The duty and blessing of a tender conscience plainly stated, and earnestly recommended to all that regard acceptance with God, and the prosperity of their souls / by T. Cruso.

The Preface.

AS the sad Consideration of the too great and general decay of Serious Reli∣gion among a Crowd of Pre∣tenders to it, (which I think, the ensuing Discourses if pra∣ctically digested, might lead and help in some measure to cure) was the chief thing which first engag'd me in the choice of this Subject, and is that which in∣duces me now to Publish it; so I am not insensible that the very Title which it bears, is enough

to expose it to the Ignorance of foolish men, and to draw the severest censure upon that which might more naturally con∣duce to their conviction. Mul∣titudes of persons are so strong∣ly prejudic't against every thing of this kind, which thwarts their Licentious Prin∣ciples and Courses, that the meer sight or sound of the Name, will raise their indig∣nation, and blow up that wrath of man which does too power∣fully obstruct the working of the Righteousness of God.

But I calmly expect the casting of flouds out of such Mouths, when I consi∣der,

that the principal Myste∣ries of the Gospel have been as ill treated, as any thing that I have written here, can be; Who does not know that the Do∣ctrine of Regeneration and the Newbirth, (which is repre∣sented by the Holy Ghost,* 1.1 as one of the Glorious things spoken of the City of God) hath been made the matter of Derision, and cavill'd at in a worse manner now, than it was by Nicodemus heretofore? And therefore if any of the Reproaches of Christ do fall upon these Lines, I shall not onely rest satisfied in it as that which I look't for, but

account it a greater mark of Honour and Reputation, than the most favourable Sentence from such corrupt and partial Judges would be.

Nevertheless I venture to say, that I hope better things frm some, particularly from those, who first heard, and af∣terwards approv'd what is here offer'd to common view;and I hope it indeed the more, the less this performance is adapted to please the fancies of the want only curious. My sincere design in this, was the same which I trust I shall ever pur∣sue in my whole Ministerial Work; viz. To commend

my self to every ones Con∣science in the sight of God;* 1.2 as that is the faculty which I have been here peculiarly exer∣cis'd about, and indeavour'd to rectify, so I would make it the sole Arbiter of what I have done, and readily abide by its determination. If I had taken those methods in the Composure, which suit with the Genius of the present Age, it might per∣haps have pleased a few upon that score, but would have profited none; The sayings of Heathen Orators and Philo∣sophers seem to carry more authority with many, than what can be urg'd out of the Pro∣phets,

and Apostles; but how little reforming efficacy those fragments of the Law of Na∣ture have in comparison of the Dictates of Scripture, the con∣versations of these men for the most part do sufficiently speak.

And I take leave to add for the quickning of those that make a better Profession, into whose hands Providence may cast this Book, that if it should not at∣tain that end of doing good, which Ihave framed it to serve, it will besides my intention, have the quite contrary effect of do∣ing evil: As every word of God shall certainly accomplish something or other, to our ad∣vantage

or our hurt; the like may be said of all Writings of this nature too; if a care∣ful and diligent improvement be made, it may give occasion of everlasting praise and thankful∣ness in Heaven; but if after a sleight and cursory perusal, any should imagine that the work is done, and the purpose answer'd, without the least re∣solution form'd, or endeavour us'd, to regulate their future practice, it will tend to aggra∣vate the torment of self-reflex∣ions in Hell. I humbly in∣treat therefore every one, as I solemnly charge my self, to look upon these things not as Noti∣ons

to be onely lodg'd in the Mind, but as Rules to be ob∣served in the Life; seconding this Injunction and Request with my hearty Prayers to the God of all Grace, that such lively impressions of the follow∣ing Truths may be made upon the Hearts both of Author, and Readers, as effectually to prevent their rising up in Judgment against the one or the other.

T. C.

May 4. 1691.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Psal. 87.3. &c.
• * 1.2

  2 Cor. 4.2.