A09362:192
A case of conscience the greatest that [sic] ever was, how a man may…A case of conscience the greatest taht [sic] euer was, how a man may…
A case of conscience the greatest that [sic] ever was, how a man may know, whether he be the son of God or no. Resolved by the word of God. Whereunto is added a brief discourse, taken out of Hier. Zanchius.A case of conscience the greatest taht [sic] euer was, how a man may know, whether he be the son of God or no. Resolued by the vvord of God. Whereunto is added a briefe discourse, taken out of Hier. Zanchius.
Edinburgh: printed by Robert Walde-grave, 1592Edinburgh: printed by Robert VValde-graue, 1592
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Furthermore, that there is no man elected to eternal life, which shall not be sealed up in the time appointed, with these marks of Gods election: It is manifest out of these places of Scripture, which treat of election and predestination. The Apostle teacheth,1 that we were elected, that we might be holy, and without blame. Also he teacheth, that all they whom God hath predestinated, are likewise called, and justified, and, by consequent, endued with faith, and knowledge of God, by which they take him for their Father, with love also, wherewith they love him as a Father; also, with a good will & constant purpose, by which they desire constantly his glory. ⟨p. 47⟩Again, he saith in another place, The foundation standeth sure, 2having this seal (in respect of God) the Lord knoweth who are his. Now, in respect of us, he putteth down another seal, saying: Let him depart from iniquity, which calleth upon the name of the Lord: For with this mark, all the elect are branded. They call upon the name of the Lord, and depart from iniquity: seeking after holiness & a good conscience. And this is that sealing, which is so often mentioned in the Scriptures. As when in the Apocalypse it is said,3 that an innumerable multitude was sealed to the Lord. For, like as the Father sealed Jesus Christ, as he was man and Mediator, so also, the rest of his children he hath sealed, and doth daily seal, with sure notes and seals,4 to distinguish them from other men,5 and the children of this age. For, God is said to have anointed us, and sealed us, and given us the earnest of his Spirit in our hearts. And again, to have sealed us with the holy Spirit of promise,6 and that to the day of redemption. As it is easy to discern a right seal from a counterfeit, so the true souls of God (by the sealing of the Spirit) are distinguished from Hypocrites, and lawful children, from bastards.