A09365:239
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.
A second Ground is this. A godly sorrow ⟨p. 99⟩whereby a man is grieved for his sins, because they are sins, is the beginning of repentance, & indeed for substance is repentance it self. The Apostle Paul rejoiced that he had in the work of his Ministry, wrought this godly sorrow in the hearts of the Corinthians, calling 1it sorrow that causeth repentance not to be repented of. This sorrow may be discerned in this sort: The heart of him in whom it is, is so affected, that though there were no conscience, nor devil to accuse, no hell for condemnation; yet it would be grieved in it self, because God by sin is displeased, and offended.
A second Ground is this. A godly sorrow ⟨p. 99⟩whereby a man is grieued for his sinnes, because they are sinnes, is the beginning of repentance, & indeed for substance is repentance it selfe. The Apostle Paul reioyced that he had in the worke of his Ministerie, wrought this godly sorrow in the hearts of the Corinthians, calling 1it sorrow that causeth repentance not to be repented of. This sorrow may be discerned in this sort: The heart of him in whome it is, is so affected, that though there were no conscience, nor deuill to accuse, no hell for condemnation; yet it would be grieued in it selfe, because God by sinne is displeased, and offended.
If it be alleged, that every one cannot reach to this beginning of repentance, thus to sorrow for his sin; then I add further; If the party be grieved for the hardness of his heart, whereby it comes to pass, that he cannot grieve, he hath undoubtedly received some portion of godly sorrow. For it is not nature, that makes us to grieve for hardness of heart, but grace.