A09339:1734
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.
Therefore every one that heareth Gods word preached and taught, must endeavour that by the profitable hearing thereof, his sins and whole nature may be subdued and killed; as the beast was slain & sacrificed upon the altar by the hand of the Levite. Lastly the exhortation of the holy ghost must here be considered.1 Seeing (saith he) we have an high priest, which is over the house of god, let us draw near with a true heart in assurance of faith, sprinkled in our hearts from an evil conscience, and washed in our bodies with pure water: the meaning of the words is this, that if Christ have offered such a sacrifice of such value and price, which procureth pardon of sin, justification, sanctification, and redemption, then we must labour to be partakers of it; to have our bodies and souls purified and cleansed by his blood, and sanctified throughout by the holy ghost, that thereby we may be made fit to do sacrifice acceptable to God in Christ. This is the use which the Apostle maketh of the doctrine of Christs priesthood in that place, which also every man should apply unto himself: for why should we live in our sins and wicked ways, every hour incurring the danger of Gods judgements, seeing Christ hath offered such a sacrifice whereby we may be purged and cleansed, and at length freed from all woe and misery.
Therefore euerie one that heareth Gods worde preached and taught, must indeauour that by the profitable hearing thereof, his sinnes and whole nature may be subdued and killed; as the beast was slaine & sacrificed vpon the altar by the hand of the Leuite. Lastly the exhortation of the holy ghost must here be considered.1 Seeing (saith he) we haue an high priest, which is ouer the house of god, let vs draw neere with a true heart in assurance of faith, sprinkled in our hearts from an euill conscience, and washed in our bodies with pure water: the meaning of the wordes is this, that if Christ haue offered such a sacrifice of such value and price, which procureth pardon of sinne, iustification, sanctification, and redemption, then we must labour to be partakers of it; to haue our bodies and soules purified and clensed by his blood, and sanctified throughout by the holy ghost, that thereby we may be made fitte to doe sacrifice acceptable to God in Christ. This is the vse which the Apostle maketh of the doctrine of Christs priesthood in that place, which also euery man should apply vnto himselfe: for why should we liue in our sinnes and wicked waies, euery houre incurring the danger of Gods iudgements, seeing Christ hath offered such a sacrifice whereby we may be purged and clensed, and at length freed from all woe and miserie.