A09339:1893
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.
To come to the third point, namely the signs of the last judgement, they are of two sorts: some go before the coming of Christ, and some are joined with it. The signs that go before, are in number seven, recorded distinctly by the holy Ghost. The first, is the preaching of the Gospel through the whole world. So our Saviour Christ saith,1 this Gospel of the kingdom must be preached through the whole world for a witness unto all nations, and then shall the end come. Which place must thus be understood; not that the Gospel must be preached to the whole world at any one time, for that (as I take it) was never yet seen, neither shall be; but that it shall be published distinctly and successively at several times: and thus understanding the words of Christ, if we consider the time since the Apostles days, we shall find this to be true, that the Gospel hath been preached to all the world; and therefore this first sign of Christs coming is already past and accomplished.
To come to the third point, namely the signes of the last iudgement, they are of two sorts: some goe before the comming of Christ, and some are ioyned with it. The signes that goe before, are in number seuen, recorded distinctly by the holy Ghost. The first, is the preaching of the Gospel through the whole world. So our Sauiour Christ saith,1 this Gospell of the kingdome must bee preached through the whole world for a witnesse vnto all nations, and then shall the ende come. Which place must thus be vnderstood; not that the Gospell must be preached to the whole world at any one time, for that (as I take it) was neuer yet seene, neither shall be; but that it shall bee published distinctly and successiuely at seuerall times: and thus vnderstanding the words of Christ, if wee consider the time since the Apostles daies, wee shall finde this to be true, that the Gospel hath beene preached to all the world; and therefore this first signe of Christs comming is alreadie past and accomplished.