A09365:552
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.
Again, consider the generation of the silkworm, ⟨p. 210⟩one of the least of the creatures, and from it we have a notable demonstration of a divine providence. This little worm at the first, is but a small seed like unto linseed. The same small seed breeds it and brings it forth. The worm brought forth, and growing to some bigness, at length weaves the silk; having woven the silk, it winds it self within it, as it were in a shell: there having lodged for a time, it conceives a creature of another form, which being within a short space perfected, breaks the shell and comes forth a fly. The same fly, like a dutiful creature, brings forth the seed again, and so continues the kind thereof from year to year.
Again, consider the generation of the silkworme, ⟨p. 210⟩one of the least of the creatures, and from it we haue a notable demonstration of a divine providence. This little worme at the first, is but a small seede like vnto linseed. The same small seed breeds it and brings it forth. The worme brought forth, and growing to some bignesse, at length weaues the silke; hauing woven the silke, it winds it selfe within it, as it were in a shell: there hauing lodged for a time, it conceiues a creature of another forme, which being within a short space p•rfited, breakes the shell and comes forth a flie. The same flie, like a dutifull creature, brings forth the seed againe, and so continues the kind thereof from yeare to yeare.
Here let it be remembered, that the fly having once brought forth the seed, leaves it and dies immediately: and yet the seed it self, though exposed to wind and weather, and utterly neglected of man, or any creature, at a certain time within few months becomes a worm. Whence should all this proceed, but from a creator infinitely powerful and wise, who by his admirable power and providence, dispenseth life, being, and propagation, even to the least things in their particular sorts and kinds?