A09339:2486
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.
These words contain two parts, a prayer, and a thanksgiving. In the prayer these points are to be marked. First, the gesture: I bow my knees, whereby Paul signifies his humble submission to God in prayer. Secondly, to whom he prays. To the Father, who is described by two titles: the first, the father of our Lord Jesus Christ, and that by nature as he is God, and as he is man by personal union. The other title. Of whom the whole family, which is in heaven and earth, is named: In which words is set down a description of the Church: first it is a Family, because it is the company of Gods elect children under the government of one father. 1. Tim. 3.15. It is called the house of God, Eph. 2.19. They that believe are said to be of the household of God: secondly, the parts of the Catholic Church are noted, namely, the Saints in heaven departed, and Saints living on earth: thirdly, it is said to be named of the father of Christ, because as the father of Christ is the father of this family, so also this family is called by him. Gen. 6.2. Dan. 9.80. Thirdly, the matter of the prayer stands of four most worthy points.
THese wordes containe two parts, a prayer, and a thankesgiuing. In the prayer these points are to be marked. First, the gesture: I bow my knees, wherby Paul signifies his humble submission to God in prayer. Secondly, to whome he praies. To the Father, who is described by two titles: the first, the father of our Lord Iesus Christ, and that by nature as he is God, and as he is man by personall vnion. The other title. Of whome the whole familie, which is in heauen and earth, is named: In which words is set downe a description of the Church: first it is a Familie, because it is the companie of Gods elect children vnder the gouernment of one father. 1. Tim. 3.15. It is called the house of God, Eph. 2.19. They that beleeue are saide to be of the houshold of God: secondly, the parts of the Catholike Church are noted, namely, the Saints in heauen departed, and Saints liuing on earth: thirdly, it is said to be named of the father of Christ, because as the father of Christ is the father of this familie, so also this familie is called by him.