A09339:3769
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.
ECCLESIASTES. 7. 3. The day of death is better then the day that one is borne.
ECCLESIASTES. 7. 3. The day of death is better then the daie that one is borne.
These words are a rule or precept laid down by Solomon for weighty causes. For in the chapters going before he sets forth the vanity of all creatures under heaven; and that at large in the very particulars. Now men hereupon might take occasion of discontentment in respect of their estate in this life: therefore Solomon in great wisdom here, takes a new course, & in this chapter begins to lay down certain rules of direction and comfort that men might have somewhat wherewith to arm themselves against the troubles and the miseries of this life. The first rule is in this third verse, that a good name is better then a precious ointment: that is, a name gotten & maintained by godly conversation, is a special blessing of God, which in the midst of the vanities of this life, ministereth greater matter of rejoicing and comfort to the heart of man, then the most precious ointment can do to the outward senses. Now some man having heard this first rule concerning good name, might object and say, that renown & good report in this life affords slender comfort: considering that after it follows death, which is the miserable end of all men. But this objection the wise man removeth by a second rule in these words which I have in hand, saying, that the day of death is better then the day that one is borne.
THese words are a rule or precept laid downe by Salomon for weightie causes. For in the chapters going before he sets forth the vanitie of all creatures vnder heauen; and that at large in the very particulars. Now men hereupon might take occasion of discontentment in respect of their estate in this life: therefore Salomon in great wisdom here, takes a new course, & in this chapter begins to lay downe certaine rules of direction and comfort that men might haue somewhat wherewith to arme themselues against the troubles and the miseries of this life. The first rule is in this third verse, that a good name is better then a pretious oyntment: that is, a name gotten & maintained by godly conuersation, is a speciall blessing of God, which in the midst of the vanities of this life, ministreth greater matter of reioycing and comfort to the heart of man, then the most pretious oyntment can doe to the outward senses. Now some man hauing heard this first rule concerning good name, might obiect and say, that renowme & good report in this life affoards slender comfort: considering that after it followes death, which is the miserable end of all men. But this obiection the wise man remooueth by a second rule in these words which I haue in hand, saying, that the daie of death is better then the daie that one is borne.