A09339:4177
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 causes why conscience lieth dead in all men, either more or less, are many. I. Defect of reason or understanding in crazed brains. II. Violence and strength of affections, which as a cloud do overcast the mind, and as a gulf of water swallow up the judgement and reason: and thereby hinder the conscience from accusing: for when reason can not do his part, then conscience doth nothing For example: some one in his rage behaves himself like a mad man, and willingly commits any mischief without controlment of conscience: but when choler is down, he begins to be ashamed and troubled in himself, not always by grace, but even by the force of his natural conscience, which when affection is calmed begins to stir, as appeareth in the example of Cain. III. Ignorance of Gods will and errors in judgement cause the conscience to be quiet, when it ought to accuse. This we find by experience in the deaths of obstinate heretics, which suffer for their damnable opinions without check of conscience.
The causes why conscience lieth dead in all men, either more or lesse, are many. I. Defect of reason or vnderstanding in crased braines. II. Violence and strength of affections, which as a cloud doe ouercast the minde, and as a gulfe of water swallow vp the iudgement and reason: and thereby hinder the conscience from accusing: for when reason can not doe his part, then conscience doth nothing For example: some one in his rage behaues himselfe like a madde man, and willingly commits any mischiefe without controlment of conscience: but when choller is downe, he beginnes to be ashamed and troubled in himselfe, not alwaies by grace, but euen by the force of his naturall conscience, which when affection is calmed beginnes to stirre, as appeareth in the example of Cain. III. Ignorance of Gods will and errours in iudgement cause the conscience to be quiet, when it ought to accuse. This we find by experience in the deaths of obstinate heretikes, which suffer for their damnable opinions without checke of conscience.
Dead conscience hath two degrees. The first is the slumbering or the benumbed conscience; the second is the seared conscience.
Dead conscience hath two degrees. The first is the slumbring or the benummed conscience; the second is the seared conscience.