A09339:1841
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.
Secondly, in that Christ is ascended to heaven to lead captive sin and Satan, here is a good consolation for all those that are afflicted in conscience for their sins. There is no man in this case but he hath great cause to fear, yet must he not be discouraged. For Christ by his ascension like a noble captain hath taken sin and Satan prisoners, and hath pinioned them fast, so as all ⟨p. 400⟩the power they have, is in Christs hand: and therefore for this cause although they are suffered to exercise and afflict us, yet by his grace they shall never be able to prevail against us. Therefore we may safely cast our care upon God, and not fear overmuch. Hence also we may learn a third duty. There is no man that knoweth what sin meaneth, and what the blood of Christ meaneth, but in regard of the corruption of his own nature, he will say with Paul that he is sold under sin, and in regard thereof will cry out with him also, O wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from this body of death? yea it will make his heart to bleed within him. Now what shall he do in this case? surely let him remember the end of Christs ascension, which is to vanquish and subdue the rebellion of his nature, and labour to feel the benefit thereof: and then he shall no doubt find that Christ will dissolve in him the works of the devil, and tread Satan under his feet. 1And thus also those that feel in themselves the law of their members rebelling against the law of their mind, must come to Christ and he will help and free them.
Secondly, in that Christ is ascended to heauen to lead captiue sinne and Satan, here is a good consolation for all those that are afflicted in conscience for their sinnes. There is no man in this case but he hath great cause to feare, yet must he not be discouraged. For Christ by his ascension like a noble captaine hath taken sinne and Satan prisoners, and hath pinnioned them fast, so as all ⟨p. 400⟩the power they haue, is in Christs hand: and therefore for this cause although they are suffered to exercise and afflict vs, yet by his grace they shall neuer be able to preuaile against vs. Therefore we may safely cast our care vpon God, and not feare ouermuch. Hence also we may learne a third dutie. There is no man that knoweth what sinne meaneth, and what the bloode of Christ meaneth, but in regard of the corruption of his owne nature, he will say with Paul that he is sold vnder sinne, and in regard thereof will crie out with him also, O wretched man that I am, who shall deliuer me from this bodie of death? yea it will make his heart to bleede within him. Nowe what shall he doe in this case? surely let him remember the ende of Christs ascension, which is to vanquish and subdue the rebellion of his nature, and labour to feele the benefit thereof: and then he shall no doubt finde that Christ will dissolue in him the works of the deuill, and tread Satan vnder his feete.