A09339:2355
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.
A second cause is to teach us that there is a particular providence. All men willingly confess the general providence of GOD over all things: but beside that we must acknowledge another more special providence, even in the least things that be: because every morsel of bread which we eat, would no more nourish us then a piece of earth, or a stone, unless God give his blessing unto it.
A second cause is to teach vs that there is a particular prouidence. All men willingly confesse the generall prouidence of GOD ouer all things: but beside that we must acknowledge another more speciall prouidence, euen in the least things that be: because euery morsell of bread which we eate, would no more nourish vs then a peece of earth, or a stone, vnlesse God giue his blessing vnto it.
Daily] The word in the original is thus much in effect, Bread unto our essence or substances: then the meaning is, give us such bread from day to day, as may nourish our substances. Thus prayeth Agur, Prou. 30. 8. Feed me with food convenient for me. Some there are which put an Angelical perfection in fasting: but we are taught in Scriptures; that as above all things we are to seek for life eternal; so we must in this life have care to sustain and maintain our natural life, that we may have convenient space and time to repent, and prepare our selves to the kingdom of heaven. Fasting in it self as it is an abstinence from meat, is no part of Gods worship, but in it own nature, a thing indifferent: and therefore it is to be used so far forth as it shall further us in Gods service, and no further. And seeing we are taught to pray for such food as shall preserve nature, and maintain the vital blood, we ought not to use fasting to the hindrance or destruction of nature.
Daily] The word in the originall is thus much in effect, Bread vnto our essence or substances: then the meaning is, giue vs such bread from day to day, as may nourish our substances. Thus praieth Agur, Prou. 30. 8