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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
religion_n acknowledge_v discern_v great_a 24 3 2.0931 3 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A36078 A Discourse about conscience, relating to the present differences among us in opposition to both extreams of popery and fanaticism. 1684 (1684) Wing D1568; ESTC R8393 25,645 43

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truth_n for_o truths-sake_n not_o so_o much_o to_o set_v your_o head_n as_o your_o heart_n right_o not_o to_o furnish_v you_o with_o matter_n or_o talk_v and_o dispute_v which_o evermore_o engender_v strife_n and_o envy_n but_o to_o understand_v your_o duty_n in_o order_n to_o the_o faithful_a practice_n and_o performance_n of_o it_o now_o this_o you_o must_v do_v before_o you_o can_v safe_o follow_v the_o dictate_v of_o conscience_n or_o rely_v upon_o the_o testimony_n thereof_o in_o order_n hereunto_o you_o ought_v to_o consider_v the_o nature_n and_o extent_n of_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o conscience_n be_v to_o be_v govern_v and_o direct_v in_o all_o her_o action_n and_o undertake_n and_o this_o i_o tell_v you_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o lay_v aside_o all_o prejudice_n and_o partiality_n you_o ought_v diligent_o to_o take_v heed_n and_o attend_v unto_o and_o where_o doubt_n and_o difficulty_n may_v arise_v to_o consult_v and_o advise_v with_o your_o teacher_n who_o god_n have_v set_v over_o you_o or_o with_o any_o other_o who_o you_o have_v reason_n to_o judge_v most_o eminent_a for_o their_o piety_n learning_n prudence_n and_o integrity_n to_o beg_v their_o assistance_n and_o receive_v their_o instruction_n with_o that_o modesty_n and_o respect_n as_o become_v learner_n and_o disciple_n who_o desire_v nothing_o more_o than_o to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v for_o want_v of_o this_o care_n conscience_n have_v be_v strange_o mist_v and_o run_v itself_o into_o many_o gross_a error_n and_o foul_a mistake_v thus_o many_o have_v be_v prompt_v to_o very_o ill_a thing_n one_o while_o by_o passion_n another_o while_n by_o prejudice_n and_o a_o three_o by_o a_o corrupt_a and_o self-interest_n and_o yet_o have_v think_v they_o have_v be_v lead_v by_o zeal_n and_o act_v by_o conscience_n all_o the_o while_n when_o as_o upon_o strict_a enquiry_n they_o have_v find_v their_o zeal_n be_v not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n and_o what_o they_o call_v conscience_n in_o no_o wise_a agreeable_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o religion_n for_o the_o avoid_n of_o which_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v to_o get_v our_o conscience_n well_o inform_v and_o to_o use_v the_o mean_n in_o order_n thereunto_o second_o if_o you_o will_v have_v conscience_n to_o be_v right_o inform_v you_o must_v endeavour_v after_o a_o humble_a meek_a and_o teacheable_a spirit_n for_o it_o be_v say_v the_o meek_a will_v he_o guide_v in_o judgement_n and_o the_o week_n he_o will_v teach_v his_o way_n psalm_n 25.9_o and_o it_o be_v say_v god_n resist_v the_o proud_a but_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a 1_o pet._n 5.5_o now_o the_o meek_a and_o humble_a stand_v high_a in_o god_n grace_n and_o favour_n and_o therefore_o more_o likely_a to_o be_v make_v acquaint_v with_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n nay_o they_o be_v natural_o most_o capable_a of_o instruction_n and_o best_a fit_v for_o it_o as_o be_v most_o desirous_a to_o know_v their_o duty_n and_o submit_v to_o it_o when_o they_o have_v do_v whereas_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n pride_n and_o passion_n and_o self-conceit_n be_v apt_a to_o puff_n man_n up_o prejudice_v they_o against_o thetruth_n and_o fill_v they_o with_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o best_a counsel_n and_o advice_n in_o the_o world_n a_o peevish_a and_o froward_a disposition_n make_v man_n impatient_a of_o contradiction_n and_o to_o mis-judge_n every_o thing_n that_o thwart_v their_o particular_a sentiment_n insomuch_o as_o the_o best_a advice_n be_v common_o lose_v and_o throw_v away_o upon_o such_o perverse_a temper_n though_o offer_v in_o never_o so_o kind_a and_o charitable_a a_o manner_n three_o after_o conscience_n be_v well_o inform_v keep_v it_o close_o to_o its_o rule_n and_o do_v not_o suffer_v it_o wilful_o or_o wanton_o to_o swerve_v from_o it_o upon_o any_o account_n or_o under_o any_o pretence_n whatever_o otherwise_o it_o may_v be_v in_o danger_n to_o seduce_v and_o deceive_v conscience_n be_v chief_o exercise_v about_o good_a or_o evil_n the_o do_v of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o avoid_n of_o the_o other_o now_o though_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o great_a stand_a rule_n according_a to_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o take_v our_o principal_a measure_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a yet_o this_o difference_n be_v more_o early_o teach_v we_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o suggestion_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o appear_v a_o sin_n or_o be_v universal_o condemn_v for_o such_o by_o that_o law_n conscience_n must_v needs_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v a_o sin_n too_o and_o believe_v it_o condemn_v likewise_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o no_o natural_a or_o rather_o unnatural_a crime_n can_v possible_o commence_v a_o religious_a duty_n and_o to_o think_v otherwise_o be_v to_o lie_v under_o one_o of_o the_o gross_a delusion_n and_o scandalous_a mistake_v for_o hereby_o we_o set_v the_o two_o law_n to_o wit_n that_o of_o nature_n and_o revelatron_n in_o opposition_n to_o one_o another_o yea_o we_o make_v they_o absolute_o inconsistent_a and_o contradictory_n though_o both_o of_o they_o at_o first_o come_v from_o god_n conscience_n therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o plead_v for_o or_o encourage_v the_o practice_n of_o any_o sin_n namely_o which_o appear_v to_o be_v so_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o religion_n and_o therefore_o all_o treason_n and_o rebellion_n murder_n and_o conspiracy_n sacrilege_n and_o perjury_n be_v great_a sin_n and_o such_o as_o be_v discern_v to_o be_v so_o by_o natural_a light_n and_o therefore_o can_v never_o become_v otherwise_o however_o they_o may_v be_v palliate_v or_o plead_v for_o never_o think_v that_o the_o plea_n of_o conscience_n religion_n or_o reformation_n can_v justify_v a_o wicked_a or_o immoral_a action_n such_o as_o rebellion_n and_o perjury_n which_o all_o mankind_n do_v natural_o acknowledge_v and_o condemn_v for_o such_o now_o every_o man_n almost_o have_v so_o much_o of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n yet_o leave_v within_o he_o as_o to_o discern_v the_o great_a evil_n of_o such_o thing_n though_o not_o always_o to_o shun_v yet_o to_o condemn_v the_o gild_n thereof_o what_o ever_o nature_n tell_v we_o be_v a_o sin_n conscience_n for_o that_o very_a reason_n must_v disapprove_v of_o it_o too_o because_o the_o religion_n of_o christ_n be_v but_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n perfect_v and_o improve_v and_o therefore_o no_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n draw_v from_o scripture_n can_v make_v that_o to_o be_v lawful_a or_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o sin_n which_o be_v so_o before_o now_o if_o god_n law_n oblige_v not_o to_o sin_n much_o less_o the_o private_a dictate_v or_o impulse_n of_o conscience_n which_o ought_v evermore_o to_o make_v that_o her_o rule_n and_o fetch_v all_o her_o direction_n from_o thence_o for_o a_o man_n therefore_o to_o allow_v himself_o in_o the_o commission_n of_o such_o crime_n as_o all_o law_n and_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n must_v needs_o condemn_v as_o impious_a and_o wicked_a pray_v what_o conscience_n have_v such_o a_o man_n but_o then_o to_o plead_v conscience_n in_o favour_n of_o such_o thing_n be_v so_o much_o the_o worse_o still_o and_o render_v his_o crime_n infinite_o more_o wicked_a and_o abominable_a such_o a_o man_n be_v never_o to_o be_v excuse_v in_o what_o he_o do_v of_o this_o nature_n for_o his_o excuse_n instead_o of_o extenuate_a do_v but_o add_v to_o his_o gild_n and_o mighty_o aggravate_v the_o heinousness_n thereof_o four_o that_o while_o i_o be_o plead_v for_o conscience_n i_o may_v impartial_o discharge_v my_o own_o conscience_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v separate_a from_o charity_n any_o more_o than_o from_o truth_n love_n charity_n and_o goodwill_n be_v the_o chief_a gospel-precept_n and_o stand_a principle_n of_o christ_n religion_n and_o all_o zeal_n for_o the_o church_n or_o state_n nay_o for_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o general_n or_o reform_a religion_n in_o particular_a if_o void_a of_o charity_n be_v little_a worth_n charity_n i_o mean_v not_o only_o for_o those_o of_o our_o own_o communion_n but_o even_o towards_o they_o that_o differ_v from_o we_o for_o so_o far_o as_o they_o do_v it_o pure_o on_o the_o account_n of_o conscience_n and_o no_o otherwise_o we_o ought_v to_o retain_v some_o charity_n for_o they_o be_v they_o of_o what_o church_n or_o communion_n they_o will_n indeed_o where_o conscience_n be_v manifest_o abuse_v and_o carry_v they_o to_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v wicked_a and_o unlawful_a where_o any_o sin_n or_o immorality_n be_v countenance_v or_o encourage_v under_o the_o notion_n or_o plea_n of_o conscience_n there_o we_o must_v leave_v they_o and_o deserve_o too_o to_o the_o public_a censure_n of_o the_o church_n and_o punishment_n of_o the_o state_n but_o where_o it_o be_v mere_a conscience_n and_o
or_o cast_v off_o ever_o the_o more_o upon_o that_o account_n now_o this_o imply_v two_o thing_n first_o it_o suppose_v that_o conscience_n may_v be_v abuse_v nay_o actual_o have_v be_v so_o and_o that_o to_o very_o ill_a purpose_n and_o this_o be_v too_o great_a a_o truth_n ever_o to_o be_v deny_v and_o which_o sad_a experience_n do_v every_o day_n give_v we_o too_o manifest_a and_o undeniable_a a_o proof_n of_o to_o instance_n only_o in_o general_n many_o there_o be_v and_o god_n know_v how_o few_o among_o we_o can_v plead_v not_o guilty_a in_o this_o respect_n who_o have_v cry_v up_o religion_n and_o plead_v conscience_n yet_o have_v have_v no_o regard_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o one_o or_o rule_n of_o the_o other_o who_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v never_o take_v any_o pain_n to_o examine_v and_o search_v into_o the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o their_o action_n whether_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n or_o have_v any_o command_n of_o he_o to_o warrant_n and_o authorize_v they_o conscience_n in_o such_o person_n have_v never_o regard_v to_o any_o law_n but_o that_o of_o their_o own_o passion_n and_o interest_n which_o have_v put_v they_o upon_o many_o notorious_a and_o foul_a impiety_n and_o which_o have_v be_v first_o practise_v then_o excuse_v and_o at_o length_n arrive_v at_o that_o height_n of_o confidence_n as_o public_o to_o be_v maintain_v and_o justify_v in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o that_o under_o the_o name_n and_o plea_n of_o conscience_n notwithstanding_o they_o be_v direct_o oppose_v to_o the_o common_a dictate_v of_o nature_n and_o express_v law_n of_o christian_a religion_n thus_o among_o the_o heathen_a conscience_n through_o blindness_n and_o superstition_n have_v mislead_v they_o to_o many_o vile_a and_o unnatural_a piece_n of_o wickedness_n and_o among_o christian_n who_o ought_v to_o have_v know_v and_o do_v better_a it_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o little_a less_o the_o most_o tragical_a crime_n that_o ever_o come_v upon_o the_o stage_n have_v be_v act_v under_o this_o veil_n and_o disguise_v with_o this_o pretence_n this_o it_o be_v which_o put_v agamemnon_n upon_o sacrifice_v his_o daughter_n and_o urge_v his_o son_n orestes_n to_o revenge_v his_o father_n death_n in_o the_o murder_n of_o his_o mother_n this_o move_v the_o carthaginian_n to_o the_o slaughter_n of_o two_o 100_o young_a nobleman_n at_o a_o time_n to_o appease_v their_o surly_a god_n saturn_n after_o a_o notable_a defeat_n receive_v from_o their_o enemy_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n it_o become_v a_o common_a practice_n among_o several_a nation_n to_o offer_v up_o their_o child_n in_o sacrifice_n to_o their_o idol_n which_o abomination_n of_o the_o heathen_a as_o the_o holy_a scripture_n call_v it_o be_v afterward_o imitate_v by_o the_o backslide_a israelite_n who_o burn_v their_o child_n to_o moloch_n and_o make_v they_o pass_v through_o the_o fire_n in_o the_o valley_n of_o hinnon_n 2_o chr._n 28.3_o and_o it_o be_v conscience_n mingle_v with_o spite_n and_o malice_n that_o move_v their_o countryman_n in_o after-age_n to_o crucify_v the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o put_v he_o to_o open_a shame_n and_o death_n for_o say_v they_o we_o have_v a_o law_n and_o by_o that_o law_n he_o ought_v to_o die_v etc._n etc._n john_n 19.7_o and_o well_o have_v it_o be_v if_o this_o abomination_n have_v be_v confine_v to_o the_o heathen_a world_n or_o pass_v no_o further_o than_o the_o border_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n but_o which_o be_v more_o to_o be_v aggravate_v and_o lament_v too_o christian_n of_o almost_o all_o party_n and_o persuasion_n have_v not_o come_v behind_o the_o very_o worst_a of_o the_o heathen_n act_v over_o again_o all_o the_o extravagancy_n of_o a_o pagan_a superstition_n and_o that_o for_o religion_n and_o conscience_n sake_n if_o they_o may_v be_v believe_v this_o have_v create_v faction_n and_o sow_o sedition_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n invade_v kingdom_n from_o abroad_o and_o incite_v to_o rebellion_n at_o home_n contrive_v plot_n and_o hatch_v conspiracy_n act_v treason_n and_o commit_v massacre_n and_o absolve_v subject_n from_o their_o allegiance_n and_o make_v they_o cast_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o obedience_n to_o their_o lawful_a sovereign_n whatever_o mischief_n or_o wickedness_n be_v or_o can_v be_v employ_v in_o the_o name_n of_o rebellion_n and_o murder_n sacrilege_n or_o treason_n ambition_n and_o revenge_n they_o have_v all_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o some_o man_n conscience_n and_o proceed_v from_o the_o oracle_n of_o a_o delude_a and_o mistake_v religion_n under_o this_o pretence_n ill_a man_n have_v cherish_v their_o natural_a infirmity_n let_v loose_v their_o passion_n vent_v their_o spleen_n disguise_v their_o ambition_n promote_v their_o own_o private_a interest_n to_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o public_a and_o carry_v on_o the_o worst_a design_n of_o a_o spiteful_a nature_n and_o discontent_a faction_n now_o conscience_n in_o such_o man_n as_o these_o be_v legibus_fw-la soluta_fw-la have_v no_o respect_n to_o law_n unless_o it_o be_v to_o break_v and_o violate_v they_o be_v lawless_a and_o disobedient_a etc._n etc._n 1_o tim._n 1.9_o such_o a_o conscience_n as_o this_o can_v as_o easy_o break_v all_o band_n and_o cut_v in_o sunder_o all_o the_o cord_n of_o obedience_n as_o samson_n do_v the_o cord_n wherewith_o his_o enemy_n have_v bind_v he_o and_o when_o once_o the_o tie_v of_o conscience_n be_v lose_v or_o break_v little_a hope_n of_o their_o be_v hold_v by_o any_o other_o but_o we_o know_v very_o well_o from_o whence_o the_o principle_n of_o such_o a_o conscience_n come_v at_o first_o and_o what_o mischief_n and_o confusion_n it_o have_v wrought_v in_o all_o part_n of_o christendom_n ever_o since_o whoever_o therefore_o be_v act_v thereby_o whether_o they_o know_v it_o or_o no_o yet_o for_o certain_a they_o be_v no_o better_a than_o factour_n for_o popery_n the_o tool_n and_o engine_n of_o a_o jesuit_n and_o the_o very_a spawn_n of_o the_o fisherman_n of_o rome_n actuate_v by_o a_o spirit_n whole_o opposite_a to_o that_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n a_o spirit_n that_o like_o the_o evil_a one_o be_v ever_o restless_a and_o unquiet_a which_o have_v be_v former_o at_o work_n and_o no_o doubt_n be_v so_o still_o though_o like_o their_o predecessor_n in_o the_o powder-plot_n they_o dig_v under_o ground_n in_o a_o more_o secret_a and_o clandestine_v manner_n endeavour_v not_o only_a to_o create_v jealousy_n and_o discontent_n but_o contrive_v and_o lay_v snare_n to_o involve_v we_o in_o the_o like_o unnatural_a gild_n and_o treachery_n with_o themselves_o for_o it_o be_v well_o know_v the_o papist_n have_v leaven_v most_o of_o our_o sect_n and_o under_o their_o mask_n and_o disguise_n have_v oppugn_v our_o church_n sow_v the_o tare_n of_o faction_n and_o dissension_n among_o we_o and_o arm_v her_o bosom_n friend_n which_o be_v evermore_o the_o worst_a of_o enemy_n with_o weapon_n and_o argument_n to_o undermine_v and_o weaken_v she_o and_o real_o when_o i_o consider_v the_o great_a imposture_n of_o that_o corrupt_a church_n and_o the_o vast_a number_n that_o have_v be_v crafty_o seduce_v and_o mislead_v by_o she_o who_o under_o the_o plea_n of_o conscience_n and_o outcry_n of_o religion_n have_v act_v so_o many_o barbarous_a and_o unhuman_a cruelty_n it_o be_v enough_o methinks_v to_o make_v a_o serious_a man_n to_o forswear_v all_o conscience_n and_o for_o ever_o abjure_v all_o thought_n of_o religion_n be_v he_o not_o very_o well_o assure_v of_o the_o abuse_n of_o the_o one_o and_o innocence_n of_o the_o other_o and_o how_o none_o but_o the_o very_o worst_a of_o man_n have_v make_v those_o holy_a pretence_n a_o retreat_n for_o their_o wicked_a and_o abominable_a practice_n good_a god_n that_o any_o who_o pretend_v to_o conscience_n and_o religion_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o to_o conscience_n in_o its_o great_a strictness_n and_o to_o religion_n in_o its_o high_a purity_n shall_v yet_o so_o notorious_o abuse_v the_o one_o prostitute_v the_o other_o and_o act_n in_o contradiction_n to_o both_o if_o this_o be_v to_o make_v conscience_n of_o our_o action_n it_o be_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o no_o good_a man_n will_v be_v desirous_a of_o and_o if_o this_o be_v religion_n i_o plain_o declare_v i_o have_v none_o of_o this_o kind_n and_o do_v hearty_o wish_v i_o never_o may_v if_o conscience_n and_o consequent_o christianity_n be_v the_o refuge_n of_o treason_n and_o sanctuary_n of_o rebellion_n if_o the_o holy_a jesus_n come_v as_o one_o will_v think_v by_o some_o man_n practice_n he_o do_v to_o sanctify_v murder_n and_o canonize_v those_o man_n who_o hand_n be_v full_a of_o blood_n to_o licence_n sacrilege_n and_o sedition_n or_o legitimate_a the_o most_o lewd_a and_o infamous_a impiety_n i_o shall_v choose_v rather_o to_o be_v a_o disciple_n of_o honest_a
socrates_n and_o content_v myself_o to_o be_v virtuous_a at_o the_o rate_n of_o a_o heathen_a than_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o such_o a_o religion_n but_o bless_v be_v god_n we_o know_v better_a thing_n and_o have_v be_v teach_v quite_o otherwise_o we_o have_v not_o thus_o learned_a christ_n his_o religion_n be_v pure_a religion_n and_o undefiled_a his_o command_n be_v holy_a just_a and_o good_a he_o countenance_v no_o sort_n of_o immorality_n but_o encourage_v the_o universal_a practice_n of_o all_o virtue_n it_o threaten_v damnation_n to_o such_o as_o resist_v authority_n which_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o affirm_v the_o damnation_n of_o those_o man_n to_o be_v just_a who_o think_v to_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v of_o it_o rom._n 3.8_o it_o make_v it_o as_o necessary_a for_o subject_n to_o submit_v i_o do_v not_o say_v always_o to_o obey_v but_o to_o submit_v to_o their_o governor_n as_o for_o child_n to_o be_v obedient_a to_o their_o parent_n and_o for_o servant_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o their_o master_n and_o he_o that_o go_v about_o to_o take_v off_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o one_o may_v upon_o the_o same_o term_n take_v away_o all_o duty_n in_o child_n towards_o parent_n and_o all_o faithfulness_n in_o servant_n towards_o master_n for_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n to_o civil_a government_n be_v as_o natural_a and_o sacred_a as_o that_o which_o be_v exercise_v in_o family_n and_o keep_v up_o in_o a_o man_n be_v own_o house_n i_o have_v insist_v the_o long_a on_o this_o not_o so_o much_o to_o look_v backward_o as_o forward_o to_o undeceive_v people_n by_o open_v their_o eye_n and_o discover_v those_o pious_a fraud_n profane_a cheat_n and_o hypocritical_a abuse_n which_o for_o a_o long_a time_n have_v pass_v cleverly_o with_o some_o man_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o conscience_n and_o religion_n and_o to_o show_v you_o what_o spirit_n such_o man_n be_v of_o thereby_o to_o caution_n you_o for_o the_o future_a against_o all_o such_o lewd_a principle_n and_o pretence_n how_o specious_o soever_o they_o may_v be_v gild_v over_o and_o that_o you_o take_v heed_n that_o you_o suffer_v not_o yourselves_o to_o be_v cheat_v out_o of_o a_o peaceable_a loyal_a and_o well-tempered_a religion_n by_o any_o bold_a incendiary_n or_o cunning_a hypocrite_n of_o they_o all_o be_v they_o of_o what_o party_n or_o faction_n they_o will_v whether_o foreign_a or_o domestic_a at_o home_o or_o abroad_o but_o yet_o in_o the_o second_o place_n notwithstanding_o conscience_n have_v be_v so_o gross_o mistake_v and_o abuse_v yet_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v slight_v much_o less_o cast_v off_o upon_o that_o account_n any_o more_o than_o religion_n which_o have_v often_o meet_v with_o the_o like_a hard_a fate_n or_o civil_a government_n which_o have_v be_v usurp_v by_o those_o that_o have_v no_o right_a to_o it_o and_o manage_v quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o primitive_a end_n and_o institution_n thereof_o now_o if_o the_o abuse_n of_o government_n and_o religion_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o our_o reject_v of_o they_o no_o more_o be_v it_o for_o the_o lay_v aside_o of_o conscience_n because_o the_o great_a abuse_n can_v never_o be_v make_v a_o argument_n for_o the_o total_a abandon_v thereof_o for_o if_o you_o come_v once_o to_o cast_v off_o conscience_n you_o throw_v off_o with_o it_o all_o obligation_n to_o duty_n you_o take_v away_o all_o sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a all_o difference_n between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n right_o and_o wrong_n and_o thereby_o reduce_v mankind_n into_o the_o rank_n of_o brute-beast_n without_o regard_n to_o conscience_n you_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o religion_n nor_o of_o the_o ordinary_a duty_n of_o morality_n we_o can_v do_v one_o good_a action_n without_o it_o nor_o rejoice_v in_o the_o witness_n and_o testimony_n thereof_o there_o will_v be_v then_o no_o peace_n in_o private_a family_n nor_o good_a government_n in_o public_a society_n no_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n nor_o subjection_n to_o authority_n no_o man_n then_o will_v either_o fear_n god_n or_o honour_n the_o king_n or_o do_v their_o duty_n one_o towards_o another_o all_o which_o be_v yet_o enjoin_v and_o bind_v express_o upon_o our_o conscience_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n conscience_n then_o be_v useful_a and_o necessary_a in_o that_o it_o imply_v a_o obligation_n to_o duty_n and_o lay_v upon_o we_o the_o strong_a bond_n of_o obedience_n there_o be_v no_o argument_n or_o persuasive_a like_o it_o it_o be_v strong_a than_o all_o our_o little_a hope_n and_o fear_n in_o this_o world_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v compel_v by_o force_n nor_o bribe_v by_o interest_n nor_o fright_v by_o all_o the_o terror_n and_o apprehension_n of_o death_n and_o the_o grave_a insomuch_o as_o conscience_n though_o daily_o abuse_v by_o ill_a man_n to_o ill_a design_n be_v yet_o of_o excellent_a use_n where_o right_o inform_v due_o apply_v and_o careful_o heed_v and_o attend_v unto_o where_o it_o be_v reverence_v and_o regard_v as_o it_o ought_v it_o tend_v mighty_o to_o the_o make_v man_n thorough_o good_a and_o virtuous_a just_a in_o their_o pretence_n honest_a in_o their_o intention_n upright_a and_o sincere_a in_o all_o their_o promise_n and_o profession_n all_o which_o where_o man_n make_v no_o scruple_n of_o any_o thing_n must_v needs_o be_v false_a dissemble_v and_o treacherous_a where_o man_n be_v willing_a to_o exercise_v a_o good_a conscience_n or_o keep_v it_o void_a of_o offence_n they_o will_v not_o put_v trick_n and_o cheat_n upon_o themselves_o or_o other_o they_o will_v not_o go_v about_o to_o mock_v god_n and_o deceive_v their_o own_o soul_n they_o will_v scorn_v to_o do_v a_o ill_a action_n and_o afterward_o colour_v it_o over_o with_o a_o plausible_a excuse_n or_o hypocritical_a evasion_n but_o will_v endeavour_v after_o the_o practice_n of_o unfeignee_n goodness_n a_o hearty_a compliance_n with_o their_o whole_a duty_n have_v their_o conversation_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n and_o not_o with_o fleshly_a wisdom_n 2_o cor._n 1.12_o in_o a_o word_n he_o will_v strive_v to_o approve_v himself_o to_o god_n as_o well_o as_o man_n and_o to_o man_n as_o well_o as_o god_n that_o he_o may_v become_v as_o good_a as_o possible_o he_o can_v that_o be_v as_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o his_o own_o honest_a endeavour_n will_v enable_v he_o to_o be_v that_o man_n therefore_o that_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o any_o thing_n he_o do_v or_o say_v can_v never_o become_v so_o good_a as_o he_o ought_v he_o can_v be_v no_o true_a and_o last_a friend_n either_o to_o church_n or_o state_n to_o his_o king_n or_o country_n and_o consequent_o unsafe_a to_o be_v trust_v by_o either_o but_o he_o that_o shall_v go_v about_o to_o debauch_v and_o prostitute_n his_o conscience_n be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o very_o worst_a and_o no_o sinner_n to_o the_o conscientious_a sinner_n who_o can_v sin_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v of_o it_o who_o damnation_n as_o it_o be_v most_o just_a so_o their_o reclaim_n be_v most_o difficult_a as_o be_v obstinate_a in_o their_o prejudices_fw-la against_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v or_o can_v be_v offer_v for_o their_o conviction_n and_o thus_o you_o see_v the_o great_a use_n and_o necessity_n of_o conscience_n where_o it_o be_v regard_v and_o value_v as_o it_o ought_v and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v decry_v for_o the_o ill_a use_n make_v thereof_o for_o to_o cast_v off_o conscience_n be_v in_o effect_n to_o cast_v off_o all_o religion_n with_o it_o to_o banish_v all_o true_a goodness_n common_a honesty_n and_o moral_a virtue_n out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o consequent_o all_o that_o order_n pence_n union_n and_o civil_a society_n which_o result_v from_o thence_o and_o wherein_o the_o happiness_n of_o this_o life_n do_v chief_o consist_v i_o proceed_v now_o in_o the_o four_o place_n to_o show_v in_o or_o about_o what_o thing_n conscience_n ought_v principal_o to_o be_v concern_v or_o exercise_v first_o for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o which_o i_o must_v remind_v you_o a_o little_a of_o what_o i_o have_v already_o hint_v in_o the_o description_n of_o conscience_n namely_o that_o conscience_n presuppose_v a_o rule_n or_o law_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o particular_o concern_v about_o thing_n indifferent_a as_o such_o which_o come_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o no_o rule_n nor_o within_o the_o limit_n of_o any_o command_n or_o prohibition_n for_o conscience_n be_v no_o further_o concern_v about_o any_o thing_n or_o action_n than_o as_o it_o be_v a_o instance_n of_o obedience_n to_o or_o transgression_n of_o a_o law_n now_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n no_o nor_o obedience_n neither_o now_o the_o thing_n we_o call_v indifferent_a be_v such_o as_o god_n have_v
church_n and_o security_n of_o the_o government_n under_o which_o we_o live_v second_o conscience_n i_o tell_v you_o include_v knowledge_n as_o much_o in_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o thing_n as_o composition_n of_o the_o word_n where_o there_o be_v no_o knowledge_n there_o can_v be_v no_o conscience_n because_o in_o such_o a_o case_n it_o be_v withwhat_o to_o do_v or_o how_o to_o govern_v itself_o and_o judge_v aright_o whereupon_o conscience_n be_v not_o so_o much_o concern_v about_o thing_n that_o be_v uncertain_a whereof_o we_o can_v have_v no_o sure_a proof_n or_o clear_a evidence_n either_o from_o sense_n reason_n or_o revelation_n which_o be_v the_o three_o only_a way_n of_o attain_v knowledge_n or_o arrive_v at_o the_o certainty_n of_o any_o thing_n thus_o in_o matter_n of_o school_n question_n or_o controversial_a divinity_n which_o be_v band_v to_o and_o fro_o with_o probable_a argument_n on_o both_o side_n for_o instance_n whether_o the_o fire_n in_o hell_n be_v material_a or_o metaphorical_a true_a in_o the_o letter_n or_o in_o a_o figure_n so_o we_o do_v but_o believe_v there_o be_v such_o a_o place_n as_o hell_n reserve_v for_o the_o punishment_n of_o wicked_a man_n as_o scripture_n do_v assure_v we_o conscience_n as_o to_o the_o rest_n be_v not_o concern_v to_o believe_v either_o one_o way_n or_o other_o because_o scripture_n be_v silent_a in_o the_o case_n and_o the_o argument_n from_o reason_n on_o either_o hand_n be_v alike_o probable_a and_o if_o i_o be_o induce_v to_o believe_v one_o part_n of_o the_o question_n rather_o than_o the_o other_o this_o can_v arise_v no_o high_o than_o to_o a_o private_a opinion_n of_o my_o own_o not_o a_o public_a article_n of_o my_o christian_a faith_n wherein_o my_o private_a judgement_n not_o my_o conscience_n be_v concern_v that_o christ_n be_v bear_v of_o a_o pure_a virgin_n be_v matter_n of_o faith_n and_o consequent_o of_o conscience_n to_o believe_v because_o scripture_n do_v affirm_v it_o but_o whether_o she_o remain_v so_o all_o her_o life_n long_o be_v not_o so_o indeed_o it_o have_v be_v a_o opinion_n in_o the_o church_n that_o she_o do_v but_o however_o there_o be_v no_o other_o argument_n but_o that_o of_o piè_fw-fr credimus_fw-la that_o can_v induce_v we_o to_o be_v of_o that_o mind_n in_o like_a manner_n the_o descent_n of_o christ_n into_o hell_n so_o we_o do_v not_o deny_v the_o thing_n which_o have_v for_o many_o age_n be_v a_o receive_a article_n of_o the_o apostle_n creed_n though_o leave_v out_o in_o some_o other_o it_o matter_n not_o great_o whether_o it_o be_v local_a or_o virtual_a metaphorical_a or_o metonymical_a for_o in_o all_o these_o several_a sense_n it_o have_v be_v take_v by_o learned_a and_o pious_a man_n but_o in_o which_o of_o these_o we_o need_v not_o be_v overmuch_o concern_v for_o this_o article_n be_v not_o express_o reveal_v or_o clear_o deliver_v in_o scripture_n we_o believe_v it_o chief_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o apostle_n creed_n who_o antiquity_n ought_v to_o command_v our_o reverence_n and_o respect_n though_o i_o think_v it_o can_v strict_o oblige_v my_o conscience_n especial_o when_o the_o church_n have_v not_o determine_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o case_n any_o more_o than_o scripture_n but_o leave_v i_o at_o liberty_n to_o judge_v either_o way_n as_o i_o see_v cause_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o saint_n depart_v with_o many_o other_o which_o for_o brevity_n sake_n i_o now_o omit_v three_o some_o thing_n there_o be_v though_o for_o certain_a reveal_v yet_o be_v obscure_a and_o vnintelligible_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n cannt_n so_o immediate_o oblige_v our_o conscience_n as_o those_o that_o be_v more_o plain_a and_o obvious_a the_o decree_n of_o god_n arcana_fw-la of_o providence_n the_o great_a and_o stupendous_a mystery_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n and_o incomprehensible_a union_n of_o the_o two_o nature_n in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n these_o be_v in_o many_o thing_n above_o our_o reach_n and_o capacity_n and_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v above_o we_o belong_v not_o to_o we_o a_o modest_a and_o humble_a faith_n be_v here_o requisite_a and_o all_o that_o be_v expect_v from_o the_o common_a and_o ordinary_a sort_n of_o christian_n a_o too_o curious_a search_n and_o inquiry_n into_o these_o venerable_a mystery_n be_v not_o convenient_a for_o all_o nor_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o any_o a_o particular_a explication_n of_o they_o concern_v my_o faith_n no_o further_o than_o as_o it_o be_v consonant_a to_o sacred_a scripture_n and_o agreeable_a to_o what_o be_v more_o plain_o reveal_v in_o holy_a writ_n or_o else_o by_o natural_a and_o genuine_a consequence_n may_v be_v deduce_v therefrom_o but_o now_o as_o for_o other_o difficulty_n that_o may_v arise_v from_o thence_o i_o be_o not_o bind_v to_o pin_v my_o faith_n on_o any_o one_o man_n sleeve_n nor_o receive_v his_o scheme_n or_o hypothesis_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o inspire_a doctrine_n no_o nor_o for_o truth_n neither_o any_o further_a than_o he_o can_v confirm_v it_o by_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o sole_a infallible_a test_n of_o divine_a truth_n all_o that_o in_o this_o case_n i_o be_o oblige_v to_o do_v be_v to_o guide_v my_o conscience_n by_o scripture_n and_o my_o judgement_n by_o the_o catholic_a determination_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v i_o be_o oblige_v in_o conscience_n to_o believe_v all_o that_o the_o scripture_n reveal_v and_o make_v that_o the_o rule_n of_o my_o faith_n and_o obedience_n but_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n where_o difficulty_n may_v arise_v and_o scripture_n be_v either_o total_o silent_a or_o very_o obscure_a here_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v mistake_v i_o not_o i_o do_v not_o speak_v it_o in_o a_o popish_a sense_n which_o set_v up_o the_o traditien_n of_o the_o church_n in_o opposition_n to_o scripture_n and_o in_o a_o impious_a manner_n prefer_v they_o before_o it_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n but_o my_o meaning_n be_v that_o i_o and_o every_o body_n else_o in_o matter_n dubious_a and_o obscure_a aught_o to_o be_v so_o modest_a as_o to_o mistrust_v our_o own_o particular_a judgement_n rather_o than_o that_o of_o the_o church_n and_o submit_v our_o private_a opinion_n to_o her_o public_a determination_n if_o not_o yet_o the_o least_o that_o in_o this_o case_n we_o ought_v to_o do_v be_v to_o keep_v our_o persuasion_n to_o ourselves_o rather_o than_o disturb_v the_o peace_n or_o oppose_v the_o receive_a doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n out_o of_o a_o indiscreet_a zeal_n for_o any_o fond_a or_o affect_v opinion_n of_o our_o own_o for_o pray_v consider_v can_v it_o be_v any_o other_o than_o pride_n or_o self-conceit_n to_o call_v it_o no_o worse_o for_o a_o few_o private_a person_n to_o oppose_v their_o particular_a sentiment_n to_o the_o catholic_n faith_n and_o what_o they_o decry_v in_o their_o governor_n to_o practice_v more_o unjust_o themselves_o 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that_o keep_v it_o there_o way_n keep_v it_o safe_a enough_o and_o out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o humane_a power_n and_o compulsion_n for_o conscience_n while_o it_o keep_v within_o its_o due_a bound_n can_v ought_v not_o to_o be_v compel_v by_o any_o power_n upon_o earth_n for_o in_o that_o respect_n it_o be_v free_a and_o never_o to_o be_v force_v but_o second_o and_o positive_o conscience_n be_v chief_o and_o more_o immediate_o concern_v about_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v more_o necessary_a and_o substantial_a plain_a and_o obvious_a in_o religion_n and_o these_o in_o the_o first_o place_n be_v the_o main_a fundamental_a article_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n which_o constitute_v the_o great_a part_n of_o our_o creed_n and_o have_v a_o immediate_a influence_n on_o our_o life_n and_o they_o be_v those_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o our_o several_a creed_n which_o be_v the_o brief_a summary_n of_o the_o
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