A09339:1278
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.
Before we come to handle the particular points of the Creed, it is very requisite that we should make an entrance thereto by describing the nature, properties, and kinds of faith, the confession and ground whereof is set forth in the Creed. Faith therefore is a gift of God, whereby we give assent or credence to Gods word. For there is a necessary relation between faith and Gods word. The common property of faith is noted by the author of the Hebrews, when he saith,1 Faith is the ground of things hoped for: and, the demonstration of things that are not seen. For all this may be understood, not only of justifying faith, but also of temporary faith, and the faith of miracles. Where faith is said to be a ground, the meaning is, that though there are many things promised by God, which men do not presently enjoy, but only hope for; because as yet they are not: yet faith doth after a sort give subsisting or being unto them. Secondly it is an evidence or demonstration, &c. that is, by believing a man doth make a thing as it were visible, being otherwise invisible and absent.
Before we come to handle the particular points of the Creede, it is very requi•ite that we should make an entrance thereto by describing the nature, properties, and kindes of faith, the confession and ground whereof is set forth in the Creede. Faith therefore is a gift of God, whereby we giue assent or credence to Gods word. For there is a necessarie relation betweene faith and Gods word. The common propertie of faith is noted by the author of the Hebrewes, when he saith,1 Faith is the ground of things hoped for: and, the demonstration of things that are not seene. For all this may be vnderstood, not onely of iustifying faith, but also of temporarie faith, and the faith of miracles. Where faith is said to be a ground, the meaning is, that though there are many things promised by God, which men doe not presently enioy, but onely hope for; because as yet they are not: yet faith doth after a sort giue subsisting or beeing vnto them. Secondly it is an euidence or demonstration, &c. that is, by beleeuing a man doth make a thing as it were visible, beeing otherwise inuisible and absent.
- 1H•b. ..