A09339:2280
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.
3. The wants which are to be bewailed.
1. THE wants, which we in this place are taught to bewail, are specially four. The first is an inward and spiritual pride of our hearts; a sin that none or very few can see in themselves, unless the Lord open their eyes. When our first parents were tempted in paradise, the devil told them they should be as Gods: which lesson not only they, but we have learned: and we conceive of our selves, as little gods, though to the world we show it not. This hidden pride, when other sins die, it begins to get strength, and to show it self: and appears in vain thoughts, continually on every occasion ascending in the mind. As may appear in the Pharisee, whose thoughts were these when he prayed thus within himself, O God I thank thee that I am not as other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this Publican, &c. And as this was in him, so it is in us till God give grace: for so that men may have praise & glory in the world, they care not for Gods glory though it be defaced. We must therefore learn to discern this hidden corruption, and to mourn for it: for it doth poison and hinder all good desires of glorifying god, so long, as it doth or shall prevail in the heart.
1. THE wants, which we in this place are taught to bewaile, are specially foure. The first is an inward and spirituall pride of our hearts; a sinne that none or very fewe can see in themselues, vnlesse the Lord open their eies. When our first parents were tempted in paradise, the deuill told them they should be as Gods: which lesson not onely they, but we haue learned: and wee conceiue of our selues, as little gods, though to the world we shew it not. This hidden pride, when other sinnes die, it begins to get strength, and to shewe it selfe: and appeares in vaine thoughts, continually on euery occasion ascending in the mind. As may appeare in the Pharisie, whose thoughts were these when he praied thus within himselfe, O God I thanke thee that I am not as other men, extortioners, vniust, adulterers, or euen as this Publican, &c. And as this was in him, so it is in vs till God giue grace: for so that men may haue praise & glory in the world, they care not for Gods glory though it be defaced. We must therefore learne to discerne this hidden corruption, and to mourne for it: for it doth poison and hinder al good desires of glorifying god, so long, as it doth or shall preuaile in the heart.