A09339:1554
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.
The second point in the conception; is the sanctifying of that mass or lump which was to be the manhood of Christ. And that was done upon special cause: first, that it might be joined to the person of the Son, which could not have been if it had been defiled with sin. Secondly, Christ was a Saviour as he is both God and man: now then being man, if he had been sinful himself, he could not have saved others, but should have stood in need of a Saviour for himself.
The second point in the conception; is the sanctifying of that masse or lumpe which was to be the manhood of Christ. And that was done vpon speciall cause: first, that it might be ioyned to the person of the Sonne, which could not haue beene if it had beene defiled with sinne. Secondly, Christ was a Sauiour as he is both God and man: now then beeing man, if he had beene sinnefull himselfe, he could not haue saued others, but should haue stoode in neede of a Sauiour for himselfe.
This sanctification hath two parts: the first is, the stay and stoppage of the propagation of original sin, and of the guilt of Adams sin; which was on this manner. God in the beginning set down this order touching man, that what evil or defect soever he brought upon himself, he should derive the same to every one of his posterity begotten of him: and hereupon when any father begets his child, he is in the room of Adam, and conveys unto it beside the nature of man the very guilt and corruption of nature. Now for the preventing of this evil in Christ, God in great wisdom appointed that he should be conceived by the holy Ghost without any manner of generation by man. And by this means he takes substance from the Virgin without the guilt and corruption of the substance. But it may further be objected thus. All that be in Adam have sinned in him: but Christ was in Adam as he is man: therefore he sinned in him. Ans. The proposition is false, unless it be expounded on this manner: All that were in Adam have sinned in him so be it they come of him by generation. Paul saith not, out of one man, but,1