A09339:2112
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.
First we must take out the beam that is in our own eye, and so shall we see clearly to pull out the mote in our brothers eye. Secondly, before we reprove, we must be sure that the fault is committed: we must not go upon hear-say or likelihoods: and therefore the holy Ghost saith,1 Let us consider or observe one another to provoke unto love or good works. Thirdly, before we reprove, we must in Christian wisdom make choice of time and place: for all times and places •erue not to this purpose. And therefore Solomon saith, It is the glory of a man to pass by an offence. Furthermore in the act of admonishing, two things are to be observed: I. a man must deliver the words of his admonition (so far forth as he can) out of the word of God, so as the party which is admonished, may in the person of man see God himself to reprove him. II. his reproof must be made with as much compassion and fellow feeling of other mens wants as may be. As Paul saith,2 If any man be fallen by occasion into any fault, ye which are spiritual arestore such an one with the spirit of meekness. The third way of communicating good things to others is exhortation: and it is a means to excite and stir them on forward, which do already walk in the way of godliness. Therefore the holy Ghost saith, Exhort one another daily, least any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. But alas the practise of this duty, as also of the former is hard to be found among men; for it is usual in families that masters and fathers in stead of admonishing their servants and children, teach them the practise of sin in swearing, blaspheming, slandering, &c. and as for exhortation, it is not used. Let a man that hath the fear of God offend never so little, in stead of brotherly exhortation he shall hear his profession cast in his teeth, and his hearing of sermons: this practise is so general, that many beginning newly to tread in the steppes of godliness, are hereby daunted, and quite driven back. The fourth way is consolation, which is a means appointed by God whereby one man should with words of heavenly comfort refresh the souls of others afflicted with sickness or any other way feeling the hand of God either in body or in mind. And this duty is as little regarded as any of the former. In time of mens sickness neighbours come in, but what say they?