A09364:144
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 Ground of grace is this: A desire to repent, and believe, in a touched heart and conscience, is faith and repentance it self, though not in nature, yet in Gods acceptation. I prove it thus. It is a principle granted and ⟨p. 86⟩confessed of all men; that in them which have grace, God accepteth the will for the deed. If there be a willing mind (saith the Apostle) it is 1accepted not according to that a man hath not, but according to that he hath. Again, God hath annexed a promise of blessedness, and life everlasting to the true and unfeigned desire of grace. Whence it is, that they are in Scripture pronounced2 blessed, which hunger and thirst after righteousness. And who are they but such, as feel themselves to want all righteousness, and do truly and earnestly desire it in their hearts. For hunger and thirst, argues both a want of something, and a feeling of the want. And to this purpose the holy Ghost saith, To him that is a thirst will I give to drink of the water of 3life freely Now this thirsty soul, is that man, which feels himself destitute of all grace, and Gods favour in Christ, and withal doth thirst after the blood of Christ, and desires to be made partaker thereof. God is wont mercifully to accept of the desire of any good thing, when a man is in necessity, and stands in want4 thereof. The Lord (says David) hears the desire of the poor, that is, of them that are in distress either of body, or mind. Yea, he will fulfil the desire of them that fear him.5
The first Gronnd of grace is this: A desire to repent, and beleeue, in a touched heart and conscience, is faith and repentance it selfe, though not in nature, yet in Gods acceptation. I prooue it thus. It is a principle graunted and ⟨p. 86⟩confessed of all men; that in them which haue grace, God accepteth the will for the deede. If there be a willing minde (saith the Apostle) it is