A09339:2370
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.
1. The Coherence.
This is the fifth petition and the second of those which concern our selves: in the former we craved temporal blessings, in this and the next which followeth, we crave spiritual blessings. Where we may note, that seeing there is two petitions, which concern spiritual things, and but one for temporal; that the care for our souls must be double, to the care of our bodies. In the world men care for their bodies, their hearts are set for wealth and promotion: they can be content to hear the word on the Sabbath, yet neither then, nor in the week day do they lay it up in their hearts, and practise it, which argues that they have little or no care for their souls.
THis is the fift petition and the second of those which concerne our selues: in the former we craued temporall blessings, in this and the next which followeth, we craue spirituall blessings. Where we may note, that seeing there is two petitions, which concerne spirituall things, and but one for temporall; that the care for our soules must be double, to the care of our bodies. In the world men care for their bodies, their hearts are set for wealth and promotion: they can be content to heare the word on the Sabbath, yet neither then, nor in the weeke day doe they lay it vp in their hearts, and practise it, which argues that they haue little or no care for their soules.
Question. What is the cause that first we crave things for the body, and in the second place those which concern the soul? Ans. The order of the holy Ghost in these petitions is wonderful: for the Lord considers the dullness and backwardness of mens natures: and therefore he trains them up, and draws them on by little, even as a schoolmaster doth his young scholars: propounding unto them some small elements and principles, and so carrying them to higher points. For the former petition is a step or degree to these two following. The ruler by the healing of the body of his child is brought to believe in Christ.