Discourses upon the Existence and Attributes of God

4. We may add, the comfortable reflections of Conscience. There are excusing as well as accusing reflections of Conscience, when things are done as works of the law of nature, Rom. 2.15. As it doth not forbear to accuse and torture, when a wickedness though unknown to others is committed; So when a man hath done well, though he be attacked with all the calumnies the wit of man can forge, yet his Conscience justifies the action, and fills him with a singular contentment. As there is torture in sinning, so there is peace and joy in well doing: Neither of those it could do, if it did not understand a Sovereign Judge, who punishes the Rebels and rewards the well-doer. Conscience is the foundation of all Religion; and the two Pillars upon which it is built, are the being of God and the bounty of God to those that diligently seek him.^*

4. We may add, the comfortable reflections of Conscience. There are excusing as well as accusing reflections of Conscience, when things are done as works of the law of nature, Rom. 2.15. As it doth not forbear to accuse and torture, when a wickedness though unknown to others is committed; So when a man hath done well, though he be attackt with all the calumnies the wit of man can forge, yet his Conscience justifies the action, and fills him with a singular contentment. As there is torture in sinning, so there is peace and joy in well doing: Neither of those it could do, if it did not understand a Soveraign Judge, who punishes the Rebels and rewards the well-doer. Conscience is the foundation of all Religion; and the two Pillars upon which it is built, are the being of God and the bounty of God to those that diligently seek him.^*

1. *Heb. 11.6.