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.

LVIII.

* 1.1The sixt temptation is outward afflictions, which the godly in this life must suffer. a 1.2 If any will goe after Christ, he must denie himselfe, take vp his owne crosse and follow him. And S. Peter saith, b 1.3 that iudgement begins at Gods house. c 1.4 And Paul, that we must enter into the kingdom of heauen through manifold temptations. The exercise of a Christian in affliction is this:

• 1 d 1.5 At the first they are very heauie and bitter.
• 2 He suffereth them with great lenitie and patience, submitting himselfe vnder the hand of God. Yet c 1.6 if they be in great measure, they will driue him to impatience.
• 3 If they continue he shall feele (according to his owne iudgement) the f 1.7wrath and displeasure of God in his heart.
• 4 g 1.8 His old sinnes will come a fresh into his remembrance, and trouble him. He is sleepie, h 1.9and in his sleepe he hath visions, and dreames, and anxietie of spirit.
• 5 i 1.10 In this miserie God supports his faith, that it faile not, and he then for∣sake Christ.
• 6 k 1.11 He feeling thus Gods power to strengthen him, hath experience of it in himselfe.
• 7 From experience proceedes hope, that the grace of God shall neuer be wanting vnto him in any afflictions to come: and as he hopeth, so it comes to passe.

• 8 With this hope is ioyned l 1.12 a serious humiliation before the Lord m 1.13 with the fruit of peace and righteousnes.

If the afflictions be for Christs cause vnto death, then he in more speciall maner is filled with the ioy of the holy Ghost, and he is then stablished with the greatest measure of the strength of Christ, that no torment is able to foile, and to bring him from Christ, though the Christian should die a thousand times for it. According to that of Paul, n 1.14To you it is giuen for Christ not onely to beleeue in him, but also to suffer for his sake. And this is grounded vpon the pro∣mise of God, o 1.15When thou passest through the waters I will be with thee, & through the flouds that they doe not ouerflow thee: when thou walkest through the very fire, thou shalt not be burnt: neither shall the flame kindle vpon thee.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Outward affli∣ctions.
• a 1.2

  mat. 16.24
• b 1.3

  1. pet. 4.17
• c 1.4

  Act. 14.22
• d 1.5

  Heb. 12.11
• c 1.6

  Ioh. 3.
• f 1.7

  Ioh. 6.2,3.
• g 1.8

  Iob. 13. 26.
• h 1.9

  1. Reg. 19. 4,5,7.
• i 1.10

  Iob 13. 15.
• k 1.11

  Rom. 5.4.
• l 1.12

  Iob 42.5,6.
• m 1.13

  heb. 12.11
• n 1.14

  Phil. 1.29
• o 1.15

  Esa. 43. 2.