Heaven Upon Earth, Sermons · Sermons on 2 Corinthians 1.12 · Sermon 1
SERMON I.
2 COR. 1. 12. For our rejoycing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity, and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-wards.
IT is no great bussiness, but a very ordinary thing for a man to be chearful when he is in prosperity, and hath all things in the World smiling on him (though often, even in the midst of that laughter the heart is sorrowful, and there is an emptinesse, and utter insufficiency in all these things, to make the heart truly glad) but this is a great matter, a very rare thing, and to be found but with very few, viz. In the midst of afflictions, reproaches, tribulations and persecutions to be cheerful, and rejoycing, and (as it is, Isa. 24. 15. to be glorisying God in the midst of the fires; This is Pauls practice, and exercise here, who being (as the words before hold forth) brought so near death, that he even dispared of life; who having to do with Professors and Preachers of the Gospel, that made it their bussines to defame his Person, and to depretiat, and disparage his Ministry; Who being riviled, buffeted, persecuted, and counted as the filth of the world, and the off-scouring of all things; who being alwayes delivered unto death; and made a gazing stock to the world, to angels, to men; and being moreover put to wrestle not only with flesh and blood, but also with principalities and powers, and spirtual wickednesse in high places; yet hath this for his rejoycing, the testimony of his conscience, &c.
Not to insist on the Connection, We have in the words these Four things, 1. Pauls continued chearfulnesse, notwithstanding his formerly mentioned …, This is our rejoycing. 2. The ground and rise of this spiritual, and solid joy, that no affliction can remove from him, The testimony of our conscience; in his affliction and tribulation he taketh a back-look of his way, and findeth his Conscience no… simply speaking, but testifying good on his hehalf, telling him, that though he and his fellows were accounted deceivers, and unknown. yet they were true and well-known, &c. As it is, 2 Cor. 6. v. 8. 3ly. The extent, or amplification of this ground, 1. More generally, we have had our conversation in the world, (which is to be restricted to Pauls Conversation after his Conversion, in his Ministry, and otherwayes; For, though a natural man may have a blamless visible Conversation, yet it is not such as a renewedman hath for the ground of his rejoycing) 2. More particularly, he not only had a good Conversation, as to the general tract of his Life, but in his carriage towards the Corinthians in particular, with whom he had been so much, and so long conversant; and more abundantly to you-wards; what ever they might, through the suggestion, and instigation of false Teachers, have been disposed, and ready to upbraid him with, yet he had the Testimony of his sincerity, and integrity, as to what all the world could say of him, which he alleadgeth, and more abundantly towards you; Partly to shew his distinctnes in searching his Conscience, not by the Lump (to speak so) but as to the several parts and pieces of his Life; and partly to obviat an Objection, or Calumny that might arise among them, whe…e his conversation was most; and most carped at. 4ly. We have the Characters whereby he confirms this Testimony of his Conscience, or the qualifications of it, whereby his confidence of having it, is confirmed; Which are Four, The 1. whereof is negative, not by fleshly wisdom, Not seeking my own ends, nor my own good in a carnal way; neither by carnal reason prosecuting the work of the Ministry; The other three are positive, The 2. Is simplicity, that is, a holy singlenesse in reference to the end; He was a straight upright single man, and in nothing double. The 3d. is, That is was in godly sincerity; And this not only as it's opposit to gross hypocrisie, and dissimulatiion, but as it differs from meer moral honesty; he walked not only in a civil moral honest way, as meerly moral and civil men use to do, in their Barganings, and other Dealings, but in godly sincerity, doing every thing as in Gods sight; as he sayes of himself, Chap. 2. v. last. We are not as many, who corrupt the word of God, but as of sincerity, as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ: The 4. Character whereby he proves that he had this Testimony and was assured of it, is, that he did not what he did by his own strength, or by the strength of nature, but by the grace of God; Which shews (as we said before) that this Testimony reached no further then from the time of his Conversion: The first of these positive Characters, or Evidences shews the singlenesse of his end; The second, shews his singlenesse in the way of prosecuting that end; The third shews the principle whereby, or where from he acted; it was not carnal reason that gave him counsel, nor nature that strengthned him, but Grace.
In these words then, we have, First, A short and sweet compend of a Christian and comfortable life, and of the advantage of a good Conscience. 2. We have the way how to attain, and how to entertain, and maintain the same. The Apostle (in a word) being now put to it, and having both Foes and Friends on his top, he taketh a back look of his Life, and reflects on what was his carriage towards all men, and towards the Corinthiens more particularly, and finds his Conscience testifying for him, as to both; and on this Testimony of his Conscience, well proved, and made out, he quietly settles and joyfully chea…eth himself. Having already spoken of what use should be made of Conscience before, and in the time of our doing any thing; we have now chosen these words, to shew what use should be made of Conscience in reference to what is past: Not to stand on every thing that might be observed from them, we shall astrick our selves to this scope, viz. To point out the right use making of Conscience, it's sense and Testimony of our Way and Actions, after they are past; and the Duty of a Believer in trying his bygone course of Life, and every part thereof, as to Conscience it's Testimony of it, or as to what Conscience can say concerning it.
1. Then Observe but in passing, That Conscience can signify it's mind to a man concerning his Actions, and Conversation of a long time past, so that though he hath been in such a Countrey among such a people, about such and such an Action many years ago, Conscience reflected upon, hath a facultie (to speak so) of signifying it's sense thereof, as of every other Action of his Life; much of Pauls time was now past, and a part of it in the Ministry at Corinth, yet looking so far back, his Conscience gives him this Testimony. Which will be further clear, if we consider, first, The experience and practice of the Saints, in attesting their Conscience, in past, and in long since past Actions; Na… we suppose there are few, or rather none at all, but their Conscience will sometimes challenge them, for a… evil Action that is by their hand, and that for a considerable time; Iosephs Brethren are a famous instance of the truth of this: Now, if it can Challenge, or Accuse, it can also Excuse and Approve a man, and testify for him, when he hath done well; For excusing is as extensive in a good case, as accusing is in an evil. 2. It's clear also, from the Office of the Conscience; which (as we shew) is not only to dictat, and to be an observing companion, but to be a Judge; which supposeth for ordinary, the thing to be past; Therefore, 1 Iohn 3. 22. both the condemning and absolving of the heart is spoken of; Which inferreth, that the Conscience (called there the heart) hath a way of re-cognoscing of, and passing Sentenc… on a mans way, and actions, not only, while they are a doing, but when past.
2ly. Observe (which is that we mainly intend to speak to) That it is a main piece of a tender walk, and of the practice of … Christian, to be reflecting on his bygone way, and trying what Conscience sayeth of it; not only (as I have often aid) to deliberat and advise with Conscience before, and to carry Conscience along in the time of the Action; but when the thing is past, it may be many years since, and as to the course of his Life; to be looking in, and reflecting on what Conscience sayeth, for, or against him: This is Pauls practice here; he cannot have the Testimony of his Conseience till he have asked it, and tryed it, and laid his conversation in the general, and his carriage among the Corinthians in particular before it; And if the former Doctrine be a truth, this will follow; that a tender Christian will be reflecting on his bygone way, and trying what his Conscience sayeth of it, and of his Actions; Except we will say that a man may be tender, and not take heed to his Conscience; to which for this end, God hath given it this reflecting power, or facultie (to say so). It will also be more clear, if we look to the practice, and experience of the Saints, who, the more tender they have been, the more they have been in reflecting this way; if we look to Iob, we will find, that most of all the discourses he hath, are so many reviews of his Conscience; particularly, Chap. 23. 11. He sayeth, My foot hath held his steps, his way have I k…pt, and not declined, neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips, I have esteemed the words of his mouth more then my necessary food; How is it that he speaketh so confidently, but from reflecting on, and from the Testimony of his Conscience? Therefore, chap: 27. 3, 4, 5. He sayeth, All the while my breath is in me, and the Spirit of God is in my nostrils, my lips shall not speak wickedness, nor my tongue utter deceit, I will not remove my integrity, my righteousness will I hold fast, my heart shall not reproach me so long as I live; Importing that he cannot find his Conscience challenge him as to that wherwith his Friends did charge him; So likewayes, Chap. 31. 1. He sayes, I made a covenant with mine eyes, why then should I look upon a maid? And he goeth on through the Chapter, particularly making it to appear, that he had been searching, and trying, and taking notice of his way, and of all the pieces and parts of it. And that therein his Conscience had given him a good Testimony: Thus David, Psal. 7. 3. sayeth, Lord my God, if I have done this, if there be iniquity in my hands, if I have rewarded evil to him, &c. Psal. 26. 2. Examine me, O Lord, and prove me, try my reins and my heart; And, Psal. 139. 23. Search me, O Lord, (sayeth he) and know my heart, try me, and know my thoughts, and see if there be any wicked way in me: All which supposeth his own tryal accomplished in, and of his Conscience to have gone before: Yea, not only the Believer, but the Believer in the tenderest frame, is most in this work; Therefore in the most serious exercise of Repentance, under the greatest manifestations of Gods presence, and the most abundant pourings out of his Spirit, and when nearest to Death; they are most ready to reflect on Conscience; which sheweth, that not only we should do it, but that the more tender Persons be, they will be the more in this duty: and there is also good reason for it, For 1. A man cannot know his condition except he reflect, and search what his Conscience hath to say of it; And it's not the bare remembring of the Action, but the considering of it, by bringing it before, and trying it by the Rule of the Word, in the …ourt of Conscience, so as to have it's approbative Testimony, that maketh it passe for eurrent. 2ly. Because, as a man knoweth not how to judge of what is past, so neither how to carry for time to come; what he hath to repent of, or what he hath to amend in his way, except he take a review, and back-look of it, as to the time past: It's the finding of such a thing to be wrong that maketh him say, This I had need to repent of, and this I had need to watch against for time to come; Therefore these two are put together, Psal. 119. 59. 69. I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies, I made haste, &c. The examination of his bygone way, helped him to go on right for the time to come. 3ly. Because hardly will a tender man come to prayer without this; He knoweth not what to confesse, nor what to seek, except he reflect, and consider what he hath to confesse unto, o… to seek from God; And sure a man cannot be tender, if he pray not: Therefore these two are joyned together, Zech. 12. 10. I will pour (sayeth the Lord) upon the house of David, and the inhabitants of Ierusalem, the spirit of grace and supplications, and they shall look upon him whom they have peirced, and mourn; Hence it is found in experience, that the more insight a man hath in his bygone way, the more liberty he hath in prayer; and that deadnesse and drynesse in prayer flow much from the want of self-reflection. 4ly: Because this is the way for a man to win at peace; and no man can be tender, and have solid peace that cares not what his Conscience speaks to him, whether good or evil, peace or war; and he can never know what it sayeth except he reflect and try: And it is from this, that even Paul himself cannot have peace, nor rejoyce, till he try his peace and joy to be the effects of Conscience it's Testimony, and Conscience Testimony to be the consequent of self-examination.
The Uses of the Doctrine are Four, the first wherof, is for instruction, The 2d. For tryal, The 3. For exhortation. The 4. For reproof, and expostulation.
The 1. Use, I say, …s for …nstruction, would ye know, and be instructed in a main piece of a Christian walk, and practice, here it is, to be often reflecting on your bygone way, and hearing what Conscience sayeth of it; To belooking from your youth up, what ye have done, what have been your more habitual thoughts, words and actions, and hearing what Conscience sayeth of them, of such a word or discourse, of such a voyage or journey, and so of other actions; and to be putting it to passe it's Sentence on them, and to be trying whether we have peace in them, and Conscience it's good Testimony concerning them, or not. To this purpose we might alleadge that place, Rev. 4. v. 6, 8. (Which we suppose to be mainly▪ and most properly meant of tender Ministers of the Gospel, yet it may well by proportion be applyed to tender privat Christians) Where these Four beasts are said to have eyes before▪ and behind, and to be ful of eyes within; Eyes before, intimating that they should be tender in finding out what is to be done; Eyes within, intimating that they should be watchful over their own heart, and way, over their own present frame & walk, looking not only before, behinde, and about them, but within themselves; And Eyes behind, intimating that tender Christians should have, and in some measure indeed have, an eye (as we use to speak of very watchful, and accuratly observing persons) in their neck, looking to what sticks and cleaveth to their heels, as it were, when they have past any Action or Duty, as the word is Psal. 49. 5. Where the Psalmist speaketh of the iniquity of his heels compassing him about; As knowing well that in every step of his way, he leaveth some …oul vestige, or print behind him, and therefore looketh back on it: This then we propose as a piece, and a special piece of a tender walk, viz. That Christians, not only deliberat before they do, and look to Conscience while they are adoing, but that also they reflect, and look back upon the Action, when it is done and past. To clear this a little further, there are Three main things that a Believer is called to, in reference to what is past, 1. Examination of himself, and his way, 2. Laying of himself and his way▪ to and before his Conscience informed by the Word, 3. Judging of himself according as he find eth his way to be, when he hath laid it before his Conscience: We need not curiously and nicely difference these, for they go alwayes together when a man is right; His examination of himself, and of his way, the examination of his way by his Conscience, and his selfjudging; yet they may be some way differenced: selfexamination is more large, and extensive, taking in the whole that a man is concerned in, his …ecklenesse, and his need, as well as his sinfulnesse; but reflecting on Conscience considereth a mans way as sinful, or not sinful only; self-examination is a gathering, as it were, of things together; but reflecting on Conscience is a laying of them to the Rule, a putting of them to the touch-stone; self-examination is the mids, Conscience-reflection is the end; And if any should offer to divide them, the gathering of things together by self-examination, will not signifie much, except they be tryed by Conscience; self-examination is antecedent to the Sentence of the Judge; self-judging is subsequent, as a Ratification of that which Conscience hath said, when we have examined, and found out things, and when Conscience hath on reflection agreeably to the Rule, given it's Sense and Sentence: Our judging of our selves is our homologating, or owning, applying and taking home to us the Sentence that Conscience hath past, as it were from our own mouth; somewhat like that word, Rom. 8. 16. The spirit it self beareth witnesse with our spirits, that we are the children of God; In our self examination, and judging we are active, but in Conscience it's passing Sentence, we are passive, as being therein … before the Judge, and when Conscience hath said, we say: however we put them together, and have marked it for this reason; because oft-times, when we examine, and take a look of our selves, and of our way, we are disposed to think that we have done enough, and as soon as the I…ditement is read, we run away from the Bar, and do not abide, and stay for Conscience it's decision, as if we knew what it will say before hand; again some-times we are disposed to Judge our selves, and to passe, or leap over both examination, and consciences Sentence; being thus precipitant, and preposterous to prevent any trouble and apprehended horrour that may attend the Sentence of Conscience; and are ready to say, that we know not what it will say, before it be put to the …ryal; And this is a reason why many will take with a conviction, but it hath no weight with them, nor … to them, because it is their own, as it were, and not Conscience it's Sentence; Therefore ye would by all means joyn together these Three; use Self-examination, Judge and passe Sentence on your selves (as we are willed, 1 Cor. 11. 28. 31.) But miss not this cup…e, viz Reflecting upon, and observing of what Conscience hath to …ay; for this … the first and the last together, and if they be no… thus knit, they will fall assunder and come to nothing.
The 2d. Use is for tryal, take it then for an evidence and mark of a tender Christian, thus to reflect on a persons walk, and actions, when he hath done them▪ The tender Christian will thus reflect on his way and actions done, though it were for many years past, and will judge impartially according to what Conscience hath to say of them; They here behave like unto faithful Ambassadors, or Messengers, who being Commissionat in some bussinesse, and having gone about it, will sist themselves before these that gave them the Commission to hear their Judgement and Sentence of their management of the bussinesse committed to them; … they are unfaithful that receive such a Commission, and never give an accompt of their discharge of it, nor wait for the Sentence of it's giver…; even so tender Christians will not only consult with, and take direction from Conscience, what, and how to do, but will also turn back, and see, i… Conscience doth approve of what they have done, and of their manner of doing: Now, when we speak of this, we do not say, that it is always the mark of a tender Christian, that the man hath Conscience speaking for him, for Conscience may be misled, and it's Testimony in that case signifies little; But this we say, that it is a mark of a tender Christian to be always singly trying whether it be for him, or against him; and it will be found in the experience of all tender Christians; Whereas these that walk at random without all circumspection, look not thus to Conscience; yea, even Believers the…selves, when in an untender frame, desire not much to come in Conscience it's sight, (to speak …o) The reason is, because, as it is, Ioh. 3. v. 20, 21. Every one that doth evil hateth the light, least his deeds, should be reproved; but he that doth truth cometh to the light; (to the light of the Word, and of his Conscience informed by the Word) that his deeds may be manifest, that they are wrought in God. It's no …mal part (I say) of this Light, even Conscience it's Testimony; And it sayes that the sincer man desireth to know, if he be right or wrong, and that he likes not to entertain the thoughts of any practice or deed of his to be right, when it is not so in truth; and that withall he allowes not himself to judge of his deeds meerly by himself; but to submit them to the Sentence of his Conscience, according to the Word.
To clear this a little, we shall point at some Characters of a person that is suitably serious and tender, in reflecting on his Conscience, and that 1. In respect of it's extent, and then 2ly. In respect of the effects of it.
First, then, as to the Extent, 1. He reflecteth on, and tryeth all his Actions, even the whole tract and current of his Life, as Paul doth here, his conversation in the World, and towards the Corinthians. 2ly. He reflects on, and tryes his very best Actions, were it even those of a mans Ministry, of his Preaching, Prayer, &c. Not as some, who think it enough to reflect only on sinful Actions, such as swearing, lying, deceiving, oppressing, &c. Which need but little tryal, the sinfulnes of them being often obvious, as it were at first blush; but the tender man tryeth these Actions that have the best appearance, that he may know, if they be in very deed, what they appear to be. 3ly. He is particular in his tryal, he not only tryeth his conversation in the general, ba… (as Paul doth here) his conversation at such a time, so such a place, and in such company; O! in how many particulars doth holy Iob instance, Chap. 3…. 4…y A tender man wiil go far back; even when old, to the sins of his youth, as David doth, when he prayes, Psal. 25. 7. Remember not against me the sins of my youth. I remember godly Augustin in his Confessions, goeth as far back as he can remember and not only so, but he sayes, that when he looked on the little cankerings, and …rowardnesse of …nfants, he was put to think of what were the first out-breakings of his sinful nature, when he was on the breast; David looketh far back, when he sayes, Psal. 51. 5. I was shapen in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. 5ly. He is frequent in reflecting and trying, and the more tender, the more freq…ant; he will not readily let slip, no… suffer to passe one day without it; yea, he will sometimes try often in one day, on the back of this and that piece of his walk, especially of any more Solemn Action; yea, (which is yet more) he will come often over one and the same Action, or thing, so that when he hath taken a look of it to day, he will take another look of it tomorrow; knowing that there is a depth of iniquity in the heart, that is not soon nor easily plumbed; he looketh often on the same Action, that he may find it out, that the discovery and sense of it may be the more fresh, and deeply affecting for his humiliation; it's on this ground that the Apostle speaketh of his having a good Conscience; wherof, if the Testimony be approving, the frequent going over it, maketh it to be the more vive, clear, and comfortable.
Secondly, This may be known (as I said) by the effects of it, which are notable; For, 1. A …ender man that is frequent in reflecting thus, is a watchful man; The byting of Conscience by it's challenges for past, and bygone …, make him look better to himself for the time to come; and put him, with holy and tender Iob, Chap. 31. To make a covenant with his eyes, that he may look right on, and not wander; To covenant with his Affections, that they wander and range not up and down in pursuit of the World, a…d of the variety of vain Objects therein, to the diverting of him from a close and con…ant pursuit after God. 2. He can give a distinct account of himself, and of his way, and doth not readily and easily forget things, but is in case to give an account of this which he did, and of that which he spoke; As Iob instanceth, in a multitude of particulars, Chap. 31. He can give a legend, as it were, of his Life: which I fear but few of us can do, to good purpose, this way; I remember that holy man Augustin tells, that at such a time, while he was singing a Psalm, he observed his heart ready to str…y, and to be more taken up with the external Musick, then with Spiritual Joy in God; and relates several of his pranks, when he was a Child. 3 He is a man distinct, and full in the consession of Sin; He never wanteth an evil tale (to speak so) to tell of himself, yea, he must, and will tell it, when it may glorify God, and edify others; he can speak particularly of the evil of his heart, and of his way, he is not a stranger to it, neither doth he hide his sin as Adam, as Iob speaks, Chap. 31. v. 33. It is sure, one great reason, why we are so little in the exercise of Repentance, even that we are so little in the exercise of Self-reflection. 4. He is suitably affected with that which he discovereth; he not only seeth his way with this and that, and the other Action, but it toucheth him; one great reason why we see somany Sins, and are so little affected with them, i…, that we take not the Censure of them from Conscience, and consider not duly, what weight it's sense and censure of them should have with us; and by proportion, this is a reason why Christians are so little comforted in good Actions. 5. The re…ecting▪ tender man is a praying man; as he is much i… co…ssing of Sin, so he is much in Prayer, and Serious in it, and at no time readily more frequent, and serious then when his Sin is before him; as Davids sin was ever before him, Psal. 51. 3. Which makes him so very serious in Prayer there; and as he is serious in prayer, so he hath much holy indignation at Sin, and a great loathing at himself for it; he can speak suitably of it, and demonstrat the vilenesse of it to the Life, and aggravat it to the height; while he sayes, Against thee, thee only have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight; He looks not at it, as a Sin of in…mity, but as a sin committed with a high hand; I know (sayeth he) thou lovest truth i… the inward parts, but I have thus far plaid the hypocrite coming out with a fair shew before men, when sin was raging in secret within me; Thus, 2 Cor. 7. 11. True Repentance is described from it's Effects▪ …t hath holy and high indignation and revenge attending reflections on it; Ezek. 16. v. 61. & ch. 36. v. 31▪ There is a remembring▪ a blushing, a being ashamed, and a loathing of themselves, The man is thus vile in his own eyes, thinks very little of himself, and loaths himself very much▪ 6. He is well content when he discovereth a ground of challenge where it is, he hunts not after approbation, and applause, but is satisfied to have a just and necessary challenge, as well as to be approven, though the one hath much more peace, and comfort with it then the other; Let the righteous smite me (sayeth the Psalmist, Psal. 141. 5.) and it shall be a kindness, and let him reprove me, and it shall be an oyl that shall not break mine head; So when his Conscience smiteth him, it acts in his esteem, the part of a good friend, he welcometh it when there is ground for it, and repineth not against it. 7. He hath a deep impression of the Majesty of God on his Spirit; for his laying so great a weight on Conscience his Deput, suggests to him the suitablenesse of thinking highly of God himself, and of carrying with due reverence to him; when men think little of God himself, they think little of Conscience his Depute; and on the contrary, a tender Conscience maketh God very awful, dreadful, and majestick; Therefore Iob giveth this for a reason, why he durst not contend with his Servants, because the terrour of God made him afraid; His carrying along with him Conscience it's sense of his way, did mightily elevat his thoughts of God. 8. He hath many earands to God in Christ, he seeth many things amiss that need to be amended, he dayly discovers much guilt, which necessi…ats him to run to God for absolution; Grace both for pardoning of his iniquities, and for healing of his diseases, is alwayes lovely, sweet and fresh to him; And to hear of it, is like a Box of precious fragran…ly smelling Ointment broken, like Oyl poured into a smar…ing wound, and as good news from a far Countrey.
By all which, in a word ye may see. 1. That it is a desireable thing to live and walk tenderly. 2ly That it is a most necessary thing, in order to coming by many choice advantages. 3ly. That it is bu… a very rare thing, and to be found with but few, notwithstanding it's many rare and excellent effects. 4ly. That it is a very hard and difficult thing to be a tender Christian, and in this frame of true tenderness of Conscience; consulting it, carrying it along, and reflecting on it in all Actions; that being the principle that keepeth tender in them all.