A09339:1208
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.
AN EXCELLENT TREATISE of comforting such, as are troubled about their Predestination, Taken out of the second answer of M. Beza, to D. Andreas, in the act of their Colloquy at Mompelgart, &c.
AN EXCELLENT TREATISE of comforting such, as are troubled about their Predestination, Taken out of the second answer of M. Beza, to D. Andreas, in the act of their Colloquie at Mompelgart, &c.
Unless (saith D. Andreas) regeneration be always united to baptism, and remaineth in such as are baptized, how should the troubled consciences of those be eased and comforted, who because they feel not in themselves any good motions of gods holy spirit, find none other refuge, but the Word and Sacraments, especially the Sacrament of Baptism? Now this remedy would be of small force, except it be opposed against those imaginations, which the devil casteth into a troubled heart; yea, except it taught such, that God is greater then our heart, who in Baptism hath not only offered us the adoption of sons, but hath indeed bestowed the same upon us: as it is said by Christ, He that believeth, and is baptized, shall be saved. And by Paul, Ye which are baptized, have put on Christ. David being armed with the like comfort from his circumcision, feared not to join battle with that great giant Goliath: and if this were not so, it must needs follow, that Baptism were nothing else but an idle ceremony, and also the persons of the Trinity would be thought liars. Wherefore those afflicted men, when Satan assaulteth them, must resist him with these words: Depart from me Satan, thou hast neither part nor portion in the inheritance of my soul, because I am baptized in the Name of the holy Trinity, and so am truly made the son of God by adoption. And are these the strong weapons, which so many times, and in so many words, have been objected against me by D. Andreas? and whereby he hath gotten the victory? But because this his reason is somewhat intricate, I will explain it after this sort. First, for the place of Scripture which he allegeth, namely, that God is greater then our hearts: It is so far from comforting an afflicted conscience, that it will rather drive him to despair. Neither doth