A09339:3085
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.
Minister. Let me know but one thing of you: these doubtings which you feel, do you like them? or do you take any pleasure in them? and do you cherish them?
Minister. Let me know but one thing of you: these doubtings which you feele, doe you like them? or doe you take any pleasure in them? and doe you cherish them?
Christian. Nay, nay, they appear very vile in mine eyes, and I do abhor them from my heart: and I would fain believe.
Christian. Nay, nay, they appeare very vile in mine eies, and I do abhorre them from my heart: and I would faine beleeue.
Minister. 1In man we must consider his estate by nature, and his estate by grace. In the first, he and his flesh are all one, for they are as man & wife: therefore one is accessory to the doings of the other. When the flesh sinneth the man also sinneth, that is in subjection to the flesh; yea when the flesh perisheth the man likewise perisheth, being in this estate, with the flesh; a loving couple they are, they live and die together. But in the estate of grace, though a man have the flesh in him,2 yet he and his flesh are divorced asunder. This divorcement is made when a man begins to dislike and to hate his flesh, and the evil fruits of it: this separation being made, they are no more one but twain, and the one hath nothing to do with the other. In this case though the flesh beget sin, & perish therefore, yet the Christian man shall not incur damnation for it. To come more near the matter; you say the flesh begets in you waverings, doubtings, and distrustings: what then? it troubleth you, but fear not, remember your estate; you are divorced from the flesh, and you are new married unto Christ: if these sins be laid at your door, account them not as your children, but renounce them as Bastards: say with Paul, I doubt indeed, but I hate my doubtings, and I am no cause of these, but the flesh in me which shall perish when I shall be saved by Christ.