A09339:1630
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.
The second thing to be observed in Christs answer is, that he refers Caiaphas to the judgement of his hearers, being resolved of the trueth of his own doctrine, though sundry of them were his utter enemies. Behold then a good example for all the ministers of Gods word to follow; teaching them to deliver Gods word so purely and sincerely, that if they be called into question about the same, they may be bold to appeal to the consciences of their hearers although they be wicked men.
The second thing to be obserued in Christs answer is, that he referres Caiphas to the iudgement of his hearers, being resolued of the trueth of his owne doctrine, though sundrie of them were his vtter enemies. Behold then a good example for all the ministers of Gods word to follow; teaching them to deliuer Gods word so purely and sincerely, that if they be called into question about the same, they may bee bold to appeale to the cōsciēces of their hearers although they be wicked mē.
Now after this answer, one of the servants of Caiaphas smites Christ with a rod: in whom the saying is verified,1 Like master, like servant: that is, if the master be wicked, servants commonly will be wicked also: if the master be an enemy to Christ, his servant will be Christs enemy also. And this is the cause why there are so many lewd apprentices and servants, because there are so many lewd masters. Many masters complain of servants now adays; but there is more cause why they should complain of themselves: for usually servants will not become obedient to their masters, till their masters first become obedient unto Christ: therefore let masters learn to obey God, and then their servants will obey them also.
Nowe after this answer, one of the seruants of Caiphas smites Christ with a rodde: in whome the saying is verified,1 Like master, like seruant: that is, if the master be wicked, seruants commonly will be wicked also: if the master be an enemie to Christ, his seruant will be Christs enemie also. And this is the cause why there are so many lewd apprentises and seruants, because there are so many lewd masters. Many masters complaine of seruants nowe adaies; but there is more cause why they should complaine of themselues: for vsually seruants will not become obedient to their masters, till their masters first become obedient vnto Christ: therefore let masters learne to obey God, and then their seruants will obey them also.