A09339:2163
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.
Again in this third degree of life, there be in all likelihood sundry degrees of glory. Daniel speaking of the estate of the elect after this life, saith, They that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament, and they that turn many to righteousness shall shine as the stars for evermore. 1Now we know there is difference between the brightness of the firmament and the brightness of the stars. Again there be degrees of torments in hell, as appears by the saying of Christ,2 It shall be easier for Tyre and Sidon in that day then for this generation: and therefore there be proportional degrees of glory. And Paul saith,3 There is one glory of the sun, an other glory of the moon, an other glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another in glory: so is the resurrection of the dead. In which words he applies the differences of excellency that be in the creatures, to set forth the differences of glory that shall be in mens bodies after the resurrection. Furthermore, (if we may conjecture) it may be, the degrees of glory shall be answerable to the diverse measures of gifts and graces bestowed on men in this life, and according to the imployance of them to the glory of God and edification of the Church. And therefore the twelve Apostles who were exceedingly enriched with the gifts of the spirit, and were master-builders of the Church of the new Testament, shall sit on 12. thrones and ⟨p. 521⟩judge the twelve tribes of Israel. But it may be objected, that if there be degrees of glory in heaven, some shall want glory. Ans. Not so: though some have more, and some less, yet all shall have sufficient. Take sundry vessels whereof some are bigger, and some less, and cast them all into the sea: some will receive more water and some less, and yet all shall be full and no want in any: and so likewise among the Saints of God in heaven, some shall have more glory some less, and yet all without exception full of glory. And whereas it is alleged that all the labourers in the vineyard receive each of them a penny equally for their hire; the answer is,4