A09339:1583
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.
By this descent of Christ we have occasion to consider, that Christ was even in his birth the most excellent and noble man that ever was, descending o• the eternal father as he is the son of God, and as he is man, descending of the Patriarchs, and of the renowned kings of Judah. And this his nobility he conveys in part to his members, in that he makes them the sons of God, a royal priesthood, and a peculiar people to himself: enriching them also with the revenues of the whole world, and with title and right to the kingdom of glory in heaven, as their inheritance.
By this descent of Christ wee haue occasion to consider, that Christ was euen in his birth the most excellent and noble man that euer was, descending o• the eternall father as he is the sonne of God, and as he is man, descending of the Patriarks, and of the renowmed kings of Iudah. And this his nobilitie hee conuaies in part to his members, in that he makes them the sonnes of God, a royall priesthood, and a peculiar people to himselfe: inriching them also with the reuenewes of the whole worlde, and with title and right to the kingdome of glorie in heauen, as their inheritance.
And withal, Christ being the lively pattern of true nobility, by his example men of blood are taught not to stand so much on their pedigree, and their ancestors, as though nobility stood in this, that man descends of man: but to labour with all that they may be the sons and daughters of God by regeneration in Christ. This indeed is the ornament of the blood, the best part in the noble mans scutcheon, and the finest flower in his garland. And though a man be never so noble or great an estate, yet if he be not a repentant sinner, he is base and vile, and his nobility stinks in the nostrils of god. Christ in his genealogy doth not so much as vouchsafe to name those his ancestors that ruled wickedly; and hereupon Saint Matthew omitteth three kings of Judah, Achaziah, Joas, and Amaziah: whereas nevertheless heinous offenders that repented are mentioned, as Ruth, & Tamar, and Bathsheba.