A09365:1180
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 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.
The Third, is touching the Forme of a Vowe. It must be voluntarie, and free. And that it may be so, three things are necessarily required. First, that it be made in Iudgement, that is, with reason and deliberation. Next, that it be done with consent of will. And thirdly, with libertie of conscience.
Hence it appears, that the Vows of children, mad-men, and fools, or such as are taken upon rashness, or constraint; also the vow of perpetual abstinence from things simply indifferent, are all utterly unlawful. For, the first sort are not done upon judgement, the next without due consideration, and the last are greatly prejudicial to Christian liberty.
Hence it appeares, that the Vowes of children, mad-men, and fooles, or such as are taken vpon rashnes, or constraint; also the vow of perpetuall abstinence from things simply indifferent, are all vtterly vnlawfull. For, the first sort are not done vpon iudgement, the next without due consideration, and the last are greatly preiudiciall to Christian libertie.
The fourth concerns the End; which is, not to be a part of Gods worship, but only a stay and prop to further and help us in the same. Now there be three particular Ends of a vow. First, to show our selves thankful to God for blessings received: secondly, to prevent sin to come, by keeping so brevity and moderation: thirdly, to preserve and increase our faith, prayer, repentance, and obedience.