A09365:1108
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.
Ans. This description of an oath, whereby the creature sweareth, includes not that oath, whereby God sweareth. For the end why God sweareth is, to bind himself (as it were) with a bond unto man, whereby he would have man to repute him a liar, and no God, if he fails and keeps not his promise. Thus the Lord swears in his wrath, Hebr. 3. 11. If they shall enter into my rest. The words of the oath, are to be understood with this clause, If, &c. then let me be holden as no God, or as a false god. And in this manner is God said to swear, when he manifesteth to man, that he is content to be counted no God, if that which he avoucheth by oath, be not performed.
Ans. This description of an oath, whereby the creature sweareth, includes not that oathe, whereby God sweareth. For the ende why God sweareth is, to binde himselfe (as it were) with a bond vnto man, whereby he would haue man to repute him a lier, and no God, if he failes and keepes not his promise. Thus the Lord sweares in his wrath, Hebr. 3. 11. If they shall enter into my rest. The words of the oath, are to be vnderstoode with this clause, If, &c. then let me be holden as no God, or as a false god. And in this manner is God said to sweare, when he manifesteth to man, that he is content to be counted no God, if that which he auoucheth by oath, be not performed.
Furthermore in every Oath, there be four distinct things. First, an Asseveration of the truth; which should be avouched, though there were no oath taken. Secondly, a confession or the omnipotent presence, wisdom, justice and truth of God; whereby we acknowledge, that he is the searcher and knower of the heart; yea that he is both witness, judge, and revenger of falsehood and lying. Thirdly, Prayer and Invocation, whereby God is called upon, to give testimony to the conscience of him that sweareth, that he ⟨p. 383⟩speaks nothing, but the truth. These two actions, of Confession and Invocation, do make an oath, to be no less a true and proper part of Gods worship, then prayer it self. Fourthly, Imprecation, in which a man acknowledging God the the just revenger of a lie, binds himself to punishment, if he shall swear falsely, or speak an untruth wittingly or willingly.