A09339:802
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.
I. A serious desire to believe, and an endeavour to obtain Gods favour, is the head of faith Mat 5.6. Blessed are they which hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Reu. 21.6. I will give to him that it is a thirst, of the well of the water of life freely. Psal. 145.19. He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them. For in such as begin to believe and to be renewed, the mind will lie not idle, but being moved by the holy ghost, strive with doubtfulness and distrust, & endeavour to put their assent to the sweet promises made in the Gospel, and firmly to apply the same to themselves, and in the sense of their weakness, desire assistance from above, and thus faith is bestowed. II. God doth not despise the least spark of faith, if so be, it, by little and little, do increase, and men use the means to increase the same. Luk. 17.5. The Apostles said unto the Lord, increase our faith. 6. And the Lord said, If ye had faith as much as a grain of mustard seed, and should say unto this mulberry tree, Pluck thy self up by the roots, and plant thy self in the sea, it should even obey you. Man must therefore stir up his faith, by meditation of Gods word, serious prayers, and other exercises belonging unto faith.
I. A serious desire to beleeue, and an indeauour to obtaine Gods fauour, is the head of faith Mat 5.6. Blessed are they which hunger and thirst after righteousnesse, for they shall be satisfied. Reu. 21.6. I will giue to him that it is a thirst, of the well of the water of life freely. Psal. 145.19. He will fulfill the desire of them that feare him: he also will heare their crie, and will saue them. For in such as begin to beleeue and to be renued, the minde will lie not idle, but being mooued by the holy ghost, striue with doubtfulnesse and distrust, & indeauour to put their assent to the sweete promises made in the Gospell, and firmely to apply the same to themselues, and in the sense of their weakenesse, desire assistance from aboue, and thus faith is bestowed. II. God doth not despise the least sparke of faith, if so be, it, by little and little, doe encrease, and men vse the meanes to increase the same.