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

2dly. For Motives, 1. There is nothing that is a more clear duty; It is written in the hearts of all by nature, Heathens have it engraven on their hearts, as we see, Rom. 2. 15. Their conscience beareth them witness, and their thoughts excuse or accuse one another; and they have called it a brazen wall to have a good Conscience, as to a sound walk in their moral sense. 2dly. there are many and great advantages attending it, As namely, 1. It giveth a man much boldness in approaching to God. 1 John 3. 20. If our hearts condemn us not, then have we boldness towards God, when we go to pray. 2. It giveth ground also to expect an hearing, 1 John 3. 22. Whatsoever we ask we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do these things that are pleasing in his sight; and cross not our light and Conscience in neglecting any of them. 3ly. It keepeth a man from much sin; and is that, think ye, little advantage to have little (comparatively at least) on a mans score to reckon for? 4thly. It maketh a mans life cheerful, so Prov. 15. 15. He that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast; Which is nothing else, but a heart cheerful in God from the testimony of a good Conscience. And this is it on the matter, which guardeth the the heart and mind, so that no cares can considerably disquiet it, as we have it, Phil. 4. 7. The heart is guarded, yea, garrisoned (as the word is) with peace, that there is no storming, nor in-taking of it by outward troubles: It is the joy that strangers inter meddle not with. 5thly. It is a sweet and strong cordial in affliction, when Christians are persecuted by Strangers, or by false Brethren, are in Sickness, in Prison, in Perils by Sea or Land, &c. This is our rejoicing, the testimony of our conscience, sayeth ⟨p. 98⟩the Apostle 2 Cor. 1. 12. in the midst of afflictions▪ 6thly. And more particularly. It is a sweet and sovereign Cordial when death approacheth, Hezekiah can say then, Remember, Lord, how I have walked before thee in truth, and with a perfect heart; It putteth the Soul in a posture of dying, somewhat like old Simeon, and giveth some ground to say with him, Now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, for mine eyes have seen thy salvation.