Peter Martyr Vermigli on what to do when two duties appear to be in conflict

[Reformed Covenanter]

@Solparvus here is the extract to which I referred:

This is to be observed in all precepts, as well ceremonial, as judicial, and moral. When two precepts of God seem one to be repugnant to an other, so as the one is a hindrance to the other, that they cannot both at one time be observed; yea rather, it is necessary that the one of them for the time being be omitted: then, that which shall be judged weightiest and greatest, must be retained. But yet in the meantime, that other, which is reckoned to be less and lighter, is not violated; because in the same there is nothing done against the will of God. ...

Also the law is, that we should feed the hungry: and an other law commandeth, that the shew-bread should be eaten of none, but of the priests. David came hungry unto the priest, nothing he had but the shew-bread: wherefore here cometh together two contrary precepts. The wise priest followeth and observeth that, which is the worthier; namely, to feed the hungry: he brought out the shew-bread, and helped David. There is also another law, that we must furnish the prince with armour; for he is to be holpen by his subjects: and contrariwise, it is commanded, that things consecrated unto God must not be translated unto other uses. Dauid the king’s son in law, which warred for him as his general lieutenant, was then unarmed: the priest had no weapon at hand, but the sword of Goliath. Here be two precepts, which seem contrary; the priest followeth the one, and delivereth the sword unto the magistrate: because he judged it better, to arm the magistrate, than to observe the ceremony. ...

For more, see:

https://reformedcovenanter.wordpres...-do-when-two-duties-appear-to-be-in-conflict/

 

[Solparvus]

Thanks for taking the time to post this.

@Travis Fentiman has a similar resource here on the administration of sacraments in extraordinary circumstances. I don't post it to make definitive positions on any matter contained therein--only as a complementary resource that seems aligned with Vermigli here.

There's always a danger of trying to make exceptions the rule (we can't use holy things however we want because of David's exceptional case). There's also divorcement of rule from principle which may also be dangerous.