A discourse concerning the nature and satisfaction of a good and inoffensive conscience in a sermon preach'd in the Cathedral Church of Winchester at the assizes held there April 11, 1693 / by Robert Eyre ...
and for the Preacher instead of Expounding the Gospel, to Dictate Law to the Magistrate, (besides that this seems to fall under that Apostolical Censure whereby we are expresly forbid NONLATINALPHABET to be Pragmatical or Busie-Bodies in other Mens matters ) and although that known Learning and Integrity for which our Courts of Judicature are at this day so deservedly eminent, would render a Discourse of this nature altogether useless and unnecessary;
and for the Preacher instead of Expounding the Gospel, to Dictate Law to the Magistrate, (beside that this seems to fallen under that Apostolical Censure whereby we Are expressly forbid to be Pragmatical or Busie-Bodies in other Men's matters) and although that known Learning and Integrity for which our Courts of Judicature Are At this day so deservedly eminent, would render a Discourse of this nature altogether useless and unnecessary;
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The Words of the Text are part of that Defence which the Apostle St. Paul made for himself before Felix the Roman Governour of Caesarea; which although they were principally intended to justifie his own Innocence, with reference to the Crimes alledged against him;
The Words of the Text Are part of that Defence which the Apostle Saint Paul made for himself before Felix the Roman Governor of Caesarea; which although they were principally intended to justify his own Innocence, with Referente to the Crimes alleged against him;
But abstracting from the Consideration of these or the like Historical Circumstances of the Text, which it were eafie and obvious to observe to render it more particularly applicable to the Time,
But abstracting from the Consideration of these or the like Historical circumstances of the Text, which it were easy and obvious to observe to render it more particularly applicable to the Time,
how sinful and erroneous soever in its own nature, how fatal and damning soever in its consequence, which yet the rash and intemperate Zeal of a pretended Conscience hath not been brought to justifie;
how sinful and erroneous soever in its own nature, how fatal and damning soever in its consequence, which yet the rash and intemperate Zeal of a pretended Conscience hath not been brought to justify;
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the very same Doctrins and Practices which in some Men have been justly accused as impious and unwarrantable, having been excused in others as the Dictates of a tender and religious Conscience.
the very same Doctrines and Practices which in Some Men have been justly accused as impious and unwarrantable, having been excused in Others as the Dictates of a tender and religious Conscience.
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and Rebellions in the State, have been sometimes maintained both in our own and neighbouring Nations, under the plausible Pretence of a Good and Inoffensive Conscience; yea, what Blasphemous and downright Atheistical Principles have been broach'd and avowed upon this very Account,
and Rebellions in the State, have been sometime maintained both in our own and neighbouring nations, under the plausible Pretence of a Good and Inoffensive Conscience; yea, what Blasphemous and downright Atheistical Principles have been broached and avowed upon this very Account,
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Conscience then, in the most general and comprehensive Sense of the Word, is that Act of the Soul whereby a Man judgeth and reflecteth on the moral Good or Evil, the Lawfulness or Unlawfulness of his own Actions.
Conscience then, in the most general and comprehensive Sense of the Word, is that Act of the Soul whereby a Man Judgeth and reflecteth on the moral Good or Evil, the Lawfulness or Unlawfulness of his own Actions.
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but excuseth, commendeth, applaudeth, adds Joy, Peace and Satisfaction to the Good Man. In both which Cases the Notion of Conscience is still the same;
but excuseth, commends, applaudeth, adds Joy, Peace and Satisfaction to the Good Man. In both which Cases the Notion of Conscience is still the same;
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yet in both it is nothing else but a Man's Judgment or Persuasion concerning the Lawfulness or Unlawfulness, the Guilt or Innocence of his own Actions.
yet in both it is nothing Else but a Man's Judgement or Persuasion Concerning the Lawfulness or Unlawfulness, the Gilded or Innocence of his own Actions.
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But now that in both these Cases the Conscience may be always able to judge and witness aright, without being left (as it too often happens) to the fallible and uncertain Guidance of Misunderstanding, Prejudice or Caprice;
But now that in both these Cases the Conscience may be always able to judge and witness aright, without being left (as it too often happens) to the fallible and uncertain Guidance of Misunderstanding, Prejudice or Caprice;
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and accordingly as it either agrees with, or deviates from this Rule, the Action concerning which it witnesseth or judgeth, will be always known to be either Good or Evil, Lawful or Unlawful.
and accordingly as it either agrees with, or deviates from this Rule, the Actium Concerning which it Witnesseth or Judgeth, will be always known to be either Good or Evil, Lawful or Unlawful.
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This Rule, in one Word, is nothing else but the Will of God, made known to us out of those divine Laws and Precepts which he hath at sundry Times and in divers Manners given to Men to walk by;
This Rule, in one Word, is nothing Else but the Will of God, made known to us out of those divine Laws and Precepts which he hath At sundry Times and in diverse Manners given to Men to walk by;
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which forasmuch as it is the most perfect Rule of our Christian Duty and Obedience, is the Rule likewise which the Conscience is always to determine it self by.
which forasmuch as it is the most perfect Rule of our Christian Duty and obedience, is the Rule likewise which the Conscience is always to determine it self by.
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And when I have done any thing contrary to the Obligation of this Duty, i. e. when I have either neglected those Means and Opportunities which God hath given me of frequenting the publick Worship of his Church;
And when I have done any thing contrary to the Obligation of this Duty, i. e. when I have either neglected those Means and Opportunities which God hath given me of frequenting the public Worship of his Church;
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From all which it clearly appears, what is to be understood by this Word Conscience, (viz.) that Act of the Soul whereby a Man judgeth concerning the Lawfulness or Unlawfulness of his own Actions, by comparing them with those divine Laws and Directions which are left to us in the Gospel, to be the standing, fix'd,
From all which it clearly appears, what is to be understood by this Word Conscience, (viz.) that Act of the Soul whereby a Man Judgeth Concerning the Lawfulness or Unlawfulness of his own Actions, by comparing them with those divine Laws and Directions which Are left to us in the Gospel, to be the standing, fixed,
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or thwarts the Obligation of any one positive Law, that is either clearly contained therein, or may be good consequence be deduced therefrom, that Pretence is altogether vain and irrational,
or thwarts the Obligation of any one positive Law, that is either clearly contained therein, or may be good consequence be deduced therefrom, that Pretence is altogether vain and irrational,
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But however this be allowed as a certain and unerring Rule for the Conscience to determine it self by, with reference to all those Actions which fall under the plain and express Direction of a Divine Law;
But however this be allowed as a certain and unerring Rule for the Conscience to determine it self by, with Referente to all those Actions which fallen under the plain and express Direction of a Divine Law;
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In Answer to which Enquiry, it will be sufficient to remark this in the general, That the Supreme Legislative Authority of any Nation (be the NONLATINALPHABET, the particular Form and Modification what it will) is the Appointment and Ordinance of God; which he hath invested with the Power of making and enacting Laws;
In Answer to which Enquiry, it will be sufficient to remark this in the general, That the Supreme Legislative authority of any nation (be the, the particular From and Modification what it will) is the Appointment and Ordinance of God; which he hath invested with the Power of making and enacting Laws;
and to which Laws likewise (so far forth as they are not directly contrary to any other known Revelation of his divine Will) he hath positively enjoyned the Obedience and Submission of every particular Subject.
and to which Laws likewise (so Far forth as they Are not directly contrary to any other known Revelation of his divine Will) he hath positively enjoined the obedience and Submission of every particular Subject.
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This therefore being granted, (which I think few of those who admit any such thing as Civil Government in the World at all, did ever pretend to deny) it will from hence follow, That the Rule above mentioned for the Conscience to determine it self by, must hold as well with reference to those Actions which are to be directed by our Municipal Laws,
This Therefore being granted, (which I think few of those who admit any such thing as Civil Government in the World At all, did ever pretend to deny) it will from hence follow, That the Rule above mentioned for the Conscience to determine it self by, must hold as well with Referente to those Actions which Are to be directed by our Municipal Laws,
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For however (as some are wont to cavil in this Dispute) the Magistrate cannot indeed directly and per se oblige the Conscience to the Obedience of any Humane Law;
For however (as Some Are wont to cavil in this Dispute) the Magistrate cannot indeed directly and per se oblige the Conscience to the obedience of any Humane Law;
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And if so, then it is as much the Will of God that we should do or not do what the Supreme Rightful Authority over us commandeth by a Law (provided that Law be no ways sinful in it self) as if God had written it with his own Finger in Tables of Stone.
And if so, then it is as much the Will of God that we should do or not do what the Supreme Rightful authority over us commands by a Law (provided that Law be no ways sinful in it self) as if God had written it with his own Finger in Tables of Stone.
And this I chose to mention, for the better Information of those, who think themselves no farther obliged by any Municipal Law or Statute of the Land,
And this I chosen to mention, for the better Information of those, who think themselves no farther obliged by any Municipal Law or Statute of the Land,
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yet where the Law is directly Preceptive, and from whence it plainly appears, that the principal Intent of the Lawgiver was not so much to punish or mulct the Offender,
yet where the Law is directly Preceptive, and from whence it plainly appears, that the principal Intent of the Lawgiver was not so much to Punish or mulct the Offender,
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in either of these Cases, to defraud the King of his Customs, or the Parson of his Tithes (however these are look'd upon by some Men as Offences of a very venial nature) is as much a Transgression of the 8th Commandment,
in either of these Cases, to defraud the King of his Customs, or the Parson of his Tithes (however these Are looked upon by Some Men as Offences of a very venial nature) is as much a Transgression of the 8th Commandment,
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Of which nature are all those Laws more especially which by the Piety and Wisdom of our Legislators have been severally made and enacted against Swearing and Cursing, against Drunkenness and Profanation of the Lords-day, &c. Concerning which I humbly crave leave to submit these two following Queries to the serious Consideration of those honorable Persons to whom the Execution of these Laws is more immediately committed;
Of which nature Are all those Laws more especially which by the Piety and Wisdom of our Legislators have been severally made and enacted against Swearing and Cursing, against drunkenness and Profanation of the Lord's day, etc. Concerning which I humbly crave leave to submit these two following Queries to the serious Consideration of those honourable Persons to whom the Execution of these Laws is more immediately committed;
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First, Whether or no, or how far, every Justice of the Peace is obliged in Conscience to inflict the Penalty of the Law upon every Person whom he himself hears Cursing or Swearing an Oath,
First, Whither or no, or how Far, every justice of the Peace is obliged in Conscience to inflict the Penalty of the Law upon every Person whom he himself hears Cursing or Swearing an Oath,
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or whom he himself sees Drunken or Profaning the Lord's-day? it being expresly provided by the Law in these cases, that his own Hearing of the one, and Seeing of the other, shall be as full a Conviction of the Offence,
or whom he himself sees Drunken or Profaning the Lord's day? it being expressly provided by the Law in these cases, that his own Hearing of the one, and Seeing of the other, shall be as full a Conviction of the Offence,
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Secondly, Whether, if the respective Penalties were strictly exacted, according to the pious Intent of the Law in these Cases, it might not prove one very effectual means to prevent a great deal of that Blasphemy and Profaneness, that Riot and Intemperance, that Contempt and Neglect of Religious Worship, which is at this day so much the Scandal of our Christian Profession;
Secondly, Whither, if the respective Penalties were strictly exacted, according to the pious Intent of the Law in these Cases, it might not prove one very effectual means to prevent a great deal of that Blasphemy and Profaneness, that Riot and Intemperance, that Contempt and Neglect of Religious Worship, which is At this day so much the Scandal of our Christian Profession;
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it will cost us no great difficulty to understand what is meant by a Good and Inoffensive Conscience. However, that I may give a more clear and distinct Account of it, I will confider it as I did before, under that twofold relation which it bears either to our past or future Actions, i. e. either as in the one case it is consider'd as a Guide to direct,
it will cost us no great difficulty to understand what is meant by a Good and Inoffensive Conscience. However, that I may give a more clear and distinct Account of it, I will confider it as I did before, under that twofold Relation which it bears either to our past or future Actions, i. e. either as in the one case it is considered as a Guide to Direct,
In the former of these Relations, as the Conscience is considered as a Guide to direct, it may be then properly said to be Good and Inoffensive, when it guides and directs aright;
In the former of these Relations, as the Conscience is considered as a Guide to Direct, it may be then properly said to be Good and Inoffensive, when it guides and directs aright;
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then may that Man's Conscience be truly and properly called a Good and Inoffensive Conscience, viz. because it directs him to the Performance of his Duty,
then may that Man's Conscience be truly and properly called a Good and Inoffensive Conscience, viz. Because it directs him to the Performance of his Duty,
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and in all the Circumstances of his Life, is guided by an Unerring and Inoffensive Conscience. For although this be always true in Matters of known and general Precept;
and in all the circumstances of his Life, is guided by an Unerring and Inoffensive Conscience. For although this be always true in Matters of known and general Precept;
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as that he cannot well discern whether it falls under the force and obligation of that Law, &c. For in these and the like Circumstances of Invincible Ignorance, 'tis generally allowed that a Mans Conscience may misguide him,
as that he cannot well discern whither it falls under the force and obligation of that Law, etc. For in these and the like circumstances of Invincible Ignorance, it's generally allowed that a men Conscience may misguide him,
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and that some of the honest well-meaning Dissenters from that Ecclesiastical Establishment to which we belong, may yet be in a state of Salvation, although it be more in truth than what we are generally thank'd for,
and that Some of the honest well-meaning Dissenters from that Ecclesiastical Establishment to which we belong, may yet be in a state of Salvation, although it be more in truth than what we Are generally thanked for,
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For although what I said before be true, That the Laws and Precepts of the Gospel are the fix'd and standing Rule of the Christian's Duty and Obedience;
For although what I said before be true, That the Laws and Precepts of the Gospel Are the fixed and standing Rule of the Christian's Duty and obedience;
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For how can he perform that as matter of Duty, which he doth not first apprehend to be so? or how is it possible for him to obey those Laws which he hath no manner of Knowledge of? No, he must first judge and deliberate with himself what it is which the Law requireth,
For how can he perform that as matter of Duty, which he does not First apprehend to be so? or how is it possible for him to obey those Laws which he hath no manner of Knowledge of? No, he must First judge and deliberate with himself what it is which the Law requires,
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and therefore I shall here content my self to say in the general, That in what case soever a Man's Ignorance is purely and innocently involuntary, i. e. if after an honest Industry and diligent Application to the best means and opportunities of Knowledge he can well have, his Conscience doth nevertheless err,
and Therefore I shall Here content my self to say in the general, That in what case soever a Man's Ignorance is purely and innocently involuntary, i. e. if After an honest Industry and diligent Application to the best means and opportunities of Knowledge he can well have, his Conscience does nevertheless err,
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yet this Transgression shall never be imputed to him as mortal and damning, forasmuch as it was not any way chosen by him, either in it self, or in its Cause.
yet this Transgression shall never be imputed to him as Mortal and damning, forasmuch as it was not any Way chosen by him, either in it self, or in its Cause.
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as will be pardonable amongst his other unavoidable Infirmities upon a general Repentance; not such as will be brought against him as any express Article of his Condemnation;
as will be pardonable among his other unavoidable Infirmities upon a general Repentance; not such as will be brought against him as any express Article of his Condemnation;
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But I shall here dismiss the farther Consideration of this Case, and proceed to shew you in the next place, what is meant by a Good and Inoffensive Conscience, as it relates to our past Actions,
But I shall Here dismiss the farther Consideration of this Case, and proceed to show you in the next place, what is meant by a Good and Inoffensive Conscience, as it relates to our past Actions,
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and hath heartily endeavoured (so far as the frailty of his Nature would permit him) to live up to all the several Obligations of it both toward God and toward his Neighbour;
and hath heartily endeavoured (so Far as the frailty of his Nature would permit him) to live up to all the several Obligations of it both towards God and towards his Neighbour;
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he cannot but with great Joy and Complacency reflect upon his past Actions, and please himself with the remembrance of those Duties which (how difficult and irksome soever they were in their present Performance) do now administer the most solid Comfort and Delight to him imaginable.
he cannot but with great Joy and Complacency reflect upon his past Actions, and please himself with the remembrance of those Duties which (how difficult and irksome soever they were in their present Performance) do now administer the most solid Comfort and Delight to him imaginable.
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This Good Conscience holy David had, who, whilst he called his past Ways to remembrance, was able to witness for himself, that his Heart had not inclined to any Evil;
This Good Conscience holy David had, who, while he called his past Ways to remembrance, was able to witness for himself, that his Heart had not inclined to any Evil;
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This was holy Job 's Comfort and Relief amidst all the Miseries and Afflictions that befel him, who could say in the joy of his Heart, that he had kept the way of his God,
This was holy Job is Comfort and Relief amid all the Misery's and Afflictions that befell him, who could say in the joy of his Heart, that he had kept the Way of his God,
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And this is the Consolation of every upright and sincere Christian, who after having tryed and examined his past Life according to that Rule which was given him to Walk by, finds no wilful Disobedience to accuse it of, no clamorous Guilt of any one wilful unrepented Sin, to grieve and disquiet him in his peaceful and humble Reflections upon it.
And this is the Consolation of every upright and sincere Christian, who After having tried and examined his past Life according to that Rule which was given him to Walk by, finds no wilful Disobedience to accuse it of, no clamorous Gilded of any one wilful unrepented since, to grieve and disquiet him in his peaceful and humble Reflections upon it.
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But here it is carefully to be remembred, that the Examination of our past Life, from whence this Testimony of a good Conscience doth proceed, must be very strictly and impartially taken,
But Here it is carefully to be remembered, that the Examination of our past Life, from whence this Testimony of a good Conscience does proceed, must be very strictly and impartially taken,
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through the habitual Force and Prejudice of which, a Man's Reason and Judgment may possibly be so byass'd and controul'd, that when he comes to examine his past Life, he either wholly over-looks that Action which was misguided by it,
through the habitual Force and Prejudice of which, a Man's Reason and Judgement may possibly be so biased and controlled, that when he comes to examine his past Life, he either wholly overlooks that Actium which was misguided by it,
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or else glosseth so favourably upon the Law whereby it was forbidden, that he thence easily cheats and flatters himself into a false Opinion of its Innocence.
or Else Glosseth so favourably upon the Law whereby it was forbidden, that he thence Easily cheats and flatters himself into a false Opinion of its Innocence.
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Thus for Instance, A Man whose Mind is too eagerly set upon the Encrease of his Wealth (either in the Way of Trade or otherwise) is not always conscious to himself of that Guilt which he hath contracted by it;
Thus for Instance, A Man whose Mind is too eagerly Set upon the Increase of his Wealth (either in the Way of Trade or otherwise) is not always conscious to himself of that Gilded which he hath contracted by it;
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but because rather he does not look upon his Actions to have been dishonest. For such a Man as this is generally guided by Principles of his own forming;
but Because rather he does not look upon his Actions to have been dishonest. For such a Man as this is generally guided by Principles of his own forming;
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and he first lays down to himself his own particular Scheme of Justice and Honesty, which so long as he hath lived and acted by, he thinks himself in the mean time a very good Christian;
and he First lays down to himself his own particular Scheme of justice and Honesty, which so long as he hath lived and acted by, he thinks himself in the mean time a very good Christian;
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In this therefore, and other the like Cases, we must learn to distinguish betwixt a Quiet and a Good, a Peaceful and a Pure Conscienee: for although both these may possibly administer some present Comfort and Satisfaction to the Soul;
In this Therefore, and other the like Cases, we must Learn to distinguish betwixt a Quiet and a Good, a Peaceful and a Pure Conscience: for although both these may possibly administer Some present Comfort and Satisfaction to the Soul;
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Would you therefore, upon the whole, be satisfied what is meant by a Good and Inoffensive Conscience? Would you know the Man who can truly and properly be said to have it? By this Character you shall know him;
Would you Therefore, upon the Whole, be satisfied what is meant by a Good and Inoffensive Conscience? Would you know the Man who can truly and properly be said to have it? By this Character you shall know him;
He is one, who hath not been prejudiced by any Worldly Interest or Advantage, nor misguided through the Predominancy of any other prevailing Lust or Passion:
He is one, who hath not been prejudiced by any Worldly Interest or Advantage, nor misguided through the Predominancy of any other prevailing Lust or Passion:
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but as it hath been his chiefest care not to offend wilfully at all, so when through the Weakness of Nature or the Power of Temptation he hath so offended, he hath nevertheless speedily disburdened his Soul of the Guilt of that Sin, by a hearty and sincere Repentance.
but as it hath been his chiefest care not to offend wilfully At all, so when through the Weakness of Nature or the Power of Temptation he hath so offended, he hath nevertheless speedily disburdened his Soul of the Gilded of that since, by a hearty and sincere Repentance.
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In short, He is one, who after the most strict and severe Examination of all his past Thoughts, Words and Actions, can say in the Integrity of his Soul, That he has sincerely and conscientiously performed the Duty of a good Christian according to all those Terms and Conditions of Evangelical Faith and Repentance which are required of him in the Gospel.
In short, He is one, who After the most strict and severe Examination of all his past Thoughts, Words and Actions, can say in the Integrity of his Soul, That he has sincerely and conscientiously performed the Duty of a good Christian according to all those Terms and Conditions of Evangelical Faith and Repentance which Are required of him in the Gospel.
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'Tis the Remark of a great and learned Man, That amongst the many Motives and Obligations which we lye under for the Performance of our Christian Duty, there is nothing which doth more sensibly recommend it to our Choice and Approbation,
It's the Remark of a great and learned Man, That among the many Motives and Obligations which we lie under for the Performance of our Christian Duty, there is nothing which does more sensibly recommend it to our Choice and Approbation,
and hath more than recompensed for all the supposed Rigour and Severity of his Laws, by that consequent Delight and Complacency of Mind which ariseth from the Observance of them.
and hath more than recompensed for all the supposed Rigour and Severity of his Laws, by that consequent Delight and Complacency of Mind which arises from the Observance of them.
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and of his having thereby purchased to himself the Peace and Favour of God, advancing his Happiness above all the possible Contingencies of any Trouble or Disquiet in this World;
and of his having thereby purchased to himself the Peace and Favour of God, advancing his Happiness above all the possible Contingencies of any Trouble or Disquiet in this World;
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For so long as he still retains his Integrity, and supports himself under the Testimony of a Good and Inoffensive Conscience, he will not fear what Man can do unto him;
For so long as he still retains his Integrity, and supports himself under the Testimony of a Good and Inoffensive Conscience, he will not Fear what Man can do unto him;
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where we find the Apostle St. Paul standing before the Judgment-Seat at Caesarea, persecuted and exposed to the dangerous hazard of a most malicious and unjust Accusation.
where we find the Apostle Saint Paul standing before the Judgment seat At Caesarea, persecuted and exposed to the dangerous hazard of a most malicious and unjust Accusation.
The Witnesses against him were in all probability some of those Blood-thirsty Villains, who in the Chapter before had solemnly bound themselves with an Oath to kill him:
The Witnesses against him were in all probability Some of those Bloodthirsty Villains, who in the Chapter before had solemnly bound themselves with an Oath to kill him:
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The Judge before whom he was to plead his Cause, was already prejudiced on his Accusers side, through the flattering Insinuations of that mercenary Orator whom they had fee'd and brought along with them, on purpose to aggravate his Crimes;
The Judge before whom he was to plead his Cause, was already prejudiced on his Accusers side, through the flattering Insinuations of that mercenary Orator whom they had feed and brought along with them, on purpose to aggravate his Crimes;
What now could be expected from so dreadful and amazing a Prospect, but certain Ruin and Destruction? for in all outward Appearance he had no Friend to stand by him,
What now could be expected from so dreadful and amazing a Prospect, but certain Ruin and Destruction? for in all outward Appearance he had no Friend to stand by him,
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and that he then stood bold and undaunted at the Bar, when at the same time his unrighteous guilty Judge sate trembling upon the Bench. It was this Testimony of a Good and Inoffensive Conscience, which guarded and secured him under all the Difficulties and Pressures of his Christian Warfare.
and that he then stood bold and undaunted At the Bar, when At the same time his unrighteous guilty Judge sat trembling upon the Bench. It was this Testimony of a Good and Inoffensive Conscience, which guarded and secured him under all the Difficulties and Pressures of his Christian Warfare.
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By this he contemn'd all the vain Assaults of Tribulation, and Distress, and Persecution, and Famine, and Nakedness, and the Sword: by this he challenged all the Force of Men and Devils, of Angels, and Principalities, and Powers, and of all the Supercoelestial Host;
By this he contemned all the vain Assaults of Tribulation, and Distress, and Persecution, and Famine, and Nakedness, and the Sword: by this he challenged all the Force of Men and Devils, of Angels, and Principalities, and Powers, and of all the Supercelestial Host;
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For as if he had been already confident, that neither the Strength, nor Power, nor Glory of any thing that was yet created, could be able to shock his Integrity;
For as if he had been already confident, that neither the Strength, nor Power, nor Glory of any thing that was yet created, could be able to shock his Integrity;
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But then if we pursue the Character of the good conscientious Christian, and visit him upon his Death-bed, we shall there find him the same happy Man still:
But then if we pursue the Character of the good conscientious Christian, and visit him upon his Deathbed, we shall there find him the same happy Man still:
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For the same Good and Inoffensive Conscience which gave him Ease and Consolation, Patience and Constancy amidst all the Afflictions and Tribulations of his Life, will likewise strengthen and support, comfort,
For the same Good and Inoffensive Conscience which gave him Ease and Consolation, Patience and Constancy amid all the Afflictions and Tribulations of his Life, will likewise strengthen and support, Comfort,
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And now having thus shewn you what is meant by a Good and Inoffensive Conscience; and given you an Idea (tho but imperfectly and in part only) of that Happiness and Satisfaction which ariseth from the Testimony of it.
And now having thus shown you what is meant by a Good and Inoffensive Conscience; and given you an Idea (though but imperfectly and in part only) of that Happiness and Satisfaction which arises from the Testimony of it.
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after having understood the inestimable Price and Value of it? Need he be perswaded to that which will be his greatest Ease and Satisfaction, his most solid Comfort and Delight?
After having understood the inestimable Price and Valve of it? Need he be persuaded to that which will be his greatest Ease and Satisfaction, his most solid Comfort and Delight?
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Indeed were those unconceivable Joys and Pleasures which are the promised Inheritance of the Saints in Heaven the only Motives of the Christians Duty and Obedience, he might then seem to want the Assistance of Rhetorick and Perswasion to have these Motives inculcated into him;
Indeed were those unconceivable Joys and Pleasures which Are the promised Inheritance of the Saints in Heaven the only Motives of the Christians Duty and obedience, he might then seem to want the Assistance of Rhetoric and Persuasion to have these Motives inculcated into him;
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