A09339:1914
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 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,1 As many as have lived by the law, shall be judged by the law. And again,2 At the day of judgement God shall judge the secrets of our hearts according to his Gospel. And,3 By faith Noah builded an ark, whereby he condemned the old world. If this be true, then we must in the fear of God hear his word preached and taught with all reverence, & make conscience to profit by it. For otherwise in the day of judgement when all our works shall be tried by it, the same word of God shall be a bill of indictment, and the fearful sentence of condemnation against us. Therefore let us be humbled by the doctrine of the law, & willingly embrace the sweet promises of the Gospel: considering it is the only touchstone, whereby all our words, thoughts, and works must be examined.
Now after that mens workes are made manifest, they must further be tried whether they be good or euill. And that shall be done on this manner. They that neuer heard of Christ must be tried by the law of nature, which serues to make them inexcusable before God. As for those that liue in the Church, they shall be tried by the Law and the Gospel, as Paul saith,1 As many as haue liued by the law, shall be iudged by the law. And againe,2 At the day of iudgement God shall iudge the secrets of our hearts according to his Gospell. And,3 By faith Noah builded an arke, whereby he condemned the old world. If this be true, then we must in the feare of God heare his word preached and taught with all reuerence, & make conscience to profit by it. For otherwise in the day of iudgement when all our works shall be tried by it, the same word of God shall be a bill of inditement, and the fearefull sentence of condemnation against vs. Therefore let vs be humbled by the doctrine of the law, & willingly embrace the sweete promises of the Gospel: considering it is the onely touchstone, whereby all our words, thoughts, and works must be examined.