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.

Sect. 2.

The second ground of proofes, is taken from the light of grace. And it is that light * 1.1 which God affordeth to his Church in the writings of the Prophets and Apostles, and this giues a further confirmation then nature doth. For the light of nature, is onely a way or preparation to faith. But this light serues to beget faith, and causeth vs to beleeue there is a God.

Now in the scriptures of the Prophets and Apostles, we shall see amongst the rest three distinct proofes of this point.

First, expresse testimonies that doe in plaine tearmes, note vnto vs the Godhead.

Secondly, expresse prophecies and reue∣lations of things to come, euen many hun∣dred and thousands of yeares, before they came to passe. Yea things that are to come are foretold in the word of God, so and in that very manner, that they shall be in the

time, wherein they are to be fulfilled. Now there is no man able of himselfe to know or foresee these things to come; therefore this knowledge must rest in him alone, who is most wise, that perfectly vnderstandeth and beholdeth things that are not, and to whom all future things are present, and therefore certain.

Thirdly, the word of God reuealeth ma∣ny miracles, which doe exceede and surpasse whole nature, yea all naturall causes: the do∣ing and working whereof, is not in the pow∣er of any meere creature in the world. As for example: the making of the sunne against his naturall course, to stand still in the firma∣ment; of the waters, which are naturally flowing, to stand as a wall, and the bottome of the sea to be as drie land. The maine ende whereof is, to shew that there is an absolute and almightie power: which is the author of nature it selfe, and all naturall things, and or∣dereth both it and them, according to his pleasure.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Arguments fró the light of Grace.