A09339:1580
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 here we have occasion to praise the wisdom of God, in the forming of man. The first man Adam was borne of no man; but immediately created of God: the second, that is Eve, is formed not of a woman, but of a man alone: the third & all after, begotten both of woman & man: the fourth, that is, Christ, God and man, not of no man as Adam, not of no woman as Eve; not of man and woman as we: but after a new manner, of a woman without a man he is conceived and borne.
And here we haue occasion to praise the wisdome of God, in the forming of man. The first man Adam was borne of no man; but immediately created of God: the second, that is Eve, is formed not of a woman, but of a man alone: the third & all after, begotten both of womā & man: the fourth, that is, Christ, God and man, not of no man as Adam, not of no woman as Eve; not of man and woman as we: but after a newe manner, of a woman without a man hee is conceiued and borne.
And hereupon our duty is not to despise, but highly to reverence the virgin Mary, as being the mother of the son God, aa prophetess upon earth, a Saint in heaven. And we do willingly condescend to give her honour three ways, first by thanksgiving to God for her, secondly by a reverent estimation of her, thirdly by imitation of her excellent virtues: yet far be it from us to adore her with divine honour, by prayer to call upon her, as though she knew our hearts, and heard our requests, and to place her in heaven as a queen above the son of God.
And hereupon our dutie is not to despise, but highly to reuerence the virgin Marie, as being the mother of the sonne God, aa prophetisse vpon earth, a Saint in heauen. And we do willingly condescend to giue her honour three waies, first by thanksgiuing to God for her, secondly by a reuerent estimation of her, thirdly by imitation of her excellent vertues: yet farre be it from vs to adore her with diuine honour, by praier to cal vpon her, as though shee knew our hearts, and heard our requests, and to place her in heauen as a queene aboue the sonne of God.