A09339:1954
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 use of this article whereby we confess that we believe in the holy Ghost is manifold. First, considering that all the gifts which any man hath, whether they be gifts of knowledge in the word of God, or of humane learning, or again gifts whereby men are enabled to practise their trades or handicrafts, do come not from our selves but from the holy Ghost, we are taught this duty. Look what gifts soever we for our parts have received of the spirit of God, we must use them so, as they may ever serve for the glory of God and good of our brethren, and not to the practising and setting forth of any manner of sin, and by consequent to the service of the devil. For that is as if a man receiving riches and revenues of his prince, should straight way go to the princes enemy and employ them for his benefit; which were a point of exceeding treachery.
The vse of this article whereby we confesse that we beleeue in the holy Ghost is manifold. First, considering that all the gifts which any man hath, whether they be gifts of knowledge in the word of God, or of humane learning, or againe gifts whereby men are inabled to practise their trades or handicrafts, doe come not from our selues but from the holy Ghost, we are taught this dutie. Looke what gifts soeuer we for our parts haue receiued of the spirit of God, we must vse them so, as they may euer serue for the glorie of God and good of our brethren, and not to the practising and setting forth of any manner of sinne, and by consequent to the seruice of the deuill. For that is as if a man receiuing riches and reuenues of his prince, should straight way goe to the princes enemie and employ them for his benefit; which were a point of exceeding trecherie.
Furthermore, in every place the greater part of men are blind and ignorant persons both young and old; and aged folks, as they are ignorant themselves, so they nuzzle up their youth in ignorance. Confer with them, you s•all find that they can say nothing but that which may be learned by common talk, as that there is a God, and that this God must be worshipped: but ask them further of the means of their salvation, and of their duties to God and man, and they will answer you, that they are not book-learned: tell them