A09339:781
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 second, is the mollifying of the heart, the which must be bruised in pieces, that it may be fit to receive Gods saving grace offered unto it. Ezech. 11. 19. I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within their bowels. And I will take the stony heart out of their bodies, and will give them an heart of flesh.
The second, is the mollifying of the heart, the which must be bruised in pieces, that it may be fit to receiue Gods sauing grace offered vnto it. Ezech. 11. 19. I will giue them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within their bowels. And I will take the stonie heart out of their bodies, and will giue them an heart of flesh.
There are for the bruising of this stony heart, four principal hammers. The first, is the knowledge of the law of God. The second, is the knowledge of sin, both original, and actual, and what punishment is due unto them. The third, is compunction, or pricking of the heart, namely, a sense and feeling of the wrath of God for the same sins. The fourth, is an holy desperation of a mans own power, in the obtaining of eternal life. Act. 2.37. When they heard these things, they were pricked in heart, and said unto Peter, and the rest of the Apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 38. Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus into the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the holy Ghost. Luk. 15.17. Then he came to himself, and said, How many hired servants at my fathers have bread enough, and I die for hunger? 18. I will rise, and go to my father, and say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, 19. And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants, &c. Matth. 15. 24