A09339:1261
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.
Again they use the blessings and creatures of God with evil conscience, because so long as they are forth of Christ, they are but usurpers thereof before God. For in the fall of the first Adam we lost the title and interest to all good things: and though God permit the use of many of them to wicked men; yet is not the former title recovered but in Christ the second Adam, in whom we are advanced to a better estate then we had by creation.
Againe they vse the blessings and creatures of God with euill conscience, because so long as they are forth of Christ, they are but vsurpers thereof before God. For in the fall of the first Adam we lost the title and interest to all good things: and though God permitte the vse of many of them to wicked men; yet is not the former title recouered but in Christ the second Adam, in whome we are aduanced to a better estate then we had by creation.
Hence it follows necessarily, that (to omit all other things,) Nobility, though it be a blessing and ordinance of God in it self, is but an unclean thing, if the enjoyers thereof be not truly ingrafted into Christ, and made bone of his bone and flesh of his flesh. The blood unstained before men, is stained blood before God by the fall of Adam, if it be not restored by the blood of Christ the lamb of God. And hence it follows again, that Nobility must not dwell solitary, but combine her self in perpetual fellowship with hearty love and sincere obedience of pure and sound religion: without the which all pleasant pastimes, all sumptuousness of building, all bravery in apparel, all glistering in gold, all delicate fare, all delightful music, all reverence done with cap and knee, all earthly pleasures and delights that heart can wish, are but as a vanishing shadow, or like the mirth that begins in laughing and ends in woe. A happy thing were it, if this consideration might take place in the hearts of all noble men: it would make them honour God that they might be honoured of God with everlasting honour:1 and it would make them kiss the Son least he be angry, and they perish in the way.