A09339:1929
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 follow the duties to be learned of every one of us, and they are divers. First, the consideration of the last judgement serveth to teach all ignorant persons and impenitent sinners, repentance and humiliation for their sins, and to move them with all speed to seek unto Christ for the pardon of the same. When Paul preached to the Athenians, he willed them to repent upon this ground and reason,1 because the Lord hath appointed a day wherein he will judge the world in righteousness. To speak plainly; we can be content to hear ⟨p. 435⟩the word, and to honour him with our lips, yet for the most part, all is done but for fashions sake: for still we live in our old sins: our hearts are not turned: but in the fear of God let us bethink our selves of the time, when we shall come before the judge of heaven and earth, and have all our sins laid open, and we must answer for them all. This is the point which the holy Ghost useth as a reason to move men unto repentance: and assuredly if this will not move us, there is nothing in the world will. Secondly, to this purpose Paul saith.2 If we would judge our selves, we should not be judged. Wouldest thou then escape the judgement of Christ at the last day? then in this life judge thy self. Now a man in judging of himself, must perform four things: I. he must examine himself of his own sins: II. he must confess them before the Lord. III. he must condemn himself & as a judge upon the bench, give sentence against himself. Lastly, he must plead pardon, and cry unto God as for life and death, for the remission of all his sins: and he that doth this unfeignedly shall never be judged of the Lord at the last day: but if we slack and neglect this duty in this life, then undoubtedly there remains nothing but eternal woe in the world to come.
Now follow the duties to be learned of euery one of vs, and they are diuers. First, the consideration of the last iudgement serueth to teach all ignorāt persons and impenitent sinners, repentance and humiliation for their sinnes, and to mooue them with all speede to seeke vnto Christ for the pardon of the same. When Paul preached to the Athenians, he willed them to repent vpon this ground and reason,