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Thirdly, a good conscience is knowne by the effects; for it excuseth and acquitteth vs before God of all sinne, and speaketh peace vnto our hearts, assuring vs that we are reconciled, and in Gods fauour: and groun∣ding this testimonie vpon the infallible truth of holy Scriptures; It ma∣keth
vs bold in all dangers, and like armour of proofe, it contemneth the gun-shot of any worldly perils. It makes vs couragious in the perfor∣mance of all good duties, and not greatly to care who liketh or misliketh them, because we carry our warrant in our bosomes, which will iustifie our actions before God, what censure soeuer men passe of them. It maketh vs like good seruants, to come often into our Masters presence, because it wit∣nesseth vnto vs, that we are in his fauour, and that he accepteth of vs and our seruice. It maketh vs often to examine the booke of our accounts, euen in the presence of our Lord, and to desire him to suruey our reckonings, because it testifieth vnto vs that we haue dealt faithfully with him. So Da∣uid, Examine me, O Lord, and prooue me, try my reines and my heart. After which Audit, it will iustifie vs in respect of our integritie, as it did him. Thou hast prooued mine heart, thou hast visited me in the night, thou hast tryed me, and shalt find nothing: Not in respect of the perfection of our perfor∣mance, which is full of wants and weakenesses, but of our desire and reso∣lution, as he expoundeth himselfe in the next words: For I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgresse. If therefore our consciences produce these effects in vs, it is an euident signe that they are pure and peaceable. But if contrariwise they accuse and terrifie vs, or excuse and acquit vs without the warrant of Gods Word; If we are bold and valiant in our peace and prosperity, fearing no euill, but cowardly timorous when we are incoun∣tred with any danger; If wee are so couragious in euill, that we are not ashamed, though men heare vs talke wantonly and vainely, or see vs in our actions imitate the greatest number, though vnlawfull and without warrant: but are ready to blush if a good speech hath slipped from vs in bad company, or if we be ouertaken at vnawares in performing some re∣ligious dutie, by such as are ready to flowt vs for it; If wee care not how little wee come into Gods presence, and seldome or neuer examine the booke of our accounts betweene vs and him, or else slightly and ouertly for forme and fashion sake, and like vnfaithfull factors, cannot indure to haue our Master audit our reckonings; then are our consciences defiled, and can giue no true testimony of peace vnto vs.
Psal. 26. 2.
Psal. 17. 3.
Psal. 130. 3. & 143. 2.