A09365:880
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.
To this there are given two answers.
To this there are giuen two answers.
First, that the use of Godfathers and Godmothers, is not simply necessary to the Sacrament of Baptism. For first, it seems that of ancient times, the parents of Children which were Heathen, and newly converted to Christian Religion, were either ignorant and could not, or careless and would not bring up their children agreeably to the word of God, and the Religion which they newly professed. And hence it was thought meet, that some persons of good knowledge and life, should be called to witness the Baptism, & promise their care for the children's education. But now Parents amongst us being better taught and qualified, the other is not of such necessity. Secondly, Christ hath instituted and ordained in his word, all things fit, convenient, and necessary unto lawful Baptism amongst all which, he hath not any where expressly prescribed the use of Sureties. Thirdly, the whole congregation assembled together at the administration of this Sacrament, do present the child to the Lord, and are witnesses that the child is admitted into the Church, and is externally in the Covenant. And therefore, I take it to be a fault, when the Congregation doth depart before the child be baptized. Fourthly, that which is required of them to promise and perform, may, yea must and ought to be performed of the parents of ⟨p. 317⟩the baptized; who are by the word of God to bring up their children in the fear of God.
First, that the vse of Godfathers and Godmothers, is not simply necessarie to the Sacrament of Baptisme. For first, it seemes that of auncient times, the parents of Children which were Heathen, and newly conuerted to Christian Religion, were either ignorant and could not, or carelesse and would not bring vp their children agreeably to the word of God, and the Religion which they newly professed. And hence it was thought meet, that some persons of good knowledge and life, should be called to witnes the Baptisme, & promise their care for the childrens education. But now Parents amongst vs beeing better taught and qualified, the other is not of such necessitie. Secōdly, Christ hath instituted and ordained in his word, all things fitte, conuenient, and necessary vnto lawfull Baptisme amongst all which, he hath not any where expressely prescribed the vse of Sureties. Thirdly, the whole congregation assembled together at the administration of this Sacrament, doe present the childe to the Lord, and are witnesses that the childe is admitted into the Church, and is externally in the Couenant. And therefore, I take it to be a fault, when the Congregation doth depart before the child be baptized. Fourthly, that which is required of them to promise and performe, may, ye must and ought to be performed of the parents of