A09411:55
An exposition of the Symbol or Creed of the Apostles according to the tenor…An exposition of the Symbole or Creed of the Apostles according to the tenour…
An exposition of the Symbol or Creed of the Apostles according to the tenor of the Scriptures, and the consent of orthodox Fathers of the Church. By William Perkins.An exposition of the Symbole or Creed of the Apostles according to the tenour of the Scriptures, and the consent of orthodoxe Fathers of the Church. By William Perkins.
Cambridge: printed by John Legatt, 1595Cambridge: printed by Iohn Legatt, 1595
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.
Again, to believe is one thing, & to believe in this or that is another thing: and it containeth in it 3. points or actions of a believer. 1. to know a thing: 2. to acknowledge the same: 3. to put trust and confidence in it. And in this order must these three actions of faith be applied to every article following which concerneth God. And herein is contained a special matter. For always by adding them to the words following, we do apply the article unto our selves in a very comfortable manner. As I believe in the father, and do believe that he is my father; and therefore I put my whole trust in him, and so of the rest.
Againe, to beleeue is one thing, & to beleeue in this or that is another thing: and it conteineth in it 3. points or actions of a beleeuer. 1. to know a thing: 2. to acknowledge the same: 3. to put trust and confidence in it. And in this order must these three actions of faith be applied to euery article following which concerneth God. And herein is contained a speciall matter. For alwaies by adding them to the words following, we doe applie the article vnto our selues in a very comfortable manner. As I beleeue in the father, and doe beleeue that he is my father; and therefore I put my whole trust in him, and so of the rest.
Now we come to the object of general faith, which is either God or the Church; in handling of both which, I will observe this order. I. I will speak of the meaning of every article. II. Of the duties which we ought to learn thereby. III. And lastly, of the consolations which may be gathered thence. Concerning God, three things are to be considered. And first by reason of manifold doubtings that rise in our minds, it may be demanded, whether there be a God? many reasons might be used to resolve those that have scruple of conscience: otherwaies we are bound to believe that there is a God without all doubting. As for those Atheists which confidently avouch there is no God, by Gods law they ought to die the death: nay, the earth is too good for such to dwell on. Malefactors, as thieves and rebels, for ⟨p. 19⟩their offences have their reward of death: but the offence of those, which deny that there is a God, is greater; and therefore deserves the most cruel death.