A09339:1334
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.
First therefore, seeing God the father of Christ, and in him the father of all that obey and do his will, is our father, here note the dignity and prerogative of all true believers: for they are sons and daughters of God,1 as saith Saint John, So many as received him, to them he gave a prerogative to be the sons of God: even to them that believe in his name. This privilege will appear the greater if we consider our first estate; for as Abraham saith,2 We are but dust and ashes, and in regard of the deprivation of our natures, we are the children of the devil; therefore of such rebels to be made the sons of God, it is a wonderful privilege and prerogative, and no dignity like unto it. And to enlarge it further, he that is the son of God, is the brother of Christ, and fellow heir with him; and so heir apparent to the kingdom of heaven: and in this respect, is not inferior to the very angels. This must be laid up carefully in the hearts of Gods people, to confirm them in their conversation among the company of ungodly men in this world.
First therefore, seeing God the father of Christ, and in him the father of all that obey and doe his will, is our father, here note the dignitie and prerogatiue of all true beleeuers: for they are sonnes and daughters of God,1 as saith Saint Iohn, So many as receiued him, to them he gaue a prerogatiue to be the sonnes of God: euen to them that beleeue in his name. This priuiledge will appeare the greater if we consider our first estate; for as Abraham saith,2 We are but dust and ashes, and in regard of the depriuation of our natures, we are the children of the deuill; therefore of such rebells to be made the sonnes of God, it is a wonderfull priuiledge and prerogatiue, and no dignitie like vnto it. And to inlarge it further, he that is the sonne of God, is the brother of Christ, and fellow heire with him; and so heire apparant to the kingdome of heauen: and in this respect, is not inferiour to the very angels. This must be laide vp carefully in the hearts of Gods people, to confirme them in their conuersation among the companie of vngodly men in this world.