A09339:3904
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.
The third benefit is the example of Christ. We deceive our selves, if we think that he is only to be known of us as a Redeemer, and not as a spectacle or pattern of all good duties, to which we ought to conform our selves. Good men indeed, that have been or in present are upon the earth the servants of God, must be followed of us: but they must be followed no otherwise then they follow Christ, & Christ must be followed in the practise of every good duty that may concern us without exception simply and absolutely, 1. Cor. 11.1.
The third benefit is the example of Christ. Wee deceiue our selues, if wee thinke that he is onely to be knowne of vs as a Redeemer, and not as a spectacle or patterne of al good duties, to which we ought to conform our selues. Good men indeede, that haue beene or in present are vpon the earth the seruants of God, must be followed of vs: but they must be followed no otherwise then they follow Christ, & Christ must be followed in the practise of euery good dutie that may concerne vs without exception simply and absolutely, 1. Cor. 11.1.
Our conformity with Christ stands either in the framing of our inward and spiritual life, or in the practise of outward and moral duties.
Our conformitie with Christ standes either in the framing of our inwarde and spirituall life, or in the practise of outward and morall duties.
Conformity of spiritual life is, not by doing that which Christ did upon the cross and afterward, but a doing of the like by a certain kind of imitation. And it hath four parts. The first is, a spiritual oblation. For as Christ in the garden and upon the cross, by prayer made with strong cries and tears, presented and resigned himself up to be a sacrifice of propitiation to the justice of his father for mans sin: so must we also in prayer present and resign our selves, our souls, our bodies, our understanding, will, memory, affections, & all we have to the service of God, in the general calling of a Christian, and in the particular callings in which he hath placed us. Take an example in David, Sacrifice & burnt offering (saith he) thou wouldest not, but ears thou hast pierced unto men, then said, lo I come: I desire to do thy will, O God, yea thy law is within my heart,