A09339:3975
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.
Gods word is either Law, or Gospel. The Law is a part of Gods word of things to be done, or to be left undone. And it is threefold: Moral, Judicial, Ceremonial.
Gods word is either Law, or Gospell. The Law is a part of Gods word of things to be done, or to be left vndone. And it is threefolde: Morall, Iudiciall, Ceremoniall.
1Moral law concerns duties of love, partly to God and partly towards our neighbour: it is contained in the Decalogue or ten commandments: and it is the very law of nature written in all mens hearts (for substance though not for the manner of propounding) in the creation of man: and therefore it binds the consciences of all men at all times, even of blind and ignorant persons that neither know the most of it nor care to know it. Yet here must be remembered three exceptions or cautions. I. When two commandments of the moral law are opposite in respect of us; so as we cannot do them both at the same time: then the lesser commandment gives place to the greater, and doth not bind or constrain for athat instant. Example. I. God commands one thing, and the magistrate commands the flat contrary; in this case which of these two commandments is to be obeyed, bHonour God, or, cHonour the Magistrate? the answer is, that the latter must give place to the former, and the former alone in this case must be obeyed. Act. 4.19. Whether it be right in the sight of God to obey you rather then God, judge ye. II. The fourth commandment prescribes rest on the Sabbath day: now it falls out that at the same time a whole town is set on fire, and the sixth commandment requires our help in saving our neighbours life and goods. Now of these two commandments which must be obeyed? for both cannot. The answer is, that the fourth commandment at this time is to give place, and the sixth commandment alone binds the conscience: so as then (if need should require) a man might labour all the day without offence to God.