A09339:1306
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, to believe is one thing, and to believe in this or that is another thing: and it containeth in it three points or actions of a believer. I. To ⟨p. 197⟩know a thing: II. To acknowledge the same: III. To put trust and confidence in it. And in this order must these three actions of faith be applied to every article following which concerneth any of the persons in Trinity. And this must be marked as a matter of special moment. For always by adding them to the words following, we do apply the article unto our selves in a very comfortable manner. As I believe in the father, and do believe that he is my father: and therefore I put my whole trust in him, and so of the rest.
Againe, to beleeue is one thing, and to beleeue in this or that is another thing: and it containeth in it three points or actions of a beleeuer. I. To ⟨p. 197⟩knowe a thing: II. To acknowledge the same: III. To put trust and confidence in it. And in this order must these three actions of faith be applyed to euery article following which concerneth any of the persons in Trinitie. And this must bee marked as a matter of speciall moment. For alwaies by adding them to the wordes following, we do apply the article vnto our selues in a very comfortable manner. As I beleeue in the father, and doe beleeue that hee is my father: and therefore I put my whole trust in him, and so of the rest.
Now we come to the object of general faith, which is either God or the Church; in handling of both which, I will observe this order. I. I will speak of the meaning of every article. II. Of the duties which we ought to learn thereby. III. And lastly, of the consolations which may be gathered thence. Concerning God, three things are to be considered. And first by reason of manifold doubtings that rise in our minds, it may be demanded, whether there be a God? many reasons might be used to resolve those that have scruple of conscience: otherwaies we are bound to believe that there is a God without all doubting. As for those Atheists which confidently avouch there is no God, by Gods law they ought to die the death: nay, the earth is to good for such to dwell on. Malefactors, as thieves and rebels, for their offences have their reward of death: but the offence of those, which denies that there is a God, is greater: and therefore deserves most cruel death.