A09339:1839
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 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;1 a most worthy benefit. By captivity is meant, first sin and Satan, which did and do lead men captive into perdition: secondly death and the grave, which held him captive and in bondage for the space of three days. And he leads them all captive two ways: first in himself, in that he began his triumph upon the cross, as I have showed, and continued the same till his ⟨p. 399⟩very ascension: secondly in all his members, because by his mighty power being now ascended, he doth subdue and weaken the power of sin and Satan; which he manifesteth every day by killing the corruption of their natures,2 and the rebellion of their flesh. But it may be demanded, how Christ doth lead his enemies captive, considering the devil reigns every where, and the world, and death, and hell. Answ. Christs victory over his and our enemies hath five degrees. First, it is ordained by God, secondly it is foretold, thirdly it is wrought, fourthly it is applied, lastly it is accomplished. The ordaining of it was before all worlds: the foretelling of it was in all the ages of the old testament: the working of it was upon the cross, and afterward: the applying hath been since the beginning of the world more or less: and it is only in part in this life; that while Christ is in bruising of the head of Satan, he again may bruise his heel: the accomplishment shall not be before the last judgement. From this great benefit bestowed on Gods Church, there are many duties to be learned. First here is an instruction for all ignorant persons and impenitent sinners, which abound among us in every place. Whosoever they be, that live in the blindness of their minds, and hardness of their hearts; they must know this, that they are captives and bondslaves of sin and Satan, of hell, death, and condemnation: and let no man flatter himself of what state or degree soever he be (for it is Gods truth) if he have not repented of all his sins, he as yet is no better then a servant or vassal, yea a very drudge of the devil. Now then, what wilt thou do in this case? The best thing is, to lay to thy heart this benefit of Christ.