A09339:1645
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.
T••• ••ch of the accusation. Now followeth Christs examination before •o•••us Pilate: for when the Jews had thus falsely accused him, then Pontius Pilate took him and brought him into the common hall, and asked him this question, Art thou the King of the Jews? Now Christ being thus examined, made as Paul also testifieth,1 a good confession. The sum thereof stands in four heads. The first is, that he confesseth himself to be a King; not such an one as they accused him to be,2 yet a true King. Whence we may learn divers instructions: first, that every Christian man in the midst of his misery and affliction, hath one that is most sufficient every way to defend him against all his enemies, the world, the flesh, and the devil. For this King can do whatsoever he will: and therefore when the legion of devils would enter into a herd of swine, they could not without his leave. And when the Centurions daughter was dead,3 he but spake the word and she arose. And when Lazarus was dead, and had lien in the grave four days, he but said, Lazarus come forth, and he came forth bound hand and foot. Yea even hell and death give place to his word, and nothing can resist his power. And therefore he that is a true member of Christ, needs not to fear any enemies be they never so great or so many. And again, as Christ is able, so is he ready and willing to save and defend all that believe in him. For he it is that gave his life for his subjects, which no King would do, and shed his blood for their redemption: which he would never have done, if he had not desired their salvation. Secondly, ⟨p. 319⟩whereas Christ is a mighty King, which can do whatsoever he will, let all such among us that have hitherto lived in ignorance, and by reason of ignorance live in their sins, at length begin to come unto him, and do him homage, and with penitent hearts fall down before him: otherwise if they continue in their old rebellions, let them know whatsoever they be, high or low, that he hath a rod of iron in his hand to bruise them in pieces;