A09339:3536
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.
That which thou wouldest not have known, tell no man: for how shall another keep thy counsel, when thou canst not do it. Keep thy friends secret likewise, if it be not hurtful; and let ministers conceal the sins & wants that trouble the conscience of such as are dying. Let magistrates conceal things done in the Senate, especially concerning war, least they be revealed to the enemy.
That which thou wouldest not haue knowne, tell no man: for howe shall another keepe thy counsell, when thou canst not doe it. Keepe thy friends secret likewise, if it be not hurtfull; and let ministers conceale the sinnes & wants that trouble the cōscience of such as are dying. Let magistrats conceale things done in the Senate, especially concerning warre, least they bee reuealed to the enemie.
If God bring any strange thing to pass, speak not boldly of it, but rather in silence wonder. Job at the consideration of Gods majesty in his works, saith,1 Behold, I am vile, what shall I answer thee? I will lay my hand upon my mouth. Nadab and Abihu for offering incense with strange fire, before the Lord, were both destroyed with fire, which being done, Moses told Aaron that god would be sanctified in them that come near him, & be glorified before ⟨p. 732⟩all the people:2 and then the text saith, but Aaron held his peace. When Peter had taught the Gentiles, and after returned to Jerusalem, they of the circumcision contended with him: he then rendereth a reason of his fact, which being made, they were silent. For so the text is, When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God. 3When Gods judgements befall men among us, if we speak any thing we must judge charitably. Blessed is he that judgeth wisely of the poor, the Lord shall deliver him in the day of trouble.