A09339:1424
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.
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.
Lastly, whereas we haue learned that the soule of man is immortall, we are hereby taught to take more care for the soule then for the bodie. For it can not be extinguished. When it is condemned, euen then it is alwaies in dying, and can neuer die. But alas, in this point the case is flat contrarie in the wo•ld: for men labour all their liues long to get for the bodie, but for the soule they care little or nothing at all: whether it sinke or swimme, goe to heauen or to hell, they respect not. This doth appeare to be true, by the practise and behauiour of men on the Lords day: for if the number of those which come to heare Gods word, were compared with those which runne about their worldly wealth and pleasure, I feare me the better sort would be found to be but a little handfull to a huge heape, or as a droppe to the Ocean sea, in respect of the other. But wilt thou goe an hundred myle for the encrease of thy wealth, and delight of thy bodie? then thinke it not much to goe ten thousand myles (if neede were) to take any paines for the good of thy soule, and to get foode for the same, it beeing euerlasting.