A09339:1750
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.
The fourth sign is, the rending of the veil of the temple from the top to the bottom.1 The temple was divided into two parts: the one more inward into which no man might come but the high priest, and that once a year; and it was called the holy of holies: the other was that where the people came and offered sacrifices unto the Lord. Now that which parted the temple into these two parts was called the veil, & at the time of Christs passion it was rent from the top to the very bottom. This hath divers uses: I. The holy of holies signified the third heaven, where God showeth himself in glory and majesty unto his Saints:2 and the rending of the veil figureth unto us, that by the death of Christ heaven which was otherwise shut by our sins is now set open, and a way made to enter thereto. II. It signifieth, that by the death of Christ we have without impediment,3 free access to come unto God the father by earnest prayer in the name of Christ; which is a most unspeakable benefit. III. It signifieth that by Christs death an end is put to all ceremonies, to ceremonial worship, and the sacrifices of the old testament: and that therefore in the new testament there remaineth one only real and outward sacrifice, that is, Christ crucified on the cross: and the whole service and worship of God for outward ceremonies most simple and plain. IV. The temple was the chief and one of the most principal prerogatives that the Jews had; it was their glory that they had such a place wherein they might worship and do service to the true God: and for the temples sake God often spared them, and therefore Daniel prayeth:4 O Lord, hear the prayer of thy servant, and his supplication, and cause thy face to shine upon the sanctuary that lieth wast for the Lords sake. Yet for all this, when they began to crucify the Lord of life, their prerogatives helps them not, nay they are deprived thereof, and God even ⟨p. 363⟩with his own hand rends the veil of the temple in sunder, signifying unto them, that if they forsake him, he will also forsake them. And so may we say of the church of England. No doubt for the gospels sake we have outward peace and safety, and many other blessings, and are in account with other nations: