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

I shall not here speak particularly to all the points of Doctrine that might be deduced from these words, but to such only as make for clea•ing the purpose that we have in hand, and that is, the particular influence that Conscience hath on a man in the time of his acting, and the particular respect that he ought to have to his Conscience in carrying it along with him in his actions, Yet we shall passingly point at, and little more▪ than name ⟨p. 150⟩some general Observations, and then come to the particulars that we mainly aim at.

And 1. We Observe this, That a mans Conscience is some way different from himself, as in some respect (to speak so) another Party, I speak the truth in Christ, I lie not, my Conscience also bearing me witness; I and me is one thing, and Conscience, as it were another, and the Holy Ghost a third; all which he joins together, yet so as he makes them different Parties: Conscience, I say, considered as Conscience, and more especially, as it's renewed, well informed, and tender in the exercise of its duty, differs from the man himself. 1. In respect of it's place of more direct and immediate subjection to God himself, as it's Master, to receive i•'s orders from him; whereas the man is more directly and immediately subject to Conscience, by which, as his Deputy, God rules him. 2ly. In respect of it's Office, viz. To dictate to man what he should do, and what he should not do, and that according to the light that it hath from God in his revealed Will and Word; Whereas man is not to dictate to his Conscience, but to obey it's dictates in •o far as they agree with Gods revealed Will and Word. 3ly. In that by it's Office also, it is to tell the man that he should direct all his actions to the right end, viz. The glory of God; For it's Office is not only to dictate our way, but to enjoin to us our end; Man hath not a power or liberty allowed to him to propose to himself, what end he pleaseth, such as Profit, Pleasure, or Credit, as his main end, but is obliged to eye the Glory of God as such; Which Conscience, by virtue of it's Office, and acting i's part aright (though, alas it often proves defective therein, being corrupted and defiled by sin) enjoins him to do. 4ly. In respect of the different considerations and sense of things; it will often he displeased, accuse and condemn, when the man himself will be well pleased; It will judge a thing unworthy to be entertained, which the man will judge worthy […] entertaining. And so Conscience is to be considered, though