A09365:1018
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.
Secondly, to worship God in, at, or before an Image, is Idolatry & superstition; and God so worshipped, is made an Idol. For he that thus worships him, bindeth his presence, operation, and grace, to those places, to which God never bound himself, or his presence, &c. God hath not appointed Images, to be pledges of these things, either by promise, or commandment. Hence it followeth, that the man, which worships God, otherwise then he would be worshipped, or looks to be heard, when God will not be heard, is an Idolater. Again, God expressly forbids the the worship of his Majesty, in, at, or before any creature in heaven or in earth. Deut. 4. 16. 17. 18. 19.
Secondly, to worship God in, at, or before an Image, is Idolatry & superstion; and God so worshipped, is made an Idoll. For he that thus worshipps him, bindeth his presence, operation, and grace, to those places, to which God never bound himselfe, or his presence, &c. God hath not appointed Images, to be pledges of these things, either by promise, or commandement. Hence it followeth, that the man, which worships God, otherwise then he would be worshipped, or lookes to be heard, when God will not be heard, is an Idolater. Againe, God expressely forbids the the worshippe of his Maiestie, in, at, or before any creature in heauen or in earth. Deut. 4. 16. 17. 18. 19.
But the Idolater in excuse of his sin, is wont to pretend many things.
But the Idolater in excuse of his sinne, is wont to pretend many things.
First, that when he worshippeth, he intends not to worship the Image, but God in the Image. To this we answer, that it matters not what his meaning is. For let him intend what he will, if God detesteth that manner of worship, it is not to be tendered unto him, in any sort. The Israelites worshipped not the calf it self, but God in the calf,