A09339:2388
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
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.
2. The meaning.
1. Quest. Whether is a man bound to forgive all debts? Ans. The word debt, in this place is not understood of debt that is civill, and comes by lawful bargaining, but of hurts and damages which are done unto us in our bodies, goods, or good name. As for the former civill debts, a man may exact them, so he do it with showing of mercy.
1. Quest. Whether is a man bound to forgiue all debts? Ans. The word debt, in this place is not vnderstood of debt that is ciuill, and comes by lawfull bargaining, but of hurts and dammages which are done vnto vs in our bodies, goods, or good name. As for the former ciuill debts, a man may exact them, so he doe it with shewing of mercie.
2. Quest. How may any man forgive trespasses, seeing God only forgives sin? Ans. In every trespass which any do to their neighbours, there be two offences, one to God, another to man. In the first respect, as it is against God and his commandment, it is called a sin; and that God only forgives: in the other respect it is called an injury or damage, and so man may forgive it. When a man is robbed, the law is broken by stealing, & the injury that is done is against a man that hath his goods stolen. This injury, as it is an injury a man may forgive; but as it is a sin, he can not, but God only.
2. Quest. How may any man forgiue trespasses, seeing God onely forgiues sinne? Ans. In euery trespasse which any doe to their neighbours, there be two offences, one to God, another to man. In the first respect, as it is against God and his commaundement, it is called a sinne; and that God onely forgiues: in the other respect it is called an iniurie or dammage, and so man may forgiue it. When a man is robbed, the law is broken by stealing, & the iniurie that is done is against a man that hath his goods stolne. This iniury, as it is an iniury a man may forgiue; but as it is a sinne, he can not, but God onely.