A09339:3092
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. Faith standeth not in the feeling of Gods mercy, but in the apprehending of it,1 which apprehending may be when there is no feeling; for faith is of invisible things, and when a man once cometh to enjoy the thing believed, then he ceaseth to believe. And this appeareth in Jobs example, when he saith, (Lo, though he slay me, yet will I trust in him, and I will reprove my ways in his sight: he shall be my salvation also: for the hypocrite shall not come before him) he declareth his faith: yet when he saith presently afterward, Wherefore hidest thou thy face, and takest me for thine enemy? he declareth the want of that feeling which you speak of.
Minister. Faith standeth not in the feeling of Gods mercy, but in the apprehending of it,1 which apprehending may be when there is no feeling; for faith is of inuisible things, and when a man once commeth to enioy the thing beleeued, then he ceaseth to beleeue. And this appeareth in Iobs example, when he saith, (Lo, though he sley me, yet will I trust in him, and I will reprooue my waies in his sight: he shall be my saluation also: for the hypocrite shall not come before him) he declareth his faith: yet when he saith presently afterward, Wherefore hidest thou thy face, and takest me for thine enemie? he declareth the want of that feeling which you speake of.
Christian. Yet every true believer feels the assurance of faith: otherwise Paul would not have said, Prove your selves whether you are in the faith or not.