A09339:1446
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 when Shimei cursed David, Abisha would have had the king to have given him leave to have slain him: but David would not suffer ⟨p. 248⟩it, but said,1 He curseth even because the Lord hath bidden him curse David; who dare then say, wherefore hast thou done so? In whose example we may see a pattern of quietness of mind. When a cross cometh it is a hard thing to be patient; but we must draw our selves thereunto by consideration of Gods especial providence. Thirdly, when outward means of preservation in this life do abound, as health, wealth, honour, riches, peace, and pleasure, then we must remember to be thankful; because these things always come by the providence of God. Thus Job was thankful both in prosperity and adversity: The Lord, saith he, gave, and the Lord taketh away, blessed be the name of the Lord. 2Indeed to be patient in every estate and thankful to God, is a very hard matter: yet will it be more easy, if we learn in all things that befall us in this life, never to sever the consideration of the things that come to pass from Gods providence. For as the body and the soul of man (though we see only the body) are always together, as long as a man liveth: so is Gods providence joined with the thing done: wherefore as we look on the thing done, so we must also in it, labour to see and acknowledge the good pleasure & appointment of God. As for example: a mans house is set on fire, and all his goods consumed; this very sight would make him at his wits end: but now as he beholds this event with one eye, so with the other eye he must at that very instant look upon Gods blessed providence. When a man beholds and feels the loss of his friends, he cannot but grieve thereat, unless he be more senseless then stock or stone: yet that he may not be overwhelmed with grief, he must ever with one eye look at the pleasure of God herein. This practise will be an especial means to stay the rage of any headstrong affection •r all our afflictions. In the world the manner of men is if health• wealth and ease abound to think all is well: but if cros•es come, as loss of friends, & loss of goods, then men cry out, as being straught of their wits: the reason is, because they look only at the outward means, and tie Gods providence to them; not being able to see any goodness or providence of God out of ordinary means.