A09365:1038
The Whole Treatise of the Cases of Conscience
The whole treatise of the cases of conscience distinguished into three books: the first whereof is revised and corrected in sundry places, and the other two annexed. Taught and delivered by M. W. Perkins in his holy-day lectures, carefully examined by his own briefs, and now published together for the common good, by T. Pickering Bachelor of Divinity. Whereunto is adjoined a twofold table: one of the heads and number of the questions propounded and resolved; another of the principal texts of Scripture which are either explained, or vindicated from corrupt interpretation.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.
Cambridge: printed by John Legat, 1606Cambridge: printed by Iohn Legat, 1606
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.
For answering whereof, this must be remembered for a Ground, that there is a distinction to be made, between Commandments affirmative, and negative. The Negative bindeth at all times, and to all times. For it is not lawful at any time, for a man to do evil. The Affirmative binds at, and in all times, but not to all times. For it commands a duty to be done, which nevertheless is not at all times to be done. For example: To give alms, is prescribed by an affirmative commandment, and yet alms are to be given only at fit times, and occasions. Hereupon it pleased the Lord, to propound part of the Moral Law, in negative terms, because negatives are of greater force. Now Confession; being commanded not by a negative, but by an affirmative commandment, ⟨p. 360⟩we are not bound thereunto, at, and to all times, but when just occasion is offered.
For answering whereof, this must be remembred for a Ground, that there is a distinction to be made, betweene Commandements affirmatiue, and negatiue. The Negatiue bindeth at all times, and to all times. For it is not lawfull at any time, for a man to doe euill. The Affirmatiue binds at, and in all times, but not to all times. For it commands a dutie to be done, which neuerthelesse is not at all times to be done. For example: To giue almes, is prescribed by an affirmatiue commandement, and yet almes are to be giuen onely at fit times, and occasions. Hereupon it pleased the Lord, to propound part of the Morall Law, in negatiue tearmes, because negatiues are of greater force. Now Confession; beeing commaunded not by a negatiue, but by an affirmatiue commandement, ⟨p. 360⟩we are not bound thereunto, at, and to all times, but when iust occasion is offered.
What then (may some say) are the especial times, in which, Confession is to be made before the Adversary?
What then (may some say) are the especiall times, in which, Confession is to be made before the Aduersarie?