A09365:463
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 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 ⟨p. 184⟩we may not here delude our hearts with conceits, and bless our selves in vain: we must know, that God doth not always accept the will for the deed, unless there be a constant purpose in heart, a true desire in will, and some resolved endeavour suitable in the life, Malac•. 3. •7. God spares them that fear him, •s a father spares his own child. How is that? though the sick or weak child being combed some business, goeth about it very unhandsomely, and so the deed be done to little […] no purpose: yet the father accepts it as well done, if he see the child yield unto his commandment, and do his endeavour, to the uttermost of his power. Even so will God deal with those that be his children though sick and weak in obedience.
The first Rule. If there be in the minde, a purpose not to sinne; in the will, a desire to please God; and in the whole man, •n endeauour to performe the purpose of the minde, and the desire of the will: marke what followes vpon this: God in mercie accepteth the purpose and will to obey, for obedience it selfe. Yea though a man faile in the very act, and do not so well as he should, the Lord accepteth the affection and endeauour for the thing done. Excellent is the saying of an auncient Father, God accepteth that