A09365:1820
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 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, Mat. 18. 17. If he hear not the Church, after the Church hath judged him, let him be unto you as a heathen & a publican.
The sixt Rule is, concerning ministers. The Spirit of the Prophets, is subiect to the Prophets, and not to priuate persons, 1. Cor. 14. 32. Indeede priuate persons haue power to examine and try their doctrine and ministry: but they must goe no further: for they haue no power to giue iudgement, either of their ministers doctrin, or persons. The doctrine & manners of teachers, are subiect to the censure of Prophets onely. For example: A priuate man saies, that he may excommunicate, at his pleasure, those that sinne, if he proceed according to the three degrees mentioned, Mat. 18. But this is in him a fault; for he must not iudge in this case, at his owne pleasure, but his iudgement must follow the iudgement of the Church: and when the Church hath giuen censure, then may the priuate man proceede to censure, and not before. So saith our Sauiour Christ, Mat. 18. 17. If he heare not the Church, after the Church hath iudged him, let him be vnto you as a heathen & a publicane.