A09339:1332
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.
But it stands men in hand to take out a better lesson, which is, if we will have God to be our father, we must show our selves to be the children of God by repentance and newness of life: he can not be but a graceless child, that will lead a rebellious life flat against his fathers mind. Let us then so behave our selves, that we may honour our father which is in heaven, and not dishonour him in our lives and callings: rather let us separate our selves from the filthiness of the flesh, loathing those things which our father loatheth, and fleeing from those things which our father abhorreth.
But it stands men in hand to take out a better lesson, which is, if we will haue God to be our father, we must shew our selues to be the children of God by repentance and newnesse of life: he can not be but a gracelesse child, that will lead a rebellious life flat against his fathers minde. Let vs then so behaue our selues, that we may honour our father which is in heauen, and not dishonour him in our liues and callings: rather let vs separate our selues from the filthinesse of the flesh, loathing those things which our father lotheth, and fleeing from those things which our father abhorreth.
And thus much for the duties. Now follow the consolations which arise ⟨p. 209⟩from this point. But first we are to know that there are three sorts of men in the world. The first are such as will neither hear nor obey the word of God. The second sort are those which hear the word preached unto them but they will not obey: both these sorts of men are not to look for any comfort hence. Now there is a third sort of men, which as they hear Gods word; so they make conscience of obeying the same in their lives and callings: and these are they to whom the consolations that arise out of this place, do rightly belong, and must be applied.
And thus much for the duties. Now follow the consolations which arise ⟨p. 209⟩