A09339:1292
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.
1Whereas some are of opinion, that faith is an affiance or confidence, that seems to be otherwise: for it is a fruit of faith, and indeed no man can put any confidence in God, till he be first of all persuaded of Gods mercy in Christ towards him.
1Whereas some are of opinion, that faith is an affiance or confidence, that seemes to be otherwise: for it is a fruit of faith, and indeede no man can put any confidence in God, till he be first of all perswaded of Gods mercie in Christ towards him.
- 11 p••. 3.12.
Some again are of mind, that love is the very nature and form of faith: but it is otherwise. For as confidence in God, so also love is an effect which proceedeth from faith. 1. Tim. 1.5. The end of the law is love from a pure heart and good conscience and faith unfeigned. And in nature they differ greatly. Christ is the fountain of the waters of life. Faith in the heart is as the pipes and leads that receive in, and hold the water: and love in some part is as the cock of the conduit, that lets out the water to every comer. The property of the hand is to hold, and of it self it can not cut: yet by a knife or other instrument put into the hand, it cuts: the hand of the soul is faith, and his property is to apprehend Christ with all his benefits, and by it self it can do nothing else;1 yet join love unto it, and by love it will be effectual in all good duties.
Some againe are of minde, that loue is the very nature and forme of faith: but it is otherwise. For as confidence in God, so also loue is an effect which proceedeth from faith.