A09365:1649
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.
Thirdly, our attire must be according to our ability, and maintenance, either in lands or in goods and substance. We must (as the common proverb is) shape our coat according to our cloth, that so we may not be in want, but have sufficient wherewith to maintain our families, and to relieve the poor. Which also serveth to condemn the sin of many persons, who lay upon their backs, whatsoever they can scrape and gather together; in the mean while, neglecting the honest maintenance of their own estates for time to come, and the necessary relief of them, that are in distress and want.
Thirdly, our attire must be according to our abilitie, and maintenance, either in lands or in goods and substance. We must (as the common prouerbe is) shape our coate according to our cloath, that so we may not be in want, but haue sufficient wherewith to maintaine our families, and to releeue the poore. Which also serueth to condemne the sinne of many persons, who lay vpon their backes, whatsoeuer they can scrape and gather together; in the meane while, neglecting the honest maintenance of their own estates for time to come, and the necessarie releefe of them, that are in distresse and want.
Fourthly, it must be answerable to our estate and dignity, for distinction of order and degree in the societies of men. This use of attire, stands by the very ordinance of God; who, as he hath not sorted all men to all places, so he will have men to fit themselves and their attire, to the quality of their proper places, to put a difference between themselves and others. Thus we read, that Joseph being by Pharaoh set over all the land of Egypt, was arrayed with garments of sine linen, and had a golden chain put upon his neck, to put a difference between him and the inferior princes of Pharaoh. Gen. 41. 42. Thus in ancient times, the captains and chief of the armies, did wear fine garments of divers colours of needle work, to distinguish them ⟨p. 569⟩from others. Jud. 5. 30. Thus in Kings courts, they went in soft raiment, and the poorer people in baser and rougher attire.