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 fâ—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 liâ—_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 liâ—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 oâ—_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 proteâ—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 oâ—_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 theiâ—_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 châ—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 haâ—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 cleaâ—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 iâ—'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 â—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 iâ—'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 oâ—_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 iâ—_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 bliâ—_n or_o câ—erize_v or_o bribe_v theiâ—_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 thâ—_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 rulâ—_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
and_o be_v fond_a on_o they_o a_o 5_o character_n be_v that_o a_o delude_a conscience_n iâ—_n ordinary_o bitter_a and_o cruel_a in_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v proud_a and_o vain_a so_o it_o will_v persecute_v to_o the_o death_n they_o it_o differ_v from_o hence_o be_v the_o persecution_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o paul_n especial_o and_o we_o have_v see_v it_o in_o poor_a delude_a soul_n who_o have_v think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o slay_v all_o that_o be_v against_o they_o or_o differ_v from_o they_o in_o these_o their_o delusion_n some_o what_o of_o this_o bitterspirit_n accompany_v the_o delusion_n of_o the_o galatian_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n say_v to_o they_o chap._n 5._o 15._o if_o you_o bite_v and_o devour_v one_o another_o etc._n etc._n and_o james_n speak_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n of_o such_o person_n chap._n 3._o 14._o if_o you_o have_v bitter_a envy_v and_o strife_n in_o your_o heart_n glory_v not_o and_o lie_v not_o against_o the_o truth_n this_o wisdom_n descend_v not_o from_o above_o bitter_a zeal_n and_o strife_n be_v a_o evil_a token_n and_o a_o bitter_a conscience_n be_v ready_o no_o good_a conscience_n when_o a_o man_n suppose_v himself_o to_o be_v in_o the_o right_n be_v carry_v on_o with_o a_o spirit_n of_o bitterness_n though_o in_o other_o case_n bitterness_n through_o the_o power_n of_o corruption_n may_v kith_v yet_o it_o be_v native_a to_o delusion_n it_o flow_v from_o pride_n in_o such_o person_n exalt_v themselves_o above_o all_o other_o therefore_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v delude_v &_o go_v wrong_a they_o must_v have_v a_o church_n by_o themselves_o and_o will_v join_v with_o no_o other_o person_n in_o christian_a communion_n but_o such_o as_o be_v of_o their_o mistake_a opinion_n but_o a_o three_o question_n arise_v here_o on_o occasion_n of_o the_o former_a viz._n whether_o believer_n in_o christ_n need_v to_o be_v afraid_a of_o a_o delude_a conscience_n and_o whether_o they_o may_v not_o be_v persuade_v and_o that_o with_o a_o sort_n of_o delight_n and_o satisfaction_n that_o they_o be_v right_a when_o yet_o they_o be_v wrong_v the_o latter_a branch_n of_o the_o question_n necessary_o suppose_v the_o former_a which_o need_v not_o therefore_o to_o be_v particular_o speak_v to_o we_o answer_v with_o a_o distinction_n that_o a_o believer_n may_v be_v mistake_v and_o delude_v in_o a_o particular_a but_o can_v be_v delude_v as_o to_o his_o gracious_a state_n because_o be_v indeed_o a_o believer_n it_o be_v a_o most_o true_a and_o certain_a conclusion_n which_o he_o draw_v concern_v his_o be_v in_o a_o gracious_a state_n though_o possible_o as_o to_o some_o of_o the_o ground_n whence_o he_o deduce_v it_o he_o may_v be_v mistake_v or_o he_o may_v draw_v it_o from_o wrong_a ground_n yet_o i_o say_v in_o some_o particular_n he_o may_v be_v delude_v as_o in_o take_v such_o or_o such_o a_o error_n to_o be_v a_o truth_n and_o so_o the_o first_o three_o ground_n and_o rise_v of_o a_o delude_a conscience_n which_o we_o form_n er_o assign_v may_v agree_v to_o he_o as_o he_o may_v lay_v too_o much_o weight_n on_o carnal_a reason_n and_o on_o common_a gift_n as_o some_o of_o the_o galaians_n do_v and_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v in_o hazard_n to_o do_v and_o therefore_o our_o lord_n say_v to_o they_o luke_o 10._o 20._o rejoice_v not_o in_o this_o that_o the_o spirit_n be_v subject_a to_o you_o but_o that_o your_o name_n be_v write_v in_o heaven_n he_o may_v also_o lay_v too_o much_o weight_n on_o sense_n or_o comfort_n and_o the_o reason_n may_v be_v because_o when_o god_n gracious_o condescend_v to_o give_v they_o now_o and_o then_o some_o proof_n that_o he_o love_v they_o they_o be_v in_o so_o far_o desert_v draw_v a_o conclusion_n quite_o cross_a to_o the_o design_n and_o end_n of_o that_o manifestation_n as_o if_o he_o approve_v they_o in_o that_o particular_a wherein_o they_o be_v mistake_v for_o as_o a_o believer_n when_o he_o be_v right_o may_v think_v himself_o to_o be_v wrong_n because_o of_o the_o want_n of_o sense_n so_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o contrary_n he_o may_v think_v himself_o to_o be_v right_a because_o he_o have_v much_o sense_n when_o yet_o he_o may_v be_v wrong_a i_o shall_v for_o further_a clear_v instance_n it_o in_o five_o or_o six_o case_n as_o 1._o when_o a_o believer_n have_v be_v in_o some_o tender_a frame_n pray_v to_o god_n sincere_o and_o have_v get_v a_o hear_n and_o when_o some_o smile_a providence_n meet_v he_o and_o invit_v he_o to_o side_n with_o such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n he_o be_v ready_a to_o think_v that_o god_n call_v he_o to_o that_o thing_n or_o it_o may_v be_v the_o christian_n after_o prayer_n meet_v with_o a_o scripture_n that_o hold_v out_o that_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v be_v pray_v for_o whence_o he_o rash_o draw_v the_o conclusion_n that_o he_o will_v obtain_v it_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o think_v that_o therein_o he_o walk_v according_a to_o reason_n if_o the_o thing_n look_v rational_a like_o to_o he_o and_o suit_v the_o matter_n of_o his_o prayer_n we_o may_v see_v something_o of_o this_o or_o very_o like_v it_o in_o samuel_n if_o we_o compare_v the_o 15._o and_o 16._o chapter_n of_o the_o first_o book_n of_o samuel_n together_o in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o 15._o chapter_n he_o have_v very_o probable_o be_v pray_v when_o he_o mourn_v and_o chap._n 16._o v._n 1._o he_o be_v send_v by_o god_n to_o bethlehem_n to_o anoint_v one_o of_o jesses_n son_n to_o be_v king_n and_o when_o vers_n 6._o he_o look_v on_o eliah_n he_o present_o and_o somewhat_o rash_o yet_o very_o confident_o say_v sure_o the_o lord_n anointed_n be_v before_o he_o he_o have_v be_v pray_v and_o the_o thing_n look_v so_o rational_a and_o purpose-like_a be_v persuade_v that_o he_o be_v right_a but_o the_o lord_n reprove_v he_o and_o say_v to_o he_o look_v not_o on_o his_o countenance_n nor_o on_o the_o height_n of_o his_o stature_n because_o i_o have_v refuse_v he_o for_o the_o lord_n see_v not_o â—s_a man_n see_v for_o man_n look_v on_o the_o outward_a appearance_n but_o the_o lord_n look_v on_o the_o heart_n how_o oâ—t_n may_v a_o tryst_n of_o providence_n be_v mistake_v i_o be_v in_o prayer_n and_o such_o a_o word_n meet_v i_o and_o such_o a_o providence_n occur_v to_o i_o and_o do_v cast_v the_o balance_n a_o â—_o d._n case_n be_v when_o a_o thing_n represent_v itself_o to_o the_o believer_n not_o only_o as_o lawful_a and_o honest_a but_o as_o conduce_v much_o to_o god_n glory_n and_o to_o the_o good_a of_o his_o work_n and_o he_o mean_v well_o in_o it_o how_o ready_a be_v he_o hence_o to_o conclude_v that_o he_o be_v certain_o call_v to_o such_o a_o thing_n and_o that_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n when_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o we_o may_v see_v something_o of_o this_o in_o david_n who_o 2_o sam._n 7._o 1_o 2_o 3_o and_o 4._o have_v a_o purpose_n to_o build_v a_o house_n to_o god_n propose_v the_o matter_n to_o nathan_n the_o prophet_n who_o without_o consult_v god_n off-hand_n say_v to_o he_o go_v do_v all_o that_o be_v in_o thy_o heart_n for_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o thou_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o though_o god_n love_v the_o thing_n and_o approve_v of_o it_o in_o its_o self_n as_o a_o duty_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o god_n mind_n that_o david_n shall_v perform_v it_o nor_o that_o nathan_n shall_v have_v so_o positive_o encourage_v he_o to_o it_o hence_o when_o a_o thing_n consider_v in_o itself_o be_v please_v to_o god_n and_o may_v be_v for_o his_o honour_n some_o good_a people_n may_v think_v it_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n who_o yet_o god_n never_o call_v to_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o for_o instance_n to_o aim_v to_o be_v a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o good_a thing_n in_o itself_o and_o one_o may_v have_v a_o sort_n of_o impulse_n to_o it_o who_o yet_o may_v not_o be_v call_v to_o it_o a_o 3d._a case_n be_v when_o believer_n inclination_n and_o affection_n be_v exceed_v much_o towards_o such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n very_o ready_o therefrom_o they_o will_v come_v to_o have_v a_o sort_n of_o persuasion_n in_o their_o conscience_n anent_o that_o thing_n as_o for_o instance_n when_o they_o love_v one_o sort_n of_o life_n beyond_o another_o which_o be_v not_o simple_o unlawful_a or_o one_o child_n beyond_o another_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o isaac_n his_o strong_a inclination_n to_o bless_v esau_n gen._n 27._o we_o conceive_v the_o good_a man_n go_v not_o against_o the_o light_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n in_o the_o matter_n but_o he_o love_v he_o excessive_o which_o make_v he_o take_v the_o less_o heed_n to_o what_o otherways_o god_n promise_n and_o way_n of_o deal_n with_o his_o son_n
religious_a man_n in_o some_o thing_n that_o they_o may_v get_v a_o dispensation_n to_o themselves_o in_o other_o thing_n but_o none_o of_o these_o will_v be_v find_v law-byding_a when_o god_n come_v to_o reckon_v 6_o people_n in_o a_o sort_n bargain_n with_o their_o conscience_n like_o these_o speak_v of_o isa._n 28._o 15._o they_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o death_n and_o be_v at_o agreement_n with_o hell_n and_o like_a naaman_n if_o that_o be_v indeed_o his_o meaning_n they_o will_v yield_v conscience_n such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n but_o no_o more_o they_o must_v have_v a_o dispensation_n in_o and_o a_o liberty_n of_o make_v reservation_n and_o exception_n of_o some_o one_o or_o more_o thing_n though_o this_o may_v not_o always_o be_v do_v distinct_o formal_o and_o explicit_o yet_o it_o be_v so_o on_o the_o matter_n implicit_o and_o interpretative_o but_o that_o covenant_n with_o death_n however_o make_v direct_o or_o indirect_o shall_v be_v break_v and_o that_o agreement_n with_o hell_n shall_v not_o stand_v and_o the_o hail_n of_o god_n wrath_n will_v sweep_v away_o the_o refuge_n of_o lie_n and_o conscience_n will_v speak_v at_o last_o but_o not_o with_o or_o under_o such_o cover_v of_o figleaf_n that_o man_n now_o wrap_v themselves_o in_o therefore_o i_o beseech_v you_o dally_v not_o with_o conscience_n for_o it_o be_v a_o fearful_a thing_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o it_o when_o it_o be_v waken_v as_o it_o be_v a_o fearful_a thing_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_a god_n who_o act_v in_o and_o by_o that_o conscience_n the_o four_o and_o last_o use_v be_v a_o use_n of_o exhortation_n see_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o man_n and_o more_o especial_o of_o believer_n to_o walk_v so_o as_o in_o nothing_o they_o offend_v their_o conscience_n we_o exhort_v you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o you_o will_v order_v your_o conversation_n so_o as_o in_o nothing_o your_o conscience_n may_v have_v a_o challenge_n against_o you_o you_o will_v all_o ready_o think_v that_o this_o be_v very_o reasonable_a and_o indeed_o if_o we_o prevail_v not_o in_o this_o wherein_o can_v we_o expect_v to_o prevail_v with_o you_o we_o seek_v no_o more_o of_o you_o but_o that_o you_o will_v so_o walk_v as_o that_o live_a and_o die_v your_o conscience_n may_v not_o flee_v in_o your_o face_n but_o may_v give_v you_o this_o testimony_n that_o you_o have_v aim_v to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o to_o live_v honest_o you_o may_v possible_o think_v that_o this_o be_v a_o fair_a general_n and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o very_a gross_a and_o profane_a man_n that_o will_v deny_v it_o and_o yet_o we_o will_v think_v that_o many_o of_o you_o be_v come_v a_o great_a length_n in_o religion_n if_o we_o can_v prevail_v with_o you_o but_o this_o far_o as_o that_o in_o all_o thing_n live_v and_o die_v as_o we_o say_v you_o may_v study_v to_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o this_o be_v no_o controvert_v nor_o debeatable_a thing_n we_o may_v with_o the_o more_o confidence_n press_v it_o upon_o you_o especial_o see_v it_o be_v the_o very_a soul_n and_o life_n of_o religion_n and_o where_o that_o be_v not_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o truth_n in_o religion_n that_o this_o exhortation_n may_v be_v the_o more_o clear_a and_o cogent_a we_o shall_v speak_v a_o word_n to_o these_o three_o 1._o to_o what_o this_o be_v to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o your_o walk_n 2._o to_o some_o motive_n to_o stir_v you_o up_o to_o it_o 3._o to_o some_o help_n to_o it_o for_o the_o 1._o it_o include_v these_o four_o which_o shall_v go_v along_o in_o your_o walk_n 1._o that_o you_o commit_v no_o know_a sin_n for_o there_o will_v be_v no_o good_a conscience_n if_o that_o be_v adventure_v on_o you_o who_o know_v that_o you_o shall_v not_o take_v liberty_n in_o drink_v drink_v in_o swear_v in_o profane_a or_o idle_a speak_n etc._n etc._n walk_v so_o as_o you_o may_v not_o thwart_v your_o knowledge_n 2_o it_o take_v in_o this_o that_o as_o you_o will_v commit_v no_o know_a sin_n so_o you_o will_v ommit_v no_o know_a duty_n because_o though_o every_o sin_n do_v wrong_v the_o conscience_n yet_o the_o sin_n that_o we_o know_v and_o yet_o commit_v and_o the_o duty_n that_o we_o know_v and_o yet_o omit_v do_v more_o direct_o strict_a against_o conscience_n you_o who_o know_v that_o the_o sabbath_n shall_v be_v keep_v holy_a that_o you_o shall_v pray_v in_o secret_a and_o in_o your_o family_n that_o you_o shall_v not_o offend_v one_o another_o etc._n etc._n beware_v of_o hazard_v on_o these_o contrary_n to_o your_o light_n 3_o it_o take_v in_o and_o suppose_v that_o you_o do_v nothing_o doubt_o for_o rom._n 14._o he_o that_o doubt_v and_o do_v be_v damn_v he_o be_v sentence_v and_o judge_v as_o to_o that_o particular_a 4_o it_o include_v this_o to_o endeavour_v to_o be_v right_a in_o the_o manner_n oâ—_n perform_v all_o duty_n and_o to_o have_v a_o single_a end_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o pray_v or_o to_o be_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o other_o command_v duty_n that_o will_v not_o quiet_a the_o conscience_n if_o you_o study_v not_o to_o be_v right_a in_o the_o manner_n and_o to_o do_v it_o for_o the_o right_a end_n the_o want_n of_o these_o requisite_a qualification_n of_o acceptable_a duty_n will_v make_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v lawful_a on_o the_o matter_n turn_v to_o be_v ground_n of_o challenge_n from_o the_o conscience_n but_o somewhat_o to_o this_o purpose_n have_v be_v speak_v of_o before_o therefore_o it_o have_v now_o be_v but_o touch_v 2_o for_o motive_n 1._o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o be_v a_o more_o clear_a duty_n it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o by_o nature_n heathen_n have_v it_o engrave_v on_o their_o heart_n as_o we_o see_v rom._n 2._o 15._o their_o conscience_n bear_v they_o witness_v and_o their_o thought_n excuse_v or_o accuse_v one_o another_o and_o they_o have_v call_v it_o a_o brazen_a wall_n to_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n as_o to_o a_o sound_a walk_n in_o their_o moral_a sense_n 2_o there_o be_v many_o and_o great_a advantage_n attend_v it_o as_o namely_o 1._o it_o give_v a_o man_n much_o boldness_n in_o approach_v to_o god_n 1_o john_n 3._o 20._o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o then_o have_v we_o boldness_n towards_o god_n when_o we_o go_v to_o pray_v 2._o it_o give_v ground_n also_o to_o expect_v one_fw-mi hearing_n 1_o john_n 3._o 22._o whatsoever_o we_o ask_v we_o receive_v of_o he_o because_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o do_v these_o thing_n that_o be_v please_v in_o his_o sight_n and_o cross_v not_o our_o light_n and_o conscience_n in_o neglect_v any_o of_o they_o 3_o it_o keep_v a_o man_n from_o much_o sin_n and_o be_v that_o think_v you_o little_a advantage_n to_o have_v little_a comparative_o at_o least_o on_o a_o man_n score_n to_o reckon_v for_o 4thly_a it_o make_v a_o man_n life_n cheerful_a so_o prov._n 15._o 15._o he_o that_o be_v of_o a_o merry_a heart_n 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
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 â—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 inâ—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 noâ—_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 wâ—_n conceive_v be_v that_o whereof_o the_o apoâ—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 maâ—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 oâ—_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 noâ—_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 challenge_n afterward_o 3_o try_v it_o by_o what_o conscience_n you_o make_v of_o present_a know_v and_o clear_a duty_n it_o be_v a_o good_a token_n that_o person_n be_v 〈◊〉_d when_o there_o be_v no_o clear_a duty_n but_o they_o make_v conscience_n of_o it_o labour_v to_o be_v universal_a and_o equal_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o know_a duty_n and_o when_o they_o â—ar_v not_o hazard_v on_o any_o thing_n without_o clearness_n but_o when_o a_o person_n be_v clear_o convince_v that_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v sin_n and_o continue_v still_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o that_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v duty_n and_o continue_v in_o the_o neglect_n oâ—_n it_o and_o yet_o think_v that_o he_o be_v swey_v by_o sincerity_n such_o a_o one_o must_v needs_o be_v delude_v since_o in_o such_o a_o case_n no_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v for_o it_o i_o be_o â—old_a hear_v to_o say_v that_o in_o the_o great_a day_n there_o shall_v never_o man_n noâ—_n woman_n be_v â—ound_v to_o have_v a_o testimony_n from_o their_o conscience_n of_o sincerity_n who_o have_v not_o aim_v and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v universal_o sincere_a the_o four_o help_v be_v that_o christian_n will_v endeavour_v to_o be_v in_o a_o very_a tender_a frame_n in_o the_o near_a communion_n with_o god_n and_o in_o the_o great_a measure_n of_o heart-melting_a and_o of_o â—ouring_v it_o out_o before_o god_n that_o may_v be_v win_v at_o though_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o christian_n to_o mistake_v even_o in_o such_o a_o frame_n but_o my_o meaning_n be_v that_o the_o rule_n will_v be_v look_v to_o and_o lay_v before_o we_o and_o that_o we_o will_v study_v to_o make_v application_n of_o it_o with_o the_o least_o by-respect_n and_o with_o the_o great_a singleness_n and_o that_o then_o we_o may_v with_o some_o safety_n conclude_v what_o side_n to_o sway_a to_o i_o will_v not_o in_o all_o this_o have_v we_o debate_v duty_n but_o our_o particular_a call_n to_o duty_n this_o may_v be_v look_v at_o 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 iâ—_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 â—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 prohibiâ—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
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 pleaâ—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 chroâ—_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
who_o be_v speak_v of_o jer._n 2._o v._n 35._o because_o i_o be_o innocent_a sure_o his_o anger_n be_v turn_v away_o from_o i_o only_o here_o take_v two_o or_o three_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o persuasion_n that_o be_v in_o believer_n and_o these_o that_o be_v in_o hypocrite_n when_o they_o go_v wrong_v 1._o in_o a_o believer_n it_o be_v in_o some_o particular_a and_o not_o as_o to_o their_o state_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o hypocrite_n persuasion_n 2._o it_o be_v in_o some_o accidental_a or_o accessary_a thing_n and_o not_o in_o fundamental_a truth_n 3_o it_o be_v ready_o and_o more_o ordinary_o in_o some_o thing_n not_o simple_o and_o in_o itself_o evil_a but_o in_o something_o only_o that_o they_o be_v not_o call_v to_o of_o god_n though_o good_a in_o itself_o in_o these_o most_o ready_o and_o ordinary_o as_o i_o just_a now_o say_v they_o may_v go_v wrong_a and_o stray_v but_o yet_o they_o may_v do_v so_o even_o in_o some_o other_o thing_n at_o fit_n or_o under_o some_o violent_a tentation_n we_o shall_v close_v up_o all_o at_o this_o time_n with_o these_o four_o or_o five_o word_n of_o direction_n the_o 1._o whereof_o be_v that_o which_o we_o hint_v at_o before_o that_o believer_n will_v walk_v soft_o humble_o and_o in_o fear_n and_o not_o be_v too_o confident_a of_o themselves_o or_o of_o their_o own_o strength_n for_o though_o they_o may_v warrantable_o be_v humble_o confident_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v carry_v through_o without_o at_o least_o final_a err_a in_o any_o fundamental_a truth_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n yet_o they_o may_v slide_v in_o a_o particular_a practice_n or_o in_o a_o point_n of_o truth_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v to_o say_v so_o accessary_a and_o not_o absolute_o necessary_a and_o therefore_o they_o shall_v walk_v in_o fear_n and_o be_v war_n of_o a_o despise_n censure_a and_o condemn_a humour_n that_o use_v to_o go_v along_o with_o they_o who_o think_v themselves_o to_o be_v right_a and_o other_o to_o be_v wrong_n as_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n be_v rom._n 14._o 3._o 2_o dly_a believer_n have_v not_o need_v to_o be_v rash_a or_o hasty_a in_o any_o thing_n since_o much_o of_o their_o err_a whether_o in_o opinion_n or_o practice_n flow_v from_o their_o haste_n and_o suddenness_n in_o draw_v conclusion_n whereas_o if_o they_o patient_o wait_v on_o god_n and_o consider_v calm_o and_o at_o leisure_n they_o may_v get_v another_o answer_n but_o we_o often_o lie_v down_o our_o conclusion_n and_o then_o begin_v to_o try_v which_o be_v a_o very_a preposterous_a course_n whereas_o we_o shall_v first_o try_v and_o then_o conclude_v 3_o believer_n shall_v be_v exceed_o serious_a not_o only_o in_o try_v the_o thing_n but_o in_o try_v their_o singleness_n in_o it_o consider_v that_o oftentimes_o there_o be_v somewhat_o beside_o awe_n of_o conscience_n that_o sway_v they_o in_o such_o and_o such_o a_o particular_a if_o they_o can_v discern_v it_o such_o as_o interest_n affection_n or_o the_o like_a 4thly_a they_o will_v also_o careful_o observe_v and_o beware_v of_o the_o bitter_a fruit_n that_o accompany_v delusion_n in_o other_o which_o though_o they_o come_v not_o to_o that_o hight_v yet_o may_v come_v to_o a_o considerable_a height_n even_o in_o they_o such_o as_o be_v severe_a censure_v and_o judge_v of_o other_o bitterness_n frothiness_n etc._n etc._n 5thly_a and_o in_o a_o word_n they_o have_v need_n to_o lippen_n and_o trust_n to_o god_n more_o than_o to_o themselves_o according_a to_o that_o notable_a exhortation_n prov._n 3._o 5_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o lean_v not_o unto_o thy_o own_o understanding_n in_o all_o thy_o way_n acknowledge_v he_o and_o he_o shall_v direct_v thy_o path_n that_o other_o word_n which_o we_o have_v prov._n 28._o v_o 26._o will_v also_o be_v consider_v and_o serious_o ponder_v he_o that_o trust_v in_o his_o own_o heart_n be_v a_o fool_n but_o who_o so_o walk_v wise_o shall_v be_v deliver_v let_v all_o learn_v to_o be_v humble_a tender_a and_o sober_a and_o god_n bless_v what_o have_v be_v say_v for_o this_o end_n sermon_n v._n act_n 24._o 16._o and_o herein_o do_v i_o exercise_v myself_o to_o have_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n there_o be_v no_o truth_n that_o will_v be_v more_o ready_o grant_v then_o this_o which_o we_o propose_v from_o these_o word_n namely_o that_o all_o man_n and_o more_o especial_o believer_n ought_v so_o to_o live_v and_o walk_v as_o in_o nothing_o to_o give_v their_o conscience_n cause_n of_o offence_n and_o yet_o if_o we_o shall_v impartial_o put_v the_o matter_n to_o trial_n there_o be_v ground_n to_o fear_v that_o the_o life_n of_o many_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v nothing_o else_o then_o a_o continue_a lie_n and_o practical_a contradiction_n to_o the_o profession_n of_o this_o great_a truth_n because_o this_o be_v as_o we_o say_v so_o tender_a and_o tickle_v a_o subject_n and_o because_o there_o be_v so_o great_a need_n to_o be_v clear_a in_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o it_o we_o have_v be_v constrain_v beyond_o our_o purpose_n to_o propose_v and_o answer_v several_a question_n and_o to_o move_v and_o dissolve_v several_a doubt_n concern_v it_o to_o make_v the_o fair_a and_o easy_a access_n to_o the_o use_n it_o be_v so_o very_o ordinary_a for_o people_n to_o think_v that_o they_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n when_o indeed_o they_o have_v it_o not_o and_o so_o to_o baffle_v to_o speak_v so_o and_o abuse_v conscience_n that_o shall_v be_v the_o most_o powerful_a provoker_n to_o a_o tender_a and_o circumspect_a walk_n as_o to_o make_v it_o a_o ground_n of_o security_n and_o untenderness_n we_o speak_v a_o little_a the_o last_o occasion_n to_o that_o question_n whether_o not_o only_o unregenerat_a man_n may_v think_v that_o to_o be_v conscience_n which_o be_v not_o but_o also_o whether_o it_o be_v incident_a even_o to_o believer_n themselves_o to_o think_v and_o that_o with_o some_o sort_n of_o persuasion_n i_o will_v not_o say_v with_o such_o grossness_n of_o delusion_n as_o may_v be_v in_o other_o that_o they_o be_v right_a when_o yet_o they_o be_v wrong_v in_o answer_n to_o which_o we_o show_v you_o they_o may_v and_o instance_a several_a case_n wherein_o now_o though_o the_o last_o branch_n of_o the_o question_n have_v its_o own_o great_a difficulty_n to_o conceive_v of_o it_o a_o right_a yet_o since_o it_o be_v â—or_a our_o edification_n foâ—_n if_o believer_n may_v mistake_v much_o more_o may_v other_o and_o since_o it_o will_v make_v way_n for_o confirm_v a_o subsequent_a doctrine_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o difficult_a exercise_v and_o up-taking_a thing_n to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o since_o also_o it_o have_v very_o great_a influence_n upon_o and_o be_v very_o useful_a to_o our_o whole_a life_n it_o be_v withal_o the_o main_a scope_n of_o the_o text_n to_o press_v the_o keep_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o a_o christian_a walk_n to_o do_v so_o we_o shall_v yet_o proceed_v therein_o a_o little_a further_o and_o it_o will_v not_o we_o hope_v be_v find_v to_o be_v a_o impertinent_a or_o wide_a digression_n sober_o to_o do_v so_o that_o than_o which_o we_o speak_v a_o little_a to_o and_o will_v now_o further_o prosecute_v be_v that_o believer_n though_o not_o in_o reference_n to_o their_o state_n yet_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o duty_n for_o both_o in_o think_v that_o to_o be_v truth_n which_o be_v not_o truth_n and_o that_o to_o be_v duty_n which_o be_v not_o duty_n conscience_n act_v as_o the_o judgement_n be_v inform_v may_v err_v and_o go_v wrong_n in_o prosecute_a of_o this_o we_o shall_v first_o confirm_v it_o from_o some_o instance_n 2_o we_o shall_v touch_v on_o some_o aggravation_n or_o aggravate_v circumstance_n of_o the_o thing_n though_o not_o so_o much_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o it_o which_o will_v make_v it_o the_o more_o wonderful_a 3_o we_o shall_v give_v some_o reason_n of_o it_o 4thly_a we_o shall_v speak_v a_o word_n or_o two_o to_o the_o use_v of_o it_o for_o the_o 1._o that_o believer_n may_v thus_o go_v wrong_n we_o shall_v confirm_v it_o from_o 4._o instance_n the_o 1._o whereof_o be_v that_o frequent_a and_o famous_a instance_n of_o bigamy_n and_o polygamy_n or_o marry_v of_o two_o or_o of_o more_o wife_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n among_o the_o father_n and_o saint_n we_o be_v far_o from_o aggredge_v their_o fail_n in_o this_o and_o from_o make_v it_o in_o they_o so_o very_o odious_a yea_o we_o think_v it_o may_v be_v in_o some_o respect_n just_o extenuate_v and_o far_o remove_v from_o that_o degree_n of_o sinfulness_n that_o it_o will_v be_v among_o we_o and_o may_v possible_o in_o some_o case_n have_v a_o dispensation_n
to_o hazard_v on_o sin_n to_o neglect_v prayer_n and_o other_o duty_n yet_o they_o will_v consider_v the_o terror_n that_o follow_v one_fw-mi evil_a conscience_n and_o how_o it_o breed_v and_o brew_v a_o hell_n within_o their_o own_o bosom_n there_o be_v then_o a_o necessity_n a_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n that_o quarrel_n be_v not_o and_o abide_v not_o betwixt_o god_n and_o we_o for_o ever_o 3_o for_o some_o help_n or_o direction_n to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o we_o wish_v we_o be_v all_o in_o a_o posture_n and_o frame_n of_o soul_n to_o meet_v with_o to_o receive_v and_o make_v suitable_a use_n of_o they_o 1._o endeavour_v to_o have_v light_n and_o clearness_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n and_o what_o concern_v your_o own_o good_a let_v every_o one_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n as_o it_o be_v rom._n 14._o 5._o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o you_o who_o be_v gross_o or_o very_o ignorant_a can_v keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n you_o know_v not_o when_o you_o sin_n nor_o when_o you_o do_v duty_n aright_o yea_o although_o you_o may_v do_v duty_n or_o thing_n good_a on_o the_o matter_n the_o want_n of_o knowledge_n make_v you_o want_v the_o testimony_n of_o that_o good_a alace_o that_o many_o wise_a and_o rich_a man_n that_o can_v speak_v well_o of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n shall_v be_v quite_o ignorant_a of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o many_o of_o you_o will_v think_v shame_n of_o it_o if_o we_o will_v point_v you_o out_o 2_o advert_v and_o take_v heed_n to_o what_o conscience_n say_v the_o truth_n be_v most_o man_n take_v heed_n to_o what_o may_v further_o their_o design_n in_o external_o to_o what_o their_o wit_n and_o reason_n carve_v out_o to_o they_o and_o to_o what_o their_o own_o light_n think_v or_o as_o it_o be_v overly_o say_v be_v right_a and_o present_o step_v to_o it_o and_o never_o ask_v what_o science_n well_o inform_v from_o the_o word_n say_v this_o make_v many_o man_n say_v and_o do_v in_o their_o haste_n that_o which_o they_o repent_v of_o afterward_o therefore_o you_o shall_v learn_v to_o put_v conscience_n to_o speak_v consult_v not_o with_o your_o design_n nor_o with_o your_o wit_n and_o reason_n only_o nor_o main_o but_o retire_v and_o consult_v serious_o with_o your_o conscience_n commune_fw-la with_o your_o heart_n and_o be_v still_o stand_v in_o awe_n and_o sin_n not_o as_o it_o be_v psal._n 4._o 4._o consult_v not_o with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n let_v not_o their_o advice_n come_v in_o betwixt_o god_n and_o you_o and_o final_o determine_v you_o but_o reason_n with_o yourselves_o think_v this_o and_o this_o our_o inclination_n say_v and_o this_o and_o this_o our_o overly_o light_n say_v but_o we_o will_v put_v conscience_n to_o it_o and_o hear_v what_o it_o say_v and_o yet_o it_o be_v but_o a_o inferior_a rule_n and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v not_o take_v every_o thing_n from_o conscience_n without_o ground_n but_o hear_v what_o the_o superior_a rule_n of_o god_n word_n say_v and_o this_o be_v a_o right_a circle_n wherein_o you_o shall_v turn_v yourselves_o even_o to_o try_v your_o light_n by_o bring_v it_o to_o conscience_n and_o then_o to_o try_v your_o conscience_n by_o put_v it_o to_o give_v a_o reason_n from_o the_o word_n 3_o be_v exceed_o aware_a to_o thwart_v with_o your_o light_n in_o the_o least_o thing_n and_o abstain_v from_o every_o thing_n that_o seem_v to_o come_v in_o top_n with_o it_o for_o conscience_n be_v a_o very_a tender_a thing_n if_o we_o stand_v not_o in_o awe_n of_o conscience_n we_o may_v provoke_v god_n to_o give_v we_o up_o to_o do_v what_o we_o will_v and_o to_o send_v we_o like_o lamb_n to_o feed_v in_o a_o large_a place_n therefore_o i_o say_v again_o beware_v of_o thwart_v in_o the_o least_o thing_n with_o your_o light_n and_o your_o conscience_n 4_o as_o you_o will_v hear_v what_o conscience_n say_v before_o you_o do_v any_o thing_n so_o when_o you_o have_v do_v it_o you_o shall_v consider_v how_o you_o carry_v in_o it_o according_a to_o your_o light_n and_o whether_o you_o have_v have_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o such_o a_o thing_n both_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n and_o the_o manner_n and_o put_v your_o conscience_n to_o speak_v to_o that_o and_o hear_v what_o it_o say_v concern_v what_o be_v do_v there_o will_v be_v in_o this_o much_o singleness_n for_o if_o the_o eye_n be_v evil_a it_o will_v make_v the_o whoâ—e_a body_n full_a of_o darkness_n hence_o paul_n put_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o sincerity_n together_o 2_o cor._n 1._o 12._o if_o we_o shall_v speak_v never_o so_o many_o good_a word_n and_o do_v never_o so_o many_o good_a â—hings_n on_o the_o matter_n if_o we_o be_v not_o single_o mind_v god_n honour_n in_o they_o they_o will_v not_o be_v acceptable_a the_o want_n of_o sincerity_n will_v be_v as_o the_o dead_a â—ie_v in_o many_o a_o man_n pot_n of_o ointment_n of_o call_v for_o duty_n that_o will_v make_v it_o cast_v forth_o one_fw-mi evil_a and_o stink_a smell_n the_o savour_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n will_v sure_o be_v want_v where_o singleness_n be_v not_o or_o where_o conscience_n be_v make_v subordinate_a to_o our_o carnal_a interest_n many_o may_v have_v a_o resolution_n to_o do_v such_o and_o duty_n who_o yet_o make_v these_o to_o keep_v level_a with_o carnal_a design_n and_o interest_n it_o be_v impossible_a when_o man_n come_v not_o as_o new_o bear_v babe_n to_o drink_v in_o the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o they_o can_v profit_v let_v be_v grow_v thereby_o 6_o be_v frequent_a and_o serious_a in_o make_v humble_a and_o believe_a application_n to_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o blood_n of_o sprinkle_v that_o thereby_o your_o conscience_n may_v be_v sprinkle_v and_o purge_v from_o dead_a work_n for_o the_o great_a ground_n of_o your_o pâ—ace_n be_v not_o your_o seriousness_n and_o sincerity_n but_o his_o satisfaction_n many_o of_o our_o work_n and_o duty_n alace_o want_v life_n and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o sprinkle_v with_o the_o virtue_n of_o his_o blood_n they_o will_v be_v but_o as_o so_o many_o dead_a weight_n on_o the_o conscience_n and_o indeed_o there_o can_v be_v no_o true_o good_a conscience_n whatever_o else_o be_v if_o this_o be_v neglect_v let_v then_o these_o that_o will_v be_v at_o a_o good_a conscience_n make_v use_n of_o these_o direction_n and_o help_n and_o they_o shall_v doubtless_o come_v the_o better_a speed_n now_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o this_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n to_o wit_n that_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o have_v and_o to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o always_o towards_o god_n and_o man_n which_o a_o very_a heathen_a be_v he_o present_v with_o we_o will_v not_o contradict_v and_o it_o be_v very_o useful_a for_o you_o though_o it_o may_v be_v some_o profane_a wretch_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o say_v what_o need_v all_o this_o niceness_n and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o truth_n and_o a_o most_o concern_v truth_n so_o nothing_o will_v make_v your_o life_n more_o true_o cheerful_a and_o comfortable_a and_o if_o it_o be_v neglect_v or_o slight_v all_o your_o knowledge_n all_o your_o disput_n about_o religion_n all_o your_o tasting_n of_o the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n all_o your_o prayer_n or_o what_o else_o you_o can_v name_v will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n and_o see_v it_o be_v so_o very_o important_a and_o concern_v a_o truth_n we_o leave_v it_o on_o you_o before_o god_n and_o put_v it_o home_o to_o your_o conscience_n to_o make_v it_o your_o exercise_n to_o have_v always_o a_o good_a conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o toward_a man_n we_o mind_v not_o to_o come_v back_o again_o on_o this_o text_n nor_o to_o touch_v on_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o doctrine_n at_o first_o propose_v from_o it_o what_o we_o have_v say_v be_v principal_o if_o not_o only_o design_v and_o most_o if_o not_o all_o the_o other_o doctrine_n be_v one_o way_n or_o other_o reach_v in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o these_o that_o we_o have_v at_o length_n speak_v to_o the_o lord_n gracious_o bless_v what_o you_o have_v hear_v sermon_n i._n 1_o peter_z 3._o 21._o not_o the_o put_v away_o of_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n conscience_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o most_o excellent_a gift_n of_o god_n give_v to_o man_n have_v a_o excellent_a nature_n be_v wait_v with_o many_o rare_a and_o choice_a uses_n and_o advantage_n throughout_o their_o whole_a life_n and_o when_o it_o be_v right_o use_v it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o special_a friend_n that_o man_n can_v have_v on_o earth_n and_o one_o of_o the_o great_a thing_n that_o this_o gospel_n and_o the_o
the_o instrument_n and_o another_o thing_n to_o have_v they_o all_o in_o tune_n when_o it_o be_v not_o right_o tune_v though_o it_o have_v on_o all_o the_o string_n it_o can_v give_v a_o sweet_a nor_o harmonious_a sound_n so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o conscience_n the_o use_n be_v for_o exhortation_n to_o watchful_a advertance_n in_o every_o thing_n to_o conscience_n it_o be_v testimony_n see_v there_o be_v many_o that_o do_v good_a on_o the_o matter_n who_o yet_o want_v its_o testimony_n it_o become_v we_o to_o be_v the_o more_o watchful_a to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o see_v that_o conscience_n its_o speak_v for_o a_o man_n and_o give_v he_o its_o approbative_a testimony_n and_o his_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a on_o the_o matter_n be_v not_o only_o separable_a but_o be_v often_o actual_o separate_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o not_o only_a in_o natural_a but_o even_o in_o regenerate_a man_n as_o frequent_a experience_n put_v beyond_o debate_n we_o have_v need_v i_o say_v to_o be_v the_o more_o watchful_a both_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n and_o manner_n of_o our_o do_v lest_o we_o be_v at_o a_o lose_v of_o the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n for_o we_o and_o none_o will_v think_v it_o to_o be_v as_o easy_a a_o business_n to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o perform_v of_o duty_n as_o it_o be_v to_o do_v so_o â—s_v to_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o how_o many_o come_v to_o the_o church_n but_o without_o due_a preparation_n and_o without_o have_v a_o heart_n ready_a to_o hear_v what_o god_n will_v say_v to_o they_o and_o meddle_v with_o with_o other_o duty_n without_o regard_v the_o due_a manner_n of_o perform_v they_o we_o â—ight_a instance_n it_o in_o all_o these_o six_o sort_n of_o action_n we_o speak_v of_o the_o other_o day_n in_o all_o which_o there_o be_v a_o propensnes_n iâ—_n we_o natural_o to_o degenerate_v and_o go_v beside_o the_o rule_n as_o namely_o 1._o in_o natural_a action_n of_o eat_v and_o drink_v or_o of_o love_a husband_n or_o wife_n or_o child_n man_n may_v be_v very_o carnal_a degenerate_a and_o become_v like_o very_a beast_n 2._o in_o civil_a action_n as_o buy_v and_o bargane_v wherein_o man_n maâ—_n turn_v base_o covetous_a selfie_v and_o seek_v their_o own_o thing_n and_o not_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n noâ—_n the_o good_a and_o advantage_n of_o other_o 3_o in_o moral_a action_n as_o speak_v truth_n deal_v fair_o and_o honest_o wherein_o man_n may_v turn_v legal_a proud_a and_o vain_a and_o seek_v to_o establish_v a_o self-righteousnesse_n thereby_o to_o themselves_o 4._o in_o external_a religious_a action_n as_o hear_v the_o word_n pray_v etc._n etc._n wherein_o man_n may_v turn_v hypocritical_a and_o formal_a have_v a_o show_n without_o substance_n and_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n without_o the_o power_n of_o it_o 5._o in_o inward_a duty_n as_o repentance_n contentment_n etc._n etc._n wherein_o man_n may_v turn_v worldly_a and_o carnal_a therefore_o a_o worldly_a repentance_n from_o fear_n of_o punishment_n or_o of_o shame_n in_o the_o world_n or_o worldly_a sorrow_n that_o cause_v death_n be_v speak_v of_o 2_o cor._n 7._o v._n 10._o so_o theâ—e_n be_v a_o worldly_a contentment_n 6._o in_o passive_a action_n or_o suffering_n some_o may_v suffer_v from_o inevitable_a necessity_n and_o have_v no_o thanks_o for_o it_o as_o it_o be_v 1_o pet._n 2._o 20._o we_o may_v from_o the_o unstraightnesse_n of_o the_o end_n to_o which_o from_o the_o unsoundnesse_n of_o the_o principle_n from_o which_o from_o the_o unsuitablenesse_n of_o the_o motive_n by_o which_o duty_n be_v do_v and_o several_a otherways_o prejudge_v ourselves_o of_o the_o approve_v testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n which_o we_o will_v careful_o advert_v to_o that_o we_o divide_v not_o betwixt_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o a_o good_a turn_v action_n or_o duty_n but_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v here_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v so_o difficult_a to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o to_o carry_v it_o along_o with_o we_o in_o the_o very_a interim_n mean_v time_n and_o nick_n of_o perform_v the_o action_n above_o and_o beyond_o what_o it_o be_v either_o to_o deliberat_fw-la and_o advise_v with_o it_o before_o we_o do_v or_o to_o reflect_v after_o we_o have_v do_v i_o answer_v and_o give_v these_o two_o or_o three_o reason_n of_o it_o the_o first_o whereof_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o necessary_a concurrence_n of_o so_o many_o thing_n that_o must_v go_v together_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o a_o action_n which_o make_v it_o easy_a to_o resolve_v before_o do_v or_o to_o reflect_v after_o do_v then_o to_o perform_v the_o second_o be_v because_o there_o be_v such_o a_o ticklenesse_n in_o the_o frame_n ol_fw-mi our_o heart_n that_o they_o be_v unstable_a as_o water_n stable_n in_o nothing_o there_o be_v three_o distemper_n of_o heart_n that_o we_o be_v subject_a to_o which_o all_o hold_v forth_o this_o difficulty_n 1._o a_o decline_a humour_n to_o say_v so_o or_o distemper_n whereby_o we_o be_v give_v to_o backslide_v or_o turn_v aside_o like_o a_o deceitful_a bow_n that_o keep_v bensel_n while_o the_o arrow_n be_v a_o draw_v and_o when_o it_o be_v at_o or_o in_o the_o very_o let_v off_o starteth_z aside_o 2_o a_o levity_n and_o unsettledness_n even_o such_o that_o the_o weather_n cock_n be_v not_o soon_o and_o more_o easy_o whirl_v about_o by_o the_o least_o wind_n than_o we_o be_v by_o the_o least_o breathe_v of_o the_o air_n of_o tentation_n so_o that_o be_v we_o just_a now_o in_o a_o good_a and_o suitable_a frame_n for_o duty_n ere_o we_o be_v aware_a we_o fall_v off_o and_o a_o good_a conscience_n require_v a_o composedness_n and_o staidness_n of_o frame_n 3_o a_o rashness_n and_o hastiness_n or_o precipitance_n which_o make_v we_o that_o so_o soon_o as_o we_o be_v clear_a in_o the_o thing_n to_o rush_v forward_o and_o to_o think_v all_o be_v do_v that_o be_v requisite_a so_o that_o we_o wait_v not_o to_o carry_v conscience_n along_o with_o we_o in_o our_o performance_n which_o rash_a precipitant_n and_o hasty_a humour_n or_o distemper_n make_v we_o often_o miscarry_v as_o david_n say_v of_o himself_o psal._n 116_o i_o say_v in_o my_o haste_n that_o all_o man_n be_v liar_n and_o i_o say_v in_o my_o haste_n that_o i_o be_o cut_v off_o from_o thy_o presence_n psal._n 31._o so_o believer_n often_o mar_v the_o composedness_n of_o their_o own_o frame_n by_o their_o hâ—steing_a and_o not_o take_v heed_n to_o what_o conscience_n say_v while_o they_o be_v in_o perform_v duty_n thus_o many_o post_n as_o it_o be_v through_o their_o prayer_n speak_v of_o many_o good_a thing_n in_o they_o from_o light_n but_o not_o endeavour_v to_o carry_v conscience_n its_o testimony_n along_o with_o they_o of_o their_o sincerity_n they_o spoil_v and_o mar_v that_o which_o be_v well_o intend_v and_o begin_v by_o they_o a_o four_o ground_n reason_n or_o cause_n of_o this_o be_v the_o great_a difficulty_n that_o there_o be_v to_o maintain_v and_o keep_v up_o a_o right_a frame_n of_o heart_n for_o any_o considerable_a time_n and_o a_o man_n will_v never_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n along_o particular_a duty_n if_o he_o maintain_v not_o a_o right_a frame_n of_o heart_n though_o a_o thing_n good_a in_o itself_o be_v never_o so_o fair_o floore_v to_o speak_v so_o and_o its_o ground_n never_o so_o well_o take_v up_o yet_o the_o least_o bias_n or_o rub_v easy_o put_v it_o by_o and_o make_v it_o go_v out_o all_o which_o shall_v in_o reason_n make_v we_o study_v the_o more_o watchfulness_n 5thly_a observe_v which_o will_v help_v to_o the_o use_v of_o the_o former_a and_o be_v of_o some_o affinity_n with_o the_o first_o particular_a observation_n that_o person_n will_v endeavour_v to_o walk_v in_o every_o particular_a duty_n or_o action_n so_o as_o they_o may_v not_o only_o advert_v to_o what_o conscience_n say_v of_o it_o but_o may_v also_o carry_v it_o along_o with_o they_o in_o it_o and_o have_v the_o positive_a approve_v testimony_n thereof_o all_o alongst_o the_o do_n of_o it_o which_o may_v be_v though_o there_o be_v not_o reflect_v on_o it_o every_o moment_n that_o be_v not_o only_a will_v they_o before_o they_o undertake_v any_o thing_n be_v clear_a that_o it_o be_v a_o warrantable_a duty_n as_o be_v mark_v before_o but_o further_a when_o they_o have_v do_v this_o they_o will_v so_o carry_v conscience_n along_o with_o they_o in_o it_o as_o they_o may_v have_v its_o testimony_n that_o they_o go_v about_o it_o conscientious_o therefore_o paul_n ask_v not_o only_o what_o conscience_n say_v of_o the_o action_n as_o to_o its_o matter_n and_o as_o to_o his_o sincerity_n in_o undertake_v it_o but_o he_o bring_v it_o out_o speak_v for_o he_o while_o he_o be_v do_v it_o my_o conscience_n say_v he_o
eye_n behind_o intimate_v that_o tender_a christian_n shall_v have_v and_o in_o some_o measure_n indeed_o have_v a_o eye_n as_o we_o use_v to_o speak_v of_o very_o watchful_a and_o accurat_o observe_v person_n in_o their_o neck_n look_v to_o what_o stick_v and_o cleave_v to_o their_o heel_n as_o it_o be_v when_o they_o have_v pass_v any_o action_n or_o duty_n as_o the_o word_n be_v psal._n 49._o 5._o where_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v of_o the_o iniquity_n of_o his_o heel_n compass_v he_o about_o as_o know_v well_o that_o in_o every_o step_n of_o his_o way_n he_o leave_v some_o â—oul_a vestige_n or_o print_v behind_o he_o and_o therefore_o look_v back_o on_o it_o this_o than_o we_o propose_v as_o a_o piece_n and_o a_o special_a piece_n of_o a_o tender_a walk_n viz._n that_o christian_n not_o only_o deliberat_fw-la before_o they_o do_v and_o look_v to_o conscience_n while_o they_o be_v adoing_o but_o that_o also_o they_o reflect_v and_o look_v back_o upon_o the_o action_n when_o it_o be_v do_v and_o pass_v to_o clear_v this_o a_o little_a further_o there_o be_v three_o main_a thing_n that_o a_o believer_n be_v call_v to_o in_o reference_n to_o what_o be_v past_a 1._o examination_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o way_n 2._o lay_v of_o himself_o and_o his_o way_n to_z and_o before_o his_o conscience_n inform_v by_o the_o word_n 3._o judge_v of_o himself_o according_a as_o he_o find_v eth_z his_o way_n to_o be_v when_o he_o have_v lay_v it_o before_o his_o conscience_n we_o need_v not_o curious_o and_o nice_o difference_n these_o for_o they_o go_v always_o together_o when_o a_o man_n be_v right_a his_o examination_n of_o himself_o and_o of_o his_o way_n the_o examination_n of_o his_o way_n by_o his_o conscience_n and_o his_o self-judging_a yet_o they_o may_v be_v some_o way_n difference_v self-examination_n be_v more_o large_a and_o extensive_a take_v in_o the_o whole_a that_o a_o man_n be_v concern_v in_o his_o recklessness_n and_o his_o need_n as_o well_o as_o his_o sinfulness_n but_o reflect_v on_o conscience_n consider_v a_o man_n way_n as_o sinful_a or_o not_o sinful_a only_o self-examination_n be_v a_o gather_v as_o it_o be_v of_o thing_n together_o but_o reflect_v on_o conscience_n be_v a_o lay_n of_o they_o to_o the_o rule_n a_o put_n of_o they_o to_o the_o touchstone_n self-examination_n be_v the_o mid_n conscience-reflection_n be_v the_o end_n and_o if_o any_o shall_v offer_v to_o divide_v they_o the_o gather_n of_o thing_n together_o by_o self-examination_n will_v not_o signify_v much_o except_o they_o be_v try_v by_o conscience_n self-examination_n be_v antecedent_n to_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o judge_n self-judging_a be_v subsequent_a as_o a_o ratification_n of_o that_o which_o conscience_n have_v say_v when_o we_o have_v examine_v and_o find_v out_o thing_n and_o when_o conscience_n have_v on_o reflection_n agreeable_o to_o the_o rule_n give_v its_o sense_n and_o sentence_n our_o judge_v of_o ourselves_o be_v our_o homologate_a or_o own_v apply_v and_o take_v home_o to_o we_o the_o sentence_n that_o conscience_n have_v past_a as_o it_o be_v from_o our_o own_o mouth_n somewhat_o like_o that_o word_n rom._n 8._o 16._o the_o spirit_n itself_o bear_v witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o ourselves_o examination_n and_o judge_v we_o be_v active_a but_o in_o conscience_n its_o pass_a sentence_n we_o be_v passive_a as_o be_v therein_o 〈◊〉_d before_o the_o judge_n and_o when_o conscience_n have_v say_v we_o say_v however_o we_o put_v they_o together_o and_o have_v mark_v it_o for_o this_o reason_n because_o ofttimes_o when_o we_o examine_v and_o take_v a_o look_n of_o ourselves_o and_o of_o our_o way_n we_o be_v dispose_v to_o think_v that_o we_o have_v do_v enough_o and_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o indictment_n be_v read_v we_o run_v away_o from_o the_o bar_n and_o do_v not_o abide_v and_o stay_v for_o conscience_n its_o decision_n as_o if_o we_o know_v what_o it_o will_v say_v before_o hand_n again_o sometime_o we_o be_v dispose_v to_o judge_n ourselves_o and_o to_o pass_v or_o leap_v over_o both_o examination_n and_o conscience_n sentence_n be_v thus_o precipitant_a and_o preposterous_a to_o prevent_v any_o trouble_n and_o apprehend_v horror_n that_o may_v attend_v the_o sentence_n of_o conscience_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o say_v that_o we_o know_v not_o what_o it_o will_v say_v before_o it_o be_v put_v to_o the_o â—ryal_n and_o this_o be_v a_o reason_n why_o many_o will_v take_v with_o a_o conviction_n but_o it_o have_v no_o weight_n with_o they_o nor_o 〈◊〉_d to_o they_o because_o it_o be_v their_o own_o as_o it_o be_v and_o not_o conscience_n its_o sentence_n therefore_o you_o will_v by_o all_o mean_n join_v together_o these_o three_o use_v self-examination_n judge_n and_o pass_v sentence_n on_o yourselves_o as_o we_o be_v will_v 1_o cor._n 11._o 28._o 31._o but_o miss_v not_o this_o cuple_n viz_o reflect_v upon_o and_o observe_v of_o what_o conscience_n have_v to_o â—ay_n for_o this_o 〈◊〉_d the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o together_o and_o if_o they_o be_v noâ—_n thus_o knit_v they_o will_v fall_v asunder_o and_o come_v to_o nothing_o the_o second_o use_n be_v for_o trial_n take_v it_o then_o for_o a_o evidence_n and_o mark_n of_o a_o tender_a christian_a thus_o to_o reflect_v on_o a_o person_n walk_v and_o action_n when_o he_o have_v do_v they_o the_o tender_a christian_a will_v thus_o reflect_v on_o his_o way_n and_o action_n do_v though_o it_o be_v for_o many_o year_n past_a and_o will_v judge_v impartial_o according_a to_o what_o conscience_n have_v to_o say_v of_o they_o they_o here_o behave_v like_a unto_o faithful_a ambassador_n or_o messenger_n who_o be_v commissionat_a in_o some_o business_n and_o have_v go_v about_o it_o will_v sist_z themselves_z before_o these_o that_o give_v they_o the_o commission_n to_o hear_v their_o judgement_n and_o sentence_n of_o their_o management_n of_o the_o business_n commit_v to_o they_o 〈◊〉_d they_o be_v unfaithful_a that_o receive_v such_o a_o commission_n and_o never_o give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o discharge_n of_o it_o nor_o wait_v for_o the_o sentence_n of_o its_o giver_n even_o so_o tender_a christian_n will_v not_o only_o consult_v with_o and_o take_v direction_n from_o conscience_n what_o and_o how_o to_o do_v but_o will_v also_o turn_v back_o and_o see_v iâ—_n conscience_n do_v approve_v of_o what_o they_o have_v do_v and_o of_o their_o manner_n of_o do_v now_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o this_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o it_o be_v always_o the_o mark_n of_o a_o tender_a christian_a that_o the_o man_n have_v conscience_n speak_v for_o he_o for_o conscience_n may_v be_v mislead_v and_o its_o testimony_n in_o that_o case_n signify_v little_a but_o this_o we_o say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o mark_n of_o a_o tender_a christian_a to_o be_v always_o single_o try_v whether_o it_o be_v for_o he_o or_o against_o he_o and_o it_o will_v be_v find_v in_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o tender_a christian_n whereas_o these_o that_o walk_v at_o random_n without_o all_o circumspection_n look_v not_o thus_o to_o conscience_n yea_o even_o believer_n themselves_o when_o in_o a_o untender_a frame_n desire_v not_o much_o to_o come_v in_o conscience_n its_o sight_n to_o speak_v â—o_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o as_o it_o be_v joh._n 3._o v._n 20_o 21._o every_o one_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v but_o he_o that_o do_v truth_n come_v to_o the_o light_n to_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n and_o of_o his_o conscience_n inform_v by_o the_o word_n that_o his_o deed_n may_v be_v manifest_a that_o they_o be_v wrought_v in_o god_n it_o be_v no_o â—mal_a part_n i_o say_v of_o this_o light_n even_a conscience_n it_o be_v testimony_n and_o it_o say_v that_o the_o sincer_n man_n desire_v to_o know_v if_o he_o be_v right_a or_o wrong_n and_o that_o he_o like_v not_o to_o entertain_v the_o thought_n of_o any_o practice_n or_o deed_n of_o he_o to_o be_v right_a when_o it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o truth_n and_o that_o withal_o he_o allow_v not_o himself_o to_o judge_v of_o his_o deed_n mere_o by_o himself_o but_o to_o submit_v they_o to_o the_o sentence_n of_o his_o conscience_n according_a to_o the_o word_n to_o clear_v this_o a_o little_a we_o shall_v point_v at_o some_o character_n of_o a_o person_n that_o be_v suitable_o serious_a and_o tender_a in_o reflect_v on_o his_o conscience_n and_o that_o 1._o in_o respect_n of_o its_o extent_n and_o then_o 2_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o first_o then_o as_o to_o the_o extent_n 1._o he_o reflect_v on_o and_o try_v all_o his_o action_n even_o the_o whole_a tract_n and_o current_n of_o his_o life_n as_o paul_n do_v here_o his_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n
in_o this_o matter_n a_o second_o evidence_n may_v be_v take_v from_o the_o sad_a effect_n that_o in_o our_o way_n follow_v the_o neglect_n or_o overly_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n which_o when_o find_v they_o may_v let_v we_o know_v and_o convince_v we_o that_o it_o be_v either_o much_o slight_v or_o quite_o neglect_v and_o 1._o we_o will_v ask_v you_o how_o many_o be_v acquaint_v with_o and_o see_v in_o their_o own_o soul_n condition_n or_o can_v on_o distinct_a ground_n as_o have_v examine_v and_o try_v their_o heart_n and_o way_n pass_v sentence_n upon_o their_o case_n and_o say_v thus_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o i_o and_o if_o you_o be_v un_fw-we acquaint_v with_o your_o own_o case_n do_v not_o that_o say_v undeniable_o that_o you_o walk_v by_o guess_n as_o it_o be_v and_o not_o according_a to_o this_o rule_n 2_o what_o mean_v the_o exceed_a great_a security_n presumption_n and_o self-conceit_n that_o many_o be_v in_o and_o under_o concern_v themselves_o and_o their_o way_n which_o not_o flow_v from_o a_o well-grounded_n persuasion_n of_o the_o straightness_n thereof_o must_v it_o not_o necessary_o flow_v from_o their_o neglect_n of_o this_o self-reflection_n and_o trial_n and_o whence_o i_o pray_v be_v it_o that_o there_o be_v so_o little_a repentance_n for_o sin_n be_v it_o because_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n nor_o ground_n of_o quarrel_n no_o certain_o it_o must_v therefore_o be_v from_o man_n not_o review_v of_o and_o reflect_v on_o themselves_o and_o their_o way_n that_o they_o may_v find_v it_o out_o which_o plain_o say_v that_o this_o evil_n be_v predominant_a 3_o â—ook_v to_o the_o abound_v of_o sin_n to_o the_o little_a growth_n of_o mortification_n to_o the_o liveliness_n of_o lust_n to_o the_o room_n that_o idol_n have_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o its_o gade_v after_o they_o will_v not_o these_o declare_v that_o most_o person_n but_o very_o seldom_o bring_v themselves_o before_o the_o tribunal_n of_o their_o conscience_n otherways_o lust_n dare_v not_o set_v up_o their_o head_n as_o they_o do_v this_o king_n will_v scatter_v away_o all_o evil_n with_o his_o eye_n and_o man_n will_v not_o have_v such_o delight_n in_o they_o if_o they_o be_v often_o arraign_v they_o at_o this_o bar._n 4_o what_o mean_v the_o little_a solid_a peace_n and_o rejoice_v in_o god_n that_o most_o professor_n have_v and_o their_o live_n in_o such_o a_o fluctuate_a and_o conjectural_a way_n be_v it_o not_o from_o this_o that_o they_o do_v not_o examine_v and_o put_v to_o the_o trial_n the_o ground_n of_o their_o peace_n and_o joy_n now_o all_o these_o sad_a and_o woeful_a evidence_n and_o effect_n be_v put_v together_o it_o be_v beyond_o all_o doubt_n that_o there_o be_v at_o this_o time_n among_o we_o much_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o self-examination_n by_o the_o conscientious_a discharge_n whereof_o these_o dreadful_a effect_n may_v be_v remove_v these_o evidence_n of_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v palpable_a we_o come_v now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n close_o to_o the_o reproof_n of_o it_o and_o expostulation_n for_o it_o and_o be_v there_o not_o just_a ground_n for_o both_o i_o there_fw-mi say_v if_o many_o of_o you_o be_v alk_v about_o this_o duty_n it_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v a_o unknown_a duty_n to_o you_o a_o duty_n that_o you_o walk_v not_o under_o the_o conviction_n of_o its_o necessity_n a_o duty_n that_o you_o be_v not_o mourn_v for_o the_o neglect_n of_o nor_o employ_v jesus_n christ_n for_o grace_n to_o get_v it_o suitable_o perform_v and_o can_v that_o think_v you_o be_v a_o tender_a walk_n that_o be_v so_o very_o short_a and_o defective_a in_o so_o main_a a_o duty_n and_o in_o so_o great_a a_o piece_n and_o part_n of_o a_o tender_a walk_n when_o especial_o person_n be_v not_o due_o sensible_a of_o it_o nor_o suitable_o affect_v with_o it_o let_v i_o but_o ask_v such_o of_o you_o who_o make_v little_a account_n of_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n these_o few_o question_n 1._o do_v you_o think_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n within_o you_o as_o a_o conscience_n and_o if_o you_o think_v you_o have_v conscience_n have_v you_o they_o for_o no_o end_n nor_o use_n or_o will_v you_o let_v they_o as_o it_o be_v be_v in_o you_o and_o lie_v by_o you_o as_o thing_n give_v you_o to_o no_o purpose_n 2_o i_o ask_v you_o be_v there_o nothing_o in_o your_o case_n or_o way_n that_o need_v a_o review_n be_v all_o right_a and_o nothing_o out_o of_o order_n will_v you_o own_o these_o to_o be_v truth_n if_o not_o ought_v not_o this_o mean_a to_o be_v use_v for_o help_v you_o to_o find_v out_o what_o be_v wrong_a and_o what_o be_v right_a if_o any_o thing_n be_v right_a it_o be_v a_o strange_a thing_n for_o a_o profess_a christian_a to_o think_v or_o say_v that_o he_o be_v altogether_o right_a and_o that_o he_o need_v not_o to_o examine_v himself_o and_o yet_o he_o must_v either_o think_v this_o or_o else_o he_o say_v on_o the_o matter_n that_o he_o ear_n not_o whether_o he_o be_v right_a or_o wrong_n which_o indeed_o the_o practice_n of_o many_o say_v plain_o or_o he_o must_v examine_v to_o find_v out_o what_o be_v right_a and_o what_o be_v wrong_a 3_o i_o will_v ask_v you_o do_v you_o think_v that_o your_o conscience_n will_v be_v always_o quiet_a because_o you_o command_v it_o not_o to_o speak_v or_o rather_o be_v there_o not_o a_o time_n come_v when_o it_o will_v speak_v whether_o you_o will_v or_o not_o or_o do_v you_o think_v because_o you_o have_v no_o remembrance_n of_o your_o fault_n that_o your_o forget_v of_o they_o now_o will_v blot_v they_o out_o of_o your_o conscience_n register_n or_o rather_o shall_v you_o not_o judge_v yourselves_o that_o you_o may_v not_o be_v judge_v according_a to_o the_o apostle_n word_n 1_o cor._n 11._o v._n 31._o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a shall_v you_o not_o think_v that_o if_o you_o do_v not_o judge_v yourselves_o you_o will_v most_o certain_o be_v judge_v 4_o i_o will_v ask_v you_o be_v it_o not_o better_a to_o put_v your_o conscience_n to_o speak_v in_o time_n when_o thing_n may_v be_v right_v and_o amend_v then_o to_o let_v they_o lie_v over_o and_o sleep_v till_o they_o be_v pass_v remedy_n o_o when_o will_v you_o consider_v and_o lay_v to_o heart_n what_o trouble_n terror_n and_o confusion_n reach_v and_o take_v hold_v on_o the_o conscience_n of_o many_o at_o death_n and_o will_v do_v so_o much_o more_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o much_o better_a in_o time_n to_o try_v thing_n and_o find_v out_o what_o be_v right_a and_o what_o be_v wrong_a that_o conscience_n may_v not_o have_v a_o just_a ground_n of_o challenge_n against_o you_o in_o that_o day_n and_o may_v not_o have_v it_o to_o say_v to_o you_o you_o never_o own_v i_o when_o you_o be_v live_v in_o the_o world_n and_o now_o i_o will_v read_v to_o you_o a_o fearful_a indictment_n and_o dittay_n that_o have_v stand_v long_o on_o record_n against_o you_o and_o upon_o this_o arise_v the_o horror_n and_o gnaw_a worm_n that_o never_o die_v hence_o be_v the_o fire_n blow_v that_o never_o be_v quench_v all_o which_o i_o say_v flow_v from_o conscience_n represent_v to_o man_n and_o woman_n in_o a_o most_o formidable_a manner_n their_o way_n which_o before_o they_o will_v never_o believe_v nor_o once_o serious_o put_v the_o matter_n to_o the_o trial_n whether_o it_o will_v do_v so_o or_o not_o in_o further_a prosecution_n of_o this_o use_n and_o to_o make_v that_o the_o more_o plain_a which_o we_o will_v main_o be_v at_o in_o it_o we_o shall_v 1._o speak_v a_o little_a to_o several_a sort_n of_o person_n who_o we_o suppose_v be_v guilty_a of_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n 2._o a_o little_a to_o the_o evil_n that_o follow_v and_o flow_v from_o the_o guilt_n of_o this_o neglect_n 3._o to_o the_o cause_n oâ—_n their_o continue_v in_o this_o sinful_a neglect_n 4._o a_o little_a to_o what_o may_v direct_v towards_o the_o facilitating_a and_o make_v easy_a the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o to_o the_o make_n of_o it_o profitable_a and_o useful_a for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o viz._n the_o several_a sort_n of_o person_n that_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o utter_a neglect_n of_o the_o duty_n or_o of_o much_o short-coming_a and_o overlinesse_n in_o perform_v it_o they_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o six_o the_o 1._o soft_a be_v they_o that_o make_v no_o conscience_n at_o all_o of_o any_o thing_n in_o religion_n that_o never_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o make_v conscience_n to_o pray_v read_v the_o word_n confer_v on_o it_o repent_v or_o of_o any_o other_o duty_n
testimony_n yield_v which_o be_v fourfold_o 1._o it_o have_v with_o it_o inward_a quietness_n strength_n and_o comfort_n the_o well_o ground_v approve_v testimony_n of_o the_o conscience_n calm_v the_o heart_n amid_o all_o storm_n of_o outward_a trouble_n or_o of_o inward_a challenge_n and_o tentation_n and_o put_v they_o all_o to_o silence_n it_o do_v fortify_v the_o heart_n to_o bear_v out_o in_o what_o ever_o trial_n it_o prove_v not_o only_o comfortable_a in_o the_o hold_n off_o challenge_v but_o have_v a_o joy_n and_o refresh_n flow_v immediate_o from_o the_o very_a testimony_n itself_o even_o a_o singular_o sweet_a joy_n that_o floorish_n and_o flow_v over_o and_o above_o these_o and_o keep_v the_o heart_n in_o a_o calm_a serenity_n the_o peace_n of_o god_n say_v the_o apostle_n phil._n 4._o 7_o shall_v guard_v your_o heart_n and_o mind_n through_o christ_n jesus_n conscience_n testimony_n warrantable_o speak_v peace_n be_v like_o a_o garrison_n plant_v about_o the_o heart_n keep_v it_o as_o a_o impregnable_a and_o invincible_a strong_a hold_n or_o fort_n so_o that_o no_o trouble_n nor_o temptation_n from_o without_o nor_o stir_n of_o corruption_n or_o challenge_n from_o within_o do_v soon_o to_o say_v so_o set_v out_o their_o head_n but_o it_o overmatch_v they_o and_o preserve_v the_o heart_n quiet_a in_o despyt_n of_o they_o all_o 2_o this_o do_v also_o accompany_v this_o testimony_n as_o a_o ground_n of_o joy_n even_o the_o clear_n up_o of_o the_o person_n interest_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o sincerity_n and_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o they_o which_o be_v very_o strengthen_v and_o comfort_v when_o a_o man_n have_v put_v his_o way_n to_o the_o trial_n in_o the_o court_n of_o conscience_n and_o find_v it_o to_o be_v square_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n and_o have_v conscience_n testimony_n therein_o for_o he_o it_o sweet_o evidence_n to_o he_o his_o sincerity_n and_o so_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o interest_n in_o christ_n which_o be_v attend_v with_o unspeakable_a joy_n 3_o this_o testimony_n give_v boldness_n and_o access_n with_o confidence_n to_o god_n to_o go_v heartsom_o and_o familiar_o to_o he_o in_o prayer_n under_o the_o multitude_n of_o temptation_n cross_n and_o reproach_n and_o be_v not_o this_o ground_n of_o great_a refresh_n and_o joy_n when_o a_o man_n may_v go_v to_o god_n and_o pour_v out_o his_o very_a heart_n in_o his_o bosom_n may_v not_o only_o tell_v he_o what_o he_o needs_o but_o also_o expect_v a_o gracious_a hear_n and_o return_v from_o he_o in_o whatsoever_o be_v needful_a if_o our_o heart_n say_v john_n 1_o epistle_n chap._n 2._o v._n 22._o condemn_v we_o not_o we_o have_v confidence_n towards_o god_n and_o whatsoever_o we_o ask_v we_o receive_v of_o he_o because_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o do_v these_o thing_n that_o be_v pleasant_a in_o his_o sight_n though_o the_o man_n be_v empty-handed_n for_o the_o time_n and_o have_v not_o in_o himself_o whereupon_o he_o can_v be_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n either_o by_o suffering_n or_o do_v he_o may_v with_o humble_a boldness_n present_v his_o suit_n to_o god_n and_o expect_v from_o he_o whatsoever_o be_v good_a and_o needful_a for_o the_o man_n himself_o and_o what_o ever_o may_v be_v for_o his_o own_o honour_n in_o he_o and_o by_o he_o 4_o this_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n have_v attend_v it_o a_o clear_n &_o up-making_a fresh_a and_o lively_a hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o of_o a_o comfortable_a glorious_a and_o satisfy_a out-gate_n from_o all_o the_o difficulty_n temptation_n and_o trouble_n that_o he_o be_v in_o at_o present_a or_o may_v be_v in_o for_o the_o future_a it_o will_v make_v he_o according_a to_o his_o measure_n say_v as_o paul_n do_v 2_o tim._n 4._o 7_o 8._o i_o have_v fight_v a_o good_a fight_n i_o have_v finish_v my_o course_n i_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n hence_o forth_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o i_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n etc._n etc._n and_o by_o thus_o clear_v up_o the_o christian_n hope_v of_o eternal_a life_n a_o entrance_n be_v minister_v unto_o he_o abundant_o into_o the_o everlasting_a kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n as_o peter_n have_v it_o 2._o ep._n ch_n 1._o v_o 11._o and_o must_v it_o not_o be_v exceed_o and_o even_o unspeakable_o refresh_v and_o joyful_a to_o the_o christian_a to_o have_v all_o these_o try_v together_o in_o his_o case_n even_o while_o he_o be_v here_o sojourn_v in_o the_o earth_n doubtless_o it_o must_v the_o first_o use_v of_o this_o doctrine_n serve_v for_o exhort_v and_o beseech_v you_o all_o to_o study_v and_o be_v in_o love_n with_o a_o good_a conscience_n its_o unknown_a what_o solid_a sweet_a peace_n and_o joy_n you_o may_v have_v by_o it_o o_o endeavour_v through_o grace_n to_o be_v so_o tender_a straight_o and_o upright_o in_o your_o aim_n to_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n that_o when_o you_o reflect_v on_o your_o way_n you_o may_v have_v its_o good_a testimony_n there_o will_v most_o certain_o be_v more_o peace_n find_v in_o this_o then_o in_o the_o great_a abundance_n of_o all_o earthly_a comfort_n though_o combine_v together_o at_o their_o very_a best_a can_v any_o of_o these_o calm_a a_o man_n mind_n in_o a_o storm_n of_o challenge_n for_o sin_n and_o of_o the_o terror_n of_o death_n do_v they_o not_o often_o rather_o leave_v man_n in_o great_a anxiety_n and_o perplexity_n then_o if_o they_o have_v never_o enjoy_v they_o yea_o often_o in_o the_o very_a mean_a time_n of_o these_o enjoyment_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o carnal_a joy_n and_o laughter_n that_o result_v from_o they_o the_o heart_n be_v sad_a through_o the_o want_n of_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n therefore_o we_o exhort_v you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o you_o will_v have_v a_o pleasant_a and_o cheerful_a life_n and_o a_o comfortable_a and_o joyful_a death_n labour_v to_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n that_o when_o you_o reflect_v on_o it_o it_o may_v testify_v for_o and_o speak_v good_a of_o and_o to_o you_o this_o as_o solomon_n say_v be_v a_o continual_a feast_n in_o life_n and_o a_o sovereign_a cordial_a against_o the_o terror_n of_o death_n the_o second_o use_n serve_v to_o let_v we_o see_v the_o rise_n reason_n and_o cause_n of_o the_o great_a anxiety_n perplexity_n and_o vexation_n that_o be_v among_o most_o man_n so_o that_o they_o toil_v night_n and_o day_n and_o have_v no_o satisfaction_n it_o be_v even_o this_o that_o they_o do_v not_o seek_v after_o the_o peace_n and_o joy_n that_o be_v found_v upon_o and_o result_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n no_o wonder_n that_o such_o person_n live_v and_o die_v utter_a stranger_n to_o all_o solid_a peace_n and_o joy_n which_o only_o grow_v on_o this_o root_n this_o be_v a_o main_a cause_n also_o of_o the_o little_a peace_n and_o great_a heartlesnesse_n that_o be_v among_o even_a believer_n themselves_o that_o either_o they_o be_v not_o so_o serious_o endeavour_v to_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n or_o they_o be_v not_o so_o careful_a to_o draw_v their_o rejoice_n from_o it_o but_o be_v untender_a in_o their_o walk_n or_o be_v as_o so_o many_o bee_n flee_v from_o this_o flower_n to_o the_o other_o of_o worldly_a enjoyment_n seek_v to_o suck_v some_o sweetness_n and_o satisfaction_n from_o they_o and_o do_v not_o as_o it_o become_v they_o reflect_v on_o conscience_n that_o they_o may_v have_v a_o testimony_n of_o sincerity_n from_o it_o and_o that_o on_o that_o ground_n they_o may_v be_v quiet_a cheerful_a and_o joyful_a the_o 3d._a use_n serve_v to_o discover_v to_o we_o what_o mighty_a prejudice_n flow_v from_o and_o follow_v upon_o the_o neglect_n of_o a_o tender_a walk_n which_o lay_v the_o ground_n of_o this_o testimony_n and_o on_o the_o neglect_n of_o self-examination_n a_o main_a piece_n of_o a_o tender_a walk_n which_o help_v to_o draw_v forth_o this_o testimony_n and_o therefore_o as_o you_o will_v have_v this_o testimony_n and_o the_o refresh_a peace_n and_o joy_n that_o flow_v from_o it_o in_o life_n and_o death_n and_o as_o you_o will_v have_v a_o heart_n holy_o triumph_v over_o all_o cross_n and_o difficulty_n affliction_n and_o tribulation_n design_n and_o endeavour_v more_o through_o grace_n to_o have_v a_o tender_a walk_n that_o you_o may_v lay_v a_o ground_n for_o this_o testimony_n and_o study_v to_o be_v more_o frequent_a in_o self-examination_n that_o thereby_o you_o may_v extract_v and_o draw_v it_o forth_o clear_o and_o convince_o for_o your_o peace_n comfort_n and_o joy_n can_v many_o of_o you_o be_v but_o once_o prevail_v with_o to_o prove_v and_o make_v trial_n what_o a_o comfortable_a
apostle_n 1_o peter_n 2._o 19_o or_o if_o he_o give_v a_o cup_n of_o cold_a water_n to_o â—_o disciple_n in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o disciple_n he_o shall_v not_o lose_v his_o reward_n matth._n 10_o 42._o thus_o two_o person_n come_v to_o church_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n the_o one_o out_o of_o conscience_n in_o obedience_n to_o god_n command_n and_o from_o love_n to_o fellow_n ship_n with_o he_o in_o his_o ordinance_n and_o the_o other_o for_o the_o fashion_n and_o because_o its_o the_o custom_n or_o that_o he_o may_v eschew_v from_o his_o own_o conscience_n the_o construction_n and_o accusation_n of_o his_o be_v a_o grisly_a proâ—ane_n and_o it_o religious_a person_n or_o on_o some_o such_o other_o sinister_a account_n the_o one_o hâ—th_v in_o so_o far_o ground_n of_o peace_n and_o the_o refresh_a testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n the_o other_o not_o 5_o conscience_n must_v be_v satisfy_v in_o this_o question_n in_o who_o strength_n be_v the_o duty_n undertake_v be_v it_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v he_o depend_v on_o for_o assistance_n in_o the_o go_n about_o of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o the_o duty_n be_v go_v about_o and_o he_o some_o way_n acknowledge_v in_o it_o unless_o he_o be_v also_o believe_o depend_v on_o for_o strength_n to_o enable_v to_o the_o suitable_a performance_n of_o it_o 6_o what_o be_v your_o end_n in_o undertake_v and_o prosecute_n of_o such_o a_o duty_n or_o action_n whether_o be_v it_o some_o self-end_n or_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o as_o in_o your_o eat_n and_o drink_v do_v you_o eat_v and_o drink_v to_o satisfy_v your_o appetit_fw-la only_o or_o main_o or_o to_o enable_v you_o to_o serve_v god_n and_o to_o do_v good_a to_o other_o in_o your_o station_n and_o capacity_n in_o your_o seek_v such_o and_o such_o gift_n from_o god_n by_o prayer_n whether_o be_v it_o that_o you_o may_v bestow_v or_o consume_v they_o on_o your_o lust_n as_o james_n say_v some_o do_v chap._n 4._o 3._o or_o be_v it_o that_o you_o may_v be_v help_v to_o adorn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n the_o propose_v of_o a_o right_a end_n be_v a_o main_a ingredient_n in_o every_o action_n and_o have_v great_a influence_n on_o your_o peace_n we_o preach_v not_o our_o self_n save_v the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 5._o bâ—t_n christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n we_o be_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v in_o our_o preach_n not_o seek_v ourselves_o but_o he_o nor_o our_o own_o praise_n or_o applause_n to_o ourselves_o but_o his_o glory_n and_o exaltation_n and_o this_o have_v much_o influence_n on_o his_o peace_n and_o joy_n conscience_n must_v be_v also_o satisfy_v in_o this_o by_o any_o mean_n 7_o after_o what_o manner_n be_v the_o action_n or_o duty_n go_v about_o be_v it_o in_o sincerity_n and_o singleness_n in_o a_o spiritual_a way_n be_v the_o inner_a and_o new_a man_n exercise_v in_o it_o suppose_v the_o duty_n for_o instance_n to_o be_v prayer_n be_v it_o go_v about_o in_o the_o spirit_n be_v grace_n act_v in_o it_o and_o be_v you_o serious_a lively_a humble_a tender_a reverend_a servant_n etc._n etc._n in_o it_o 8_o be_v there_o nothing_o wrong_v in_o the_o action_n or_o duty_n no_o mixture_n of_o corruption_n with_o the_o act_n of_o grace_n no_o selfinesse_n mix_v with_o your_o singleness_n or_o at_o the_o best_a be_v there_o not_o some_o mixture_n of_o other_o end_n with_o the_o main_a end_n which_o though_o it_o do_v not_o simple_o make_v the_o action_n or_o duty_n condemnable_a and_o to_o be_v reject_v especial_o when_o take_v with_o and_o mourn_v for_o and_o christ_n make_v use_v of_o for_o the_o pardon_n of_o it_o yet_o it_o will_v considerable_o weaken_v conscience_n its_o testimony_n and_o the_o joy_n result_v from_o it_o in_o so_o far_o as_o these_o sinful_a mixture_n aâ—e_v 9_o be_v you_o stretch_v yourselves_o to_o the_o yondmost_a in_o the_o performance_n of_o such_o a_o action_n or_o duty_n to_o have_v it_o right_n as_o to_o all_o the_o former_a requisit_n be_v there_o nothing_o leave_v undo_v that_o may_v and_o shall_v have_v be_v do_v be_v you_o not_o only_o aim_v at_o the_o right_a end_n but_o according_a to_o your_o light_n endeavour_v to_o take_v every_o way_n and_o make_v use_n of_o every_o approven_v mean_a for_o the_o compass_n and_o bring_v about_o of_o that_o end_n now_o if_o we_o will_v all_o serious_o reflect_v and_o look_v about_o we_o how_o few_o how_o very_a few_o be_v there_o to_o be_v find_v who_o can_v answer_v these_o question_n affirmative_o in_o any_o acceptable_a measure_n who_o alace_o can_v say_v they_o have_v do_v all_o they_o shall_v or_o even_o may_v have_v do_v as_o to_o matter_n and_o manner_n from_o right_a principle_n and_o motive_n to_o a_o right_a end_n that_o they_o have_v use_v all_o mean_n without_o omit_v any_o that_o they_o have_v give_v all_o dillgence_n that_o they_o have_v make_v use_n of_o christ_n strength_n and_o be_v single_a and_o sincere_a etc._n etc._n in_o their_o performance_n and_o yet_o when_o all_o this_o be_v some_o way_n do_v you_o must_v yet_o answer_v one_o or_o two_o question_n more_o ere_o you_o can_v have_v solid_a peace_n and_o joy_n from_o the_o good_a testimony_n of_o your_o conscience_n 1._o whether_o be_v you_o proud_a and_o conceity_n in_o the_o perform_n of_o such_o and_o such_o duty_n for_o if_o that_o dead_a flee_v come_v in_o on_o the_o do_n of_o the_o best_a duty_n it_o will_v make_v all_o to_o stink_v and_o yet_o ofttimes_o christian_n spoil_v their_o duty_n and_o very_o much_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o the_o joyful_a testimony_n of_o their_o conscience_n even_o when_o they_o have_v be_v right_a for_o matter_n and_o manner_n by_o their_o be_v vain_a conceity_n and_o proud_a of_o they_o 2_o whether_o have_v you_o washen_v your_o best_a duty_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n for_o if_o this_o be_v want_v it_o will_v great_o mar_v your_o peace_n and_o joy_n now_o i_o will_v again_o ask_v you_o if_o you_o can_v say_v that_o your_o duty_n have_v be_v conform_a to_o these_o requisit_n if_o not_o how_o be_v it_o that_o you_o be_v so_o secure_a and_o can_v allege_v that_o you_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n or_o how_o can_v you_o so_o confident_o expect_v peace_n and_o joy_n from_o â—ts_n testimony_n or_o think_v you_o nothing_o to_o prostitute_v and_o as_o it_o be_v to_o make_v a_o bachel_n of_o this_o excellent_a thing_n the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n as_o if_o you_o can_v take_v it_o up_o in_o a_o manner_n at_o your_o foot_n ah_o be_v there_o nothing_o that_o can_v make_v a_o crack_n in_o or_o a_o breach_n upon_o your_o peace_n of_o conscience_n you_o will_v possible_o say_v that_o you_o have_v all_o sin_v if_o so_o how_o can_v you_o have_v peace_n to_o lie_v down_o in_o sin_n it_o be_v true_a the_o simple_a have_v of_o sin_n when_o it_o suitable_o affect_v shall_v not_o quite_o mar_v and_o bereave_v a_o person_n of_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n where_o grace_n be_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o there_o be_v sincerity_n and_o singleness_n in_o endeavour_v to_o be_v in_o case_n affirmative_o in_o some_o measure_n to_o answer_v the_o question_n before_o propose_v but_o the_o utter_a neglect_n of_o these_o thing_n a_o connive_n at_o they_o and_o indifferency_n whether_o the_o requisit_n be_v or_o not_o a_o not_o wrestle_v and_o strive_v in_o the_o strength_n of_o christ_n against_o sin_n and_o to_o get_v duty_n suitable_o perform_v in_o the_o same_o strength_n a_o not_o seek_v to_o have_v man_n best_a duty_n washen_v as_o i_o say_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lamb_n can_v but_o quite_o deprive_v of_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o altogether_o obstruct_v the_o peace_n and_o joy_n that_o flow_v from_o it_o a_o believer_n indeed_o not_o allow_v himself_o in_o his_o short-coming_n in_o these_o thing_n call_v for_o and_o make_v frequent_a application_n to_o christ_n for_o strength_n to_o do_v better_o and_o for_o pardon_n of_o what_o be_v wrong_a and_o walk_v humble_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o fail_n and_o short_a come_n may_v have_v peace_n even_o though_o in_o many_o thing_n he_o fail_v and_o come_v short_a and_o though_o there_o be_v some_o mixture_n of_o corruption_n go_v along_o with_o his_o grace_n and_o of_o hypocrisy_n with_o his_o sincerity_n in_o his_o best_a duty_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o apostle_n paul_n who_o have_v a_o law_n in_o his_o member_n which_o he_o most_o sad_o bemoan_v rome_n â—_o rebel_a against_o the_o law_n of_o his_o mind_n even_o when_o he_o have_v this_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o much_o peace_n and_o joy_n result_v from_o it_o but_o a_o secure_a
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 comâ—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 hoâ—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 exâ—_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 oâ—_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 oâ—_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 â—y_a give_v a_o evidence_n oâ—_n the_o truth_n of_o it_o oâ—_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 â—_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 3â—_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 asâ—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 â—_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 nâ—tion_n lest_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o shall_v sâ—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 obuâ—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 â—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 conâ—idence_n and_o boldness_n to_o such_o as_o be_v so_o
mistake_v and_o reproach_v many_o time_n man_n care_v but_o little_a for_o a_o good_a conscience_n but_o when_o all_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v come_v in_o a_o man_n top_n the_o confidence_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v a_o excellent_a and_o none-such_a friend_n and_o companion_n it_o have_v great_a weight_n with_o paul_n here_o and_o be_v a_o sufficient_a counter-poise_n to_o all_o the_o reproach_n and_o calumny_n they_o can_v load_v he_o with_o though_o he_o be_v look_v on_o even_o as_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o off-scouring_n of_o all_o thing_n 4_o observe_v that_o when_o man_n meet_v with_o many_o reproach_n and_o walk_v in_o a_o way_n that_o be_v attend_v with_o a_o multitude_n of_o snare_n they_o need_v more_o than_o a_o guess_v or_o a_o conjectural_a un_fw-fr certainty_n as_o to_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n anent_o their_o be_v right_a even_o a-well-grounded_n certainty_n and_o persuasion_n paul_n do_v not_o say_v here_o we_o suppose_v or_o hope_v as_o many_o of_o you_o understand_v hope_n but_o we_o trust_v or_o be_v firm_o persuade_v man_n will_v study_v always_o to_o be_v clear_a in_o what_o they_o do_v but_o more_o especial_o when_o their_o way_n may_v be_v offend_v at_o and_o they_o reproach_v on_o account_n thereof_o and_o most_o especial_o as_o to_o that_o part_n of_o their_o way_n that_o be_v like_a to_o be_v most_o offend_v at_o more_o particular_o from_o these_o word_n consider_v as_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o foregoing_a exhortation_n to_o pray_v for_o he_o observe_v 1._o that_o a_o man_n who_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o be_v most_o clear_a in_o it_o do_v ordinary_o lie_v most_o weight_n on_o prayer_n and_o be_v most_o in_o love_n with_o that_o sweet_a exercise_n so_o that_o he_o will_v not_o only_o pray_v for_o himself_o but_o will_v also_o desire_v other_o to_o pray_v for_o he_o its_o never_o a_o good_a conscience_n in_o a_o man_n that_o make_v he_o slight_a prayer_n himself_o or_o the_o prayer_n of_o other_o for_o he_o 2_o observe_v that_o a_o man_n that_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n will_v desire_v and_o think_v himself_o concern_v to_o endeavour_v not_o to_o be_v mistake_v by_o other_o he_o will_v not_o boast_v of_o his_o good_a conscience_n not_o care_v what_o other_o think_v or_o say_v of_o he_o but_o will_v seek_v to_o remove_v any_o offence_n that_o may_v be_v take_v at_o his_o way_n or_o that_o may_v give_v any_o the_o least_o ground_n to_o make_v his_o integrity_n to_o be_v call_v in_o question_n as_o paul_n do_v here_o and_o 2_o cor._n 12._o where_o he_o say_v v_o 11._o i_o be_o become_v a_o fool_n in_o glory_v but_o add_v v_o 19_o but_o we_o do_v all_o thing_n and_o so_o this_o among_o the_o rest_n dear_o belove_v for_o your_o edify_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o a_o man_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n will_v not_o only_o study_v to_o be_v tender_a in_o his_o walk_n so_o as_o himself_o may_v have_v peace_n within_o but_o will_v also_o have_v regard_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o other_o that_o they_o may_v not_o stumble_v and_o sin_n nor_o the_o way_n of_o god_n suffer_v when_o he_o may_v prevent_v it_o and_o it_o be_v a_o sure_a evidence_n of_o a_o â—ntender_a conscience_n when_o man_n care_v not_o who_o stumble_v at_o their_o way_n or_o how_o other_o account_v and_o esteem_v of_o they_o 3_o observe_v which_o be_v of_o affinity_n with_o the_o former_a that_o a_o man_n that_o endeavour_n to_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o to_o be_v clear_a that_o it_o be_v so_o indeed_o will_v be_v very_o desirous_a to_o have_v a_o room_n in_o the_o prayer_n of_o other_o of_o god_n people_n or_o such_o a_o man_n be_v one_o that_o will_v not_o lippen_n to_o &_o lay_v weight_n upon_o his_o own_o prayer_n only_o but_o will_v also_o high_o prize_n christian_n fellowship_n and_o desire_v to_o have_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o prayer_n of_o other_o christian_n paul_n seldom_o miss_v this_o in_o his_o epistle_n so_o rom._n 15._o eph._n 6._o col._n 4._o and_o philip._n 1._o he_o be_v much_o in_o put_v and_o press_v they_o to_o pray_v and_o to_o pray_v and_o strive_v for_o he_o together_o in_o prayer_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o a_o man_n of_o a_o tender_a conscience_n have_v a_o kindly_a sense_n of_o his_o own_o infirmity_n and_o a_o great_a desire_n to_o be_v forward_o in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n and_o at_o much_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n and_o will_v therefore_o â—ain_o have_v a_o lift_n from_o every_o one_o that_o can_v help_v he_o such_o a_o man_n have_v a_o native_a exercise_n in_o pursue_v not_o only_o after_o fellowship_n with_o god_n but_o also_o with_o his_o people_n whereof_o this_o be_v a_o main_a part_n and_o though_o these_o may_v be_v look_v at_o but_o as_o little_a thing_n yet_o if_o we_o compare_v ourselves_o with_o the_o rule_n and_o with_o the_o practice_n of_o tender_a christian_n we_o will_v find_v considerable_a defect_n as_o to_o a_o good_a conscience_n in_o they_o there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o disdain_n or_o shame_n in_o many_o to_o seek_v the_o help_n of_o other_o prayer_n as_o if_o it_o suppose_v their_o be_v assault_v with_o some_o un_fw-we couth_a temptation_n or_o the_o prevail_a of_o some_o gross_a corruption_n or_o the_o lie_v on_o of_o some_o extraordinary_a and_o un_fw-fr hear_v of_o cross_n and_o affliction_n but_o the_o single_a design_n of_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o of_o get_v it_o entertain_v will_v put_v we_o not_o only_o to_o pray_v ourselves_o but_o also_o to_o desire_v the_o help_n of_o the_o prayer_n of_o other_o always_o this_o be_v a_o most_o certain_a truth_n that_o as_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v not_o attain_v without_o prayer_n so_o it_o be_v not_o entertain_v but_o by_o prayer_n and_o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o wonder_n how_o many_o can_v boast_v of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o yet_o neglect_v prayer_n themselves_o and_o undervalue_v the_o prayer_n of_o other_o for_o they_o but_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v here_o 1._o what_o influence_n have_v a_o christian_n good_a conscience_n in_o lay_v on_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n on_o other_o for_o he_o 2._o what_o influence_n have_v a_o good_a conscience_n to_o persuade_v other_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n for_o the_o person_n that_o have_v it_o more_o than_o for_o other_o our_o speak_v a_o little_a to_o these_o two_o will_v lead_v we_o in_o to_o the_o discovery_n of_o some_o notable_a advantage_n that_o attend_v a_o good_a conscience_n as_o for_o the_o first_o we_o say_v in_o general_a that_o a_o good_a coâ—_n science_n have_v a_o notable_a influence_n on_o prayer_n and_o put_v other_o to_o pray_v for_o we_o or_o there_o be_v a_o strong_a connexion_n betwixt_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o the_o advantage_n of_o prayer_n 1._o there_o be_v a_o connexion_n betwixt_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o liberty_n and_o boldness_n in_o prayer_n as_o it_o be_v clear_a 1_o john_n 3._o 21._o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o we_o have_v confidence_n towards_o god_n a_o man_n that_o have_v a_o evil_a conscience_n or_o a_o accuse_v and_o challenge_v conscience_n have_v a_o sort_n of_o â—ing_v at_o and_o at_o best_a much_o discouragement_n in_o prayer_n so_o that_o he_o can_v lift_v up_o his_o face_n without_o blush_v &_o shame_n but_o a_o good_a conscience_n on_o the_o contrary_a help_n to_o boldness_n in_o prayer_n and_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n in_o god_n as_o a_o father_n so_o that_o he_o can_v bold_o say_v our_o father_n 2_o a_o good_a conscience_n have_v influence_n on_o or_o a_o connexion_n with_o ouâ—_n obtain_v a_o hear_n in_o prayer_n and_o on_o our_o be_v confident_a that_o we_o shall_v get_v a_o hear_n for_o we_o know_v say_v that_o poor_a man_n john_n 9_o v_o 31._o that_o god_n hear_v not_o sinner_n but_o if_o any_o man_n do_v his_o will_n â—e_n hear_v he_o and_o david_n say_v psal._n 66._o v_o 18._o if_o i_o regard_v iniquity_n in_o my_o heart_n the_o lord_n will_v not_o â—ear_v i_o and_o it_o be_v say_v 1_o john_n 3._o 22._o whatsoever_o we_o ask_v we_o receive_v of_o he_o because_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o do_v these_o thing_n that_o be_v pleaâ—ing_v in_o his_o sight_n a_o good_a conscience_n be_v not_o indeed_o a_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o the_o hear_n of_o prayer_n yet_o god_n have_v establish_v a_o connexion_n betwixt_o it_o and_o his_o hear_n of_o prayer_n and_o it_o have_v influence_n on_o our_o expect_v a_o hear_n and_o on_o our_o know_v that_o we_o shall_v get_v a_o hear_n 3_o and_o more_o particular_o as_o to_o the_o scripture_n now_o before_o we_o a_o man_n that_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n may_v be_v confident_a to_o put_v other_o to_o pray_v for_o he_o which_o another_o can_v h
and_o herein_o lie_v the_o weight_n of_o the_o apostle_n argument_n pray_v for_o we_o for_o we_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n on_o this_o ground_n he_o plead_v for_o this_o privilege_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n which_o he_o can_v not_o have_v so_o do_v have_v he_o not_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n 4_o a_o maâ—â—hat_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n may_v more_o confident_o expect_v the_o benefit_n of_o other_o prayer_n as_o well_o as_o of_o his_o own_o whereas_o a_o man_n who_o way_n and_o conscience_n be_v evil_a though_o other_o prayer_n may_v sometime_o have_v weight_n before_o god_n to_o further_a his_o change_n yet_o he_o himself_o can_v have_v no_o comfort_n in_o they_o while_o he_o be_v such_o therefore_o while_o david_n be_v pray_v for_o his_o enemy_n he_o say_v his_o prayer_n return_v into_o his_o own_o bosom_n but_o it_o do_v they_o little_a or_o no_o good_a thus_o we_o see_v what_o advantage_n it_o be_v to_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n it_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o the_o benefit_n both_o of_o our_o own_o and_o other_o prayer_n and_o the_o want_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n on_o the_o contrary_a excommunicaâ—s_a 〈◊〉_d in_o a_o manner_n from_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o prayer_n of_o other_o the_o second_o question_n be_v if_o this_o argument_n ought_v to_o have_v any_o more_o weight_n with_o christian_n in_o pray_v for_o they_o than_o other_o or_o if_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o they_o only_o that_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o not_o for_o other_o we_o answer_v 1._o that_o christian_n will_v not_o limit_v their_o duty_n in_o prayer_n only_o to_o these_o for_o we_o see_v moses_n david_n and_o many_o other_o of_o the_o saint_n pray_v for_o such_o as_o have_v no_o good_a conscience_n so_o that_o we_o may_v warrantable_o pray_v for_o other_o though_o not_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o may_v hope_v to_o be_v accept_v therein_o and_o that_o our_o pray_v for_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v without_o fruit_n and_o benefit_n to_o ourselves_o at_o least_o yet_o 2_o there_o lie_v a_o great_a tie_n and_o obligation_n on_o we_o to_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n then_o for_o other_o even_o as_o there_o do_v to_o do_v good_a especial_o to_o these_o that_o be_v of_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n the_o communion_n of_o saint_n here_o bind_v and_o link_a to_o say_v so_o more_o strait_o and_o strong_o so_o we_o be_v i_o say_v proportionable_o more_o strict_o tie_v to_o pray_v for_o sincere_a seeker_n of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n practice_n gal._n 6._o 16._o show_n where_o he_o pray_v thus_o as_o many_o as_o walk_v according_a to_o this_o rule_n peace_n be_v on_o they_o and_o on_o the_o whole_a israel_n of_o god_n he_o pray_v for_o peace_n to_o they_o as_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a object_n of_o the_o saint_n prayer_n especial_o as_o to_o god_n peace_n not_o have_v such_o ground_n for_o present_v that_o or_o other_o suchlike_a petition_n to_o god_n for_o 〈◊〉_d yea_o 3_o not_o only_o do_v it_o lay_v on_o a_o strong_a obligation_n but_o it_o give_v great_a ground_n of_o encouragement_n and_o confidence_n to_o deal_v with_o god_n on_o their_o behalf_n and_o of_o hope_n and_o expectation_n to_o be_v hear_v peace_n say_v the_o apostle_n be_v upon_o they_o that_o 〈◊〉_d according_a to_o this_o rule_n he_o find_v here_o firm_a ground_n to_o stand_v on_o to_o say_v so_o in_o pray_v confident_o and_o with_o hope_n of_o success_n for_o such_o then_o for_o other_o 4_o clearness_n and_o persuasion_n so_o far_o as_o be_v in_o this_o case_n attainable_a that_o another_o be_v keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n make_v a_o christian_a more_o willing_a to_o pray_v and_o more_o hearty_a in_o prayer_n for_o such_o a_o person_n will_v pray_v with_o the_o better_a will_v to_o speak_v so_o for_o other_o when_o he_o know_v that_o they_o be_v tender_a whereas_o any_o grossness_n in_o a_o professor_n will_v have_v influence_n on_o the_o cool_n of_o his_o prayer_n for_o they_o and_o he_o will_v be_v in_o hazard_n of_o be_v tempt_v at_o least_o some_o way_n to_o lie_v by_o we_o will_v not_o say_v but_o there_o may_v be_v often_o a_o fault_n in_o this_o yet_o there_o be_v still_o a_o truth_n in_o the_o connexion_n betwixt_o suppose_v a_o person_n to_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o our_o bear_a burden_n with_o he_o and_o take_v a_o more_o kind_o lift_v of_o his_o condition_n in_o prayer_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o apostle_n make_v use_v of_o this_o ground_n to_o press_v and_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o pray_v for_o he_o and_o to_o show_v that_o he_o expect_v the_o help_n of_o their_o prayer_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v no_o small_a encouragement_n in_o prayer_n to_o make_v mention_n of_o a_o person_n name_v particular_o to_o god_n in_o prayer_n when_o we_o know_v that_o it_o be_v the_o name_n of_o one_o that_o be_v a_o friend_n of_o he_o as_o abraham_n be_v call_v all_o these_o serve_v to_o commend_v the_o great_a advantage_n that_o attend_v the_o have_v of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o to_o lay_v a_o strong_a obligation_n on_o we_o to_o pursue_v after_o it_o and_o they_o may_v some_o way_n direct_v we_o how_o to_o walk_v so_o as_o we_o may_v attain_v and_o entertain_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o they_o may_v withal_o help_v to_o make_v some_o discovery_n to_o we_o if_o we_o be_v tender_a in_o our_o walk_n but_o we_o come_v now_o to_o the_o apostle_n assertion_n we_o trust_v say_v he_o we_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n from_o which_o we_o will_v observe_v a_o few_o thing_n wherein_o we_o shall_v be_v more_o general_a 1._o then_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o very_a great_a difference_n betwixt_o conscience_n some_o conscience_n be_v good_a some_o evil_n some_o be_v clear_a and_o pure_a some_o be_v unclear_a impure_a and_o defile_v as_o the_o apostle_n show_v 2_o tim_n 1._o 3._o when_o he_o say_v i_o thank_v god_n who_o i_o serve_v with_o a_o pure_a conscience_n and_o while_o he_o say_v tit._n 1._o 15._o to_o the_o pure_a all_o thing_n be_v pure_a but_o to_o they_o that_o be_v defile_v and_o unbelieving_a be_v nothing_o pure_a but_o even_o their_o conscience_n be_v defile_v every_o man_n have_v a_o conscience_n but_o not_o the_o like_a conscience_n so_o that_o i_o say_v there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o conscience_n even_o as_o great_a as_o there_o be_v betwixt_o man_n as_o sin_n have_v bring_v a_o long_a train_n of_o pollution_n and_o defilement_n with_o it_o so_o that_o they_o reach_v the_o whole_a man_n the_o very_a conscience_n itself_o not_o except_v â—o_o special_a grace_n have_v a_o mighty_a powerful_a influence_n where_o it_o come_v and_o reach_v the_o whole_a man_n and_o the_o conscience_n in_o particular_a though_o not_o perfect_o in_o this_o life_n think_v noâ—_n 〈◊〉_d that_o all_o man_n conscience_n be_v alike_o and_o as_o you_o will_v not_o trust_v every_o man_n word_n so_o shall_v you_o not_o trust_v every_o man_n conscience_n 2_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n attainable_a as_o a_o good_a or_o clear_a and_o pleasant_a conscience_n otherways_o if_o it_o be_v simple_o un-attainable_a there_o can_v be_v â—o_o 〈◊〉_d noâ—_n true_a ground_n for_o paul_n assertion_n here_o this_o good_a conscience_n in_o short_a be_v come_v at_o thus_o 1._o there_o be_v a_o exercise_n to_o have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n whereof_o we_o speak_v from_o act_n 24._o v_o 16._o this_o be_v the_o tender_a christian_n design_n which_o he_o drive_v 2_o when_o a_o man_n have_v be_v thus_o exercise_v to_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n he_o be_v in_o the_o nixt_a place_n exercise_v to_o know_v the_o sense_n of_o his_o conscience_n and_o to_o have_v its_o approbative_a testimony_n and_o this_o we_o speak_v to_o from_o these_o word_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 12._o this_o be_v our_o rejoice_v the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n etc._n etc._n 3_o there_o be_v a_o clear_a and_o pleasant_a conscience_n which_o flow_v from_o the_o former_a two_o when_o a_o man_n have_v be_v exercise_v to_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o to_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o his_o conscience_n for_o he_o and_o come_v to_o discern_v it_o there_o result_v from_o these_o a_o clear_a calm_a serene_a smile_v and_o pleasant_a conscience_n which_o be_v a_o most_o heartsome_a and_o solacious_a thing_n to_o dwell_v with_o 〈◊〉_d very_o desirable_a delightsome_a refresh_a cheerful_a and_o spiritualy_a jovial_a companion_n the_o â—se_n serve_v to_o show_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v not_o look_v on_o a_o good_a conscience_n as_o a_o empty_a or_o airy_a fancy_n or_o notion_n or_o as_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o attainable_a or_o as_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v never_o attain_v by_o any_o you_o