A09339:1315
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.
Fourthly, in that we believe in God, and therefore put our whole trust and assurance in him: we are taught, that every man must commit his body, his soul, goods, life, yea all that he hath into the hands of God, and to his custody. So Paul saith,1 I am not ashamed of my sufferings, for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. A worthy saying: for what is the thing which Paul committed unto the Lord? it was his own soul and the eternal salvation thereof. But what moves him to trust God? surely his persuasion whereby he knew that God would keep it.2 And Peter saith: Let them that suffer according to the will of God, commit their souls to him in well doing as unto a faithful creator. Look as one friend layeth down a thing to be kept of another, so must a man give that he hath to the custody of God. Few or none can practise this, and therefore when any evil befalls them either in body or in goods, or any other way whatsoever, then they presently show them-selves rather beasts then men in impatience. For in prosperity they had no care to put their trust in God, and therefore in adversity when crosses come, they are void of comfort. But when a man hath grace to believe, and trust in God, then he commits all into Gods hands: and though all the world should perish, yet he would not be dismayed. And undoubtedly if a man will be thankful for the preservation of his goods, or of his life, he must show the same by committing all he hath into God hands, and suffer himself to be ruled by him.
Fourthly, in that wee beleeue in God, and therefore put our whole trust and assurance in him: we are taught, that euery man must committe his bodie, his soule, goods, life, yea all that he hath into the handes of God, and to his custodie. So Paul saith,1 I am not ashamed of my sufferings, for I knowe whome I haue beleeued, and am perswaded that he is able to keepe that which I haue committed vnto him against that day. A worthie saying: for what is the thing which Paul committed vnto the Lord? it was his owne soule and the eternall saluation thereof. But what mooues him to trust God? surely his perswasion whereby he knewe that God would keepe it.2