A09365:364
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 second evil, is the Vanity of all things that are in the world. For whether we ⟨p. 142⟩consider the world it self, or the things therein contained, done, or suffered, there is nothing so sure and steady, whereunto man having attained, can possibly rest fully satisfied, and contented; or which in the end, will not prove to be most vain vanity. And the truth hereof appeareth, in the experience of Solomon himself; who (being king over Israel) wanted neither authority, nor ability, and opportunity, to take knowledge and trial, of all worldly things in all estates and conditions. And having even of set purpose, carefully and earnestly searched into them all, at length he concludes, that the issue of all was unprofitable vanity, and vexation o• mind, as we may read in his Ecclesiastes.
The second euill, is the Vanitie of all things that are in the world. For whether we ⟨p. 142⟩consider the world it selfe, or the things therein contained, done, or suffered, there is nothing so sure and steadie, whereunto man hauing attained, can possibly rest fully satisfied, and contented; or which in the ende, will not prooue to be most vaine vanitie. And the truth hereof appeareth, in the experience of Salomon himselfe; who (beeing king ouer Israel) wanted neither authoritie, nor abilitie, and opportunitie, to take knowledge and triall, of all worldly things in all estates and conditions. And hauing euen of set purpose, carefully and earnestly searched into them all, at length he concludes, that the issue of all was vnprofitable vanitie, and vexation o• minde, as we may read in his Ecclesiastes.
The third evil is, the Changeable condition of our life in this world, whereby it comes to pass, that we are alway in a fleeting and transitory state. For we are (as Saint Peter speaketh) but strangers and Pilgrims, that wander to and fro in the earth, as in a