A09364:334
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 first Rule. If there be in the mind, a purpose not to sin, in the will, a desire to please God, and in the whole man, an endeavour to perform the purpose of the mind, and the desire ⟨p. 170⟩of the will: mark what follows upon this: God in mercy accepteth the purpose and will to obey, for obedience it self; yea though a man fail in the very act, and do not so well as he should. This is a great mercy of God, and we can never be sufficiently thankful for the same. But yet that we may not here delude our hearts with conceits, and bless our selves in vain: we must know, that God doth not always accept the will for the deed, unless there be a constant purpose in heart, a true desire in will, and some resolved endeavour suitable in the life. Malach. 3. 17. Goa spares them that fear him, as a father spares his own child. How is that? though the child being commanded some business, goeth about it very unhandsomely, and so the deed be done to small purpose: yet the father accepts it as well done, if he see the child yield unto his commandment, and do his endeavour, to the uttermost of his power. Even so will God deal with those that be his children.
The first Rule. If there be in the minde, a purpose not to sinne, in the wil, a desire to please God, and in the whole man, an indeauour to performe the purpose of the minde, and the desire ⟨p. 170⟩of the will: marke what follows vpon this: God in mercie accepteth the purpose and will to obey, for obedience it selfe; yea though a man faile in the very act, and doe not so well as he should. This is a great mercie of God, and we can neuer be sufficiently thankfull for the same. But yet that we may not here delude our hearts with conceits, and blesse our selues in vaine: we must know, that God doth not alwaies accept the will for the deede, vnlesse there be a constant purpose in heart, a true desire in will, and some resolued endeauour sutable in the life. Malach. 3. 17. Goa spares them that feare him, as a father spares his owne child. How is that? though the childe beeing commanded some busines, goeth about it very vnhandsomly, and so the deede be done to small purpose: yet the father accepts it as well done, if he see the childe yeelde vnto his commandement, and doe his indeauour, to the vttermost of his power. Euen so will God deale with those that be his children.