A09365:1158
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.
I. Question. What is a Vow?
I. Question. What is a Vowe?
Ans. A Vow, is a promise made to God of things lawful and possible. I call it a promise, to distinguish a vow from a single purpose. For a purpose may be changed, but a vow lawfully made cannot. Again, there is great difference between these two: for in a vow, there is first, a purpose to do a thing: secondly, a binding of our selves to do that we purpose. For this cause I term it a promise, because it is a purpose with a bond, without which there can be no vow made.
Ans. A Vowe, is a promise made to God of things lawfull and possible. I call it a promise, to distinguish a vowe from a single purpose. For a purpose may be chaunged, but a vowe lawfully made cannot. Againe, there is great difference betweene these two: for in a vowe, there is first, a purpose to doe a thing: secondly, a binding of our selues to doe that we pupose. For this cause I tearme it a promise, because it is a purpose with a bond, without which there can be no vowe made.
In the next place I add, a promise made to God; not to Saint, Angel, or Man. The reasons are these. First, a vow is properly the work of the heart, consisting in a purpose. Now God alone knows the heart, and he ⟨p. 401⟩alone is able, to discern of the purpose and intent of the same which no Angel, Saint, or other creature can possible do. Secondly, when the vow is made, none can punish and take revenge of the breach thereof, but God. Thirdly, in the old Testament, the Jews never vowed, but to God; because the vow was a part of Gods worship: