A09339:3031
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. Yea, but thou hast no faith at all.
Sathan. Yea, but thou hast no faith at all.
Christian. I have had faith.
Christian. I haue had faith.
Satan. Thou never hadst true faith: for in time past, when according to thine opinion thou didst believe, then thou hadst nothing but a shadow of faith and a foolish imagination, which all hypocrites have.
Sathan. Thou neuer hadst true faith: for in time past, when according to thine opinion thou didst beleeue, then thou hadst nothing but a shadow of faith and a foolish imagination, which all hypocrites haue.
Christian. 1I will put my trust in God for ever, and his former mercies shewmed me heretofore strengthen me now in this my weakness. 1 He created me when I was nothing. 2 He created me a man, when he might have made me an ugly toad. 3 He made me of comely body, and of good discretion, whereas he might have made me ugly, and deformed, frantic and mad. 4 I was borne in the days of knowledge, when I might have bin borne in the time of ignorance and superstition. 5 I was borne of Christian parents, but God might have given me either Turks or Jews, or some other savage people for my parents. 6 I might have perished in my mothers womb, but he hath preserved me, and provided for me by his providence even unto this hour. 7 Soon after my birth, God might have cast me into hell, but contrariwise I was baptized, and so received the seal of his blessed covenant. 8 I have had by Gods goodness some sorrow for my sins past, and have called on him, in hope and confidence that he would hear me. 9 God might have concealed his word from me, but I have heard the plentiful preaching of it: I understand it, and have received comfort by it. 10 Lastly, at this time God might pour his full wrath on me: which he doth not, but mercifully maketh me to feel mine own wants, that I might be humbled, and give all glory unto him for his blessings. Wherefore, there is no cause why I should be disquieted: but I will trust still in the Lord, and depend on him, as I have done.