A09339:1765
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.
Touching Nicodemus Saint John saith, that he came to Jesus by night. Many men build upon this example, that it is lawful to be present at the Mass; so be it, in the mean season we keep our hearts to God: and indeed such men are like Nicodemus in that they labour to bury Christ as much as they can, though now after his resurrection he should not be buried again. But though Nicodemus durst not openly at the first profess the name of Christ, yet after his death when there is most danger he doth: and by this means he reformeth his former action.
Touching Nichodemus Saint Iohn saith, that he came to Iesus by night. Many men build vpon this example, that it is lawfull to be present at the Masse; so be it, in the meane season we keepe our hearts to God: and indeede such men are like Nichodemus in that they labour to burie Christ as much as they can, though now after his resurrection he should not be buried againe. But though Nichodemus durst not opēly at the first professe the name of Christ, yet after his death when there is most daunger he doth: and by this meanes he reformeth his former action.
Thus much of the persons that buried Christ. The third thing to be observed is the manner of Christs burial, which standeth in these four points. First, they take down his body from the cross: secondly, they wind it: thirdly, they lay it in a tomb: fourthly, the tomb is made sure. Of these in order. First, Joseph taketh down the body of Christ from the cross whereon he was executed, but mark in what manner: he doth it not on his own head without leave, but he goeth to Pilate and beggeth the body of Christ, and craveth liberty to take it down, because the disposing of dead bodies was in Pilates hand, he being deputy at that time: whereby we learn, that in all our dealings and actions (though they have never so good an end) our duty is to proceed as peaceably with all men as may be, as Saint James saith: the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable; gentle, &c.1 Again, this teacheth us, that in all things which concern the authority of the Magistrate, and belong unto him by the rule of Gods word, we must attempt or do whatsoever we do by leave. And by this we see what unadvised courses they take, that being private men in this our Church, will notwithstanding take upon them to plant Churches without the leave of the Magistrate being a Christian Prince. Having thus taken the body of Christ down, they go on to wind it. And Joseph for his part brought linen clothes, and Nicodemus a mixture of myrrh and aloes to the quantity of an hundred pounds for the honourable burial of Christ. His winding was on this manner: