A09339:3731
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.
In the mind there is a double combat. The first is between knowledge of the word of God, and natural ignorance or blindness. For seeing we do in this life know but in part; therefore knowledge of the truth must needs be ⟨p. 765⟩joined with ignorance in all that are enlightened: and one of these being contrary to another, they strive to overshadow and overcast each other.
In the minde there is a double combate. The first is betweene knowledge of the word of God, and naturall ignorance or blindnesse. For seeing we doe in this life knowe but in part; therefore knowledge of the truth must needs be ⟨p. 765⟩ioyned with ignorance in all that are enlightened: and one of these being contrarie to another, they striue to ouershadowe and ouercast each other.
Hence we may learn the cause why excellent divines do vary in divers points of religion: and it is, because in this combat, natural blindness yet remaining, prevails more or less. Men that are dim sighted and cannot discern without spectacles, if they be set to descry a thing a far off, the most of them would be of divers opinions of it. And men enlightened and regenerate in this life, do but see as in a glass darkly. 1Again, this must teach all students of divinity often to suspect themselves in their opinions and defences: seeing in them that are of soundest judgement the light of their understanding is mixed with darkness of ignorance. And they can in many points see but as the man in the gospel, who when our Saviour Christ had in part opened his eyes, saw men walking, not as men, but in the form of trees. Also this must teach all that read the scriptures to invocate & call upon the name of god, that he would enlighten them by his spirit, and abolish the mist of natural blindness. The Prophet David was worthily enlightened with the knowledge of Gods word, so as he excelled the ancient and his own teachers in wisdom: yet being privy to himself touching his own blindness, often prayeth in the Psalms, Enlighten mine eyes that I may understand the wonders of thy law.