The Duty and Blessing of a Tender Conscience, Title page – Preface
THE DUTY and BLESSING OF A Tender Conscience: Plainly Stated, AND Earnestly Recommended To all that regard Acceptance with God, and the Prosperity of their Souls.
By T. Cruso.
Vox Clamantis in Deserto. Pag. 44.
Procul à nobis absint non solùm Crimina, sed omnis Criminum Suspitio, & vel prima facies Vitiorum.
LONDON, Printed by J. R. for I. Salusbury, at the Rising Sun in Cornhil, near the Royal Exchange. MDCXCI.
The Preface.
AS the sad Consideration of the too great and general decay of Serious Religion among a Crowd of Pretenders to it, (which I think, the ensuing Discourses if practically digested, might lead and help in some measure to cure) was the chief thing which first engag'd me in the choice of this Subject, and is that which induces me now to Publish it; so I am not insensible that the very Title which it bears, is enough to expose it to the Ignorance of foolish men, and to draw the severest censure upon that which might more naturally conduce to their conviction. Multitudes of persons are so strongly prejudic't against every thing of this kind, which thwarts their Licentious Principles and Courses, that the meer sight or sound of the Name, will raise their indignation, and blow up that wrath of man which does too powerfully obstruct the working of the Righteousness of God.
But I calmly expect the casting of flouds out of such Mouths, when I consider, that the principal Mysteries of the Gospel have been as ill treated, as any thing that I have written here, can be; Who does not know that the Doctrine of Regeneration and the Newbirth, (which is represented by the Holy Ghost,Psal. 87.3. &c. as one of the Glorious things spoken of the City of God) hath been made the matter of Derision, and cavill'd at in a worse manner now, than it was by Nicodemus heretofore? And therefore if any of the Reproaches of Christ do fall upon these Lines, I shall not onelyonly rest satisfied in it as that which I look't for, but account it a greater mark of Honour and Reputation, than the most favourable Sentence from such corrupt and partial Judges would be.
Nevertheless I venture to say, that I hope better things frm some, particularly from those, who first heard, and afterwards approv'd what is here offer'd to common view;and I hope it indeed the more, the less this performance is adapted to please the fancies of the want only curious. My sincere design in this, was the same which I trust I shall ever pursue in my whole Ministerial Work; viz. To commend my self to every ones Conscience in the sight of God; 2 Cor. 4.2.as that is the faculty which I have been here peculiarly exercis'd about, and indeavour'd to rectify, so I would make it the sole Arbiter of what I have done, and readily abide by its determination. If I had taken those methods in the Composure, which suit with the Genius of the present Age, it might perhaps have pleased a few upon that score, but would have profited none; The sayings of Heathen Orators and Philosophers seem to carry more authority with many, than what can be urg'd out of the Prophets, and Apostles; but how little reforming efficacy those fragments of the Law of Nature have in comparison of the Dictates of Scripture, the conversations of these men for the most part do sufficiently speak.
And I take leave to add for the quickning of those that make a better Profession, into whose hands Providence may cast this Book, that if it should not attain that end of doing good, which Ihave framed it to serve, it will besides my intention, have the quite contrary effect of doing evil: As every word of God shall certainly accomplish something or other, to our advantage or our hurt; the like may be said of all Writings of this nature too; if a careful and diligent improvement be made, it may give occasion of everlasting praise and thankfulness in Heaven; but if after a sleight and cursory perusal, any should imagine that the work is done, and the purpose answer'd, without the least resolution form'd, or endeavour us'd, to regulate their future practice, it will tend to aggravate the torment of self-reflexions in Hell. I humbly intreat therefore every one, as I solemnly charge my self, to look upon these things not as Notions to be onelyonly lodg'd in the Mind, but as Rules to be observed in the Life; seconding this Injunction and Request with my hearty Prayers to the God of all Grace, that such lively impressions of the following Truths may be made upon the Hearts both of Author, and Readers, as effectually to prevent their rising up in Judgment against the one or the other.
T. C. May 4. 1691.