A09339:3532
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.
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.
The concealing of the truth is either in whole or in part. In whole, when the speaking of the least word is hurtfull:1 As for example, the father and the sonne are both sicke at once: the sonne dieth first, the father asketh whether his sonne be dead or not: if it be said no, an vntrueth is tolde: if yea, then the fathers griefe is increased, and his death hastened: therefore silence is the best. In daies of persecution holy Martyrs haue chosen rather to suffer death then to reueale their brethren, that haue beene of their priuate assemblies with them.
- 1Aug. lib. ad Conser.