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

though a thing good in it self were never so fairly floored (to speak so) and its ground never so well taken up, yet the least bias or rub easily puts it by, and makes it go out: All which should in reason make us study the more watchfulness.

though a thing good in it self were never so fairly floored (to speak so) and its ground never so well taken up, yet the least byass or rub easily puts it by, and makes it go out: All which should in reason make us study the more watchfulness.

5thly. Observe (which will help to the Use of the former, and is of some affinity with the first particular Observation,) That persons would endeavour to walk in every particular duty or action, so as they may not only advert to what Conscience says of it, but may also carry it along with them in it, and have the positive approving testimony thereof all alongst the doing of it, which may be, though there be not reflecting on it every moment; That is, not only would they before they undertake any thing, be clear that it is a warrantable duty (as was marked before) but further when they have done this, they would so carry Conscience along with them in it, as they may have its testimony that they go about it conscientiously: Therefore Paul asketh not only what Conscience says of the action as to its matter, and as to his sincerity in undertaking it; but he bringeth it out speaking for him while he is doing it, My conscience (saith he) beareth me witness: The reason of the Doctrine is, because it is not enough to hear what Conscience saith, for it may accuse as well as excuse, but we would endeavour to carry so, as we may have a good testimony from it; Which it will not give, nor speak peace to us, if we study not to take it with us all along the action▪ This is a notable way to curb sin; ⟨p. 178⟩to mortify lusts; to make us accurate in duties; to keep us from posting (to speak so) through our prayers; from scu•ching through a Chapter of the Bible; and from trifling in other duties; Why? because we have our Conscience to answer to, and its good testimony to wait for; This is that which giveth holy boldness to a Christian, when 1. He knoweth that what he doth is right for the matter. 2. When he taketh good heed to what Conscience faith. And 3. When he hath its good and approbative testimony: And we think that this is much of what that Text, Act 24. v. 16. aims at; and is the main thing a Christian should exercise himself in, even to have the testimony of his Conscience, for him in this, and that, and the other duty, nay in every duty, to have its good testimony, when he beginneth, when he goeth on in it, or in the time of it, and when he hath closed it;