Selected quad for the lemma: religion_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
religion_n better_a conscience_n great_a 196 3 2.0927 3 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A37045 Heaven upon earth in the serene tranquillity and calm composure, in the sweet peace and solid joy of a good conscience sprinkled with the blood of Jesus and exercised always to be void of offence toward God and toward men : brought down and holden forth in XXII very searching sermons on several texts of Scripture ... / by James Durham. Durham, James, 1622-1658.; J. C. 1685 (1685) Wing D2815; ESTC R24930 306,755 418

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clear_a command_n yea_o as_o its_o the_o neglect_n of_o a_o notable_a mean_n for_o the_o suitable_a performance_n of_o all_o other_o duty_n so_o that_o wherever_o prayer_n repentance_n hear_v read_v etc._n etc._n be_v command_v this_o be_v also_o on_o the_o matter_n command_v and_o as_o many_o duty_n as_o be_v command_v of_o as_o many_o breach_n of_o these_o command_n be_v we_o guilty_a when_o this_o duty_n be_v neglect_v consider_v that_o when_o ever_o we_o be_v command_v to_o do_v any_o duty_n we_o be_v command_v also_o to_o use_v all_o the_o mean_n that_o may_v further_o we_o towards_o the_o suitable_a performance_n thereof_o and_o this_o be_v a_o special_a mean_a requisite_a to_o the_o right_a performance_n of_o every_o duty_n it_o be_v therefore_o command_v in_o every_o other_o command_v duty_n we_o may_v in●ance_v it_o in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n this_o help_v a_o man_n to_o begin_v it_o aright_o it_o go_v along_o with_o he_o in_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o day_n and_o when_o it_o be_v over_o and_o by_o it_o help_v he_o to_o discover_v his_o ●ailings_n and_o short_a come_n and_o his_o act_n of_o grace_n where_o it_o be_v and_o spiritual_a attainment_n in_o these_o duty_n and_o to_o be_v according_o affect_v and_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o be_v à_fw-fr breach_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n both_o before_o and_o after_o and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o public_a or_o private_a or_o secret_a duty_n of_o worship_n call_v for_o on_o that_o day_n and_o so_o proportionable_o in_o other_o duty_n 4_o we_o may_v look_v upon_o it_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o be_v a_o nursery_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o evil_n it_o harbour_v end_n entertain_v lust_n it_o harden_v the_o heart_n strengthen_v security_n it_o cherish_v hypocrisy_n it_o bring_v on_o formality_n and_o impenitency_n it_o as_o it_o be_v lock_v up_o in_o presumption_n and_o carnal_a confidence_n it_o wear_v man_n out_o from_o under_o the_o awe_n of_o god_n and_o from_o under_o all_o due_a respect_n to_o conscience_n the_o man_n that_o make_v conscience_n of_o self-examination_n will_v be_v afraid_a of_o a_o challenge_n but_o he_o that_o use_v not_o and_o care_v not_o to_o examine_v himself_o pull_v as_o it_o be_v the_o bridle_n out_o of_o his_o own_o head_n run_v at_o random_n give_v himself_o up_o and_o lay_v himself_o open_a to_o every_o sin_n and_o temptation_n without_o fear_n of_o challenge_n and_o if_o you_o will_v look_v well_o about_o you_o and_o observe_v narrow_o will_v you_o not_o find_v that_o the_o man_n that_o rush_v impetuous_o into_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n as_o the_o horse_n rush_v into_o the_o b●ttel_n be_v very_o ready_o he_o that_o quite_o neglect_v and_o despise_v this_o duty_n of_o examination_n of_o his_o way_n by_o his_o conscience_n or_o before_o the_o tribunal_n thereof_o and_o when_o i_o pray_v be_v person_n most_o tender_a or_o untender_a be_v it_o not_o when_o they_o be_v most_o impartial_a or_o most_o partial_a in_o this_o work_n of_o set_v themselves_o down_o to_o take_v a_o serious_a review_n of_o their_o case_n and_o way_n and_o ●illing_v themselves_o before_o their_o conscience_n to_o review_v the_o sentence_n thereof_o as_o for_o the_o 3d._a thing_n propose_v to_o be_v speak_v of_o viz._n the_o cause_n of_o this_o so_o abominable_a and_o gross_o sinful_a neglect_n they_o may_v easy_o and_o soon_o be_v find_v out_o if_o we_o know_v and_o consider_v what_o a_o nature_n we_o have_v so_o very_o averse_a from_o true_a holiness_n yea_o the_o more_o sublime_o holy_a and_o spiritual_a that_o duty_n be_v the_o more_o averse_a natural_o be_v we_o from_o they_o as_o its_o much_o easy_a to_o bring_v a_o man_n to_o the_o profession_n than_o it_o be_v to_o bring_v he_o to_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n so_o be_v it_o much_o more_o easieto_fw-la bring_v a_o man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o many_o external_a duty_n thereof_o then_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o one_o inward_a duty_n it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o ●neding_a knife_n to_o corruption_n bring_v a_o man_n to_o strict_a at_o the_o very_a roo●_n and_o life_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o set_n of_o he_o on_o the_o black-stone_n learning_n he_o be_v the_o more_o averse_a from_o it_o we_o may_v add_v to_o this_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o influence_n that_o the_o devil_n have_v on_o we_o in_o this_o neglect_n who_o know_v well_o how_o prejudicial_a to_o he_o to_o his_o kingdom_n and_o interest_n and_o how_o advantageous_a to_o the_o sinner_n this_o duty_n be_v he_o labour_v mighty_o to_o hold_v all_o in_o confusion_n and_o to_o keep_v the_o soul_n fast_o asleep_a as_o that_o which_o contribut_v much_o if_o not_o most_o to_o the_o gain_n of_o his_o point_n for_o he_o know_v by_o experience_n very_o gall_v to_o he_o that_o self-examination_n awake_v a_o man_n and_o give_v he_o a_o view_n of_o himself_o and_o put_v he_o to_o think_v how_o he_o may_v be_v rescue_v from_o this_o destrover_n and_o therefore_o he_o do_v in_o a_o special_a manner_n hate_n abhor_v and_o set_v himself_o against_o it_o and_o though_o he_o will_v suffer_v a_o man_n to_o do_v many_o other_o religious_a duty_n yet_o he_o labour_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o keep_v he_o from_o this_o duty_n because_o it_o help●_n much_o through_o grace_n to_o make_v he_o cast_v out_o with_o himself_o and_o his_o own_o way_n and_o so_o make_v satan_n in_o a_o manner_n hopeless_a of_o he_o more_o particular_o we_o may_v assign_v these_o cause_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o people_n own_o practice_n the_o 1._o whereof_o be_v 〈◊〉_d that_o many_o man_n and_o woman_n live_v so_o that_o their_o life_n can_v abide_v the_o trial_n he_o that_o do_v evil_a say_v the_o lord_n john_n 3._o hate_v the_o light_n neither_o 〈◊〉_d unto_o the_o 〈◊〉_d test_n his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o a_o malefactor_n desire_v not_o to_o come_v before_o the_o 〈◊〉_d and_o it_o be_v as_o little_a wonder_n that_o a_o man_n or_o woman_n that_o live_v a_o sinful_a and_o evil_a life_n de●ire_v not_o to_o come_v before_o their_o conscience_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o many_o dare_v not_o go_v to_o their_o conscience_n because_o it_o never_o speak_v good_a but_o evil_a to_o they_o as_o indeed_o it_o have_v no_o other_o reason_n and_o on_o that_o account_n they_o even_o hate_v it_o as_o achab_n do_v the_o prophet_n micajah_n of_o who_o he_o say_v i_o hate_v he_o because_o he_o never_o prophecy_v good_a but_o evil_n to_o i_o and_o that_o they_o will_v rather_o consult_v fl●sh_a and_o blood_n their_o own_o inclination_n and_o affection_n than_o their_o conscience_n in_o a_o particular_a because_o they_o dread_v it_o will_v speak_v evil_a to_o they_o especial_o when_o they_o know_v that_o there_o be_v something_o palpable_o wrong_v in_o their_o way_n for_o in_o that_o case_n they_o conclude_v it_o will_v gloum_n on_o they_o and_o gall_v they_o and_o even_o prick_v they_o in_o the_o quick_a a_o second_o reason_n be_v because_o folk_n make_v not_o this_o work_n of_o self-examination_n habitual_a to_o themselves_o but_o delay_n and_o put_v off_o time_n till_o their_o case_n become_v so_o ravel_v and_o consuse_v that_o they_o be_v afraid_a to_o meddle_v with_o it_o and_o though_o they_o shall_v they_o grow_v heartless_a and_o out_o of_o hope_n to_o get_v it_o right_v just_o like_a man_n that_o can_v endure_v to_o adjust_a their_o account_n which_o they_o have_v suffer_v negligent_o to_o run_v long_o on_o and_o into_o great_a confusion_n a_o 3d._a cause_n may_v be_v this_o which_o respect_v believer_n in_o christ_n that_o even_o where_o person_n make_v conscience_n of_o their_o way_n there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o foolish_a precipitancy_n and_o haste_n make_v they_o be_v dispose_v to_o think_v that_o examination_n of_o themselves_o take_v up_o much_o of_o their_o time_n and_o that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o spend_v it_o in_o prayer_n or_o in_o read_v than_o that_o way_n not_o consider_v that_o its_o much_o better_a to_o have_v some_o little_a thing_n of_o religion_n solid_a then_o to_o have_v a_o great_a bulk_n of_o many_o duty_n without_o solidi●y_n or_o with_o very_o little_a of_o it_o these_o be_v like_a to_o the_o builder_n of_o a_o house_n who_o rickle_v up_o stone_n without_o square_a and_o ru●e_a and_o without_o mortar_n which_o possible_o fall_v and_o come_v down_o ere_o he_o come_v at_o the_o top_n of_o it_o a_o foolish_a haste_n to_o be_v forward_o make_v our_o work_n in_o religion_n to_o be_v oftentimes_o very_o unsolid_a alace_o ●ts_v not_o what_o b●lk_n we_o have_v not_o how_o soon_o we_o come_v to_o have_v it_o but_o what_o solidity_n and_o sickernesse_n we_o have_v that_o will_v give_v we_o peace_n comfort_n o●_n joy_n our_o common_a proverb_n hold_v true_a here_o that_o work_n
conscience_n for_o abstain_v from_o such_o and_o such_o a_o practice_n only_o from_o long_a custom_n of_o do_v so_o from_o the_o example_n of_o other_o or_o from_o loathness_n to_o displease_v they_o or_o only_o from_o dis-inclination_n to_o or_o aversion_n from_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o will_v not_o ready_o abide_v by_o if_o any_o considerable_a suffering_n whether_o of_o emergent_a loss_n or_o cessant_fw-la gain_n be_v meet_v with_o on_o account_n thereof_o whereby_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o conscience_n and_o true_o conscientious_a person_n be_v expose_v to_o contempt_n and_o scorn_n some_o stander_n by_o and_o looker-on_n take_v occasion_n to_o think_v and_o say_v that_o such_o person_n have_v all_o the_o while_n be_v act_v by_o no_o real_a principle_n of_o conscience_n but_o only_o by_o humour_n or_o at_o best_o by_o the_o example_n of_o other_o to_o the_o great_a reproach_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o holy_a profession_n there_o of_o and_o such_o as_o have_v a_o natural_a and_o unreasonable_a prejudice_n at_o all_o serious_a godliness_n and_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n lie_v at_o the_o wait_n to_o fish_n and_o catch_v all_o advantage_n so_o fortify_v themselves_o in_o their_o prejudice_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o draw_v their_o conclusion_n not_o only_o nor_o so_o much_o against_o the_o particular_a person_n as_o against_o the_o whole_a generation_n of_o conscientious_a and_o godly_a people_n yea_o against_o godliness_n itself_o and_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n their_o prejudice_n prompt_v they_o to_o think_v and_o say_v we_o always_o think_v that_o sort_n of_o man_n be_v not_o true_o conscientious_a and_o godly_a whatsoever_o they_o profess_v and_o now_o we_o see_v and_o find_v they_o to_o be_v so_o and_o that_o we_o be_v not_o mistake_v but_o in_o the_o right_n when_o we_o think_v they_o to_o be_v such_o they_o be_v all_o such_o all_o of_o a_o piece_n act_v by_o no_o true_a principle_n of_o conscience_n but_o by_o humour_n peevishness_n or_o some_o such_o thing_n notwithstanding_o of_o all_o their_o high_a floun_a pretension_n of_o conscience_n for_o let_v they_o but_o be_v put_v a_o little_a to_o it_o and_o all_o their_o conscience-pretension_n will_v be_v quite_o relinquish_v and_o evanish_v and_o they_o will_v be_v and_o do_v like_o other_o which_o give_v ground_n to_o sober_a and_o true_o conscientious_a person_n to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v better_a and_o more_o for_o the_o advantage_n and_o credit_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o real_a plea_n of_o conscience_n that_o it_o be_v never_o pretend_v in_o such_o thing_n where_o it_o be_v only_o pretend_v i_o will_v not_o i_o there_fw-mi not_o say_v but_o a_o true_o conscienscious_a person_n may_v by_o the_o more_o close_a approach_n of_o trouble_n and_o suffering_n on_o the_o account_n of_o some_o particular_a debate_v practice_n or_o forbearance_n be_v put_v upon_o more_o narrow_a and_o exact_a inquiry_n into_o and_o examination_n of_o the_o ground_n &_o reason_n of_o that_o practice_n or_o forbearance_n and_o may_v after_o such_o inquiry_n and_o examination_n come_v from_o more_o clear_a light_n to_o have_v different_a apprehension_n about_o the_o thing_n from_o what_o he_o have_v before_o though_o the_o clearness_n win_v at_o which_o be_v wait_v with_o the_o eschew_v of_o trouble_n and_o suffering_n will_v be_v holy_o jealouse_v and_o suspect_v and_o bring_v to_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n to_o be_v thereby_o scrutinous_o accurat_o and_o impartial_o try_v least_o self-love_n in_o such_o a_o case_n bribe_v as_o it_o be_v and_o bias_n the_o person_n judgement_n and_o light_n 2_o when_o conscience_n be_v pretend_v in_o minute_n small_a petty_a and_o comparative_o inconsiderable_a thing_n while_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n little_a or_o no_o conscience_n at_o all_o be_v make_v of_o but_o vast_a and_o unlimited_a latitud_n be_v take_v in_o the_o most_o momentuous_a and_o weighty_a thing_n of_o religion_n as_o the_o pharisee_n pretend_v conscience_n in_o tithing_n the_o small_a herb_n as_o mint_n anise_v and_o rue_v while_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o pass_v over_o without_o make_v any_o bone_n of_o they_o judgement_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v strain_v at_o gnat_n and_o swallow_v of_o camel_n 3_o when_o conscience_n be_v pretend_v for_o man_n tenacious_a adhere_n to_o human_a tradition_n while_o in_o the_o meantime_n they_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o make_v void_a the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o the_o same_o pharisee_n do_v for_o which_o out_o lord_n with_o holy_a severity_n inveigh_v against_o they_o 4_o when_o conscience_n be_v pretend_v for_o not_o shed_v the_o blood_n of_o innocent_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v adventure_v on_o and_o wicked_o per-petrated_n when_o they_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o man_n worldly_a wealth_n or_o preferment_n or_o with_o the_o gratify_n of_o great_a one_o in_o order_n to_o the_o former_a as_o it_o be_v with_o pilate_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o condemn_v christ_n of_o who_o innocence_n he_o be_v thorough_o convince_v and_o according_o do_v thrice_o over_o hear_v public_a testimony_n to_o it_o yet_o when_o he_o be_v tell_v that_o if_o he_o do_v let_v he_o go_v and_o condemn_v he_o not_o to_o death_n he_o be_v not_o caesar_n friend_n he_o forthwith_o proceed_v to_o the_o condemnatory_a sentence_n and_o deliver_v he_o to_o the_o persecute_v and_o murder_v jew_n to_o be_v crucify_v and_o poor_a wretch_n he_o imagine_v that_o the_o silly_a shift_n of_o wash_v his_o hand_n in_o water_n will_v wash_v and_o purge_v his_o deep_o ●_o fill_v conscience_n from_o the_o guilt_n and_o pollution_n contract_v by_o shed_v of_o that_o innocent_a and_o most_o precious_a bloo●_n bu●_n it_o stick_v fast_o to_o and_o be_v more_o stiff_o barkn_v on_o his_o conscience_n then_o to_o be_v so_o easy_o wash_v off_o &_o with_o such_o poor_a and_o pitiful_a shift_n do_v such_o man_n think_v or_o fancy_v to_o pacify_v their_o conscience_n and_o to_o purge_v they_o from_o the_o defilement_n of_o the_o great_a most_o clamant_fw-la and_o horrid_a crime_n if_o pilate_n have_v any_o real_a demur_v in_o his_o conscience_n about_o the_o thing_n as_o very_o probable_o he_o have_v his_o counteracting_a it_o on_o so_o base_a and_o unworthy_a account_n and_o then_o foolish_o fancie_v that_o by_o such_o a_o empty_a ceremony_n as_o wash_v his_o hand_n in_o water_n he_o can_v be_v wash_v from_o the_o guilt_n of_o so_o atrocious_a a_o crime_n be_v high_a aggravation_n of_o it_o 5_o when_o man_n pretend_v conscience_n as_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o not_o commit_v the_o least_o sin_n nay_o of_o their_o not_o do_v something_n that_o be_v very_o debateable_a whether_o they_o be_v sin_n or_o not_o while_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o make_v no_o conscience_n to_o stretch_v forth_o their_o hand_n to_o ●ay_n with_o a_o high_a hand_n to_o adventure_v on_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n that_o be_v incontravertable_o very_o great_a and_o gross_a as_o the_o pharisee_n pretend_v conscience_n for_o their_o not_o go_v to_o the_o judgement_n hall_n lest_o forsooth_o they_o shall_v be_v defile_v and_o so_o unfit_a to_o eat_v the_o passover_n who_o yet_o make_v no_o scruple_n ma●ciously_o to_o imbrue_v their_o wicked_a hand_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o person_n that_o be_v god_n and_o typify_v by_o the_o passover_n 6_o when_o conscience_n or_o a_o conscientious_a regard_n be_v pretend_v for_o divine_a institution_n and_o ordinance_n mere_o and_o main_o from_o pickque_fw-mi and_o prejudice_n at_o the_o most_o tender_a and_o conscientious_a person_n as_o if_o their_o warrantable_a and_o consistent_a practice_n be_v the_o gross_a violation_n and_o great_a vi●ifyings_n of_o they_o and_o plain_a inconsistency_n with_o a_o just_a regard_n for_o they_o how_o often_o thus_o do_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n quarrel_n with_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o disciple_n as_o breaker_n and_o profaner_n of_o the_o sabbath_n because_o of_o something_n do_v by_o he_o and_o they_o thereon_o not_o in_o the_o least_o in-compatible_a with_o the_o sanctification_n thereof_o as_o if_o they_o themselves_o have_v be_v more_o tender_a of_o the_o due_a observation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n then_o either_o the_o disciple_n or_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n be_v 7_o to_o give_v no_o more_o instance_n when_o conscience_n be_v pretend_v for_o keep_v and_o not_o break_v of_o sinful_a engadgement_n vow_n and_o oath_n wherewith_o man_n have_v rash_o bind_v themselves_o as_o suppose_v a_o man_n shall_v rash_o vow_v and_o swear_v that_o he_o will_v be_v avenge_v at_o the_o high_a rate_n on_o another_o because_o of_o either_o a_o imagine_a or_o real_a a_o lesser_a or_o great_a injury_n do_v he_o and_o as_o herod_n swear_v very_o inconsiderar_o and_o rash_o that_o he_o will_v give_v the_o dance_a daughter_n of_o the_o incestuous_a mother_n herodias_n whatever_o she_o shall_v ask_v of_o he_o even_o to_o the_o
there_o be_v nothing_o ready_o that_o more_o comfort_v he_o in_o a_o strait_n it_o be_v asleep_o singular_o good_a backfriend_n therefore_o when_o paul_n have_v few_o other_o friend_n he_o make_v use_v of_o this_o and_o find_v much_o peace_n and_o comfort_n from_o it_o and_o hence_o he_o say_v 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 to_o clear_v this_o in_o a_o word_n further_o it_o be_v in_o these_o three_o case_n exceed_v useful_a 1._o in_o the_o case_n of_o reproach_n i_o have_v say_v paul_n act_v 23._o 1._o live_v in_o all_o good_a conscience_n before_o god_n until_o this_o day_n and_o 2_o tim_n 1._o 3._o i_o thank_v god_n who_o i_o serve_v with_o pure_a conscience_n from_o my_o forefather_n 2_o in_o the_o case_n of_o some_o notable_a cross_n when_o christian_n be_v bring_v very_o low_a in_o a_o great_a measure_n outward_o afflict_v or_o under_o great_a persecution_n this_o be_v say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o pet._n 2._o 19_o 20._o thank_v worthy_a if_o a_o man_n for_o conscience_n towards_o god_n endure_v grief_n suffer_v wrongful_o for_o what_o glory_n be_v it_o if_o when_o you_o be_v buffet_v for_o your_o fault_n you_o shall_v take_v it_o patient_o but_o if_o when_o you_o do_v well_o and_o suffer_v for_o it_o and_o take_v it_o patient_o this_o be_v acceptable_a with_o god_n 3_o it_o be_v useful_a and_o comfortable_a as_o to_o our_o own_o peace_n in_o the_o case_n of_o challenge_n for_o guilt_n it_o silence_v and_o shoulder_n out_o all_o challenge_n and_o give_v holy_a boldness_n if_o our_o heart_n or_o conscience_n condemn_v we_o not_o say_v john_n 1_o ep._n chap_n 3._o v._n 21._o then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n the_o use_n serve_v to_o teach_v we_o to_o be_v much_o in_o love_n with_o such_o a_o way_n as_o we_o may_v have_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n in_o it_o and_o to_o be_v much_o in_o love_n with_o such_o a_o conscience_n as_o may_v give_v we_o such_o a_o comfortable_a testimony_n in_o all_o our_o strait_n and_o difficulty_n more_o particular_o we_o shall_v speak_v to_o that_o which_o we_o main_o aim_v at_o in_o these_o four_o or_o five_o observation_n consider_v then_o first_o what_o paul_n be_v about_o here_o he_o be_v assert_v a_o truth_n viz._n that_o he_o be_v in_o great_a beavines_n for_o his_o brethren_n and_o kinsman_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n and_o he_o atte_v his_o conscience_n that_o it_o be_v so_o and_o that_o he_o be_v honest_a and_o sincere_a in_o assert_v it_o whence_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o action_n of_o a_o man_n life_n but_o conscience_n have_v a_o concern_v in_o it_o and_o have_v something_o to_o say_v to_o he_o concern_v it_o if_o it_o be_v but_o the_o speak_n of_o a_o word_n let_v be_v the_o do_v of_o any_o bussiness_n conscience_n have_v always_o something_o to_o say_v for_o he_o or_o against_o he_o so_o that_o we_o may_v confident_o say_v there_o be_v no_o action_n of_o so_o little_a moment_n in_o thought_n word_n or_o deed_n as_o whither_o a_o man_n be_v call_v to_o do_v or_o forbear_v to_o speak_v or_o to_o be_v silent_a but_o in_o all_o these_o conscience_n have_v a_o sense_n and_o consideration_n of_o it_o and_o a_o testimony_n to_o give_v for_o or_o against_o the_o man_n about_o it_o i_o be_o not_o now_o speak_v of_o thing_n sinful_a or_o unlawful_a on_o the_o matter_n but_o of_o such_o thing_n as_o on_o the_o matter_n be_v lawful_a as_o when_o a_o man_n speak_v truth_n whither_o he_o speak_v it_o true_o and_o with_o a_o honest_a intention_n or_o not_o therefore_o when_o paul_n be_v speak_v a_o truth_n here_o he_o look_v to_o his_o conscience_n and_o hearken_v what_o it_o say_v put_v these_o four_o together_o and_o you_o will_v find_v it_o clear_a that_o a_o sanctify_a conscience_n in_o a_o sanctify_a and_o good_a frame_n will_v always_o have_v something_o to_o say_v for_o or_o against_o a_o man_n in_o every_o thing_n that_o he_o go_v about_o i_o say_v a_o sanctify_a conscience_n in_o a_o sanctify_a frame_n because_o that_o be_v the_o conscience_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o and_o the_o conscience_n that_o most_o complete_o discharge_v its_o duty_n 1_o if_o we_o consider_v this_o that_o there_o be_v no_o humane_a action_n but_o god_n have_v give_v man_n a_o rule_n direct_v how_o it_o shall_v be_v order_v how_o he_o shall_v eat_v and_o how_o he_o shall_v drink_v how_o he_o shall_v plough_v pray_v hear_v read_v confer_v how_o he_o shall_v walk_v in_o company_n and_o out_o of_o company_n how_o he_o shall_v go_v about_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o call_v and_o it_o prescribe_v the_o manner_n of_o do_v these_o thing_n as_o well_o as_o the_o matter_n therefore_o 1_o tim._n 3._o 16_o 1●_n it_o be_v say_v all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n and_o for_o correction_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v unto_o every_o good_a work_n it_o furnish_v he_o with_o light_n and_o direction_n not_o only_a in_o the_o matter_n as_o ●_o say_v but_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v 2._o 〈◊〉_d that_o a_o man_n in_o all_o his_o action_n be_v either_o walk_v according_a and_o agreeable_o to_o t●at_a rule_n or_o not_o his_o action_n be_v ei●her_o conform_v or_o disconform_v to_o the_o rule_n there_o be_v not_o a_o mid_n he_o either_o do_v according_a to_o it_o or_o he_o do_v not_o according_a to_o it_o if_o he_o do_v the_o action_n as_o the_o word_n prescribe_v conscience_n have_v something_o to_o say_v for_o he_o if_o no●_n it_o have_v something_o to_o say_v against_o he_o 3._o 〈◊〉_d that_o in_o all_o action_n as_o they_o be_v ●one_n or_o perform_v and_o as_o 〈◊〉_d god_n be_v either_o please_v or_o displease_v if_o the_o action_n be_v do_v according_a to_o his_o will_n he_o be_v please_v if_o it_o be_v not_o do_v according_a to_o his_o will_n he_o be_v displease_v 4._o con●ider_v that_o a_o sanctify_a conscience_n take_v up_o a_o man_n action_n and_o consider_v he_o in_o they_o not_o according_a to_o the_o matter_n only_o bu●_n also_o as_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o rule_n for_o the_o manner_n principle_n motive_n and_o end_n and_o testifi_v of_o they_o according_o so_o that_o if_o god_n have_v a_o interest_n in_o all_o a_o man_n action_n a_o sanctify_a conscience_n have_v also_o a_o interest_n in_o they_o i_o say_v a_o sanctify_a conscience_n because_o it_o most_o single_o plea●eth_v god_n interest_n this_o be_v true_a also_o of_o a_o natural_a conscience_n according_a to_o its_o light_n for_o even_o such_o a_o conscience_n as_o it_o be_v say_v rom._n 2._o 5._o bear_v witness_v and_o the_o gentile_n show_v the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heat●s_n their_o conscience_n also_o bear_v witness_n and_o their_o thought_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n accuse_v or_o else_o excuse_v one_o another_o and_o there_o be_v no_o natural_a man_n if_o he_o take_v heed_n to_o his_o conscience_n in_o the_o do_n of_o any_o action_n but_o will_v find_v conscience_n according_a to_o its_o light_n speak_v either_o for_o he_o or_o against_o he_o either_o accuse_v or_o else_o excuse_v he_o but_o this_o be_v much_o more_o to_o be_v find_v be_v a_o sanctify_a conscience_n because_o it_o have_v much_o more_o light_n and_o much_o more_o tenderness_n to_o act_v according_a ●o_o that_o light_n and_o therefore_o it_o will_v find_v itself_o much_o more_o concern_v in_o the_o action_n of_o a_o believer_n the_o first_o use_n be_v for_o information_n and_o instruction_n in_o a_o ma●n_n practical_a point_n of_o religion_n relate_v to_o man_n conversation_n most_o man_n 〈◊〉_d think_v that_o conscience_n be_v not_o concern_v except_o in_o some_o great_a thing_n some_o palpable_o sinful_a thing_n or_o some_o thing_n immediate_o relate_v to_o religion_n and_o that_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n they_o may_v live_v as_o they_o like_v without_o take_v notice_n of_o conscience_n but_o ●_o s●y_o and_o have_v clear_v it_o that_o conscience_n have_v ●n_v 〈◊〉_d and_o concern_v in_o every_o action_n not_o only_o as_o to_o put_v man_n to_o undertake_v it_o whereof_o we_o speak_v before_o but_o also_o as_o to_o their_o manner_n of_o perform_v the_o same_o it_o not_o only_o put_v a_o man_n to_o think_v speak_v or_o do_v but_o it_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o think_n speak_a and_o do_v conscience_n in_o every_o one_o of_o these_o have_v somewhat_o to_o say_v viz._n that_o we_o be_v either_o right_a or_o wrong_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o all_o a_o christian_a man_n action_n may_v be_v take_v up_o in_o a_o twofold_a respect_n or_o under_o a_o twofold_a consideration_n 1._o
it_o testify_v for_o conscience_n be_v but_o a_o subordinate_a judge_n we_o must_v go_v to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n and_o see_v if_o it_o speak_v according_a to_o that_o otherways_o it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o honest_a aim_n or_o a_o good_a end_n propose_v to_o ourselves_o in_o the_o do_n of_o such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n or_o because_o we_o be_v in_o a_o pardon_a state_n that_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v the_o action_n true_o good_a and_o acceptable_a and_o to_o give_v we_o ground_n of_o peace_n 3_o you_o will_v advert_v and_o take_v good_a heed_n if_o conscience_n challenge_v equal_o for_o one_o sin_n as_o well_o as_o for_o another_o and_o for_o the_o neglect_n of_o one_o duty_n as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o neglect_n of_o another_o and_o if_o as_o the_o sin_n be_v comparative_o great_a or_o lesser_a so_o its_o challenge_n be_v lesser_a or_o great_a for_o if_o conscience_n its_o challenge_n lead_v you_o to_o the_o word_n the_o more_o weight_n that_o the_o word_n lay_v on_o sin_n the_o more_o weight_n will_v conscience_n lay_v upon_o it_o when_o it_o be_v right_a sometime_o person_n will_v be_v challenge_v for_o some_o thing_n much_o extrinsic_a to_o religion_n or_o for_o omit_v this_o or_o that_o wherein_o very_o little_a if_o any_o thing_n of_o religion_n consist_v or_o at_o least_o lie_v very_o remo●e_a who_o yet_o will_v not_o be_v much_o trouble_v for_o take_v of_o god_n name_n in_o vain_a or_o for_o neglect_n of_o prayer_n and_o the_o like_a i_o remember_v the_o say_n of_o a_o godly_a man_n to_o a_o person_n under_o exercise_n for_o a_o little_a sin_n little_a in_o comparison_n of_o other_o for_o no_o sin_n be_v little_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n that_o he_o think_v the_o hand_n or_o work_v of_o the_o devil_n 〈◊〉_d be_v in_o it_o to_o lay_v a_o ground_n for_o spiritual_a pride_n because_o the_o person_n be_v so_o much_o trouble_v with_o so_o ●ittle_a a_o thing_n or_o to_o divert_v from_o take_v a_o view_n of_o grosser_n sin_n for_o their_o deep_a humiliation_n when_o conscience_n be_v right_a it_o challenge_v equal_o and_o more_o or_o less_o as_o the_o sin_n be_v more_o or_o less_o aggravate_v it_o be_v a_o evil_n in_o this_o time_n that_o extrinsic_a and_o remo●e_v thing_n trouble_v some_o so_o much_o while_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n know_v sin_n and_o duty_n be_v but_o little_o mind_v and_o lay_v to_o heart_n as_o i●_n forsooth_o the_o conscience_n of_o such_o be_v more_o delicate_a and_o tender_a than_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o saint_n of_o old_a nay_o there_o be_v not_o a_o few_o who_o will_v disdain_v to_o be_v challenge_v for_o neglect_n of_o uncontroverted_a duty_n who_o yet_o make_v a_o great_a deal_n o●_n business_n and_o noise_n about_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v but_o of_o little_a moment_n as_o if_o the_o whole_a and_o some_o o●_n religion_n lie_v in_o they_o this_o certain_o show_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o untenderness_n and_o slight_v of_o conscience_n what_o ever_o pretension_n may_v be_v make_v to_o the_o contrary_a and_o while_o a_o person_n be_v much_o or_o whole_o take_v up_o with_o a_o extrinsic_a or_o very_o little_a thing_n which_o it_o may_v be_v be_v but_o a_o mere_a circumstance_n and_o be_v more_o affect_v with_o and_o exercise_v about_o that_o then_o with_o and_o about_o another_o of_o far_o great_a concernment_n it_o be_v not_o sure_a any_o awe_n of_o god_n nor_o of_o conscience_n but_o somewhat_o flow_v from_o the_o man_n own_o inclination_n or_o interest_n that_o so_o mighty_o influence_v and_o stir_v he_o in_o the_o one_o beyond_o what_o he_o be_v in_o the_o other_o 4_o you_o will_v advert_v in_o a_o special_a manner_n to_o this_o if_o conscience_n in_o the_o challenge_n make_v the_o sin_n vile_a and_o abominable_a to_o you_o and_o yourselves_o loathsome_a to_o yourselves_o when_o conscience_n whet_v to_o say_v so_o the_o edge_n of_o the_o challenge_n not_o only_o to_o the_o make_n of_o god_n wrath_n terrible_a and_o the_o awe_n fear_v and_o dread_n of_o he_o weighty_a but_o also_o to_o the_o deep_a affect_v of_o ourselves_o with_o the_o vileness_n and_o loathsomeness_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o be_v a_o evidence_n that_o the_o conscience_n be_v right_a for_o as_o its_o a_o good_a token_n of_o the_o soundness_n of_o repentance_n when_o it_o make_v sin_n as_o such_o loathsome_a so_o be_v a_o good_a token_n of_o conscience_n speak_v right_o when_o it_o hold_v forth_o convince_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o sin_n 〈◊〉_d you_o may_v know_v when_o conscience_n speak_v a_o right_a by_o the_o native_a fruit_n that_o follow_v upon_o it_o such_o as_o these_o 1._o it_o make_v a_o deep_a impression_n of_o the_o awe_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o fear_n of_o sin_n on_o the_o heart_n it_o make_v the_o spirit_n more_o compose_v stay_v and_o present_a when_o after_o self-examination_n right_o go_v about_o conscience_n speak_v its_o own_o language_n for_o it_o know_v that_o god_n speak_v and_o have_v a_o sort_n of_o divinness_n with_o it_o 2_o it_o make_v the_o man_n more_o watchful_a and_o the_o loath_a to_o adventure_v on_o sin_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v 3_o it_o still_v and_o calm_v the_o heart_n o_o but_o that_o be_v a_o stately_a and_o majestic_a word_n psal._n 46._o be_v still_o and_o know_v that_o i_o be_o god_n for_o we_o can_v conceive_v god_n to_o be_v speak_v if_o we_o be_v right_a but_o the_o spirit_n will_v be_v calm_v to_o hear_v and_o will_v be_v gather_v in_o from_o its_o waver_n gading_n and_o vaiging_n when_o it_o know_v that_o he_o speak_v all_o which_o we_o may_v see_v psal._n 4._o 3._o 4._o stand_v in_o awe_n and_o sin_n not_o where_o he_o exhort_v to_o holy_a fear_n and_o watchfulness_n and_o the_o mean_a to_o bring_v both_o about_o be_v commune_fw-la with_o your_o heart_n upon_o your_o bed_n betake_v yourselves_o to_o this_o work_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v of_o self_n examination_n and_o then_o the_o 3d._n follow_v be_v still_o as_o be_v stay_v and_o fix_v quiet_v and_o calm_v against_o reilling-to_a and_o fro_o up_o and_o down_o and_o against_o all_o struggle_a with_o god_n and_o fret_v at_o his_o providence_n because_o you_o have_v to_o do_v with_o he_o and_o not_o with_o man_n we_o shall_v not_o proceed_v further_o for_o the_o time_n only_o you_o may_v see_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v if_o we_o look_v single_o on_o it_o that_o there_o be_v here_o a_o most_o clear_a useful_a and_o necessary_a duty_n at_o all_o time_n and_o more_o especial_o at_o this_o time_n we_o say_v especial_o at_o this_o time_n for_o these_o reason_n 1._o because_o of_o the_o common_a and_o general_a security_n and_o formal_a way_n of_o go_v about_o duty_n that_o be_v steal_v in_o among_o christian_n at_o this_o time_n and_o there_o can_v be_v a_o better_a mean_v to_o help_v this_o then_o to_o give_v ourselves_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o self-examination_n and_o to_o the_o trial_n of_o our_o way_n this_o serious_o go_v about_o will_v make_v we_o renze_v and_o stir_v up_o ourselves_o in_o good_a earnest_n to_o cry_v mighty_o to_o god_n and_o if_o this_o be_v a_o time_n that_o have_v such_o a_o evil_n in_o it_o as_o great_a security_n and_o formality_n and_o if_o this_o be_v a_o duty_n that_o may_v throw_v god_n blessing_n help_v the_o same_o let_v none_o complain_v of_o over_o liness_n coldness_n and_o lifelesnesse_a in_o religion_n that_o be_v not_o serious_o mind_v and_o go_v about_o this_o as_o a_o necessary_a profitable_a and_o excellent_a mean_n to_o amend_v it_o 2_o because_o there_o be_v much_o false_a bulk_n and_o empty_a show_n of_o a_o profession_n which_o we_o be_v afraid_a but_o a_o very_a little_a trial_n will_v quick_o evidence_n and_o discover_v to_o be_v so_o even_o to_o be_v unsure_a work_n i_o will_v not_o say_v but_o there_o may_v be_v some_o sickernesse_n and_o solidity_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o some_o but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o many_o other_o be_v but_o build_v castle_n in_o the_o air_n castle_n of_o come_v down_o when_o the_o rain_n shall_v descend_v the_o wind_n blow_v and_o the_o flood_n beat_v have_v much_o more_o show_v then_o substance_n and_o solid_a work_n and_o the_o way_n to_o make_v it_o sick_a sure_a and_o solid_a work_n that_o will_v abide_v the_o trial_n be_v to_o lay_v it_o to_o the_o rule_n and_o to_o try_v it_o thereby_o many_o profess_a christian_n be_v like_a to_o foolish_a builder_n who_o build_v by_o guess_n and_o by_o rule_n of_o thumb_n as_o we_o use_v to_o speak_v and_o not_o by_o square_a and_o rule_n and_o if_o they_o have_v but_o bulk_n enough_o they_o look_v not_o much_o to_o the_o solidity_n and_o straightness_n of_o the_o fabric_n there_o be_v many_o engadgement_n come_v under_o many_o fasting_n
〈◊〉_d sinner_n can_v never_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n nor_o any_o the_o least_o measure_n of_o that_o solid_a joy_n or_o peace_n that_o flow_v from_o it_o for_o as_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n say_v chap._n 57_o v._n last_o there_o be_v no_o peace_n to_o the_o wicked_a say_v my_o god_n sermon_n v._n 2_o cor._n 1._o 12._o for_o our_o rejoice_v be_v this_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n that_o in_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n notwith_o fleshly_a wisdom_n but_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o have_v ha●_n our_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o mor●_n abundant_o to_o youward_n there_o be_v many_o duty_n and_o piece_n of_o christianity_n whereof_o the_o world_n neither_o know_v the_o excellency_n nor_o the_o difficulty_n man_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n dispose_v to_o think_v that_o religion_n be_v a_o thing_n of_o very_o little_a worth_n and_o very_o easy_o come_v by_o when_o they_o shall_v find_v it_o convenient_a for_o they_o to_o look_v after_o somewhat_o of_o it_o because_o they_o never_o set_v themselves_o serious_o and_o in_o good_a earnest_n to_o practice_v it_o nor_o to_o experience_n the_o choice_n and_o excellent_a advantage_n that_o come_v by_o it_o and_o we_o very_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v not_o two_o thing_n in_o religion_n less_o know_v and_o believe_v than_o the_o difficulty_n of_o attain_v to_o a_o well-grounded_n testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o the_o unspeakable_a excellency_n of_o it_o with_o the_o great_a advantage_n that_o come_v by_o it_o when_o it_o be_v attain_v and_o entertain_v we_o speak_v before_o to_o you_o of_o the_o great_a refresh_n and_o joy_n which_o the_o well_o ground_v testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n yield_v and_o of_o the_o great_a difficulty_n that_o there_o be_v to_o attain_v and_o come_v by_o it_o as_o be_v the_o result_n of_o much_o diligence_n labour_n and_o pain_n in_o solid_a answer_v of_o many_o question_n before_o we_o proceed_v any_o further_a there_o may_v arise_v here_o a_o doubt_n or_o objection_n which_o will_v be_v clear_v and_o answer_v viz._n if_o a_o particular_a search_n and_o examination_n as_o to_o every_o action_n and_o duty_n be_v necessary_a yea_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a ere_o the_o conscience_n can_v give_v a_o good_a testimony_n and_o if_o so_o how_o a_o person_n can_v possible_o have_v peace_n in_o reference_n to_o his_o by-gone_a way_n when_o in_o seek_v to_o review_v it_o and_o to_o reflect_v upon_o it_o he_o find_v it_o impossible_a to_o examine_v every_o action_n and_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o we_o conceive_v it_o to_o be_v necessary_a to_o answer_v this_o doubt_n or_o objection_n though_o we_o confess_v it_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o do_v it_o to_o full_a satisfaction_n there_o be_v especial_o extreme_n upon_o both_o side_n some_o be_v ready_a to_o take_v a_o undue_a liberty_n and_o latitude_n to_o themselves_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n when_o any_o allow_a qualification_n be_v offer_v and_o other_o be_v in_o hazard_n to_o faint_v and_o be_v discourage_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o the_o matter_n be_v keep_v in_o a_o peremptory_a state_n without_o due_a qualification_n and_o caution_n and_o yet_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o right_n preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n if_o we_o can_v win_v at_o it_o will_v neither_o louse_n reins_o to_o lawless_a and_o sinsul_n liberty_n to_o carnal_a person_n nor_o make_v sad_a the_o heart_n of_o these_o that_o eat_v gracious_a and_o tender_a nor_o put_v they_o on_o the_o rack_n nor_o involve_v they_o into_o a_o labyrinth_n of_o inextricable_a intricacy_n and_o perplexity_n for_o answer_v then_o to_o the_o doubt_n or_o objection_n 1._o it_o be_v indeed_o expedient_a so_o far_o as_o a_o believer_n can_v win_v in_o self-examination_n to_o reach_v his_o particular_a action_n and_o the_o particular_a step_n and_o circumstance_n of_o they_o wherein_o job_n and_o other_o of_o the_o saint_n have_v win_v a_o great_a length_n and_o the_o expediency_n if_o not_o necessity_n of_o it_o appear_v from_o this_o because_o by_o this_o mean_n believer_n win_v to_o more_o distinctnesse_n and_o staidness_n in_o up-taking_a of_o their_o case_n 2_o we_o think_v that_o the_o distinct_a examination_n of_o all_o particular_n in_o a_o man_n life_n and_o of_o the_o several_a question_n that_o conscience_n may_v propose_v concern_v they_o be_v not_o possible_a in_o itself_o and_o therefore_o not_o simple_o necessary_a as_o to_o the_o make_v of_o this_o duty_n practicable_a for_o if_o we_o can_v possible_o as_o we_o can_v go_v through_o all_o our_o action_n and_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o they_o through_o out_o our_o whole_a way_n it_o will_v take_v up_o more_o of_o our_o time_n to_o examine_v than_o we_o have_v for_o practice_n if_o we_o shall_v be_v put_v to_o reflect_v particular_o on_o every_o thing_n that_o we_o have_v do_v on_o what_o have_v be_v commit_v and_o on_o what_o have_v be_v omit_v and_o the_o several_a aggravation_n and_o circumstance_n of_o every_o one_o of_o these_o and_o to_o go_v through_o every_o one_o of_o they_o according_a to_o the_o exact_a rule_n it_o will_v take_v we_o many_o day_n yea_o if_o the_o conscience_n shall_v give_v way_n to_o scruplousness_n in_o this_o there_o shall_v always_o be_v a_o examination_n of_o our_o examination_n which_o yet_o may_v and_o in_o some_o case_n ought_v to_o be_v and_o so_o on_o in_o infinitum_fw-la that_o there_o shall_v never_o be_v a_o end_n of_o this_o work_n to_o the_o exclusion_n of_o other_o clear_o call_v for_o which_o can_v be_v that_o be_v not_o then_o we_o conceive_v the_o lord_n end_n in_o press_v on_o we_o this_o duty_n of_o self-examination_n whereby_o he_o design_v to_o extricat_fw-la the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n out_o of_o disquietness_n and_o not_o to_o involve_v they_o further_o in_o it_o yet_o 3_o we_o say_v that_o its_o necessary_a as_o to_o believer_n peace_n in_o their_o duty_n that_o they_o examine_v the_o series_n of_o their_o way_n though_o they_o can_v reach_v every_o particular_a action_n or_o all_o its_o circumstance_n and_o that_o they_o think_v no_o duty_n to_o be_v so_o clear_a nor_o any_o sin_n to_o be_v so_o little_a as_o resolve_o to_o pass_v it_o without_o reflect_v on_o it_o so_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a and_o in_o examine_v the_o series_n and_o tract_n of_o their_o way_n they_o will_v consider_v 1._o the_o matter_n of_o their_o action_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a and_o approven_v of_o god_n or_o not_o 2._o the_o manner_n of_o they_o whether_o they_o have_v endeavour_v to_o do_v thing_n after_o the_o due_a order_n and_o in_o the_o prescribe_a manner_n 3._o what_o they_o propose_v to_o themselves_o as_o the_o general_a main_a end_n and_o scope_n of_o their_o action_n whether_o it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n o●_n not_o we_o find_v much_o of_o the_o saint_n testimony_n of_o their_o conscience_n to_o be_v found_v upon_o this_o as_o we_o may_v see_v here_o in_o paul_n we_o have_v have_v say_v he_o our_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o more_o abundant_o to_o you_o ward_n not_o with_o fleshly_a wisdom_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o david_n who_o 〈◊〉_d psal._n 119_o 59_o i_o think_v on_o my_o way_n and_o turn_v my_o f●et_n into_o thy_o testimony_n there_o be_v great_a difference_n betwixt_o a_o man_n way_n or_o path_n and_o every_o particular_a step_n of_o his_o way_n or_o path_n david_n propose_v to_o himself_o the_o series_n of_o his_o way_n to_o be_v examine_v and_o wherein_o he_o find_v himself_o faulty_a he_o make_v haste_n to_o go_v out_o of_o it_o and_o turn_v his_o foot_n into_o god_n testimony_n he_o be_v endeavour_v to_o be_v watchful_a in_o every_o step_n of_o his_o way_n while_o it_o be_v before_o he_o to_o have_v it_o right_n but_o when_o he_o reflect_v it_o be_v impossible_a as_o we_o have_v say_v to_o look_v on_o every_o step_n of_o his_o way_n and_o to_o examine_v it_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n he_o look_v upon_o the_o series_n of_o it_o on_o the_o matter_n manner_n and_o end_n of_o his_o walk_n in_o the_o tract_n of_o his_o life_n and_o in_o this_o respect_n he_o say_v psal._n 18._o 21._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 as_o job_n chap._n 23._o also_o do_v my_o soot_n have_v hold_v his_o step_n his_o way_n have_v i_o keep_v and_o not_o decline_v 4_o believer_n will_v not_o only_o look_v to_o their_o way_n but_o there_o be_v some_o action_n and_o step_n of_o their_o way_n at_o some_o special_a time_n that_o they_o will_v be_v more_o particular_a in_o the_o examination_n of_o then_o at_o other_o time_n and_o of_o every_o action_n though_o they_o will_v not_o design_o seclude_v any_o as_o god_n in_o providence_n call_v they_o to_o it_o and_o
natural_a conscience_n and_o not_o only_o do_v thing_n sinful_a but_o take_v pleasure_n in_o they_o that_o do_v they_o therefore_o they_o be_v give_v up_o to_o do_v great_a thing_n without_o check_n or_o challenge_v hence_o it_o be_v thus_o in_o part_n at_o least_o with_o many_o professor_n within_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o thwart_v with_o conscience_n and_o indeed_o a_o silent_a and_o dumb_a conscience_n be_v a_o great_a plague_n for_o if_o it_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o reprover_n and_o speak_v not_o man_n nay_o even_o godly_a man_n may_v and_o will_v sleep_v on_o as_o david_n after_o the_o go_v over_o the_o belly_n of_o his_o light_n and_o blunt_v the_o edge_n of_o his_o conscience_n sleep_v long_o enough_o till_o conscience_n at_o last_o rouse_v he_o up_o hence_o also_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o some_o conscience_n which_o be_v sear_v with_o a_o hot_a iron_n which_o be_v not_o so_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o conscience_n be_v flesh_n or_o of_o a_o fleshly_a substance_n only_o he_o make_v the_o comparison_n that_o as_o a_o man_n flesh_n be_v sensible_a of_o and_o affect_v with_o the_o prick_n of_o a_o pin_n so_o be_v conscience_n with_o sin_n while_o tender_a but_o as_o the_o flesh_n of_o a_o man_n or_o beast_n when_o it_o be_v sear_v or_o burn_v a_o considerable_a thirst_n will_v not_o much_o if_o at_o all_o affect_v it_o so_o be_v conscience_n when_o stupefy_v and_o make_v senseless_a by_o multiply_a sin_n against_o light_n it_o grow_v so_o cauterise_v and_o sear_v that_o hardly_o any_o sin_n or_o challenge_v for_o sin_n be_v feel_v 3._o man_n want_v not_o a_o conscience_n though_o they_o hear_v it_o not_o always_o speak_v for_o conscience_n may_v often_o be_v speak_v when_o they_o take_v not_o head_n to_o it_o as_o be_v abundant_o clear_a in_o david_n and_o josephs_n brethren_n for_o that_o which_o be_v the_o death_n evil_a of_o a_o natural_a man_n may_v sometime_o be_v the_o sore_a and_o dangerous_a sickness_n and_o distemper_n of_o a_o child_n of_o god_n and_o though_o conscience_n may_v speak_v but_o soft_o for_o a_o time_n yet_o thereafter_o it_o will_v speak_v loud_o and_o make_v it_o know_v that_o it_o speak_v when_o it_o be_v not_o listen_v unto_o the_o day_n come_v when_o the_o book_n will_v be_v open_v and_o conscience_n will_v speak_v plain_o smart_o and_o home_n and_o it_o concern_v you_o all_o to_o know_v that_o conscience_n be_v not_o absent_a when_o it_o be_v quiet_a but_o that_o it_o will_v speak_v and_o speak_v to_o purpose_n in_o due_a time_n and_o that_o as_o a_o party_n with_o who_o there_o be_v no_o try_v till_o it_o come_v before_o the_o great_a judge_n and_o then_o it_o will_v give_v in_o what_o it_o have_v to_o say_v and_o it_o will_v then_o be_v evident_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o conscience_n in_o the_o profane_v person_n who_o most_o cauterise_v it_o by_o go_v over_o the_o belly_n of_o its_o light_n and_o suggestion_n the_o 2._o use_n speak_v to_o you_o that_o live_v at_o random_n take_v great_a liberty_n and_o latitude_n to_o yourselves_o beside_o the_o rule_n o_o do_v you_o believe_v and_o remember_v that_o there_o be_v a_o conscience_n within_o you_o and_o that_o it_o will_v call_v you_o to_o a_o reckon_a sure_o if_o you_o do_v in_o good_a earnest_n you_o will_v be_v other_o manner_n of_o man_n it_o be_v general_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v a_o conscience_n in_o all_o and_o the_o profane_v will_n have_v conscience_n often_o in_o their_o mouth_n and_o indeed_o their_o conscience_n be_v little_a worth_n when_o they_o stand_v in_o no_o awe_n of_o it_o but_o rather_o trample_v on_o it_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o the_o great_a light_n you_o have_v and_o the_o more_o mean_n and_o warning_n you_o be_v privilege_v with_o the_o great_a will_v be_v the_o aggravation_n of_o your_o guilt_n and_o the_o more_o dreadful_a will_v be_v your_o ditty_n and_o doom_n from_o god_n and_o from_o your_o own_o conscience_n if_o conscience_n will_v be_v a_o impartial_a witness_n and_o severe_a judge_n against_o all_o even_o heathen_n who_o never_o hear_v the_o gospel_n o_o then_o what_o access_n will_v it_o have_v terrible_o to_o reprove_v condemn_v smite_v and_o gnaw_v you_o that_o live_v under_o the_o gospel_n and_o hear_v the_o word_n daily_o many_o of_o you_o have_v some_o stickle_a and_o stir_v of_o conscience_n within_o you_o but_o alace_o you_o know_v not_o what_o it_o mean_v and_o will_v be_v quite_o of_o it_o but_o from_o this_o word_n be_v exhort_v to_o know_v who_o have_v appoint_v it_o and_o for_o what_o end_v it_o be_v appoint_v and_o make_v use_n of_o its_o warn_n 〈◊〉_d for_o other_o that_o know_v it_o and_o go_v on_o sleep_v secure_o in_o your_o sin_n i_o must_v say_v this_o to_o you_o that_o the_o more_o knowledge_n you_o have_v of_o it_o it_o will_v certain_o make_v you_o to_o have_v the_o more_o dreadful_a waken_n when_o all_o the_o kindred_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v howl_v at_o the_o see_v of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o stand_v tremble_a at_o his_o presence_n o_o what_o a_o scrich_n and_o cry_n will_v conscience_n have_v in_o that_o day_n loud_o i_o conceive_v in_o some_o respect_n than_o the_o trumpet_n itself_o set_v home_o the_o truth_n of_o challenge_n bear_v witness_n of_o the_o fact_n and_o represent_v the_o horror_n terror_n and_o torment_n abide_v they_o therefore_o think_v on_o it_o o_o think_v on_o it_o all_o you_o who_o continue_v in_o sin_n and_o will_v not_o be_v reclaim_v who_o mock_v at_o all_o warning_n and_o break_v all_o bond_n and_o will_v not_o be_v subject_a to_o discipline_n you_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o shake_v off_o the_o bo●d_n of_o conscience_n but_o it_o shall_v bind_v you_o as_o the_o colar_n of_o your_o coat_n and_o keep_v you_o bind_v till_o you_o be_v ●isted_v before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o god_n use_v 3_o see_v you_o have_v a_o conscience_n let_v it_o not_o be_v silent_a idle_a and_o usle●_n but_o put_v it_o to_o speak_v and_o do_v you_o hear_v what_o it_o say_v and_o take_v you_o warning_n from_o it_o it_o will_v not_o be_v bribe_v bud_a nor_o boast_v it_o be_v a_o sore_a matter_n to_o have_v a_o conscience_n and_o never_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o nor_o of_o what_o it_o say_v i_o shall_v now_o only_o see_v there_o be_v some_o good_a and_o some_o evil_a conscience_n as_o they_o be_v or_o be_v not_o inform_v beseech_v you_o to_o study_v to_o have_v a_o well_o inform_v conscience_n especial_o since_o where_o it_o be_v well_o inform_v it_o can_v easy_o be_v bud_v nor_o soon_o prevail_v with_o to_o suffer_v thing_n to_o come_v under_o debate_n and_o controversy_n wherein_o it_o be_v clear_a a_o just_a regard_n too_o and_o the_o right_n use-making_a of_o conscience_n will_v notable_o promove_v holiness_n and_o nothing_o ready_o do_v more_o obstruct_v it_o then_o the_o not_o take_v heed_n to_o conscience_n and_o not_o lay_v due_a weight_n on_o what_o it_o say_v though_o many_o of_o you_o do_v now_o look_v on_o it_o as_o nothing_o or_o a_o thing_n of_o little_a moment_n yet_o you_o will_v find_v it_o to_o be_v a_o great_o momentanious_a thing_n o_o that_o god_n who_o have_v give_v we_o conscience_n may_v be_v gracious_o please_v to_o give_v the_o right_a use_n of_o they_o sermon_n ii_o act_n 24._o 16._o herein_o do_v i_o exercise_v myself_o to_o have_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n if_o we_o take_v a_o view_n of_o and_o look_v through_o christian_n and_o professor_n of_o religion_n that_o may_v have_v the_o root_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o they_o and_o may_v in_o charity_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v effectual_o call_v there_o will_v be_v find_v as_o great_a a_o gradual_a difference_n among_o they_o as_o among_o man_n of_o any_o other_o call_v whatsoever_o and_o if_o we_o will_v compare_v they_o general_o with_o the_o apostle_n as_o to_o the_o constant_a vigorous_a drive_v of_o this_o notable_a and_o noble_a design_n there_o will_v be_v find_v great_a in-equality_n and_o much_o lamentable_a un-likness_a herein_o say_v he_o do_v i_o exercise_v myself_o to_o have_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o toward_a man_n this_o be_v his_o great_a work_n and_o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o sweet_a work_n yea_o a_o short_a sum_n and_o compend_v of_o a_o christian_n life_n when_o we_o discourse_v last_o from_o this_o text_n and_o have_v draw_v some_o general_a doctrine_n from_o it_o for_o clear_v the_o word_n we_o speak_v more_o particular_o to_o this_o doctrine_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v in_o all_o man_n and_o woman_n a_o conscience_n that_o take_v notice_n of_o every_o piece_n of_o their_o carriage_n and_o be_v according_o affect_v with_o and_o affect_v man_n for_o it_o some_o thing_n
he_o be_v but_o a_o guesser_n 2_o it_o be_v excellent_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o great_a influence_n that_o it_o have_v on_o the_o life_n of_o religion_n and_o power_n of_o godliness_n look_v to_o the_o most_o spiritual_a duty_n it_o have_v great_a influence_n on_o they_o not_o on_o a_o few_o of_o they_o but_o on_o they_o all_o whether_o it_o be_v mortification_n and_o repentance_n it_o keep_v the_o heart_n as_o it_o be_v melt_v the_o word_n ●_o zech._n 12._o 10._o they_o shall_v look_v upon_o he_o who_o they_o have_v pierce_v and_o shall_v mou●_n and_o be_v in_o bitterness_n or_o humble_a walk_v before_o god_n it_o be_v impossible_a without_o it_o or_o the_o high●ning_n our_o thought_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o the_o commend_v of_o christ_n to_o we_o it_o exceed_o contribute_v to_o that_o every_o discover_a infirmity_n in_o the_o search_n make_v a_o new_a earand_n to_o he_o or_o the_o lively_a way_n of_o go_v about_o other_o duty_n as_o pray_v in_o the_o spirit_n hear_v profitable_o sing_v in_o the_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n they_o can_v be_v perform_v to_o purpose_n without_o it_o a_o person_n that_o have_v be_v reflect_v on_o a_o bypass_a duty_n as_o of_o prayer_n or_o of_o a_o sermon_n that_o he_o have_v hear_v will_v ready_o have_v from_o it_o a_o memento_n or_o watchword_n not_o to_o be_v so_o superficial_a in_o the_o next_o 3_o it_o be_v excellent_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o many_o advantage_n that_o come_v by_o it_o as_o be_v already_o hint_v in_o the_o two_o former_a respect_n and_o may_v be_v instance_a in_o a_o great_a many_o more_o its_o useful_a and_o advantageous_a for_o the_o prevent_n of_o sin_n for_o the_o promove_v of_o holiness_n for_o the_o compose_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o establish_v of_o peace_n and_o for_o help_v to_o comfortable_a and_o cheerful_a walk_v with_o god_n for_o the_o 3._o viz._n the_o necessity_n of_o it_o this_o appear_v much_o from_o what_o be_v already_o say_v and_o be_v so_o very_o great_a that_o its_o impossible_a to_o attain_v to_o holiness_n to_o mortification_n to_o peace_n to_o be_v distinct_a in_o our_o way_n to_o be_v spiritual_a in_o any_o duty_n or_o to_o be_v tender_a in_o our_o walk_n without_o it_o we_o may_v say_v that_o this_o duty_n in_o respect_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n be_v like_a weed_n to_o a_o garden_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a that_o a_o garden_n have_v fresh_a seed_n sow_v and_o fine_a plant_n and_o flower_n set_v in_o it_o if_o weed_n as_o they_o appear_v be_v not_o pull_v up_o without_o frequent_a and_o careful_a weed_n the_o weed_n will_v quick_o overgrow_v and_o choke_v the_o flower_n and_o plant_n it_o be_v just_a so_o here_o there_o be_v so_o many_o lust_n and_o corruption_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o it_o be_v so_o broody_a and_o se_n tile_n of_o these_o filthy_a weed_n that_o unless_o this_o self-examination_n 〈◊〉_d conscionable_o and_o seasonable_o exercise_v it_o will_v be_v overgrow_v by_o and_o by_o and_o fill_v full_a with_o the_o stink_a weed_n of_o those_o corruption_n and_o our_o come_n over_o our_o heart_n and_o way_n by_o take_v a_o review_n of_o it_o be_v like_o a_o careful_a gardener_n daily_o come_v over_o his_o garden_n with_o his_o weeding-iron_n the_o one_o be_v no_o more_o necessary_a to_o the_o garden_n than_o the_o other_o be_v necessary_a to_o our_o heart_n and_o way_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o so_o many_o heart_n be_v like_o the_o sluggard_n garden_n all_o overgrow_v with_o nettle_n and_o brier_n be_v the_o neglect_n of_o this_o self-examination_n many_o alace_o take_v on_o a_o profession_n of_o religion_n but_o take_v no_o pain_n to_o be_v answerable_a to_o it_o neither_o do_v they_o look_v to_o the_o weed_n and_o hemlock_n of_o sin_n that_o in_o stead_n of_o good_a fruit_n to_o god_n spring_v up_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o overspread_v their_o life_n therefore_o from_o all_o this_o i_o beseech_v you_o take_v this_o word_n of_o advertisement_n as_o you_o will_v have_v the_o profession_n of_o your_o religion_n well_o stuff_v and_o fill_v up_o with_o the_o power_n of_o it_o and_o will_v not_o have_v it_o as_o a_o ghostly_a house_n have_v a_o fair_a show_n outward_o and_o empty_a within_o or_o as_o a_o paint_a sepulchre_n beautiful_a without_o and_o full_a of_o rottenness_n and_o dead_a man_n bone_n within_o and_o as_o you_o will_v not_o have_v much_o false_a bulk_n without_o substance_n be_v much_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o excellent_a duty_n of_o self-examination_n and_o serious_a in_o it_o i_o shall_v here_o answer_v two_o or_o three_o objection_n that_o may_v be_v propose_v about_o put_v this_o concern_v duty_n in_o practice_n and_o first_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o this_o be_v a_o very_a hard_a and_o difficult_o practicable_a thing_n we_o can_v do_v it_o we_o thou_fw-mi not_o do_v it_o it_o will_v not_o go_v with_o we_o and_o indeed_o there_o be_v natural_o in_o we_o all_o a_o averseness_n from_o nothing_o more_o than_o from_o this_o and_o we_o conceive_v that_o who_o ever_o will_v essay_n it_o in_o earnest_n will_v find_v it_o to_o be_v a_o difficult_a duty_n indeed_o more_o difficult_a and_o hard_a to_o be_v go_v about_o than_o either_o prayer_n hear_v of_o the_o word_n or_o conference_n on_o a_o spiritual_a subject_n it_o be_v a_o duty_n wherein_o the_o inner_a man_n at_o the_o bar_n of_o conscience_n and_o so_o in_o some_o respect_n at_o the_o bar_n of_o god_n tribunal_n be_v exercise_v and_o take_v up_o which_o make_v it_o difficult_a even_o to_o they_o that_o will_v say_v go_v about_o it_o we_o shall_v therefore_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n 1._o speak_v something_o in_o general_n 2._o we_o shall_v speak_v more_o particulary_a to_o some_o direction_n or_o help_n for_o make_v it_o easy_a in_o general_n we_o say_v 1._o that_o the_o duty_n will_v not_o be_v scare_v at_o because_o of_o its_o difficulty_n for_o the_o most_o excellent_a duty_n that_o have_v the_o great_a influence_n on_o the_o practice_n of_o godlness_n that_o strick_v most_o at_o the_o body_n of_o death_n and_o be_v most_o discriminate_a character_n of_o the_o godly_a ●hen_o suitable_o discharge_v be_v ordinary_o most_o difficult_a and_o we_o will_v love_v they_o the_o better_a and_o prefer_v they_o in_o some_o respect_n to_o other_o that_o be_v more_o easy_a and_o which_o hypocrite_n and_o mere_a formalist_n may_v go_v about_o and_o indeed_o such_o a_o one_o be_v this_o as_o have_v be_v show_v and_o therefore_o we_o have_v the_o great_a reason_n to_o press_v towards_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o 2_o we_o will_v say_v that_o though_o it_o be_v difficult_a yet_o you_o will_v essay_n it_o and_o if_o you_o do_v so_o serious_o and_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o christ_n you_o will_v find_v it_o go_v far_o better_o and_o more_o easy_o with_o you_o then_o possible_o you_o expect_v and_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o as_o to_o these_o duty_n that_o be_v more_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a that_o which_o be_v call_v for_o from_o we_o be_v our_o essay_v of_o and_o put_v hand_n to_o they_o and_o serious_o necessitate_v ourselves_o to_o it_o which_o if_o we_o do_v we_o have_v they_o and_o this_o in_o particular_a lay_v before_o we_o in_o the_o promise_n as_o ezek._n 16._o 63._o that_o thou_o may_v remember_v and_o be_v confound_v etc._n etc._n and_o 36_o 31._o then_o shall_v you_o remember_v your_o own_o evil_a way_n and_o do_n that_o be_v not_o good_a etc._n etc._n and_o so_o particular_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v in_o the_o 2d_o place_n of_o the_o direction_n and_o help_n for_o make_v it_o easy_a the_o 1._o whereof_o be_v this_o that_o we_o will_v essay_n it_o with_o a_o eye_n to_o the_o promise_n for_o indeed_o this_o and_o all_o other_o duty_n lie_v in_o promise_n and_o albeit_o we_o can_v pray_v a_o right_a without_o the_o spirit_n yet_o we_o will_v essay_n it_o on_o this_o account_n even_o so_o shall_v we_o do_v as_o to_o this_o duty_n how_o difficult_a soever_o it_o may_v be_v 2_o and_o yet_o somewhat_o more_o particular_o we_o will_v endeavour_v to_o have_v a_o sober_a serious_a and_o sanctify_a frame_n in_o the_o undertake_n and_o prosecute_n of_o this_o duty_n when_o our_o spirit_n be_v carnal_a and_o discompose_v and_o when_o there_o be_v a_o noise_n and_o clamour_n of_o worldly_a lust_n swarm_v within_o we_o it_o be_v no_o great_a wonder_n though_o we_o essay_n it_o that_o it_o go_v not_o with_o we_o but_o miscarry_v in_o our_o hand_n we_o will_v therefore_o abstract_a and_o compose_v ourselves_o as_o in_o god_n presence_n and_o study_v to_o have_v our_o heart_n in_o a_o sanctify_a frame_n as_o the_o church_n do_v lament_v 3._o 28_o 29._o sit_v alone_o and_o keep_v silence_n with_o a_o stop_a mouth_n we_o will_v table_n and_o state_n ourselves_o before_o god_n
what_o wonder_n be_v it_o that_o such_o person_n neglect_v to_o reflect_v and_o look_v back_o on_o their_o way_n and_o to_o examine_v themselves_o for_o as_o job_n say_v chap._n 24_o v._n 17._o of_o the_o morning_n to_o the_o adulterer_n their_o way_n to_o they_o be_v as_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n yet_o even_o these_o will_v know_v for_o a_o certainty_n that_o their_o conscience_n will_v speak_v and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o terrible_o as_o now_o they_o neglect_v to_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o they_o a_o second_o sort_v make_v a_o kind_n of_o conscience_n of_o external_a duty_n in_o religion_n such_o as_o hear_n prayer_n read_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o like_a but_o do_v neglect_v more_o spiritual_a and_o inward_a duty_n such_o as_o the_o mortification_n of_o sin_n the_o humble_v of_o the_o heart_n for_o it_o wrestle_v with_o god_n to_o have_v victory_n over_o it_o meditation_n and_o the_o like_a now_o this_o duty_n which_o we_o be_v press_v be_v of_o that_o sort_n and_o serve_v not_o a_o little_a to_o further_a repentance_n and_o mortification_n and_o to_o make_v serious_a in_o prayer_n they_o must_v and_o can_v but_o neglect_v it_o because_o they_o design_v nor_o neither_o aim_n at_o these_o end_n to_o which_o it_o be_v subservient_fw-fr a_o 3d._n sort_v be_v such_o who_o may_v now_o and_o then_o have_v a_o sort_n of_o tenderness_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o some_o duty_n and_o in_o abstain_v from_o several_a sin_n and_o yet_o they_o mind_v not_o nor_o make_v conscience_n at_o all_o of_o this_o duty_n i_o suppose_v there_o be_v many_o of_o you_o who_o have_v your_o own_o time_n for_o prayer_n read_v and_o the_o like_a who_o take_v no_o 〈◊〉_d all_o for_o this_o duty_n i_o will_v as●_n such_o of_o you_o if_o you_o can_v make_v conscience_n of_o other_o duty_n because_o god_n command_v they_o who_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o this_o see_v its_o as_o clear_o command_v as_o any_o of_o these_o deceive_v not_o yourselves_o god_n will_v not_o be_v mock_v a_o four_o sort_v be_v such_o as_o make_v some_o essay_n or_o rather_o mint_n to_o go_v about_o even_o this_o duty_n but_o be_v overly_o general_a confu●ed_v indistinct_a soon_o satisfy_v and_o put_v to_o a_o stand_n in_o it_o take_v only_o a_o hasty_a view_n of_o it_o in_o the_o by_o or_o a_o little_a transient_a look_n of_o it_o when_o they_o go_v to_o prayer_n but_o fall_v not_o purposely_o about_o it_o as_o a_o distinct_a duty_n and_o a_o up_o take_v work_n do_v not_o dwell_v upon_o and_o insist_v in_o it_o to_o have_v the_o circumstance_n of_o their_o action_n and_o way_n un-folded_n lay_v open_a make_v naked_a and_o bare_a at_o the_o bar_n of_o conscience_n a_o 5_o sort_v may_v come_v some_o length_n in_o the_o duty_n but_o they_o follow_v not_o the_o work_n till_o they_o be_v suitable_o affect_v humble_a and_o make_v serious_a much_o less_o till_o the_o duty_n be_v make_v delightsome_a to_o they_o til●_n i●_n six_o a_o impression_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n on_o they_o and_o lay_v a_o necessity_n on_o they_o to_o employ_v christ_n more_o but_o it_o be_v with_o they_o in_o this_o matter_n as_o james_n speak_v chap._n 1._o of_o these_o who_o behold_v their_o natural_a face_n in_o a_o glass_n go_v their_o way_n and_o forget_v what_o manner_n of_o person_n they_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o self-examination_n be_v either_o not_o attain_v or_o it_o have_v little_a or_o no_o impression_n on_o they_o and_o this_o be_v it_o which_o make_v man_n not_o to_o be_v in_o love_n with_o the_o duty_n because_o they_o follow_v it_o not_o till_o they_o get_v somewhat_o of_o the_o lovely_a fruit_n of_o it_o and_o here_o many_o even_a believer_n be_v as_o to_o several_a degree_n guilty_a a_o 6_o sort_v be_v also_o here_o reprovable_a who_o though_o they_o come_v a_o little_a further_o to_o look_v on_o their_o way_n and_o to_o desire_v conscience_n its_o sense_n thereof_o and_o to_o be_v affect_v with_o what_o they_o find_v in_o the_o search_n yet_o they_o seek_v not_o to_o be_v distinct_a and_o thorough_o clear_a in_o the_o matter_n neither_o be_v they_o impartial_a in_o set_v about_o to_o discover_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v wrong_n in_o their_o condition_n but_o some_o come_v to_o look_v and_o see_v what_o be_v right_a to_o strengthen_v on_o the_o matter_n at_o least_o their_o security_n other_o come_v to_o see_v what_o be_v wrong_n which_o be_v somewhat_o indeed_o preferable_a to_o the_o other_o to_o strengthen_v their_o unbelief_n or_o misbelieve_a jealousy_n of_o themselves_o and_o so_o make_v it_o a_o sort_n of_o penance_n to_o themselves_o as_o if_o they_o be_v put_v themselves_o on_o the_o rack_n whereas_o a_o impartial_a search_n and_o examination_n of_o our_o way_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n call_v for_o set_v we_o on_o serious_o to_o discover_v what_o be_v right_a and_o what_o be_v wrong_a in_o our_o condition_n and_o according_o to_o take_v and_o be_v affect_v with_o it_o but_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o one_o or_o other_o but_o one_o way_n or_o other_o they_o fa●l_v and_o be_v more_o or_o less_o guilty_a in_o this_o matter_n which_o will_v put_v all_o according_a to_o their_o respective_a guilt_n to_o be_v humble_v before_o the_o lord_n to_o seek_v his_o pardon_n and_o grace_n to_o amend_v that_o we_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o loath_a the_o neglect_n and_o overly_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n i_o ●all_n in_o the_o 2d_o place_n name_n some_o evil_n that_o it_o bring_v with_o it_o and_o that_o in_o these_o four_o respect_n 1._o as_o it_o evidence_n and_o speak_v out_o a_o very_a untender_a frame_n for_o if_o it_o evidence_n a_o tender_a frame_n to_o be_v exact_a in_o this_o duty_n than_o it_o certain_o speak_v out_o a_o untender_a frame_n to_o neglect_v it_o or_o to_o be_v superficial_a in_o it_o and_o where_o the_o neglect_n or_o superficiariness_n be_v habitual_a and_o regnant_a they_o be_v shrewd_a evidence_n of_o a_o evil_a state_n the_o utter_a neglect_n of_o it_o say_v 1_o that_o such_o a_o man_n care_v not_o for_o god_n and_o stand_v not_o in_o awe_n of_o he_o that_o he_o care_v not_o whether_o god_n be_v well_o please_v or_o evil_o please_v when_o he_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o reflect_v and_o see_v if_o there_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o god_n within_o he_o 2._o it_o speak_v out_o little_a respect_n to_o conscience_n and_o say_v that_o man_n care_v not_o whether_o conscience_n be_v for_o they_o or_o against_o they_o yea_o it_o say_v that_o they_o think_v on_o the_o matter_n at_o least_o that_o its_o a_o useless_a thing_n to_o have_v a_o conscience_n and_o can_v he_o possible_o be_v a_o tender_a man_n that_o be_v not_o tender_a in_o respect_n to_o his_o conscience_n 3._o it_o speak_v forth_o a_o man_n not_o to_o be_v in_o love_n with_o holiness_n for_o ●f_a self-examination_n be_v a_o notable_a mean_n to_o promove_v holiness_n and_o if_o none_o without_o it_o can_v be_v holy_a if_o there_o can_v be_v no_o repentance_n for_o sin_n no_o mortification_n etc._n etc._n without_o it_o then_o sure_a the_o man_n that_o neglect_v it_o care_v not_o for_o holiness_n it_o evidence_n a_o man_n to_o be_v void_a of_o all_o religion_n fearless_o of_o judgement_n and_o careless_a whether_o his_o debt_n be_v pay_v or_o not_o when_o he_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o search_v out_o what_o he_o be_v owe_v 2_o we_o may_v consider_v the_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n as_o ●t_a be_v exceed_o obstructive_a to_o the_o great_a spiritual_a good_a and_o advantage_n that_o a_o man_n shall_v aim_v a●_n in_o the_o mortification_n of_o sin_n and_o lively_a performance_n of_o duty_n viz._n to_o obtain_v solid_a peace_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o to_o have_v any_o measure_n of_o discern_v or_o spiritual_a feel_n thereof_o and_o can_v any_o of_o these_o be_v win_v at_o without_o this_o can_v you_o pray_v serious_o can_v you_o repent_v can_v you_o mortify_v sin_n can_v you_o praise_v god_n or_o delight_n in_o he_o who_o have_v not_o be_v re●ecting_v to_o find_v out_o sin_n to_o repent_v for_o nor_o consider_v whether_o there_o ●e_v any_o grace_n in_o you_o for_o which_o you_o shall_v be_v thankful_a and_o for_o spiritual_a joy_n can_n a_o man_n possible_o have_v it_o if_o he_o know_v not_o how_o it_o stand_v with_o he_o before_o god_n and_o a_o man_n can_v never_o know_v how_o ●t_a stand_v betwixt_o god_n and_o he_o till_o he_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n clear_a how_o it_o stand_v with_o he_o before_o his_o conscience_n or_o betwixt_o he_o and_o his_o conscience_n 3_o consider_v further_o the_o evil_a of_o this_o neglect_n in_o respect_n of_o its_o sinfulness_n in_o itself_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v exceed_o sinful_a as_o its_o a_o neglect_n o●_n clear_a duty_n and_o a_o breach_n of_o a_o