A09339:1393
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.
Angels are reasonable creatures of excellent knowledge and understanding, far surpassing all men save Christ. Their knowledge is threefold: natural, revealed, experimental. Natural, which they received from God in the creation. Revealed, which God makes manifest to them in process of time, whereas before they knew it not. Thus God revealed to Gabriel the mystery of the 70. weeks, Dan. 8, and 9. And in the Apocalypse many things are revealed to the Angels that they might reveal them to us. Experimental knowledge, is that which they get by observing the dealings of God in the whole world, but specially in the Church. And thus Paul saith,1 that to principalities and powers in heavenly places is known the manifold wisdom of God by the Church. IV. And as the knowledge, so also the power of the good Angels is exceeding great.2 They are able to do more then all men can. Therefore Paul calls them mighty Angels, 2. Thess. 1.7. Yea their power is far superior to the power of the wicked angels,3 who since the fall are under them and can not prevail against them. V. The place of the abode of Angels, is the highest heaven, unless they be sent thence by the Lord, to do some thing appointed by him. This our Saviour Christ teacheth when he saith, that the angels of little ones do already ⟨p. 232⟩behold the face of their father in heaven. And the wicked angels before their fall were placed in heaven, because they were cast thence. VI. That there be certain distinctions and diversities of angels, it is very likely, because they are called thrones, and principalities, and powers, Cherubim and Seraphim. 4But what be the distinct degrees and orders of Angels, and whether they are to be distinguished by their natures, gifts, or offices, no man by scripture can determine. VII. The ministry of angels to which the Lord hath set them apart is threefold, and it respecteth either God himself, or his church, or his enemies. The ministry which they perform to God, it first of all, to adore, praise, and glorify him continually. Thus the Cherubims in Isaiah's vision cry one to another,