A09339:1646
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.
This must we learn in regard of the first point, that he said plainly, He was a King.
This must we learne in regard of the first point, that he said plainely, He was a King.
Now follows the second part of his confession, namely that his kingdom was not of this world. Where he sets down what kind of King he is; he is no earthly king, his kingdom stands not in the power of men, nor in earthly and outward government; but his kingdom is spiritual, and his government is in the very hearts and consciences of men. His kingdom is not outward to be seen of men, but inward in the heart and •oule; and therefore it is only begun in this life, and is continued and accomplished in the world to come in the kingdom of glory: where Christ shall be all in all in the hearts and consciences of all the Elect. Now then, if this be so, howsoever Satan have heretofore reigned in us, and made our hearts as it were his palaces: yet now let us prepare a room for Christ that he may come and dwell in us: let him rule our hearts, wills, and affections, that they may become conformable to his will: let us resign our selves wholly to be ruled by him, that his spiritual kingdom may be in us. This kingdom in the heart and conscience is the pearl and hid treasure,1 which when a man findeth, he sells all that he hath and buyeth it. Let us therefore in the fear of God, esteem it as the most precious thing that may be, and so live in this world, as that Christ may rule inwardly in us, by his word and spirit. And again seeing this regiment of Christ is heavenly, and the full manifestation of it is reserved till the life to come: we must therefore use this world and all things in it, as honour, wealth, ease, and liberty, as though we used them not.2 As a traveller useth his staff in his journey; as long as it doth further him, so long he will carry it with him; but when it hindereth him, then he casts it away: so must we use the things of this life, namely as long as they are helps to further and make us fit for the kingdom of heaven, but if they be any hinderance to this spiritual regiment of Christ, we must renounce them and cast them away, be they never so precious to us.