§. 16. Of the pretended trouble of conscience, which sincerity is said to cause.

§. 16. Of the pretended trouble of conscience, which sincerity is said to cause.

2 Against truth of heart, and remaining steadfast therein, are objected, 1. Vexation of mind. 2. Wearisomeness. 3. Outward troubles. 4. The judgement of other men.

2 AGainst truth of heart, and remaining stedfast therein, are obiected, 1. Vexation of mind. 2. Wearisomnesse. 3. Outward troubles. 4. The iudgement of other men.

Object. 1. The Devil suggesteth to many, that it is impossible always to keep the heart upright: and that if there be a little failing, the conscience is so troubled, as it can hardly (if at all) be quieted: and thereupon inferreth, that it is best not at all to regard truth of heart.

Obiect. 1. The Diuell suggesteth to many, that it is impossible alwayes to keepe the heart vpright: and that if there be a little failing, the conscience is so troubled, as it can hardly (if at all) be quieted: and thereupon inferreth, that it is best not at all to regard truth of heart.

Answ. ¹There can be no better, no more sovereign a preservative against trouble of conscience then truth of heart.^d This kept Job from despair: this made Hezekiah bold.^e Truth of heart is a strong prop to a man in the middest of his manifold infirmities: for it is impossible to keep the heart free from all corruption, but yet there may be truth in heart. Every corruption, though it argue imperfection, yet it argues not hypocrisy, if it steal into the heart against our honest purpose, and against our earnest desire, and being discerned, causeth godly sorrow, and Christian watchfulness, both in purging the heart of that which is entered in, and also in keeping it that the like enter not in again. But where there is no truth of heart, it is utterly impossible that there should be any sound comfort. If such a mans conscience be ever troubled, it will be overwhelmed and drowned in despair.