A09365:1817
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.
The third Rule. When a mans speech or action, is doubtful, and may be taken either well or ill, we must always interpret it in the better part. When Christ was brought before Caiaphas the high priest, there came two witnesses against him, who affirmed something of him, which he had spoken: but because they changed and misconstrued his words, turning them to a wrong sense, therefore they are called by the Holy Ghost, to their perpetual shame and reproach, false witnesses. Mat. 26. 90. Again, the Apostle saith, that Love thinks no evil, 1. Cor. 13. 5. therefore love takes every speech and action in the better sense.
The third Rule. When a mans speech or action, is doubtfull, and may be taken either well or ill, we must alwaies interpet it in the better part. When Christ was brought before Caiphas the high priest, there came two witnesses against him, who affirmed something of him, which he had spoken: but because they changed and misconstrued his words, turning them to a wrong sense, therfore they are called by the Holy Ghost, to their perpetuall shame and reproch, false witnesses. Mat. 26. 90. Againe, the Apostle saith, that Loue thinkes no euill, 1. Cor. 13. 5. therefore loue takes euery speech and action in the better sense.
The fourth Rule. Touching secret offences of our neighbour, we must suspend our judgement of them. The reason is, because love always hopes the best, and thinks no evil, 1. Cor. 13. 5. And our Saviours rule is, If thy brother trespass against thee, first reprove him privately, between thee and him, and go no further, if that will prevail. Mat. 27. 15.
The fourth Rule. Touching secret offences of our neighbour, we must suspend our iudgement of them. The reason is, because loue alwaies hopes the best, and thinkes no euill,