A09339:1476
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.
From original sin springeth actual, which is nothing •ls but the fruit of the corrupt heart, either in thought, word, or deed.
From originall sinne springeth actuall, which is nothing •ls but the fruit of the corrupt heart, either in thought, word, or deede.
Thus much touching mans fall into sin by Gods just permission. Now ⟨p. 258⟩follows the good use which we must make thereof. First by this we learn to acknowledge and bewail our own frailty. For Adam in his innocency being created perfectly righteous, when he was once tempted by the devil, fell away from God: what shall we do then in the like case which are by nature sold under sin, and in our selves a thousand times weaker then Adam was? Many men there be that mingle themselves with all companies: tell them of the danger thereof, they will presently reply that they have such a strong faith that no bad company can hurt them. But alas, silly people, Satan bewitcheth them, and makes them to believe falsehood to be truth: they know not their miserable estate. If Adam, saith Barnard, had a downfall in Paradise, what shall we do that are cast forth to the dunghill? Let us therefore often come to a serious consideration of our own weakness, and follow withal the practise of David, who being privy to himself touching his own corruption, prayeth to God on this manner,1 Knit my heart to thee, O Lord, that I may fear thy name. Secondly, we learn hereby absolutely to submit our selves to the authority of God, and simply to resolve our selves, that whatsoever he commands is right and just, though the reason of it be not known to us. For Eve condescended to listen to the speech of the serpent, and without any calling she reasoned with it of a most weighty matter, and that in the absence of Adam her head and husband, namely of the truth and glory of God: and hereby was brought to doubt of Gods word, and so overturned. Thirdly, if all men by Adams fall be shut up under damnation, there is no cause why any of us should stand upon his birth, riches, wisdom, learning, or any other such gifts of God: there is nothing in us that is more able to cover our vileness and nakedness, then figtree leaves were able to cover the offence of Adam from Gods eyes. We are under the wrath of God by nature, and can not attain to everlasting life of our selves. Wherefore it doth stand every one of us in hand to abase our selves under the mighty hand of God, in that we are become by our sins the very basest of all the creatures upon earth, yea utterly to despair in respect of our selves, and with bleeding hearts to bewail our own cases. There is no danger in this: