A09339:1881
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.
Thus we have seen what are the works of Christ in governing his church: and we for our parts that profess our selves to be members thereof, must show our selves to be so indeed, by an experience of these works of his in our own hearts. And we must suffer him to gather us under his own wing, and to guide us by his word and spirit, and we are to acquaint our selves with those spiritual exercises, whereby his good pleasure is to nurture us to all obedience. Lastly, we must depend on his aid and protection in all estates. And seeing we in this land, have had peace and rest with the Gospel of Christ among us a long time, by Gods especial goodness, we must now after these days of peace look for days of tribulation: we must not imagine that our ease and liberty will continue always. For look as the day and ⟨p. 417⟩night do one follow another; so likewise in the administration of the church here upon earth, Christ suffereth a continual intercourse between peace and persecution. Thus he hath done from the beginning hitherto, and we may resolve our selves that so it will continue till the end: and therefore it shall be good for us in these days of our peace, to prepare our selves for troubles and afflictions: and when troubles come; we must still remember the fourth work of Christ in the government of his church, namely that in all dangers he will defend us against the rage of our enemies, as well by giving us power and strength to bear with patience and joy whatsoever shall be laid upon us, as also bridle the rage of the world, the flesh, and the devil, so as they shall not be able to exercise their power and malice to the full against us.
Thus we haue seene what are the workes of Christ in gouerning his church: and we for our parts that professe our selues to be members thereof, must shew our selues to be so indeed, by an experience of these works of his in our owne hearts. And we must suffer him to gather vs vnder his owne wing, and to guide vs by his word and spirit, and we are to acquaint our selues with those spirituall exercises, whereby his good pleasure is to nurture vs to all obedience. Lastly, we must depend on his ayde and protection in all estates. And seeing we in this land, haue had peace and rest with the Gospell of Christ among vs a long time, by Gods especiall goodnesse, we must now after these daies of peace looke for daies of tribulation: we must not imagine that our ease and libertie will continue alwaies. For looke as the day and