A09339:4179
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.
1The benumbed conscience is that which doth not accuse a man for any sin unless it be grievous or capital; and not always for that but only in the time of some grievous sickness or calamity. Josephs brethren were not much troubled in conscience for their villainy in selling their brother, till afterward when they were afflicted with famine and distressed in Egypt. Gen. 42. 2. This is the conscience that commonly reigns in the hearts of drowsy Protestants, of all carnal and lukewarm gospellers, and of such as are commonly termed civill honest men, whose apparent integrity will not free them from guilty consciences.
1The benummed conscience is that which doth not accuse a man for any sinne vnlesse it be grieuous or capitall; and not alwaies for that but onely in the time of some grieuous sicknes or calamitie. Iosephs brethren were not much troubled in conscience for their villanie in selling their brother, till afterward when they were afflicted with famine and distressed in Egypt. Gen. 42. 2. This is the conscience that commonly raignes in the hearts of drousie Protestants, of all carnall and lukewarme gospellers, and of such as are commonly tearmed ciuill honest men, whose apparant integritie will not free them from guiltie consciences.
- 1Conscience be•ummed.
Such a conscience is to be taken heed of us, as being most dangerous. It is like a wild beast, which so long as he lies asleep, seems very tame and gentle, and hurts no man: but when he is roused, he then awakes and flies in a mans face, and offers to pull out his throat. And so it is the manner of dead conscience, to lie still and quiet even through the course of a mans life: and hereupon a man would think (as most do) that it were a good conscience indeed: but when sickness or death approacheth, it being awaked by the hand of God, begins to stand up on his legs, and shows his fierce eyes, and offers to rend out even the very throat of the soul. And heathen Poets knowing this right well, have compared evil conscience to Furies pursuing men with firebrands.