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truth_n apostle_n doctrine_n speak_v 2,014 5 4.4482 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A37045 Heaven upon earth in the serene tranquillity and calm composure, in the sweet peace and solid joy of a good conscience sprinkled with the blood of Jesus and exercised always to be void of offence toward God and toward men : brought down and holden forth in XXII very searching sermons on several texts of Scripture ... / by James Durham. Durham, James, 1622-1658.; J. C. 1685 (1685) Wing D2815; ESTC R24930 306,755 418

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we_o must_v all_o appear_v or_o ●e_v make_v manifest_v before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n that_o every_o one_o may_v receive_v the_o thing_n do_v in_o his_o body_n whether_o command_v by_o superior_n or_o not_o according_a to_o that_o he_o have_v do_v whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a and_o more_o particular_o rom._n 14._o v._n 12._o so_o then_o every_o one_o of_o we_o shall_v give_v a_o account_n of_o himself_o not_o another_o for_o he_o to_o god_n and_o gal._n 6._o v._n 4_o and_o 5._o but_o let_v every_o man_n prove_v his_o own_o work_n a●d_v then_o shall_v he_o have_v rejoice_v in_o himself_o alone_o and_o not_o in_o another_o for_o every_o man_n shall_v bear_v his_o own_o burden_n and_o 1_o cor._n 3._o v._n 8._o and_o every_o man_n shall_v receive_v his_o own_o reward_n according_a to_o his_o own_o labour_n and_o indeed_o these_o teacher_n by_o their_o flatter_a the_o sovereign_a power_n put_v they_o to_o make_v a_o very_a heavy_a reckon_n &_o by_o their_o 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have_v a_o continual_a feast_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o heart_n cheerful_a in_o god_n from_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o this_o be_v it_o on_o the_o matter_n which_o guard_v the_o the_o heart_n and_o mind_n so_o that_o no_o care_n can_v considerable_o disquiet_v it_o as_o we_o have_v it_o phil._n 4._o 7._o the_o heart_n be_v guard_v yea_o garison_v as_o the_o word_n be_v with_o peace_n that_o there_o be_v no_o storm_v nor_o intake_v of_o it_o by_o outward_a trouble_n it_o be_v the_o joy_n that_o stranger_n inter_v meddle_v not_o with_o 5thly_a it_o be_v a_o sweet_a and_o strong_a cordial_a in_o affliction_n when_o christian_n be_v persecute_v by_o stranger_n or_o by_o false_a brethren_n be_v in_o sickness_n in_o prison_n in_o peril_n by_o sea_n or_o land_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v our_o rejoice_v the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n say_v the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 12._o in_o the_o midst_n of_o affliction_n six_o and_o more_o particular_o it_o be_v a_o sweet_a and_o sovereign_a cordial_n when_o death_n approach_v hezekiah_n can_v say_v then_o remember_v lord_n how_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 it_o put_v the_o soul_n in_o a_o posture_n of_o die_v somewhat_o like_o old_a simeon_n and_o give_v some_o ground_n to_o say_v with_o he_o now_o let_v thou_o thy_o servant_n depart_v in_o peace_n for_o my_o eye_n have_v see_v thy_o salvation_n the_o necessity_n of_o it_o will_v yet_o further_o appear_v if_o on_o the_o other_o side_n we_o look_v to_o the_o disadvantage_n that_o wait_v the_o want_n of_o it_o though_o man_n can_v be_v content_a to_o live_v a_o heartless_a life_n
lie_v to_o bring_v about_o some_o good_a to_o or_o to_o divert_v some_o notable_a evil_n from_o themselves_o or_o other_o and_o lie_v in_o sport_n to_o make_v other_o merry_a and_o all_o temerarious_a rash_a lie_v through_o customary_a looseness_n and_o 〈◊〉_d call_v it_o seem_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o way_n of_o lie_v and_o the_o more_o that_o man_n abhor_v lie_v and_o love_n to_o speak_v the_o truth_n they_o be_v in_o so_o f●r_v the_o 〈◊〉_d like_o god_n and_o the_o more_o unlike_o the_o devil_n who_o abide_v not_o in_o the_o truth_n because_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n in_o he_o and_o who_o when_o be_v speak_v a_o li●_n speak_v it_o of_o his_o own_o its_o 〈◊〉_d and_o sole_o his_o own_o and_o none_o of_o god_n for_o he_o be_v a_o li●r_n and_o the_o father_n of_o it_o we_o will_v therefore_o watchful_o guard_v against_o all_o lie_a under_o whatsoever_o pretext_n and_o look_v well_o that_o we_o always_o speak_v truth_n especial_o when_o we_o interpose_v conscience_n and_o yet_o more_o especial_o when_o we_o appeal_v to_o god_n as_o witness_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o say_v or_o affirm_v according_a to_o the_o practice_n o●_n the_o apostle_n here_o who_o be_v one_o that_o exercise_v himself_o to_o have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n no_o doubt_n make_v conscience_n always_o to_o speak_v truth_n more_o especial_o when_o he_o have_v use_v any_o more_o than_o ordinary_a solemn_a prote●ation_n or_o attestation_n as_o he_o do_v in_o these_o word_n the_o scope_n whereof_o be_v to_o roll_v away_o all_o ground_n o●_n stumble_v from_o his_o countryman_n the_o jew_n and_o from_o any_o other_o who_o may_v think_v because_o of_o some_o of_o his_o discourse_n concern_v they_o that_o he_o regard_v they_o not_o and_o that_o he_o be_v very_o indifferent_a whether_o they_o be_v save_v or_o perish_v and_o to_o conciliar_a their_o affection_n and_o respect_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o his_o person_n for_o the_o gospel_n and_o thei●_n own_o soul_n sake_n in_o which_o word_n we_o have_v 1._o his_o assertion_n concern_v the_o heaviness_n and_o sorrow_n of_o his_o heart_n for_o they_o his_o brethren_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n which_o he_o set_v down_o first_o positive_o i_o speak_v the_o truth_n then_o negative_o i_o lie_v not_o two_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o assertion_n which_o to_o make_v it_o the_o more_o solemn_a weighty_a and_o convince_a and_o if_o it_o may_v be_v the_o more_o gain_v of_o the_o jew_n be_v threefold_a 1._o it_o be_v in_o christ_n insinuate_v thereby_o that_o he_o be_v a_o believer_n in_o christ_n that_o assert_v this_o truth_n and_o one_o that_o draw_v strength_n from_o ch●ist_n to_o enable_v he_o to_o what_o he_o assert_n and_o refer_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n as_o his_o main_a end_n in_o it_o and_o withal_o expect_v god_n acceptation_n of_o he_o therein_o on_o christ_n account_n and_o for_o his_o sake_n the_o 2._o be_v my_o conscience_n an_o upright_o impartial_a and_o tender_a thing_n when_o right_a bear_v i_o wittness_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o assert_v the_o 3._o be_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o be_v it_o be_v affirm_v by_o one_o who_o ha●h_v a_o enlighten_v and_o habitual_o sanctify_a conscience_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o one_o who_o be_v act_v by_o he_o and_o in_o a_o sanctify_a frame_n for_o the_o present_a nay_o by_o one_o infallible_o guide_v and_o inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o his_o penman_n in_o write_v this_o as_o a_o piece_n and_o passage_n of_o divine_a scripture_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o speak_v particular_o to_o all_o the_o point_n of_o doctrine_n that_o may_v be_v deduce_v from_o these_o word_n but_o to_o such_o only_a as_o make_v for_o clea●ing_v the_o purpose_n that_o we_o have_v in_o hand_n and_o that_o be_v the_o particular_a influence_n that_o conscience_n have_v on_o a_o man_n in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o act_n and_o the_o particular_a respect_n that_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v to_o his_o conscience_n in_o carry_v it_o along_o with_o he_o in_o his_o action_n yet_o we_o shall_v pass_o point_v at_o and_o little_a more_o than_o name_n some_o general_a observation_n and_o then_o come_v to_o the_o particular_n that_o we_o main_o aim_v at_o and_o 1._o we_o observe_v this_o that_o a_o man_n conscience_n be_v some_o way_n different_a from_o himself_o as_o in_o some_o respect_n to_o speak_v so_o another_o party_n i_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o christ_n i_o lie_v not_o my_o conscience_n also_o bear_v i_o witness_n i_o and_o i_o be_v one_o thing_n and_o conscience_n as_o it_o be_v another_o and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n a_o three_o all_o which_o he_o join_v together_o yet_o so_o as_o he_o make_v they_o different_a party_n conscience_n i_o say_v consider_v as_o conscience_n and_o more_o especial_o as_o it_o be_v renew_v well_o inform_v and_o tender_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o its_o duty_n differ_v from_o the_o man_n himself_o 1._o in_o respect_n of_o its_o place_n of_o more_o direct_a and_o immediate_a subjection_n to_o god_n himself_o as_o it_o be_v master_n to_o receive_v i●'s_n order_n from_o he_o whereas_o the_o man_n be_v more_o direct_o and_o immediate_o subject_a to_o conscience_n by_o which_o as_o his_o deputy_n god_n rule_v he_o 2_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o office_n viz._n to_o dictat_fw-la to_o man_n what_o he_o shall_v do_v and_o what_o he_o shall_v not_o do_v and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o light_n that_o it_o have_v from_o god_n in_o his_o reveal_v will_n and_o word_n whereas_o man_n be_v not_o to_o dictat_fw-la to_o his_o conscience_n but_o to_o obey_v its_o dictate_v in_o ●o_o far_o as_o they_o agree_v with_o god_n reveal_v will_n and_o word_n 3_o in_o that_o by_o its_o office_n also_o it_o be_v to_o tell_v the_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v direct_v all_o his_o action_n to_o the_o right_a end_n viz._n the_o glory_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v office_n be_v not_o only_o to_o dictat_fw-la our_o way_n but_o to_o enjoin_v to_o we_o our_o end_n man_n have_v not_o a_o power_n or_o liberty_n allow_v to_o he_o to_o propose_v to_o himself_o what_o end_n he_o please_v such_o as_o profit_v pleasure_n or_o credit_n as_o his_o main_a end_n but_o be_v oblige_v to_o eye_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n as_o such_o which_o conscience_n by_o virtue_n of_o its_o office_n and_o act_v i●'s_n part_n aright_o though_o alace_o it_o often_o prove_v defective_a therein_o be_v corrupt_v and_o defile_v by_o sin_n enjoin_v he_o to_o do_v 4_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o different_a consideration_n and_o sense_n of_o thing_n it_o will_v often_o he_o displease_v accuse_v and_o condemn_v when_o the_o man_n himself_o will_v be_v well_o please_v it_o will_v judge_v a_o thing_n unworthy_a to_o be_v entertain_v which_o the_o man_n will_v judge_v worthy_a 〈◊〉_d entertain_v and_o so_o conscience_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v though_o have_v its_o 〈◊〉_d in_o man_n yet_o in_o many_o respect_n as_o some_o way_n different_a from_o he_o and_o 〈◊〉_d as_o it_o be_v to_o he_o and_o set_v over_o he_o as_o 〈◊〉_d hint_v before_o to_o be_v a_o guardian_n witness_n 〈◊〉_d or_o sensor_n to_o take_v notice_n o●_n he_o in_o all_o his_o action_n and_o carriage_n let_v no_o man_n then_o as_o the_o use_v of_o i●_n think_v that_o ever_o he_o be_v or_o can_v be_v alone_o so_o long_o as_o he_o have_v a_o conscience_n within_o he_o for_o he_o have_v still_o something_o to_o testify_v for_o or_o against_o he_o to_o reprove_v he_o for_o what_o be_v wrong_a and_o to_o commend_v he_o for_o that_o which_o be_v right_a and_o though_o many_o poor_a wretch_n be_v ready_a to_o think_v and_o 〈◊〉_d to_o fancy_v themselves_o to_o be_v quiet_a and_o well_o when_o they_o bli●_n or_o c●erize_v or_o bribe_v thei●_n conscience_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v still_o wait_v on_o they_o and_o watch_v they_o be_v all_o they_o do_v 2_o observe_v that_o conscience_n be_v a_o most_o divine_a thing_n therefore_o paul_n take_v it_o to_o be_v more_o impartial_a than_o himself_o and_o join_v it_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o testify_v if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o some_o respect_n a_o more_o divine_a thing_n th●_n the_o man_n himself_o such_o weight_n will_v not_o be_v lay_v on_o it_o and_o its_o testimony_n and_o if_o we_o look_v to_o these_o thing_n hint_v at_o in_o the_o forego_n observation_n viz._n to_o the_o immediate_a master_n of_o it_o god_n to_o the_o rul●_n that_o it_o walk_v by_o his_o will_n reveal_v in_o his_o word_n to_o the_o end_n it_o direct_v to_o or_o enjoin_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o whole_a way_n of_o of_o its_o consider_v and_o judge_v of_o thing_n not_o only_o as_o pleasant_a or_o
it_o not_o except_o you_o think_v that_o there_o be_v some_o part_n of_o your_o life_n that_o shall_v not_o at_o all_o be_v religious_a but_o that_o you_o be_v leave_v in_o they_o to_o live_v as_o you_o list_v it_o be_v ofttimes_o our_o fault_n that_o we_o limit_v conscience_n to_o this_o and_o that_o particular_a action_n that_o be_v of_o some_o considerable_a concernment_n and_o some_o way_n shut_v it_o out_o as_o have_v no_o concern_n in_o these_o of_o lesser_a moment_n and_o many_o alace_o shoulder_n it_o out_o from_o the_o tract_n of_o their_o life_n and_o current_n of_o their_o action_n o_o let_v this_o by_o any_o mean_n be_v amend_v sermon_n ii_o rome_n 9_o 1._o i_o say_v the_o truth_n in_o christ_n i_o lie_v not_o my_o conscience_n also_o bear_v i_o witness_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n christian_n who_o have_v such_o a_o vigilant_a and_o constant_a attendant_n as_o conscience_n wait_v on_o they_o have_v much_o need_n of_o watchfulness_n that_o they_o may_v be_v keep_v in_o some_o suitableness_n of_o frame_n for_o entertain_v that_o companion_n conscience_n its_o work_n be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v advise_v and_o deliberate_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v but_o also_o to_o be_v wait_v on_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o act_n and_o perform_v of_o what_o it_o have_v be_v advise_v to_o and_o it_o be_v indeed_o no_o less_o practic_a to_o carry_v conscience_n along_o in_o the_o perform_n of_o duty_n than_o it_o be_v in_o take_v some_o pain_n to_o consult_v it_o and_o advise_v with_o it_o at_o the_o undertake_n thereof_o so_o as_o we_o may_v be_v answerable_a to_o conscience_n as_o to_o both_o ofttimes_o some_o pain_n will_v be_v take_v in_o deliberate_v and_o advise_v with_o conscience_n what_o and_o when_o we_o shall_v do_v when_o we_o will_v exceed_o relent_v in_o take_v it_o along_o with_o we_o in_o the_o performance_n whence_o it_o frequent_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o we_o lose_v the_o peace_n we_o gain_v in_o advise_v with_o conscience_n at_o our_o undertake_n the_o action_n by_o not_o carry_v it_o along_o with_o we_o in_o perform_v this_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o propose_v to_o be_v speak_v to_o from_o this_o verse_n viz._n the_o influence_n that_o conscience_n have_v on_o man_n act_n and_o the_o respect_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v to_o it_o not_o only_o before_o they_o undertake_v any_o action_n but_o in_o and_o along_o the_o perform_n of_o it_o the_o last_o doctrine_n we_o speak_v to_o from_o it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o action_n of_o a_o man_n life_n but_o conscience_n be_v concern_v in_o it_o and_o have_v something_o to_o say_v concern_v it_o for_o or_o against_o he_o if_o it_o be_v but_o the_o speak_n of_o a_o word_n or_o the_o assert_v of_o any_o truth_n as_o we_o see_v in_o this_o instance_n of_o paul_n his_o conscience_n bear_v he_o witness_v it_o have_v something_o to_o say_v to_o he_o anent_o his_o do_v it_o we_o clear_v this_o in_o several_a yea_o rather_o in_o all_o sort_n of_o action_n that_o man_n have_v to_o perform_v there_o be_v none_o of_o they_o of_o so_o little_a moment_n so_o extrinsic_a or_o so_o indifferent_a but_o in_o the_o perform_n of_o they_o conscience_n ought_v to_o be_v carry_v along_o as_o have_v somewhat_o to_o say_v for_o or_o against_o the_o performer_n we_o shall_v now_o add_v some_o four_o or_o five_o observation_n more_o from_o the_o word_n and_o the_o first_o which_o we_o may_v either_o take_v as_o a_o use_v of_o the_o former_a or_o as_o a_o distinct_a observation_n by_o itself_o be_v this_o that_o man_n in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o go_v about_o any_o thing_n will_v advert_v and_o take_v heed_n to_o that_o sense_n which_o conscience_n have_v of_o their_o action_n and_o see_v it_o have_v something_o to_o say_v they_o will_v be_v lend_v to_o their_o ear_n all_o along_o the_o time_n of_o their_o perform_v the_o action_n and_o hear_v what_o it_o say_v as_o before_o they_o undertake_v they_o will_v advise_v with_o conscience_n that_o they_o be_v right_a so_o in_o the_o time_n of_o performance_n there_o will_v be_v a_o reflect_v on_o conscience_n to_o know_v its_o sense_n of_o our_o do_v paul_n be_v now_o speak_v and_o assert_v somewhat_o and_o he_o reflect_v on_o his_o conscience_n to_o hear_v what_o it_o will_v say_v and_o that_o he_o may_v get_v its_o testimony_n that_o he_o be_v speak_v sincere_o he_o be_v not_o now_o advise_v with_o conscience_n to_o know_v what_o he_o shall_v do_v nor_o to_o get_v its_o censure_n of_o what_o he_o have_v do_v but_o in_o the_o very_a time_n of_o his_o do_v he_o reflect_v and_o take_v notice_n what_o it_o say_v he_o assert_v that_o he_o be_v speak_v truth_n and_o take_v a_o look_n into_o his_o conscience_n to_o see_v if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o that_o he_o be_v indeed_o speak_v the_o truth_n and_o true_o or_o we_o may_v take_v the_o doctrine_n thus_o it_o be_v a_o main_a piece_n of_o a_o tender_a walk_n in_o a_o christian_a not_o only_o to_o deliberate_v with_o conscience_n before_o he_o do_v any_o thing_n and_o when_o he_o have_v do_v it_o to_o take_v its_o censure_n if_o it_o be_v right_o do_v but_o also_o to_o reflect_v upon_o his_o conscience_n in_o the_o very_a time_n of_o his_o do_v of_o it_o and_o to_o hear_v what_o it_o will_v say_v of_o that_o which_o he_o be_v now_o do_v and_o of_o himself_o in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o and_o we_o conceive_v that_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o main_a thing_n mean_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n when_o conscience_n be_v put_v to_o it_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o a_o duty_n to_o know_v what_o it_o will_v say_v concern_v the_o man_n and_o his_o action_n for_o if_o so_o be_v that_o conscience_n have_v something_o to_o say_v concern_v every_o duty_n for_o or_o against_o the_o man_n as_o it_o be_v rom._n 2._o 15_o their_o conscience_n bear_v they_o witness_n and_o their_o thought_n the_o mean_a while_n accuse_v or_o else_o excuse_v one_o another_o than_o it_o will_v clear_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v a_o main_a piece_n of_o a_o christian_n duty_n to_o keep_v fair_a with_o his_o conscience_n here_o and_o to_o take_v good_a heed_n what_o it_o say_v in_o the_o very_a interim_n and_o mean_a time_n of_o his_o perform_v every_o action_n yea_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o main_a piece_n of_o a_o christian_n walk_v but_o a_o main_a evidence_n of_o a_o tender_a walk_n in_o a_o christian_a viz._n when_o he_o do_v not_o only_o aim_v to_o be_v clear_a in_o undertake_v a_o duty_n but_o to_o carry_v conscience_n along_o with_o he_o and_o to_o know_v what_o it_o say_v in_o follow_v forth_o the_o duty_n take_v these_o two_o or_o three_o word_n for_o clear_v it_o first_o consider_v that_o the_o right_a performance_n of_o our_o action_n and_o duty_n or_o the_o make_n of_o they_o such_o as_o they_o shall_v be_v depend_v very_o much_o on_o the_o nick_n of_o our_o discharge_v they_o so_o that_o though_o a_o man_n shall_v deliberat_fw-la never_o so_o well_o before_o if_o he_o be_v in_o a_o carnal_a frame_n or_o have_v a_o selfie_v end_n ●o_o the_o time_n of_o performance_n he_o will_v be_v at_o a_o loss_n of_o his_o peace_n and_o much_o miss_v his_o mark_n as_o the_o apostle_n have_v the_o word_n philip._n 3._o 13._o i_o press_v towards_o the_o mark_n in_o his_o aim_v at_o holiness_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n he_o levell_v all_o his_o action_n at_o that_o mark_n the_o prize_n of_o the_o high_a call_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o this_o similitude_n for_o illustrate_v it_o let_v a_o man_n with_o a_o bow_n or_o musket_n level_v never_o so_o well_o or_o take_v never_o so_o just_a a_o visie_n if_o his_o hand_n waver_v in_o the_o instant_n of_o shoot_v he_o can_v ready_o hit_v the_o mark_n even_o so_o though_o a_o man_n as_o i_o say_v deliberate_a and_o advise_v never_o so_o well_o with_o his_o conscience_n before_o he_o do_v a_o thing_n if_o in_o the_o time_n of_o do_v he_o take_v not_o heed_n tender_o and_o steady_o to_o it_o but_o fall_v carnal_a and_o selfie_v in_o it_o he_o can_v have_v peace_n as_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o action_n 2_o consider_v that_o we_o be_v so_o very_o tickle_v in_o our_o frame_n as_o the_o duty_n of_o holiness_n be_v some_o way_n in_o themselves_o and_o our_o heart_n so_o unstable_a light_a and_o frothy_a that_o though_o we_o shall_v level_v they_o right_o just_a now_o yet_o they_o will_v be_v ready_a quick_o to_o start_v aside_o as_o a_o deceitful_a how_o upon_o out_o hand_n it_o can_v therefore_o be_v sufficient_a ground_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o deliberat_fw-la in_o undertake_v except_o a_o man_n observe_v and_o reflect_v on_o his_o
neglective_a of_o conscience_n it_o be_v certain_o a_o evidence_n of_o one_fw-mi untender_a frame_n in_o believer_n and_o where_o ever_o it_o be_v habitual_a and_o regnant_a it_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o a_o evil_a state_n for_o if_o one_o be_v a_o tender_a christian_a when_o shall_v his_o conscience_n be_v tender_a if_o not_o in_o the_o nick_n of_o the_o performance_n of_o a_o action_n for_o that_o be_v the_o time_n when_o he_o will_v or_o shall_v be_v level_v lest_o he_o miss_v the_o mark_n and_o know_v how_o fickle_a and_o unconstant_a he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o have_v a_o heart_n like_o a_o unsteady_a hand_n how_o shall_v he_o guard_v against_o its_o levity_n and_o unstablenesse_n the_o 3d._n use_v be_v of_o exhortation_n to_o advert_v more_o to_o this_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n in_o perform_v duty_n o_o learn_v to_o reflect_v on_o yourselves_o in_o every_o thing_n and_o to_o ask_v yourselves_o what_o you_o be_v do_v that_o you_o may_v know_v if_o you_o be_v right_a or_o wrong_n if_o wrong_n that_o you_o may_v take_v with_o it_o and_o be_v humble_v for_o it_o if_o right_a that_o you_o may_v be_v comfort_v in_o it_o we_o conceive_v this_o will_v be_v a_o notable_a guard_n to_o tenderness_n and_o keep_v communion_n with_o god_n and_o a_o sovereign_a help_n to_o prevent_v many_o sin_n and_o much_o hypocrisy_n in_o our_o way_n of_o do_v thing_n even_o to_o be_v take_v exact_a notice_n if_o we_o be_v indeed_o do_v that_o which_o we_o profess_v to_o be_v do_v if_o we_o be_v speak_v to_o edification_n if_o we_o be_v pray_v in_o earnest_n when_o we_o pretend_v to_o be_v pray_v etc._n etc._n 2_o observe_v that_o when_o conscience_n be_v well_o satisfy_v in_o a_o particular_a action_n or_o duty_n it_o can_v signify_v its_o sense_n thereof_o to_o the_o man_n that_o perform_v it_o and_o speak_v a_o good_a word_n for_o he_o this_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o paul_n con_n science_n do_v here_o he_o be_v sincere_a in_o the_o thing_n that_o he_o assert_n and_o it_o bear_v he_o witness_v of_o his_o sincerity_n when_o he_o advert_v to_o it_o first_o i_o say_v conscience_n can_v signify_v its_o mind_n and_o sense_n of_o a_o particular_a action_n or_o duty_n if_o it_o be_v well_o please_v and_o can_v speak_v a_o good_a word_n for_o the_o man_n it_o can_v signify_v its_o mind_n at_o any_o time_n but_o when_o it_o be_v well_o plea●ed_v it_o signify_v it_o by_o testify_v for_o the_o man_n and_o 2_o i_o say_v that_o not_o only_o do_v it_o testify_v its_o satisfaction_n with_o the_o action_n but_o with_o every_o thing_n in_o it_o when_o there_o be_v a_o right_a end_n a_o right_a motive_n and_o a_o right_a manner_n of_o performance_n when_o christ_n be_v due_o respect_v in_o it_o and_o make_v use_v of_o for_o strength_n and_o acceptance_n and_o 3_o i_o add_v this_o if_o man_n advert_v to_o it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v because_o it_o have_v something_o to_o say_v always_o yet_o man_n will_v not_o hear_v nor_o know_v what_o it_o say_v except_o they_o advert_v well_o and_o reflect_v and_o take_v good_a heed_n to_o it_o 3_o observe_v that_o it_o be_v very_o strengthen_v confirm_v comfort_a refresh_a and_o satisfy_v to_o a_o man_n in_o a_o particular_a action_n to_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o his_o conscience_n for_o he_o this_o bear_v paul_n through_o here_o amid_o all_o challenge_n that_o may_v have_v be_v raise_v from_o seek_v of_o himself_o or_o from_o follow_v revenge_n in_o what_o he_o assert_n there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n say_v he_o my_o conscience_n bear_v i_o witness_v of_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v not_o a_o man_n action_n simple_o that_o will_v give_v he_o boldness_n confidence_n and_o comfort_n for_o several_a person_n may_v concur_v in_o one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o good_a action_n on_o the_o matter_n and_o yet_o some_o may_v have_v a_o good_a 〈◊〉_d other_o a_o evil_a conscience_n in_o it_o be_v it_o but_o as_o to_o a_o man_n thought_n and_o opinion_n of_o himself_o for_o it_o be_v not_o he_o that_o commend_v himself_o but_o he_o who_o god_n commend_v that_o be_v approven_v when_o conscience_n i_o say_v bear_v witness_n for_o a_o man_n it_o be_v a_o very_a strengthen_n confirm_v and_o satisfy_v thing_n the_o reason_n be_v 1._o because_o conscience_n be_v the_o more_o single_a and_o impartial_a judge_n and_o witness_n and_o therefore_o a_o man_n may_v lay_v the_o more_o weight_n on_o it_o 2_o because_o conscience_n speak_v and_o bear_v witness_n with_o respect_n to_o god_n and_o when_o it_o testify_v on_o solid_a ground_n it_o be_v god_n testimony_n now_o when_o a_o debate_n arise_v in_o a_o man_n about_o any_o of_o his_o action_n the_o man_n himself_o be_v the_o party_n arraign_v the_o challenge_n or_o tentation_n be_v the_o party_n accuse_v and_o conscience_n be_v as_o the_o witness_n or_o judge_n that_o decide_v and_o be_v unbiased_n it_o bear_v witness_n and_o pass_v the_o sentence_n true_o and_o impartial_o it_o as_o it_o be_v say_v it_o be_v true_a he_o say_v such_o and_o such_o a_o thing_n and_o that_o sincere_o and_o i_o know_v that_o his_o thought_n and_o intention_n be_v honest_a and_o thus_o conscience_n decide_v the_o debate_n in_o his_o favour_n if_o so_o be_v he_o have_v it_o on_o his_o side_n and_o so_o confirm_v and_o comfort_v he_o the_o use_n be_v to_o exhort_v you_o to_o lay_v more_o weight_n on_o conscience_n and_o on_o its_o testimony_n and_o less_o weight_n on_o any_o other_o thing_n for_o it_o will_v not_o be_v your_o good_a meaning_n nor_o good_a hope_n as_o you_o use_v to_o speak_v but_o a_o sanctify_a conscience_n in_o a_o sanctify_a frame_n that_o will_v be_v find_v fit_a to_o decide_v in_o any_o action_n 4_o observe_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n speak_v ing_z for_o a_o man_n and_o his_o perform_n of_o a_o good_a action_n on_o the_o matter_n be_v separable_a that_o be_v a_o man_n may_v do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a in_o itself_o and_o yet_o not_o have_v a_o positive_a and_o approbative_a testimony_n from_o his_o conscience_n concern_v it_o otherways_o paul_n need_v not_o to_o have_v attest_v his_o conscience_n if_o he_o have_v not_o know_v that_o conscience_n its_o testimony_n may_v have_v be_v separate_a from_o what_o he_o speak_v it_o be_v well_o enough_o know_v that_o he_o be_v say_v his_o heart_n be_v grieve_v for_o the_o rejection_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o the_o question_n be_v if_o he_o have_v say_v it_o honest_o and_o sincere_o and_o he_o assert_n that_o he_o have_v conscience_n its_o testimony_n for_o that_o as_o a_o distinct_a thing_n there_o be_v but_o too_o many_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v there_o not_o many_o who_o speak_v good_a word_n and_o do_v good_a deed_n on_o the_o matter_n who_o yet_o have_v not_o a_o good_a conscience_n in_o the_o speak_n and_o do_v of_o they_o as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o amaziah_n 2_o chro●_n 25._o 2._o he_o do_v that_o which_o be_v right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o not_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n so_o it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o many_o other_o that_o they_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a for_o the_o matter_n but_o they_o want_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o this_o will_v be_v further_a clear_a if_o we_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n that_o concur_v to_o make_v a_o action_n true_o and_o christianly_o good_a such_o as_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o other_o day_n many_o care_n for_o no_o more_o but_o that_o the_o action_n be_v good_a for_o the_o matter_n but_o it_o be_v moreover_o requisite_a that_o it_o be_v good_a as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o performance_n that_o it_o be_v from_o a_o right_a motive_n to_o a_o right_a end_n do_v in_o faith_n by_o strength_n draw_v from_o christ_n and_o with_o a_o eye_n to_o acceptance_n on_o his_o account_n a_o corrupt_a end_n in_o prayer_n in_o come_v to_o the_o church_n to_o hear_v in_o read_v the_o word_n or_o in_o any_o other_o duty_n will_v spoil_v the_o action_n 2_o that_o there_o be_v different_a rule_n to_o try_v these_o by_o there_o be_v one_o rule_n to_o regulat_fw-la we_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o action_n and_o another_o to_o regulat_fw-la our_o manner_n of_o go_v about_o they_o and_o a_o good_a conscience_n look_v to_o both_o these_o rule_n and_o if_o anyof_o the_o requisite_a qualification_n to_o the_o suitable_a and_o acceptable_a performance_n of_o they_o be_v absent_a and_o want_v in_o so_o far_o conscience_n will_v withhold_v its_o positive_a approve_v testimony_n a_o good_a conscience_n its_o testimony_n be_v like_o the_o harmony_n of_o a_o well_o tune_a instrument_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o have_v all_o the_o string_n on_o
not_o like_o this_o publican_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o necessary_a for_o keep_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n clear_a then_o to_o be_v very_o humble_a under_o it_o and_o much_o deny_v to_o it_o sermon_n i._n heb._n 13._o v_o 18._o pray_v for_o we_o for_o we_o trust_v we_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n willing_a to_o live_v honest_o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o very_a exercise_v and_o up-taking_a business_n to_o attain_v and_o come_v by_o a_o good_a conscience_n but_o it_o have_v a_o most_o sweet_o refresh_v and_o strong_o com●orting_v fruit_n grow_v out_o of_o 〈◊〉_d when_o it_o be_v attain_v and_o who_o ever_o have_v through_o grace_n attain_v it_o have_v never_o find_v reason_n to_o think_v their_o labour_n 〈◊〉_d or_o their_o pain_n ill_o bestow_v or_o too_o great_a the_o calmness_n composure_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o soul_n with_o the_o ho●y_n and_o 〈◊〉_d confidence_n and_o boldness_n to_o god-ward_o with_o the_o 〈◊〉_d and_o joy_v that_o result_n and_o flow_v from_o this_o difficult_a ex●_n super-abundant_o compense_v all_o the_o labour_n and_o pain_n bestow_v on_o it_o that_o we_o may_v be_v stir_v up_o and_o provoke_v vigorous_o to_o endeavour_v in_o the_o strength_n o●_n christ_n the_o have_v and_o maintain_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n and_o somewhat_o of_o the_o peace_n and_o joy_n that_o now_o from_o the_o well_o ground_a assurance_n of_o its_o be_v attain_v we_o have_v make_v choice_a o●_n these_o word_n to_o speak_v a_o little_a to_o they_o wherein_o the_o apostle_n 1._o assert_n his_o attain_n of_o this_o with_o confidence_n and_o boldness_n we_o trust_v say_v he_o we_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n 2._o he_o prove_v his_o assertion_n ●y_a give_v a_o evidence_n o●_n the_o truth_n of_o it_o o●_n by_o explicate_v that_o which_o he_o call_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n say_v he_o willing_a to_o live_v honest_o endeavour_v in_o every_o thing_n to_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o to_o approve_v ourselves_o too_o god_n we_o shall_v in_o the_o first_o place_n speak_v some_o what_o short_o to_o the_o explication_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o word_n there_o be_v three_o expression_n in_o his_o assertion_n concern_v his_o conscience_n which_o hold_v forth_o a_o very_a high_a attainment_n the_o 1._o be_v a_o good_a conscience_n the_o word_n good_a signify_v not_o only_o that_o which_o be_v ●_o profitable_a good_a but_o also_o that_o which_o be_v a_o fair_a pleasant_a and_o delectable_a good_a insinuate_v that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o conscience_n as_o have_v some_o what_o in_o it_o commendable_a beautiful_a and_o amiable_a fit_v to_o make_v other_o fall_v in_o love_n with_o it_o so_o much_o the_o word_n signify_v 2_o tim._n 4._o 7._o and_o matt._n 26._o 10._o the_o 2._o be_v we_o trust_v hold_v out_o the_o confidence_n whereby_o he_o assert_v the_o have_v of_o a_o good_a conscience_n it_o be_v not_o such_o trust_n as_o many_o of_o we_o have_v which_o we_o use_v to_o call_v our_o good_a hope_n which_o be_v rather_o a_o conjecture_v or_o guess_v than_o any_o well-grounded_n confidence_n but_o it_o be_v such_o a_o confidence_n and_o persuasion_n as_o be_v found_v on_o good_a and_o solid_a ground_n the_o 3●_n be_v in_o all_o thing_n hold_v forth_o the_o extent_n of_o it_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v in_o our_o private_a walk_n as_o christian_n and_o in_o our_o public_a employment_n as_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o our_o suffering_n for_o truth_n and_o in_o our_o do_v for_o it_o even_o in_o all_o thing_n we_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n 2_o there_o be_v the_o evidence_n or_o explication_n of_o this_o in_o the_o word_n follow_v because_o it_o may_v be_v think_v strange_a that_o he_o shall_v so_o confident_o as●ert_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v without_o sin_n he_o explain_v his_o meaning_n in_o other_o three_o word_n show_v what_o he_o take_v to_o be_v a_o good_a conscience_n the_o 1._o word_n be_v willing_a which_o hold_v out_o his_o kindly_a inclination_n and_o the_o determinatness_n of_o his_o resolution_n anent_o the_o thing_n it_o be_v his_o desire_n design_n and_o delight_n to_o be_v right_a in_o every_o thing_n as_o nehemias_n be_v to_o fear_v god_n name_n and_o though_o he_o come_v so_o far_o short_a as_o that_o the_o evil_n which_o he_o will_v not_o he_o do_v and_o the_o good_a which_o he_o will_v fain_o have_v do_v he_o can_v not_o come_v at_o it_o yet_o he_o delight_v not_o he_o approve_v not_o himself_o in_o the_o evil_a neither_o do_v he_o design_v it_o but_o rather_o have_v it_o for_o his_o burden_n and_o affliction_n as_o he_o give_v we_o a_o account_n rom._n 7._o this_o then_o be_v the_o apostle_n meaning_n in_o that_o high_a assertion_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v his_o desire_n design_n endeavour_n and_o delight_n to_o have_v it_o so_o the_o ●_o d_o word_n be_v to_o live_v which_o in_o the_o original_n be_v to_o converse_v and_o look_n to_o his_o whole_a conversation_n it_o be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v holy_a in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o duty_n as_o in_o pray_v preach_v and_o the_o like_a but_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n the_o 3d_o word_n be_v honest_o which_o be_v the_o adverb_n of_o the_o same_o word_n call_v good_a before_o and_o signify_v to_o live_v pleasant_o desireable_o worthy_o or_o honourable_o even_o to_o live_v so_o as_o the_o gospel_n may_v not_o suffer_v by_o any_o thing_n in_o his_o walk_n and_o so_o as_o none_o of_o the_o seeker_n of_o god_n may_v be_v ashamed_a for_o his_o sake_n and_o so_o as_o none_o may_v be_v faint_v dishearten_v or_o discourage_v to_o pray_v for_o he_o as_o for_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o word_n you_o see_v they_o be_v subjoin_v to_o and_o connect_v with_o the_o immediate_o precede_v exhortation_n to_o pray_v for_o he_o and_o be_v give_v as_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v do_v so_o paul_n be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o his_o penman_n to_o write_v this_o epistle_n he_o do_v as_o its_o ordinary_a for_o he_o in_o other_o of_o his_o epistle_n commend_v himself_o to_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o saint_n to_o who_o he_o write_v and_o because_o he_o be_v ill_o speak_v of_o and_o misrepresent_v as_o a_o enemy_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o to_o the_o jewish_a n●tion_n lest_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o shall_v s●ick_v with_o they_o or_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o pray_v for_o he_o he_o obu●ats_v their_o objection_n as_o it_o be_v and_o say_v you_o may_v pray_v for_o we_o for_o however_o we_o be_v mistake_v and_o misreported_n of_o by_o many_o yet_o we_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n willing_a design_v and_o endeavour_v to_o live_v honest_o ●o_o as_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n may_v suffer_v in_o nothing_o by_o we_o but_o that_o rather_o the_o repute_n and_o interest_n thereof_o may_v be_v further_v and_o advance_v and_o by_o this_o he_o bind_v on_o they_o as_o you_o shall_v god_n will_v here_o the_o exhortation_n to_o pray_v for_o he_o we_o intend_v to_o insi_v on_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o verse_n yet_o because_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o scope_n may_v be_v of_o considerable_a use_n we_o shall_v short_o and_o but_o in_o pass_v touch_v on_o some_o observation_n from_o it_o the_o first_o whereof_o which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d be_v that_o a_o man_n that_o endeavour_v sincere_o and_o serious_o to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n may_v yet_o notwithstanding_o be_v exceed_o mistake_v and_o misrepresent_v in_o the_o world_n paul_n here_o find_v it_o needful_a to_o clear_v himself_o thus_o which_o he_o need_v not_o to_o have_v do_v if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v much_o mistake_v and_o misrepresent_v 2_o observe_v that_o a_o man_n under_o many_o mistake_n misrepresentation_n and_o reproach_n may_v have_v a_o good_a conscience_n so_o that_o a_o man_n be_v not_o in_o reference_n thereto_o obleidge_v to_o stand_v to_o other_o thought_n and_o judgement_n of_o he_o thus_o it_o be_v a_o small_a thing_n for_o this_o same_o apostle_n to_o be_v judge_v by_o man_n judgement_n as_o he_o tell_v we_o 1_o cor._n 4._o v._n 3._o therefore_o you_o will_v beware_v to_o lay_v weight_n on_o mistake_n mis-representation_n or_o false_a report_n of_o man_n since_o a_o good_a report_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n go_v not_o always_o together_o paul_n go_v through_o good_a report_n and_o ill_a report_n and_o digest_v all_o these_o thing_n so_o that_o his_o peace_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v not_o thereby_o mar_v 3_o observe_v that_o clearness_n as_o to_o a_o good_a conscience_n under_o mistake_n and_o reproach_n be_v a_o great_a and_o notable_a ground_n of_o con●idence_n and_o boldness_n to_o such_o as_o be_v so_o
to_o speak_v of_o i_o shall_v only_o say_v that_o if_o we_o compare_v the_o universality_n of_o the_o command_n with_o our_o obedience_n thereto_o and_o try_v if_o the_o one_o be_v as_o universal_a as_o the_o other_o be_v if_o there_o be_v a_o respect_n have_v to_o all_o the_o com●nds_n to_o these_o of_o the_o first_o as_o well_o as_o to_o these_o of_o the_o second_o table_n of_o the_o law_n to_o these_o of_o the_o gospel_n as_o well_o as_o to_o these_o of_o the_o law_n and_o if_o we_o take_v a_o view_n of_o our_o conversation_n in_o whole_a and_o in_o the_o part_n of_o it_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o worship_n and_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o our_o particular_a calling_n station_n and_o relation_n if_o a_o good_a conscience_n have_v be_v single_o aim_v at_o in_o all_o these_o at_o all_o time_n sabbath-day_n and_o weekday_n in_o all_o condition_n in_o prosperity_n and_o adversity_n in_o all_o place_n at_o home_o and_o abroad_o in_o the_o shop_n and_o in_o the_o family_n in_o journey_n by_o land_n and_o voyage_n by_o sea_n for_o conscience_n come_v in_o as_o concern_v in_o all_o place_n and_o in_o all_o company_n and_o will_v put_v the_o question_n whether_o we_o be_v call_v to_o go_v to_o such_o a_o place_n and_o to_o be_v in_o such_o a_o company_n or_o not_o and_o will_v expect_v a_o answer_n as_o to_o all_o these_o thing_n condition_n time_n place_n and_o company_n if_o i_o say_v we_o try_v conscience_n as_o to_o all_o these_o we_o will_v find_v that_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v a_o very_a rare_a thing_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_o either_o attain_v or_o entertain_v as_o many_o imagine_v it_o to_o be_v and_o that_o withal_o its_o evident_a and_o undeniable_a hence_o that_o the_o conscience_n of_o most_o man_n and_o woman_n be_v not_o so_o good_a as_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o aver_v they_o to_o be_v which_o they_o will_v one_o day_n find_v if_o a_o gracious_a change_n prevent_v not_o to_o their_o unspeakable_a and_o irreparable_a loss_n and_o prejudice_n sermon_n ii_o heb._n 13._o v_o 18._o pray_v for_o we_o for_o we_o trust_v we_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n willing_a to_o live_v honest_o true_a religion_n and_o godliness_n consist_v not_o only_o in_o the_o illumination_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o in_o the_o conception_n and_o contemplation_n of_o the_o truth_n concern_v god_n and_o the_o gospel_n but_o also_o and_o main_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o know_a duty_n thereof_o and_o very_o ordinary_o there_o be_v more_o of_o the_o concern_v of_o conscience_n and_o of_o its_o solid_a peace_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o more_o common_a and_o well_o know_v duty_n that_o be_v even_o at_o our_o hand_n then_o in_o the_o speculation_n of_o and_o painful_a search_n after_o thing_n that_o be_v more_o mysterious_a and_o obscure_a we_o will_v decry_v none_o of_o these_o nor_o dissuade_v any_o from_o a_o sober_a inquiry_n after_o they_o who_o be_v more_o call_v to_o it_o than_o other_o yet_o we_o will_v give_v every_o one_o of_o they_o their_o own_o due_a place_n and_o will_v by_o all_o mean_n take_v heed_n that_o we_o separate_v and_o divide_v not_o the_o power_n and_o practice_v of_o religion_n from_o the_o theory_n thereof_o and_o that_o we_o prefer_v not_o the_o search_n after_o some_o more_o cryptick_a and_o dark_a thing_n in_o religion_n to_o the_o serious_a practice_n of_o the_o more_o plain_a and_o obvious_a truth_n thereof_o for_o the_o prevent_n whereof_o as_o by_o other_o mean_n so_o we_o find_v the_o apostle_n very_o ordinary_o in_o the_o close_a of_o his_o epistle_n after_o more_o doctrinal_a discourse_n subjoyn_v some_o plain_a and_o familiar_a direction_n concern_v the_o practice_n of_o such_o duty_n that_o be_v general_o know_v and_o acknowledge_v among_o which_o this_o be_v one_o viz._n prayer_n for_o one_o another_o and_o more_o particular_o and_o especial_o for_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n pray_v for_o we_o faith_n he_o in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o verse_n we_o will_v then_o learn_v conscientious_o to_o improve_v our_o light_n and_o knowledge_n towards_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o most_o of_o these_o that_o be_v most_o necessary_a and_o particular_o we_o will_v learn_v to_o lay_v due_a weight_n on_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n minister_n will_v neither_o disdain_v nor_o think_v shame_n to_o call_v for_o the_o help_n of_o the_o people_n prayer_n neither_o will_v people_n neglect_v nor_o think_v it_o needless_a or_o a_o burden_n to_o they_o to_o take_v a_o serious_a lift_n of_o their_o minister_n in_o their_o prayer_n to_o god_n when_o we_o press_v obedience_n in_o all_o thing_n as_o the_o evidence_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n we_o will_v press_v obedience_n to_o this_o among_o the_o rest_n which_o whoever_o neglect_n will_v in_o so_o far_o mar_v the_o peace_n of_o their_o conscience_n before_o god_n for_o they_o can_v have_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n if_o they_o neglect_v or_o flight_v this_o piece_n of_o their_o duty_n therefore_o without_o further_a insist_v in_o it_o we_o exhort_v you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n pray_v for_o we_o the_o other_o thing_n in_o the_o verse_n whereof_o we_o begin_v to_o speak_v the_o last_o day_n be_v the_o reason_n or_o motive_n whereby_o paul_n press_v they_o to_o this_o duty_n by_o which_o a_o objection_n be_v obviate_v they_o may_v belike_o say_v at_o least_o think_v that_o he_o be_v a_o asperse_v reproach_v and_o ill-spoken_a of_o man_n and_o that_o therefore_o they_o have_v but_o small_a ground_n of_o encouragement_n to_o pray_v for_o he_o no_o say_v he_o notwithstanding_o these_o aspersion_n which_o be_v false_a and_o groundless_a pray_v for_o we_o for_o we_o trust_v we_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o because_o this_o assertion_n may_v look_v big_a he_o qualify_v it_o in_o the_o word_n follow_v wherein_o he_o clear_v what_o he_o mean_v and_o prove_v that_o he_o speak_v not_o at_o random_n we_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n will_v in_o all_o thing_n say_v he_o to_o live_v honest_o we_o may_v and_o do_v fail_v and_o come_v short_a as_o to_o the_o length_n we_o shall_v be_v 〈◊〉_d but_o it_o beside_o our_o purpose_n our_o desire_n design_n and_o endeavour_n be_v faithful_o to_o approve_v ourselves_o to_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n observe_v 1._o here_o that_o a_o honest_a and_o good_a life_n or_o walk_v and_o a_o honest_a and_o good_a conscience_n go_v together_o there_o be_v always_o a_o suitableness_n betwixt_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o person_n conscience_n within_o and_o the_o order_n of_o his_o walk_n and_o conversation_n without_o or_o thus_o as_o a_o man_n life_n be_v so_o be_v his_o conscience_n if_o the_o life_n and_o conversation_n be_v honest_a than_o a_o man_n may_v have_v and_o have_v a_o honest_a and_o good_a conscience_n but_o if_o his_o life_n and_o conversation_n be_v untender_a dishonest_a profane_a and_o louse_n he_o can_v possible_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n as_o the_o apostle_n plain_o affirm_v titus_n 1._o 15._o and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v clear_a because_o conscience_n well_o ground_v testimony_n must_v be_v according_a to_o truth_n and_o speak_v out_o the_o thing_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v and_o as_o when_o the_o thing_n be_v ill_a and_o wrong_n it_o can_v speak_v peace_n and_o good_a so_o when_o the_o thing_n be_v right_a it_o will_v not_o speak_v ill_o for_o use_v of_o it_o do_v not_o separat_fw-la these_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v conjoin_v think_v never_o to_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n when_o you_o have_v not_o a_o honest_a conversation_n it_o may_v be_v find_v without_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o a_o very_a diligent_a search_n that_o many_o do_v presumptuous_o and_o groundless_o speak_v and_o boast_v of_o a_o good_a conscience_n when_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o their_o conversation_n that_o look_v like_o it_o let_v be_v warrant_n it_o but_o if_o you_o will_v certain_o know_v the_o companion_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n take_v it_o from_o paul_n it_o be_v even_o a_o live_n honest_o i_o will_v only_o here_o have_v you_o to_o take_v this_o caveat_n in_o the_o by_o when_o we_o say_v that_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o a_o honest_a life_n or_o walk_n go_v together_o we_o will_v not_o have_v you_o to_o look_v to_o the_o connexion_n of_o these_o two_o so_o severe_o and_o rigid_o as_o if_o there_o can_v not_o be_v a_o good_a conscience_n but_o where_o there_o be_v a_o honest_a walk_n in_o its_o perfection_n without_o all_o slip_n or_o fail_n for_o we_o be_v now_o speak_v of_o a_o deliberate_a fix_v and_o settle_a purpose_n and_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o live_v and_o walk_v honest_o which_o may_v consist_v with_o slip_n and_o fall_n of_o infirmity_n this_o willingness_n to_o live_v
heart_n or_o delude_v conscience_n turn_v he_o aside_o so_o that_o he_o can_v deliver_v his_o soul_n that_o be_v he_o can_v wind_v and_o extricat_fw-la himself_o out_o of_o that_o thicket_n of_o self_n deceit_n so_o far_o as_o to_o bespeak_v himself_o thus_o be_v it_o not_o a_o lie_n that_o i_o be_o lipn_v and_o trust_v to_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v it_o that_o many_o of_o you_o have_v for_o a_o good_a conscience_n even_o a_o deceive_a heart_n or_o a_o delude_a conscience_n speak_v to_o you_o who_o will_v or_o what_o we_o can_v it_o be_v in_o some_o respect_n impossible_a to_o put_v you_o off_o that_o ●ancie_n and_o to_o awake_v you_o out_o of_o that_o dream_n that_o you_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o delusion_n be_v that_o man_n take_v not_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o sentence_n of_o conscience_n from_o god_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n but_o from_o their_o own_o mislead_a reason_n or_o from_o some_o common_a gift_n or_o from_o some_o piece_n of_o sense_n or_o some_o opinion_n and_o fancy_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n that_o be_v in_o some_o sort_n deceive_v by_o they_o and_o deceive_v they_o now_o all_o these_o delusion_n may_v be_v in_o these_o three_o respect_n 1._o in_o respect_n of_o thing_n doctrinal_a a_o man_n may_v be_v persuade_v that_o truth_n be_v a_o error_n and_o a_o error_n be_v a_o truth_n 2._o in_o respect_n of_o matter_n of_o practice_n a_o man_n may_v take_v a_o evil_n turn_v or_o action_n for_o a_o good_a one_o and_o have_v a_o sort_n of_o persuasion_n that_o it_o be_v so_o as_o the_o jew_n have_v in_o kill_v the_o apostle_n who_o think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n as_o the_o lord_n foretell_v john_n 16._o v_o 2._o and_o three_o in_o respect_n of_o a_o man_n estate_n who_o think_v he_o be_v in_o friendship_n with_o god_n when_o indeed_o he_o be_v not_o because_o he_o draw_v his_o conclusion_n from_o wrong_a premise_n either_o fail_v in_o the_o major_a proposition_n lay_v down_o a_o wrong_a rule_n or_o in_o the_o minor_a proposition_n apply_v the_o rule_n to_o himself_o partial_o these_o thing_n you_o shall_v take_v along_o with_o you_o in_o what_o we_o be_v to_o say_v further_o on_o this_o point_n now_o for_o the_o mark_n and_o evidence_n of_o a_o delude_a conscience_n beside_o these_o forementioned_a of_o a_o legal_a and_o of_o a_o presumptuous_a conscience_n which_o may_v be_v also_o mark_v of_o this_o it_o have_v these_o four_o or_o five_o especial_o accompany_v it_o 1._o a_o certain_a frothiness_n of_o spirit_n or_o a_o light_n unsettle_a frame_n the_o light_n that_o a_o delude_a man_n have_v in_o his_o state_n or_o way_n be_v but_o like_o a_o dream_n that_o have_v no_o reality_n in_o it_o he_o feed_v on_o ash_n and_o such_o a_o one_o will_v some_o way_n make_v more_o conscience_n of_o and_o take_v more_o pleasure_n in_o that_o wherein_o he_o be_v delude_v then_o in_o any_o other_o p●ece_n or_o practice_n of_o religion_n as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o jew_n in_o persecute_v the_o apostle_n and_o with_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n in_o seek_v to_o gain_v a_o prosylite_n and_o yet_o in_o all_o that_o they_o do_v they_o be_v but_o lick_v froth_n or_o s●um_n ephraim_n feed_v on_o wind_n hos._n 12._o 1._o what_o exercise_n of_o conscience_n they_o have_v about_o religion_n be_v without_o any_o sanctify_a effect_n it_o strick_v not_o at_o the_o body_n of_o death_n nor_o do_v it_o promove_v godliness_n it_o be_v ready_o some_o frivolous_a thing_n that_o they_o be_v so_o much_o take_v up_o with_o and_o be_v so_o eager_a in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o which_o prove_v but_o wind_n and_o ash_n to_o who_o it_o may_v be_v in_o some_o respect_n say_v as_o the_o apostle_n do_v to_o the_o galatian_n chap._n 3._o 3_o you_o begin_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o seek_v to_o be_v make_v perfect_a in_o the_o flesh_n a_o second_o mark_n of_o this_o be_v there_o be_v always_o in_o such_o a_o conscience_n a_o un-distinctness_a as_o to_o the_o ground_n whence_o the_o man_n consolation_n flow_v or_o there_o be_v much_o more_o suppose_a peace_n comfort_n joy_n and_o satisfaction_n than_o he_o can_v give_v any_o solid_a reason_n for_o and_o they_o be_v huge_o disproportion_v to_o the_o foundation_n they_o be_v build_v upon_o ask_v a_o hypocrite_n what_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o his_o so_o firm_a persuasion_n and_o of_o the_o comfort_n and_o joy_n result_v there_o from_o he_o will_v ready_o answer_v i_o think_v it_o be_v so_o or_o i_o hope_v it_o be_v so_o or_o if_o he_o come_v to_o be_v somewhat_o more_o particular_a in_o the_o account_n he_o give_v it_o will_v very_o ready_o be_v to_o this_o or_o some_o such_o purpose_n god_n have_v be_v very_o good_a and_o kind_a to_o i_o in_o such_o and_o such_o providence_n he_o have_v bestow_v on_o i_o such_o and_o such_o gift_n and_o benefit_n which_o yet_o be_v but_o thing_n external_a and_o common_a or_o he_o will_v it_o may_v be_v say_v i_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o such_o and_o such_o a_o strait_a and_o he_o hear_v and_o deliver_v i_o and_o i_o take_v that_o for_o a_o earnest_n that_o he_o will_v hear_v i_o also_o for_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a life_n as_o if_o ahab'_v deliverance_n from_o a_o temporary_a judgement_n on_o his_o humiliation_n have_v be_v to_o he_o indeed_o the_o earnest_n of_o heaven_n or_o it_o may_v be_v he_o will_v further_o say_v god_n have_v keep_v i_o from_o many_o sin_n and_o bestow_v many_o blessing_n on_o i_o which_o he_o may_v do_v unto_o and_o often_o do_v to_o mere_a natural_a man_n and_o therefore_o he_o will_v be_v merciful_a to_o i_o such_o conclusion_n be_v broad_a than_o the_o premise_n and_o the_o superstructure_n than_o the_o foundation_n and_o yet_o alace_o the_o persuasion_n of_o many_o be_v build_v upon_o such_o sandy_a foundation_n and_o be_v therefore_o but_o a_o delusion_n since_o it_o have_v no_o solid_a bottom_n thus_o some_o who_o be_v carry_v away_o with_o a_o error_n will_v say_v they_o can_v defend_v nor_o debate_n for_o such_o a_o thing_n but_o 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in_o they_o yet_o consider_v 1._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o institution_n of_o marriage_n and_o that_o of_o mal._n 2._o 15._o that_o he_o make_v but_o one_o man_n and_o one_o woman_n for_o the_o man_n that_o he_o may_v have_v a_o godly_a seed_n neither_o can_v the_o multiplication_n of_o mankind_n have_v sufficient_a weight_n to_o make_v it_o simple_o to_o be_v no_o sin_n 2_o consider_v the_o frequency_n of_o it_o or_o its_o be_v in_o so_o many_o that_o it_o become_v almost_o ordinary_a and_o three_o consider_v the_o effect_n that_o follow_v on_o it_o viz._n the_o many_o discontent_n and_o heartburning_n among_o the_o wife_n and_o child_n in_o the_o family_n of_o abraham_n and_o jacob_n it_o can_v absolute_o be_v excuse_v in_o all_o case_n and_o circumstance_n else_o it_o shall_v make_v a_o extraordinary_a dispensiation_n if_o indeed_o it_o be_v to_o be_v very_o ordinary_a which_o we_o have_v no_o warrant_n for_o a_o second_o instance_n be_v in_o job_n friend_n who_o be_v no_o question_n gracious_a man_n as_o the_o lord_n accept_v of_o they_o and_o job_n for_o they_o job_n 42._o 8._o show_v yet_o that_o they_o err_v and_o be_v wrong_v in_o a_o truth_n in_o their_o judgement_n be_v clear_a from_o v_o 7._o of_o that_o chapter_n where_o the_o lord_n tell_v they_o that_o they_o have_v not_o speak_v right_o as_o his_o servant_n job_n have_v do_v and_o that_o they_o do_v very_o un-tender_o handle_v job_n be_v also_o clear_a the_o 3d._a instance_n be_v in_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n they_o be_v believer_n no_o doubt_n according_a to_o christ_n own_o testimony_n give_v they_o john_n 17._o 8._o and_o yet_o we_o will_v find_v they_o in_o several_a thing_n think_v themselves_o to_o be_v right_a and_o that_o with_o some_o sort_n of_o persuasion_n when_o yet_o they_o be_v wrong_a as_o in_o that_o one_o tenet_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n which_o they_o fancy_v be_v to_o be_v with_o some_o earthly_a grandour_n and_o pomp_n and_o wherein_o they_o expect_v some_o worldy_a credit_n and_o greatness_n and_o in_o that_o of_o peter_n mat._n 16._o 22._o be_v it_o far_o from_o th●e_n lord_n this_o shall_v not_o be_v unto_o thou_o and_o if_o all_o the_o apostle_n have_v be_v put_v to_o a_o consultation_n it_o be_v like_a they_o will_v have_v dissuade_v he_o as_o well_o as_o peter_n do_v as_o when_o he_o say_v he_o be_v to_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n they_o say_v master_n the_o jew_n seek_v of_o late_a to_o stone_n thou_o and_o will_v thou_o go_v up_o thithe_a and_o yet_o how_o hateful_a this_o be_v to_o christ_n be_v clear_a from_o the_o whole_a strain_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o from_o his_o check_v of_o peter_n at_o that_o rate_n of_o holy_a severity_n save_v ●o_o he_o get_v thou_o behind_o i_o satan_n and_o the_o two_o son_n of_o zebedee_n mat._n 20._o 22._o tell_v they_o that_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o ask_v and_o act_v 1._o 7._o he_o declare_v to_o they_o that_o it_o be_v not_o for_o they_o to_o know_v the_o time_n and_o season_n which_o the_o father_n have_v put_v in_o his_o own_o power_n a_o four_o instance_n be_v that_o which_o be_v the_o very_a common_a tenet_n and_o opinion_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n among_o the_o jew_n viz_o that_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n of_o moses_n be_v not_o full_o abrogated_a by_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v clear_a from_o act_n 21._o and_o rom._n 14._o and_o 1_o cor._n 8._o 9_o and_o 10._o chapter_n and_o that_o there_o be_v much_o un-clearness_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o christian_a liberty_n they_o be_v some_o way_n root_v in_o their_o opinion_n anent_o the_o distinction_n of_o meat_n and_o day_n think_v that_o it_o be_v not_o take_v away_o and_o though_o the_o apostle_n determine_v it_o yet_o they_o can_v not_o easy_o be_v bring_v off_o from_o it_o for_o the_o second_o take_v some_o aggredge_a circumstance_n which_o will_v make_v this_o the_o more_o wonderful_a as_o 1._o that_o believer_n may_v err_v 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we_o have_v name_v viz._n the_o patriarch_n apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o we_o may_v add_v that_o of_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n act_v 15_o 36_o 39_o what_o the_o particular_a be_v about_o which_o the_o contest_v be_v we_o shall_v not_o offer_v now_o to_o decide_v it_o be_v sure_a in_o the_o matter_n one_o of_o they_o be_v wrong_v and_o it_o be_v like_a both_o in_o the_o manner_n and_o yet_o both_o though_o themselves_o to_o be_v right_a 3._o there_o may_v be_v mistake_n in_o very_o concern_v and_o important_a truth_n be_v not_o that_o a_o concern_v truth_n about_o which_o job_n friend_n dispute_v with_o he_o viz._n that_o god_n will_v not_o temporal_o plague_v a_o godly_a man_n and_o be_v not_o that_o a_o concern_v truth_n anent_o the_o nature_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n wherein_o the_o disciple_n be_v mistake_v and_o wrong_a and_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v not_o that_o of_o the_o father_n and_o other_o saint_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o bigamy_n and_o polygamy_n a_o concern_v thing_n yet_o all_o of_o they_o think_v themselves_o to_o be_v right_a neither_o do_v they_o for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v go_v against_o a_o explicit_a challenge_n of_o their_o conscience_n in_o that_o matter_n 4_o it_o be_v not_o one_o or_o two_o but_o many_o that_o may_v be_v under_o such_o mistake_n many_o of_o the_o father_n be_v mistake_v iob_n friend_n be_v so_o all_o the_o apostle_n be_v so_o many_o thousand_o yea_o ten_o thousand_o of_o the_o jew_n that_o believe_v as_o it_o be_v almost_o all_o the_o believer_n of_o that_o country_n be_v so_o be_v all_o zealous_a of_o the_o cerimoniall_a law_n when_o yet_o it_o be_v abrogat_fw-la 5_o they_o may_v be_v exceed_o fervent_a and_o forward_a &_o in_o that_o wherein_o they_o err_v very_o bend_v on_o it_o how_o vehement_o and_o eager_o do_v job_n friend_n pursue_v the_o dispute_n to_o beat_v he_o from_o a_o sound_a principle_n which_o they_o hold_v against_o he_o how_o serious_a be_v the_o apostle_n in_o these_o thing_n wherein_o they_o err_v how_o zealous_a be_v these_o sound_n believe_v jew_n for_o these_o ceremony_n even_o after_o the_o matter_n be_v otherwise_o determine_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o how_o hot_a be_v the_o contention_n betwixt_o barnabas_n and_o paul_n even_o so_o hot_a that_o they_o part_v company_n 6thly_a they_o may_v continue_v in_o such_o mistake_n notwithstanding_o many_o evidence_n that_o may_v serve_v to_o bring_v they_o off_o and_o against_o many_o relevant_a reason_n give_v they_o to_o the_o contrary_a how_o many_o un-answerable_a argument_n be_v adduce_v by_o job_n to_o persuade_v his_o friend_n of_o their_o mistake_n and_o yet_o have_v not_o the_o lord_n himself_o immediate_o interpose_v it_o be_v like_a they_o may_v have_v die_v without_o take_v with_o it_o how_o often_o do_v christ_n refute_v that_o opinion_n touch_v the_o nature_n of_o his_o kingdom_n by_o preach_v of_o suffering_n and_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o his_o death_n by_o tell_v his_o disciple_n express_o that_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n and_o that_o they_o behove●●o_v become_v as_o little_a child_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o of_o all_o this_o they_o continue_v in_o their_o error_n not_o only_o while_o christ_n be_v with_o they_o before_o his_o death_n but_o even_o after_o his_o resurrection_n as_o be_v clear_a act_v 1_o and_o we_o know_v what_o be_v the_o decree_n of_o the_o synod_n hold_v at_o jerusalem_n act_v 15._o concern_v christian_n liberty_n and_o how_o it_o be_v tell_v the_o believer_n in_o that_o time_n that_o a_o idol_n be_v nothing_o and_o yet_o they_o adhere_v to_o their_o mistake_n about_o their_o liberty_n and_o think_v still_o something_o of_o the_o idol_n as_o paul_n
preach_n of_o it_o aim_v at_o even_o to_o direct_v and_o help_v they_o how_o to_o come_v at_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o how_o to_o keep_v a_o good_a correspondence_n with_o their_o conscience_n so_o as_o they_o may_v be_v comfortable_o assure_v that_o they_o indeed_o have_v this_o good_a thing_n which_o be_v call_v a_o good_a conscience_n yet_o when_o conscience_n be_v abuse_v or_o not_o make_v right_o use_v of_o it_o turn_v to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a unfriend_n and_o enemy_n that_o man_n have_v in_o this_o world_n nay_o in_o that_o world_n which_o be_v to_o come_v have_v speak_v somewhat_o to_o this_o before_o and_o in_o the_o last_o observation_n that_o we_o draw_v from_o the_o former_a text_n which_o be_v that_o man_n ought_v to_o walk_v so_o as_o not_o to_o offend_v their_o conscience_n in_o any_o thing_n we_o shall_v now_o speak_v somewhat_o to_o one_o direction_n and_o help_n that_o be_v great_o if_o not_o main_o contributive_a and_o useful_a in_o order_n to_o the_o attain_n of_o that_o notable_a end_n which_o be_v this_o that_o man_n who_o aim_v to_o walk_v answerable_o to_o that_o rule_n so_o as_o in_o nothing_o they_o offend_v their_o conscience_n have_v need_n to_o observe_v careful_o the_o language_n of_o conscience_n it_o be_v not_o our_o purpose_n to_o stay_v on_o the_o particular_a consideration_n of_o the_o scope_n of_o this_o scripture_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o to_o name_n let_v be_v to_o prosecute_v all_o the_o point_n of_o doctrine_n that_o may_v be_v draw_v from_o it_o but_o only_o to_o discourse_v a_o little_a from_o the_o word_n enclose_v and_o shut_v up_o within_o a_o parenthesis_n as_o they_o relate_v to_o our_o end_n and_o design_n first_o then_o in_o a_o word_n the_o apostle_n be_v here_o put_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o external_a service_n and_o the_o internal_a power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n on_o the_o conscience_n and_o when_o he_o be_v speak_v of_o baptism_n he_o give_v this_o caveat_n and_o advertisement_n that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o wash_n of_o water_n in_o that_o ordinance_n that_o reach_v the_o great_a end_n of_o it_o but_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n 2_o he_o show_v that_o the_o difference_v and_o march-ridding_a character_n of_o the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o be_v in_o what_o answer_n the_o conscience_n give_v concern_v the_o thing_n that_o the_o man_n be_v about_o and_o declare_v that_o it_o be_v not_o simple_o a_o good_a conscience_n but_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n that_o give_v ground_n of_o hope_n and_o boldness_n of_o confidence_n to_o obtain_v the_o promise_n from_o the_o word_n these_o three_o observation_n arise_v clear_o first_o that_o there_o be_v a_o faculty_n in_o conscience_n that_o be_v able_a to_o give_v ●ne_a answer_n to_o a_o man_n concern_v his_o spiritual_a state_n and_o condition_n and_o concern_v his_o action_n so_o that_o if_o the_o question_n about_o these_o or_o any_o of_o they_o be_v put_v to_o the_o conscience_n it_o can_v return_v answer_n and_o signify_v its_o sense_n and_o give_v its_o verdict_n concern_v that_o which_o it_o be_v question_v about_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o conscience_n imply_v so_o much_o 2_o that_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o conscience_n be_v different_a and_o distinct_a from_o the_o outward_a answer_n of_o the_o mouth_n or_o profession_n for_o a_o man_n mouth_n and_o profession_n and_o the_o external_a ingadgement_n that_o he_o come_v under_o in_o baptism_n or_o any_o other_o ordinance_n or_o duty_n may_v say_v one_o thing_n or_o give_v one_o answer_n when_o the_o conscience_n may_v say_v another_o thing_n or_o give_v another_o answer_n concern_v the_o man_n sincerity_n in_o the_o thing_n 3_o that_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n that_o be_v one_fw-mi answer_v from_o the_o conscience_n on_o good_a ground_n testify_v a_o man_n sincerity_n be_v a_o most_o excellent_a and_o comfortable_a thing_n it_o be_v the_o first_o of_o these_o that_o we_o intend_v to_o speak_v a_o word_n to_o at_o this_o time_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v a_o way_n of_o get_v a_o answer_n from_o the_o conscience_n and_o of_o understand_v its_o mind_n about_o any_o thing_n that_o man_n shall_v put_v to_o it_o or_o thus_o conscience_n have_v a_o way_n of_o make_v know_v its_o mind_n and_o give_v a_o answer_n about_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v put_v unto_o it_o these_o word_n answer_v of_o conscience_n imply_v so_o much_o as_o we_o say_v especial_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o external_a service_n and_o administration_n of_o baptism_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o word_n before_o and_o it_o be_v yet_o more_o clear_a if_o we_o consider_v how_o the_o scop_n run_v in_o compare_v of_o these_o two_o together_o viz._n the_o verbal_a restipulation_n of_o these_o that_o be_v come_v to_o age_n and_o the_o inward_a answer_n of_o conscience_n there_o be_v the_o gospel_n on_o the_o one_o side_n require_v such_o a_o thing_n and_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o party_n baptize_v on_o the_o other_o side_n and_o the_o apostle_n make_v the_o answer_n of_o the_o conscience_n distinct_a from_o that_o though_o sometime_o it_o go_v along_o with_o it_o so_o that_o a_o man_n will_v not_o answer_v more_o clear_o to_o the_o thing_n than_o his_o conscience_n will_v when_o it_o be_v serious_o put_v to_o it_o this_o may_v be_v branch_v out_o in_o these_o three_o 1._o in_o respect_n of_o a_o man_n state_n 2._o in_o respect_n of_o some_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o heart_n embrace_v of_o it_o 3._o in_o respect_n of_o some_o practice_n or_o duty_n that_o a_o man_n be_v call_v to_o all_o these_o do_v fall_v under_o the_o answer_n of_o conscience_n when_o it_o be_v question_v about_o they_o but_o it_o be_v the_o last_o of_o they_o that_o we_o intend_v to_o speak_v to_o viz._n it_o be_v answer_n as_o relate_v to_o a_o christian_n duty_n and_o practice_n about_o which_o conscience_n be_v ask_v or_o pose_v be_v able_a to_o give_v he_o a_o answer_n which_o i_o shall_v clear_v from_o two_o ground_n and_o then_o come_v to_o the_o use._n the_o 1._o ground_n be_v take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o conscience_n which_o we_o some_o way_n explain_v when_o we_o begin_v to_o speak_v of_o this_o subject_n conscience_n be_v depute_v of_o god_n in_o man_n to_o take_v strict_a notice_n of_o every_o piece_n of_o his_o walk_n and_o practice_n and_o be_v the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n search_v all_o the_o inward_a part_n of_o the_o belly_n to_o let_v man_n see_v what_o god_n call_v to_o and_o to_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n their_o duty_n this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o office_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o end_n why_o god_n have_v place_v it_o in_o man_n it_o be_v no_o doubt_n furnish_v with_o such_o a_o faculty_n if_o we_o may_v speak_v so_o as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o answer_n concern_v what_o it_o be_v query_v about_o more_o particular_o it_o have_v a_o threefold_a power_n in_o reference_n to_o a_o man_n way_n and_o thus_o it_o represent_v god_n in_o three_o of_o his_o attribut_n 1._o it_o have_v a_o power_n of_o counsel_v advise_v and_o carve_v out_o of_o a_o man_n duty_n so_o that_o when_o he_o doubt_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v conscience_n have_v a_o power_n to_o advise_v he_o and_o give_v he_o a_o answer_n and_o this_o be_v call_v the_o dictate_v of_o the_o conscience_n answerable_a to_o the_o sovereign_a authority_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o command_v all_o his_o creature_n to_o who_o conscience_n be_v subordinat_a in_o which_o respect_n man_n be_v condemn_v for_o thwart_v with_o their_o conscience_n rom._n 1._o ult_n who_o know_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n that_o they_o that_o commit_v such_o thing_n be_v worthy_a of_o death_n not_o only_o do_v the_o same_o but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o they_o that_o do_v they_o here_o be_v conscience_n dictate_v to_o man_n what_o they_o shall_v do_v before_o they_o do_v 2_o there_o be_v a_o power_n or_o something_o in_o the_o conscience_n that_o go_v along_o with_o a_o man_n act_v or_o that_o wait_v on_o he_o in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o act_n in_o duty_n and_o this_o especial_o be_v call_v the_o testify_a of_o conscience_n or_o it_o be_v bear_a witness_n concern_v the_o sincerity_n or_o un-soundness_n of_o the_o act_n not_o on●y_o do_v the_o man_n mouth_n speak_v and_o his_o hand_n do_v but_o the_o conscience_n will_v give_v answer_n if_o the_o heart_n be_v go_v along_o with_o the_o man_n speak_v and_o do_v or_o not_o wherein_o it_o represent_v god_n omniscience_n or_o all-knowledge_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o psal._n 27._o 8._o david_n say_v when_o thou_o say_v seek_v you_o my_o face_n my_o bear_v it_o answer_v thy_o face_n will_v i_o seek_v o_o lord_n and_o psal._n 16._o 2._o o_o my_o soul_n thou_o
ignorance_n that_o may_v and_o will_v make_v we_o mistake_v conscience_n when_o it_o answer_v clear_o and_o this_o come_v to_o pass_v when_o through_o ignorance_n we_o know_v not_o nor_o can_v take_v up_o the_o voice_n of_o conscience_n as_o different_a from_o that_o of_o our_o affection_n or_o inclination_n nor_o the_o ground_n by_o which_o conscience_n do_v evidence_n its_o answer_n as_o young_a samuel_n take_v god_n voice_n at_o first_o for_o the_o voice_n of_o old_a eli_n thus_o man_n may_v have_v a_o impulse_n and_o some_o exercise_n of_o conscience_n a●_n out_o a_o thing_n and_o it_o may_v be_v tell_v its_o mind_n to_o they_o and_o yet_o through_o their_o ignorance_n and_o inadvertancy_n no●_n discern_v and_o take_v up_o what_o it_o say_v their_o exercise_n may_v continue_v and_o they_o remain_v in_o the_o dark_a anent_o the_o particular_a a_o second_o case_n wherein_o folk_n may_v remain_v unclear_a or_o mistake_v where_o conscience_n answer_v clear_o be_v when_o their_o inclination_n or_o affection_n sway_n to_o one_o side_n and_o conscience_n swey_v to_o another_o then_o ready_o the_o affection_n make_v such_o a_o noise_n and_o clamour_n and_o inclination_n and_o tentation_n so_o sway_a and_o drive_v to_o the_o contrary_a that_o the_o voice_n of_o conscience_n be_v not_o take_v up_o yea_o scarce_o hear_v even_o as_o when_o a_o case_n be_v propose_v to_o a_o judge_n and_o he_o speak_v sober_o in_o determine_v the_o same_o the_o unsatisfy_a party_n raise_v such_o a_o clamour_n and_o noise_n that_o his_o determination_n be_v not_o understand_v no●_n it_o may_v be_v so_o much_o as_o hear_v so_o it_o be_v when_o man_n be_v bias_v with_o their_o own_o inclination_n and_o affection_n though_o conscience_n speak_v yet_o these_o will_v speak_v out_o answer_v to_o convince_v and_o persuade_v to_o the_o contrary_a as_o it_o be_v with_o balaam_n who_o will_v not_o understand_v as_o it_o be_v nor_o take_v the_o answer_n which_o he_o get_v but_o go_v again_o and_o again_o for_o another_o or_o as_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n do_v often_o when_o the_o prophet_n tell_v they_o clear_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o lord_n yet_o they_o will_v needs_o contradict_v he_o as_o we_o see_v they_o do_v jer._n 43._o 2_o and_o say_v it_o be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o he_o be_v set_v on_o by_o some_o other_o to_o speak_v so_o their_o inclination_n and_o affection_n be_v swey_v to_o such_o a_o side_n a_o three_o case_n be_v when_o man_n own_a particular_a interest_n lie_v one_o way_n and_o the_o answer_n of_o conscience_n swey_v another_o way_n as_o suppose_v gain_n to_o be_v on_o this_o side_n and_o conscience_n speak_v duty_n to_o be_v on_o the_o other_o interest_n will_v say_v that_o such_o a_o place_n call_z or_o station_n shall_v be_v take_v and_o engage_v in_o because_o it_o have_v gain_v and_o preferment_n with_o it_o but_o conscience_n say_v it_o shall_v be_v forbear_v and_o here_o interest_n sustain_v the_o dispute_n and_o carry_v it_o on_o tough_o and_o pertinacious_o against_o conscience_n with_o plausible_a argument_n that_o side_n and_o suit_n well_o with_o and_o much_o please_v and_o gratify_v our_o flesh_n which_o yet_o may_v be_v very_o easy_o refute_v if_o interest_n have_v not_o the_o great_a hand_n in_o propose_v and_o manage_v they_o hence_o the_o apostle_n 1_o tim._n 6._o 5._o speak_v of_o some_o perverse_a dispute_n of_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n and_o destitute_a of_o the_o truth_n who_o suppose_v gain_v to_o be_v godliness_n for_o when_o gain_n present_v itself_o as_o easy_a to_o be_v find_v and_o come_v by_o in_o such_o a_o way_n it_o will_v ready_o pass_v for_o godliness_n this_o be_v very_o dangerous_a and_o make_v the_o answer_n of_o conscience_n to_o be_v either_o mistake_v or_o ●asten_v and_o reject_v a_o four_o case_n more_o ready_o incident_a to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n though_o it_o may_v be_v also_o in_o other_o be_v when_o fear_n and_o unbelief_n thwart_o conscience_n press_v to_o such_o a_o duty_n as_o suppose_v it_o be_v a_o duty_n that_o have_v many_o difficulty_n attend_v it_o as_o hazard_v of_o life_n or_o of_o state_n of_o confinment_n or_o of_o banishment_n fear_v and_o unbellef_n will_v come_v in_o and_o dispute_v that_o such_o and_o such_o a_o thing_n can_v be_v duty_n though_o conscience_n say_v the_o contrary_a so_o it_o be_v with_o achaz_n isa._n 7._o 12._o i_o will_v not_o say_v he_o ask_v neither_o will_v i_o tempt_v the_o lord_n in_o his_o fear_n and_o unbelief_n he_o will_v not_o wait_v the_o answer_n of_o conscience_n neither_o ●an_v he_o abide_v to_o take_v god_n word_n and_o direction_n but_o this_o do_v not_o only_o prevail_v with_o wicked_a never_o do-well_a achaz_n but_o it_o be_v in_o a_o measure_n in_o eminent_o godly_a moses_n exod._n 6._o 12._o who_o in_o his_o fear_n and_o unbelief_n dispute_v against_o god_n clear_a call_n and_o say_v will_v pharaoh_n hear_v i_o as_o also_o in_o jeremiah_n who_o chap._n 1._o v._n 6._o allege_v against_o god_n clear_a call_n that_o he_o be_v but_o a_o child_n and_o the_o like_a of_o such_o excuse_n and_o shift_n as_o these_o be_v make_v to_o god_n own_o call_v and_o answer_n much_o more_o may_v they_o be_v make_v to_o the_o answer_n of_o conscience_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o question_n the_o second_o question_n be_v see_v conscience_n may_v be_v silent_a or_o though_o it_o answer_v may_v not_o be_v take_v up_o nor_o understand_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o and_o the_o like_a case_n answer_v 1._o we_o shall_v aim_v to_o know_v if_o our_o unclearnesse_n in_o such_o a_o particular_a proceed_v from_o the_o silence_n of_o conscience_n or_o from_o some_o tentation_n or_o distemper_n of_o spirit_n in_o we_o 2_o whither_o it_o flow_v from_o a_o sinful_a cause_n on_o our_o part_n or_o from_o god_n sovereignty_n 3_o we_o shall_v learn_v how_o to_o apply_v ourselves_o aright_o to_o take_v up_o these_o cause_n 4thly_a what_o it_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v do_v when_o none_o of_o these_o be_v discern_v 5thly_a what_o it_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v do_v if_o our_o unclearnesse_n and_o darkness_n continue_v or_o what_o general_a ground_n may_v warrant_v we_o in_o our_o choice_n or_o how_o we_o ought_v to_o make_v use_n of_o these_o general_a ground_n when_o we_o can_v take_v up_o particular_n for_o the_o 1._o direction_n in_o such_o a_o case_n we_o say_v when_o man_n have_v unclearnesse_n they_o shall_v inquire_v 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v one_fw-mi unclearnesse_n from_o a_o silence_n in_o the_o conscience_n or_o from_o a_o tentation_n or_o distemper_n in_o themselves_o and_o if_o this_o once_o be_v know_v the_o cause_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n win_v for_o if_o it_o be_v know_v to_o be_v a_o tentation_n or_o a_o sinful_a distemper_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v stand_v on_o though_o what_o we_o be_v call_v to_o thwart_o our_o own_o inclination_n and_o affection_n and_o speak_v out_o matter_n of_o fear_n and_o hazard_n as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o case_n of_o moses_n and_o jeremiah_n when_o god_n make_v the_o man_n to_o put_v his_o hand_n into_o his_o bosom_n as_o it_o be_v as_o if_o the_o result_n be_v to_o be_v have_v there_o that_o clear_v he_o and_o he_o yield_v and_o if_o it_o flow_v not_o from_o any_o tentation_n or_o distemper_n we_o shall_v look_v forward_o and_o inquire_v from_o what_o cause_n it_o come_v but_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v here_o how_o shall_v people_n know_v whither_o their_o unclearnesse_n do_v proceed_v from_o a_o sinful_a distemper_n in_o themselves_o or_o from_o the_o silence_n of_o conscience_n not_o speak_v at_o all_o answer_v to_o find_v out_o this_o will_v be_v a_o piece_n of_o christian_a exerc●e_n and_o will_v need_v much_o humility_n and_o self-denial_n a_o heavenly_a frame_n and_o much_o serious_a prayer_n to_o god_n and_o though_o 〈◊〉_d be_v difficult_a to_o condescend_v on_o particular_a rule_n in_o 〈◊〉_d case_n yet_o we_o shall_v give_v some_o general_a consideration_n that_o will_v help_v how_o to_o find_v it_o out_o and_o 1._o see_v i●_n you_o be_v indifferent_a in_o the_o thing_n if_o it_o be_v so_o in_o it_o be_v own_o nature_n for_o if_o it_o be_v a_o tentation_n or_o sinful_a distemper_n that_o prevail_v you_o will_v not_o be_v indifferent_a but_o fix_v resolute_a and_o peremptory_a inclination_n affection_n or_o interest_n will_v sway_n you_o to_o one_o side_n and_o hold_v you_o there_o and_o therefore_o your_o great_a work_n shall_v be_v to_o see_v if_o you_o be_v single_a and_o unbiased_a and_o for_o this_o end_n consider_v 1._o if_o you_o have_v your_o choice_n what_o it_o will_v be_v and_o if_o the_o heart_n confident_o adventure_v to_o make_v the_o choice_n and_o if_o you_o be_v incline_v more_o to_o the_o one_o side_n then_o to_o the_o other_o it_o be_v presumption_n
be_v most_o countenance_v by_o divine_a providence_n most_o feasible_a and_o likely_a to_o to_o make_v the_o end_n effectual_a a_o 3d._n help_v be_v in_o our_o singleness_n in_o our_o motion_n and_o in_o our_o yield_v to_o that_o which_o after_o examination_n and_o deliberation_n we_o have_v ●ound_v or_o suppose_v to_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n 〈◊〉_d that_o when_o conscience_n have_v propose_v the_o case_n it_o have_v a_o testimony_n in_o itself_o that_o it_o have_v make_v that_o proposal_n sincere_o and_o impartia_o that_o respect_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o main_o swey_v we_o and_o in●ned_v we_o to_o this_o or_o that_o hand_n and_o that_o we_o apprehend_v this_o way_n to_o be_v most_o conduce_v to_o that_o end_n in_o this_o case_n though_o conscience_n speak_v no●_n so_o direct_o for_o the_o clearness_n of_o such_o a_o thing_n yet_o it_o can_v ready_o quarrel_v with_o a_o person_n who_o have_v single_o endeavour_v before_o hand_n to_o satisfy_v it_o and_o who_o have_v its_o testimony_n that_o god_n glory_n be_v the_o thing_n that_o main_o swey_v he_o and_o nothing_o else_o this_o w●_n conceive_v be_v that_o whereof_o the_o apo●ile_n speak_v 2_o cor._n 1._o v._n 12._o this_o be_v our_o rejoice_v the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o our_o conscience_n etc._n etc._n these_o three_o thing_n be_v put_v together_o the_o conscience_n may_v have_v peace_n the_o thing_n itself_o be_v lawful_a because_o this_o general_a rule_n will_v bear_v it_o out_o in_o scripture-reason_n which_o conscience_n will_v not_o speak_v against_o there_o be_v only_o one_o word_n further_o i_o will_v speak_v to_o this_o purpose_n christian_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o think_v that_o all_o the_o difficulty_n lie_v here_o even_o in_o be_v single_a and_o sincere_a and_o indeed_o it_o do_v so_o for_o the_o want_n of_o it_o ma●s_v peace_n and_o the_o have_v of_o it_o gives_z great_a ground_n of_o peace_n i_o shall_v give_v you_o therefore_o three_o qualifications_n whereby_o you_o may_v try_v your_o sincerity_n first_o consider_v and_o try_v what_o frame_n of_o heart_n you_o be_v in_o for_o if_o you_o be_v not_o in_o a_o good_a frame_n of_o heart_n it_o can_v hardly_o be_v say_v that_o sincerity_n sweye_v you_o there_o will_v therefore_o much_o tenderness_n be_v study_v and_o to_o have_v a_o deep_a impression_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n of_o the_o awe_n and_o dread_n of_o he_o and_o of_o his_o word_n on_o our_o spirit_n 2_o look_v what_o weight_n challenge_v for_o by_o go_v neglect_n o●_n 〈◊〉_d performance_n of_o duty_n or_o un-straightness_n in_o any_o of_o they_o have_v with_o you_o for_o sincerity_n be_v never_o ready_o more_o evident_a then_o when_o we_o have_v distinct_a reflection_n upon_o our_o way_n and_o the_o suitable_a sense_n of_o some_o bygon_n sin_n in_o that_o case_n we_o will_v no●_n be_v in_o such_o hazard_n to_o give_v way_n to_o or_o to_o comply_v with_o what_o may_v breed_v a_o 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by_o many_o as_o a_o very_a great_a and_o hard_a work_n and_o they_o may_v think_v that_o all_o this_o make_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o business_n about_o keep_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n and_o it_o do_v so_o indeed_o i_o will_v have_v you_o consider_v 〈◊〉_d three_o word_n for_o answer_v such_o thought_n 1._o that_o 〈◊〉_d great_a and_o difficult_a work_n to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o you_o will_v find_v it_o that_o 〈◊〉_d i●_n now_o one_o day_n to_o your_o cost_n to_o have_v be_v a_o great_a work_n and_o ●n_o up-taking_a exercise_n yet_o we_o will_v not_o think_v the_o worse_a of_o it_o for_o that_o since_o there_o be_v nothing_o excellent_a that_o have_v not_o difficulty_n in_o it_o 2_o i_o will_v say_v this_o that_o you_o will_v consider_v that_o though_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n indifferent_a in_o themselves_o as_o eat_v and_o drink_v marry_v live_v here_o or_o there_o etc._n etc._n yet_o to_o we_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o and_o as_o they_o be_v circumstantiate_v they_o be_v not_o indifferent_a but_o when_o do_v they_o be_v either_o sinful_a as_o not_o be_v according_o to_o the_o rule_n or_o approven_v and_o acceptable_a as_o be_v according_a to_o it_o we_o will_v therefore_o be_v very_o watchful_a and_o tender_a in_o our_o do_v and_o use_v of_o thing_n in_o themselves_o lawful_a nam_fw-la perimus_fw-la licitis_fw-la 3_o let_v i_o say_v that_o i_o do_v not_o intend_v by_o what_o i_o have_v say_v to_o put_v your_o conscience_n on_o the_o rack_n or_o to_o stint_v and_o limit_v you_o by_o art_n as_o it_o be_v to_o find_v out_o light_a for_o i_o know_v these_o thing_n be_v not_o always_o explicit_a even_o in_o many_o conscientious_a person_n but_o that_o which_o i_o design_v and_o drive_v at_o by_o this_o discourse_n be_v that_o you_o may_v serious_o mind_n and_o look_v after_o the_o thing_n and_o endeavour_v to_o walk_v according_a to_o these_o rule_n on_o the_o matter_n and_o to_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o your_o conscience_n that_o it_o be_v these_o rule_v you_o allow_v yourselves_o in_o such_o case_n to_o be_v swey_v and_o guide_v by_o this_o will_v give_v you_o peace_n and_o nothing_o less_o will_v do_v it_o sermon_n i._n rome_n 9_o 1._o i_o say_v the_o truth_n in_o christ_n i_o lie_v not_o my_o conscience_n also_o bear_v i_o witness_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o lord_n our_o god_n be_v the_o true_a god_n a_o god_n of_o truth_n even_o truth_n itself_o the_o first_o great_a original_n and_o eternal_a truth_n who_o by_o the_o most_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o his_o incomprehensible_o bless_a nature_n be_v infinite_o remove_v as_o from_o all_o possibility_n of_o be_v 〈◊〉_d or_o impose_v on_o by_o a_o lie_n himself_o so_o from_o all_o possibility_n of_o deceive_v or_o lie_v to_o other_o and_o to_o say_v as_o some_o dare_a man_n of_o late_a have_v do_v that_o god_n may_v deceive_v if_o he_o will_v be_v not_o only_o of_o harsh_a sound_n in_o christian_a ear_n but_o to_o be_v explode_v and_o execrate_v as_o insinuate_v that_o the_o glorious_a majesty_n of_o god_n might_n if_o he_o will_v and_o so_o please_v cease_v to_o be_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n or_o a_o true_a god_n which_o consider_v the_o identification_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o attribute_n be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v that_o he_o may_v if_o he_o will_v cease_v to_o be_v god_n as_o the_o strength_n of_o israel_n can_v lie_v neither_o be_v he_o a_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v lie_v so_o he_o love_v truth_n in_o the_o inward_a part_n and_o command_v man_n to_o speak_v truth_n every_o one_o to_o his_o neighbour_n and_o peremptory_o prohibi●eth_v all_o lie_v not_o only_o all_o pernicious_a lie_v on_o design_n to_o hurt_v but_o also_o all_o officious_a
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 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unto_o every_o good_a work_n it_o furnish_v he_o with_o light_n and_o direction_n not_o only_a in_o the_o matter_n as_o ●_o say_v but_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v 2._o 〈◊〉_d that_o a_o man_n in_o all_o his_o action_n be_v either_o walk_v according_a and_o agreeable_o to_o t●at_a rule_n or_o not_o his_o action_n be_v ei●her_o conform_v or_o disconform_v to_o the_o rule_n there_o be_v not_o a_o mid_n he_o either_o do_v according_a to_o it_o or_o he_o do_v not_o according_a to_o it_o if_o he_o do_v the_o action_n as_o the_o word_n prescribe_v conscience_n have_v something_o to_o say_v for_o he_o if_o no●_n it_o have_v something_o to_o say_v against_o he_o 3._o 〈◊〉_d that_o in_o all_o action_n as_o they_o be_v ●one_n or_o perform_v and_o as_o 〈◊〉_d god_n be_v either_o please_v or_o displease_v if_o the_o action_n be_v do_v according_a to_o his_o will_n he_o be_v please_v if_o it_o be_v not_o do_v according_a to_o his_o will_n he_o be_v displease_v 4._o con●ider_v that_o a_o sanctify_a conscience_n take_v up_o a_o man_n action_n and_o consider_v he_o in_o they_o not_o according_a to_o the_o matter_n only_o bu●_n also_o as_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o rule_n for_o the_o manner_n principle_n motive_n and_o end_n and_o testifi_v of_o they_o according_o so_o that_o if_o god_n have_v a_o interest_n in_o all_o a_o man_n action_n a_o sanctify_a conscience_n have_v also_o a_o interest_n in_o they_o i_o say_v a_o sanctify_a conscience_n because_o it_o most_o single_o plea●eth_v god_n interest_n this_o be_v true_a also_o of_o a_o natural_a conscience_n according_a to_o its_o light_n for_o even_o such_o a_o conscience_n as_o it_o be_v say_v rom._n 2._o 5._o bear_v witness_v and_o the_o gentile_n show_v the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heat●s_n their_o conscience_n also_o bear_v witness_n and_o their_o thought_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n accuse_v or_o else_o excuse_v one_o another_o and_o there_o be_v no_o natural_a man_n if_o he_o take_v heed_n to_o his_o conscience_n in_o the_o do_n of_o any_o action_n but_o will_v find_v conscience_n according_a to_o its_o light_n speak_v either_o for_o he_o or_o against_o he_o either_o accuse_v or_o else_o excuse_v he_o but_o this_o be_v much_o more_o to_o be_v find_v be_v a_o sanctify_a conscience_n because_o it_o have_v much_o more_o light_n and_o much_o more_o tenderness_n to_o act_v according_a ●o_o that_o light_n and_o therefore_o it_o will_v find_v itself_o much_o more_o concern_v in_o the_o action_n of_o a_o believer_n the_o first_o use_n be_v for_o information_n and_o instruction_n in_o a_o ma●n_n practical_a point_n of_o religion_n relate_v to_o man_n conversation_n most_o man_n 〈◊〉_d think_v that_o conscience_n be_v not_o concern_v except_o in_o some_o great_a thing_n some_o palpable_o sinful_a thing_n or_o some_o thing_n immediate_o relate_v to_o religion_n and_o that_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n they_o may_v live_v as_o they_o like_v without_o take_v notice_n of_o conscience_n but_o ●_o s●y_o and_o have_v clear_v it_o that_o conscience_n have_v ●n_v 〈◊〉_d and_o concern_v in_o every_o action_n not_o only_o as_o to_o put_v man_n to_o undertake_v it_o whereof_o we_o speak_v before_o but_o also_o as_o to_o their_o manner_n of_o perform_v the_o same_o it_o not_o only_o put_v a_o man_n to_o think_v speak_v or_o do_v but_o it_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o think_n speak_a and_o do_v conscience_n in_o every_o one_o of_o these_o have_v somewhat_o to_o say_v viz._n that_o we_o be_v either_o right_a or_o wrong_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o all_o a_o christian_a man_n action_n may_v be_v take_v up_o in_o a_o twofold_a respect_n or_o under_o a_o twofold_a consideration_n 1._o
conscience_n and_o study_v to_o carry_v it_o along_o with_o he_o in_o the_o very_a time_n of_o his_o act_n our_o heart_n be_v like_a to_o a_o distemper_a clock_n or_o watch_n which_o be_v just_a now_o set_v never_o so_o right_a ere_o we_o be_v aware_a it_o will_v go_v wrong_a it_o will_v point_v the_o hour_n aright_o now_o and_o within_o a_o little_a it_o be_v quite_o out_o of_o course_n because_o there_o be_v some_o defect_n or_o fault_n within_o the_o wheel_n not_o be_v even_o or_o the_o balance_n not_o just_o poise_v or_o some_o other_o such_o cause_n even_o so_o though_o our_o heart_n be_v in_o a_o suitable_a frame_n just_a now_o present_o and_o ere_o we_o turn_v we_o about_o as_o it_o be_v it_o be_v out_o of_o frame_n so_o that_o we_o can_v well_o take_v our_o aim_n from_o it_o it_o be_v so_o very_o deceitful_a that_o it_o abide_v not_o in_o frame_n 3_o consider_v that_o unless_o this_o reflect_v on_o conscience_n in_o the_o time_n of_o perform_v the_o action_n or_o duty_n be_v a_o man_n will_v be_v at_o a_o loss_n of_o one_o of_o these_o two_o he_o will_v either_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n as_o to_o his_o ●ober_a compose_a and_o holy_a frame_n and_o turn_v carnal_a which_o be_v frequent_o and_o ready_o incident_a even_o to_o believer_n or_o he_o will_v be_v at_o a_o loss_n as_o to_o the_o confidence_n boldness_n and_o peace_n that_o he_o may_v otherwise_o have_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o such_o a_o action_n or_o duty_n for_o suppose_v a_o person_n to_o be_v in_o a_o good_a frame_n after_o he_o have_v resolve_v on_o a_o duty_n let_v it_o be_v for_o instance_n speak_v to_o edification_n go_v about_o prayer_n or_o the_o make_n of_o some_o lawful_a bargain_n or_o the_o like_a and_o he_o have_v abundant_a light_n and_o clearness_n in_o his_o call_n to_o the_o thing_n yet_o if_o he_o look_v not_o to_o and_o reflect_v not_o on_o conscience_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o that_o duty_n when_o a_o challenge_n come_v on_o the_o back_n of_o it_o as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v wrong_n he_o can_v well_o answer_v nor_o repel_v it_o his_o be_v right_o be_v to_o he_o in_o that_o case_n in_o some_o respect_n little_a or_o no_o better_a than_o if_o he_o have_v be_v wrong_n because_o he_o observe_v not_o conscience_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o action_n and_o this_o be_v one_o great_a reason_n no_o doubt_n why_o believer_n have_v so_o little_a positive_a peace_n when_o they_o have_v do_v a_o good_a turn_n because_o they_o do_v not_o advert_v what_o conscience_n say_v to_o they_o in_o their_o go_n about_o it_o they_o be_v hereby_o also_o great_o at_o a_o lose_v as_o to_o many_o sweet_a experience_n of_o god_n kindness_n and_o condescend_v in_o assist_v they_o and_o of_o their_o own_o singleness_n win_v at_o through_o grace_n in_o the_o perform_n of_o duty_n and_o we_o think_v also_o that_o christian_n live_v so_o much_o by_o a_o negative_a peace_n to_o speak_v so_o flow_v much_o from_o this_o ground_n viz._n their_o little_a reflect_v in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o do_v duty_n if_o once_o they_o be_v clear_a in_o the_o thing_n whither_o they_o be_v suitable_o serious_a and_o sincere_a in_o it_o and_o so_o let_v the_o opportunity_n go_v by_o they_o be_v not_o so_o thorough_o clear_a in_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v evidence_n of_o a_o positive_a peace_n in_o do_v of_o such_o a_o duty_n right_o as_o they_o may_v otherways_o be_v the_o first_a use_n serve_v to_o give_v you_o a_o evidence_n and_o mark_v of_o a_o tender_a walk_n and_o of_o a_o man_n that_o be_v tender_a in_o his_o walk_n he_o be_v such_o a_o man_n that_o will_v not_o only_o ask_v his_o conscience_n ere_o he_o begin_v a_o action_n but_o when_o he_o be_v a_o do_v of_o it_o what_o it_o think_v of_o it_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n that_o a_o tender_a christian_a will_v reflect_v upon_o in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o do_v a_o action_n or_o duty_n 1._o he_o will_v reflect_v upon_o his_o manner_n of_o perform_v it_o whither_o it_o be_v a_o natural_a action_n such_o as_o eat_v and_o drink_v a_o civil_a action_n such_o as_o buy_v and_o sell_v a_o religious_a action_n such_o as_o pray_v or_o hear_v etc._n etc._n he_o will_v look_v that_o in_o they_o all_o he_o be_v single_a that_o his_o eat_v and_o drink_v be_v to_o fit_v he_o to_o serve_v god_n that_o in_o his_o buy_v and_o sell_v he_o seek_v not_o only_o his_o own_o thing_n but_o the_o good_a of_o his_o neighbour_n as_o well_o as_o his_o own_o good_a that_o in_o his_o pray_v or_o hear_v he_o be_v sincere_a that_o it_o be_v in_o faith_n and_o according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n 2_o he_o will_v reflect_v on_o himself_o in_o the_o perform_n of_o his_o action_n that_o he_o be_v in_o a_o right_a frame_n that_o he_o be_v tender_a and_o sincere_a that_o some_o awe_n of_o god_n and_o of_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v on_o he_o that_o his_o spirit_n be_v sober_a and_o compose_v that_o a_o carnal_a frame_n steal_v not_o in_o upon_o he_o in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o do_v a_o warrantable_a action_n or_o a_o command_v duty_n because_o that_o will_v mar_v it_o 3_o he_o will_v reflect_v upon_o his_o conscience_n that_o he_o may_v hear_v what_o it_o say_v of_o the_o action_n he_o will_v not_o as_o it_o be_v take_v his_o testimony_n from_o himself_o but_o conscience_n be_v as_o a_o distinct_a thing_n some_o way_n from_o himself_o he_o will_v hear_v what_o it_o say_v as_o paul_n do_v here_o it_o be_v truth_n which_o he_o speak_v and_o he_o speak_v it_o in_o the_o right_a manner_n and_o yet_o he_o take_v a_o look_n of_o his_o conscience_n if_o he_o be_v do_v so_o in_o very_a deed_n to_o wit_n sincere_o as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n yea_o more_o he_o take_v the_o testimony_n of_o his_o conscience_n if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o and_o thus_o here_o he_o look_v not_o to_o nor_o reflect_v on_o his_o conscience_n to_o alter_v any_o piece_n of_o his_o way_n but_o to_o have_v its_o sense_n of_o that_o piece_n of_o it_o he_o gather_v that_o the_o action_n be_v good_a from_o the_o word_n and_o he_o inquire_v if_o he_o be_v and_o collect_v that_o he_o be_v right_a in_o the_o performance_n from_o his_o conscience_n testify_v according_a to_o the_o word_n so_o that_o he_o will_v not_o trust_v himself_o but_o go_v to_o conscience_n as_o be_v more_o impartial_a to_o take_v its_o testimony_n the_o reason_n then_o as_o i_o say_v before_o why_o few_o christian_n have_v solid_a peace_n be_v this_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o action_n be_v good_a and_o if_o they_o can_v answer_v their_o light_n therein_o they_o reflect_v but_o little_a on_o their_o conscience_n in_o the_o perform_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o want_v much_o of_o the_o peace_n and_o consolation_n that_o may_v otherwise_o accompany_v they_o in_o their_o action_n and_o when_o they_o be_v do_v and_o over_o and_o this_o evidence_n of_o tenderness_n kythe_n rather_o when_o a_o man_n be_v in_o the_o act_n then_o either_o before_o or_o after_o for_o fear_n or_o awe_n may_v make_v a_o man_n seek_v light_a before_o a_o action_n and_o a_o challenge_n may_v put_v he_o to_o reflect_v and_o examine_v when_o he_o have_v do_v but_o here_o main_o lie_v the_o evidence_n of_o sincerity_n and_o tenderness_n when_o in_o every_o step_n all_o along_o the_o action_n or_o duty_n so_o far_o as_o be_v requisite_a and_o humane_a infirmity_n will_v admit_v he_o take_v heed_n what_o he_o be_v do_v and_o as_o we_o say_v the_o other_o day_n that_o it_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o a_o tender_a conscience_n to_o be_v always_o meddle_v in_o every_o thing_n that_o a_o man_n do_v so_o we_o say_v now_o that_o it_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o a_o tender_a man_n to_o listen_v and_o hear_v what_o censure_n his_o conscience_n pass_v on_o he_o in_o perform_v his_o action_n the_o 2d_o use_v be_v for_o reproof_n ah_o may_v we_o not_o find_v but_o by_o overly_o reflection_n if_o we_o do_v advise_v with_o conscience_n at_o our_o undertake_n of_o such_o a_o work_n or_o duty_n that_o yet_o in_o the_o time_n of_o do_v it_o there_o be_v but_o little_o reflect_v on_o our_o conscience_n if_o it_o do_v bear_v we_o witness_v of_o our_o sincerity_n in_o go_v about_o it_o how_o many_o time_n will_v man_n and_o woman_n be_v find_v eat_v drink_v buy_v sell_v go_v or_o ride_v a_o lawful_a journey_n speak_v of_o a_o sermon_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o in_o these_o action_n but_o seldom_o or_o never_o look_v in_o if_o they_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o their_o conscience_n that_o they_o be_v right_a in_o their_o go_v about_o of_o these_o thing_n can_v this_o i_o pray_v speak_v a_o tender_a frame_n that_o be_v so_o
we_o will_v labour_v in_o our_o self-examination_n to_o be_v up_o at_o that_o distinctnesse_n that_o through_o grace_n may_v be_v win_v at_o that_o we_o may_v be_v so_o very_o clear_a as_o to_o be_v in_o case_n to_o say_v i_o wot_v well_o i_o be_v right_a at_o such_o a_o time_n and_o wrong_v at_o such_o another_o time_n in_o this_o i_o be_v right_a and_o in_o that_o i_o be_v wrong_a yea_o so_o clear_a and_o distinct_a will_v we_o be_v as_o we_o may_v if_o call_v to_o it_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v our_o oath_n on_o it_o as_o paul_n do_v in_o the_o place_n we_o speak_v on_o before_o viz._n ro●_n 9_o 1._o i_o say_v the_o truth_n in_o christ_n say_v he_o and_o lie_v not_o my_o conscience_n bear_v i_o witness_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n there_o will_v not_o be_v guess_v at_o thing_n but_o we_o will_v be_v thorough_o distinct_a and_o clear_a therefore_o job_n speak_v of_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o integrity_n chap._n 31._o propose_v they_o by_o way_n of_o curse_n be_v so_o very_o confident_a that_o he_o dare_v confirm_v what_o he_o assert_v with_o a_o curse_n on_o himself_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o be_v otherwise_o then_o he_o say_v 2_o we_o will_v examine_v and_o look_v on_o our_o way_n till_o we_o be_v bring_v under_o some_o suitable_a impression_n of_o the_o awe_n and_o dread_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o absolute_a dominion_n and_o sovereignty_n over_o we_o thus_o holy_a job_n say_v of_o himself_o when_o thus_o exercise_v chap_n 31._o v._n 23._o destruction_n from_o the_o almighty_a be_v a_o terror_n to_o i_o and_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o highness_n i_o can_v not_o endure_v we_o never_o follow_v our_o self-examination_n far_o enough_o till_o it_o leave_v some_o impression_n of_o this_o kind_n on_o our_o spirit_n 3_o it_o will_v be_v follow_v till_o we_o be_v affect_v with_o what_o discovery_n we_o get_v in_o the_o search_n of_o our_o own_o way_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o bare_o to_o take_v a_o look_n or_o view_v of_o it_o but_o we_o will_v i_o say_v look_v on_o it_o so_o as_o we_o may_v be_v suitable_o affect_v with_o it_o that_o either_o it_o may_v give_v we_o solid_a peace_n and_o joy_n from_o clearness_n that_o we_o be_v right_a or_o else_o a_o sensible_a touch_n with_o the_o sharpness_n of_o a_o challenge_n for_o that_o whereof_o we_o be_v clear_o convince_v be_v wrong_n and_o man_n be_v never_o right_o exercise_v in_o the_o work_n of_o self-examination_n and_o of_o reflection_n on_o their_o conscience_n till_o something_o of_o this_o be_v there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o bare_a light_n and_o a_o well_o inform_v and_o tender_a conscience_n conscience_n sense_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v of_o more_o weight_n and_o be_v more_o divine_a and_o have_v some_o more_o of_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n in_o it_o then_o bare_a light_n or_o conviction_n of_o the_o judgement_n it_o will_v neither_o smile_v nor_o ●rown_n but_o it_o will_v suitable_o affect_v the_o man_n with_o some_o inward_a comfort_n or_o sorrow_n for_o it_o represent_v god_n either_o as_o smile_v or_o ●rowning_v 4_o we_o will_v follow_v this_o work_n of_o self-examination_n and_o self-reflection_n till_o we_o be_v clear_a and_o full_o persuade_v as_o to_o the_o duty_n we_o be_v call_v to_o after_o such_o examination_n as_o when_o a_o man_n find_v thing_n to_o be_v wrong_n conscience_n will_v say_v there_o be_v here_o a_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n and_o humiliation_n and_o of_o fly_v to_o jesus_n christ_n for_o take_v away_o the_o guilt_n thereof_o and_o of_o set_v about_o the_o right_v and_o amend_v of_o thing_n and_o till_o a_o man_n come_v to_o be_v clear_a in_o that_o which_o he_o be_v call_v to_o by_o self-examination_n he_o follow_v it_o not_o ●th_v a_o right_n and_o as_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o worldly_a and_o of_o godly_a sorrow_n 2_o cor._n 7._o 10_o 11._o give_v these_o evidence_n of_o godly_a sorrow_n a_o fruit_n of_o self-examination_n that_o it_o not_o only_o be_v wait_v in_o the_o corinthian_n with_o a_o fight_n of_o the_o fault_n but_o it_o touch_v they_o in_o the_o quick_a for_o it_o and_o affect_v they_o with_o holy_a indignation_n at_o it_o and_o with_o true_a zeal_n to_o have_v it_o remove_v and_o that_o with_o all_o it_o suffer_v they_o not_o to_o rest_v till_o they_o endeavour_v by_o all_o mean_v a_o clear_n of_o themselves_o behold_v say_v he_o v_o 11._o the_o self_n same_o thing_n you_o sorrow_v after_o a_o godly_a sort_n what_o carefulness_n it_o wrought_v in_o you_o ●ea_o what_o clear_v of_o yourselves_o yea_o what_o indignation_n etc._n etc._n a_o man_n that_o offer_v to_o ●et_v about_o self-examination_n and_o yet_o lie_v still_o in_o the_o fault_n that_o be_v discover_v thereby_o and_o be_v no_o more_o affect_v with_o it_o then_o if_o he_o be_v not_o at_o all_o guilty_a of_o it_o nor_o any_o more_o now_o after_o the_o discovery_n make_v in_o the_o search_n incline_v to_o flee_v to_o christ_n then_o when_o he_o begin_v his_o self-examination_n be_v sure_a not_o right_a we_o will_v therefore_o serious_o recommend_v to_o you_o these_o four_o to_o be_v well_o head_v and_o carry_v along_o with_o you_o in_o your_o prosecute_n this_o work_n of_o self-examina●on_a to_o press_v this_o a_o little_a we_o will_v consider_v these_o three_o 1._o the_o clearness_n of_o the_o duty_n 2._o the_o profitableness_n and_o excellency_n of_o it_o 3._o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o by_o all_o which_o we_o may_v be_v convince_v of_o a_o necessity_n lie_v upon_o we_o to_o press_v it_o and_o upon_o you_o to_o practice_v it_o the_o lord_n himself_o bear_v in_o upon_o we_o all_o with_o a_o strong_a hand_n the_o conviction_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o for_o the_o first_o it_o be_v as_o clear_v a_o duty_n as_o it_o be_v for_o you_o to_o come_v to_o the_o church_n to_o hear_v as_o it_o be_v to_o read_v or_o to_o pray_v or_o to_o sanctify_v the_o lord_n day_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o 1._o it_o be_v so_o often_o command_v as_o l●m._n 3._o 40._o hagg●_n ●_z 5._o gal._n ●_o 4._o and_o psal._n 2._o 4._o commun●_n with_o your_o heart_n upon_o your_o bed_n or_o speak_v with_o your_o hear●_n or_o with_o your_o conscience_n as_o often_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o heart_n be_v put_v for_o the_o conscience_n for_o it_o be_v the_o conscience_n property_n that_o give_v the_o answer_n and_o not_o the_o heart_n so_o 2_o cor_n 13._o 5._o examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o say_v prove_v your_o own_o self_n etc._n etc._n the_o command_n be_v double_v nay_o someway_o tripled_a 2._o it_o be_v clear_a also_o from_o the_o ordinary_a practice_n of_o the_o saint_n as_o have_v be_v former_o instance_a so_o that_o hardly_o will_v you_o find_v a_o tender_a man_n but_o he_o be_v thus_o exercise_v and_o the_o more_o tender_a he_o be_v the_o more_o be_v he_o so_o tender_v david_n be_v much_o exercise_v this_o way_n as_o he_o give_v a_o account_n psal._n 119._o 59_o i_o think_v say_v he_o on_o my_o way_n and_o turn_v my_o foot_n unto_o thy_o testimony_n for_o the_o second_o viz._n the_o profitableness_n and_o excellency_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o command_v duty_n but_o a_o choice_n mean_v for_o bring_v about_o many_o excellent_a end_n i_o shall_v instance_n its_o excellency_n among_o other_o in_o these_o three_o respect_n 1._o it_o be_v excellent_a in_o this_o respect_n as_o it_o be_v a_o most_o clear_a fresh_a and_o refreshful_a evidence_n of_o a_o tender_a walk_n and_o of_o a_o man_n that_o make_v conscience_n of_o his_o way_n he_o that_o do_v truth_n say_v christ_n john_n 3._o 21._o come_v to_o the_o light_n that_o his_o deed_n may_v be_v make_v manifest_a that_o they_o be_v wrought_v in_o god_n he_o be_v not_o only_o content_a to_o abide_v a_o trial_n but_o he_o put_v himself_o to_o it_o he_o bring_v his_o deed_n to_o the_o light_n to_o see_v if_o they_o be_v wrought_v in_o god_n on_o the_o contrary_a he_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n and_o come_v not_o unto_o it_o lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v he_o reprove_v must_v not_o this_o then_o be_v a_o excellent_a duty_n which_o be_v so_o clear_a a_o character_n and_o property_n of_o one_o that_o walk_v tender_o in_o all_o duty_n nay_o let_v all_o duty_n be_v put_v together_o without_o this_o none_o of_o they_o nor_o all_o of_o they_o in_o a_o conjunction_n can_v evidence_n a_o man_n tenderness_n for_o it_o be_v this_o that_o give_v he_o as_o it_o be_v a_o grip_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o put_v they_o to_o the_o touchstone_n and_o show_v what_o reality_n be_v in_o they_o what_o be_v to_o be_v look_v 〈◊〉_d acceptable_a to_o god_n through_o christ_n what_o not_o without_o this_o
see_v the_o saint_n have_v come_v a_o good_a length_n in_o it_o and_o next_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o end_n for_o attain_v whereof_o they_o take_v all_o the_o pain_n to_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n even_o that_o they_o may_v win_v at_o this_o calmness_n and_o tranquillity_n at_o this_o peace_n comfort_n and_o joy_n of_o soul_n result_v from_o a_o good_a conscience_n even_o as_o man_n labour_v and_o take_v pain_n to_o win_v at_o some_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n that_o they_o may_v have_v a_o more_o convenient_a commodious_a and_o comfortable_a life_n in_o it_o and_o compare_v the_o word_n of_o this_o text_n with_o these_o of_o act_n 24._o 16._o it_o be_v very_o clear_a that_o whoever_o be_v serious_o and_o suitable_o exercise_v to_o have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n they_o may_v through_o god_n blessing_n win_v at_o a_o clear_a calm_a and_o pleasant_a conscience_n the_o one_o be_v paul_n study_n there_o the_o other_o be_v his_o attainment_n here_o if_o we_o compare_v the_o state_n of_o our_o conscience_n with_o the_o strai●_n of_o our_o former_a walk_n it_o will_v very_o easy_o be_v find_v that_o the_o want_n of_o this_o calm_a and_o pleasant_a conscience_n flow_v from_o our_o not_o be_v suitable_o exercise_v to_o godliness_n and_o to_o the_o have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n this_o alace_o this_o be_v it_o that_o wound_v our_o peace_n and_o 〈◊〉_d our_o spiritual_a mi●th_n that_o make_v we_o ●ow_o down_o and_o walk_v heavy_o as_o it_o be_v without_o the_o sun_n if_o there_o be_v more_o serious_a and_o hard_a press_v after_o holiness_n in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n among_o we_o we_o will_v not_o ready_o be_v such_o stranger_n to_o the_o serene_a tranquillity_n comfort_n and_o refresh_v that_o flow_n from_o a_o good_a conscience_n 3_o observe_v that_o a_o believer_n who_o be_v tender_a in_o his_o walk_n may_v win_v to_o be_v very_o clear_a and_o thorough_o persuade_v that_o he_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o may_v according_a to_o his_o measure_n say_v as_o paul_n do_v here_o we_o trust_v or_o be_v confident_a that_o we_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n who_o be_v ●o_o very_o firm_o persuade_v that_o he_o dare_v rom._n 9_o 1._o whence_o we_o speak_v somewhat_o late_o take_v the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o be_v witness_n so_o a_o tender_a christian_a may_v win_v to_o be_v so_o very_o clear_a and_o full_o persuade_v that_o he_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n that_o he_o may_v bold_o 〈◊〉_d it_o and_o lippen_n to_o it_o as_o that_o which_o will_v abide_v the_o trial_n yea_o in_o some_o respect_n adventure_n and_o hazard_v his_o very_a soul_n on_o it_o that_o it_o be_v so_o of_o a_o truth_n but_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v what_o be_v it_o that_o find_v this_o persuasion_n and_o make_v it_o firm_a and_o solid_a answer_v the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o text_n will_v give_v ground_n to_o speak_v to_o it_o more_o full_o but_o for_o the_o time_n and_o in_o the_o general_n we_o say_v that_o these_o three_o do_v ●ound_v it_o ere_o ever_o a_o man_n can_v be_v thus_o persuade_v that_o he_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n he_o must_v needs_o take_v a_o serious_a look_n and_o view_v of_o his_o bygone_a way_n of_o his_o present_a frame_n and_o of_o his_o purpose_n and_o resolution_n for_o the_o future_a that_o he_o may_v see_v that_o all_o these_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n right_o 1._o then_o for_o his_o bypass_a way_n it_o suppose_v that_o he_o have_v single_o endeavour_v to_o have_v it_o tender_a and_o conform_v to_o the_o rule_n even_o that_o he_o have_v be_v exercise_v to_o have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n and_o that_o he_o have_v reflect_v and_o search_v and_o find_v it_o in_o some_o measure_n to_o be_v so_o the_o one_o of_o these_o lay_v the_o ground_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o the_o other_o draw_v forth_o the_o comfortable_a evidence_n of_o it_o 2._o as_o to_o the_o person_n present_a frame_n there_o must_v be_v spirituality_n singleness_n and_o some_o measure_n of_o tenderness_n otherways_o it_o will_v much_o obstruct_v this_o persuade_a testimony_n for_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o a_o man_n have_v be_v tender_a if_o he_o be_v not_o in_o some_o measure_n so_o now_o paul_n say_v here_o we_o have_v not_o only_o we_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n 3_o there_o must_v be_v some_o deliberatness_n and_o determinatness_n of_o his_o purpose_n and_o resolution_n to_o walk_v with_o god_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v for_o if_o a_o man_n do_v not_o dedicat_fw-la and_o devot_n himself_o to_o the_o study_n of_o holiness_n for_o the_o future_a though_o he_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v have_v never_o so_o much_o of_o it_o in_o his_o bygone_a life_n this_o firm_a and_o comfortable_a persuasion_n will_v be_v much_o mar_v and_o obstruct_v so_o than_o these_o three_o must_v here_o go_v together_o viz._n holiness_n in_o a_o man_n bypass_a life_n holiness_n in_o his_o present_a frame_n and_o holiness_n in_o his_o purpose_n for_o the_o future_a we_o will_v find_v they_o all_o conjoin_v in_o the_o experience_n of_o this_o same_o apostle_n philp._n 3._o where_o when_o he_o have_v speak_v of_o his_o bygone_a carriage_n how_o he_o have_v count_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v loss_n for_o christ_n which_o he_o sometime_o account_v to_o be_v gain_n and_o how_o he_o have_v suffer_v the_o loss_n of_o all_o thing_n for_o christ_n yet_o he_o think_v not_o this_o enough_o but_o add_v as_o to_o his_o present_a frame_n yea_o doubtless_o i_o count_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v but_o loss_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n my_o lord_n and_o v_o 12._o not_o as_o if_o i_o have_v already_o attain_v or_o be_v already_o perfyte_n and_o v_o 13_o one_o thing_n i_o do_v forget_v these_o thing_n that_o be_v behind_o etc._n etc._n he_o be_v as_o serious_a and_o eager_a as_o if_o he_o have_v just_a now_o begin_v and_o tell_v we_o that_o for_o the_o future_a he_o be_v resolve_v to_o press_v hard_o towards_o the_o mark_n till_o he_o obtain_v the_o prize_n then_o he_o subjoin_v let_v we_o then_o as_o many_o as_o be_v perfyte_n be_v thus_o mind_v this_o be_v not_o a_o absolute_a perfection_n in_o holiness_n that_o he_o speak_v of_o or_o a_o perfection_n of_o degree_n but_o a_o perfection_n of_o part_n or_o a_o perfection_n of_o sincerity_n though_o in_o a_o high_a degree_n than_o many_o christian_n win_v at_o as_o to_o his_o bypass_a life_n as_o to_o his_o present_a frame_n and_o as_o to_o his_o resolution_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v religion_n must_v not_o be_v halve_v but_o whosoever_o will_v have_v a_o clear_a and_o calm_a conscience_n must_v study_v to_o be_v clear_a on_o all_o hand_n no_o iniquity_n must_v be_v regard_v in_o his_o heart_n no_o duty_n resolve_o ●alked_v but_o holiness_n in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n must_v sincere_o and_o serious_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o grace_n be_v follow_v after_o 4_o observe_v that_o where_o there_o be_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o any_o one_o thing_n there_o will_v be_v a_o single_a and_o serious_a endeavour_n to_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n or_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v of_o universal_a extent_n as_o to_o every_o thing_n we_o trust_v say_v the_o apostle_n we_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o if_o a_o man_n be_v conscientious_a in_o any_o one_o thing_n from_o the_o principle_n of_o a_o true_o good_a conscience_n that_o same_o principle_n will_v set_v he_o on_o to_o endeavour_v to_o be_v conscientious_a in_o all_o thing_n for_o its_o the_o same_o divine_a authority_n that_o enjoin_v obedience_n to_o all_o god_n command_n and_o if_o conscience_n put_v a_o man_n to_o lay_v weight_n on_o any_o one_o thing_n as_o command_v it_o will_v put_v he_o to_o lay_v weight_n on_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v command_v a_o quatenus_fw-la ad_fw-la omne_fw-la etc._n etc._n therefore_o david_n say_v psal._n 18._o 22._o all_o his_o judgement_n be_v before_o i_o and_o i_o put_v not_o away_o his_o statute_n from_o i_o and_o psal._n 119._o 6._o then_o shall_v i_o not_o be_v ashamed_a when_o i_o have_v a_o respect_n unto_o all_o thy_o commandment_n and_o of_o zacharias_n and_o elizabeth_n it_o be_v say_v luke_n 1._o 6._o that_o they_o walk_v in_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n blameless_a this_o doctrine_n have_v two_o branch_n the_o first_o be_v negative_a that_o there_o can_v be_v a_o good_a conscience_n but_o where_o its_o universal_a the_o second_o be_v affirmative_a that_o where_o a_o conscience_n be_v universal_a it_o be_v a_o evidence_n that_o its_o a_o good_a conscience_n which_o we_o shall_v not_o now_o in●ist_v
saint_n by_o the_o fall_n but_o of_o some_o hot_a scald_a drop_n of_o god_n fatherly_a wrath_n and_o displeasure_n have_v be_v bring_v near_o the_o length_n of_o wish_v rather_o for_o strangle_v though_o merciful_o keep_v from_o it_o and_o make_v to_o abhor_v it_o than_o life_n as_o it_o be_v with_o non_fw-la such_o holy_a job_n who_o look_v on_o death_n a_o violent_a death_n as_o a_o easy_a matter_n be_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v under_o the_o sense_n of_o wrath_n and_o to_o be_v set_v up_o as_o the_o mark_n for_o god_n arrow_n to_o be_v shoot_v at_o the_o venom_n whereof_o to_o his_o apprehension_n drink_v up_o his_o spirit_n though_o all_o the_o while_o he_o be_v keep_v up_o in_o the_o faith_n of_o his_o interest_n in_o god_n and_o of_o his_o love_n to_o he_o to_o his_o purpose_n human_a heavy_o complain_v psal._n 88_o i_o be_o afflict_v and_o ready_a to_o die_v from_o my_o youth_n up_o while_o i_o suffer_v thy_o terror_n i_o be_o distract_v if_o it_o be_v sometime_o do_v thus_o in_o the_o green_a tree_n even_o the_o green_a what_o shall_v be_v do_v in_o the_o dry_a now_o the_o conscience_n be_v in_o a_o special_a manner_n the_o receptacle_n of_o all_o the_o terror_n of_o god_n it_o must_v therefore_o certain_o be_v a_o very_a ill_a thing_n to_o have_v a_o awake_v ill_a conscience_n if_o a_o ill_a and_o unpurged_a conscience_n be_v silent_a and_o a_o sleep_n it_o be_v in_o some_o respect_n worse_o for_o it_o have_v this_o black_a and_o dreadful_a awaken_v abide_v it_o and_o the_o long_o it_o sleep_v and_o keep_v silence_n the_o the_o wakn_n will_v be_v the_o more_o terrible_a and_o its_o cry_n the_o loud_o it_o be_v all_o the_o while_n of_o its_o silence_n and_o sleep_v treasure_v up_o more_o wrath_n whereby_o the_o poor_a wretch_n will_v be_v pay_v home_o with_o multiply_a increase_n of_o terror_n and_o horror_n o_o that_o you_o know_v how_o evil_a a_o thing_n how_o very_o evil_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o have_v a_o conscience_n not_o purge_v from_o dead_a work_n a_o conscience_n not_o sprinkle_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o no_o stranger_n can_v intermiddle_v with_o the_o joy_n of_o a_o man_n spirit_n who_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n a_o conscience_n sprinkle_v and_o purge_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n so_o no_o man_n can_v to_o the_o full_a represent_v to_o you_o the_o exceed_a terribleness_n of_o the_o terror_n of_o a_o evil_a conscience_n when_o awake_v by_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n plead_v and_o pursue_v a_o quarrel_n with_o the_o soul_n which_o quarrel_n he_o be_v infinite_o powerful_a to_o avenge_v it_o will_v be_v very_o suitable_a to_o be_v often_o inquire_v at_o ourselves_o what_o be_v become_v of_o the_o quarrel_n and_o what_o solid_a ground_n of_o peace_n and_o confidence_n towards_o god_n be_v there_o we_o will_v all_o most_o certain_o and_o inavoidable_o be_v put_v on_o this_o great_a trial_n o_o suffer_v not_o yourselves_o to_o be_v so_o far_o delude_v as_o to_o think_v that_o a_o silent_a and_o stupid_a conscience_n be_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o have_v no_o danger_n with_o it_o which_o be_v as_o great_a folly_n as_o to_o think_v that_o a_o feeless_a and_o benumb_a member_n of_o the_o body_n be_v thereby_o in_o ●o_o danger_n nay_o the_o danger_n be_v so_o much_o the_o great_a 2_o observe_v that_o though_o all_o man_n natural_o be_v under_o thi●_n evil_a of_o a_o unpurged_a conscience_n yet_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n god_n have_v lay_v down_o a_o way_n how_o sinner_n may_v get_v their_o conscience_n purge_v this_o be_v the_o apostle_n scope_n in_o both_o these_o scripture_n even_o to_o lay_v a_o solid_a ground_n for_o the_o consolation_n of_o believer_n and_o for_o a_o high_a commendation_n of_o god_n grace_n viz._n that_o by_o application_n make_v to_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n there_o be_v as_o a_o real_a purge_n of_o the_o conscience_n from_o sin_n win_v at_o as_o there_o be_v access_n make_v to_o person_n ceremonial_o unclean_a by_o these_o sacrifice_n and_o wash_n under_o the_o law_n to_o external_a church-priviledge_n be_v ceremonia_o cleanse_v thereby_o which_o be_v not_o so_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o the_o sin_n commit_v have_v never_o real_o and_o actual_o be_v so_o as_o the_o purge_a believer_n shall_v neither_o remember_v it_o nor_o repent_v of_o it_o that_o be_v not_o at_o all_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o doctrine_n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v legal_o that_o as_o to_o the_o remove_n of_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n and_o as_o to_o his_o have_a peace_n with_o god_n and_o in_o his_o own_o conscience_n it_o be_v purge_v so_o as_o sin_n can_v stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o expect_a god_n favour_n nor_o simple_o in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o delight_a himself_o therein_o more_o than_o if_o it_o have_v never_o be_v though_o the_o man_n be_v the_o debtor_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o way_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n to_o declare_v he_o free_a even_o as_o a_o man_n that_o have_v play_v the_o dyvour_n or_o bankrupt_a though_o he_o can_v simple_o and_o in_o all_o respect_n be_v make_v as_o if_o he_o have_v never_o be_v so_o yet_o by_o another_o pay_n of_o the_o debt_n he_o be_v before_o the_o judge_n acquit_v and_o be_v reckon_v free_a of_o the_o debt_n as_o if_o it_o have_v never_o be_v contract_v or_o owe_v and_o as_o to_o any_o effect_n that_o may_v in_o law_n follow_v on_o it_o to_o his_o prejudice_n just_o so_o be_v it_o here_o with_o the_o sinner_n that_o flee_v to_o the_o blood_n of_o sprinkle_v and_o the_o word_n purge_v sufficient_o hold_v it_o out_o especial_o when_o it_o be_v join_v with_o come_v with_o boldness_n and_o confidence_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n for_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v to_o such_o a_o sinner_n how_o can_v thou_o how_o dare_v thou_o come_v to_o god_n with_o such_o confidence_n that_o have_v a_o ill_a conscience_n through_o so_o much_o sin_n he_o answer_v let_v we_o draw_v near_o or_o come_v have_v our_o heart_n sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n so_o that_o as_o to_o a_o confident_a approach_n to_o god_n and_o application_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n person_n who_o have_v make_v application_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o sprinkle_v may_v come_v to_o god_n with_o as_o much_o holy_a and_o humble_a boldness_n as_o if_o the_o conscience_n have_v never_o be_v defile_v and_o pollure_v and_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o saint_n who_o in_o this_o way_n have_v find_v peace_n and_o confidence_n be_v a_o great_a evidence_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o 3_o to_o come_v a_o little_a near_o we_o may_v observe_v in_o the_o negative_a that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n for_o a_o man_n that_o have_v once_o have_v his_o conscience_n defile_v and_o pollute_v with_o sin_n to_o be_v cleanse_v and_o purge_v from_o it_o but_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n if_o we_o look_v through_o this_o 9th_o chapter_n from_o the_o beginning_n and_o the_o follow_a 10_o chapter_n we_o will_v find_v that_o the_o apostle_n scope_n be_v to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o blood_n of_o bull_n or_o of_o calf_n nor_o any_o one_o or_o all_o of_o these_o ceremonial_a sacrifice_n wash_n or_o purgation_n that_o can_v do_v the_o business_n as_o he_o more_o particular_o clear_v five_o 9_o of_o the_o 9_o chap._n where_o the_o apostle_n insinuat_v that_o though_o god_n appoint_v many_o mean_n and_o midst_n of_o purgation_n yet_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o more_o but_o these_o they_o can_v never_o have_v effect_v the_o perfyte_n of_o a_o man_n as_o pertain_v to_o the_o conscience_n it_o be_v only_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n that_o have_v this_o effect_n and_o this_o one_o reason_n will_v confirm_v it_o viz._n that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o thing_n but_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n that_o can_v satisfy_v god_n justice_n and_o remove_v the_o quarrel_n that_o be_v betwixt_o he_o and_o the_o guilty_a sinner_n it_o be_v he_o only_o in_o who_o god_n be_v well_o please_v he_o be_v our_o peace_n and_o there_o be_v no_o name_n under_o heaven_n give_v whereby_o a_o sinner_n can_v be_v save_v but_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n and_o till_o god_n be_v satisfy_v the_o conscience_n can_v be_v quiet_a see_v then_o that_o nothing_o can_v satisfy_v god_n justice_n bu●_n his_o blood_n there_o can_v nothing_o purge_v and_o satisfy_v the_o conscience_n but_o it_o therefore_o david_n pray_v psal._n 51._o purge_v i_o with_o hyssop_n and_o i_o shall_v be_v clean_o where_o he_o all●ds_v and_o look_n to_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v ●ypifyed_v by_o the_o sprinkle_n of_o blood_n with_o a_o bunsh_fw-mi of_o hyssop_n under_o the_o law_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v here_o as_o the_o use_v of_o this_o doctrine_n
we_o will_v have_v the_o ●aith_n of_o this_o great_a truth_n well_o fix_v and_o rivet_v that_o every_o man_n conscience_n whether_o awake_v or_o not_o be_v still_o de●iled_v and_o pollute_v till_o it_o be_v cleanse_v and_o purge_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o bodily_a or_o outward_a exercise_n profit_v not_o as_o to_o this_o so_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o conscience_n will_v not_o be_v stop_v till_o it_o get_v of_o this_o blood_n so_o that_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v who_o will_v lay_v ●ny_a thing_n to_o the_o charge_n of_o ●ods_n elect_v as_o it_o be_v rom._n 8._o the_o conscience_n will_v answer_v i_o have_v many_o thing_n to_o lay_v to_o their_o charge_n till_o that_o sweet_a word_n that_o be_v subjoin_v be_v speak_v to_o it_o for_o stop_v its_o mouth_n it_o be_v christ_n who_o die_v shed_v his_o blood_n or_o rather_o be_v rise_v again_o then_o and_o never_o till_o then_o will_v it_o be_v quiet_a in_o further_a prosecution_n of_o the_o use_n of_o this_o doctrine_n we_o will_v have_v you_o to_o know_v that_o there_o be_v four_o way_n that_o man_n be_v ready_a to_o take_v for_o cleanse_v and_o purge_v of_o the_o conscience_n some_o one_o and_o some_o another_o of_o they_o which_o be_v all_o if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o ineffectual_a for_o reach_v the_o real_a purge_n and_o solid_a satisfaction_n of_o the_o conscience_n which_o you_o will_v therefore_o be_v aware_a of_o as_o 1._o some_o endeavour_n to_o divert_v their_o conscience_n and_o to_o seek_v a_o suspension_n of_o its_o pur●ing_n the_o quarrel_n against_o they_o pretend_v some_o other_o uptake_v business_n as_o felix_n do_v act_v 24._o who_o find_v himself_o beginning_n to_o tremble_v at_o the_o apostle_n search_v and_o powerful_a discourse_n and_o unable_a to_o stand_v before_o his_o own_o awaken_v conscience_n he_o seek_v as_o it_o be_v a_o suspension_n from_o it_o for_o a_o time_n say_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o to_o 〈◊〉_d conscience_n on_o the_o matter_n go_v thy_o way_n for_o this_o time_n and_o i_o will_v call_v for_o thou_o when_o i_o have_v a_o convenient_a season_n hence_o when_o some_o person_n be_v in_o heaviness_n or_o in_o some_o ●it_n of_o exercise_n of_o conscience_n they_o will_v 〈◊〉_d to_o some_o 〈◊〉_d and_o ●cund_a friend_n or_o to_o some_o game_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ●way_n o●_n possible_o to_o a_o four_o hour_n to_o drink_v it_o down_o and_o the_o devil_n be_v as_o busy_a to_o 〈◊〉_d on_o the_o divertion●_n if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o friend_n to_o make_v a_o visit_n he_o help_v they_o to_o 〈◊〉_d it_o over_o and_o to_o b●nish_v that_o melancholious_a 〈◊〉_d and_o so_o to_o bring_v the_o person_n to_o bear_v down_o this_o trouble_n of_o his_o conscience_n as_o a_o silly_a despicable_a fancy_n and_o as_o if_o it_o be_v for_o their_o good_a to_o do_v so_o i_o beseech_v you_o beware_v of_o bind_v up_o your_o conscience_n thus_o else_o it_o may_v grow_v worse_o on_o your_o hand_n it_o be_v even_o as_o 〈◊〉_d a_o man_n that_o have_v a_o sore_a and_o aik_a hand_n shall_v cut_v it_o off_o or_o as_o if_o a_o part_n of_o his_o flesh_n be_v pain_v and_o he_o shall_v clap_v a_o hot_a burn_a iron_n on_o it_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v a_o way_n that_o be_v very_o frequent_o take_v by_o man_n who_o can_v endure_v to_o converse_v with_o their_o disquiet_v conscience_n and_o therefore_o they_o labour_v to_o quash_n and_o quench_v any_o begin_v exercise_n in_o it_o whether_o under_o sickness_n or_o any_o other_o cross_a dispensation_n or_o at_o a_o preach_a or_o communion_n it_o may_v be_v that_o many_o of_o you_o have_v have_v some_o such_o thing_n and_o it_o have_v be_v drive_v or_o it_o have_v wear_v away_o and_o you_o can_v tell_v how_o 2_o another_o way_n be_v also_o too_o ryff_fw-mi and_o ordinary_a and_o that_o be_v by_o seek_v to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o conscience_n by_o some_o other_o thing_n then_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n hence_o some_o under_o terrible_a conviction_n will_v promise_v and_o vow_n i●_n they_o drink_v excessive_o before_o that_o they_o will_v do_v so_o no_o more_o that_o they_o will_v not_o go_v to_o such_o a_o tavern_n nor_o to_o such_o a_o company_n for_o this_o and_o that_o long_a time_n some_o will_n it_o may_v be_v after_o the_o commit_n of_o such_o or_o such_o a_o gros●_n sin_n vow_v no●_n to_o ea●_n flesh_n on_o such_o a_o day_n of_o the_o week_n throughout_o their_o whole_a life_n they_o will_v it_o may_v be_v vow_v to_o be_v more_o religious_a but_o so_o soon_o as_o the_o conviction_n or_o trouble_n be_v over_o they_o remain_v still_o the_o same_o and_o their_o conscience_n let_v they_o alone_o they_o take_v their_o own_o sinful_a latitud_n and_o be_v find_v to_o have_v be_v all_o along_o and_o still_o the_o same_o old_a carnal_a man_n because_o they_o aim_v nor_o single_o at_o peace_n with_o god_n through_o christ_n blood_n but_o for_o the_o ●ime_n to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o their_o conscience_n 3_o some_o se●k_n to_o compense_v the_o conscience_n or_o to_o compense_v sin_n to_o the_o conscience_n and_o not_o to_o purge_v it_o they_o will_v it_o may_v be_v take_v some_o penance_n on_o themselves_o and_o this_o be_v it_o that_o lead_v not_o only_a papist_n to_o their_o pennance_n whip_n pilgrimage_n etc._n etc._n but_o many_o ignorant_a protestant_n to_o make_v peace_n with_o their_o conscience_n by_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n they_o will_v pray_v and_o seek_v after_o tear_n in_o prayer_n they_o will_v invite_v in_o a_o manner_n themselves_o to_o mourn_v they_o will_v give_v some_o thing_n by_o ordinary_a to_o the_o poor_a and_o set_v themselves_o to_o amend_v some_o thing_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o yet_o the_o defilement_n and_o pollution_n of_o conscience_n ●yes_v on_o still_o unremoved_a because_o they_o never_o be-took_a themselves_o to_o the_o right_a fountain_n to_o wash_v at_o to_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v purge_v hence_o the_o jew_n ordinary_o betake_v themselves_o to_o their_o sacrifice_n and_o legal_a wa●hings_n and_o purifying_n when_o they_o sin_v if_o they_o bring_v a_o bullock_n calf_n lamb_n or_o a_o goat_n they_o think_v they_o have_v do_v enough_o and_o therein_o have_v a_o sort_n of_o peace_n s●ch_o as_o i●_n be_v but_o say_v the_o apostle_n it_o be_v not_o that_o which_o make_v they_o 〈◊〉_d as_o pertain_v to_o the_o conscience_n none_o of_o these_o nor_o all_o of_o these_o can_v purge_v or_o true_o pac●sy_v it_o because_o they_o can_v not_o take_v away_o the_o quarrel_n betwixt_o god_n and_o they_o and_o thus_o many_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n betake_v teemselve_n to_o external_a ordinance_n or_o outward_a performance_n of_o duty_n and_o rest_v on_o these_o i_o do_v not_o condemn_v nor_o dissuade_v from_o these_o duty_n which_o be_v good_a in_o themselves_o because_o command_v by_o god_n but_o your_o rest_v on_o they_o and_o will_v have_v you_o to_o put_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o sound_v your_o peace_n on_o they_o and_o the_o sound_n of_o it_o on_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n apply_v to_o the_o conscience_n by_o faith_n o_o seek_v not_o thus_o to_o bribe_v the_o conscience_n for_o as_o it_o will_v not_o be_v boast_v so_o neither_o will_v it_o be_v bribe_v 4_o there_o be_v another_o way_n that_o be_v right_o make_v use_n of_o have_v its_o own_o commendableness_n in_o it_o which_o be_v when_o person_n be_v under_o some_o trouble_n or_o disquiet_v of_o conscience_n they_o betake_v themselves_o to_o conference_n it_o may_v be_v with_o some_o exercise_v christian_n hold_v ou●_n their_o case_n to_o they_o for_o some_o ease_n and_o quietness_n which_o as_o i_o say_v be_v good_a and_o commendable_a in_o itself_o and_o may_v through_o god_n blessing_n do_v good_a if_o the_o end_n be_v to_o be_v help_v thereby_o to_o go_v to_o the_o fountain_n of_o christ_n blood_n and_o wash_v there_o but_o it_o be_v our_o fault_n when_o in_o the_o use_n of_o this_o mean_a of_o conference_n we_o seek_v to_o have_v our_o conscience_n quiet_v by_o argument_n while_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o by_o faith_n have_v recourse_n to_o for_o cleanse_v and_o calm_v of_o it_o i_o suppose_v the_o able_a of_o man_n whether_o private_a christian_n or_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v speak_v to_o we_o never_o so_o convince_o and_o comfortable_o and_o be_v hold_v out_o evidence_n to_o we_o sound_v in_o themselves_o of_o a_o good_a stare_n if_o as_o i_o just_a now_o say_v there_o be_v not_o believe_v application_n make_v to_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n for_o take_v away_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o quarrel_n betwixt_o god_n and_o we_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n nor_o evidence_n whatsoever_o that_o will_v or_o can_v give_v a_o well_o ground_a peace_n to_o the_o conscience_n