A09339:2807
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.
Men shall not then need meat, drink, clothing, sleep, recreation, fire, shade, respiration, or any other such like, but God himself immediately shall be their life, and all things concerning life by Christ. Which John signifieth when he saith, that hec saw a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God, and of the Lamb: there being by either side of it the tree of life which bare two manner of fruits, and gave fruit every month. And whereas God is continually to be worshipped in heaven: they need no other tabernacle or temple thereunto, but God himself shall be their temple: as John saith, dI saw no temple therein: for the Lord God almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. Fourthly, from this glorious communion which is between God and Christ as he is man, and all the Saints which are his members, there ariseth an unspeakable joy and gladness wherewith they are filled. David saith, ethat Gods children shall be satisfied with the fatness of his house, and that he shall give them drink out of the rivers of his pleasures. This joy undoubtedly is infinite, and the saints are not only replenished with it, but they are also swallowed up of it as with an huge and infinite sea of waters, as may appear in Peter, who at the transfiguration of Christ, was so ravished out of measure with joy at the sight of it, that he quite forgot himself, saying fto Christ, Master, it is good being here: let us make three Tabernacles, one for thee, one for Moses, and another for Elijah. Lastly, out of this communion ariseth a perfect love of God, whereby the Saints love God with all their hearts, with all their souls, and strength, and this love showeth it self in that they are eternally occupied in gworshipping God, by singing of songs of praise & thanksgiving unto him. Now then seeing the kingdom of heaven is so glorious, and none can have it but the true Christian, let all men account the best things in this world has dross and dung, so that they may obtain Christ and his righteousness.