A09339:3894
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.
The third point in lively knowledge is, that by all the affections of our hearts we must be carried to Christ, and as it were transformed into him. Whereas he gave himself wholly for us, we can do no less then bestow our hearts upon him. We must therefore labour above all, following the Martyr Ignatius, who said that Christ his love was crucified. We must value him at so high a price, that he must be unto us better then ten thousand worlds: yea all things which we enjoy must be but as dross and dung unto us in respect of him. Lastly, all our joy, rejoicing, comfort, and confidence must be placed in him. And that thus much is requisite in knowledge, it appears by the common rule of expounding Scripture, that words of knowledge imply affection. And indeed it is but a knowledge swimming in the brain, which doth not alter and dispose the affections and the whole man.
The third point in liuely knowledge is, that by all the affections of our hearts we must be carried to Christ, and as it were transformed into him. Whereas he gaue himselfe wholly for vs, we can doe no lesse then bestow our hearts vpon him. We must therefore labour aboue all, following the Martyr Ignatius, who said that Christ his loue was crucified. We must value him at so high a price, that he must be vnto vs better then ten thousand worldes: yea all things which we enioy must be but as drosse and dung vnto vs in respect of him. Lastly, all our ioy, reioycing, comfort, and confidence must be placed in him. And that thus much is requisite in knowledge, it appeares by the common rule of expounding Scripture, that words of knowledge implie affection. And indeede it is but a knowledge swimming in the braine, which doth not alter and dispose the affections and the whole man.
Thus much of our knowledge. Now follows the second point, how Christ is to be known. He must not be known barely as God, or as man, or as a Jew borne in the tribe of Judah, or as a terrible and just judge, but as he is our Redeemer and the very price of our redemption: and in this respect he must be considered as the common Treasury and storehouse of Gods Church, as Paul testifieth when he saith,1