A09339:2734
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.
XXXIX.
The second affection is the fear of God,1 a most excellent and wonderful grace of God. Solomon ematcheth it, yea and preferreth it too, before all things in this world, making it the end of all. Without it a man cannot be wise, it is the first step to wisdom, fin it is assured strength: also it is a wellspring of life to eschew the snares of death. The Churches of Judea being in peace, were edified, and walked in the gfear of GOD, and were abundantly filled with the comfort of the holy ghost. In this fear of GOD there be two parts: the first is a persuasion in the heart, that a man is in Gods presence wheresoever he is, and when he by infirmity forgets GOD, a drawing of himself into Gods presence. As it was in David, hI have (saith he) set the Lord always before me. For he is at my right hand, therefore I shall not slide. And this his being in the presence of God, he setteth down most excellently in the 139 Psalm. iEnoch walked with God. kAbraham is commanded to walk before God and to be upright. The second part of the fear of God is, in Gods presence to stand in awe of him; which is when a man takes heed to his ways least he offend God. This advise David gives to Sauls Counsellors. l