A09339:2696
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.
XXI.
No Christian attaineth to this full assurance at the first, but in some continuance of time, after that for a long space he hath kept a good conscience before God, and before men: and hath had divers experiences of Gods love and favour towards him in Christ. This Paul declareth to the Romans: lin afflictions God sheds abroad his love in their hearts, by the holy Ghost, which is given to them: but how? by degrees: for from afflictions ariseth patience, from patience cometh experience, from experience hope, and hope never maketh ashamed, or disappointeth him of eternal life. This is evident in Davids practise: mDoubtless, saith he, kindness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall live a long season in the house of the Lord. Mark this his resolute persuasion: and consider how he came unto it: namely, by experience of Gods favour at sundry times, and after sundry manners. For before he set down this resolution, he numbered up diverse benefits received of the Lord: that nhe fed him in green pastures, and led him by the refreshing waters of Gods word: that he restoreth him and leadeth him in the paths of righteousness: that he strengtheneth him in great dangers, even of death, and preserveth him: that in despite of his enemies, he enriched him with many benefits. By means of all these mercies of God bestowed on him, he came to be persuaded of the continuance of the favour of God towards him. Again David said before King Saul, oLet no mans heart fail because of Goliath: Thy servant will go and fight with the Philistine. And Saul said