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

2ly, Observe, That a man that hath a good Conscience, will desire, and think himself concerned to endeavour not to be mistaken by others; he will not boast of his good Conscience, not caring what others think or say of him; but will seek to remove any offence that may be taken at his way, or that may give any the least ground to make his integrity to be called in question: as Paul doth here, and 2 Cor. 12. Where he sayeth, v. 11. I am become a fool in glorying; but adds v. 19. but we do all things (and so this amongst the rest) dearly beloved for your edifying; And the reason is, because a man of a good Conscience will not only study to be tender in his walk, so as himself may have peace within; but will also have regard to the Conscience of others, that they may not stumble and sin, nor the way of God suffer, when he may prevent it; and its a sure evidence of an •ntender Conscience, when men care not who stumble at their way, or how others account and esteem of them.

3ly. Observe, (Which is of affinity with the former) That a man that endeavours to have a good Conscience, and to be clear that it is so indeed, will be very desirous to have a room in the prayers of others of Gods people; Or such a man is one that will not lippen to, & lay weight upon his own prayers only, but will also highly prize ⟨p. 277⟩Christian fellowship, and desire to have the benefit of the prayers of other Christians: Paul seldom misses this in his Epistles; so Rom. 15. Eph. 6. Col. 4. and Philip. 1. He is much in putting and pressing them to pray, and to pray and strive for him together in prayer: The reason is, because a man of a tender Conscience hath a kindly sense of his own infirmity, and a great desire to be forward in the way of holiness, and at much enjoyment of God; and would therefore ain have a lift from every one that can help him; such a man hath a native exercise in pursuing, not only after fellowship with God, but also with his people; Whereof this is a main part: And though these may be looked at, but as little things, yet if we compare our selves with the Rule, and with the practice of tender Christians; we will find considerable defects, as to a good Conscience in them: There is a sort of disdain, or shame in many, to seek the help of others prayers, as if it supposed their being assaulted with some uncouth temptation; or the prevailing of some gross corruption; or the lying on of some extraordinary, and unheard of Cross and affliction; but the single design of having a good Conscience, and of getting it entertained, would put us, not only to pray our selves, but also to desire the help of the prayers of others: always, this is a most certain truth, that as a good Conscience is not attained without prayer; so its not entertained, but by prayer: And its indeed a wonder how many can boast of a good Conscience, and yet neglect prayer themselves, and undervalue the prayers of others for them.