A09339:1395
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.
1The ministry of Angels concerning the Church, stands in this, that they are ministering spirits for the good of them which shall be heirs of salvation. The good is threefold; in this life, in the end of this life, and in the last judgement: again, the good which they procure to the people of god in this life, is either in respect of body or soul. In respect of the body, in that they do most carefully perform all manner of duties which do necessarily tend to preserve the temporal life of Gods children, even from the beginning of their days to the end. David saith,2 that they pitch their tents about them that fear the Lord. When Hagar was cast forth of Abraham's family, and wandered in the wilderness, an angel comes unto her and gives her counsel to return to her mistress and humble her self. When Elijah fled from Jezebel, he was both comforted, directed, and fed by an angel.3 And an angel bids the same Elia• be of good courage and without fear to go to King Achazias & reprove him.4 Angels bring Lot and his family out of Sodom and Gomorrah, before they burn the cities with fire and brimstone. When Jacob feared his brother Esau, he saw angels coming unto him: and he plainly acknowledgeth that they were sent to be his protectors & his guides in his journey.5 Abraham being persuaded of the assistance of Gods angels in all his ways, said to his servant,6 The Lord God of heaven, who took me from my fathers house, &c. will send his angels before thee. The wise men that came to see Christ are admonished by angels to return another way:7 and Joseph by the direction of an angel fled into Egypt, that he might preserve Christ from the hands of ⟨p. 233⟩the cruel tyrant. The tents of the Israelites was guarded by angels. The three children are delivered from the fiery furnace: and Daniel out of the Lyons den by angels. When Christ was in heaviness they ministered unto him and comforted him: