The first part .

For the Nature of it . Things that are neerest , and most neerely concerne vs , are commonly farthest off our knowledge and respect . As God , that is in vs and neere vnto vs ; our owne faces and visages are hardliest knowne , hardliest remembred . Som fooles doubt whether there be such a thing in them , yea or no. Origen thought it a Spirit or Genius , associated to our soules , to guide and tutour them : but this is like some of his other conceits . The carnal Atheist thinks it a melancholy humour of the body , and so thinkes all the checks thereof to be effects of Humour . The Schoole men somewhat acuter , thought it , some , an habite , some , an act of the soule . The latter Diuines , a faculty of the intellectuall part : but the trueth is , it 's no such In-mate , no such Guest of the soule , but an in-bred faculty of it : A noble and diuine power , plante● of God in the soule , working vpon it selfe by reflection : 〈…〉 Or thus . The soule of a man recoyling vpon it selfe .

A facultie I call it , because it produceth acts , Hugo & Bern●●●us . and is not got & lost as habits are , but is inseperable from the soule , immoueable from the subiect , as neither acts nor habits are , which is Thomas his chiefe reason to proue Conscience an act , quia deponi potest ; the cleane contrarie whereof is true , though indeede one might thinke some had laid aside and lost their Conscience .

A noble faculty I call it , because so admirably strange in the reciprocall working of it . The eye of man sees not it selfe but by the helpe of a looking-glasse : neither hath any creature in this world this priuiledge and property besides the soule of man . I giue it roome , and place it in the whole soule , and thrust it not , as some haue done , like a Spider , into some corner of it , as if it were a part of a part ; whereas the operation and power of it is circumscribed in no narrower bounds then the soule it selfe , and therefore the Hebrewes more aptly call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Heart or Soule , and the Grecians 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . If our heart condemne vs , 1 Ioh. 3. 20.

It hath indeed the vnderstanding for the Throne and Pallace thereof , where it is chiefly resident , whereby it exerciseth the principall functions , from whence commonly it hath it name Conscience ; as the Emperour of Russia from Mosco his chiefe Citie : and looke how the soule it selfe is chiefly seated in the head , and there performeth the chiefe actions of Reason , Discourse and Sence , yet is in all and euery part of the body , and in them performeth , baser and meaner offices of Nourishment and Motion : right so the Conscience keepeth a compleat Court in the whole Soule , commonly called Forum Conscienciae .

In the Vnderstanding part it is a Iudge , determining and prescribing , absoluing & condemning de iure . In the memory , it is a Register , a Recorder , and witnesse , testifying de Facto . In the Will and Affections , a Iayler and Executioner , punishing and rewarding . Say wee not in common vse of Speech , which is the Emperour of Words , My Conscience tels mee I did or did not such a thing , which is an Action of the Memory ? My Conscience bids mee doe , or forbids me to doe this or this , which is but an Action of the Will : It smites mee , it checkes mee , it comforts , or it torments mee : what are these but Actions of the Affections recoyling vpon the Soule ? But if any list to contend about these subtilties , Conscience tells them , it hath no such custome . Conscience falsely so called , delighteth to languish about Questions not tending to Edification ; Let vs rather turne our eyes , to behold and wonder at the Diuine royalties and endowments of it , it being in man the principall part of GODS Image , and that by which Man resembleth most the Autarchie and selfe-sufficiencie of GOD , which I graunt is proper to his Infinitenesse , to be content and compleat within it selfe : but vnder him , and with his leaue and loue , this Facultie makes man selfe-sufficient and independant of other Creatures ; like vnto those selfe-mouing Engins , which haue their Principle of Motion within themselues . Thus , Adam when hee was alone , was not yet alone & desolate , but might conuerse with this his Conscience , as well as with a thousand Companions and Acquaintances .

Secondly , God hath giuen it more force and power to worke vpon men , then all other Agents whatsoeuer : It being internall and domesticall , hath the aduantage of all Forraigne and Outward . Man in this respect being like to the Earth , immoueable of all the windes , though at once they should blow from all the points of the Compasse , yet easily shaken by a vapour from within : whence it is that the Approofes and Reproofes of it , are so powerfull and terrible , the one chearing more then any Cordiall , the other gnawing more then any Chest-worme ; tormenting worse then hot Pincers , boyling Caldrons , Rackes , Strappadoes , or what other the cruelty of Tyrants hath inuented . If one had Angels daily ascending and descending , as Iacob had to comfort him , it were not so comfortable , or if langold or coupled to Diuels , no more terrible .

Thirdly , it being indiuiduall and inseperable , there is no putting of it to flight , or flying from it : Lyp● . Pol. Ne● fugere , nec fugare poteris . It was bred and borne with vs , it will liue and die with vs . Agues a man may shake off , Tyrants and ill Masters a man may flye from : but this saith ( as Ruth to Naomi , ) I will goe with thee whether so euer thou goest . It hath more immediate deputation and authoritie from GOD ( of whom all principalities and powers receiue theirs ) then Angels , Kings , Magistrates , Father , Mother , or any other Superiour . It 's onely inferiour to GOD : It is a certaine middle thing betweene GOD and Man , and hath the dignitie of Earles and Nobles , that are Comites Regum . And so Paul is bolde , Romanes 9. to call his Conscience a Co-witnesse with GOD ; whence it hath the Name Conscience , there being no other Creature with whom it can beare witnesse : none knowing what is in Man , saue God , and the Spirit , or Conscience which is man ; which makes Paul ioyne them in one Appeale , Romanes 9. It 's his Spie and Intelligencer in our bosomes and Bed-chambers ; a most exact Notarie of what euer wee thinke or doe : It 's his Lieutenant , and vnder him the principall Commaunder , and chiefe Controler of Mans life , yea , euery mans GOD in that sense that Moses was Aarons . It 's the surest Prognostication and Prae-indgement of GODS last Iudgement , Praei●dicium extremi Iudicij . Tertul. and best Almanacke within a Mans owne breast , foretelling him what will become of him at that day .

Wonderfull is the Greatnesse and Soueraigntie of it : Oh men therefore , and oh Consciences , know your selues , and in this sence loue , respect , and reuerence your selues more then all other Creatures , Friends and Acquaintance : If they could speake , they would say to mans Conscience , as the people to Dauid , a thousand of vs are not equall to thee in worth . It fares with Conscience as with simple Constables ; Many an Officer , if hee knew his place , would stand more vpon it , and take more vpon him then hee doth . The Husband-man were happy , if he knew his happinesse : The Horse were strong , if he knew his strength . Conscience , if it knew power and authoritie , would not suffer it selfe , so to be silenced , abused , snibbed , and kept vnder , being vnder GOD , the Lord Controuler of the Soule , and Super visour of our life .

The second Part.

Thus haue wee seene in part the greatnesse of Conscience : doth it not concerne vs now to see the goodnesse of it ; the greatnesse of it making it , if good , nothing better , if bad , nothing worse ; the surest Friend and the seuerest Foe ? Whose heart burnes not within him , to heare wherein that goodnesse consists , and how hee may come by it .

The goodnesse of it , is the peace of it ; for stirring , accusing , and galling Consciences , are consequents of Sinne , and presuppose some euill .

They secondly proue good vnto vs onely by accident , and Gods goodnesse , which maketh them as afflictions , gather Grapes of Thornes : yea , all things worke to the best of his beloued , as Physitians doe Poysons in their Confections .

And thirdly , they doe not alwayes produce this effect . Sometimes , as Sicknesses and Purgations , they are in order to health , as in the Iewes , Act. 2. Oftentimes as in Cain , Iudas , Achitophell , they destroy their owners .

Good Consciences therefore , properly to speake , are onely quiet ones , excusing and comforting ; but here take heede the Diuell , the great Imposter of our Soules , put not vpon our folly and simplicity , three sorts of quiet ones , as hee doth to most . The Blinde , the Secure , and the Seared .

B●inde and ignorant Consciences speak peace or hold their peace , because they haue not skill enough to accuse & fin● fault : they swallow many a flie , and digest all well enough . While the scales were vpon Pauls eyes , hee was aliue and quiet : he thought Concupiscence , the sincke and breeder of all sinne , to be no sinne . Such Consciences discerne ●innes as wee doe Starres in a darke night ; see only the great ones of the first magnitude , whereas a bright Euening discouers milions : or as wee see a few moates in darke houses , which Sunne-light shewes to be infinite . Such thinke good meaning will serue the turne , that all Religions will saue , or a Lord haue mercy on vs , at the last gaspe : and that which is worst of all , they loue to liue vnder blinde Sir Iohns , seeke darke corners , say they are not Booke-learned nor indeede will suffer their Consciences to proue good Lawyers in Gods Booke , least they should proue common Barrettors . The Law which nature hath engrauen they tread out with sins , as men do the ingrauings of tombs they walk on , with foule shooes : they dare not looke in the Glasse of Gods Law , which makes sin abound , least the foulnesse of their Soules should affright them . A number of such sottish Soules there be , whose Consciences if God opens as he did the eyes of the Prophets Seruant , they shall see Armies and Legions of Sinnes and Diuels in them .

In as pittifull a plight as this , are secure , sleepy , and drousie Consciences , who see , but will not see ; with whom Sinne , Sathan , and their Conscience is not at Peace , but at Truce for a time : safe they are not , onely secure they be and carelesse . These sleepe and delight in sleeping ; and two wayes especially , the Diuell pipes and luls them a sleepe , by Mirth , and by Businesse . Ease and Prosperitie slayes some fooles , Wealth and Hearts-ease , like Dal●●ah , rockes them asleepe on her lap : Iesting and merry tales , eating and drinking casts them into a spirit of slumber , and puts their Sinne and Iudgement farre away , and makes them say they shall neuer be moued . While they prosper and flourish in the world , their Consciences deale as Creditors with their debters : whiles they are in trading and doing , say nothing to them , but if once downe the winde , in sicknes , crosses and pouerty , then Arrest vpon Arrest , Action vpon Action , then come the Fowles of the Aire and seaze vpon the sicke Soule , as the Rauens vpon sicke Sheepe , write bitter things against them , and make them possesse the sinne of their youth . Marke this you that dwell at ease , and swimme in wealth in London . Your Consciences that lie stil like sleepy Mastiues ; in plague times and sweating sicknesses , they flie in the throate : they flatter like Parasites in Prosperitie , and like Sycophants accuse in Aduersitie . Businesse also and Cares of this life choake the Conscience , and the voice of manifold imployments drowne the voyce of Conscience , as the Drummes in the Sacrifices to Moloch the cry of the Infants . And such Consciences are quiet , not because they are at Peace , but because they are not at Leasure . Marke then you that haue Mils of businesse in your Heads , whole West-Minster-Hals , Bursses , Exchanges and East-Indies , ( as I feare many of you haue whilst I am speaking to your Conscience ) that making hast to be rich , ouerlay your braines with affaires , are so busie in your Counting-house and Bookes , and that vpon this very Day , that you neuer haue once in a week , or yeere , an houres space to conferre with your poore Consciences ; yea , when did you ? Let your Consciences answere within you . No , but if at a Sermon you appoint them a time , and say you will , you disappoint them and say as Agrippa to Paul , Wee will heare thee another time : and for the most part doe as hee did , that is , neuer heare them againe .

All these sleepers haue but a ●rensie mans sleepe ; this Tranquilitie will be sure to end in a Tempest .

Yet in a more horrible case , and step nearer Hell , are such as seare their Consciences with an hot Iron , harden them of purpose , as men doe Steele , by quenching the motions of them ; brand them with often sinning against their checking ; fleshing tender Nouices with this counsell , when their Consciences trouble them for any thing , then to doe it the rather , and so they shall heare no more of them : and so it proues through Gods iust iudgement giuing them ouer to a reprobate sense , that their Consciences serue them as Moses did Pharaoh , hauing receiued many repulses , and at last commanded to come no more in sight , forbare to lose any more breath vnto him , but complained to God , who swept him and his Hoast away with a finall destruction .

When Tutors and Paedagogues are weary with Pupils , they giue them ouer to their Parents fury : these are 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and to these villaines there is no peace , saith my God , and my Text. These men● Consciences if euer they awake , ( as seldome they doe ) they awake as Ionas , in fearefull astonishment ; and if they sleepe out this life till their long sleep , yet their Condemnation sleepeth not . Thinke of this you monsters , scorners , and mock-Gods , that forget your Consciences , least they awake and teare you in pieces . Be not my Brethren deceiued with any of these deceiuing Consciences ; Children of darknesse : Though Conscience be not vsually mocked , yet many deceiue their owne heart , Iam. 1. 26. for want of examination . Many say & thinke in their Consciences , that they haue good Consciences , when GOD saith , Oh that this people had such a good Conscience : and so Paul speakes in my Text , as once to Agryppa , Oh that you were as I am , assured that you haue a good Conscience , desiring , &c.

What then is a good Conscience ? That which speakes Peace with Gods allowance , which is a Messenger of good things between God and vs , that vpon good grounds , is in good tearmes with God : It lyes in the lawfull peace of it , and not in integritie and freedome from sinne . If my Conscience accuse me not , yet am I not thereby iust●fied , God is greater then my Conscience . If any Conscience say to any man , hee hath no sinne , it lyes in the throate , and is a Lyer . Adam onely had such a Paradise , such a good Conscience , walking with God , without sinne , without feare , in the state of Innocencie . There is but one way now to come to it : our peace ▪ is now to be had by Mediation and Reconciliation ; being iustified by Christs bloud wee haue this peace . In stead of many , marke one remarkable place of Scripture for this purpose . If you aske what makes a good Conscience , there is but one thing in the world will make it , Hebr. 9. 14. The bloud of Christ once offered by his eternall Spirit , without fault , purgeth our Consciences from dead workes . Yea , so admirable is the force of this bloud , that it leaues no more conscience of Sinne within it . Heb. 10. 2. This Lambe takes them away , and carries them out of Gods remembrance into the Wildernesse of Obliuion . If thy Conscience rage as the Sea , Christ cast into it , as Ionas , whists all the waues of it . If the Law make it as Mount Sinay , couered with darknesse , the Gospell calmes and lightens it presently . If tossed as the Ship where the Disciples sayled in the night , hee rebukes the Windes , and they are still : if the Diuels rend and rage in it , he casts them out presently .

The Iaylor came in trembling , ready to fordoe himselfe , Beleeue in Christ , sent him out leaping and reioycing . It 's strange how freely , effectually , and speedily hee quiets all . Oh all ill Consciences , heare and beleeue ; this is the honour , royalty , and peculiar dignitie of Christs bloud , to pacifie and make good our Consciences ! I doe not so much admire at all his miraculous healings of Diseases , Lepries , Blindnesse , and Lamenesse , Daemoniackes of all sorts , as I doe at his gracious and sodaine quietting of the Conscience of Mary Magdalen , of Zacheus , of Paul ; and so the like vertue this bloud hath still , to day and yesterday the same . Nothing else in the world hath this vertue saue his bloud : all other merriments haue no more power to quiet Conscience , then Holy-water and Charmes to coniure the Diuell .

I finde in a French Comedie one brought in as troubled in Conscience for sinne , and he runs vp and downe like a Hart with an Arrow in the side , for remedie , hee buyes a Pardon , runnes to Shrift , whips himselfe , goes on Pilgrimages ; and all this while , like an Aguish man that drinkes water , or leapes into a Poole , his disease increaseth ; then fals hee to seeke merry company , to see if hee can play away his trouble ; but like Sauls ill spirit , it returnes with greater violence , & brings seauen worse with it to torment . In the end hee findes Christ , or rather is found of Christ , and so findes peace , & this is the good Conscience we speake of , to which being in Christ , there is no Condemnation , no Accusation . Wouldst thou purchase a good conscience at an easier rate ? wouldst thou haue it for sleeping ? When thou hast tried al conclusions , come hither & buy salue for thy Conscience without money . When thou hast spent all thy time and money about what will not quiet thy minde , as Alchimists smoake out all in seeking the Philosophers-Stone , here is that which will doe it ; beleeue and proue , and thou and thy Conscience shall be safe and quiet : this is approued , thus Paul got his . Yea , but is this all ? Is it so cheape and easie a thing ? May we now sing a Requiem to our Soules , lay the reynes on our neckes cast care away , and doe what we list ? I feare not such an obiection from a true beleeuing Conscience . They that prattle thus , know not Ingenium fidei & bonae Conscientiae , the good nature of Faith and a good Conscience .

Let me not daube your Consciences with vntempered Morter . Faith as it pacifieth , so it purifieth Conscience . Christ purgeth our consciences to serue the liuing God , and after all his cures , bids the healed goe away and walke after the Spirit , and sin no more . There are indeede a generation of Libertines and hypocrites that serue Christ , as Lewes the 11. is reported to haue serued his leaden Crucifixe which he vsed to weare in his hat , & when he had blasphemed or done any villany , he would pull it off and kisse it , and so sinne ouer and ouer againe ; like our common Swearers , that crye God mercy , and aske him leaue to abuse his Name againe , and that wittingly and willingly .

These and such like , let their Consciences speake peace to them , as the Fryer in Stephan ▪ absolued a Gentleman , that would needes pay well , yet would not promise to amend his fault , in stead of an Absolution hee pronounced a Curse vpon him in Latine , which hee tooke for pay ; Christ absolue thee , which I beleeue he will not ; and bring thee to Heauen , which is impossible .

Many Sentencs hath the Master of Sentences borrowed from Ambrose , Lib. 4. Dist. 14. against such Consciences , which I omit to rehearse , least as Abners body , they hinder the passing of the people by . A good Conscience stands not with a purpose of sinning ; no , not with an irresolution against sin . He is a foole and a vaine mocker , no true penitent , that mournes for sin past , and yet meanes at the same time to sin for the time to come . With which Sophisme the most perish at this day , with this in their mouthes ; They beleeue on Christ , and haue as good a Conscience as the best , and yet walke in sinne . But oh thou vaine fellow , shew mee Pauls good Conscience by Pauls proofe , by his Desire in all things , &c. Is Christ able to saue thee , and is he not able to sanctifie thee ? Let mee with Tertullian , tell thee , that the promises standing true , thy faith is false , & the Gospel remaining safe , thou shalt perish .

Titus , a Trades-man or Lawyer here present , happily is desirous to haue peace of Conscience , is sorry for his oathes & frudulent courses this week past , but knowes he shall fall to the like the week comming , hates them not , and meanes not to striue against them , but to returne to the myre , my Text saith not to him , Goe in peace , to such loose and licentious Consciences that make Christ a bawd of sinning , & Faith a cloak of liberty . I haue heard that the Pope hath sold a Pardon for a Murther past , with a dispensation annexed for the next . : but Christ my Lord and master ( as bountifull & gracious as he is ) grants no such . If he forgiue that which is past , hee giues at least so much Grace , as to deny vngodlinesse for the time to come . To conclude this point ; thou desirest a good conscience , without indending or conditioning , I bid thee beleeue in Christ , & thou hast one ; yet take this , not into the bargaine , but as an after prouiso : Art thou willing to haue a good Conscience , and to be assured thereof , here follow foure infallible Characters and marks of a good one , which I desire you to mark attentiuely , and by them to try your Consciences throughly . Hitherto I haue shewed how you may get one : now how you may proue one . Here are foure Elements or humors , which well compounded & mixed , make vp a perfect health of Conscience : if any one be wanting , or faile in a iust measure or proportion , Conscience is accordingly defectiue and sicke .

The first , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . is that which must be the first in euery good action , that is , the Will , that the bent & inclination of that be set right . I would the word had been plainly translated as it is in other places , verbatim , willing : It implyes first ; that hee that hath a good Conscience , doth not onely doe well , but wills to doe well , doth it voluntarily , not forcedly , or out of externall and si●i●ter motions , but from an internall principle , a sanctified and rectified will , which God accepts for the deede , and aboue the deed . Secondly , that he doth not onely wish and faintly desire , which Translation may flatter an hypocrite that hath some sluggish lusts and some sodaine good pangs and moodes , and such as for the time little differ in sicknesse and starts from a regenerate will : but the word notes a strong and setled resolution , a constant purpose , and such as produceth endeuour . Hee th●t will be rich , pierceth himselfe through with many sorrowes , where the same word is vsed ; I graunt it is Carnificina , a racke to a good Conscience , to say , It must alwaies doe well ; and contrarily , it 's a true ground of comfort , to say , that a will and purpose is sufficient testimonie and approofe of a good one : but then it must be meant , not euery languishing and lazie flash of euery wisher and woulder , but of a willer ; and this word is equal with the other two , which are good Synonimaes and Glosses vpon this , vsed by Paul , Act. 23. 24. I labour , or exercise my selfe , and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , I lay my policie , or bend my wit and will to haue a good Conscience , and to serue God , &c.

It may be said of some , They would be good , but they haue no will to it . There is none so prodigall or sloathfull but would be rich ; Yet we say not , such will be rich , that is , set it downe , determine it vltimata voluntate . There are none so wicked , but at some times would be good , and leaue sinne ; but these dispositions breed imperfect Essayes and profers , ripen not , hold not , discerne not the name of Will. Corrupt flesh hath many such Propensities and Bubles , and is very prodigall in momentanie purposes , and promises ; but Dauid saith , hee will keepe Gods Commaundements : I haue vowed , sworne , &c. when Michol mocked , I will yet be more vile ; as resolute Swaggerers , whose Will is set and sould to sinne : They sinne and will sinne , say Preachers what they can . Ahab will goe , crie Micaia● what hee please ; so Iosuah will serue God , let others doe what they will . Sanctified Will may be crossed , and captiued , and hindered , but yet it holds it owne bent , and ouercomes the Law of Rebellion , is predominant , and can neuer be forced to sinne , or to will to sinne , without a curbe in the mouth , the more stiffe and steady this Will is , the better Symptome of a good Conscience .

Secondly , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . this Will must extend it selfe to 〈◊〉 ; Though in many things our deedes fai●e : which extent ●et Paul expound with a distribution , towards GOD and Man , Acts 2. In duties Diuine , Humane , of Charitie and Piety , whatsoeuer is done for Gods sake and for Conscience sake , is done equally : No man makes a Conscience of one , but hee that doth of all : hee that delights in the breach of one Commandement , hates all the rest . The rich and precious boxe of a good Conscience , is polluted and made impure , if but one dead Flye be suffered , I say not , if one Flye of Infirmitie light in it , against the will fore-mentioned , but if with our will it lye , and dye , and putrifie in it . When Christ purgeth Maries conscience , hee casts out not sixe but seauen Diuels , yea , hee leaues not one of the Legion remaining , not one spot of Leprie in any one member , but saith , Faith hath made thee whole . Here I see many fall short , and I pitie to see so many ciuill men and hypocrites to come so neere the Kingdome of heauen and a good Conscience , and yet one thing is wanting . Foolish Herod , that doest many things and stickest at one : Foolish Ananiah , that spilst and losest all thy cost with a small reseruation . Foolish hypocrite , why takest thou paines to climbe so high on the hill of Piety , and yet for one step of iniustice to thy neighbour , ascends not into Gods Mountaine , though thou commest often into Gods Tabernacle . Thou ciuill honest man , why giuest thou Almes , liuest fairely with man , and forgettest the maine , art so farre short of this All things , that thou forgettest that which should be all in all , that is , Pietie to God ? Vniuersall and Catholicke obedience , is the best distinguishing Touchstone of trueth and falsehood , of good & bad Consciences . This Vniuersality must also extend to great and small duties . I say Vniuersality , not equality : A good Conscience mainely desires to please God in the great Commandements , as Christ cals them , and then in euery complement , in euery hoofe and naile , so neere as he can , yet obseruing a due proportion . It most of all straines at grosse sinnes , yet swallowes not Gnats . It trembles a● Wounds and Blood , feares Faith and Troth . It abhorres Adulterie , hates Daliance : It payes Tithe-sheaues carefully , it detaines not Tithe , Mint , and Anniseede : It sayes not , an inch breakes no square , and small faults must be wincked at ; and in this sence may well be said to be scrupulous , because it being tender feeles scruples : onely here I lay a Caueat , that it be not erronious , or ignorantly dubious and scrupulous , like the wall-eyed or bird-eyed Horse , that starts vpon euery shaddow without occasion or cause : makes Conscience where God and his Word makes none , makes many questions for Conscience sake . Light and information is as good as tendernesse , both together make an excellent Conscience , and obiter for the sake of scrupulous Consciences , that desire vnfainedly in all things to walke honestly , I giue them these solemne charges .

First , that they study the peace of the Church .

Secondly , that they study their liberties .

Thirdly , that they be humble towards God and their Superiours , and willing to illuminate and regulate their Consciences by the Word , and be established in what they are to doe , not admitting euery feare of the contrary without ground , yet remembring Pauls rule , to follow the Dictate of Conscience , rather then of Angell , Potentate or Prelate , yea of Apostle . For , after the Apostle had determined that , in the 14. to the Romanes , he yet requires in the Eater a Plerophorie , and blesseth him that doth it with consent of Conscience , and makes all other Sinne a Sinne against Conscience , being worse then a Sin against Man , yea , next to the Sinne against the Holy Ghost . An erronious Conscience holds the Wolfe by the eares , bindes to the Act , frees not from the fault : Oh therefore labour to get a Salue , and thinke not your owne eye-sight to be sharper then the Eagles . Endeauour to informe your Consciences aright , and hauing so done , be carefull in all things to keepe a good Conscience , and that throughout the whole tenour and course of your liues , which is required in the next terme of Conuersation .

A word that addes to the former , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Constancy , and Equality : there are in the life of Man many turnings , references , and diuers respects , in all these ; at euery turne to be the same Man , requires the 〈◊〉 of a good Conscience : to 〈…〉 well , a Childe or a 〈…〉 may , but to walke euen 〈…〉 turne hither and th●●her 〈◊〉 , argues ●●rength . A 〈◊〉 or ● broken paced Horse , may rack● or stri●e a stroke or two right , but to maintaine the thorough-pace , at euery stop & turne to be at the commaund of the Rider , argues mettall and goodnesse . This terme is expressed by Paul , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Acts 23. 1. I haue alwayes , or throughly , to this day ; and 24. 16. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . That is , without tripping or stumbling , or without oftence to other , &c. A weake Conscience falls at euery turne ; godly in one company , prophane in another : a good one , as a Square Cube , is the same which way soeuer you turne him : Turne him to God , to his Neighbour , turne him to company , turne him alone , turne him loose to all occurrences , he holds his owne , and wa●kes honestly . For example , one day is the briefe of a Mans whole life , and is a little life , bounded with the Night and the Morning , as with Birth and Death : wherein a conscionable man first turnes to God in Prayer alone , then with his Family , then to his Calling , then to his Recreation , to Society , Eating and Drinking , and at night returnes to God and his rest ; in all these walking god●y , soberly , righteously , and is able to say trulier then the Epicure at night , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . I haue liued this day : I haue walked honestly ; hee is a good Dayes-man , or Iourney-man , or Tasker , which is an excellent mysterie of well liuing and Redemption of time , a working vp our Saluation in holinesse and righteousnesse , all the dayes of our life : hee that le ts slip one dayes watch and worke , may sleepe at night in a whole skinne , but not in a sound Conscience . Turbid● & Lucid● int●rualla . Such crazie Consciences haue , as broken brains , their good and euill dayes . Conscience as a vessell may easily be kept pure and cleane if rinsed euery day ; but if it goe longer , it gathers soyle , and askes harder scouring by more then ordinary Repentance . Daily washing will keepe it pure and faire , which is the last thing which is yet wanting to perfection , such perfection as is to be found in the way : and that being added , will s●t on the roofe and pinnacle vpon this building .

〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Hones●ly , I could wish the Translatours had vsed some other word , because this is so disgracefull and con●●●p●●ble as the world goes , though the word in the ou● signification is honourab●e , Hones●●e in trueth ( as ironically as the world vseth it ) being onely truely honourable , forcing honour from the breasts of men , which is the seat of honour , which brauerie doth but begge . The word is comprehensiue , and compasseth in the fadome of it , as much as any or all the other Aduerbs in Scripture , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . worthily , decently , accurately , circumspectly , grauely , after the best fashion , or comely , praise-worthy , liuely , famously . It notes the lustre and grace of an action , which makes our conuersation shine before men , and sets out Gods glory . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , A thing that Citizen and Courtier much standvpon in their Actions , yea all men now a daies build , feast , weare apparell , not for bare necessity , but for their credit , so as they may get honestie by them . Vnconscionable men slubber ouer their worke , and thinke any thing good enough for God , as in Malachie : and content themselues with reasonable seruice , for so they translate that , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Rom. 12. Wheras Paul often requires Christians should be excellent ringleaders in faire workes ; 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . and prouide honest or honourable things before men , and to possesse their vessels , much more their Consciences in honour , that they may be fit Temples for the Holy Ghost . As Theodoret most diuinely vpon Exodus , looke how the Temple was adorned with the finest Gold , Siluer , Silke , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , &c. Purple , Scarlet , Iewels , &c. So must thy Conscience , of which Temples this was but a Type .

There is in euery dutie , besides the deed done , an honourable decorum annexed , as in hearing , to heare swiftly ; in preaching , to labour & to be instant in season , &c. in giuing Almes , to doe it cheerefully ; in trading to be at a word ; in payments & promises to keepe day and touch : and thus it becomes a Christian to exceede the P●arisee , and the ciuill man , or else it is not for his , and his Masters honour .

Dauid did excellently when he would not offer a Sacrifice without cost : The woman that spent her costly Spicknard on Christ , the smell whereof perfumed all the house , and holds the scent to this day : The Widdow that gaue all her substance . Our honourable personages , how meane are they in allowances to Ministers , in Almes to the poore , or any expences , that respect GOD and their soules . A good Conscience for the sake of this honestie , auoides and flies , not onely scandalous blemishes and staines , but all the least blushes and appearances of euill , all brackish tasted things his stomacke goes against them : If hee knew neuer so well Cards , Dice , Vsurie , Nonresidencie , Plurality to be neuer so lawfull , yet because they stand not with this honour , he will none of them . He askes not what he may doe with a safe Conscience , but with an excellent one ; not what is lawfull and expedient , but honourable .

Thus haue we seene the Apostle riding in this triumphant Chariot , drawne as it were with these foure horses , the foure euidences of Conscience .

The first proues it good ; the second , true ; the third , strong ; the fourth , excellent .

Hee that hath the Will , hath the seeds of Religion , and is a Christian , and no Atheist .

He that willeth in all things , is a sound Christian , and no hypocrite ,

He that conuerseth or walketh , is a grown Christian , no babe or weakling .

He that walks honourably , is an excellent Christian , no ordinary one .

He that hath all these , may well say and glory with the Apostles confidence , that he is assured .

Hee that hath them not , as most haue them not , may well conclude , We are assured our Consciences are euill and impure , willing to sinne , and walke after the flesh .

The word is Pauls word , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . and yet he speakes it in the plurall number by way of Syllepsis , changing the number , because hee would haue it the word of euery Christian. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is a word of as good certainty as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , it seconds and binds it , as the better word , Rom. 14. I know and am assured . Of it as of the roote , springs 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , for all Bellarmine would eleuate it . It imployes a grounded perswasion , not from Inspiration or Reuelation , but from Arguments and Experience . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Faith is the subsistance and euidence ; and the perswasion or assurance of a Christian is as firme as is any worldlings for his estate ; yea , a thousand times surer . You rich men think your selues sure of estates here vpon earth , but wee Christians know our selues sure of heauen . Conscience knowes it selfe , as well as Science any Principle , or Sense any Obiect . Without which certainety , Christians were of all men most miserable . Popery and Nature , and the old Leuen of Pelagius newly worse sowred by Arminius , neuer hauing had experience of this Plerophorie , serue Christians , when they boast of this their confidence , as Ananias did Paul , strike them on the face with the terme of pride and presumption ; yea , sticke not to giue them the lie ; but such betray themselues with their owne noyse . I would aske them but Pauls question , Doe not you know ? If they answere as vsually they doe , No ; nor they thinke any man liuing on earth : I would pray them to marke what followes , Except you be reprobate , reffuse , or reiectanij , as yet in the state of Reprobation , for ought they know .

Indeed it becomes the strumpet and adultresse to doubt of her husband , and not to call him Ishi , Hose● 2. but let him marke ( saith Bernard ) the Spouses language ; My beloued is mine and I am his . See ( saith he ) what a good Conscience dares doe . Habet Ecclesia spirituales suos qu● fiducia●iter agunt cum Christo : The Church hath her spirituall ones that relye boldly on Christ , or confidently ; the very terme that Bellarmine excepts against . And , Id audet vnus , quod audet vniuersit as ; Ego puluis & cinis &c. Yea , euery particular person dares doe as much as the Catholike Church ; I that am dust and ashes dare apply this to my selfe . And Tompson vpon that Text. These things ( saith hee ) are not written , 〈…〉 for I know not what ayrie Notions or Idaea's , but for mee and thee . Without which , who would be a Christian ? A mans Conscience is deepe and deceitful , but the spirit of man , especially helped by the Spirit of God , and vpon examination and tryall , may and doth know as well ( saith Augustine ) his Charity wherwith he loues , as his brother whom he loues ; and if his Charitie , then his Faith .

Three Scioes I finde in the end of Iohns Epistle . The Major or Proposition is Gods Word ; The beleeuer is saued . The Minor is assumed by Gods Spirit & the Conscience , two sufficient witnesses , fortified and assisted by many pr●misses , by the compasse within , the land-markes without , Faith , and the fruits of Faith . Dost thou beleeue , saith Christ ? I beleeue , saith the man . And this is the Restipulation of a good Conscience in Baptisme , and in euery true beleeuer . Credis ? Credo , was the ancient forme , which answere , all wauerers must reuerse and innovate . Latitudes of assurance I grant in Babes and old men . Dauid knew when he came to Hebron , that God meant to establish the kingdome to him and his , which he knew before , but now with a confirmed knowledge . The Ba●lances of the Scoale shake and tremble at the first , after the weight is in a while it settles and rests : and so our Soules . And euen this Certaintie is of the nature of all precious Faith , though experienced Faith increaseth it . It 's this Confidence that makes a good Conscience , this valour makes the value of it invaluable & invtterable .