A09339:4088
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 this we may see the goodness of God to all men. If a man being to make an unknown journey, should find one that would go with him and show him the way, and all the turnings thereof, he could not but take it for a point of courtesy. Well, we are pilgrims in this world, our life is our journey: God also hath appointed our conscience to be our companion and guide, to show us what course we may take and what we may not.
By this we may see the goodnes of God to all men. If a man beeing to make an vnknowne iourney, should finde one that would goe with him and shew him the way, and all the turnings thereof, he could not but take it for a point of curtesie. Well, we are pilgrimes in this world, our life is our iourney: God also hath appointed our conscience to be our companion and guide, to shew vs what course we may take and what we may not.
And here it must be noted, that in all things to be done, conscience is of great force and bears a great stroke. For, this is the beginning of a good work, that the conscience first of all give her judgement truly, that the thing may be done, and is acceptable to God. Rom. 14.23. Whatsoever is not of faith, that is, whatsoever is not done of a settled persuasion in judgement & conscience out of Gods word, howsoever men judge of it, is sin. Again, God regards not the outward pomp of the action of the doer, but obedience and especially the obedience of the heart: therefore unless the conscience first of all approve the thing to be good and agreeable to Gods will,1 it can be nothing else but a sin. And he that shall do a thing, because it is good in his own eyes, not knowing that ⟨p. 866⟩God doth allow of it, prefers himself before God, & disobeys as the servant that in his masters house will not do his masters will but his own will.