A09339:4192
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.
For the obtaining of good conscience, three things must be procured; a preparation to good conscience, the applying of the remedy, the reformation of conscience.
For the obtaining of good conscience, three things must be procured; a preparation to good conscience, the applying of the remedie, the reformation of conscience.
In the preparation, four things are required. The first is, the knowledge of the law, and the particular commandments thereof, whereby we are taught what is good, what is bad; what may be done, and what may not be done.
In the preparation, foure things are required. The first is, the knowledge of the law, and the particular commandements thereof, whereby we are taught what is good, what is badde; what may be done, and what may not be done.
The men of our days, that they may have the right knowledge of the law, must lay aside many erroneous and foolish opinions, which they hold flat against the true meaning of the law of God: otherwise they can never be able to discern between sin and no sin. Their special and common opinions are these: I. That they can love God with all their hearts, and their neighbours as themselves; that they fear God above all, and trust in him alone; and that they ever did so. II. That to rehearse the Lords prayer, the belief, and ten Commandments, (without understanding of the words, and without affection) is the true and whole worship of God. III. That a man may seek to wizards and soothsayers without offence, because God hath provided a salve for every sore. IV. That to swear by good things and in the way of truth, is not a sin. V. That a man going about his ordinary affairs at home or abroad on the Sabbath day, may as well serve God as they which hear all in the sermons in the world. VI. That religion and the practise thereof, is nothing but an affected preciseness: that covetousness the root of evil, is nothing but worldliness: that pride is nothing but a care of honesty and cleanliness: that single fornication is nothing but the trick of youth: that swearing and blaspheming argue the courageous mind of a brave gentleman. VII. That a man may do with his own what he will, and make as much of it as he can. Hence arise all the frauds and bad practises in traffic between man and man.