A09365:496
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.
Secondly, this being done, means must be used to take away the opinion conceived, which will be done by giving him information of the state of his body, and what is the true and proper cause of the alteration thereof. This being known the grief or fear conceived, will easily be stayed. For take away the false opinion, and inform the judgement, and the whole man will be the better.
Secondly, this beeing done, meanes must be vsed to take away the opinion conceiued, which will be done by giuing him information of the state of his bodie, and what is the true and proper cause of the alteratiō therof. This being knowne the griefe or feare conceiued, will easily be staied. For take away the false opinion, and inform the iudgement, and the whole man will be the better.
Thirdly, the opinion being altered and reformed, it may be the alteration in the body will remain: the party therefore in that case must be taught, that it is a correction of God, and that God doth not barely suffer the correction to be inflicted, but is the very author of it, and therefore the party is to be well pleased, and to rest himself in that will of God. For every present estate, whether it be good or bad, is the best state for us, because it comes by Gods will & appointment.
Thirdly, the opinion beeing altered and reformed, it may be the alteration in the bodie will remaine: the partie therefore in that case must be taught, that it is a correction of God, and that God doth not barely suffer the correction to be inflicted, but is the very author of it, and therefore the partie is to be well pleased, and to rest himselfe in that will of God. For euery present estate, whether it be good or badde, is the best state for vs, because it comes by Gods will & appointment.
And thus much touching the distinct kinds of distresses of mind: whereunto I add this one thing further, that if we make examination of the estate of persons as are troubled with any of these five temptations we shall not usually find them single, but mixed together, especially Melancholy, with terror of Conscience or some other temptations.