A09400:227
A discourse of conscience wherein is set down the nature, properties, and differences thereofA discourse of conscience wherein is set downe the nature, properties, and differences thereof
A discourse of conscience wherein is set down the nature, properties, and differences thereof: as also the way to get and keep good conscience.A discourse of conscience wherein is set downe the nature, properties, and differences thereof: as also the way to get and keepe good conscience.
Cambridge: printed by John Legate, 1596Cambridge: printed by Iohn Legate, 1596
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.
Object. 2. Eccles. c. 9. Man knows not whether he be worthy of love or hatred. For all things are kept uncertain till the time to co•e. Answer. First I say, the translation is not […] ▪ the words are thus in the Hebrew and in the Seven••e. No man knoweth love or hatred, all things are before them. As for these words [all things are […] uncertain till the time to come] are thrust into the ⟨p. 122⟩text by head and shoulders; and Hierome hath them not. Secondly I answer, that the H. Ghost doth not deny simply the knowledge of Gods love or hatred, as though there could be […] ▪ certain assurance of it in this life. If we understand the words thus, then the argument of the holy Ghost must be framed on this manner. If love or hatred were to be known, then it must be known by the outward blessings of God: but it cannot be known by the outward blessings of God, for all things come alike to all: therefore love and hatred cannot be known. The proposition is false. For love may be known other ways then by outward benefits; and therefore the reason is not meet to be ascribed to the spirit of truth. Wherefore the true and proper sense of the words is, that love or hatred cannot be judged or discerned by outward blessings of God. S. Bernard speaks of this text on this manner, 1that no man knows love or hatred, namely by himself: yet that God gives most certain testimonies thereof to men upon earth. And se•m. 5. de Dedi•. his words are these, who knows if he be worthy love or hatred? who knows the mind of the Lord. Here both faith & truth must needs help us, that that which is hidden in the heart of the father may be revealed unto us by the spirit: and his spirit giving testimony persuades ⟨p. 123⟩our spirit, that we are the sons of God; and this persuasion is caused by his calling and justifying us freely by faith. And S. Hierome (though commonly