A09339:1878
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 holy Ghost here borrows a comparison from beasts, which going in the way, see green pastures, & desire to enter in, & therefore go to the hedge, but feeling the sharpness of the thorns dare not adventure to go in. So Gods people like unto wild beasts in respect of sin, viewing the green pastures of this world, which are the pleasures thereof, are greatly affected therewith: & if it were not for sharpness of crosses & temptations, which are Gods spiritual hedge by which he keepeth them in, they would range out of the way, and rush into sin, as the horse into the battle.
The holy Ghost here borrowes a comparison from beasts, which going in the way, see greene pastures, & desire to enter in, & therefore goe to the hedge, but feeling the sharpnes of the thornes dare not aduenture to go in. So Gods people like vnto wild beasts in respect of sinne, viewing the greene pastures of this world, which are the pleasures thereof, are greatly affected therewith: & if it were not for sharpnes of crosses & temptations, which are Gods spirituall hedge by which he keepeth thē in, they would range out of the way, and rush into sinne, as the horse into the battell.
The fourth and last work of Christ in respect of his Church is, that he sits at the right hand of his father to defend the same against the rage of all enemies whatsoever they are: and this he doth two ways. First by giving to his servants sufficient strength to bear all the assaults of their enemies, the world, the flesh, and the devil. For Paul saith, those to whom the Lord hath given the gift of faith,1 to them also he hath given this gift to suffer afflictions. And the same Apostle also prayeth for the Colossians,2 that they may be strengthened with all might through his glorious power unto all patience and long suffering with joyfulness. The evidence hereof we may most plainly see in the most constant deaths of the Martyrs of Christ, recorded both in the word of God, and in the Church histories. It is wonderful to see their courage and constancy. For at such times as they have been brought to execution, they refused to be bound or chained, willingly suffering most cruel torments, without shrinking or fear; such courage and strength the Lord gave them to withstand the violent rage of all their adversaries.