A09339:1918
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 third point is the reply of the Saints to Christ again, in these words, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, and fed thee? &c. They do not deny that ⟨p. 431⟩which Christ avouched, but do, as I take it, standing before the tribunal seat of God, humble themselves, having still an after-consideration of the infirmities and offences of their lives past. Here note then, that it is a Satanical practise for a man to brag of works and to stand upon them in the matter of justification before God. And we must rather do as the Saints of God do, abase our selves in regard of our sins past.
The third point is the replie of the Saints to Christ againe, in these words, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fedde thee? &c. They doe not denie that ⟨p. 431⟩which Christ auouched, but doe, as I take it, standing before the tribunall seat of God, humble themselues, hauing still an after-consideration of the infirmities and offences of their liues past. Here note then, that it is a Satanicall practise for a man to bragge of workes and to stand vpon them in the matter of iustification before God. And we must rather doe as the Saints of God doe, abase our selues in regard of our sinnes past.
The last point is the answer of Christ to them again, in these words, Verily, I say unto you, in as much as ye did it to the least of those my brethren, you did it to me. A most notable sentence: and it serveth to teach us, how we should behave our selves in doing works of mercy, which are duties to be performed in this life. We are not to do them of any sinister respect, as for praise of men or commodity, but we must propound unto our selves the party to whom we do any good, and in him look on Christ, and so do it, as unto Christ and for Christs sake only: and this is a good work indeed. Christ saith,1