A09339:1915
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 sixth point in the proceeding of the last judgement, is the giving of sentence, which is twofold: the sentence of absolution, and the sentence of condemnation, both which are to be observed diligently, that we may receive profit thereby. And first of all Christ shall begin his judgement with the sentence of absolution; which shows, that he is ready to show mercy & slow to wrath. In this sentence we are to consider four points: I. a calling of the Elect to the kingdom of heaven: II. the reason thereof: III. a reply of the Elect: IV. the answer of Christ to them again. The calling of the Elect is set down in these words,1 Come ye blessed of my father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the beginning of the world. And the words are to be observed one by one. Come ye blessed] Though Christ now sit in glory and majesty in judgement, yet he ceaseth not to show his tender affection of love unto ⟨p. 430⟩his chosen. And this overthroweth the opinion of the Church of Rome, which would have us rather to come unto Christ by the intercession of saints, then by our selves immediately, because he is now exalted in glory and majesty. But mark, when he was here on earth, he said, Come unto me all ye that are heavy laden and I will ease you. And when he shall be most glorious in majesty and power at the day of judgement, he will then also say, Come ye blessed of my father: and therefore we may resolve our selves, that it is his will now, that we should come unto him without any intercession of Saints. Ye blessed of my father] The Elect are here called the blessed of God, because their righteousness, salvation, and all that they have, springs of the mere blessing of God. Nothing therefore must be ascribed to the work of man. Inherit] that is, receive as your inheritance: therefore the kingdom of heaven is Gods mere gift. A father giveth no inheritance unto his son of merit, but of his free gift: whereupon it follows, that no man can merit the kingdom of heaven by his works. The kingdom] that is, the eternal estate of glory and happiness in heaven: therefore in this life we must so use this world, as though we used it not: all that we have here is but vain and transitory: and all our study and endeavour must be to come to the kingdom of heaven. Prepared] Here note the unspeakable care of God for the faithful.
The sixth point in the proceeding of the last iudgement, is the giuing of sentence, which is twofold: the sentence of absolution, and the sentence of condemnation, both which are to be obserued diligētly, that we may receiue profit thereby. And first of all Christ shall begin his iudgement with the sentence of absolution; which shewes, that he is readie to shew mercie & slow to wrath. In this sentence we are to consider foure points: I. a calling of the Elect to the kingdome of heauen: II. the reason thereof: III. a replie of the Elect: IV. the answer of Christ to them againe. The calling of the Elect is set downe in these wordes,