A09339:3859
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.
Of Luther, My heavenly father, God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ and God of all comfort, I give thee thanks that thou hast revealed unto me thy son Jesus Christ, whom I have believed, whom I have professed, whom I have loved, whom I have praised, whom the Bishop of Rome and the whole company of the wicked persecuteth and revileth. I pray thee my Lord Jesus Christ receive my poor soul: my heavenly father, though I be taken from this life, and this body of mine is to he laid down, yet I know certainly that I shall remain with thee for ever, neither shall any be able to pull me out of thy hand. Of Hooper, O Lord Jesus son of David have mercy on me & receive my soul. Of Annas Burgius, Forsake me not O Lord, least I forsake thee. Of Melanchthon, If it be the will of God, I am willing to die, and I beseech him that he will grant me a joyful departure. Of Calvin, 1. I held my tongue, because thou Lord hast done it. 2. I mourned as a dove. 3. Lord thou grindest me to powder, but […] sufficeth me because it is thine hand. Of Peter Martyr, that his body was weak, but his mind was well: that he acknowledged no life or salvation but only in Christ who was given of the father to be a redeemer of mankind: and when he had confirmed this by testimony of Scriptur•, he added: This is my faith in which I will die: and God will destroy them that teach otherwise. This done, he shook hands with all and said, Farewell my brethren and dear friends. It were easy to quote more examples, but these few may be in stead of many: and the sum of all that godly men speak, is this. Some enlightened with a prophetical spirit foretell things to come, as the Patriarchs Jacob and Joseph did: and there have bin some which by name have testified who should very shortly come after them,1 and who should remain alive, and what should be their condition: some have showed a wonderful memory of things past, as of their former life, and of the benefits of God; and no doubt it was given them to stir up holy affections and thanksgiving to God; some again rightly judging of the change of their present ⟨p. 809⟩estate for a better, do rejoice exceedingly that they must be translated from earth to paradise: as Babylas Martyr of Antioch when his head was to be chopped off, Return (saith he) O my soul unto thy rest: because the Lord hath blessed thee: