A09339:1484
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.
To come to his titles, the first is Jesus, to which if we add the clause, I believe, on this manner, I believe in Jesus &c. the article which we now have in hand will appear to be most excellent; because it hath most notable promises annexed to it. When Peter confessed Christ to be the son of the living God, he answered,1 upon this rock will I build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And again, He that confesseth that Christ is the son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. And again,2 To him give all the prophets witness that through his name all that believe in him shall receive remission of sins. Paul saith,3 Believe in the Lord Jesus and thou shalt be saved and all thy household. Thus then the confession in which we acknowledge that we believe in Jesus Christ, hath a promise of fellowship with God and of life everlasting. But it may be objected,4 that every spirit (as S. John saith) which confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God. Now the devil and all his angels and unbelievers do thus much: therefore why may not they also have the benefit of this confession. Ans. By spirit in that place is neither meant angels nor men, nor any creature, but the doctrine which teacheth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh; & it is of God because it is holy and divine and hath God to be the author of it. As for the devil and his angels they can indeed confess that Christ the son of God was made man, and a wicked man may teach the same; but unto the confession whereunto is annexed a promise of eternal life, is required true faith, whereby we do not only know and acknowledge this or that to be true in Christ, but also rest upon him: which neither Satan nor wicked men can do. And therefore by this confession the Church of God is distinguished from all other companies of men in the world which believeth not; as Paynims, heretics, Atheists, turks, Jews, & all other infidels.
To come to his titles, the first is Iesus, to which if we adde the clause, I beleeue, on this manner, I beleeue in Iesus &c. the article which wee nowe haue in hand will appeare to be most excellent; because it hath most notable promises annexed to it. When Peter confessed Christ to be the sonne of the liuing God, he answered,