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

and this must be put to the proof, and exactly tried by the word, whether it be so or not; As we see here the Apostle did, he trieth his way and conversation, and finds it to have been […] simplicity and godly sincerity, &c. From which premises (to speak so) he draws the refreshing conclusion of his joy and rejoicing: Now if we look to all these, or to any one of them, whether to the rarity of it amongst most men, yea even amongst Believers, in some respect; or to the exactness and tenderness of walk that is requisite to be the ground of it; or to the great difficulty that a man will find in coming at a through search of his way; or to the diligence and single• that is called for in the trial of Conscience its Testimony, we will find it to be a most clear and certain truth, that it is not an ordinary, nor easy business, but very difficult, to obtain the well grounded, good and joyful testimony of Conscience, as to our more general and particular conversation.

and this must be put to the proof, and exactly tryed by the word, whether it be so or not; As we see here the Apostle did, he tryeth his way and conversation, and finds it to have been 〈…〉 simplicity and godly sincerity, &c. From which premises (to speak so) he draws the refreshing conclusion of his joy and rejoycing: Now if we look to all these, or to any one of them, whether to the rarity of it amongst most men, yea even amongst Believers, in some respect; or to the exactnesse and tendernesse of walk that is requisit to be the ground of it; or to the great difficulty that a man will find in coming at a through search of his way; or to the diligence and single• that is called for in the tryal of Conscience its Testimony, we will find it to be a most clear and certain truth, that it is not an ordinary, nor easie business, but very difficult, to obtain the well grounded, good and joyful testimony of Conscience, as to our more general and particular conversation.

If it be so (which is the •se of the Doctrine) Is it not a wonder from whence the peace that many pretend to, comes? Is it not a wonder, that the most part of men and women can so easily affirm the Testimony of their Conscience to be for them, when there is neither exactness of life, not tenderness of walk, nor diligence in Self-searching, nor holy jealousy, nor impartial and single trying whether it be well grounded or not? And yet they will at the very first confidently pretend to Conscience its Testimony: If many of you were put to it, can you give such evidences or grounds for its Testimony, as Paul does here? If not, how comes it to pass, that ye are so ready confidently to lay claim to it? And yet, alae! there is nothing more ordinary, in the generality of these that are most carnal and secure, then