A09339:3843
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 means of health: now follows the manner of using ⟨p. 802⟩the means; concerning which, three rules must be followed. First of all, he that is to take physic, must not only prepare his body, as physicians do prescribe; but he must also prepare his soul by humbling himself under the hand of God in his sickness for his sins, and make earnest prayer to God for the pardon of them before any medicine come in his body. Now that this order ought to be used appears plainly in this, that sickness springs from our sins as from a root; which should first of all be stocked up, that the branches might more easily die.1 And therefore Asa commended for many other things, is blamed for this by the holy Ghost, that he sought not the Lord, but to the physicians, and put his trust in them. Oftentimes it comes to pass, that diseases curable in themselves, are made incurable by the sins and the impenitency of the party: and therefore the best way is for them that would have ease, when God begins to correct them by sickness, then also to begin to humble themselves for all their sins, and turn unto God.
Thus much of the meanes of health: now followes the manner of vsing ⟨p. 802⟩the meanes; concerning which, three rules must be followed. First of all, he that is to take physicke, must not onely prepare his bodie, as physitians doe prescribe; but he must also prepare his soule by humbling himselfe vnder the hand of God in his sicknes for his sinnes, and make earnest praier to God for the pardon of them before any medicine come in his bodie. Now that this order ought to be vsed appeares plainely in this, that sicknes springs from our sinnes as from a roote; which should first of all be stocked vp, that the braunches might more easily die.1 And therefore Asa commended for many other things, is blamed for this by the holy Ghost, that he sought not the Lord, but to the physitians, and put his trust in them. Oftentimes it comes to passe, that diseases curable in themselues, are made incurable by the sinnes and the impenitencie of the partie: and therefore the best way is for them that would haue ease, when God begins to correct them by sicknes, then also to begin to humble themselues for all their sinnes, and turne vnto God.