A09339:339
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.
The true interpretation of the Decalogue, must be according to these rules.
I. In the negative, the affirmative must be understood: and in the affirmative, the negative. II. The negative bindeth at all times, and to all times: and the affirmative, bindeth at all times, but not to all times: and therefore negatives are of more force. III. Under one vice expressly forbidden, are comprehended all of that kind, yea, the least cause, occasion, or enticement thereto, is as well forbidden, as that 1. Joh. 3.15. Whosoever hateth his brother, is a manslayer. Matth. 5.21. to the end. Evil thoughts are condemned, as well as evil actions. IV. The smallest sins are entitled with the same names, that that sin is, which is expressly forbidden in that commandment, to which they appertain. As in the former places, hatred is named murder, and to look after a woman with a lusting eye, is adultery. V. We must understand every commandment of the law so, as that we annex this condition: unless God command the contrary. For God being an absolute Lord, and so above the law, may command that which his law forbiddeth: so he commanded Isaac to be offered, the Egyptians to be spoiled, the brazen Serpent to be erected which was a figure of Christ, &c.
I. In the negatiue, the affirmatiue must be vnderstood: and in the affirmatiue, the negatiue. II. The negatiue bindeth at all times, and to all times: and the affirmatiue, bindeth at all times, but not to all times: and therefore negatiues are of more force. III. Vnder one vice expressely forbidden, are comprehended all of that kind, yea, the least cause, occasion, or entisement thereto, is as well forbidden, as that 1. Ioh. 3.15. Whosoeuer hateth his brother, is a manslayer. Matth. 5.21. to the ende. Euill thoughts are condemned, as well as euill actions. IV. The smallest sinnes are entituled with the same names, that that sinne is, which is expressely forbidden in that commandement, to which they appertaine. As in the former places, hatred is named murther, and to looke after a woman with a lusting eye, is adulterie. V. We must vnderstand euery commandement of the law so, as that we annex this condition: vnlesse God command the contrarie. For God being an absolute Lord, and so aboue the law, may command that which his law forbiddeth: so he commanded Isaac to be offered, the Egyptians to be spoiled, the brasen Serpent to be erected which was a figure of Christ, &c.