A Golden Chain

And I a poor and wretched sinner felt so great mercy that in my self I was most sure that God would not forsake me, or ever withdraw his mercy & love from me. And I boldly cried out with Paul, saying, Who shall separate me from the love of God, &c. Finally, as before when I was bound to the devil, & his will, I wrought all manner of wickedness, for I could do no otherwise, it was my nature: even so now since I am coupled to God by Christs blood, I do good freely, because of the spirit, & this my nature. And thus I trust I have satisfied your fi•st demand.

And I a poore and wretched sinner felt so great mercie that in my selfe I was most sure that God would not forsake me, or euer withdraw his mercy & loue frō me. And I boldly cryed out with Paul, saying, Who shall separate me from the loue of God, &c. Finally, as before when I was bound to the deuil, & his will, I wrought all manner of wickednes, for I could do no otherwise, it was my nature: euen so now since I am coupled to God by Christs blood, I do good freely, because of the spirit, & this my nature. And thus I trust I haue satisfied your fi•st demād.

Timoth. Yea, but me thinks you do too much condemn your self in respect of sin. For I can remember that from your childhood you were of a good and gentle nature, and your behaviour was always honest and civil, & you could never abide the company of them that were roisters and ruffians, & swearers, and blasphemers, and contemners of Gods word, and drunkards, which now are termed good fellows. And your dealing with all men hath bin ever commended for good, faithful and just. What mean you then to make your self so abominable and accursed, and to say, you were so wholly addicted unto wickedness, and your will so fearfully and miserably in captivity unto the will of the devil.

Timoth. Yea, but me thinkes you doe too much condemne your selfe in respect of sinne. For I can remember that from your childhood you were of a good and gentle nature, and your behauiour was alwaies honest and ciuil, & you could neuer abide the companie of them that were roysters and ruffians, & swearers, and blasphemers, and contemners of Gods word, and drunkards, which nowe are tearmed good fellowes. And your dealing with all men hath bin euer commended for good, faithfull and iust. What meane you then to make your selfe so abominable and accursed, and to say, you were so whollie addicted vnto wickednesse, and your will so fearefully and miserably in captiuitie vnto the will of the deuil.