A09365:1714
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.
II. Rule. Our Recreations must be profitable to our selves, and others; and they must tend• also to the glory of God. Our Saviour Christ says, that of every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give an account at the day of judgement. Matth. 12. 36. Where by idle words, he meaneth such, as bring no profit to men, nor honour to God. And if for idle words, then also for idle recreations, must we be accountable to him. Again, S. ⟨p. 594⟩Paul teacheth, that whether we eat or drink, or whatsoever we do, we must do all to the glory of God […]. Cor. 10. 31. Therefore the scope and end of all recreations is, that God may be honoured in and by them.
II. Rule. Our Recreations must be profitable to our selues, and others; and they must tend• also to the glorie of God. Our Sauiour Christ saies, that of euery idle word that men shall speake, they shall giue an account at the day of iudgement. Matth. 12. 36. Where by idle words, he meaneth such, as bring no profit to men, nor honour to God. And if for idle words, then also for idle recreations, must we be accountable to him. Againe, S. ⟨p. 594⟩Paul teacheth, that whether we eate or drinke, or whatsoeuer we doe, we must doe all to the glorie of God 〈…〉. Cor. 10. 31. Therefore the scope and ende of all recreations is, that God may be honoured in and by them.
III. Rule. The end of our Recreation must be, to refresh our bodies and minds. It is then an abuse of recreation, when it is used to win other mens money. The gain that comes that way, is worse then usury, yea, it is flat theft. For by the law, we may recover things stolen, but there is no law to recover things won. And yet, if play be for a small matter, the loss whereof is no hurt to him that looseth it, and if it be applied to a common good, it is lawful, otherwise not.