A09364:228
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 third and last point is, that God always hath and doeth exercise his best servants, with long and continued crosses. Abraham was childless, till he was 70. years of age, and at those years the Lord promised him issue. But this promise was not accomplished till a long time after, when he was an hundred years old. David had a promise to be king of Jerusalem, and Judah▪ but the Lord exercised him by many ⟨p. 124⟩and grievous afflictions, before he came to the crown, in so much, that he says of himself, that his eyes failed with waiting upon his God. Zechariah and Elizabeth prayed to God, both of them in their youth, and many years after for issue, but the Lord granted not their request, till they were old.
The third and last point is, that God alwaies hath and doeth exercise his best seruants, with long and continued crosses. Abraham was childlesse, till he was 70. yeares of age, and at those yeares the Lord promised him issue. But this promise was not accomplished till a long time after, when he was an hundred yeares old. Dauid had a promise to be king of Ierusalem, and Iuda▪ but the Lord exercised him by many ⟨p. 124⟩and grieuous afflictions, before he came to the crowne, in so much, that he saies of himselfe, that his eies failed with waiting vpon his God. Zacharie and Elizabeth praied to God, both of them in their youth, and many yeares after for issue, but the Lord graunted not their request, till they were olde.
To add no more examples; by these we see the Lords dealing, even with holy men & women, his own dear servants, that he doth not always grant their requests, nor condescend to their desires at the first, but as it were holds them off, & suspends his grace and favour for a time. And therefore if it shall please him thus to deal with any of us, we must from these examples be taught, to possess our souls with patience, resting contented in his will, and waiting on his good pleasure to the end.