A09339:1280
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
AN EXPOSITION OF THE CREED. I believe in God. &c.AN EXPOSITION OF THE CREED. I beleeue in God. &c.
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.
The second kind of faith is Temporary faith, so called because it lasteth but for a time and season, and commonly not to the end of a mans life. This kind of faith is noted unto us in the parable of the seed, that fell in the stony ground. And there be two differences or kinds of this faith. The first kind of temporary faith hath in it three degrees. The first is, to know the Word of God and particularly the Gospel. The second, to give an assent unto it. The third, to profess it, but to go no further: and all this may be done without any love to the word. This faith hath one degree more then historical faith. Examples of it we have in Simon Magus, Acts 8.13. who is said to believe, because he held the doctrine of the Apostle to be true; and withal professed the same: and in the devils also, who in some sort confessed, that Christ was the son of the most highest, and yet looked for no salvation by him, Mark. 5.7. Act. 19.15. And this is the common faith that abounds in this land. Men say they believe as the Prince believeth, and if religion change they will change. For by reason of the authority of princes laws, they are made to learn some little knowledge of the word: they believe it to be good, and they profess it: & thus for the space of thirty or forty years men hear the word preached, and receive the sacraments, being for all this as void of grace as ever they were at the first day: and the reason is, because they do barely profess it, without either liking or love of the same. The second kind of temporary faith hath in it five degrees. For by it first a man knows the word. Secondly he assenteth unto it. Thirdly, he professeth it. Fourthly, he rejoiceth inwardly in it. Fifthly, he bringeth forth some kind of fruit: and yet for all this hath no more in him, but a faith that will fail in the end; because he wanteth the effectual application of the promise of the Gospel, and is without all manner of sound conversion. This faith is like corn in the house top, which groweth for a while, but when heat of summer cometh, it withereth. And this is also set forth unto us in the parable of the seed, which fell in a stony ground, which is hasty in springing up:1 but because of the stones, which will not suffer it to take deep root, it withereth. And this is a very common faith in the Church of God: