A09365:1574
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. They do so; but all these laws are made, with reservation of liberty of conscience, and of the use of that liberty to every person. But to what end then (will some say) are laws made, if they be made with reservation? Ans. The scope of them is, not to take away, or to restrain liberty, or the use of liberty in conscience, but to moderate the overcommon and superfluous outward use. As for that text, Rom. 13. 5. It is to be understood for conscience sake, not of the law of the Magistrate, but of the law of God, that binds us to obey the Magistrates law.
Ans. They doe so; but all these lawes are made, with reseruation of libertie of conscience, and of the vse of that libertie to euery person. But to what end then (will some say) are lawes made, if they be made with reservation? Ans. The scope of them is, not to take away, or to restraine libertie, or the vse of libertie in conscience, but to moderate the overcommon and superfluous outward vse. As for that text, Rom. 13. 5. It is to be vnderstood for conscience sake, not of the law of the Magistrate, but of the law of God, that bindes vs to obey the Magistrates law.
Object. II. There was blood and things strangled forbidden, in the council at Jerusalem, after Christs ascension, Act. 15. Ans. It was forbidden only in regard of offence, & for a time, so long as the weak Jew remained weak, not in regard of conscience. And therefore afterward Paul says, that all things even blood it self was lawful, though not expedient in regard of scandal, 1. Cor. 6. 12. And to the pure all things are pure, Tit. 1. 15.
Obiect. II. There was blood and things strangled forbidden, in the counsell at Ierusalem, after Christs ascension,