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

For clearing of the 1. of these, That Conscience may be silent, or not speak so clearly, even when inquired at; we suppose it is clear, not only from the experience of all generations, wherein Believers, (if put to speak) would declare, that they have sometimes been very desirous of Light and Clearness concerning their being called to this, or that Place, Station, or State and Condition of Life; As also it may be, as to the way and time of performing some called for Duties, and yet have not attained to clearness therein: This one thing will both clear, and give the reason of it, viz. That Conscience being Gods Deputy, whereby his mind is made known, cannot speak, when he keepeth up himself; And seeing he may, and will, now and then keep up himself for a time; Conscience, during that time, may, and must be silent; because Conscience cannot speak, but according to his order; And there being wise and holy Reasons moving him (to speak so) to keep up his mind; and that he may, in some sense and respect, deal with others, as it's said he dealt with Saul (whom, in a great strait, he refused to give answer to, either by Dreams, or by Urim, or by Prophets) so as not to give them clearness, by one means nor another; neither from his Word, nor by their Conscience, as calling them to such or such a particular thing; it is no marvel, that in such a case, men be in the dark, and that Conscience keep it self silent. Yet 2dly. For clearing the Matter further, ye would consider two sorts of Causes that this proceedeth from, some whereof are Culpable, and sinful on our part, procuring this as a just punishment of some former sin, or of some present evil, and sinful frame: other some are sovereign on Gods part, yet tending in his secret providence, to promote some designs of good to the Person, of a Believer: as to these Causes that are sinful, and culpable on our part, we shall instance them in four or five Cases.

For clearing of the 1. of these, That Conscience may be silent, or not speak so clearly, even when inquired at; we suppose it is clear, not only from the experience of all generations, wherein Believers, (if put to speak) would declare, that they have sometimes been very desirous of Light and Clearnesse concerning their being called to this, or that Place, Station, or State and Condition of Life; As also it may be, as to the way and time of performing some called for Duties, and yet have not attained to clearness therein: This one thing will both clear, and give the reason of it, viz. That Conscience being Gods Deputie, whereby his mind is made known, cannot speak, when he keepeth up himself; And seing he may, and will, now and then keep up himself for a time; Conscience, during that time, may, and must be silent; because Conscience cannot speak, but according to his order; And there being wise and holy Reasons moving him (to speak so) to keep up his mind; and that he may, in some sense and respect, deal with others, as it's said he dealt with Saul (whom, in a great strait, he refused to give answer to, either by Dreams, or by Urim, or by Prophets) so as not to give them clearness, by one means nor another; neither from his Word, nor by their Conscience, as calling them to such or such a particular thing; it is no marvel, that in such a case, men be in the dark, and that Conscience keep it self silent. Yet 2dly. For clearing the Matter further, ye would consider two sorts of Causes that this proceedeth from, some whereof are Culpable, and sinful on our part, procuring this as a just punishment of some former sin, or of some present evil, and sinful frame: other some are soveraign on Gods part, yet tending in his secret providence, to promote some designs of good to the Person, of a Believer: as to these Causes that are sinful, and culpable on our part, we shall instance them in four or five Cases.