A09339:1310
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.
To proceed forward, to believe in this one God, is in effect thus much: I. To know and acknowledge him as he hath revealed himself in his word: II. To believe him to be my God: III. From mine heart to put all mine affiance in him. To this purpose Christ saith,1 This is eternal life to know thee the only God, and whom thou hast sent Jesus Christ. Now the knowledge here meant, is not a bare or general knowledge, for that the devils have, but a more special knowledge whereby I know God not only to be God, but also to be my God, and thereupon do put my confidence in him.
To proceede forwarde, to beleeue in this one God, is in effect thus much: I. To knowe and acknowledge him as he hath reuealed himselfe in his worde: II. To beleeue him to bee my God: III. From mine heart to put all mine affiance in him. To this purpose Christ saith,1 This is eternall life to knowe thee the onely God, and whome thou hast sent Iesus Christ. Nowe the knowledge here meant, is not a bare or generall knowledge, for that the deuils haue, but a more speciall knowledge wherby I know God not onely to be God, but also to be my God, and thereupon doe put my confidence in him.
- 1•o•. 17.3.
And thus much of the meaning of the first words, I believe in God, &c. Now follow the duties which may be gathered hence. First of all, if we are bound to believe in God, then we are also bound to take notice of our natural unbelief, whereby we distrust God, to check our selves for it, and to strive against it. Thus dealt the father of the child that had a dumb spirit, Lord (saith he) I believe, Lord help mine unbelief. 1