A09339:1276
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
AN EXPOSITION OF THE CREED. I believe in God. &c.AN EXPOSITION OF THE CREED. I beleeue in God. &c.
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.
Here some may demand the number of Creeds. Ans. I say but one Creed, as there is but one faith: and if it be alleged that we have many Creeds, as besides this of the Apostles, the Nicene Creed and Athanasius Creed, &c. I answer, the several Creeds and confessions of Churches contain not several faiths and religions, but one and the same: and this called the Apostles creed is most ancient, and principal: all the rest are not new Creeds in substance, but in some points penned more largely for the exposition of it, that men might better avoid the heresies of their times.
Here some may demand the number of Creedes. Ans. I say but one Creede, as there is but one faith: and if it be alleadged that wee haue many Creedes, as besides this of the Apostles, the Nicene Creede and Athanasius Creed, &c. I answer, the seuerall Creedes and confessions of Churches containe not seueral faiths and religions, but one and the same: and this called the Apostles creede is most ancient, and principall: all the rest are not newe Creedes in substance, but in some points penned more largely for the exposition of it, that men might better auoid the heresies of their times.
Further, it may be demanded, in what form this Creed was penned? Ans. In the form of an answer to a question. The reason is this. In the Primitive Church, when any man was turned from Gentilism to the faith of Christ, ⟨p. 188⟩and was to be baptised, athis question was asked him, What believest thou• then he answered according to the form of the Creed, I believe in God, &c. And this manner of questioning was used even from the time of the Apostles. When the Eunuch was converted by Philip, he said, What doth let me to be baptised? Philip said, If thou doest believe with all thine heart, thou mayest. Then he answered, I believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God. By this it appears, that although all men, for the most part, amongst us can say this Creed, yet not one of a thousand can tell the ancient and first use of it: for commonly at this day of the simpler sort it is said for a prayer, being indeed no prayer: and when it is used so, men make it no better then a charm.