A09339:3848
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 second duty is, that those which are rulers and governors of others, must have care and take order that their charges committed to them by God, be left in good estate after their death: and here come three duties to be handled; the first of the Magistrate, the second of the Minister, the third of the master of the family. The Magistrates duty is, before he die to provide as much as he can, for the godly and peaceable estate of the town, city, or commonwealth: and that is done partly by procuring the maintenance of sound religion & virtue, & partly by establishing of the execution of civil justice & outward peace. Examples of this practise in Gods word are these.1 When Moses was an hundred and twenty year old, and was no more able to go in and out before the people of Israel, he called them before him, and signified that the time of his departure was at hand, and thereupon took order for their well-fare after his death. And first of all he placed Joshua over them in his stead, to be their guide to the promised land:2 secondly he gives special charge to all the people, to be valiant and courageous against their enemies, and to obey the commandments of God And Joshua follows the same course. For he calls the people together, and shows them that the time of his death is at hand, ⟨p. 804⟩and gives them a charge to be courageous, & to worship the true God: which done, he ends his days as a worthy captain. When king David was to go the way of all flesh,3 and lay sick on his death bed; he placed his own son Solomon upon his throne, and gives him charge, both for maintenance of region, and execution of justice.
The second dutie is, that those which are rulers and gouernours of others, must haue care and take order that their charges committed to them by God, be left in good estate after their death: and here come three duties to be handled; the first of the Magistrate, the second of the Minister, the third of the master of the familie. The Magistrates dutie is, before he die to prouide as much as he can, for the godly and peaceable estate of the towne, citie, or commonwealth: and that is done partly by procuring the maintenance of sound religion & vertue, & partly by establishing of the execution of ciuil iustice & outward peace. Examples of this practise in Gods word are these.