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

As for the first, We say in general, that a good Co• science hath a notable influence on prayer, and putting others to pray for us; or there is a strong connection betwixt a good Conscience, and the advantage of prayer, 1. There is a connection betwixt a good Conscience, and liberty and boldness in prayer, as it is clear, 1 John 3. 21. If our hearts condemn us not, we have confidence towards God: A man that hath an evil Conscience, or an accusing and challenging Conscience, hath a sort of • ing at, and at best much discouragement in prayer; so that he cannot lift up his face without blushing & shame, but a good Conscience on the contrary helps to boldness in prayer, and to the exercise of Faith in God, as a Father, so that he can boldly say, our father. 2ly. A good Conscience hath influence on, or a connection with ou• obtaining a hearing in prayer, and on our being confident that we shall get a hearing; For we know (sayeth that poor man, John 9. v. 31.) that God hears not sinners, but if any man do his will, •e hears him; And David says, Psal. 66. v. 18. If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not •ear me; And its said, 1 John 3. 22. Whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do these things that are plea•ing in his sight: A good Conscience is not indeed a meritorious cause of the hearing of prayer, yet God hath established a connection betwixt it, and his hearing of prayer, and it hath influence on our expecting a hearing, and on our knowing that we shall get a hearing, 3ly. And more particularly, as to the Scripture now before us; a man that hath a good Conscience, may be confident to put others to pray for him, which another cannot h•ve; and herein lies the weight of the Apostles argument, Pray for us, for we have a good conscience; On this ground, he pleads for this privilege of the communion of Saints; which he could not have so done, had he not had a good Conscience. 4ly. A ma hat hath a good Conscience may more confidently expect the benefit of others prayers, as well as of his own; Whereas a man whose way and