A09339:2993
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. If Gods purpose were not to condemn thee, persuade thy self, he would never lay so many afflictions and crosses on thee, as he doth. What is this want of good name? this weakness and sickness of thy body? these terrors of the mind? this dullness and frowardness of thy heart? what are all these (I say) and many other evils, but the beginnings and certain flashings of the fire of hell?
Sathan. If Gods purpose were not to condemne thee, perswade thy selfe, he would neuer lay so many afflictions and crosses on thee, as he doth. What is this want of good name? this weaknesse and sicknesse of thy bodie? these terrours of the minde? this dulnesse and frowardnes of thy heart? what are all these (I say) and many other euills, but the beginnings and certaine flashings of the fire of hell?
Christian. 1Nay, rather my afflictions are lively testimonies of my salvation. For God as a loving father, partly by them, as with scourges chasteneth my disobedience,2 and bringeth me into order: partly conformeth me unto my Saviour Christ,3 and so by little and little, layeth open to me mine own sins, that I may dislike my self and hate them:4 and maketh me to renounce the world, thy eldest son, and stirreth me up to call upon him, and to pray earnestly with groans & sighs,5 which I am not able to express with any words as I feel them.
Christian. 1Nay, rather my afflictions are liuely testimonies of my saluation. For God as a louing father, partly by them, as with scourges chasteneth my disobedience,