A09339:1796
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.
Let us now in the next place proceed to the proofs of Christs resurrection, which are diligently to be observed, because it is one of the most principal points of our religion. For as the Apostle saith,1 He died for our sins, and rose again for our justification: and again,2 If Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and our faith is also vain. The proofs are of two sorts: first, Christs appearances unto men: secondly, the testimonies of men. Christs appearances were either on the first day, or on the days following. The appearances of Christ the same day he rose again are five. And first of all early in the morning he appeared to Mary Magdalen.3 In this appearance divers things are to be considered. The first, of what note and quality the party was, to whom Christ appeared. Ans. Mary Magdalen was one that had bin possessed with seven devils, but was delivered and became a repentant sinner, and stood by, ⟨p. 383⟩when Christ suffered; and came with sweet odours when he was dead to embalm him. And therefore to her is granted this prerogative, that she should be the first that should testify his resurrection unto men. And hence we learn, that Christ is ready and willing to receive most miserable wretched sinners, even such as have bin vassals and bondslaves of the devil, if they will come to him. Any man would think it a fearful case, to be thus possessed with devils, as Mary was: but let all those that live in ignorance, and by reason thereof live in sin without repentance, know this; that their case is a thousand times worse then Mary Magdalens was. For what is an impenitent sinner? Surely nothing else but the castle and hold of the devil, both in body and soul. For look as a captain that hath taken some hold or skonse, doth rule and govern all therein, and disposeth it at his will and pleasure: even so it is with all blind and impenitent sinners; not one devil alone, but even legions of devils possess them, and rule their hearts: and therefore howsoever they may soothe themselves and say, all is well, for God is merciful; yet their case is far worse then Mary's was. Now then, would any be freed from this fearful bondage?