A09365:1119
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.
First, that the oath be administered lawfully, not against piety or charity. Secondly, he ⟨p. 387⟩which takes an oath, tendered by the Magistrate, must swear according to the mind and meaning of the Magistrate who exacts the oath, and not according to his own private intent. Thirdly, he must not swear ambiguously, but in a simple sense, so as the words of his mouth, may be agreeable with that, which he conceiveth in his heart. Psal. 15. 2. And whatsoever oath is taken without observation of these Caveats, the same is not taken in truth, but in fraud and deceit. Popish teachers affirm, that in some cases, they may swear in a doubtful meaning: And this they practise in time of danger, when being convented before the Magistrate, and examined, they answer Yea in word, and conceive a negation, or No in their minds. A practise most impious, and flat against this excellent Rule of the Prophet, that a man should swear in truth, judgement, & justice.
First, that the oath be administred lawfully, not against pietie or charitie. Secondly, he ⟨p. 387⟩which takes an oath, tendered by the Magistrate, must sweare according to the minde and meaning of the Magistrate who exacts the oath, and not according to his owne priuate intent. Thirdly, he must not sweare ambiguously, but in a simple sense, so as the words of his mouth, may be agreeable with that, which he conceiueth in his heart. Psal. 15. 2. And whatsoeuer oath is taken without obseruation of these Caueats, the same is not taken in truth, but in fraud and deceit. Popish teachers affirme, that in some cases, they may sweare in a doubtfull meaning: And this they practise in time of daunger, when beeing conuented before the Magistrate, and examined, they answer Yea in word, and conceiue a negation, or No in their mindes. A practise most impious, and flat against this excellent Rule of the Prophet, that a man should sweare in truth, iudgement, & iustice.