A09365:1452
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. It hath been of ancient times, an usual manner of defence in some countries, that in case of difference, between people and people, in matters of weight, two men should be chosen out among the rest, who by fighting hand to hand, and killing one an other, should end the controversy. But this way of defence, how ancient so ever it be, is utterly unlawful.
Ans. It hath beene of ancient times, an vsuall manner of defence in some countries, that in case of difference, betweene people and people, in matters of weight, two men should be chosen out among the rest, who by fighting hand to hand, and killing one an other, should ende the controuersie. But this way of defense, how auncient so euer it be, is vtterly vnlawfull.
Reasons are these. First, it is the express commandment of God, Thou shalt not kill. In which, all private men are forbidden to kill or slay, but in the case of just and necessary defence. Secondly, we may not hazard our lives, without some special warrant from God: if we do, it is a flat tempting of God: and this is done in every combat. Thirdly, if Magistrates will permit such fights as this is, then they are bound to defend and save the life of the innocent. For by such permission, oftentimes innocent blood is shed, and the more harmless party goes by the worst.
Reasons are these. First, it is the expresse commandement of God, Thou shalt not kill. In which, all priuate men are forbidden to kill or slay, but in the case of iust and necessarie defense. Secondly, we may not hazard our liues, without some speciall warrant frō God: if we doe, it is a flat tempting of God: and this is done in euery combate. Thirdly, if Magistrates will permit such fights as this is, then they are bound to defend and saue the life of the innocent. For by such permission, oftentimes innocent blood is shedde, and the more harmelesse partie goes by the worst.