1 FRom the conclusion of Conscience, some effects follow, according as the judgement thereof is.

2 These effects are either Acts of Conscience, which are virtually contained in the conclusion, or Affections and Acts of the Will, which arise from those acts of Conscience.

3 Amongst the acts of Conscience, some there be that respect that which is well done: some respect sin.

4 Those that respect what is well done, are Excusing,

Absolving, and Aprooving, Rom. 2. 15.

5 Excusing is an act of Conscience, whereby a man is freed from the guilt of sinne in what he hath done: For Excusing heere is not taken in that stricter sense, whereby it signifieth a [gap]essening or extenuating of the fault, but in that sense which importeth, a perfect taking away of the fault, and guilt.

6 Absolution is an act of Conscience, whereby it pronounceth a man need not feare punishment for what he hath done.

7 These two acts are tyed so closely and fast together with a bond that cannot be loosed, that they differ onely in our apprehension not really. For Excusing doth most properly respect guilt, and Absolution the punishment; but neither is the guilt taken away so long as the punishment remaineth; neither doth the guilt remaine, the punishment being once taken away.

8 Approving is an act of Conscience, pronouncing that a man in his action hath pleased God.

9 Absolution and approbation differ from Excusing in this, that in Excusing, Conscience doth the part of the Law, and hath respect unto God, as he is a Iudge, before whose judgement seat it excuseth a man as a witnesse; but in Absolving and Approving, Conscience properly doth Gods part, and hath respect unto man, whom like a Iudge it absolveth, and approveth.

10 The acts of Conscience, which respect sinne, are Accusation, and Condemnation.

11 Accusation is an act of Conscience, convincing and prooving a man to be neere unto punishment, because of his sinne.

12 Condemnation is an act of Conscience, judging a man that is guilty, to the punishment of eternal death

13 Accusation and Condemnation differ in the same degree and manner, that Excusing differeth from Absolution and Approoving.

14 Accusation and Condemnation sometimes follow presently upon the fact, as in David, 2 Sam. 24. 10 Sometimes a little while after it, as in Iudas, Matt. 21. 3. Sometimes a long time after, as in Iosephs brethren, Gen. 42. 21. 22. For a man is not free from them by length of time, but by repentance onely.