A09339:2113
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.
I am sorry to see you in this case, I hope to see you well again. I would be sorry else, &c. Not one of an hundred can speak a word of comfort to the weary: ⟨image 276⟩but we are faulty herein. For with what affection do we believe the communion of Saints, when we our selves are as dry fountains, that do scarce convey a drop of refreshing to others. The last means is prayer, whereby gods Church procureth blessings for the several members thereof and they again for the whole. And herein lies a principal point of the Communion of saints; which ministereth notable comfort to every Christian heart. For hence we may reason thus: I am indeed a member of the Catholic Church of God, and therefore though my own prayers be weak, yet my comfort is this, I know that I am partaker of all the good prayers of all the people of God dispersed over the face of the whole earth my f•llowe members, and of all the blessings which God bestows on them. This will make us in all our troubles to say with Elisha,1 Fear not, for they that be with us are more then they that be with them. When the people of Israel had sinned in worshipping the golden calf the wrath of the Lord was kindled and made a breach into them, as canon shot against a wall:2 but Moses the servant of God stood in the breach before the Lord to turn away his wrath, least he should destroy them. And the prayer of Moses was so effectual that the Lord said,3 Let me alone, as though Moses by prayer had held the hand of God that he could not punish the people. And some think that Stevens prayer for his enemies when he was stoned was a means of Pauls conversion. And surely though there were no other reason, yet this were sufficient to move a man to embrace Christian religion, considering that being a member of the Church he hath part in all the prayers of the Saints through the world, & of the blessings of god that come thereby.
I am sorrie to see you in this case, I hope to see you well againe. I would bee sorry else, &c. Not one of an hundred can speake a word of comfort to the wearie: