A09365:1553
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.
Here, another Question may be moved; Whether a man may voluntarily, and of his own accord, give away all his goods, live upon alms, and give himself to fasting and prayer?
Here, another Question may be mooued; Whether a man may voluntarily, and of his owne accord, giue away all his goods, liue vpon almes, and giue himselfe to fasting and praier?
Ans. He may in Popish conceit give himself (in this sort) to voluntary poverty, which they hold to be lawful, and (which is more) a state of perfection. We on the contrary do answer, that this practise is in no sort lawful, unless a man have special calling and warrant from God so to do. For first, the Law of nature sets down and prescribes distinction of possessions, and propriety of lands and goods, and the Gospel doth not abolish the law of nature. Again, the same distinction and propriety, is allowable by the written Law of God. Solomon teacheth, Prou. 5. 15. that a man must let his waters flow out of his cistern, but he must keep ⟨p. 534⟩the fountain to himself. And, Prou. 10. 22. It is the blessing of God to be rich, and he addeth no sorrows to it. Men must not therefore voluntarily forsake their riches, and so bring sorrow to themselves. Besides that, Agur prays against poverty; Give me (saith he) neither poverty, nor riches, Prou. 30. 8. David makes it a curse, to be a beggar; Psal. 109. 10. and he never saw the righteous mans seed begging their bread, Psal. 36. 25. Our Saviour Christ bids him that had two coats, not to give both away, but one, Luk. 3. 11. And Paul says, It is a more blessed thing to give, then to receive,