A09339:1803
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 second, that as Christ was in expounding the Scriptures unto them their hearts burned within them. By this we learn, that howsoever the ministers of God publish the Gospel to the outward ears of men; yet is it the proper work of Christ alone to touch and inflame the heart by the fire of his holy spirit,1 and to quicken and raise men up to the life of righteousness & true holiness: it is he only that baptizeth with the holy Ghost and with fire. And it further admonisheth us, that we should hear the word preached from the mouth of Gods ministers with burning and melting hearts: but, alas, the ordinary practise is flat contrary; mens eyes are drowsy and heavy, and their hearts dead and frozen within them: and that is the cause why after much teaching there follows but little profit.
The second, that as Christ was in expounding the Scriptures vnto them their hearts burned within them. By this we learne, that howsoeuer the ministers of God publish the Gospell to the outward eares of men; yet is it the proper worke of Christ alone to touch and inflame the heart by the fire of his holy spirit,1 and to quicken and raise men vp to the life of righteousnes & true holines: it is he onely that baptizeth with the holy Ghost and with fire. And it further admonisheth vs, that we should heare the word preached from the mouth of Gods ministers with burning and melting hearts: but, alas, the ordinarie practise is flatte contrarie; mens eyes are drousie and heauie, and their hearts dead and frozen within them: and that is the cause why after much teaching there followes but little profit.
The third thing is, that Christ did eat with the two disciples and was known of them in breaking of bread. It is very like that our Saviour Christ did in some special manner bless the bread which he brake, whereby his disciples discerned him from others. And in like manner we must by blessing our meats and drinks distinguish our selves, though not from such as are the servants of God, yet from all ungodly and careless men. Many being silent them selves do make their children to give thanks, and to bless their meats. And indeed it is a commendable thing if it be done sometimes to nurture the child, but for men to disburden themselves wholly of this duty is a fault. And it is a shame that, that mouth which openeth it self to receive the good creatures of God, should never open it self to bless and praise God for the same. Therefore in this action of eating and drinking, let us show our selves followers of Christ, that as by blessing the same he was known from all other; so we may also hereby distinguish our selves from the profane and wicked of this world. Otherwise what difference shall there be between us & the very hog that eats mast on the ground, but never looks up to the tree from whence it