A09364:301
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.
It was Pauls complaint, Rom. 7. 19. That he did not the good which he would do, speaking of the inward endeavour of his heart: and again, that he did the evil which he would not, meaning in respect of the corruption of his nature. Now upon this, that he endeavoured to do that, which was agreeable to the will of God, that he loathed and detested the contrary, & strove against his corruptions, how did he comfort himself? Mark words following, v. 20. If I do that I would not: that is to say, if against my general purpose, I sin against God; if I be sorry for it, if I be displeased with my self, in that I cannot obey God, in that perfection I desire, It is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. From this example of Paul I gather, that if any man, have in his mind evil thoughts, and doeth (as Paul did) grieve, because he thereby offendeth God; if he do abhor them, and pray against them, he shall not be condemned ⟨p. 155⟩for them; they shall never be laid to his charge. The party then that is troubled with these thoughts, may upon these grounds, stay his mind, and comfort himself: for if he shall not be condemned for them, then let him not fear them above measure.
It was Pauls complaint, Rom. 7. 19. That he did not the good which he would doe, speaking of the inward indeauour of his heart: and againe, that he did the euill which he would not, meaning in respect of the corruption of his nature. Now vpon this, that he indeauoured to doe that, which was agreeable to the will of God, that he loathed and detested the contrarie, & stroue against his corruptions, how did he comfort himselfe? Marke words following, v. 20. If I do that I would not: that is to say, if against my generall purpose, I sinne against God; if I be sorrie for it, if I be displeased with my selfe, in that I cannot obey God, in that perfection I desire, It is no more I that doe it, but sinne that dwelleth in me. From this example of Paul I gather, that if any man, haue in his minde euill thoughts, and doeth (as Paul did) grieue, because he thereby offendeth God; if he doe abhorre them, and pray against them, he shall not be condemned ⟨p. 155⟩for them; they shall neuer be laid to his charge. The partie then that is troubled with these thoughts, may vpon these grounds, stay his minde, and comfort himselfe: for if he shall not be condemned for them, then let him not feare them aboue measure.