A09339:2126
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.
Though many drowsy Protestants esteem nothing of it, yet to the touched conscience it is a treasure, which when a man finds, he hides it, and goes home and sells all that he hath and buys it. Therefore this benefit is most excellent, and for it the members of Gods Church have great cause to give God thanks without ceasing.
Though many drousie Protestants esteeme nothing of it, yet to the touched conscience it is a treasure, which when a man findes, he hides it, and goes home and sells all that he hath and buies it. Therefore this bene•it is most excellent, and for it the members of Gods Church haue great cause to giue God thankes without ceasing.
The duties to be learned hence are these. And first of all here comes a common fault of men to be rebuked. Every one will say, that he believeth the remission of sins, yet no man almost laboureth for a true and certain persuasion hereof in his own conscience: and for proof hereof, propound this question to the common Christian; Doest thou persuade thy self, that God gives remission of sins unto his Church? The answer will be, I know and believe it. But ask him further: Doest thou believe the pardon of thine own sins? & then comes in a blind answer, I have a good hope to God-ward, but I can not tell, I think no man can say so much: for God saith to no man, thy sins are pardoned. But this is to speak flat contraries, to say they believe, and they can not tell: & it bewrays exceeding negligence in matter of salvation. But let them that fear God, or love their own souls health, give all diligence to make sure the remission of their own sins: withal, avoiding hardness of heart, and drowsiness of spirit, the most fearful judgements of God which every where take place. The foolish virgins went forth to meet the bridegroom with lamps in their hands as well as the wise, but they never so much as dreamed of the horn of oil, till the coming of the bridegroom. So many men live in the Church of God as members thereof, holding up the lamp of glorious profession: but in the mean season they seek only for the things of this life; never casting, how they may assure themselves in conscience touching their reconciliation with God, till the day of death come.