A09339:2008
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 second is a strange affection wrought in the heart by the spirit of God, whereby a man doth so esteem and value, and as it were, set so high a price on Christ and his righteousness, that he accounts even the most precious things that are, to be but as dung in regard thereof.1 This affection was in Paul, and it is expressed in the parable in which after a man hath found a treasure, he first ⟨p. 465⟩hides it, and then sells all he hath and makes a purchase of the field where it is. Now every man will say of himself, that he is thus affected to Christ, and that he more highly esteems the least drop of his blood, then all things in the world beside: whereas indeed most men are of Esau's mind, rather desiring the red broth then Isaaks blessing; and of the same affection with the Israelites, which liked better the onions and flesh pots of Egypt, then the blessings of God in the land of promise. Therefore that no man may deceive himself, this affection may be discerned by two signs. The first is to love and like a Christian man because he is a Christian. For he that doth aright esteem of Christ, doth in like manner esteem of the members of Christ. And of this very point our Saviour Christ saith,2 he that receiveth a Prophet in the name of a prophet, shall receive a Prophets reward, and he that receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man, shall receive the reward of a righteous man. And Saint John saith, Hereby we know that we are translated from death to life, because we love the brethren: that is, such as are members, even because they are so. The second sign of this affection is a love and desire to the coming of Christ, whether it be by death unto any man particularly, or by the last judgement universally, and that for this end that there may be a full participation of fellowship with Christ. And that this very love is a note of adoption, it appears by that which S. Paul saith,3 that the crown of righteousness is laid up for all them that love the appearing of Christ.
The second is a strange affection wrought in the heart by the spirit of God, whereby a man doth so esteeme and value, and as it were, set so high a price on Christ and his righteousnesse, that he accounts euen the most pretious things that are, to be but as dung in regard thereof.