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
john_n then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n in_o a_o word_n whatever_o condition_n a_o man_n can_v be_v in_o it_o prove_v his_o friend_n nay_o his_o best_a friend_n a_o three_o reason_n be_v take_v from_o the_o great_a prejudice_n that_o come_v to_o a_o man_n through_o his_o thwart_a and_o come_v in_o top_n with_o conscience_n he_o want_v that_o sweet_a inward_a peace_n that_o pass_v all_o understanding_n to_o keep_v and_o garrison_n his_o heart_n and_o mind_n whereby_o he_o be_v much_o expose_v and_o lay_v open_a god_n look_v terrible-like_a upon_o he_o and_o he_o have_v no_o access_n to_o he_o with_o boldness_n and_o confidence_n when_o the_o conscience_n be_v disquiet_v trouble_v and_o as_o it_o be_v through_o other_o or_o confuse_a and_o fear_n arise_v and_o challenge_n be_v waken_v therein_o these_o threaten_v a_o challenge_n from_o god_n and_o portend_v a_o storm_n of_o wrath_n to_o follow_v hence_o be_v david_n complaint_n psal._n 32._o 3._o 4._o when_o i_o keep_v silence_n my_o bone_n wax_v old_a through_o my_o roar_a etc._n etc._n and_o his_o lamentation_n throughout_o the_o 51._o psalm_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n the_o apostle_n john_n speak_v very_o weighty_o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o god_n be_v great_a than_o our_o heart_n and_o know_v all_o thing_n where_o he_o plain_o insinuat_v that_o the_o heart_n or_o conscience_n its_o condemn_v be_v the_o forerunner_n of_o god_n condemn_v and_o a_o evidence_n of_o it_o and_o that_o withal_o the_o latter_a be_v as_o more_o absolute_o infallible_a so_o more_o terrible_a than_o the_o former_a where_o these_o three_o go_v along_o together_o it_o be_v impossible_a where_o a_o person_n be_v tender_a but_o he_o will_v be_v loath_a to_o top_n or_o thwart_v with_o his_o conscience_n as_o for_o the_o use_v which_o we_o propose_v to_o speak_v to_o in_o the_o three_o place_n they_o may_v be_v draw_v to_o these_o fouâ—_n 1._o for_o information_n and_o instruction_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o duty_n 2._o for_o trial_n and_o to_o evidence_n who_o be_v sincere_a believer_n 3._o for_o reproof_n 4._o for_o exhortation_n there_o be_v need_n of_o all_o these_o especial_o to_o such_o christian_n who_o take_v but_o little_a heed_n to_o their_o conscience_n the_o first_o use_n show_v what_o be_v believer_n duty_n they_o shall_v by_o all_o mean_n learn_v to_o know_v and_o take_v up_o what_o conscience_n say_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o labour_n to_o have_v their_o conscience_n well_o inform_v and_o take_v notice_n of_o what_o it_o speak_v ere_o they_o do_v any_o thing_n and_o what_o be_v conscience_n thought_n of_o it_o after_o it_o be_v do_v and_o according_o to_o be_v affect_v determine_v and_o sway_v it_o be_v true_a the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v the_o supreme_a rule_n and_o to_o be_v hearken_v to_o in_o the_o first_o place_n but_o that_o which_o we_o be_v now_o speak_v to_o be_v concern_v take_a advice_n from_o conscience_n which_o 1._o do_v make_v the_o law_n speak_v more_o sensible_o lively_a and_o aloud_o then_o before_o 2._o it_o make_v it_o speak_v more_o plain_o for_o when_o people_n reason_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o shuffle_v by_o a_o word_n that_o samâ—_n word_n come_v into_o and_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o conscience_n will_v become_v more_o clear_a and_o convince_a and_o it_o make_v the_o understanding_n be_v thereby_o make_v more_o single_a to_o take_v it_o up_o better_a 3._o it_o make_v the_o man_n more_o impartial_a when_o the_o word_n come_v not_o to_o his_o judgement_n only_o neither_o will_v he_o leave_v the_o word_n with_o his_o light_n and_o reason_n simple_o nor_o to_o debate_v with_o his_o inclination_n and_o affection_n but_o put_v the_o word_n and_o his_o conscience_n together_o and_o take_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o some_o way_n immediate_o from_o his_o conscience_n it_o make_v he_o single_a and_o unbiased_a as_o i_o say_v before_o and_o sometime_o aâ—_n conscience_n will_v speak_v when_o the_o judgement_n have_v little_a or_o nothing_o to_o say_v so_o it_o decide_v often_o betwixt_o the_o opposite_a reason_n of_o the_o judgement_n for_o both_o side_n 4._o the_o advice_n and_o dictate_v of_o conscience_n be_v much_o more_o powerful_a than_o that_o of_o the_o simple_a judgement_n and_o reason_n and_o adher_v better_a and_o more_o close_o than_o affection_n or_o inclination_n conscience_n be_v more_o direct_o god_n deputy_n and_o in_o a_o more_o immediate_a subordination_n to_o he_o iâ—_n stick_v more_o tenacious_o by_o duty_n and_o it_o be_v as_o a_o check_n to_o our_o humour_n and_o as_o a_o compass_n to_o steer_v our_o course_n by_o in_o all_o thing_n we_o be_v to_o be_v sway_v by_o its_o advice_n hence_o some_o who_o can_v almost_o debate_v nothing_o in_o reason_n yet_o will_v not_o dare_v for_o conscience_n to_o do_v such_o a_o thing_n some_o necessary_a question_n relate_v to_o practice_n arise_v from_o this_o use_n which_o we_o shall_v speak_v a_o few_o word_n to_o as_o 1._o if_o any_o other_o thing_n beside_o conscience_n may_v have_v a_o impulse_n to_o duty_n 2._o if_o other_o thing_n may_v have_v a_o impulse_n to_o duty_n whether_o it_o be_v credit_n interest_n inclination_n will_n or_o affection_n how_o may_v the_o impulse_n of_o these_o be_v decern_v and_o difference_v from_o the_o impulse_n of_o conscience_n 3._o whether_o the_o dictate_v of_o conscience_n may_v always_o be_v follow_v see_v its_o impulse_n may_v be_v wrong_a 4._o what_o shall_v be_v do_v in_o such_o a_o case_n and_o how_o may_v we_o difference_n what_o be_v right_a 5._o whether_o a_o man_n and_o his_o conscience_n may_v be_v friend_n and_o agree_v together_o in_o a_o wrong_a cause_n or_o practice_n for_o the_o first_o question_n whether_o any_o thing_n beside_o conscience_n do_v or_o may_v pour_v to_o duty_n we_o answer_v affirmative_o many_o thing_n may_v court_v we_o which_o by_o their_o impulse_n do_v often_o thwart_v with_o conscience_n hence_o be_v the_o inward_a combat_n in_o the_o christian_a betwixt_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o spirit_n the_o flesh_n do_v pouss_n to_o one_o thing_n and_o conscience_n to_o the_o contrary_a therefore_o gal._n 5._o 17._o it_o be_v say_v the_o flesh_n lust_v against_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n against_o the_o flesh_n and_o these_o two_o be_v contrary_a one_o to_o another_o and_o rom._n 7._o 23._o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o a_o law_n in_o his_o member_n rebel_a against_o the_o law_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o lead_v he_o captive_a to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n in_o his_o member_n more_o particular_o these_o thing_n as_o we_o hint_v before_o may_v have_v a_o impulse_n towards_o the_o do_n of_o duty_n as_o first_o man_n credit_n have_v a_o strong_a impulse_n where_o any_o thing_n cross_v it_o be_v apprehend_v to_o occur_v 2._o man_n interest_n have_v often_o a_o impulse_n so_o as_o to_o carry_v on_o a_o selfish_a design_n it_o will_v make_v gain_n seem_v to_o be_v godliness_n 3_o man_n natural_a inclination_n will_n and_o affection_n have_v a_o impulse_n also_o and_o the_o impulse_n of_o these_o will_v sometime_o be_v exceed_v like_a to_o the_o impulse_n of_o conscience_n and_o here_o we_o may_v consider_v these_o three_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v influence_n upon_o 1._o they_o may_v have_v influence_n to_o mar_v a_o man_n light_n and_o pervert_v his_o understanding_n as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o a_o gift_n it_o blind_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o pervert_v the_o understanding_n of_o the_o prudent_a so_o man_n credit_n interest_n and_o natural_a inclination_n may_v in_o a_o sort_n bribe_v the_o understanding_n and_o blind_a the_o judgement_n insensible_o and_o the_o man_n not_o know_v of_o it_o distinct_o at_o least_o 2._o when_o they_o have_v pervert_v the_o judgement_n they_o may_v engage_v the_o affection_n and_o these_o drive_v violent_o 3._o if_o the_o man_n yield_v not_o to_o such_o a_o thing_n his_o credit_n or_o interest_n will_v vex_v he_o like_o conscience_n and_o take_v rest_n and_o quiet_a from_o he_o as_o we_o see_v in_o herod_n matth._n 14._o 9_o who_o when_o the_o dance_a damsel_n suit_v for_o the_o head_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n be_v sorry_a or_o grieve_v nevertheless_o for_o his_o oath_n sake_n and_o for_o they_o who_o sit_v at_o table_n with_o he_o he_o command_v it_o to_o be_v give_v she_o folk_n will_v have_v think_v that_o it_o be_v his_o conscience_n that_o make_v he_o sorry_a but_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o conscience_n but_o credit_n therefore_o it_o be_v say_v not_o only_o for_o his_o oath_n sake_n but_o for_o they_o that_o sit_v at_o table_n with_o he_o it_o be_v like_a if_o his_o oath_n have_v be_v be_v give_v in_o private_a conscience_n will_v not_o much_o have_v trouble_v he_o and_o while_o it_o be_v say_v he_o be_v sorry_a or_o grieve_a it_o show_v plain_o that_o his_o credit_n suffer_v he_o to_o
which_o especial_o in_o indifferent_a thing_n hinder_v a_o man_n to_o use_v his_o liberty_n as_o rom._n 14._o 2._o one_o believe_v that_o he_o may_v eat_v all_o thing_n another_o that_o be_v weak_a eat_v herb_n he_o will_v not_o take_v the_o liberty_n that_o god_n allow_v he_o as_o it_o be_v with_o many_o in_o the_o primo_fw-la primitive_a time_n who_o think_v not_o all_o meaâ—s_n to_o be_v a_o like_a lawful_a as_o to_o their_o use_n though_o this_o sort_n of_o conscience_n shall_v be_v inform_v in_o order_n to_o its_o be_v bring_v up_o to_o the_o use_n of_o its_o lawful_a liberty_n yet_o while_o it_o be_v infirm_a and_o have_v not_o clearness_n in_o the_o thing_n it_o ought_v to_o lay_v on_o band_n for_o abstention_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o cor._n 8._o and_o last_o if_o meat_n make_v my_o brother_n to_o offend_v i_o will_v not_o eat_v flesh_n while_o the_o world_n stand_v lest_o i_o make_v my_o brother_n to_o offend_v because_o by_o the_o example_n of_o his_o eat_n as_o he_o say_v before_o his_o weak_a brother_n be_v embolden_v to_o eat_v also_o and_o so_o his_o conscience_n be_v weak_a be_v wound_v all_o which_o say_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o study_v to_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o conscience_n may_v be_v right_o inform_v thereby_o second_o there_o be_v other_o five_o sort_n of_o conscience_n that_o fail_v in_o practice_n or_o application_n of_o the_o rule_n which_o ought_v no_o more_o to_o be_v lay_v weight_n upon_o in_o practice_n then_o the_o former_a the_o 1._o be_v a_o too_o narrow_a conscience_n that_o challenge_v too_o soon_o with_o which_o many_o in_o these_o day_n be_v not_o much_o trouble_v but_o rather_o run_v on_o the_o contrary_a extremity_n as_o when_o a_o man_n light_n be_v not_o clear_a in_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v indifferent_a as_o the_o weak_a conscience_n be_v wound_v for_o eat_v a_o little_a flesh_n thus_o one_fw-mi infirm_a conscience_n will_v ready_o challenge_v and_o heighten_v a_o siâ—_n without_o ground_n which_o be_v especial_o to_o be_v find_v among_o new_a beginner_n who_o use_v to_o have_v a_o number_n of_o challenge_n for_o this_o and_o that_o which_o yet_o can_v well_o abide_v the_o trial_n several_a particular_n may_v be_v instance_a in_o as_o they_o will_v be_v sometime_o challenge_v and_o disquiet_v for_o come_v into_o such_o a_o company_n which_o yet_o 〈◊〉_d may_v have_v do_v warrantable_o for_o not_o speak_v when_o possible_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o hold_v their_o tongue_n â—or_a speak_n when_o yet_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o speak_v for_o take_v so_o much_o meat_n and_o drink_n which_o yet_o be_v but_o sufficient_a for_o the_o sustentation_n of_o nature_n though_o they_o question_v not_o such_o 〈◊〉_d and_o drink_n to_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o kind_n yet_o they_o be_v challenge_v and_o trouble_v without_o ground_n as_o to_o the_o measure_n and_o quantity_n 2._o a_o too_o large_a and_o gross_a conscience_n which_o we_o fear_v be_v the_o â—orest_n and_o rife_a sickness_n among_o conscience_n a_o conscience_n that_o can_v easy_o digest_v many_o thing_n which_o be_v lay_v to_o the_o rule_n will_v be_v find_v sinful_a a_o gross_a conscience_n be_v opposite_a to_o tenderness_n and_o can_v hear_v of_o sin_n threaten_v without_o fear_n which_o it_o be_v lie_v under_o it_o stand_v not_o on_o the_o offence_n of_o other_o as_o in_o corinth_n there_o be_v some_o that_o go_v on_o in_o the_o use_n of_o their_o liberty_n without_o regard_n of_o their_o weak_a brethren_n not_o care_v whether_o they_o offend_v they_o or_o not_o it_o regard_v not_o other_o folk_n conscience_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n it_o will_v not_o only_o confident_o come_v near_o to_o ill_a but_o hazard_v on_o ill_o whereas_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_n shall_v be_v abstain_v from_o it_o be_v a_o narrow_a conscience_n abide_v over_o far_o a_o back_n so_o a_o gross_a conscience_n come_v over_o near_o it_o will_v put_v person_n to_o eat_v to_o drink_v and_o to_o be_v clothe_v too_o liberal_o prodigal_o and_o vain_o because_o these_o thing_n be_v laâ—ful_a the_o follow_v 3d_o four_o 5_o sort_v of_o conscience_n be_v degree_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o kind_n some_o whereof_o be_v incident_a to_o believer_n some_o not_o the_o 3d_o be_v a_o sleepy_a conscience_n such_o as_o be_v in_o david_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n when_o he_o â—ell_o in_o adultery_n murder_n and_o in_o the_o sin_n of_o vain_a number_v the_o people_n opposite_a to_o this_o be_v a_o waken_a conscience_n that_o cry_v loud_a and_o knock_v hard_a the_o more_o sleepy_a and_o drowsy_a that_o conscience_n have_v be_v it_o rap_v the_o loud_a and_o hard_o when_o it_o be_v waken_v therefore_o man_n have_v need_v to_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o awar_n of_o the_o fâ—rmer_a gross_a conscience_n that_o it_o draw_v not_o on_o a_o sleepy_a conscience_n and_o when_o conscience_n speak_v not_o but_o be_v silent_a now_o know_v that_o for_o the_o time_n there_o be_v ground_n to_o fear_v its_o be_v fall_v a_o sleep_n a_o four_o sort_n be_v a_o harden_a conscience_n which_o be_v when_o not_o only_o the_o conscience_n be_v sleep_v but_o the_o life_n be_v much_o put_v out_o of_o it_o by_o habitual_a sin_v and_o when_o man_n thus_o put_v out_o the_o light_n and_o life_n of_o their_o conscience_n by_o sin_v god_n be_v provoke_v to_o put_v it_o out_o by_o judicial_a harden_v as_o we_o see_v in_o pharaoh_n that_o no_o challenge_n bit_n on_o they_o there_o be_v lesser_a measure_n and_o low_a degree_n of_o this_o that_o be_v incident_a even_o to_o the_o godly_a and_o not_o only_o to_o several_a reprobat_n which_o come_v not_o to_o pharaoh_n his_o height_n a_o 5_o sort_v it_o a_o cauterised_a conscience_n that_o be_v say_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v seaâ—ed_v as_o with_o a_o hot_a iron_n this_o harden_v in_o a_o very_a high_a degree_n when_o a_o man_n run_v over_o the_o belly_n of_o his_o conscience_n trample_v on_o it_o and_o do_v all_o in_o a_o manner_n that_o he_o can_v to_o make_v it_o senseless_a and_o benumnâ—d_a so_o that_o he_o be_v no_o more_o sensible_a of_o a_o prick_n from_o it_o then_o dead_a flesh_n be_v of_o the_o thirst_n of_o a_o pin_n or_o of_o a_o knife_n habitual_a sin_v and_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n join_v together_o bring_v on_o this_o which_o be_v call_v rom._n 1._o 28_o give_v up_o to_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n so_o that_o as_o it_o be_v 32._o though_o they_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 yet_o not_o only_o do_v the_o same_o but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o they_o that_o do_v they_o it_o be_v not_o of_o these_o conscience_n that_o we_o mean_v when_o we_o say_v that_o you_o shall_v so_o walk_v as_o you_o give_v not_o offence_n to_o your_o conscience_n in_o any_o thing_n the_o conscience_n of_o many_o speak_v but_o alace_o they_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o it_o therefore_o take_v every_o sort_n of_o conscience_n to_o the_o word_n and_o suspect_v that_o conscience_n that_o be_v silent_a when_o the_o word_n speak_v a_o four_o question_n be_v whether_o a_o man_n that_o have_v a_o err_a conscience_n may_v not_o have_v peace_n and_o quietness_n if_o so_o how_o may_v that_o peace_n and_o quietness_n be_v discern_v from_o true_a peace_n of_o conscience_n where_o also_o the_o 5_o question_n be_v somewhat_o at_o least_o indirect_o touch_v on_o answer_v a_o conscience_n may_v be_v please_v while_o it_o be_v err_v and_o in_o a_o wrong_a course_n but_o it_o can_v have_v true_a peace_n even_o as_o we_o may_v please_v our_o brother_n when_o we_o flatter_v he_o in_o his_o sin_n and_o please_v he_o not_o to_o his_o edification_n so_o a_o man_n may_v have_v not_o only_a quietness_n but_o a_o sort_n of_o delight_n and_o sainness_n in_o a_o err_a conscience_n but_o no_o true_a peace_n because_o it_o want_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o its_o ground_n even_o as_o a_o harden_a conscience_n may_v have_v quierness_n and_o yet_o want_v true_a solid_a peace_n as_o when_o conscience_n be_v mistake_v or_o in_o a_o error_n and_o agree_v well_o with_o the_o mistake_n or_o error_n it_o will_v be_v well_o please_v so_o when_o it_o be_v humour_v and_o applaud_v it_o be_v well_o please_v and_o will_v make_v the_o man_n think_v that_o he_o do_v god_n good_a service_n while_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n he_o be_v do_v nothing_o less_o yea_o it_o will_v have_v a_o sort_n of_o delight_n and_o fainness_n flow_v from_o the_o delusion_n of_o its_o light_n and_o will_v make_v the_o poor_a man_n to_o be_v well_o please_v and_o satisfy_v when_o he_o get_v that_o which_o he_o be_v seek_v to_o succeed_v and_o go_v with_o he_o but_o how_o shall_v it_o be_v discern_v answer_v 1_o it_o be_v
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a_o end_n not_o only_o to_o be_v lawful_a but_o even_o laudable_a we_o may_v be_v ready_a to_o think_v that_o it_o alloweâ—h_v also_o of_o all_o or_o most_o midse_n without_o discrimination_n that_o lead_v to_o the_o attain_n of_o the_o end_n now_o 2_o to_o answer_v to_o the_o objection_n more_o direct_o aâ—d_v so_o to_o show_v how_o this_o be_v not_o in_o consistent_a neither_o with_o the_o doctrine_n nor_o with_o the_o use_n we_o say_v then_o 1._o that_o it_o be_v neither_o of_o these_o two_o last_o sort_n of_o thing_n we_o speak_v of_o that_o be_v mean_v when_o we_o say_v that_o a_o endeavour_n to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n be_v a_o mark_n of_o sincerity_n for_o we_o speak_v of_o a_o conscience_n that_o mistake_v not_o and_o of_o a_o person_n that_o do_v not_o mistake_v his_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o though_o conscience_n prejudge_v a_o man_n of_o the_o comfortable_a application_n of_o this_o mark_n yet_o it_o cease_v not_o for_o that_o to_o be_v a_o 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yet_o have_v not_o these_o suggestion_n and_o challenge_n be_v slight_v and_o these_o poussing_n to_o duty_n smother_v and_o the_o spirit_n grieve_v 5thly_a have_v there_o be_v no_o engadgement_n sometime_o come_v under_o to_o abstain_v from_o such_o and_o such_o a_o sin_n and_o to_o perform_v such_o and_o such_o duty_n and_o have_v not_o all_o these_o engadgement_n be_v break_v even_o mere_o natural_a man_n have_v come_v this_o length_n as_o to_o come_v under_o such_o engadgement_n who_o yet_o have_v flidden_v back_o from_o they_o and_o violate_v they_o gross_o 6_o have_v you_o not_o have_v your_o own_o kind_n of_o spiritual_a exercise_n your_o outcrying_n under_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n and_o apprehension_n of_o wrath_n in_o fit_n of_o sickness_n or_o under_o hard_a and_o heavy_a cross_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o have_v you_o not_o continue_v in_o the_o same_o sin_n and_o if_o all_o these_o be_v clear_a can_v you_o deny_v that_o you_o have_v sin_v against_o conscience_n or_o dare_v you_o say_v that_o you_o have_v endeavour_v to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n i_o grant_v that_o people_n faâ—l_v into_o sin_n divers_a way_n some_o fall_n out_o of_o infirmity_n and_o through_o the_o force_n and_o violence_n of_o temptation_n and_o a_o great_a speat_v and_o high-springtide_n as_o it_o be_v of_o corruption_n give_v they_o no_o leave_n to_o advise_v as_o it_o be_v with_o peter_n other_o sin_v presumptuous_o as_o these_o do_v who_o be_v speak_v of_o 1_o tim._n 1._o 19_o who_o put_v or_o thrust_v away_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o err_v concern_v the_o faith_n and_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o they_o they_o sin_n with_o presumption_n and_o with_o a_o high_a hand_n and_o their_o fall_n into_o sin_n be_v not_o rash_o but_o deliberate_o and_o design_o with_o the_o full_a bencil_n and_o inclination_n of_o their_o will_n whither_o their_o conscience_n be_v silent_a or_o speak_v to_o they_o they_o have_v such_o and_o such_o a_o sinful_a design_n and_o they_o will_v needs_o follow_v it_o over_o the_o belly_n of_o all_o conviction_n and_o will_v not_o quit_v their_o old_a course_n but_o with_o the_o dog_n do_v return_n to_o the_o vomit_n now_o if_o this_o be_v a_o just_a and_o well-grounded_n reproof_n what_o will_v the_o condition_n of_o most_o part_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n be_v find_v to_o be_v when_o bring_v to_o evidence_n their_o sincerity_n by_o this_o mark_n even_o a_o honest_a aim_n and_o serious_a endeavour_n to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o if_o this_o be_v a_o good_a and_o desirable_a thing_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v and_o as_o few_o or_o none_o of_o you_o will_v deny_v it_o to_o be_v why_o do_v you_o thus_o put_v off_o linger_v and_o delay_n
preach_n of_o it_o aim_v at_o even_o to_o direct_v and_o help_v they_o how_o to_o come_v at_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o how_o to_o keep_v a_o good_a correspondence_n with_o their_o conscience_n so_o as_o they_o may_v be_v comfortable_o assure_v that_o they_o indeed_o have_v this_o good_a thing_n which_o be_v call_v a_o good_a conscience_n yet_o when_o conscience_n be_v abuse_v or_o not_o make_v right_o use_v of_o it_o turn_v to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a unfriend_n and_o enemy_n that_o man_n have_v in_o this_o world_n nay_o in_o that_o world_n which_o be_v to_o come_v have_v speak_v somewhat_o to_o this_o before_o and_o in_o the_o last_o observation_n that_o we_o draw_v from_o the_o former_a text_n which_o be_v that_o man_n ought_v to_o walk_v so_o as_o not_o to_o offend_v their_o conscience_n in_o any_o thing_n we_o shall_v now_o speak_v somewhat_o to_o one_o direction_n and_o help_n that_o be_v great_o if_o not_o main_o contributive_a and_o useful_a in_o order_n to_o the_o attain_n of_o that_o notable_a end_n which_o be_v this_o that_o man_n who_o aim_v to_o walk_v answerable_o to_o that_o rule_n so_o as_o in_o nothing_o they_o offend_v their_o conscience_n have_v need_n to_o observe_v careful_o the_o language_n of_o conscience_n it_o be_v not_o our_o purpose_n to_o stay_v on_o the_o particular_a consideration_n of_o the_o scope_n of_o this_o scripture_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o to_o name_n let_v be_v to_o prosecute_v all_o the_o point_n of_o doctrine_n that_o may_v be_v draw_v from_o it_o but_o only_o to_o discourse_v a_o little_a from_o the_o word_n enclose_v and_o shut_v up_o within_o a_o parenthesis_n as_o they_o relate_v to_o our_o end_n and_o design_n first_o then_o in_o a_o word_n the_o apostle_n be_v here_o put_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o external_a service_n and_o the_o internal_a power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n on_o the_o conscience_n and_o when_o he_o be_v speak_v of_o baptism_n he_o give_v this_o caveat_n and_o advertisement_n that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o wash_n of_o water_n in_o that_o ordinance_n that_o reach_v the_o great_a end_n of_o it_o but_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n 2_o he_o show_v that_o the_o difference_v and_o march-ridding_a character_n of_o the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o be_v in_o what_o answer_n the_o conscience_n give_v concern_v the_o thing_n that_o the_o man_n be_v about_o and_o declare_v that_o it_o be_v not_o simple_o a_o good_a conscience_n but_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n that_o give_v ground_n of_o hope_n and_o boldness_n of_o confidence_n to_o obtain_v the_o promise_n from_o the_o word_n these_o three_o observation_n arise_v clear_o first_o that_o there_o be_v a_o faculty_n in_o conscience_n that_o be_v able_a to_o give_v â—ne_a answer_n to_o a_o man_n concern_v his_o spiritual_a state_n and_o condition_n and_o concern_v his_o action_n so_o that_o if_o the_o question_n about_o these_o or_o any_o of_o they_o be_v put_v to_o the_o conscience_n it_o can_v return_v answer_n and_o signify_v its_o sense_n and_o give_v its_o verdict_n concern_v that_o which_o it_o be_v question_v about_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o conscience_n imply_v so_o much_o 2_o that_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o conscience_n be_v different_a and_o distinct_a from_o the_o outward_a answer_n of_o the_o mouth_n or_o profession_n for_o a_o man_n mouth_n and_o profession_n and_o the_o external_a ingadgement_n that_o he_o come_v under_o in_o baptism_n or_o any_o other_o ordinance_n or_o duty_n may_v say_v one_o thing_n or_o give_v one_o answer_n when_o the_o conscience_n may_v say_v another_o thing_n or_o give_v another_o answer_n concern_v the_o man_n sincerity_n in_o the_o thing_n 3_o that_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n that_o be_v one_fw-mi answer_v from_o the_o conscience_n on_o good_a ground_n testify_v a_o man_n sincerity_n be_v a_o most_o excellent_a and_o comfortable_a thing_n it_o be_v the_o first_o of_o these_o that_o we_o intend_v to_o speak_v a_o word_n to_o at_o this_o time_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v a_o way_n of_o get_v a_o answer_n from_o the_o conscience_n and_o of_o understand_v its_o mind_n about_o any_o thing_n that_o man_n shall_v put_v to_o it_o or_o thus_o conscience_n have_v a_o way_n of_o make_v know_v its_o mind_n and_o give_v a_o answer_n about_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v put_v unto_o it_o these_o word_n answer_v of_o conscience_n imply_v so_o much_o as_o we_o say_v especial_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o external_a service_n and_o administration_n of_o baptism_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o word_n before_o and_o it_o be_v yet_o more_o clear_a if_o we_o consider_v how_o the_o scop_n run_v in_o compare_v of_o these_o two_o together_o viz._n the_o verbal_a restipulation_n of_o these_o that_o be_v come_v to_o age_n and_o the_o inward_a answer_n of_o conscience_n there_o be_v the_o gospel_n on_o the_o one_o side_n require_v such_o a_o thing_n and_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o party_n baptize_v on_o the_o other_o side_n and_o the_o apostle_n make_v the_o answer_n of_o the_o conscience_n distinct_a from_o that_o though_o sometime_o it_o go_v along_o with_o it_o so_o that_o a_o man_n will_v not_o answer_v more_o clear_o to_o the_o thing_n than_o his_o conscience_n will_v when_o it_o be_v serious_o put_v to_o it_o this_o may_v be_v branch_v out_o in_o these_o three_o 1._o in_o respect_n of_o a_o man_n state_n 2._o in_o respect_n of_o some_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o heart_n embrace_v of_o it_o 3._o in_o respect_n of_o some_o practice_n or_o duty_n that_o a_o man_n be_v call_v to_o all_o these_o do_v fall_v under_o the_o answer_n of_o conscience_n when_o it_o be_v question_v about_o they_o but_o it_o be_v the_o last_o of_o they_o that_o we_o intend_v to_o speak_v to_o viz._n it_o be_v answer_n as_o relate_v to_o a_o christian_n duty_n and_o practice_n about_o which_o conscience_n be_v ask_v or_o pose_v be_v able_a to_o give_v he_o a_o answer_n which_o i_o shall_v clear_v from_o two_o ground_n and_o then_o come_v to_o the_o use._n the_o 1._o ground_n be_v take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o conscience_n which_o we_o some_o way_n explain_v when_o we_o begin_v to_o speak_v of_o this_o subject_n conscience_n be_v depute_v of_o god_n in_o man_n to_o take_v strict_a notice_n of_o every_o piece_n of_o his_o walk_n and_o practice_n and_o be_v the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n search_v all_o the_o inward_a part_n of_o the_o belly_n to_o let_v man_n see_v what_o god_n call_v to_o and_o to_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n their_o duty_n this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o office_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o end_n why_o god_n have_v place_v it_o in_o man_n it_o be_v no_o doubt_n furnish_v with_o such_o a_o faculty_n if_o we_o may_v speak_v so_o as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o answer_n concern_v what_o it_o be_v query_v about_o more_o particular_o it_o have_v a_o threefold_a power_n in_o reference_n to_o a_o man_n way_n and_o thus_o it_o represent_v god_n in_o three_o of_o his_o attribut_n 1._o it_o have_v a_o power_n of_o counsel_v advise_v and_o carve_v out_o of_o a_o man_n duty_n so_o that_o when_o he_o doubt_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v conscience_n have_v a_o power_n to_o advise_v he_o and_o give_v he_o a_o answer_n and_o this_o be_v call_v the_o dictate_v of_o the_o conscience_n answerable_a to_o the_o sovereign_a authority_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o command_v all_o his_o creature_n to_o who_o conscience_n be_v subordinat_a in_o which_o respect_n man_n be_v condemn_v for_o thwart_v with_o their_o conscience_n rom._n 1._o ult_n who_o know_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n that_o they_o that_o commit_v such_o thing_n be_v worthy_a of_o death_n not_o only_o do_v the_o same_o but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o they_o that_o do_v they_o here_o be_v conscience_n dictate_v to_o man_n what_o they_o shall_v do_v before_o they_o do_v 2_o there_o be_v a_o power_n or_o something_o in_o the_o conscience_n that_o go_v along_o with_o a_o man_n act_v or_o that_o wait_v on_o he_o in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o act_n in_o duty_n and_o this_o especial_o be_v call_v the_o testify_a of_o conscience_n or_o it_o be_v bear_a witness_n concern_v the_o sincerity_n or_o un-soundness_n of_o the_o act_n not_o onâ—y_o do_v the_o man_n mouth_n speak_v and_o his_o hand_n do_v but_o the_o conscience_n will_v give_v answer_n if_o the_o heart_n be_v go_v along_o with_o the_o man_n speak_v and_o do_v or_o not_o wherein_o it_o represent_v god_n omniscience_n or_o all-knowledge_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o psal._n 27._o 8._o david_n say_v when_o thou_o say_v seek_v you_o my_o face_n my_o bear_v it_o answer_v thy_o face_n will_v i_o seek_v o_o lord_n and_o psal._n 16._o 2._o o_o my_o soul_n thou_o
wherewith_o he_o be_v surprise_v against_o which_o he_o fight_v and_o wrestle_v seek_v after_o and_o long_v for_o victory_n over_o they_o and_o with_o which_o he_o admit_v of_o no_o truce_n even_o when_o they_o prevail_v as_o for_o other_o â—ins_v they_o will_v very_o ready_o mar_v the_o believer_n peace_n and_o tranquillity_n the_o doctrine_n be_v thus_o qualify_v and_o guard_v on_o all_o hand_n we_o shall_v now_o at_o length_n proceed_v to_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o which_o be_v that_o wherever_o there_o be_v a_o sincere_a willingness_n to_o be_v universal_o honest_a in_o our_o life_n and_o conversation_n there_o be_v good_a ground_n for_o peace_n and_o calmness_n of_o conscience_n or_o it_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o a_o companion_n of_o it_o it_o may_v be_v confirm_v from_o these_o ground_n 1._o either_o we_o must_v say_v that_o no_o believer_n have_v ever_o have_v tranquillity_n and_o calmness_n of_o conscience_n which_o be_v absurd_a or_o we_o must_v say_v that_o these_o who_o have_v it_o do_v attain_v to_o perfect_a holiness_n and_o need_v no_o repentance_n which_o the_o forename_a instance_n of_o most_o eminent_a saint_n as_o of_o david_n and_o peter_n will_v confute_v or_o if_o we_o can_v say_v none_o of_o these_o two_o we_o must_v needs_o assert_v the_o three_o viz._n that_o a_o believer_n on_o his_o sincere_a design_n to_o live_v honest_o in_o all_o thing_n though_o he_o come_v not_o up_o the_o full_a length_n he_o shall_v be_v at_o may_v have_v peace_n 2._o that_o which_o have_v quiet_v many_o believer_n before_o we_o may_v be_v a_o ground_n of_o calmness_n and_o quietness_n to_o we_o for_o as_o the_o ground_n and_o cause_n be_v common_a the_o effect_n must_v also_o be_v common_a but_o on_o this_o ground_n many_o believer_n have_v be_v quiet_v before_o we_o therefore_o we_o may_v likewise_o on_o it_o quiet_v ourselves_o if_o we_o look_v through_o the_o scripture_n we_o will_v find_v the_o saint_n thus_o quiet_v and_o comfort_v themselves_o what_o be_v the_o ground_n that_o david_n comfort_v himself_o on_o psal._n 18._o 21_o 22_o 23._o be_v it_o not_o on_o this_o i_o have_v keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o have_v not_o wicked_o depart_v from_o my_o god_n this_o sure_a be_v not_o absolute_a perfection_n that_o he_o mean_v of_o for_o we_o know_v he_o have_v many_o defect_n and_o fail_n but_o sincerity_n for_o say_v he_o all_z his_o judgement_n be_v before_o i_o he_o have_v honest_o design_v the_o keep_n of_o they_o all_o i_o do_v not_o put_v away_o his_o statute_n from_o i_o he_o balk_v none_o of_o god_n statute_n i_o be_v also_o upright_o before_o he_o and_o i_o keep_v myself_o from_o my_o iniquity_n the_o strain_n of_o his_o way_n be_v honest_a and_o his_o slip_n and_o fail_n be_v hitherto_o its_o like_a of_o infirmity_n and_o therefore_o he_o have_v peace_n we_o may_v see_v that_o it_o be_v thus_o also_o with_o hezekiah_n isa._n 38._o with_o job_n chap._n 31._o and_o with_o paul_n phil._n 3._o who_o be_v not_o perfect_a already_o but_o press_v hard_o towards_o it_o a_o 3._o ground_n of_o confirmation_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o scripture_n give_v such_o character_n and_o description_n of_o believer_n and_o affirm_v such_o qualification_n of_o they_o on_o account_n of_o which_o they_o have_v a_o testimony_n from_o god_n and_o ground_n of_o holy_a boldness_n in_o their_o plead_n with_o he_o all_o which_o look_v to_o their_o honest_a willingness_n and_o sincere_a endeavour_n after_o perfection_n and_o not_o to_o their_o attainment_n of_o it_o as_o we_o see_v in_o nehemiah_n who_o thus_o speak_v to_o god_n chap._n 1._o let_v thy_o ear_n be_v attentive_a to_o the_o prayer_n of_o thy_o servant_n and_o of_o thy_o servant_n who_o desire_v to_o fear_v thy_o name_n where_o we_o have_v the_o assert_v of_o a_o interest_n in_o god_n and_o of_o a_o kindly_a relation_n to_o he_o with_o holy_a boldness_n and_o yet_o they_o plead_v not_o a_o perfection_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n but_o a_o desire_n to_o fear_v he_o their_o desire_n design_n resolution_n and_o endeavour_n be_v to_o fear_v he_o so_o matth_n 5._o vers_fw-la 6._o they_o be_v pronounce_v by_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v bless_v who_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n which_o speak_v plain_o no_o absolute_a perfection_n and_o say_v they_o psal._n 44._o all_o this_o be_v come_v upon_o we_o yet_o have_v we_o not_o forsake_v thou_o nor_o deal_v false_o in_o thy_o covenant_n though_o they_o have_v many_o infirmity_n and_o fail_n which_o they_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o take_v with_o yet_o they_o humble_o avouch_v adherence_n to_o god_n and_o to_o his_o covenant_n so_o as_o they_o do_v not_o forsake_v he_o nor_o deal_v treacherous_o in_o it_o they_o assert_v their_o sincerity_n in_o cleave_v to_o he_o notwithstanding_o of_o all_o that_o come_v upon_o they_o this_o ground_n be_v frequent_o make_v use_n of_o psal._n 119._o and_o particular_o vers_fw-la 6._o where_o the_o psalmist_n say_v then_o shall_v i_o not_o be_v ashamed_a when_o i_o have_v respect_n unto_o all_o thy_o commandment_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v my_o conscience_n shall_v not_o blush_v nor_o be_v confound_v but_o have_v confidence_n and_o quietness_n though_o there_o be_v not_o a_o perfect_a up_o come_v in_o obedience_n to_o all_o thing_n command_v if_o i_o have_v a_o respect_n to_o all_o and_o a_o honest_a design_n and_o purpose_n to_o be_v at_o all_o 4._o it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o conscience_n will_v and_o must_v be_v calm_a and_o quiet_a when_o god_n accept_v of_o a_o man_n way_n now_o though_o there_o be_v not_o absolute_a perfection_n yet_o if_o there_o be_v reality_n and_o sincerity_n and_o no_o short-coming_a allow_v approven_v nor_o consent_v to_o but_o wrestle_v against_o and_o oppose_v god_n will_v accept_v of_o our_o way_n it_o be_v say_v 2_o cor._n 8._o vers_fw-la 9_o 10._o that_o god_n accept_v of_o a_o willing_a mind_n according_a to_o that_o which_o a_o man_n have_v and_o not_o according_a to_o that_o which_o he_o have_v not_o if_o a_o man_n improve_v well_o serious_o and_o sincere_o the_o outward_a thing_n give_v he_o though_o there_o be_v some_o providential_a obstruction_n to_o the_o performance_n yet_o on_o account_n of_o his_o honest_o willing_a mind_n he_o be_v gracious_o accept_v which_o hold_v proportionable_o in_o other_o point_n and_o part_n of_o obedience_n thus_o the_o lord_n say_v mal._n 3._o 17._o i_o will_v spare_v they_o as_o a_o man_n spare_v his_o son_n that_o serve_v he_o and_o psal._n 103._o 13._o like_a as_o a_o father_n pity_v his_o child_n so_o do_v the_o lord_n these_o that_o fear_v he_o the_o force_n of_o the_o comparison_n show_v that_o thing_n be_v not_o at_o perfection_n in_o they_o for_o then_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o spare_v or_o pity_n but_o as_o there_o be_v such_o compassion_n in_o a_o father_n that_o though_o his_o son_n can_v perform_v thing_n command_v he_o exact_o and_o perfect_o yet_o if_o he_o be_v ready_o and_o honest_o do_v what_o he_o thou_fw-mi he_o will_v spare_v and_o pity_v he_o and_o he_o will_v be_v a_o unnatural_a father_n that_o shall_v do_v otherwise_o so_o will_v i_o do_v say_v the_o lord_n with_o my_o son_n that_o serve_v i_o and_o in_o this_o respect_n the_o ground_n of_o a_o man_n peace_n and_o calmness_n be_v not_o any_o absolute_a perfection_n in_o himself_o but_o god_n covenant_n and_o free_a grace_n and_o his_o way_n of_o deal_n with_o his_o own_o child_n who_o will_v in_o some_o case_n say_v nothing_o against_o they_o and_o conscience_n be_v not_o allow_v to_o say_v any_o thing_n where_o he_o say_v nothing_o now_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v how_o this_o come_v to_o pass_v we_o answer_v that_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n that_o accompany_v real_a willingness_n that_o contribute_v to_o and_o give_v ground_n of_o peace_n even_o though_o there_o be_v fail_n 1._o a_o real_a hatred_n and_o abhorrence_n of_o the_o sin_n psal._n 119._o 128._o i_o hate_v every_o false_a way_n there_o be_v a_o keep_n at_o a_o distance_n with_o conscience_n waste_v sin_n so_o that_o the_o man_n not_o only_o abstain_v from_o act_v they_o but_o out_o of_o conscience_n towards_o god_n from_o filial_a awe_n and_o reverence_n from_o love_n and_o respect_n to_o he_o hate_v that_o which_o he_o hate_v do_v not_o not_o i_o say_v davia_n psal._n 139._o hate_v they_o that_o hate_v thou_o i_o hate_v they_o with_o a_o perfect_a hatred_n 2_o real_a willingness_n keep_v off_o conscience_n wasting-aggravations_a so_o that_o believer_n fall_v not_o in_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n with_o full_a deliberation_n neither_o do_v they_o allow_v or_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o lie_v still_o in_o they_o now_o it_o be_v such_o as_o these_o that_o especial_o wound_v the_o conscience_n and_o