b 1 Tim. iv. 2. c Matt, xiv. 9. d Matt, xxvii. 3—6, 20,
e Acts xxvi. 9. f John xvi. 2. s Rom. xiv. 2, 3, 5, 6.
of conscience be just, wc should try them by this touchstone. We should learn from the sacred volume what are the Leading features of conversion; what is essential to the Christian cha- racter ; and what, though wrong in itself, will consist with real integrity. When we have thus attained an adequate know- ledge of the rule of duty, and our conscience judges by that rule in estimating our conduct, then may we safely acquiesce in its determinations, and conclude it to be right, whether it acquit or condemn.
There is, however, and ever must be, more credit due to its sentence when it condemns, than when it acquits; because, in condemning, it may have respect to any single act, and found its sentence on that, without the smallest danger of mistake : but, in acquitting, it must comprehend the whole circle of a Christian's duty, and testify that, on the whole, there is no allowed deviation from it. Here therefore is great scope for error ; insomuch that St. Paul himself, though he knew of no allowed evil in himself, would not be too confident respecting his state ; but committed himself to the judgment of a merciful and gracious God'1.]
To procure a just attention to its voice, we proceed
to shew,
II. The benefit and comfort of having its testimony in our favour — Nothing is more terrible than an accusing con- science. Its testimonies are,
1. A source of present distress —
[When God gives it a commission to scourge a man, it executes the office with great effect. How did it increase the troubles of Joseph's brethren'; and torture the soul of the unguarded Darius k; and appal the impious Belshazzar, so that his knees smote one against the other1 ! How did it make Felix tremble on the seat of judgment"1! and Judas actually to become his own executioner"! Wlien it operates with a just and salutary influence, it will force the most obdurate to cry out with anguish0, and the most confident to weep with great bitterness1".
Many amongst ourselves perhaps have felt its stings, till we have groaned in our spirit, and even " howled upon our bed," anticipating, and almost tasting, the bitterness of hell itself0-.]
h 1 Cor. iv. 3, 4. > Gen. xlii. 21. k Dan. vi. 18 — 20.
1 Dan. v. 6. '" Acts xxiv. 25. n Matt, xxvii. 5.
0 Acts ii. 37. and xvi. 29, 30. P Luke xxii. G2.
n Heb. x. 27.