A09365:214
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.
Sect. 1.
Distress of mind (which Solomon calls a 1broken or troubled spirit) is, when a man is disquieted and distempered in conscience, and consequently in his affections, touching his estate before God. This distress hath two degrees; the less, and the greater. The less is a single Fear, or grief, when a man standeth in suspense and doubt, of his own ⟨p. 89⟩salvation, and in fear that he shall be condemned. The greater distress is Despair, when a man is without all hope of salvation, in his own sense and apprehension. I call Despair a greater distress, because it is not a distinct kind of trouble of mind, (as some do think,) but the highest degree, in every kind of distress. For every distress in the mind, is a fear of condemnation, and comes at length to desperation, if it be not cured.
DIstresse of minde (which Salomon calls a 1broken or troubled spirit) is, when a man is disquieted and distempered in conscience, and consequently in his affections, touching his estate before God. This distresse hath two degrees; the lesse, and the greater. The lesse is a single Feare, or griefe, when a man standeth in suspence and doubt, of his owne ⟨p. 89⟩saluation, and in feare that he shall be condemned. The greater distresse is Despaire, when a man is without all hope of saluation, in his owne sense and apprehension. I call Despaire a greater distresse, because it is not a distinct kind of trouble of minde, (as some doe thinke,) but the highest degree, in euery kind of distresse. For euery distresse in the minde, is a feare of condemnation, and comes at length to desperation, if it be not cured.
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