A09339:3851
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.
Now though the making of wills belong to another place and profession, yet so much may be spoken here as the holy ghost hath uttered in the word: and that I will reduce to certain rules. The first is, that the will must be made according to the law of nature, and the written word of God, and the good and wholesome positive laws of that kingdom or country whereof a man is a member. The will of God must be the rule of mans will. And therefore the will that is made against any of these, is faulty. The second is, that if goods evil gotten be not restored before, they must even then be restored by will, or by some other way. It is the practise of covetous men to bequeath their souls when they die to God, & their goods evil gotten to their children & friends; which in all equity should be restored to them to whom they belong. Quest. Howe if a mans conscience tell him that his goods be evil gotten, and he ⟨p. 805⟩knows not where, or to whom to make restitution. Answ. The case is common, & the answer is this. When the party is known whom thou hast wronged, restore to him particularly: if the party be unknown or dead, restore to his executors or assigns, or to his next kin; if there be none, yet keep not goods evil gotten to thy self, but restore to God, that is, in way of recompense and civill satisfaction, bestow them on the Church or commonwealth. The third rule is, that heads of families must principally bestow their goods upon their own children, and them that be of their own kindred.1 This man (saith God to Abraham of Eleazar a stranger) shall not be thine heir, but the son which shall come of thy loins. And this was Gods commandment to the Israelites, that when any man dies, his son should be his heir, and if he had no son,2 then his daughter: & if he have no daughter, then his brethren: and if he have no brethren, then his fathers brethren: & if there be none, then the next of his kin whosoever. And Paul saith, If ye be sons, then also heirs: And again, He that provides not for his own, and namely for them of his household, is worse then an infidel. Therefore it is a fault for any man to alienate his goods or lands, wholly and finally from his blood and posterity. It is a thing which the very law of nature it self hath condemned. Again, it is a fault to give all to the eldest, and nothing in respect to the rest;