A09339:3943
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.
CHAP. I. What Conscience is.
Conscience is a part of the understanding in all reasonable creatures, determining of their particular actions either with them or against them.
COnscience is a part of the vnderstanding in all reasonable creatures, determining of their particular actions either with them or against them.
I say conscience is a part of the understanding, and I show it thus: God in framing of the soul placed in it two principal faculties, Understanding and Will. Understanding is that faculty in the soul, whereby we use reason: & it is the more principal part, serving to rule & order the whole man; & therefore it is placed in the soul to be as the wagoner in the wagon. The Will is another faculty, whereby we do will or nill any thing• that is, choose or refuse it. With the will is joined sundry affections, as joy, sorrow, love, hatred, &c. whereby we embrace or eschew that which is good or evil. Now, conscience is not placed in the affections nor will, but in the understanding; because the actions thereof stand in the use of reason. Understanding again hath two parts. The first is that which stands in the view and contemplation of trueth and falsehood, and goes no further. The second is that which stands in the view and consideration of every particular action, to search whether it be good or bad. The first is called the Theoretical, the second the practical understanding. And under this latter is conscience to be comprehended: because his property is to judge of the goodness or badness of things or actions done.