A09365:356
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.
Secondly, in way of preparation, we must endeavour to disarm and weaken death, who is as an armed man, that hath his weapons, whereby he seeks to destroy us. And in this case, we must deal with death, as the Philistines dealt with Sampson. They saw by experience, that he was a mighty man, and by his power and strength, had given them many foils; and therefore they laboured to know, in what part of his body his strength did lie. And after inquiry, finding it to be in the hair of his head, they never rested, till they had spoiled him thereof. And questionless, the time will come, when we all must encounter, with this strong & powerful Sampson, Death; In the mean while, it is a point of wisdom, to inquire wherein his power and might consisteth. When this search hath bin made, we shall find that his weapons, are our manifold sins, and corruptions, both of heart and life. For as Paul saith, The sting of death is sin. Therefore, that we may spoil him of this his furniture, 1we must exercise our selves in the practise of two duties.
Secondly, in way of preparation, we must endeauour to disarme and weaken death, who is as an armed man, that hath his weapons, whereby he seekes to destroy vs. And in this case, we must deale with death, as the Philistims dealt with Sampson. They saw by experience, that he was a mightie man, and by his power and strength, had giuen them many foyles; and therefore they laboured to know, in what part of his bodie his strength did lie. And after inquirie, finding it to be in the haire of his head, they neuer rested, till they had spoiled him thereof. And questionlesse, the time will come, when we all must encounter, with this strong & powerfull Sampson, Death; In the meane while, it is a point of wisdome, to inquire wherein his power and might consisteth. When this search hath bin made, we shall finde that his weapons, are our manifold sinnes, and corruptions, both of heart and life. For as Paul saith, The sting of death is sinne. Therefore, that we may spoile him of this his furniture, 1we must exercise our selues in the practise of two duties.
- 11. Cor. •5. 56.