A09365:1454
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 it will be, and is objected. First, that a ⟨p. 502⟩Combat is a trial of innocency. Ans. It is not so. For he that is stronger usually overcomes in the combat, not he that hath the more righteous cause. Again, there be other means to try a truth, besides this; as by examination, and by oath. Lastly, trial by the combat, is of the same nature with the trial of a murderer by the bleeding of a corps touched, or handled, which is very doubtful, and of all other most uncertain,
But it will be, and is obiected. First, that a ⟨p. 502⟩Combate is a triall of innocencie. Ans. It is not so. For he that is stronger vsually ouercomes in the combate, not he that hath the more righteous cause. Againe, there be other meanes to trie a truth, besides this; as by examination, and by oath. Lastly, triall by the combate, is of the same nature with the triall of a murtherer by the bleeding of a corpes touched, or handled, which is very doubtfull, and of all other most vncertaine,
Secondly, it is alleged, that if a man take not a challenge, he is disgraced for ever. Ans. There is no warrant in Gods word, for a private man to accept a challenge. Nay, it is rather flat against the word. For God says, Revenge is mine. The private man says the contrary, The wrong is mine, and I will be avenged of him that hath done it. Again, it is better for any man, to endure a little reproach with some men, then to loose or hazard his life.
Secondly, it is alleadged, that if a man take not a chalenge, he is disgraced for euer. Ans. There is no warrant in Gods word, for a priuate man to accept a chalenge. Nay, it is rather flat against the word. For God saies, Reuenge is mine. The priuate man saies the contrarie, The wrong is mine, and I will be auenged of him that hath done it. Again, it is better for any man, to indure a little reproch with some men, then to loose or hazard his life.