A09364:116
The first part of The cases of conscience Wherein specially, three main questions concerning…The first part of The cases of conscience Wherein specially, three maine questions concerning…
The first part of The cases of conscience Wherein specially, three main questions concerning man, simply considered in himself, are propounded and resolved, according to the word of God. Taught and delivered, by M. William Perkins in his Holy-day lectures, by himself revised before his death, and now published for the benefit of the Church.The first part of The cases of conscience Wherein specially, three maine questions concerning man, simply considered in himselfe, are propounded and resolued, according to the word of God. Taught and deliuered, by M. William Perkins in his Holy-day lectures, by himselfe revised before his death, and now published for the benefit of the Church.
Cambridge: printed by John Legat, 1604Cambridge: printed by Iohn Legat, 1604
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.
The first is this. He that hath communion or 1fellowship with God in Christ, may be undoubtedly assured of his salvation. This conclusion is propounded, Chap. 1. v. 3. 4. Where the Apostle tells the Church, that the end of the preaching of the Gospel unto them was, that they might have fellowship, not only mutually among themselves, but also with God the father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And further, that having both knowledge, and assurance of this heavenly communion, to be begun in this life, and perfected in the life to come, their joy might be full. that is, they might thence reap, matter of true joy and sound comfort, unto their souls and consciences. Now whereas it might be haply demanded by some believers, how they should come to this assurance? S. John answers in this Epistle, that the certainty thereof may be gathered by four infallible notes. The first is Remission of sins. For though God be in himself, most holy and pure, and no mortal man, being unclean & polluted ⟨p. 69⟩by sin, can have fellowship with him: yet God hath showed his mercy, to those that believe in him, and hath accepted of the blood of Jesus Christ his son, whereby they are cleansed from all their corruptions, v. 7. If here it be asked, how this pardon and forgiveness may be known? It is answered, by two signs. one is Humble & hearty Confession of our sins unto god; for so saith the Apostle, If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all iniquity, v. 9. The other is the pacified Conscience; for being justified by faith we have peace 2with God: and, If our heart condemn us not: that is, if our conscience in respect of sin doth not accuse us, then have we boldness towards God, Chap. 3. v. 21. The second note of fellowship with God, is the sanctifying Spirit, whereby we are renewed in holiness and righteousness: Hereby we know that he abideth in us, even by the Spirit which he hath given us, Chap. 3. v. 24. The third is, holiness & uprightness of heart & life. To this end the Apostle saith, If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie & do not truly: but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, &c. Chap. 1. 6. 7. The fourth is, perseverance in the knowledge and obedience of the Gospel. So the same Apostle exhorteth the Church: