A09339:1333
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 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⟩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 heare nor obey the word of God. The second sort are those which heare the word preached vnto them but they will not obey: both these sorts of men are not to looke for any comfort hence. Now there is a third sort of men, which as they heare Gods word; so they make conscience of obeying the same in their liues and callings: and these are they to whome the consolations that arise out of this place, doe rightly belong, and must be applied.
First therefore, seeing God the father of Christ, and in him the father of all that obey and do his will, is our father, here note the dignity and prerogative of all true believers: for they are sons and daughters of God,1 as saith Saint John, So many as received him, to them he gave a prerogative to be the sons of God: even to them that believe in his name. This privilege will appear the greater if we consider our first estate; for as Abraham saith,2 We are but dust and ashes, and in regard of the deprivation of our natures, we are the children of the devil; therefore of such rebels to be made the sons of God, it is a wonderful privilege and prerogative, and no dignity like unto it. And to enlarge it further, he that is the son of God, is the brother of Christ, and fellow heir with him; and so heir apparent to the kingdom of heaven: and in this respect, is not inferior to the very angels. This must be laid up carefully in the hearts of Gods people, to confirm them in their conversation among the company of ungodly men in this world.