Christian Theology - Media Sabda Org

dimensions, situation, or colour of any object, howsoever entire or perfect
the optic nerves may be. In the same manner, comparing spiritual things
with natural, the Spirit of God enlightens that eye of the soul which we
call conscience; it penetrates it with its effulgence, and, speaking as
human language will permit on the subject, it has organs properly adapted
for the reception of the Spirit's emanations, which when received into the
conscience exhibit a real view of the situation, state, &c., of the soul as
it stands in reference to God and eternity. Thus the Scripture says, "The
Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirits:" that is, it shines into the
conscience, and reflects, throughout the soul, a conviction proportioned
to the degree of light communicated, of condemnation, pardon, or
acquittance, according to the end of its coming.
Conscience is sometimes said to be good,—bad,—tender,—seared;
good, if it acquit or approve; bad, if it condemn or disapprove; tender, if
alarmed at the least approach of evil, and is severe in scrutinizing the
various operations of the mind and passions, as well as the actions of the
body; and seared, if it no longer act thus, the Spirit of God being grieved
that its light is no longer dispensed, and conscience no longer passes
judgment on the actions of the man. These epithets can scarcely belong
to it, if the common definition be admitted; but, on the general definition
already given, these terms are easily understood, and are exceedingly
proper; for instance, a good conscience is that to which the Spirit of God
has brought intelligence of the pardon of all the sins of the soul, and its
reconciliation to God through the blood of the covenant; and this good
conscience, retained, implies God's continual approbation of such a
person's conduct. A bad or evil conscience is that which records a charge
of guilt brought against the soul by the Holy Spirit, on account of the
transgression of God's holy law; the light of that Spirit showing the soul
the nature of sin, and its own guilty conduct. A tender conscience is that
which is fully irradiated by the light of the Holy Spirit, which enables the
soul to view the good as good, the evil as evil, in every important respect;
and, consequently, leads it to abominate the latter and cleave to the
former; and, if at any time it act in the smallest measure opposite to those
views, it is severe in self-reprehension, and bitter in its regrets. A