A09365:418
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.
Fourthly, blasphemous thoughts cannot come ordinarily from the hart of any, save of those alone, that are of reprobate minds. But the parties that are thus distressed, are honest, civill, and such as profess the Gospel, at least in show; yea sometime they befall such, as are the true members of Christ. Therefore it is manifest, that they come from without, even from the Devil casting them into the mind, and not from within a mans own self.
Fourthly, blasphemous thoughts cannot come ordinarily from the hart of any, saue of those alone, that are of reprobate mindes. But the parties that are thus distressed, are honest, ciuill, and such as professe the Gospell, at least in shew; yea sometime they befall such, as are the true members of Christ. Therefore it is manifest, that they come from without, euen from the Deuill casting them into the minde, and not from within a mans owne selfe.
In the next place, Inquiry must be made, whether the party doth approve, love, and like these and such like thoughts, or no? To this he will answer, if he be asked, that he abhors them as the Devil and Hell it self. Thus even natural men will answer, & that truly.
In the next place, Inquirie must be made, whether the partie doth approoue, loue, and like these and such like thoughts, or no? To this he will answer, if he be asked, that he abhors them as the Deuill and Hell it selfe. Thus euen naturall men will answer, & that truly.
After Inquiry thus made, the Remedy is to be applied. And the first and principal remedy, pertains to doctrine, and instruction: in which the party is to be informed of his or her estate; namely, that the foresaid blasphemies, are not his sins, but his crosses. For they are the Devils sins, and he shall answer for them: and they are not ours, till we entertain, receive, approve, and give consent unto them.