A09365:1269
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.
But to this place of Paul, they give answer, and say, that it is spoken of Heretics, such as the Manichees, & Novatians &c. were, that held meats in their own nature unclean. We on the other side reply, and say, that this text condemns those that make meats any way unclean. And that the Papists do put this difference, in way of Religion, and conscience; as appeareth by their strait prohibitions of flesh as unclean, and that for conscience sake. And this text they shall never be able to shift off: for it plainly condemneth any such distinction; seeing to the pure, all things are pure; and every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, so it be received with thanksgiving, 1. Tim. 4. 4.
But to this place of Paul, they giue answer, and say, that it is spoken of Heretikes, such as the Manichees, & Novatiās &c. were, that held meats in their own nature vnclean. We on the other side reply, and say, that this text condemnes those that make meates any way vncleane. And that the Papists doe put this difference, in way of Religion, and conscience; as appeareth by their strait prohibitions of flesh as vncleane, and that for conscience sake. And this text they shall neuer be able to shift off: for it plainely condemneth any such distinction; seeing to the pure, all things are pure; and euery creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, so it be receiued with thanksgiuing, 1. Tim. 4. 4.
Furthermore, this difference of meats is also foolish. For first, the light of nature and common sense teacheth, that in such meats, as they permit, there is as much delicacy, ⟨p. 436⟩pleasure, and contentment, yea as much (if not more) strength: for example: in some fish, fruits, and wines, as is in flesh by them forbidden. Yea S. Paul ascribes flesh unto fishes, 1. Cor. 15. 39