A09339:1879
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 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.
The fourth and last worke 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 whatsoeuer they are: and this he doth two waies. First by giuing to his seruants sufficient strength to beare all the assaults of their enemies, the world, the flesh, and the deuill. For Paul saith, those to whome the Lord hath giuen the gift of faith,1 to them also he hath giuen this gift to suffer afflictions. And the same Apostle also praieth for the Colossians,2 that they may be strengthened with all might through his glorious power vnto all patience and long suffering with ioyfulnesse. The euidence hereof we may most plainely 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 wonderfull to see their courage and constancie. For at such times as they haue beene brought to execution, they refused to be bound or chained, willingly suffering most cruel torments, without shrinking or feare; such courage and strength the Lord gaue them to withstand the violent rage of all their aduersaries.