A09365:200
The Whole Treatise of the Cases of Conscience
The whole treatise of the cases of conscience distinguished into three books: the first whereof is revised and corrected in sundry places, and the other two annexed. Taught and delivered by M. W. Perkins in his holy-day lectures, carefully examined by his own briefs, and now published together for the common good, by T. Pickering Bachelor of Divinity. Whereunto is adjoined a twofold table: one of the heads and number of the questions propounded and resolved; another of the principal texts of Scripture which are either explained, or vindicated from corrupt interpretation.The whole treatise of the cases of conscience distinguished into three bookes: the first whereof is revised and corrected in sundrie places, and the other two annexed. Taught and deliuered by M. W. Perkins in his holy-day lectures, carefully examined by his owne briefes, and now published together for the common good, by T. Pickering Bachelour of Diuinitie. Whereunto is adioyned a twofold table: one of the heads and number of the questions propounded and resolued; another of the principall texts of Scripture vvhich are either explaned, or vindicated from corrupt interpretation.
Cambridge: printed by John Legat, 1606Cambridge: printed by Iohn Legat, 1606
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 is this. He that hath communion or 1fellowship with God in Christ, may be undoubtedly assured of his salvation. This conclusion is propounded, Chap. 1. v. 3, 4. Where the Apostle tells the Church, that the end of the preaching of the Gospel unto them was, that they might have fellowship, not only mutually among themselves, but also with God the father, and with his son Jesus Christ. And further, that having both knowledge, & ⟨p. 80⟩assurance of this heavenly communion, to be begun in this life, and perfected in the life to come, their joy might be full: that is, they might thence reap, matter of true joy and sound comfort, unto their souls and consciences. Now whereas it might be haply demanded by some believers, how they should come to this assurance? S. John answers in this Epistle, that the certainty thereof may be gathered by four infallible notes. The first is Remission of sins. For though God be in himself, most holy and pure, and no mortal man, being unclean and polluted by sin, can have fellowship with him: yet God hath showed his mercy, to those that believe in him, and hath accepted of the blood of Jesus Christ his son, whereby they are cleansed from all their corruptions. v. 7. If here it be asked, how this pardon and forgiveness may be known? It is answered, by two signs. One is Humble and hearty Confession of our sins unto god; for so saith the Apostle, If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all iniquity. v. 9. The other is the pacified Conscience; for being justified by faith we have peace with God: and If our heart 2condemn us not: that is if our conscience in respect of sin doth not accuse us, then have we boldness towards God, Chap. 3. v. 21. The second note of fellowship with God, is the sanctifying Spirit, whereby we are renewed in holiness & righteousness: Hereby we know that ⟨p. 81⟩he abideth in us, even by the Spirit which he hath given us, Chap. 3. v. 24. The third is, holiness and uprightness of heart and life. To this end the Apostle saith, If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not truly: but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with an other, &c. Chap. 1. 6, 7. The fourth is, perseverance in the knowledge and obedience of the Gospel. So the same Apostle exhorteth the Church: