A09365:245
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.
Having thus laid down the Grounds of 1comfort: I come now to the Way, by which the party in distress, may be brought within the compass of the promise of salvation. This way stands in two things; in making Trial, and in Applying the promise.
Hauing thus laid downe the Groundes of 1comfort: I come now to the Way, by which the party in distresse, may be brought within the compasse of the promise of saluation. This way standes in two things; in making Triall, and in Applying the promise.
- 1The true way of bringing a man within the Covenant.
First then, Trial must be made, whether the person distressed have in him as yet, any of the forenamed grounds of grace or not. This trial may be made by him that is the ⟨p. 102⟩comforter, in the moving of certain Questions to the said person. And first, let him ask whether he believe and repent? The distressed party answers no, he cannot repent nor believe. Then he must further ask, whether he desire to believe and repent? to this he will answer, he doth desire it with all his heart; in the same sort is he to make trial of the other grounds. When a man is in the fit of tentation; he will say resolutely, he is sure to be damned. Ask him in this fit, of his love to God, he will give answer, he hath none at all: but ask him further, whether he love a man because he is a Christian, and a child of God, then will he say he doth indeed. Thus after trial made in this manner, some beginnings of faith and repentance will appear, which at the first lay hid. For God useth out of the time of prosperity, by, and in distress and affliction to work his grace.
First then, Triall must be made, whether the person distressed haue in him as yet, any of the forenamed groūds of grace or not. This triall may be made by him that is the