A09339:1916
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.
Had he such care to provide a kingdom for his children before they were? then we may assure our selves, he will have greater care over them now when they have a being. For you] that is, for the elect and faithful. Hence it appears that there is no universal election whereby (as some suppose) God decrees that all and every man shall be saved. Indeed if he had said, Come ye blessed of my father inherit the kingdom prepared for all but received of you, it had bin something, but he saith only, prepared for you: and therefore all were not chosen to salvation.
Had he such care to prouide a kingdome for his children before they were? then we may assure our selues, he wil haue greater care ouer them now when they haue a beeing. For you] that is, for the elect and faithfull. Hence it appeares that there is no vniuersall election whereby (as some suppose) God decrees that all and euery man shall be saued. Indeede if he had said, Come ye blessed of my father inherit the kingdome prepared for all but receiued of you, it had bin something, but he saith onely, prepared for you: and therefore all were not chosen to saluation.
The reason of this calling, is taken from works as from signs, in these words, For I was hungry and ye gave me meat, &c. When he saith, for I was hungry, he means his poor and distressed members upon earth: and thereby he signifies unto us that the miseries of his servants are his own miseries. Thus the Lord saith in Zechariah,1 He which toucheth you, toucheth the apple of mine eye. And when Saul was going to persecute them in Damasco and else where that called on the name of Christ, he cried from heaven,2 Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And this is a notable comfort to Gods Church and people, that they have an high priest who is touched with the feeling of our infirmities:3