A09339:1542
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.
Now whereas I say that it was necessary that the son of God for the causes before alleged must become man; the necessity must be understood in respect of Gods will, and not in respect of his absolute power. For if it had so pleased God he was able to have laid down an other kind of way of mans redemption, then by the incarnation of the son of God:1 and he appointed no other way, because he would not.
Nowe whereas I say that it was necessarie that the sonne of God for the causes before alleadged must become man; the necessitie must be vnderstood in respect of Gods will, and not in respect of his absolute power. For if it had so pleased God he was able to haue laid downe an other kind of way of mans redemption, then by the incarnation of the sonne of God:1 and he appointed no other way, because he would not.
- 1August. de Agone Christ.
Thus much of the Incarnation in general. Now follow the duties which arise of it. And first we are taught hereby to come to Christ by faith, and with all our hearts to cleave unto him. Great is the deadness and sluggishness of mans nature: for skarse one of a thousand care for him, or seek unto him for righteousness and life everlasting. But we should excite our selves every way to draw near to him as much as possibly we may: for when he was incarnate, he came near unto us by taking our nature upon him, that we again whatsoever we are, might come near unto him by taking unto us his divine nature. 1Again, when Christ was incarnate, he was made bone of our bone, and flesh of our flesh; and therefore proportionally we must ⟨p. 282⟩