A09339:3533
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 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.
The concealing of a thing in part is, when a man speaketh a little of the trueth, and concealeth the rest. Which is warranted in all good and lawful proceedings, which manifestly tend to the glory of god. When Samuel is sent to anoint David, he answereth the Lord and saith,1 Howe can I go? for if Saul hear of it he will kill me. Then the Lord answered, Take an heifer with thee & say, I am come to do sacrifice to the Lord: and call for Ishai to sacrifice, and I will show thee what thou shalt do, and thou shalt anoint unto me him whom I shall name unto thee. When Jeremiah had showed king Zedekiah how he might escape death, then the king said unto him,