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.

CHAP. IX. Of motiues Euangelicall. (Book 9)

EVangelicall Motiues are two especially: The first is taken from the con∣sideration

of mans redemption. He that redeemed mankind is God himselfe: as Paul saith,* 1.1 that God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himselfe. Mans sinne is so vile and haynous in the eyes of God, that no Angel nor creature what∣soeuer was able to appease the wrath of God for the least offence. But the sonne of God himselfe must come downe from heauen, and take mans na∣ture on him: and not onely that, but he must also suffer the most accused death of the crosse, and shed his most pretious heart bloode to satisfie the iustice of his Father in our behalfe. If a father should be sicke of such a disease, that no∣thing would heale him but the heart bloode of his owne child, he would pre∣sently iudge his owne case to be dangerous; and would also vow if euer he re∣couered, to vse all meanes whereby he might auoid that disease. So likewise, seeing nothing could cure the deadly wound of our sinne, but a plaister made of the heart blood of Christ; it must make vs acknowledge our pitifull ••ase, and the haynousnesse of the least of our sinnes; and stirre vs vp to newnes of life.

Againe, considering the end of the redemption wrought by Christ, was to deliuer vs from our euill conuersation in sinne and vnrighteousnes, we are not to continue and as it were lie bathing our selues in sinne; for that were, as if a prisoner, after that he had bin ransomed and had his bolts taken off, and were put out of the prison to goe whither he would, should returne againe, and de∣sire to lie in the dungeon still.

The second motiue is, that God hath made a promise to such as truly re∣pent. I. Of remission of sinnes,* 1.2 Wash you, make you cleane, take away the euill of your workes from before mine eyes: cease to doe euill, &c. Though your sinnes were as crimson, they shall be made as white as snow: though they were red like scarlet, they shall be as wooll. And,* 1.3 Seeke the Lord while he may be found, call vpon him while he is neere. Let the wicked forsake his waies, and the vnrighteous his owne imaginati∣ons, and returne vnto the Lord, and he will haue mercie on him, for he is very plenti∣full in forgiuing. II. Of life euerlasting.* 1.4 I will not the death of a sinner, but rather that he repent and liue. And,* 1.5 Thus saith the Lord vnto the house of Israel, Seeke ye me, and ye shall liue. III. Of mitigating or remoouing temporall calamities.* 1.6 Stand in the court of the Lords house and speake vnto all the cities of Iudah, &c. If so be they will hearken and turne euery man from his euill way, that I may repent me of the plague which I haue determined to bring vpon them, because of the wickednes of their workes. And,* 1.7 If we would iudge our selues, we should not be iudged, that is, afflicted with temporall punishments.

I ioyne with the remoouing of temporall calamities the mitigating of thē: because they are not alwaies taken away when the partie repenteth. After Da∣uids repentance the childe dieth,* 1.8 and the sworde departes not from his house. And the Prophet Micha brings in the people humbling themselues before God vnder a temporall punishment, saying, I will beare thy wrath, because I haue sinned against thee.* 1.9 And it is Gods pleasure that the chastisement shall re∣maine after the partie is reconciled to him, that he may by that mearies be ad∣monished of his sinne, and be an example to others.

As God hath made these mercifull promises to penitent sinners, so he hath faithfully performed them, so soone as they haue but begun to repent. Exam∣ple

of Dauid.* 1.10 Then Dauid said vnto Nathan, I haue sinned against the Lord, And Nathan said to Dauid, Thy sin is forgiuen thee. Of Manasses,* 1.11 When he was in tri∣bulation he praied vnto the Lord his God, and humbled himselfe greatly before the Lord God of his fathers, and praied vnto him: and God was intreated of him, and heard his praier. Of the Publicane,* 1.12 The Publicane, &c. smote his breast, saying, O God be mercifull to me a sinner: I tell you, this man departed iustified to his house, ra∣ther thē the other. Of the thiefe,* 1.13 He said vnto Iesus, Lord, remember me, when thou commest to thy kingdome. Then Iesus said vnto him, Verily, I say vnto thee, to day shalt thou be with me in paradise.

Hauing such notable promises made to Repentance, no man is to drawe backe from the practise of it, because of the multitude of his sinnes, but rather to do it. The Pharises said to Christs disciples, Why eates your master with Pub∣licans and sinners? When Iesus heard it, he said vnto them, The whole neede not the phisition, but they that are sicke.* 1.14 And, I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. And,* 1.15 Verily I say vnto you, that Publicanes and harlots shall goe be∣fore you into the kingdome of God.

Notes

• * 1.1

  2. Cor. 5.19.
• * 1.2

  Isa. 1. 16, 18
• * 1.3

  Isa. 55. 6, 8.
• * 1.4

  Ezech. 18.
• * 1.5

  Amos 5. 4.
• * 1.6

  Ier. 26.3.
• * 1.7

  1. cor. 11.31.
• * 1.8

  2. Sam. 12. 14.
• * 1.9

  Mich. 7.9.
• * 1.10

  1. Sam. 12. 12.
• * 1.11

  2. Chr. 33. 12.
• * 1.12

  Luk. 18. 13.
• * 1.13

  Luk. 23. 42, 43.
• * 1.14

  Mat. 9.12.
• * 1.15

  Mat. 21.31.