A09339:1654
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.
But let us yet view the dealing of Pilate more particularly: he whips Christ, puts on him a purple garment, puts a reed in his hand, sets a crown of thorns upon his head, and causes the soldiers to mock him, and spit in his face. Now in this that Christ standing in our room, was thus shamefully abused, we must consider what was due unto every one of us for our sins, namely shame & reproach in this life, & in the life to come endless confusion. And we see the confession of Christ to be true which he made to Pilate, that his kingdom was not of this world; for if it had been so, they would have put a crown of gold upon his head, and not a crown of thorns, which nothing at all beseemed an earthly king: and in stead of a reed they would have put a sceptre into his hand: and in stead of buffeting and spitting on him, they would have adored him, and fallen down before him. Again, whereas ⟨p. 323⟩Chri•• our head in this world, ware no other crown but one made of thorns, it serveth to teach all those that are the members of Christ, that they must not look for a crown of glory in this life; because that is reserved for the life to come. And if we would then wear the crown of glory with Christ; we must here in this life wear a crown of thorns, as he did: for as Paul saith,1 If we suffer with Christ, we shall also reign with him: and that which was fully verified in Christ the head, must in some sort be verified in every true member of Christ.
But let vs yet viewe the dealing of Pilate more particularly: he whippes Christ, puts on him a purple garment, puts a reede in his hand, sets a crowne of thornes vpon his head, and causes the souldiours to mocke him, and spit in his face. Now in this that Christ standing in our roome, was thus shamefully abused, we must consider what was due vnto euery one of vs for our sinnes, namely shame & reproch in this life, & in the life to come endles confusion. And we see the confession of Christ to be true which he made to Pilate, that his kingdome was not of this world; for if it had beene so, they would haue put a crowne of gold vpon his head, and not a crowne of thornes, which nothing at all beseemed an earthly king: and in stead of a reede they would haue put a scepter into his hand: and in stead of buffetting and spitting on him, they would haue adored him, and fallen downe before him. Againe, whereas