A09365:995
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.
It will be said further; If I feel not Christ given unto me by God, I do not, nay, I cannot believe. Answ. In Nature it is true, that Experience begins first, and then follows Assurance; but in Spiritual and Divine things, there is a contrary course to be taken. For here, we must begin with faith, and in the first place, simply believe Gods promises; and afterward we come, by the goodness of God, to feel and have experience of his mercy. This point was notably practised by Jehoshaphat, who being in a great extremity, and seeing no way to escape, practised his faith in the first place, and said, Lord, we know not what to do, but our eyes are towards thee. 2. Chro. 20. 12. And the like he taught the people at the same time, ver. 20. Put your trust in ⟨p. 348⟩the Lord, and ye shall be assured. Thus Abraham is said, above hope, to believe under hope the promise of God, even against sense, reason, and experience, Rom. 4. 18.
It will be said further; If I feele not Christ giuen vnto me by God, I doe not, nay, I cannot beleeue. Answ. In Nature it is true, that Experience beginnes first, and then followes Assurance; but in Spirituall and Diuine things, there is a contrary course to be taken. For here, we must beginne with faith, and in the first place, simply beleeue Gods promises; and afterward we come, by the goodnes of God, to feele and haue experience of his mercie. This point was notably practised by Iehosaphat, who beeing in a great extremity, and seeing no way to escape, practised his faith in the first place, and said, Lord, we know not what to doe, but our eyes are towards thee. 2. Chro. 20. 12. And the like he taught the people at the same time, ver. 20. Put your trust in ⟨p. 348⟩the Lord, and ye shall be assured. Thus Abraham is said, aboue hope, to beleeue vnder hope the promise of God, euen against sense, reason, and experience, Rom. 4. 18.