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. 3.

The third reason to induce vs to receiue the scriptures, as the word of God, is taken * 1.1 from the Effects: whereof I note onely two.

I. The doctrine of Scripture in the Law, and specially in the Gospel, is contrarie to the corrupt nature of man. Whereupon Paul saith, The wisdome of the flesh, is enmitie against * 1.2 God. And yet the same word, beeing preach∣ed by the Minister appointed by God, con∣ue••teth nature, and turnes the heart of man vnto it, in such sort, as in this last age it hath wonne a great part of the world, to the im∣bracing thereof. Now in reason this is im∣possible, that a thing which is so flat against mans corrupt nature, should notwithstāding preuaile with it so farre, as to cause man to liue and die in the profession & maintenance thereof. Wee are woont to reiect the wri∣tings of men, if they please not our humors; whereas this word of God, is of force to mooue and ••••cline our affections, though neuer so much censured, crossed, and control∣led by it. And this shewes that God is the author thereof, from whome the word of creation came, to which euery thing at the

first yeelded obedience.

II. The word of God hath this effect, to be able to minister comfort and releefe, in all distresses of bodie or minde, yea in the greatest and most desperate troubles, and vexations of the Conscience. And when the helpes of humane learning and Philosophie (which are of great vse and force in other cases) haue done all that they can, to the ve∣ry vtmost, without effect or successe: euen then the sweete promises of the Gospel, will reuiue and raise vp the heart, and giue it full contentment and satisfaction. Expetience shewes this to be a confessed truth in parti∣cular cases: and it teacheth, whence and frō whome this word proceedeth, wherein these promises are contained, namely, from God. For when he sets the Conscience vpon the racke, the Word that releeueth and refresh∣eth the same, must needs proceede and come from him alone.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Effects of Scripture.
• * 1.2

  〈◊〉〈◊〉. 8. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.