A09339:1763
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 the properties and virtues of both these men are severally to be considered. And first to begin with Joseph, he was a Senator; a man of ⟨p. 368⟩great account,1 authority, and reputation among the Jews. It may seem a strange thing that a man of such account would abase himself so much as to take down the body of Christ from the cross. It might have been an hinderance to him and a disgrace to his estate and calling: as we see in these days, it would be thought a base thing for a knight or lord to come to the place of execution and take down a thief from the hand of the hangman to bury him: but this noble Senator Joseph for the love he bare to Christ, made no account of his state and calling, neither did he scorn to take upon him so base an office, considering it was for the honour of Christ: where we learn, that if we truly love Christ, and our hearts be •et to believe in him, we will never refuse to perform the basest service that may be for his honour, nothing shall hinder us. It is further said that he was a good man and a just: and also a rich man. 2And the first appeareth in this, that he would neither consent to the council nor fact of the Jews in crucifying Christ. It is rare to find the like man in these days. From this example we learn these lessons. I. that a rich man remaining a rich man may be a servant of God, and also be saved: for riches are the good blessings of God, and in themselves do no whit hinder a man in coming to Christ. But some will say, Christ himself saith, It is easier for a acable to go through the eye of a needle• then a rich man to enter into the kingdom of heaven. Answ. It is to be understood of a rich man, so long as he swelleth with a confidence in his wealth: but we know, that if a cable be untwisted and drawn into small threads, it may be drawn through the eye of a needle: so he that is rich let him deny himself, abase himself, and lay aside all confidence in himself, in his riches and honour, & be as it were, made small as twine thread, and with this good Senator Joseph become the disciple of Christ, he may enter into the kingdom of heaven. But Christ saith in the parable that riches are thorns, which choke the grace of God. Answ. It is true, they are thorns in that subject or in that man that putteth his trust in them;