A09365:1326
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 in favour of this opinion, it is alleged. First, that the fourth Commandment is a Law, given as well to Christians as to Jews, and therefore it binds both alike. Ans. The fourth Commandment bindeth Christians to keep a seventh day for the Sabbath, both in respect of Rest, as also in regard of Sanctification thereof; but that it bindeth them to the same strait manner of keeping the rest, as it did the Jews, we utterly deny.
But in fauour of this opinion, it is alleadged. First, that the fourth Commandement is a Law, giuen as well to Christiās as to Iewes, and therefore it binds both alike. Ans. The fourth Commandement bindeth Christians to keepe a seauenth day for the Sabboth, both in respect of Rest, as also in regard of Sanctification thereof; but that it bindeth them to the same strait manner of keeping the rest, as it did the Iewes, we vtterly denie.
Secondly, That the reasons used to inforc▪ the Commandment, do equally bind all: therefore the Commandment it self. Ans. ⟨p. 455⟩It is true for the duty commanded, but not for the manner of performance. Again, the reason alleged doth not follow: for sometimes the holy Ghost useth a reason that is perpetual, to enforce a Ceremony. That Levi should have no part, nor inheritance among his brethren, was a Ceremony commanded by God; and yet the Lord enforceth it, with a reason that was perpetual, namely, because himself was the part and inheritance of Levi, among the children of Israel, Numb. 18. 20.
Secondly, That the reasons vsed to inforc▪ the Commandement, doe equally binde all: therefore the Commandement it selfe. Ans. ⟨p. 455⟩It is true for the dutie commanded, but not for the manner of performance. Againe, the reason alleadged doth not follow: for sometimes the holy Ghost vseth a reason that is perpetuall, to inforce a Ceremonie. That Levi should haue no part, nor inheritance amōg his brethren, was a Ceremonie commanded by God; and yet the Lord inforceth it, with a reason that was perpetuall, namely, because himselfe was the part and inheritance of Levi, among the children of Israel,