A09339:2906
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.
Timoth. Another thing I would know of you, which now cometh to my mind, I have a Landlord, he seemeth to be a very good man, he countenanceth all the good preachers in our country, and he rideth usually ten miles to hear sermons: I hold of him a house and a little land, not scarce enough to find my poor family: my lease is come out, and I have taken a new lease, but I have payed such a great fine, and my yearly rents are so racked, that I fear I and all my household are like to beg our bread: this is it disquieteth me, and almost maketh me at my wits end, what is your counsel and advise?
Timoth. Another thing I would know of you, which now commeth to my minde, I haue a Landlord, he seemeth to be a very good man, he countenanceth all the good preachers in our countrie, and hee rideth vsually ten miles to heare sermons: I holde of him a house and a little land, not scarse enough to finde my poore familie: my lease is come out, and I haue taken a newe lease, but I haue paied such a great fine, and my yearely rents are so racked, that I feare I and all my housholde are like to begge our bread: this is it disquieteth me, and almost maketh me at my wits ende, what is your counsell and aduise?
Euseb. Surely, it maketh my heart to bleed to see how many men brag of the gospel, and yet what little fruit the gospel hath in them, and what little love they show, even they which abound in rents and lands. My poor advise is this, that you would with patience depend upon Gods providence. It is said, Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth. Then let all the world study to do you wrong, yea, let them study to bring you to extreme misery, & do it too: yet if you be meek, you shall have food and raiment enough for you and yours. And no doubt, God (who is always true of his promise) shall raise up some to help you. And my counsel is that you give your Landlord ⟨p. 642⟩now and then a capon, now a pig, now a goose; and if you be able • lamb or a calf, and let your wife visit your landlady now and then with spiced cakes, with apples, pears, cherries, and such like: and be you ready with your oxen, or horses, five or six times in the year, to fetch home their wood to plough their land, then no doubt God may soften their hearts and move them to have some pity and compassion on your poor estate.