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 boâ—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 â—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 usleâ—_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
to_o come_v at_o it_o if_o you_o shall_v incline_v it_o how_o can_v you_o shift_v this_o conviction_n conscience_n may_v be_v silent_a for_o a_o time_n but_o it_o will_v speak_v and_o speak_v loud_a when_o sickness_n and_o the_o cross_n come_v as_o we_o see_v it_o do_v in_o josephs_n brethren_n in_o such_o a_o case_n many_o of_o you_o will_v find_v that_o conscience_n have_v be_v much_o slight_v o_o when_o death_n shall_v come_v and_o stair_n you_o in_o the_o face_n what_o a_o terrible_a thing_n will_v a_o guilty_a conscience_n be_v find_v then_o to_o be_v the_o terror_n of_o mad_a dog_n of_o wild_a boar_n of_o felrce_a lion_n and_o tiger_n will_v not_o be_v so_o terrible_a as_o a_o evil_a conscience_n will_v be_v when_o awaken_v and_o have_v death_n at_o its_o back_n nay_o suppose_v that_o conscience_n shall_v not_o be_v awaken_v while_o you_o be_v alive_a and_o in_o this_o world_n but_o that_o you_o shall_v slip_v and_o sleep_v away_o like_a lamb_n have_v no_o band_n in_o your_o death_n and_o that_o you_o shall_v die_v applaud_v of_o all_o man_n yet_o what_o will_v you_o do_v with_o your_o conscience_n or_o how_o will_v you_o stand_v before_o it_o when_o you_o shall_v be_v sist_v before_o god_n tribunal_n and_o when_o the_o book_n shall_v be_v lay_v open_a be_v there_o not_o many_o now_o in_o hell_n who_o if_o we_o can_v hear_v their_o language_n will_v very_o ready_o bid_v we_o beware_v to_o thwart_v with_o our_o conscience_n and_o to_o make_v it_o our_o enemy_n wo_n to_o they_o that_o take_v a_o evil_a conscience_n with_o they_o to_o their_o grave_n it_o will_v be_v a_o worm_n that_o will_v gnaw_v eternal_o and_o a_o inward_a poison_n and_o venom_n sting_a burn_a and_o inflame_v the_o very_a bowel_n as_o it_o be_v and_o all_o that_o be_v within_o the_o man_n beyond_o what_o be_v here_o conceivable_a we_o will_v therefore_o earnest_o beseech_v and_o obtest_v you_o sober_o to_o think_v on_o it_o for_o there_o be_v many_o of_o you_o who_o this_o challenge_n and_o reproof_n will_v reach_v and_o if_o we_o shall_v say_v otherwise_o to_o you_o who_o never_o have_v it_o for_o your_o aim_n to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o who_o be_v never_o exercise_v to_o nor_o serious_o take_v up_o with_o religion_n we_o will_v but_o cheat_v and_o beguile_v you_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o you_o can_v thwart_v with_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o not_o also_o thwart_v with_o your_o own_o conscience_n or_o can_v you_o thwart_v with_o your_o light_n and_o your_o conscience_n be_v still_o silent_a or_o shall_v the_o have_v and_o keep_v of_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v one_fw-mi exercise_n to_o paul_n and_o do_v you_o think_v to_o come_v so_o easy_o and_o without_o all_o labour_n to_o it_o these_o and_o other_o such_o be_v palpable_a evidence_n of_o a_o ill_a conscience_n it_o be_v not_o sure_a a_o good_a conscience_n that_o yield_v you_o peace_n and_o quietness_n in_o such_o a_o case_n but_o it_o be_v your_o deep_a security_n and_o your_o be_v regardless_o of_o whâ—_n conscience_n say_v that_o lull_v and_o rock_v you_o a_o sleep_n for_o the_o second_o how_o come_v this_o to_o pass_v or_o how_o can_v it_o be_v that_o man_n and_o woman_n thus_o thwart_v with_o their_o conscience_n answer_n 1._o it_o need_v not_o at_o all_o to_o seem_v strange_a see_v god_n and_o his_o word_n be_v thwart_v with_o will_v they_o think_v we_o stand_v in_o awe_n of_o conscience_n who_o stand_v not_o in_o awe_n of_o god_n and_o who_o do_v not_o lay_v weight_n on_o his_o word_n to_o regulate_v their_o conscience_n by_o it_o this_o be_v the_o great_a ground_n of_o people_n thwart_v with_o their_o conscience_n and_o of_o their_o regardlesness_n of_o it_o even_o their_o not_o stand_v in_o awe_n of_o god_n two_o the_o most_o part_n never_o consider_v their_o obligation_n to_o conscience_n nor_o what_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o thwart_v with_o or_o of_o go_v cross_a to_o their_o conscience_n therefore_o it_o be_v that_o they_o care_v not_o what_o conscience_n say_v be_v there_o any_o considerable_a number_n of_o person_n who_o think_v that_o thwart_a their_o conscience_n be_v such_o a_o terrible_a thing_n at_o it_o be_v indeed_o and_o as_o one_o day_n it_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v many_o have_v rather_o have_v a_o very_a little_a money_n in_o their_o hand_n than_o the_o testimony_n of_o their_o conscience_n and_o this_o regardlesness_n arise_v from_o the_o ignorance_n of_o it_o and_o of_o what_o great_a concernment_n it_o be_v 3_o man_n even_o by_o accustom_v and_o habituate_a themselves_o to_o thwart_v with_o their_o conscience_n in_o lesser_a thing_n do_v by_o little_a and_o little_o stupify_v and_o in_o a_o manner_n put_v out_o the_o life_n of_o their_o conscience_n and_o â—s_v the_o apostle_n have_v the_o word_n they_o cauterise_n or_o fear_v it_o as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o hot_a iron_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o when_o some_o true_o tender_a christian_n be_v trouble_v with_o and_o have_v for_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o exercise_n any_o little_a thing_n or_o thing_n that_o have_v in_o they_o but_o the_o least_o appearance_n of_o evil_n other_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o pray_v to_o be_v save_v from_o such_o madness_n and_o folly_n because_o they_o be_v never_o accustom_v to_o nor_o acquaint_v with_o any_o challenge_n or_o exercise_v of_o that_o kind_n but_o have_v teach_v themselves_o a_o way_n of_o stepe_v over_o their_o conscience_n and_o this_o provock_v god_n to_o give_v they_o up_o to_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n to_o do_v thing_n which_o be_v not_o convenient_a they_o harden_v themselves_o by_o resist_v the_o challenge_n of_o the_o word_n and_o rod_n of_o god_n and_o of_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o be_v judicial_o harden_v so_o that_o either_o conscience_n say_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o they_o or_o they_o do_v not_o at_o all_o value_n what_o it_o say_v thence_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o the_o profane_v have_v most_o ordinary_o few_o challenge_n and_o these_o few_o that_o they_o have_v they_o trample_v on_o they_o and_o stifle_v they_o as_o but_o un-regardable_a and_o trifle_a thing_n whereas_o the_o most_o tender_a conscience_n have_v ready_o manye_v challenge_n though_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o sometime_o challenge_n will_v bear_v in_o themselves_o irresistible_o on_o the_o profane_v of_o man_n but_o they_o be_v to_o such_o very_a un-welcomeguests_a and_o they_o endeavour_v quick_o to_o smother_v they_o or_o to_o drive_v they_o out_o again_o 4_o many_o bias_n their_o own_o conscience_n and_o teach_v themselves_o shift_n not_o so_o much_o to_o satisfy_v their_o conscience_n as_o how_o to_o answer_v it_o and_o to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o it_o and_o to_o please_v their_o own_o humour_n if_o they_o can_v give_v a_o reason_n for_o such_o and_o such_o a_o thing_n such_o as_o it_o be_v to_o their_o conscience_n they_o think_v they_o do_v very_o well_o thus_o deceive_v themselves_o and_o be_v deceive_v for_o a_o deceive_v heart_n have_v lead_v they_o aside_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o in_o some_o thing_n man_n take_v as_o much_o pain_n to_o bias_n their_o conscience_n and_o to_o have_v it_o say_v as_o they_o say_v as_o one_o man_n will_v take_v on_o another_o to_o satisfy_v he_o and_o to_o bring_v he_o over_o to_o be_v of_o his_o mind_n in_o any_o matter_n hence_o also_o be_v the_o debate_n and_o struggle_a exercise_n that_o some_o will_v have_v within_o themselves_o before_o they_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o a_o ingenuous_a confession_n of_o that_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o 5_o people_z seek_v to_o please_v their_o conscience_n when_o they_o can_v bias_n it_o and_o when_o conscience_n challenge_v they_o will_v make_v amends_o as_o it_o may_v be_v they_o will_v pray_v when_o they_o be_v go_v to_o commit_v such_o or_o such_o a_o sin_n as_o some_o profane_a man_n will_v do_v when_o they_o be_v go_v to_o fight_v a_o combat_n or_o duel_n this_o be_v to_o bribe_v the_o conscience_n thus_o many_o papist_n when_o they_o have_v do_v a_o evil_a turn_n will_v give_v so_o much_o to_o the_o poor_a or_o dot_v so_o much_o to_o some_o pious_a work_n or_o use_v as_o they_o judge_v to_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o recompense_n what_o else_o be_v this_o but_o to_o bribe_v conscience_n in_o one_o thing_n to_o hold_v its_o tongue_n in_o another_o thing_n so_o some_o though_o they_o tipple_v all_o the_o day_n think_v they_o do_v well_o if_o they_o have_v be_v a_o while_n in_o the_o church_n and_o will_v seek_v to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o their_o conscience_n with_o that_o at_o night_n for_o they_o can_v not_o at_o all_o keep_v quarter_n to_o speak_v so_o with_o their_o conscience_n if_o they_o have_v not_o some_o form_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o they_o will_v to_o speak_v so_o be_v brave_a
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 asâ—_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 confuâ—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 tilâ—_n iâ—_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 faâ—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 â—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 â—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 â—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 aâ—_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 reâ—ecting_v to_o find_v out_o sin_n to_o repent_v for_o nor_o consider_v whether_o there_o â—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 â—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 oâ—_n clear_a duty_n and_o a_o breach_n of_o a_o
〈◊〉_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 haâ—_n our_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o morâ—_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 oâ—_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 fâ—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
that_o be_v behind_o in_o that_o respect_n and_o say_v with_o the_o apostle_n phil._n 3._o according_a to_o his_o measure_n not_o as_o if_o i_o have_v attain_v or_o be_v already_o perfect_a one_o thing_n i_o do_v forget_v these_o thing_n that_o be_v behind_o and_o reach_v forth_o unto_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v before_o i_o press_v towards_o the_o mark_n for_o the_o 〈◊〉_d he_o be_v so_o take_v up_o with_o press_v desire_n and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v forward_o that_o any_o thing_n he_o have_v attain_v he_o be_v not_o much_o take_v and_o far_o less_o vain_o tickle_v with_o it_o as_o these_o proud_a pharisee_n be_v with_o their_o give_v of_o alm_n the_o attainment_n that_o many_o offer_n as_o a_o evidence_n of_o their_o honest_a willingness_n and_o their_o plead_n for_o it_o with_o their_o proud_a boast_n of_o it_o be_v a_o shrewd_a evidence_n of_o their_o real_a unwillingness_n in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o sit_v down_o contenâ—dly_o with_o what_o they_o have_v attain_v and_o press_v not_o at_o 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v forward_o as_o it_o become_v those_o to_o do_v that_o be_v far_o behind_o the_o true_o will_v honest_a man_n see_v so_o great_a a_o deal_n of_o his_o way_n before_o he_o that_o he_o scarce_o endure_v to_o look_v back_o on_o what_o of_o it_o be_v past_a he_o be_v ready_a to_o think_v and_o â—ay_n i_o have_v so_o many_o thing_n to_o do_v for_o god_n that_o i_o someway_o forget_v all_o the_o good_a turn_n that_o i_o have_v do_v as_o to_o sit_v down_o with_o they_o or_o boast_v of_o they_o 6_o the_o serious_o willing_a man_n can_v never_o be_v full_o satisfy_v with_o any_o victory_n he_o have_v obtain_v over_o his_o corruption_n or_o out-gate_n from_o it_o nor_o dare_v he_o rest_v on_o it_o neither_o have_v he_o peace_n till_o he_o come_v to_o look_v to_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o to_o the_o hope_n of_o outgate_n through_o he_o i_o thank_v god_n say_v the_o apostle_n rom._n 7._o through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n and_o then_o follow_v the_o conclusion_n so_o then_o with_o my_o mind_n i_o myself_o serve_v the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o with_o the_o flesh_n the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o chap._n 8._o 1._o there_o be_v therefore_o now_o no_o condemnation_n to_o they_o who_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n who_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n this_o character_n have_v three_o branch_n 1._o the_o man_n that_o be_v wrestle_v with_o and_o groan_v under_o the_o body_n of_o death_n love_v well_o and_o dear_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o outgate_n and_o now_o and_o then_o belong_v to_o have_v the_o pin_n of_o his_o tabernacle_n loose_v and_o to_o be_v fir_v from_o that_o evil_a neighbour_n and_o troublesome_a guest_n of_o indwelling_a corruption_n and_o it_o be_v unexpressible_o sweet_a and_o refresh_n to_o he_o to_o look_v to_o that_o desirable_a day_n when_o he_o and_o it_o shall_v final_o part_v company_n 2_o he_o have_v never_o the_o settle_a hope_n of_o a_o outgate_n but_o when_o he_o look_v to_o god_n through_o christ_n he_o look_v to_o god_n and_o think_v himself_o eternal_o oblige_v to_o he_o for_o his_o give_v christ_n to_o deliver_v he_o and_o he_o look_v to_o christ_n for_o strength_n to_o stand_v it_o out_o in_o the_o battle_n and_o for_o obtain_v a_o full_a and_o final_a out-gate_n in_o the_o close_a and_o at_o last_o and_o 3_o a_o man_n that_o have_v this_o willingness_n it_o high_o commend_v the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n to_o he_o it_o make_v christ_n very_o lovely_a to_o he_o and_o withal_o it_o make_v sin_n to_o be_v exceed_o sinful_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n he_o love_v christ_n well_o because_o he_o have_v the_o hope_n of_o a_o out-gate_n through_o he_o and_o he_o love_v grace_n well_o because_o the_o poor_a man_n who_o be_v wrestle_v and_o war_a with_o his_o corruption_n and_o often_o plunge_v in_o the_o puddle_n and_o mire_n by_o it_o have_v through_o grace_n the_o hope_n of_o a_o final_a out-gate_n from_o it_o and_o it_o make_v sin_n to_o become_v out_o of_o measure_n loathsome_a to_o he_o and_o the_o high_a christ_n jesus_n and_o his_o grace_n be_v exalt_v the_o more_o vile_a and_o abominable_a be_v sin_n in_o his_o â—ight_n o_o but_o it_o be_v safe_a for_o the_o soul_n to_o ride_v at_o anchor_n betwixt_o these_o two_o we_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o this_o sincere_o and_o honest_o willing_a man_n be_v one_o that_o have_v two_o part_n in_o he_o and_o as_o he_o have_v two_o part_n so_o he_o labour_v to_o give_v every_o part_n it_o be_v own_o due_a and_o unless_o this_o be_v do_v there_o be_v no_o keep_n of_o peace_n and_o calmness_n in_o the_o conscience_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v look_v on_o himself_o as_o whole_o renew_v it_o be_v rank_a presumption_n have_v still_o a_o remainder_n of_o corruption_n in_o he_o and_o if_o be_v a_o sound_a believer_n in_o christ_n he_o shall_v look_v on_o himself_o as_o whole_o unrenewed_a it_o be_v gross_a unbelief_n therefore_o he_o attribut_v to_o corruption_n its_o due_a and_o be_v humble_v for_o it_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o acknowledge_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o he_o and_o any_o honest_a protest_v against_o â—in_a attribute_v it_o to_o grace_n and_o give_v god_n the_o praise_n of_o his_o grace_n after_o paul_n example_n who_o say_v rom._n 7._o i_o thank_v god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n so_o then_o with_o my_o mind_n i_o myself_o serve_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o with_o my_o flesh_n the_o law_n of_o sen_fw-mi he_o take_v with_o it_o that_o with_o his_o unrenewed_a pâ—t_n he_o serve_v the_o law_n of_o sin_n so_o that_o he_o be_v not_o come_v at_o perfection_n in_o holiness_n and_o yet_o assert_n that_o in_o his_o mind_n he_o serve_v the_o law_n of_o god_n yet_o so_o that_o he_o serve_v not_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o of_o himself_o or_o in_o his_o own_o strength_n but_o as_o renew_v and_o assist_v by_o grace_n for_o 2_o cor._n 3._o 5._o he_o say_v not_o that_o we_o be_v sufficient_a of_o ourselves_o as_o of_o ourselves_o to_o think_v any_o thing_n but_o our_o sufficiency_n be_v of_o god_n he_o acknowledge_v that_o of_o himself_o as_o of_o himself_o he_o sin_v and_o can_v not_o so_o much_o as_o think_v a_o good_a thought_n but_o as_o renew_v and_o that_o not_o as_o of_o himself_o but_o aâ—_n of_o god_n he_o serve_v god_n his_o sufficiency_n be_v allenarl_o of_o he_o who_o enable_v he_o to_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a and_o as_o it_o be_v 1_o cor._n 15._o not_o i_o but_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o i_o the_o same_o man_n that_o say_v he_o can_v so_o much_o as_o think_v what_o be_v good_a as_o of_o himself_o that_o he_o can_v do_v nothing_o yet_o say_v i_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n strengthen_v i_o philp._n 4._o 10._o o_o strange_a this_o way_n of_o distinguish_v be_v both_o a_o notable_a evidence_n of_o a_o man_n that_o aim_v honesty_n at_o peace_n and_o be_v the_o way_n to_o peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o otherways_o if_o it_o be_v neglect_v whilst_o christian_n have_v corruption_n in_o they_o they_o can_v never_o have_v solid_a peace_n sermon_n i._n heb._n 9_o v_o 13._o 14._o for_o if_o the_o blood_n of_o bull_n and_o of_o goat_n and_o the_o ash_n of_o a_o heifer_n sprinkle_v the_o unclean_a sanctify_v to_o the_o purify_n of_o the_o flesh_n 14._o how_o much_o more_o shall_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n who_o through_o the_o eternal_a spirit_n offer_v himself_o without_o spot_n to_o god_n purge_v your_o conscience_n from_o dead_a work_n to_o serve_v the_o live_a god_n it_o be_v the_o great_a business_n of_o christian_n to_o walk_v so_o as_o they_o may_v be_v in_o good_a term_n with_o their_o conscience_n that_o from_o no_o untenderness_n in_o their_o way_n there_o may_v be_v any_o just_a ground_n of_o challenge_n at_o lest_o none_o such_o as_o may_v wound_v the_o conscience_n and_o break_v or_o mar_v the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o it_o before_o god_n or_o disturb_v or_o interupt_v that_o sweet_a serenity_n and_o distinct_a calmness_n of_o a_o spiritual_a frame_n of_o soul_n that_o he_o allow_v on_o believer_n in_o he_o who_o be_v exercise_v themselves_o to_o have_v always_o a_o good_a conscience_n but_o alace_o its_o not_o all_o professor_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v not_o all_o gracious_a christian_n that_o win_v at_o this_o who_o i_o mean_v serious_a christian_n partly_o throw_v the_o unmortified_a reminder_n of_o corruption_n still_o dwell_v in_o they_o and_o partly_o through_o their_o own_o unwatchfulness_n fall_v often_o into_o such_o sin_n as_o defile_v the_o conscience_n and_o obstruct_v the_o clear_a light_n and_o serene_a tranquillity_n thereof_o when_o in_o any_o measure_n attain_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o less_o necessary_a to_o know_v
get_v no_o rest_n until_o the_o â—ll_a turn_n be_v do_v under_o pretext_n of_o keep_v his_o oath_n herod_n be_v predominant_o sway_v by_o these_o who_o sit_v at_o table_n with_o he_o and_o will_v have_v it_o think_v that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v excuse_v because_o otherways_o he_o can_v not_o forsooth_o keep_v his_o oath_n who_o yet_o have_v break_v many_o a_o oath_n and_o make_v no_o bone_n of_o they_o for_o the_o second_o question_n how_o may_v the_o impulse_n of_o conscience_n be_v know_v and_o discern_v from_o the_o impulse_n of_o credit_n interest_n inclination_n will_n and_o affection_n answer_v by_o the_o word_n to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n isa._n 8._o 20_o conscience_n be_v subject_a to_o that_o and_o conscience_n never_o ready_o pouse_v against_o duty_n hold_v out_o by_o the_o word_n conscience_n will_v never_o bid_v heroa_fw-la take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o a_o innocent_a man_n 2._o if_o a_o man_n be_v dark_a and_o doubtful_a in_o a_o particular_a conscience_n as_o conscience_n be_v always_o single_a but_o credit_n interest_n and_o thâ—_n like_a have_v always_o some_o by-respect_n which_o steal_v in_o and_o drown_v conscience_n represent_v to_o it_o that_o such_o and_o such_o loss_n or_o prejudice_n will_v follow_v on_o such_o a_o thing_n interest_n and_o reputation_n will_v make_v a_o man_n say_v i_o will_v noâ—_n do_v such_o a_o thing_n if_o i_o can_v do_v otherways_o but_o shall_v i_o hazard_v all_o my_o estate_n and_o possible_o my_o life_n also_o this_o i_o may_v not_o do_v and_o when_o interest_n and_o particularity_n prevail_v they_o make_v he_o to_o step_v over_o conscience_n and_o to_o think_v that_o he_o do_v no_o fault_n when_o it_o be_v some_o particular_a hazard_n that_o sway_v he_o interest_n be_v satisfy_v from_o a_o suppose_a necessity_n but_o conscience_n acknowledge_v not_o that_o rule_n in_o outward_a thing_n when_o the_o man_n can_v do_v no_o other_o way_n it_o will_v put_v he_o to_o choose_v suffer_v 3._o when_o credit_n interest_n and_o the_o like_a pouss_n their_o impulse_n be_v partial_a and_o violent_a but_o the_o impulse_n of_o conscience_n be_v impartial_a and_o sober_a conscience_n sway_v the_o man_n pouse_v he_o from_o the_o awe_n of_o god_n and_o from_o love_n to_o he_o and_o to_o all_o that_o be_v know_v to_o be_v duty_n impartial_o as_o to_o pray_v read_v meditate_v confer_v etc._n etc._n but_o when_o interest_n credit_n or_o inclination_n sway_n he_o they_o will_v drive_v he_o to_o one_o thing_n and_o not_o to_o another_o and_o more_o especial_o to_o that_o which_o may_v satisfy_v his_o humour_n and_o that_o violent_o but_o for_o the_o more_o exercise_v duty_n of_o religion_n as_o to_o humble_v himself_o before_o god_n to_o repent_v of_o sin_n to_o meditate_v etc._n etc._n it_o do_v not_o pouss_n or_o but_o very_o cold_o and_o slow_o as_o some_o man_n will_v have_v a_o impulse_n to_o provide_v for_o their_o family_n and_o they_o will_v ride_v and_o run_v for_o that_o but_o if_o any_o object_n of_o charity_n offer_v or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o hazard_n of_o loss_n for_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n sake_n these_o will_v be_v silent_a there_o or_o if_o conscience_n mutter_v it_o will_v not_o be_v much_o regard_v in_o what_o it_o say_v now_o if_o conscience_n swey_v the_o man_n here_o there_o will_v be_v a_o impartial_a respect_n have_v to_o one_o duty_n as_o well_o as_o to_o another_o 4._o where_o interest_n credit_n inclination_n or_o affection_n pour_v they_o drive_v not_o only_o violent_o and_o partial_o but_o irrational_o and_o can_v stay_v nor_o endure_v to_o reason_n and_o debate_v thing_n or_o to_o be_v dissuade_v from_o the_o thing_n towards_o which_o there_o be_v a_o inclination_n and_o will_n neither_o will_v give_v a_o hear_n to_o what_o may_v be_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_a but_o conscience_n in_o its_o impulse_n be_v rational_a and_o sober_a go_v to_o the_o word_n and_o will_v haâ—e_v matter_n calm_o season_v and_o debate_v and_o be_v the_o better_o satisfy_v the_o better_a the_o business_n be_v debate_v and_o clear_v because_o it_o like_v and_o love_v rational_a service_n rom._n 12._o 1._o and_o therefore_o lay_v every_o thing_n to_o the_o rule_n and_o ready_o content_v with_o corruption_n with_o which_o inclination_n side_v 5._o when_o credit_n interest_n and_o inclination_n in_o their_o impulse_n be_v thwart_v they_o storm_v they_o vex_v and_o torture_v the_o man_n but_o when_o the_o impulse_n of_o conscience_n be_v thwart_v it_o have_v a_o kindly_a prick_n and_o stound_a the_o impulse_n of_o interest_n or_o inclination_n be_v thwart_v conâ—useth_v and_o put_v through_o other_o to_o speâ—k_v so_o and_o be_v but_o a_o carnal_a fit_n of_o passion_n make_v â—rothy_a light_a and_o distempered_o passionate_a but_o it_o the_o impulse_n of_o conscience_n be_v thwart_v it_o weight_v and_o sting_v deep_o 6._o the_o impulse_n of_o conscience_n affect_v constant_o and_o chop_v even_o though_o sometime_o in_o its_o chap_a it_o will_v be_v more_o quick_a then_o at_o another_o time_n yet_o where_o it_o sway_v it_o leave_v not_o off_o but_o continue_v chap_a this_o year_n and_o the_o next_o and_o account_v a_o thing_n evil_a or_o good_a in_o another_o as_o well_o as_o in_o a_o man_n self_n and_o in_o himself_o as_o well_o as_o in_o another_o and_o at_o all_o time_n but_o when_o a_o man_n be_v pouss_v by_o credit_n interest_n inclination_n or_o affection_n he_o be_v like_o a_o distemper_a man_n in_o a_o fever_n who_o pulse_n beat_v not_o even_o he_o be_v not_o constant_a and_o equal_a but_o up_o or_o down_o as_o the_o particular_a that_o affect_v he_o 〈◊〉_d his_o humour_n or_o come_v near_o he_o as_o for_o instance_n a_o man_n sway_v by_o his_o interest_n will_v dispute_v for_o the_o government_n of_o such_o a_o person_n this_o year_n and_o for_o the_o government_n of_o another_o the_o next_o for_o such_o a_o interest_n this_o year_n and_o for_o a_o contrary_a one_o the_o next_o for_o one_o sort_n of_o government_n in_o church_n or_o state_n as_o best_a this_o year_n and_o for_o another_o as_o best_a the_o next_o because_o his_o own_o particular_a interest_n come_v in_o to_o side_n with_o it_o and_o so_o he_o change_v his_o principle_n according_a to_o his_o interest_n and_o dispute_v for_o one_o thing_n to_o day_n and_o for_o the_o contrary_a the_o next_o thus_o his_o interest_n forge_v and_o frame_v principle_n to_o maintain_v it_o which_o be_v a_o evidence_n that_o such_o man_n great_a principle_n be_v their_o interest_n and_o that_o they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d sway_v from_o a_o native_a principle_n of_o conscience_n else_o they_o will_v be_v more_o even_o and_o constant_a therefore_o beware_v to_o take_v every_o impulse_n for_o the_o impulse_n of_o conscience_n many_o man_n woeful_o abuse_v conscience_n by_o their_o pretension_n to_o it_o as_o if_o some_o weighty_a nay_o some_o extraordinary_a bond_n be_v on_o their_o conscience_n when_o as_o indeed_o inclination_n or_o affection_n or_o some_o other_o such_o thing_n pouss_v they_o on_o the_o three_o question_n be_v may_v not_o even_a conscience_n sometime_o err_v and_o go_v wrong_n may_v it_o not_o pouse_v to_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o sinful_a and_o shall_v it_o then_o be_v follow_v ans._n conscience_n may_v err_v or_o go_v wrong_v two_o way_n 1._o in_o respect_n of_o light_n by_o think_v that_o which_o be_v wrong_a to_o be_v right_a 2._o in_o respect_n of_o practice_n in_o application_n of_o the_o rule_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o speak_v a_o word_n for_o clear_v of_o both_o and_o first_o in_o the_o general_a when_o we_o say_v that_o man_n shall_v walk_v according_a to_o their_o conscience_n we_o understand_v it_o of_o a_o conscience_n well_o inform_v and_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o duty_n as_o know_v its_o master_n will_v and_o do_v it_o for_o a_o wicked_a man_n may_v have_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o respect_n of_o light_a to_o tell_v he_o what_o he_o shall_v do_v and_o to_o challenge_v he_o when_o he_o do_v wrong_a though_o yet_o he_o will_v not_o obey_v it_o therefore_o we_o say_v for_o a_o man_n to_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n be_v to_o have_v a_o well_o inform_v conscience_n and_o do_v duty_n according_o for_o further_o clear_v of_o this_o there_o be_v ten_o sort_n of_o conscience_n that_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v guide_v by_o whereof_o five_o fail_v in_o the_o major_n or_o first_o proposition_n in_o respect_n of_o light_n and_o other_o five_o faâ—l_n in_o the_o minor_a or_o second_o proposition_n in_o respect_n of_o practice_n or_o application_n the_o five_o sort_n that_o fail_v in_o the_o major_a proposition_n or_o in_o respect_n of_o light_n be_v these_o 1._o a_o err_v conscience_n when_o the_o judgement_n be_v misinform_v and_o account_v duty_n to_o to_o be_v sin_n and_o sin_n to_o be_v
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 1â—_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 â—_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 tâ—at_a rule_n or_o not_o his_o action_n be_v eiâ—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 noâ—_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 â—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 conâ—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 buâ—_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 pleaâ—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 heatâ—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 â—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 maâ—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 â—_o sâ—y_o and_o have_v clear_v it_o that_o conscience_n have_v â—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
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 â—_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 mouâ—_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 highâ—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 â—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
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 remoâ—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 â—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 remoâ—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 iâ—_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 oâ—_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 oâ—_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
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 inâ—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 â—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 bâ—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 â—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 â—neding_a knife_n to_o corruption_n bring_v a_o man_n to_o strict_a at_o the_o very_a rooâ—_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 helpâ—_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 deâ—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 flâ—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 solidiâ—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 ruâ—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 â—ts_v not_o what_o bâ—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 oâ—_n joy_n our_o common_a proverb_n hold_v true_a here_o that_o work_n
how_o a_o defile_a conscience_n may_v be_v purge_v and_o how_o we_o may_v recover_v lose_a calmness_n and_o peace_n than_o it_o be_v to_o know_v how_o a_o good_a conscience_n may_v be_v win_v at_o for_o indeed_o if_o all_o our_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o conscience_n depend_v on_o our_o own_o holy_a walk_n only_o it_o will_v be_v but_o a_o heartless_a and_o comfortless_a work_n to_o speak_v of_o a_o good_a and_o calm_a conscience_n on_o that_o ground_n but_o this_o be_v the_o great_a the_o very_a great_a advantage_n that_o we_o have_v by_o the_o gospel_n of_o grace_n which_o as_o it_o show_v the_o way_n how_o to_o prevent_v a_o quarrel_n from_o and_o so_o a_o wound_n unto_o the_o conscience_n so_o it_o show_v the_o way_n how_o a_o quarrel_n and_o controversy_n draw_v on_o may_v be_v remove_v and_o this_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o now_o we_o will_v speak_v a_o little_a to_o from_o these_o word_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n scope_n be_v to_o hold_v out_o to_o the_o jew_n the_o weakness_n of_o their_o ceremonial_a worship_n sacrifice_n and_o wash_n and_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o christ_n sacrifice_n to_o do_v their_o business_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o from_o rest_v on_o that_o ceremonial_a worship_n to_o rest_v upon_o jesus_n christ_n alone_o and_o one_o of_o the_o argument_n that_o he_o make_v use_v of_o for_o this_o end_n be_v that_o no_o legal_a or_o ceremonial_a worship_n or_o service_n can_v make_v he_o that_o do_v the_o service_n perfect_a as_o pertain_v to_o the_o conscience_n as_o he_o say_v v_o 9_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n can_v give_v a_o man_n peace_n before_o god_n and_o his_o own_o conscience_n but_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v able_a to_o purge_v the_o conscience_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o to_o bring_v a_o man_n that_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o peace_n and_o friendship_n with_o god_n after_o he_o have_v sin_v and_o thereby_o defile_v and_o wound_v his_o conscience_n back_o to_o that_o same_o peace_n and_o calmness_n that_o he_o have_v before_o he_o sin_v and_o make_v he_o in_o some_o respect_n as_o quiet_a and_o calm_a as_o iâ—_n he_o have_v not_o sin_v and_o therefore_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n must_v be_v infiâ—ly_o preferable_a to_o all_o these_o ceremonial_a sacrifice_n puâ—gings_n and_o wash_n which_o probable_o they_o incline_v to_o join_v with_o he_o in_o the_o word_n read_v the_o apostle_n illustraâ—s_v and_o confirm_v the_o efficacy_n of_o christ_n blood_n by_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n obviate_a a_o objection_n which_o be_v this_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n have_v a_o good_a use_n and_o why_o then_o will_v you_o cry_v they_o down_o he_o answer_v they_o have_v a_o use_n as_o they_o respect_v christ_n sacrifice_n that_o be_v in_o due_a time_n to_o be_v actual_o offer_v and_o as_o they_o â—ed_v it_o and_o also_o as_o to_o a_o ceremonial_a cleanse_n or_o holiness_n but_o they_o can_v not_o as_o pertain_v to_o the_o conscience_n make_v a_o man_n perfect_a and_o say_v he_o if_o these_o ceremony_n have_v a_o efficacy_n as_o to_o the_o outward_a man_n and_o make_v ceremonial_o and_o external_o clean_a or_o holy_a how_o much_o more_o shall_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v efficacious_a to_o the_o cleanse_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o inner_a man_n if_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n have_v a_o efficacy_n towards_o the_o admit_v of_o a_o man_n to_o external_a ordinance_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n have_v a_o efficacy_n to_o purge_v the_o conscience_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o to_o take_v away_o the_o sting_n and_o guilt_n and_o the_o defilement_n also_o of_o sin_n and_o to_o make_v it_o quiet_a and_o so_o to_o capacitat_fw-la the_o man_n to_o be_v adâ—tted_v to_o real_a fellowship_n with_o he_o in_o his_o ordinance_n that_o the_o comparison_n may_v be_v the_o more_o clear_a he_o use_v â—ere_z a_o threefold_a distinction_n 1._o of_o a_o twofold_a uncleanness_n one_o of_o the_o flesh_n or_o outward_a man_n another_o of_o a_o man_n sâ—ate_n and_o conscience_n before_o god_n the_o first_o relate_v to_o the_o man_n practice_n and_o make_v he_o that_o be_v ceremonial_o unclean_a to_o be_v thirst_n without_o the_o camp_n and_o to_o continue_v so_o till_o he_o be_v legal_o cleanse_v the_o second_o mar_v the_o man_n peace_n before_o god_n the_o 2d_o distinction_n be_v of_o a_o twofold_a court_n wherein_o this_o uncleanness_n be_v charge_v upon_o the_o man_n the_o one_o be_v a_o court_n wherein_o the_o man_n flesh_n iâ—_n as_o it_o be_v judge_v and_o that_o be_v by_o man_n according_a to_o his_o external_a procession_n the_o other_o be_v a_o court_n wherein_o his_o spiritual_a 〈◊〉_d be_v judge_v and_o that_o be_v his_o conscience_n in_o the_o first_o court_n if_o the_o moral_a law_n charge_v he_o not_o with_o guilt_n it_o be_v not_o ask_v whether_o his_o conscience_n be_v guilty_a or_o not_o but_o he_o be_v on_o his_o outward_a cleanse_n admit_v to_o church_n privilege_n but_o the_o second_o court_n which_o be_v call_v the_o court_n of_o conscience_n look_v not_o aâ—_n thing_n as_o they_o appear_v before_o man_n but_o as_o they_o be_v before_o god_n and_o therefore_o will_v challenge_v when_o man_n do_v not_o challenge_v the_o 3d._a distinction_n be_v of_o a_o twofold_a sanctification_n the_o first_o be_v that_o of_o the_o flesh_n speak_v of_o v_o 13._o and_o that_o be_v when_o a_o man_n be_v make_v external_o clean_a or_o holy_a whereby_o he_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o congregagation_n the_o other_o be_v that_o which_o be_v inward_a which_o admit_v not_o only_o to_o external_a church-fellowship_n but_o to_o real_a internal-fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o to_o peace_n and_o calmness_n of_o conscience_n now_o for_o quiet_v the_o conscience_n and_o for_o give_v a_o man_n peace_n he_o tell_v they_o that_o though_o these_o external_a ceremony_n admit_v he_o to_o the_o congregation_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o purify_v his_o conscience_n but_o that_o notwithstanding_o of_o all_o these_o the_o quarrel_n be_v not_o take_v away_o before_o god_n and_o so_o they_o can_v not_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o inward_a peace_n nor_o bring_v it_o in_o to_o the_o man_n soul_n and_o conscience_n but_o that_o its_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n which_o only_o do_v that_o and_o therefore_o his_o sacrifice_n be_v more_o excellent_a than_o all_o these_o ceremonial_a sacrifice_n sprinkling_n and_o wash_n for_o it_o admit_v a_o man_n to_o peace_n with_o god_n and_o give_v he_o quietness_n in_o his_o own_o conscience_n to_o leave_v the_o comparison_n then_o we_o have_v in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o these_o word_n which_o we_o intend_v to_o insist_v on_o a_o notable_a effect_n and_o the_o great_a efficacy_n of_o christ_n blood_n in_o purge_v of_o the_o conscience_n hold_v forth_o in_o these_o particular_n 1._o it_o be_v employ_v that_o the_o state_n of_o a_o man_n conscience_n by_o nature_n be_v this_o viz._n it_o be_v pollute_v and_o defile_v by_o dead_a work_n 2._o that_o the_o great_a mean_a whereby_o the_o conscience_n be_v purge_v and_o make_v clean_o be_v the_o blood_n of_o christ._n 3_o the_o end_n wherefore_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v make_v clean_o be_v that_o they_o they_o may_v serve_v the_o live_a god_n 4._o the_o proof_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o this_o blood_n in_o these_o word_n of_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o verse_n the_o blood_n of_o christ_n who_o through_o the_o eternal_a spirit_n offer_v himself_o without_o spot_n to_o god_n be_v take_v from_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o of_o the_o altar_n whereby_o the_o sacrifice_n be_v sanctify_v we_o shall_v in_o pass_v observe_v a_o few_o thing_n that_o may_v make_v way_n â—or_a clear_n of_o the_o word_n and_o for_o that_o which_o we_o chief_o intend_v to_o speak_v to_o from_o they_o and_o 1._o observe_v that_o the_o state_n of_o man_n conscience_n by_o nature_n be_v that_o they_o be_v pollute_v by_o dead_a work_n which_o be_v such_o work_n as_o be_v to_o be_v repent_v of_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o they_o heb._n 6._o 1._o whereby_o he_o plain_o insinuat_v that_o sin_n be_v call_v deaâ—_n work_n for_o three_o reason_n 1._o because_o of_o a_o dead_a principle_n they_o proceed_v from_o they_o flow_v from_o man_n that_o be_v dead_a by_o nature_n as_o to_o any_o spiritual_a life_n dead_a in_o sin_n and_o trespuss_n and_o even_o the_o sin_n of_o believer_n themselves_o be_v such_o as_o proceed_v from_o they_o in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v not_o quicken_v and_o renew_v 2_o because_o of_o their_o demerit_n and_o that_o which_o they_o deserve_v which_o be_v eternal_a death_n final_a continuance_n wherein_o do_v at_o last_o most_o certain_o bring_v on_o eternal_a death_n 3_o because_o though_o a_o