A09339:1346
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 it were greatly to be wished, that we could with open eye behold the terribleness and fearfulness of Gods judgements: it would make a man to quake and to leave off sin. If a man pass by some high and dangerous place in the night when he cannot see, he is not afraid; but if ye bring him back again in the day, and let him see what a steep and dangerous way he came, he will not be persuaded to pass the same way again for any thing: so it is in sinning: for men living in ignorance and blindness, practise any wickedness, and do not care for Gods judgements: but when God of his goodness bringeth them back, and openeth their eyes to see the downfall to the pit of hell, and the judgements of God due to their sins: then (they say) they will never sin as they have done, but become new men, and walk in the way to eternal life.
and it were greatly to be wished, that wee coulde with open eye beholde the terriblenesse and fearefulnesse of Gods iudgements: it would make a man to quake and to leaue off sinne. If a man passe by some high and daungerous place in the night when hee cannot see, hee is not affraide; but if yee bring him backe againe in the day, and let him see what a steepe and dangerous way hee came, hee will not be perswaded to passe the same way againe for any thing: so it is in sinning: for men liuing in ignorance and blindenesse, practise any wickednesse, and doe not care for Gods iudgements: but when God of his goodnesse bringeth them backe, and openeth their eies to see the downfall to the pit of hell, and the iudgements of God due to their sinnes: then (they say) they will neuer sinne as they haue done, but become new men, and walke in the way to eternall life.
Thirdly, we are taught by the Apostle Paul, that if we be to do any duty to our brethren, as to relieve them, we must do it with cheerfulness: for he laboureth to persuade the Corinthians to cheerful liberality; and the reason ⟨p. 214⟩of his persuasion is, because God is able to make all grace to abound towards them. 1