A09364:124
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.
III. Question.
The last general Question touching man as he is a Christian is, How a man being in distress of mind, may be comforted and relieved?
THe last generall Question touching man as he is a Christian is, How a man beeing in distresse of minde, may be comforted and releiued?
Ans. Omitting all circumstances (considering that much might be spoken touching this Question) I will only set down that which I take to be most material to the doubt in hand.
Ans. Omitting all circumstances (considering that much might be spoken touching this Question) I will onely set down that which I take to be most materiall to the doubt in hand.
Distress of mind, (which Solomon calls a broken 1or troubled spirit) is, when a man is disquieted and distempered in conscience, and consequently in his affections, touching his estate before God. This distress hath two degrees; the less, and the greater: The less is a single fear, or grief, when a man standeth in suspense and doubt, of his own salvation, and in fear that he shall be condemned. The greater distress is Despair, when a man is without all hope of salvation, in his own sense and apprehension. I call despair a greater distress, because it is not a distinct kind of trouble of mind, (as some do think,) but the highest degree, in every kind of distress. For every distress in the mind, is a fear of condemnation, and comes at length to desperation if it be not cured.