A09339:206
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
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 actual sin of the mind, is the evil thought or intent thereof, contrary to Gods law. Examples of evil thoughts: God (the only knower of the heart) hath in divers places set down in his word. I. That there is no God, Psal. 10.4. The wicked is so proud, that he seeketh not for God, he thinketh always there is no God. Psal. 14. 1. The fool saith in his heart, there is no God. II. That there is neither providence nor presence of God in the world. Psal. 10.11. He hath said in his heart, God hath forgotten: he hideth away his face & will never see. vers. 13. Wherefore doth the wicked contemn God? he saith in his heart, thou wilt not regard. III. It imagineth safeguard to it self from all perils. Psal. 10. 6. He saith in his heart, I shall never be moved nor be in danger. Revel. 18.7. She saith in her heart, I sit being a Queen, and am no widow, and shall see no mourning. IV. It esteemeth it self more excellent than other. Apoc. 18.7. I sit as a queen. Luk. 18.11. The Pharisee standing thus, prayed to himself, I thank thee, O God, that I am not as other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, nor yet as this Publican. vers. 12. I fast twice in the week, and give tithe of all my possessions. V. That the Gospel of Gods kingdom is mere foolishness. 1. Cor. 2. 14. The natural man perceiveth not the things of the spirit of God, for they are foolishness unto him. VI. To think uncharitably & maliciously of such as serve God sincerely. Math. 12.24. When the Pharisees heard that, they said, he casteth not out devils but by the prince of devils. Psal. 74.2. They said in their hearts• Let us destroy them altogether. VII. To think the day of death far off. Isaiah 28.15. Ye have said, We have made a covenant with death, and with hell we are at agreement, though a scourge run over and pass through, it shall not come at us. VIII. That the pains of hell may be eschewed, in the place before mentioned, they say, With hell have we made agreement. IX. That God will defer his both particular and last general coming to judgement.