A09339:1369
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.
Thirdly, the matter and the first beginning of all creatures was nothing, that is, all things were made, when as there was nothing whereof they might be made, as Paul saith,1 God calleth those things which be not, as though they were. And indeed in the first creation, all things must be made either of the essence ⟨p. 222⟩of God or of nothing: but a creature can not be made of the essence of God, for it hath no parts, it is not divisible: and therefore God made all things that were made out of himself or his own essence: the conclusion then is, that the framing of the creatures in the beginning, was not of any matter, but of nothing, because before the creation, out of God there was nothing. This must teach us to humble our selves. Many there be that stand upon their ancestors: but let them here look whence they came first, namely, as Abraham saith of himself, of dust and ashes. And what was this dust and ashes made of? surely of nothing: wherefore every mans first beginning is of nothing. Well then, such men as are carried away with their pedigree and descent, if they look well into it, they shall find small cause to boast or brag. And this consideration of our first beginning must move us to true humiliation in our selves.
Thirdly, the matter and the first beginning of all creatures was nothing, that is, all things were made, when as there was nothing whereof they might be made, as Paul saith,1 God calleth those things which be not, as though they were. And indeede in the first creation, all things must be made either of the essence ⟨p. 222⟩of God or of nothing: but a creature can not be made of the essence of God, for it hath no parts, it is not diuisible: and therefore God made all things that were made out of himselfe or his owne essence: the conclusion then is, that the framing of the creatures in the beginning, was not of any matter, but of nothing, because before the creation, out of God there was nothing. This must teach vs to humble our selues. Many there be that stand vpon their ancestours: but let them here looke whence they came first, namely, as Abraham saith of himselfe, of dust and ashes. And what was this dust and ashes made of? surely of nothing: wherefore euery mans first beginning is of nothing. Well then, such men as are caried away with their pedigree and descent, if they look well into it, they shall finde small cause to boast or bragge. And this consideration of our first beginning must mooue vs to true humiliation in our selues.