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I. ITS OFFICES.

1. It is an ever present, true and helpful friend. One who will not be afraid to speak plainly, and whose counsels will be to the point, and, as a rule, wise, kind, true, and good.

2. It is an ever observant and faithful witness — one out of whose sight we can never get, who is diligent to record, careful to remember, and ultimately faithful to bear its testimony.

3. It is an impartial judge. It not only bears witness, but acquits or condemns.

4. In regard to the impenitent, it will be the righteous executioner fulfilling the behests of the Great Judge of all, and the punishment itself — the worm that never dies.

II. THE SEASONS AT WHICH IT EXECUTES ITS SEVERAL OFFICES.

1. To an extent at all times — with more or less efficiency.

2. To a more powerful degree —

(1)  After some special act of sin.

(2)  Under some specially awakening sermon.

(3)  Under some severe affliction.

(4)  At the hour of death.

III. THE CIRCUMSTANCES WHICH MAY FOR A TIME INTERFERE WITH ITS EFFICIENT ACTION.

1. It may be misinformed or ignorant. Conscience can only condemn a man for what he himself believes to be wrong.

2. It may be warped or swayed —

(1)  By prevalent customs and notions.

(2)  By a man's interest, passions, tastes.

(3)  It may be partially stifled and benumbed.Tampering with conscience will enfeeble its action. A watchdog gave notice of danger to the inhabitants of a log hut; they were disturbed by his bark, and, annoyed, they silenced him — but only when too late. The Indians were upon them, their hut was burned, and their lives sacrificed. Conclusion:

1. Do not trifle with conscience.

2. Seek its enlightenment.

3. Remember that conscience after all is less rigid than the law of God (1 John 3:20).

4. Let it lead you not only to tremble, but to the Cross.

(G. J. Adeney, M. A.)

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KJV: Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)

WEB: in that they show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience testifying with them, and their thoughts among themselves accusing or else excusing them)