A09364:356
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.
Secondly search & trial must be made, whether he hath in him any beginnings of faith and repentance or no. If he want knowledge of his estate, then means must be used, to bring him to some sight and sorrow for his sins, that his melancholy sorrow, may be turned into a godly sorrow. If he want faith and true repentance, some good beginnings thereof must be wrought in his heart.
Secondly search & triall must be made, whether he hath in him any beginnings of faith and repentance or no. If he want knowledge of his estate, then meanes must be vsed, to bring him to some sight and sorrow for his sinnes, that his melancholy sorrow, may be turned into a godly sorrow. If he want faith and true repentance, some good beginnings thereof must be wrought in his heart.
Thirdly, when he is brought to faith in Gods mercy, and an honest purpose not to sin any more; then▪ certain merciful promises of God, are to be laid before his eyes: and he must be exhorr•d, to rest upon these promises, and at no time to admit any imagination or thought, that may cross the said promises. Now the promises are these and such like: Psal. 34. 9. No good thing shall be wanting to them that fear God. Psal. 91. 10 No evil shall come near the godly man. 2. Chron. 15. The Lord is with you, while ⟨p. 181⟩you are with him, and if you seek him, he will be found of you. Jam. 4. 8. Draw nere to God, and he will draw near to you. And the best means to cause any man thus diseased, to be at peace with himself, is to hold, believe, & know the truth of these promises, and not to suffer any by-thought to enter into his heart, that may cross them.