A09339:3531
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.
Wise and godly silence is as excellent a virtue as holy speech: for he knoweth not how to speak which knoweth not how to hold his tongue. The rule of our silence must be the law of God. By means of which, wise consideration must be had, whether the thing which we have in mind be for Gods glory, and our neighbours good: which done, we are answerably to speak or to be silent.
VVIse and godly silence is as excellent a vertue as holy speech: for hee knoweth not howe to speake which knoweth not howe to hold his tongue. The rule of our silence must be the law of God. By meanes of which, wise consideration must be had, whether the thing which wee haue in minde be for Gods glorie, and our neighbours good: which done, we are answerably to speake or to be silent.
Here must be considered the things of which silence must be used, and the persons before whom. The things are many. First, if any truth be to the hinderance of Gods glory, or of the good of our neighbour, it must be concealed.
Here must be considered the things of which •ilence must be vsed, and the persons before whome. The things are many. First, if any truth be to the hinderance of Gods glorie, or of the good of our neighbour, it must be cōcealed.
The concealing of the truth is either in whole or in part. In whole, when the speaking of the least word is hurtful:1 As for example, the father and the son are both sick at once: the son dieth first, the father asketh whether his son be dead or not: if it be said no, an untruth is told: if yea, then the fathers grief is increased, and his death hastened: therefore silence is the best. In days of persecution holy Martyrs have chosen rather to suffer death then to reveal their brethren, that have been of their private assemblies with them.