A09365:912
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.
The first is, when God doth hold any obstinate sinner, guilty of his offence, and consequently guilty of condemnation, unless ⟨p. 325⟩he repent. This is the first sentence. The second, is the judgement of Gods church upon the offender, after that God hath holden him guilty. For the judgement of the church, followeth the judgement of God, and doth indeed nothing, but pronounce the party guilty, and subject to condemnation. And the difference between them both, is only this; That God holds the offender guilty, and the Church declareth him so to be. Now the second judgement is not to be given absolutely, but with condition of repentance, and so far forth, as man can judge by the fault committed, as also by the word, which gives direction, how to discern of the impenitency of the sinner. The third and last judgement is Gods, whereby he ratifies and confirms that in heaven, which the Church hath done on earth: and this in order follows the second.
The first is, when God doth hold any obstinate sinner, guiltie of his offence, and consequently guiltie of condemnation, vnlesse ⟨p. 325⟩he repent. This is the first sentence. The second, is the iudgement of Gods church vpon the offender, after that God hath holden him guilty. For the iudgement of the church, followeth the iudgement of God, and doth indeede nothing, but pronounce the partie guiltie, and subiect to condemnation. And the difference betweene them both, is onely this; That God holds the offender guiltie, and the Church declareth him so to be. Now the second iudgement is not to be giuen absolutely, but with condition of repentance, and so farre forth, as man can iudge by the fault committed, as also by the word, which giues direction, how to discerne of the impenitencie of the sinner. The third and last iudgement is Gods, whereby he ratifies and confirmes that in heauen, which the Church hath done on earth: and this in order followes the second.
This ground being laid down, I come now to the Answer.