A09339:4719
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
Dedication: To all ignorant people that desire to be instructed.
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.
Ye will reply unto me thus: that ye are not so bad I would make you: if need be you can say the Creed, the Lords prayer, and the ten Commandments: and therefore ye will be of Gods belief say all men what they will, and you defy the devil from yours hearts.
Ye will replie vnto me thus: that ye are not so bad I would make you: if neede be you can say the Creede, the Lords prayer, and the ten Commandements: and therefore ye will be of Gods beleefe say all men what they will, and you defie the deuill from yours hearts.
I answer again, that it is not sufficient to say all these without book, unless ye can understand the meaning of the words, and be able to make a right use of the Commandments, of the Creed, of the Lords prayer, by applying them inwardly to your hearts and consciences, and outwardly to your lives and conversations. This is the very point in which ye fail.
I answer againe, that it is not sufficient to say all these without booke, vnlesse ye can vnderstand the meaning of the words, and be able to make a right vse of the Commandements, of the Creede, of the Lords prayer, by applying them inwardly to your hearts and consciences, and outwardly to your liues and conuersations. This is the very point in which ye faile.
And for an help in this your ignorance, to bring you to true knowledge, unfeigned faith, and sound repentance: here I have set down the principal point of Christian religion in six plain and easy rules, even such as the simplest may easily learn: and hereunto is adjoined an exposition of them word by word. If ye do want other good direction, then use this my labour for your instruction. In reading of it first learn the six principles, and when ye have them without the book and the meaning of them withal, then learn the exposition also: which being well conceived, and in some measure felt in the heart, ye shall be able to profit by Sermons, whereas now ye cannot: and the ordinary parts of the Catechism, namely the ten Commandments, the Creed, the Lords prayer, and the institution of the two Sacraments shall more easily be understood.