A09365:426
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 fourth point, to be remembered of the party troubled is, that he must as heartily and earnestly repent him, of those his evil thoughts, as of evil words and deeds. For the truth is, because men are loose-minded, and have no more care of their thoughts, then commonly they have; therefore the Lord justly suffers the Devil to plague and torment them, by conveying into their hearts, most vile and damnable cogitations. Furthermore, the said party must labour to be renewed in the spirit of his mind, that is, 1to have his mind enlightened by the spirit, whereby he may know and understand the will of God in his word. After repentance for evil thoughts, there must follow watchfulness, and a careful circumspection over all his ways; but principally he must have an eye unto his heart, the fountain of all. Keep thine heart with all diligence, saith Solomon: that is, above all things see that thou 2counterguard thy thoughts, desires, motions, and affections.
The fourth point, to be remembred of the partie troubled is, that he must as heartily and earnestly repent him, of those his euill thoughts, as of euill wordes and deedes. For the truth is, because men are loose-minded, and haue no more care of their thoughts, then commonly they haue; therefore the Lord iustly suffers the Deuill to plague and torment them, by conuaying into their hearts, most vile and damnable cogitations. Furthermore, the said partie must labour to be renued in the spirit of his minde, that is, 1to haue his minde inlightened by the spirit, whereby he may know and vnderstand the will of God in his word. After repentance for euill thoughts, there must follow watchfulnesse, and a carefull circumspection ouer all his waies; but principally he must haue an eye vnto his heart, the fountaine of all. Keepe thine heart with all diligence, saith Salomon: that is, aboue all things see that thou 2countergard thy thoughts, desires, motions, and affections.