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. III. Howe Repentance is wrought. (Book 3)

REpentance is wrought in the heart by certaine steps and degrees. First of all a man must haue knowledge of foure things, namely of the law of god, of sinne against the lawe, of the guilt of sinne, and of the iudgement of God ••gainst sinne, which is the eternall wrath of God.

Then in the second place must follow the Application of the former know∣ledge to a mans owne person, by the worke of the conscience assisted by the holy Ghost, which for that cause is called the spirit of bondage:* 1.1 and this appli∣cation is made in a forme of reasoning, called a practical syllogisme, on this manner:

The breaker of the lawe is guiltie of eternall death, saith the minde:

But I am a breaker of the lawe of God, saith the conscience, as a witnesse and an accuser:

Therefore I am guilty of eternall death, saith the same conscience, as a iudge.

Thirdly from this application thus made ariseth feare and sorrow in respect of Gods iudgements against sinne,* 1.2 commonly called the sting of the conscience, or penitence, and the compunction of heart.

Now this compunction, vnlesse it be delayed by the comforts of the Go∣spell, brings men to desperation, and to eternall damnation. Therefore he that wil repent to life euerlasting must goe foure steps further. First he must haue knowledge of the gospel, and enter into a serious consideration of the mercy of God therein reuealed. Then must follow the application of the former know∣ledge by the conscience, renewed and assisted by the spirit of adoption, on this manner:

He that is guiltie of eternall death, if he denie himselfe, and put his affiance on the death of Christ, shall haue righteousnesse and life eternall, saith the minde enlight∣ned by the knowledge of the Gospell:

But I beeing guiltie of eternall death, denie my selfe, and put all my affiance in the death of Christ, saith the conscience renued by the spirit of adoption:

Therefore I shall haue righteousnesse and life euerlasting by Christ.

Thirdly after this application there followes ioy and sorrow: ioy, because a mans sinnes are pardoned in Christ: sorrow, because a man by his sinnes hath displeased him which hath beene so louing and mercifull a God vnto him.

Lastly, after this godly sorrow ••ollowes Repentance, called a Transmenta∣tation

or turning of the minde, whereby a man determines and r••solues with himselfe to sinne no more as he hath done, but to liue in newnes of life.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Rom. 8.15.
• * 1.2

  Act. 2.3••.