A09365:1201
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.
Thirdly, they answer; that this text speaketh not of persons that are free, but of those alone, who are bound from Marriage by solemn vow: we contrariwise affirm and hold, that the words are general, and plainly directed to all persons, bound by vow or otherwise; and that appears by vers. •5. where he says, I speak not this to tangle you in a snare. These words do show, that Pauls mind was, touching the vow of perpetual virginity. For he leaves every man according to Gods ordinance, to his own liberty, willing none by vow to bind himself from the use thereof.
Thirdly, they answere; that this text speaketh not of persons that are free, but of those alone, who are bound from Mariage by solemne vow: we contrariwise affirme and hold, that the words are generall, and plainly directed to all persons, bound by vowe or otherwise; and that appeares by vers. •5. where he saies, I speake not this to tangle you in a snare. These words doe shewe, that Pauls mind was, touching the vow of perpetuall virginitie. For he leaues euery man according to Gods ordinance, to his owne libertie, willing none by vowe to binde himselfe from the vse thereof.
Now for the vow of Regular Obedience, that also is against the word of God. 1. Cor. 7. 27. Ye are bought with a price, be not the servants of men. Where the Apostle forbids us, to subject our hearts and consciences, to the laws and ordinances of men, in matters of Religion; and consequently overthroweth the vow of Regular obedience. For in that a man binds himself to be ruled (in all things belonging to Gods worship) according to the will and pleasure of his Superior, yea to eat, drink, sleep; to be clothed. ⟨p. 414⟩&c. according to a certain rule given and prescribed by him; whereas in regard of conscience we are bound only unto God.
Now for the vow of Regular Obedience, that also is against the word of God.