A09365:934
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, in that it sealeth and confirmeth to us, the free pardon and forgiveness of our sins. Thus Cornelius was baptized of Peter, after he had heard the Gospel preached, and received the Holy Ghost; that it might be unto him a pledge, of the remission of his sins, Act. 10. 48. And in like manner, doth Peter exhort the converted Jews, to repent them of their sins, & to receive the Sacrament of Baptism, as a seal and pledge of Gods mercy, in the forgiveness thereof by Christ, Act. 2. 38.
First, in that it sealeth and confirmeth to vs, the free pardon and forgiuenesse of our sinnes. Thus Cornelius was baptized of Peter, after he had heard the Gospell preached, and receiued the Holy Ghost; that it might be vnto him a pledge, of the remission of his sinnes, Act. 10. 48. And in like manner, doth Peter exhort the conuerted Iewes, to repent them of their sins, & to receiue the Sacramēt of Baptisme, as a seale and pledge of Gods mercie, in the forgiuenes thereof by Christ, Act. 2. 38.
In regard of this use, baptism is of great force, to relieve the hart in distress. For when any child of God, feels himself laden with the burden of his sins; the consideration and remembrance hereof, that God hath pardoned them all, and given him a special, and certain pledge of his pardon in baptism; will serve to stay and support his soul. Yea though his sins were of force, to make ⟨p. 332⟩a separation between God and him. Yet remembering, that his name is written in the Covenant of God, and that he hath by Gods mercy received the seal of the Covenant, he shall not need to be much dismayed. When Satan tempteth him to doubt of his own estate, in regard of his corruptions; even then let him have recourse to his baptism, and think of the earnest and pledge of Gods favour, which he hath received. Let him draw out his evidences, signed with the seal of Gods covenant, made unto him in Jesus Christ; and that shall be sufficient to stop the mouth of Satan, and to repel his temptations.