A09365:1075
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.
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.
The third Condition. If there be in the Pastor a moderation of minde. For he must take heede of these two extremities, that he be neither ouercome with excessiue feare, nor through ouermuch confidence, runne headlong into apparent danger. And that he may auoide these extremities, he must first pray vnto God, for wisdome, courage, and constancie: and secondly, vse the consent and aduise of the Church, for his direction in this behalfe; that all things may be done ⟨p. 375⟩in wisdome.
The fourth Condition of lawful flight is, that the Minister withdraw himself only for a time, & not utterly forsake his charge, and calling. Yea, if he be principally aimed at in the persecution, he may lawfully go apart; and it is the duty of the Church also, to see him conveyed away in safety, till the persecution be over. And thus doing, he neither forsakes the Church, nor his calling; but only useth the means of his preservation, for the keeping of faith, and a good conscience. This warrant, our Saviour gives to his Apostles, Matth. 10. 23. When they persecute you in one city, fly into another. The end of that commandment was, that the Apostles might preserve themselves in safety, till they had preached the Gospel, to all the cities of Israel, as the next words do declare.
The fourth Condition of lawfull flight is, that the Minister withdraw himselfe onely for a time, & not vtterly forsake his charge, and calling. Yea, if he be principally aymed at in the persecution, he may lawfully goe apart; and it is the dutie of the Church also, to see him conuaied away in safetie, till the persecution be ouer. And thus doing, he neither forsakes the Church, nor his calling; but onely vseth the meanes of his preseruation, for the keeping of faith, and a good conscience. This warrant, our Sauiour giues to his Apostles,