Heaven Upon Earth, Sermons · Sermons on 2 Corinthians 1.12 · Sermon 4
SERMON IV.
2 COR. 1. 12. For our rejoycing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in …, 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.
THere is hardly any thing excellent, and very singularly profitable to men▪ but it hath some more then ordinary difficulty in the way of coming at it, notwithstanding whereof they are not deterred, nor detained from pursuing after it; the consideration of its excellency with the expectation of the great incomes of advantage and profit by it, makes them the more easily comport with the difficulty of it, and to think all their labour well bestowed, in overcoming that difficulty: So we may truly say of the serious exercise of godlinesse, that it is so transcendently excellent (as being that which beautifully conforms the rational▪ to the image of God, and capacitats the same to enjoy fellowship with him, wherein its true glory, and excellency incontrovertibly consists) and so very profitable, even profitable to all things (as nothing else in the world is) having the promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come, That the greatest difficulties should not fright … …, nor faint us in the vigorous, constant and closse pursuit of it: We shall not deny, but that this piece of godlinesse in particular, that lyes in the conscientiously tender ordering, and disposal of all our actions in order to wining at the joyful Testimony of our Conscience concerning them, hath much difficulty in it, as being contrary to the natural levity, wavering and instability of our hearts, and mightily opposed by Satan, as gready prejudicial to his interest in the Soul, yet it is so very excellent, and so exceeding useful, and profitable to the Christian (as we made appear from our last discourse on these words) that all the difficulty of it may be the more easily digested; It hath (as the other duties of Religion have, when rightly gone about) its reward in the bosome thereof; O! what sweet peace, what strong consolation, and what unspeakable joy hath the Apostle here, from the Testimony of his Conscience after discovering his actions, to be so ordered, by this serious Self-reflection, and examination? whereof special notice would be taken; We shall therefore now proceed to Observe some things more particularly from the Text, to this purpose.
First then Observe, That when Conscience is well pleased with a mans way, it will give a Testimony for him; or when Conscience hath put a mans way to proof, it will not only, in the general speak its sense, but when his way is well ordered, and squared according to the Rule, and he in his design is found straight, and to have taken his aim right, Conscience will, after Examination, excuse, and bear him witnes to his joy: Thus is Paul dealt with here by his Conscience, This is our rejoycing (saith he) the testimony of our conscience; Which is not simply Conscience speaking, but Conscience speaking for vindicating him from these aspersions that were cast upon him, or excusing him (as the word is, Rom. 2. 15.) And testifying that he was not the man that some men counted him to be; He had this Testimony, That in simplicity, and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom▪ but by the grace of God he had his conversation in the world▪ and more abundantly toward them in Corinth; Which after search he found to be so: That which we spoke of the nature of Conscience makes this out; for Conscience, when right, speaks of things as they indeed are, and holds forth the mind of God, and gives sentence according to it; when he is well pleased, to declare and pronounce pardon and peace; and when he is displeased▪ to declare anger, and (as it were) to denunce War.
Whereof we would make this Use, Even to learn not only to study to know, take up, and discern the work … Conscience, in challenging and accusing (which for …ost part it doth, having so much ground to do so) but …so its work, in absolving, excusing, and giving a good Testimony.
2ly. Observe, That the Testimony of Conscience, or its bearing witnes for a man, after reflecting upon, and searching of his way, is exceeding refreshful, comfortable and joyous▪ This is our rejoycing (saith the Apostle) the testimony of our conscience; There is nothing more heartsome, refreshing and cheering to a tender walker, neither can there readily be any thing▪ on this side heaven, more solacious and joyous to him, then when he hath examined his Conscience, to find it testify for him; This is the great ground of Pauls joy and rejoycing; though he lived in the midst of manifold temptations, and tribulations; and was accounted to be the most contemptible of men, Even as the filth of the world, and the off-scouring of all things; Yet he had solid peace and joy on this ground, that when he looked back on his way, in the discharge of his Ministry, his Conscience bare him witnes, that he had been single and faithful therein; And as it was thus with Paul, so it hath been with many of the Lords people, who have humbly boasted, and rejoyced in this Testimony of their Conscience within, when men have spoken evil of them, reproached and reviled them without.
For further clearing of this point, we would consider a little, 1. Some particular Cases, wherein this Testimony of Conscience proves in a special manner refreshing, and rejoycing. 2ly. We would consider the particular grounds, and attendants of this refreshing and joy; whereby we will easily see, that this Testimony of Conscience for a man, upon the search of his way, is a singularly good thing; for before a man search his way, he cannot solidly acquiesce in the Testimony that Conscience gives of it; nor can look on it as well grounded; because he is not, nor can be sure whether there be any ground and warrand for it, or not; whereas, when he hath suitably searched for the ground and warrand, where they are, they will readily discover themselves to him.
As to the particular Cases, wherein this Testimony proves singularly refreshing and joyous, they are these, and the like, 1. In a Case of external crosses, and troubles in the World; none of these much move a man, that hath this Testimony of his Conscience, it gives him sweet peace amidst them all; We see what mighty troubles Paul, was under, Chap. 11. v. 25, 26, 27. Yet he can, and doth rejoyce in the midst of them. 2. When external crosses and losses have sad aggravations attending them, such as the contempt, and reproach of the men of the World; when he is calumniously represented, as one that turns the world up side down, and who is deservedly so dealt with, Conscience its Testimony in that case gives him peace, quietness and joy; which is the very case wherein the Apostle here rejoyceth on this account. A 3d. Case is, When inward challenges, and temptations accompany outward afflictions, when these are mustered up before, and make an assault on the poor afflicted man, and when there are some fearful apprehensions of Gods displeasure born in upon him; Then, O! then Consciences Testimony gives wonderful quietnesse; as we may see it doth to holy Iob, who sayeth, in this case, Chap. 27. v. 6. My heart shall not reproach me so long as I live; So Chap. 31. throughout; and sure it must be solid, and well-grounded quietnesse, rest▪ and repose of Soul, that calms a man in this case. 4ly. When the person draws near unto death, and when this King of Terrours formidably musters all his Forces, and when there is no escaping out of his hand, and when all comforts fail, and stand by as so many muts, not having one word to say, for the dying mans relief, or ease; this Testimony doth then readily come forth in its strength, toward the quieting, refreshing▪ and rejoycing of his heart, and makes him boldly, and withou… … fear, encounter death; as the experience of Hezekiah▪ and many others of the Saints recorded in the Scriptures, maketh clear.
2ly. Consider whence this joy comes, or the grounds and attendants of the joy which this Testimony yeelds, which are Fourfold▪ 1. It hath with it inward quietness, strength and comfort; The well grounded approving Testimony of the Conscience, calms the heart amidst all storms of outward troubles, or of inward challenges, and tentations, and puts them all to silence, it doth fortify the heart to bear out in what ever tryal; it proves not only comfortable in the holding off challenges, but hath a joy and refreshing, flowing immediately from the very Testimony it self, even a singularly sweet joy, that floorishes, and flows over and above these; and keeps the heart in a calm serenity; The peace of God, (sayeth the Apostle, Phil. 4. 7) shall guard your hearts and minds through Christ Iesus; Consciences Testimony warrantably speaking peace, is like a garison planted about the heart, keeping it as an impregnable and invincible strong Hold, or Fort; So that no troubles, nor temptations from without, nor stirrings of Corruption or Challenges from within, do sooner (to say so) set out their head, but it overmatcheth them, and preserves the heart quiet in despyt of them all. 2ly. This does also accompany this Testimony, as a ground of joy, even the clearing up of the persons interest in Christ, and the evidencing of their sincerity, and the truth and reality of the work of Grace in them; Which is very strengthning and comforting; when a man hath put his way to the tryal in the court of Conscience, and found it to be squared according to the Rule of the Word, and hath Consciences Testimony therein for him; It sweetly evidences to him his sincerity, and so the truth of his interest in Christ, which is attended with unspeakable joy.
3ly. This Testimony gives boldnesse and accesse with confidence to God, to go heartsomly and familiarly to him in prayer under the multitude of temptations, crosses and reproaches; and is not this ground of great refreshing, and joy? When a man may go to God, and pour out his very heart in his bosome, may not only tell him what he needs, but also expect a gracious hearing, and return from him, in whatsoever is needful; If our hearts (sayes Iohn 1 Epistle Chap. 2. v. 22.) condemn us not, we have confidence towards God, and whatsoever we ask▪ we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do these things that are pleasant in his sight; Though the man be empty-handed for the time, and hath not in himself, whereupon he can be for the honour of God, either by suffering or doing, he may with humble boldnesse, present his suit to God, and expect from him whatsoever is good, and needful for the man himself, and what ever may be for his own honour in him, and by him.
4ly. This Testimony of a good Conscience hath attending it, a clearing, & up-making, fresh and lively hope of eternal Life; and of a comfortable, glorious, and satisfying out-gate, from all the difficulties, temptations, and troubles that he is in at present, or may be in for the future; it will make him, according to his measure say, as Paul doth, 2 Tim. 4. 7, 8. I have fought a good fight I have finished my course, I have kept the faith, Hence forth is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, &c. And by thus clearing up the Christians hope of eternal life; an entrance is ministred unto him abundantly, into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Iesus Christ: as Peter hath it, 2. Ep. ch, 1. v. 11. And must it not be exceedingly, and even unspeakably refreshing and joyful to the Christian, to have all these trysting together in his Case, even while he is here sojourning in the earth? doubtlesse it must.
The First Use of this Doctrine serves for exhorting, and beseeching you all to study, and be in love with a good Conscience; its unknown, what solid sweet peace and joy ye may have by it; O! Endeavour through Grace, to be so tender, straight, and upright in your aim to have a good Conscience in all things, that when ye reflect on your way, ye may have its good Testimony; There will most certainly be more peace found in this, then in the greatest abundance of all earthly comforts, though combined together at their very best; Can any of these calm a mans mind in a storm of challenges for sin, and of the terrours of death? Do they not often rather leave men in greater anxiety, and perplexity, then if they had never injoyed them? Yea, often in the very mean time of these injoyments, and in the midst of the carnal joy and laughter that results from them, the heart is sad, through the want of the Testimony of a good Conscience. Therefore we exhort you, in the Name of the Lord, as ye would have a pleasant and cheerful life, and a comfortable and joyful death, labour to have a good Conscience in all things, that when ye reflect on it, it may testify for, and speak good of, and to you; This (as Solomon sayes) Is a continual feast in Life, and a soveraign cordial against the terrour of Death.
The 2d. Use serves. To let us see the rise, reason and cause of the great anxiety, perplexity and vexation, that is among most men, so that they toil night and day, and have no satisfaction; its even this, that they do not seek after the peace and joy that are founded upon, and result from the Testimony of a good Conscience; no wonder that such persons live, and die utter strangers to all solid peace and joy, which only grow on this Root: This is a main cause also of the little peace, and great heartlesnesse, that is among even Believers themselves, that either they are not so seriously endeavouring to have the Testimony of a good Conscience, or they are not so careful to draw their rejoyceing from it, but are untender in their walk, or are as so many Bees fleeing from this flower to the other of worldly injoyments, seeking to suck some sweetnesse, and satisfaction from them, and doe not, as it becomes them, reflect on Conscience; that they may have a Testimony of sincerity from it; and that on that ground, they may be quiet, cheerful, and joyful.
The 3d. Use Serves, To discover to us, what mighty prejudice flows from, and follows upon the neglect of a tender walk, which layes the ground of this Testimony, and on the neglect of self-examination, a main piece of a tender walk, which helpeth to draw forth this Testimony; and therefore, as ye would have this Testimony, and the refreshing peace, and joy that flow from it in Life and Death, and as ye would have a heart holily triumphing over all crosses and difficulties, afflictions and tribulations, design and indeavour more through grace, to have a tender walk, that ye may lay a ground for this Testimony; and study to be more frequent in Self-examination, that thereby ye may extract, and draw it forth clearly, and convincingly for your peace, comfort and joy: Could many of you be but once prevailed with, to prove, and make tryal, what a comfortable thing it is, to have Conscience by this Testimony smiling on you, ye would be more in love with it, and with the serious exercise of godlinesse, and particularly with Self-examination, that make way for it, However, we are perswaded that ere long, the day will come, wherin many of youshall be made to know the truth of all this in your sad experience, when death shall stair you grimly in the face, and when ye shall neither be able to send nor to flee; O! of what excellent worth will the Testimony of a good Conscience then be found to be, hearing witnes to men, concerning their honesty, sincerity, uprightnesse, and the tenderness of their walk; many of you will find it, though ye believe it not now, when ye shall be eternally deprived of such a Testimony; ye shall then be made to know to your everlasting cost, that the rejoycing of heart flowing from this Testimony of a good Conscience, is infinitely preferable to all the worldly injoyments, and delights of the sons of men: I would beseech such of you, as think your selves to be wise in this world, to study to be wise in this great point of wisdom; If ye want this Testimony, when it comes to the last reckoning, ye will be for ever undone, and will never through all eternity once smile for joy, but weep and gnash your teeth, for the gnawing pain, that the never dying worm of an evil Conscience shall cause to you.
3ly. Observe, That a man that would be throughly acquainted with his way, and clear in the Testimony of his Conscience concerning it, would be particular in the examination thereof; or thus, he would not content himself with a general confused tryal of it, altogether at once, and in the bulk, but he would try it by parts, and parcels; Thus it was with the Apostle here; when he sayes that he had the testimony of his conscience, that his conversation was not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, in the world, he subjoyns, and more abundantly to youwards; And so descends to the particular, that was in controversie betwixt him, and these big talking Doctors, that made it their great businesse in the Church of Corinth, to derogat from the just repute of his Person, and Ministry, and tells them, that he had the Testimony of his Conscience concerning his upright and faithful carriage, in preaching the Gospel to them in particular: When I say, that persons would try their way by parts, or pieces, I mean, that they would try their particular actions, and behaviour in such and such places, at such and such particular times of their Life; because by this means, they come to a more distinct knowledge of their carriage and way; and it is impossible other wayes, when men take up their way together by the lump (as it were) that they can win to distinctnes; which they must needs be at, in some measure, ere they have a well grounded testimony of their Conscience, from solid and … grounds: Again there are some things, wherein a man cannot have a good Testimony from his Conscience▪ … when he reflects under strong Temptations, on the … wise, and soveraign providence of God, as if he … ed not the world, and his people therein aright, as Abihu chargeth Iob some way to have done, when he say… to him, Chap. 33. v. 12. Behold in this thou … not just▪ though Iob will not take with it, that he is a …; yet he is silent, as to this part of the charge, being, its like, convinced of the truth of it: As also a man may have many things very blame-worthy in his life, and yet may be in one or moe particulars, wherewith he is charged, clear and innocent; as it was with David, who sayes, Psal. 7. 3. If I have done this, &c. He had many blemishes, yet in this particular, he had the Testimony of his Conscience for him: Therefore men would try their way by pieces and parts, that they may disallow of these things wherein they cannot have a good Testimony from their Conscience, and may accept of its Testimony, in that wherein they are right; that they may reject a challenge, when there is no ground for it, and entertain it where there is ground: a confused general way of Self-examination hath Two bad effects, 1. It keeps persons indistinct in the knowledge of their condition, wherein they have a confused fight of somewhat right, and of somewhat wrong, but know not what it i… in particular, because they rest, and sit down upon that general confused look of their case and way, and come not to condescend on particulars. 2ly. Persons readily, either absolve themselves, as to the more general tract of their life; because they see some things honest like therin, which keeps them from taking with just… challenges; or else they condemn the whole of their life, because they see somethings wrong in it, which keep… them from comforting themselves in the Testimony of their Conscience, as to what is right; therefore we would be particular in trying our way (as I said) by parts, that every thing may have its own place and weight with u….
4ly. Considering these words as spoken by Paul, who takes much pains to prove and clear his condition, and speaks of this Testimony, as of a great matter he had attained to, Observe, That it is not easie, but very difficult, even for a man that hath taken pains in searching himself, to obtain the Testimony of his Conscience for him in a particular; Its not so smal a matter, nor so easie a businesse as many suppose it to be; its not only a great and difficult businesse to follow the search rightly; but it is so likewayes to find things right, and to win at the Testimony of Conscience, as to this, and that, and the other particular: If it were not a great and difficult busines, Paul would not lay such weight on it, as he doth. Now when I say its a great and difficult busines, I mean, …. That it is a rare thing, and such as every one doth not attain to; nay every Believer hath it not, as to every part and piece of his carriage. 2ly. That it calls for much tenderness and sincerity, in the whole of a mans practice, to reach it; It will not be a coarse, and ordinary walk and frame of heart, that will give a man ground for this refreshing Testimony of his Conscience, but it requires much seriousness and sincerity in the exercise of godlinesse, as is clear here▪ 3ly. That beside much seriousnesse and sincerity, in the universal exercise of godliness, and much circumspection in the mans personal walk and conversation, much diligence is called for, in searching to find out, and to come by this Testimony of his Conscience; for a man may have matter, and ground for Conscience its Testimony, and yet through the neglect of suitable, serious and narrow Selfexamination, he may be at a great loss, as to its joyful Testimony for him; even as one may be guilty of many sins, and yet be but very little, or not at all challenged for them, through the neglect of Self-examination. 4ly. That it requires much singleness in trying of Consciences Testimony, whether it be well grounded or not; for a man that hath his peace and joy to build on this Testimony, must not take every shew and appearance of such a Testimony, for the ground of his peace and joy, but Conscience would be put to speak distinctly, and on good ground for it, that▪ in this, and that, and the other thing, there was some sincerity; and this must be put to the proof, and exactly tryed by the word, whether it be so or not; As we see here the Apostle did, he tryeth his way and conversation, and finds it to have been … simplicity and godly sincerity, &c. From which premises (to speak so) he draws the refreshing conclusion of his joy and rejoycing: Now if we look to all these, or to any one of them, whether to the rarity of it amongst most men, yea even amongst Believers, in some respect; or to the exactnesse and tendernesse of walk that is requisit to be the ground of it; or to the great difficulty that a man will find in coming at a through search of his way; or to the diligence and single… that is called for in the tryal of Conscience its Testimony, we will find it to be a most clear and certain truth, that it is not an ordinary, nor easie business, but very difficult, to obtain the well grounded, good and joyful testimony of Conscience, as to our more general and particular conversation.
If it be so (which is the …se of the Doctrine) Is it not a wonder from whence the peace that many pretend to, comes? Is it not a wonder, that the most part of men and women can so easily affirm the Testimony of their Conscience to be for them, when there is neither exactness of life, not tenderness of walk, nor diligence in Self-searching, nor holy jealousie, nor impartial and single trying whether it be well grounded or not? And yet they will at the very first confidently pretend to Conscience its Testimony: If many of you were put to it, can you give such evidences or grounds for its Testimony, as Paul does here? If not, how comes it to pass, that ye are so ready confidently to lay claim to it? And yet, ala…e! there is nothing more ordinary, in the generality of these that are most carnal and secure, then boldly to assert that they have a good Conscience, and an honest heart. Is not this very strange, wonderful, and even …, that under the clear Sun-shine of Gospel light, Satan should get so great advantage, as thus … harden the hearts, and blind the Consciences of so many poor wretched creatures, and at this rate to de…ude and … them, as to prevail with them confidently to assert and maintain, that which they call their honesty, which yet is nothing else but rotten-hearted …, and to … their peace of Conscience, which is nothing but a Soul-murthe…ng, and damning … ▪
For further clearing of the Doctrine, and inlarging of its …se, and for helping you to judge aright of Conscience its Testimony, in your searching after it; We shall propose some Questions, from the requisit qualifications of a well grounded, and refreshing Testimony of a mans … for him; which must all be answered in some measure affirmatively, and these Answers solidly, and well proved, and made ou…, before you can quietly and confidently rest on Consciences Testimony, as to any part or piece of your way; whether it be in reference to the Sanctification of the Sabbath, to conferring on a spiritual subject, to prayer, to praise, to reading, to hearing, to eating, to drinking, to buying, to selling, to building, to planting, &c. But we shall here restrict the inquiry mostly at least, to Religious things, or actions that are Religious in their own nature. First, then, Conscience must be satisfied in this; Whether that which ye have done, be on the matter approven of God, or not; It is certainly true, ye will say, that prayer in it self is approven, and so it is; but was such and such an expression that ye uttered, and such a word that ye spoke, and the arguments that ye made use of in prayer, right before God? If the matter be not right, Conscience cannot speak for you; Though a man should be as warry and circumspect as may be▪ in cheating, circumven …ing, and deceiving of his neighbour, its impossible for Conscience to give him a good Testimony anent it, or any other such action; because its on the matter sinful; ye must once then be sure and clear in this, that what ye speak, or do in prayer, or any other thing is, as to its matter, according to the will of God.
2ly. Conscience must be satisfied in this, not only whether the thing be lawful in it self; but also whether it be a thing lawful to you, at such a time, and that to which ye are particularly called; For many things are lawful, which are not expedient; And many things may be expedient at one time, which will not be expedient at another; take it in the instance of prayer, wherein Conscience will not approve us, though we be right in it on the matter, if it be not rightly timed, or if we be not then called to it; This is to be taken heed to, especially in things that are on the matter indifferent, and in the timing of such commanded duties; to which God hath not set and fixed a particular precise time, but left them to Christian prudence to be gone about, by persons at these times, which are most seasonable, and as they are called to them.
3ly. When ye are thus clear, as to the matter, season and time, and as to Gods calling you to such and such a duty, whether did you acknowledge God in your undertaking of the duty? was he looked to for direction, and guiding in it, and for his blessing on it, and depended on for throw-bearing? according to that notable word, Prov. 3. 16. In all thy wayes acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths; In this also Conscience must have satisfaction.
4ly. What Motive did set you on to such and such a duty? and from what principle did you do it? For a duty, or action may be right on the matter▪ and ye may also be called to it, and yet▪ if ye be not sweyed to it from a right motive and principle, it will marr your peace, and stand in the way of Conscience testifying for you; that is, Though you should do a thing that is right, if ye be not sweyed to it out of Conscience, from the awe of God, from love to him, and from obedience to his command, it is faulty in so far, and ye cannot in so far have peace, nor the approving Testimony of your Conscience therein: But if a man indure grief, and suffer wrongfully, for conscience towards God, it is thank worthy, …aith the Apostle, 1 Peter 2. 19. Or if he give a cup of cold water to … disciple, in the name of a disciple, he shall not lose his reward. Matth. 10▪ 42. Thus two persons come to Church to hear the word, the one out of Conscience, in obedience to Gods command, and from love to fellow ship with him, in his ordinances; and the other for the fashion, and because its the custome, or that he may eschew from his own Conscience, the construction, and accusation of his being a gr…sly pro…ane, and it religious person, or on some such other sinister account; the one h…th in so far ground of peace, and the refreshing Testimony of a good Conscience; the other not.
5ly. Conscience must be satisfied in this Question, in whose strength was the duty undertaken? was it in the strength of Christ? and was he depended on for assistance in the going about of it? for it is not enough, that the duty be gone about, and he some way acknowledged in it, unless he be also believingly depended on for strength, to inable to the suitable performance of it.
6ly. What was your end in undertaking and prosecuting of such a duty, or action? whether was it some self-end, or the glory of God, and the edification of others? as in your eating and drinking, do ye eat and drink to satisfie your appetit only, or mainly, or to enable you to serve God, and to do good to others, in your station and capacity? In your seeking such and such gifts from God by prayer, whether is it that ye may bestow, or consume them on your lusts? (as Iames sayes, some do, Chap. 4. 3.) Or is it that ye may be helped to adorn the doctrine of God in all things? The proposing of a right end, is a main ingredient in every action, and hath great influence on your peace; We preach not our selves (saveth the Apostle, 2 Cor. 4. 5. b…t Christ Iesus the Lord; We are (as if he had said) in our preaching not seeking our selves, but him; nor our own praise, or applause to our selves, but his glory and exaltation; and this had much influence on his peace and joy; Conscience must be also satisfied in this by any means.
7ly. After what manner was the action, or duty gone about? was it in sincerity and singlenesse in a spiritual way? was the inner and new man exercised in it? suppose the duty for instance to be prayer, was it gone about in the Spirit? was Grace acted in it? and were ye serious, lively, humble tender, reverend, servent, &c. in it?
8ly. Was there nothing wrong in the action or duty? no mixture of corruption with the actings of Grace? no selfinesse mixed with your singleness, or at the best, was there not some mixture of other ends with the main end? Which, though it do not simply make the action, or duty condemnable, and to be rejected, especially when taken with, and mourned for, and Christ made use of for the pardon of it; yet it will considerably weaken Conscience its Testimony, and the joy resulting from it, in so far as these sinful mixtures a…e.
9ly. Were ye stretching your selves to the yondmost in the performance of such an action or duty, to have it right, as to all the former requisits? Was there nothing left undone, that might and should have been done? Was ye not only aiming at the right end, but according to your light, endeavouring to take every way, and make use of every approven mean, for the compassing and bringing about of that end?
Now if we will all seriously reflect, and look about us, how few, how very few are there to be found, who can answer these questions affirmatively, in any acceptable measure? Who, alace! can say they have done all they should, or even might have done, as to matter and manner, from right principles, and motives, to a right end? That they have used all means, without omitting any, that they have given all dillgence? That they have made use of Christs strength, and been single and sincere, &c. in their performances? And yet when all this is some way done, ye must yet answer one or two Questions more, ere ye can have solid peace and joy, from the good Testimony of your Conscience. 1. Whether were ye proud and conceity in the performing of such and such duties? For, if that dead Flee come in on the doing of the best duties, it will make all to stink: and yet oft-times Christians spoil their duties, and very much deprive themselves of the joyful Testimony of their Conscience, even when they have been right for matter and manner; by their being vain, conceity and proud of them.
2ly. Whether have ye washen your best duties in the Blood of Christ? For if this be wanting, it will greatly marr your peace and joy; Now I would again ask you, if ye can say, that your duties have been conform to these requisits? If not, how is it that ye are so secure, and can alleadge that ye have a good Conscience? or how can you so confidently expect peace and joy from …ts Testimony? or think ye nothing to prostitute, and (as it were) to make a bachel of this excellent thing, the Testimony of a good Conscience, as if ye could take it up (in a manner) at your foot? Ah! is there nothing that can make a crack in, or a breach upon your peace of Conscience? ye will possibly say, that ye have all sinned; if so, how can ye have peace to ly down in sin? It is true, the simple having of sin, when it suitably affects, should not quite marr and bereave a person of the Testimony of a good Conscience, where Grace is in the truth of it, and there is sincerity, and singlenesse, in endeavouring to be in case affirmatively, in some measure to answer the questions before proposed; but the utter neglect of these things, a conniving at them, and indifferency, whether the requisits be or not, a not wrestling, and striving in the strength of Christ against sin, and to get duties suitably performed, in the same strength, a not seeking to have mens best duties washen, (as I said) in the Blood of the Lamb; cannot but quite deprive of the Testimony of a good Conscience, and altogether obstruct the peace, and joy that flow from it: A Believer indeed not allowing himself in his shortcomings, in these things called for, and making frequent application to Christ, for strength to do better, and for pardon of what is wrong, and walking humbly in the sense of his failings, and short comings, may have peace, even though in many things he fail, and come short; and though there be some mixture of corruption going along with his grace, and of hypocrisie with his sincerity, in his best duties; As we may see in the Apostle Paul Who had a law in his members (which he most sadly bemoans, Rom▪ …) rebelling against the law of his mind; Even when he had this Testimony of a good Conscience, and much peace and joy resulting from it: But a secure … sinner can never have the Testimony of a good Conscience, nor any the least measure of that solid joy, or peace that flows from it, for (as the Prophet Isaiah sayeth, Chap. 57. v. last) There is no peace to the wicked, saith my God.