A09339:2012
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.
Here some will demand how a man may be assured of his adoption, if he want the testimony of the spirit to certify him thereof. Ans. Fire is known to be no painted but a true fire, by two notes; by heat, and by the flame: now if the case fall out that the fire want a flame, it is still known to be fire by the heat. In like manner, as I have said, there be two witnesses of our adoption, Gods spirit, and our spirit: now if it fall out that a man feel not the principal, which is the spirit of adoption, he must then have recourse to the second witness, and search out in himself the signs and tokens of the sanctification of his own spirit, by which he may certainly assure himself of his adoption, as we know fire to be fire by the heat though it want a flame.
Here some will demand how a man may be assured of his adoption, if he want the testimonie of the spirit to certifie him thereof. Ans. Fire is knowne to be no painted but a true fire, by two notes; by heate, and by the flame: now if the case fall out that the fire want a flame, it is still knowne to be fire by the heate. In like manner, as I haue saide, there be two witnesses of our adoption, Gods spirit, and our spirit: now if it fall out that a man feele not the principall, which is the spirit of adoption, he must then haue recourse to the second witnesse, and search out in himselfe the signes and tokens of the sanctification of his owne spirit, by which he may certenly assure himselfe of his adoption, as we know fire to be fire by the heate though it want a flame.
Again it may be demanded on this manner: how if it come to pass that after inquiry, we find but few signs of sanctification in our selves. Ans. In this case we are to have recourse to the least measure of grace, less then which, there is no saving grace; and it stands in two things: an hearty disliking of our sins because they are sins, and a desire of reconciliation with God in Christ for them all: and these are tokens of adoption, if they be soundly wrought in the heart, though all other tokens for the present seem to be wanting. If any shall say, that a wicked man may have this desire, as Balaam, who desired to die the death of the righteous: the answer is, that Balaam indeed desired to die as the righteous man doth, but he could not abide to live as the righteous: he desired the end, but not the proper subordinate means