A09339:1919
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 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 Whosoever shall give a cup of cold water to a disciple in the name of a disciple, shall not loose his reward. It is but a small gift, but yet the manner of doing it, namely in the name of a disciple, that is, in respect that he is a member of Christ, doth make it an excellent work of mercy. It is a special mark of a child of God to show mercy on a christian because he is a Christian. If any would know whether he be a christian or no, let him search himself, whether he love a man, and can do good unto him, because he is a child of God, and a member of Christ. For this is a plain argument, that he also is the child of God. Many can love, because they are loved again, but to love for Christ his sake, is a work of Christ in us and a special gift of God.
The last point is the answer of Christ to them againe, in these words, Verily, I say vnto 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 serueth to teach vs, how we should behaue our selues in doing works of mercie, which are duties to be performed in this life. We are not to doe them of any sinister respect, as for praise of men or commoditie, but we must propound vnto our selues the partie to whome we doe any good, and in him looke on Christ, and so doe it, as vnto Christ and for Christs sake onely: and this is a good worke indeede. Christ saith,1 Whosoeuer shall giue a cuppe of cold water to a disciple in the name of a disciple, shall not loose his reward. It is but a small gift, but yet the manner of doing it, namely in the name of a disciple, that is, in respect that he is a member of Christ, doth make it an excellent worke of mercie. It is a speciall marke of a child of God to shew mercie on a christian because he is a Christian. If any would know whether he be a christian or no, let him search himselfe, whether he loue a man, and can doe good vnto him, because he is a child of God, and a member of Christ. For this is a plaine argument, that he also is the child of God. Many can loue, because they are loued againe, but to loue for Christ his sake, is a worke of Christ in vs and a speciall gift of God.