A09339:3973
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.
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, Jam. 3. 12. There is one Lawgiver which is able to save and destroy. Esa. 33.22. The Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our King, and he will save us. Therefore the word of God alone by an absolute and sovereign power binds conscience. Because this point is clear of it self, further proof is needless.
The binder of conscience, is either proper or improper. Proper is that thing, which hath absolute and soueraigne power in it selfe to binde 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 lawes binds conscience: but God is the onely Lord of conscience; because he once created it, and he alone gouernes it: and none but he knowes it: therefore his word and lawes onely binde conscience properly. II. He which hath power to saue or destroy the soule for the keeping or breaking of his lawes, hath absolute power to bind the soule and conscience by the same lawes: but the first is true of God alone, Iam. 3. 12. There is one Lawgiuer which is able to saue and destroy. Esa. 33.22. The Lord is our iudge, the Lord is our lawgiuer, the Lord is our King, and he will saue vs. Therefore the word of God alone by an absolute and soueraigne power binds conscience. Because this point is cleare of it selfe, further proofe is needlesse.