A09339:1913
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.
Now the opening of these books is a thing wherein the endless power of God shall most notably show it self. For when we shall stand before the judgement seat of Christ, he then knowing all things in his eternal counsel, shall reveal unto every man his own particular sins, whether they were in thought, word, or deed, and then also by his mighty power he shall so touch mens consciences, that they shall afresh remember what they have done. Now indeed, the wicked mans conscience is shut up as a closed book; but then it shall be so touched, and as it were opened, that he shall plainly see and remember all the particular offences which at any time he hath committed; and his very conscience shall be as good as a thousand witnesses: whereupon he shall accuse and utterly condemn himself. The consideration of this ought to terrify all those that live in their sins: for howsoever they may hide & cover them from the world; yet at the last day, God will be sure to reveal them all.
Now the opening of these bookes is a thing wherein the endles power of God shall most notably shew it self. For when we shall stand before the iudgement seat of Christ, he then knowing all things in his eternall counsell, shall reueale vnto euery man his owne particular sinnes, whether they were in thought, word, or deede, and then also by his mightie power he shall so touch mens consciences, that they shall afresh remember what they haue done. Now indeede, the wicked mans conscience is shut vp as a closed booke; but then it shall be so touched, and as it were opened, that he shall plainely see and remember all the particular offences which at any time he hath committed; and his very conscience shall be as good as a thousand witnesses: whereupon he shall accuse and vtterly condemne himselfe. The consideration of this ought to terrifie all those that liue in their sins: for howsoeuer they may hide & couer them from the world; yet at the last day, God will be sure to reueale them all.
Now after that mens works are made manifest, they must further be tried whether they be good or evil. And that shall be done on this manner. They that never heard of Christ must be tried by the law of nature, which serves to make them inexcusable before God. As for those that live in the Church, they shall be tried by the Law and the Gospel, as Paul saith,