A09339:1344
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.
Though thou hadst all learning, wisdom, might, riches, &c. yet (as Christ said to the young man) one thing is wanting, that thou shouldest be humbled; and until thou be humbled, nothing is to be looked for but Gods judgement for sin,
Though thou hadst all learning, wisdome, might, riches, &c. yet (as Christ said to the younge man) one thing is wanting, that thou shouldest bee humbled; and vntill thou bee humbled, nothing is to bee looked for but Gods iudgement for sinne,
Secondly seeing God is almighty; we must tremble and fear at all his judgements, ⟨p. 213⟩we must stand in awe, quake, and quiver at them, as the poor child doth, when he seeth his father come with the rod. Example of this we have often in Gods word; as when the sons of Aaron offered strange fire before the Lord, he sent fire from heaven, and burned them up. And though Aaron was very sorry for his sons: yet when Moses told him, that the Lord would be glorified in all that came near him, then the text saith, Aaron held his peace. 1So also we read that the Apostles reproved Peter, for preaching unto the Gentiles: but when Peter had expounded the things in order which he had seen, then they held their peace, and glorified God. 2As also David saith: I held my tongue O Lord, because thou didst it. Isaiah sayeth,3 In hope & silence is true fortitude. If a man be in trouble he must hope for deliverance, and be quiet and patient at Gods judgements. But the practise of the world is flat contrary. For men are so far from trembling at them, that they use to pray to god that plagues, curses, and vengeance may light upon them, and upon their servants and children. Now the Lord being a mighty God, often doth answerably bring his judgements upon them. Again, many carried with impatience wish themselves hanged or drowned: which evils they think shall never befall them: yet at the length God doth in his justice bring such punishments upon them according as they wished. And (which is more) in all ages there have been some which have scorned and mocked at Gods judgements. Hereof we had not far hence a most fearful example. One being with his companion in a house drinking on the Lords day, when he was ready to depart thence, there was great lightening and thunder: whereupon his fellow requested him to stay, but the man mocking and jesting at the thunder and lightning, said (as report was) it was nothing but a knave cooper knocking on his tubs,