A09339:1454
A Golden Chain
A golden chain: or The description of theology containing the order of the causes of salvation and damnation, according to Gods word. A view whereof is to be seen in the table annexed. Hereunto is adjoined the order which M. Theodore Beza used in comforting afflicted consciences.A golden chaine: or The description of theologie containing the order of the causes of saluation and damnation, according to Gods word. A view whereof is to be seene in the table annexed. Hereunto is adioyned the order which M. Theodore Beza vsed in comforting afflicted consciences.
Cambridge: printed by John Legat, 1600Cambridge: printed by Iohn Legat, 1600
AN EXPOSITION OF THE CREED. I believe in God. &c.AN EXPOSITION OF THE CREED. I beleeue in God. &c.
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.
In sin we must consider three things: the fault, the guilt, the punishment. The fault is the anomie or the inobedience it self, and it comprehends not only huge and notorious offences, as idolatry, blasphemy, theft, treason, adultery, and all other crim•s that the world cri•s shame on: but every disordered thought, affection, inclination: yea, every defect of that which the law requireth.
In sinne we must consider three things: the fault, the guilt, the punishment. The fault is the anomie or the inobedience it selfe, and it comprehends not onely huge and notorious offences, as idolatrie, blasphemie, theft, treason, adulterie, and all other crim•s that the world cri•s shame on: but euery disordered thought, affection, inclination: yea, euery defect of that which the law requireth.
The guilt of sin is, whereby a man is guilty before God, that is, bound & made subject to punishment. And here two questions must be scanned: where man is bound? and by what? For the first, Man is bound in conscience. And hereupon the conscience of every sinner sits within his heart as a little judge to tell him that he is bound before God to punishment. For the second, it is the order of divine justice set down by God which binds the conscience of the sinner before god: for he is Creator and Lord, and man is a creature, and therefore must either obey his will and commandement• or suffer punishment. Now then by virtue of Gods law, conscience binds over the creature to bear a punishment for his offence done against God: yea it tells him, that he is in danger to be judged and condemned for it. And therefore the conscience is as it were the Lords Sergeant to inform the sinner of the bond and obligation whereby he always stands bound before God.
The guilt of sinne is, whereby a man is guiltie before God, that is, bounde & made subiect to punishment. And here two questions must be skanned: where man is bound? and by what? For the first, Man is bound in conscience. And hereupon the conscience of euery sinner sitts within his heart as a little iudge to tell him that he is bound before God to punishment. For the second, it is the order of diuine iustice set downe by God which bindes the conscience of the sinner before god: for he is Creatour and Lord, and man is a creature, and therefore must either obey his will and commandement or suffer punishment. Nowe then by vertue of Gods lawe, conscience bindes ouer the creature to beare a punishment for his offence done against God: yea it tells him, that he is in danger to be iudged and condemned for it. And therefore the conscience is as it were the Lordes Sergeant to informe the sinner of the bond and obligation whereby he alwaies stands bound before God.