A09339:2142
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.
Fourthly, we are taught hence to labour and strive against the natural fear of death: for if there be a resurrection of our bodies after this life, then death is but a passage or middle way from this life to eternal life. If a beggar should be commanded to put off his old rags, that he might be clothed with rich & costly garments, would he be sorry because he should stand naked a while till he were wholly bestripped of his rags? No surely; well, thus doeth God when he calls a man to death: he bids him put off his old rags of sin and corruption, and be clothed with the glorious robe of Christs righteousness: and our abode in the grave is but for a space, while corruption be put off. This is Pauls argument, saying, We know that when our earthly house of this tabernacle shall be dissolved, we have a building given of God, which is an house not made with hands but eternal in the heavens.
Fourthly, we are taught hence to labour and striue against the natural feare of death: for if there be a resurrection of our bodies after this life, then death is but a passage or middle way from this life to eternall life. If a begger should be commanded to put off his old rags, that he might be cloathed with rich & costly garments, would he be sorrie because he should stand naked a while til he were wholly bestripped of his rags? No surely; well, thus doeth God when he calls a man to death: he bids him put off his old rags of sinne and corruption, and be cloathed with the glorious robe of Christs righteousnes: and our abode in the graue is but for a space, while corruption be put off. This is Pauls argument, saying, Wee knowe that when our earthly house of this tabernacle shall be dissolued, we haue a building giuen of God, which is an house not made with hands but eternall in the heauens.
Fifthly, whereas the godly are subject to manifold afflictions and miseries, both in body and mind in this life, here they shall find a sufficient stay to quiet and calm their minds, if they consider that after this short life is ended, there will ensue a joyful resurrection. Job in the extremity of all his temptations,1