A09365:1122
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.
Most of the Popish sort, and some Protestants hold, that he may. But the truth is otherwise. I say unto you (says our Saviour) swear not at all: neither by heaven—nor by the earth—nor by thy head, &c. Matth. 5. 34. In which words, he forbids all indirect oaths, whereby men swear directly by creatures, and indirectly by God: for so did the Pharisees. Again, if a man might swear by creatures, and conceal the name of God, it would diminish his Majesty and authority, and much deceit might be used: for the swearer might say, that he sware not, but only used an obtestation.
Most of the Popish sort, and some Protestants hold, that he may. But the truth is otherwise. I say vnto you (saies our Sauiour) sweare not at all: neither by heauen—nor by the earth—nor by thy head, &c. Matth. 5. 34. In which words, he forbids all indirect oathes, whereby men sweare directly by creatures, and indirectly by God: for so did the Pharisies. Againe, if a man might sweare by creatures, and conceale the name of God, it would diminish his Maiestie and authoritie, and much deceit might be vsed: for the swearer might say, that he sware not, but only vsed an obtestation.
Against this it is objected. I. That Joseph sware by the life of Pharaoh, Gen. 42. 25. therefore it may seem, that oaths by creatures are not unlawful. Ans. First, it may be said, that Joseph sinned in so swearing: for therein he imitated the Egyptians, who sware by the life of their King. Secondly, it may be answered, that Joseph doth only make an asseveration, and not an oath.
Against this it is obiected. I. That Ioseph sware by the life of Pharaoh, Gen. 42. 25. therefore it may seeme, that oathes by creatures are not vnlawfull. Ans. First, it may be said, that Ioseph sinned in so swearing: for therein he imitated the Egyptians, who sware by the life of their King. Secondly, it may be answered, that Ioseph doth onely make an asseueration, and not an oath.