A69129:198
Conscience with the Power and Cases Thereof
Conscience with the power and cases thereof Divided into V. books. Written by the godly and learned, William Ames, Doctor, and Professor of Divinity, in the famous University of Franeker in Friesland. Translated out of Latin into English, for more public benefit.Conscience with the power and cases thereof Devided into V. bookes. Written by the godly and learned, William Ames, Doctor, and Professor of Divinity, in the famous University of Franeker in Friesland. Translated out of Latine into English, for more publique benefit.
Leiden and London : Imprinted W. Christiaens, E. Griffin, J. Dawson, Anno MDCXXIX 1639Leyden and London : Imprinted W. Christiaens, E. Griffin, J. Dawson, Anno MDCXXIX 1639
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.
7 They bring two reasons: 1. Because Adams conscience by creation, did only Excuse, and not accuse. 2. Because a good Conscience is troubled and wounded when sin is committed, and occasion is ministered to accuse. But the first reason is not good; because though Conscience in state of Innocency, did not accuse actually, yet had it a power to accuse, if there had been occasion. Neither could the Conscience be more blamed for accusing and condemning justly, […] the Law self, and the chief Judge, who did so after sin had once entered, and not before.
7 They bring two reasons: 1. Because Adams conscience by creation, did onely Excuse, and not accuse. 2. Because a good Conscience is troubled and wounded when sinne is committed, and occasion is ministred to accuse. But the first reason is not good; because though Conscience in state of Innocency, did not accuse actually, yet had it a power to accuse, if there had beene occasion. Neither could the Conscience be more blamed for accusing and condemning justly, 〈…〉 the Law selfe, and the chiefe Iudge, who did so after sin had once entred, and not before.
8 So far is the just Accusation of Conscience from being to be blamed, that Sinners have most need of it, as the only way to make them repent them of the sins which they have committed. For to the end a Sinner may escape Gods judgement, he must judge himself: that is, do justice and judgement upon himself, as in Gods room, whom he hath offended, 1 Cor. 11. 31. He doth this, by pleading Gods cause against himself, that is, by accusing himself, witnessing, alleging, and confessing, or by acknowledging Gods Law against himself, by revealing the secrets of his heart, and his hidden filthiness, to his own ignominy and shame. Then by condemning himself, that is, by declaring what torment and punishment God may justly inflict upon him; or by Proclaiming of himself guilty of everlasting death. Unto this judgement of Conscience, stirring up suitable affections; if God of his great mercy add a change of mind, with an appealing by Faith to the Judgement Seat of Gods mercy in Christ; then is that true (which some use to say) that the Judgement