A09339:1376
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 concerning the points of doctrine touching the creation. The duties follow. And first by the work of creation we may discern the true Jehovah from all false gods and idols in the world. This Isaiah maketh plain, bringing in the Lord reasoning thus: I am God, and there is none other God besides me. How is that proved? thus: I form the light, and create darkness, I make peace, and create evil: I the Lord do all these things. 1If a man ask thee how thou knowest the true God from all false gods: thou must answer, by the work of creation: for he alone is the maker of heaven and earth, and all things in them. This property can not agree to any creature, to any man, Saint, or Angel: nay, not to all men and all Angels they can not give being to a creature which before was nothing. Secondly, whereas God the father is Creator of all things, and hath given unto man reason, understanding, and ability, more then to other creatures, we are taught to consider and meditate of the work of Gods creation. This the wise man teacheth us, saying, Consider the work of God. 2And indeed it is a special duty of every man which professeth himself to be a member of Gods Church, as he acknowledgeth God to be the Creator, so to look upon his workmanship and view and consider all creatures. A skilful workman can have no greater disgrace, then when he hath done some famous thing, to have his friend pass by his work, and not so much as look upon it. If it be demanded for what end must we look upon the work of Gods creation? I answer, that in it we may see and discern Gods power, wisdom, love, mercy, and providence, and all his attributes, and in all things his glory. This is a most necessary duty to be learned of every man: we think nothing too much or too good to bestow on vain shows, and plays, idle sports and pastimes, which are the vanities of men, and we do most willingly behold them: in the mean season utterly neglecting and contemning the glorious work of Gods creation. Well, the ⟨p. 225⟩Lord God hath appointed his Sabbath to be sanctified not only by the public ministry of the word, and by private prayer, but also by an especial consideration and meditation of Gods creatures: and therefore the duty of every man is this, distinctly and seriously to view and consider the creatures of God;