A09339:4454
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.
Marriage indeed is better in two respects: first because God hath ordained it to be a remedy of continency to all such persons as can not contain: secondly because it is the seminary both of Church and common-wealth; and it bringeth forth a seed of God for the enlarging of his kingdom. Yet single life in them that have the gift of continency, is in some respects to be preferred. First, because it brings liberty in persecution. Thus Paul saith, 1. Corin. 7.26. I suppose it to be good for the present necessity for a man so to be. Secondly, because it frees men from the common cares, molestations, and distractions that be in the family, vers. 28. Such shall have trouble in the flesh, but I spare you. Thirdly, because single parties do commonly with more bodily ease and liberty worship God: it being still presupposed, that they have the gift of continency. v. 34. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and spirit.
Marriage indeede is better in two respects: first because God hath ordained it to be a remedie of continencie to all such persons as can not containe: secondly because it is the seminarie both of Church and common-wealth; and it bringeth forth a seede of God for the inlarging of his kingdome. Yet single life in them that haue the gift of continencie, is in some respects to be preferred. First, because it brings libertie in persecution. Thus Paul saith, 1. Corin. 7.26. I suppose it to be good for the present necessitie for a man so to be. Secondly, because it frees men from the common cares, molestations, and distractions that be in the familie, vers. 28. Such shall haue trouble in the flesh, but I spare you. Thirdly, because single parties doe commonly with more bodily ease and libertie worship God: it beeing still presupposed, that they haue the gift of continencie. v. 34. The vnmaried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that shee may be holy both in bodie and spirit.
Again, though we mislike the vow, yet we hold and teach, that men or women being assured that they have the gift of continency, may constantly resolve and purpose with themselves to live and lead a single life.