_o