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

3ly. Observe, That a man that would be throughly acquainted with his way, and clear in the Testimony of his Conscience concerning it, would be particular in the examination thereof; or thus, he would not content himself with a general confused trial of it, altogether at once, and in the bulk, but he would try it by parts, and parcels; Thus it was with the Apostle here; when he says that he had the testimony of his conscience, that his conversation was not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, in the world, he subjoins, and more abundantly to you-wards; And so descends to the particular, that was in controversy betwixt him, and these big talking Doctors, that made it their great business in the Church of Corinth, to derogate from the just repute of his Person, and Ministry, and tells them, that he had the Testimony of his Conscience concerning his upright and faithful carriage, in preaching the Gospel to them in particular: When I say, that persons would try their way by parts, or pieces, I mean, that they would try their particular actions, and behaviour in such and such places, at such and such particular times of their Life; because by this means, they come to a more distinct knowledge of their carriage and way; and it is impossible other ways, when men take up their way together by the lump (as it were) that they can win to distinctness; which they must needs be at, in some measure, ere they have a well grounded ⟨p. 243⟩testimony of their Conscience, from solid and […] grounds: Again there are some things, wherein a man cannot have a good Testimony from his Conscience▪ […] when he reflects under strong Temptations, on the […] wise, and sovereign providence of God, as if he • ed not the world, and his people therein aright, as Abihu chargeth Job some way to have done, when he say• to him, Chap. 33. v. 12. Behold in this thou […] not just▪ though Job will not take with it, that he is a […]; yet he is silent, as to this part of the charge, being, its like, convinced of the truth of it: As also a man may have many things very blame-worthy in his life, and yet may be in one or moe particulars, wherewith he is charged, clear and innocent; as it was with David, who says, Psal. 7. 3. If I have done this, &c. He had many blemishes, yet in this particular, he had the Testimony of his Conscience for him: