A09365:246
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.
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 ⟨p. 102⟩comforter, in the moouing of certaine Questions to the said person. And first, let him aske whether he beleeue and repent? The distressed partie answers no, he cannot repent nor beleeue. Then he must further aske, whether he desire to beleeue and repent? to this he will answer, he doth desire it with all his heart; in the same sort is he to make triall of the other groundes. When a man is in the fitte of tentation; he will say resolutely, he is sure to be damned. Aske him in this fitte, of his loue to God, he will giue answer, he hath none at all: but aske him further, whether he loue a man because he is a Christian, and a child of God, then will he say he doth indeed. Thus after triall made in this manner, some beginnings of faith and repentance will appeare, which at the first lay hid. For God vseth out of the time of prosperitie, by, and in distresse and affliction to work his grace.