A09365:237
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.
I answer, Desires be of two sorts; Some be of such things, as men by the mere light of nature know to be good: for example; the desire of wisdom, of civill virtue, of honour, of happiness, and such like: and all these nature can desire. Others be above nature, as the desire of remission of sins, reconciliation, and sanctification: and they which seriously desire these, have a promise of blessedness & life everlasting. And hence it follows, that desire of mercy, in the want of mercy, is mercy it self; and desire of grace, in the want of grace, is grace it self.
I answer, Desires be of two sorts; Some be of such things, as men by the meere light of nature know to be good: for example; the desire of wisdome, of ciuill vertue, of honour, of happinesse, and such like: and all these nature can desire. Others be aboue nature, as the desire of remission of sinnes, reconciliation, and sanctification: and they which seriously desire these, haue a promise of blessednes & life euerlasting. And hence it followes, that desire of mercie, in the want of mercie, is mercie it selfe; and desire of grace, in the want of grace, is grace it selfe.