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

What we would further say in this matter, shall be to show you, what ye should aim at in this self examination, as to the manner of going about it (for we much mar and wound our own peace, by formality and overliness in this, as in other duties) which ye may take up in these Four, 1. We would labour in our self-examination to be up at that distinctness, that through grace may be win at, that we may be so very clear, as to be in case to say, I wot well, I was right at such a time, and wrong at such another time; in this I was right, and in that I was wrong; yea, so clear and distinct would we be as we might, if called to it, be ready to give our oath on it; ⟨p. 202⟩as Paul doth in the place we spoke on before. viz. Ro•. 9. 1. I say the truth in Christ (says he) and lie not, my conscience bearing me witness in the holy ghost; There would not be guessing at things, but we would be throughly distinct and clear; Therefore Job speaking of the evidences of his integrity, Chap. 31. Proposeth them by way of curse; being so very confident, that he durst confirm what he asserted, with a curse on himself, if it should be found to be otherwise then he said. 2dly. We would examine, and look on our way till we be brought under some suitable impression of the awe and dread of the Majesty of God, and of his absolute Dominion and Sovereignty over us; Thus holy▪ Job sayeth of himself, when thus exercised, Chap 31. v. 23. Destruction from the Almighty was a terror to me, and by reason of his highness, I could not endure: We never follow our self-examination far enough, till it leave some impression of this kind on our Spirits. 3dly. It would be followed, till we be affected with what discovery we get in the search of our own way; Its not enough barely to take a look or view of it, but we would (I say) look on it so, as we may be suitably affected with it; that either it may give us solid peace and joy, from clearness that we are right, or else a sensible touch with the sharpness of a challenge, for that whereof we are clearly convinced is wrong: And men are never rightly exercised in the work of self-examination, and of reflection on their Conscience, till something of this be; there is a great difference betwixt bare light, and a well informed, and tender Conscience;

What we would further say in this matter, shall be to shew you, what ye should aim at in this self examination, as to the manner of going about it (for we much mar and wound our own peace, by formality and overliness in this, as in other duties) which ye may take up in these Four, 1. We would labour in our self-examination to be up at that distinctnesse, that through grace may be win at, that we may be so very clear, as to be in case to say, I wot well, I was right at such a time, and wrong at such another time; in this I was right, and in that I was wrong; yea, so clear and distinct would we be as we might, if called to it, be ready to give our oath on it;