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

For the 1. Direction in such a Case, we say, when men have unclearness, they should inquire, […] it be an unclearness from a silence in the Conscience, or from a Tentation, or Distemper in themselves; And if this once be known, the Cause is in a manner win; for, if it be known to be a Tentation, or a sinful Distemper, it is not to be stood on, though what we are called to, thwart our own Inclination, and Affection, and speak out matter of Fear and Hazard; As we see in the Case of Moses, and Jeremiah; when God maketh the man to put his hand into his bosom, as it were, (as if the result were to be had there,) that cleareth him, and he yieldeth; And if it flow not from any Tentation, or Distemper, we should look forward, and inquire from what Cause it cometh.

For the 1. Direction in such a Case, we say, when men have unclearnesse, they should inquire, 〈…〉 it be ane unclearnesse from a silence in the Conscience, or from a Tentation, or Distemper in themselves; And if this once be known, the Cause is in a manner win; for, if it be known to be a Tentation, or a sinful Distemper, it is not to be stood on, though what we are called to, thwart our own Inclination, and Affection, and speak out matter of Fear and Hazard; As we see in the Case of Moses, and Ieremiah; when God maketh the man to put his hand into his bosome, as it were, (as if the result were to be had there,) that cleareth him, and he yeeldeth; And if it flow not from any Tentation, or Distemper, we should look forward, and inquire from what Cause it cometh.

But it may be Asked here▪ How shall People know whither their unclearness doth proceed from a sinful Distemper in themselves▪ or from the silence of Conscience, not speaking at all? Answer, To find out this, will be a piece of Christian exercise▪ and will need much humility, and self-denial an heavenly frame, and much ⟨p. 128⟩serious Prayer to God; And though […] be difficult to condescend on particular Rules in […] Cases, yet we shall give some general considerations, that will help how to find it out; And 1. See i ye be indifferent in the thing, (if it be so in it's own nature) for if it be a Tentation, or sinful Distemper that prevaileth, ye will not be indifferent, but fixed, resolute, and peremptory; Inclination, Affection or Interest will sway you, to one side and hold you there; And therefore your great work should be, to see if ye be single, and unbiased; And for this end consider, 1. If ye had your choice what it would be; And if the heart confidently adventure to make the choice, and if ye be inclined more to the one side then to the other; it's presumption to say, that ye are indifferent in the thing. 2dly. When you go to Prayer, see that there be not one side that ye incline to, more then another; and that ye slp not insensibly into a Petition, or Desire that your Light may incline you this way; Somewhat of this seems to have been in that Desire, or Petition which Abraham hath,