A09339:1797
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 them learn of Mary Magdalen to follow Christ, and to seek unto him, and then albeit the devil and all his angels possess their hearts, yet Christ being the strong man, will come and cast them all out, and dwell there himself.
let them learne of Marie Magdalen to follow Christ, and to seeke vnto him, and then albeit the deuil and al his angels possesse their hearts, yet Christ beeing the strong man, will come and cast them all out, and dwell there himselfe.
The second is, what Christ in his appearance said to Mary. Ans. He said, Touch me not: for I am not yet ascended to my father. Mary no doubt was glad to see Christ, and therefore looked to have conversed as familiarly with him as she was wont before his death, but he forbids her to touch him, that is, not to look to enjoy his corporal presence as before, but rather to seek for his spiritual presence by faith, considering he was shortly to ascend to his father. For this cause when he appeared to his disciples, he stayed not long with them at any time, but only to manifest himself unto them, thereby to prove the certainty of his resurrection. This prohibition shows first of all that it is but a fond thing to delight in the outward picture and portraiture of Christ, as the Jesuits do, who stand much upon his outward form and lineaments. Secondly, it overthroweth the popish crucifixes, and all the carved and molten images of Christ, wherein the Papists worship him. For corporal presence is not now required: therefore spiritual worship only must be given unto him. Thirdly it overthrows the real presence of Christ in the Sacrament. Many are of mind that they can not receive Christ, except they eat and drink his body and blood corporally: but it is not much material whether we touch him with the bodily hand or no, so be it we apprehend him spiritually by faith. Lastly, as we must not have earthly considerations of Christ; so must we on the contrary labour for the spiritual hand of faith, which may reach up it self to heaven, and there lay hold on him. This is the very thing which Christ insinuateth unto Mary in saying, Touch me not. And Saint Paul saith,