Practical Commentary of 1 Peter Volume 2, Commentary · Chapter 1 · Verse 14
Verse 16.
16. Having a good conscience, that whereas they speak evil of you, as of evil doers, they may be ashamed that falsly accuse your good Conversation in Christ.
THE prosperity of fools is their destruction, (says Solomon) none of God's Children die of this disease, of too much ease, he knows well how to breed them, and fit them for a Kingdome, he keeps them in exercise, but yet so, as they are not surcharg'd, he not only directs them how to overcome, but enables and supports them in all their conflicts, and gives them victory. One main thing tending to their enablement and victory is this, which is here requir'd in the Saints, and is withal wrought and maintained in them by the Spirit of God, Having a good Conscience, &c.
1. Two parties here opposed in contest, the evil Tongues of the ungodly, and the good Conscience and Conversation of the Christian, they speak evil of you and falsly accuse you, but have you a good Conscience.
2dly. The success of their contest, the good Conscience prevails, and the evil-speakers are ashamed.
They speak evil.] This is a general evil in the corrupt nature of Man though in some it rises to a greater height than in others. Are not Tables, and Chambers, and almost all Societies and meetings full of it, and even they that have some dislikings of it, yet readily carried with the stream, and for company's sake take a share, if not in sending in their word, yet lending their ear, and willingly hearing the detractions of others, and unless it be of their friends or such as they have interest in, do insensibly slide into some forc'd complacency, and easily receive the impression of calumnies and defamings? But the most are more active in this evil can cast in their penny to make up the shot, have their taunt or criticisme upon some body in readiness to make up the feast, such as most companies entertain one another withal, but 'tis a vile diet, Satan's name, as the Syriack calls him, an eater of calumnies. This tongue-evil, hath its root in the heart, a perverse constitution there, pride and self-love, an overweening esteem that Men naturally have of themselves mounts them into that Chair, gives them a fancied authority of judging others,[Ex alien… nvninis jactura g…adum sibi ficiunt ad gloriam. Sal.] and self-love a desire to be esteem'd, and for that end spare not to depress others, and load them with disgraces, and missensures, upon their ruins to raise themselves.
But this bent of the heart and tongue unrenew'd, to evil speaking, works and vents most in the World against those that walk most contrary to the course of the World. This Furnace of the tongne is kindled from hell, as St. Iames tells us, and is made seven times hotter than ordinary. As for sincere Christians, a Company of hypocrites (say they) who so godly, but yet they are false, and malicious, and proud, &c. And no kind of carriage in them shall escape, there shall be some device to wrest and misname it; if they be cheerful in Society, that shall be accounted more liberty than suits with their profession, if of a graver sad temper, that shall pass for sullen severity; thus Iohn Baptist and Christ, Matth. 11. If they be diligent, and wary in their affairs, then in the World's construction they are as covetous and worldly as any, if careless and remiss in them, then silly wi…less bodies, good for nothing, still somthing stands cross.
The Enemies of Religion have not any where so quick an Eye, as in observing the ways of such as seek after God, my remarkers David calls them, they that scan my ways, as the word is, will not let piss the least step unexamined. If nothing be found faulty, then their invention works, either forges compleat falshoods, or disguises somthing that lyes open to mistake, or if they can catch hold on any real failing, no end of their triumph and insultations. 1. They aggravate and raise it to the highest. 2. While they will not admit to be judged of themselves by their constant walk, they scruple not to judge of the condition of a Christian by any one particular action, wherein he doth, or seems at least to miscarry. 3. They rest not there, but make one failing of one Christian the reproach of all, take up your Devoto's, there's never a one of them the better. 4. Nor rest they there, but make personal failings of those that profess it, the disgrace of Religion it self: Now all these are very crooked Rules and gross injustice.
1. There is a great difference betwixt a thing taken favourably, and the same action misconstrued.
2. A great difference betwixt one particular act and a mans estate or inward frame, which they either consider not, or willingly or maliciously neglect.
3. How large is the difference that there is betwixt one and another in the measure of Grace, and of their prudence, either in their Naturals, or in Grace, or possibly in both, that some who are honest in matter of Religion, yet being very weak may miscarry in such things, as other Christians come seldome near the hazard of, and though some should wholly forsake the way of Godliness, wherein they seem'd to walk, yet why should that reflect upon such as are real and steadfast in it, they were amongst us, sayes the Apostle, but were not of us. Offences of this kind must be, but the woe rests on him, by whom they come, not on other Christians, and if it spread further than the party offending, 'tis to the prophane World that take offence at Religion because of him, as our Saviour hath express'd it, Woe to the World because of offences, they shall stumble, and fall, and break their necks upon these stumbling blocks or scandals. Thou that art prophane and seest the failing of a Minister or Christian, and art hardened by it, this is a Judgment to thee, that thou meetest with such a block in thy Way. Woe to the World: Its judgement on a place, where God makes Religion in the Persons of some to be scandalous.
4. Religion it self remains still it self, whatsoever be the failings and blots of one or more that profess it, it is pure and spotless, if it teach not Holiness, and Meekness, and Humility, and all good purely, then except against it, but if it be a streight golden Re…d by which the Temple is measured, then let it have its own esteem both of streightness and preciousness, whatsoever unevenness be found in those that profess to receive it.
Suspect and search your s…lves even in general for this evil, of evil-speaking. Consider that we are to give [foreign] an account of words, and if for idle [foreign] worklets words,De verbo … mo…daci Bern. how much more of lying or biting words. Learn more humility and self-censure, blunt that fire-edge upon your own hardand disordered hearts, that others may meet with nothing but charity and lenity at your hands.
But particularly beware this in more or less, earnest, or in jest, to reproach Religion or those that profess it, know how particularly the glorious name of God is interess'd in that, and they that dare to be assronting him, what shall they say? how shall they stand? when he calls them to account. If you have not attained to it, yet do not bark against it, but the rather esteem highly of Religion, love it, and the very appearance of it where you f…d it, give it respect and your good word at least, and from an external approbation, Oh! that you would aspire to inward acquaintance with it and then no more were needful to be said in this, it would commend it self to you sufficiently, but in the mean time be ashamed, be … of that prosess'd enm…y against God that is amongst you, a malignant hateful Spirit against those that desire to walk holily, whetting your Tongues against them.
1. Consider, What do you mean, this Religion we all profess, is it the way to Heaven, or is it not? do you believe this word or no? If you do not, what do you here? If you do then you must believe too, that they that walk closest by this Rule, are surest in that way; they that dare not share with your Oaths, and excessive Cups, and prophane Conversation; what can you say? it is not possible to open your mouth against them without renouncing this Word and Faith: Therefore either declare you are no Christians, and Christ not yours, or in his name, I enjoyn you that you dare no more speak an ill word of Christianity, and the power of Religion, and those that seek after it: There be not many higher signs of a reprobate Mind, than to have a bitter virulent Spirit against the Children of God. Seek that tie of affection and fraternity, for hereby we know (says the beloved Apostle St. Iohn) that we are translated from death to life, because we love the Brethren.
But because those hissings are the natural Voice of the Serpents Seed, expect them, you that have a mind to follow Christ, and take this guard against them, that is here directed you, having a good Conscience
'Tis a fruitless verbal debate, whether Conscience be a Faculty or Habit, or not, and as in other things, so in this, that most of all reqaires more solid and useful Consideration,Magna … natu mag…as negas. the vain mind of man feedeth on the wind,Malo sentare …pancti… quam … ejus des…inem. loves to be busie to no purpose. How much better is it to have this supernatural goodness of Conscience, than to dispute about the Nature of it, to find it duely teaching and admonishing, reproving and comforting, rather than to define it most exactly.
When all is examin'd, 'twill be found to be no other, but the mind of man under the Notion of a particular Reference to himself and his own Actions. And there is a twofold goodness of the Conscience, Purity and Tranquillity, and this flows from the other, so that the former is the thing we ought primely to study, and the latter will follow of it self: for a time indeed the Conscience, that is in a good measure pure, may be unpeaceable, but still it is the apprehension and sense of present or former impurity that makes it so, for without the consideration of guiltiness, there is nothing that can trouble it, it cannot apprehend the wrath of God, but with relation unto sin.
The Goodness of Conscience here recommended, is the integrity and holiness of the whole inward Man in a Christian, so the Ingredients of it are, 1. A due Light or Knowledge of our Rule, that as the Lamps in the Temple must be still burning within, as filthiness is always the companion of darkness; therefore if you would have a good Conscience, you must by all means have so much Light, so much Knowledge of the Will of God, as may regulate you, and shew you your way, teach you how to do, and speak, and think, as in his presence. 2. A constant regard and using of this Light, applying it to all, not sleeping, but working by it, still seeking a nearer conformity with the known will of our God, daily redressing and ordering the affections by it, not sparing to knock off whatsoever we find irregular within, that our hearts may be polish'd, and brought to a right Frame by that Rui…: and this is the daily inward Work of the Christian, his great business to purifie himself as his Lord is pure.
And 3. For the advancing of this work is needful, a frequent search of our Hearts and of our Actions, not only to consider what we are to do but what we have done, these reflex inquiries, as they are a main part of the Conscience's proper work, they are a chief means of making and keeping the Conscience good. 1 Acquainting the Soul with its own estate, with the motions and inclinations that are most natural to it. 2. Stirring it up to work out, and purge away by repentance, the pollution it h…th contracted by any outward act or inward motion of sin. 3. This search both excites and enables the conscience to be more watchful, teaches how to avoid and prevent the like errors for the time to come; as natural wise Men labour to gain thus out of their former oversight in their affairs, to be the wiser and warier by them, and lay up that as bought wit, that they have payed dear for, and therefore are careful to make their best advantage on't; God makes the consideration of their falls, preservatives to his Children from falling, makes a medicine of this poyson. Thus that the Conscience may be good it must be enlighten'd, and it must be watchful, both advising before, and after censuring according to that light.
The most little regard this, they walk by guess, either ignorant Consciences, and the blind (you say) swallow many a fly, yea, how many Consciences without sense, as feared with an hot Iron, stupified, that feel nothing, others satisfied with a civil righteousness, an imagin'd goodness of conscience, because they are free from gross crimes, others that know the rule of Christianity, yet study not a conscientiou, respect to it in all things, some transient looks upon the rule and their own hearts it may be, but sit not down,Non vacant bonae m…nti. make it not their business, have time for any thing, but that, share not with St. Paul, do not exercise themselves in this to have a conscience void of offence towards God and Men. Acts. 24. 16.Those were his asceticks, [foreign] he breath'd himself in striving against what might defile the Conscience, or, as the word signifies,foreign Hom. elaborately wrought and dress'd his conscience. Think you, that other things cannot be done without diligence, and intention, and is this a work to be done at random, no 'tis the most exact and curious of all works, to have the Conscience right, and keep it so, as watches or other such neat pieces of Workmanship, except they be dily wound up and skillfully handled, they will quickly go wrong, yea besides daily inspection, it would (as they) at sometimes be taken to pieces, and more accurately cleansed, for the best kept will gather soyl and dust; sometimes a Christian should set himself to a more solemn examination of his own heart beyond his daily search, and all little enough to have so precious a good as this, a good Conscience. They that are most diligent and vigilant, find nothing to abate as superfluous, but still need of more. The heart to be kept withall diligence, or above all keeping, corruption within ready to grow and gain upon it, if it be never so little neglected, and from without to invade it, and get in; we breath in a corrupt infected air, and have need daily to antidote the heart against it.
You that are studying to be excellent in this art of a good Conscienee, go on, seek daily progress in it, the study of Conscience is a more sweet profitable study than of all Science wherein is much vexation, and the most little or no fruit, read this book diligently and correct your Errata by that book, the word of God, labour to have it pure and right, other books and works are foreign, curious, and foreign, by works, they shall not appear, but this is one of the books that shall be opened in that great day, according to which we must be judged.
On this follows a good Conversation, as inseparably connexed with a good Conscience. Grace is of a lively active nature, and doth act like it self; holiness in the heart will be holiness in the life too, not some good actions, but a good Conversation, an uniform, even tract of life, the whole revolution of it regular, the inequality of some Christians ways doth breed much discredit to Religion and discomfort to themselves.
But observe here. 1. The order of these two. 2. The principle of both.
1. The Cons…ience good, and then the Conversation, make the tree good, and the fruit will be good, says our Saviour, so here a good Conscience the root of a good Conversation; most Men begin at the wrong end of this work, would reform the outward Man first, that will do no good, 'twil be but dead work.
Do not rest upon external reformations, they will not hold, there is no abiding nor no advantage in such a work, you think when reprov'd, Oh! I will mend and set about the redress of some outward things but this is as good as to do nothing, the Mind and Conscience being defiled (as the Apostle speaks) doth defile all the rest, 'tis a mire in the spring although the pipes are cleansed, they will grow quickly fowl again; so Christians in their progress in grace, would eye this most, that the Conscience be growing purer, the heart more spiritual, the affections more regular, and heavenly, and their outward carriage will be holier, whereas the outward work of performing duties and being much exercis'd in Religion, may by the neglect of this, be labour in vain, and amend nothing foundly. To set the outward Actions right, though with an honest Intention, and not so to regard and find out the inward disorder of the Heart, whence that in the Actions flows, is but to be still putting the Handle of a Clock right with your Finger, while 'tis foul or out of order within, which is a continual business and does no good. Oh! but a purified Conscience, a Soul renew'd and refin'd in its temper and affections, will make things go right without, in all the duties and acts of our Callings.
2. The Principle of Good in both is Christ. Your good Conversation in Christ. The Conversation not good unless in him, so neither the Conscience.
1. He the Person, must be in him, and then the Conscience and Conversation will be good in him, the Conscience that is morally good, having some kind of vertuous Habits, yet being out of Christ, is nothing but pollution in the fight of God, it must be washt in his blood ere it can be clean, all our pains will not cleanse it, floods of tears will not do it, 'tis blood, and that blood alone that hath the Vertue of purging the Conscience from dead Works, Heb. 9.
2. In him the perfect pattern of Holiness, the Heart and Life to be conformed to him, and so made truely good.
3. He the Spirit of Grace whence it is first derived, and always fed, and maintained, and made active; a Spirit goes forth from him that cleanseth our Spirits, and so makes our Conversation clean and holy.
If thou wouldst have thy Conscience and Heart purify'd, and pacify'd, and have thy Life certify'd, go to Christ for all, make use of him, as of his blood to wash of thy guiltiness, so of his spirit to purifie and sanctifie thee; if thou wouldst have thy Heart reserv'd for God, pure as his Temple, if thou wouldst have thy Lusts cast out that pollute thee, and findest no power to do it; go to him, desire him to scourge out that filthy Rable that abuse his House, and make it a Den of Thieves. Seek this as the only Way to have thy Soul, and ways righted, to be in Christ, and then walk in him: Let thy Conversation be in Christ, study him, and follow him, look on his Way, on his Graces, his Obedience, and Humility, and Meekness till by looking on them, they make the very Idea of thee new, as the Painter doth of a Face he would draw to the Life; so behold his Glory, that thou maist be transformed from glory to glory: but as it is there added, this must be by the Spirit of the Lord: do not therefore look on him simply as an example without thee, but as l…e within thee, having received him, walk not only like him, but in him, as the Apostle St. Paul speaks, and as the word is here, your Conversation not only according to Christ, but in Christ; draw from his full…ess Grace for Grace.
2dly. The other thing in the Words is the advantage of this good Conscience and Conversation (1) Even external towards the malicious ungodly World, they shall be ashamed that falsly accuse you, thus often it is … ven most evident to men, the victory of Innocency, silent Innocency most strongly confuting all calumny, making the ungodly false accusers hide their heads; thus without stirring the Integrity of a Christian conquers, as a Rock unremoved, breaks the Waters that are dashing against it: And thi… not only a lawful but laudible way of revenge, shaming calumny out of it, and punishing evil-speakers by well-doing, shewing really how false their ac…users were; this the powerfullest Apology and Refutation; as his was of the Sophister, that would prove there were no motion, by rising up and walking. And without this good Conscience and Conversation, we cut our selves short of other Apologies for Religion, whatsoever we say for it: one unchristian action will disgrace it more than we can repair by the largest and best framed Speeches on its behalf.
Let those therefore that have given their names to Christ, honour him and their holy profession most this way; speak for him as occasion requires; why not, providing with meekness and fear, as our Apostle hath taught: but let this be the main defence of Religion, live like it, and commend it so. Thus all should do that are called Christians, adorn that holy Profession with holy Conversation: but the most are nothing else but spots and blo…s, some wallowing in the mire, and provoking one another to unclean…ess. Oh! the unchristian Life of Christians, an Evil to be much lamented more than all the Troubles we sustain. But these ind…ed do thus deny Christ, and declare that they are not his: So many as have any reali…y of Christ in you, be so much the more holy, the more wicked the rest are, strive to make it up and to honour that name which they disgrace; and if they will reproach you, because ye walk not with them, and cast the mire of false reproaches on you, take no notice, but go on your way, it will dry and easily rub off: be not troubled with misjudgings; shame them out of it by your blamless and holy carriage, that will do most to put lies out of countenance; however if they continue impudent, the day is at hand, wherein all the Enemies of Christ shall be all cloathed over and covered with shame, and they that have kept a good Conscience and walked in Christ, shall lift up their faces with joy.
2dly. There is an intrinsecal good in this goodness of Conscience that sweetens all sufferings as follows.