A09339:2305
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.
The wants which we in this petition are to mourn for, are of two sorts: some concern our own selves, some others. That which concerns our own persons is a bondage and slavery under sin and Satan. This bondage indeed is weakened in Gods servants, but none is wholly freed from it in this life. Paul complains that he is sold under sin, and cries pitifully, O miserable man that I am, who shall deliver me from this body of death?
The wants which we in this petition are to mourne for, are of two sorts: some concerne our owne selues, some others. That which concerns our owne persons is a bondage and slauerie vnder sinne and Satan. This bondage indeede is weakned in Gods seruants, but none is wholly freed from it in this life. Paul complaines that he is sold vnder sinne, and cries pitifully, O miserable man that I am, who shall deliuer me from this bodie of death?
Question. What difference is then between the godly and the wicked? Ans. The evil and ungodly man in the very middest of his bondage hath a merry heart: sin is no trouble to him, nay it is meat & drink to him. But the godly man is otherwise minded: who considering the power of the devil, and hi• craft in manifold fearful temptations; and seeing the proneness of his rebellious nature ever and anon to start away from God, is grieved and confounded in himself, and his heart bleeds within him that he doth offend so merciful a father.
Question. What difference is then betweene the godly and the wicked? Ans. The euill and vngodly man in the very middest of his bondage hath a merrie heart: sinne is no trouble to him, nay it is meat & drinke to him. But the godly man is otherwise minded: who considering the power of the deuill, and hi craft in manifold fearefull temptations; and seeing the pronenesse of his rebellious nature euer and anon to start away from God, is grieued and confounded in himselfe, and his heart bleedes within him that he doth offend so mercifull a father.