A37045:304
Heaven upon earth in the serene tranquillity and calm composure, in the sweet peace…
Heaven upon earth in the serene tranquillity and calm composure, in the sweet peace and solid joy of a good conscience sprinkled with the blood of Jesus and exercised always to be void of offence toward God and toward men : brought down and holden forth in XXII very searching sermons on several texts of Scripture ... / by James Durham.
Edinburgh: printed by the heir of Andrew Anderson, 1685
Title page typeset from the transcription.
HEAVEN upon EARTH in a Serene and Smiling good Conscience. › Sermons on n1 peter 3.21 › Sermon 3
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
It may yet be enquired, when there is silence in the Conscience, as to such or such a particular, if there may not be use made of general Rules given in the Scripture, for directing us in our walk? And if Conscience may not have peace, in walking according to these Rules? No doubt, for keeping a good Conscience, we would, in our respective Stations, and Capacities, learn by Conscientious reason (that is reason drawn from Scripture grounds) to order our Conversation so, as the Conscience may have nothing to say against it; As for instance, suppose a person be debating, whither • public Station, or a more private way of living be the thing he is called of God to, and it may be there is not such distinct, and particular clearness given about the thing, he would in that case, betake himself to the general Rules in Scripture, how to discern the Lords mind, in the matter.
It may yet be enquired, when there is silence in the Conscience, as to such or such a particular, if there may not be use made of general Rules given in the Scripture, for directing us in our walk? And if Conscience may not have peace, in walking according to these Rules? No doubt, for keeping a good Conscience, we would, in our respective Stations, and Capacities, learn by Consciencious reason (that is reason drawn from Scripture grounds) to order our Conversation so, as the Conscience may have nothing to say against it; As for instance, suppose a person be debateing, whither • publick Station, or a more privat way of living be the thing he is called of God to, and it may be there is not such distinct, and particular clearnesse given about the thing, he would in that case, betake himself to the general Rules in Scripture, how to discern the Lords mind, in the matter.
And for your better help herein, I shall First, Touch on some general Rules, that the Scripture lays down, according to which we would walk. 2ly. I shall, offer some helps, how to collect and apply, from these Rules. 3ly. I shall show the warrantableness of quieting our Conscience, in walking according to them; First, then I shall name Four general Rules, to which we would have an eye in reference to lawful things; The First whereof is set down,