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.

The affirmatiue part.

Make choice of Iehouah to be thy God.

The duties here commanded, are these:

• I. To acknowledge God, that is, to know and confesse him, to bee such a God, as he hath reuealed himselfe to be in his worde, and creatures. Col. 1.10. Increasing in the knowledge of God. Ierem. 24. 7. And I will giue them an heart to know me, that I am the Lord, and they shall be my people, and I will be their God: for they shall return vnto me with their whole heart. In this knowledge of God must we glorie. Ierem. 9.24. Let him that glorieth, glory in this, that he vnderstandeth and knoweth me: for I am the Lord which shew mercie, iudgement, and righteousnes in the earth.
• II. An vnion with God, whereby man is knit in heart with God. Iosh. 23. 8. Sticke fast vnto the Lord your God, as yee haue done vnto this day. Act. 11.23. He exhorted all, that with purpose of heart, they would cleaue to the Lord. Man cleaueth vnto God three manner of waies: in affiance, in loue, and feare of God.

Affiance, is that, whereby a man acknowledging the power and mercie of God, and in him, against all assaults whatsoeuer, doth stedfastly rest himselfe. 2. Chro. 20.20. Put your trust in the Lord your God, and ye shall be assured, beleeue his Prophets and ye shal prosper. Psal. 27.1. God is my light, and my saluation, whome should I feare? God is the strength of my life, of whom should I be afraid? v. 3. Though an hoast pitched against me, mine heart should not be afraide: though warre be rai∣sed against me, I will be secure.

Hence riseth patience, and alacritie in present perils. Psal. 39.19. I should haue beene dumb, and not opened my mouth, because thou didst it. 2. Sam. 16.10. the King said, What haue I to doe with you, ye sonnes of Zeruiah? If he cursed, because the Lord said, Curse Dauid, what is he that dare say, Why doest thou so? Gen. 45.5. Be not sad neither grieued with your selues, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you for your preseruatiō. v. 8. Now then, you sent me not, but god himselfe. 2. King. 6.16. Feare not, for they that be with vs, are moe, thē they that be with thē.

This affiance engendreth hope, which is a patient expectatiō of Gods pre∣sence & assistance in all things that are to come. Psal. 37.5. Cōmit thy way vnto the Lord, and trust in him, and he shall bring it to passe. vers. 7. Waite patiently vpon the Lord, and hope in him. Prou. 16.3. Commit thy worke vnto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be directed.

The loue of God, is that, wherby man acknowledging Gods goodnes and fauour towards him, doth againe loue him aboue all things. Deut. 6.5. Thou shalt loue the Lord thy God with all thine heart, with all thy soule, and with all thy strength.

The marks of the true loue of God are these: I. To heare willingly his word. II. To speake often to him. III. To thinke often of him. IV. To do his will without irkesomnes. V. To giue bodie, and all for his cause. VI. To desire his presence aboue all, & to bewaile his absence. VII. To embrace al such things as appertaine to him. VIII. To loue and hate that which he loueth and ha∣teth. IX. In all things to seeke to please him. X. To draw others vnto the loue of him. XI. To esteeme highly of such gifts and graces, as he bestoweth. XII. To stay our selues vpon his counsels reuealed in his word. Lastly, to call vp∣on his name with affiance.

The feare of God, is that whereby man, acknowledging Gods both mer∣cy and iustice, doth as it were a capital crime feare to displease God. Psal. 103. 3. With thee is mercie, that thou maist be feared. Habak. 3.16. When I heard it, my belly trembled, my lips shooke at the voice: rottennes entred into my bones, & I trem∣bled in my selfe, that I might rest in the day of trouble, when he commeth vp against the people to destroy them. Psal. 4.4. Tremble, and sinne not.

Hence ariseth the godly mans desire, to approoue himselfe in all things to his God. Gen. 5.22. And Henoch walked with God, after that, &c. Gen. 17. 1. God said to him, I am al-sufficient, walke before me and be thou perfect.

Out of these three former vertues, proceedeth humilitie, whereby a man acknowledging Gods free bountie, and prostrating himselfe before him, doth ascribe vnto him all praise and glorie. 1. Cor. 1.31. Let him that glorieth, glorie in the Lord. 1. Pet. 5.5. Decke your selues inwardly with lowlinesse of mind: for God resisteth the proud, and giueth grace to the humble. v. 6. Humble your selues there∣fore vnder the mightie hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. 1. Chro. 29. 10,11. And Dauid sayd, Blessed be thou, O Lord God of Israel our father for euer, and thine, O Lorde, is greatnes and power, and glorie, and victorie, and praise: for all that is in heauen, and in earth is thine, &c. and v. 14. But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer willingly on this sort: for all things come of thee, and of thine owne hand we haue giuen thee, &c.