A09339:2124
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.
Moreover, we must remember to add too this clause, I believe, and then the meaning is this. I do not only believe that God doth give pardon of sin to his Church and people (for that the very devils believe) but withal I believe the forgiveness of mine own particular sins. Hence it appears, that it was the judgement of the Primitive Church that men should believe the forgiveness of their own sins.
Moreouer, we must remember to adde too this clause, I beleeue, and then the meaning is this. I doe not onely beleeue that God doth giue pardon of sinne to his Church and people (for that the very deuills beleeue) but withall I beleeue the forgiuenes of mine owne particular sinnes. Hence it appeares, that it was the iudgement of the Primitiue Church that men should beleeue the forgiuenesse of their owne sinnes.
By this prerogative we reap endless comfort: for the pardon of sin is a most wonderful blessing, and without it every man is more miserable and wretched then the most vile creature that ever was. We lo•th the serpent or the toad; but if a man have not the pardon of his sins procured by the death and passion of Christ, he is a thousand fold worse then they. For when they die, there is the end of their woe and misery: but when man dieth without this benefit, there is the beginning of his. For first in soul till the day of judgement, and then both in body and soul for evermore, he shall enter into the endless pains and torments of hell; in which if one should continue so many thousand years as there are drops in the Ocean sea, and then be delivered, it were some ease: but having continued so long (which is an unspeakable length of time) he must remain there as long again, and after that for ever and ever without release: and therefore among all the benefits that ever were or can be thought of, this is the greatest and most precious. Among all the burdens that can befall a man, what is the greatest? Some will say, sickness, some ignominy, some poverty, some contempt: but indeed among all, the heaviest and the greatest, is the burden of a mans own sins, lying upon the conscience and pressing it down, without any assurance of pardon. David being a king had no doubt all that heart could wish; and yet he, laying aside all the royalties and pleasures of his kingdom, saith this one thing above all, that he is a blessed man that is eased of the burden of his sins.