A09365:1211
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.
Again, the Papist allegeth an example of two married persons; the one whereof being smitten by the hand of God with the ⟨p. 417⟩dead palsy, the other must needs pray for the gift of continency. Ans. In this case a married party may ask it, and by Gods mercy obtain it, because now there remains unto him or her no other remedy. But it is not so with single persons, considering that they have an other remedy, which is Marriage: and therefore they may not look, or hope to obtain such a gift.
Againe, the Papist alleadgeth an example of two married persons; the one whereof beeing smitten by the hand of God with the ⟨p. 417⟩dead palsie, the other must needes pray for the gift of continencie. Ans. In this case a married partie may aske it, and by Gods mercy obtaine it, because now there remains vnto him or her no other remedie. But it is not so with single persons, considering that they haue an other remedie, which is Mariage: and therefore they may not looke, or hope to obtaine such a gift.
Thirdly, they say, God hath given to all men sufficient aide and strength, that if they will use the means, they may have the gift of chastity. For sufficient grace is given to all, though not effectual. Ans. It is false: there is neither sufficient, nor effectual grace given to all, to live a single life; but it is a rare and special gift given only to some. Paul to Timothy, willeth younger women, not to endeavour to forbear, when they have not the gift, but in want thereof to marry, 1. Tim. 5. 14. Where he takes it for granted, that they had no such power given them of God, to live in perpetual chastity, though they would.
Thirdly, they say, God hath giuen to all men sufficient aide and strength, that if they will vse the meanes, they may haue the gift of chastitie. For sufficient grace is giuen to all, though not effectuall. Ans. It is false: there is neither sufficient, nor effectuall grace giuen to all, to liue a single life; but it is a rare and speciall gift giuen onely to some. Paul to Timothie, willeth younger women, not to indeauour to forbeare, when they haue not the gift, but in want thereof to marrie,