A09339:1640
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 next point concerns the place where they accuse him, which was at the door of the common hall:1 for having brought him before the council at Jerusalem and there condemned him of blasphemy, afterward they bring him into the common hall where Pilate sate judge. Yet did they not enter in, but stayed without at the door, least they should be defiled, and be made unfit to eat the passover. In which practise of theirs, we are to mark an example of most notable both superstition, and most gross hypocrisy. For they make no bones to accuse and arraign a man most just and innocent, and yet are very strict and curious in an outward ceremony. And in like manner they make no conscience to give thirty pieces of silver to betray Christ:2 but to cast the same into the treasury, they make it a great and heinous offence. And for this cause Christ pronounceth a woe unto the Scribes and Pharisees, calling them hypocrites: for, saith he,3 you tithe mint, anise, and cummin, and leave the weighty matters of the law, as judgement, and mercy. And the very same thing we see practised of the Church of Rome at this day, and of sundry Papists that live amongst us: they will not eat flesh in Lent, or upon any of the Popes fasting days for any thing: and yet the same men make no conscience of seeking the blood of the Lords anointed, and their dread sovereign. And in this we see the most palpable, and most gross hypocrisy of those that be of that Church. But shall we think that our own Church is free from such men? no assuredly: for take ⟨p. 317⟩a view of the profession that is used among the people of England, and it will appear that they place their whole religion for the most part in the observation of certain ceremonies. The manner of most men is to come to the place of assemblies, where God is worshipped, & there mumble up the Lords prayer, the commandments, and the belief in stead of prayers, which being done, God is well served think they: whereas in the mean season they neglect to learn and practise such things as are taught them for their salvation by the ministers of Gods word. At the feast of Easter, every man will be full of devotion and charity, and come to receive the Lords Supper, as though he were the holiest man in the world; but when the time is past, all generally turn to their old by as again: