A09339:3805
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.
This meditation of death is of special use and brings forth many fruits in the life of man. And first of all it serves to humble us under the hand of God. Example we have of Abraham, who said, Behold, I have begun now to speak to my Lord, and I am but dust and ashes. 1Mark here, how the consideration of his mortality made him to abase and cast down himself in the sight of God: and thus if we could reckon of every day as of the last day, it would straightway pull down our peacocks feathers, and make us with Job to abhor our selves in dust and ashes.
This meditation of death is of speciall vse and brings forth many fruits in the life of man. And first of all it serues to humble vs vnder the hand of God. Example we haue of Abraham, who said, Behold, I haue begunne now to speake to my Lord, and I am but dust and ashes. 1Marke here, how the consideration of his mortalitie made him to abase and cast downe himselfe in the sight of God: and thus if we could recken of euery day as of the last day, it would straightway pull downe our peacocks feathers, and make vs with Iob to abhorre our selues in dust and ashes.
Secondly, this meditation is a means to further repentance. When Jonah came to Nineveh and cried, Yet forty days and Nineveh shall be destroyed, the whole city repented in sackcloth and ashes. When Elijah came to Ahab and told him that the dogs should eat Jezebel by the wall of Jesreel, and him also of Ahab's stock that died in the city, &c. it made him to humble himself so, as the Lord saith to Elijah, Seest thou how Ahab is humbled before me. Now if the remembrance of death was of such force in him that was but an hypocrite, how excellent a means of grace will it be in them that truly repent.