A09365:444
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 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, Matth. 9. 12, 13. I came not to call the righteous, that is to say, those that judge themselves righteous, but sinners, that is, those which are grieved, because in their own conscience, they are vile and heinous offenders, to repentance. Again, Matth, 11. 28. Come unto me all ye that are weary, and heavy laden, and I will refresh you. And Christ saith, it was the end of his coming to preach deliverance to the captives, and to set at liberty them that are bruised. Luk. 4. 18.
The Second degree of comfort is, to teach, that the sinne, or sinnes of the partie distressed, are indeede pardoned. But it may be asked, ⟨p. 176⟩vpon what signes may this comfort be applyed? I answer, vpon these two. First, if the partie distressed confesse, that he or shee is heartily grieued, that by their sinne or sinnes, they haue offended so louing and so mercifull a God. Secondly, if they professe, that they desire with all their heart, to be reconciled vnto God in Christ: and at least doe desire to repent for their sinnes; and withall doe carrie in heart, a purpose to sinne no more, but in all things, (as much as in them lieth) to performe new obedience vnto god,