A09339:3121
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.
Christian. I am even heart sick of my manifold sins and infirmities, and these good words which you speak are as flagons of wine, to refresh my weary, laden, and weltering soul.1 I have begun to flee sin and to detest it long ago. I have been oft displeased with mine infirmities and corruptions: when I offend God my heart is grieved, I desire to leave sin, I flee the occasions of sin: I would fain fashion my life to Gods word: & I pray unto God that he would give me grace so to do: & yet (which is my grief) by the strength of the flesh, by the sleights & power of Satan I am often overtaken, & fall marvellously, both by speech and by deed.
Christian. I am euen heart sicke of my manifold sinnes and infirmities, and these good words which you speake are as flaggons of wine, to refresh my weary, laden, and weltring soule.1 I haue begun to flee sinne and to detest it long agoe. I haue beene oft displeased with mine infirmities and corruptions: when I offend God my heart is grieued, I desire to leaue sinne, I flee the occasions of sin: I would faine fashion my life to Gods word: & I pray vnto God that hee would giue me grace so to doe: & yet (which is my griefe) by the strength of the flesh, by the sleights & power of Sathan I am often ouertaken, & fal maruellously, both by speech and by deede.
Minister. Have courage my good brother, for whereas you have an affection to do the things that are acceptable unto God, it argueth plainly that you are a member of Christ: according to that of Paul:1 They which are of the spirit, savour the the things of the spirit. Well then, if Satan ever object any of your sins to you, make answer thus, that you have forsaken the first husband the flesh, & have espoused your self to Christ Jesus, who as your head & husband hath taken upon him to answer your debts, and therefore if he urge you for them, refer him over unto Christ. For there is no suit in law against the wife