A09339:4038
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.
By wholesome laws, I understand such positive constitutions, as are not against the law of God, and withal tend to maintain the peaceable estate and common good of men.
By wholesome lawes, I vnderstand such positiue constitutions, as are not against the lawe of God, and withall tend to maintaine the peaceable estate and common good of men.
Furthermore I add this clause, made of things indifferent, to note the peculiar matter whereof humane laws properly entreat: namely such things as are neither expressly commanded or forbidden by God.
Furthermore I adde this clause, made of things indifferent, to note the peculiar matter whereof humane lawes properly intreat: namely such things as are neither expressely commanded or forbidden by God.
Now such kind of laws have no virtue or power in themselves to constrain conscience, but they bind only by virtue of an higher commandment. Let every soul be subject to the higher powers, Rom. 13.1. or, Honour father and mother, Exod. 20. which commandments binds us in conscience to perform obedience to the good laws of men. As S. Peter saith, Submit your selves to every humane ordinance for the Lord. 1. Pet. 2.13. that is, for conscience of God, as he sayeth afterward, v. 19. whereby he signifieth two things: first that God hath ordained the authority of governors, secondly that he hath appointed in his word, and thereby bound men in conscience to obey their governors lawful commandments.