A09339:1350
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.
Secondly, hence we learn this comfort, that all the gates of hell shall never be able to prevail against the least member of Christ. I do not say they shall never be able to assault, or tempt them, for that may be: but they shall never overcome them. How (will some say) may we be resolved of this? I answer, By reason of faith: for if a Christian man do believe that God the father, and in Christ his father, is almighty, no enemy shall ever be able to prevail against him.1 So S. John reasoneth: Little children, ye are of God, & have overcome ⟨p. 215⟩them, that is, all false teachers, because greater is he that is in you, that is, Christ Jesus by his holy spirit, who is God, and therefore almighty, then he that is in the world, that is, the spirit of satan: therefore you need not to fear. So David compareth himself to a silly sheep, and saith: Though I should walk through the valley of the shadow of death, 2that is, as it were in the mouth of the lion, yet I will fear none evil: why so? because the Lord is with him: thy rod (saith he) and thy staff comfort me.
Secondly, hence wee learne this comfort, that all the gates of hell shall neuer bee able to preuaile against the least member of Christ. I doe not say they shall neuer be able to assault, or tempt them, for that may be: but they shal neuer ouercome them. How (will some say) may we be resolued of this? I aunswer, By reason of faith: for if a Christian man do beleeue that God the father, and in Christ his father, is almightie, no enemie shall euer be able to preuaile against him.1 So S. Iohn reasoneth: Litle children, ye are of God, & haue ouercome ⟨p. 215⟩them, that is, all false teachers, because greater is he that is in you, that is, Christ Iesus by his holy spirit, who is God, and therefore almightie, then he that is in the world, that is, the spirit of satan: therefore you neede not to feare. So Dauid compareth himselfe to a silly sheepe, and saith: Though I should walke through the valley of the shadow of death,