A09339:3971
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.
To bind, is to urge, cause, and constrain it in every action either to accuse for sin, or to excuse for well doing: or to say, this may be done, or it may not be done.
To bind, is to vrge, cause, and constraine it in euery action either to accuse for sinne, or to excuse for well doing: or to say, this may be done, or it may not be done.
That we may know what this phrase meaneth (to be bound in conscience) we must in mind consider conscience a part by it self from the binding power ⟨p. 835⟩power of Gods commandment. For then it hath liberty and is not bound either to accuse or excuse, but is apt to do either of them indifferently: but when the binding power is set once over the conscience, then in every action it must needs either accuse or excuse: even as a man in a city or town having his liberty, may go up and down or not go, where and when he will: but if his body be attached by the magistrate and imprisoned, then his former liberty is restrained, he is bound and can go up and down but within the prison, or some other allowed place.
That we may knowe what this phrase meaneth (to be bound in conscience) we must in minde consider conscience a part by it selfe from the binding power ⟨p. 835⟩power of Gods commandement. For then it hath libertie and is not bound either to accuse or excuse, but is apt to doe either of them indifferently: but whē the binding power is set once ouer the conscience, then in euery action it must needes either accuse or excuse: euen as a man in a citie or towne hauing his libertie, may goe vp and downe or not goe, where and when he will: but if his bodie be attached by the magistrate and imprisoned, then his former libertie is restrained, he is bound and can goe vp and downe but within the prison, or some other allowed place.