Case of Conscience

William Perkins wrote this brief treatise in 1592 to address a pressing pastoral question that emerged from Reformed theology's emphasis on predestination and assurance. As one of England's most influential Puritan theologians, Perkins regularly encountered believers tormented by doubts about their election and salvation. The work responds to those who wondered whether they could have genuine faith while still experiencing uncertainty about their eternal destiny.

Perkins argues that true faith can coexist with doubt and that believers need not achieve perfect assurance to possess genuine saving faith. He distinguishes between the act of faith itself and the believer's awareness or feeling of that faith, contending that many sincere Christians mistake their lack of sensible assurance for absence of faith altogether. The treatise methodically examines how faith operates even when accompanied by fear, uncertainty, and spiritual struggle. Perkins demonstrates that Scripture itself acknowledges believers who cry out "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief" and shows how even weak faith, when it genuinely rests on Christ, constitutes true saving faith.

The work established a crucial pastoral distinction in Reformed spirituality between the reality of faith and the believer's subjective experience of assurance. Later Puritan divines built extensively on Perkins's framework, and his approach influenced centuries of evangelical pastoral care. The treatise remains significant for its practical wisdom in addressing the anxiety that can accompany serious reflection on election and salvation.

Who should read this: Pastors and counselors working with believers experiencing doubt about their salvation will find Perkins's careful distinctions helpful, as will those interested in early Reformed approaches to assurance and pastoral theology. This is not suited for those seeking broad introductions to Puritan thought or general spiritual encouragement.