A09339:4124
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 second. We must suffer our selves lawfully to be limited and restrained in the overmuch or overcommon use of things indifferent. I say the overcommō use, because it is not Gods will utterly and absolutely to bar us of the use of such things. Now the restrainers of our use, are two; the first is the law of charity. For as charity gives place to piety; so Christian liberty in the use of outward ⟨p. 871⟩things, gives place to charity. And the law of charity is, that we should not use things indifferent to the hurt or offence of our brother. 1. Cor. 8.13.
The second. We must suffer our selues lawfully to be limited and restrained in the ouermuch or ouercōmon vse of things indifferēt. I say the ouercommō vse, because it is not Gods will vtterly and absolutely to barre vs of the vse of such things. Now the restrainers of our vse, are two; the first is the law of charitie. For as charitie giues place to pietie; so Christian libertie in the vse of outward ⟨p. 871⟩things, giues place to charitie. And the law of charitie is, that we should not vse things indifferent to the hurt or offence of our brother. 1. Cor. 8.13.
Quest. Whether may a man use his liberty before such as are weak, and not yet persuaded of their liberty. Ans. Some are weak of simple ignorance, or because they have bin deceived by the abuse of long custom: and yet are willing to be reformed. And before such we must abstain, least by example we draw them to sin by giving occasion to them of doing that whereof they doubt. Again some are weak upon affected ignorance or of malice, and in the presence of such we need not abstain. Upon this ground Paul who circumcised Timothy would not circumcise Titus.