A09339:3960
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.
Lastly, it witnesseth what be mens actions. Eccl. 7.24. Oftentimes also thine heart knoweth, (that is, conscience witnesseth) that thou likewise hast cursed others.
The manner that conscience useth in giving testimony, stands in two things. First, it observes and takes notice of all things that we do: secondly, it doeth inwardly and secretly within the heart, tell us of them all. In this respect it may fitly be compared to a Notary, or a Register that hath always the pen in his hand, to note and record whatsoever is said or done: who also because he keeps the rolls and records of the court, can tell what hath been said or done many hundred years past.
The maner that conscience vseth in giuing testimony, stands in two things. First, it obserues and takes notice of all things that wee doe: secondly, it doeth inwardly and secretly within the heart, tell vs of them al. In this respect it may fitly be compared to a Notarie, or a Register that hath alwaies the penne in his hand, to note and record whatsoeuer is said or done: who also because hee keepes the rolles and recordes of the court, can tell what hath beene said or done many hundred yeares past.
Touching the third point. How long conscience bears witness, it doeth it continually; not for a minute, or a day, or a month, or a year, but for ever: when a man dies, conscience dieth not; when the body is rotting in the grave, conscience liveth and is safe and sound; and when we shall rise again, conscience shall come with us to the bar of Gods judgement, either to accuse or excuse us before God, Rom. 2.15,16. Their conscience bearing witness at the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ.