A09362:207
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.
And that this is an effect of predestination, the Apostle plainly showeth,1 when he saith, that he had obtained mercy (namely, in Gods eternal predestination) that he ⟨p. 64⟩might believe. Wherefore, whosoever are predestinate to obtain eternal life, in Christ and by Christ, they are also elect to have the very gift of Faith. Therefore, it must needs be, that at length they shall believe in Christ. The fourth benefit is justification, §IIIIthat is, a free pardoning of our sins, and the imputation of the righteousness of Christ, for it followeth Faith: because, whosoever are endued with true faith in Christ, are also justified. And that justification is an effect of predestination. The Apostle showeth, when he putteth it after calling, before which he setteth predestination. And when he saith, that we are elect in Christ, that we might be holy,2 & without spot or blame in the presence of God: and that this is not done, while we are in this world, but by the pardoning of all our faults, and by the imputation of his perfect obedience. Wherefore, it must needs be, that all the elect shall be justified, and be taken for most pure, & without blame in Gods presence. With justification, is joined regeneration, and §Vsanctification by the holy Ghost: namely, whiles we are made new creatures by him, & the sons of God to: not only by adoption, but also by regeneration. For, when Christ justifieth us, he doth not only forgive us our unrighteousness, and impute his righteousness to us, ⟨p. 65⟩but also he taketh from us our stony hart, and giveth us a fleshy heart of his own: and he strips us of our old man, and puts on his new man. Lastly, he taketh away the corruption of our nature, and makes us partakers of his divine nature: and so indeed, of the sons of men, he makes us the sons of God, and his brethren to. Therefore it is said, that we are predestinated to adoption, by Jesus Christ,3