Heaven upon earth in the serene tranquillity and calm composure, in the sweet peace…

In this Text we have a short and sweet sum of Pauls life, (an excellent copy and pattern of a Christian walk and conversation,) wherein he giveth us a view of these two. 1. Of his aim and design, to walk so as he may have a Conscience void of offence toward God and toward men; and that in an universal extent always, or at all times and in all things. 2. Of his manner of prosecuting it, Herein (saith he) do I exercise my self: he is seriously taken up with it, it is his great business, his one thing as he calls it, Phil. 3. 13.

We spoke of these two generals. 1. That there is in all Men and Women a Conscience that taketh notice of their actions, and is ready to be offended with their miscarriages. ⟨p. 35⟩2. That Men and Women, and more especially Believers, ought so to live, and if tender, will aim so to live, as they may be friends with their Conscience, and that there may be good terms and a good understanding betwixt them and their Conscience; that their Conscience may have no challenge against them in any thing of their walk either toward God or toward Men: This is clearly and convincingly holden out in Pauls practice here, whose great aim, design, and endeavour was to walk so, as his Conscience might have nothing to say against him in duties relating either to God or to Men, in secret, in private, or in public; This we prosecuted a little, and showed you, that there is a tie and obligation lying on men so to walk and to follow (not an erring and deluded Conscience, but) Conscience rightly informed, pousing, accusing, or excusing according to the Word, for it is Conscience so qualified that is the rule subordinate to the infallibly regulating rule of the Word.

We spoke of these two generals. 1. That there is in all Men and Women a Conscience that taketh notice of their actions, and is ready to be offended with their miscarriages. ⟨p. 35⟩2. That Men and Women, and more especially Believers, ought so to live, and if tender, will aim so to live, as they may be friends with their Conscience, and that there may be good terms and a good understanding betwixt them and their Conscience; that their Conscience may have no challenge against them in any thing of their walk either toward God or toward Men: This is clearly and convincingly holden out in Pauls practice here, whose great aim, design, and endeavour was to walk so, as his Conscience might have nothing to say against him in duties relating either to God or to Men, in secret, in private, or in publick; This we prosecuted a little, and shewed you, that there is a tye and obligation lying on men so to walk and to follow (not an erring and deluded Conscience, but) Conscience rightly informed, pousing, accusing, or excusing according to the Word, for it is Conscience so qualified that is the rule subordinate to the infallibly regulating rule of the Word.