A09365:1200
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.
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 ⟨p. 413⟩far prevaileth, that the heart & will are overcome, and the duties of religion for the time utterly hindered: This is the highest and worst kind of burning. And if we consider these degrees well, it will easily appear, that there may be burning without incontinent living.
For the better vnderstanding whereof, let it be considered, that there be three distinct degrees of lust in man. The first is, when the temptatiō is first receiued into the mind. The secōd, when the same temptation preuaileth, though with some resistāce & trouble of the minde & conscience, which also (though no outward offence as yet follow) is a degree of burning. The third is, whē the temptation so ⟨p. 413⟩far preuaileth, that the heart & will are overcome, and the duties of religion for the time vtterly hindred: This is the highest and worst kind of burning. And if we consider these degrees well, it will easily appeare, that there may be burning without incontinent liuing.
Thirdly, they answer; that this text speaketh not of persons that are free, but of those alone, who are bound from Marriage by solemn vow: we contrariwise affirm and hold, that the words are general, and plainly directed to all persons, bound by vow or otherwise; and that appears by vers. •5. where he says, I speak not this to tangle you in a snare. These words do show, that Pauls mind was, touching the vow of perpetual virginity. For he leaves every man according to Gods ordinance, to his own liberty, willing none by vow to bind himself from the use thereof.