A09339:4050
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 laws then which the Church in proper speech is said to make, are decrees concerning outward order and comeliness in the administration of the word and Sacraments, in the meetings of the congregation, &c. and such laws made according to the general rules of Gods word, (which requires that all things be done to edification, in comeliness, for the avoiding of offence) are necessary to be observed, and the word of God binds all men to them so far forth as the keeping of them maintains decent order, and prevents open offence. Yet if a law concerning some external ri•e or thing indifferent, be at sometime or upon some occasion omitted; no offence given, nor contempt showed to Ecclesiastical authority, there is no breach made in the conscience: and that appears by the example before handled. The Apostles guided by the holy Ghost, made a decree for the avoiding of offence, necessary to be observed, namely that the Gentiles should abstain from strangled & blood & Idolithytes: and yet Paul out of the case of scandal and contempt, permits the Corinthians to do otherwise, 1. Cor. 8. and 9. which he would not have done, if to do otherwise out of the case of scandal and contempt, had bin sin.
The lawes then which the Church in proper speach is said to make, are decrees concerning outward order and comelines in the administration of the word and Sacraments, in the meetings of the congregation, &c. and such laws made according to the generall rules of Gods word, (which requires that all things be done to edification, in comelines, for the auoiding of offence) are necessarie to be obserued, and the word of God binds all men to them so farre forth as the keeping of them maintaines decent order, and preuents open offence. Yet if a law concerning some externall ri•e or thing indifferent, be at sometime or vpon some occasion omitted; no offence giuen, nor contempt shewed to Ecclesiastical authoritie, there is no breach made in the conscience: and that appeares by the example before handled. The Apostles guided by the holy Ghost, made a decree for the auoiding of offence, necessarie to be obserued, namely that the Gentiles should abstaine from strangled & blood & Idolithytes: and yet Paul out of the case of scandall and contempt, permits the Corinthians to doe otherwise, 1. Cor. 8