Conscience with the Power and Cases Thereof, Book 1

Conscience with the Power and Cases Thereof · Book 1

p. 1OF CONSCIENCE, AND THE CASES THEREOF. The First Booke.

CHAP. I. The definition of Conscience.

THe Conscience of man (for I doe not intend to treat of the Conscience of Angels) Is a mans judgement of himselfe, according to the judgement of God of him. Esai, 5. 3. Iudge I pray you betweene me and my vineyard: 1 Cor. 11. 31. If we would judge our selues, wee should not be judged, &c.

1 I call Conscience Iudgement, First, to shew that it belongs to the Understanding, not to the Will. The very name of Conscience sheweth it to bee so. But this proveth it, because all those actions, which in the Scriptures are attributed to mans Conscience, doe properly belong to the reasonable power, or faculty; though the Will by some act or inclination can both command the Vnderstanding to judge, and also follow that judgement. This inclination, by some, is called Conscience; by others, a part of Conscience; but not rightly.

2 Conscience being referred to judgement, it is distinguished from the bare apprehension of truth. For Conscience p. 2doth alwaies suppose an assent that is firme and setled.

3 By the definition of Conscience, it appeareth that Conscience is not a contemplatiue judgement, whereby truth is simply discerned from falsehood: but a practicall judgement, by which, that which a man knoweth is particularly applyed to that which is either good or evill to him, to the end that it may be a rule within him to direct his will.Whether Conscience be a Facultie, Habit, or Act.

Seeing that this name of judgement, is sometimes taken for a power and faculty, sometimes for an habit, sometimes for an act; this question ariseth, to which of all these Conscience is properly.

4 The most graue Divine, William Perkins, who onelyonly of our Countreymen hath set foorth a peculiar Treatise of Conscience, doth place it among Faculties; and he doth so define it, as he putteth for the generall nature of it a part of the Understanding, that is to say, as he explaines himselfe, A naturall power or facultie. He giues this reason of his opinion, namely, because the act of Accusing, Comforting, Terrifying, &c. cannot bee ascribed to the Conscience, if it selfe were an act. Put this reason is weake: because in the Scriptures such kindes of effects are attributed to the thoughts themselues, which undoubtedly are acts. Rom. 2. 15. Their thoughts Accusing one another, or Excusing. The reason is, because things done, are the effects not onelyonly of the Mover, but also of the motiō it selfe. Besides, Master Perkins maketh Conscience, Vnderstanding, Opinion, Knowledge, Faith, and Prudence, to be of one kind or sort; but none would define these so, as that they should be taken for distinct faculties of the soule.

5 Some of the Schoolemen will have Conscience p. 3to be an habit: as Scotus, Bonaventure, Durand. Which though it might be granted of some part; or of the principles of Conscience: yet it cannot be granted simply of all that which is signified by the name of Conscience; for the onelyonly office of an Habite, as it is an Habit, is, Inclinare ad prompte agendum, to make one doe a thing readily: but Conscience hath other operations, which belong properly to it, as to Accuse, Comfort, &c.

6 By Iudgement therefore, in the definition of Conscience, (I understand most properly with the best Schoolemen) an act of practicall judgement, proceeding from the Vnderstanding by the power or meanes of a habit.Iudicium. Noeticum. Dianoeticum.

7 The acts of judgement are, either a simple apprehension, or a discourse. Whence it may be asked, to which of these belongs Conscience.Quest.

It belongs to judgement discoursing, because it cannotAnsw. doe its act of Accusing, Excusing, Comforting, unlesse it be through the meanes of some third argument, whose force appeareth onelyonly in a Syllogisme, by that which is deduced and concluded out of it.

8 The force and nature of Conscience therfore is contained in such a Syllogisme.

He that liues in sinne, shall dye:

I liue in sinne; Therefore, I shall dye.

Or thus.

Whosoever beleeues in Christ, shall not dye but liue.

I beleeue in Christ: Therefore, I shall not dye but liue.

9 Conscience in regard of the Proposition is called a Light, and a Law; in regard of the Assumption and p. 4conclusion a Witnesse; but in regard of the assumption it is most fitly termed an Index, or a Booke, and in regard of the conclusion, most properly a Iudge.

10 That which doth dictate or giuegive the proposition is called Synteresis, by the Schoolemen Synderesis. The assumption especially and peculiarly is called Syneidësis, the conclusion is the Krisis, or Iudgement.

11 There be many other Syllogismes which belong to Conscience, as either they doe prooue the proposition of such a principall Syllogisme, or illustrate the conclusion it selfe: but in that Syllogisme alone is contained the whole nature of Conscience. The Proposition treateth of the Law; the Assumption of the fact or state, and the Conclusion of the relation arising from the fact or state, in regard of that Law; The Conclusion either pronounceth one guilty, or giveth spirituall peace and security.

CHAP. II. Of the Synteresis, or storehouse of Principles.

THat Synteresis out of which the proposition of this syllogisine or the Law of Conscience is taken, is most properly a habit of the understanding, by which wee doe assent unto the principles of morall actions, that is, such actions as are our duty, because God hath willed, or commanded them; whence it hath the name in Greeke from conserving; for through the goodnesse of God, the knowledge of many things which wee ought to doe or shun, are still conserved in mans mind, even after his fall.

That exposition of Durand who dreames that the Greeke word Synteresis signifies a Co…lection, is too harsh and absurd.

p. 52 Because this Synteresis is an habit, therefore many doe call Conscience, an habit: but it is onelyonly the principle of conscience, neither doth it make up any part of conscience, but only as conscience is in its excercse.

3 This Synteresis is termed a naturall habit in respect of the light, whereby the understanding of man is fitted to giuegive assent unto Naturall principles; it is likewise called an acquired habit, in regard of the Species, or of the fuller understanding of that whereunto the understanding is naturally inabled, and can (as it were) understand presently.

4 This Synteresis differs onelyonly in respect or apprehension from the Law of Nature, or from that Law of God, which is naturally written in the hearts of al men; for the law is the obiect, and Synteresis is the obiect apprehended, or the apprehension of the obiect.

5 This Synteresis may for a time be hindred from acting, but cānot be utterly extinguished or lost. Hence it is that no man is so desperately wicked as to be void of all Conscience.

6 To Synteresis being taken after a large sense, ought to be referred, not onelyonly generall conclusions touching right or Law, which are deduced by good consequence out of naturall principles, but likewise all practicall truths, whereunto wee giuegive a firme assent, through the revelation wee hauehave by faith.

7 From hence ariseth the distinction of Conscience into that which is Naturall, and that which is Inlightened. Naturall Conscience is that which acknowledgeth for law the principles of nature, and the conclusions arising from them. Inlightened is that which doth beside those, acknowledge whatsoever is prescribed in the Scriptures. The Scripture sometimes speaketh of this p. 6last: as Rom. 6. 3. and sometimes of the other as 1 Cor: 6: 8.

8 From hence it appeareth that the perfect and only rule of Conscience is the revealed will of God, whereby a mans duty is both showne and commanded. For Synteresis in a more large sense consisteth, partly of morall principles that are naturally in us, together with their conclusions; and partly, of those which God besides them hath injoyned. But the revealed will of God whereby man knowes his duty, containeth both these.

9 Hence it is that the Law of God onelyonly doth bind What it is that bindes the Conscience.the Conscience of man. By the Law of God wee understand that revealed will of God, whereof we hauehave made mention: viz. as it doth also containe those things which are commanded in the Gospell.

10 To binde (in this morall sense) is to hauehave such an authority, as the Conscience ought to submit it selfe unto: And it were a sinne to doe any thing contrary to it.

11 Hence it is, that though men be bound in Conscience by God to observe in due and iust circumstances the lawes of men, yet the same lawes of men so far as they are mans lawes, doe not bind the Conscience.

12 The Conscience is immediatly subject to God,Why mens laws doe not bind the Conscience. and his will, and therefore it cannot submit it selfe unto any creature without Idolatry.

13 God onelyonly knowes the inward workings of the Conscience; he therefore onelyonly can prescribe a law unto it, or bind it by one.

14 God onelyonly can punish the Conscience when it sinneth; he therefore onelyonly can forbid any thing to it.

15 Even a promise (which in it selfe is sacred) p. 7though it be confirmed by an oath: as it is an act of man doth not properly bind the Conscience, for the former reasons; though men are bound in conscience by God to a strickt and faithfull keeping of them. For as it hath beene said before of the lawes of men, it may also in some sort be affirmed of all covenants and other conditions, which being made, a man is bound to keep out of Conscience to God; as for example, the sicke person is bound in Conscience to obey the counsell of Phisicians for his health: But the receipts prescribed by Phisicians, doe not binde the Conscience. So againe, Parents and Children are bound to mutuall duties; he that hath received a benefit is bound to shew himselfe thankefull, (and the like may be said of many other things) yet none of these, either Parent, Benefactor, relation, or benefit, doe of themselues binde the Conscience, but the will of God in them.

CHAP. III. Of the Office of Conscience.

THe office of Conscience, (if we speake with respect to the Synteresis or Lawes of it,) is one in Necessary things; Another in things of middle and indifferent nature. In necessary things Conscience hath two acts. 1 To binde, 2 To inforce to practise.

2 Conscience bindeth according as it is informedThe acts of Conscience aboue things necessarie. of the will of God: for in it selfe it hath the power of a will of God, and so stands in the place of God himselfe.

3 Gods will as it is understood, or may be understood, binds the Conscience to assent; As it is acknowledged and received by Conscience, it binds the p. 8whole man to obey and doe it presently.

4 Conscience bindeth a man so straitly that the command of no creature can free a man from it.

5 Hence man, as he maketh Conscience of the will of God commanding him some duty, is in that regard called a Debtor, Rom: 1 14. a servant, Rom 6. 16. is said to be bound, Acts 20. 22. constrained, 2. Cor. 5. 14. to hauehave a necessity laid upon him. 1 Cor. 9. 16. so that he cannot doe otherwise. Acts 4. 20.

6 Conscience inforceth to obedience by vertue of this its act of Binding. For that is to the will an impulsiue cause to make it carry it selfe conscientiously.

7 This inforcement is signified in the fore-named places and phrases: the strength and power thereof is declared, Ier. 20. 9. Wherefore I thought from henceforth not to speake of him, nor to preach any more in his name, but the word of the Lord, was a very Burning fire in my heart, and in my bones: Amos. 3. 8. The Lion hath roared, who will not be afraid? the Lord hath spoken who can but Prophecy? Acts. 17. 16. his spirit was stirred in him.

8 If there be a constant disposition of will in a man consenting to this instigation of Conscience, they doe together make up a Conscience morally good.

9 In Indifferent things the Actions and Duties ofThe acts of Conscience about indifferen… things. Conscience are likewise two. 1. To discerne. 2. To Direct.

10 To Discerne is to shew and declare the differencesThe discerning of Conscience. of things what is necessarie, what is free, what is lawfull, and what is unlawfull.

11 To Direct is with regard had to circumstances,The direction of Conscience. to order lawfull actions unto a good end.

12 The ends which are alwayes to be aimed at, even p. 9in indifferent things also, are the Glory of God, the Edifying of our Neighbour, and the Helpe of our necessarie Actions.

13 The power of this direction is so great, that it makes an action to be good, which in its owne nature is but indifferent; as on the other side, not onelyonly an evill direction, but the want of a good direction, makes the same action to be bad.

CHAP. IV. Of an erroneous Conscience.

TOuching this doctrine, of the first acts and offices of Conscience, divers questions are moved, which being of great weight and moment, for the directing of our Actions aright throughout our whole life, ought of necessitie to bee heere expedited, though briefly.

Quest. The first question is, Whether an erroneous Conscience doth bind?

Answ. To unfold this question rightly, these fiue things are briefely to be opened: 1. What an erroneous Conscience is. 2. About what things it is conversant. 3. Whence the errour of Conscience commeth. 4. The generall differences of these errors. 5. The severall waies of binding.

1 An erroneous Conscience is either opposed privatiuely Error privat…ve and positiue.to a good Conscience, so it comprehendeth every Conscience that judgeth not rightly when it ought, even the doubtfull and scrupulous Conscience also: or positiuely, so it signifieth onelyonly that Conscience, that judgeth otherwise then the thing is. This kinde of erroneous Conscience, is distinguished from p. 10a doubting and scrupulous Conscience, by the sinne assent it giveth, though it erreth in giving it. In this question we speake of a Conscience positiuely erring.

2 There are some principles so cleare, and written in the hearts of all men, that they cannot erre to obey and practise them: such as this is, That God ought to be loved▪ Perjurie ought to be eschewed: no mans Conscience can erre in such like things as these, or doe them against Conscience. A man cannot louelove God against his Conscience, &c. Conscience therefore doth erre properly about conclusions that are gathered from such principles.

3 The error of Conscience comes, either becauseThe cause of the error of Conscience. that the particular conclusions are not rightly drawne out of the generall principles: Or because those things which God in the Scripture hath commanded us to beleeue, are not sufficiently understood: Or finally, because the assent of Faith is not given to those things which ought to be beleeved, though they bee understood. The cause of this (besides Gods secret judgements) is either the not considering of those things which ought to be considered, or some evill disposition, which either keepes the minde from due inquirie, or averts it from judging rightly.

4 The error of Conscience is either about the Act, … ▪or the rule of it. The error which is about the rule, is either after the action done, or before it. The error about the rule before the action be done, consists, Either in that it judgeth that to be lawfull, which is unlawfull; Or in that it judgeth that to be unlawfull, which is lawfull; Or in that it judgeth that to bee bounden duety, which either is unlawfull, or but lawfull.

5 To binde to a thing, and to binde, are distinguished…. p. 11by some; Conscience is said to bind to a thing (Obligare) when its not onelyonly a sinne to doe any thing against it, but also not to doe according to it. Conscience is said to bind (Ligare) when one cannot lawfully doe a thing, whilst he maketh such a Conscience of it. One shall sinne in doing against it, and sinne though he doe according to it. The sense and meaning of this distinction is to be approved; as for the termes of it, let the Authors thereof answer.

To binde to a thing, (Obligare) is by some in regard of the object, or thing bound to, distinguished thus. One is either bound to doe according to Conscience erring, or to lay aside that Conscience. But this distinction is not exact, because Conscience bindeth not, but so farre as it doth dictate, or declare a thing: now no Conscience while it erreth doth declare, that the error thereof is to be left, Or that it selfe is not to be regarded, because it is erroneous.

Others put a difference between that Obligation, whereby one is tied to doe what Conscience commandeth, and that wherby one is tied not to do the contrary. But neither is this distinction alwaies good. For if a mans Conscience told him he might lie to saue his life, he must either lye, or of necessitie goe against his Conscience.

6 Out of these grounds the question may bee thusThe Conscience erring bindes. answered: First, conscience, though erroneous, bindes alwaies so, that hee that doth against it, sinneth. The reason is, because he that doth against conscience, doth against Gods will: though not materially, and truely; yet formally, and by interpretation: because what the conscience doth declare, it declareth as Gods will. As for example.

p. 12He that useth a private man contumeliously, taking him for the King, & not to be a private man, he is interpreted and judged to hauehave done it to the King himself; so likewise, he that contemneth Conscience, contemneth God himselfe; because that which Conscience doth dictate, is supposed to be the will of God. HenceWhy he alwayes sinnes who goes against his Conscience? it is that he alwaies sinneth who doth any thing against Conscience: but if the conscience doth not erre, but the thing is as erroneous conscience supposeth, then he sinneth doubly. First, in doing that which is ill in it selfe▪ and secondly, in doing it after an evill manner: evill it is in its owne nature, and evill because of the despising of conscience: but if the conscience doth erre, that which it doth is not evill, but it doth it after an evill manner; so that the evill is onelyonly this, namely, the contempt of Conscience.

7 The error of conscience which is about an action…rror of Conscience is somtimes blamlesse: somtimes worthy of blame. (that is, the error which is about the object or matter, about which an action ought to be exercised) is either unvoluntary and blamelesse, or voluntary and worthy of blame. If it be unvoluntary and blamelesse, then conscience binds to do a thing as much, as if it did not erre. For example, If a man should verily beleeue some thing to be his owne, which is an other mans, he may, and ought in conscience to make use of it as his owne. If one doe verily beleeue hee is his Prince, that is in truth a Tyrant; or that he is a lawfull Magistrate, who indeed usurpes the title; …e is bound to yeeld due obedience unto him. We hauehave an example hereof in Iaa…ob that went in to Leah that was none of his wise, whom he verily thought was his wife Rachel.

8 If the error be voluntary, then it is to be judged of, as an error is which is of the law or rule.

p. 139 Conscience erring touching the Lawe after the fact, (in beleeving that which it hath done well, to be sinne; or contrariwise;) hath no power to binde in regard of that action which is past: because binding and obliging hauehave ever a regard to future actions: and a morall action (as the will it selfe) is alwaies guided and informed by a foregoing apprehension, and not by that which followes after. Hence no action is made better or worse, for that conscience which is after it. Yet doth this conscience so farre binde (through occasion of that which is done) that one cannot lawfully goe on to doe the like againe, so long as he hath such a conscience: viz. That hee hath sinned (though he hath not) in doing so before.

10 Conscience through error, judging that to bee lawfull which is unlawfull; as that it is lawfull for one to lie, to saue his owne, or his neighbours life; bindes indeed, but doth not binde to doe so. It bindes; because he that hath such a conscience, can neither lie, nor abstaine from lying, without sinne. Hee cannot lie, because this is simply unlawfull. Hee cannot abstaine from lying, with such a conscience, because such manner of forbearance is forbidden by God, though forbearing it selfe bee commanded: for God requires not only that we doe good, and abstaine from doing evill; but likewise that wee performe both these with a good conscience, and not with a bad one. Such a conscience doth not binde to doe what it saith. First, because their is no obligation to unlawful things. Secondly, because Conscience bindeth not to doe, but by vertue of some command of God; but such a conscience is not grounded upon any command: for the Law of God can neither incline nor bind any man to p. 14sinne. Thirdly, because this error is alwaies a sinne, but a sinne doth not bind to practise it. Fourthly, because such a Conscience hath never so sure a ground, as that there needeth not further examination and inquiry into things. Fiftly, because man is bound to lay downe such a conscience; for although that be not exactly enough spoken which some doe affirme, namely, That such a Conscience bindeth a man to lay downe it selfe; yet it is most certaine, that a man is tied to lay downe such an erronous Conscience, for it is a part of that old man, whom we are commanded to put off, Ephes. 4. 22.

11 Conscience iudging that which is lawfull to be unlawfull, bindeth to abstaine from the practise and use of it. Rom. 14. 23. The reason is, because one may abstaine from lawfull things without sinne.

12 conscience iudging that to be bounden duty which is unlawfull, binds, but not to the practise of it, for the reasons set downe in the ninth Thesis.

13 conscience Iudging that to be bounden duty which is onelyonly lawfull, bindeth to the practise of it; as for example, If any mans conscience tell him that it is necessary to uncover his hands alwaies when he prayes publiquely; He must pray so, because lawfull things may be observed constantly without sinne.

Object. If an erroneous conscience doth so bindeOf the perplexity of … erroneous Conscience. that we may neither follow, nor not follow it without sinne, then there lies a kind of necessity of sinning on those that do thus erre, which cannot stand with the equity of Gods Law.

Answ. This necessity of firming when one is entangled by his owne erroneous conscience, is not the same both wayes: viz. whether one do, or do not, according p. 15to conscience; for if one do according to his erring conscience, the sin is in the action done; If he doe what is not according to it, the sin is in the manner of doing.

2 It is not an absolute necessity, but upon supposition; namely, if he keepe still such a conscience, which he both may, and ought to lay downe.

3 This necessity doth not flow from the nature of Gods law, but is contracted and continued through mans sin, for no man is thus intangled without his owne fault.

Quest. Whether is it a greater sinne to doe againstWhether it be a greater sinne to doe with, or against an erroneous Conscience. such an erroneous conscience, or to doe according to it.

Answ. We ought to iudge of the greatnesse of sin according to the quality of the thing which is to be done or omitted, as it is in its owne nature, and as it is apprehended by us. If any man through errour of conscience should hold it to be an unlawfull thing to goe to the Church, and serue God there (which otherwise he is tyed to doe) because he knowes the Preacher to be a lewd and naughty man, and thinkes that he shall be partaker with him in his wickednesse; his sinne is greater in staying away, then if he were present there: because it is a greater sinne, to neglect Gods service, then to communicate with an others personall wickednesse in that service. But if he should thinke it unlawfull to be present at holy duties for Idolatry, which he iudgeth will be committed there, he should sinne more hainously if he should be present there: because the sinne of Idolatry, is greater then a neglect of true worship. In the first instance; he sins more that followes his conscience, then he that doth against it; but in this, his sinne is greater that doth contrary to p. 16it: No certaine and generall rule therefore can bee set downe in this matter.

CHAP. V. Of a surmising and doubting Conscience.

Quest. 1. WHether a man may content himselfeOpinante. What opinion is? with a doubting Conscience?

Answ. For the unfolding of this question, it is to be noted, that Opinion sometimes signifies a certaine and setled judgement without all doubting. A certaine judgement nor arising from Sense, Knowledge, or true Faith, but Reason. Sometimes it is taken more strictly; For that judgement whereby indeede we assent to the truth of a thing, but not without suspition, feare, or doubting of its being otherwise.

VponUpon this distinction, I answer: First, in such things as are necessarie to salvation, and Gods worship, no opinion can be sufficient, though it hauehave never so great certainety of reason; because Faith is required to these, and Faith takes onelyonly the infallible word of God.

2 In such things which are more remote from their principles, diligent care is to be had, that we also get a certaine perswasion, or beliefe of them, out of the Scriptures; but if that cannot be obtained, it is lawfull in our actions to follow some such opinion, as is certaine and tried by the rule of Scripture.

3 Vsing also all diligence to bee certaine (though we be not) it is lawfull in many things to follow that opinion, which is most probable.

4 It is never lawfull to doe against our owne opinion, whether it be certaine, or probable, for respect to other mens authority.

p. 175 No man can at the same time hauehave two contrary probable opinions, concerning the same thing; so as he may lawfully leaue the one, and follow the other.

Quest. 2 What shall one doe when his Conscience is doubtfull?

Answ. For the declaration of this question, wee must obserue: First, Conscience is said to be doubtful in a large sense, as when the assent even of Faith, or Opinion prevaileth; yet there is some doubting joyned. But strictly, and properly, that Conscience is named doubting, which yeeldeth to neither part of the question in hand, but stickes and staggers betweene assent and dissent, not knowing which to doe.

Touching the first sort of doubting, it hath partly beene spoken in the former question, and shall partly be spoken of in the question following. Heere wee treat of that Conscience, which in a proper and strict sense, is called doubting.

Secondly, doubting is either Speculatiue, or Practicall. A speculatiue doubt, and a practicall doubt.Speculatiue is that, which is not immediately conversant about a practise or action: as when one doubteth, whether this or that thing be his or not. Practicall, is that, which immediately is conversant about some particular action.

Answ. These things being laid downe, it is answered;

First, in all those doubts which doe any way belong to our practise, diligent enquiry is to be made, that we may clearely perceiue the truth and not doubt; because while the minde remaines in doubt, the action must of necessity want that perfection which it would hauehave, if it were done with Knowledge, and certainty of judgement. p. 18For the more certaine our knowledge is, touching those things which we doe, the more confident we are in doing, and more ioyfull when wee hauehave done them.

2 Oft times it is lawful to do a thing, though a speculatiue doubt remaine, because he that doth so, doth not necessarily doe either against a doubting Conscience, nor without a perswaded Conscience; for notwithstanding that speculatiue doubt, he may assuredly conclude with himselfe; that, that which hee doth, ought to be done. As for example, A man possesseth a peice of ground lawfully, and begins to doubt whether it be his owne or not; yet if he know not, that it belongs to any other body, he may lawfully keepe the same still, because other things being considered, possession is a better ground to keepe it, then doubting is to leaue it.

3 It is not lawfull to doe any thing against a Practicall doubt; that is, a doubt whether the thing to bee done be lawfull: The reason is, 1. Because a man cannot doe it of faith, Rom. 14. 23. 2 Because, he that doth so, doth not sufficiently abhorre sinne: for willingly and wittingly he exposeth himselfe to the danger of sinning. 3. Because he is not fully enough addicted to Gods will; for as he that doth that willingly, whereof he doubts, whether it bee acceptable to his friend or no, doth against the law of friendship: so he that doth that, whereof he doubts, whether it be acceptable to God or not; doth against the law of louelove to God. 4. In things doubtfull, the safest way is to be chosen; but that is the safest part, which if we follow, it is certaine we shall not sinne. As for example, A man doubteth whether Vsury be lawfull or nor? the safest way is to abstaine; for herein is no danger of sinning.

p. 19Some of the Philosophers had some knowledge of the equity of this rule, whose Iudgement thereof Tully relates, and approoues: Office: Lib. 1. Those giuegive good counsell (sayeth he) who forbide to doe any thing whereof one doubts, whether it be iust or uniust: the equity thereof is apparant in it selfe, because Doubting imports, thought, or feare of being hurt.

CHAP VI. Of a Scrupulous Conscience.

Quest. WHat is to bee done when the conscience is scrupulous?

Answ. For the understanding of this question, wee must consider;

1 That a Scruple is a feare of the minde concerning its practise, which vexeth the conscience, as a little stone that cannot bee discerned in a mans shooe, paineth his foote.

2 Every feare is not properly a Scruple, but that which ariseth from slight, or no arguments.

3 One is scrupulous either in examining what hee hath done, or in ordering what he is to doe.

4 Scruples doe arise, (God so ordaining) to the end he may either punish, or try men: sometimes out of the suggestion of the Devill, somtimes from want of knowledge, sometimes from Melancholy, or some such like constitution of body; sometimes from the society of scrupulous men.

5 A Scrupulous conscience differs from a Doubtfull one, in this, that a Doubtfull conscience doth assent to neither part of the question; but the scrupulous conscience doth assent to one, but is sollicited to the other part, by a kinde of feare.

p. 20These things being set downe, it is answered to the question. 1. (God being instantly called unto for grace,) one must labour dilligently to remooue these scruples, which reason can take away by due triall of the grounds of them. For then is the conscience most quiet, when it hath most certaine knowledge. 2 It helpeth much (if it may be conveniently) that the thinking upon those things be shunned, from which scruples may rise; for the fancy being once stirred, many thoughts arise, which cannot be suppressed againe, without greate difficulty. As we see in Tyles, that are linked together in order, if one happen to fall downe, the rest will follow: and from hence are scruples multiplied in timorous consciences.

3 Many scruples when they cannot well be taken away by some contrary reason, ought to be laid downe as it were by violence, refusing to thinke or consider of them. For so long as scruples are not actually applyed, they are not troublesome: And some be so troublesome that the weaker and more unskilfull sort, can by no other meanes be ridd of them. The bending of the mind attentiuely to remooue a scruple by reason, doth often either ingender or encrease a scruple: as for example, All people know that the name of God ought to be called upon dayly: yet one may bee so vexed with impious thoughts, that this scruple may arise in a man, whether he ought to pray or not? Here it is not alwayes a safe way to examine th…se thoughts, no… yet to dispute about this question long, but to throw away this feare, as it were with violence, and to fall upon the duty of prayer so well as one can. 4 If they cannot be so remooved, but that they doe still molest, it is lawfull, and the best course, to do a thing p. 21against such scruples. As for example, If there be any man that is so molested through the consideration of his unworthinesse, that he dare scarce be so bold as to come to the Lords Table, though he finde in himselfe true Faith and Repentance; he may and ought notwithstanding this scruple come to the Lords Supper. Neither is this to doe against Conscience, but according to Conscience. For a scruple is a rash feare and without any ground, and so cannot binde to doe according to it; yea through custome of doing against such like scruples, Conscience it selfe is made more strong and setled.

CHAP. VII. Of the attention of Conscience to its Facts.

HItherto we have spoken of that Synteresis, or Proposition, whence Conscience telleth what is Law. Now followes the second part of the judgement, whereby a mans conscience beares witnesse of his fact according to that Law. By reason of this act Conscience is named a witnesse, and in the common Proverbe, a thousand witnesses. It is likewise called a Booke, Revel. 20. 12. because it is left written in mans minde, at it were in a register, what he hath done, and with what intent, and at length is read and spoken of by Conscience.

The Assumption of that practicall Syllogisme wherein Conscience consists, is nothing else, but the recognizing, or considering of our action, or estate, as it hath respect to that Law which Conscience giveth. For the better understanding of the nature hereof, some things must bee made cleare concerning the action which is recognized; and some things concerning the p. 22recognizing itselfe.

The action is either agreeable to that which Conscience teacheth, or is contrary to it.

The dictate of Conscience, whereunto an action is to be conformed, doth sometime goe before and accompany the action, and sometimes follow it. Against the dictate of Conscience that goeth before, or accompanieth the action, we hauehave an example in those, of whom the Apostle speakes, Rom. 1. 32. Who knowing the Iudgement of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not onelyonly doe the same, but hauehave pleasure in them that doe them. Wee hauehave an example of an action committed against the judgement of Conscience, following the fact, in those Iewes which put Christ to death through ignorance, Acts 3. 17. 1 Cor. 2. 8. yet being afterwards better taught, they judged far otherwaies of their fact, then when they did commit it, Acts 3. 37.

Quest. From hence ariseth a hard question, how aHow a man sins against his Conscience. man can do any thing against the dictate of Conscience which goeth before, or accompanieth his action? the Question ariseth thus.

The Will, as it seemes to many, cannot will or nill any thing, unlesse Reason hauehave first iudged it to bee willed or nilled; neither can it choose but follow the last practicall judgement, and doe that which Reason doth dictate to be done: and by consequent, the Will cannot moue against the determination of Conscience.

Answ. For the unfolding of this matter, these conclusions are to be laid downe. It is so cleare that no man can question it,

1. That many both may doe, and doe against Conscience, as it is an habite, or **Sy…sisSummary of Principles: p. 23and in so doing, they doe in some sense, goe against Conscience.

2. Against Conscience as it is an act, all those doe, who do any thing against that Iudgement which they had actually, and yet hauehave virtually or in the principle, though actually they judge not as they hauehave done formerly.

3. The Will cannot will, desire, choose, or follow after any thing, without a speculatiue apprehension of it, because the object of the will is knowne Good. No man was ever knowne to desire what hee no waies knew.

4. A bare and simple apprehension of the object, without any practicall judgement, that forthwith it must be prosequuted, or avoided, may be sufficient to draw forth the Act of the Will. This appeareth sufficiently in Mad men, Infants, and in every undeliberate motion of the Will. The reason of this is, because a Good, apprehended or knowne, hath all those Conditions, which are required to the Object of the Will. The Will is as able about its Object, as the sensitiue appetite is about its: But Sense is stirred up at the apprehension of its object, as the Eye at sight of Colours, the Eare at Sounds, &c.

5 The Will can at pleasure suspend its act about that which is apprehended and judged to be good, without any foregoing act of judgement, that it should doe so; for if to suspend an act, and to leaue of acting, an act of judgement, bee necessarily required; then to suspend that judgement, another judgement is requisite; and to suspend that, another; and so in infinitum.

6 The Will can turn away the understanding frō the consideration of any object, which at present it apprehendeth p. 24and judgeth to be good, to the consideration that it hath formerly apprehended and judged to be so. By reason of this commanding power, the Will is the first cause of unadvisednesse, and blame-worthy error in the Vnderstanding. When the Will doth first begin, to draw away the understanding from that, which it hath judged to be good, it doth it, by its owne inclination without any judgement that it should doe so; otherwise these two judgements should bee together; namely, this ought to be followed, and this ought not, which were absurd.

7 The Will can moue it selfe, towards an object that is apprehended and iudged good for profit or pleasure in some respect, though reason iudge that it is not lawfull but sinfull. The reason is: 1. Because whatsoever good the understanding propoundeth to the will, in this life, it propoundeth it with a kind of indifferency of Iudgement, as not having any necessary connexion, with the universall good. VponUpon which the will is naturally set and determined. Hence it is that freedome or liberty in an action, is said to bee radically in the iudgement and reason. 2 Though the will bee determined by the understanding in regard of the specification or kinde of thing to be willed, because it willeth nothing but that which the understanding hath first apprehended; yet in regard of excercise or act of willing, it mooveth both it selfe, and the understanding with the rest of the faculties. And hence it is that liberty is in the will formally, which should not be true, if it were necessarily determined by the understanding. 3 If the iudgement being right, the will could not but will aright; then before the first sinne of Angels and men, (which was p. 25in the Will) there must necessarily bee an error in the Vnderstanding: and if so, then the punishment of sinne should be before the first sinne; for all Practicall error in the Vnderstanding, is either sinne, or the punishment of it. 4. If the Will doe necessarily follow the judgement of the understanding; then there should (in proper speaking) be no sinne of malice, distinct from those sinnes, which are committed through ignorance, or passion. But it is manifest, that this kind of sinne is found in Devils, & likewise in some men. 5. If the Will doe necessarily follow the Vnderstanding, then in Regeneration the will it selfe neede not bee internally renewed grace: for the inlightening of the Vnderstanding would be sufficient. But this is repugnant to Faith and godlinesse.

8 Though the Will doth not alwaies follow the Iudgement, yet doth it ever follow that command whereto it is subject; and that agreeth oftentimes with Iudgement. But this command though as touching the direction, it doth belong to the understanding; yet as touching the power and efficacy, it belongeth to the Will. From hence we speake truely, and by the consent of all Nations, say, I will Will.… velle.

CHAP. VIII. Of Conscience examining and reviewing actions.

WE are to treat next of that reviewing, which is conversant about our actions and state.

1 I call this a Reviewing, rather then a knowledge, First, because a bare and naked knowledge is not sufficient for this act of Conscience, but things must bee weighed over and over. Secondly, because there is a p. 26knowledge which goeth before, and accompanieth the action, but this Reviewing followeth it.

2 This Reviewing is a reflect act of the Vnderstanding, whereby a man understandeth, and with iudgement, weigheth his owne actions with their circumstances. It is commonly called, Cōsideration, or meditatiō on our wayes. It is called in the Scripture, A respect or beholding by the mind, Psal. 119. 15. Considering, Psal. 50. 22. Thinking, or thinking againe, Psal. 119. 59. Laying of the heart. Hag. 1. 5. a Saying in the heart, Ierem. 5. 24. Saying to the heart, Hos. 7. 2. Returning to the heart, 1 Kings 6. 47. a Laying to heart, Ier. 12. 11. Mal. 2. 2. and lastly, a Proving or examining of our selues, 2 Cor. 13. 5.

3 The cause of the Reviewing of our actions ought to be, First, a care to please God in all things. Secondly, a feare of sinning: For if we review our actions upon other grounds, it is not an act of Conscience: because it respecteth not the judgement of God; which without doubt, it is necessary an act of Conscience should doe.

4 The manner of this Reviewing doth consist in these two things: First, that wee consider our owne actions, not materially onelyonly, but formally also, that is, that we consider not onelyonly, what we hauehave done, as it isIn ordin… Naturae Mor…m. an action, but likewise what, and after what manner it is done, as it is good or evill. As for example, It is not an Act of Conscience, for a man to thinke, whether he hath overcome his adversary, or not; but whether in so doing, he hath committed murther or not? whether it be just, or unjust, that he hath done? 2. The actions and the rule must be compared together. For as he that speaketh the truth, knoweth not that he speaketh p. 27truth; unlesse he compares his speech with the thing it selfe: So hee that doth well or ill, cannot know the same, unlesse he compare the fact with its proper rule. The rule of this triall or judgement, must not be our natural reason, the custome of others, or the like; but the Law, or revealed will of God; For otherwise Gods judgement is not respected (to which Conscience looketh) but mens.

5 The time which is to be allotted to this Reviewing; In regard of evill deedes, is in Scripture noted, sometimes to be before some threatning of God, 2 Sā. 24. 13. sometimes after a threatning, but before the Iudgement be executed. Mal. 2. 2. and sometime after that God hath inflicted his Iudgements, Hag. 1. 5. but the sooner we goe in hand with it, the more acceptable it is unto God, and more profitable it is unto us. Hence it is, that this Meditation of what we doe dayly, is reckoned amongst the dayly exercises of the godly, Iob 1. 5.

6 Through want of this Reviewing, comes 1. Impenitencie in the greatest sinnes, Isai 44. 18. Eccles. 4. 8. Presumption in greatest misery, Reu. 3. 17. and so great a Stupiditie, that those which know many other things, are altogether ignorant of themselues, and what they doe. Hence it is, that some after they hauehave sworne rashly, and are admonished of their sinne, almost with the same breath affirme with an oath, that they did not sweare.

7 The peculiar effects of this Reviewing of our waies, are 1. in regard of God, A right judgement of our waies. Ezek. 19. 25. and thankefulnesse. 2. In respect of ourselues, Humility: and 3. In respect of others, Equity and Gentlenesse, Tit. 3. 3. 4.

p. 28CHAP. IX. Of the application of the Law by Conscience to the person, upon the Reviewing of the Action.

1 THe third act of Conscience followeth, whereby the conclusion is gathered from the premises. This conclusion is an act of Conscience, whereby a man applyeth unto himselfe the Law of God, which concerneth either his Action or Condition.

2 This conclusion therefore dependeth partly on that generall Law, which is pronounced by the Synteresis, in the major Proposition; and partly, on that Reviewing of the action or condition which is contained in the minor Proposition. So that it gathereth together the strength of the former acts of Conscience, and maketh the Iudgement thereof perfect.

3 Like as therefore Conscience is a Law in the major Proposition, Rom. 2. 14. and in the minor a Witnes, Rom. 2. 15 So in this conclusion, Conscience is most properly a Iudge, 1 Ioh. 3. 20. For as in the Proposition Gods Law is declared, and in the Assumption, the fact or condition of man is examined, according to that Law; So in the conclusion, the sentence concerning man is pronounced according to his fact, or condition, by vertue of the Law that hath beene declared.

4 It is well defined therefore by Application, because in such a conclusion, Gods Commandement and mans fact are mutually joyned together, and as it were linked with man, whilst both passe sentence on him.

5 This Application, though in its owne nature itThe flownesse of Conscience in the making of the Application. follow the former acts of Conscience, like as the conclusion p. 29of a syllogisme is sayd to follow necessarily from the premisses yet through mans fault it falleth out often, That Conscience doth not doe it for a time. Both propositions are granted, yet the cōclusion is not made: as for example; A man may in generall know and grant that every man that worshippeth not God, is cursed: and may also be conscious to himselfe, that he is no true worshipper of God: and yet not Iudge himselfe accursed. One may also understand sufficiently, that God is ready to pardon him who repenteth of his sins; He may likewise hauehave witnes in himselfe of his owne repentance: yet cannot presently apply to himselfe pardon, and the mercy of God.

6 This Staying, or Hind…ing the Conclusion, is more usuall in passing Iudgement upon evill actions, but happeneth sometimes also in such, as are good.

7 Wee hauehave an example of the first sort in those Iewes of whom the Apostle speaketh. Rom. 2. 18. 20. 21. And in David himselfe. 2. Sam. 12. 5. 6. who knew well enough, what his most evill fact deserved by law, and likewise could not be ignorant of that which he had committed: but halted in the application of the conclusion.

8 An example of the latter kind, wee hauehave in all those Believers who repent truly, yet for a long time cannot apply Gods mercy to themselues. The causes why Sinners doe it not, are; 1 Because they doe not consider seriously enough, Gods law, and their owne facts; for the conclusion proceedeth from the power & efficacy of the premisses. 2. Because they hauehave flat contrary conclusions in their Iudgements to the Law of God. Deut. 29. 19. 3. Because they are afraid of, and avoid these conclusions of Conscience, as most opposite p. 30to themselues and their purposes, Ioh 3. 20. 4. Because they are carelesse and forgetfull of such things, Iam. 1. 23. 25. From such like causes wicked men use to gather false conclusions, and deceiue themselues, Iam. 1. 22.

9 The causes why beleevers, and godly men, ofttimes doe not conclude for their owne consolation, are 1. Some prevailing temptation. 2. The remnants of unbeliefe, which remaine even in those that are regenerate. 3. The greatnesse of that mercy which they ought to apply unto themselues. And 4. the Conscience of their owne unworthinesse, especially after they hauehave committed some grievous sinne.

10 Because of this slownesse in men to conclude, and apply, there is a necessity laid on all Ministers, not onelyonly to declare Gods will generally; but likewise so farre as they are able, to helpe, and further, both publikely and in private, the application of it, so farre as mens condition and consciences require.

CHAP. X. Of the effects of this Application, in the Conscience it selfe.

1 FRom the conclusion of Conscience, some effects follow, according as the judgement thereof is.

2 These effects are either Acts of Conscience, which are virtually contained in the conclusion, or Affections and Acts of the Will, which arise from those acts of Conscience.

3 Amongst the acts of Conscience, some there be that respect that which is well done: some respect sin.

4 Those that respect what is well done, are Excusing, p. 31Absolving, and Aprooving, Rom. 2. 15.

5 Excusing is an act of Conscience, whereby a manAn Excusing Conscience. is freed from the guilt of sinne in what he hath done: For Excusing heere is not taken in that stricter sense, whereby it signifieth a …essening or extenuating of the fault, but in that sense which importeth, a perfect taking away of the fault, and guilt.

6 Absolution is an act of Conscience, whereby itAbsolution of Conscience. pronounceth a man need not feare punishment for what he hath done.

7 These two acts are tyed so closely and fast together with a bond that cannot be loosed, that they differ onelyonly in our apprehension not really. For Excusing doth most properly respect guilt, and Absolution the punishment; but neither is the guilt taken away so long as the punishment remaineth; neither doth the guilt remaine, the punishment being once taken away.

8 Approving is an act of Conscience, pronouncingApprobation of Conscience. that a man in his action hath pleased God.

9 Absolution and approbation differ from Excusing in this, that in Excusing, Conscience doth the part of the Law, and hath respect unto God, as he is a Iudge, before whose judgement seat it excuseth a man as a witnesse; but in Absolving and Approving, Conscience properly doth Gods part, and hath respect unto man, whom like a Iudge it absolveth, and approveth.

10 The acts of Conscience, which respect sinne, are Accusation, and Condemnation.

11 Accusation is an act of Conscience, convincingAccusation. and prooving a man to be neere unto punishment, because of his sinne.

12 Condemnation is an act of Conscience, judgingCondemnation. a man that is guilty, to the punishment of eternal death

p. 3213 Accusation and Condemnation differ in the same degree and manner, that Excusing differeth from Absolution and Approoving.

14 Accusation and Condemnation sometimes follow presently upon the fact, as in David, 2 Sam. 24. 10 Sometimes a little while after it, as in Iudas, Matt. 21. 3. Sometimes a long time after, as in Iosephs brethren, Gen. 42. 21. 22. For a man is not free from them by length of time, but by repentance onelyonly.

CHAP XI. Of the affections which arise from the judgement of Conscience.

1 THe first affection that riseth in the heart, from Excusing, Absolving, and Approoving of Conscience,Ioy. is Ioy, whereby a man taketh delight in that he hath done well, as in a true good that is come to him, Prov. 15. 15. 2 Cor. 1. 12. Now this Ioy differeth much from laughter, and vaine joy: 1. Because it maketh the heart glad. 2 Because it is a serious disposition of the heart, not a light stirring of it. 3. Because it hath a good ground, and therefore growes stronger by right meditation. 4. Because it bringeth foorth found and good fruit. None of which things are to be found in common and ordinary laughter and joy, Eccles. 2. 2.Confidence.

2 The second affection is Confidence, whereby the heart is setled and strengthned against the feare of evill, and the weake hope of good, Prov. 10. 9. & 28. For all miserie springeth from sin; and to those that do well, all good things are promised, 1 Tim. 4. 8.

3 The first affection rising from the accusation and p. 33condemnation of Conscience, is Shame, whereby a sinnerShame. is displeased with himselfe, in and for that sinne hee hath done. For sinne alwaies changeth a man from better to worse, Gen. 5. 7. This shame if it be because of sinne, and if it make a man forsake it, it is one of the signes of repentance, Rom. 6. 21. as impudency in sinne, is alwaies a token of an impenitent and lost man.

4 The second affection is Sadnesse, or Sorrow, wherbySorrow. the heart is troubled, because of the evill that is come upon it, 1 Sam. 25. 31. Acts 2. 37. For the accusing and condemning of Conscience, doth not onelyonly make the sinne, and the guilt thereof to be in a manner present, but likewise the punishment.

5 The third affection is Feare, whereby the heartFeare. flyeth from the evill that hangeth over it, and from God himselfe, as from a severe Iudge, Gen. 3. 10. Prov. 28. 1. Revel. 6. 16. because the fulnesse of misery is expected. The great degrees of this feare, are called Trembling and Horror.

6 The fourth affection is Dispaire, whereby theDispaire Soule casts away all hope of escaping, Heb. 10. 27.

7 The fifth and last, is Anguish and vexation of spirit, Anguish.because of the misery, which lyeth on it. This is that spirituall worme, that perpetually tormenteth the damned soules in hell. Mark. 9. 44. Isai. 66. 24.

CHAP. XII. Of a good Conscience.

HItherto we hauehave spoken of the nature of Conscience, according as it was laid downe in the definition: Now followeth the distribution of Conscience, according to its adjuncts.

p. 341 Conscience is either good or evill:

2 Conscience may be called good, either for its honesty Quoad honestatem. Quoad qui…em.and integrity, or for its quietnesse and peace.

3 That Conscience is honestly good, whose judgementConscience honestly good. is Right and Powerfull.

4 That the Conscience therefore be honestly good, 3. Things make Conscience honest.it is required: 1. That it uprightly and sincerely judge that thing to be good, which God judgeth so; and that to be evill, which God judgeth evill. This uprightnesse must first be in the judgement, of what is to be done, which belongeth to the major Proposition; and 2. in the judgement of what hath been done, which belongs to the minor.

5 To a Conscience honestly good, its 3. required that it excuse, absolue, and approve a man in what is well done; and accuse and condemne him, for what is evill.

6 Concerning the first office, which consisteth in Excusing, Absolving, and Approving, there is no controversie amongst Divines: But of the second, which consisteth in Accusing and Condemning, some doubt, and thinke that the goodnesse of Conscience doth no waies consist therein, but in Excusing onelyonly.

7 They bring two reasons: 1. Because Adams conscience by creation, did onelyonly Excuse, and not accuse. 2. Because a good Conscience is troubled and wounded when sinne is committed, and occasion is ministred to accuse. But the first reason is not good; because though Conscience in state of Innocency, did not accuse actually, yet had it a power to accuse, if there had beene occasion. Neither could the Conscience be more blamed for accusing and condemning justly, … the Law selfe, and the chiefe Iudge, who did so after sin had once entred, and not before.

p. 358 So farre is the just Accusation of Conscience from being to be blamed, that Sinners hauehave most need of it, as the onelyonly way to make them repent them of the sinnes which they hauehave committed. For to the end a Sinner may escape Gods judgement, hee must judge himselfe: that is, doe justice and judgement upon himselfe, as in Gods roome, whom he hath offended, 1 Cor. 11. 31. He doth this, by pleading Gods cause against himselfe, that is, by accusing himselfe, witnessing, alledging, and confessing, or by acknowledging Gods Law against himselfe, by revealing the secrets of his heart, and his hidden filthinesse, to his owne ignominy and shame. Then by condemning himselfe, that is, by declaring what torment and punishment God may justly inflict upon him; or by Proclaming of himselfe guilty of everlasting death. VntoUnto this judgement of Conscience, stirring up sutable affections; if God of his great mercy adde a change of minde, with an appealing by Faith to the Iudgement Seat of Gods mercy in Christ; then is that true (which some use to say) that the Iudgement Paenitentiale iudicium evacuat iudicium paenale.of repentance maketh voide the judgement of punishment; that the accusation, witnessing, and condemnation to wrath to come, are prevented by these Actions which supply there roomes; Yea, that God himselfe, in Christ shall be an Advocate, a Witnesse, and Iudge; for those that hauehave pleaded against themselues, in the court of Conscience by repentance.

9 Neither are we bound onelyonly to this Accusation and condemnation of our selues, as to a meanes of Salvation, but by naturall justice also. For if wee sinne against a man, wee ought to doe him justice on our selues, by Accusing, Condemning, and Acknowledging our p. 36offence; much more then are we bound to doe this to God. Besides, we are related to God as his servants, by which we are bound to take his part in all controversies, debates, or quarrells, that he hath against sinne, and chiefely against our owne sinne, which doth us most hurt, and against which we are able to doe much more, then against other mens. Adde to these, the consideration of the equity of it, if we be bound (when it will be no hurt to us) to assist a brother, in any of his lawfull and iust suits, or judgements, either in appearing as a Witnesse, or as an Accuser, in his behalfe: how much more are we bound to do the same for God? for without comparison, each person is more bound to sticke close to God, then to himselfe: and to assist God by accusing, testifying, judging, though it be in the controversie which he hath against himselfe.

These particular illustrations (which upon another occasion are propounded and urged by G. P.) I hauehave…uliel Paris. thought good to relate, both for the light w^ch they giuegive to this present question, and for the excellent use, that they hauehave in exhortations to the practise of repentance.

10 The second reason (wherein the trouble of conscience upon accusation, was brought to prooue that an accusing Conscience, could not be good) is also of no strength: Because that trouble and wounding, is either the accusation it selfe, or an affection following it. The same Iudge that condemneth rightly and iustly, may, and useth to be sorrowfull, that he hath occasion to doe so: for he absolveth more willingly those that are good, then he condemneth malefactors.

11 To speake home to the Matter; The act of Accusation followeth indeed from sinne, not as a sinne, but p. 37a punishment; Conscience therefore accusing, so farre as it accuseth rightly, is honestly good, though in respect of the trouble it bringeth, it useth to bee called evill, as all other punishments are. It may also be called evill, because the ground of it is alwaies some sin cōmitted.

12 Thirdly, that the Conscience be honestly good, it is requisite that by this upright judgement, it stirre up strongly to doe good, and draw backe strongly from that which is evill, Heb. 13. 18. but this cannot be done byIntentio Voluntatis. Conscience alone, there must be also an honest disposition, and bent of the Will, answerable to the judgement of Conscience.

13 A Conscience peaceably good, is that, which Excusetb, Absolveth, Comforteth, Acts 24. 6. Hence also unto a good Conscience, in this respect, doe belong the affection of Ioy, Confidence, Security, and Freedome.

14 A Conscience that is both honestly and peaceably foreign.good, is that, which by the Apostle is called pure and cleane, 2 Tim. 1. 3. Beautifull, Heb. 13. 18. Without offence, or not offended, which is the consolation and rejoycing of the faithfull, 2 Cor. 1. 12. To keepe which they are content to suffer all sorts of trouble unjustly, 1 Pet. 2. 19.

15 Conscience since the fall, or after sinne, is madeHow Conscience is made good. good againe: 1. By the blood of Christ applyed through Faith, whereby the guilt, accusation, and condemnation of it, are taken away, Heb. 9. 13. 14. and 10. 22. 2. By the vertue of the same blood, in repentance and sanctification of the spirit, 1 Tim. 1. 5. Acts 15. 8. 9. whereby beleevers hauehave a setled and constant purpose to serue God. 3. By the witnesse of the Spirit, whereby we are assured of the grace of God, not onelyonly for the present, but also for the continuance of p. 38it, to the doing of every good worke, Ephes. 1. 18. 14. Rom. 9. 5. & 1 Pet. 1. 5. 6.

16 A good Conscience is maintained by that exercise, whereof the Apostle speaketh, Acts 24. 16. Now this exercise doth chiefly consist in these things: 1. That the feare of God bee alwaies liuely and fresh in our hearts, Psal. 36. 2. For this maketh us looke what Gods judgement is, in all things, Psal. 119. 6. 2. That we meditate on Gods Law both day, and night, Psal. 1. 2. For by this the Major Proposition or Rule whereby Conscience judgeth, is established. 3. That we examine our owne waies with quicke and sharpe judgement, Psal. 4. 5. For this inferreth the application in the Minor Proposition. 4. That by dayly repentance and renewing of Faith, we wash off the filth that we contract, 1 Iohn 3. 3. For therein lyes the strength of the conclusion or judgement of Conscience.

CHAP. XIII. Of a weake, and of a strong Conscience.

1 A Good Conscience admits of degrees, for which cause it is by the Apostle distinguished, into a weake and a strong Conscience, Rom. 15. 1.

2 A weake Conscience is that which is purged by unfained Faith, but is troubled with these imperfections, which all beleevers, for the most part, doe outgrow by time.

3 True Faith is supposed to be in a weake Conscience, for he that is weake, is a Brother, Rom. 14. 15. 21. not to be condemned or set at nought, vers. 10. One for whom Christ hath dyed, 1 Cor. 8. 11. This Conscience therefore being good, differeth in kind from that which p. 39is weake through malice, Presumption, or Superstition.

4 The imperfections wherewith this weake ConscienceThe imperfections of a weake Conscience. is diseased, are, 1. Lacke of knowledge, because as yet it understandeth not well what is lawfull and pure, 1 Cor. 8. 7. Rom. 14. 14. This weaknesse of Conscience, is called the weakenesse of Faith, Rom. 14. 1.

5 The second imperfection which dependeth on the first, is in Affection, because it easily is made sorrowfull, and disquieted, when it seeth others doe that which it selfe approoveth not, Rom. 14. 15. Because of meat thy brother is grieved.

6 The third imperfection is in Iudgement, because it quickly Iudgeth and condemneth the liberty of others, 1. Cor. 10 29. Rom. 14. 3. 15. Why is my liberty iudged by an other mans Conscience? Let not him that eateth dispise him that eateth not.

7 The fourth imperfection, is in the purpose and setlednes of heart, being easely drawne to what is evill. 1. Cor. 8. 10. For if any man see thee which hast knowledge, sit at meate in the Idols temple: shall not the Conscience of him which is weak, be Emboldned to eate those things, which are offered to Idols? From this, a man is most properly said to bee Offended, Scandelized, wounded, destroyed. Rom. 14. 21. 1 Cor. 8, 9. 12. Rom. 14. 15.

8 A strong Conscience, is that which is established in the truth. Rom. 14. 5. Perswaded in his owne minde. 2. Pet. 1. 12. Ye know and are established in the present truth.

9 This stability consisteth in knowledge, yet not so much in the clearnesse thereof, as in the certainty. 1. Cor. 8. 4. 7. Wee know that an Idoll is nothing in the world, but there is not in every man that knowledge, and p. 40their Conscience being weake, is defield. For certainety belongeth more to Faith, which wee are here to understand by Conscience, then Evidence or Clearnesse, which belongs to knowledge, taken in the proper sense. 2 In such an affection, whereby it is alwayes willing to beare with, and beare the infirmities of others. Rom. 15. 1. Wee which are strong ought to beare the infirmities of the weake. 3. In Iudging so, as that nothing be set before a brother, at which he may stumble or fall, Rom. 14. 13. but Iudge this rather, that no man put a stumbling blocke, or an occasion to fall in his brothers way. 4. In such a resolution and setlednesse of heart, whereby it is so strengthned in truth and godlinesse, that it cannot easily be remooved, Heb. 13. 9. It is a good thing, that the heart be established with grace.

CHAP. XIV. Of an evill Conscience.

1 COnscience is said to be Evill, either because its Acts are sinnes, or because it brings trouble and sorrow.

2 A Conscience Evill because of sinne in its Acts, is that which giveth not a right and powerful judgement▪ such is the Conscience of all men that are unregenerat, for it is in men according as Originall corruption is. Of this a polluted Conscience is not the smallest part. Tit. 1. 15.

3 The first fault of an evill Conscience is Blindnes, whence it judgeth of Good and Evill no otherwise: then one that is bodily blinde useth to judge of colours: He calleth good evill, and evill good, Esai. 5. 10.

4 The second fault, is a kind of spirituall dulnesse, p. 41whence it neither stirreth up powerfully to that, which it seeth is good, nor draweth backe from that which it acknowledgeth evill, Rom. 1. 18 Which withhold the truth in unrighteousnesse.

5 The third fault, is false-witnesse-bearing, which principally appeareth in Excusing, and Accusing falsely.

6 An Evill Conscience doth Excuse falsely, either when it doth not accuse where it ought, or absolveth and approoveth where it ought to accuse and condemne.

7 The former fault is esteemed as a piece of Religion, by the dangerous Sect of Libertines, who place their chiefe happinesse and perfection to hauehave the sense of sinne extinguished.

8 It prevaileth also in all those, who being free from great and grosse sinnes, doe seeme unto themselues to be as it were perfect, and not to be blamed for any sin, Luke 18. 20. Marke 10. 20. All these things hauehave Iobserved from my youth.

9 The second sort of Excusing falsely, when an evill Conscience approoveth, where it ought to condemne; is chiefely to be found in those that are superstitious. They think to be heard through their much babling. Ioh. 16. 2. The time commeth that whosoever killeth you, will thinke that he doth God service, Rom. 10. 2. I beare them record that they hauehave a zeale of God, but not according to knowledge.

10 A'false Accusation of an evill conscience is, when it accuseth and condemneth, where it ought to excuse: viz. For well doing: Rom. 14. 22. Happy is he that condemneth not himselfe in that thing which he alloweth.

Conscience Evill, through trouble and sorrow is that, which accuseth and condemneth: 1 Iohn 3. 20. If our heart condemne us.

p. 4212 When Conscience is evill in this kinde, these affections follow. Sadnesse, Feare, Anguish.

13 This Conscience is honestly good, if it accuse iustly: it is sinnefully evill, if it doe it uniustly.

14 A Conscience evill through trouble, and honestly good, is to be found both in beleevers and unbeleevers. In such as beleeue not, it is a preparation unto true repentance and Faith. Acts 2, 37.

15 A Conscience Evill, both through trouble and sinne, is common also both to beleevers, and those who beleeue not. But in those that beleeue, there is a principle of grace, by strength whereof they are upholden, they wrastle and withstand, and by little and little are healed of it.

CHAP. XV. Of divers degrees and sorts of an Evill Conscience.

1 AN Evill Conscience may bee distinguished into divers degrees: 1. In respect of defect, into a benummed▪ stupid, and seared. 2. In respect of excesse, into a troubled and desperate one.

2 A benummed Conscience is that, which is so dull A benummed Conscience.and heavy in its Acts, that there followes no strong stirrings of heart after it; nothing to purpose comes of it. Those that hauehave such a conscience, are oppressed with a kind of spiritual sleepe, wherein the sense of conscience, is so bound, that it is no more moved, then a man that sleepeth is by his owne dreames.

3 This dulnesse appeareth, 1. In a dull or faint pricking on to good: We hauehave an example in Agrippa, Acts 26. 28. thou almost perswadest me.

p. 434 It appeareth secondly in a dull accusation for the evill that is committed, we hauehave an example in Saul, 1 Sam. 24. 18.

5 The cause of this benummednesse in many that are not apparantly wicked, is a certaine carnall security, which creepeth secretly upon them, from long peace and prosperity, Ier. 48. 11.

6 A stupide Conscience is that, which doth not its officeA stupide Conscience. in accusing and condemning, unlesse it bee for the greatest sinnes, and when it is forced by most grievous Iudgements. For like as men sicke of a Lethargie or Drowsinesse, are not wakened commonly, unlesse it be through some great noise: so likewise this Conscience is not mooved, unlesse it be by the thunder of Gods Iudgements. Wee hauehave an example in Pharoah. Exod. 8. 9.

7 The cause of this stupidity is unbeleife, and custome in sinning, which taketh away the sense of it.A cauterised Conscience.

8 A seared or cauterized Conscience, is that which no waies can be mooved, no not by greatest sinnes, 1. Tim. 4. 2. Which hauehave their Consciences seared with an hot Iron: This sort of Conscience is found chiefly in those, who after they hauehave been enlightened, against their Consciences, doe giuegive up themselues to a wicked life.

9 In these the Synteresis it selfe, or Law of Conscience, hath its course stopped, & for time is in a manner extinguished, Iude. 10. Whatsoever they know naturally, as beastes which are without reason, in those things they corrupt themselues. This suppressing of the naturall practicall knowledge, which is ingraffed in all men, is by the Philosophers called foreign because such kind of men are changed as it were into stones, as in the p. 44Scripture they are said to hauehave a hard and stony heart, by other Philosophers it is called foreign and foreign, because such men become altogether brutish. 2. Pet. 2. 12. Or rather put on the nature of the Divell. Ioh. …. 44.

10 The signes of such a kinde of Conscience are, 1. If one reioyce in sinne. Prou. 2. 14. 2 If after he hath sinned he will not bee reformed, Prou. 27. 22. 3 If hee giuegive up himselfe to commit knowneSi certatim se dedat sinne, with all his might striving to sinne more then others. Ephe. 4. 19.

11 Contrary to this evill Conscience, or hard heart, is a tender Conscience which is easily moved by the wordA tender Conscience. of God, whereof wee hauehave an example in Iosiah. 2. Kings. 22. 19. Because thine heart did melt and thou hast humbled thy selfe before the Lord, when thou heardest what I spake.

12 A troubled Conscience, is that which accuseth in such a manner, that it suffereth not the Conscience toA troubled Conscience. be at rest.

13 It bringeth with it an astonishing feare, and oppressing griefe.

14 It is called in the Scripture, sadnesse, a casting downe, affliction, or disquieting of the minde, a broken spirit, Prov. 18. 14.

15 A troubled Conscience is sometimes honestly good: and sometime sinnefully evill.

16 Honestly good it is, when it accuseth justly. This is properly in those which yet beleeue not in Christ: but happens sometimes to be in those, who hauehave true Faith.

17 In those which yet beleeue not, the Conscience evill indeed through trouble, but honestly good, doth p. 45make this kinde of Syllogisme.

He that beleeveth not in Christ, is subject to the wrath of God:

But I beleeue not in Christ: Therefore, I am subject to the wrath of God.

This whole argument is to be granted; The onelyonly way to pacifie such a Conscience is, to bring him that is so troubled, into another state, by true conversion and Faith. For then the Minor of that Syllogisme, which before was true, will be false, and may lawfully be denied.

18 In such as hauehave true Faith, After grievous sinnes, which waste the Conscience, the Conscience Evill through Trouble, but honestly good, maketh this kind of Syllogysme.

He that hath sinned grivously, and hath not duely repented of his sinne, cannot by true Faith finde comfort in God.

I am such a one. Therefore, I cannot by true Faith comfort my selfe in God.

Here likewise must Conscience accusing be beleeved, and true Repentance be gotten, that he who is so troubled, may at length rightly deny that Assumption.

19 A troubled Conscience, Evill through fault, or faulty in being troubled, is most properly in those that are true beleevers. For although unbeleevers doe sinne most highly, in not seeking after the true remedy in Christ, when Conscience accuseth justly, (but either fall downe under the burden, or through hardnesse of heart keepe out trouble, or seeke ease from things that are most vaine, as it were from the leaues of the Figge tree) yet the sin properly is not in the judgement p. 46of conscience, or in conscience so judging them, but in the Conclusions, which are deduced and drawne from it.

20 The Conscience of Beleevers is sinfull, in being troubled, many wayes. In such a case the reasoning of Conscience is diligently to be examined. For the major or minor may, and ought alwaies to bee denied and confuted, that Conscience may bee healed. As it is in those Accusations which come from want of sense of Gods favour, from the sense of Gods wrath, from outward afflictions, from horrid temptations to sinne, and from divers kindes of sinnes.A dispairing Conscience.

21 A Desperate Conscience is that which so accuseth and condemneth, that it taketh away not onelyonly quietnes and peace, but hope also of any quietnesse, or remedy.

22 That manner of Despaire, that taketh away all such Hope as may come from our merits, or strength, is honestly good.

23 But that kinde of Despaire, which in this life taketh away all such hope as commeth from the free mercy of God, is not onelyonly Evill in respect of trouble and vexation, but of sinne.

24 The Despaire of the damned, which utterly rooteth out all hope of remedy, is the bottomlesse pit of misery.

25 Hence it is, that a Desperate Conscience (fully representing all sinnes, together with their exceeding great and unpardonable guilt, and Gods feareful wrath abiding upon Sinners, with the endlesse misery that followes thereon) is Gods most powerfull meanes to torment the Reprobate; like unto a worme, that most sharply biteth and gnaweth their hearts for ever: Mar. 9. 46. their Worme dyeth not.

p. 4726 To Trouble and Despaire; Full Peace, Tranquillity, and the joy of a good Conscience are contrary: which properly riseth from perfect hope in God, whereby the unchangeable injoyment of happinesse, is apprehended.

27 Hence it is, that a good Conscience, that is perfectly peaceable, and joyfull (as it representeth to the soule, a full deliverance from the Evill, both of sinne and punishment: Such a life to be led with God, as is without all trouble or end; consisting in union and communion with him in peace, and greatest joy) is the formall and essentiall happinesse of the Saints in the life to come: Matt. 25. 21. 23. Enter into thy Masters Ioy: Ioh. 15. 11. That my Ioy might remaine in you, and that your Ioy might be full; 1 Pet. 1. 8. Rejoyce with Ioy unspeakable, and glorious.

p. 49A SVMMARY COLLECTION OF THE FORmer Treatise, according as it was set foorth in a publike Disputation, to encourage and stirre up to the study of Practicall Divinity.

DIVINE POSITIONS concerning Conscience.

1 KNowledge puffeth up; LoueLove edifieth: But greatest conscience ought to be made of edifying the Conscience, 1 Cor. 8. 1. 10.

2 Conscience is a mans judgement of himselfe, according to Gods judgement of him, Isai. 5. 3.

3 There is a certaine inclination of the will, whereby it can naturally both stirre up the understanding to this kinde of judgement, and also follow it: This inclination by some is named Conscience, by others a part of Conscience, but not truely; For neither the name of Conscience, nor the acts thereof, which are mentioned in the Scriptures, import any other power or faculty, then the understanding, Rom. 2. 15.

4 Yet every of understanding is not Conscience, but onelyonly those which make up such a Practicall judgement, as was before handled in the second Position.

5 By Iudgement, is most properly meant the act of judging, and not the habit or faculty onelyonly, Rom. 2. 15.

p. 506 The whole nature of Conscience is contained in no other judgement, but what is Dianoëticall, or Discursiue; because Accusing, Excusing, Comforting, and such like acts of Conscience, cannot be, but by some middle or third argument, whose strength appeares in a Syllogisme, onelyonly by the consequence, Rom. 6. 11. The word translated, Reckon your selfe, signifies Reason out.foreign

7 The Major of that Syllogisme, wherein the whole judgement of Conscience is layd open, treateth alwaies of the Law, the Minor of the fact and state; and the Conclusion of the relation that ariseth from our fact or state, by reason of that Law; which is either guilt, or spirituall Ioy. For example,

He that liveth in sinne, shall dye,

I liue in sinne: Therefore I shall dye.

Or thus, Whosoever beleeveth in Christ, shall not dye, But I beleeue in Christ:

Therefore I shall not dye, but liue, Rom. 8. 13. 33. 34. 1 Ioh. 3. 19. 20.

8 Conscience in regard of the Major, is called a Law: in regard of the Minor and Conclusion, a Witnesse; but in regard of the Minor most properly, an Iudex, or Booke: and in regard of the Conclusion, most properly a Iudge, Rom. 2. 14. 15. Reu. 20. 12. 1 Ioh. 5. 10.

9 The Major is given by the Synteresis, which the Schoolemen call Synderesis: the Minor is peculiarly called Syneidesis, or Conscience, the Conclusion is the Krisis it selfe, or Iudgement.

10 Synteresis is properly an intellectual habit, whereby we giuegive our consent to the principles of morall actions. It differeth not therefore from the Law of nature which is naturally written in the hearts of all men: but in respect onelyonly.

p. 5111 Though therefore Conscience may be hindred from working for a while, yet can it not bee fully extinguished or lost. No man is so desperatly wicked, as to bee without a Conscience altogether: No not the Libertines, who place their deadly perfection, in putting out the Conscience of sinne:

12 To this part of Conscience Synteresis being largely taken, belong all Practicall truthes whereof wee are perswaded; whether they be drawn out of naturall principles, by consequence, or communicated by Divine revelation.

13 Hence ariseth the distinction of a naturall and an inlightened Conscience. The Scripture sometimes doth appeale to this, as Rom. 6. 3. sometimes to that, as 1 Cor. 6. 9. and 11. 14.

14 Hence the adaequate or full rule of Conscience is the revealed will of God, which both declares and prescribes mans duty.

15 Conscience therefore is properly subject to Gods will and authority alone, Iam. 4. 12. Neither can it be subject to any creature, without Idolatry.

16 Hence also it is, that though men be bound in Conscience before God, to obey and keep the iust Lawes of men after a just manner, Rom. 13. 5. Yet those Lawes of men, as they are mens Lawes, doe not bind the Conscience.

17 Conscience so bindeth man, in al those things which it judgeth are his duty, by the will of God; that he cannot be free from it, by the authority of any creature, Act. 4. 19. In this respect it is, that he that knoweth Gods will, is said to be debtor, Rom. 1. 14. a servant, Rō. 6. 16. bound, Act. 20. 22. constrained, 2 Cor. 5. 14. to hauehave necessity laid upon him, 1 cor. 9. 16. so that he cannot do otherwaies, Act. 3. 20

18 The power of Conscience is so great, that it maketh p. 52an action, which in its owne nature is indifferent, to be either good or bad: and that which in its owne nature is good, to be evill: although it cannot make that become good, which is evill in its owne nature.

19 Yet no action is better or worse, for that Conscience that one hath after he hath done it.

20 An erroneous Conscience bindeth alwaies so far, that he that doth against the judgement thereof, sinneth. For formally, and by interpretation hee doth it against Gods will.

21 If the error of Conscience about the action (that is, the object or matter about which the action is) bee not sinnefull, the Conscience erring, binds as much as if it did not erre.

22 Conscience, through errour, judging that to be lawfull, or necessary, which is unlawfull, doth so farre binde, as that a man sinnes, who doth contrary to it; and sinnes also, if he doe according to the direction of it.

23 Yet this necessity of sinning, wherein some are intangled, is not contrary to the equity of Gods Law: 1. Because the sinne is not the same on both handes: on the one hand a mans sinnes in doing what is unlawfull; and on the other, in doing it unlawfully: viz. without or against Conscience. 2. Because it is not an absolute necessity, but upon supposition onelyonly, viz. if they keepe still such a Conscience, which they ought to lay downe, Ephes. 4. 22. 3. Because it doth not flow from the nature of the Law of God, but both is contracted and continued by mans sinne. For no man is thus intangled but by his owne fault.

24 Conscience judging that to be unlawfull, which is lawfull, bindeth to refraine from that lawfull thing, Rom. 14. 14. 15. He likewise that judgeth that to be necessary, p. 53which is but lawfull, is bound to the doing of it: because a man may abstaine from lawfull things: and may also constantly practise them without sinning.

25 Nothing may bee done whereof the Conscience doubts, Rom. 14. 23.

26 In doubtfull cases, the surest part is to bee chosen; now that is the surest part, in doing which, its sure there is no sinne.

27 It is lawfull, and the best sometimes, to doe against some scruple of Conscience.

28 The reviewing of our actions, or estate, as it respects the Law, which Conscience dictates, maketh up the minor of that practicall Syllogisme, which the Conscience maketh. It is called in Scripture, a beholding of the mind, Psal. 119. 15. Vnderstanding, Psal. 50. 22. A casting up ones waies, Psal. 119. 59. A laying of the heart, Hag. 1. 5. A saying to the heart, or in the heart of them, Hose. 7. 2. A turning againe unto the heart, Ier. 12. 11. Mal. 2. 2. And lastly, a proving and examining of our selues, 2 Cor. 13. 5.

29 In the conclusion of that Syllogisme, a man applieth to himselfe the Law of God, which concerneth his Action or condition, and passeth sentence on himselfe: whence there followeth necessarily, either an Excusing, Absolving and Approbation; or an Accusation and Condemuation, with affections answerable to them, Rom. 2. 15.

30 Though this application in its owne nature follow the former acts of Conscience, as a conclusion doth the premisses: yet through mans wickednesse, it falleth out ofttimes, that though the Major be fully and firmely acknowledged, and the Minor also in a sort; yet the Conclusion and Application is not made, Rom. 2. 18. 20. 21. 2 Sam. 12. 5. 6.

p. 5431 Hence it is, that a necessity lyes upon all faithfull Pastors, not onelyonly to propound Gods will in generall, but according to their abilities, to helpe men, both in publike and private to apply it, according as their understandings, and consciences shall require, Rom. 12. 7. Matt. 14. 4.

32 A Conscience honestly good is, that which judgeeth rightly and powerfully, Heb. 13. 18. that which doth otherwise, is sinnefully Evill, Isai. 5. 20. Rom. 1. 18.

33 A Conscience peaceably good, is that, which excuseth, absolveth, comforteth, Acts 24. 16.

34 Conscience since the fall, is not both honestly and peaceably good, but by the sprinkling of the bloud of Christ Heb. 9. 13. 14. and 10. 22. and the vertue of him in the sanctification of the Spirit, 1 Tim. 1. 5. Act. 15. 8. 9.

35 A Conscience peaceably good may be sinnefully evill, and that which is evill through trouble and accuseth, may be honestly good.

36 A weake Conscience differeth in kinde from that which is acted, either by malice, or arrogance, or Superstition.

37 There is but this one way, to pacifie a Conscience troubled upon good grounds: to bring him that is troubled into such a state by true Faith and repentance, that the Minor of that Syllogisme which troubleth him, may upon good grounds become false, and prooue such as may be lawfully denyed.

38 When the Consciences of … beleevers are sinne full in being troubled, the Major or Minor of that reasoning which caused the trouble, must alwaies be denied and confuted. This also is the onelyonly way to heale such a Conscience.

p. 55Corollaries.

1 The greatest violation of Conscience is the greatest sinne.

2 The greatest anguish of Conscience is the greatest punishment.

3 That uncertainety of Gods favour, which the Papists hold, and that uncertainety of Persevering in grace, which others teach, is cleane contrarie to that solid joy, and strong confidence, which proceedeth from a Conscience truly good.

4 The interpretation of the Scriptures, or a judgement to discerne Gods will for a mans selfe, in his owne Conscience, belongs to every man.

The End of the First Booke.