A69129:1057
Conscience with the Power and Cases Thereof
Conscience with the power and cases thereof Divided into V. books. Written by the godly and learned, William Ames, Doctor, and Professor of Divinity, in the famous University of Franeker in Friesland. Translated out of Latin into English, for more public benefit.Conscience with the power and cases thereof Devided into V. bookes. Written by the godly and learned, William Ames, Doctor, and Professor of Divinity, in the famous University of Franeker in Friesland. Translated out of Latine into English, for more publique benefit.
Leiden and London : Imprinted W. Christiaens, E. Griffin, J. Dawson, Anno MDCXXIX 1639Leyden and London : Imprinted W. Christiaens, E. Griffin, J. Dawson, Anno MDCXXIX 1639
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.
20. Ans. The Conscience of a man since the fall is defiled, Tir. 1. 15. And so by it self cannot be a perfect, and pure rule, yea: if we simply follow it as a leader, we shall be brought oftentimes into vil• wickedness. Jo•. 16. 2. Acts 26. 9. Phil. 3. 6. It is therefore only a subordinate rule, so far of force, as it is directed by the Word of God. Hence an erring Conscience hath not that power to bind, that we are simply bound to follow the judgement of such a Conscience. For we ought never to content our selves, till our Conscience be certainly informed in those things which concern our duty; although in this sense it may be said to bind, because against such a Conscience, while such, we are to do nothing.
20. Ans. The Conscience of a man since the fall is defiled, Tir. 1. 15. And so by it selfe cannot be a perfect, and pure rule, yea: if we simply follow it as a leader, we shall be brought oftentimes into vil• wickednesse. Io•. 16. 2. Acts 26. 9. Phil. 3. 6. It is therefore only a subordinate rule, so far of force, as it is directed by the Word of God. Hence an erring Conscience hath not that power to bind, that we are simply bound to follow the judgement of such a Conscience. For we ought never to content our selves, till our Conscience be certainly informed in those things which concerne our duty; although in this sence it may be said to bind, because against such a Conscience, while such, we are to doe nothing.
Qu. 9. What is to be done when the Conscience is in doubt?