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

First, then, as to the Extent, 1. He reflecteth on, and trieth all his Actions, even the whole tract and current of his Life, as Paul doth here, his conversation in the World, and towards the Corinthians. 2ly. He reflects on, and tries his very best Actions, were it even those of a mans Ministry, of his Preaching, Prayer, &c. Not as some, who think it enough to reflect only on sinful Actions, such as swearing, lying, deceiving, oppressing, &c. Which need but little trial, the sinfulness of them being often obvious, as it were at first blush; but the tender man trieth these Actions that have the best appearance, that he may know, if they be in very deed, what they appear to be. 3ly. He is particular in his trial, he not only trieth his conversation in the general, ba• (as Paul doth here) his conversation at such a time, ⟨p. 195⟩so such a place, and in such company; O! in how many particulars doth holy Job instance, Chap. 3•. 4•y A tender man will go far back; even when old, to the sins of his youth, as David doth, when he prays, Psal. 25. 7. Remember not against me the sins of my youth. I remember godly Augustin in his Confessions, goeth as far back as he can remember and not only so, but he says, that when he looked on the little cankerings, and frowardness of infants, he was put to think of what were the first out-breakings of his sinful nature, when he was on the breast; David looketh far back, when he says, Psal. 51. 5. I was shapen in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. 5ly. He is frequent in reflecting and trying, and the more tender, the more freq•ant; he will not readily let slip, no• suffer to pass one day without it; yea, he will sometimes try often in one day, on the back of this and that piece of his walk, especially of any more Solemn Action; yea, (which is yet more) he will come often over one and the same Action, or thing, so that when he hath taken a look of it to day, he will take another look of it tomorrow; knowing that there is a depth of iniquity in the heart, that is not soon nor easily plumbed; he looketh often on the same Action, that he may find it out, that the discovery and sense of it may be the more fresh, and deeply affecting for his humiliation; it's on this ground that the Apostle speaketh of his having a good Conscience;