A Golden Chain

First, I desire that they intimate unto me, that which especially grieveth them, and as I understand both, the thing, and measure thereof by them: I take especial care of this, that they being already overmuch cast down, that I then, by the severe denunciation of the Law, do not quite overturn them: yet so as that I do not altogether withdraw them either from condemning their former sins, or the meditation of Gods judgement: And so, as much as I can, I temper the words of consolation, as that I nothing cloak Gods anger against them for their sins.

First, I desire that they intimate vnto me, that which especially grieueth thē, and as I vnderstand both, the thing, and measure thereof by them: I take especiall care of this, that they beeing already ouermuch cast down, that I then, by the seuere denunciation of the Law, doe not quite ouerturne them: yet so as that I doe not altogither withdrawe them either from condemning their former sinnes, or the meditation of Gods iudgement: And so, as much as I can, I temper the words of consolation, as that I nothing cloak Gods anger against them for their sinnes.

After I have thus prepared them, I then demand, whether they have been ever in this case or no? Nay, (say they, for the most part) the time was, when I was in great joy and peace of conscience I served the Lord, then was I an happy person, full of faith, full of hope: But now wretch that I am, I have lost my first love, and there is nothing vexeth me more, then to remember those times past. But say I, whether consideration is more grievous unto thee, the apprehension of Gods judgements, or the dislike of thy self that thou shouldest offend so gracious and so loving a father? Both, say they, but especially the latter. Therefore, say I, sin also displeaseth thee in that it is sin, namely, because it is evil, and God who is goodness it self, is offended with it? It is even as you told us, say they, and I am now ashamed that so vile and wicked a wretch as my self, should come before so gracious and merciful a father. Then I tell them, that no man is offended, but rather is glad, when he can injury one whom he hateth: this they grant, and withal say, God forbid, that albeit the Lord hate me, I in like sort should hate him, unto whom, if it were possible, I would be reconciled again. Then I add this: Be of good comfort, my dear brother, you are in good case. For who can love God, especially when he is wounded by him? who can bewail the loss of his friendship? who can desire to come again into his favour, but he, whom God still loveth although for a time he be angry with him? except peradventure you have not learned thus much, that the knowledge of our salvation cometh not from flesh and blood, but from God himself, who first vouchsafed to instruct us, and from Christ Jesus, manifesting the Father unto us: And that it is Gods