A09339:1354
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.
1Secondly, hence we learn that which Paul teacheth, namely to know that all things work together for the best unto them that love God. God is almighty, and therefore able to do whatsoever he will: he is also a father, and therefore is willing to do that which is for our good. But some will say, we are subject to many crosses, yea to sin: what? can our sins turn to our good? Ans. If God almighty be thy father, he will turn thine afflictions, yea thy sins which by nature are evil, beyond all expectation unto thy salvation. And thus much God will do to all such as be obedient unto him: yet no man must hereupon presume to sin.
1Secondly, hence we learne that which Paul teacheth, namely to knowe that all thinges worke togither for the best vnto them that loue God. God is almightie, and therefore able to doe whatsoeuer he will: he is also a father, and therefore is willing to doe that which is for our good. But some will say, we are subiect to many crosses, yea to sinne: what? can our sinnes turne to our good? Ans. If God almightie be thy father, he will turne thine afflictions, yea thy sinnes which by nature are euil, beyond all expectation vnto thy saluation. And thus much God will doe to all such as be obedient vnto him: yet no man must hereupon presume to sinne.
Thirdly, whereas we believe that God is a mighty father, it serves to confirm gods children in the promises of mercy revealed in his word. The chiefest whereof is, that if men will turn from their sins, and believe in Christ, they shall not perish but have life everlasting. I know some men will make it an easy thing to believe, especially those which never knew what faith meant. But such persons need no means of confirmation of faith: therefore let all those which have tasted of the hardness of attaining unto it, learn how to establish their wavering hearts in the promises of God, by the consideration of these two points: God is a father, and therefore he is willing: he is also almighty, and therefore he is able to perform his promises. He that will be truly resolved of Gods promises, must have both these settled in his heart, and build on them as on two foundations.