A09365:1672
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
Book 3 › Chapter 4 › Section 3 › Question 2 › Section 2: §ect. 2.
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, in using of ornaments beforenamed, we must be very sparing, and keep our selves within the mean. Gen. 24. 22. Abraham's servant gave Rebecca an habiliment ⟨p. 579⟩of half a shekel weight, and two bracelets of ten shekels of gold, which she put upon her forehead and hands, v. 47. all which were of no great value, and therefore not excessive, but comely and moderate. And in the Old Testament, kings daughters were clad but in party-coloured garments. 2. Sam. 13. 18. There was therefore, even amongst them, great plainness.
Thirdly, in vsing of ornaments beforenamed, we must be very sparing, and keepe our selues within the meane. Gen. 24. 22. Abrahams seruant gaue Rebecca an abillement ⟨p. 579⟩of halfe a shekel weight, and two bracelets of ten shekels of gold, which shee put vpon her forehead and hands, v. 47. all which were of no great value, and therefore not excessiue, but comely and moderate. And in the Old Testament, kings daughters were clad but in parti-coloured garments. 2. Sam. 13. 18. There was therefore, euen amongst them, great plainenesse.
It will here be demanded, What is then the measure that must be used? Ans. The Scripture gives no rule for our direction in this point, but the example and judgement of the sagest and soberest persons in every order, age, and condition; and as they do and judge, so must we. As for example: whether a man should wear a ruff single, or double, or tripled, &c. the Scripture, in particular, gives no direction: only we must look upon the example of the soberest, and discreetest persons of our order and age, and that ought to be our president for imitation.