A09365:1819
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 fifth Rule. Against an Elder, receive not an accusation under two or three witnesses, 1. Tim. 5. 19. By an Elder, understand ministers, civill governors, and all superiors. And if we must not receive, then much less may we frame an accusation against them. This may be a lesson for all inferiors to learn, who take liberty to themselves, to speak what ⟨p. 623⟩evil they please of their governors.
The fift Rule. Against an Elder, receiue not an accusation vnder two or three witnesses, 1. Tim. 5. 19. By an Elder, vnderstand ministers, civill gouernours, and all superiours. And if we must not receiue, then much lesse may we frame an accusation against them. This may be a lesson for all inferiours to learne, who take libertie to themselues, to speake what ⟨p. 623⟩euill they please of their gouernours.
The sixth Rule is, concerning ministers. The Spirit of the Prophets, is subject to the Prophets, and not to private persons, 1. Cor. 14. 32. Indeed private persons have power to examine and try their doctrine and ministry: but they must go no further: for they have no power to give judgement, either of their ministers doctrine, or persons. The doctrine & manners of teachers, are subject to the censure of Prophets only. For example: A private man says, that he may excommunicate, at his pleasure, those that sin, if he proceed according to the three degrees mentioned, Mat. 18. But this is in him a fault; for he must not judge in this case, at his own pleasure, but his judgement must follow the judgement of the Church: and when the Church hath given censure, then may the private man proceed to censure, and not before. So saith our Saviour Christ,