A09365:446
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.
I answer, though we find not any one particular example in scripture, of any one person, that was restored again after a relapse: yet nevertheless there is some comfort for such persons. Upon what grounds may some say? Ans. Men that have not so much as a drop of mercy, in comparison of God, must forgive there brethren often and many times, yea as our Saviour Christ saith to Peter, till seventy times seven times, if they return and say it repents them. Now god is infinite in all his attributes. He is much in sparing: with him is plenteous redemption: and therefore he will questionless, upon true repentance, often forgive and forget, even the same sin iterated again and again.
I answer, though we find not any one particular example in scripture, of any one person, that was restored againe after a relapse: yet neuerthelesse there is some comfort for such persons. Vpon what grounds may some say? Ans. Men that haue not so much as a drop of mercie, in comparison of God, must forgiue ther brethren often and many times, yea as our Sauiour Christ saith to Peter, till seuenty times seuen times, if they returne and say it repents them. Now god is infinite in all his attributes. He is much in sparing: with him is plenteous redemption: and therefore he will questionlesse, vpon true repentance, often forgiue and forget, euen the same sinne iterated againe and againe.
Now these persons are to be relieved in this sort. First they must have their Consciences settled in this point, that their relapse is pardonable, though very dangerous. For proof hereof read Isaiah, 2. 18. Where mention is made of divers Apostates, that were by God called to repentance, with promise of ⟨p. 178⟩don, if they turned unto him. And in Luk. 15. the prodigal child, (by whom I understand one, that after grace received, fell from his repentance and obedience to God) when he did but purpose in his heart to return again, was pardoned, and received into favour. In the