Cases of conscience practically resolved: By the Reverend and learned John Norman, late minister of Bridgwater.

THE PREFACE.

THe reverent Author of this ensuing Treatise Mr. John Norman, some few years since deceased, is by that state secured both from flattery, or obloquy; why then should we light a candle of Praise behind his back. In short, the sole motive to these few lines was this, Some dear Relations and Friends of his, desirous that his name and worth might be made known to such

as knew him not as it was in the Orb wherein he both moved and shined, have importuned this un∣feigned character and testimony of him. What therefore we have seen and heard we testifie. While he lived in the Ministry he shined as an eminent light in this world, holding forth the word of life. His Race while he was in his work was not long, yet did he run his race with great diligence and patience; out∣stripping many. A workman that needed not to be ashamed, adorn∣ing his talent and province, and fulfilling, I had almost said the Apostles character, 2 Cor. 6.4, 5, &c. And thus when his Lord came, and called him off, he found him

doing. Thus he shined in all his mo∣tions, and trials, following the Lamb where ever he led him. For the time of my intimacy with him, I found him a man of a choice spirit. He was relatively godly as a Pa∣stor, Husband, Father. God en∣dowed him with rare natural Parts, blessed with no small acquests both of grace and learning; he was acute, clear, and solid in his rea∣sonings; and in his converse grave condescending, communicative, and of an amicable sweetness. True to his own light, yet not Magisterially imposing it as a rule to others. No superstitious admirer or adorer o•• his own notions and sentiments especially in small and disputabl••

matters; no supercilious censor of another mans liberty or latitude; as ready to borrow light, as to ••end it; accounting it a character of little souls to be too nice in lit∣tle things, and yet not refusing the ••earch of any thing, by others judg∣ed material. Among all other his ar∣••ainments he had a Scholastical ••exterity, able to tye, and untye Gordian knots, and no mean ca∣••uistical faculty, wherein it were to ••e wisht more of our Nation be∣••••des Mr. Perkins and Ames had ••udied to excell. Hereof this en∣••ing piece is some taste, intended ••y him but as an Essay in this part ••f Theology. Which thou hast Christian Reader) presented to

thee without correction or alterati∣on, wherein if any defect appear, his own Revisal (prevented by death) would have supplied; accept and peruse it now as it is. A Trea∣tise of Conscience requires a consci∣entious Author; which this had, and a conscientious Reader which it calls for. This is needful in every age and state of the Church, and per∣haps principally in ours; both to point our judgments, rectifie mistakes reduce strayers, heal divisions, settle unstableness, and steer our course. For it is a subject practical, and hath influence into the very vitals of Re∣ligion; and though it is a duty, and withal some difficulty to observe a rule, yet much more to give a rule;

this requires a Master-workman: though we are cast into an age criti∣cal, curious, & too much quarrelous, (which God heal) yet be thou rather in thy study conscientious practical, and peaceable, this time as well as this Treatise calls for it. I have purposed with my self to intermix nothing of mine as to the Rhetorick part of this subject or the praxis. This Torch is set before thee singly by it self, shi∣ning in its own lustre; walk while thou hast the light, lest darkness come upon thee. If thou & I by such helps as these rise up to this blessed frame, & attain this inestimable Jewel, a good conscience, which is my prayer, thou hast thy advantage, and he his aim, who is thine in the Lord,

William Cooper.