A09339:1528
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 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. 1And in Malachi he saith, If I be your Lord where is my fear? 2And again, we must resign both body and soul, heart, mind, will, affections, and the course of our whole lives to be ruled by the will of Christ. He is Lord not only of the body, but of the spirit and soul of man: he must therefore have homage of both. As we adore him by the knee of the body, so must the thoughts and the affections of our hearts have their knees also to worship him, and to show their subjection to his commandments. As for such as do hold him for their Lord in word, but in the mean season will not endeavour to show their loyalty in all manner of obedience, they are indeed no better then stark rebels. Secondly, when by the hand of Christ strange judgements shall come to pass, as it is usual in all places continually; we must stay ourselves without murmuring or finding fault, because he is an absolute Lord over all his creatures; all things are in his hands, and he may do with his own whatsoever he will; and therefore we must rather fear and tremble whensoever we see or hear of them: so David saith,3 I was dumb and opened not my mouth because thou didst it. And again, My flesh trembleth for fear of thee, and I am afraid of thy judgements. 4Thirdly before we use any of Gods creatures or ordinances, we must sanctify them by the direction of his word and by prayer: the reason is this, because he is Lord over all, and therefore from his word we must fetch direction to teach us whether we may use them or not, and when and how they are to be used: and secondly we must pray to him, that he would give us liberty and grace to use them aright in holy manner.