is therefore right ; for, no principle, hoioever good, can sanctify a had action, though a had principle will vitiate the hest of ac- tions^: but an investigation of the principle from which an action flows, accompanied with an attention to the circum- stances under which it is done, will serve as the best clew whereby to find what is really good, and to distinguish it from all specious and delusive appearances.]
2. How to act in doubtful cases —
[Circumstances must sometimes arise, wherein it is difficult to draw the precise line between good and evil : and in all such cases we shall do well to consult those, whose deeper knowledge, and exalted piety, and more enlarged experience qualify them for the office of guiding others. We are ourselves liable to be biassed by passion or interest ; and are therefore oftentimes too partial judges in our own cause. Another person, divested of all such feelings, can generally see more clearly where the path of duty lies. We shall always therefore do well to dis- trust ourselves, and to take advice of others^: but, above all, we should take counsel of the Lord. He has promised, that " the meek he will guide in judgment, the meek he will teach his way :" and, though we are not to expect a voice from heaven to instruct us, or a pillar of fire to go before us, yet may we hope for such an influence of his Spirit as shall rectify our views, and be, in effect, an accomplishment of that promise, *'Thou shalthear a voice behind thee, saying. This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left'."
If, after much deliberation we cannot make up our minds, it is best to pause, till we see our way more clear. The com- mandments given us by God himself on this point, are very express : " Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind:" " Happy is the man who condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth; for he that doubteth is damned (con- demned) if he eat, because he eateth not of faith : for whatso- ever is not of faith, is sin™." But, if we are upright in our minds, and inquire of others, not to get a sanction to our own wishes, but to obtain direction from the Lord, we shall cer- tainly not be left materially to err ; and for the most part, we shall at all events enjoy the "testimony of our own consciences, that with simpHcity and godly sincerity wc have had our con- versation in the world"."]
3. How to deal with tender consciences —
i See Haggai ii. 12, 13.
^ See how the Church of old acted, Acts xv, 1, 2.
1 Isai. XXX. 21. m Rom. xiv. 5, 22, 23. " 2 Cor. i. 12.