A09339:1952
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 benefit wrought in the hearts of the elect is, the strengthening of them to do the weightiest duties of their callings: and hence the holy Ghost is called the spirit of strength. 1There be divers things to be done of a Christian man that are far beyond the reach of his power; as fi•st, when he seeth his own sins and is truly humbled for them, then to lift up the hand of faith to heaven, and thereby to catch hold on the mercy of God in Christ, is the hardest thing in the whole world: and this do all those know to be true in some part, which know what it is to believe. Secondly it is as hard a thing in the time of temptation to resist temptation, as for dry wood to resist the fire when it begins to burn. Thirdly, when a man is put to his choice, either to loose his life, goods, friends, and all that he hath, or else to forsake religion; even then to forsake all and to stick unto Christ, is a matter of as great difficulty as any of the former. Fourthly, when a man wanteth the ordinary means of Gods providence, as meat, drink, and clothing, then at the very same instant to ⟨p. 444⟩acknowledge Gods providence, to rejoice in it, and to rely thereon, is as much as if a man should shake the whole earth. It is against our wicked nature to trust God, unless he first lay down some pawn of his love & mercy to us. How then, will some say, shall any one be able to do these things? Ans. The holy Ghost is the spirit of strength, and by him we do all things; as Paul saith,2 I am able to do all things through the help of Christ which strengtheneth me.
The last benefit wrought in the hearts of the elect is, the strengthening of them to doe the weightiest duties of their callings: and hence the holy Ghost is called the spirit of strength. 1There be diuers things to bee done of a Christian man that are farre beyond the reach of his power; as fi•st, when he seeth his owne sinnes and is truely humbled for them, then to lift vp the hand of faith to heauen, and thereby to catch holde on the mercy of God in Christ, is the hardest thing in the whole world: and this doe all those knowe to be true in some part, which knowe what it is to beleeue. Secondly it is as hard a thing in the time of temptation to resist temptation, as for drie wood to resist the fire when it begins to burn. Thirdly, when a mā is put to his choice, either to loose his life, goods, friends, and all that he hath, or els to forsake religion; euen then to forsake all and to sticke vnto Christ, is a matter of as great diffcultie as any of the former. Fourthly, when a man wanteth the ordinary meanes of Gods prouidence, as meate, drinke, and cloathing, then at the very same instant to