A09339:3798
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.
Thus much of the meaning of the text, now follows the uses, and they are manifold. The first and principal is this. In that Solomon prefers the day of death before the day of birth, he doth therein give us to understand, that there is a direct and certain way whereby a man may die well; if it had been otherwise, he could not have said that the day of death is better. And whereas he avoucheth this, he shows withal that there is an infallible way whereby a man may make a blessed end. Therefore let us now come to search out this way; ⟨p. 784⟩the knowledge and true understanding whereof must not be fetched from the writings of men, but from the word of God, who hath the power of life and death in his own hand.
Thus much of the meaning of the text, now followes the vses, and they are manifold. The first and principall is this. In that Salomon preferres the day of death before the day of birth, he doth therein giue vs to vnderstand, that there is a direct and certen way whereby a man may die well; if it had beene otherwise, he could not haue said that the day of death is better. And whereas he auoucheth this, he shewes withall that there is an infallible way whereby a man may make a blessed ende. Therefore let vs now come to search out this way; ⟨p. 784⟩the knowledge and true vnderstanding whereof must not be fetched from the writings of men, but from the word of God, who hath the power of life and death in his owne hand.
Now that a man may die well, Gods word requires two things: a preparation before death, and a right behaviour and disposition in death.
Now that a man may die well, Gods word requires two things: a preparation before death, and a right behauiour and disposition in death.