A09339:1595
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, the passion of Christ is a notable means to stir up in our hearts a purpose and a care to reform our selves, and live in holiness and newness of life; on this manner. Hath the son of God so mercifully dealt with me, as to suffer the curse of the whole law for my manifold iniquities, and to deliver me from just and deserved damnation? yea, no doubt, he hath, I am resolved of it: if I should go on in mine old course, I should be the most ingrateful of all creatures to this my loving Saviour: I will therefore by his grace return and reform my life. And in this very point of reformation, the passion of Christ is set before us as a most lively pattern and example to follow.1 For as much (saith S. Peter) as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm your s•lues likewise with the same mind, which is, that he which hath suffered in the flesh, hath ceased from sin. Where he teacheth, that there must be in us a spiritual passion answerable to the passion of Christ. For as his enemies did lade him with miseries even to the death of the cross; so should we lade our own flesh, that is, the corruption of our natures, with all such means as may subdue and weaken, crucify and kill it. To the doing of this, three things especially are required. First, we must consider that the corruption of our rebellious natures is like the great and mighty Goliath, and the grace of God which we receive like young and little David: and therefore if we desire that grace should prevail against corruption, we must disarm the strong man, and strip him of all his weapons: which is done, by giving all the members of our bodies to be instruments of the service of God in righteousness and holiness. Secondly, ⟨p. 299⟩we must endeavour to keep in the corruption of nature as it were choking and smothering it in the heart; that by it neither the world nor the devil prevail against us. And this must be done by having a narrow regard unto all the powers and faculties of body and soul, setting a watch before our eyes, ears, lips, and all other parts of the body, that are in any action the instruments of the soul;2 and above all, as Solomon saith, by countergarding the heart with all diligence. By the outward senses of the body, as through open windows the devil creeps into the heart; and therefore our duty is, to stop all such ways of entrance.