A09362:209
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.
& Christ came to dissolve the works of the Devil; namely, in his elect; for, in the reprobate he leaveth them untouched, because they are not given him of the father to be purged, borne anew, and saved. Therefore, seeing Christ was before ordained, and predestinate to the doing of all these works, and that there is no good wrought in us, which was not provided for us in Christ, from all eternity: it is a clear case, that the care also of doing good works, is an effect of predestination. And the Apostle plainly teacheth it, when he saith,1 that we were created in Christ to good works, ⟨p. 68⟩which God hath prepared, that we might walk in them. To this purpose, serveth that which the Apostle delivereth of love, not unfeigned, 2to which he showeth, that we were elect, and of a good conscience ▪ which he makes the inseparable companion of the faith of the elect. Lastly, of a pure heart, which he ascribeth to the elect; considering the unfaithful have nothing clean in them,3 and that their mind and conscience is defiled. Now, that this care to do good works, is necessary in all the elect, Peter showeth it,4 when he bids us endeavour to make our election and calling sure, by good works, as some copies have it. But to whom shall we make it sure? not unto God, (for it was sure unto him, before the foundation of the world) but unto our selves, and to our neighbours. And this is one of the chiefest uses of good works, that by them, not as by causes, but as by effects of predestination and Faith, both we, and also our neighbours, are certified of our election, and of our salvation to. Furthermore, considering whiles we have a care to glorify God, to do good works, and we will not be conformable to the world in the wickedness of it, neither submit our selves to our flesh, & Satan: the flesh, the world, and Satan, do perpetually ⟨p. 69⟩war against us: & therewithal it cometh to pass, they being most valiant enemies, that either we are overcome, or at the least, in fighting are foiled.