A09339:3147
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.
but when they come to practise, they neither tune them aright, neither are they able to strike one stroke as they ought so as they may please the master and have his commendation. This world is as a large & sumptuous palace, into which are received, not only the sons and daughters of God, but also wicked and ungodly men: it is furnished with goodly creatures in use more excellent then all musical instruments: the use of them is common to all: but the godly man taught by Gods spirit, and directed by faith, so useth them, as that the use thereof is acceptable to God: as for the impure and unbelieving, indeed they enjoy the creatures and gifts of God, but the pure use is wanting: for they cannot but abuse them: and therefore the wicked and the reprobate, though they should commit no other sins in the world, yet for the use of their wealth and honour, for their very eating and drinking (which in themselves are most lawful) shall be damned. II. Concerning spiritual blessings, first God ceaseth to grant so much as an outward calling to many men. For how many nations since the beginning of the world, much more particular men, have their bin, are, & shall be, which never heard the preaching of the Gospel; nay not so much as the name of Christ, God is known in Jury, (saith David) and he hath not done so to any nation. And often in Moses and the Prophets it is mentioned that the covenant was in former times made peculiar to the Jews. And Paul in the Acts saith,1 that God suffered the Gentiles in former times to walk in their own ways: and of the Ephesians, before their calling he saith,2 that they were strangers from the promises, and without God in the world. ⟨p. 677⟩III. He grants the outward means of salvation, namely the Word, Prayer, Sacraments, Discipline abundantly: but yet he quite withdraweth the operation of his spirit, whereby a conversion might be wrought. For they never have that piercing of the ear which David mentioneth,3 nor the opening of the heart with Lydia, nor that teaching of God, when they are drawn of the father to Christ. And in so doing indeed, only he offereth grace, but doth not exhibit and confer it: not that he mocketh any, but that in so doing he may every way convince and bereave them of excuse. As the Lord speaketh to Isaiah,