A09339:1945
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.
Thus much of the benefits of the holy Ghost common to all men both good and bad: now follow such as are proper to the elect, all which may be reduced unto one, namely, the inhabitation of the spirit, whereby the elect are the temples of the holy Ghost: who is said to dwell in men, not in respect of substance (for the whole nature of the holy Ghost cannot be comprised in the body or soul of man) but in respect of a particular operation: and this dwelling stands in two things. The first, that the holy Ghost doth abide in them, not for a time only, but for ever: for the word dwelling, noteth perpetuity. Secondly, that the holy Ghost hath the full disposition of the heart, as when a man cometh to dwell in an house, whereof he is lord, he hath liberty to govern it after his own will. Now this disposition of the hearts of the faithful by the holy Ghost, stands in five special and notable gifts; every one worthy our observation.
Thus much of the benefits of the holy Ghost common to all men both good and badde: nowe followe such as are proper to the elect, all which may be reduced vnto one, namely, the inhabitation of the spirit, whereby the elect are the temples of the holy Ghost: who is said to dwell in men, not in respect of substance (for the whole nature of the holy Ghost cannot be comprised in the bodie or soule of man) but in respect of a particular operation: and this dwelling standes in two things. The first, that the holy Ghost doth abide in them, not for a time onely, but for euer: for the word dwelling, noteth perpetuitie. Secondly, that the holy Ghost hath the full disposition of the heart, as whē a man commeth to dwell in an house, whereof he is lord, he hath libertie to gouerne it after his owne will. Nowe this disposition of the hearts of the faithfull by the holy Ghost, stands in fiue special and notable gifts; euery one worthie our obseruation.
The first is a certain knowledge of a mans own reconciliation to God in Christ. As it is said in Isaiah,1 By his knowledge my righteous servant shall justify many. And Christ saith, This is life eternal that they know thee to be the only very God, and whom thou hast sent Jesus Christ. This knowledge is not general, for then the devils might be saved; but it is particular, whereby a man knoweth God the father to be his father, and Christ the redeemer, to be his redeemer, and the holy Ghost to be his sanctifier and comforter. And it is a special work of the holy Ghost, as Paul saith,