A09339:3727
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.
The second action of the flesh is, to hinder, and quench, and overwhelm all the good motions of the spirit. Paul found this in himself when he said,1 I see another law in my members rebelling against the law of the mind, and leading me captive to the law of sin. By reason of this action of the flesh, the man regenerate is like to one in a slumber troubled with the disease called Ephialtes or the mare: who thinks that he feels something lying on his breast as heavy as a mountain: and would fain have it away, whereupon he strives and labours by hands and voice to remove it, but for his life can not do it.
The second action of the flesh is, to hinder, and quench, and ouerwhelme all the good motions of the spirit. Paul found this in himselfe when hee said,1 I see another lawe in my members rebelling against the lawe of the minde, and leading me captiue to the lawe of sinne. By reason of this action of the flesh, the man regenerate is like to one in a slumber troubled with the disease called Ephialtes or the mare: who thinkes that he feeles something lying on his breast as heauy as a mountaine: and would faine haue it away, whereupon hee striues and labours by hands and voice to remooue it, but for his life can not doe it.
On the contrary, the lusting of the spirit contains two other actions. The first is to beget good meditations, motions, inclinations, and desires in the mind, will, and affections. Of this David speaketh. My reins teach me in the night season: 1that is, my mind, affection, and will, and my whole soul being sanctified and guided by the spirit of God, do minister unto me considerations of the way in which I ought to walk. Isaiah prophesying of the church of the new testament, sayeth,