Instructions for a right comforting afflicted consciences with special antidotes against some grievous temptationsInstructions for a right comforting afflicted consciences with speciall antidotes against some grievous temptations

3. Thirdly, Let them consider, what horror it will be in evil times, I mean, not only at death and the last Day, which are the most terrible of all; but also, In times of disgrace and contempt; of common fear, and confusions of the state; of sickness, crosses, restraint, banishment, temptations, or any other days of sorrow▪ I say at such times, to find in stead of peace, fiery scorpions in their consciences, innumerable sins graven there, with an iron pen, un-repented of! Hear how excellently ^*Austin foretells & forewarns them, ⟨p. 54⟩into what a forlorn and fearful state, they shall most certainly fall, when after a short gleam of worldly glory, they fall into tempestuous, and troublesome times. Of all afflictions incident to the Soul of man, there is none more grievous, and transcendent; then to have the Conscience enraged with the guilt of sin. If there be no wound there, if all be safe and sound within, if that bird of the bosom sing sweetly in a M••s breast; it is no matter, what miseries be abroad in the World, what storms, or […] be raised against Him What arm of flesh▪ or rage of foes beset Him rou•d: For He in this are, hath presently recourse unto His conscience▪ the safest Sanctuary, and Paradise of sweetest repose, and finding that sprinkled with the blood of the Lamb, filled with abundance of peace, and God Himself there, reconciled unto Him in the face of Christ, He is courageously fearless of all, both mortal and immortal, adversaries and oppositions: Tho the earth be removed; and the mountains carried into the middest of the Sea, tho all the creatures in the world should be turned into Bears or Devils about Him, yet His conscience being comfortable, he is undaunted and confide•t, and more then conqueror over the whole world, and ten thousand Hells. But on the other side, if by reason of the reign of sin, there be no rest there; if God be not there because of the abounding of iniquity, what shall a man do then? Whither shall he fly, when the hand of God hath found Him out, and the swift Arrow of the Almighty sticks fast in his side? He will fly, saith that ancient Father, out of the Country into the City; out of the streets into his House; out of his House into His chamber; horror still dogging Him at the heels.