A09339:1423
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.
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.
Fifthly, man was created that there might be a way prepared, wherby God might shew his grace and mercie in the saluation of some, and his iustice in the deserued damnation of others for their sinnes: and in the creation of man Gods eternall counsell beginnes to come into execution. Hereupon it stands vs in hand to make conscience of euery euill way, beeing repentant for all our sinnes past, and hauing a constant purpose neuer to sinne more as we haue done, that by our good conuersation here in this life we may haue assurance that we be eternally chosen to saluation by the Lord himselfe.
Lastly, whereas we have learned that the soul of man is immortal, we are hereby taught to take more care for the soul then for the body. For it can not be extinguished. When it is condemned, even then it is always in dying, and can never die. But alas, in this point the case is flat contrary in the wo•ld: for men labour all their lives long to get for the body, but for the soul they care little or nothing at all: whether it sink or swim, go to heaven or to hell, they respect not. This doth appear to be true, by the practise and behaviour of men on the Lords day: for if the number of those which come to hear Gods word, were compared with those which run about their worldly wealth and pleasure, I fear me the better sort would be found to be but a little handful to a huge heap, or as a drop to the Ocean sea, in respect of the other. But wilt thou go an hundred mile for the increase of thy wealth, and delight of thy body? then think it not much to go ten thousand miles (if need were) to take any pains for the good of thy soul, and to get food for the same, it being everlasting.