A09339:3972
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.
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.
The binder of conscience, is either proper or improper. Proper is that thing, which hath absolute and sovereign power in it self to bind the conscience. And that is the word of God, written in the book of the old and new Testament. Reason I. He which is the Lord of conscience, by his word and laws binds conscience: but God is the only Lord of conscience; because he once created it, and he alone governs it: and none but he knows it: therefore his word and laws only bind conscience properly. II. He which hath power to save or destroy the soul for the keeping or breaking of his laws, hath absolute power to bind the soul and conscience by the same laws: but the first is true of God alone,