A09365:556
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.
Touching the testimony of conscience: let it be demanded of the Atheist, whereof doth conscience bear witness? he cannot deny, but of all his particular actions. I ask then, against whom, or with whom doth it give testimony? the answer will easily be made, by the heart of any man, that it is with or against himself. Furthermore, to whom is it a witness? Neither to men, nor to angels: for it is unpossible that any man or angel, should either hear the voice of conscience, or receive the testimony thereof, or yet discern what is in the heart of man. Hereupon it follows, that there is a substance, most wise, most powerful, most holy, that sees and knows all things, to whom conscience bears record, and that is God himself.
Touching the testimonie of conscience: let it be demaunded of the Atheist, whereof doth conscience beare witnesse? he cannot denie, but of all his particular actions. I aske then, against whome, or with whome doth it giue testimony? the āswer wil easily be made, by the heart of any man, that it is with or against himselfe. Furthermore, to whome is it a witnes? Neither to men, nor to angels: for it is vnpossible that any man or angel, should either heare the voice of cōsciēce, or receiue the testimonie thereof, or yet discerne what is in the heart of man. Hereupon it followes, that there is a substance, most wise, most powerfull, most holy, that sees and knowes all things, to whome conscience beares record, and that is God himselfe.
And touching the judgement of conscience; let a man commit any trespass or offence, ⟨p. 212⟩though it be done in secret, and concealed from the knowledge of any person living: yet Conscience, that knoweth it, will accuse him, terrify him, cite him before God, and give him no rest. What or where is the reason? man knows not the trespass committed: and if there be no God, whom shall he fear? and yet he fears. This also necessarily proveth, that there is a just and mighty God, that will take vengeance upon him for his sin.
And touching the iudgement of conscience; let a man commit any trespasse or offence,