A09339:1810
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.
And if such measure of unbelief was in such men, as the disciples were, then we may assure our selves, that it doth much more exceed in the common professors of religion in these days, let them protest to the contrary what they will.
And if such measure of vnbeleefe was in such men, as the disciples were, then we may assure our selues, that it doth much more exceede in the common professours of religion in these daies, let them protest to the contrarie what they will.
Now the cause of his unbelief was this: he makes a law to himself that he will see and feel or else he will not believe: but this is flat against the nature of faith which consisteth neither in seeing nor feeling. Indeed in things natural a man must first have experience in seeing and feeling, and then believe: but it is contrary in divinity: a man must first have faith and believe, and then comes experience afterward. But Thomas having not learned this, doth overshoot himself: and herein also many deceive themselves, which think they have no faith because they have no feeling. For the chiefest feeling that we must have in this life must be the feeling of our sins and the miseries of this life: and though we have no other feeling at all, yet we must not therefore cease to believe.
Nowe the cause of his vnbeleefe was this: he makes a lawe to himselfe that he will see and feele or else he wil not beleeue: but this is flat against the nature of faith which consisteth neither in seeing nor feeling. Indeede in things naturall a man must first haue experience in seeing and feeling, and then beleeue: but it is contrary in diuinitie: a man must first haue faith and beleeue, and then comes experience afterward. But Thomas hauing not learned this, doth ouershoot himselfe: and herein also many deceiue themselues, which think they haue no faith because they haue no feeling. For the chiefest feeling that wee must haue in this life must be the feeling of our sinnes and the miseries of this life: and though wee haue no other feeling at all, yet wee must not therefore cease to beleeue.