6. But, above all, if we will keep our hearts from trouble, let us labour
Hebrews, 12:5. Though we know many things, yet we have the benefit of our comfort from no more than we remember.
6. But, above all, if we will keep our hearts from trouble, let us labour to keep unspotted consciences. Innocency and diligence are marvellous preservers of comfort. And, therefore, if the conscience be spotted and unclean, wash it in the blood of Christ, which is first purging, and then purifying. It first purgeth the soul, being set awork to search our sins, and confess them; which maketh us see our need of Christ, who died to satisfy divine justice. Then, God sprinkles our heart with his blood, which was shed for all penitent sinners; by which, when the heart is purged, the conscience will be soon satisfied also, by Christ's blood. And when it is purged and pacified, then keep it clean; for a foul soul is always a troubled soul; and though it may be quiet, yet it is sure to break out afterwards.
7. And because there can be no more comfort than there is care of duty, therefore, together with innocency, let us be careful of all duties in all our several relations. Let us consider in what relations we stand, and what duties we owe, and be careful to satisfy them all.
Neglect of duty is a debt, and debts are troublesome. When the soul reflects upon the omission of a necessary duty; I owe such a duty to such a person; I should have done such a thing, in such a relation, but I have omitted it, it is a disquietment, and that upon good grounds; and if you have been negligent, there must be an actual renewing of the covenant, and a setting upon the duty, with fresh endeavours to make amends for former negligences; or else the soul shall have no comfort, nor will God suffer it to admit of comfort.
And, therefore, 'work out your salvation with fear and trembling,'
Philip. 2:12. The reason that men do still tremble, and are troubled with this doubt and that fear, is, because their salvation is not