A09339:1657
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.
Thus have we seen the policies of Pilate: now followeth the absolution of Christ:1 for when Pilate had used many means to deliver him, and none would prevail, then he absolves him, by giving divers testimonies of his innocency: for he came forth three times, and bare witness thereof: and last of all he testified the same by washing of his hands,2 which rite signifieth properly the defiling of the hands before, but as yet Pilate had not defiled his hands, and therefore he used it as a token, to show, that Christ was innocent, and that he would not defile his own hands with innocent blood. There were three causes that moved Pilate to absolve Christ. First he saw that he was a just man, 3as Saint Matthew noteth, and that the high priests and people had delivered him up of envy, 4as Saint Mark saith. By this it is plain, that a very Pagan or infidel may in some things go beyond such as be in Gods Church, having better conscience, and dealing more justly then they. Pontius Pilate was a heathen man and a Gentile, the Jews were the Church and people of the living God: yet he sees plainly that Christ was a just man, and thereupon is moved to absolve him: whereas the Jews which should be men of conscience and religion, seek his death. And thus a very Pagan may otherwhiles see more into a matter then those that be reputed of the Church. And this must admonish all such as profess the Gospel to look unto their proceedings, that they do all things with upright conscience: for if we deal unjustly in our proceedings, we may have neighbours, men of no religion, that will look through us, and see the gross hypocrisy of our profession, which also would be loath to do those things which we do. The second cause that moved Pilate to absolve Christ, was his wives dream: for when he was set down upon the judgement seat, she sent unto him, saying,5 Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things in a dream by reason of him. Dreams are of three sorts: natural, rising from the constitution of the body: diabolical, such as come by the suggestion of the devil: divine, which are from God. Some have thought that this dream was of the devil; as though he had laboured thereby to hinder the death of Christ, and consequently our salvation: