A09339:1589
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.
but the straight and right way is by woods, and hills, and mountains, and great dangers: now when he is travailing, and comes into those places, he gathereth certainly that he is in the right way: so the child of God that is going to the kingdom of heaven, though there be many ways to walk in, yet he knows that there is but one right way, which is very straight and narrow, full of trouble, sorrow, and persecution: full of all manner of crosses and afflictions: and when in this life he is persecuted and afflicted for good causes, whether in body or in mind, if he be content to bear his cross, it argueth plainly that he is in the right way unto salvation:1 for through many afflictions we must enter into the kingdom of heaven.
but the straight and right way is by woods, and hills, and mountaines, and great daungers: now when he is trauailing, and comes into those places, he gathereth certenly that he is in the right way: so the childe of God that is going to the kingdome of heauen, though there be many waies to walke in, yet he knowes that there is but one right way, which is very straight and narrowe, full of trouble, sorrowe, and persecution: full of all manner of crosses and afflictions: and when in this life he is persecuted and afflicted for good causes, whether in bodie or in minde, if he be content to beare his crosse, it argueth plainely that he is in the right way vnto saluation:1 for through many afflictions we must enter into the kingdome of heauen.
- 1Act. 14•••.
The humiliation of Christ is first of all set down in the Creed generally, and secondly by his parts or degrees. Generally, in these words, Suffered under Pontius Pilate. Where we must consider two things; the Passion it self, and under whom it was. For the first, that we may the better conceive the passion in his own nature, seven special points must be opened. I. The cause efficient. The principal cause of the passion, as it is the price of our redemption, was the decree and providence of God; as Peter saith expressly that Christ was delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God.