A09365:1643
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.
But some will say; It seems, that we ought not to keep abundance, when God gives it, because we may not have above one ⟨p. 566⟩coat. For John gives this rule, Luk. 3. 11. Let him that hath two coats, give to him that hath none. Ans. Johns meaning must needs be this; He that hath not only necessary raiments, but more then necessary, he must give of his abundance to them that want. For otherwise, his rule should not agree with Christs own practise, who had himself two coats, an inner and an upper garment, which he kept and wore. Nor with S. Pauls, who had both a cloak and a coat.
But some will say; It seemes, that we ought not to keepe abundance, when God giues it, because we may not haue aboue one ⟨p. 566⟩coate. For Iohn giues this rule, Luk. 3. 11. Let him that hath two coates, giue to him that hath none. Ans. Iohns meaning must needes be this; He that hath not onely necessarie rayments, but more then necessarie, he must giue of his abundance to them that want. For otherwise, his rule should not agree with Christs own practise, who had himselfe two coates, an inner and an vpper garment, which he kept and wore. Nor with S. Pauls, who had both a cloke and a coate.
This Rule, discovers the common sinful practise of many men in the world. The greater sort of men are exceedingly careful, by all means and ways, to follow the fashion, and to take up every new fangled attire, whensoever it comes abroad. A course flat contrary to Christs doctrine, which commandeth an honest care only for necessary ornaments, and condemneth the contrary, and that upon special reason; because this inordinate and affected care, is commonly a great pick-purse. It fills mens heads and hearts with vain and foolish thoughts: it makes them wastefully to abuse the blessings of God given unto them, whereby they are disabled, from helping others that are in need. Whereas, the first and principal care, ought to be for the adorning of the soul with grace, and putting on the Lord Jesus; and this is it, which will yield more comfort to the mind and conscience, then