A09339:1694
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.
Furthermore if we shall indifferently consider all the mocks and scornings of the Jews, we shall find that they can not truly convince him to the least sin; which serveth to clear Christ, and to prove that he was a most innocent man, in whose ways was no wickedness, and in whose mouth was found no guile: and therefore he was most fit to stand in our room, and suffer for us which were most vile and sinful. And here by the way a question offereth it self to be scanned. S. Matthew saith,1 The thieves which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth which the Scribes and Pharisees did. S. Luke saith,2 that one of the thieves mocked him. Now it may be demanded, how both these can be true? Ans. Some reconcile the places thus; that the Scripture speaking generally of any thing,3 by a figure doth attribute that to the whole, which is proper to some part only; and so here doth ascribe that to both the thieves which agreeth but to one. Others answer it thus: that at the first both of the evil doers did mock Christ, and of that time speaketh Matthew: but afterward one of them was miraculously converted, then the other alone mocked him, and of that time spake S. Luke. And this I rather take to be the truth. But what was the behaviour of Christ, when he is thus laden with reproach? In wonderful patience he replies not, but puts up all in silence. Where we are taught, that when a man shall rail on us wrongfully, we must not return rebuke for rebuke, nor taunt for taunt: but we must either be silent, or else speak no more then shall serve for our just defence. This was the practise of the Israelites, by the appointment of Hezekias, when Rabshakah reviled the Jews, and blasphemed the name of God; the people held their peace, and answered him not a word: for the kings commandment was, answer him not. So Hannah being troubled in mind,4 prayed unto the Lord, and Hely marked her mouth, for she spake in her heart, and her lips did move only, but her voice was not beard, therefore Hely thought she had bin drunken, and said, How long wilt thou be drunken? put away thy drunkenness from thee. Such a speech would have moved many one to very hard words: but she said,