iudgment to finde out the true Religion and to be able to difference it from all false religions or rather superstitious See a little Booke intituled Good Christian looke to thy Creed and Satanicall inuentions Fourthly to striue to feele the power of this true Religion that so Conscience may be bound to hold vs to the vnfeigned performance of the same CHAP. 29. Of the large Conscience THere is an euill large Conscience a spatious and wide Conscience like the way to Hell This is the Conscience of such as can swallow downe sinnes great and many that can admit of cart-loades thereof without any rub or let to this Conscience This is the conscience of some worldlings some of all sorts of professions vsurers extortioners and such like The cause of this spacious and so large a Conscience is the vnderstanding highly esteeming of profit and preferment and in respect hereof vnder-valueing and vnder-prizing of Religion of iustice and of vpright dealing Whence followes sinfull practises to gaine and to come to aduancement giuing way to any sinne that may hale in profit make a man rich and exalt his estate in the World No sinne stickes in the way as sinne but onely for the infamy thereof if openly knowne or the danger of the Law by which may ensue punishment otherwise through largenesse of Conscience all is fish that comes to net all is lawfull prey and booty that may finely and cunningly bee come by The remedie to bounde this wide conscience is by tying it strictly to the Rule of righteousnesse and by vnderstanding iustice iudgment equity and euery Prou. 2. 9. good path for our right dealing CHAP. 30. Of the Cheuerill Conscience THere is a Cheueril ill Conscience which is like Kids leather which may bee made wide or strait This is the Conscience of him that can as occasion serues his turne make large or straiten his conscience playing fast or loose for his owne aduantage for hee chuseth and picks out particular duties to obserue as best pleaseth his humour neglecting the rest This was the Conscience of Saul in his warfare 1. Sam. 15. 14. 34. 22. 17. 18. against Amalek who could spare the best and destroy what was vile and naught hee made conscience of the peoples eating of blood but it was nothing to hate Dauid to persecute him and to murther 1. Chro. 13. 3. the Lords Priests and to neglect the Arke of God This was Ioabs conscience he could abhorre Dauids command to number the people yet to kill treacherously Abner and Amasa it was no scruple Iehu could destroy the idol-seruice to Baal but hold vp the golden Calues in Dan and Bethel The Scribes and Pharises had their consciences straite to put Iudas Mat. 27. 6. wages into the Treasurie and to goe into the Iudgement Hall but it was Ioh. 18. 28. wide enough to giue money to betray Christ and to cause Pilate to put him to death causelesly Iewes would not haue Christs Ioh. 19. 31. body and the two with him to hang all night on the Crosse because of the Sabbath following but it troubled them not to consent to his death Such a conscience they had in 2. Cor. 11. 24. whipping the Apostle giuing one stripe lesse then forty but not what cause they had to whip him at all Scribes and Pharisies could tithe Mint Commin and Annise but yet let passe the weighty matters of the Law This is a Papists conscience that will eate no flesh on Friday but can seeke by Gunpowder to blow vp the Parliament The Cause of such a Cheuerill Conscience is First that a man makes the Rule of Conscience subiect to his owne will by false interpretations by subtill distinctions thereby weakning the power of the Rule that it hath not force vpon Conscience Secondly the secret and hypocriticall reseruations in his minde and heart in obeying the Rule to which hee neuer wholly can nor will submit himselfe Thirdly a deceitfull and very false imagination of minde that the Rule is alterable and may bee enlarged as may best serue their turne as Cardinall Cusanus once deliuered in a letter to the Bohemians The Remedy is to hold the Rule euer to bee one and the same impartiall constant vnalterable without varying as God himselfe also to be perswaded that we are to be wholly led by it and not it to be framed to our owne lusts CHAP. 31. Of the benumbed Conscience THe benumbed conscience is that which hath lost it mouing as dead for a time as a member benumbed This is the conscience of such as haue lost the feeling thereof by some foule offence lying therein without repentance This may happen sometime to the godly to Iosephs Brethren to a Dauid for a while The causes hereof may bee expressed by a similitude taken from a member benumbed First A member becomes so yea the whole body after violent heate and exercise by suddenly attracted cold So a man very forward in Religion and religious exercises growing cold by suddenly leauing them liuing where the word is not and companying with others of no Religion or with contemners of it Secondly By a dead Palsey So Conscience by some deadly sinne Thirdly by tying it hard so as the bloud wherein the life is can haue no passage till it be loosed So Conscience is benumbed when the mind is tyed to the world so as it cannot bee free to meditate vpon Gods word for the freedome of the minde for holy meditation is as the life and bloud to the Conscience Fourthly by some violent blow So Conscience by some violent suggestion of Satan which for the present may make a man senslesse of his sinning Fifthly by being put out of ioynt So Conscience which is put as I may say out of ioynt when memorie hath lost and forgotten what it should keep to carry it from the mind to the Conscience touching things past either of sin committed or of duty omitted In this case if memory faile the vnderstanding and Conscience are put out of ioynt Sixthly a member becomes deadish by lying still but crookedly vpon some hard thing and weight vpon it as the Arme will be in bearing vp the head and the elbow vpon some hard bord or other thing So Conscience is benumbed when the vnderstanding is crookedly bent to crooked paths the heart hardened and some heauie corruption pressing it downe The effect is that during this time that the Conscience lyeth as dead the partie is without remorse for sinne he cannot out of generall reproofes see his fall without a liuely and cleare application as appeares in Dauid when Nathan spake to him parabolically The Remedie is to haue the word applyed as a Nathan did it to Dauid and to bee content to bee rubbed vpon by wholsome reprofes priuat admonitions and mutuall exhortations that the heart be not hardened by the deceitfulnesse Heb. 3. 13. of sinne CHAP. 32. Of the cauterized Conscience THe last and worst
King 22 Minister a Nathan to Dauid Peter and the other Apostles to the Iewes Paul and Sylas to the Gaoler Huldah to Iosias For the Minister must be a faithfull Messenger from God to whom God hath giuen ministeriall authority to bind and to loose He must be learned in the Schoole Esay 50. 4. of temptations and know how to deliuer a word in season to the wearied soule He must be one that vnder afflictions hath tasted of Gods comforts so as he can tell to comfort others 2. Cot. 1. 4. with those comforts wherewith he himselfe hath been comforted Such a one knowes how aptly to apply the salue to the wound for the best working of it Section 8. Of the instrumentall meanes THe meanes to be vsed in administring this spirituall physick is onely the Gospell of Christ from out of which all those former things touching Christ and our selues are to bee learned For this is the power of God to saluation Rom. 1. 16. this is the ministration of the spirit and righteousnesse this is it by which 2. Cor. 3. 8. 9 Eph. 1. 13. faith is wrought and wee made to trust in the Lord Iesus And therefore to heale the wounded Conscience the Gospell must be well knowne Section 9. Of the Cordials to strengthen the heart settled vpon Christ FOr the better working of the heauenly and pretious Potion and for the comforting of the heart vpon the receipt more and more these Cordials must be giuen which are meditations full of consolation 1. That we are not vnder Rom. 6. 14 the Law but vnder Grace we are in the couenant of Grace 2. That this couenant is confirmed to euery true Christian by an oath and Heb. 6. 18. sealed by the pretious Heb. 9. 12. blood of Iesus Christ 3. That parte of this couenant is that Gods law should be written in our Heb. 8. 10. hearts to make vs affect it and in our minds to cause vs to vnderstand it and that God will remember our Heb. 10. 17 sinnes and iniquities no more 4. That Iesus Christ vpon this his Fathers couenant and promise inuiteth Mat. 11. 28 all that trauell and are heauy laden promising to refresh them 5. That now wee may boldly goe to him beleeue 1. Ioh. 3. 23 in him not thinke it presumption to take hold of him for wee are commanded to beleeue in him in whom God is euer well Mat. 3. 17. pleased 6. That God in Christ is become our Father full of compassion to pittie vs gracious to heare our requests Ps 86. 15. long-suffring to forbeare vs and plentifull in mercy to pardon and plentifull in truth to keep with vs what he hath promised Hee will not the death of Ezech. 33. 11. a sinner but rather that hee should liue If wee confesse 1. Ioh. 1. 9. our sinnes wee are bound to beleeue them pardoned as he is faithfull and iust who hath promised to forgiue them Hee will looke vpon the humble poore Esay 66. 2. 57. 15. in spirit the contrite heart and one that trembles at his word will hee dwell Ps 11. 27. with and will not despise such a one 7. And lastly meditate vpon the holy sacrament and vse it often for great comfort may an afflicted spirit reape thereby if men did well know how to vse it aright Section 10. How to keepe vs from the wound of Conscience IT is not enough to bee nealed but when wee are sound so to keepe vs. It is here then fit to know how wee may keepe our Conscience from wounding And this is to keepe our selues from sinne for this onely wounds it Now to doe this 1. Make Gods word euer the rule of all our actions and enquire from it what warrant for the matter for the manner for the end how conuenient and seasonable and how lawfull for thee Then in doing see and obserue the agreement touching these things with the rule 2. Bridle will and affections and keepe them euer vnder reason and this vnder religion 3. Hearken to the dictate of Conscience and take heed of sinning against the light thereof 4. Make not light of any sinne the verie least sin seeme it neuer so little in thine owne or in the eyes of other men for the not auoiding little sinnes is to make way for greater transgressions And heere note fiue things not to bee carelesse of the least sinne First that Gods wisdome is in the Law forbidding that sinne Secondly that God hath power to maintaine his Law Thirdly that hee is iust to punish the contempt of his wisedome and power Fourthly that not the least sin can bee redeemed but by the precious bloud of Christ Lastly that little sinnes in mans conceit haue been most seuerely punished as Lots wife for looking back Vzzah for touching the Arke all mankind for Adams eating of the forbidden fruit 5. Be very willing and glad to be preuented in sin by check of Conscience by reproofe of thy Teacher by Christian admonition by any crosse in the way and by others example And if thou beest ouer-taken ly not in it return speedily and aske heartily forgiuenesse Thus shalt thou preserue thy Conscience from any deadly wound CHAP. 46. Of the difference betweene the wounded Conscience and the desperate Conscience SEing the effects of a wounded spirit in the regenerate are very lamentable and that such a one may vtter desperate speeches yea more sometime become so weary of life as he or shee may seek their owne death it may be asked how the desperate and this do differ I answere that the difference is much betweene them in many respects 1. Of the parties the afflicted Conscience may befall a Dauid and is the Conscience of the regenerate though it afflict them sore but the desperate Conscience happeneth to a Saul a Iudas either to men lewdly vicious or deeplie hipocrites 2. They differ in the causes The desperate conscience is from Gods iustice to punish the wicked the other is a fatherly chastisment of God and for triall The desperate conscience ariseth from apprehension of Gods fierce anger and wrath for sinne for feare of vengeance from losse from outward crosses shame and reproach among men The other is most from the consideration of sinne and want of grace of which things they most complaine and more bewaile these then grieue or fret at crosse shame disgrace or terrified with apprehension of Gods heauy indignation desperately as others be 3. They differ in the manner of working the desperate is very violent condemning damning and making a man to giue way wholly to the terrours thereof and to the suggestions of Satan for they are wholly vnder the power of the Law they haue no part in the sauing power of the Gospell neither haue they any assistance from God Iob 8. 20. The other is very troublesome but not so violent but reproueth argueth conuinceth and murmureth euer against man but yet is
hee not wholly giuen ouer to the terrour thereof nor to Satans malitious suggestions Because they are not vnder the Law but vnder Grace their graces also do worke as their faith and hope though but weakely for the present and God doth not vtterly forsake them Iob 8. 20. neither doth hee suffer them to be tempted aboue that which they are able to beare 1. Cor. 10. 13. 4. They differ in some effects the desperate conscience makes man to seeke ease and to get freed from the torture here if he may not to change his former euill life but to liue quietly as before in his vaine course of his conuersation vexed to haue in this world a Hell of which hee is regardlesse till after death But the wounded soule seeketh deliuerance not to follow the world for profits or pleasures but with a resolution â—o walke more carefully in holy duties and to haue his heart set at liberty to runne more chearefully the way of Gods Commandements 5. They differ in the remedies vsed to cure the griefe The desperate conscience driues men to vaine company foolish pastimes wanton delights or to thrust them into worldly businesses or to seeke help of ill instruments Witches Wizards as Saul did or to goe to their companions in sinne as Iudas did but without comfort The afflicted spirit is not moued to any of these but flyeth from them and hateth them it finds no rest by worldly vaine and fleshly meanes it therfore seekes spirituall meanes godly mens aduise Christian conference and labours continually with earnest desire to feele comfort in a fauourable acceptance with God through faith in Iesus Christ 6. And lastly they differ in the end the desperate Conscience workes mans destruction makes some to kill themselues or to die with damnation vpon themselues in their own mouthes or else suddenly 1. Sam. 25. 37. with terrour haue their hearts die within them and become as a stone like Nabal But the godly afflicted in conscience attaineth to Psa 37. 37. a more happy end and that is peace after much and long conflict as examples haue shewed CHAP. 47. Of the difference betweene the afflicted Conscience and the passion of Melancholy IT is the fashion of vaine men to iudge the wound of Conscience Melancholy because they are altogether ignorant of the one and not so of the other according to their naturall knowledge therefore they fondly iudge of a spirituall malady And for that they may sometime meet together to the greater griefe of the aflicted spirit and not discerning the one from the other they rashly iudge all to be onely a fit of Melancholy when as they differ much For first the Melancholike humour workes a sad pensiuenesse in such as bee neuer troubled about cases of Conscience nor euer grieued for sinne or failing in religious duties but the wound of Conscience workes heauinesse of heart for these things 2. Melancholy filleth the head often with vaine fantasies and imaginations of such things as if the parties had lost their wits and vnderstandings the conceits being to others so euidently false and foolish But he that is wounded in spirit loseth not his right apprehension of the iust cause of sorrow neither is he so mistaken in his imagination as the other be 3. Melancholike passions arise from naturall causes in the body the other from the sight of sinne in the soule 4. This may bee somewhat discerned by bodily complection so cannot the other for affliction of conscience may befall such whose complection is sâ—â—guine as Dauids was as by his description may appeare 1. Sam. 16. 12. 17. 42. and by his delight in Musicke 5. The meere melancholike person grieueth not for Gods dishonour for other mens rebellions against God and because men keepe not Gods Law hee is not touched with these things as a Dauid was and afflicted soules be for their owne sins which moueth them to mourne and lament for others 6. The melancholy is cured by physicke as being a bodily disease but so is not the wound of spirit 7. The melancholike cured and amended is not ioyous in the Lord speaks not of spirituall comforts and peace obtained with God by faith nor delighteth in the company of the godly nor in any holy conference with them nor seekes after spirituall meanes nor finds comfort in meditation hearing and reading of Gods Word often praying and many eiaculations vnto God but the afflicted in Conscience cured takes delight in these things and doth expresse much ioy herein euen to the reioycing of the hearts of the pious and religiously-minded Lastly the melancholike humour is neuer so cured but the parties of that complection will easily bee ouertaken therewith either vpon no occasion or vpon light crosses of the world and discontentments and so bee cast into a sudden dumpishnesse without being able to render a sound reason thereof But men of wounded conscience once cured and their peace obtained with God they are neuer sad but for some new sinne or being in company with such as grieue theÌ„ by sinning the worlds crosses may trouble them but finding inward peace they are chearefull or soone made chearefull by comfortable conference with religious people The Melancholike humour and the wound of conscience doe very much differ one from the other and require differing remedies and differing Phisicians to cure the same CHAP. 48. Of the quiet good Conscience WE may see by that which hath before been deliuered in the 44. Chapter that a good Conscience regenerated may bee yet sometimes troubled which is as a disease for a time till it be healed and made a quiet Conscience Which is the peaceable Conscience clearing acquiting and absoluing like Saint Pauls who knew 1. Cor. 44. nothing by himselfe This is the Conscience of an Henoth walking with God of an Abraham vpright in his walking before God and of a Zachary and Elizabeth liuing blamelesse in all the Commandements of God Section 1. How come by THis peaceable Conscience is attained by hauing Iesus Christ Melchizedech Heb. 7. 2. for our righteousnesse and our King of Mat. 11. 28 peace for he it is that giueth his rest and peace Secondly by iustifying faith Ioh. 14. 27 apprehending and applying his righteousnesse for so haue wee peace with Rom. 5. 1. God which workes peace of Conscience Thirdly by assurance of pardon for sinne through Iesus Christ for what can then disquiet Conscience Dauids Conscience was quiet after hee had obtained pardon and where there is remission Heb. 10. 2. 18. there is no more sacrifice for sinne nor conscience of sinne to vexe and trouble the penitent Fourthly by being a liuely member and subiect of the Kingdome of God and of Christ because there is ioy and peace Ro. 14. 17. in the holy Ghost Fifthly by God Spirit the fruit whereof among other is peace Sixthly by the exercise Gal. 5. 22. of praier making our requests known vnto God so shall
the peace of God Phil. 4. 6. 7. keepe our minds and harts through Christ and God will be fauourable to vs and the light of his countenance Iob 33. 26. will afford vs peace so as we may then say with Dauid Returne to thy rest Ps 116. 4. 7 O my soule when we perceiue that God hath heard our prayers Seuenthly by walking in the old way Ieâ— 6. 16. and good way for such shall find rest Eighthly by the worke of righteousnesse which is peace and the effect quietnesse and assurance for euer Esay 32. 17. Section 2. Of the effects of it and how to keepe it THe quiet Conscience is a continuall Feast it comforts vs in going to God it makes vs chearefull in holy duties and in performing the duties of our Calling and therein to 2. Cor. 1. 12 reioyce Therefore must we take care to keepe it which is by auoiding all sinne for that onely disquiets it and by seeking rest and comfort euer in Iesus Christ his righteousnesse we liuing in all holy obedience to the adorning of our Christian profession Section 3. Of the difference of this good quiet Conscience from the euill quiet Conscience IT shall not bee impertinent here to set downe how these two may be discerned one from the other lest men deceiue themselues The euil quiet CoÌ„science ariseth of ignorance and presumption of Gods mercy in Christ It commeth through custom of sinning by an impenitent hard hart often vpon worldly prosperity earthly contentment in pleasures profits and preferments but chiefly for want of searching their waies for a man of an ill Conscience dares not make a diligent search into his soule touching his estate betweene God and him because hee hath not an acquittance to shew for his discharge But the quiet good conscience ariseth vpon sound knowledge from assurance of Gods fauour through Christ the soule being a dorned with graces and the life of the man vertuous it commeth through a thorow search of his wayes and an acquittance obtained for a full discharge of all his debt vnto God Other differences may bee collected out of the former Sections in this Chapter and from the 23. Chapter Section 3. and 4. where is handled the still and quiet ill Conscience Section 4. Whether this Conscience neuer stirreth HEre it may be demanded Whether this so quiet a Conscience euer resteth quiet Answ It is quiet but yet so as it will not faile to performe it duty to him whose it is when hee is either ready to fall or hath slipped a little out of the way but it doth it friendly as I may say it flyeth not furiously into the face of the offender as the ill quiet Conscience will but louingly with a quiet check seekes to preuent sin or to recall one backe for sinne and hauing obtained the effect of reproofe it resteth and is quiet yea it comforteth and encourageth to well-doing which the other ill conscience cannot nor doth not CHAP. 49. Of the vpright Conscience THe Conscience vpright is that which is set right vp not declining this way or that way not carried to the right hand nor to the left but is kept vpright 1. From euery crooked rule that might leade it awry which crooked rule is any other than Gods Word betweene God and Conscience 2. From euery crooked path as the Psalmist speaketh Ps 125. 5. now euery crooked path or way is euery vnwarrantable action and aberration from the right rule 3. From any halting betweene two opinions in matter of Religion as betweene the true and false God betweene the true and the superstitious worship betweene Gods precepts and mans ordinances and betweene Gods written Word and feigned traditions 4. From all by and sinister respects in obeying Gods will and doing duties vnto men or in auoiding sinne and euil This is the Conscience of vpright men of such as haue honest intentions alwaies in their actions the plaine hearted and sincere minded Section 2. How gotten THis vpright Conscience is come by First by setting God before vs as being euer in his sight and hee looking vpon vs as Saint Paul did who said Act. 23. 1. 24. 16. that hee had liued in all good Conscience before God and he indeuoured to keepe it towards God and man For it cannot be but hee that walketh before God hauing him before his eyes must needes be vpright they are commanded together vnto Gen. 17. 1. Abraham Secondly by hauing the word of God for warrant in all our courses for this will all o make vs vpright if Gods lawes and statutes be before vs for thus came Dauid 2. Sam. 22. 2â— 24. to be vpright Neither can this be separated from the former for he sets not God truly before him that neglects his word and casts that behind him Section 3. Of the effects SIngular are the effects which flow from this vpright Conscience 1. It makes a man in his enterprizes euer to aske counsell of God and to enquire at the word of the Lord as Iehosophat did when Ahab would haue him go into a warre with 1. King 22. 5. him 2. It will make him direct Pro. 21. 29. his steps according to it and make a Dauid to wish Psa 119. 5. that his waies were euer so guided 3. It will cause a man to cast off all inward reseruations within himselfe and to resigne himselfe to the rule of the word wholly and to say not my will O Lord but thy will bee done 4. It will not allow in a man partiall obedience neither to straine at Gnats and to swallow Camels nor straine at Camels great and foule and infamous euils and swallow Gnats lesser sinnes for the vpright Conscience makes a mans throat so narrow as he cannot swallow a Camel without choaking nor the least Gnat without coughing 5. It will not permit at any hand a man to looke a squint two waies at once in his obedience to Gods will that is so to the pleasing of God as withall to please man So to obey Gods precepts as yet the same may stand with his profit and with his owne preferment or credit and esteeme with men 6. It will make man walke vprightly not to turne this Psâ— 15. 2. Isai 30. 21. 1. King 22. 14. Iob. 33. 3. Psal 15. 2. nor that way and also to speak vprightly as Michaiah would and did and as did Elihu and all that go to heauen should doe 7. This keeps a man from playing the dissembler the hypocrite the time-seruer to haue two faces vnder one hood within him a heart and a heart to haue heart and tongue at oâ—â—des speech affection vntâ—â—eable outward gesture inward thought vnlike pretences intention to differ it cannot possibly endure 6. It can inable a man in distres to pleade his vprightnes Iob. 10. 7. Isai 38. 3. as did Iob and Hezekiah Therefore let vs labour to get and keepe this Conscience for
the same is renewed in the elect Saints of God here at death it remaineth and at the last day men shall find it in them And may any imagine then that it shall be wanting in heauen No verily for here it is good mens chiefest comfort vnder God and there also it shall be their consolation and that vpon the same grounds as here though imperfect but there in perfection Now the grounds of comfort from Conscience in this life are these 1. Our auoiding of sin and mastery ouer corruptions now in Heauen wee shall in this respect haue Conscience to comfort vs for no vncleane thing shall come in there flesh and bloud cannot enter into that Kingdome no more sinning there corruption hath put on incorruption and weake man and sinfull hath on him there fulnesse of sanctitie 2. Our obedience here to Gods law makes coÌ„science to comfort vs much more in Heauen where it shall be in ful perfection euen legal obedience in euery mans person then so as there imputed righteousnes by faith ceaseth legall righteousnesse was in Adam himselfe for direction Euangelicall is now for supportation and found in an other which is during our time here but in heauen legall obedience and righteousnesse shall be found in all the Saints after the iudgement day 3. Our conuersation being here sincere louing simple without fraud which ioyed Saint Pauls 2. Cor. 1. 12. Conscience Now in heauen the fellowship is perfectly sincere and louing ful of true affection of loue without Hipocrisie simulation and deceit performed in simplicity of heart and soule all of one mind and will There is no enuy no grudging no maligning nor ill speaking Conscience cleareth them of all these and comforts them in their happy and most blessed societie together 4. Our hauing here Gods spirit which doth Rom. 8. witnesse with our Consciences that we are now Gods Children Now in heauen shall Conscience through Gods spirit herein greatly comfort vs assuring vs for euer to be the Lords without wauering or doubting 5. Our here fellowship with the Father and the Sonne 1. Ioh. 1. 3. but in Heauen euident more excellent and glorious Vpon these grounds Conscience as it did in Adam when he was in the state of innocencie doth now 1. It beareth witnesse to the godly of all these things and that they are endued with perfect knowledge there with perfect holinesse and righteousnesse and euen with that image of God after which they at the beginning were created now in all perfection both of body and soule 2. It hereupon doth comfort them vnspeakeably the vnexpressible ioy therof is as an heauen in it selfe vnto them by the comfort whereof they conuerse with Angels as fellow seruants and liue in Gods holy presence reioicing with thanksgiuing and praises endlesly Section 5. Of Conscience working in the damned in Hell COnscience as it witnesseth for the blessed Ones in Heauen and comforteth them So in Hell it witnesseth against the damned and tormenteth them and is called ehe Mar. 9. 44. 46. worme that neuer dieth and it is well compared thus to a worme and to a worme that neuer dieth It is compared first to a worme 1. A worme is bred of corruption so comes this Hell-worme of Conscience from filthie corrupt lusts within vs. Secondly a worme lyeth gnawing and griping in the stomacke and bowels so this Hell-worme in the soule and heart of man Thirdly A worme in mouing turneth too and fro this way and that way So this Hell-worme in mouing works torture and pangs now one way now another by settîng sinnes before them which is a great plague Psal 50. 21. threatned by the Lord. It was an anguish and bitternesse to Iobs soule to be made to remember Iob. 13. 26. the sinnes of his youth For hereby they know that God keepes in remembrance all their sins and hath them set before Hos 7. 2. his face and therefore his Hâ—s 7. 2. Ps 90. 7. 8. anger and wrath seizeth vpon them Secondly by applying the desert of the torments and plagues in Hell as iustly deserued for such sinnes For when they seeke for mercy this Hell-worme of Conscience will reply and say as Abraham in the Parable Remember thou tookest thy pleasures thou gapedst for profits didst hunt after preferment nothing could withhold thee thou wouldst be filthy in vncleannesse in adultery fornication drunkennesse and gluttonie thou wouldst oppresse coozen and defraud to get wealth now art thou tormented and tortured and shalt bee Thirdly by telling them when they look vp and see the godly in felicitie that they are vnworthy of that happinesse because they despised God Gods Word Gods Ministers and Gods people and therefore haue lost for euer their portion there now thus this Hell-worme tormenteth them Secondly it is a worme that neuer dyeth Heere wormes in the stomacke or belly may be killed and by Physicke auoided but no meanes to kill this it neuer dyeth but is euer without end tormenting and afflicting torturing and restlesly vexing the damned there The wofull effects are these They are in restlesse paine and seeke for ease as the Parable of Diues sheweth Luk. 16. 24. but now the time of mercy is past and no ease in the least degree to be expected from God for hee endured their sinnes and they must now endure his plagues Secondly they desire to die and to out off their dayes wishing a finall consumption but this cannot bee they once dyed now they must diue as dying and dyingi yet liue most miserably in vnspeakable torment Thirdly they weep and gnash their Mat. 8. 12. 13. 42. teeth as such doe as be tormented with wormes They weep and lament and that vpon a foure fold consideration first for the losse of heauen and that happinesse there iust cause of sorrow and lamentation for the losse is vnualewable Heauen for Hell others admitted in Luk. 13. 28 and they thrust out this makes them weepe Secondly then because of the Reuel 21. 8 torment the grawing worme the flames of fire in a Lake of fire and brimstone a burning sornace Thirdly for that they are with the Diuels and his angels Matth. 25. their companions in that endlesse woe Lastly because they cry to God they cry to the Lord Iesus and none will heare nor pitie them no if they knew one another not parents their children not children their parents not the husband his wife nor the wife her husband would shew any pitie for Iesus Christ will now doe nothing for them Is not heere cause then of weeping and lamentation They gnash with their teeth which is a signe of anger and extreme impatiency Iob 16. 9. and rage for they are mad first against themselues for being the cause of their owne confusion and damnation as the Hell-worme will tell them Secondly against those hellish spirits for inticing them to sin for hardening their hearts in sinning Thirdly against one another for causing occasioning counselling countenancing and furthering one another in euill Oh how many children will curse their parents for ill education Oh how many seruants will haue cause to curse their masters for neglecting their poore soules and for suffering them in wicked courses Oh how many people will curse bitterly their blind or carelesse Pastors Oh that men could heare their complaints their cries and bitter wailings to terrifie vs from ioyning together in wickednesse Let it not seeme incredible to suppose that they will breake into bitter curses for if torment moued patient Iob to curse the day that euer hee Iob 3. was borne and blessed Ieremy to breake into curses 20. 14. as the wicked people will doe here shall we thinke it strange that these damned wretches should fall into cursing there Fourthly against the godly to see them in felicity this here will make them gnash with Psa 112. 10 their teeth they are still so full of enuy and hatred against them that then they will be enraged to see them blessed and themselues accursed Lastly they will rage against God and blaspheme him so the wicked wil do because of their torments for repent they Reuel 16. 9. 11. cannot neither will they giue glory vnto God Consider these wofull effects of this Hell-worme hereafter which now lieth at rest within thee that hast hardened thy heart in wickednesse Oh betimes looke to thy Conscience make it thy friend that God may bee also thy friend lest it become thy foe and be the Hel-worme among the damned fiends there to torment thee for euer and euer FINIS
reforme his people but lets them quietly runne on to destruction Section 1. In whom it is THis is the Conscience of all dull Nabals and the muddy spirited of such as rest vpon their conceited good and quiet natures of such as be ciuilized and rest vpon their ciuility of the high and proud conceited fellow in his outward prosperity wise in his owne eyes and cleane in his owne sight yet not clensed from his filthinesse and it is the Conscience of all such in whom the strong man keeps peaceable possession Luk. 11. 21. Section 2. It is an euill Conscience THis is an euill Conscience be it neuer so quiet because it performes not it office because it lets man alone in his wicked courses which a good conscience neither can nor will permit Because it suffers a man to runne to hell headlong without stay Section 3. The causes hereof THis ill Conscience thus quiet happeneth many waies First through ignorance and especially willfull when a man knowes not the rule that binds conscience nor cares at all to be acquainted with it nor ruled by it They say of the Rule as Pharaoh did of the Lord who is the Lord I know not the Lord neither will I let Israell goe 2. Through selfe-pleasing and an vnsound applauding of a mans selfe because he professeth religion though it be without power because as a Herod he doth many things and heares a Iohn Baptist now and then though in his beloued sin hee hates to be reformed because hee seeth himselfe perhaps free from the fall of a Dauid of a Noah of a Lot of a Peter 3. By his blessing of Deut. 29. 19. himselfe upon the former grounds against all threats and legall denunciations as not belonging vnto him but to persons more vile for his part he hath made a couenant with death and hell Isai 28. 4. By seeing and knowing that his waies course is conformable to the common fashion and esteeme of the world that his state is quiet and hee liuing Neighbourly as others do and held to be a quiet man 5. By auoiding whatsoeuer may stirre the Conscience to make it vnquiet any way as the reading of Gods word meditation vpon his law a sharp reproouing ministery comming home to the heart And lastly serious examination of themselues in Gods sight by his Law These be the causes why many cry peace peace when there is no peace Section 4. How a man may know when his quiet Conscience is this ill Conscience THat a man therefore may not bee deceiued with this false peace hee may know this quietnesse of his Conscience not to be good thus 1 From the false ground of this quietnesse such as before is mentioned and not from faith and repentance 2. From the euer quietnesse thereof neuer hauing felt it to disquiet thee for no man naturally being corrupt hath a quiet good Conscience 3. By it suffering thee in euils and especially in these In formall worshipping of God hearing praying receiuing the Sacrament without any power at all of Religion In continuall neglect of religious gouernment of thy family In liuing out of or idlely in a calling for such a one is slothfull vnprofitable and wicked Mat. 25 and therefore cannot haue a good quiet Conscience In being respectlesse of thy Pastor especially for seeking thy reformation in prophaning the Lords day Sinnes which these quiet Consciences neuer trouble themselues with and yet are the most liuely touchstone of an vnregenerate spirit 4. By not daring to bring thy thoughts words and deeds to the rule and there take a streight account thereof which a good Conscience dare doe 5. By thy vnquietnesse without comfort at the preaching of the law at the pressing of the strict marks of Gods children and the discouery thereby of thy selfe to be none of them but one as yet separated from them A good conscience will comfort a man in hearing such marks and of such a close pressing of these things to their consciences because he that hath a good Conscience hath these marks and is free from the rigour and curse of the Law Lastly by the trouble and feare it workes in thee in sickenesse because of death in time of affliction and Gods hand vpon thee apprehending GODS wrath without any comfort for surely then the former quietnesse was not good because a good quiet conscience is not so terrifying at such times but speakes peace to him that hath it as well then as in health and prosperity except it happen otherwise vnder some strong temptation Section 5. Of the effects of this still quiet ill Conscience IT shall bee profitable to euery man to trie the quietnesse of his conscience for the effects of the still il Conscience are very fearefull First it lulles him a sleep in an vnsanctified course of life making him beleeue that hee hath a good Conscience because it is quiet Secondly it makes him hereupon carnally secure till death and destruction come vpon him so it deceiueth him and damneth him Here it lets him bee wicked and hereafter to become most wretched here at rest there in torment here it will not disquiet but there be the gnawing worme for euer Section 6. Of the remedie hereof THe fault of this ill conscience is that it is still and quiet when it should not the remedy therefore is to make it speake when and as often as it ought in directing man that hee go not amisse and in checking man for sinne when he hath trespassed and this is by remouing the false grounds of this false peace before named Then secondly by knowing the sound causes of a quiet conscience faith in Christ Iesus repentance for sinne and a holy conuersation and search whether wee haue them Thirdly By informing our vnderstandings of our duties according to the Rule and applying it dayly to our conscience till it speake and performe it offices as the Rule binds it CHAP. 24. Of the dead Conscience the first difference of the still quiet ill Conscience THe dead Conscience is the quiet ill Conscience as it were without all life and motion as a thing that is dead This is the Conscience of Infants as not yet hauing the vse of their vnderstanding also of mad persons which haue lost their reasō franticke and lunatick It is the conscience of all such Ephes 2. 1. as be dead in sins and trespasses as the prodigall Luk. 15. 31. 1. Tim. 5. 6 sonne once the wanton widow and all meere naturall persons accustomed to sinne and such as be past Ephes 4. 18. feeling committing wickednesse with greedinesse The causes of this deadnesse is the losse of the light of the vnderstanding the life of conscience without which it is dead Also the vncapablenesse of instruction in some sorts and insensiblenesse of the authority of the Rule to bind Conscience The remedy is the light of vnderstanding to labour for knowledge and instruction and to feele the power thereof upon Conscience CHAP. 25. Of
degree of an ill Conscience is the seared and cauterized Conscience of which Saint Paul makes mention 1. Tim. 4. 2. a Conscience seared with an hot iron so as it is of a crusty senslesnesse for cut it prick it yet it bleeds not This is the Conscience of Hereticks deeply dyed with hypocrisie led away with the spirit of errour being seduced and seducing others teaching in stead of the truth the Doctrine of Diuels 1. Tim. 4. 1 2. Such as call euill good Isai 5. 20. and good euill which put light for darkenesse and darkenesse for light leading captiue the simple loden 2. Tim. 3. 6 with sinne such are the Priests and Iesuites the Romane locusts the croaking froggs comming from the bottomlesse pit Reu. 9. 16. out of the mouth of the Beast the Dragon and the false prophet that is vpon the Popes command by the Diuels suggestion and as strengthened with the authoritie of the dominion and iurisdiction vsurped by that Antichrist This is also the Conscience of such as be past feeling in sinne by custome and hardnesse of Eph. 4. 19. Rom. 2. 2. heart which cannot repent This damned Conscience happeneth to some by obstinately resisting the cleare truth for aduantage sake by continuall custome of sinning especially after they haue felt the smart for sin For to such it happeneth as to one tender handed who beginning to worke with a hard instrument will haue his hand blistered but after by continuall vse it will become hard and brawny A man making Conscience of sinne and feeling the sting thereof if euer he fall to a custome of sinne his heart growes hard and his Conscience brawny and without sense so as he cannot repent and turne no more then the Ethiopian can wash white his skin or the Leopard be freed from his spots Ier. 13. 23. The remedie to cure this is onely the extraordinarie worke of God who can make that possible which with man is altogether impossible else of these sorts I may say as they write vpon the dore of the house infected with the Plague only this Lord haue mercie vpon them and so leaue them incurable saue onely by him that can doe all things what he will in heauen and in earth And thus much hitherto for the euill still and quiet Conscience with the diuerse differences now followes the stirring Conscience and differences thereof CHAP. 33. Of the stirring ill Conscience in generall THe stirring ill Conscience is the Conscience busie in accusing and is vnquiet painefull and troublesome Section 1. In whom it is THis was the Conscience of Adam and Eue presently vpon their fall This is the Conscience of the Rom. 2. 15. Heathen and of euery vnregenerate man all comming out of the loynes of Adam not borne anew whensoeuer they sin and do mind the Rule it binds Conscience to accuse Section 2. Of the causes thereof THis accusation of Conscience ariseth First of the guiltinesse of sinne knowne and obserued by the Vnderstanding to the informing of Conscience as wee may learne out of Ioh. 8. 9. Act. 2. 37. Secondly from the dominion of the law and power thereof Rom. 2. 15. 7. 9. 10. ouer all vnregenerate binding the Conscience as I haue said to accuse Thirdly vpon continuance in sin and not truly repenting for the same So long will Conscience accuse and cannot acquit because a pardon hath not been sued out Section 3. Of the effects THe accusing Conscience hath diuerse effects First It will make man blush and be ashamed Gen. 3. and Rom. 6. 21. Secondly not to endure to heare one speake of such sinnes whereof he is guilty Ioh. 8. 9. Thirdly It will work feare vpon the apprehension of onely appearance of danger as Iosephs brethren did Gen. 43. 18. and 45. 3. Fourthly It makes men suspicious of the loue of others whom they know they haue iustly offended and who they know haue power to reuenge themselues Gen. 45. 3. Lastly it works feare of death and maketh the vnprepared to say as the Israelits and to cry out we dy we all perish Num. 17. 12. Section 4. Of the Remedies TO stay this accusation of Conscience and to be freed frō the paine of it is First To remoue the guilt of sinne and to bee clensed ther from and this is attained by the bloud of Iesus Christ who clenseth vs from all sinne 1. Ioh. 1. 7. by the Fathers forgiuing this also clenseth vs from all iniquity 1. Ioh. 1. 9. and by the holy Ghost sanctifying vs. Tit. 3. 5. who workes faith in vs perswades vs of pardon Secondly By getting from vnder the rigorous dominion of the Law and malediction therof and that by Christ Rom. 7. 4. Gal. 4. Thirdly by repentance confessing sinne and forsaking the same for so shall man receiue mercie from God and remission of sins Prou. 28. 13. by Christ Act. 3. 26. and 5. 31. And so Conscience will be appeased and made comfortable and truly quiet in Christ Thus much for the stirring and vnquiet Conscience in generall now follow the differences CHAP. 34. Of the erroneous Conscience THe stirring Conscience erroneous is that which worketh and doth it office but yet erroneously Section 1. Of the difference betweene the blind Conscience and errour in Conscience and an erroneous Conscience HEre it is not amisse to shew the difference of a blind and erroneous conscience the blind seeth not the Rule this doth though badly that workes without the Rule this by Rule but amisse Also here note a difference betweene errour in Conscience and the Conscience erroneous An errour may be in the Conscience of a Peter euen an Apostle as in his iudging things common and vncleane which God had cleansed Act. 10. and in not being assured of the vocation of the Gentiles as also were some other beleeuers Act. 11. 2 and this is about some one or other particular matter But the erroneous Conscience is that which is most what misled in matters of a mans religion and his deuotion Section 2. In what the erroneous Conscience doth amisse THe act of this erroneous Conscience stands in two things 1. In excusing where it ought to accuse as it did Vzzah in touching the Ark and in Saul offering sacrifice and in Vzziah attempting to burne incense such a Conscience had Rachel Gen. 30. 6. and Leah Gen. 30. 18. which made them reioyce as if God approued them in that which was euill this was Saint Pauls Conscience before conuersion Act. 26. 9. and the Conscience of Christs enemies Ioh. 16. 2. and of the Papists now whose Conscience allowes them to equiuocate in an oath to neglect reading of Scripture except they haue license to hate our profession to take carnall liberty on the Lords day and to seeke the death of such as withstand them in their profession 2. In accusing when it should excuse when we do but what is lawfull to be done It murmured against Peter when God bad Act. 10. 13. 14.
28. him arise and eate and so when he was to goe vnto the Gentiles till God gaue him a speciall warrant Thus it deales with Papists in keeping them from our Church from pious conscience and meanes of sauing knowledge Thus Ahaz Conscience seemed to trouble him as fearing to tempt God when he was Isai 7. 11. 12. required to aske a signe and yet would not Section 3. Whose conscience this is THis is the Conscience of all that be ignorant of the right rule of religion and obedience the conscience of the weake in vnderstanding to iudge and discerne of truth in their seruice and deuotion to God of young Nouices ouer forward before they know what is lawfull and vnlawfull of some zealous without knowledge as the Iewes and now Brownists Rom. 10. 2. and Anabaptists and fiery Papists of all headstrong Factionists and presumptuous Spirits of all Vsurers which hold their course lawfull Section 4. Of the causes hereof FIrst the ignorance of the true rule so as a man doth what seemes good in his owne eyes as some Isralites Deut. 12. 8. did Hereupon it is that men take euill for good good for euill light for darkenesse darkenesse for light vice for vertue and vertue for vice for ignorance Mat. 22. 29 1. Tim. 1. 6. 7. of scripture makes people to erre 2. The abuse of the true Rule which is by false interpreting of it as Scribes and Pharisies did by sticking Mat. 5. 6 to the letter without the sense and true meaning as Papists doe in taking literally these words this is my body and as Vsurers do the place of Matth. 25. 27. by misalledging the Scripture as Satan did Mat. 4. and as doe all Hereticks and Schismaticks by making false conclusions from sound premises 3. The hauing of a false Rule for direction as bare opinions of the learned examples of the old of the wise in the World of great men and rich men custome multitude mens owne conceits fantasies and opinions from corrupted reason These all are crooked Rules and make conscience anomalous and the man to doe amisse Section 5. The effects of it THe Conscience so erring breeds in men heresie schisme superstition wilworship and idolatrie It heartens some to be obstinate Ioh. 16. 2. in euill yea in persecuting the Godlie in the zeale of a false Religion Section 6. The remedie THe rectifying of this erroneous Conscience is this to know the true Rule and the true sense of it to hold onely to it and rightly to vse and apply it Section 7. Of certaine questions FIrst Quest Whether a man doth well to be led by his erroneous Conscience Answ No First because the conscience is deceiued by the errour of vnderstanding which is in it selfe a sinne if it know not what it ought to know therfore a man is not to follow the errour of Conscience Secondly because that which Conscience excuseth may be a flat sin or that which it accuseth a man in may bee a duty commanded by God If so then conscience cannot dispense with man in sinning nor absolue him from an imposed duty for God is greater then his Conscience who binds it to direct man in excusing and accusing rightly 2. Quest Whether a man may doe contrarie to his conscience when it erreth Ans To answer to this we must consider about what the conscience erreth whether in things simply commanded or forbidden or about things indifferent 1. If about things of the first nature man is to regard Gods authority ouer him and his Conscience too his couenant in baptisme and his bond there tying him absolutely to the lawes of his Soueraign the God of Heauen And therefore is he to presse his Conscience with the euidence of the commandement to yeeld obedience thereunto and to force it by the cleare authority of it to do as God commandeth or forbiddeth 2. If about things indifferent a man may not doe against his Conscience Rom. 14. 22. 23. Happy is hee saith the Apostle that condemneth not himselfe to wit in and by his owne Conscience in that thing which hee alloweth to wit in doing it for he that doubteth that is he that puts a difference and discerneth betweene one thing and an other and yet cannot resolue himselfe therein sinneth if he do it Now why hee may not presse Conscience and do against it herein is for that God hath left the matter free and hath not enterposed his authority of command or forbidding between the matter and a mans conscience to bind it this way or that way but leaueth it to the guidance of the Rules of things indifferent wherof the Church hath authority to iudge and so to interpose her power betweene Conscience and such matters according to those rules with which a priuat mans Conscience must rest satisfied and if it be not he must labour earnestly for resolution and perswasion in the meane space the Church is to beare with his weakenesse Thus much for the erroneous Conscience CHAP. 35. Of the superstitious Conscience THe next difference of the stirring ill Conscience is the superstitious Conscience This is the Conscience exercised about vaine imaginations superstitious worship and false feares Section 1. In whom it is THis is the Conscience of such as be awed by Spirits and Diuels by Ier. 10. 2. signes in the Heauens as the heathen be of all idolaters foolish ceremonious will-worshippers as were the Athenians and now Act. 17. 22 Papists Of all such as worship God in much seruile feare and not willingly as many sottish people yet among vs doe Of all witches Wizzards Astrologers Charmers obseruers of times good and bad daies fortune-casters and all that rable of rake-hels Lastly it is the conscience of all timorous natures giuen to obserue that which they call luck and chance Section 2. Of such things as about which this Conscience is exercised THis superstitious Conscience is exercised about two things about will worship and opinions of some workes of Gods prouidence First about will worship a seruice intended to God but taken vp of a mans owne head an humane inuention Mar. 7. 4. by humane authoritie imposed Col. 1. 22. and onely by custome confirmed and therefore a vaine worship Mat. 15. 9. for this superstitious Conscience herein puts religion where none is in places in meates in habits in times in externall Luk. 11. 39 Mark 7. 4. Mat. 15. 2. purifyings and washings as Scribes and Pharisees did and Papists now do Section 3. The causes hereof THis superstitious Conscience commeth by the iudgment deceiued through Satans suggestions and beguilings of men Col. 2. 18. so as the Conscience becommeth bound needlesly and that by these meanes First By philosophicall vaine deceits according to the rudiments of the world and not after Christ for worldly wisedome cannot instruct vs in the sauing knowledge of God 1. Cor. 1. 21. Secondly by humane traditions made equall with or preferred before Gods commandements as they were by
leaue vndone at his owne pleasure Sixthly this will make 1. Cor. 8. 13 a Paul auoid offence in things indifferent not to eate flesh all his life rather then scandalize an other Seuenthly it makes a man peaceable easily to be intreated to heare wholsome counsell repoofes and to be glad to bee preuented in euill as Dauid was when Abigail met him Lastly it makes him Luk. 1. liue like a Zachary and an Elizabeth and as Paul exhorteth blamelesly and Phil. 2. 15. harmelesly among others Section 3. Meanes to get and keepe it THis rare and most singular blessing of God may through the Lords grace and helpe be gotten First by daily encreasing our knowledge in euery particular duty distinctly Secondly by continually remembring what wee are to doe Thirdly by examining euery day before we take our rest wherein we haue failed in any duty not onely for substance but also for circumstance Fourthly by not letting slip any of our faults nor sleightly passing them by till wee feele sorrow of heart for them and till we find in vs a holy resolution to amend the same Thus shall we come in time vnto a tender conscience now as thus we may get it so by the same means and practise we may keepe it Here these foure questions may fitly be propounded Section 4. Of the first question WHether a tender Conscience may not sometime he ouerbusie with a man and in something scrupulously trouble him Answ Yes verily and that first through feare of sinning vpon iealousie and suspicion not knowing Christian libertie in things indifferent Rom. 14. 1. Secondly through doubtfull disputations none able at the present to determine and decide the question of which disputes the Apostle in that fourteenth of the Romanes forwarneth Thirdly through false teachers seeking to entangle to insnare and beguile simple soules and tender hearts These brought the Galathians to the obseruing of daies and moneths and times and yeeres Gal. 4. 10. being tenderly affected at the first to the truth Vers 15. These it may seeme sought by vaine Phylosophy and Traditions to trouble the Colossians with superstition in worshipping Angels in a will-worship with touch not taste not handle not after the commandements of men Col. 2. Fourthly through weakenesse of iudgement to see and discerne betweene things lawfull and vnlawfull lawfull 1. Cor. 10. 23. and conuenient which differences not well obserued the tender conscience is troubled with some serupulousnesse Section 5. Of the second question WHat difference there is betweene tendernes of Conscience and scrupulositie of Conscience Answ Betweene these two there is great difference in many things 1. In the causes for tendernesse is wrought by the grace of Gods Spirit thorow the binding power of Gods Word Scrupulositie ariseth vpon an ouer-inquisitiuenesse of naturall wit inuenting of vnneces sary questions and busily putting troublesome cases to intangle conscience The tender Conscience is from a settled mind vpon truths soberly receiued and vpon mature deliberation Scrupulositie is from ficklenesse of spirit vpon various conceptions of a mans owne brarne ouer-hastily approued or vpon other mens opinions rashly beleeued and settled 2. They differ in the subiect matter about which they are exercised A tender Conscience if it bee troubled it is about necessary duties to God or Man of concerning themselues Scrupulositie is busied about trifles vnnecessarie matters and more concerning others then themselues The tender Conscience if it be vnquiet it is by reason of some faire probabilities conceiued in the vnderstanding and the case very disputable Scrupulositie is disquieted by coniectures loose imaginations bare opinions of others in matters which might easily bee decided The tender Conscience keepes within the bounds of a mans owne Calling and seeth that all bee right there Scrupulositie is ranging abroad makes a busie body and an Intermedler without warrant while much is amisse at home 3. They differ in their concomitants Tendernesse of Conscience is euer accompanied with humilitie meekenesse peaceablenesse with sinceritie and with charity towards their opposites Scrupulosity is high-minded fierce impatient at opposition wanting loue to Opposites and is often tainted with hypocrisie 4. They differ in their effects for the tender Conscience makes a man to loue peace to auoide vaine disputations and casting forth vnnecessary doubts it hateth also singularitie and cannot abide to be censorious Scrupulositie is contentious factious it is fed with disputes it delighteth in doubtfull cases affecteth singularity is troublesome and ouer-censorious 5. They differ in the end a tender conscience aimeth at the pleasing of God Rom. 14. 6. and quiet liuing Heb. 12. 14 with others as much as is possible in holinesse being euer loth to trouble others or to be troublesome to it selfe Scrupulositie seeketh it owne satisfaction and applieth it selfe to side with others to make a faction Thus they differ Section 6. Of the third Question HOw the tender Conscience may be preserued against scrupulositie Answ To preuent this scrupulositie first auoide the causes of a scrupulous Conscience of which before in the 35. Chapter and also in answer to the first of these questions in this Chapter Sect. 4. Secondly labour to haue the Heb. 5. 14. vnderstanding exercised to discerne both good and euill and to approue by knowledge the things that Phil. 1. 9. 10. are different Thirdly cleaue close to resolued cases and be not carried away with euery winde of Eph. 4. 14. doctrine So shalt thou preuent this scrupulositie Section 7. Of the fourth question BVt if a tender Conscience haue a scruple how may it be freed from it Answ 1. Vse the remedies before prescribed to cure the scrupulous Conscience Chap. 35. Sect. 4. Secondly let not any scruple settle it selfe in the tender Conscience but goe forth with to some godly and learned Diuine that can and will remoue it Thirdly in seeking resolution obiect freely but so as there bee an honest desire to receiue satisfaction of Conscience Fourthly meditate afterwards much and more of the answers giuen then still how to inuent more obiections and beware of cauilling against the answers but rather presse Conscience daily with them and vse them as weapons against such scruples arising and against other which seeke to vphold the scruple And thus much of the tender Conscience CHAP. 45. Of the wounded Conscience THis wounded Conscience is that affliction of spirit which man cannot beare Prou. 18. 14. This may happen to good and holy men as to a Iob Chap. 6. 4. in whom the arrowes of the Almighty stucke the poyson wherof dranke vp his spirit and the terrours of God set themselues in aray against him It may befall a Dauid as we may reade in Psal 38. 1. 5. and 102. 1. 10. and 88. 7. 15. Section 1. Of the Causes THis wound of Conscience ariseth of sinne against Conscience 1. Cor. 8. 12. such was Dauids great 2. Sam. 12. Psal 51. sinnes of adultery and murther or for breach of
no. But better it were for vs voluntarily to bee acquainted with it then of necessitie All holy bookes tend to informe vs of Conscience to reforme the euill to direct the good and so to rectifie vs for effecting of this the Booke of Nature the Law written in the heart the Law of the tenne Precepts the Law of Faith the holy Gospell are all helpes All these are for instruction of Conscience and to make vs conscionable Not onely these bookes of Gods owne making but also Bookes Sermons and pious Labours of all holy men doe aime at this to worke Conscience in vs. Conscience is it selfe a The excellency of Conscience Booke whereof all other Bookes are expositions It is as the Text they the interpretation In reading therefore these wee must haue an eye to it our knowledge in them must informe vs in this else we reade them to no purpose They that grow cunning in the Booke of Conscience by reading Gods and good Mens Books are vndoubtedly the best Christians the best Lawyers to pleade their owne Cause and the best Iudges to Iudge of themselues aright This book is of Gods own hand writing it is also very legible to any that will giue themselues to reade it If we open this booke marke it and consider well what it aduiseth what is it that shall not then be reformed It is the fashion of people generally to cry out of the world and the manners thereof in the meane space they know not the cause or will not know it and yet is it neere them and within them and that is the badnesse of mens Consciences For amend these and the world shall not be blamed for as mens consciences be so is it also reforme these and reforme it better them and the World will bee good enough and the complaint will cease Conscience as it is good or euill so it makes or mars a man by a good Conscience he becomes good thinks desires affecteth and speaketh of good things and doth them by a bad Conscience hee turneth a cleane contrary course For as our Consciences be euen so are we if it be naught we are vicious we are vaine lewd and naught too if it be good we fly from sinne as from a serpent and feare to offend God and our Neighbour Conscience is appointed by God to bee our carefull watchman to eye vs well to record all our thoughts sayings and doings so to witnesse against or with vs vnto God when he shall call vs to an account It attendeth when God shall summon us then will it plead hard howsoeuer it seemeth now to be silent in most By Cōscience we become well acquainted with our selues else to our selues we remaine meere strangers for nothing within vs but it can make vs to know our selues which is the most excellent point of knowledge To see themselues many looke into glasses Let us looke then into this glasse of Conscience that we may see our selues and that not only in some outward part as by the Artificiall glasse we do but by this also as well inward as outward By the artificiall a man may see himselfe and soone forget what manner of one he was but this will not only shew vs what we bee but will also keepe vs in remembrance of our selues that in no businesse we shall forget our selues Conscience is a thing so diuine and hath such acquaintance with God as it can and will tel vs whether God be with vs or against vs whether he be friend or foe and how our case standeth betweene him and vs which to know is so necessary and behoouefull as all knowledge in respect of this is but vaine and in the end to little purpose Conscience next vnder God is that to which we may most safely commend and commit our selues our whole estate the disposing and ordering of all our affaires It is a good counsellour to vs aliue and a most faithfull Executer of our last will and Testament left in other mens hands for our Children and posterity Conscience is onely that which will and can make vs honest men and of credit among men for as our Conscience is knowne to be so are we reputed and so shall we be trusted It is that which alwaies wee must bring with vs for our suretie in all promises contracts and bargaines or else none will credit vs. The word of Conscience when it is once knowne wil procure vs more credit then we for the present are worth The honesty of it is aboue all bonds It will carrie great matters in few words when without it by many words we shall not be trusted for trifles For Conscience will not giue it word for any dishonest man though clothed in silk and satten yea though he haue Lands and large reuenues Conscience will not be bound for him It onely will be surety for honest men whom it both may vrge and will make them keep day with others punctually As for Time seruers loose companions shifting Fellowes Hypocrites cogging Merchants and irreligious persons it will haue nothing to do with them which appeareth by this for that it forbiddeth such to vse their wits to coozen and to defraud one another But for whom it once giueth its word it is still calling on them and charging them to remember honesty equitie fidelitie and to doe as they would be done vnto Conscience is the chiefest maintainer of iustice and equity among men And men generally are content with what it decreeth concludeth and alloweth as may appeare by such speeches as these In Conscience giue what you thinke fit I appeale to your Conscience in this and that betweene God and your Conscience be it From Conscience do arise all the commendations of all our actions or the discommendations If any do ill straightway Conscience is questioned Is this your Conscience Can you do this of your Conscience Conscience is a mans best friend or his worst foe in trouble distresse here in this life at death and at the last iudgement It will speake with or against a man as the cause requireth It pleads without fee it respects no person be he Poore or Rich. It will side with none it hateth to the death partiality lying equiuocating flattery and all falshood Conscience is the consort of charity of faith of truth and of vprightnesse It is the Caske wherein to keep the mistery of faith and true godlinesse without which all these perish A man making shipwracke of Conscience loseth all power of religion of which he hath no more then he maketh Conscience of Conscience is that whose aduise a man must first take in all his actions before he vndertakes to do them For if it be either neglected or opposed or carelesly slighted the act will turne to sinne Conscience in a word is Gods Record out of which hee will take notice of euery man and as there he finds him so will he iudge him and thereafter pronounce sentence either of absolution or condemnation
Ioh. 1. 12. that for his sinne the Tempest was vpon the Sea This made Iosephs Gen. 42. 21. brethren to consider why the trouble was vpon them when they stood before Ioseph and came down to buy Corne into Egypt This instructed Dauid to 2. Sam. 24. 27. apply the cause of the Pestilence to himselfe Thus wee see how they differ the one from the other This is carefully to bee obserued and distinctly to bee discerned for 1. This will make vs know the difference betweene knowledge and conscionable knowledge between remembring and conscionable remembring betweene willing and affecting and conscionable willing and affecting 2. By this we may know how wee may come to rectifie our Vnderstanding Memory Will and Affections which these faculties of themselues can neuer doe nor Man by any of them come to see them out of order to amend them but onely by the light of his Conscience which sheweth vs how they bee employed whether about good or ill and so thereafter to iudge of them and of our selues by it 3. By this wee shall not bee deceiued as most bee by a high conceit of themselues and of their wayes and courses who may haue naturall knowledge and great learning and a commendable behauiour thorough ciuill education and yet not conscionable without which the other is nothing CHAP. 5. What this knowledge of Conscience is and how it may bee described THis distinct knowledge of Conscience may be thus set forth That it is a certaine particular applicatorie knowledge in Mans Soule reflecting vpon himselfe concerning matters betweene God and him For the better vnderstanding hereof I will explaine it at large in Sections Section 1. A certaine Knowledge THe knowledge of Conscience commeth not with an If or An as opinionatiue resting on coniectures and probabilities for it is grounded on sure Principles and vpon Gods Word and speakes with authority from God else it neither could nor would so worke vpon Mans Will and Heart to awe him and keepe him vnder obedience to God as it doth But here thus speaking of it it is to bee vnderstood as conceiued in it selfe free from the cloudy Mists of a misleading vnderstanding and as it is truly informed to which so considered we must giue credit and obey it as Gods voice from heauen Section 2. A particular Knowledge THe Conscience taketh notice only of particulars with the consideration of the circumstances concurring in the action as did Iudas his Conscience in betraying Mat. 27. of Christ and the Conscience of Iosephs brethren Gen. 42. 21 in their pittilesse act against him Conscience neuer employeth it selfe in it proper office about generals but as they bee applyed in particular to this or that with the circumstances For generals are but grounds to worke vpon in the application by Conscience Hence it is that none so bad but they will say that wee must serue God that it is our dutie to doe as wee would bee done vnto that we must auoide that which is displeasing to God that wee may not requite murther we may not commit adultery nor steale nor lye and so forth But they will not apply these things particularly to themselues acknowledging their failing in their duties and their own committing of euill because in the generals their Consciences worke not but in the sight of the particulars Section 3. It is applicatory COnscience loues home it is no stragler abroad but keepes within him whose conscience it is If it concerne not him whose it is it meddles not it is no busie-body Wit may and will bee walking out a doores and too often busie it selfe in other mens matters which nothing concerne him but this Conscience will neuer doe Let busie-braines note this well and learne from their Conscience to keepe within their owne bounds As Conscience meddles with particulars onely so bee they such as may bee brought home for till then Conscience stirres not either about good or euil Dauid vnderstanding that it was his duty to seek Gods face his Conscience made him say Thy face Psal 27. 8. Lord will I seeke When hee heard Nathans Parable his 2. Sam. 12. Vnderstanding was busied much about the cruelty of another but Conscience said nothing to him till Nathan applyed and said Thou art the Man then it spake within and willed him to say I haue sinned By this may we see why the vaine people can bee content to heare Sermons that apply not home to them that which is taught but cannot endure application because this onely workes upon the heart for reformation If there bee no application to our selues there will neuer bee any amendment This Ieremy tells vs and shewes why the people repented not for thus saith he No man said What haue I done Ier. 8. 6. Applicatory Knowledge is conscionable Knowledge the other is onely Braine-knowledge without reformation without consolation Section 4. It is a reflecting Knowledge THe knowledge of conscience is with a reflection what it knowes it turnes it backe vpon a mans selfe to make a man to know himselfe as hee is in euery thing without deceit euen as the eye looking into a true glasse by the reflection thereof makes a man to see himselfe what a one he is faire or deformed cleane or defiled Now because this Simily A Simily taken from a glasse to set out Conscience will greatly helpe to the illustration of this Point if it be enlarged let the Reader here obserue sixe things the cleare seeing eye the looking into the glasse the glasse it selfe the reflection of it the cause of the reflection and the vse and benefit hereof 1. Is the seeing eye for the eye must not be blinde nor a winking eye nor the sleepy eye nor a squint eye nor a purblind eye but an out-right and a cleare-sighted eye This eye is the Vnderstanding not blind not shut against the light not carelesse in an affected ignorance not looking away not distracted this way and that way at one time not grosse but a cleare Vnderstanding apt to conceiue discerne and iudge aright 2. Is the act of the eye looking into the glasse for it is not enough to haue a cleare sight if wee vse it not This looking is the act of the Vnderstanding taking knowledge of such things as may enforme the Conscience 3. Is the glasse it selfe into which the eye doth looke to see himselfe This glasse is Gods Law which the Vnderstanding apprehendeth and clearely knoweth 4. The reflection of the glasse is the returning of that which the eye seeth vpon the partie beholding so that in a reflection there is a seeing forward and back againe at once This is the knowledge of the Conscience seeing and applying the Law 5. Is the cause of the reflection of the glasse which is the steeling of it without which there would bee no reflection This steeling is the taking of Gods Law and word in his true and proper sense 6. The vse and benefit of
this steeling is two fold First To limit the sight that it cannot looke thorow the glasse nor beyond it Secondly To represent him to himselfe that looks into the glasse which otherwise it could not doe So the holding of the true and propersense 1. Limits the Vnderstanding so that it cannot goe beyond the rule of the Word 2. It makes Conscience truly to shew a Man vnto himselfe euen as hee is If this bee so that the Vnderstanding is so bounded and that through the Word men that looke into it so see themselues by their Consciences two questions may be here propounded 1. Quest How commeth in to passe that so many though they vnderstand their duties yet neglect them Answ Because they looke into the glasse of Gods Law with a squint eye hauing their minds vpon two things at once the Precept of God but withall Ioh. 12. 42 5. 44. they consider their profit or their pleasure or their reputation with men and how farre these and Gods Word may stand together They bee like Iohanam the sonne of Careas and others who would know Gods Word by Ieremy Ier. 42. 2. 43. 2. 3. and tooke an Oath to obey it but yet in mind with this condition if it should agree with their Wills which was to goe into Egypt else not Therefore when it crossed their hope and expectation they despised it These squint-eyed fellowes will neuer resigne themselues to the rule of the Word nor euer become truly obedient 2. Because though they look into this Law yet are not their mindes fixed so long vpon it till the Knowledge be reflecting and the Conscience bound to work obedience vpon the heart Some looke on Gods Word as many doe vpon a glasse only with a glimpse and a cast of the eye and passe away and so nothing the better 3. Because though they see it and stay vpon the same sometime yet they vse their Wit to finde distinctions to vnty the bond of Conscience or else to peruert the sense that so they may turne it another way and by this meanes do continue their vntoward courses though they reade the scriptures and heare the Law very often 2. Quest If Conscience thus reflect vpon a Man to make him see himself how happeneth it that euery one is not reformed Answ I answer first because it happeneth to some as Saint Iames speaks they looke into the glasse But presently forget what manner of persons they are For where Memorie faileth for the time the Vnderstanding cannot informe Conscience therfore it works not in Man to amend him Secondly Because hee wants water to wash off his filth This water wanting though a Man see his foule spots yet can he not be cleane The spirituall water is the sanctifying Spirit of God Ioh. 7. 38. 39. Which hee that wanteth though hee by the Law see his sinne yet cannot he be clensed Section 5. It is the Knowledge of matters betweene God and Man COnscience is exercised in and about such matters onely as haue some relation to God and whatsoeuer it takes knowledge of it knowes it with respect to him and his Lawes with out which it lets the thoughts words deeds inuentions exercise of wit Iudgement and Memorie goe free if a man stand not vpon the good or euill the lawfulnesse or vnlawfulnesse the offensiuenesse or vnoffensiuenesse of the thing betweene God and him For it is placed in Man betweene God and Man to speake command and testifie from God to Man and from Man to God Hence it is that whatsoever is done for Conscience sake is all one as done for the Lords sake for they are put one for another Rom. 13. 5. 1. Pet. 2. 13. Therefore hence learne that if Conscience begin once to speake know this that then there is some matter to be considered of betweene God and vs for this is as Gods Bailiffe telling vs that some sute is to be commenced against vs in his behalfe And thus much for the word science in Conscience CHAP. VI. Of Con-science as it is a conioyned Knowledge with another THe knowledg of Conscience is not a knowledge single and alone by it selfe but with another whence it hath the name of Con science knowing together with another which is fiuefold as in the insuing Sections shal be made manifest in the more fully vnfolding of this name compounded of Con and science Section 1. It knoweth with God COnscience hath acquaintance with God knowing with God and God with it therefore Saint Paul puts them together Rom. 9. 1. and he saith that the holy Ghost witnesseth with it Rom. 8. 15. so as if it acquit and iustifie so will God and say the same which a Man truly vtters from his Conscience Gen. 20. 5. 6. And if it accuse and condemne so will God 1. Ioh. 3. 20. 21. Therefore we see hence that whatsoeuer we think speake or do we haue two witnesses either with vs or against vs sufficient to make vs ioyfull in well-doing against all mens censures or to deiect vs in ill doing though all the World applaud vs. Section 2. It knoweth with the helpe of the Vnderstanding COnscience for the exercise of it knowledge hath the helpe of the Vnderstanding Therefore the Apostle puts the Minde and the Conscience together Tit. 1. 15. For the Vnderstanding first discerneth of truth and falshood good and euill and then propoundeth the same to Conscience for approbation or disallowing for doing or not doing Hence Conscience beginneth it worke and as the Vnderstanding is cleare quicke sound and certaine euen so and therafter doth the Conscience know and proceed to the execution of it offices By this wee see how necessary Knowledge is for the furthering of the work of Conscience Section 3. It knoweth with the helpe of Memorie COnscience takes information from the Vnderstanding but yet by the aide of Memorie which reteineth that which the Vnderstanding by reasoning hath cōcluded which conclusion the Memorie holdeth and so the Vnderstanding by it carrieth it and propounds it to Conscience If Memorie faile our Knowledge is therein so farre lost for what wee remember not wee know not and so no Conscience of that Therefore to haue Conscience let vs labour to keepe in Memorie what duties we doe know Forgetfulnesse of that which is taught is one maine reason why so many make so little Conscience of that which is dailie taught vnto them Section 4. It knoweth with the Rule COnscience is such a knowing as it seeth the act with the rule two things at one time by reflection right out not a squint where the rule is beheld and the act together It is Scientia iuris facti simul there is Conscience If they bee separated beholding the one and not the other there is science but no Conscience By this may we know when we do a thing of very Conscience when we looke to the Rule of our action and vpon our action how it accordeth with the
couet thy Neighbours wife then commeth a more spirituall exposition thereof in the Gospell and saith Thou shalt not looke vpon a woman to lust after her for he that so doth hath committed adultery with her already in his heart So the Law in Nature saith Thou shalt not murther the Decalogue saith also Thou shalt not kill but the Gospell extends it to anger rayling speeches Matth. 5. 22 and telleth vs plainely that hee that hateth his brother is a murtherer 1. Ioh. 3. 15. Though the sense be inlarged yet the Law is one and the same and this is the Rule which guideth and bindeth Conscience properly and immediately from God Mans Law also bindeth Conscience for obedience is due for Conscience sake Rom. 13. 5. that is for the Lords sake 1. Pet. 2. 13. So farre as the Lawes of men haue ground and warrant from Gods Law but if contrary thereto Conscience is free Exo. 1. 17. Dan. 3. 18. Act. 4. 19. and 5. For man hath not power ouer Conscience but onely God CHAP. 8. With whom it is that Conscience by this bond of the Law hath to doe COnscience is bound to haue to doe onely with him whose Conscience it is For it is a reflecting knowledge vpon a mans selfe as is before declared And we read in scripture that Dauids Conscience smote himselfe 2. Sam. 24. 10. and the Conscience of the Iewes was pricked euery one felt the sting thereof within himselfe Act. 2. 37. Hence it is cleare then that such as complaine that at Easter they cannot come to the holy Communion because their Conscience troubles them for the wrong another doth them that they falsly belie Conscience for it meddles not with other mens actions against thee but onely with thine against others If it bee Conscience then it would tell thee of thine impatiency of thine vncharitablenesse and malice against him thou doest complaine of and not of his iniury done thee for this may bee Knowledge but is no act of Conscience Quest Here it may he asked whether my Conscience hath neuer any thing to doe with other men Answ Nor properly as the words and deeds be an other mans but as any way they become mine by assent consent Counsell command or occasioned by my example and so forth The sinnes of Ely his Sons were his by conniuencie the murthering of Naboth by Iesabels command became Ahabs sin through consent Vriahs death was made Dauids by command Iudas treason the Scribes and Pharisies were guiltie of by hireing him to doe it for money whereupon Conscience accuseth Conscience meddles with me in behalfe of another as farre as I am to thinke or speake of him as in Conscience I take him to be Iury-men giue in their Virdict upon others from their Conscience in this respect Hence is it that we vse to say of my Conscience he is an honest Man Hereupon also it is that one will appeale to the Consciences of other men for iustification and approbation in their faithfulnesse as we may reade that S. Paul did in his appeale to the Corinthians 2. Cor. 4. 2. and 5. 11. CHAP. 9. What it is which Conscience meddles with in him whose it is and how farre COnscience hath great imployment and much businesse with the whole Man with all his thoughts words and deeds as they haue any relation between God and him It hath to doe with Man as farre as the rule which binds it hath to doe with Man in commanding and in forbidding him any thing or any way directing him in any thing Now for that particulars may more set out the power and authoritie of Conscience I will instance wherein Conscience hath to doe as farre as I find in holy Writ and as our owne experience will witnesse Section 1. With Vnderstanding FIrst it hath to doe with the vnderstanding the Informer it selfe which sets Conscience on worke and this it doth touching the right use and well employing of the Wit and Vnderstanding Pauls Conscience had to doe with his Wisedome in the exercise of preaching 2. Cor. 1. 12. Conscience will tell vs whether our Wisedome Iam. 3. 16. 17. bee earthly sensuall diuellish or heauenly We must therefore take care of the vse of our Wit for Conscience sake Section 2. With thoughts COnscience meddles with Thoughts because the Rule hath to doe with them Mat. 9. 4. Heb. 4. 12. 2. Cor. 10. 5. therfore Conscience Whereupon Dauid checks himselfe touching his Thoughts Psal 77. 10. 11. The Godly by experience feele the work of Conscience herein and men vse to appeale to their Consciences and to call them for witnesse touching Thoughts Hence is it that men will say My Conscience tels me I neuer thought it and so forth Thought therefore is not free Conscience hath charge ouer it by the Rule binding which binds it Section 3. With the Memorie IT hath to doe with Memorie as it reteineth euill and forgets that which is good for the Rule that is the Word doth bind vs to remember and not forget our duty Eccles 12. 1. Heb. 13. 2. 16. Therefore exercise Memory well else Conscience will round thee for it and God will punish thee Psal 50. 22. Section 4. With the Will and Affections of the heart COnscience lookes to the bent and inclination of the Will by which Paul could say Will is present with mee Rom. 7. 18. It obserues the heart for it was Pauls Conscience that could make him speake of the simplicity and sincerity of his heart 2. Cor. 1. 12. so it made Abimelech speake Gen. 20. 6. and Hezekiah of their vprightnesse of heart Isai 38. yea it is so acquainted with the hart as it is often called the Heart 2. Sa. 24. 10. Act. 2. 37. And hath to doe with the Affections for the rule bindeth Conscience both for the wel-ordering of them also to place them aright and to moderate them Therefore Saint Pauls Conscience could witnesse both of his ioy 2. Cor. 1. 12. and of his sorrow Rom. 9. 2. Section 5. With Conscience it selfe COnscience is so vpright that it meddles with it selfe by the reflecting Knowledge vpon it selfe from the Rule as the eye seeth it selfe by the reflection of a Glasse for it being informed and rectified it will censure the former deadnesse and erroneousnesse thereof according to the binding power of the Rule directing the Conscience Thus we see how and with what it hath to doe with in the Man whose Conscience it is CHAP. 10. What Conscience hath to doe with him in respect of his outward actions whose Conscience it is WHatsoeuer it bee in word or deed which hath any relation to God and commeth vnder the Rule of Gods Word that same is it which Conscience must and will meddle with as by these insuing particulars it may appeare 1. It hath to doe in Baptisme answering to God for the baptised if one of yeeres as others doe for an Infant to the Minister 1. Pet. 3. 21. 2. With Ministers in
preaching concerning the matter as also for the manner of their preaching 2. Cor. 1. 12. and how thereby they profit their Hearers 2. Cor. 4. 2. and 5. 11. or deceiue them with doctrines of Diuels through a seared Conscience 1. Timoth 4. 2. 3. With our hearing and learning as also with vs for the keeping of the misterie of Faith 1. Tim. 3. 9. So as lose Conscience we lose our Religion 1. Tim. 1. 19. 4. With vs in the defence of our Religion and in making an answer for it as also how and in what a commendable manner we doe it to wit readily meekely and reuerently as it becomes Christians 1. Pet. 3. 15. 16. 5. With vs in our morall honesty as we bee naturall men led according to the light of nature and Principles of Reason Rom. 2. 15. 6. With vs touching our seruing of God purely 2. Tim. 1. 3. without dead workes not resting in the outward act Heb. 9. 9. 14. as also concerning Idoll-worship to which no allowance must bee giuen 1. Cor. 8. 7. 10. As soone as Naaman acknowledged the true God his Conscience wrought in him to disauow Rimmon their false God Conscience is a great stirrer in matters of Religion yea in matters seeming indifferent 1. Cor. 8. 13. by which scandall may arise 7. With vs about the meanes of our attonement with God both vnder the Law as now vnder the Gospell Heb. 9. 9. 14. through Christs blood by which it is so pacified as it is not popishly troubled about making any sacrifice for sinne Heb. 10. 2. 8. 8. With vs about our drawing neere to God with confidence and assurance 1. Ioh. 3. 20. 21. Heb. 10. 22. 9. With vs concerning our words as our swearing and cursing of others Eccles 7. 22. as Shemei did Dauid 1. King 2. 44. and Peter himself for the Rule Christs words came to his remembrance and then his Conscience wrought sorrow for the Rule toucheth our words Mat. 5. 22. and 12. 36. 37. 10. With vs about our whole life and conuersation Act. 23. 1. Heb. 13. 18. 2. Cor. 1. 12. And here if we sinne secretly and bee holy in shew as Scribes and Pharisies Ioh. 8. 9. It lookes to our charitie which must come from a pure heart and a good conscience 1. Tim. 1. 5. It obserues how we can and do endure iniuries and wrongs offered and with what patience we can beare them 1. Pet. 2. 19. 20. It markes our obedience to authority Rom. 13. 3. 11. With vs touching our affection in desiring the saluation of others Rom. 9. 1. 2. and that we pray for such as be faithfull Ministers of Christ and thanke God for them 2. Tim. 1. 3. 4. 12. With vs when wee are ready to goe awry and out of the way Isai 30. 21. and to fall from the truth for it would not haue us nor will suffer vs to fall from our Religion except wee put it away as did Hymeneus and Alexander because it too busily troubled them 1. Tim. 1. 19. Thus wee see what a charge Conscience hath vpon it and how many things it hath to looke vnto within and without vs. CHAP. 11. Of the acts and offices of Conscience and first here of the first act COnscience must needs haue much to doe for it hath many offices wherof the first is to bee Mans Ouer-seer By the helpe of the Vnderstanding it is the eye looking thorow the whole Man within and without him for his thoughts words deeds This is the Lords Candle searching all the inward parts of the belly Prou. 20. 27. But how is this By beholding the Rule with the Act as before is noted for by this Dauids Conscience expressed by the word reines taught him Psalm 16. 7. 8. setting the Lord that is his Commandements before him as the Rule for direction The Rule and Act seene together is the very life of Conscience these two together make Conscience as body and soule make a Man If these be feuered Man is not led by Conscience but by some other thing as Sense Will Appetite Fantasie Imagination examples of other custome commands counsell and aduise of men or by Satans suggestion deluding and beguiling Remember this Ouerseer this Eye if I may so say of God within vs for what it seeth God seeth we care to hide ourwayes from men but we cannot couer them from our Consciences which will be as a thousand witnesses one day and now here behold vs as we be CHAP. 12. Of the second act of Conscience COnscience seeing and diligently obseruing Man in all his courses open and secret within him and without him it then acquaints himselfe with himselfe making him to see and know himselfe to bee truly that which indeed hee is by beholding the Rule with his actions The glasse without the eye seeing into it cannot shew to a man his countenance nor the eye if the glasse bee wanting but both together So is it in this the eye of Conscience beholding the Rule and reflecting vpon mans thoughts words and deeds it tells him plainely betweene God and him that hee is honest or dishonest chaste or vncleane mercifull or a niggard compassionate or hard-hearted humble or proud vpright or fraudulent easily intreated or reuengefull Therefore learne truly of thy Conscience what thou art and how thy state stands betweene God and thee Rest not vpon thy conceit nor vpon the report of thy Neighbours neither vpon mens flatteries nor vpon mens euill speeches but goe to the plaine dealing of thy Conscience looking to the Rule and what it saith that belieue to be true whether it speake well or ill For it feares not to tell thee the truth it cannot flatter lye nor cogge neither will it slander thee nor lay any thing to thy charge vniustly but as the Rule and Act agree so will it tell thee what thou art in Gods presence CHAP. 13. Of the third act and office of Conscience COnscience playing the part of a true friend and not of a flatterer and discouering man to himselfe concerning his waies either good or euill in the next place it becomes to be his Director and Teacher as Dauids Conscience taught him Psalm 16. 7. It is like a good Schoole-Master teaching and well ordering his Schollers Now this office of Conscience is exercised as a Guide Director in three things either commanded or forbidden or indifferent Section 1. Of things commanded COnscience directeth in duties commanded and this it doth by instigation vpon the Vnderstandings information Isai 30. 21. In which place the Knowledge informeth saith This is the way then the Conscience stirreth and sets Man forward saying Walke in it Thus did it with Pilate who was informed that Christ was righteous that he of enuy was deliuered to him yea also he himselfe found nothing in Christ worthy of death therfore his cōscience moued him to do him iustice it said to him Deliuer him set him free pronounce him innocent wash thy hands of innocent blood This
the blind Conscience THe blind conscience is the still ill conscience called the blindnesse of the heart Eph. 4. 18. for blindnesse properly cannot bee ascribed to the heart but to the mind or conscience which is here ment by the heart because the mind is mentioned before in the text This is the conscience of all before conuersion liuing in grosse ignorance without vnderstanding of which there beetwo sorts Section 1. Of the blind Conscience of Heathen THe first sort are the Gentiles of whom the Apostle properly speakes in Eph. 4. The causes of which blindnesse he there sets downe to be their vnderstanding darkned their ignorance and their vnsensiblenes being past feeling vers 18. 19. The wofull effects whereof were these they gaue themselues ouer to lasciuiousnesse and they wrought all vncleannesse with greedinesse as the text sheweth Section 2. Of the blind Conscience of Christians THe other sort of such as haue this blind conscience are the grosly ignorant Christians such as liue in willfull and affected ignorance Pro. 1. 29. 19. 2. hating instruction whose mind is not good whom the Lord threats to shew neither fauour nor Esay 27 11 mercy vnto Of these blind Conscienced people there be two sorts the stone-blind and the pur blind The stone-blind are such as haue lost the very light of nature as sauage as heathen who are called Darknesse These can see no more Ephes 8. then men can see in darkenesse Such be they as neuer had Gods sunne-shine of his Word among them but through rudenesse are beastlike and through ignorance but for onely name of christians are no better then heathen in brutish qualities The Pur-blind are such as see onely great things and the same not farre off neither of such speakes Saint Peter 2. Pet. 1. 9. These speake of God of Christ and the holy Ghost onely by heare say They know Gods will onely in grosse in some generals their best rule is some common principles in nature experience and what they see others do further they cannot go Now as their vnderstanding is so is their conscience which happens to them through want of knowledge and other graces 2. Pet. 1. 5. 9. by their mind defiled and vnbeliefe setled in them Tit. 1. 15. By their selfe conceitednesse Reu. 3. 17. which is the propertie of the blind and ignorant and Mat. 23. 16 19. of enuious and malicious persons who also are blind The effects of this blindnesse of mind and Conscience are to be giuen ouer Rom. 1. 22. to vile affections idolatry and filthy vncleanenesse of body To be disobedient Tit. 1. 16. and to euery good worke voide of iudgement and reprobate denying God very Atheists and abominable persons Section 3. Of the misery of such SVch as be blind in mind and so haue a blind conscience are miserable whose misery may be liuely set out by one that is bodily blind This man first hath no direction by eye-sight no more the other by conscience Secondly He goeth whithen his will and affections lead him without sight sort his without conscience Thirdly when he goeth whither hee intendeth by himselfe it is either by meere imagination or by hearsay as he is told of others or by custome through often going or by feeling so is it with him that hath a blind conscience His seruice to God is imaginary or by tradition or by custome but not by direction of Cōscience seeing the rule or from his feeling of Gods common fauours and outward blessings which failing they are at their wits end and make an end of their deuotions Fourthly he needeth a leader and is guided by him but cannot iudge well of him So the blind conscience is led by his minister or by others but cannot iudge aright of them Fiftly he tho in danger neere a pit yet feares not till hee be in no more this till he be in Hell Sixthly he wil by others telling vntruly feare where no danger is so this will be terrified by doctrines and commandements of men as blind Papists be Seuenthly he cannot see his vncleanenesse nor discerne how it is with him no more can this who thinks through his blind conscience that all is well with him hee is cleane enough Lastly he is neuer the better for sunne shine no more is this for the shining light of the Gospell The remedy to cure this blindnesse of mind and conscience Rēu 3. 18. for both euer goe together is that which Christ prescribeth to annoint Psal 19. 8. Ephes 1. 17. 18. the eie with eiesalue which is Gods Word and Spirit by which the eies be opened and with which S. Paul was sent to open peoples eyes Act. 26. 18. CHAP. 26. Of the sleepy Conscience THe sleepie conscience is the still ill conscience doing it office after the nature of one habitually slothfull and lazie There is a difference between a sleepy conscience and the conscience a sleep as much as between a sleepy and drowsie fellow and he that is diligent and yet some time falleth a sleepe A good man may haue sometime his conscience a sleep as Dauid had as the fiue wise Virgins had Mat. 25. 5 and as we read of the Cant. 5. 2. Spouse in Canticles This happeneth of weaknesse and infirmity through some violent and preualent temptation but it will quickly awaken upon the least knock of the voice of Christ Cant. 5. 2 vpon a Nathans application or upon a light affliction But the sleepie conscience which is the conscience of euery drowsie and lazie Christian who takes no paines for Religion but is like a sleepie natured fellow who is soone asleep hardly awakened lazie in working soone weary ready to giue ouer and no sooner left off but asleep againe doing nothing but by enforcement So fareth it with a sleepy Conscience which soone ceaseth it worke is hardly roused worketh but weakely soone giuing ouer and asleepe againe and cannot be kept on working but by hearing of threats and beholding but especially feeling the iudgements of God Section 1. What makes this sleepy Conscience THis sleepy Conscience commeth first from a lazie indisposition to get knowledge Secondly From coldnesse in Religion as sleepe from cold humours and vaporous repletion of the braine Thirdly from doing our duties to God perfunctorily resting vpon the worke wrought without spirit or life in the performance as a lazy person doth his work Fourthly from an auersenesse of all good meanes which may rouze vp the Conscience from its sleepinesse as hearing of sinne sharpely rebuked and threats denounced Fifthly from earthly contentment in pleasure ease profit aduancement and vaine company which rock the soule a sleepe making the minde and spirit drowzy in Christianduties whereby the Conscience is lulled a sleepe Section 2. The remedies TO heale this drowzie sleepinesse of Conscience and thorowly to awaken it is first to get the right knowledge of God with a consideration of his all-seeing presence before vs of his
to learne and beleeue these things 1. That God is infinite in mercy slow to anger and of great kindnesse Ioel 2. 13. Secondly that he hath no pleasure in the death of a sinner but rather that he should repent and liue Ezek. 18. 23. 22. which he confirmeth to vs by an oath Chap. 33. 11. Thirdly that hee will pardon euery true penitent for so hath hee promised Ezek. 18. 27. 28. and this must they know that not sinne but the not repenting of sinne damneth man for if wee repent and belieue wee shall bee saued Fourthly that God in Christ Iesus is well pleased Matth. 3. 17. who is our Aduocate with the Father who is our Propitiation for our sinnes 1. Ioh. 2. 1. 2. Fifthly that hee is become all in all for to pacifie Gods wrath and to procure his fauour for vs 1. Cor. 1. 30. 2. Cor. 5. 21. Heb. 9. 12. and 10. 14. Rom. 8. 1. 33. 34. Sixthly that he inuiteth vs louingly to come to him promiseth refreshment Mat. 11. 28. with these adde a holy and reuerent vse of the Sacrament for the exercise and strengthening of faith in Christ offered to them therein applyed and receiued particularly greatly furthering to the comfort of Conscience and to preuent despaire And thus much now at length touching the euill Conscience still and stirring with all the differences of them both now followeth the good Conscience CHAP. 39. Of the good Conscience in generall OF a good Conscience the Apostle maketh mention very often in diuers places as in Act. 23. 1. and 24. 16. 1. Tim. 1. 5. and Heb. 13. 18. A good Conscience is that which performeth it offices rightly for the comfort of man The goodnesse of it stands in seeing aright in acquainting a man truly with himselfe in well directing of him in witnessing with and so rightly excusing and acquiting him This is the conscience which Saint Paul speaks of without offence that is which hath no stop or impediment to hinder it from excusing Act. 24. 16. This Saint Paul knew he had in this he liued and this he endeuored to keep for hee desired to liue honestly Heb. 13. 18. This was it that made him reioyce 2. Cor. 1. 12. to be without feare and to speake boldly to the faces of Gods Enemies Act. 23. 1. not to be daunted before the mighty in a good cause no more then Paul was Act. 24. 10. 16. nor Peter with other Apostles Act. 5. 29. nor Luther when he entred into Wormes not caring if all the tiles there had been Diuels This good Conscience bare vp Iob against all his friends ouer vncharitable censure of him in so great affliction This vpheld Dauid in all his distresses and Sauls persecuting of him and slanders raised vpon him by his Courtiers This made Saint Paul to 2. Cor. 6. 8. passe through honour and dishonour good report and bad This good Conscience may bee said to bee threefold the naturall morall and regenerate CHAP. 40. Of the naturall good Conscience BY the naturall good Conscience I meane that which was in man by Creation in Adam before the fall The excellency hereof stood in these things First in bearing Adam witnesse that he was good holy innocent righteous and therfore happy and blessed Secondly in bearing sway and rule in him so as hee was euery way obedient to Gods will Thirdly in comforting him in Gods presence with ioy without terrour or dread of diuine maiestie This was the goodnesse of his Conscience then while he abode in his innocencie harmelesse and without sinne And this shall be the goodnesse of it when we attaine to perfection in glory The causes hereof were First the perfection of Adams knowledg who knew exactly Gods will and all and euery duty on his part to be performed to God to man and to himselfe Secondly the perfection of his memorie euer constantly and firmely retaining those duties for obseruing of them Thirdly the perfect freedome of the will free from all peruersenesse and rebellion and inclined to all goodnesse readily obeying the rule of reason and dictate of Conscience Fourthly The hearts vprightnesse with all purity and sincerity Lastly the affections orderly setled and free from sensuality inconstancie disorder and excesse Vnruly passions bare then no sway But now since the fall this naturall Conscience hath lost it soueraigntie in the grosse vulgars as well Christian as heathen who haue onely some common principles but rudely apprehended on which sometime their Conscience workes otherwise for the most part they are led but by sense or experience or examples doing as they see others to doe and are little better then brute beasts through their sottish ignorance sauage qualities vnruly passions and beastly sensualitie doing many things against cōmon reason and the light of nature it selfe if they would but attend vnto it For want whereof they feele in a manner no worke of Conscience at all so farre haue innumerable Pagans and a numberlesse number of the ruder sort liuing among Christians and vnder that name most vnworthily degenerated from the goodnesse of the naturall Conscience which was in Adam The losse whereof is to bee bewailed we are to labour for to repaire it and to desire the perfection thereof in Heauen CHAP. 41. Of the morall good Conscience THe morall good Conscience is that which is exercised in and about matters onely of right and wrong and common ciuill honestie This Conscience is in two sorts of some out of the Church and of others within the Church Section 1. Of those out of the Church THere are many out of the Church which haue had and yet haue this morall Conscience Ancient Heathen Philosophers and many now among the Turks and Persians and other ciuilized Nations How farre these may go with this their morall conscience commendably it may appeare by these things First by some writing of morall vertues ethicks and politicks excellent well Secondly by many golden sentences dispersed here and there in their works Thirdly by wholsome lawes enacted and established among them Fourthly By praise worthy examples left recorded to all posterities some for iustice some for temperance and chastitie some for prudence some for fortitude and magnanimitie and so others for humility patience charity and the like of which histories are full Section 2. Of their helps hereto THis their morall Conscience is gotten First by ciuil education and by being trained vp in good manners Secondly by humaine sciences and good literature as ethicks Oeconomicks and Politicks Thirdly by the common naturall notions of right and wrong which by education and instruction they doe improue and make better vse of then others can Fourthly by some acquaintance sometime with practicall principles of supernaturall truths by getting some light from Gods booke through acquaintance with some of the Church Thus of those out of the Church Section 3. Of those in the Church THere are not a few which liue in the bosom of the Church and yet haue no more but
is a better intelligencer then the morall conscience hath for the moralist hath not his mind renewed as the regenerat man hath who knoweth what that good acceptable and perfect will of Rom. 12. 2 God is 3. This Conscience is informed by the renewed mind in the sauing knowledge of Gods will according to the law written anew in the mind and heart Heb. 8. 10. 4. This works sincere obedience so that in simplicity godly sincerity the regenerate haue their conuersation in the World 2. Cor. 1. 12. Lastly this obedience is performed both to the law and Gospell For the regenerat mans Conscience is bound as well by the Gospell as by the law vnto all holy obedience and the mind renewed propounds the precepts of the one as well as of the other vnto Conscience to worke obedience Section 2. In whom it is THis Conscience regenerate is in all the Elect of God called by the Gospell of Iesus Christ such as be borne againe of water and the Holy Ghost Ioh. 3. 5. and are made new Creatures in Christ 2. Cor. 5. 17. hauing Gods image repaired in them in knowledge holinesse and righteousnesse Eph. 4. 24. Col. 3. 10. whereby they do wholy entirely resigne vp themselues in obedience and humility to be guided by such a Conscience without restriction or euasion in respect of pleasure profit or preferment thoroughout the whole course of their liues Section 3. Of the causes hereof THis regenerat Conscience is wrought by Gods Spirit which reneweth vs Tit. 3. 5. The instrumentall meanes is the Gospel called the ministration of the spirit 2. Cor. 3. 8. because the spirit is receiued by it Gal. 3. Section 4. Of the excellencie of it THis Conscience so regenerate First hath acquaintance with Gods spirit Rom. 9. 1. 2. Secondly vpon this holy acquaintance they ioyne together to beare the regenerat man witnesse that hee is the Child of God Rom. 8. 16. that hee is desirous of others saluation and grieued for their obstinacy and blindnesse Rom. 9. 1. 2. Thirdly Farther vpon this acquaintance the Regenerat man hath now a kind of holy familiarity with God yet so as it is with all reuerence and humility Hee can now heare Gods law laid open without terrour He now can poure out his soule before God lay open all his sinnes in the sight of God with hope of remission which before he durst not though neuer so morally honest Fourthly This Conscience through such spirituall acquaintance is alwaies accompanied with spirituall graces with vnfaigned faith a pure heart Christian charity 1. Tim. 1. 5. with willingnesse to liue honestly Heb. 13. 18. with simplicity and godly sincerity 2. Cor. 1. 12. Section 5. Of the effects hereof SO as the effects of it cannot but bee admirable For first it exacts of vs attendance to Gods seruice and herein it cannot endure dead workes from which it is purged Heb. 9. 14. so as it puts life in vs and cannot endure to haue vs heare read pray sing nor preach coldly drowsily deadly nor to rest vpon the worke wrought Secondly it requireth vniuersall obedience for matter in all things for time alwaies Heb. 13. 18. Act. 23. 1. Thirdly it discouereth vnto our selues the most secret and intricate closet of the heart whatsoeuer is ill it pursueth it till it worke in the heart detestation Fourthly it lets not the regenerat man slip without a caueat and remurmuration and if he fall it lets him not rest but pincheth and nippeth him till hee take knowledge of his sinne till he see it sorrowes for it and returneth It cannot endure to haue him sinke vnder sinne nor sleep securely till he hath sought reconciliation with God Fifthly If it find him to grow slack in good duties it will euer be telling him of it it lets him not wax remisse and carelesse but by stinging instigations pricks him forward to his due obedience And therefore should we striue to get this Conscience and hauing it to make much of it as that which will guide vs well worke vs peace and neuer leaue vs but will be our comfort in aduersity in temptation in death and at Christs appearing CHAP. 43. Of the Gospell binding the Conscience of the Regenerate THe regenerate mans Conscience is not onely tyed by naturall Principles as all mens be nor by the Law of Moses as moralists in the Church be but also by the authority and power of the Gospell Section 1. That the Gospell hath a binding power FIrst for the Gospell is a Law 1. Chr. 16. 17. Psal 105. 10. and called the Law of faith Rom. 3. 17. now it is the nature of the Law to bind according to the authority of the Law-giuer God himselfe whose power is not lesse in the Law of faith and his will in the Gospell then in that morall law Secondly the Gospell doth not onely promise but also commandeth and requireth obedience to it It commands faith 1. Ioh. 3. 23. repentance Ma. 1. 15. Loue Ioh. 13. 34. and 18. 12. Charitie and bowels of mercy kindnesse humility of mind meeknesse Col. 3. 12. to deny our selues Mar. 8. 34. to mortifie the deeds of the flesh Col. 3. 5. to seeke the Kingdome of God and the ritheousnesse thereof Mar. 6. 33. to haue our conuersation in Heauen Phil. 3. 20. and to waite with loue for the appearing of the Lord Iesus Luk. 12. 35. 36. Mar. 13. 33. 34. 2. Tim. 4. These and many moe precepts doth the Gospell command which the moralist neuer thinks of nor euer can attaine vnto Thirdly The Gospell condemneth vnbeliefe Ioh. 16. 9. 1. Ioh. 5. 10. and other sinnes Fourthly it denounceth vengeance against the contempt of it and more seuere wrath then against the transgressours of the law 2. Th. 1. 8. Heb. 10. 29. Lastly men shall be iudged by the Gospell Rom. 2. 16. Therfore it is of a binding power For the renewed mind being acquainted with the Gospell propounds Euangelicall precepts to the regenerate Conscience which it vseth and applyeth to enforce the Regenerate man to a true and sincere obedience according to the Gospell Section 2. Whom it bindeth THe Gospell hath not so large an extent as the Law which is in nature and so binds all mankind but the Gospell bindeth such as do receiue it for the receiuing argueth two things first the enlightening of the vnderstanding to conceiue the doctrine of the Gospell and then faith to embrace it which two together bind conscience to the obedience of that which the Gospell commandeth Thus it bindeth all professors of it but most powerfully the regenerate to whom it is most effectuall by the speciall operation of Gods Spirit Section 3. To what it bindeth vs THe Gospell doth bind vnto the precepts which it prescribeth such are those before mentioned to beleeue to repent to loue the brethren to receiue the holy Sacraments with the rest of the Commandements of the Gospell It bindeth also vnto the law to make it a rule of
vnder grace Rom. 6. 14. To this I answer first Because the law is better knowne then the Gospell the one being naturall the other spirituall Secondly for that the one is more pressed vpon Conscience and more often laid to heart then the other Thirdly because the remainder of seruile feare sooner apprehēdeth wrath by breach of the Law then filial feare the obseruance of dutie from Gods goodnesse and mercie Fourthly because of scandalls which are sooner taken when they are giuen and more marked of the worst when the regenerate doe fall in transgressing the law then omission of euangelical duties or euils against the gospell cōmitted which world lings and naturalists take no notice of Fifthly because of the more frequent vse of the law for morall vertues within for oeconomicall duties and offices of loue to be performed one to an other and in commerce with men daily abroad wherein a regenerate man findeth his often failings by reason hee knowes the law in a high and spirituall sense Sixthly because Euangelicall precepts of knowing Christ of belieuing in him of repenting for sinne of Christian loue do expresse themselues in obseruing the duties commanded in the law of which the regenerate failing Conscience will accuse him Seuenthly because the law more easily bindeth and worketh vpon the Conscience naturally when the Gospell though it bind yet it doth it supernaturally and that not without the speciall worke of grace euen in the regenerate man Eighthly because the regenerate in their failings to the law consider them only and that too often as sinning against the law without any apprehension of any their default therein towards the Gospell when in deed and truth their failing in obedience to the Gospell maketh them transgressours of the Law for let a man haue the vertue of Christ haue a liuely faith Euangelicall repentance and loue hee will not easily faile of his duty commanded in the law but if he doe he will quickly see by his sinning against the law that he hath been disobedient against the Gospell Section 6. Of the difference betweene the Conscience regenerate and vnregenerate SEing the regenerate Conscience vnder the Gospell will yet accuse and trouble a regenerate man for transgression of the law it may bee demanded how the same differs from the Conscience vnregenerate I answer they differ first in the binding power the vnregenerate onely by the law as a Naturalist but not by the Gospell for it hath no power nor command ouer his conscience to work in him obedience by reason First of their strong corruptions not abated Secondly for want of the spirit of illumination with sanctification Thirdly the vneffectuallnesse of the Gospell in them and lastly because they doe conceit the Gospell a law of liberty not requiring obedience at all But the Conscience of the Regenerate is bound both by the law and Gospell to obedience Secondly they differ in excusing and witnessing for one The vnregenerat mans Conscience though neuer so morally honest cannot excuse him nor witnesse his righteousnesse before God Rom. 3. 19. 23. But the regenerate Conscience will by vertue of the Gospell The vnregenerate Conscience cannot witnesse for the vnregenerate any one of these three things that he liueth in new obedience to God by Christ liuing in him as the regenerate conscience will Gal. 2. 20. That he hath the Spirit of adoption as the regenerate conscience doth with the aid of Gods spirit Rom. 8. 15. And that if he doe fearefully fall yet he loueth the Lord as the regenerate Conscience in Peter will Ioh. 21. 15. do after true and heartie repentance Thirdly they differ in accusing The vnregenerate Conscience in accusing may driue the vnregenerat from the meanes of saluation as it did the Pharisies make some tremble Ioh. 8. 9. Acts 24. as a Felix but not reforme them it fills them with legall sorrow as a Iudas to repent but not with Euangelical But now the conscience of the regenerate accusing neuer driueth them from the meanes the ministery of the word but it worketh reformation a godly sorrow in them as it 2. Sam. 12. 24. did in Dauid and also in Peter Mat. 27. and in the prodigall sonne Luk. 15. And thus much for the regenerate Conscience now follow the many differences thereof as the tender Conscience the wounded Conscience the quiet conscience the vpright the pure the iustifying and confident Conscience CHAP. 44. Of the tender Conscience THe tender conscience is the passible conscience easily touched with the least sin in thought word and deed as well in omission as commission Section 1. In whom it is THis is the Conscience of a Dauid whose heart smote him in cutting off but the lappe of Sauls garment This is the Conscience of a soft hearted Iosias which will tremble and melt at the word This is the Conscience of such as be easie to be intreated endued with wisedome from aboue gentle and mercifull This is the Conscience of all such as haue bin wounded in spirit such as haue felt the smart for sin anguish of heart and the burthen of Gods displeasure by former follies Section 2. Of the effects hereof THis tender conscience so rarely to bee found in these our daies hath singular effects First it makes a man humble in his owne eyes willing rather to condemne himselfe for euery sinne then to excuse colour or defend any sin Secondly it makes a man watchfull for it hath a quick sight and diligently attendeth vnto the rule carefully thereby to guide all his actions It is like the beasts in Reu. 4. full of eyes before to preuent sinne behind to recall our selues if any sinne hath of infirmity beene committed Thirdly it makes a man fearefull to offend and therefore moues him to auoid the very appearance 1. Thes 5. 22. of euill and to flie the occasions of sinning as Ioseph did who would not be in the roome with his Mistresse Fourthly It makes him vpon this feare to walke precisely not doing 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Eph. 5. 15. Mat. 2. 8. any thing but vpon a diligent inquisition it will not permit a man to fall vpon a businesse rashly at an hap hazzard This causeth a man to be nice in that which other make a iest of This tendernesse made Daniel to refuse to eate of Dan. 1. 6. the Kings meat to pray three times a day when it indangered his life This made Dauid that he would 2. Sam. 23. 16. not drink of the water of the wel of Bethlehem this made the sons of Ionadab to Ier. 35. 14. dwel in Tents and to drink no wine this made Mordecai Ester 3. 2. not to bow his knee to Haman Naboth not to sell to Ahab his Garden and old Eleazer not to dissemble 2. Mach. 6. the eating of a little swines flesh Fifthly this will make a man carefull to auoid offence in things questionable whether good or ill if it be in a mans own power to doe or
God requireth truth in the inward parts And the want of this vpright Conscience is the cause of all fraud cousenages and villanies committed any where in all the world The meanes to get it is consideration of Gods all-seeing eye and the word for the rule and warrant in all our actions Now the same that begets it keepes it making a Paul to haue his conuersation in all simplicity and godly sincerity with cheerefulnesse CHAP. 50. Of the pure Conscience THis is the Conscience which euer accompanieth vprightnesse for he Iob. 8. 6. that hath the one hath also the other he that is pure is vpright Of this pure Conscience the Apostle maketh mention 1. Tim. 3. 9. 2. Tim. 1. 3. This is the conscience that cannot endure defilement Section 1. In whom it is and how attained THis is the Conscience of such as be sanctified by Gods spirit for the 1. Pet. 1. 22. Spirit purifieth the soule And faith purgeth the Act. 15. 9. heart and conscience taking hold of Christ by Heb. 9. 14. whose bloud the Conscience is purged from dead workes Moreouer it becommeth pure by the puritie of the mind the minds 2. Pet. 3. 1. of the regenerate are pure and therefore so is their Conscience for vpon the defilement of the mind the Conscience saith the Apostle Tit. 1. 15. is defiled Lastly it is pure by the wisdome giuen Iam. 3. 17 of God from aboue for it being pure and the light of the Conscience it must also be pure Section 2. Of the effects hereof THis sanctified purged and pure Conscience worketh first a detestation of all vncleanenesse for it looketh to the rule with a pure mind and the purity of wisdome from aboue 2. Cor. 7. 1. Iam. 1. 27. which rule forbids all filthinesse of the flesh and spirit all defilements and Isai 30. 22. spots of the world and all Iude vers 23. fleshly seruice impurity in Religion And therefore Conscience auoideth all such filth and vncleanenesse whatsoeuer Secondly it stirres vp a man to purity as the Rule commands it and religion tieth vnto it Hence is it Tit. 1. 15. Psal 18. 26. Prou. 15. 26. that from this pure Conscience men regenerate are called Pure and because this puritie of it causeth them to flie all impurities in Religion and in conuersation which other of defiled minds and Consciences make no matter of they are reproached with the ignominious name of Puritans the name of old Hereticks called Catharists and Nouatians whose heresie these so nick-named are farre from Section 3. Of the signes of this pure Conscience NOw lest any bee deceiued by presuming of this pure Conscience as if they had it which haue it not the word of God giueth vs euidence hereof to know where it is First it holdeth the mistery of 1. Tim. 3. 9 and. 1. 5. faith for this is kept in a pure conscience Secondly it is accompanied with a Heb. 9. 14. pure heart Thirdly hee 2. Tim. 1. 3. that hath it serues God purely following the steps of holy forefathers Fourthly and lastly it is shewed by a pure life for this must needs come from thence because if the word be pure the rule of it Religion pure the Gospel pure the heart pure the mind Heb. 13. 18. pure Conscience pure then must needs the life be Prou. 21. 8. pure in liuing honestly in working righteousnesse Phil. 1. 10. and walking without giuing offence Section 4. How to keepe it pure WHen the Conscience becommeth pure it is to be kept pure which is by auoiding that which may defile it which is sinne for it is called filthinesse and Christ telleth Iam. 1. 21. Mat. 15. 18. 19. vs that it defileth the man We must labour for Gods spirit faith purity of mind and for the wisdome which is from aboue which maketh Conscience pure and will so keep it CHAP. 50. Of the iustifying Conscience THe last difference of the regenerate Conscience is the Conscience iustifying This witnesseth our righteousnesse before God euen that which the law requireth and this it doth not by the law but by the Gospell in all those in whom it is the power of God to saluation and are iustified by faith in Christ Section 1. How the Conscience comes to iustifie Q. HEre it may be asked how the Conscience by the Gospell doth so iustifie a man Answ First The Gospell commandeth to beleeue in Christ Iesus 1. Ioh. 3. 23. Secondly it teacheth first to reiect righteousnesse of workes by the law in our owne persons Rom. 3. 20. Phil. 3. 9. the Gospell is vtterly against this Secondly it teacheth and reuealeth not an other righteousnesâ—â— but an other way to attaine it which is not by works but by faith in Christ for the Gospell Rom. 10. 30. 31. 32. and 3. 28. 2. Cor. 5. 21. Rom. 4. 23. 24. hath made known that the righteousnesse of the law is in Christ and that such as beleeue in him haue it imputed to them and so become they righteous before God Thirdly what the Gospell commandeth and teacheth that it maketh Eph. 1. 13. good through the effectualnesse of the Spirit and so bindeth Conscience to beleeue and obey the same If any professing the Gospell feele not this binding power it is for that they remaine ignorant of it or that their knowledge is not sanctified to them or for that it is not pressed home to the Conscience Section 2. In what the iustifying Conscience doth stand and how it differs from a iustifying faith Q. HEre it may be demanded wherein is this iustification of Conscience Answ It stands in the witnessing of our faith in foure things First that we beleeue what Christ Iesus is in himself as the Eunuch did Act. 8. 37. Secondly that we beleeue what he 1. Cor. 1. 30 was made for vs that beleeue in him euen our wisdome righteousnesse sanctification and redemption Rom. 10. 4. 30. and 3. 26. the end of the law for righteousnesse to all that beleeue and our iustifier Thirdly that we doe beleeue to be iustified by him and onely stand iust by his righteousnesse imputed Gal. 2. 16. without the workes of the Law Fourthly that we beleeue in thus beleeuing that God for his Son Rom. 4. 3. 5. 23. 24. 2. Cor. 5. 21. Iesus Christs sake will yea and doth account vs righteous before him All these acts of faith it doth 1. Ioh. 5. 10 witnesse for vs vnto God and this is the witnesse within vs. Some may say we haue often heard of a iustifying faith but not so of a iustifying Conscience and therfore desire to know the difference of them Answ Iustifying faith is the instrumentall meanes by which we apply Christ to vs for our iustification Iustifying Conscience is the witnessing of those forenamed acts of faith for vs vnto God Faith is as one receiuing money and paying it to his credit our to acquit him
of his debt Conscience is a witnesse standing by iustifying that payment by which he is freed from the debt Section 3. Of the comfort which ariseth from this iustification of Conscience SIngular is the consolation which a godly Christian reapeth by this Conscience so witnessing his faith in Iesus Christ as before is shewed For what benefit by Christ through faith is obteined in Gods mercie in that this Conscience doth comfort vs Now the benefit is manifold First It comforteth against Rom. 8. 4. the terrour of the law for in Christ wee fulfill it Secondly against the Rom. 5. 10. feare of Gods iustice for attonement is made his wrath appeased and he reconciled Thirdly against 2. Cor. 5. 18. all Satans accusings for Christ hath ouercome him for vs. Fourthly against Ioh. 14. 30. falls of infirmitie and sinning after we be in Christ for Christs bloud clenseth Heb. 2. 14. 1. Ioh. 1. 7. Mat. 1. from all sinnes He saues his people from their sins and when they do sinne he is their Aduocate with the 1. Ioh. 2. 1. Father and their propitiatiation Fifthly against fainting vnder afflictions for they are changed from punishments into chastisements Heb. 12. 5. 6. and from the signe of Gods anger into the witnesse of his loue for as many as he loueth hee chastiseth and scourgeth Sixthly against all sad sorrow because of our great imperfections our too much ignorance our vnrighteousnesse our defect in holinesse and the remainders of sinne and corruption in vs. For Iesus Christ is our purity wisdome righteousnesse sanctification 1. Cor. 1. 30. and redemption Seuenthly against the feare of death for he hath ouercome death abolished 2. Tim. 1. 10. Ioh. 10. 28. it and giuen life and immortality Lastly against the dread of damnation Rom. 81. 33. 34. Hell and destruction For Christ hath freed and iustified vs who can then condemne Conscience by witnessing our faith in Christ affordeth vs consolation against the feare and dread of all these things We must therfore labour for it by the meanes whereby it is attained of which before So must wee endeuour to keepe it when we haue it Section 4. How to keepe this iustifying Conscience TO keepe this comfortable conscience there are two things to be obserued of vs 1. To take heed of such things as may ouerthrow it and make vs to lose it and they chiefly are these three First to vphold a couenant of workes betweene God and vs his people professing the Gospell Secondly to maintain iustification by workes and not by faith without the workes of the Law Thirdly to lose our faith For he that loseth his faith loseth his good Conscience 1. Tim. 1. 19. And whosoeuer doe hold a couenant of workes and righteousnesse thereby are in bondaged to the Law are fallen from grace propounded Gal. 5. 4. by the Gospell they cannot attaine to righteousnesse Rom. 9. 30. 31. 32. and 10. 2. Christ profiteth them nothing so remain they vnder the curse from which by Christ onely they must be freed Therefore such cannot Gal. 3. 13. and 5. 4. haue this iustifying Conscience but by these means doe lose it because it witnesseth it through faith of the Gospell and not by the Law 2. To keepe this Conscience as we must take heed of that which may ouerthrow it so must we be carefull to maintaine and nourish that which will preserue it and that is by strengthening of our faith by holding to the Couenant of Grace by meditating vpon not onely the sufficiencie but also vpon the efficacie of Christ his satisfaction and merit of his obedience particularly for euery one of vs beleeuing to be saued onely by him by considering of Gods faithfulnesse and truth in his gracious promises made to vs in Christ and by the frequent vse of the Lords supper in which our faith may be greatly strengthened First by beholding God the Father giuing Christ his Sonne Secondly by considering how Christ offered himselfe Thirdly by both these to gather the infinite loue of both towards vs Fourthly by assuring our selues first that we may apply Christ particularly secondly that Christ is receiued into vs for I am in Ioh. 17. them saith hee Thirdly That we can no more lose Christ then the elements which we haue receiued Thus by the Sacrament may our faith bee strengthened and so our iustifying Conscience preserued which witnesseth onely so as wee haue faith to beleeue so as if faith faile it faileth if faith haue it work then this Conscience hath it worke and affordeth vs singular comfort betweene God and vs. And thus much now at the length concerning a good Conscience and all the differences thereof the generall fruit and benefit of all followes CHAP. 52. Of the singular effect which ariseth from a good Conscience regenerate quiet vpright pure and iustifying WHen man hath attained to a good Conscience regenerat and that it be quiet pure vpright and witnessing our faith in the Lord Iesus through the binding power of the Gospell it worketh a holy and reuerent boldnesse with confidence 1. Ioh. 3. 21. Eph. 3. 12. Heb. 4. 16. Ioh. 21. 17. 2. Tim. 4. 7. to haue accesse vnto God to make vs euen after fearefull falls being truly penitent to appeale to God concerning our loue to him to be assured of our saluation to be comforted in great afflictions being able to say let him slay me Ioh. 13. 15. 18. and 16. 19. yet will I trust in him I shall be iustified for my record is in heauen and witnesse 2. Cor. 5. 6. 8. on high and lastly to desire to be dissolued and to be with Christ For through this good Conscience so quiet pure and vpright Psa 44. 8. our hearts are freed from feares and we haue a holy glorying in the Lord with giuing him thanks and praise for our place Rom. 8. 33. 〈◊〉 and attonement with God concluding that nothing can separate vs from the loue of God which is in Christ Iesus But here lest many bee deceiued it shall not be amisse to shew a difference betweene this holy Confidence arising from Conscience and fleshly presumption of which in the Chapter following CHAP. 53. Of the difference betweene confidence from a good Conscience and presumption from a deceitfull heart THere be two rocks on which man split their Soules the one is desperation which most feare and fewest feele the other presumption which almost none dread and yet by it most are tumbled into Hel before they be aware not one of tenne thousands shall we heare of despairing but tenne thousands to one of them presuming as the whole World in the daies of Noah a whole City yea many Cities while one Lot feared and the rest by presumption perished Now holy Confidence with a good Conscience preserueth from both from the one and from the other so that a godly man shall neither despaire nor presume Confidence is opposite to
despaire and therfore need I not set out their differences but confidence and presumption haue some semblances and therefore it is fit they should be well discerned one from the other Section 1. In whom they be and their natures or properties THe one is in the regenerate and is supernaturall in one of a good Conscience qualified with grace The other in the vnregenerate and is naturall in one of an ill Conscience and without grace Presumption takes all for granted without examination and can giue no good reason of his state between God and him but confidence from a good Conscience trusteth vpon sound triall serious searching out of a mans standing and is able to yeld sufficient reason of that Confidence presumption giueth nature it swing so doth not this holy confidence but restrains it Section 3. Of their differing causes PResumption is from self conceit wrought by Satan who suggesteth persuasion of mercy though men liue neuer so wickedly without any care of religious duties Confidence from a good Conscience is wrought by Gods spirit and so holds fast vpon Gods mercy not separated from a reuerent awe of God and holy obedience Presumption groweth vpon outward prosperity worldly preferments and carthly contentments But confidence from a good Conscience groweth vpon inward peace with God when the World frowneth and affordeth nothing but discontentments Presumption gâ—tteth strength from other mens sinnes from such as sinne as they do or doe worse in some euils but especially from the falls of the godly But this holy confidence is therby somwhat shaken and that through feare of falling Presumption is ignorant and is built vpon some erroneous conceits as that God made all so will he be mercifull and saue all contrarie to Isai 27. 11. that Christ died for all and yet will at last day damne many that God requireth no more of man then he is able to performe that many make more adoe to goe to heauen then needeth that there needs not so much teaching and preaching that all that can be said is to loue God aboue all and our Neighbour as our selues and such like false imaginations But spirituall confidence is grounded vpon sound knowledge and reiecteth these rotten props and falsâ—ities and knowes the way to Heauen to be straite and few find it Section 4. Of their differing effects Presumption makes a man to think repentance an easie act and therefore to deferre of his repentance from time to time til he can finde leasure to repent So doth not this confidence but iudgeth it hard and feares to put it off labouring to shew forth repentance and the fruits thereof daily Presumption makes a man to neglect the meanes of saluation preaching of Gods word holy meditation feruent prayer This holy confidence moueth vs to the vse of the meanes and therein to delight and to exercise our selues therin Presumption makes a man in the vse of the meanes hearing praying receiuing the Sacrament to do them as duties to be done but without any care of the manner effect and fruit reaped thereby But this heauenly confidence in holy exercises and duties makes a man to doe them as with the matter so to haue regard to the maner obseruing the effects and expressing the fruites afterwards Presumption makes a man proud and willfull 1. Pet. 2. 10 especially in prosperity but basely to be deiected and cast downe in aduersity This confidence from a good Conscience works gracious humility selfe deniall euen in prosperity and is not without comfort and courage in aduersity Presumption makes a Deut. 1. 43. Ier. 43. 2. 4. 7. man bold to sinne as the Israelites did proud Iohanan and Amaziah the 2. Chr. 25. King though fore warned to the contrarie This confidence restraineth from sinne and makes a man to feare that he offend not especially being fore warned Presumption cannot encourage a man to goe to God and there to lay open all his sinnes before him particularly but onely to confesse in generall that he is a sinner But this conscionable confidence affordeth a man comfort in so doing so as he dare do it with perswasion of mercy Presumption will neuer hearten a man to suffer boldly for religion but makes him to feare faint and to start backe in such a case But this confidence from a good Conscience makes a man stout in Gods cause and to reioyce in tribulation for righteousnesse sake Lastly presumption carrieth a man to Hell but this confidence bringeth to Heauen And thus farre touching the difference of these two CHAP. 54. Of the time of Conscience continuance in it working NOw followeth the last point in this Treatise of Conscience to be handled and that is concerning the time and continuance of it working of which there is a fourefold consideration first here secondly at death Thirdly at last day and Fourthly after the day of iudgement Section 1. Of Conscience working here THat it hath it operation in this life while men remaine among men and conuerse with men the whole discourse in this booke sheweth mens experience can beare witnes of it and examples of men in Conscience tormented giue euidence hereof in all ages Section 2. Of the working at death WHen death the dreadfull messenger to the damned commeth if those wofull ones doe but once bethinke themselues that they are going before God that now they must away to their appointed place death being the reward of sinne Conscience cannot but then begin to work as it hath done of some in a fearefull manner vpon sicknesse Se Acts and Monuments fol. 1913. and in their death-bed Yea it hath grieuously afflicted sometime very godly men of both sorts instances may be giuen Section 3. Of the working of it at the last day WHen Christ shall come to iudgement and when euery one shall appeare before his tribunall seate to render an account of all that which hath beene done in the body whether good or euill then the books shal be opened euen the books of Reu. 20. their Consciences in which haue been registred vp mens sins the most secret Rom. 2. 16. Eccles 12. 14. 1. Cor. 4. 5. 1. Ioh. 4. 17. and hidden the very Counsels of the heart Then the wicked shall tremble but the godly shall haue boldnesse for it is the day of their full redemption their Conscience shall comfort them in beholding their Redeemer their Sauiour Section 4. Of the durablenesse of it in Heauen COnscience good and vpright goeth with men into heauen for Gods will as a Rule still remaineth knowne to them they haue also the vse of their vnderstanding in and concerning the rule the will of God They act and do according to Gods wil which cannot want application vpon the act correspondent to the rule and therefore must there needs be Conscience which being here in the godly imperfect must needs be there in perfection vpon their complete and perfect obedience Adam in his state of innocencie and perfection had Conscience
office of Conscience made him for a while so bestir himselfe as Matthew sheweth Chap. 27. though passion of worldly feare ouer-bore it at the last Section 2. Of things forbidden COnscience as it stirreth vp man to his duty so it seekes to restraine and bridle from euill For vpon information of any thing to bee sinne it presently sends out a prohibition Reuben knew it was not lawfull to kill his brother Ioseph therefore said Conscience to him beware thou then doe it not but seeke to deliuer him out of the hands of the rest as he did Gen. 37. 21. Ioseph knew adultery to be sinne against God therefore conscience forbids him and commanded him to deny her request and to flie out of the roome Gen. 39. 8. 9. 12. where she was as he did Section 3. Of things indifferent and Rules thereof COnscience directeth a man euen in and about things of themselues indifferent which are neither commanded nor forbidden because the word prescribeth rules to be obserued in the vse of indifferent things which rules are these 1. That it be expedient and profitable 1. Cor. 6. 12. and 10. 23. 2. That it bee not to the losse of Christian libertie to bee brought vnder the power thereof 1. Cor. 6. 12. 3. That wee become not an offence Rom. 14. 20. or a stumbling blocke to the weake and cause them by our example to be emboldened to doe that which otherwise their conscience doth not approue of Rom. 14. 13. 1. Cor. 8. 9. 10. 13. this is called the wounding of their conscience 1. Cor. 8. 12. 4. That the thing tend to edifying that is to instruct and further others in the study of pietie and of well-doing Ro. 14. 19. 1. Cor. 10. 23. 5. That it bee for decency and order 1. Cor. 14. 40. 6. That it tend to peace not grieuing others to make them to speake euill Rom. 14. 15. 1. Cor. 10. 16. 30. 7. And lastly that God may thereby bee glorified 1. Cor. 10. 31. To these Rules Conscience hath an eye in the vse of things indifferent of which in respect of themselues no question for conscience sake should bee made 1. Cor. 10. 25. 27. but onely as the Rules bind Conscience in the vse therof according to which it warrants or inhibits vs. Thus it dealt with Paul allowing him libertie to please all men in things indifferent to gaine some to God 1. Cor. 10. 33. but otherwise when it should offend any good Christian then it restrained him though the matter in it selfe was very indifferent 1. Cor. 8. 13. Rom. 14. 21. Thus wee see how Conscience directeth in all these three yet not at all times alike no not in the best and with some difference in men as in apprehension they be quicke or slow or sound of iudgement or weake to iudge for thereafter doth Conscience more or lesse moue to well doing or more or lesse restraine and bridle from euill Seeing this is the act of Conscience in all these let vs hearken thereunto and doe what we doe for Conscience sake that is because our Conscience dictates to vs our dutie herein from the Lord Ro. 13. 5. 1. Pet. 2. 13. If this be so then hence may bee reproued First such as regard not Conscience direction neither in things commanded nor forbidden but liue as void of all Conscience Secondly such as hearken to it sometime and in some things but in other things at some other time regard it not Thirdly such as thinke Conscience to haue nothing to doe in things indifferent and therefore doe they take what liberty they list herein not caring to be offensiue to grieue others but let such consider these things First that the Apostle hath prescribed Rules herein which Conscience binds vnto Secondly that hee propounds his owne example as one strictly obseruing the same Thirdly that he presseth the keeping of the Rule 1. Corint 10. 28. 29. Fourthly that hee disswadeth from the carelesse breach of the Rules Rom. 14. and 1. Cor. 8. 10. And thus much for the third act and office of Conscience which too many are ignorant of and few regard to take notice of and to follow as they ought CHAP. 16. Of the fourth act and office of Conscience COnscience vpon it directing of man doth obserue him well whether he doth obey or disobey and thereafter sets downe both his obedience and rebellion and so it becomes Gods Register or Notarie to keepe in record all things which man doth here in the body whether it bee good or euill against the Iudgement Day where account must bee made of all things secret as well as open 2. Cor. 5. 10. Eccles 12. 14. Thus is Conscience continually exercised though it seeme to be dead and to say nothing for this must we know That though Conscience bee not euer speaking to Rebels against God yet is it euer writing Therfore hath it the name of a booke Reuel 20. 12. in which God will haue set downe all things By this is it that God will set all wicked mens sinnes before euery one of them in order Psal 50. 21. Of this writing speakes Iob Chap. 13. 26. who thereby was made to behold the sinnes of his youth by this after many yeeres the Patriarches did see their owne enuy their vnnaturall cruelty to their brother Gen. 42. 21. for time blots out no sinne but repentance and pardon from heauen Let vs therefore now learne to take heed what we doe for God hath set a Spie ouer vs to watch our wayes and to note them downe all our thoughts affections inclinations purposes resolutions words and deeds to remember vs of them before God when he shall please to call vs to an account As this is terrible to the wicked vpon due consideration of his manifold euils so is it comfortable to such as liue godly for their well-doing is written vp for their consolation though the vngratefull World take no notice thereof and forget them CHAP. 15. Of the fifth act and office of Conscience COnscience as a faithfull Scribe hauing written down euery thing good and bad it becommeth a witnesse Rom. 9. 1. My Conscience beareth witnesse saith Saint Paul which act of it is twofold either with vs or against vs as wee may see in Rom. 2. 15. Section 1. Of Conscience witnessing with vs. THis act of Conscience is called excusing Ro. 2. 15. and in witnessing for vs it hath respect both to time and thing 1. For time either past or present or to come concerning time past we see an example in Iob whose conscience by the helpe of Memory witnessed many good things for him Chap. 23. 11. 12. and 29 12. 17. So likewise in Ioseph Gen. 40. 15. and in Saint Paul Act. 23. 1. and in the Prophet Samuel 1. Sam. 12. 3. for what they spake for their iustification it was vttered by the warrant of Conscience in such holy men and not from an impudency of face as the wicked doe For the time
present we haue an example in Saint Paul who had his Conscience witnessing with him for his present estate 1. Cor. 4. 4. for his words and also for the inward affection of the heart Ro. 9. 1. 2. The like wee haue in Peter after his fall whose Conscience after repentance vnfained made him to appeale to Christ touching his loue his conscience encouraged him to say to Christ Thou knowest that I loue thee Ioh. 21. 15. 16. 17. Thus we see how Conscience witnesseth for vs for time past and present Some mens consciences may beare witnesse for the time past as Hymeneus and Alexanders and Demas might but not for the present because they fell away But a Pauls conscience will witnesse for the time past and time present too 2. Tim. 1. 3. Heb. 13. 18. Touching the time to come conscience is not altogether silent not that it can witnesse for vs what wee yet neuer thought spake or did but in respect of our resolution for the time to come it can witnesse with vs that wee doe resolue to doe well and endeauour it as Paul speakes Act. 24. 16. and as Iob said that his heart should not reproach him so long as he liued Iob 27. 6. 2. For the thing it beares vs witnes of which is both for matter manner For matter Nehemiah his conscience stood for him Nehem. 13. 14. 22. for manner Saint Pauls in his teaching 2. Cor. 1. 12. that it was in godly simplicitie and sincerity so Abimelechs conscience witnessed for his integrity and innocency in taking Sarah Gen. 20. 6. For both matter and manner in Hezekiah Isai 38 3. he walked with God and this he did vprightly Labour to haue Conscience witnesse both for many mens consciences will witnesse for them that they haue been at Church heard the Word prayed sung Psalmes receiued the Sacraments but it will not witnesse for them for the name of doing but rather condemne them for their vnpreparednes their hypocrisie meere formality c. Section 2. Of Conscience witnessing against vs. THis act of Conscience is called accusing Ro. 2. 15. and as in excusing it hath regard to time and thing so here in this likewise Concerning the time First past it accused Iosephs brethren of that which was committed long before Gen. 42. 21. so it did Shimei 1. Kin. 2. 44. Dauid 2. Sam. 24. 10. Adonibezek Iudg. 1. 5. and the Iewes Act. 2. 37. Secondly for the time present it wrought vpon the Scribes and Pharisies Ioh. 8. 7 9. So vpon Belshazzar Dan. 5. 6. the Lepers of Samaria 2. King 7. 9. and vpon Felix Act. 24. 25. accusing them for their sinfull courses wherein they liued as also of their irresolution to mend for the time to come As touching matter and manner Conscience will not halt It will tell Dauid of his blood-guiltinesse 2. Sam. 12. Psal 51. and it will accuse Iudas for his treason As also other for the ill manner and by-end in their otherwise good actions as Hamor and Sichemites for receiuing circumcision for worldly and carnall respects Iehu for his counterfeit zeale Scribes and Pharisies for their fasting praying giuing of almes Simeon and Leui for pretending Religion to bee reuenged some for following Christ for loaues Ioh. 6. 22. 24. and the Iewes for their hypocriticall fasting for a day Isai 38. And thus much for the fifth act and office of Conscience Section 3. Of some questions propounded and answered concerning the accusation of Conscience Quest 1. WHether this power to accuse was in Adam before his fall Answ It was but not in act because there was in him no matter or cause wherby conscience should accuse him yet that it had power it is cleare for presently vpon his transgression it accused him And the Text saith that their eyes were opened that is the eye of the Vnderstanding and the eye of the Conscience by which they knew what they had committed against God Their eyes were opened but no new qualitie wrought in the soule other then they had before Quest 2. If aptnesse to accuse was in the Creation it may bee asked Whether it bee now an euill Conscience that accuseth Answ It is not simply euill First because this power was and is from God Secondly because God doth approue of it when it accuseth rightly 1. Ioh. 3. 23. Thirdly because herein it is as Gods Register booke by which he will proceed against the wicked at last day Reuel 20. Fourthly because it is a meanes of much good through Gods blessing as of sorrow for sin of feare to offend and becomes as a preparatiue to repentance sometime Act. 2. 37. Fiftly because it is in the best of Gods children and a blessed meanes to worke in them renewed repentance vpon a fall Quest 3. If it be not to be called an euill Conscience whether may it be termed a good Conscience Answ From the accusation simply it cannot bee called a good conscience First because it is a defectiuenesse in respect of that peace which man had in the Creation and shall enioy in heauen Secondly because it followeth vpon Adams fall as a punishment for sinne here and the worme in hell hereafter Thirdly for that all the wicked haue an accusing conscience but not a good conscience Therefore the conscience from the very act of accusing cannot haue the name of either a good or an euill conscience but as the person is in whom it is For if hee bee euill his conscience is euill though in some thing it excuse him and if he bee a good man his conscience is good though it sometime accuse him CHAP. 16. Of the sixth act and office of Conscience WHen Conscience hath eyed well Man made him acquainted with himselfe written downe his thoughts his doings and sayings accused or excused him then it sits downe as a iust Iudge of Oyer and Terminer to heare and determine to giue sentence against which there is no appeale to be made This sentence is twofold either to acquite and absolue or to bind and condemne Rom. 14. 22. 1. Co. 11. 31. 1. Ioh. 3. 20. 21. In condemning it makes him see his sinne and so causeth him to thinke and speake basely of himselfe and of his ill deeds as Dauid did I haue done very foolishly 2. Sam. 24. 10. and was as a beast Psal 73. 22. and to confesse with the prodigall sonne that he is vnworthy to bee called Gods childe Luk. 15. Lastly it will make him apply as iustly deserued the hand of God against him as Ionah did Chap. 1. 12. and Dauid 2. Sam. 24 17. and withall to acknowledge the Lord to be righteous as did Rehoboam 2. Chron. 12. 6. In absoluing it doth not reproach a man Iob 27. 6. but doth make him stand vpon his innocency wherin he is guiltlesse as it did Dauid against Sauls malice enuy and false accusations This Iudge let vs take notice of and labour for absolution from it and beware of its sentence of condemnation for God will