A09365:1063
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.
Yet for the better clearing of the Answer, some allegations to the contrary, are to be examined.
Yet for the better clearing of the Answer, some allegations to the contrarie, are to be examined.
Objection I. Persecution is a good thing, and that which is good, may not be eschewed. Ans. Good things, are of two sorts. Some are simply good, in, and by themselves; as virtues, and all moral duties: and these are not to be eschewed. Some again, are good only in some respects. Of this sort are things Indifferent, which he neither commanded nor forbidden, but are good or evil, in respect of circumstances. And these may be eschewed, unless we know that they be good for us. Now persecution being of this kind, that is to say, not simply good, but only by accident, may be avoided; because no man can say that it is good or bad for him.
Obiection I. Persecution is a good thing, and that which is good, may not be eschewed. Ans. Good things, are of two sorts. Some are simply good, in, and by themselues; as vertues, and all morall duties: and these are not to be eschewed. Some againe, are good onely in some respects. Of this sort are things Indifferent, which he neither cōmanded nor forbidden, but are good or euill, in respect of circumstances. And these may be eschewed, vnlesse we know that they be good for vs. Now persecution beeing of this kind, that is to say, not simply good, but onely by accident, may be auoided; because no man can say that it is good or bad for him.
Object. II. Persecution is sent of God, for the trial and good of his Church. Ans. First, evil things sent of God, may be avoided, if he show a mean or way, how they may be avoided. For example: God sendeth sickness, famine, the plague and sword; he sends also means, and remedies for the preventing, and removing of them, as physic and food, &c. And these we may lawfully use for the said purposes: and in like manner may persecution be avoided, if God offer means of escape. Secondly, there is a twofold