A09339:3967
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.
1To give judgement is to determine, that a thing is well done or ill done. Herein conscience is like to a Judge that holdeth an assize, and takes notice of indictments, and causeth the most notorious malefactor that is, to hold up his hand at the bar of his judgement. Nay it is (as it were) a little God sitting in the middle of mens hearts, arraigning them in this life as they shall be arraigned for their offences at the tribunal seat of the everliving God in the day of judgement. Wherefore the temporary judgement that is given by the conscience is nothing else but a beginning or a fore-runner of the last judgement.
1To giue iudgement is to determine, that a thing is well done or ill done. Herein conscience is like to a Iudge that holdeth an assise, and takes notice of inditements, and causeth the most notorious malefactour that is, to hold vp his hand at the barre of his iudgement. Nay it is (as it were) a little God sitting in the middle of mens hearts, arraigning them in this life as they shall be arraigned for their offences at the tribunal seat of the euerliuing God in the day of iudgement. Wherefore the temporarie iudgement that is giuen by the conscience is nothing els but a beginning or a fore-runner of the last iudgement.
- 1§2. Of consciences judgement.§2. Of consciences iudgement.
Hence we are admonished to take special heed that nothing past lie heavy upon us, and that we charge not our conscience in time to come with any matter. For if our conscience accuse us, God will much more condemn us, saith S. John. 1. Joh. 3. 18. because he seeth all our actions more clearly, and judgeth them more severely then conscience can. It shall be good therefore for all men to labour that they may say with Paul,