A09364:147
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.
I• it be alleged, that every one cannot reach to this beginning of repentance, thus to sorrow ⟨p. 88⟩for his sin; then I add further, if the party be grieved for the hardness of his heart, whereby it comes to pass, that he cannot grieve, he hath undoubtedly received some portion of godly sorrow. For it is not nature, that makes us to grieve for hardness of heart, but grace.
I• it be alleadged, that euery one cannot reach to this beginning of repentance, thus to sorrow ⟨p. 88⟩for his sinne; then I adde further, if the partie be grieued for the hardnes of his heart, whereby it comes to passe, that he cannot grieue, he hath vndoubtedly receiued some portion of godly sorrow. For it is not nature, that makes vs to grieue for hardnes of heart, but grace.
The third Ground is, that A settled purpose, and willing mind to forsake all sin, and to turn unto God, (though as yet no outward conversion appear,) is a good beginning of true conversion, & repentance. I thought (saith David) I will confess against my self my wickedness unto the 1Lord: and thou forgavest the punishment of my sin. And to this is added (Selah,) which is not only a musical note, but; as some think, a note of observation, to move us to mark the things that are set down, as being of special weight and moment. And surely this is a matter of great consequence; that upon the very unfeigned purpose of confession of sin, God should give a pardon thereof. Take a further proof of this in the Prodigal son, whom I take not for one that was never called, or turned to God, (though some do so, and seem to have warrant for their opinion:) but rather for him that is the child of God, and afterward falls away. Now such a one being brought by outward crosses and afflictions, to see his own misery, purposeth with himself, to return to his