A09365:1021
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 he allegeth, that in the old Testament, God was worshipped before the ⟨p. 354⟩Ark; and that there he promised to hear the prayers of his people. Ans. The reason is not alike. For they had an express commandment, given them by God, touching Adoration before the Ark; and a promise, that they should be accepted and heard. But the Idolater hath no such commandment, or promise.
Secondly he alleadgeth, that in the old Testament, God was worshipped before the ⟨p. 354⟩Arke; and that there he promised to heare the praiers of his people. Ans. The reason is not alike. For they had an expresse commandement, giuen them by God, touching Adoration before the Arke; and a promise, that they should be accepted and heard. But the Idolater hath no such commandement, or promise.
Thirdly, he objecteth, that Subjects do kneel down before the chair of estate in the absence of the King or Queen, in token of subjection due unto them; and therefore much more may they to the Images of God, and Saints in heaven glorified. Answ. This reason is also insufficient. For the kneeling before the chair of estate, is a mere civill Testimony of civill worship, and being referred to this end, to show loyalty and subjection to lawful Princes, it stands in force by the commandment of God. But there is no such warrant from Gods word, for bowing to Images; neither is it his will, that they should be tokens, and pledges of his presence.
Thirdly, he obiecteth, that Subiects doe kneele downe before the chaire of estate in the absence of the King or Queene, in token of subiection due vnto them; and therefore much more may they to the Images of God, and Saintes in heauen glorified. Answ. This reason is also insufficient. For the kneeling before the chaire of estate, is a meere civill Testimonie of ciuill worshippe, and beeing referred to this end, to shew loyaltie and subiection to lawfull Princes, it stands in force by the commandement of God. But there is no such warrant from Gods word, for bowing to Images; neither is it his will, that they should be tokens, and pledges of his presence.