A09365:1538
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.
The Second part of the Answer is this: If God give abundance, when we neither desire it, nor seek it, we may take it, hold and ⟨p. 527⟩use it as Gods stewards. Abraham & Joseph of Arimathea, are commended for their riches, and yet they obtained them not by their own seeking, and moiling, after the manner of the world; but walking in their callings, God in his providence blessed and multiply their wealth. For further proof of this answer consider but one only place, Act. 5. 4. Where Peter says to Ananias, When it remained, appertained it not unto thee? and when it was sold, was it not in thy power? These words import thus much; that if we have possessions and abundance, we may with good conscience enjoy them as blessings and gifts of God.
The Second part of the Answer is this: If God giue abundance, when we neither desire it, nor seeke it, we may take it, hold and ⟨p. 527⟩vse it as Gods stewards. Abraham & Ioseph of Arimathaea, are commended for their riches, and yet they obtained them not by their owne seeking, and moiling, after the manner of the world; but walking in their callings, God in his providence blessed and multiplytheir wealth. For further proofe of this answer consider but one only place, Act. 5. 4. Where Peter saies to Ananias, When it remained, appertained it not vnto thee? and when it was sold, was it not in thy power? These words import thus much; that if we haue possessions and abundance, we may with good conscience inioy them as blessings and gifts of God.
Against this doctrine it is alleged first, that our Saviour says, It is a hard thing for him that hath riches, to enter into the kingdom of God, Matt. 19. 23. Ans. The place is to be understood of them, that trust in their riches, as it is expounded,