A09365:1361
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.
But before we proceed to particulars, it shall not be amiss to speak somewhat generally of Virtue, so far forth, as the knowledge thereof may give light to the things that follow.
But before we proceede to particulars, it shall not be amisse to speake somewhat generally of Vertue, so farre forth, as the knowledge thereof may giue light to the things that follow.
Touching Virtue, two things are briefly to be remembered: first, what it is; and then, what be the distinct kinds thereof.
Touching Vertue, two things are briefly to be remembred: first, what it is; and then, what be the distinct kindes thereof.
Virtue is a gift of the Spirit of God, and a part of regeneration, whereby a man is made apt to live well.
Vertue is a gift of the Spirit of God, and a part of regeneration, whereby a man is made apt to liue well.
I call it first, a gift of the Spirit of God, because in whomsoever it is, whether in Christians or in Heathen men, it hath the nature of a gift that floweth immediately from the spirit of God. And this I put in the first place, to confute the received error of the wisest Heathen Philosophers, which call Virtue an habit of the mind, obtained and confirmed by custom, use, and practise.