A discourse of conscience wherein is set down the nature, properties, and differences thereofA discourse of conscience wherein is set downe the nature, properties, and differences thereof

This shows that there is a great number of men professing the Gospel that want good conscience. For though they show themselves very forward and willing to obey God in many things, yet in some one thing or other they will follow the swing of their own wills. Many are diligent to freque• the place of gods worship, to heat the word preached with liking, to receive the sacraments at times appointed, & to ⟨p. 146⟩approve of any good thing all this is very commendable, yet these men offered when they depart home from the congregation say in effect on this manner, Religion stay thou here […] the Church do•• till the next Sabbath. For if […] look into their priva•• conversations, the government of their families, or their d••lings in their particular callings, we shall with gre••e […] much disorder and little conscience. It is a common practise of sick men when they make […] wills on their death beds, in the very first place to commend their bodies to the grave, and their souls to God that gave them in hope of a better resurrection: and all this is well done: but afterward they bequeath their goods gotten by fraud, oppression, and forged cavillation to their own friends & children without making any recompense or satisfaction. But alas this should not be so: for obedience that goes with good conscience must be performed to all gods commandments without exception: and if if it be done but to some alone, it is but counterfeit obedience: & he that is guilty in one is guilty in all.

This shewes that there is a great number of men professing the Gospell that want good conscience. For though they shewe themselues very forwarde and willing to obey God in many things, yet in some one thing or other they will follow the swinge of their owne wills. Many are diligent to freque• the place of gods worship, to heate the word preached with liking, to receiue the sacraments at times appointed, & to ⟨p. 146⟩approoue of any good thing all this is very comendable, yet these men ofred when they depart home from the congregation say in effect on this manner, Religion stay thou here the Church do till the next Sabbah. For if looke into their priua conuersations, the gouernment of their families, or their dlings in their particular callings, we shall with gree much disorder and litle conscience. It is a common practise of sick men when they make willes on their death beds, in the very first place to commend their bodies to the graue, and their soules to God that gaue them in hope of a better resurrection: and all this is well done: but afterward they bqueath their goods gotten by fraud, oppression, and forged caillation to their owne friends & children without making any recompence or satisfaction. But alas this should not be so: for obedience that goes with good conscience must be performed to all gods commandements without exception: and if if it be done but to some alone, it is but counterfeit obedce: & he that is guilty in one is guilty in all.