A treatise of original sin ... proving that it is

SECT. IV.

The Corruption of Conscience in accusing and excusing.

The next particular is, That in those actings of conscience which are said to be accusation and excusing, even herein will appear wonderful pollution. It is (as you heard) grossly defiled in application, and in bearing witness; now we may hold it grievously wounded also in regard of these actings, Rom. 2. 15. The Apostle speaking of conscience, which is even in Heathens themselves, he saith, It beareth witness with them, and thereupon their thoughts are accusing or excusing one another. But if we do consider, how naturally conscience behaveth it self in these workings, we shall have cause to be astonished at all the evil which is come upon us; For in the duty of accusing is it not wholly silent? Do not men run into all excess of riot? Do they not embrace any wickedness suggested? Yet where is that Murmuratio and remorsus, as they express it? Where is that regretting, that smiting of conscience which ought to be? Oh how busy is the Devil (as when he possessed some bodies to make them dumb) so also to make thy conscience dumb! It is judged by Divines to be an exceeding great mercy of God, that he hath left a conscience in a man, for if that had not some actings, there would be no humane societies, the world would be like a Chaos as it was at first, only conscience is a bridle to men, and a curb to their impieties, but when this is so corrupted, that it cannot do its office; though sins be committed, yet conscience will not accuse, will not condemn; What hope doth then remain for such an one? Conscience is called by Bernard, Speculum animae, the souls Looking glass, by beholding thy conscience thou mayest see, what are thy sins, what are thy duties, what is to be repented of, what is to be reformed: Oh that those who look often into the glass for their bodily faces, (so as to spy every spot, and to mend an hair if it be not handsome) would more consult with this spiritual glass, their conscience would show those deformities, those corruptions that they are not willing to take notice of; only here is the difference, the material glass will faithfully represent what thou art, it will not flatter; If thou art polluted, deformed, it will discover thy face as it is, it will not flatter thee, but conscience is a glass that may be corrupted to make thee appear fairer then thou art, but if clean and pure, then it will not favour thee;