A09365:462
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.
Yet here remains a great difficulty. Many a good servant of God, may, and doth ⟨p. 183⟩truly say of himself, I bewail my sins, and do in some sort rest on Gods mercy, and withal I endeavour to perform new obedience: but alas! here is my grief, I cannot do these things as I would. In matter of sorrow and grief, I am troubled with hardness of heart: in occasions of boldness and confidence, with doubtings: […] endeavour to obey, with many slips, and sundry falls: For the staying & moderating of this grief, these rules may further be remembered.
Yet here remaines a great difficultie. Many a good seruant of God, may, and doth ⟨p. 183⟩truly say of himselfe, I bewaile my sinnes, and doe in some sort rest on Gods mercie, and withall I endeauour to performe new obedience: but alas! here is my griefe, I cannot doe these things as I would. In matter of sorrow and griefe, I am troubled with hardnes of heart: in occasions of boldnes and confidence, with doubtings: 〈…〉 endeauour to obey, with many slippes, and sundrie falls: For the staying & moderating of this griefe, these rules may further be remembre•.
The first Rule. If there be in the mind, a purpose not to sin; in the will, a desire to please God; and in the whole man, •n endeavour to perform the purpose of the mind, and the desire of the will: mark what follows upon this: God in mercy accepteth the purpose and will to obey, for obedience it self. Yea though a man fail in the very act, and do not so well as he should, the Lord accepteth the affection and endeavour for the thing done. Excellent is the saying of an ancient Father, God accepteth that 1which is his, and forgives that which is thine: his is the grace whereby we are enabled to endeavour to obey in the want of obedience, and that he accepteth; ours i the sin and weakness in performance of the duty which he requireth, and that he doth in mercy forgive. Herein appeareth the great goodness of God unto us, and we can never be sufficiently thankful for the same. But yet that