A09339:3808
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 we see what an effectual means this meditation is to increase and further the grace of God in the hearts of men. Now I commend this first duty to your Christian considerations, desiring the practise of it in your lives: which practise that it may take place, two things must be performed. First, labour to pluck out of your hearts a wicked and erroneous imagination, whereby every man naturally blesseth himself and thinks highly of himself: and ⟨p. 787⟩though he had one foot in the grave, yet he persuades himself that he shall not die yet. There is no man almost so old but by the corruption of his heart he thinks that he shall live one year longer. Cruel and unmerciful death makes league with no man: & yet the Prophet Isaiah saith,1 that the wicked man makes a league with death. How can this be? there is no league made indeed, but only in the wicked imagination of man, who falsely thinks that death will not come near him, though all the world should be destroyed. See an example in the parable of the rich man, that having stored up abundance of wealth for many years, said unto his own soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years, live at ease, eat, drink, & take thy pastime: 2whereas his soul was fetched away presently. And seeing this natural corruption is in every mans heart, we must daily fight against it, and labour by all might and main that it take no place in us: for so long as it shall prevail, we shall be utterly unfit to make any preparation to death. We ought rather to endeavour to attain to the mind and meditation of S. Hierome, who testifieth of himself on this manner,3 Whether I wake or sleep, or whatsoever I do, me thinks I hear the sound of the trumpet, Rise ye dead, and come to judgement.
Thus we see what an effectuall meanes this meditation is to encrease and further the grace of God in the hearts of men. Now I commend this first dutie to your Christian considerations, desiring the practise of it in your liues: which practise that it may take place, two things must be performed. First, labour to plucke out of your hearts a wicked and erronious imagination, wherby euery man naturally blesseth himselfe and thinkes highly of himselfe: and