A09339:1887
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 highest degree of Christs exaltation in his kingdom: now followeth the last point to be believed concerning Christ in these words, From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. And they contain a proof or a particular declaration of the former article. For as on earth those that are set at the right hand of kings do execute justice in courts or assizes •or the maintenance of the state & peace of the kingdom: so Christ Jesus sitting at the right hand of his father, that is, being made sovereign Lord of all things both in heaven and earth, is to hold a court or assize, in which he shall come to judge both the quick and the dead. Now in handling the last judgement, we are to consider these points: I. whether there shall be a judgement or not? II. the time of it. III. the signs thereof. IV. the manner of it. V. the use which is to be made thereof. Of these in order. For the first point, whether there shall be a judgement or not? the question is needful: for as Saint ⟨p. 420⟩Peter saith,1 There shall come in the last days mockers, which shall walk after their lusts, and say, Where is the promise of his coming? which days are now. The answer to this question is set down in this article, in which we profess that the coming of Christ to the last judgement, is a point of religion specially to be held and avouched. The reasons to prove it, are principally two: first the testimony of God himself in the books of the old and new testament, which afford unto us plentiful proofs touching the last judgement, so as he which will but lightly read the same, shall not need to doubt thereof. The second reason is taken from the justice and goodness of God, the property whereof is, to punish wicked and ungodly men, and to honour and reward the godly: but in this world the godly man is most of all in misery, (for judgement beginneth at Gods house,) and the ungodly have their hearts ease. Wicked Dives hath the world at will, but poor Lazarus is hunger bitten, full of sores, and miserable every way. This being so, it remaineth, that after this life, ther• must needs be a judgement and a second coming of Christ, when the godly must receive fullness of joy and glory, and the ungodly fullness of woe & misery. This second reason may stop the mouths of all gainsayers in the world whatsoever.