A09339:2111
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 branch of their communion, is in the gifts of Gods spirit, as love, hope, fear, &c. And this is showed, when one man doth employ the graces of God bestowed on him, for the good and salvation of another. As a candle spendeth it self to give light to others: so must Gods people spend those gifts which God hath given them for the benefit of their brethren. A Christian man howsoever he be the freest man upon earth, yet is he servant to all men,1 especially to the Church of God to do service unto the members of it by love for the good of all. And this good is procured, when we convey the graces of God bestowed on us to our brethren: and that is done five ways. I. by example: II. by admonition: III. by exhortation: IV. by consolation: V. by prayer. The first, which is good example, we are enjoined by Christ, saying,2 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your father which in heaven. And that our hearts might be touched with special care of this duty, the Lord sets before us his own blessed example, saying,3 Be ye holy as I am holy: and, Learn of me that I am meek and lowly. And Paul sayeth, Be ye followers of me as I follow Christ: and the higher men are exalted, the more careful ought they to be in giving good example. […] ⟨image 275⟩[…] ⟨image 275⟩⟨image 276⟩For let a man of note or estimation do evil, and he shall presently have many followers. Evil example runs from one to an other l•ke a leprosy or infection: & this Christ signified when he said that the figtree planted in the vineyard,4 If it bears no fruit makes all the ground barren. The second means of communication of the gifts of god unto others, is admonition, which is an ordinance of God whereby christian men are to recover their brethren from their sins. A man by occasion fallen into the water is in danger of his life; & the reaching of the hand by another is the means to save him. Now every man when he sinneth doth, as much as in him lieth, cast his soul into the very pit of hell: and wholesome admonitions are as the reaching out of the hand to recover him again. But it will peradventure be said, how must we proceed in admonishing of others? Ans. We are to observe three things. The first is, to search whether we that are to reprove, be faulty our selves in the same thing or no.