A09365:240
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.
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.
If it be alleadged, that euery one cannot reach to this beginning of repentance, thus to sorrow for his sinne; then I adde further; If the partie be grieued for the hardnes of his heart, whereby it comes to passe, that he cannot grieue, he hath vndoubtedly receiued some portion of godly sorrow. For it is not nature, that makes vs to grieue for hardnes of heart, but grace.
The third Ground is, that A settled purpose, and willing mind to forsake all sin, and to turn unto God, (though as yet no outward conversion appear,) is a good beginning of true conversion, and repentance. I thought (saith David) I will confess against my self my wickedness unto the 1Lord, and thou forgavest the punishment of my sin. And to this is added (Selah,) which is not only a musical note, but, as some ⟨p. 100⟩think, a note of observation, to move us to mark the things that are set down, as being of special weight and moment. And surely this is a matter of great consequence; that upon the very unfeigned purpose of confession of sin, God should give a pardon thereof. Take a further proof of this in the prodigal son, whom I take not for one that was never called, or turned to God, (though some do so, and seem to have warrant for their opinion•) but rather for him that is the Child of God, and afterward falls away. Now this man being brought by some outward crosses and afflictions, to see his own misery, purposeth with himself, to return to his father again, and to humble himself, and confess his iniquity: and upon this very purpose, when he had said, I will go to my father, and say unto him, father, I have