A09339:4590
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.
Our consent.
We hold a Christian Purgatory, according as the word of God hath set down the same unto us. And first of all by this Purgatory we understand the afflictions of Gods children here on earth. Jer. 3. The people afflicted say, thou hast sent a fire into our bones. Psal. 65.12. We have gone through water and fire. Malach. 3.3. The children of Levi must be purified in a purging fire of affliction. 1. Pet. 1.7. Afflictions are called the fiery trial, whereby men are cleansed from their corruptions, as gold from the dross by the fire. Secondly, the blood of Christ is a purgatory of our sins, 1. Joh. 1.7. Christs blood purgeth us from all our sins. Heb. 9.14. It purgeth our consciences from dead works. And Christ baptizeth with the holy Ghost and with fire: because our inward washing is by the blood of Christ: and the holy Ghost is as fire to consume and abolish the inward corruption of nature. To this effect saith Origen,1 Without doubt, we shall feel the unquenchable fire, unless we shall now entreat the Lord to send down from heaven a purgatory fire unto us, whereby worldly desires may he utterly consumed in our minds. August. Suppose the mercy of God is thy purgatory.2
We hold a Christian Purgatorie, according as the word of God hath set downe the same vnto vs. And first of all by this Purgatorie we vnderstand the afflictions of Gods children here on earth.