A09449:367
The Art of Prophesying
The art of prophesying, or, A treatise concerning the sacred and only true manner and method of preaching first written in Latin by Master William Perkins ; and now faithfully translated into English (for that it containeth many worthy things fit for the knowledge of men of all degrees) by Thomas Tuke.The arte of prophecying, or, A treatise concerning the sacred and onely true manner and methode of preaching first written in Latine by Master William Perkins ; and now faithfully translated into English (for that it containeth many worthie things fit for the knowledge of men of all degrees) by Thomas Tuke.
London: printed by Felix Kyngston for E.E., 1607
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.
That this may manifestly appear, we ⟨p. 118⟩must by asking of questions first draw out of them, whether they be displeased with themselves, because they have displeased God, that is to say, whether they hate sin as it is sin: which is the foundation of repentance unto salvation. Secondly, we must demand of them, whether they have or do feel in their heart a desire to be reconciled with God, which is the ground of a lively faith.
That this may manifestly appeare, we ⟨p. 118⟩must by asking of questions first draw out of them, whether they be displeased with themselues, because they haue displeased God, that is to say, whether they hate sinne as it is sinne: which is the foundation of repentance vnto saluation. Secondly, we must demaund of them, whether they haue or doe feele in their heart a desire to be reconciled with God, which is the ground of a liuely faith.
When Trial is made, the Remedy must be applied unto them out of the Gospel, which is double. First, some evangelical meditations are to be often inculcated and pressed upon them: as 1. That their sin is pardonable. 2. That the promises are general in respect of believers, and that they are indefinite in respect of particular men, and do exclude no man. 3. That the will to believe is faith, Psalm. 145. 19. Revel. 21. 6. 4. That sin doth not abolish grace, but rather (God turning all things unto the good of those that are his) doth illustrate it. 5. That all the works of God are done by contrary means. Secondly, they must be entreated to stir up in them in the very bitterness of ⟨p. 119⟩the temptation, their faith which hath lien in a swoon, and bin