A09339:1445
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.
Thus much concerning the doctrine of Gods providence. Now follows the duties. First, seeing there is a providence of God over every thing that is, we are hereby taught to take good heed of the transgression of the least of Gods commandments. If men were persuaded that the Prince had an eye every where, doubtless many subjects in England would walk more obediently to the laws of the land then they do: and durst in no wise work such villainies as are daily practised. Well, howsoever it is with earthly princes, yet this all-seeing-presence is least wanting in God: he hath an eye every where: wheresoever thou art, there God beholdeth thee, as David saith,1 God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that would understand and seek God. Therefore except thou be brutish and past shame take heed of sin. If men had but a spark of grace, the consideration of this would make them loath the practise of any evil work. Elijah saith to Ahab, As the Lord God of Israel liveth before whom I stand, there shall be neither dew nor rain these three years. 2Where the Prophet confirmeth his speech with an oath, saying, As the Lord of hosts liveth it shall be so. And least Ahab should think he made no conscience what he said, he addeth this clause, that he stood in the presence of God. As if he should say: howsoever thou thinkest of me, yet as it stands me in hand, so do I make conscience of my word: for I stand in the presence of God, and therefore know it, as the Lord liveth there shall be no rain now dew these three years. So Cornelius having an eye to Gods providence, doth move himself, and all his household to a solemn hearing of the word of God delivered by the mouth of Peter, saying,3 that they were all present before God, to hear all things commanded of him. As these men had regard to Gods providence, so we likewise must behave our selves reverently, making conscience of our behaviour both in words and works: because wheresoever we be, we are in the presence of God. Secondly, if there be a providence of God over every thing, then we must learn contentation of mind in every estate: yea, in adversity under the cross when all goes against us we must be content, because Gods providence hath so appointed.4