A09365:443
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.
The fourth Ground is this. The promises of God touching remission of sins, and life eternal, in respect of believers are general, and in regard of all and every man indefinite: that is, they do not define, or exclude any person, or any sinner, or any time; only they admit one exception, of final impenitency. Here a question may be moved, How long he that ministereth comfort, must stand upon the possibility of pardon? I answer, until he hath brought the party distressed, to some measure of true repentance: and this being done, then he is to proceed to the second degree of comfort.
The fourth Ground is this. The promises of God touching remission of sinnes, and life eternall, in respect of beleeuers are generall, and in regard of all and euery man indefinite: that is, they doe not define, or exclude any person, or any sinner, or any time; onely they admit one exception, of finall impenitencie. Here a question may be mooued, How long he that ministreth comfort, must stand vpon the possibilitie of pardon? I answer, vntill he hath brought the partie distressed, to some measure of true repentance: and this beeing done, then he is to proceede to the second degree of comfort.
The Second degree of comfort is, to teach, that the sin, or sins of the party distressed, are indeed pardoned. But it may be asked, ⟨p. 176⟩upon what signs may this comfort be applied? I answer, upon these two. First, if the party distressed confess, that he or she is heartily grieved, that by their sin or sins, they have offended so loving and so merciful a God. Secondly, if they profess, that they desire with all their heart, to be reconciled unto God in Christ: and at least do desire to repent for their sins; and withal do carry in heart, a purpose to sin no more, but in all things, (as much as in them lieth) to perform new obedience unto god, Luc. 15. 11. &c. Now for the better enforcing of this comfort, some texts of Scripture, fitting this purpose must be rehearsed, a• for example,