A09339:1329
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.
and secondly, to perform continual obedience unto the same: like unto a good child that would fain please his father, and therefore is always ready to do the best he can. And without doubt that man which unfeignedly takes God for his father, is then most grieved, when as by any sin he displeaseth him, and no other cross or calamity is so grievous unto him. The greatest grief that the prodigal son upon his repentance had, was that he had offended his father by sinning against ⟨p. 207⟩heaven, and against him: the same also must be our grief: and all our care must be set on this, to consider how we may be obedient children to this our loving father. Thirdly, that man that believes God to be his father, must imitate and follow him: for it is the will of God that his children should be like unto himself. Now we follow God especially in two things. I. In doing good to them that persecute us: so saith our Saviour Christ,1 Pray for them that hurt you, that you may be the children of you, father which is in heaven: for he maketh the sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and unjust. II. Our heavenly father is merciful:2 for he is a father of the fatherless: and therefore he that will be a son of this father, must be merciful to his poor brethren, as Job saith of himself,3 I was the eyes to the blind, and I was the feet unto the lame: I was a father unto the poor. Fourthly, seeing we believe god to be our father, we are hereby taught to use moderate care for the things of this life: for if a man know himself to be the child of God, then he also knows that God will provide for him, as we know in a family the father provideth for all. Now God is a father, and his Church is his family: therefore if thou wilt be a member of Gods Church, and a child of God, thou must cast thy care on God, and follow the counsel of Christ. Be not too careful for your life what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink. And mark his reason drawn from the point which we have in hand.4 The fowls of the heaven (saith he) they neither sow nor reap, nor carry into barns: and yet your heavenly father feedeth them: are ye not much better then they. But alas, the practise of the world is contrary: for men have no care for the knowledge of Gods word, nor the means of their salvation: