A09339:4184
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 first which accuseth a man for doing evil. This must needs be an evil conscience. Because to accuse is not a property that belongs to it by creation, but a defect that followeth after the fall. And if the conscience which truly accuseth a man for his sins, were a good conscience, then the worst man that is, might have a good conscience; which can not be.
The first which accuseth a man for doing euill. This must needes be an euill conscience. Because to accuse is not a propertie that belongs to it by creation, but a defect that followeth after the fall. And if the conscience which truly accuseth a man for his sinnes, were a good conscience, then the worst man that is, might haue a good conscience; which can not be.
When the accusation of the conscience is more forcible and violent, it is called a wounded or troubled conscience: which though of it self it be not good nor any grace of God; yet by the goodness of God it serveth often to be an occasion or preparation to grace; as a needle, that draws the thread into the cloth, is some means whereby the cloth is sewed together.