Page:A Treatise of the Covenant of Grace (John Ball).djvu/95

 Rh

drag him out, as it were by the eares from his lurking hole, and convent him before his tribunall, and thou shalt not see any thing more abject and heartlesse. Then is that of the Prophet verified, ''The sinners in Sion are afraid, a feare is come among the hypocrites. Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? Who among us shall dwell with the everlasting burning?'' But the entire heart, even in this case, holds out confident and couragious. And no marvell, for every man that walketh in his integrity hath the priviledge of a treble guard, the guard of Gods protection, of the good Angels, and of a good conscience, for his defence against all adversary power. Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace: ''for the Lord shall helpe and deliver him, he shall deliver him from the wicked, and save him, because he trusteth in him. The Lord will defend the perfect, and he hath given his Angels charge over them, to beare them in their hands, and keepe them in their waies:'' In which respect they may say with the Prophet, how many soever rise up against us, they be more and stronger that be with us, then they that rise up against us. Moreover, they are blessed of God with a good conscience, which is as a strong Castle, against which no batteries of the enemy can prevaile; he is a most valiant Champion, who will not be daunted with any proud on-set of the Adversary, which he knoweth to be weake, and of no strength. As there is nothing more base, or sooner abashed then a corrupt conscience, destitute of integrity: So nothing more bold and hardy then a good and perfect conscience. David in the midst of all his reproaches had the face to professe the name of God before Kings and Princes, without ever being blanked at their presence. And shall a man so guarded, regard the enmity of any? fear the threatnings of any, though never so mighty? be dismayed at any hard condition that he is fallen into for the present? No, he will not be afraid for any evill tidings, for his heart is fixed and trusteth in the Lord.

Integrity addeth to the glory of our good actions, even such as are but of the lower sort. There is not the meanest duty whatsoever, which integrity will not set a faire glosse upon, that in some respects it shall be matchable even to workes farre greater in their owne nature. A poore labouring man that lives by his hands, having performed holy obedience to God therin with an entire heart, may have as much comfort on his death-bed, as the best Minister