A09339:2003
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.
In a word, where the testimony of the spirit is truly wrought, there be many other graces of the spirit joined therewith, as when one branch in a tree buddeth the rest bud also.
In a word, where the testimonie of the spirit is truly wrought, there be many other graces of the spirit ioyned therewith, as when one branch in a tree buddeth the rest budde also.
The testimony of our spirit is the testimony of the heart and conscience, purified and sanctified in the blood of Christ. And it testifieth two ways, by inward tokens in it self, by outward fruits. Inward tokens are certain special graces of God imprinted in the spirit, whereby a man may certainly be a••ured of his adoption. These tokens are of two sorts, they either respect o•• sins, or Gods mercy in Christ. The first are in respect of sins p•st, p•• sent, or to come. The sign in the spirit which concerneth sins past, •s […] sorrow, which I may term a beginning & mother grace of many other gi••• and graces of God. It is a kind of grief conceived in heart in respect of God. And the nature of it may the better be conceived, if we compare it with the contrary. Worldly sorrow springs of sin, and it is nothing else but the horror of conscience, and the apprehension of the wrath of God for the same: now godly sorrow, it may indeed be occasioned by our sins, but it springs properly from the apprehension of the grace and goodness of God. Worldly sorrow is a grief for sin only in respect of the punishment: godly sorrow is a lively touch and grief of heart for sin because it is sin, though there were no punishment for it. Now that no man may deceive himself in judging of this sorrow, the holy Ghost hath set down seven fruits or signs th••••• whereby it may be discerned. The first is Care to leave all our sins: the second is Apology whereby a man is moved and carried to accuse & condemn himself for his sins past, both before God and men. The third is indignation, whereby a man is exceedingly angry with himself for his offences. The fourth is fear, least he fall into his former sins again. The fifth is desire, whereby he craveth strength and assistance, that his sins take not hold on him as before. The sixth is zeal, in the performance of all good duties contrary to his special sins. The seventh is revenge, whereby he subdues his o least it should hereafter be an instrument of sin as it hath been in ormer