A09339:2129
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.
Lastly, if we believe the pardon of our sins, then we must change the tenor and course of our lives, and take heed of breaking Gods commandments by doing any of those things, whereof our consciences may accuse us, and tell us, that by them we have displeased God heretofore. A man that for some misdemeanour hath been cast into prison and lien there many years winter and summer in cold irons, when he obtains liberty, he will often bethink himself of his old misery, and take heed for ever least he fall into the same offence again: and he which hath seen his own sins and •elt the smart of them, and withal by Gods goodness obtained assurance touching the pardon of them, will never wittingly and willingly commit the like sinne• any more, but in all things change the course of his life. As for such as say, that they have the pardon of their sins, and yet live in them still; they deceive themselves and have no faith at all.
Lastly, if we beleeue the pardon of our sinnes, then we must change the tenour and course of our liues, and take heede of breaking Gods commandements by doing any of those things, whereof our consciences may accuse vs, and tell vs, that by them we haue displeased God heretofore. A man that for some misdemeanour hath beene cast into prison and lien there many yeares winter and sommer in cold irons, when he obtaines libertie, he will often bethinke himselfe of his old miserie, and take heede for euer least he fall into the same offence againe: and he which hath seene his owne sinnes and •elt the smart of them, and withall by Gods goodnes obtained assurance touching the pardon of them, will neuer wittingly and willingly commit the like sinne• any more, but in all things change the course of his life. As for such as say, that they haue the pardon of their sinnes, and yet liue in them still; they deceiue themselues and haue no faith at all.
Thus much for the second benefit which God bestoweth on his Church, namely remission of sins: now followeth the third in these words: The resurrection of the body. In the handling whereof sundry points must be considered. The first, whether there be a resurrection or no? This question must needs be handled, because Epicures and Atheists in all ages, and at this day some do call this article in question. Now that there is a resurrection of the body after death, it may be proved by many arguments, whereof I will only touch the principal. The first is taken from the work of redemption. Saint John writeth,