A09365:1389
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.
Now this duty stands principally in two things. First, that we diligently observe the danger, wherein we are, by reason of temptations. Secondly, that we daily labour to search and find out the secret counsels, practises, and enterprises of our enemies, and withal seek to prevent them. To this purpose, ⟨p. 480⟩we must watch against the corruptions of our hearts, the temptations of the Devil, and the day and hour of our death, that we be not found unprepared. For our own sins are many; Satan is strong and subtle in his suggestions, and temptations; & death, though of all other things it be most certain, and cannot be avoided, yet it is most uncertain in regard of the time when, the place where, and the manner and kind, of what and how a man shall end his days.
Now this dutie stands principally in two things. First, that we diligently obserue the danger, wherein we are, by reason of temptations. Secondly, that we daily labour to search and finde out the secret counsells, practises, and enterprises of our enemies, and withall seeke to preuent them. To this purpose, ⟨p. 480⟩we must watch against the corruptions of our hearts, the temptations of the Deuill, and the day and houre of our death, that we be not found vnprepared. For our owne sinnes are many; Satan is strong and subtill in his suggestions, and temptations; & death, though of all other things it be most certaine, and cannot be auoided, yet it is most vncertaine in regard of the time when, the place where, and the manner and kind, of what and how a man shall ende his daies.
III. Rule. Every man must measure himself by his own strength, and do nothing beyond his ability. This Rule is set down, though expressed in other terms, Rom. 12. 3. No man must presume to understand, above that which is meet to understand, but ought to be wise according to sobriety, as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. An example of the transgression of this Rule, we have in Davids three Worthies, who brake into the host of the Philistines, to fetch David the king water from the well of Bethlehem,