A09339:4186
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.
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.
When the accusation of the conscience is more forcible and violent, it is called a wounded or troubled conscience: which though of it selfe it be not good nor any grace of God; yet by the goodnes of God it serueth often to be an occasion or preparation to grace; as a needle, that drawes the threed into the cloath, is some meanes whereby the cloath is sewed togither.
The second, is that which accuseth for doing well. And it is to be found in them that are given to idolatry and superstition. As in the Church of Rome: in which, because mens consciences are ensnared and entangled with humane traditions, many are troubled for doing that which is good in it self, or at the least a thing indifferent. As for example: let a priest omit to say mass & to say his canonical hours, his conscience will accuse him therefore: though the omitting of the canonical hours and of the idolatrous mass, be indeed by-Gods word no sin.
The second, is that which accuseth for doing well. And it is to be found in them that are giuen to idolatrie and superstition. As in the Church of Rome: in which, because mens consciences are i•snared and intangled with humane traditions, many are troubled for doing that which is good in it selfe, or at the least a thing indifferent. As for exāple: let a priest omit to say masse & to say his canonical houres, his consciēce will accuse him therfore: though the omitting of the canonicall houres and of the idolatrous masse, be indeed by-Gods word no sinne.