A09365:18
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 some one or more particulars. And these are they, that do lie heavy upon the heart; and to be eased of them, will be work enough, though he doth not exhibit unto the Confessor, a Catalogue of all the rest. IV. That some sins are venial, because they are only besides the Law of God, not against it, and because athey bind over the sinner only to temporal, and not to eternal punishments. This conclusion, first is false; For though it be granted, that some offences are greater, some lesser, some in a higher degree, others in a lower. Again, that sins in regard of the event, being repented of, or in respect of the person sinning, being in Christ, and therefore accounted just, are pardonable, because they are not imputed to condemnation; yet there is no sin of what ⟨image 6⟩degree soever, which is not simply, and of it self mortal, whether we respect the nature of the sin, or the measure and proportion of divine justice. For in nature it is an anomie, that is to say, an aberration from the perfect 2rule of righteousness, & therefore is subject to the curse, both of temporary and eternal death. It is an offence against the highest Majesty, and consequently, man standeth by it engaged to everlasting torment. Secondly, it is a weak and insufficient ground of resolution, to a troubled Conscience. For whereas true and saving joy is the daughter of sorrow, and the heart of man cannot be lifted up, in assurance of Gods favour, to the apprehension and conceit of heavenly comforts, unless it be first abased, and by true humiliation, brought to nothing in it self; The remembrance of this, that the offence committed is venial, may in some cases too much enlarge the heart, and give occasion to presume, when haply there will be reason to the contrary. And if not that, yet in case of falling by infirmity after grace received, the mind being forestalled with this erroneous conceit, that the sin is less, then it is indeed, because venial, may in the issue be less quieted, and more perplexed. V. That a man may satisfy the justice of God, for the temporal punishment 3of his sins committed. To omit the untruth of ••is position; Howe it maketh to the casing of the heart, or the assuaging of the