A39660:1292
Englands duty under the present gospel liberty from Revel. III, vers. 20
Englands duty under the present gospel liberty from Revel. III, vers. 20 : wherein is opened the admirable condescension and patience of Christ in waiting upon trifling and obstinate sinners, the wretched state of the unconverted, the nature of evangelical faith ..., the riches of free grace in the offers of Christ ..., the invaluable privileges of union and communion granted to all who receive him ... / by John Flavell ...Englands duty under the present gospel liberty from Revel. III, vers. 20 : wherein is opened the admirable condescension and patience of Christ in waiting upon trifling and obstinate sinners, the wretched state of the unconverted, the nature of evangelical faith ..., the riches of free grace in the offers of Christ ..., the invaluable priviledges of union and communion granted to all who receive him ... / by John Flavell ...
London: printed for Matthew Wotton, 1689
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.
If you would be clear from this great wickedness of holding the Truth in Unrighteousness, then see that you reverence the Voice, and stand in awe of the Authority of your own Consciences; and resolve with Job, My heart shall not reproach me as long as I live, Job 27. 6. There be two considerations apt to beget reverence in men to the Voice of their own Consciences.
If you would be clear from this great wickedness of holding the Truth in Unrighteousness, then see that you reverence the Voice, and stand in awe of the Authority of your own Consciences; and resolve with Iob, My heart shall not reproach me as long as I live, Iob 27. 6. There be two considerations apt to beget reverence in men to the Voice of their own Consciences.
1. 'Tis our best Friend when pure and inviolated. 2. 'Tis our worst Enemy when wounded and affronted.
1. Conscience obeyed and kept pure and inviolate, is thy best Friend on Earth, 2 Cor. 1. 12. This is our rejoicing, the testimony of our Consciences. The very Heathen could say, Nil conscire tibi, nulla pallescere culpa, His murus ahenus esto. What comforted Hezekiah on his supposed Deathbed, but the fair Testimonial his Conscience gave in of his Integrity, 2 King 2. 3. A good man (saith Solomon) shall be satisfied from himself; but the backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways. Mark the opposition, Conscience gives the Backslider his Belly-full of Sorrow, and the upright man his Heart-full of peace. He is satisfied from himself, that is from his own Conscience, which though it be not the Original Spring, yet it is the Conduit at which he drinks peace, joy, and encouragement.