A09364:309
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.
First, that particular sin must be known, which is the cause of this violent distress. And here we are to know, by the way: that it is an usual thing, with the parties thus distressed, to dissemble and cloak their sins: and therefore they will allege, that their trouble ariseth from some evil thoughts, from wicked affections, and from the corruption of nature: whereas commonly men are not distressed, in violent manner, for evil thoughts, affections, &c, but the violent distress cometh from some actual ⟨p. 159⟩and odious sin or sins done, which wound the conscience, and are the causes of great distraction of mind: and they are many, which having bin upon occasion before rehearsed, I will not now repeat them. Only this must be remembered, that the greater sins against the third, sixth, and seventh commandments, are the main and proper causes of violent distresses: and the more secret these sins are, the more horror goeth with them.
First, that particular sinne must be knowne, which is the cause of this violent distresse. And here we are to know, by the way: that it is an vsuall thing, with the parties thus distressed, to dissemble and cloake their sinnes: and therefore they will alleadge, that their trouble ariseth frō some euill thoughts, from wicked affections, and from the corruption of nature: whereas commonly men are not distressed, in violent manner, for euill thoughts, affections, &c, but the violent distresse commeth from some actuall ⟨p. 159⟩and odious sinne or sins done, which wound the conscience, and are the causes of great distraction of minde: and they are many, which hauing bin vpon occasion before rehearsed, I will not now repeat them. Onely this must be remembred, that the greater sinnes against the third, sixt, and seauenth commandements, are the maine and proper causes of violent distresses: and the more secret these sinnes are, the more horrour goeth with them.
Secondly, the particular sin being known, Inquiry must be made, as much as possibly may be, by signs, whether the party distressed repenteth, yea or no. For except he hath repented, he cannot be fitted to receive comfort: and unless he be first fitted to receive comfort, he cannot be relieved in Conscience. Now if it be found, that the party hath repented, then care must be had in the next place, that his repentance may be renewed, for the particular sin committed.