A09339:1297
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.
Again, weak faith though it be joined with knowledge, yet it may fail in the applying or in the apprehension & appropriating of Christs benefits to a mans own self. This is to be seen in ordinary experience. For many a man there is of humble and contrite heart, that serveth God in spirit and truth, yet is not able to say without great doubtings and waverings; I know and am fully assured that my sins are pardoned. Now shall we say, that all such are without faith? God forbid. Nay, we may resolve our selves, that the true child of God may have a hungering desire in his heart after reconciliation with God in Christ for all his sins with care to keep a good conscience, and yet be weak sometime in the apprehension of Gods mercy and the assurance of the remission of his own sins.
Again, weake faith though it be ioyned with knowledge, yet it may faile in the applying or in the apprehension & appropriating of Christs benefits to a mans owne selfe. This is to be seene in ordinarie experience. For many a man there is of humble and contrite heart, that serueth God in spirit and truth, yet is not able to say without great doubtings and wauerings; I know and am fully assured that my sinnes are pardoned. Now shall we say, that all such are without faith? God forbid. Nay, we may resolue our selues, that the true child of God may haue a hungering desire in his heart after reconciliation with God in Christ for all his sinnes with care to keepe a good conscience, and yet be weake sometime in the apprehension of Gods mercie and the assurance of the remission of his owne sinnes.
But if faith fail either in the true knowledge, or in the apprehension of Gods mercies, how can a man be saved by it? Ans. We must know that this weak faith will as truly apprehend Gods merciful promises for the pardon of sin, as strong faith, though not so soundly. Even as a man with a palsy hand can stretch it out as well to receive a gift at the hand of a king, as he that is more sound, though it be not so firmly and steadfastly. And Christ saith, that he will not break the bruised reed, nor quench the smoking flax.
But if faith faile either in the true knowledge, or in the apprehension of Gods mercies, how can a man be saued by it? Ans. We must know that this weake faith will as truly apprehend Gods mercifull promises for the pardon of sinne, as strong faith, though not so soundly. Euen as a man with a palsie hand can stretch it out as well to receiue a gift at the hand of a king, as he that is more sound, though it be not so firmely and steadfastly. And Christ saith, that he will not breake the bruised reede, nor quench the smoking flaxe.