A09365:847
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.
First, the preaching of the word, and administration of the Sacraments are all one in substance. For in the one the will of God is seen, in the other heard. Now the word preached by Heretics, is the true word of God, and may have his effect. The Scribes and Pharisees, great Doctors of the Jews, ⟨p. 304⟩were not all of the Tribe of Levi, but descended from other Tribes. Again, even the principal of them lived by extortion and bribery, and were wicked men, yea Heretics and Apostates, deposed & excommunicated persons. And yet because they occupied the places of good teachers, and sate in the chair of Moses, that is read the doctrine of Moses Law, Christ bids his disciples to hear them. Matt. 23. 3. Provided only that they took heed of the leaven of their false doctrine, and wicked life. Now if the word taught by their ministry was powerful, why may not the Sacraments ministered by the Heretics standing in the room of true ministers be true Sacraments? In the days of Paul, Phillip. 1. 15. Some preached Christ through envy and strife, and some of good will: what was the Apostles judgement in this case? Himself answereth, v. 18. What then? yet Christ is preached all manner of ways, whether it be under a pretence or sincerely, and I therein joy, yea and will joy.
First, the preaching of the word, and administration of the Sacraments are all one in substance. For in the one the will of God is seene, in the other heard. Now the word preached by Heretikes, is the true word of God, and may haue his effect. The Scribes and Pharises, great Doctors of the Iewes, ⟨p. 304⟩were not all of the Tribe of Levi, but descended frō other Tribes. Againe, euen the principall of them liued by extortion and bribery, and were wicked men, yea Heretikes and Apostataes, deposed & excommunicated persons. And yet because they occupied the places of good teachers, and sate in the chaire of Moses, that is read the doctrine of Moses Law, Christ bids his disciples to heare them. Matt. 23. 3. Prouided only that they tooke heed of the leauen of their false doctrine, and wicked life. Now if the word taught by their ministery was powerfull, why may not the Sacraments ministred by the Heretiques standing in the roome of true ministers be true Sacraments? In the daies of Paul, Phillip. 1. 15. Some preached Christ through enuy and strife, and some of good wil: what was the Apostles iudgement in this case? Himselfe answereth, v. 18. What then? yet Christ is preached all manner of wayes, whether it be vnder a pretence or sinceerely, and I therein ioy, yea and will ioy.