A09339:2567
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.
With the true professors it is far otherwise: for they have upright and honest hearts before the Lord, Luk. 8. 15. And they have faith which worketh by love. Gal. 5.6. And that Christian man which loveth God, whatsoever shall befall, yea though it were a thousand deaths, yet his heart can never be severed from the Lord and from his Saviour Christ: as the spouse speaketh unto Christ of her own love, Cant. 8.6. Set me as a seal on thy heart, as a signet upon thy arm: for love is as strong as death: jealousy is as cruel as the grave; the coals thereof are fiery coals and a vehement flame. Much water cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it: if a man should give all the substance of his house for love, they would greatly contemn it.
With the true professours it is farre otherwise: for they haue vpright and honest hearts before the Lord, Luk. 8. 15. And they haue faith which worketh by loue. Gal. 5.6. And that Christian man which loueth God, whatsoeuer shall befall, yea though it were a thousand deaths, yet his heart can neuer be seuered from the Lord and from his Sauiour Christ: as the spouse speaketh vnto Christ of her owne loue, Cant. 8.6. Set me as a seale on thy heart, as a signet vpon thy arme: for loue is as strong as death: iealousie is as cruell as the graue; the coales thereof are fierie coales and a vehement flame. Much water cannot quench loue, neither can the flouds drowne it: if a man should giue all the substance of his house for loue, they would greatly contemne it.
Wherefore (good Reader) seeing there is such a similitude and affinity between the temporary professor of the Gospel, and the true professor of the same: it is the duty of every Christian to try and examine himself whether he be in the faith or not.