A09339:1587
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.
This estate agrees to the whole person of Christ according to both natures. For first of all his manhood was abased and humbled, in that it was made subject to the infirmities of mans nature, as also to the miseries and punishments which were due unto man for sin. Secondly, his Godhead was abased; not as it is considered in it self. For so it admits no alteration or change. But in respect of the flesh or manhood assumed; under the which as under a veil, the Godhead lay hid from the first moment of the incarnation to the time of his resurrection, without any great manifestation of his power & majesty therein.
This estate agrees to the whole person of Christ according to both natures. For first of al his manhood was abased and humbled, in that it was made subiect to the infirmities of mans nature, as also to the miseries and punishments which were due vnto man for sinne. Secondly, his Godhead was abased; not as it is considered in it selfe. For so it admits no alteration or chaunge. But in respect of the flesh or manhood assumed; vnder the which as vnder a vaile, the Godhead lay hid from the first moment of the incarnation to the time of his resurrection, without any great manifestation of his power & maiestie therein.
The order of these two estates must be marked. First is the estate of humiliation, and then in the second place follows the estate of exaltation. As Christ saith of himself,1 O fools, & slow of heart to believe, &c. ought not Christ to have ⟨p. 295⟩suffered these things and to enter into his glory. And here we for our parts must learn a lesson. The same which was true in Christ the head, must be verified in all his members; they must all have their two-fold estate: first in this life the estate of humiliation: secondly after this life the estate of glory. And as Christ first entered into the state of his humiliation, and then into glory: so it is with his members, first they must be abased in this life, and secondly exalted in the world to come. He that will reign with Christ and be exalted, must first suffer with him, and be humbled: he that will wear the crown of glory, must wear first a crown of thorns: