For when the Apostle meant to oppose inward Baptisme unto outward, in steed of the inward he puts the answer of a good conscience, as the proper effect thereof, by which it may be perceived and knowne. Now by the answer of a good conscience is meant all that confidence which we have before God of his reconciliation, which chiefely appeares in our prayers, and in a pious confession of the faith, and a holy care of obedience. _Reason_ 1. Because then are we properly said to be saved, at least according to our apprehension, when our consciences are freed from the guilt and bondage of sin. 2. Because the peace of a good conscience is part of our glorification. 3. Because such a conscience makes us to goe on constantly in the way of salvation. _Vse._ This may serve _to direct us_, to make it our chiefest care to keepe a good conscience toward God. Doctrine 9. _Such a conscience and our salvation doth in a speciall manner depend upon Christs resurrection._ _Reason_ 1. Because in the resurrection of Christ, Gods sentence was declared, absolving us in him from all sinne and death. _Romans 4.25._ 2. Because Christ being raised from the dead, did powerfully accomplish that, which he merited by his death. _Romans 8.34._ 3. Because our consciences are lifted upwards unto Christ sitting in heaven. _Vse._ This may serve _to direct us_, to fix the eyes of our faith upon Christ, as he was raised from the dead. Doctrine 10. _Since the time of Christs resurrection, great is his glory and power in heaven._ This is gathered from the last verse. _Reason_ 1. Because the time of his humiliation and emptying of himselfe was finished before. 2. Because it was fit, that he which in singular obedience was mightily humbled, should afterwards be exalted unto great glory. 3. Because this glory and power is necessarily required, that Christ might finish all things, which belong to the salvation of the Church. _Vse._ This may serve _to comfort us_, against all dangers and feares, seeing we have such a Saviour in heaven. Illustration: (‡ decoration) Chapter IV. Verse 1. _For as much then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arme your selves likewise with the same mind: for that he that hath suffered in the flesh, hath ceased from sinne:_ Verse 2. _That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh, to the lusts of men, but to the will of God._ Verse 3. _For the time past of our life, may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousnesse, lusts, excesse of wine, revellings, banquettings, and abominable idolatries._ Verse 4. _Wherein they thinke it strange, that you run not with them to the same excesse of riot, speaking evill of you:_