A09339:1951
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 fourth work of the holy Ghost in the heart of the elect is, comfort in distress,1 and therefore our Saviour Christ calleth him the comforter whom he will send: and in the Psalm he is called the oil of gladness, because he maketh glad the heart of man in trouble and distress. There be two things that fill the heart full of endless grief: the first, outward calamities, as when a man is in any danger of death, when he looseth his goods, his good name his friends, and such like. The second is, a troubled conscience, whereof Solomon saith, A troubled spirit, who can bear it? and of all other it is the most heavy and grievous cross that can be. When as the hand of God was heavy upon Job, this was the sorest of all his affliction, and therefore he crieth out that the arrows of the almighty did stick in his soul. Now what is the comfort in this case? Ans. In the middest of all our distresses the holy Ghost is present with us, to make us rejoice and to fill us with comforts that no tongue can express out of the word of god and specially the promises thereof. And hereupon, the ungodly man when afflictions befall him, is ready to make away himself because he wants the comfort of the holy Ghost.
The fourth worke of the holy Ghost in the heart of the elect is, comfort in distresse,1 and therefore our Sauiour Christ calleth him the comforter whome he will send: and in the Psalme hee is called the oyle of gladnesse, because he maketh glad the heart of man in trouble and distresse. There be two things that fill the heart full of endlesse griefe: the first, outward calamities, as when a man is in any danger of death, when he looseth his goods, his good name his friendes, and such like. The second is, a troubled conscience, whereof Salomon saith, A troubled spirit, who can beare it? and of all other it is the most heauie and grieuous crosse that can bee. When as the hand of God was heauie vpon Iob, this was the sorest of all his affliction, and therefore he crieth out that the arrowes of the almightie did sticke in his soule. Nowe what is the comfort in this case? Ans. In the middest of all our distresses the holy Ghost is present with vs, to make vs reioice and to fill vs with comforts that no tongue can expresse out of the word of god and specially the promises thereof. And hereupon, the vngodly man when afflictions befall him, is readie to make away himselfe because he wants the comfort of the holy Ghost.