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

A great Difference between a troubled Conscience, and a regenerate Conscience.

IN the second place, You must know, That there is a great difference between a troubled conscience and a regenerated, or sanctified conscience. The conscience may be exceedingly troubled about sin, have no peace or rest because of sin, yet be in the state of original pollution, yet be destitute of the Spirit of Christ: This mistake is very frequent, many judging the troubles of conscience they once had to be the time of their conversion to God, though ever since they have lived very negligently and carelessly, without the strict and lively conformity of their lives to the rule: whereas we see in Cain, in Judas, these had even earthquakes (as it were) upon their consciences, They had more trouble then they could bear, yet none can say, they had a regenerated conscience. It is true indeed, these troubles of conscience may be introductory and preparatory to the work of conversion, but if ye stay in these, and think to have had these is enough, ye grossly deceive your own souls, Act. 2. 37, 38. When Peter did in such a particular, and powerful manner set home upon the Jews, that grievous sin of killing the Lord Christ, it is said, They were pricked in heart; Here their consciences were awakened, here were nails (as it were) fastened by the Master of their Assembly into their souls; yet when they cry out, saying, What shall we do? Peter doth direct them to a further duty, which is, to repent; Those troubles then, those fears and agonies, were not enough, a further thing was requisite for their conversion. Thou then who art troubled rest not in these, think not this is all, but Press forward for regeneration, without this, though these troubles did fill thy soul, as much as the Locusts did Egypt, yet thou wouldst go from begun torments here, to consummate torments hereafter. It is true, a gracious regenerated conscience may have its great troubles and agonies, be in unspeakable disquietings, but I speak of such who are yet only in initiatory troubles, who are (as yet) but in the wilderness, journeying towards Canaan; all these troubles do not infer regeneration, but are therefore brought upon thee, that thou mayest be provoked to inquire after this new creature.