A09365:512
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.
Now these high Ti•les and great works, evidently declaring the weight and worth of that Honourable Commission, are not either given or assigned, only in respect of public and ordinary duties, wherein by Divine ordinance they be made the mouth of God unto Man by preaching, 1and again of Man unto God by prayer. For these are determined upon certain times and places, when and where they are to be put in execution, according to the laudable Constitutions and Canons of particular Churches: ⟨image 122⟩But in a further regard, as they have received from God the Tongue of the Learned, and are endued with knowledge and ability, to inform the Consciences of men touching every action, whether personal appertaining to particular states, or relative employed in the worship of God, and practise of Christian virtues, A gift, as no less necessary, so of a far larger extent then the other, and consequently performable without limitation of time or place, in season, out of season, whensoever the mind requireth resolution in Case of doubt, or Comfort in distress. The light of this candle is therefore erected up on high, and set in open view, that it may communicate it self not to all in gross, but to every one in person. The Lords Interpreter in this sense, is to dispense his vvill in every place & 2time, to the poor widow of Sarep•a at her own home; to the Noble •uch of Ethiopia in his travel; to David, 3that he may be drawn to Confession of his sin; to Peter, for his restoring after his fall; to the weak, that they may be supported; to the strong, that they may stand; to th• Wavering mind for resolution; to the Troubled soul for comfort and relief.
Novv these high Ti•les and greatvvorkes, euidently declaring the vveight and vvorth of that Honourable Commission, are not either giuen or assigned, onely in respect of publike and ordinarie duties, vvherein by Diuine ordinance they be made the mouth of God vnto Man by preaching,