A09339:3907
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.
Considering we lie by nature dead in our sins, and stink in them as loathsome carrion, first we must begin to stir our selves as a man that comes out of a swoon, awakened by the word and voice of Christ founding in our deaf ears; secondly, we must raise up our minds to a better state and condition, as we use to raise up our bodies: after this we must put out of the grave first one hand, then the other. This done, we must do our endeavour as it were upon our knees, at the least to put one foot out of this sepulchre of sin, the rather when we see our selves to have one foot of the body in the grave of the earth, that in the day of judgement we may be wholly delivered from all bonds of corruption. The fourth part is, a spiritual ascension into heaven, by a continual elevation of the heart and mind to Christ sitting at the right hand of the father, as Paul saith, Have your conversation in heaven: and, If ye be risen with Christ, seek things that are above.
Considering we lie by nature dead in our sinnes, and stinke in them as loathsome carrion, first wee must begin to stirre our selues as a man that comes out of a swowne, awakened by the worde and voice of Christ founding in our deafe eares; secondly, we must raise vp our mindes to a better state and condition, as we vse to raise vp our bodies: after this we must put out of the graue first one hand, then the other. This done, we must doe our indeauour as it were vpon our knees, at the least to put one foote out of this sepulchre of sinne, the rather when wee see our selues to haue one foote of the bodie in the graue of the earth, that in the day of iudgement we may be wholly deliuered from all bonds of corruption. The fourth part is, a spirituall ascention into heauen, by a continuall eleuation of the heart and mind to Christ sitting at the right hand of the father, as Paul saith, Haue your conuersation in heauen: and, If ye be risenwith Christ, seekè things that are aboue.
Conformity in moral duties, is either general or special. General, is to be holy as he is holy, Rom. 8.29. Those whom he knew before he hath predestinate to be like the image of his son, that is, not only in the cross but also in holiness and glory.