A09339:3410
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.
As concerning God, this caveat must be remembered, that the honourable titles of his glorious Majesty be never taken into our mouths, unless it be upon a weighty and just occasion, so as we may plainly see that glory will redound to him thereby: and for this cause the third commandment was given, that men might not take up the name of God in vain, 1that is, rashly and lightly.
As concerning God, this caueat must be remembred, that the honourable titles of his glorious Maiestie be neuer taken into our mouthes, vnlesse it bee vpon a weightie and iust occasion, so as wee may plainely see that glorie will redound to him thereby: and for this cause the third commandement was giuen, that men might not take vp the name of God in vaine, 1that is, rashly and lightly.
And therefore lamentable and fearful is the practise every where. For it is a common thing with men to begin their speech, and to place titles of Gods most high Majesty in the fore-front almost of every sentence, by saying, O Lord! O God! O good God! O merciful God! O Jesus! O Christ, &c. If a man be to say any thing, he will not say, Yea, or Nay: but, O Lord yea: or, O Lord nay. If a man be to reprove his inferior, he will presently say, O Lord have mercy on us, what a slowbacke art thou, what a lie is this, &c. An earthly Prince, if he ⟨p. 715⟩should have his name so tossed in our mouths at every word, would never bear it, and how shall the everliving God suffer it? nay how can he suffer it? I say no more, but thou with thy self think how: for in the third commandment the punishment is set down, That he will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. And the Angels in reverence to Gods Majesty cover their faces,