A09339:1216
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.
Now if any be desirous to know, what spiritual comfort is most meet to be ministered unto consciences so troubled, I will show them that which is grounded upon a sure foundation, and which I my self have often found to be true in mine own experience: the which also I purpose to handle more largely, for the benefit of the Christian reader. First therefore we teach, contrarily to that which D. Andreas doth most falsely object against us, that the eternal decree, or as Paul speaketh, the purpose of God, must not be sought ⟨p. 182⟩in the bottomless counsel of God, but rather in the manifestation of it, namely, in his vocation, by the Word and Sacraments. This I speak of such as are of years of discretion, as they must needs be, whom we seek to comfort in this place.
Now if any be desirous to know, what spirituall comfort is most meete to be ministred vnto consciences so troubled, I will shew them that which is grounded vpon a sure foundation, and which I my selfe haue often found to be true in mine owne experience: the which also I purpose to handle more largely, for the benefit of the Christian reader. First therefore we teach, contrarily to that which D. Andreas doth most falsly obiect against vs, that the eternall decree, or as Paul speaketh, the purpose of God, must not be sought ⟨p. 182⟩in the bottomlesse counsel of God, but rather in the manifestation of it, namely, in his vocation, by the Word and Sacraments. This I speake of such as are of yeares of discretion, as they must needes be, whome we seeke to comfort in this place.
Now because that external vocation, is not proper only to the elect (for many are called, but few are chosen) but such a vocation as is effectual, that is, whereby the understanding is not only enlightened with the saving knowledge of God, but in the will also there is created a true, though not a perfect hatred of sin, from whence ariseth an abhorring of sin, and love of that which is good, or rather a desire to will, and do that which is right. Therefore when we see one thus dangerously tempted, we apply unto his afflicted conscience, that true Nepenthes, and comfortable and restorative medicine, which is taken from Gods effectual vocation, as it were out of an Apothecaries box.