A09365:1181
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.
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.
The fourth concernes the Ende; which is, not to be a part of Gods worship, but onely a stay and proppe to further and helpe vs in the same. Nowe there be three particular Ends of a vow. First, to shew our selues thākfull to God for blessings receiued: secondly, to preuent sinne to come, by keeping so brietie and moderation: thirdly, to preserue and increase our faith, prayer, repentance, and obedience.
This Ground being laid, the Answer to ⟨p. 408⟩the Question propounded is this. When in vowing, we observe the conditions prae-required, the vow is lawful, and consequently binds the party vowing, so as if he keep it not, he dishonoureth God. But when the said Conditions, do not concur in the action of vowing, it becomes unlawful, and the party remaineth free, and not bound to performance.