A09339:1349
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 Gods Church reap from this, that God the father is omnipotent. First, the wonderful power of God serveth to strengthen us in prayer unto God; for he that will pray truly, must only pray for those things for which he hath warrant in Gods word: all our prayers must be made in faith, and for a man to pray in faith, it is hard: therefore a special means to strengthen us herein, is the mighty power of God. This was the ground and stay of the leper whom our Saviour Christ cleansed:1 Lord (saith he) if thou wilt thou canst make me clean. And in the Lords prayer, when our Saviour Christ hath taught us to make six petitions; in the end he giveth us a reason, or motive to induce us to stand upon, and to wait for the benefits before craved, in these words: Thine is the kingdom, thine is the power, &c.
And thus much for the duties. Nowe followe the consolations which Gods Church reape from this, that God the father is omnipotent. First, the wonderfull power of God serueth to strengthen vs in praier vnto God; for hee that will pray truely, must onely pray for those things for which he hath warrant in Gods word: all our prayers must bee made in faith, and for a man to praie in faith, it is hard: therefore a speciall meanes to strengthen vs herein, is the mightie power of God. This was the ground and stay of the leper whom our Sauiour Christ clensed:1 Lord (saith he) if thou wilt thou canst make me cleane. And in the Lords praier, when our Sauiour Christ hath taught vs to make sixe petitions; in the end he giueth vs a reason, or motiue to induce vs to stand vpon, and to waite for the benefits before craued, in these wordes: Thine is the kingdome, thine is the power, &c.
- 1Mat. •.
Secondly, hence we learn this comfort, that all the gates of hell shall never be able to prevail against the least member of Christ. I do not say they shall never be able to assault, or tempt them, for that may be: but they shall never overcome them. How (will some say) may we be resolved of this? I answer, By reason of faith: for if a Christian man do believe that God the father, and in Christ his father, is almighty, no enemy shall ever be able to prevail against him.