8 So far is the just Accusation of Conscience from being to be blamed, that Sinners have most need of it, as the only way to make them repent them of the sins which they have committed. For to the end a Sinner may escape Gods judgement, he must judge himself: that is, do justice and judgement upon himself, as in Gods room, whom he hath offended, 1 Cor. 11. 31. He doth this, by pleading Gods cause against himself, that is, by accusing himself, witnessing, alleging, and confessing, or by acknowledging Gods Law against himself, by revealing the secrets of his heart, and his hidden filthiness, to his own ignominy and shame. Then by condemning himself, that is, by declaring what torment and punishment God may justly inflict upon him; or by Proclaiming of himself guilty of everlasting death. Unto this judgement of Conscience, stirring up suitable affections; if God of his great mercy add a change of mind, with an appealing by Faith to the Judgement Seat of Gods mercy in Christ; then is that true (which some use to say) that the Judgement 1of repentance maketh void the judgement of punishment; that the accusation, witnessing, and condemnation to wrath to come, are prevented by these Actions which supply there rooms; Yea, that God himself, in Christ shall be an Advocate, a Witness, and Judge; for those that have pleaded against themselves, in the court of Conscience by repentance.
8 So farre is the just Accusation of Conscience from being to be blamed, that Sinners haue most need of it, as the onely way to make them repent them of the sinnes which they haue committed. For to the end a Sinner may escape Gods judgement, hee must judge himselfe: that is, doe justice and judgement upon himselfe, as in Gods roome, whom he hath offended, 1 Cor. 11. 31. He doth this, by pleading Gods cause against himselfe, that is, by accusing himselfe, witnessing, alledging, and confessing, or by acknowledging Gods Law against himselfe, by revealing the secrets of his heart, and his hidden filthinesse, to his owne ignominy and shame. Then by condemning himselfe, that is, by declaring what torment and punishment God may justly inflict upon him; or by Proclaming of himselfe guilty of everlasting death. Vnto this judgement of Conscience, stirring up sutable affections; if God of his great mercy adde a change of minde, with an appealing by Faith to the Iudgement Seat of Gods mercy in Christ; then is that true (which some use to say) that the Iudgement 1of repentance maketh voide the judgement of punishment; that the accusation, witnessing, and condemnation to wrath to come, are prevented by these Actions which supply there roomes; Yea, that God himselfe, in Christ shall be an Advocate, a Witnesse, and Iudge; for those that haue pleaded against themselues, in the court of Conscience by repentance.
- 1Paenitentiale judicium evacuat judicium penal.Paenitentiale iudicium evacuat iudicium paenale.
