A09339:2329
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.
4. Graces to be desired.
1. The first thing which we are here to desire is, that we may have grace to deny our selves, wills, and affections: because herein we are unlike to God, and like the devil. This is the first lesson that our Saviour doth give his disciples, that they must deny themselves and follow him.
1. THe first thing which we are here to desire is, that we may haue grace to denie our selues, wils, and affections: because herein wee are vnlike to God, and like the deuill. This is the first lesson that our Sauiour doth giue his disciples, that they must denie themselues and follow him.
2. The second thing is the knowledge of Gods will: for otherwise how shall we do it? How can that servant please his master, which cannot tell what he would have done of him? Most men will have books of statutes in their houses, and if they be to deal in any great matter, they will do nothing before they have looked on the statute. In like manner men should have the bible, that is, the book of Gods statutes in their houses: the laws of God must be the men of our counsel: before every action we are to search what is the will of God, and then to do it. Here then we are taught to use the means, and to pray for knowledge.
2. The second thing is the knowledge of Gods will: for otherwise howe shall we doe it? How can that seruant please his master, which cannot tel what he would haue done of him? Most men will haue bookes of statutes in their houses, and if they be to deale in any great matter, they will doe nothing before they haue looked on the statute. In like manner men should haue the bible, that is, the booke of Gods statutes in their houses: the lawes of God must be the men of our counsell: before euery action we are to search what is the will of God, and then to doe it. Here then we are taught to vse the meanes, and to pray for knowledge.