A09365:1159
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⟩