A09339:2565
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.
Now, of these and such like fruits, this may be added: though they are not sound, yet they are void of that gross kind of hypocrisy. For the minds of those Professors ⟨p. 573⟩are in part enlightened, and their hearts are endued with such a faith,1 as may bring forth these fruits for a time: and therefore herein they dissemble not that faith which they have not: but rather show that which they have. Add hereunto, that a man being in this estate, may deceive himself; and the most godly in the world, which have the greatest gifts of discerning, how they and their brethren stand before the Lord: like as the figtree with green leaves deceived our Saviour Christ as he was man: for when in his hunger he came unto it to have had some fruit he found none.
Now, of these and such like fru•ts, this may be added: though they are not sound, yet they are void of that grosse kind of hypocrisie. For the mindes of those Professors ⟨p. 573⟩are in part enlightened, and their hearts are indued with such a faith,1 as may bring forth these fruits for a time: and therefore herein they •issemble not that faith which they haue not: but rather shew that which they haue. Adde hereunto, that a man beeing in this estate, may deceiue himselfe; and the most godly in the world, which haue the greatest gifts of discerning, how they and their brethren stand before the Lord: like as the figtree with greene leaues deceiued our Sauiour Christ as he was man: for when in his hunger he came vnto it to haue had some fruit he found none.
- 1Mark, that there is a true faith, wrought by the holy Ghost, very like saving faith, yet not saving faith.Marke, that there is a true faith, wrought by the holy Ghost, very like sauing faith, yet not sauing faith.