A09365:404
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.
Sect. 1.
That we may the better know this Temptation, 1let it be considered, what are the forerunners thereof, and by what means it takes place in the heart possessed of it.
That we may the better know this Temptation, 1let it be considered, what are the forerunners thereof, and by what meanes it takes place in the heart possessed of it.
- 1The Cause & Danger.The Cause & Daunger.
Sometimes it cometh, merely and only of the suggestion of the Devil; which troubleth the fantasy, even of those which are in that regard innocent, and casteth into their hearts impure and ungodly thoughts. Sometimes again, it comes upon men, by an evil custom: when as they willingly lend their ears, to lewd and cursed speeches, that immediately tend to the dishonour of God, or the wilful abuse of his word, his judgements, and mercies; and upon the hearing, either give their applause and approbation, though not expressly; or do not hinder or stay them, as much as in them lieth. Otherwhiles, it creeps into the heart of man by degrees, when he begins to wax cold in Gods service, to make little conscience of those duties, that immediately concern his worship, & consequently inures himself, to the taking of the name of God in vain, by often and causeless swearing, forswearing, cursing, &c. By these and such like means, is this foul and horrible tentation convey ed into the mind of man.