A09339:1527
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.
And thus much of the third title. The fourth and last title is in these words, our Lord. Christ Jesus the only son of God is our Lord three ways: first by creation in that he made us of nothing, when we were not: secondly he is our Lord in the right of redemption. In former times the custom hath bin when one is taken prisoner in the field, he that pays his ransom shall become always after his Lord: so Christ when we were bondslaves under hell, death, and condemnation, paid the ransom of our redemption, and freed us from the bondage of sin and satan, and therefore in that respect he is our Lord. Thirdly he is the head of the Church (as the husband is the wives head,) to rule and govern the same by his word and spirit. And therefore ⟨p. 276⟩in that respect also Christ is our Lord.
And thus much of the third title. The fourth and last title is in these wordes, our Lord. Christ Iesus the onely sonne of God is our Lord three waies: first by creation in that he made vs of nothing, when we were not: secondly he is our Lord in the right of redemption. In former times the custome hath bin when one is taken prisoner in the field, he that paies his raunsome shall becom alwaies after his Lord: so Christ when we were bondslaues vnder hell, death, and condemnation, paide the ransome of our redemption, and freed vs from the bondage of sinne and satan, and therfore in that respect he is our Lord. Thirdly he is the head of the Church (as the husband is the wiues head,) to rule and gouerne the same by his word and spirit. And therefore ⟨p. 276⟩in that respect also Christ is our Lord.
And thus much for the meaning. Now follow the duties. And first of all, if Christ be our Sovereign Lord, we must perform absolute obedience unto him, that is, whatsoever he commands us, that must we do. And I say, absolute obedience, because Magistrates, Masters, Rulers, and fathers may command, and must be obeyed, yet not simply, but so far forth as that which they command doth agree with the word and commandment of God: but Christs will and word is righteousness it self, and therefore it is a rule and direction of all our actions whatsoever: and for this cause he must be absolutely obeyed. Thus he requires the obedience of the moral law: but why? because he is the Lord our god.