A09339:3149
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.
therefore let every man look to himself and betime labour to turn his temporary faith (if he find it in himself) into a true saving faith, wherefore he must strive first to feel his extreme need of Christ and his merits. Secondly, to hunger and thirst after him, as after meat and drink. Thirdly, to be nothing in himself, that he may be all in all out of himself in Christ. Fourthly, to be able to say that he liveth not, but Christ liveth in him by faith. Fifthly, to loathe his own sins with a most vehement hatred, and to prize and value Christ and the least drop of his blood above a thousand worlds. V. Again in repentance he bestoweth, first, a sight of sin: secondly, a ⟨p. 678⟩kind of sorrow for it: thirdly, a confession of it: fourthly, a resolution for a time to sin no more. But that part of repentance which hath the promise of mercy annexed, that is, a conversion of the whole man to God he never giveth it. 1VI. Lastly, God giveth to the reprobate his spirit, but so far forth as it shall not any whit regenerate or renew his nature: but only in the outward action repress the act of sin: so as thereby without any inward change he shall be as civilly just & upright in outward conversation, as any in the world.
therefore let euery man looke to himselfe and betime labour to turne his temporarie faith (if he finde it in himselfe) into a true sauing faith, wherfore he must striue first to feele his extreame need of Christ and his merits. Secondly, to hunger and thirst after him, as after meate and drinke. Thirdly, to be nothing in himselfe, that he may be all in all out of himselfe in Christ. Fourthly, to be able to say that he liueth not, but Christ liueth in him by faith. Fifthly, to loathe his owne sinnes with a most vehement hatred, and to prize and value Christ and the least drop of his blood aboue a thousand worlds. V. Againe in repentance he bestoweth, first, a sight of sinne: secondly, a ⟨p. 678⟩kinde of sorrow for it: thirdly, a confession of it: fourthly, a resolution for a time to sinne no more. But that part of repentance which hath the promise of mercie annexed, that is, a conuersion of the whole man to God he neuer giueth it. 1