A09365:1208
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.
III. The third reason. Some of them are out of the power and ability of him that voweth; as the vow of perpetual chastity in single life. For our Saviour saith, All men cannot receive this word, but they to whom it is given, Matth. 19. 11. that is, Continency is a gift of God, whereof all men are not capable, but those only to whom he giveth it, when, and as long as it pleaseth him; neither is it denied unto some, because they will not, but because they are not able.
III. The third reason. Some of them are out of the power and abilitie of him that voweth; as the vowe of perpetuall chastitie in single life. For our Sauiour saith, All men cannot receiue this word, but they to whome it is giuen, Matth. 19. 11. that is, Continencie is a gift of God, whereof all men are not capable, but those onely to whome he giueth it, when, and as long as it pleaseth him; neither is it denied vnto some, because they wil not, but because they are not able.
Against this, the Papist objecteth, that we may receive any good gift of God, if we ⟨p. 416⟩pray for it: for Christ hath said, Ask, and ye shall receive, Matth. 7. 7. Ans. It is false. Gods gifts are of two sorts. Some are common to all that believe, and necessary to salvation; as Faith, Repentance, Obedience, the Fear of God. Some again are special gifts, not given to all, nor needs full to salvation, but peculiar only to some; as health, wealth, continency, single life, &c. Now the promise of our Saviour, Ask, and ye shall receive, is meant of things necessary to salvation, and not of particular and special gifts. For some may pray for them, and yet never receive them. Thus Paul prayed thrice, that the prick in his flesh, the messenger of Satan, might be removed from him, yet he was not heard, nor his petition granted. And why? Because that which he prayed for, was not a common gift necessary to salvation, but a special grace, for the time of the temptation, wherewith he was presently assaulted; whereupon Answer was given, My grace is sufficient for thee.