A09339:1556
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.
The duties to be learned hence are these: First, whereas Christ was sanctified in the womb of the virgin Mary, we likewise must labour to be sanctified in our selves, following the commandment of God, Be ye holy as I am holy. S. John saith, that he which hath hope to be with Christ in glory in heaven,1 purifieth himself even as he is pure: no doubt setting before himself the example of Christ as a pattern to follow in all his ways. And because our hearts are as it were seas of corruptions, we must daily cleanse our selves of them by little & little, following the practise of the poor beggar that is always piecing and mending, and day by day pulls away some rags and puts better cloth in the room. And if we shall continually endeavour our selves to cast off the remnants of corruption that hang so fast on, and make a supply thereof by some new portions of Gods heavenly grace; we shall be vessels of honour sanctified and meet for the Lord, and prepared unto every good work. ⟨p. 286⟩Christ could not have been a fit Saviour for us unless he had first of all bin sanctified: neither can we be fit members unto him, unless we be purged of our sins and in some measure truly sanctified.
The duties to be learned hence are these: First, whereas Christ was sanctified in the wombe of the virgin Marie, we likewise must labour to be sanctified in our selues, following the commandement of God, Be ye holy as I am holy. S. Iohn saith, that he which hath hope to be with Christ in glorie in heauen,1 purifieth himselfe euen as he is pure: no doubt setting before himselfe the example of Christ as a patterne to follow in all his waies. And because our hearts are as it were seas of corruptions, we must daily cleanse our selues of them by little & little, following the practise of the poore begger that is alwaies peecing and mending, and day by day pulls away some ragges and puts better cloath in the roome. And if we shall continually indeauour our selues to cast off the remnants of corruption that hang so fast on, and make a supplie thereof by some new portions of Gods heauenly grace; we shall be vessells of honour sanctified and meete for the Lord, and prepared vnto euery good worke. ⟨p. 286⟩