§. Sect. 2 That a good conscience wit∣nesseth vnto vs that we are in all estates bles∣sed.
Moreouer a good conscience testifieth vnto vs, that we are through Christ in an happy and blessed estate, both in respect of the time present and to come. In respect of the present, a good conscience will make vs beare and brooke all estates, not only with patience, but also with com∣fort and ioy in the holy Ghost. If we be in prosperity, and abound with Gods blessings, it warranteth vnto vs the lawfull vse of them, and witnes∣seth vnto vs that we are heires and right owners, and not thieues and vsur∣pers; that they are Gods talents, which being imployed to aduantage, for the glory of our great Lord, and good of our fellow seruants, they shall be doubled and redoubled, when we are called to giue account of them; that they are pledges of Gods fauour in this life, and earnest-pennies of euerlasting ioy and happinesse in the life to come. If we be in aduersitie and affliction, a good conscience, like the good Angell, holding vs by the hand in this firie furnace, will secure vs that wee shall not receiue any harme. For it will testifie vnto vs, that these curses in their owne nature, are through Gods mercy turned into blessings; that they are testimonies of Gods loue, seeing as many as he loueth, he chastizeth, and signes of our adoption, for the Lord correcteth euery sonne that he receiueth: and they are bastards and no sonnes whom he correcteth not. That they will not separate Gods loue from vs, but our loue from the world. That they are not poy∣sons to kill vs, but medicines to cure vs of our spirituall diseases; fannes, and files, and fires, to winnow vs from our chaffe, scowre vs from our rust, and purifie vs from the drosse of our corruptions. Finally, that whatso∣euer they seeme to flesh and blood, yet they shall worke together for the best, to them that loue God; and that though they be bitter and vnpleasant, for the present, yet they shall bring foorth the quiet fruits of righteousnesse, to them that are exercised thereby. In respect of the time to come, a good conscience doth giue vnto vs truely, and according to the Scriptures, this comfortable and ioyfull euidence, that we shall continue euer to be holy and happy, perseuering to the end in Gods grace vnto saluation; not by vertue of our owne strength, but through the power and promises of God. For he hath assured vs, that he will put his feare in our hearts, that wee may not depart from him. That though we haue many fierce Wolues to assault vs, and be but silly weake Sheepe, vnable to make resistance, yet our Shep∣herd Christ, being infinitely stronger then they, none shall be able to pull vs out of his hand. That whom God loueth, he loueth with an euerlasting loue, and to the end; that the gifts and calling of God are without repentance; and finally, that though we be many wayes tryed, yet the Lord will neuer suffer vs to bee tempted aboue our power, but will giue a good end and issue to all our tentations.