A09339:1634
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.
whereof indeed the reporters are the cause, and not the ministers themselves.
whereof indeede the re•orters are the cause, and not the ministers themselues.
Now at this false accusation Christ was silent, so as Caiaphas asked him why he answered nothing. Herein we are to consider many things: I. why Christ was silent. The causes be two: first he was to show himself a pattern of true humility & patience, therefore even then would he be silent when he was most falsely accused of his adversaries. Secondly he is silent, that standing before ⟨p. 315⟩the judge to be condemned, the sentence might proceed against him, and he might suffer the death appointed, which was due unto us, and so become our redeemer. And in Christs example we must note that it is a special duty to know when to speak, and when to be silent. The ordering of the tongue is a rare gift, and few attain unto it. Some will peradventure ask what rule we have to direct us herein? Ans. The general rule for the ordering of the tongue, is the law of God. We are commanded to seek the glory of God in the first table; and in the second the good of our neighbour: when thy speech therefore will serve either for Gods glory, or the good of thy neighbour, then thou must speak: if it serve for neither, then be silent. Again, if thy silence be either for Gods glory, or the good of thy neighbour, then be silent: if it will not then speak. And because it is hard for a man to know when his speech or silence will serve for these two ends: therefore we must pray unto God that he will teach and direct us herein: as David doth,1 Set a watch (saith he) O Lord before my mouth, and keep the door of my lips: and again, Open thou my lips, O Lord, and my mouth shall show forth thy praise.