A commentarie vpon the most diuine Epistle of S. Paul to the Romanes Containing for matter, the degeneration of our nature by Adams Fall; and the restauration thereof, by the grace of Christ. Together with the perfection of faith, and the imbecillity of workes, in the cause of iustification of elect sinners before God. For forme and maner of handling, it hath the coherence and method, the summe and scope, the interpretations & doctrines the reasons and vses, of most texts. All which, are set downe very familiarly and compendiously, in forme of a dialogue, betweene Tlmotheus [sic] and Silas, by Thomas Wilson, one of the six preachers in the cathedrall church of Canterbury.

DIAL. X.

Verse 15.

Their Conscience bearing them witnesse, & their thoughts ac∣cusing one another, or excusing.

Tim.

WHat is the drift of this Scripture?

Silas

To prooue by the internall testimonie of their Conscience, that the Gentiles were not without a Law, as he had before confirmed it by an externall way of their doing some good things.

Tim.

What things are to be noted heere touching the Con∣science?

Silas

Two things: First, the Office of the conscience. Secondly, the effects or actions of the same.

Tim.

What is the office of the Conscience?

Silas.

To beare witnesse, therefore it is called [Consci∣ence] because it knoweth with another: it dooth beare witnesse first of our estate, wherein our persons stand with God, that is; whether we are in the fauour of God or no, as Rom. 8, 16. The spirit doth witnesse vnto our spi∣rits, that we are the sonnes of God, Also by the example of Paul, Ro, 8, 15. & 2 Cor. 5, 5. and of Cain, Gen. 4.

Tim.

But Dauid thought himselfe cast out of Gods fauour, when he was not, Psal. 77, 7. So did Iob.

Sil.

It is true, in time & pang of some grieuous temp∣tation, or if the conscience be feared; also when it is a∣sleepe or benummed, it doth faile in giuing testimonie of our persons. Secondly, it doth beare witnesse of our life and actions.

Tim.

What is the testimony that the Conscience giueth of mens actions?

Sil.

Before they are done, it witnesseth & admonisheth vs; or when we shal do them how good or euil they be. After they are done, it tels vs what we haue done, that is; when we are about to do or say any thing, the con∣science telleth whether it is good or euill, whether wee please or displease God in it. Example we haue heereof in Dauid, who when hee was shut vp in the Caue with Saul, Dauids Conscience told him afore-hand, that hee should do ill to do violence to Saul, Sam. 23, 6. Also Io∣sephs Conscience told him before hand, that hee should do ill to consent to his Mistris, Gen. 39, 9. Also Rebec∣cahs Conscience did witnesse, that it was a good worke to preserue her two sonnes, Gen. 27, 42.

Tim.

Doth not the Conscience erre sometime in giuing testi∣mony touching actions?

Sil.

Yes it dooth, because it is defiled with ignorance and superstition. Therefore in this case the erring con∣science ought to be reformed by the word, but til it be reformed, it must be followed and obeyed, as appeareth by Rom. 14, 21. 1 Cor. 8, 10.

Tim.

What vvitnesse dooth the Conscience heare after the

action done?

Silas

It certifieth vs and witnesseth to vs what is done, and what is not done; the reason of this is because there is in the Conscience a power obseruing and remembring all that passeth from vs in thought, word, or deed, as may appeare by the example of Iosephs brethren, also of Iudas, and of euery mans experience.

Tim.

What be the effects and workes of the Conscience?

Sil.

To excuse vs when we haue done well, whereup∣pon ariseth ioy: and to accuse vs when we haue done ill, whereupon ariseth griefe and feare; it accuseth vs in all things done against Conscience, because it striketh vs with terror and sorrow, but in honest actions which a∣gree with nature it doth excuse vs.

Tim.

What may be the meaning of that he saith, our thoughts accusing or excusing one another?

Sil.

It is not so to be vnderstood, as though the thoughts themselues were at ciuill warre, striuing together one a∣gainst another, about one and the same fact or deed: some thoughts accusing it, and on the contrary some other thoughts excusing it; nor yet it is to be applied vnto di∣uers persons, as that some thoughts should accuse vnbelee∣uers and wicked men which are to be punished; and other thoughts should excuse beleeuers and godly men who are to be saued: but it must be meant of the change and turnes which our thoughts haue in accusing or excusing our owne deeds and words, as they shall fall out to be well or ill spo∣ken or done, so our thoughts doe eyther acquit them or condemne them. And this testimony which the Consci∣ence of men beareth by accusing or excusing, according as the things committed are good or euill, it pleaseth God to keepe and maintaine it in euery mans heart for two speciall purposes, not onely that there might bee a constant difference betweene men and beasts, but also for to be an aid and helpe vnto men, the better to search out our Creator, to conserue humane society, to leaue the vnrighteous without all apologie and excuse in the

day of the Lords iudgement; and namely, to take away all pretence from Pagans and such as bee without the Church, to whom their very Conscience shall be suffici∣ent to beare witnesse against them vnto their condem∣nation, though they neuer had either Law or Gospell.

Tim.

What are we to learne from all this?

Sil.

That it behooueth vs to hearken to the direction of the Conscience. Secondly, to labour to haue our Conscience well rectified. Thirdly, to be much occu∣pied in purging and cleansing the Conscience, that it may do his Office well and kindly; this must be by often and narrow search, and vnfeigned confession and forsa∣king of knowne sinnes.