A09339:1940
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 benefits proper unto men, are of two sorts: some are common to all men both good and bad, and some proper to the elect and faithful. The benefits common to all men are divers: I. the gift of practising a particular calling. ⟨p. 439⟩As in the body several members have several uses; so in every society several men have several offices and callings, and the gifts whereby they are enabled to perform the duties thereof, are from the holy Ghost. When Gideon became a valiant captain to deliver the Israelites,1 it is said he was clothed with the spirit. Bezaleel and Aholiab being set apart to build the tabernacle,2 were filled with the spirit of God in wisdom and in understanding, and in all workmanship, to find out curious works, to work in gold and in silver & in brass; also in the art to set stones, and to carve in timber, &c. By this it is manifest, that the skill of any handicraft is not in the power of man, but comes by the holy Ghost. And by this we are taught to use all those gifts well, whereby we are enabled to discharge our particular callings; that they may serve for the glory of God, and the good of his Church: and those that in their callings use fraud and deceit, or else live inordinately, do most unthankfully abuse the gifts of God, and dishonour the spirit of God the author of their gifts, for which thing they must give an account one day.
The benefits proper vnto men, are of two sorts: some are common to all men both good and bad, and some proper to the elect and faithfull. The benefits common to all men are diuers: I. the gift of practising a particular calling. ⟨p. 439⟩As in the bodie seuerall members haue seuerall vses; so in euery societie seuerall men haue seuerall offices and callings, and the gifts whereby they are inabled to performe the duties thereof, are from the holy Ghost. When Gedeon became a valiant captaine to deliuer the Israelites,1 it is said he was clothed with the spirit. Bezaleel and Aholiab beeing set apart to build the tabernacle,