A09339:3915
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.
Secondly, the meditation of the passion of Christ is a most notable means to breed repentance and reformation of life in time to come. For when we begin to think that Christ crucified, by suffering the first and second death, hath procured unto us remission of all our sins past, and freed us from hell• death, and damnation: then, if there be but a spark of grace in us, we begin to be of another mind, and to reason thus with our selves: What? hath the Lord bin thus merciful unto me, that am in my self but a firebrand of hell, as to free me from deserved destruction & to receive me to favour in Christ? yea, no doubt he hath, his name be blessed therefore: I will not therefore sin any more as I have done, but rather endeavour hereafter to keep my self from every evil way. And thus faith purifies both heart and life.
Secondly, the meditation of the passion of Christ is a most notable meanes to breede repentance and reformation of life in time to come. For when wee begin to thinke that Christ crucified, by suffering the first and second death, hath procured vnto vs remission of all our sinnes past, and freed vs from hell• death, and damnation: then, if there be but a sparke of grace in vs, we begin to be of another mind, and to reason thus with our selues: What? hath the Lord bin thus mercifull vnto me, that am in my selfe but a firebrand of hell, as to free me from deserued destruction & to receiue me to fauour in Christ? yea, no doubt he hath, his name be blessed therefore: I will not therefore sinne any more as I haue done, but rather indeauour hereafter to keep my selfe from euery euill way. And thus faith purifies both heart and life.
Thirdly, when thou art in any pain of body or sickness, think how light these are compared to the agony and bloody sweat, to the crown of thorns and nails of Christ. When thou art wronged in word or deed by any man, turn thine eye to the cross, consider how meekly he suffered all abuses for the most part in silence, & prayed for them that crucified him. When thou art tempted with pride or vain-glory, consider how for thy proper sins Christ was despised and mocked and condemned among thieves. When anger and desire of revenge inflame thine heart, think how Christ gave himself to death to save his enemies, even then when they did most cruelly entreat him, & shed his blood: and by these meditations, specially if they be mingled with faith, thy mind shall be eased.