A09339:1447
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.
Again, when a man is stored with riches, honour, wealth and prosperity, he must not barely look on them, but behold withal Gods goodness, and blessing in them: for if that be wanting, all the riches in the world are nothing. Likewise in receiving thy meat and drink, thou must look further into the blessing of God upon it: which, if it be away, thy meat and thy drink can no more nourish thee then the stone in the wall. And the same must we do in every business of our callings: which if men could learn to practise, they would not so much trust to the means, as honour, wealth, favour, &c. but rather to God himself. The Lord by the prophet Habakkuk reproveth the Chaldeans for offering sacrifices unto their nets:1 which sin they committed, because they looked only upon outward things: and like blind moles had no power to see further into them, and to behold the work of God in all their proceedings. And this is the very cause why we are unthankful for Gods benefits: for though we behold the bare creatures, yet are we so purblind that we cannot discern any blessing and providence of God in them. Therefore let us learn to look upon both jointly together, and so shall we be thankful unto God in prosperity, and patient in adversity with Job and David. ⟨p. 249⟩This lesson Paul learned;2 I can be abased (saith he) and I can abound every where, in all things I am instructed, both to be full, and to be hungry: and to abound, and to be in want.
Againe, when a man is stored with riches, honour, wealth and prosperitie, he must not barely looke on them, but behold withal Gods goodnes, and blessing in them: for if that be wanting, all the riches in the world are nothing. Likewise in receiuing thy meate and drinke, thou must looke further into the blessing of God vpon it: which, if it be away, thy meate and thy drink can no more nourish thee then the stone in the wall. And the same must wee do in euery busi•es of our callings: which if men could learne to practise, they would not so much trust to the meanes, as honour, wealth, fauour, &c. but rather to God himselfe. The Lord by the prophet Habaccuc reprooueth the Chaldeans for offering sacrifi•es vnto their nets: