A09339:3814
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.
1Now seeing this is so, that if we would live eternally, we must begin to live that blessed and eternal life before we die, here we must be careful to reform two common errors. The first is, that a man enters into eternal life when he dies and not before; which is a flat untruth. Our Saviour Christ said to Zacheus, This day is salvation come to thy house• giving us to understand, that a man then begins to be saved, when God doeth effectually call him by the ministry of his Gospel. Whosoever then will be saved when he is dying and dead, ⟨p. 790⟩must begin to be saved while he is now living. His salvation must begin in this life, that would come to salvation after this life: Verily, verily, saith Christ,2 he that heareth my word, and •eleeveth in him that sent me, hath eternal life, namely in this present life. The second error is, that howsoever a man live, if when he is dying he can lift up his eyes, and say, Lord have mercy upon me, he is certainly saved. Behold a very dangerous and foolish conceit, that deceives many a man. It is all one as if an arrant thief should thus reason with himself, and say; I will spend my days in robbing and stealing, I fear neither arraignment, nor execution. For at the very time when I am to be turned off the ladder, if I do but call upon the judge I know I shall have my pardon. Behold a most dangerous and desperate course: & the very same is the practise of careless men in the matter of their salvation. For a man may di• with Lord have mercy in his mouth, and perish eternally; except in this world he enter into the first degree of eternal life.3 For not every one that sayeth Lord, Lord, shall enter into heaven: but he that doth the will of the father which is in heaven.
1Nowe seeing this is so, that if wee would liue eternally, wee must begin to liue that blessed and eternall life before we die, here we must be carefull to reform two common errors. The first is, that a man enters into eternall life when hee dies and not before; which is a flat vntruth. Our Sauiour Christ said to Zacheus, This day is saluation come to thy house giuing vs to vnderstand, that a man then begins to be saued, when God doeth effectually call him by the ministery of his Gospell. Whosoeuer then will bee saued when hee is dying and dead,