A09364:295
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.
Fourthly, blasphemous thoughts, cannot come ordinarily from the heart of any, save of those alone, that are of reprobate minds. But the parties that are thus distressed, are honest, civill, and such as profess the Gospel, at least in show; yea sometime they befall such, as are the true men bers of Christ. Therefore it is manifest, that they come from without, even from the Devil casting them into the mind, and not from within a mans own self.
Fourthly, blasphemous thoughts, cannot come ordinarily from the heart of any, saue of those alone, that are of reprobate minds. But the parties that are thus distressed, are honest, ciuill, and such as professe the Gospel, at least in shew; yea sometime they befall such, as are the true mē bers of Christ. Therfore it is manifest, that they come from without, euen from the Deuill casting them into the minde, and not from within a mans owne selfe.
In the next place, Inquiry must be made, whether the party doth approve, love, & like these and such like thoughts, or no? To this he will answer, if he be asked, that he abhors them as the Devil and Hell it self: thus even natural men will answer, and that truly.
In the next place, Inquirie must be made, whether the partie doth approoue, loue, & like these and such like thoughts, or no? To this he will answer, if he be asked, that he abhorres thē as the Deuill and Hell it selfe: thus euen naturall men will answer, and that truly.
After Inquiry thus made, the Remedy is to be applied. And the first and principal remedy, pertains to doctrine, and instruction: in which the party is to be informed of his or her estate; namely, that the foresaid blasphemies, are not his sins, but his crosses. For they are the Devils sins, and he shall answer for them: and they are not ours, till we entertain, receive, approve, and give consent unto them.