A09339:4204
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.
Also he makes a man to be his own enemy, in that it doth cause to lay violent hands upon himself, and become his own hangman, or his own cut-throat. And on the contrary, a good conscience is a mans best friend: when all men entreat him hardly, it will speak him fair & comfort him: it is a continual feast, and a paradise upon earth. V. The Scripture showeth that they which never seek good conscience, have terrible ends. For either they die blocks, as Nabal did; or they die desperate, as Cain, Saul, Ahithophel, Judas. VI. We must consider o•ten the terrible day of judgement, in which every man must receive according to his doings. And that we may then be absolved, the best way is to seek for a good conscience: for if our con science be evil, and condemn us in this life, God will much more condemn us. And whereas we must pass through three judgements; the judgement of men, the judgement of our conscience, & the last judgement of God: we shall never be strengthened against them, and cleared in them all; but by the seeking of a good conscience.
Also he makes a man to be his owne enemie, in that it doth cause to lay violent hands vpon himselfe, and become his owne hangman, or his own cut-throate. And on the contrarie, a good conscience is a mans best friend: when all men intreat him hardly, it will speake him faire & comfort him: it is a continuall feast, and a paradise vpon earth. V. The Scripture sheweth that they which neuer seeke good conscience, haue terrible ends. For either they die blockes, as Nabal did; or they die desperate, as Caine, Saul, Achitophel, Iudas. VI. We must consider o•ten the terrible day of iudgemēt, in which euery man must receiue according to his doings. And that wee may then be absolued, the best way is to seeke for a good conscience: for if our cō science be euill, and condemne vs in this life, God will much more condemne vs. And whereas we must passe through three iudgements; the iudgement of men, the iudgement of our conscience, & the last iudgement of God: we shall neuer be strengthened against them, and cleared in them all; but by the seeking of a good conscience.
After that man hath got good conscience, his second duty is to keep it. And as the governing the ship on the sea,