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

The 2d. Use is for trial, take it then for an evidence and mark of a tender Christian, thus to reflect on a persons walk, and actions, when he hath done them▪ The tender Christian will thus reflect on his way and actions done, though it were for many years past, and will judge impartially according to what Conscience hath to say of them; They here behave like unto faithful Ambassadors, or Messengers, who being Commissionat in some business, and having gone about it, will sist themselves before these that gave them the Commission to hear their Judgement and Sentence of their management of the business committed to them; […] they are unfaithful that receive such a Commission, and never give an account of their discharge of it, nor wait for the Sentence of it's giver•; even so tender Christians will not only consult with, and take direction from Conscience, what, and how to do, but will also turn back, and see, i• Conscience doth approve of what they have done, and of their manner of doing: Now, when we speak of this, we do not say, that it is always the mark of a tender Christian, that the man hath Conscience speaking for him, for Conscience may be misled, and it's Testimony in that case signifies little; But this we say, that it is a mark of a tender Christian to be always singly trying whether it be ⟨p. 194⟩for him, or against him; and it will be found in the experience of all tender Christians; Whereas these that walk at random without all circumspection, look not thus to Conscience; yea, even Believers themselves, when in an untender frame, desire not much to come in Conscience it's sight, (to speak •o) The reason is, because, as it is, Joh. 3. v. 20, 21. Every one that doth evil hateth the light, least his deeds, should be reproved; but he that doth truth cometh to the light; (to the light of the Word, and of his Conscience informed by the Word) that his deeds may be manifest, that they are wrought in God. It's no •mal part (I say) of this Light, even Conscience it's Testimony; And it says that the sincere man desireth to know, if he be right or wrong, and that he likes not to entertain the thoughts of any practice or deed of his to be right, when it is not so in truth; and that withal he allows not himself to judge of his deeds merely by himself; but to submit them to the Sentence of his Conscience, according to the Word.