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

A 3d. Objection is, Some may think, and say, We are essaying self-examination, and yet we find much difficulty, to know and take up Conscience its language, whether it be a well grounded challenge, or an approving Testimony: This Objection is much like unto that Question which we spoke to a little in our second Sermon on Acts 24. v. 16. Viz. Whether Conscience its impulse might not sometimes be wrong? To which we Answered affirmatively, and do yet grant, that it may mistake, and be mistaken by us, and what we said there, for finding out the mind of Conscience may be useful here towards the answering of this Objection; Yet we shall now speak a word further to it: For Answer then, we shall easily yield, that it is indeed sometimes difficult to find out the mind (to say so) of Conscience, and to understand its language, in reflecting, as well, as in deliberating; either, 1. through the dimness of peoples Light, that they scarcely know the Rule. Or, 2ly. Through their being partial and negligent, in comparing their way and actions with the Rule; but either hide it wholly, or at le•st some circumstances of it, without bringing it forth, and laying it to the Rule; Or, 3ly. It may be through some byas•e in their affection, that maketh them unsingle, so that they will not take with a challenge, when there is just ground for it; or, 4ly. It may be from some unwarrantable and groundless prejudice at themselves, and their own way, so that they will not take a testimony from Conscience, even when it giveth them a good one: And therefore in your self-examination, ye would carry some advertisements along with you, which will be helpful to find out the mind of Conscience, 1. Ye would try whether Conscience be impartial, and if […] speaketh to both hands (to say so,) accusing •n some things, and excusing in others; in some things speaking ⟨p. 213⟩peace, and in others challenging for sin; for, if when ye reflect, Conscience speak all, or only peace it is certainly wrong, because in the best there is less or more guilt contracted in what ever ye go about; but, if beside what is right, it points also at something that is wrong, it is Consciences right language; on the contrary when ye reflect, if Conscience speak all to be wrong, though there was some sincerity in your aim, it is mistaken;