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.

I. Question. What is a Vowe?

Ans. A Vowe, is a promise made to God of things lawfull and possible. I call it a pro∣mise, to distinguish a vowe from a single pur∣pose. For a purpose may be chaunged, but a vowe lawfully made cannot. Againe, there is great difference betweene these two: for in a vowe, there is first, a purpose to doe a thing: secondly, a binding of our selues to doe that we pupose. For this cause I tearme it a promise, because it is a purpose with a bond, without which there can be no vowe made.

In the next place I adde, a promise made to God; not to Saint, Angel, or Man. The rea∣sons are these. First, a vowe is properly the worke of the heart, consisting in a purpose. Now God alone knowes the heart, and he

alone is able, to discerne of the purpose and intent of the same which no Angel, Saint, or other creature can possible doe. Secondly, when the vow is made, none can punish and take revenge of the breach therof, but God. Thirdly, in the old Testament, the Iewes ne∣uer vowed, but to God; because the vowe was a part of Gods worshippe: Deut. 23. 21. When thou shalt vowe a vowe vnto the Lord thy God, thou shalt not bestack to pay it; for the Lord thy God, will surely require it of thee, and so it should be sinne vnto thee. Where by the way, we may take notice, of the superstition of the popish Church, that maketh vowes to Saints and Angels, which is in effect to make thē gods, & to worship thē as the Iewes worshipped God in the old Testament.