A37045:480
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.
5ly. Observe, That though it be a difficult thing to win to a well grounded refreshing testimony of a good Conscience, yet by a tender Believer, it is through grace attainable; Paul speaketh of it here, not only as a thing that he aimed at, but as that which he attained; the experience also of many of the Saints does prove, that it hath been win at; as we may see in Job, David, Hezekiah, and others: It is moreover clear from the effects that have followed on it in them, such as peace, joy, and rejoicing; all which clearly hold forth so much, that a Believer in his walk may win to a well grounded, and heart-cheering testimony of Conscience for him; if he be tender and watchful in his way to keep a good Conscience, and diligent in self-examination, and sincere and impartial in putting things to a proof, whether they be right or wrong.
5ly. Observe, That though it be a difficult thing to win to a well grounded refreshing testimony of a good Conscience, yet by a tender Believer, it is through grace attainable; Paul speaketh of it here, not only as a thing that he aimed at, but as that which he attained; the experience also of many of the Saints does prove, that it hath been win at; as we may see in Iob, David, Hezekiah, and others: It is moreover clear from the effects that have followed on it in them, such as peace, joy, and rejoyceing; all which clearly hold forth so much, that a Believer in his walk may win to a well grounded, and heart-chearing testimony of Conscience for him; if he be tender and watchful in his way to keep a good Conscience, and diligent in self-examination, and sincere and impartial in putting things to a proof, whether they be right or wrong.
The use of this Doctrine serves for instruction, to let us see, that to win at such a Testimony of our Conscience is possible; and from the consideration of the possibility of it, it serves also to encourage us to seek after it: If Conscience be made of self-examination, it is not a heartless, hopeless, and desperate business, as many take it to be, who think (and it may be they have just ground ⟨p. 259⟩for that thought, having so evil a Conscience) that it neither will, nor can speak good to them; but it will certainly speak, when there is ground for it.