A GOOD CONSCIENCE.

This must needs be a blessed help in distress, for a man to have a
good conscience when affliction hath taken hold on him; for a man
then, in his looking behind and before, to return with peace to his
own soul, that man must needs find honey in this lion.

This is the way to maintain always the answer, the echoing answer of
a good conscience in thy own soul. Godliness is of great use this
way; for the man that hath a good conscience to God-ward, hath a
continual feast in his own soul: while others say there is casting
down, he shall say there is lifting up; for God shall save the
humble person. Some indeed, in the midst of their profession, are
reproached, smitten, and condemned of their own heart, their
conscience still biting and stinging them because of the uncleanness
of their hands; and they cannot lift up their face unto God, they
have not the answer of a good conscience towards him, but must walk
as persons false to their God and as traitors to their own eternal
welfare. But the godly upright man shall have the light shine upon
his ways, and he shall take his steps in butter and honey. The work
of righteousness shall be peace, and the effect of righteousness,
quietness, and assurance for ever. "If our heart condemn us, God is
greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. Beloved, if our
heart condemn us not, then have we confidence towards God."

A TENDER CONSCIENCE.

A tender conscience is to some people like Solomon's brawling woman,
a burthen to those that have it; but let it be to thee like those
that invited David to go up to the house of the Lord.