A09365:203
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.
Sect. 4.
The Fourth place, is in the second of 1Timothy, 2. 19. The foundation of God remaineth sure, and hath this seal, The Lord knoweth who are his, and let every one that calleth upon the name of the Lord, depart from iniquity. In these words, Paul goeth about to cut off an offence, which the Church might take, by reason of the fall of Hymenaeus and Philetus, who seemed to be pillars, and principal men in the Church. And to confirm them against this offence, he saith; The foundation of God, that is, the decree of Gods election, stands firm and sure: so as those which are elected of God, shall never fall away, as these two have done. And this he declares by a double similitude; First of all he saith, the election of God, is like the foundation of an house, which standeth fast, though all the building be shaken. Secondly he saith, that election hath the seal of God, and therefore may not be changed; because things which are sealed, are thereby made sure and authentical. Now this seal hath two parts: the first concerns God, in that every mans salvation is written in the book of life, and God knoweth who are his. And because it might be said, God indeed ⟨p. 86⟩knows who shall be saved, but what is that to us? we know not so much of our selves. Therefore Saint Paul to answer this, sets down a second part of this seal, which concerns man, and is imprinted in his heart and conscience; which also hath two branches: the gift of invocation, and a watchful care, to make conscience of all and every sin, in these words, And let every one that calleth upon the name of the Lord, depart from iniquity. Whereby he signifieth, that those that can call upon God, & give him thanks for his benefits, and withal, in their lives make conscience of sin, have the seal of Gods election imprinted in their hearts, and may assure themselves they are the Lords.