but_o it_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o perceive_v the_o same_o we_o know_v we_o have_v peace_n by_o reason_n of_o our_o obedience_n 2.29_o 1._o john_n 2.29_o we_o know_v that_o every_o one_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n we_o know_v we_o be_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n 4.13_o 1._o john_n 3.14_o 1._o john_n 4.13_o because_o we_o love_v the_o brethren_n hereby_o we_o know_v that_o we_o dwell_v in_o he_o and_o he_o in_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n that_o he_o have_v give_v we_o mark_v we_o come_v to_o know_v it_o by_o obedience_n and_o by_o the_o fruit_n of_o obedience_n take_v away_o obedience_n we_o can_v never_o know_v peace_n they_o that_o walk_v by_o this_o rule_n 6.16_o gal._n 6.16_o peace_n shall_v be_v upon_o they_o and_o upon_o the_o israel_n of_o god_n say_v the_o apostle_n three_o our_o peace_n of_o conscience_n depend_v on_o our_o obedience_n as_o the_o confirm_a cause_n christ_n confirm_v our_o peace_n to_o we_o by_o make_v we_o walk_v close_o to_o he_o and_o obedient_a unto_o he_o paul_n show_v how_o it_o preserve_v peace_n as_o a_o shoe_n preserve_v the_o foot_n you_o know_v if_o we_o shall_v walk_v without_o shoe_n barefoot_z our_o foot_n will_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o prick_v and_o hurt_v so_o do_v obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n preserve_v our_o peace_n stand_v 6.15_o ephes_n 6.15_o say_v the_o apostle_n have_v your_o foot_n shod_a with_o the_o preparation_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n mark_v he_o compare_v it_o to_o a_o shoe_n which_o he_o will_v have_v we_o shod_a with_o and_o than_o it_o will_v be_v the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n to_o we_o and_o our_o peace_n shall_v be_v in_o safety_n four_o our_o peace_n depend_v upon_o our_o obedience_n not_o only_o as_o a_o sign_n of_o true_a peace_n nor_o only_o as_o a_o guard_n to_o it_o but_o as_o a_o thing_n please_v to_o god_n without_o the_o which_o we_o displease_v god_n for_o though_o god_n be_v please_v with_o his_o child_n always_o in_o christ_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o please_v that_o any_o in_o christ_n shall_v be_v disobedient_a to_o he_o 4.1_o 1._o thess_n 4.1_o you_o have_v receive_v of_o â—â—_o how_o you_o ought_v to_o walk_v and_o to_o please_v god_n say_v the_o apostle_n when_o god_n child_n walk_v in_o obedience_n that_o be_v please_v unto_o god_n so_o that_o peace_n of_o conscience_n do_v great_o depend_v on_o obedience_n for_o otherwise_o conscience_n will_v be_v trouble_v o_o i_o do_v not_o please_v god_n this_o be_v displease_v unto_o god_n and_o this_o do_v provoke_v god_n not_o as_o though_o there_o be_v any_o such_o perfection_n in_o our_o obedience_n that_o can_v satisfy_v any_o tittle_n of_o god_n law_n but_o because_o when_o our_o person_n be_v please_v to_o god_n in_o jesus_n christ_n than_o our_o obedience_n to_o god_n be_v please_v too_o in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o conscience_n will_v say_v it_o thus_o much_o shall_v suffice_v for_o answer_v to_o the_o second_o question_n iii_o question_n what_o manner_n of_o obedience_n it_o be_v that_o peace_n of_o conscience_n depend_v upon_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o question_n be_v this_o because_o it_o shall_v seem_v there_o be_v no_o such_o obedience_n in_o this_o life_n as_o any_o peace_n of_o conscience_n shall_v depend_v on_o do_v not_o james_n say_v in_o many_o thing_n we_o sin_v all_o do_v not_o our_o saviour_n say_v when_o you_o have_v do_v all_o that_o you_o can_v say_v we_o be_v unprofitable_a servant_n if_o our_o conscience_n can_v still_o say_v that_o we_o be_v unprofitable_a and_o that_o we_o do_v sin_n in_o every_o thing_n that_o we_o do_v yea_o in_o many_o thing_n in_o all_o the_o duty_n we_o go_v about_o if_o our_o conscience_n can_v say_v thus_o how_o can_v any_o peace_n depend_v upon_o obedience_n what_o obedience_n do_v you_o mean_v that_o peace_n of_o conscience_n depend_v upon_o i_o answer_v 1._o absolute_a perfection_n in_o obedience_n be_v not_o require_v unto_o evangelical_a peace_n for_o if_o it_o be_v no_o man_n can_v have_v peace_n no_o not_o paul_n nor_o abraham_n nor_o any_o of_o the_o holy_a of_o god_n child_n and_o therefore_o absolute_a perfection_n be_v not_o require_v if_o we_o say_v we_o have_v not_o sin_v we_o make_v christ_n a_o liar_n and_o his_o word_n be_v not_o in_o we_o 1._o john_n 1.10_o our_o conscience_n can_v still_o say_v we_o have_v sin_v and_o it_o can_v still_o say_v our_o obedience_n be_v imperfect_a a_o halt_a leg_n can_v never_o go_v perfect_o a_o jacob_n be_v call_v he_o that_o halt_v and_o every_o godly_a soul_n halt_v though_o he_o do_v not_o halt_v between_o two_o as_o wicked_a people_n do_v yet_o he_o halt_v in_o follow_v after_o god_n what_o purblind_a eye_n can_v see_v perfect_o or_o thick_a ear_n hear_v perfect_o he_o that_o have_v these_o imperfection_n of_o body_n can_v neither_o go_v nor_o see_v nor_o hear_v perfect_o so_o the_o best_a of_o god_n child_n have_v imperfection_n of_o heart_n and_o spirit_n and_o mind_n their_o faith_n be_v imperfect_a their_o love_n be_v imperfect_a and_o therefore_o their_o obedience_n must_v needs_o be_v imperfect_a but_o absolute_a perfection_n be_v not_o require_v to_o true_a peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o this_o do_v not_o hinder_v it_o 2._o though_o absolute_a perfection_n be_v not_o require_v to_o peace_n yet_o such_o obedience_n be_v require_v as_o may_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n so_o say_v the_o apostle_n 5.9_o 2._o cor._n 5.9_o we_o labour_v that_o whether_o present_a or_o absent_a we_o may_v be_v accept_v of_o he_o such_o obedience_n we_o must_v show_v as_o may_v be_v accept_v of_o he_o or_o we_o can_v have_v true_a peace_n if_o our_o endeavour_n be_v not_o acceptable_a our_o conscience_n will_v quick_o hear_v of_o it_o and_o tell_v we_o so_o if_o we_o pray_v cold_o or_o hear_v unprofitable_o or_o live_v loose_o if_o we_o do_v not_o do_v that_o which_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n our_o conscience_n will_v soon_o complain_v nay_o though_o we_o do_v do_v the_o duty_n if_o we_o do_v not_o do_v they_o in_o a_o acceptable_a manner_n conscience_n will_v have_v matter_n against_o we_o still_o 3._o this_o acceptablenesse_n of_o obedience_n lie_v in_o this_o when_o our_o obedience_n be_v sincere_a universal_a and_o total_a and_o proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n jesus_n dwell_v in_o we_o the_o apostle_n give_v it_o this_o phrase_n when_o we_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n rom._n 8.4_o that_o be_v our_o fulfil_n the_o law_n when_o christ_n have_v fulfil_v the_o law_n for_o we_o and_o make_v we_o sincere_o to_o walk_v by_o it_o not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n when_o we_o do_v not_o favour_v ourselves_o in_o one_o lust_n nor_o suffer_v ourselves_o in_o any_o belove_a sin_n but_o whatever_o it_o be_v that_o be_v evil_a our_o conscience_n can_v say_v we_o true_o do_v hate_v it_o and_o labour_n to_o avoid_v it_o whatever_o it_o be_v that_o be_v command_v we_o be_v it_o never_o so_o contrary_a to_o our_o nature_n yet_o our_o conscience_n can_v say_v we_o sincere_o set_v ourselves_o to_o do_v it_o so_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n this_o be_v sincerity_n of_o obedience_n and_o this_o be_v require_v unto_o peace_n 4._o this_o sincerity_n of_o obedience_n make_v we_o to_o bewail_v our_o very_a infirmity_n and_o to_o be_v humble_v for_o they_o not_o only_o to_o be_v humble_v for_o great_a sin_n but_o also_o to_o be_v humble_v for_o our_o infirmity_n if_o we_o be_v not_o sound_o humble_v for_o our_o very_a infirmity_n also_o they_o will_v hinder_v the_o peace_n of_o our_o conscience_n we_o can_v have_v no_o peace_n except_o our_o conscience_n can_v witness_v that_o our_o infirmity_n do_v humble_a we_o and_o drive_v we_o to_o christ_n and_o cause_n we_o to_o sue_v out_o a_o pardon_n if_o conscience_n have_v not_o a_o pardon_n seal_v for_o infirmity_n also_o it_o will_v not_o be_v at_o peace_n christ_n bear_v our_o very_a infirmity_n 8.17_o matth._n 8.17_o therefore_o we_o must_v be_v humble_v for_o they_o 8.17_o matth._n 8.17_o and_o go_v to_o he_o for_o pardon_n of_o they_o too_o or_o conscience_n will_v not_o be_v at_o peace_n thus_o i_o have_v answer_v also_o this_o three_o question_n iv_o question_n how_o if_o a_o man_n have_v a_o burden_a and_o trouble_a conscience_n what_o must_v he_o do_v to_o be_v free_v from_o it_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o question_n be_v this_o because_o man_n be_v ignorant_a about_o it_o when_o man_n be_v trouble_v in_o conscience_n and_o burden_v a_o little_a that_o way_n present_o they_o daub_v all_o with_o peace_n and_o go_v a_o wrong_a way_n to_o work_v this_o course_n the_o lord_n do_v complain_v of_o in_o the_o false_a prophet_n who_o preach_v too_o much_o peace_n
all_o the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n shall_v come_v and_o bear_v witness_n their_o witness_n be_v not_o so_o uncontrollable_a as_o conscience_n be_v there_o be_v no_o appeal_n from_o the_o witness_n of_o conscience_n we_o must_v be_v try_v by_o it_o if_o conscience_n do_v accuse_v and_o condemn_v we_o the_o lord_n only_o be_v great_a than_o our_o conscience_n 1._o john_n 3.20_o and_o will_v give_v judgement_n with_o it_o when_o it_o do_v its_o office_n and_o if_o our_o conscience_n do_v not_o and_o commend_v we_o and_o applaud_v we_o when_o we_o be_v naught_o and_o call_v we_o good_a man_n and_o good_a woman_n when_o we_o be_v nothing_o so_o but_o this_o will_v tell_v we_o plain_o how_o vile_a and_o sinful_a we_o be_v and_o if_o we_o say_v we_o be_v good_a when_o we_o be_v not_o it_o will_v tell_v we_o plain_o we_o lie_v 2.4_o 1._o john_n 2.4_o he_o that_o say_v i_o know_v he_o and_o keep_v not_o his_o commandment_n be_v a_o liar_n mark_v though_o he_o say_v it_o yet_o his_o conscience_n give_v he_o the_o lie_n it_o be_v faithful_a again_o in_o excuse_v it_o bear_v witness_n of_o every_o good_a duty_n we_o perform_v and_o of_o whatsoever_o good_a be_v in_o we_o though_o all_o job_n friend_n speak_v evil_a of_o he_o and_o god_n himself_o by_o his_o outward_a judgement_n seem_v to_o condemn_v he_o for_o a_o wicked_a man_n yet_o still_o his_o conscience_n like_o a_o faithful_a witness_n do_v not_o forsake_v he_o nay_o it_o offer_v to_o reason_n with_o god_n himself_o 13.3_o job_n 13.3_o i_o will_v reason_v with_o god_n i_o know_v i_o shall_v be_v justify_v and_o i_o will_v never_o forsake_v my_o innocency_n till_o i_o die_v still_o his_o conscience_n stand_v for_o he_o and_o excuse_v he_o thus_o on_o both_o side_n conscience_n be_v a_o faithful_a and_o sincere_a witness_n it_o will_v not_o be_v corrupt_v to_o speak_v otherwise_o then_o it_o know_v the_o matter_n be_v 4._o it_o be_v most_o privy_a to_o what_o it_o do_v witness_v it_o be_v more_o privy_a to_o what_o we_o have_v do_v then_o all_o the_o world_n it_o can_v say_v more_o for_o we_o or_o against_o we_o then_o all_o the_o world_n thou_o know_v all_o the_o wickedness_n that_o thy_o heart_n be_v privy_a unto_o say_v solomon_n to_o shimei_n 1_o king_n 2.44_o the_o use_n of_o all_o this_o be_v use_v use_v see_v conscience_n be_v so_o supreme_a so_o impartial_a so_o faithful_a so_o privy_a we_o shall_v take_v heed_n â—ow_o we_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v give_v â—t_a advantage_n against_o we_o if_o we_o be_v to_o appear_v before_o a_o earthly_a judge_n to_o answer_v for_o our_o behaviour_n and_o shall_v have_v a_o companion_n present_v continual_o with_o we_o mark_v every_o thing_n in_o we_o tell_v we_o of_o every_o fault_n and_o witness_v it_o â—gainst_a we_o unto_o the_o judge_n how_o careful_a will_v we_o be_v of_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v give_v he_o advantage_n against_o we_o lo_o we_o have_v conscience_n as_o a_o continual_a watchman_n espy_v out_o all_o our_o way_n â—etting_v down_o whatever_o we_o do_v amiss_o check_v we_o for_o it_o for_o the_o present_a and_o one_o day_n accuse_v we_o before_o god_n and_o â—etting_v all_o thing_n in_o order_n before_o our_o face_n oh_o how_o shall_v we_o then_o labour_v it_o two_o year_n after_o 41.9_o gen._n 41.9_o i_o remember_v my_o fault_n this_o day_n say_v his_o conscience_n adonibezek_n have_v forget_v his_o cruelty_n but_o his_o conscience_n bring_v it_o to_o his_o mind_n as_o i_o have_v do_v so_o god_n have_v requite_v i_o 1.7_o judg._n 1.7_o say_v his_o conscience_n 2._o conscience_n bear_v witness_n of_o what_o we_o intend_v and_o purpose_n to_o do_v whether_o against_o god_n or_o man_n it_o will_v testify_v every_o purpose_n and_o project_n of_o the_o heart_n though_o it_o be_v never_o act_v though_o it_o die_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o never_o come_v to_o light_v man_n little_a think_v of_o this_o tush_o say_v one_o i_o never_o do_v such_o a_o thing_n though_o i_o once_o intend_v it_o or_o have_v some_o thought_n about_o it_o mark_v those_o very_a thought_n will_v conscience_n bring_v forth_o and_o testify_v what_o they_o be_v hear_v the_o apostle_n 2.16_o rom._n 2.16_o in_o that_o day_n god_n shall_v judge_v the_o secret_n of_o man_n etc._n etc._n the_o most_o hide_a thing_n conscience_n shall_v bring_v to_o light_v and_o christ_n shall_v judge_v they_o 3._o conscience_n bear_v witness_n of_o the_o bent_n and_o frame_n of_o our_o heart_n what_o we_o affect_v most_o and_o love_v most_o and_o rejoice_v and_o delight_v in_o most_o and_o desire_v most_o and_o grieve_v for_o most_o what_o our_o affection_n run_v upon_o most_o whether_o upon_o god_n or_o the_o world_n whether_o upon_o heaven_n or_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n conscience_n bare_a witness_n to_o david_n 119.77_o psal_n 119.77_o that_o his_o delight_n be_v in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o god_n be_v his_o portion_n that_o god_n statute_n be_v his_o counsellor_n conscience_n bare_a witness_n to_o the_o false_a teacher_n in_o christ_n time_n that_o they_o affect_v vainglory_n and_o the_o praise_n of_o man_n more_o than_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n conscience_n bare_a witness_n to_o demas_n that_o notwithstanding_o his_o fair_a profession_n his_o heart_n be_v set_v upon_o the_o world_n conscience_n bare_a witness_n to_o jehu_n that_o for_o all_o his_o seem_a zeal_n his_o heart_n be_v not_o upright_a but_o it_o may_v be_v object_v 17.9_o obj._n 1_o jer._n 17.9_o how_o can_v this_o be_v the_o heart_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n who_o can_v know_v it_o who_o can_v know_v it_o that_o be_v answ_n answ_n who_o else_o can_v know_v it_o but_o a_o man_n himself_o none_o under_o god_n can_v know_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n but_o a_o man_n own_o conscience_n the_o spirit_n of_o man_n that_o be_v in_o he_o i_o confess_v a_o man_n may_v be_v ignorant_a of_o some_o secret_a and_o particular_a deceit_n in_o his_o heart_n but_o who_o know_v not_o the_o general_a stand_n of_o god_n small_a and_o so_o we_o be_v deceive_v noâ—_n see_v the_o radical_a power_n of_o this_o love_n of_o god_n which_o in_o regard_n of_o its_o virtue_n be_v strong_a than_o the_o other_o as_o a_o fool_n if_o he_o shall_v feel_v hot_a water_n will_v conclude_v that_o there_o be_v no_o cold_a at_o all_o in_o it_o whereas_o there_o be_v radical_a cold_a in_o that_o water_n such_o as_o will_v expel_v all_o that_o heat_n in_o a_o little_a space_n or_o else_o this_o arise_v from_o anguish_n of_o spirit_n which_o so_o disturb_v the_o mind_n that_o it_o can_v see_v its_o own_o condition_n nor_o be_v capable_a of_o the_o comfort_n belong_v unto_o it_o as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o israelite_n exod._n 6.9_o otherwise_o doubtless_o we_o may_v know_v our_o own_o heart_n and_o when_o our_o conscience_n bear_v witness_v its_o witness_n be_v right_a use_v 1_o i._o use_v of_o reproof_n to_o those_o who_o stand_v out_o against_o the_o witness_n of_o their_o conscience_n and_o like_o hard-hearted_a felon_n plead_v still_o not_o guilty_a though_o never_o so_o much_o evidence_n come_v against_o they_o though_o conscience_n oft_o tell_v they_o this_o they_o have_v do_v thus_o they_o do_v such_o they_o be_v oh_o stop_v not_o your_o ear_n against_o conscience_n stand_v not_o out_o against_o it_o but_o believe_v its_o testimony_n and_o make_v use_n of_o it_o to_o repent_v of_o the_o evil_a it_o accuâ—â—â—h_v of_o while_n mercy_n may_v be_v have_v before_o â—od_n himself_o come_v and_o join_v with_o conscience_n to_o condemn_v for_o ever_o use_v 2_o ii_o it_o serve_v for_o singular_a encouragement_n to_o all_o to_o abound_v in_o good_a work_n conscience_n will_v bear_v witness_n of_o they_o all_o to_o our_o unspeakable_a comfort_n in_o the_o time_n of_o affliction_n yea_o at_o death_n and_o judgement_n job_n feel_v it_o a_o sweet_a thing_n to_o have_v conscience_n give_v in_o testimony_n of_o his_o integrity_n and_o uprightness_n when_o his_o friend_n prove_v miserable_a comforter_n and_o god_n himself_o seem_v to_o write_v bitter_a â—hings_n against_o he_o yet_o his_o conscience_n witness_v that_o he_o have_v be_v eye_n to_o the_o â—lind_a and_o foot_n to_o the_o lame_a he_o have_v feed_v â—he_v hungry_a and_o clothe_v the_o naked_a and_o comfort_v the_o fatherless_a there_o be_v not_o â—_o good_a thing_n that_o ever_o we_o do_v but_o conscience_n will_v afford_v we_o the_o sweetness_n and_o comfort_n of_o it_o in_o our_o trouble_n 38.3_o isai_n 38.3_o remember_v o_o lord_n say_v hezekiah_n that_o i_o have_v walk_v before_o thou_o in_o truth_n and_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n we_o have_v speak_v of_o conscience_n single_a bear_v witness_n now_o follow_v its_o now_o only_o of_o those_o who_o drown_v their_o conscience_n in_o their_o cup_n and_o fear_v
may_v know_v what_o estate_n you_o be_v in_o by_o your_o inclination_n and_o disposition_n from_o whence_o these_o action_n proceed_v 119.112_o psal_n 119.112_o be_v your_o heart_n incline_v heaven-ward_n and_o god-ward_o as_o david_n be_v you_o bend_v to_o holiness_n and_o self-deniall_n etc._n etc._n as_o a_o bow_n be_v bend_v to_o shoot_v the_o arrow_n this_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o good_a estate_n as_o 1._o chron._n 22.19_o there_o be_v speech_n of_o set_v the_o heart_n to_o seek_v god_n you_o know_v when_o a_o man_n will_v do_v a_o thing_n indeed_o we_o say_v he_o be_v set_v on_o it_o it_o may_v be_v you_o do_v some_o good_a duty_n make_v some_o fair_a offer_n of_o seek_v god_n but_o be_v your_o heart_n set_v on_o it_o or_o be_v they_o set_v on_o the_o world_n and_o incline_v earth-ward_n the_o inclination_n of_o every_o creature_n in_o the_o world_n do_v ever_o show_v what_o the_o creature_n be_v how_o do_v we_o know_v that_o a_o stone_n be_v heavy_a because_o it_o incline_v downward_o how_o do_v we_o know_v a_o man_n be_v choleric_a because_o he_o â—s_v incline_v unto_o wrath_n so_o a_o man_n estate_n may_v be_v know_v by_o his_o constant_a inclination_n either_o to_o good_a or_o evil_n 3._o one_o may_v know_v what_o estate_n he_o be_v in_o by_o that_o reflexive_a act_n which_o be_v proper_a only_o to_o man_n there_o be_v a_o act_n in_o man_n soul_n we_o call_v it_o a_o reflex_n act_n which_o no_o creature_n have_v but_o only_a man_n whereby_o he_o can_v perceive_v what_o himself_o be_v and_o do_v when_o a_o man_n think_v or_o speak_v he_o can_v reflect_v upon_o himself_o and_o perceive_v what_o he_o think_v or_o speak_v when_o he_o pray_v he_o can_v reflect_v upon_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o perceive_v how_o it_o carry_v itself_o all_o along_o in_o his_o prayer_n i_o say_v no_o creature_n in_o the_o world_n have_v in_o it_o â—his_v reflexive_a act_n but_o only_a man_n the_o â—ire_n burn_v but_o it_o can_v reflect_v upon_o its_o own_o burn_a oculus_fw-la non_fw-la videt_fw-la se_fw-la â—videre_fw-la the_o eye_n see_v but_o it_o do_v not_o see_v that_o it_o do_v see_v that_o be_v that_o creature_n do_v not_o perceive_v what_o it_o do_v when_o it_o see_v but_o every_o man_n have_v this_o reflexive_a act_n in_o he_o whereby_o he_o be_v privy_a to_o what_o himself_o think_v do_v be_v none_o know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n save_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n that_o be_v in_o he_o 2.11_o 1._o cor._n 2.11_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o some_o know_v not_o what_o estate_n they_o be_v in_o because_o they_o choke_v their_o own_o spirit_n and_o hoodwink_v their_o conscience_n thou_o own_o heart_n know_v how_o it_o be_v with_o thou_o and_o will_v faithful_o tell_v thou_o if_o thou_o will_v inquire_v of_o it_o and_o hearken_v unto_o it_o search_v with_o god_n candle_n and_o thou_o may_v easy_o find_v what_o be_v in_o thou_o 20.27_o prov._n 20.27_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n be_v the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n search_v all_o the_o inward_a part_n of_o the_o belly_n 4._o you_o may_v know_v what_o estate_n you_o be_v in_o by_o a_o certain_a kind_n of_o feeling_n as_o there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o bodily_a feel_n whereby_o every_o man_n know_v the_o estate_n of_o his_o body_n whether_o he_o be_v sick_a or_o in_o health_n so_o there_o be_v a_o spiritual_a feel_n 24.32_o luke_n 24.32_o the_o two_o disciple_n do_v feel_v their_o heart_n burn_v paul_n do_v feel_v a_o great_a combat_n in_o he_o between_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o spirit_n 4.19_o eph._n 4.19_o so_o if_o man_n be_v covetous_a and_o worldly_a they_o may_v feel_v it_o yet_o indeed_o some_o man_n be_v past_a feel_n their_o case_n be_v the_o worse_a because_o they_o can_v feel_v how_o bad_a it_o be_v but_o for_o the_o most_o they_o may_v easy_o feel_v what_o their_o estate_n be_v the_o three_o use_n be_v impediment_n use_v 3_o impediment_n to_o show_v you_o the_o impediment_n that_o hinder_v this_o knowledge_n if_o you_o will_v attein_v to_o know_v what_o estate_n you_o be_v in_o then_o remove_v the_o impediment_n which_o be_v 1._o vain_a thought_n man_n who_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o wrath_n yet_o have_v many_o vain_a thought_n lodging_n within_o they_o keep_v they_o from_o know_v it_o god_n be_v merciful_a and_o christ_n die_v for_o sinner_n and_o there_o be_v worse_a sinner_n than_o they_o why_o shall_v they_o think_v so_o ill_o of_o themselves_o and_o they_o may_v be_v better_o all_o in_o good_a time_n these_o vain_a thought_n hoodwink_v their_o eye_n that_o they_o can_v see_v their_o estate_n nor_o resolve_v that_o it_o be_v so_o dangerous_a as_o indeed_o it_o be_v o_o jerusalem_n 4.14_o jer._n 4.14_o wash_v thy_o heart_n from_o wickedness_n how_o long_o shall_v these_o vain_a thought_n lodge_v within_o thou_o they_o be_v in_o a_o very_a bad_a estate_n and_o yet_o they_o have_v such_o vain_a thought_n that_o they_o can_v not_o see_v it_o 2._o presumption_n be_v another_o impediment_n man_n pray_v and_o hear_v and_o do_v other_o good_a duty_n and_o so_o take_v all_o to_o be_v well_o without_o serious_a examine_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o laodicean_n people_n they_o think_v they_o have_v that_o in_o they_o which_o they_o have_v not_o 3.17_o rev._n 3.17_o and_o that_o their_o estate_n be_v good_a when_o it_o be_v nothing_o so_o another_o let_v be_v the_o care_n of_o this_o life_n whereby_o the_o heart_n be_v so_o occupy_v that_o it_o do_v not_o find_v time_n to_o search_v its_o own_o estate_n therefore_o our_o saviour_n say_v 21.34_o luke_n 21.34_o take_v heed_n that_o your_o heart_n be_v not_o overcharge_v with_o the_o care_n of_o this_o life_n lest_o that_o day_n come_v upon_o you_o unaware_o intimate_v that_o these_o care_n be_v great_a let_n from_o consider_v our_o estate_n 4._o another_o let_v be_v a_o evil_a conscience_n which_o affright_v a_o man_n so_o soon_o as_o he_o begin_v to_o stir_v and_o make_v he_o afraid_a to_o go_v on_o to_o look_v sound_o into_o his_o estate_n 3.11_o john_n 3.20_o rom._n 3.11_o he_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n 5._o another_o let_v be_v ignorance_n there_o be_v none_o that_o understand_v none_o that_o seek_v after_o god_n mark_n they_o do_v not_o seek_v in_o what_o case_n they_o stand_v before_o god_n because_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v 6._o another_o let_v be_v spiritual_a sloth_n and_o sluggishness_n of_o heart_n man_n can_v enâ—ure_v to_o take_v pain_n with_o their_o own_o heart_n till_o they_o have_v make_v out_o a_o true_a judgement_n in_o what_o case_n they_o be_v they_o begin_v and_o quick_o give_v over_o and_o so_o for_o â—â—â—vant_n of_o diligence_n and_o painstaking_a â—ake_z nothing_o sure_a the_o last_o use_n be_v for_o exhortation_n exhortation_n use_v 4._o of_o exhortation_n that_o all_o man_n will_v bestir_v themselves_o and_o set_v in_o earnest_n upon_o this_o enquiry_n that_o we_o may_v every_o one_o know_v in_o what_o state_n we_o stand_v 1._o consider_v this_o be_v a_o enquiry_n about_o our_o soul_n we_o inquire_v about_o our_o outward_a man_n about_o the_o estate_n of_o our_o body_n and_o worldly_a affair_n etc._n etc._n oh_o let_v we_o not_o neglect_v this_o main_a enquiry_n be_o i_o in_o christ_n yea_o or_o no_o be_o i_o a_o new_a creature_n yea_o or_o no_o do_v my_o soul_n live_v to_o god_n or_o â—â—o_o 2._o consider_v this_o be_v a_o question_n about_o our_o everlasting_a estate_n we_o can_v never_o have_v comfort_n until_o we_o have_v put_v this_o out_o of_o question_n and_o therefore_o this_o be_v a_o question_n which_o all_o question_n must_v give_v way_n unto_o if_o you_o be_v not_o in_o christ_n you_o have_v need_n lay_v aside_o all_o and_o look_v about_o it_o only_o how_o can_v man_n eat_v drink_v sleep_v &c._n &c._n since_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n abide_v upon_o all_o unbeliever_n i_o think_v ouâ—_n soul_n shall_v take_v no_o content_n do_v no_o thing_n else_o but_o faint_a after_o christ_n until_o we_o know_v our_o interest_n in_o he_o i_o say_v again_o this_o be_v the_o grand_a enquiry_n that_o business_n which_o all_o business_n must_v give_v place_n unto_o oh_o the_o sloth_n of_o our_o soul_n let_v we_o in_o time_n awake_a and_o rouse_v they_o up_o and_o never_o rest_n until_o we_o know_v our_o own_o estate_n to_o be_v good_a before_o god_n that_o so_o our_o heart_n may_v have_v comfort_n and_o that_o with_o god_n a_o treatise_n of_o conscience_n rom_n 2.15_o which_o show_v the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n their_o conscience_n also_o bear_v they_o 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 i_o have_v show_v you_o be_v what_o conscience_n be_v that_o every_o man_n be_v in_o a_o
he_o have_v give_v we_o conscience_n to_o guide_v we_o so_o also_o he_o will_v give_v our_o guide_n eye_n that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o direct_v we_o aright_o the_o truth_n be_v it_o be_v god_n only_o that_o can_v sound_o illighten_v our_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o pray_v unto_o he_o to_o do_v it_o all_o our_o study_v and_o read_v and_o hear_v and_o confer_v will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o it_o be_v only_o in_o the_o power_n of_o he_o who_o make_v we_o to_o do_v it_o 119.73_o psal_n 119.73_o thy_o hand_n have_v make_v and_o fashion_v i_o o_o give_v i_o understanding_n that_o i_o may_v learn_v thy_o commandment_n he_o who_o make_v our_o conscience_n he_o only_o can_v give_v they_o this_o heavenly_a light_n of_o â—rue_a knowledge_n and_o right_a understanding_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o seek_v earnest_o to_o he_o for_o it_o 2._o we_o must_v seek_v it_o in_o humility_n always_o suspect_v our_o own_o knowledge_n we_o be_v not_o too_o confident_o and_o presumptuous_o to_o trust_v to_o our_o â—wn_a judgement_n and_o despise_v or_o neglect_v â—he_n judgement_n of_o other_o 25.9_o psal_n 25.9_o the_o humble_a â—od_n will_v teach_v pride_n and_o self-conceitedness_a blind_v exceed_o 3._o we_o must_v â—eek_v with_o sobriety_n always_o content_v â—ur_n self_n with_o that_o knowledge_n which_o â—s_v most_o necessary_a and_o not_o be_v curious_a aâ—out_n vain_a and_o idle-braind_a question_n or_o solicitous_a to_o answer_v every_o objection_n thy_fw-mi offend_v conscience_n and_o conscience_n will_v keep_v a_o grudge_n a_o long_a time_n and_o will_v give_v many_o a_o secret_a wound_n dead_v the_o heart_n to_o duty_n make_v faith_n and_o confidence_n in_o god_n dull_a we_o can_v pray_v with_o courage_n nor_o come_v before_o god_n with_o boldness_n if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o we_o have_v confidence_n say_v john_n 3.21_o 1._o john_n 3.21_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n will_v defile_v you_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n distract_v you_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n unsettle_v you_o but_o above_o all_o other_o a_o enlighten_v conscience_n if_o it_o have_v any_o thing_n against_o you_o will_v exceed_o disable_v you_o this_o stab_v at_o the_o heart_n your_o confidence_n towards_o god_n go_v then_o and_o labour_v to_o purge_v conscience_n else_o conscience_n will_v hinder_v you_o whether_o you_o pray_v or_o hear_v or_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n it_o will_v deprive_v you_o of_o comfort_n 5.23_o matth_n 5.23_o if_o thou_o bring_v thâ—_n gift_n to_o the_o altar_n and_o there_o remember_v thaâ—_n thy_o brother_n have_v aught_o against_o thou_o leauâ—_n there_o thy_o gift_n before_o the_o altar_n first_o go_v anâ—_n be_v reconcile_v to_o thy_o brother_n and_o then_o comâ—_n and_o offer_v thy_o gift_n the_o case_n be_v great_a anâ—_n more_o dangerous_a when_o conscience_n hatâ—_n something_o against_o we_o there_o be_v no_o offering_n will_v be_v accept_v until_o conscience_n be_v satisfy_v if_o thou_o shall_v be_v about_o to_o pray_v and_o conscience_n shall_v stand_v up_o against_o thou_o as_o a_o adversary_n and_o tell_v thou_o thou_o have_v be_v vain_a and_o loose_a and_o carnal_a all_o this_o day_n thou_o have_v not_o set_v thyself_o to_o keep_v close_o to_o god_n this_o day_n thou_o have_v fall_v into_o this_o and_o that_o sin_n this_o day_n thou_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o pray_v till_o thou_o have_v reconcile_v thyself_o to_o conscience_n alas_o thy_o conscience_n will_v secret_o undermine_v all_o thy_o pray_n first_o â—herefore_o reconcile_v conscience_n by_o humble_v thyself_o and_o break_v thy_o heart_n and_o resolve_v i_o have_v sin_v i_o will_v do_v no_o more_o when_o conscience_n can_v say_v thy_o sorrow_n and_o repentance_n and_o resolution_n for_o new_a obedience_n be_v sincere_a than_o thou_o â—â—rt_v fit_a to_o pray_v but_o not_o before_o so_o whatever_o other_o duty_n thou_o go_v about_o be_v â—ure_a to_o reconcile_v conscience_n else_o all_o will_v miscarry_v v._o a_o faithful_a conscience_n thus_o i_o have_v expound_v the_o adjunct_n of_o conscience_n which_o show_v themselves_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o its_o duty_n every_o motion_n and_o inclination_n to_o evil_n it_o be_v awake_a to_o see_v when_o evil_a be_v conceive_v to_o tell_v we_o of_o it_o to_o oppose_v it_o and_o to_o dissuade_v we_o from_o it_o like_o a_o watchman_n on_o the_o top_n of_o a_o tower_n always_o awake_a to_o see_v when_o any_o danger_n approach_v it_o be_v god_n minister_n with_o eye_n on_o every_o side_n to_o espy_v season_n of_o good_a and_o stir_v up_o to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o and_o of_o evil_a and_o give_v warning_n to_o avoid_v they_o 2._o as_o a_o faithful_a conscience_n be_v watchful_a so_o also_o it_o be_v rigid_a and_o severe_a severe_a 2._o it_o be_v severe_a in_o every_o cause_n it_o deliver_v its_o judgement_n nothing_o can_v escape_v its_o sentence_n it_o will_v not_o favour_v our_o lust_n in_o any_o particular_a if_o there_o be_v any_o opportunity_n of_o duty_n to_o god_n or_o man_n it_o make_v we_o to_o hear_v of_o it_o though_o it_o be_v such_o a_o duty_n as_o none_o other_o will_v call_v upon_o we_o for_o or_o it_o may_v be_v dare_v not_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o as_o of_o love_n and_o care_n and_o help_v towards_o inferior_n yet_o conscience_n will_v it_o tithe_v mint_n and_o cumine_fw-la and_o will_v tell_v we_o of_o the_o least_o duty_n and_o so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o will_v not_o swallow_v the_o least_o sin_n as_o it_o will_v not_o swallow_v a_o camel_n 16.10_o luke_n 16.10_o so_o it_o will_v strain_v at_o â—gnat_fw-la a_o faithful_a conscience_n be_v faithful_a in_o the_o least_o if_o david_n sin_v but_o in_o the_o lap_n of_o a_o garment_n conscience_n smite_v he_o for_o it_o it_o make_v abraham_n so_o precise_a to_o a_o thread_n or_o a_o shoe-latchet_n he_o will_v not_o take_v so_o much_o as_o that_o of_o the_o king_n of_o sodom_n it_o make_v moses_n strict_a to_o a_o very_a hoof_n it_o make_v paul_n find_v fault_n with_o the_o corinthian_n about_o their_o hair_n it_o make_v augustine_n condemn_v himself_o for_o a_o apple_n 3._o as_o a_o faithful_a conscience_n be_v watchful_a and_o severe_a so_o also_o it_o be_v importunate_a importunate_a 3._o it_o be_v importunate_a 〈◊〉_d all_o its_o counsel_n it_o do_v not_o only_o deliver_v its_o judgement_n but_o do_v with_o importunity_n urge_v the_o follow_v of_o its_o counsel_n it_o will_v have_v no_o nay_o but_o will_v be_v obey_v it_o lead_v we_o bind_v in_o the_o spirit_n to_o do_v it_o as_o paul_n say_v 20.22_o act_n 20.22_o i_o go_v bind_v 〈◊〉_d the_o spirit_n see_v how_o importunate_a this_o faithful_a conscience_n be_v with_o the_o psalmist_n i_o will_v not_o give_v sleep_n to_o my_o eye_n 132.4_o psal_n 132.4_o nor_o â—â—mber_n to_o my_o eyelid_n until_o i_o find_v out_o a_o â—â—ace_n for_o the_o lord_n it_o will_v not_o take_v any_o â—â—y_n say_v we_o what_o we_o will_v say_v we_o be_v â—â—epie_a say_v we_o be_v busy_a say_v we_o be_v loath_a use_v full_a of_o excuse_n it_o will_v be_v importunate_a and_o that_o with_o vehemency_n it_o will_v omit_v good_a or_o commit_v evil_a will_v not_o let_v thou_o slumber_v and_o sleep_v in_o security_n but_o continual_o jog_v and_o awake_v thou_o have_v he_o give_v thou_o a_o severe_a a_o precise_a conscience_n that_o will_v not_o favour_v thou_o in_o the_o least_o evil_a it_o be_v a_o most_o comfortable_a sign_n that_o the_o lord_n mean_v well_o unto_o thy_o soul_n use_v 3_o iii_o labour_n to_o be_v a_o friend_n unto_o conscience_n that_o it_o may_v continue_v faithful_a unto_o thou_o true_a friend_n will_v deal_v faithful_o and_o plain_o one_o with_o another_o and_o will_v be_v importunate_a to_o do_v one_o another_o good_a conscience_n will_v not_o deal_v thus_o with_o thou_o unless_o thou_o be_v a_o friend_n unto_o conscience_n now_o then_o be_v we_o friend_n unto_o conscience_n when_o we_o do_v what_o conscience_n require_v as_o our_o saviour_n say_v to_o the_o disciple_n 15.14_o john_n 15.14_o you_o be_v my_o friend_n if_o yâ—â—_n do_v whatever_o i_o command_v you_o so_o i_o may_v say_v of_o conscience_n for_o conscience_n if_o iâ—_n be_v true_o enlighten_v will_v command_v nothing_o but_o what_o christ_n command_v iâ—_n we_o deal_v so_o in_o our_o constant_a course_n with_o conscience_n be_v willing_a to_o hearken_v to_o it_o and_o be_v rule_v by_o it_o then_o if_o we_o be_v out_o oâ—_n the_o way_n now_o and_o then_o conscience_n will_v be_v true_a to_o we_o and_o be_v importunate_a with_o we_o for_o our_o good_a use_v 4_o iu._n be_v sure_o thou_o stand_v not_o out_o against_o conscience_n when_o once_o it_o be_v importunate_a it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n to_o stand_v â—ut_v against_o conscience_n though_o it_o be_v not_o importunate_a but_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n a_o thousand_o â—â—mes_n great_a to_o
and_o then_o in_o discontent_n and_o in_o hatred_n and_o then_o in_o hardness_n of_o heart_n the_o lord_n rebuke_v he_o and_o yet_o his_o heart_n be_v so_o hard_o that_o still_o he_o go_v on_o in_o evil_a then_o he_o murder_v his_o brother_n and_o last_o he_o despair_v 4.13_o gen._n 4.13_o my_o sin_n be_v great_a say_v his_o conscience_n then_o can_v be_v forgive_v he_o think_v god_n can_v not_o find_v in_o his_o heart_n to_o forgive_v he_o so_o when_o man_n sin_n and_o sin_n and_o the_o lord_n do_v rebuke_v they_o and_o yet_o they_o do_v sin_n and_o their_o conscience_n do_v check_v they_o and_o yet_o they_o go_v on_o at_o last_o they_o come_v to_o have_v secret_a despair_n in_o their_o heart_n that_o god_n now_o will_v not_o look_v towards_o they_o whereas_o if_o yet_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o stoop_v to_o jesus_n christ_n they_o may_v be_v forgive_v 2._o a_o second_o cause_n of_o despair_v be_v multitude_n of_o temptation_n indeed_o the_o godly_a shall_v not_o be_v so_o apt_a to_o think_v themselves_o forsake_v of_o god_n by_o reason_n of_o temptation_n as_o sometime_o they_o be_v they_o shall_v rather_o count_v it_o joy_n as_o james_n speak_v chap._n 1.2_o but_o yet_o many_o of_o the_o wicked_a despair_n final_o by_o this_o mean_n because_o they_o do_v so_o often_o fall_v into_o temptation_n therefore_o they_o conclude_v they_o be_v forsake_v of_o god_n 3._o ignorance_n of_o god_n word_n when_o the_o guiltiness_n of_o sin_n meet_v with_o mind_n not_o instruct_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o free_a grace_n and_o reconciliation_n by_o christ_n this_o be_v a_o cause_n of_o despair_n 4._o so_o also_o enure_v custom_n of_o sin_v be_v another_o cause_n when_o man_n be_v often_o quicken_v and_o grow_v dead_a again_o then_o quicken_v again_o for_o a_o fit_a and_o then_o harden_v again_o in_o the_o end_n they_o fall_v to_o despair_v these_o and_o the_o like_a be_v the_o cause_n of_o despair_a conscience_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v show_v also_o the_o second_o thing_n propound_v to_o be_v handle_v namely_o the_o sundry_a degree_n of_o trouble_a conscience_n iii_o the_o three_o thing_n be_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o trouble_a conscience_n in_o the_o godly_a and_o in_o the_o wicked_a the_o conscience_n of_o god_n child_n may_v be_v trouble_v and_o be_v many_o time_n and_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o wicked_a they_o be_v trouble_v too_o now_o the_o question_n be_v how_o do_v they_o differ_v i_o answer_v 1._o that_o trouble_n in_o the_o conscience_n of_o wicked_a man_n be_v accompany_v with_o impenitency_n and_o sometime_o with_o blasphemy_n i_o will_v i_o be_v able_a to_o resist_v god_n say_v francis_n spira_n like_o those_o in_o the_o revelation_n who_o blaspheme_v god_n because_o of_o their_o torment_n sometime_o it_o be_v accompany_v with_o curse_n as_o isai_n 8.21_o sometime_o with_o infinite_a murmur_a but_o in_o god_n child_n it_o be_v not_o so_o when_o their_o conscience_n be_v trouble_v they_o justify_v god_n and_o clear_a god_n and_o give_v he_o the_o glory_n of_o all_o and_o submit_v under_o his_o hand_n and_o subdue_v their_o heart_n unto_o he_o as_o david_n in_o his_o trouble_n do_v not_o fret_v and_o murmur_v against_o god_n but_o say_v he_o if_o god_n have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o i_o lo_o 15.26_o 2._o sam._n 15.26_o here_o i_o be_o let_v he_o do_v with_o i_o what_o seem_v he_o good_a so_o that_o the_o trouble_n of_o conscience_n in_o the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o wicked_a do_v much_o differ_v in_o this_o first_o respect_n 2._o the_o trouble_n of_o conscience_n in_o the_o wicked_a arise_v only_o from_o the_o apprehension_n of_o god_n wrath_n and_o fear_n of_o judgement_n for_o sin_n not_o for_o the_o sin_n itself_o and_o from_o the_o love_n of_o holiness_n but_o that_o in_o god_n child_n arise_v chief_o for_o sin_n and_o the_o want_n of_o the_o apprehension_n of_o god_n love_n unto_o they_o how_o long_o will_v thou_o forget_v i_o o_o lord_n for_o ever_o how_o long_o will_v thou_o hide_v thy_o face_n from_o i_o psal_n 13.1_o mark_v whence_o the_o trouble_n of_o the_o psalmist_n come_v this_o be_v his_o trouble_n that_o god_n do_v hide_v his_o face_n 3._o trouble_v of_o conscience_n in_o the_o wicked_a never_o make_v they_o part_n with_o sin_n never_o breed_v a_o hatred_n of_o sin_n in_o they_o but_o that_o in_o god_n child_n do_v true_a it_o be_v that_o a_o wicked_a man_n trouble_a conscience_n may_v make_v he_o vomit_v up_o his_o sin_n like_o a_o dog_n that_o vomit_v up_o his_o troublesome_a meat_n but_o he_o do_v not_o vomit_v up_o his_o stomach_n to_o that_o meat_n for_o when_o the_o trouble_n be_v over_o he_o return_v to_o his_o vomit_n again_o so_o a_o carnal_a man_n return_v to_o his_o deadness_n of_o heart_n again_o and_o to_o his_o security_n again_o when_o the_o trouble_n be_v over_o pharaoh_n while_o his_o conscience_n be_v trouble_v at_o the_o sense_n of_o god_n judgement_n o_o then_o say_v he_o i_o have_v sin_v i_o pray_v moses_n let_v i_o have_v your_o prayer_n and_o i_o will_v let_v you_o go_v if_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n can_v have_v pack_v up_o and_o depart_v while_o this_o trouble_n have_v last_v they_o may_v have_v be_v go_v but_o when_o he_o see_v there_o be_v respite_n 8.15_o exod._n 8.15_o he_o harden_v his_o heart_n again_o mark_v his_o trouble_n of_o conscience_n do_v not_o make_v he_o part_v with_o his_o sin_n but_o that_o in_o god_n child_n do_v 4._o that_o in_o the_o wicked_a drive_v they_o from_o god_n they_o have_v little_a heart_n to_o come_v unto_o he_o they_o see_v nothing_o but_o wrath_n and_o they_o rather_o go_v about_o to_o seek_v ease_n in_o other_o thing_n then_o to_o seek_v his_o favour_n as_o saul_n seek_v ease_v in_o music_n and_o cain_n in_o build_v castle_n and_o city_n and_o judas_n in_o a_o desperate_a course_n their_o trouble_n fetch_v they_o not_o to_o god_n but_o the_o trouble_n in_o god_n child_n work_v otherwise_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o trouble_n of_o conscience_n they_o rest_v upon_o god_n as_o heman_n cry_v 88.1_o psal_n 88.1_o o_o lord_n god_n of_o my_o salvation_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o trouble_n of_o his_o soul_n the_o eye_n of_o god_n child_n be_v still_o towards_o heaven_n they_o think_v still_o they_o shall_v have_v some_o help_n from_o god_n they_o pray_v and_o cry_v and_o though_o god_n seem_v to_o neglect_v they_o yet_o they_o can_v give_v over_o they_o will_v not_o be_v beat_v off_o from_o wait_v on_o god_n when_o he_o will_v speak_v comfort_n to_o they_o 5._o that_o trouble_n that_o be_v in_o the_o wicked_a make_v their_o heart_n sullen_a but_o that_o in_o the_o godly_a melt_v their_o heart_n my_o soul_n be_v like_o melt_a wax_n say_v david_n in_o his_o trouble_n of_o conscience_n his_o soul_n melt_v before_o god_n and_o be_v even_o pour_v out_o before_o he_o psal_n 22.13_o this_o be_v a_o kindly_a work_n thus_o you_o see_v the_o difference_n use_v use_v 1_o 1._o by_o this_o we_o see_v what_o a_o miserable_a thing_n it_o be_v to_o have_v such_o a_o trouble_a conscience_n it_o be_v the_o great_a misery_n that_o can_v be_v it_o be_v even_o a_o hell_n to_o man_n here_o upon_o earth_n it_o be_v like_o a_o dismal_a ghost_n to_o terrify_v the_o soul_n it_o be_v like_o a_o burn_a furnace_n in_o the_o bosom_n it_o make_v the_o life_n bitter_a in_o a_o word_n the_o spirit_n of_o man_n be_v not_o able_a to_o bear_v it_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n will_v sustain_v its_o infirmity_n 18.14_o prov._n 18.14_o but_o â—a_o wound_a spirit_n who_o can_v bear_v as_o long_o as_o a_o man_n spirit_n be_v sound_a it_o will_v bear_v any_o thing_n some_o have_v bear_v ague_n fever_n stone_n colick_n convulsion_n racking_n torturing_n as_o long_o as_o a_o man_n spirit_n be_v sound_a he_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v any_o of_o they_o all_o of_o they_o but_o a_o wound_a spirit_n who_o can_v bear_v never_o be_v there_o man_n that_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v a_o wound_a spirit_n we_o may_v see_v by_o many_o of_o god_n child_n how_o heavy_a it_o be_v david_n roar_v with_o the_o anguish_n of_o it_o a_o strange_a phrase_n he_o man_n be_v ready_a even_o to_o run_v out_o of_o his_o wit_n with_o it_o while_o i_o suffer_v thy_o terror_n say_v â—he_n i_o be_o distract_v psal_n 88.15_o moses_n put_v himself_o into_o the_o number_n we_o be_v even_o consume_v by_o thy_o anger_n psal_n 90.7_o ethan_n complain_v that_o it_o be_v like_o a_o burn_a fever_n how_o long_o o_o lord_n will_v thou_o hide_v thy_o face_n for_o ever_o shall_v thy_o wrath_n burn_v like_o fire_n psal_n 89.46_o if_o it_o be_v thus_o with_o god_n child_n what_o may_v we_o think_v of_o the_o wicked_a if_o we_o can_v search_v into_o the_o bosom_n
argue_v a_o sear_a conscience_n in_o the_o commander_n and_o therefore_o none_o but_o a_o sear_a conscience_n can_v think_v it_o be_v bind_v by_o it_o 1._o tim._n 4.2_o 3._o 2._o the_o commandment_n of_o magistrate_n lose_v their_o power_n of_o bind_v the_o conscience_n when_o they_o command_v thing_n that_o be_v unlawful_a in_o themselves_o and_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o this_o case_n they_o do_v not_o bind_v conscience_n because_o god_n seal_n be_v not_o on_o they_o we_o have_v a_o example_n of_o this_o in_o the_o three_o bless_a child_n 3.16_o dan._n 3.16_o who_o when_o the_o king_n command_v they_o to_o worship_v the_o image_n that_o he_o have_v set_v up_o they_o do_v not_o conceive_v themselves_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o obey_v they_o will_v rather_o suffer_v torment_n then_o obey_v it_o so_o also_o daniel_n when_o he_o be_v command_v not_o to_o ask_v any_o petition_n of_o god_n for_o thirty_o day_n space_n but_o only_o of_o the_o king_n daniel_n do_v not_o conceive_v himself_o bind_v in_o conscience_n nay_o he_o choose_v rather_o to_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o den_n of_o lion_n then_o obey_v 6.16_o dan._n 6.16_o in_o this_o case_n the_o answer_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v necessary_a who_o when_o they_o be_v command_v not_o to_o preach_v any_o more_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n thus_o they_o answer_v whether_o it_o be_v right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n to_o obey_v man_n rather_o than_o god_n judge_v you_o 3._o when_o man_n law_n and_o command_n overthrow_v the_o liberty_n of_o christianity_n that_o christian_a liberty_n which_o christ_n have_v purchase_v for_o we_o than_o they_o lose_v their_o power_n of_o bind_v the_o conscience_n but_o here_o i_o must_v tell_v you_o of_o a_o caution_n viz._n that_o this_o liberty_n may_v be_v consider_v in_o a_o double_a respect_n 1._o in_o regard_n of_o itself_o the_o liberty_n itself_o 2._o in_o regard_n of_o the_o exercise_n or_o use_v of_o this_o liberty_n now_o there_o be_v a_o very_a great_a difference_n between_o these_o two_o consideration_n as_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o a_o man_n have_v a_o sword_n and_o a_o man_n wear_v a_o sword_n the_o magistrate_n may_v restrain_v a_o man_n from_o wear_v a_o sword_n at_o such_o or_o such_o a_o time_n though_o he_o do_v not_o take_v his_o sword_n from_o he_o so_o there_o be_v difference_n between_o the_o have_v our_o liberty_n and_o the_o use_v our_o liberty_n there_o be_v a_o liberty_n purchase_v for_o god_n child_n whereby_o all_o thing_n be_v become_v lawful_a unto_o they_o all_o thing_n be_v lawful_a unto_o i_o say_v paul_n 1_o cor._n 6.12_o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o evil_a in_o itself_o 14.14_o rom._n 14.14_o he_o speak_v of_o indifferent_a thing_n god_n child_n be_v free_v from_o the_o observation_n of_o meat_n and_o drink_v and_o time_n and_o garment_n now_o whatsoever_o commandment_n be_v make_v by_o the_o magistrate_n contrary_a to_o this_o liberty_n do_v not_o bind_v conscience_n for_o nothing_o can_v bind_v conscience_n when_o christ_n do_v loose_v it_o yet_o there_o may_v be_v a_o restraint_n of_o the_o use_n of_o this_o liberty_n as_o for_o example_n the_o magistrate_n may_v command_v we_o to_o forbear_v some_o kind_n of_o meat_n at_o some_o certain_a time_n and_o so_o also_o for_o garment_n and_o the_o like_a namely_o when_o the_o doctrine_n about_o meat_n and_o drink_n and_o garment_n be_v pure_a and_o therefore_o in_o such_o a_o case_n the_o command_n of_o the_o magistrate_n bind_v the_o conscience_n otherwise_o not_o 4._o when_o they_o command_v thing_n indifferent_a to_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o make_v they_o idolatrous_a or_o superstitious_a then_o in_o this_o case_n they_o be_v unlawful_a and_o bound_v not_o the_o conscience_n to_o obey_v they_o but_o when_o be_v they_o idolatrous_a i_o answer_v 1._o when_o they_o be_v command_v either_o as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o christianity_n to_o the_o very_o be_v of_o religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o with_o as_o much_o necessity_n as_o holiness_n itself_o than_o they_o be_v make_v superstitious_a and_o idolatrous_a and_o in_o this_o case_n the_o caveat_n of_o st_n john_n be_v strong_o to_o be_v keep_v babe_n 5.21_o 1._o john_n 5.21_o keep_v yourselves_o from_o idol_n 2._o when_o they_o be_v command_v as_o thing_n meritorious_a as_o please_v to_o god_n for_o themselves_o and_o to_o merit_v of_o he_o than_o they_o be_v idolatrous_a 3._o when_o they_o be_v command_v for_o the_o substantial_a perfection_n of_o religion_n as_o though_o religion_n be_v imperfect_a without_o they_o than_o they_o be_v make_v idolatrous_a and_o lose_v their_o virtue_n of_o bind_v the_o conscience_n but_o all_o such_o command_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v indifferent_a which_o be_v command_v without_o respect_n to_o make_v they_o idolatrous_a they_o may_v be_v obey_v this_o be_v our_o second_o conclusion_n 3._o conclusion_n 3._o those_o law_n and_o commandment_n of_o magistrate_n which_o want_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n law_n to_o confirm_v they_o and_o therefore_o bound_v not_o the_o conscience_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v disobey_v for_o all_o that_o with_o scandal_n or_o contempt_n and_o by_o unreverent_a slight_n or_o despise_v the_o magistrate_n or_o his_o law_n he_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v a_o magistrate_n under_o god_n for_o all_o that_o 1._o tim._n 2.1_o 2._o i_o exhort_v that_o supplication_n be_v make_v for_o king_n and_o those_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n he_o speak_v there_o of_o heathen_a king_n yet_o he_o call_v they_o king_n and_o say_v they_o have_v authority_n and_o we_o ought_v to_o pray_v for_o they_o and_o therefore_o how_o much_o more_o when_o king_n and_o magistrate_n subscribe_v to_o christian_a religion_n nay_o though_o they_o command_v that_o which_o be_v utter_o unlawful_a we_o must_v not_o rise_v up_o against_o they_o for_o if_o we_o do_v we_o rise_v up_o against_o god_n we_o must_v obey_v they_o one_o way_n or_o other_o either_o active_o or_o passive_o when_o they_o command_v that_o which_o be_v lawful_a for_o we_o to_o do_v we_o must_v obey_v they_o by_o do_v when_o they_o command_v that_o which_o be_v unlawful_a for_o we_o to_o do_v &_o threaten_v punishment_n than_o we_o can_v active_o obey_v they_o by_o do_v because_o they_o command_v against_o god_n yet_o we_o must_v passive_o obey_v by_o suffering_n and_o submit_v to_o their_o penalty_n because_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v they_o authority_n over_o we_o this_o be_v our_o three_o conclusion_n 4._o conclusion_n 4._o those_o law_n of_o magistrate_n which_o by_o god_n law_n do_v not_o bind_v conscience_n do_v yet_o in_o matter_n of_o scandal_n bound_v we_o to_o obedience_n if_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v command_v any_o thing_n beyond_o his_o power_n to_o command_v yet_o not_o unlawful_a for_o we_o to_o do_v though_o such_o a_o command_n do_v not_o bind_v to_o obedience_n in_o case_n of_o conscience_n yet_o in_o case_n of_o scandal_n it_o do_v thus_o christ_n be_v content_a to_o pay_v tribute_n though_o he_o need_v not_o to_o have_v do_v it_o the_o child_n say_v he_o be_v free_a 17.27_o matth._n 17.27_o nevertheless_o lest_o he_o shall_v offend_v the_o magistrate_n he_o do_v pay_v it_o i_o will_v put_v a_o example_n of_o another_o nature_n in_o a_o private_a wrong_n though_o we_o be_v not_o express_o bind_v to_o it_o yet_o rather_o than_o scandalous_o to_o contend_v conscience_n do_v bind_v we_o to_o yield_v need_v abraham_n to_o have_v condescend_v so_o far_o unto_o lot_n as_o to_o let_v he_o take_v his_o choice_n before_o he_o no_o rather_o than_o scandal_n of_o religion_n shall_v arise_v you_o may_v read_v that_o he_o do_v it_o thus_o i_o have_v brief_o make_v it_o manifest_v how_o far_o the_o command_n of_o the_o magistrate_n do_v not_o bind_v conscience_n and_o how_o far_o they_o do_v objection_n obj._n 1_o 1._o but_o it_o may_v be_v object_v conscience_n have_v only_a relation_n to_o god_n answ_n answ_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a as_o the_o supreme_a and_o absolute_a binder_n of_o conscience_n but_o it_o have_v a_o relation_n also_o unto_o man_n in_o the_o second_o place_n inasmuch_o as_o god_n put_v upon_o man_n such_o term_n as_o conscience_n have_v relation_n to_o act_v 24.16_o herein_o i_o have_v always_o endeavour_v myself_o to_o have_v always_o a_o clear_a conscience_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n mark_v conscience_n have_v relation_n to_o both_o for_o though_o it_o have_v its_o main_a relation_n to_o god_n and_o his_o word_n yet_o in_o he_o it_o have_v relation_n unto_o man_n obj._n 2_o 2._o again_o it_o may_v be_v reply_v the_o magistrate_n do_v not_o undertake_v nor_o can_v they_o to_o meddle_v with_o man_n invisible_a spirit_n for_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o see_v whether_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n be_v obedient_a or_o no_o and_o therefore_o