A09339:1838
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.
The fourth point to be considered,1 is concerning the witnesses of his ascension, which were his own disciples in the mount of Olives at Bethany, and none but they. Now it may be demanded, why he would not have all the whole nation of the Jews to see him ascend, that so they might know that he was risen again, and believe in him. Answ. The reason may be this: it was his good pleasure that the points of faith and religion, whereof this article is one, should rather be learned by hearing, then by seeing. Indeed Christs own disciples were taught the same by sight, that they might the better teach others which should not see: whereas now the ordinary means to come by faith, is hearing.
The fourth point to be considered,1 is concerning the witnesses of his ascension, which were his owne disciples in the mount of Oliues at Bethanie, and none but they. Now it may be demanded, why he would not haue all the whol natiō of the Iewes to see him ascend, that so they might know that he was risen againe, and beleeue in him. Answ. The reason may be this: it was his good pleasure that the points of faith and religion, wherof this article is one, should rather be learned by hearing, then by seeing. Indeede Christs owne disciples were taught the same by sight, that they might the better teach others which should not see: wheras now the ordinarie meanes to come by faith, is hearing.
The uses to be made of Christs ascension, are of two sorts: some are comforts to Gods Church and people, and some are duties. The comforts are especially four. The first is this: Christ Jesus did ascend up into heaven, to lead captivity captive;