A09339:1519
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.
Then, saith Paul,1 shall be the end, when he hath delivered up the kingdom to God even the father. Answ. Christ is king two ways, as he is God, and as he is Mediator: as he is God, he reigns eternally ⟨p. 273⟩with the Father and the holy Ghost: but as he is Mediator, in the end of the world when all the company of the Elect are gathered, his kingdom shall cease not simply but in respect of the outward manner of administration: for the execution of civill and ecclesiastical functions shall cease. And whereas in the same place,2 it is said that Christ shall be subject unto God eternally after the end, it must be understood partly in regard of the assumed manhood, partly in respect of his mystical body the Church most nearly joined unto him in heaven.3 VII. Object. The first borne of every creature, and of many brethren, is a creature and not God: but Christ is the first borne of every creature, and of many brethren. Answ. He is called the first borne by resemblance or allusion to the first borne in the old testament:4 for as they were principal heirs having double portions allowed them; and the chief or governors of the family: so Christ is made heir of the world, and the head of Gods family which is his church elected and adopted in him. And again he is called the first borne of every creature, because he was begotten of the substance of his father before any creature was made, and therefore it is not here said that he was first created, but first begotten.
Then, saith Paul,1 shall be the ende, when he hath deliuered vp the kingdome to God euen the father. Answ. Christ is king two waies, as he is God, and as he is Mediatour: as he is God, he raignes eternally ⟨p. 273⟩with the Father and the holy Ghost: but as he is Mediatour, in the ende of the world when all the companie of the Elect are gathered, his kingdome shall cease not simply but in respect of the outward manner of administration: for the execution of ciuill and ecclesiasticall functions shall cease. And whereas in the same place,