A09365:1446
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. Case. Whether may a man defend himself by force, when he is wronged?
III. Case. Whether may a man defend himselfe by force, when he is wronged?
Ans. In some Cases, he may lawfully defend himself by force. Reasons. First, because the Gospel doth not abolish the Law of nature, nor the positive laws of all countries, but it doth establish them. Now, it is the Law of nature and nations, that a man may defend his life and health, in some cases, upon just occasion. Secondly, this is Gods Law, Exod. 22. 2. If a thief be found breaking up a house, and be smitten that he die, no blood shall be shed for him. Abraham was a stranger in the land of Sodom, and yet he rescued his brother Lot, and recovered all his substance that he had lost, by force & arms, Gen. 14. 14. and his action was approved of God. For Melchizedek met him, at his return ⟨p. 500⟩from the slaughter of the Kings, and blessed him. Yea and blessed God for his deliverance, v. 19. 20. Again, in some cases, a man may give his life for his brother. So says S. John, 1. Joh. 3. 16. We ought also to lay down our lives for the brethren.
Ans. In some Cases, he may lawfully defend himselfe by force. Reasons. First, because the Gospel doth not abolish the Law of nature, nor the positiue lawes of all countries, but it doth establish them. Now, it is the Law of nature and nations, that a man may defend his life and health, in some cases, vpon iust occasion. Secondly, this is Gods Law, Exod. 22. 2. If a theefe be found breaking vp a house, and be smitten that he die, no blood shall be shed for him. Abraham was a stranger in the land of Sodom, and yet he reskued his brother Lot, and recouered all his substance that he had lost, by force & armes,