A09365:1167
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.
But it may be said, we are already bound to the obedience of the Law by order of divine Justice; therefore we cannot further bind our selves. Ans. He that is bound by God, may also bind himself. David though he was bound by god in conscience, to keep the Law, yet he binds himself freely by oath, to help his own weakness, & to keep himself from falling, when he saith, I have sworn, and will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgements, Psal. 119. 106. And the same bond is no less necessary and behooffefull for us, if we consider how prone and ready we are to fall from the worship of God.
But it may be said, we are already bound to the obedience of the Law by order of diuine Iustice; therefore we cannot further binde our selues. Ans. He that is bound by God, may also bind himself. Dauid though he was boūd by god in conscience, to keepe the Law, yet he binds himselfe freely by oath, to helpe his own weaknes, & to keepe himselfe from falling, when he saith, I haue sworne, and will performe it, that I will keepe thy righteous iudgements, Psal. 119. 106. And the same bond is no lesse necessary and behooffefull for vs, if we consider how prone and readie we are to fall from the worshippe of God.
The second Answer. If a vow be taken for a promise of some ceremonial duty, as of Sacrifices and Oblations, or of giving house, lands, and goods to the Temple; then we must put a difference between the Old Testament and the New. In the Old Testament, the vow of such duties, was part of Gods worship; but in the New it is not, and that for these Reasons.
The second Answere. If a vowe be taken for a promise of some ceremoniall dutie, as of Sacrifices and Oblations, or of giuing house, lands, and goods to the Temple; then we must put a difference betweene the Olde Testament and the New. In the Old Testament, the vow of such duties, was part of Gods worshippe; but in the Newe it is not, and that for these Reasons.