A09339:1355
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.
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.
Thirdly, whereas we beleeue that God is a mightie father, it serues to confirme gods children in the promises of mercy reuealed in his word. The chiefest whereof is, that if men will turne from their sinnes, and beleeue in Christ, they shall not perish but haue life euerlasting. I knowe some men will make it an easie thing to beleeue, especially those which neuer knewe what faith meant. But such persons neede no meanes of confirmation of faith: therefore let all those which haue tasted of the hardnes of attaining vnto it, learne howe to establish their wauering 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 almightie, and therefore he is able to performe his promises. He that will bee truely resolued of Gods promises, must haue both these setled in his heart, and build on them as on two foundations.
It followeth, Creator of heaven & earth] We have spoken of the title of the first person, and of his attributes: now we come to speak of his effect, namely the creation: but before we come to it, we are to answer a certain objection which may be made. At the first it may seem strange to some, that the work of creation is ascribed to the first person in Trinity the father: whereas in the Scripture it is common to them all three equally. And first that the father is Creator, it was never doubted: as for the second person the Son, that he is Creator, it is evident: All things are made by it,