A09339:2393
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 use.
3. The vse.
The use of this clause is very profitable, for it shows us a lively sign, whereby our consciences may be assured of the pardon of our sins, namely a readiness and willing desire to forgive men. Many use these words long and often, yet find no assurance of pardon: and the cause is, because they have no desire of Gods mercy, nor willingness to forgive others, which if indeed they had, then no doubt the forgiveness of their sins should by this means be sealed unto them. Wherefore if any would be persuaded of Gods mercy in this point, let them descend into their own souls, and search narrowly, if they can find their hearts as ready to forgive, as they are ready to desire forgiveness at gods hand, then they may assure themselves of gods mercy in Christ, as we are taught by our Saviour Christ• Mat. 5.7. Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy. Consider these comparisons. A man walking under a wall in a cold sunny day, is heated of the wall which first received heat from the Sun: so he that showeth mercy to others, hath first received mercy from God. Also take a piece of wax, and put to a seal; it leaveth an impression or mark like it self in the wax: which when a man looks on, he doeth certainly know that there hath been a seal, the print whereof is left behind. Even so it is in every one that hath a readiness to forgive others: by which a Christian may easily know that God hath sealed to him the forgiveness of his sins in his very heart: therefore let men look into their hearts, whether they have any affection to forgive others, for that is as it were the print in their hearts of Gods mercy towards them in forgiving them.