A09339:2209
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
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.
Objection. What need any man pray unto God, considering he knows what we want before we ask, and is ready and willing to give that which we ⟨p. 526⟩crave. Ans. We pray not for this end to manifest our case to God as though he knew it not, or to win and procure his favour and good will, but for other weighty ends. First, that we might show our submission and obedience to God, because he hath given us a direct commandment to pray, and it must be obeyed. Secondly, that we may by invocation show forth that we do indeed believe and repent: because God hath made the promise of remission of sins and of all good blessings to such as do indeed repent and humble themselves under the hand of God, and by true faith apprehend and apply the promises of God unto themselves. Thirdly, we pray to God that we may (as our duty is) acknowledge him to be the fountain, author, and giver of every good thing. Lastly, that we might ease our minds by pouring out our hearts before the Lord: for to this end hath he made most sweet and comfortable promises. Pro. 16.3. Psal. 37.5.
Obiection. What neede any man pray vnto God, considering hee knowes what we want before we aske, and is readie and willing to giue that which we ⟨p. 526⟩craue. Ans. We pray not for this ende to manifest our case to God as though he knewe it not, or to winne and procure his fauour and good will, but for other weightie endes. First, that we might shew our submission and obedience to God, because he hath giuen vs a direct commandement to pray, and it must be obeyed. Secondly, that we may by inuocation shewe forth that wee doe indeede beleeue and repent: because God hath made the promise of remission of sinnes and of all good blessings to such as doe indeede repent and humble themselues vnder the hand of God, and by true faith apprehend and applie the promises of God vnto themselues. Thirdly, we pray to God that wee may (as our dutie is) acknowledge him to be the fountaine, author, and giuer of euery good thing. Lastly, that we might ease our mindes by powring out our hearts before the Lord: for to this ende hath he made most sweete and comfortable promises.