A09365:394
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 thing whereby Satan's power is restrained, is the will of God. For look as the sea, being by nature, apt to overflow the whole earth, is kept in, and shut up within the shore, (as it were) with doors or gates, that it cannot break forth; and that by the Lord himself, who hath established his decree upon it, Job 38. So though Satan be by nature strong, and his malice great, yet can he do nothing at all, no nor execute his natural power, to the hurt and prejudice of any man, without the will and permission of God. Thus the evil spirit, could not go forth to deceive Ahab, until the Lord had said unto him, Go and thou shalt prevail, 1. King. 22. 22. Thus the Devil could not touch the body, children, goods, or friends of righteous Job, whilst he was fenced and fortified, by the power and providence of God. But when the Lord, in regard of Jobs outward estate, had given leave, and said, Lo ⟨p. 156⟩all that he hath is in thine hand, then did he exercise his power, to the utmost: yet so far only, as he was permitted, and no further. Job. 1. 12.
The second thing whereby Satans power is restrained, is the will of God. For looke as the sea, beeing by nature, apt to ouerflow the whole earth, is kept in, and shut vp within the shore, (as it were) with dores or gates, that it cannot breake forth; and that by the Lord himselfe, who hath established his decree vpon it, Iob 38. So though Satan be by nature strong, and his malice great, yet can he doe nothing at all, no nor execute his naturall power, to the hurt and preiudice of any man, without the will and permission of God. Thus the euill spirit, could not goe forth to deceiue Ahab, vntill the Lord had said vnto him, Goe and thou shalt preuaile, 1. King. 22. 22. Thus the Deuill could not touch the bodie, children, goods, or friends of righteous Iob, whilest he was fenced and fortified, by the power and prouidence of God. But when the Lord, in regard of Iobs outward estate, had giuen leaue, and said, Loe ⟨p. 156⟩