A09339:246
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
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.
It was requisite for the Mediator to be God; 1. That he might the better sustain that great misery, wherewith mankind was overwhelmed; the greatness whereof, these four things declare: I. The grievousness of sin, wherewith Gods majesty was infinitely offended. II. Gods infinite anger against this sin. III. The fearful power of death. IV. The devils tyranny who is prince of this world. 2. That he might make his human nature both of plentiful merit, and also of sufficient efficacy, for the work of mans redemption. 3. That he might instill into all the elect eternal life, and holiness. Esa. 43.12. I am the Lord, & there is none besides me a Saviour, I have declared, and I have saved, and I have showed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, that I am God.
It was requisite for the Mediatour to be God; 1. That he might the better sustaine that great miserie, wherewith mankind was ouerwhelmed; the greatnesse whereof, these foure things declare: I. The grieuousnesse of sinne, wherwith Gods maiestie was infinitely offended. II. Gods infinite anger against this sinne. III. The fearefull power of death. IV. The diuels tyrannie who is prince of this world. 2. That he might make his humaine nature both of plē tifull merite, and also of sufficient efficacie, for the work of mans redemption. 3. That he might instill into all the elect eternall life, and holinesse. Esa. 43.12. I am the Lord, & there is none besides me a Sauiour, I haue declared, and I haue saued, and I haue shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, that I am God.
I say, the Godhead, in as much as it is the Godhead of the Son, is Christs divine Nature: not as it is the Godhead of the Father, or the holy Ghost, for it is the office of the Son, to have the administration of every outward action of the Trinity, from the Father to the holy Ghost. 1. Cor. 6.8. And he being by nature the Son of the father, bestoweth this privilege on those that believe, that they are the Sons of God by adoption.