A09339:4169
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 office of conscience regenerate is to excuse, that is, to clear and defend a man even before God against all his enemies both bodily & ghostly. Psal. 7.8. Judge thou me, O Lord, according to my righteousness, and according to mine innocency in me. Again 26.1,2. Judge me, O Lord, for I have walked in mine innocency, &c. Prove me, O Lord, and try me: examine my reins and my heart. That the conscience can do this, it specially appears in the conflict and combat made by it against the devil, on this manner.
The second office of conscience regenerate is to excuse, that is, to cleare and defend a man euen before God against all his enemies both bodily & ghostly. Psal. 7.8. Iudge thou me, O Lord, according to my righteousnes, and according to mine innocencie in me. Againe 26.1,2. Iudge me, O Lord, for I haue walked in mine innocencie, &c. Prooue me, O Lord, and trie me: examine my reynes and my heart. That the conscience can doe this, it specially appeares in the conflict and combat made by it against the deuill, on this manner.
The devil begins and disputes thus. Thou, O wretched man, art a most grievous sinner: therefore thou art but a damned wretch. The conscience answereth and saith, I know that Christ hath made a satisfaction for my sins, and freed me from damnation. The devil replieth again thus; Though Christ hath freed thee from death by his death; yet thou art quite barred from heaven, ⟨p. 887⟩because thou never didst fulfil the law. The conscience answereth, I know that Christ is my righteousness and hath fulfilled the law for me. Thirdly the devil replies and saith, Christs benefits belong not to thee, thou art but an hypocrite and wantest faith. Now when a man is driven to this straight, it is neither wit, nor learning, nor favour, nor honour, that can repulse this temptation, but only the poor conscience directed and sanctified by the Spirit of God which boldly and constantly answereth, I know that I believe.