A09339:2768
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.
LII.
Thus much of faith and the benefits that come by faith: Now followeth the spiritual exercise of a Christian in his manifold temptations,1 which are in this life inseparable companions of grace. The reason is, because the devil hateth Christ with a deadly hatred, and showeth this hatred in a continual persecution of his members: (as Saint John saith) sthe dragon was wroth with the woman and went and made war with the remnant of her seed, which kept the commandments of god, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. Now therefore as soon as Christ Jesus beginneth to show any token of his love to any man, the devil contrariwise showeth forth his enmity, and stirs up his fellow champions the flesh and the world to war against him for his confusion. And furthermore the Lord in great wisdom permits temptations to the last end of a Christian man lifet to try his faith, to purge him of sin, to humble him, and to make him depend of his Majesty, to quicken and revive the graces of his spirit, which otherwise would be dead and decay.
Thus much of faith and the benefits that come by faith: Nowe followeth the spirituall exercise of a Christian in his manifold temptations,1 which are in this life inseparable companions of grace. The reason is, because the deuil hateth Christ with a deadly hatred, and sheweth this hatred in a continual persecution of his members: (as Saint Iohn saith)