A09339:3806
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.
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.
Secondly, this meditation is a meanes to further repentance. When Ionas came to Ninive and cried, Yet fourtie daies and Ninive shall be destroyed, the whole citie repented in sack•loath and ashes. When Elias came to Ahab and told him that the dogges should eate Iesabel by the wall of Iesreel, and him also of Ahabs stocke that died in the citie, &c. it made him to humble himselfe so, as the Lord saith to Elias, 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 meanes of grace will it be in them that truly repent.
Thirdly, this meditation seems to stir up contentation in every estate and condition of life that shall befall us. Righteous Job in the very midst of his afflictions, comforts himself with this consideration, Naked (saith he) came I forth of my mothers womb, and naked shall I return again, &c. blessed be the name of the Lord. And surely the often meditation of this, that a man of all his abundance can carry nothing with him but either a coffin or a winding sheet or both, should be a forcible means to repress the unsatiable desire of riches and the love of this world.
Thirdly, this meditation seemes to stirre vp contentation in euery estate and condition of life that shall befall vs. Righteous Iob in the very midst of his afflictions, comforts himselfe with this consideration, Naked (saith he) came I forth of my mothers wombe, and naked shal I returne againe, &c. blessed be the name of the Lord. And surely the often meditation of this, that a man of all his abundance can carrie nothing with him but either a coffin or a winding sheete or both, should be a forcible means to represse the vnsatiable desire of riches and the loue of this world.