A09339:1422
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.
Fourthly, man by creation was made a goodly creature in the blessed image of God: but by Adams fall men lost the same, and are now become the deformed children of wrath: our duty therefore is, to labour to get again our first image, and endeavour our selves to become new creatures. If a noble man ⟨p. 241⟩should stain his blood by treason, after his death the posterity will never be at rest, till they have got away that spot: Man by Adams fall, is become a limm of the devil, a rebel and traitor against Gods majesty: and this is the state of every one of us: by nature we are at enmity with God, and therefore we ought to labour above all things in the world, to be restored in Christ to our first estate and perfection, that so we may become bone of his bone, flesh of his flesh, being justified and sanctified by his obedience, death, and passion.
Fourthly, man by creation was made a goodly creature in the blessed image of God: but by Adams fall men lost the same, and are now become the deformed children of wrath: our dutie therefore is, to labour to get againe our first image, and indeauour our selues to become newe creatures. If a noble man ⟨p. 241⟩should staine his blood by treason, after his death the posteritie will neuer be at rest, till they haue got away that spot: Man by Adams fall, is become a limm of the deuill, a rebell and traytor against Gods maiestie: and this is the state of euery one of vs: by nature we are at enmitie with God, and therfore we ought to labour aboue all things in the world, to be restored in Christ to our first estate and perfection, that so we may become bone of his bone, flesh of his flesh, beeing iustified and sanctified by his obedience, death, and passion.
Fifthly, man was created that there might be a way prepared, whereby God might show his grace and mercy in the salvation of some, and his justice in the deserved damnation of others for their sins: and in the creation of man Gods eternal counsel begins to come into execution. Hereupon it stands us in hand to make conscience of every evil way, being repentant for all our sins past, and having a constant purpose never to sin more as we have done, that by our good conversation here in this life we may have assurance that we be eternally chosen to salvation by the Lord himself.