A37045:459
Heaven upon earth in the serene tranquillity and calm composure, in the sweet peace…
Heaven upon earth in the serene tranquillity and calm composure, in the sweet peace and solid joy of a good conscience sprinkled with the blood of Jesus and exercised always to be void of offence toward God and toward men : brought down and holden forth in XXII very searching sermons on several texts of Scripture ... / by James Durham.
Edinburgh: printed by the heir of Andrew Anderson, 1685
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
2ly. Conscience must be satisfied in this, not only whether the thing be lawful in it self; but also whether it be a thing lawful to you, at such a time, and that to which ye are particularly called; For many things are lawful, which are not expedient; And many things may be expedient at one time, which will not be expedient at another; take it in the instance of prayer, wherein Conscience will not approve us, though we be right in it on the matter, if it be not rightly timed, or if we be not then called to it; This is to be taken heed to, especially in things that are on the matter indifferent, and in the timing of such commanded duties; to which God hath not set and fixed a particular precise time, but left them to Christian prudence to be gone about, by persons at these times, which are most seasonable, and as they are called to them.
3ly. When ye are thus clear, as to the matter, season and time, and as to Gods calling you to such and such a duty, whether did you acknowledge God in your undertaking of the duty? was he looked to for direction, and guiding in it, and for his blessing on it, and depended on for throw-bearing? according to that notable word, Prov. 3. 16. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths; In this also Conscience must have satisfaction.
3ly. When ye are thus clear, as to the matter, season and time, and as to Gods calling you to such and such a duty, whether did you acknowledge God in your undertaking of the duty? was he looked to for direction, and guiding in it, and for his blessing on it, and depended on for throw-bearing? according to that notable word, Prov. 3. 16. In all thy wayes acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths; In this also Conscience must have satisfaction.