A09365:112
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.
Sect. 10.
Now though every sin of it self be mortal, yet all are not equally mortal: but some more, some less. For the better understanding whereof, it is to be remembered, that in Sin there be sundry steppes & degrees, whereby one and the same sin, may be lessened or increased, and so become more or less heinous before God.
Now though euery sinne of it selfe be mortall, yet all are not equally mortall: but some more, some lesse. For the better vnderstanding whereof, it is to be remembred, that in Sinne there be sundrie steppes & degrees, whereby one and the same sinne, may be lessened or increased, and so become more or lesse hainous before God.
If it be asked, how can this be? I answer, that Sin may admit aggravation, or extenuation, sundry ways. First, by the Circumstances, which are principally seven.
If it be asked, how can this be? I answer, that Sinne may admit aggrauation, or extenuation, sundrie waies. First, by the Circumstances, which are principally seauen.
The first, is the subject, or person sinning. For example: The sin of a public person, is more heinous, yea more mortal, then the sin of a private man, because he is in eminent place, and his actions are more exemplary and scandalous, then the actions of inferior men. The servant, that knows his masters will, if he doth it not, is the greater sinner,