A09339:1902
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.
If we could consider this, we would not be so slack in humbling our selves for the same as we are. We can not abide to look on a poor lazar full of blains and sores: but if we could see our sins in their right colours, they would make us seem unto our selves ten thousand times more ugly then any lazar man can be; the contagion thereof is so great and noisome, that the very heavens which are many thousand miles distant from us, are infected therewith. Yet here we are to know, that this fire shall not consume the substance of heaven and earth, but only change the quality, & abolish the corruption which our sins have brought upon them.
If we could consider this, wee would not be so slacke in humbling our selues for the same as we are. We can not abide to looke on a poore lazar full of blanes and sores: but if wee could see our sinns in their right colours, they would make vs seeme vnto our selues tenne thousand times more ougly then any lazar man can be; the contagion thereof is so great and noisome, that the very heauens which are many thousand miles distant from vs, are infected therewith. Yet here we are to knowe, that this fire shall not consume the substance of heauen and earth, but onely change the qualitie, & abolish the corruption which our sinnes haue brought vpon them.
The fourth point to be considered, is the manner of the last judgement, in which we may observe two things: I. who shall be judge: II. the proceeding of this judge. The first is expressed in this article; From thence he shall come to judge. He, that is, Christ Jesus the second person in Trinity. For the father hath committed all judgement unto him. It is indeed an action common to all the three persons in trinity, but yet the execution thereof appertains unto the son. The father indeed doth judge the world, but yet by the son. But some may object,1 that the Apostles shall sit on twelve thrones and judge the twelve tribes ⟨p. 425⟩