to find fault with them. Every thing they do is made an occasion of reproach to them. Whether they more affect the austerity of John, or the ease and famiHarity of Jesus, whether they pipe or mourn, they are equally condemned ^ As for the reasons of their conduct, or the truth of the reports that are circulated respecting them, no one will take the trouble to make the least inquiry. Sometimes it happens, as in the case of Joseph, that appearances are against them, and that they have no means of clearing their own character : O what a satisfaction is it to them under such circumstances, that God knoweth their hearts, and will vindicate them in the last day from the aspersions that are cast upon them ! Doubtless that pure and conscientious man had much sweeter composure of mind in prison, even whilst " the iron of the stocks entered into his soul," than had the adulterous queen, at whose instance these pains were inflicted on him. And every man who enjoys the testimony of his own conscience, is out of the reach of those shafts by which ungodly men endeavour to wound his reputation, and destroy his peace.]
2. In the prospect of death and judgment —
[No man who knows his own sinfulness will presume to justify himself before God: but, in relation to particular accu- sations, or to the general desire of his soul to please God, every man, who is truly upright, may enjoy the richest consolation in the prospect of that day when the truth shall be brought to light, and every man who has served God in sincerity and truth shall have a sentence of approbation from the lips of his Judge. It was in the view of this day, that Paul made so light of the obloquy that was cast upon him*. And in the near approach of death, Hezekiah found in the records of his own conscience a most consolatory reflection. For his country, and for the cause of God in the land, " he wept sore :" but for his own departure he had no reason to mourn": he had approved himself faithful in the discharge of his duty ; and he had no ground to dread the judgment that would be pronounced upon him. But would the same confidence become us ? Yes, in proportion as the same grounds exist for it: for " if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things : but, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confi- dence towards God, and may assure our hearts before him"."]
Advice —
1. Seek to have your conscience duly enlightened —
[If conscience itself be not enlightened by the word and
Spirit of God, its testimony will be extremely fallacious : it
s Matt. xi. 17 — 19. ' 1 Cor. iv. 3—5.
" Isai. xxxviii. .'}. ^ 1 John iii. 19 — 21.