A09339:1757
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 in the show of conquest, the chariot is the cross likewise: for it was not only a monument of victory, but also a chariot of triumph. And the captives bound and pinioned which follow Christ, are the principalities and powers, that is, the devil, and his angels, hell, death, and condemnation: all which are as it were taken prisoners, their armour and weapons are taken from them, and they chained and bound each to other.
Furthermore in the shew of conquest, the chariot is the crosse likewise: for it was not onely a monument of victorie, but also a chariot of triumph. And the captiues bound and pinioned which follow Christ, are the principalities and powers, that is, the deuill, and his angels, hell, death, and condemnation: all which are as it were taken prisoners, their armour and weapons are taken frō them, and they chained and bound each to other.
The meditation of this point serveth to admonish us to abandon all manner of sin, and to make conscience of every good duty if we will aright profess the gospel of Christ: for when we sin, we do as it were pull Christ out of his chariot of triumph, and untie Satan's bonds, & give him weapons, and (as much as we can) make him valiant and strong again. Now for any man to make Satan and sin valiant and strong against himself, whereas Christ hath weakened him, and even bruised his head, is no better then to become an enemy to the cross of Christ.1 Again, hereby we are taught to pray unto God that our blind eyes may be opened, that we may discern aright of the passion of Christ. It is a wonder to see how men are carried away ⟨p. 366⟩with a liking of vain shows, games, and interludes: how they spend even whole days in beholding them, and their money also that they may come to the places where they are: oh then how exceedingly ought our hearts to be ravished with this most admirable show, in which the son of God himself rides most gloriously in his chariot of triumph, and leads his and our most cursed enemies captive, yea treads them under his foot. This triumph is set forth unto us in the preaching of the Gospel, and may be seen of us all freely without money or money-worth. What wretches then shall we be, if we suffer our hearts to be filled with earthly delights, and in the mean season have little or no desire to behold with the eyes of our mind this goodly spectacle that is to be seen in the passion of Christ, that serves to revive and refresh our souls to life eternal.