A09339:1855
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.
Thus much for the benefits of Christs ascension: Now follow the duties whereunto we are moved, and they are two. First, we must be here admonished, to renounce the ubiquity and the error of the real and essential presence of the body of Christ in the Sacrament of the Lords supper; as flatly oppugning this article of Christs ascension into heaven. For it is flat against the nature of a true body to subsist in many places at once. Secondly, as the Apostles then did, when they saw Christ ascending up into heaven, so must we do also: while he was present with them, they gave him honour, but when they saw him ascending, they adored him with far greater reverence:1 and so must we now for the same cause bow the knees of our hearts unto him.
Thus much for the benefits of Christs ascension: Nowe followe the duties whereunto we are mooued, and they are two. First, we must be here admonished, to renounce the vbiquitie and the errour of the reall and essentiall presence of the bodie of Christ in the Sacrament of the Lords supper; as flatly oppugning this article of Christs ascensiō into heauen. For it is flat against the nature of a true bodie to subsist in many places at once. Secondly, as the Apostles then did, when they sawe Christ ascending vp into heauen, so must wee doe also: while hee was present with them, they gaue him honour, but when they saw him ascending, they adored him with farre greater reuerence:1 and so must we now for the same cause bowe the knees of our hearts vnto him.
- 1Luk. 34.52.
Thus much of the second degree of the exaltation of Christ. Now follows the third in these words: And sitteth at the right hand of God the father almighty. In the handling whereof, we are first to show the meaning of the words: secondly the comforts and benefits that redound to Gods Church: thirdly, the duties that we are moved unto. For the meaning of the words: if we speak properly, God hath neither right hand nor left, neither can he be said to sit or stand; for God is not a body but a spirit: the words therefore contain a borrowed speech from earthly kings and potentates, whose manner and custom hath been to place such persons at their right hands, whom they purposed to advance to any special office or dignity. So, King Solomon when his mother came to speak with him,