A09365:761
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 in private prayer, made in private and secret places, by private persons, the Voice is profitable, but not simply necessary. It is profitable, because it stirreth up the affections of the heart; it serveth also to keep the wandering mind in compass, to express the affection, and to procure attention of the heart to the prayer. Yet it is not simply necessary. For a man is not bound in conscience, to use a form of words, in all his prayers. Moses prayed, he spake never a word, and yet it was a prayer: for the Lord says unto him, Exod. 12. 15. Why criest thou? Anna praying in the Temple, her lips did move only, her voice was not heard, and yet she is said to pray, 1. Sam. 1. 13. Again, the ⟨p. 277⟩Spirit is said to pray in the Elect, with groans that cannot be uttered, and yet the Holy Ghost gives them the name of prayers, Rom. 8. Paul bids us pray continually, which is not to be understood of a continual use of a form of words, but of the groans and sighs of the heart, which may be made at all times.
Now in priuate prayer, made in priuate and secret places, by priuate persons, the Voice is profitable, but not simply necessarie. It is profitable, because it stirreth vp the affections of the heart; it serueth also to keepe the wandering minde in compasse, to expresse the affection, and to procure attention of the heart to the prayer. Yet it is not simply necessarie. For a man is not bound in co••cience, to vse a forme of wordes, in all his prayers. Moses prayed, he spake neuer a word, and yet it was a prayer: for the Lord saies vnto him, Exod. 12. 15. Why criest thou? Anna praying in the Temple, her lippes did mooue onely, her voice was not heard, and yet shee is said to pray, 1. Sam. 1. 13. Againe, the ⟨p. 277⟩Spirit is said to pray in the Elect, with groanes that cannot be vttered, and yet the Holy Ghost giues them the name of prayers,