A09339:3049
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.
IV.
In the Law, these are most effectual meditations to humble and bridle the §1flesh, which follow. First, meditate on the greatness of thy sins, and of their infinite number: and if it may be, gather them into a catalogue, set it before thee: and look unto it, that thou think no sin to be a small sin, no not §2the bare thoughts and motions of thy heart. Often with diligence consider the strange judgements of God upon men, for their sins, which thou shalt find, §3partly in the Scriptures, partly by daily experience. Doubtless thou must think, that every judgement of God, is a sermon of repentance. Think oft on the fearful curse of the law due unto thee, if thou shouldest sin never §4but once in all thy life, and that never so little. Remember, that whensoever thou committest a sin,1 God is present, and his holy Angels, and that he is an eye-witness, that he taketh a note of thy sin, and registereth it in a book. Think daily of thy end: and know that God may strike thee with sudden death every moment: and that, if then thou have not repented before that time, there is no hope of salvation. Think on the sudden coming of our Saviour Christ to judgement, let it move thee continually to watch & pray. If these will not move thee, think on this, that no creature in heaven or in earth, was able to pacify the wrath of God for thy sins: but his own Son must come down from heaven, out of his Fathers bosom, and must bear the curse of the law, even the full wrath of his Father, for thee.
In the Law, these are most effectuall meditations to humble and bridle the §1