A09339:2987
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.
Satan. Why then wilt thou flatter thy self thou hypocrite: God cannot wink at thy sins, except he should be unjust. Wherefore there is no remedy, thou art sure to be damned: hell was provided for thee, and now it gapeth to devour thee.
Sathan. Why then wilt thou flatter thy selfe thou hypocrite: God cannot winke at thy sinnes, except he should be vniust. Wherefore there is no remedie, thou art sure to be damned: hel was prouided for thee, and now it gapeth to deuoure thee.
Christian. There is remedy enough to deliver me from condemnation. For God is not only (as thou affirmest) a Lord and a judge, but also a saving, and a most merciful father.
Christian. There is remedie enough to deliuer me from condemnation. For God is not onely (as thou affirmest) a Lord and a iudge, but also a sauing, and a most mercifull father.
Satan. But thou firebrand of hell fire, and child of perdition, look for no mercy at Gods hands, because thou art a most grievous sinner: for, 1 Original sin runneth wholly over thee, as a loathsome botch or leprosy. 2 Thy mind knoweth not the things that be of God. 3 In the law of God thou art stark blind, saving that thou hast a few principles of it to make thee inexcusable. ⟨p. 658⟩4 The Gospel is foolishness and madness unto thee: thou makest no better account of it then of thine own dream. 5 Thy conscience is corrupt, because it flattereth thee, and excuseth thy sin. 6 Thy memory keepeth and remembereth nothing, but that which is against Gods word: but things abominable and wicked, it keepeth long. 7 Thy will hath no inclination to that which is good, but only to sin and wickedness. 8 Thy affections are set only on wickedness: they are as mighty giants and princes in thee, they have thee at commandment. Remember, that for very anger thou hast bin sick: that the lust of thy flesh hath driven thee to madness: forget not thy Atheism, thy contempt of Gods word, thy inward pride, thy envy, hatred, malice, thy covetousness, and infinite other wicked desires, which have led thee captive, and made thee outrageous in all kind of naughtiness. 9 Thy actual sins committed partly in secret, partly in public, are most filthy and most infinite. Remember how in such a place, at such a time, thou diddest commit fornication: in another place thou diddest steal, &c. God saw this I warrant thee: yea, all thy sins are written in his book: wherefore thou cursed wretch, all hope of mercy is cut off from thee.