A09365:1198
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.
First they say, that this place of scripture, is only a divine permission, and not a commandment: we reply again directly, that it is a plain commandment: For the intent of the Holy Ghost in that text, and in the whole Chapter is, to ordain a necessary remedy for incontinence, which Paul calls burning, and for the avoiding of fornication, which brings destruction to the soul. And for that purpose, he speaks not in permitting man ner, but in imperative terms, Let them marry.
First they say, that this place of scripture, is onely a diuine permission, and not a commandement: we reply againe directly, that it is a plaine commandement: For the intent of the Holy Ghost in that text, and in the whole Chapter is, to ordaine a necessarie remedie for incontinencie, which Paul calls burning, and for the auoiding of fornication, which brings destructiō to the soule. And for that purpose, he speaks not in permitting mā ner, but in imperatiue tearmes, Let thē marry.
Secondly, they answer, that the words concern only incontinent persons, that commit fornication. We on the other side affirm, that they are not only given to them that live incontinently, but to all persons, which are subject to burning, which burning may be without incontinence.
Secondly, they answer, that the words concerne onely incontinent persons, that commit fornication. We on the other side affirme, that they are not only giuen to them that liue incontinently, but to all persons, which are subiect to burning, which burning may be without incontinencie.
For the better understanding whereof, let it be considered, that there be three distinct degrees of lust in man. The first is, when the temptation is first received into the mind. The second, when the same temptation prevaileth, though with some resistance & trouble of the mind & conscience, which also (though no outward offence as yet follow) is a degree of burning. The third is, when the temptation so