A09339:2038
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 uses which respects our lives and conversations are manifold. First, seeing God hath elected some to salvation, & hath also laid down the means in his holy word whereby we may come to the knowledge of our particular election, we must therefore as Saint Peter counselleth us,1 give all diligence to make our election sure. In the world men are careful and painful enough to make assurance of lands and goods to themselves and to their posterity: what a shame is it then for us, that we should be slack in making sure to our selves the election of God, which is more worth then all the world beside? and if we shall continue to be slack herein, the leases of our lands and houses and all other temporal assurances shall be bills of accusation against us at the day of judgement to condemn us. Secondly, by this doctrine we are taught to live godly and righteously in this present world; because all those whom God hath chosen to salvation, he hath also appointed to live in newness of life, as Saint Paul saith,2 God hath chosen us in Christ before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him. And again,3 We are created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath ordained that we should walk in them. And,4 God hath chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the spirit and faith of the truth. The Elect are vessels of honour: 5and therefore all those that will be of the number of the Elect, must carry themselves as vessels of honour. For so long as they lie in their sins they be like vessels of dishonour, employing themselves to the most base service that can be, even to the service of the devil. The sun was ordained to shine in the day, and the moon in the night, and that order they keep; yea every creature in his kind observeth the course appointed unto it by creation, as the grass to grow, and trees to bring forth fruit: now the elect were ordained to this end to lead a godly life; and therefore if we would either persuade our selves or the world, that we are indeed chosen to salvation, we must be plentiful in all good works, and make conscience of every evil way: and to do otherwise, is as much as to change the order of nature, and as if the sun should cease to shine by