A09339:1856
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 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,1 rose up from his throne, and met her, & caused a ⟨p. 407⟩seat to be set at his own right hand, and set her upon it, in token, no doubt, of honour which he gave unto her. To the same purpose David saith, 2Upon thy right hand did stand the Queen in a vesture of gold. And the sons of Zebedeus made suit to Christ,3 that one of them might sit at his right hand, and the other at his left in his kingdom. Now their request was to have the two special and principal dignities of his kingdom. Thus we see it is manifest, that the sitting at the right hand of an earthly prince signifieth advancement into authority and honour: and therefore the same phrase of speech applied to Christ signifieth two things. First, his full and manifest exaltation in dignity, honour, and glory: and in this sense it is said,4 that to him is given a name that is above all names, that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow. Secondly it signifieth his full and manifest exaltation into the authority and government of his kingdom, which spreadeth it self over heaven and earth: So David saith, The Lord said unto my Lord, 5Sit thou at my right hand until I make thine enemies thy footstool. Which place being alleged by S. Paul repeating the words but changing the phrase, is thus set down: