A09339:2495
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.
The Exposition.
This prayer contains three parts. In the first, Paul prayeth for increase of love in the Philippians, whether it be to God or men, v. 9. and he shows the means of increase, which are two: knowledge and sense, or feeling. For (to go backward) the more a godly man feels Gods love, and hath experience of Gods word in himself; the more he knows of Gods word, and perceives his love unto him: the more he loves God again, and his neighbour for his sake.
THis praier containes three parts. In the first, Paul praieth for increase of loue in the Philippians, whether it be to God or men, v. 9. and he shewes the meanes of increase, which are two: knowledge and sense, or feeling. For (to goe backeward) the more a godly man feels Gods loue, and hath experience of Gods word in himselfe; the more he knowes of Gods word, and perceiues his loue vnto him: the more he loues God againe, and his neighbour for his sake.
The second thing prayed for, is the gift of discerning, whereby men know, what is true, what false: what is to be done, what to be left undone: the ends of this gift are two. The first, that by means of it, they may be pure and sincere: that is, keep a good conscience before God and men in their lives and callings. The second is, to be without offence: that is, innocent, giving no occasion of evil to any, and not taking them offered by others: and the continuance of those is noted to the day of Christ; which is the time in which he cometh to us, either by our death, or by the last judgement.
The second thing praied for, is the gift of discerning, whereby men know, what is true, what false: what is to be done, what to be left vndone: the endes of this gift are two. The first, that by meanes of it, they may be pure and sincere: that is, keepe a good conscience before God and men in their liues and calings. The second is, to be without offence: that is, innocent, giuing no occasion of euill to any, and not taking them offered by others: and the continuance of those is noted to the day of Christ; which is the time in which he commeth to vs, either by our death, or by the last iudgement.