A09339:1875
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 other means of gathering the Church, and that the more principal is, the inward operation of the spirit, whereby the mind is enlightened, the heart is mollified, and the whole man is converted to God. And this ordinarily is joined with the ministry or preaching of the word, as appears by the example of Lydia. Saint Luke saith,1 God opened her heart to be attentive to the doctrine of the Apostle. And by the example of Paul, when Christ saith, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? at this very speech he is converted, and said,2 Who art thou, Lord: what wilt thou that I do? And this is manifest also by experience. There is nothing in the world more contrary to the nature of man, then the preaching of the word: for it is the wisdom of God, to which the flesh is enmity. Here then it may be demanded, how it can be in force to turn any man to God. Ans. The word preached is the sceptre of Christs kingdom, which against the nature of man by the operation of the holy Ghost joined therewith, doth bend and bow the heart, will, and affections of man to the will of Christ.
The other meanes of gathering the Church, and that the more principall is, the inward operation of the spirit, whereby the minde is inlightened, the heart is mollified, and the whole man is conuerted to God. And this ordinarily is ioyned with the ministerie or preaching of the word, as appeares by the example of Lydia. Saint Luke saith,1 God opened her heart to be attentiue to the doctrine of the Apostle. And by the example of Paul, when Christ saith, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? at this very speech he is conuerted, and saide,2 Who art thou, Lord: what wilt thou that I doe? And this is manifest also by experience. There is nothing in the world more contrarie to the nature of man, then the preaching of the word: for it is the wisdome of God, to which the flesh is enimitie. Here then it may be demanded, how it can be in force to turne any man to God. Ans. The word preached is the scepter of Christs kingdome, which against the nature of man by the operation of the holy Ghost ioyned therewith, doth bend and bow the heart, will, and affections of man to the will of Christ.