A09377:16
Christian economyChristian oeconomie
Christian economy: or, A short survey of the right manner of erecting and ordering a family according to the scriptures. First written in Latin by the author M. W. Perkins, and now set forth in the vulgar tongue, for more common use and benefit, by Tho. Pickering Bachelor of Divinity.Christian oeconomie: or, A short survey of the right manner of erecting and ordering a familie according to the scriptures. First written in Latine by the author M. W. Perkins, and now set forth in the vulgar tongue, for more common vse and benefit, by Tho. Pickering Bachelar of Diuinitie.
London: printed by Felix Kyngston, 1609
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.
Lastly, it containeth here and there, some special grounds of trueth, tending to the discovery of divers errors of Popish doctrine in points appertaining to Marriage; as namely these; I. That this estate is free to all men, even to such as have the gift of continency▪ and for those who have not the power to abstain, it is expressly enjoined by God as necessary.1 Which ⟨image 8⟩discovereth that error of absolute inhibition thereof to some sorts of men, without the least exception of ability to forbear. And in this case, though the Church of Rome prescribeth an help by prayer and endeavour, where the gift is wanting; yet herein, she addeth two more absurdities to the former; imposing a necessity of containing, by her laws, where God hath given liberty, by his word; and causing to flee from that only Remedy which himself hath sanctified, to another, whereunto he neither giveth charge by his will, nor encouragement by promise. II. That Marriages consummate without the free and advised consent of Parents, either explicit in terms, or implicit by connivance, are in the court of conscience, mere nullities. A doctrine cleared in this Book, both by Scriptures, and by consent of Antiquity. Wherein is challenged the Jesuits proposition, That the sole consent of the parties is sufficient,2 ad Matrimonium firmum ac ratum efficiendum. As also that decree of the Council of ⟨image 8⟩Trent,3 which professeth a detestation of clandestine contracts, and yet with the same breath pronounceth the curse of Anathema upon them, who affirm that Parents may ratify or make void Marriages contracted by their children, without their allowance. III. That Matrimony lawfully begun and consummate, is made void only by way of divorce in the case of Adultery. So saith our Saviour;4 Whosoever shall put away his wife, (except it be for fornication, &c.) And this liberty granted by Christ both to dissolve, and to marry again, cannot be restrained or cut off by any humane ordinance. A point directly impugned by two other Rules of that Council. One, that the Church of Rome erreth not, when she teacheth (as they profess,