A09339:1381
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 therefore when he rebels against the will of God, and by sin puts the creatures to wrong ends, he can not but most grievously offend God.
And therefore when he rebells against the will of God, and by sinne puts the creatures to wrong ends, he can not but most grieuously offend God.
And thus much of the duties. Now in the third place follow the consolations unto Gods Church and people. First as S. Peter saith,1 God is a creator, yea a faithful creator. The properties of a faithful creator are two: I. He will preserve his creature: no man is so tender over any work as he that made it, for he cannot abide to see it any way abused. God therefore being a faithful creator, tenderly loves all his creatures. So Job reasoneth with God, that he will not cast him off,2 because he is the work of his hands. II. God will bear with his creature, to see whether it will be brought to any good end and use before he will destroy it. And to use the former comparison: the potter will turn and work the clay every way to make a vessel unto his mind; but if it frame no way, then will he cast it away and dash it against the wall. And so God who created man, still preserveth him, and useth all means to make him conformable ⟨p. 227⟩to his will, before he cast him off. The Lord did long strive with men in the old world, to turn them from their wickedness: but when nothing would serve them, it is said, It repented the Lord that he made man on the earth. 3And in like manner, if we which are the creatures of God, shall rebel against this our creator, it may be, he will bear with us for a time: but if we continue therein, and do not turn to him by repentance, he will bring upon us a final destruction both in body and soul. Yet I say, before he do this, his manner is to try all means to preserve us, and turn us unto him: and afterward if nothing will serve, then will he show forth his power in mens confusion: and therefore it stands us in hand to look unto it betime.