A09339:1568
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 place was not at Jerusalem nor Nazareth, nor any other city, but only a village of Judah called Bethlehem, that the prophecy of Micah might be fulfilled, Thou Bethlehem Ephrata art little to be among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me, that shall be the ruler in Israel. And here we may observe a memorable example of Gods providence which overruleth the proceedings of cruel tyrants, to the accomplishing of his own will, they themselves for their parts intending nothing less. Augustus not so much as dreaming of the birth of the Messiah, gave commandment that every man should go to his own city to be taxed: and hereupon Joseph and Mary take their journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem: which journey God himself appointed and disposed to this end, that the Messiah might be borne in the place which he preordained and foretold by his Prophet.
The place was not at Ierusalem nor Nazareth, nor any other citie, but onely a village of Iuda called Bethleem, that the prophesie of Micheas might be fulfilled, Thou Bethleem Ephrata art little to be among the thousands of Iuda, yet out of thee shall he come forth vnto me, that shalbe the ruler in Israel. And here we may obserue a memorable example of Gods prouidence which ouerruleth the proceedings of cruell tyrants, to the accomplishing of his owne will, they themselues for their parts intending nothing lesse. Augustus not so much as dreaming of the birth of the Messias, gaue commandement that euery man should goe to his owne citie to be taxed: and hereupon Ioseph and Marie take their iourney from Nazareth to Bethleem: which iourney God himselfe appointed and disposed to this ende, that the Messias might be borne in the place which he preordained and foretold by his Prophet.
The manner of Christs birth was very base and poor: for the place where he was borne was a stable, and the cradle where he lay was a cratch. And he willingly took upon him this poverty for sundry causes. I. That the Scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, that he should be the shame and contempt of the people: 1