A09339:1575
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.
In the last place the Creed notes unto us the parent or mother of Christ, the Virgin Mary. And here at the very first it may be demanded, how he could have either father or mother; because he was figured by Melchizedek who had neither father nor mother.1 Ans. Melchizedek is said to be without father and mother, not because he had none at all. For according to the ancient and received opinion,2 it is very likely that he was Shem the son of Noah: but because where he is mentioned under this name of Melchizedek in the 14. chapter of Genes. there is no mention made of Father or Mother: and so Christ in some sort is without father or mother:3 as he is man he hath no father, as he is God he hath no mother. And whereas Christ is called the son of Joseph, it was not because he was begotten of him, but because Joseph was his reputed father: or, which is more, because he was a legal father, namely according to the Jews laws: in that (as sundry divines think) he was the next of his kin, and therefore to succeed him as his lawful heir.
In the last place the Creede notes vnto vs the parent or mother of Christ, the Virgine Mary. And here at the verie first it may be demanded, howe hee could haue either father or mother; because he was figured by Melchisedech who had neither father nor mother.1 Ans. Melchisedech is said to be without father and mother, not because he had none at all. For according to the ancient and receiued opinion,2 it is very likely that he was Sem the sonne of Noe: but because where hee is mentioned vnder this name of Melchisedech in the 14. chapter of Genes. there is no mention made of Father or Mother: and so Christ in some sort is without father or mother:3 as he is man he hath no father, as he is God he hath no mother. And whereas Christ is called the sonne of Ioseph, it was not because hee was begotten of him, but because Ioseph was his reputed father: or, which is more, because he was a legall father, namely according to the Iewes lawes: in that (as sundrie diuines think) he was the next of his kin, and therefore to succeede him as his lawfull heire.