A09365:1399
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.
Ans. There be four principal Caveats, which being observed, Policy may be used, and is not against Christian religion. I. Nothing must (in policy) be said, done, or intended, to prejudice the truth, specially the truth of the Gospel. II. Nothing is to be said done, or intended, against the honour and ⟨p. 486⟩glory of God, either in word, in deed, or in show. III. Nothing must be wrought or contrived against justice that is due to man. IV. All actions of policy, must be such as pertain to our calling, and be within the limits and bonds thereof. For if any action whatsoever, be done out of that calling wherein God hath placed us, or at least be not answerable thereunto, though it be plotted and attempted in never so great wisdom and policy, it is unlawful and not warrantable.
Ans. There be foure principall Caueats, which beeing obserued, Policie may be vsed, and is not against Christian religion. I. Nothing must (in policie) be said, done, or intended, to preiudice the truth, specially the truth of the Gospell. II. Nothing is to be said done, or intended, against the honour and ⟨p. 486⟩glorie of God, either in word, in deede, or in shew. III. Nothing must be wrought or contriued against iustice that is due to man. IV. All actions of policie, must be such as pertain to our calling, and be within the limits and bonds thereof. For if any action whatsoeuer, be done out of that calling wherein God hath placed vs, or at least be not answerable thereunto, though it be plotted and attempted in neuer so great wisedome and policie, it is vnlawfull and not warrantable.
These Caveats observed, it is not unlawful to use that which we commonly call Policy. And the reason is this: when any business is to be done, we must make a twofold inquiry. First, into the thing to be done, whether it be good or bad, lawful or not lawful, commanded or forbidden. Secondly, into our selves, whether the work in hand be agreeable to the calling of the doer, or answerable to that duty, which he oweth to God and man. Now because both these are grounded upon the former cautions, therefore we conclude, that whatsoever business is taken in hand, and not suited unto them, it hath not good warrant, and so cannot be done with good conscience.