A09365:439
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, the party is to be informed of a possibility of pardon, that is, that his sins are pardonable, and though in themselves they be great, and heinous, yet by the mercy of God in Christ, they may be remitted. Now put the case, that the afflicted apprehendeth only the odiousness of his sins, and the wrath of God due to the same, and in this fit puts off the pardon from himself, and cannot be persuaded that his sin may be forgiven, what then is to be done? Ans. Then for the effecting of this first degree, certain Grounds are to be laid down, whereupon assurance in that case may be built up in his heart.
First, the partie is to be informed of a possibilitie of pardon, that is, that his sinnes are pardonable, and though in themselues they be great, and hainous, yet by the mercie of God in Christ, they may be remitted. Now put the case, that the afflicted apprehendeth onely the odiousnesse of his sinnes, and the wrath of God due to the same, and in this fitte puts off the pardon from himselfe, and cannot be perswaded that his sinne may be forgiuen, what then is to be done? Ans. Then for the effecting of this first degree, certaine Grounds are to be laid downe, whereupon assurance in that case may be built vp in his heart.
The first Ground of possibility of pardon 1is, That the mercy of God is infinite, yea over all his works, Psal. •45. 9. That the death of Christ ⟨p. 174⟩is of infinite price, merit, and value before God. That God is much in sparing, Isa. 55. 7. That with the Lord is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption, Psal. 130. 7. That Christs satisfaction is not only a b