A09339:4043
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.
Moreover, in that mans law binds not but by the authority of Gods law, hence it follows, that Gods law alone hath this privilege, that the breach of it should be a sin. S. John saith 1. epist. 3. Sin is the anomie, or, transgression of the law, understanding Gods law. When David by adultery and murder had offended many men, and that many ways, he saith Psal. 51. Against thee, against thee have I sinned. And Augustine defined sin to be some thing said, done, or desired against the law of God. Some man may say, if this be so, belike then we may break mens laws without sin. I answer, that men in breaking humane laws, both may and do sin; but yet not simply, because they break them, but because in breaking them, they do also break the law of God. The breach of a law must be considered two ways. First as it is a trespass, hinderance, injury, damage; and in this respect it is committed against mens laws: secondly the breach of a law must be considered as it is sin, and so it is only against Gods law, which appoints obedience to the Magistrate.
Moreouer, in that mans law bindes not but by the authoritie of Gods law, hence it followes, that Gods law alone hath this priuiledge, that the breach of it should be a sinne. S. Iohn saith 1. epist. 3. Sinne is the anomie, or, transgression of the law, vnderstanding Gods law. When Dauid by adulterie and murder had offended many men, and that many waies, he saith Psal. 51. Against thee, against thee haue I sinned. And Augustine defined sinne to be some thing said, done, or desired against the lawe of God. Some man may say, if this bee so, belike then we may breake mens laws without sinne. I answer, that men in breaking humane lawes, both may and doe sinne; but yet not simply, because they break them, but because in breaking them, they doe also breake the lawe of God. The breach of a law must bee considered two waies. Frst as it is a trespasse, hinderance, iniurie, damage; and in this respect it is committed against mens lawes: secondly the breach of a lawe must be considered as it is finne, and so it is onely against Gods lawe, which appoints obedience to the Magistrate.