A09365:1707
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.
Games of hazard are those, in which hazard only bears the sway, and orders the game, and not wit; wherein also there is (as we say) chance, yea mere chance in regard of us. Of this kind is Dicing, and sundry games at the Tables & Cards. Now games that are of mere-hazard, by the consent of godly Divines, are unlawful. The reasons are these.
Games of hazard are those, in which hazard onely beares the sway, and orders the game, and not witte; wherein also there is (as we say) chance, yea meere chance in regard of vs. Of this kind is Dicing, and sundry games at the Tables & Cardes. Now games that are of meere-hazard, by the consent of godly Divines, are vnlawfull. The reasons are these.
First, games of mere hazard are indeed lo•s; and the use of a lot, is an act of religion, in which we refer unto God, the determination of things of moment, that can no other way be determined. For in the use of a lot there be four things. The first is, a casual act done by us, as the casting of the Die. The second is, the applying of this act, to the determination of some particular controversy, the ending whereof maintains peace, order, and love among men. The third is confession, that God is a sovereign judge, to end and determine things, that can no other way be determined. The fourth is, supplication, that Go• would, by the disposition of the lot, when it is cast, determine the event. All these actions are infolded in the use of a lot, and they are expressed, Act. 1. ver. 24. 25. 26. Now then, seeing the use of a lot is a solemn act of religion, it may not be applied to sporting, ⟨p. 591⟩as I have showed in the first conclusion. Secondly, such games are not recreations, but rather matter of stirring up troublesome passions, as fear, sorrow, &c. and so they distemper the body and mind. Thirdly, covetousness is commonly the ground of them all. Whereupon it is, that men usually play for money. And for these causes, such plays by the consent of learned Divines, are unlawful.