A09339:4170
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 devil begins and disputes thus. Thou, O wretched man, art a most grievous sinner: therefore thou art but a damned wretch. The conscience answereth and saith, I know that Christ hath made a satisfaction for my sins, and freed me from damnation. The devil replieth again thus; Though Christ hath freed thee from death by his death; yet thou art quite barred from heaven, ⟨p. 887⟩because thou never didst fulfil the law. The conscience answereth, I know that Christ is my righteousness and hath fulfilled the law for me. Thirdly the devil replies and saith, Christs benefits belong not to thee, thou art but an hypocrite and wantest faith. Now when a man is driven to this straight, it is neither wit, nor learning, nor favour, nor honour, that can repulse this temptation, but only the poor conscience directed and sanctified by the Spirit of God which boldly and constantly answereth, I know that I believe.
The deuill beginnes and disputes thus. Thou, O wretched man, art a most grieuous sinner: therefore thou art but a damned wretch. The conscience answereth and saith, I know that Christ hath made a satisfaction for my sinnes, and freed me from dānation. The deuill replieth againe thus; Though Christ hath freed thee from death by his death; yet thou art quite barred from heauen, ⟨p. 887⟩because thou neuer didst fulfil the law. The conscience answereth, I know that Christ is my righteousnes and hath fulfilled the law for me. Thirdly the deuill replies and saith, Christs benefits belong not to thee, thou art but an hypocrite and wantest faith. Now when a man is driuen to this straight, it is neither wit, nor learning, nor fauour, nor honour, that can repulse this temptation, but onely the poore conscience directed and sanctified by the Spirit of God which boldly and constantly answereth, I know that I beleeue.
And though it be the office of the conscience after it is renewed principally to excuse, yet doth it also in part accuse. When David had numbered the people his heart smote him,