A09365:1390
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.
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, 2. Sam. 23. •6. Which act of theirs, was a rash enterprise, and such a one, as David himself condemneth in that Chapter, because they went beyond their strength, to encounter with a whole garrison of men, they being themselves but few, namely three in number.
III. Rule. Euery man must measure himselfe by his owne strength, and doe nothing beyond his abilitie. This Rule is set downe, though expressed in other tearmes, Rom. 12. 3. No man must presume to vnderstand, aboue that which is meete to vnderstand, but ought to be wise according to sobrietie, as God hath dealt to euery man the measure of faith. An example of the transgression of this Rule, we haue in Dauids three Worthies, who brake into the host of the Philistims, to fetch Dauid the king water from the well of Bethlem, 2. Sam. 23. •6. Which act of theirs, was a rash enterprise, and such a one, as Dauid himselfe condemneth in that Chapter, because they went beyond their strength, to encounter with a whole garrison of men, they beeing themselues but fewe, namely three in number.
IV. Rule. We must distinguish between the necessary works of our callings, that pertain to us, and other works that are out of our callings, ⟨p. 481⟩