A09365:396
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.
A second Rule is this. Such persons must have recourse to God in his word, in which he promiseth his presence and protection, to his children, in their greatest dangers. And namely, that there shall no evil come unto them, neither any plague shall come near their dwelling: 1because he will give his Angels charge over them, to keep them in all their ways. Again, that he will be a wall of fire, round about his people. Zach. 2. 5. that he will extend peace over his Church, like a flood, Isa. 66. 12. And that there shall be no sorcery against Jacob, nor soothsaying in ⟨p. 157⟩rael, Numb. 23. 22. And yet if God sees it to be good for his children, to be tried by possessions or witchcraft, in this case the promise frees them not. For all temporal blessings are promised conditionally, so far forth as they may stand with Gods good will and pleasure, and withal may make for the good of his children. Howbeit herein lies the comfort, that though such calamities befall them, yet they shall turn to their good, rather then to their hurt. This point well considered by the way, betrayeth the great presumption of some, who are not afraid to say, their faith is so strong, that the Devil cannot touch them.
A second Rule is this. Such persons must haue recourse to God in his word, in which he promiseth his presence and protection, to his children, in their greatest dangers. And namely, that there shall no euill come vnto them, neither any plague shall come neere their dwelling: 1because he will giue his Angels charge ouer them, to keepe them in all their waies. Againe, that he will be a wall of fire, round about his people. Zach. 2. 5. that he will extend peace ouer his Church, like a flood, Isa. 66. 12. And that there shal be no sorcery against Iacob, nor soothsaying in