A09365:1385
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.
In the practise thereof, two actions are required; the one, is Delil•ration, whereby according to spiritual understanding, we advise what is good and bad, what truth and falsehood, what is to be embraced and done, and what not. The other is Determination, whereby we resolve upon former deliberation, to embrace, to do, to follow, and pursue the best things in every kind. And therein stands the very nature and form of true Christian prudence, when a man (upon due consideration of things and actions, together with their properties and circumstances) proceeds to a holy and godly resolution ⟨p. 478⟩according to the rule aforesaid. Now the practise of Prudence in these two actions is very large, and consisteth of sundry branches. I will only touch• the principal, and propound them in these Rules following.
In the practise thereof, two actions are required; the one, is Delil•ration, whereby according to spirituall vnderstanding, we aduise what is good and bad, what truth and falshood, what is to be imbraced and done, and what not. The other is Determination, whereby we resolue vpon former deliberation, to imbrace, to doe, to follow, and pursue the best things in euery kind. And therein stands the very nature and forme of true Christian prudence, when a man (vpon due consideration of things and actions, together with their properties and circumstances) proceedes to a holy and godly resolution ⟨p. 478⟩according to the rule aforesaid. Now the practize of Prudence in these two actions is very large, and consisteth of sundry branches. I will onely touch• the principall, and propound them in these Rules following.
The first Rule is this. A man must, in the first place, and above all things in the world, carefully provide for the forgiveness of his sins, and the salvation of his soul. This our Saviour Christ commandeth as a special duty,