A09365:1074
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.
But what if the people will not suffer him to fly? Ans. They should be so far, from hindering of him in this case, that they ought rather to succour and relieve him. Thus, when Demetrius had raised a tumult against Paul, under pretence of Diana, & he would have presented himself unto the people, in the common place; the Disciples suffered him not, Act. 19. 30. And what care they had of his preservation, the same ought the people to have of their Pastor, in case of like peril. But, if the persecution be common to the whole Church, then he is not to fly. For it is necessary, at such times especially, that those which are strong, should support and confirm the weak.
But what if the people will not suffer him to flie? Ans. They should be so farre, from hindering of him in this case, that they ought rather to succour and releeue him. Thus, when Demetrius had raised a tumult against Paul, vnder pretence of Diana, & he would haue presented himselfe vnto the people, in the common place; the Disciples suffered him not, Act. 19. 30. And what care they had of his preseruation, the same ought the people to haue of their Pastor, in case of like perill. But, if the persecution be common to the whole Church, then he is not to flie. For it is necessarie, at such times especially, that those which are strong, should support and confirme the weake.
The third Condition. If there be in the Pastor a moderation of mind. For he must take heed of these two extremities, that he be neither overcome with excessive fear, nor through overmuch confidence, run headlong into apparent danger. And that he may avoid these extremities, he must first pray unto God, for wisdom, courage, and constancy: and secondly, use the consent and advise of the Church, for his direction in this behalf; that all things may be done ⟨p. 375⟩in wisdom.