A09365:1027
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.
As for living men, Adoration merely civill ⟨p. 356⟩is only due unto them, and that in respect of the gifts of God, which we see to be in them, as also of their authority and place, which they have amongst men. This is expressly enjoined in the fist Commandment, Honour thy father, &c. and confirmed also by the example of Abraham, who stood up, and bowed himself, before the people of the land of the Hittites, Gen. 23. 7. Provided always, that this Adoration, be according to the laudable custom of the country, where they live.
As for liuing men, Adoration meerely civill ⟨p. 356⟩is onely due vnto them, and that in respect of the gifts of God, which we see to be in them, as also of their authoritie and place, which they haue amongst men. This is expressely inioyned in the fist Commandement, Honour thy father, &c. and confirmed also by the example of Abraham, who stood vp, and bowed himselfe, before the people of the land of the Hittites, Gen. 23. 7. Prouided alwaies, that this Adoration, be according to the laudable custome of the countrey, where they liue.
But for worship, either simply religious, or mixed, it is in no sort to be yielded them. Thus Peter (when Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet) refused to accept of the honour done unto him; which notwithstanding was not a divine, but a mixed kind of worship, performed unto Peter, in a reverent opinion of his person, as being more then an ordinary man, Act. 10. 25, 26. In like manner, Mordecai the Jew denied to worship Haman, because the honour which the King appointed to be given unto him, was an excessive honour, having some divine worship in it, such as was done to himself. Of the same sort, is the kissing of the Popes feet, which indeed is civill worship, but mixed with religious. For it is tendered unto him, as to the Vicar of Christ, and one that cannot err; the like to which, is not done to any Emperor or Potentate on earth.