A09339:3124
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. Therefore mark this further. As long as the children of god are i• this life, aGod regardeth more the affection to obey, then the obedience itself: And they shall be unto me saith the Lord of hosts, in that day I shall do this, for a flock, and I will spare them, as a man spares his own son that serveth him. The father when he shall set his child to do any business, though he do it never so untowardly, yet if he show his good will to do the best he can, his father will be pleased: and so it is with the Lord toward his children, you look to have some perfection in your self, but in this life you shall receive no bmore but the first fruits of the spirit, which are but as a handful of corn, in respect of the whole corn field: and as for the accomplishment of your redemption you must wait for it till after this life: you would be kissed with the kisses of Christs mouth, but here in this world you must be content, if you may with Mary Magdalen kiss his feet. For the perfection of a Christian mans life, stands in the feeling and confession of his imperfections. And as Ambrose saith,3 obedience due to God stands more cin the affection then in the work.
Minister. Therfore marke this further. As long as the children of god are i• this life, aGod regardeth more the affection to obey, then the obediēce itself: And they shall be vnto me saith the Lord of hosts, in that day I shall doe this, for a flocke, and I will spare them, as a man spares his own sonne that serueth him. The father when he shall set his child to doe any busines, though he doe it neuer so vntowardly, yet if he shewe his good will to doe the best he can, his father wil be pleased: and so it is with the Lord toward his children, you looke to haue some perfection in your selfe, but in this life you shall receiue no b