A09365:1179
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.
The second Condition is, concerning the Matter of a Vow. It must be Lawful, Possible, and Acceptable to God. Hereupon it follows, that there be four things, which cannot be the matter of a Vow. The first, is Sin. Thus the Jews bound themselves with a Vow, that they would neither eat, nor drink, till they had killed Paul, Act. 23. 12, 14. This their vow was nothing else, but a threatening of God himself: and therefore utterly unlawful. Secondly, Trifles, and light matters; as, when a man voweth, not to take up ⟨p. 407⟩a straw, or such like. And this is a plain mocking of God. Thirdly, things impossible; as to fly, or to go on foot to Jerusalem. Fourthly, things merely necessary; as to die, which cannot be avoided.
The second Condition is, concerning the Matter of a Vow. It must be Lawfull, Possible, and Acceptable to God. Hereupon it followes, that there be foure things, which cannot be the matter of a Vow. The first, is Sinne. Thus the Iewes bound themselues with a Vow, that they would neither eate, nor drinke, till they had killed Paul, Act. 23. 12, 14. This their vow was nothing els, but a threatning of God himselfe: and therefore vtterly vnlawfull. Secondly, Trifles, and light matters; as, when a man voweth, not to take vp ⟨p. 407⟩a straw, or such like. And this is a plaine mocking of God. Thirdly, things impossible; as to flie, or to go on foote to Ierusalem. Fourthly, things meerely necessarie; as to die, which cannot be auoided.
The Third, is touching the Form of a Vow. It must be voluntary, and free. And that it may be so, three things are necessarily required. First, that it be made in Judgement, that is, with reason and deliberation. Next, that it be done with consent of will. And thirdly, with liberty of conscience.